What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

At the library, Josslyn looks at a picture of her and Oscar at the Nurses’ Ball. Cameron asks if it’s a new study technique, associating Oscar’s face with historical figures.

Kim sees Oscar at the hospital, and asks if they can talk. He tells her one upside to quitting school is, his days are wide open. She might want to hurry though, because tick-tock. She knows he’s trying to cut off the people love him, but they’re not straying off course

Finn tells Gregory the test results are in. Finn knows what wrong with him.

Mike, Stella, and Carly eat at the MetroCourt. Mike is nervous, and Stella says it’s just a tour. They’ll explain the daily process. Drew walks in with Margaux, who stares at Carly. Carly stares back.

Sonny tells Jason that he’s waiting for an update. Mike went to the care center with Carly and Stella. He wanted to go, but Stella thought Mike might not be honest with him there. Jason says she’s probably right. Sonny fills Jason in on what happened at the cemetery. He and Carly were paying their respects to Morgan, and the DA showed up. She buried her father nearby, so when they visit their son, they’ll see the grave of the person he killed. Jason says they have to continue to be careful; it’s a personal grudge. Sonny says when it gets to personal, it’s always more dangerous.

Mike introduces Stella to Drew. He asks if Drew knows Carly, and Carly says they go way back. Mike tells Drew the lady he’s meeting with is the DA. Drew knows, but thanks him. Mike says, she has an agenda. Drew promises to keep his guard up; no worries. He goes back to his table, and Mike wonders what a nice guy is doing with a shark like that. Carly was wondering herself.

Cameron thinks Josslyn should do herself a favor and get rid of the photo. Move it somewhere else where it’s not causing her pain every time she opens her textbook. She says it’s not causing pain. Oscar is hurting, and what he’s going through is causing him to push her away. It doesn’t matter; she’s not giving up. Cameron thinks it’s unhealthy, but Josslyn says however rotten Oscar is being to her is nothing compared to what he’s going through. She can see it a mile away. He’s in pain and taking it out on her. She only wishes she knew what it was.

Finn says Gregory has PTLSD, a post Lyme disease issue. Gregory says his test came back negative, and Finn says the first test is often a false negative. That’s why antibiotics helped him feel better, but it returns again after treatment. Gregory is disappointed. He wanted something curable or sexy and glamorous, and it’s neither. Chase asks if Finn can fix it. Finn says he’s sent a course of treatment to Gregory’s Berkeley doctor. Any doctor can help; he doesn’t need to stay Port Charles. Gregory says both of his sons live there. It’s a compelling reason to stick around.

Kim tells Oscar that Josslyn is concerned. He asks if she told Josslyn, and she says she respected his wishes, but Josslyn knows him, and knows there’s more to the breakup than he’s saying. He says he’ll have to do something else then. Kim says she’s disappointed in him. He’s lashing out, and using his illness as an excuse to treat people badly. He says he’s dying, but Kim says he’s not; there are options. He says none of them are good. She tells him that he can’t treat people like this. Just tell Josslyn the truth, or better yet, be with her. He keeps saying he doesn’t have much time. Instead of pushing people away, he should make every moment count.

Mike is excited. Carly says it’s just a visit; a trial run. They don’t have to stay any longer than he wants. Stella says they’ll have a tour, and if he wants, he can take part in an activity. Carly says they’ll meet with the director, and then go home. They leave the MetroCourt.

Drew asks Margaux what her proposition is. She asks if he’s okay; he sounded rough on the phone. If he wants to talk… He says, maybe; when the time is right. She says right now, he’s not the only one who needs a friend.

Josslyn tells Cameron that she even went to Oscar’s mom. She said she couldn’t get involved, but also said Josslyn is good for her son, and kind of implied she shouldn’t give up. Cameron thinks she’s hearing what she wants to, but she says she’s trusting her instincts. Something is going on. She doesn’t understand, but whatever Oscar is going through, she want to be by his side.

