What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Griff starts off the show with his best worried look. While having coffee with Ava, he thinks about being in bed with Kiki. Ava asks if he’s all right, and he says it’s just… She says the trial is bothering him. She knows he doesn’t want to testify. He says he’s not thrilled about it. Ava knows after all they’ve been through, he can handle it, but she’s starting to feel like something else is wrong.

Elizabeth finds Kiki, who tells her that she just got the official notification that the investigation is closed, after the found there’s no wrongdoing. Elizabeth says it’s disgusting and she’s sorry, and she has Kiki’s back no matter what. She thinks Kiki should tell Ava and Franco. Kiki thinks they’ll want to fight her battle for her, and it’s hers to fight, not her mom’s or Franco’s. In great soap timing, Franco is there, and says, not Franco’s what?

Lulu asks if Dante is okay. He says it’s not his favorite day, and she tells him that her heart will be with him, Sonny and Carly. She knows it will be hard for him to testify. He says as the arresting officer, he has to. It’s going to boil down to Carly’s word against Nelle’s. Lulu says Carly has been emotional lately, but she doesn’t believe a word that comes out of Nelle’s mouth. Scratch the surface, and you’ll find a scheme.

The trial starts. I forgot Carly’s name is actually Caroline. The judge asks for the opening arguments.

Bobbie says she doesn’t want to testify against Carly, but Sonny knows it’s not her choice. She’s worried she’ll send Carly to prison, but he says, that’s not possible. Just answer the DA’s questions.

Michael talks to Spinelli on the phone. He says Nelle always finds a way to cover her tracks. Maybe she’s using the gallery accounts as a front. Nelle joins him, and he asks if she’s all set. She’s sorry she has to go to the bathroom every five minutes. She wonders if it wouldn’t be a better idea to go separately to the courthouse, but he says he’s going to be where he needs to be; by her side.

The DA says the state is going to prove that Carly deliberately, and with intent to kill, shoved a pregnant woman down the stairs. She’s not suffering from a break in reality, but will go to any extreme to get what she wants.

Griff insists it’s the trial that’s distracting him, but Ava says he hasn’t been himself since the Nurses’ Ball. He says there’s a lot going on. She tells him that he’s always honest, and she counts on it. She wants him to tell her if it’s still weighing on him.

Franco says, tell him what, and Elizabeth says that Kiki needs help navigating. and she’d said to come to her. Kiki thanks Elizabeth, and leaves. Franco likes that they’re friends; he appreciates her strength. He wants to nail down a date, and tells her to name it, and they’ll throw the wedding of a lifetime.

Lulu asks Dante how bad it is. He says it’s never good if the best case is for Carly to end up in Shadybrook. She tells him to call her when it’s over. She’ll be working, but her phone will be on. It’s just good old-fashioned news; Scout’s honor.

Diane tells the judge that Carly is a mother who recently suffered the loss of a child, and struggling to accept a world without her son. She was succumbing to the idea that her late son was sending messages to her; clinging to the idea he was still alive. The ongoing agony of loss, brought a fissure in reality. Relentless grief broke a mother’s psyche. Bobbie is called to the stand.

Bobbie is sworn in, and her relationship as Carly’s mother is established. Sonny tells Carly they’ll get through it. The DA asks her to describe their relationship, but Bobbie says she wouldn’t. She wants to talk about the systematic campaign Nelle waged to destroy Carly’s relationship with her family. The DA declares the witness hostile. She says that the family came to rely on Nelle, and Bobbie says she ingratiated herself to take advantage of the family’s grief. The DA asks if Carly felt threatened by Nelle’s closeness with Michael, and Bobbie says, no. The DA asks if she approved, and Bobbie says, no, but not because she was threatened. Nelle turned Carly’s family against her, and pushed Sonny and Carly to the brink of divorce. She preyed on the family to break them up. The DA asks if it’s true that the closer the time came to Nelle’s shower, the more agitated Carly became. Bobbie says, no, and the DA asks if she was pleased. Bobbie tells her, no, and that Nelle is a parasite. The DA asks if Carly would do anything to stop her, and Diane objects. It’s sustained, and the DA asks if Carly was increasingly convinced Nelle wanted to separate Michael from his family. Bobbie tells her, yes, and the DA has no further questions. Diane reserves the right to question Bobbie at a later date, and the state calls Josslyn.

