What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

 

 

General Hospital

In Monaco, Anna asks Finn what boy didn’t want to grow up to be a secret agent? He tells her the ones who wanted to be infectious disease specialists. She tells him to stop whining, and remember that what they’re doing is all for the greater good. She peeks inside a restaurant, and spots Cassandra sitting with a man. She tells Finn that she’s going in first, and he’ll know what to do when it’s time.

Kristina picks up Sam’s jacket at the hospital. She asks Kiki about med school, and Kiki says it’s like walking a tightrope; as long as she doesn’t look down, she’s fine. She tells Kristina that sometimes you have to follow your heart, even if other people don’t get it.

Parker teaches class. She tells the students that through Jane Austen’s work, they see her world, with its class and gender distinctions. Even though the world has changed, people and the hows-and-whys of what they want, haven’t. Molly suggests that they still knew right from wrong, and to crush someone’s heart would be unforgivable in Austen’s world. Parker replies that we’d hope so today as well.

At Shriners Hospital, Charlotte asks Valentin if he thinks Bailey will be scared, and wonders what will happen. She says that Bailey is glad they’re helping her. Valentin says that the doctors provide the real help, but they’re giving moral support, explaining that means encouragement. She says that Valentin did help, by telling Bailey’s mother where to bring her. Lulu walks in, and says that being Charlotte’s mom, she thought she should be there for Charlotte and her friend.

Nelle sees Michael, and tells him that she’s being evicted; her apartment is being sold. I identify, since that happened to me with my first apartment. I wasn’t evicted, but they jacked up the rent, and I had to move. Michael doesn’t think it’s a big deal, and suggests moving in with him, but she thinks it’s way too soon. He says that she’s making more out of it than she needs to, and she tells him that he’s never been in her position, and never will be. She jets, and Carly approaches, asking what’s going on, and if it has anything to do with Nelle’s late fiancé. Michael says that’s right; what’s more important than him breaking up with Nelle? She asks if he did.

Kristina looks on Molly’s schedule, and sees that she’s in Parker’s class right now. She says this should work.

Parker says much of Austen’s work is about heartbreak, but also misunderstanding. The conclusions drawn make sense to their understanding. She poses a question about why they left their families or stations in life, and talks about them finding love despite the circumstances of their world. She says that two people rarely discover that they love each other at the same time. Molly says otherwise there would be no story. Parker tells the class that in Austen’s world, love wins, and wouldn’t it be great if knew ourselves the way the characters do, and gave ourselves more chances?

Inside the restaurant, Anna asks where ladies room is, and slips something into Cassandra’s tea. The waiter serves Cassandra. She sips her tea, and suddenly starts to choke. She falls out of her chair, and Finn says that’s his cue. He runs inside, and says he’s a doctor.

Michael and Carly sit in Kelly’s. Michael tells Carly sorry to disappoint her, but he and Nelle are still together. She says that Nelle’s fiancé died under mysterious circumstances, which Michael says is otherwise known as an accident. Michael explains what Nelle told him, and Carly says that insufficient evidence doesn’t mean she’s innocent. Michael says it doesn’t mean she’s guilty either. He understands why Nelle didn’t tell him, accepts her explanation, and believes her.

As the class is leaving, Kristina walks in, saying she found Molly’s keys. Molly is like, oh good, I thought I’d have to comb the place with a metal detector. Kristina sees Parker, who’s talking with another student. Molly asks what the hell she thinks she’s doing.

Bailey’s mom can’t thank Valentin enough, telling him how helpful the app was. He tells her how great the doctors are, and that he had scoliosis as a child and is a huge supporter of the hospital. Lulu adds that her nephew got burned and had excellent care there. The doctor comes out and welcomes Bailey.

Dante tells Kiki that he needs some help. He’s trying to get ahold of Ava, but Kiki says she can’t get in touch either. He asks if Kiki knows that Ava sold a tapestry to Valentin. He thought it was odd because she’d accused him of killing Nikolas. Kiki says she’s mentioned Nikolas more than once, and has no idea why they’d have any business together. Dante asks if she has any idea where Ava might be. Kiki says she doesn’t know exactly, but might know something. She asks if it’s official police business, since she can only speculate. Dante says this is personal. If Spencer wins the civil case, it will help him and Lulu with the custody hearing, but the first step is proving wrongful death. Her mother is a threat to Valentin; why would they throw in together?

Finn tends to Cassandra, and she quickly recovers.

Carly tells Michael that he acts like he doesn’t care. He says he does; that’s why he asked Nelle about it. Carly can’t believe he’s just going to take her word for it, with no follow-up. Michael says that despite Zack’s parents’ best effort to find a scapegoat, they couldn’t pin anything on Nelle. Carly asks if it isn’t in her best interest to be exonerated completely.