Kim tells Oscar that he doesn’t have to agree with her decision, but it’s the right thing to do. It’s a medical fact that emotional support and connection helps patients respond to treatment. He doesn’t want to spend time watching Josslyn grieve. He wants her to be glad he’s dead. Kim says she wouldn’t be glad no matter how much he hurts her. He’s wasting precious time. He says it’s not fair, but she tells him to fight. Let the people who love him fight with him. He says he’s not a lab rat, and asks if she’d really make him undergo treatment he didn’t want. Kim says she’s loved him since she knew he existed. He’s her child, and she’ll do what it takes to make sure he has a future. He asks if she’d force him to go through a medical procedure he didn’t want, and she says she would if it was going to save his life. He storms off.

Drew asks Margaux how he can help. She was hoping he’d reconsider helping her put Jason and Sonny away. He says he can’t. She says he won’t; there’s a difference. He says he’s not going to be part of her vendetta. She understands, but she’s not asking as the DA now. She’s asking as a woman wondering why her father left and didn’t come back. He may have been killed by Sonny. Help her make Sonny pay for his crimes.

Sonny tells Jason, when it’s personal, people get sloppy. Their emotions get in the way, and they make mistakes. He can see what it’s doing already. Jason doesn’t think they should go on the defense with Margaux, but instead treat her as a threat. Sonny says it’s been two years since Morgan, Nelle took a chunk out of his life, and they lost Jonah. Jason says, exactly. That’s why they need to get Margaux to back off.

Margaux tells Drew that she can still make Sonny pay, even if it’s not for her father. Drew says even if he could, it won’t establish probable cause. She says one memory could open the door, and help her make a case.

Chase leaves to call his mom. Gregory says he Finn freeze up at the mention of his wife. Finn’s stepmom was grateful when she heard he was taking the case. When is he going to stop hating her? She didn’t know Finn’s mother, and wasn’t trying to replace her. The only thing she’s guilty of is loving him. The one regret Gregory has is that being with her caused so much pain for him – and her.

Julian sees Oscar in the park, and asks why he’s not in school. Oscar says he quit, and Julian says, right. Oscar says he’s serious, and Julian asks, why? He loves school. Oscar wonders if his mom didn’t tell Julian why he quit. Julian tells Oscar that she respected his privacy, and he promised not to press the issue. Oscar says, good. Julian says if getting Oscar is trying to get back at his mom for something, he might want to rethink it.

Elizabeth sees Kim with her head in her hands, and asks if she wants to talk. Kim says, not really. Mostly because she’s embarrassed. She told Oscar he was disappointment, and it was horrible. She knows he’s angry that she didn’t tell him, but he’s lashing out at Josslyn. Elizabeth says he’s pushing her away because he’s sick. Kim thinks maybe she shouldn’t have judged so quickly. He thinks he’s doing the right thing. Elizabeth says he’s upset she did same thing, but – let her guess – he said it’s different when he’s doing it. Kim says, it is his life. He had the right to know, and because she kept it from him, he’s lost any faith in her when he’s facing the fight of life.

Sonny tells Jason that Margaux is relentless. She blames him for her father’s death. How can they get her to back off? Jason says Spinelli is looking into Vincent Marino. Jason has also learned a lot from her personal avenging. Sonny asks how they spin it. Jason says, it was Carly’s idea and it’s a good one. If they can prove Margaux’s father wasn’t the hero she thinks he was, they might be able to stop her.

Drew tells Margaux that he’s going to say it one last time, and he wants her to never ask again. He has no desire to dig into another man’s memories to help her out. He’s not digging into Jason’s past. Does she understand? She says, just one memory. It doesn’t need to be something criminal. Just a clue, an event, or a situation; a direction to point her toward, and she’ll take from there. Drew says he has to go. She asks him to hear her out one last time. Somewhere along Sonny’s ride to power, he made mistake. Drew says he’s sure Sonny made a lot of them, and he covered them up a long time ago. Margaux says with an organization of that size that’s been around this long, there has to be a mistake. He tells her, good luck. He hopes it brings her peace. She says she’s given up on peace, and will settle for justice for her father. He says he can’t help her, and walks away. She follows him. She says, what if by helping her, he could get his memory back. Drew Cane’s memories. Would he help then?