Ava tells Griff that she let petty jealousy get the better of her. She spent most of her life suspicious of those who might hurt her, but he’s different. She knows he won’t. She’s sorry she couldn’t keep her fears at bey. Griff continues to think about Kiki. He says she’s not the only one who made mistakes. They hurt each other. Kiki walks in, and Ava asks if she wants to join them. Griff has to get to the courthouse, and Ava says they need to have catch-up time soon. Kiki says she’s been super busy, and Ava says she worries about her. Apparently, she’s not the only one. Kiki’s boss came to the gallery, and expressed concern. Kiki asks if David came to the gallery to talk about her. Ava says he came to buy art, but her name came up. There isn’t time now, but they need to talk. Ava leaves, and Lulu arrives. Kiki thanks Lulu for meeting her. She needs her help.

The DA asks if Josslyn felt threatened at any time by Nelle, and she says, no. The DA asks if they’re friends, and Josslyn says they are. She asks if there was ever a moment in all this time that Nelle treated her unfairly, and Josslyn says, no. The DA goes to look at some notes, and Josslyn starts to get up. The judge tells her to remain seated. The DA returns and asks if Josslyn’s brother is looking forward to becoming a father. Josslyn says, definitely, and she asks if Josslyn is ready to be an aunt. She can’t wait, and the DA says, how does her mom feel? Josslyn says, happy; they’re setting up a room for the baby to stay in for visits, even though… She hesitates, and says her mom doesn’t think Nelle will let the baby come over all that much. She starts to cry. The DA asks about her mom’s reaction when Nelle opened the mobile, and Josslyn says it reminded her of Morgan. The DA says, it’s not the first time the issue came between them, is it? Josslyn says Nelle wanted to name baby Morgan, and the DA asks how Carly reacted. Josslyn says, she was angry – no, upset. She thought Nelle was using Morgan’s name to hurt her. The DA asks if she was, and Josslyn says, it was kind of a shock. The DA asks if Josslyn believes Nelle was using the name to hurt her mother, and Josslyn says, no. The DA says after Nelle ran from the room, Josslyn and Carly got in an argument; about what? Josslyn says she thought her mom should apologize. It was Nelle’s shower, and she was upset, so Josslyn felt bad. The DA asks if she was worried when Carly went upstairs, and Josslyn says, no. The DA asks if Josslyn believed Carly was thinking clearly and in control of her emotions; so when she sent Carly upstairs, she thought Nelle would be safe. Carly jumps up, and says, not another word to her daughter. The judge tells Diane to control her client. Diane apologizes, and the judge gives a brief recess. He wants Carly to calm down, and wants no more outbursts. Michael comforts Josslyn, and Carly asks Nelle if she’s happy. She did this.

Lulu tells Kiki what David is doing is disgusting. Kiki says he met with HR, and in all of five minutes, the investigation was closed, saying he was misread. Lulu says it’s crap, but why is she here? Kiki thinks her work exposes truth and influences people. She could use her work as a reporter to stop him.

Carly criticizes Diane for just sitting there. Diane says she objected when it was applicable, but the DA is good. Ava is up next. Diane tells Carly that they’re not there to dispute facts. The more innocent Nelle appears, the better for them, because no one in their right mind would attack her. She tells Carly they can’t paint Nelle as a snake.

In the hallway, Josslyn says she sent Carly after Nelle, now she’s sending her to prison. Nelle says no one wants that. Sonny asks Bobbie to take Josslyn home. Nelle tells Ava that she’s sorry to get her swept up in this. Nelle hugs Ava, and tells her as long as she doesn’t have to worry about the blanket, Ava doesn’t have to worry about her secret. Ava tells her it’s fine, and not to stress; it’s not good for the baby. Michael says he’s going to do everything in his power for the child to grow up surrounded by love. The court is to resume in five minutes.