Kristina tells Molly that she’ll explain later, but she needs to see Parker. Molly tells her not to get hurt again. Kristina says it’s important. Molly wants a hint. Kristina says it’s nothing major, but it was unfair, and she needs to tell the truth. Molly gives her back her keys, and says be careful. Kristina tells Parker that she was dropping something off for Molly, but since she’s here, she’d like to talk. Parker says she seems happy with Valerie, so what else is there to say? Kristina says that whatever happened, good or bad, Parker has been honest, and she needs to be the same.

Cassandra thanks Finn. He says he did what anyone in his position would, but thinks she should get checked out at a hospital. She tells him that she doesn’t like hospitals, and Finn says he works at them and doesn’t like them, but she should still go. She asks how he knew what was wrong so quickly, and if he’s an allergist. He explains that he’s an infectious disease specialist, and traveling with a friend. Cassandra says fate has brought them together. She has to watch everything she eats and drinks, and wasn’t careful. He tries to extract himself, but she doesn’t want him to leave yet.

Bailey’s mom tells the doctor about how Valentin helped her. The doctor explains what the hospital does, and how they accept children up to age eighteen, regardless of their parents’ ability to pay. He wants to start Bailey’s examination, and tells Charlotte there’s a playroom. He leads Bailey and her mother to the exam room, and Charlotte asks why Lulu and Valentin didn’t tell them that they weren’t married to each other? They tell her that it’s complicated, and Lulu takes Charlotte to the playroom.

Kiki tells Dante that she doesn’t know anything for sure. He asks what she thinks she knows. She says that she thinks Ava is in a clinic in St. Petersburg, Russia, that she believes will restore her face. Dante says she doesn’t seem happy about it, and Kiki says she’s concerned for lots of reasons. He asks if one of them is Valentin, and she tells him that she thinks Valentin set up the trip. Dante says each of them must have something the other wants. Kiki says that was her thought too. Dante leaves, and Nelle blows past. Kiki asks if something is wrong, and she says, yep – Carly.

Michael tells Carly she doesn’t want Nelle exonerated; she wants Nelle out of his life. Carly says she tried to back off, but put himself in her position. Even if Nelle had no involvement, it’s a big coincidence that right after her healthy, wealthy fiancé dies, she got serious with him. He’s not the kind of guy who would ask for a prenup. She tells him that he’s her only surviving son, and she doesn’t want him dying under mysterious circumstances. She says that he should at least talk to the family or the police; it would give her peace of mind. Michael says that she’s ridiculous, and Carly says she’d rather be ridiculous than lose him.

Parker asks what Kristina needs to be honest about. Kristina says she hasn’t been truthful about Valerie. She wasn’t her date, but her wingwoman. Valerie wanted to make Parker regret dumping her, and kissed her, and Kristina played along. When Valerie saw them outside of Kelly’s, she assumed she should keep up the act, and Kristina wanted Parker to know she’d moved on, but realized the last thing Parker needs is more drama from her. She lied to protect Parker’s feelings, but she doesn’t want to lie anymore, especially not to her. Parker appreciates it, and Kristina says one more thing. She was dating a guy the last time they were together, but she told him it was over, and she’s single now.

Lulu comes back, and tells Valentin that Charlotte is playing with some kids she met. She thanks him, saying he’s been great. Valentin is glad that Bailey is getting the care she needs. Lulu asks what about him. She didn’t know about his physical issues. She’s sorry he suffered. He’s skeptical that she’d care. She says she used to think he was a monster, but seeing him with Charlotte, there’s no denying he loves her.

Kiki tells Nelle that she’s more than happy to listen. She saw the pictures from Moraco, and she and Michael look happy. She wonders if that’s why Carly is upset, but Nelle says there’s no one thing Carly hates her for. Kiki says when Carly hates, she goes all in with everything she’s got, until she doesn’t. She explains about her own difficulties with Carly about Michael. Everything was cool, but then Morgan died, and it was horrible again until Carly realized that Kiki really loved him. Nelle appreciates it, but says her situation is different. She tried to destroy Carly’s marriage and family, and she doesn’t think they’re coming back from that. Kiki says okay, Carly hates her, but she and Michael like each other. There’s no reason for Carly not to forgive her someday. What else could Carly have on her?

Carly tells Michael that nothing would make her happier if Nelle was innocent. He’d be safe and happy, and that’s all she wants, but him taking it on faith frightens her. Michael says he gets it. She already lost Morgan, they don’t know if Jason is going to be okay, and Sonny almost died. She says that she doesn’t want to risk it, and he says he doesn’t either, but he doesn’t need to know any more. Hasn’t she taken risks? She says she has, and they’ve bitten her in the ass every time. He says not every time. There were plenty of times her instincts were right, and she did what she wanted despite being told otherwise. He likes Nelle, and there’s nothing that can change his mind.

Finn excuses himself, saying he needs to get back to his traveling companion. He tells Cassandra that she should get tests. She tells him that her allergies are severe. She’s been to many doctors, but none have been as quick on their feet. She tells him to enjoy his stay. He sits with Anna. She tells him that even if he hadn’t acted, the symptoms would have subsided. He says that’s good to know, and that this whole thing is a bust.