Oscar tells Julian that his mom isn’t why he dropped out. Julian starts to ask why, then says, never mind. He promised not as questions. Oscar says it’s nice to know Julian is looking out for his mom. Julian says he likes her very much. Oscar apologizes for being a jerk. Julian won’t ask what’s going on, but if there’s anything he can do or help with, he’s there. Oscar asks if Julian cares about him by default. Julian says he does, but he’s also made plenty of mistakes. One daughter won’t talk to him or let him see her children; another barely acknowledges him; and he doesn’t know his son. The one person he’s hurt the most – Oscar says, Miss Davis? Julian says Alexis has moved on, but it was never truly okay. Oscar asks why Julian is telling him this. Julian doesn’t want him to have regrets. If he wants to quit school, fine. He’s smart and will figure it out. It’s not as easy with people. The space you put between you and them, you might never get back. Oscar thanks him, and says he has to meet someone.

Jason asks Sonny if he saw Margaux’s dad flash a lot of cash around. Sonny says he was constantly showing off his money clip. He was on good terms with Skully, and willingly took part in the business. He liked the cash, and was no innocent by a long shot. Jason wonders what they need to show Margaux, when Carly comes in.

Sonny says that was fast, and Carly says Mike had enough for today. Stella comes in with Mike, and says he’ll have a buddy to help show him around. Carly says Mike should tell Sonny about part he liked best. Mike says, they have cards. Carly says they barely got past the game room, when Mike had settled in to a Crazy 8s game. Sonny wonders if gambling is the best idea. Mike says it’s a place for people like him who have trouble remembering. The play for pennies and chips. There are no loan sharks. Carly says it’s well-organized, the staff is attentive, and the clients are super nice. Mike enjoyed himself. Mike says the cards are great; the food, not so much. Carly says he’ll be having dinner with them every night. Sonny asks, what’s the plan? and Mike thinks he can do this.

Elizabeth says if Oscar can’t hear Kim, maybe he’ll hear Drew. Kim says he seems to blame them both equally; it’s unfair. She made Drew wait. Now Drew is losing out on time with his son. Elizabeth says they’ll work together, and do everything they can to get Oscar better. She asks where Julian is in all this.  Kim says Oscar didn’t want to tell anyone, and she’d already broken his trust in a major way. He agreed to no questions as long as he can be there when she needs him. She can’t wait to tell him everything, and have a good cry in his arms. In the meantime, she and Drew have to regain Oscar’s trust. Elizabeth says with everything going on, she needs all the support she can get. Julian offering to help with no questions asked? She’s take him up on it.

At the park, Cameron tells Oscar that he can’t summon him every time he needs help breaking up with Josslyn. Oscar says Cameron is the only person he can ask. Cameron knows he’s sick. Cameron says he can come clean, since none of this is going to work. Josslyn is too smart and stubborn to fall for it. He’s a downer, and he’s throwing Josslyn away. Oscar wants to make sure she’s over him before he’s gone. Cameron says the only person who needs to get over him is himself. Oscar says Josslyn is the only girl he’s ever loved or will ever love. He wants her to remember him as her first love, not the boy she watched die.