Franco tells Elizabeth that they’re free. There’s no stuff from the past to sort out, so why not do it big? He wants everyone there. He’s going to promise to love and protect her forever, and wants the family to witness it. Elizabeth doesn’t think inviting her family is a good idea.

On the stand, Ava says she’d gotten Nelle a mobile with penguins, and Carly snatched it out of Nelle’s hand, accusing Ava of terrorizing her on purpose. Nelle explained that she’d registered for it, and Carly tore into her. The DA asks if Nelle defended herself, and Ava says, no; she was pleading with Carly, trying to make amends. When asked how Carly reacted, Ava says she refused to listen, and said Nelle wasn’t worthy to speak Morgan’s name, adding that Michael was too good for her. Nelle left the room, crying, and Josslyn insisted Carly apologize. The DA asks if she appeared to be out of control, but Ava says it was her usual temper, being so mad she couldn’t control herself. The DA says, so it was nothing unusual, and Ava says the only unusual thing was Carly apologizing. The DA asks about the blanket. Ava says she doesn’t think Nelle got one as a gift, and she doesn’t remember seeing one. The DA asks what the last words were that Ava heard Carly say. Ava tells her that Carly said Nelle wouldn’t get her hands on her son. The next time she saw Nelle, she was crumpled at the bottom of the stairs, with Carly standing over her. The DA has no further questions, and Diane has no questions at this time. Carly shakes her head. Nelle looks angelic.

Franco tells Elizabeth that if didn’t know better – which is rare – he’d think she’s trying to avoid him. Elizabeth says she’s working. He tells her that everybody is good at one thing, and he’s good at avoidance. She can’t stand the mention of her mom, dad, or sister. He wants to know what’s going on. She says it’s no big mystery; they’re just not close. The only family that matters is them. He says he wants to meet them. Elizabeth asks, what about his? Is he inviting Betsy?

Michael is called to the stand. Diane tells Carly that she did a great job with Ava. It’s imperative she not throw another tantrum. Now is not the time to convince them that Nelle is a liar. After establishing that Nelle is the mother of Michael’s child, and they’re not getting married, but co-parenting, the DA asks if Michael’s mother had reason not to trust Nelle. He say, yes, and the DA says, but he still began the relationship. She says when he found out Nelle was pregnant, it was already over and she was out of his life. The judge tells her to move it along, and the DA says that Carly did everything to keep Nelle away from him, and failed. She was going to be a permanent part of his life, unless something happened to her. Diane objects, saying it’s leading and inflammatory. The DA has no further questions, and again, Diane reserves the right to question the witness at a later date. The judge tells the DA that she’s becoming dangerously close to being theatrical. He tells her to stick to the facts, and no shenanigans from either side. Nelle knows it was hard for Michael, but he says he did what needed to be done for his family. She puts her head on his shoulder. Sonny looks at Michael.

Lulu says if she could, she’d put David’s picture on the front page with the headline Time’s Up, but the hospital officially dismissed the matter. She asks if there’s any physical proof. Without it, both she and the paper are liable. Kiki says, so they close their ranks. Lulu says she can’t right that, but as far as the harassment and the hospital’s lack of response, she can force the issue without naming names. Kiki asks if her name can be kept out of it, but Lulu can’t pitch the story without a first-person account. She needs what specifically happened to her to make people care, but it’s still a crime where the victim is subject to criticism and suspicion. She wants to write it, but she’s not the one who has to live with it. Kiki has to decide.

Dante gets on the stand, and reads the arrest statement. Nelle said Carly grabbed her by thr arms, and screamed that she’s not getting her hands on Carly’s son, and pushed her down the stairs. The DA says in the official initial interview, Carly said they had an argument over a blanket. She asks if the blanket was found at the scene, and Dante says, no. She says Sonny is his father, and Morgan his half-brother. Does he expect the court to believe he has no bias? He tells her the commissioner would have acted if there was a problem. The DA asks if there was another situation where the defendant threatened Nelle, and Dante says, no. She tells him, on April 30^th, they were gathered at the PCPCD, when Mike was in custody, and Nelle offered Carly a cup of tea. Does he recall her reply? She reminds him that he’s under oath. He says Carly turned her down; she didn’t want tea. She says, that’s not very specific. He doesn’t remember it verbatim, and the DA tells him to get close as he can get. He says Carly wanted Nelle’s head on silver platter. I’d say that’s specific.