Kristina didn’t want Parker thinking something that wasn’t true. Parker says in the spirit of openness, she has something to say too. When she came to town, she wasn’t honest with Kristina or herself. She regretted the way she ended things; Kristina deserved better. Kristina says whatever happened, here we are. Parker asks where that is exactly, and Kristina says they’re cool. She starts to walk away, and Parker says that she doesn’t know that they are cool.

Lulu tells Valentin he’s good with Charlotte, and she’s revised her opinion. He’s not a monster, just a very bad man. He’s helped her understand that empathy comes from experience. He asks if she’s hoping he’ll share, and she says as Charlotte’s mother, she should probably knew what her biological father went through. Valentin tells her that just before he died, his father sent him to boarding school to hide him from Helena. She would have thought him to be a rival for her son and had him killed. He was five years old. A trust fund was set up for his education, but nothing for medical care. His scoliosis went untreated. He says that it got bad, but that won’t be the case for Bailey.

Nelle tells Kiki that something happened before she came to Port Charles that wasn’t handled very well. Kiki is like, oh horrors, you have a past with mistakes. She points out that she’s been able to move on, but Nelle says that they’re digging up dirt from when she was broke, younger, and stupid. Kiki says when Carly finds something, just tell Michael, he’ll listen. She just has to be honest. Carly would do anything for him, even get along with her. Nelle says, here’s hoping, and leaves.

Carly tells Michael that she’s not going to pretend she’s not concerned, and she doesn’t get it, but she hears him. It’s his life, and his decision. He asks if she’ll back off. She says that she loves him so much, and always will.

Lulu tells Valentin that, like it or not, they’re both Charlotte’s parents. Even if she wins the custody hearing, he’ll always have visitation, and Charlotte will know he’s her father. Dante is her stepdad, but he’s her poppa. She thinks it’s important to know more about him, and understand how he physically became the man he is today. He asks if she’s looking for dirt (word of the day) to use? He tells her that he underwent expensive surgeries that weren’t without discomfort, but the results were worth it. He was able to stand up straight for the first time in his life. She asks if he was scared for Charlotte, and he says yes, but if she had scoliosis, he would have brought her to Shriners where she would have gotten the best care.

Charlotte returns and wonders when Bailey will be finished. She tells Valentin it’s a fun place, and asks if it’s like where he went. He says no, he wishes. He tells her that he’d like to get a present for Bailey, but doesn’t know what she likes. Dante comes out of the elevator. He tells Lulu that he needs to know something about Valentin. He thinks Valentin somehow convinced Ava to recant her statement.

The man with Cassandra hands Finn a note, saying that Madam sends it with her compliments. He and Cassandra leave, and I note what a fabulous, flowing, floral print dress she’s wearing. Finn opens it, and says nice penmanship. The note says that she thanks him. She can’t repay him, but asks that he come by and see her for a token of her gratitude, and it has her address. Anna grabs the note out of his hand, and says it’s not a bust; it’s going swimmingly.

Parker tells Kristina that the only way to be cool is to have real closure. Kristina says, no more notes or hints or made up excuses? Parker wants to sit and talk face to face; it’s the only way. Kristian tells her there’s some stuff that she needs to say too. Parker asks how about now? They can go somewhere private.

At Kelly’s, Michael makes a call and says he needs someone to do something for him.

Carly gets a text from Zack’s sister. She wants to talk about Jenelle.

Tomorrow, Jordan can’t afford another bad choice, Lulu asks what Valentin did to Ava, and Ava asks why Patient 6 needs to be controlled.

🍲 It was the MasterChef finale tonight. Eboni, Dino and Jason had to come up with a three-course meal that expressed who they were. Joe Bastianich was the guest judge, and managed to intimidate everyone. Jason made an uni custard with his appetizer, and while that sounds really awful, everyone seemed to love it. I’d definitely try anything. Well, not something alive and moving, but most things. For dessert, Eboni made a chocolate mousse cake with a macadamia crust that I’d definitely try, and try again. It looked the best dessert you can imagine. For their entrees, Jason put an Asian spin on cod, Eboni made duck, and Dino’s main dish was lamb. It was food porn at its finest. The judges agreed that all the home cooks fulfilled the challenge of conveying their journeys, from getting the apron to putting their soul on a plate. Dino was the big, quarter-of-a-million-dollar winner. In his interview, he said, I did it, ma! and was glad he was finally going out to be the positive light he was meant to be. You go, Dino!

This House is No Home

🏡 Channel Zero is back on the Sy-we-can’t-spell-Fy channel again, with Channel Zero: No-End House. The blurb sums it up as being about four friends entering the No End house, and confronting strangely personal horrors in each room. It looks promising, and I found it even creepier than American Horror Story, which this season has decided to make statements rather than be scary. Sigh… In the first episode, one of the friends confronts the death of her father. They used a record playing at a too slow and unnatural speed to great effect. Like those giant cockroaches, a weird-sounding record creeps everyone out. And nobody wants to hear it in the dark when they’re in a big, strange house. I like it.