Finn says he sent over everything Gregory’s doctor needs to know in an electronic file. He may want something to help him sleep, as lack of sleep exacerbates the symptoms. Gregory says he opened a vein and told Finn how he felt, and Finn doesn’t even ask how he’s doing. Finn says he’s doing his best. Gregory says that’s not good enough, and Finn says that’s the story of his life. Gregory might consider meditation. Gregory says his wife has been trying to convince him of the same thing. They have something in common. Finn says, exercise helps. Gregory says, that’s two. Finn says, Chinese herbs, and Gregory says, that’s three for three. They’d have a great time together. Finn tells him, good luck with his recovery. He’ll have the discharge papers drawn up. Gregory says he’s has a wonderful, rich life, but there’s only one thing missing – Finn.

Julian sees Kim at the hospital. He says he ran into Oscar, and given the shape he was in, the thought she might need support. She says, he talked to Oscar? Julian says he told Oscar that she didn’t tell him what’s wrong, and offered him the same deal. His help with no questions asked. He doesn’t need to know what’s wrong to help. Kim says he’s a good guy. Julian tells her no one has ever said that about him before. Kim says he snuck up on her. She thought it would be casual. They would see where it goes; no strings. Julian says they did that. Kim says they did, and here they are. She has no doubt she’s fallen for him. He supposes it’s only fair, since he fell for her a while ago. She says, funny. She recently told someone, when they find love, don’t turn away from it. He says, good advice, and she kisses him.

Cameron tells Oscar that he’ help one last time. Josslyn has been his friend – Oscar says, since they were in diapers. He gets it. Cameron says Oscar is hurting his friend. He shouldn’t help, but he will, on one condition. If it doesn’t work, that’s it. Oscar comes clean, and lets her decide if she wants to suffer with him or he suffers alone. It’s what he deserves. Oscar says he’s dying, but Cameron doesn’t let that stop him. Cameron asks if Oscar has a problem with that, and Oscar says, just the opposite; he appreciates it. Cameron says it doesn’t make sense, but those are the terms. If it doesn’t work, Oscar comes clean. Oscar says, deal. He promises it’s the last thing he’ll ask Cameron to do. He asks if Cameron can doctor a photo, and shows it to him on his phone. Cameron says he can do it, but after this, Oscar has to let him go.

Sonny says if Mike is in, he’s all for it. Mike says, let’s do this. Stella says she’ll notify the facility, and he can start late this week. He asks if she’ll take him on his first day, and she says she wouldn’t have it any other way. He walks her to the door. Carly tells Sonny it’s a really nice place, and Mike wants to go, Mike thanks Stella for helping him with Sonny. Stella has the feeling it’s the best thing for the both of them. Mike tells Sonny and Carly that he’s going to take a nap. They can go back to talking about hm. Sonny says they weren’t, and Mike asks, why? Is there something more interesting to talk about? He goes upstairs, and Carly asks Sonny, guess who was having a cozy breakfast at the MetroCourt?

Margaux says she can’t imagine what it’s like for Drew. He can change that. Drew says all the options are gone, and he’s made peace with that. She mentions the flash drive, and he says it’s long gone. She says, actually, it’s not.

Finn tells Gregory that he included his number should Gregory’s doctor want to reach him. Gregory says Finn is his doctor, but also his son. Finn says he knows. Chase returns, and thanks Finn again. Finn says he was just doing his job, and leaves. Chase follows him into the hallway. He tells Finn that his mother is grateful for the care Finn has shown for their father, despite everything that happened in the past.

Oscar looks at the doctored photo, and hits send.

At the library, Josslyn is studying with Cameron. Cameron’s phone dings. Cameron looks at it, and says, whoa. Josslyn says, nothing like being obvious, and wants to see it. He says, no, but she grabs his phone. It’s a picture of Oscar with his arm around another girl, smiling. She asks Cameron to leave. He goes, and she touches the photo of her and Oscar.

Oscar sinks to the ground. His phone says, message received. He says, goodbye, Joss. I love you.

At the library, Josslyn sits alone and sad.

Julian tells Kim he doesn’t want to overstate, but he thinks he had a breakthrough with Oscar. No one is more surprised than he is. He’d always hoped Oscar might grow to like him – in fifteen or twenty years. Kim says that’s a sight she’d love to see.