Afterward, Dante tells Sonny that he’s sorry. Sonny says he told truth; his wife has a turn of phrase. He asks Dante to go by the house to check on Josslyn and Mike, who is having a good morning for once. Dante doesn’t know how Sonny is getting through it, and Sonny says he takes one step, and then takes another, to get Carly home and help for his dad. Dante says, so is he.

Diane tells Carly to keep her hands and arms inside the vehicle, no matter what. Ha-ha! I love Diane. Nelle is on the witness stand, and the DA says she’s happy the baby survived the fall unharmed. Diane thinks everyone is grateful that Nelle and her baby have a clean bill of health. The DA says they’ve heard testimony about her troubled relationship with Carly, and asks how it began. Nelle says it started when she was lucky enough to save Carly’s daughter’s life. She didn’t have much growing up, and her dad had to sell her kidney. She wasn’t even in a real hospital, and has had health problems ever since, but it was worth it when she found out it went to Josslyn. She would have died without it. The DA asks if, when they first met, Nelle wanted to hurt Carly. Nelle says she’s ashamed of her behavior, but was jealous of Carly’s life because of her father’s lies. She’d thought Carly never paid. She made mistakes she’ll always regret. When she and Michael fell in love, It was wonderful; the happiest she’s ever been. She should have known it wouldn’t last. Carly was livid when she found out, and did everything to break them up. When they were alone, Carly would threaten her and suggest she leave town. Carly humiliated Michael into asking for a paternity test, then insisted she must have faked the test. They’re not together anymore, but found a way to be partners to do what’s best for their child. The DA asks how her health has been since the fall. Nelle says she has nightmares about falling, and searching for a baby she can’t reach. She wasn’t able to sleep at all until Michael moved to the room next to hers at the Quartermaine’s. Since that day on the stairs, she’s lost hope of her baby having a life better than hers. The DA is finished, and Diane says, in light of Nelle’s obvious distress, she’ll defer her questions until a later date. As she gets off the stand, Nelle doubles over. Michael takes her back to her seat. Carly and Sonny look at each other. The prosecution rests.

Elizabeth ask Franco what he’s doing still at the hospital. He says he’s been thinking about his mom. He’s totally been avoiding her, but he’s forgiven her, so in answer to Elizabeth’s question, he’s like to invite both mothers. Elizabeth says her family won’t give him what he’s looking for. They’re more interested in humanity than individual people, even the ones they’re related to. She stopped waiting for them to show up for her a long time ago. Franco says, their loss, and asks, what about Sarah? She says her sister is on other side of the country, but he thinks her family should be given the opportunity to maybe say yes. He asks her to please just think about inviting them. She says, fine; she’ll think about it. She leaves, and Franco calls Audrey. He says he has a weird question, and asks if she has Sarah’s phone number.

Ava has to open the gallery. She tells Griff that she would say, good luck, but he doesn’t need it. Just be his kind, honest self, and call her when he’s done.

Lulu asks what Kiki thinks. She says if the article will stop David from doing it to someone else, or inspire someone else to come forward, it’s worth it. She’s all in. Lulu says, let’s take this loser down.

Sonny gripes about Nelle’s fake acting and fake tears. Diane says if, at the end, they’re unable to prove temporary insanity, nothing will make any difference. Carly wishes the DA wasn’t so good, but Diane says she’s better. She asks if Sonny is clear on what to do. She says it’s showtime, and the defense is ready.

Next time, Anna thinks something is irrevocably broken between her and Robin, Jordan isn’t losing her job over it, Michael tells someone that Nelle buried his mom, and Jason tells Carly they can stop it right now.

BTW, the DA is being played by Elizabeth Hendrickson, who was Frankie Stone on All My Children once upon a time.

Southern Charm

I have to admit it. I’m loving hating Ashley. Her hair flipping alone is enough, but her diarrhea of the mouth makes it so easy.

Victoria hangs up on Austen. Craig wants to jump in the hot tub. Ashley flips her hair. Austen asks to talk to Chelsea. He tells her about Victoria seeing Naomie’s Insta story, and how she misinterpreted it. Chelsea says she doesn’t want to tell him they can’t be friends if he dates one of her friends, but it is kind of that way. She can’t be as involved in his life when he’s dating a friend. He says it would be different if she said it hurts her because she wanted him back, but that’s not what’s happening. It’s okay Austen; I don’t get it either.

The next morning, the place is a total mess. Kathryn tells Danni not to judge her for the marshmallows and chocolate in the bed. She eats while she sleeps; she has an issue. What’s bizarre is, I also eat in my sleep if something is close enough.

Whitney wants to get out while he can, and tells Craig he’s leaving. Craig stumbles downstairs with his pants undone and his shirt half on. He dreamt he had a girlfriend, and asks Naomie if they got back together, but that’s a no. Everyone starts to leave. Chelsea wants to do a drive-by of where she used to live on their way out.

Ashley tells Thomas if she seems anxious, it’s because she wants to get home. She wonders where his after-shave and socks are, and they look for Austen, but no one is around. Oh, come on. He can buy more.

Shep goes to his parents’ house. He asks what’s going on. He points out the cupboard is bare, and his mom says they were gone for five months. He forgives her.

Chelsea tells the girls that her parents divorced when she was three. Her mom started seeing a man named Jerry, who took them in. She only remembers happy times there, and didn’t know how bad they had it.

Shep wants a French bulldog. His mom says he has no business getting any dog. He tells her that he’s having surgery on Friday, and Kathryn is giving him a ride. He says he saw the good in her. He likes to see the good in people; he’s an optimist. In his interview, Shep says with some people, you never know what you’re going to get, and Kathryn was one of them for a long time. She’s more dependable now. His mom asks about his nose, and he says it was an accident; no one beat him up. He tells her that he doesn’t want to end up an angry old guy. She says it’s easy to get complacent when you live alone. He thinks he shouldn’t be in a relationship for the same reason he shouldn’t get a dog. He’ll never be a conventional person. His mother says she could pray, but couldn’t make it happen.

Chelsea drives to her old house. She says it pretty much looks the same. She has pictures of her stepdad pushing her down the driveway. He and her mom never married, but he was like a dad. She starts to cry, and wonders why she can’t keep her sh*t together. She says it was a great weekend, and she ended it by crying about her stepdad who passed away. She tells them he died when she was eight, and they lost everything because he and her mom weren’t married; they had nothing. In her interview, she says they moved to a duplex, and she had to share a twin bed with her brother. For life to change that fast was mind-blowing. She thinks that’s why she struggles to be independent. They relied on him, and then he was gone. Her mother had to work three jobs to keep a roof over their heads. In her interview, she says she doesn’t know if the walls in her relationships are due to him passing away. Her mom told her to always take care of herself, no matter what. Now that everyone is bummed, they head home.

Craig cuts pictures out of magazines, and makes I don’t know what.

Austen has more baseball caps than anyone should have.

Kathryn picks up Shep. He says he can drive there, but needs her on the way back. She asks him to come to the party, and tells him that she didn’t invite Ashley. She texted Thomas that she thinks it’s best Ashley isn’t around the children right now. He replied, okay, along with an okay emoji. Shep doesn’t think anything there’s anything more important to either one of them than the kids. She asks about his life, and he says he’s not really into anybody. He hasn’t found the person where everything makes sense. Kathryn suggests yoga or meditation, and says she’ll go soul searching for him. In her interview, Kathryn says Shep gets her, and she feels safe with him.

Three hours later. Shep is wheeled out. He feels great, but knows once the pain meds wear off, it’s going to hurt. He’s still wearing his hospital gown, and accidently flashes some leg while he’s getting into the car. He says, the first look is free.