Sonny says Margaux had breakfast with Drew? Carly says she’s pulling out all the stops. He remembers every crime Jason committed. Jason says, if he does, it’s not admissible, and he’s always been careful. Carly says it’s still a threat. Sonny says, if Margaux isn’t successful this way, she’ll just come at him a different way. Even if they find proof her father was dirty, which he was. Even if they can convince her, it’s no guarantee she’ll back off.

Drew tells Margaux that Peter was holding the flash drive when Obrecht carted him off. Either he’s lying, or he dropped it, and it’s gone. He can’t get it back. She says, it’s not gone. She has it. He should smack her.

Tomorrow, Curtis asks Nina what she expects to get from the meeting, Maxie tells Felicia someone is her friend, and Laura thinks not-Doc is trying to avoid her.

Below Deck

When we left, primary return guest, Steve, was refusing to wear a lifejacket, and acting like a half-drunk Tasmanian devil on the jet ski. What that dude needs is a straitjacket. And possibly AA.

Ross says they have to be stern. Captain Lee isn’t happy that he has to chase Steve down. Steve sidles up to the boat, and the captain tells him to put a jacket on. Steve says no, and the captain says he’ll have to take away the jet ski, like Steve is a petulant child. In his interview, Captain Lee says it’s hard to tell a charter guest they can’t do something, but it’s especially hard if it’s a friend. He’s pissed at the deck crew, who should have known the hazards, saying, it’s hard to have good time when you’re dead. He wants them to lock the jet skis up. He’s going to keep Steve safe whether he likes it or not. Steve finally comes back in. Chandler says there was a lapse on the deck department’s side, and it’s a shame the captain had to get involved. It’s uncomfortable having him come down, and undermines Chandler’s position.

Steve wanders into the galley, wondering where breakfast is. Chandler tells Captain Lee that they have the beach picnic planned for today. In his interview, Chandler knows the captain is pissed, and wants to make sure the picnic goes without a hitch. The captain tells him the water will probably be knee deep. Get as close as they can, and see what they have to work with. Steve demands breakfast, saying, it’s like noon. Kate tells him it’s 9:30. Adrian makes one of my all-time favorites Eggs Benedict, and his version looks amazing. Steve thinks so too, telling one of the guests to take a picture of this sh*t. A real gentleman, that Steve.

Chandler looks for someone help set up. Ross volunteers. Kate is also sending Josiah, giving him a list to check off. Chandler starts loading the tender. Adrian isn’t sure about the guests, but Caroline thinks it’s just the primary they have to worry about. Adrian thinks Caroline is crazy, but has her feet on the ground. Josiah thinks she can snap easy. We flash back to her getting annoyed at being shushed. She says she’s hyper-sensitive about being dismissed. Adrian wonders if it goes back to a childhood issue. In her interview, Caroline says her father was on the narcissist spectrum, and she had sh*t parents. Adrian says a lot of reactions can be traced back to childhood. In his interview, he thinks Caroline seems fragile. You have to put your emotions aside on charter, and sometimes it’s hard for sensitive people.

Ross says the anchor comes loose on the tender, because of the reef situation. They need someone to stay on the boat. Ross, Josiah, Ashton, and Chandler go ahead to set up. Rhylee is annoyed they’re not using her, since she’s used to heavy lifting. Steve loves the captain, but gripes that he’s all about safety. Steve screeches beeeeeeach! while wearing a flower crown over his hat. The captain watches the beach with binoculars, and Kate asks what’s going on. Chandler radios back that the location won’t work; the anchor could drag. In his interview, Chandler says safety is number one; then the guests’ happiness.