Austen picks up take-out to bring to Victoria’s place. He says the situation has deescalated, but he’s never dealt with this level of jealousy before. He’s not sure how to navigate it. When he gets there, they open some wine to go with the food. She asks how Hilton Head was, and he’s like, um… He tells her it was awesome, but he took Chelsea aside, told her that they’d gotten back together, and that was that. He doesn’t want her to disengage from his life. Victoria says some of Chelsea’s actions don’t line up with what she’s saying. She doesn’t think Chelsea’s body language is appropriate with someone she used to be dating or respectful to her. Austen says he didn’t think anything of it. Victoria thinks there’s an ulterior motive. It didn’t feel right, and looked clingy romantic. Austen doesn’t think Chelsea is the romantic type, and Victoria accuses him of defending Chelsea to the death. He says he wants to be friends with Chelsea, but it hasn’t been sexual whatsoever since they broke up. Victoria mentions Chelsea’s comment about sneaking into his room in the middle of night, and he says social media is a pita. If Victoria thinks something isn’t appropriate, he feels like he has to agree, or she’ll be angry. He thinks she’s scrutinizing the photo more than she needs to be. He asks if they can let it pass, and she says, for the time being. I know what that means. She’s never letting it pass.

Shep nurses his knee, and calls Cameran. She feels like she was hit by a Mack truck, but got a cute baby out of it. She tells Shep that she was at home, and started getting contractions. Going to the hospital isn’t like you see in the movies. She wasn’t screaming and crying, but holding on to the oh, sh*t handle (is that the one above the side window?), and telling Jason to go fast. She was in labor for twelve hours, pushed about an hour, and out popped Palmer. She’s glad Palmer didn’t come out ugly. In her interview, she tells us a lot of newborns don’t come out cute, and pretty-up later. She says it was dehumanizing, but worth it. Shep has ice on his knee, and she has ice on her vagina.

Craig goes to see life coach Laura. She says he’s going to play show-and-tell with his self-portrait. So that’s what he was making. He tells her, on the outside is how he feels about himself, the inside represents his goals. There are no faces; he doesn’t see himself as a face. If there was a camera here, I’d be giving it a look. Laura says it has holes, referring to how the pictures are spaced. It’s not integrated enough; he’s not self-directed enough. Translation: he’s bad at being his own boss. He says it’s interesting that he came to her at this time. He currently has an amazing opportunity to design a pillow for his friend Patricia’s clothing line. We see a clip where she calls him, asking how the pillow is going. He says he has a hard time designing something for someone else. Hell, I’ll do it. He says he’s scared he’ll continue fantasizing about what could be, but not doing it. Laura says he’s bullsh*tting himself. He’s having a hard time jumping into the adult world with both feet. He finds different ways to sabotage himself. He’s a charming guy with great ideas, but doesn’t follow through, so he doesn’t have to adult. Hey, stop picking on me… I mean, Craig. Craig says he can justify everything, and convince anyone of anything; he’s a great liar. Laura asks why he’s effing lying. She actually uses the word effing. She asks, what is that about? He says it comes natural to him. In his interview, Craig says he can profile someone, and steer them in a certain direction. Laura says he keeps setting himself up for negative attention. He’s not nice to himself at all. He says the way she puts it, it sucks. She says the next time, they’ll talk about why he’s a liar. He doesn’t like being vulnerable, and is doing the thing he doesn’t like to do – have to talk about it.

Kathryn tells Kensie got to get ready for Saint’s birthday. In her interview, Kathryn says, last year, she was a guest at her own son’s party, and it was humiliating. She’s grateful for the chance to be a mother, and host the party herself. It’s what’s right. It’s crazy to her that Saint is turning into a little man. He’s blooming as a person, and is happy and sweet. She thinks it’s interesting she and Thomas could create such a normal person.