Kate has to bring the bad news to the guests. Steve has a graphic tuxedo shirt for Captain Lee to wear to dinner. The captain explains that the beach is too steep, so they can’t set up there, but Steve won’t listen. Kate tells him that they can set up a Polynesian picnic on the deck, but he won’t have it. He says he spent a lot of money, and promised his guests a fun time on the beach. This is an embarrassment. I guess refusing to wear a lifejacket like a five-year-old and riding a jet ski drunk isn’t embarrassing. The captain says he’s not embarrassing Steve – leaving out that Steve does that just fine on his own – he’s just keeping him safe. Steve says he can do what he wants; they were promised a fun time on the beach. He wants to get off the boat, and demands they make the picnic happen. Kate says she can’t manufacture a beach, and Steve says he’s ready to dive off the side of the boat.

Adrian is told to proceed with lunch think, and Kate has to explain again to Steve that the beach is too dangerous. She’s setting up the picnic on deck. Captain Lee tells Steve again that they can’t do it, since everything has to be repeated several times for this guy. In his interview, the captain says Steve will push the line with anyone to have a good time, but his patience is wearing so thin, it’s transparent. Steve decides he’s jumping off the bow, and asks who has champagne. The captain calls Chandler to the wheelhouse.

Caroline tells Steve that she knows he’s not totally happy, but is he content? The captain tells Chandler to jump in with Steve, and make sure he gets back okay. The table setting for the picnic is fabulous, and IMO better than the beach. Who wants sand in their food? Or other places. Steve and Chandler jump, and Steve yowls the whole way down. Then he won’t come back. Kate says, have a nice trip, and live your best life. Adrian has made a moonfish (a local offering) for the entrée. Steve continues to float around on his back, and Jen says he told her he’d meet her in Bora Bora. Steve finally gets back on the boat, and greets Jen as though they’d never met.

Kate gives Caroline instructions. Ashton hoses Steve off. Kate is thrilled with Josiah. Rhylee asks Chandler what’s up, and he gives her the schedule. She’s in the middle. He likes being the early person, and trusts Ross to be the late guy and do what needs to be done.

Steve says the great thing about yachting is drinking champagne in the bath. I think you can do that without spending $100K. Josiah tells Kate about Caroline seeming panicky; she had tears in her eyes. Caroline tells Chandler that she learned she comes off as someone who could snap, and she doesn’t like that.

At dinner, everyone wears variations on the graphic tuxedo shirt. Captain Lee tells us that he’s already said no enough times to Steve. If Steve wants him at dinner, his ass will be there. Adrian makes an off-color joke in the galley. Kate likes Adrian. He’s young, which explains his humor. It’s like when you know have good dog, but it’s still humping everyone’s legs. Dinner is served, and pronounced fabulous.

Ross and Rhylee talk in the crew mess. Ross likes Rhylee’s enthusiasm. She says it’s her first yacht job, and everyone else knows what they’re doing. She can do nothing but learn and pitch in wherever she’s needed. She doesn’t want Chandler to forget she’s there. In Alaska, she’s a captain, and can learn fast by being shown once. Chandler pops out, wanting them to hold it down, since he’s a light sleeper. In his interview, Ross sees where Rhylee is coming from.

Adrian says his flavors are all about balance. He’s makes it up as he goes along, and it comes together in the presentation. Tonight, is New Zealand lamb. Steve says his low carb diet is out the window. He wants to get in the jacuzzi after dinner, and supposes the captain won’t be joining him. Captain Lee says, nope. In his interview, the captain says he expected a sh*t show at dinner, but the Steve he knows and loves is back. There’s foam something in the dessert in honor of the foam man. Steve hugs Captain Lee, who says it’s good to have him on board.