Ashley loves that Thomas still reads the physical newspaper. She asks if he’s looking forward to the party. She’s going to stay in and relax; she doesn’t feel well. Of course not. She says the emotional stress took its toll on her physical health. He asks if, in retrospect, going after Kathryn was worth it. Ashley says she was protecting him. He tells her the fighting is counterproductive. He says, don’t fight; just chill. Ashley insists wanted to go to the party to show Kathryn that she’s no threat. When Kathryn sent Thomas a message about not wanting her to be around the kids because she’s angry and aggressive, it hurt her. Thomas says, too bad. Hahahahaha! In his interview, he says Kathryn and the kids will always be in his life, and he needs to be with someone understanding, not critical. Ashley is jealous and paranoid. Ashley says she doesn’t trust Kathryn; she doesn’t want him to be happy. That’s the real reason she wants to monitor what’s going on; Kathryn wants to be where she is, and wants to keep tabs on him. Okay. She’s batsh*t crazy. Especially since she’s the one who didn’t like Thomas going out without her. Thomas tells her she’ll need tough skin if she wants to be in a relationship with him. She says they’re not dealing with a normal person, but darkness and evil. What? He says she’s fired up, and needs to reduce it to nothing. Kathryn wants to see what’s going to happen long term, and at that point, maybe she’ll be friendly. Ashley doubts it. Ashley tells Thomas that she’s not letting him go; she’s not going anywhere. Now she’s being creepy. Thomas says he thought she was going to Santa Barbara for the holidays, and he thinks they could use the space. I think he should change the locks when she’s gone. She wants him to hold her hand. He asks why, and tells her not to get upset if he doesn’t. He tells her to chill, and takes her hand. He says she’s very intense, and needs to reduce it. She tells him to stop talking about Kathryn. What’s important is right here, and she’s not letting that get the best of her. I could see this being part of a horror movie script.

Kathryn brings the kids to the venue, called Play Garden. It’s a large play/crafting room, divided into various sections. Thomas meets her, and helps bring the kids in. Kathryn wants this day to be absolutely perfect. She gives the staff the supplies she’s brought, including the party favor bags. Kathryn thinks it’s good for the kids to see their mother and father together, happy and having fun. Thomas puts on a tiny birthday hat. Danni and Naomie arrive, with Austen following. The rest of the guests trickle in. Austen tells Chelsea that he’s still recovering from Hilton Head. Shep limps in. He says it hurts, but it’s okay. Finger painting happens. Naomie says this is Craig’s jam, and texts him. We see he’s busy using duct tape to wrap the presents.

Austen says Saint has better style than he does; his bow tie is killing it. Thomas tries to take Saint’s picture, and it’s like taking a picture of one of my dogs, trying to get them to stay still. Naomie says it’s heartwarming when Ashley isn’t there. Danni asks if makes her want kids. The kids blow noisemakers, and Naomie says, no. Craig and Sean arrive just in time for the pizza. Kathryn asks if Thomas wants to join them for dinner there. Ashley is going to go out of her mind. In his interview, Thomas thinks Kathryn has stepped up as a mom. He sees a lot of improvement. It’s been amazing watching her transformation, and he’s proud of her. It’s time to open the presents. Craig has gotten a karaoke machine and keyboard for Saint and Kensie to share. The cake comes out, and everybody sings. In her interview, Kathryn says Thomas sees her as adult now, and has a new respect. Maybe it took longer than she would have liked, but they’re here now, and she just wants to keep everything good.

Kathryn visits Shep, bearing gifts. Shep says she looks like a femme fatale , and asks what she’s up to. She says she just came from work, and this is what she wears. In his interview, Shep says Kathryn has something, a je ne sais quoi. Yeah, she’s gorgeous, and the something is she finally got a decent haircut. She gives Shep some soup from her grandmother’s receipe, and a basket of goodies. Shep says when they get together, they can be weird, and she can be herself. He tells her that no one else has done anything for him, and she’s a joy to be around. He loves how rambunctious Kensie is, and she says Kensie gets it from both parents. They heat up the soup. Kathryn says she hasn’t had a date since August; she knows everyone in Charleston. He tells her to increase her radius. In her interview, Kathryn says she considers Shep a good friend, but her head can’t help going to that space where she thinks, why couldn’t they just make it work? He eats some soup, and says he’s happy. Well, apparently, he’s easy to please.