Steve is ready for jacuzziing. Jen doesn’t not want to go in, and neither does anyone else. They go back to their cabins. Steve insists Jen being them back out, but she refuses. Kate wonders what Uncle Steve would be without a surprise. Steve dumps a container of liquid soap into the jacuzzi, since the last time, he had a foam disappointment. We flash back to that. The bubbles start to churn. I know exactly what happens when you do this, since I tried it myself by putting bubble bath in a hotel room jacuzzi while on vacation. It was like a Lucy and Ethel moment where I thought I wasn’t going to be able to stop them, and had visions of bubbles filling the hallway. Josiah asks where the bubbles are coming from. Steve yells, I love foam! Josiah can’t allow this. Ross is on anchor watch, and gets out while he can. The stews hide downstairs, and the foam goes over the edge of the jacuzzi and everywhere. Steve is lost in the bubbles, and cries that he wants Kate in there. He tosses bubbles around, demanding Kate. He says if no one wants to join his foam party, screw them all.

Caroline says she’s letting sh*t go, even though she was disrespected. She and Josiah have a good thing going, and she doesn’t want to throw it away. Steve bugs the captain in the wheelhouse. Chandler tells the captain the anchor is leading under the bow, and to thrust to port. Captain Lee wonders how that’s possible, since the anchor seems to be going in the other direction. Chandler says is bad. The captain says the guys are screwing up, and Steve says even he knows that sh*t. The captain wants the bridge cleared, saying Ross gives better directions than Chandler on anchor. Ross thinks Chandler needs relax and keep it simple.

The captain tells Chandler that he prefers hand signals. There’s no chance to mentally screw up. Breakfast is a cavalcade of delicious seafood in a quiche, combined with poached egg. Chandler thinks docking is stressful, and Rhylee’s questions give him a headache. In her interview, she says if she asks during this charter, she doesn’t have to ask on the next one. Caroline tells Josiah that she’s happy to work with him, and doesn’t want him to think she’s ungrateful. In his interview, Josiah thinks she’s too sensitive, and just has to move on. As Yoda would say, with this one, I see problems ahead.

The crew gets on their whites. Steve says, another year has come and gone. Does he think he’s been on the boat for a year? Chandler says it’s a new boat with a new crew, and he’s nervous to dock. He hopes it goes well. The water is so blue, I get hypnotized. It’s time to tell Steve goodbye. His friends all seem normal. Steve says the food was fantastic, he had a foam party of one, and they made the jet ski happen. He gives the captain a cloth bag with the tip inside, because he didn’t want to use a ratty envelope. In his interview, Captain Lee says charter guests can be a pita when they’re d-bags, but Steve isn’t malicious. He hopes Steve never grows up. It kind of surprises me that they’re friends.

Tip time! I hope it’s a good one. What a hassle that guy is. Captain Lee says it was a difficult first charter, but they did a good job. He commends Adrian, says the interior team was flawless, and Ashton wore a diaper. We flash back to Steve screaming when he saw Ashton as Cupid.  The captain says some people on deck are trying too hard not to make a mistake, but Ross was outstanding. The tip is $15K – $1250 each – disappointing all of us. Josiah says they put a grown man in a diaper and that’s all they get? The captain tells them that they can leave the boat tonight, but remember the rules; don’t embarrass themselves or the boat. Chandler, the bummer of all time, tells them to remember they still have to work tomorrow.

Caroline pops the leftover balloons. Rhylee explains that she and her ex-fiancé got tattoos of each other’s Instagram names. With her in Alaska and him in Florida, it was too difficult on the relationship, but she doesn’t regret the tattoo. Caroline and Josiah talk, and Josiah thinks she should date Chandler. I hope he’s joking. She asks if Josiah likes boys, girls, or both. He says he likes guys, but he’s from an old school village, where everyone kept saying he doesn’t look gay. They wonder what gay is supposed to look like. In his interview, Josiah says every person is different. His family is very loving and kind, and he wasn’t scared to tell them, but he doesn’t think you should necessarily come out. Just live your best life and be who you are.