Ashley brings Thomas a take-out sub sandwich for lunch. She asks about the birthday party, and if it was the best one yet. He says it was a good one, and he helped Kathryn organize it. She went all out, and it was a good turn-out. Ashley asks if she was thought of, because she gets confused that it wasn’t her own party. She’s sure Kathryn was thinking about her. Wow. She continually tops herself with insecure egoism. Thomas doesn’t think Kathryn is appreciating her presence lately. He also doesn’t believe what Ashley says about Kathryn having feelings for him and not wanting to let him go. Ashley says, no. They’re not a family. They’ve never been a family. The kids weren’t planned, and they weren’t in a relationship when they had them. They were never in love, and Kathryn is living in a fantasy world. I’m not sure what’s making my mouth hang open more; Ashley’s impudence, or Thomas’s restraint. Thomas tells her that he’ll always have a soft spot for Kathryn. He would never want anything to happen to the kids, or her, the mother of his children. When Ashley disrespects Kathryn, she’s disrespecting the kids and him. Ashley says she feels disrespected, and he tells her, then back off nicely. She’s emotionally charged, and has a lot of anger and frustration. She says he’s frustrating her right now. He’s putting words in her mouth; don’t tell her what to do. I guess no one ever told this chick not to have arguments like this before the ring is on her hand. And I mean, the wedding ring. Thomas says if she wants to get along with people, relax. She says, like the other night, that’s who she is. We see a clip of him out with the guys, and having a good time. Ashley goes ballistic about him being out all night, and how he had a naked girlfriend waiting for him, but he’d rather be with Shep and Craig. He says, once in a blue moon, he likes to blow it out with his friends. She says it’s the first time someone didn’t want to come home to her. Her relationships must have only lasted two days. Thomas asks if she’s not going to California to hang out with her friends, and she says she is now. He gave her a kickstart. He says, when she comes back, she’ll be a better person for it. She says, if she does come back, and he says, go ahead. I’m dying.

Next time, Cameran has an oversupply of milk, Kathryn thinks Ashley wanted a one-way free ticket to spend someone else’s money, Thomas doesn’t know if he wants to get married, and Austen premieres his beer.

👍 I gotta say it, my take on Kathryn is that she’s the real deal. Cameran will back me up here; she feels the same way. I think Kathryn was very young when the show started, and as we all do – or I hope we do – matured over time. Being on television and involved with a very rich, well-known (at least in Charleston) guy put her at a disadvantage, so her growth wasn’t allowed its natural progression. Thomas was less than gracious, and some of the others egged her on. A lesser person would have folded under the pressure, but she did well. I’m proud of her too.

🍹 Speaking of not so charming Thomas, I was wondering what was up with the assault allegations against him, and this is what I found: https://www.thehollywoodgossip.com/2018/06/thomas-ravenel-sexual-assault-charges-finally-addressed-by-bravo/

The article said that Bravo has a reputation of turning a blind eye to bad behavior. Are they kidding? Bravo encourages bad behavior. Andy Cohen is probably pissed that he didn’t think of the Jersey Shore. Don’t get me wrong, although I don’t always like him, I admire Andy a lot. He had the tenacity to do what others only dream of – loving pop culture so much, he became part of it.

💲 🌆 Million Dollar Listing New York will be back on Monday, June 11^th at 10 pm. Rebel Wilson will be making an appearance, and from the looks of the preview, 50 Cent will be showing up as well. Is this the celebrity edition?

🎭 Sadly, tonight was the final finale for Imposters. I loved the show from the first one. It was fresh, something different with fun twists, and they weren’t afraid to show some blood and guts. It’s a shame Bravo won’t continue to give it a chance. It was a bittersweet ending, knowing that it won’t be back.

😯 So, I’m watching this movie on Lifetime, and there’s Kevin Bacon playing a father figure. When did this happen?

🙌 There Was a Time When He Cut Footloose…