The crew gets ready to go out. Rhylee isn’t wearing a bra under her slip dress, and the deckhands act like fourteen-year-olds. Kate wonders why Rhylee is naked. She doesn’t know what look Rhylee is going for, but doesn’t think it’s legal. They head for shore to the Pink Coconut for dinner, and start with weird cocktails. Kate asks Ashton how he got started in his career, and he says he was a dancer and came across someone looking for a butler. He explains that his dancing was always tasteful. Adrian asks Rhylee if she’s ever had Vegemite, and she says she’s had Spam. In case you don’t know, those are two totally different things, the former being a sandwich spread and the other being fake meat.

In his interview, Ashton says it’s a boat full of single people, and no one is getting any. They’re definitely thirsty. They move on to a club, drink some more, and turn it up on the dance floor. Ashton flirts, and feels like child in a candy store. Someone asks if he’s gay. Chandler says they’re starting work at 8 am at the latest. He likes to have fun (I doubt it), but their choices reflect his leadership. Ashton and Rhylee dance with each other. Chandler wants to back, but the others want to stay and drink. He tells Ashton that everyone is going back, but Ashton says he’s staying. Caroline tries to get him to go, but he says they just started having good time. Chandler says they came as a team, and they’re leaving as a team. Caroline tells Kate it’s bullsh*t.

Ashton finally agrees to leave. Kate says just because he wants to show off his male stripper moves, doesn’t mean they all want stay up and watch. Chandler says he wanted to leave an hour ago, and decides they’ll start at 6 am, just to piss everyone off. Rhylee asks for what valid reason is he doing this? and he tells her for Ashton’s actions. The two limos head back to the boat.

Josiah and Adrian go to their happy place, while Adrian ohms. Rhylee tells Chandler that she’s talking to him as a person, and he’s going to piss everyone off. In her interview, she says he told her that he’s not her boss off the boat, and can’t treat her like a complete savage. He asks her to stop talking, and she asks if he’s speaking as a boss or a person, and he says both. He jets out of the limo. Ashton suggests they all go back. Rhylee tells Ross she’ll be to blame, and the whole team pays for it. Ross understands, but thinks Ashton was out of line. On the boat, Chandler says he heard Rhylee complaining in the van, but it’s one way; his way. She asks if he’s effing kidding her. Ross says he’ll sort it out, and asks her to leave.

Rhylee goes to the galley to get desert, saying she got kicked out of Chandler’s room. Chandler tells Ross, once is fine, two, you’ve effed up. Kate and Josiah listen from the stairs. Rhylee tells Adrian that Chandler is a d*ck. Ross asks Chandler to be lenient, and if he’s disrespected again, follow through. Chandler says, too bad, see you at six. Rhylee thanks Ross for trying, saying Chandler had told her to speak freely. In her interview, Kate says, a green yachtie being sassy to a bosun; she’s not sure how this is going to work out for Rhylee. Chandler sticks his big nose into the conversation, and Rhylee says he told her to speak freely, and stormed out of van because he got upset at how it went down. Chandler says she disrespected him, and straight up lost her sh*t. Rhylee says she did what he asked her to do. Sorry to speak while he’s interrupting. In his interview, Chandler says he’s never dealt with this kind of disrespect, and he’s not having it.

Next time, Caroline freaks out, seriously bad weather, and Ross goes to the captain about Rhylee.

Star

Carlotta gave a TV interview, and said music was in her blood. She just signed a major deal with the Karma nightclub, and is going to have a weekly live stream. It will be a game changer. Mateo said it was all on her.

Simone saw Mateo getting busy with the same reporter who interviewed Carlotta. After backing away from the scene, Simone ran into Mateo’s wife, who said Simone had convinced them. She was going to star in the movie with Noah.

Bobby tried giving Noah advice, but Noah wasn’t too keen on taking it from someone sleeping on his couch. Noah finally threw money at him, saying he wasn’t good enough for Bobby when he had nothing. He told Bobby to get out.

Cassie swore no more street hustle or blood on her hands. She was all about the club. Carlotta was surprised to find out Cassie owned the club, and said she had no experience or track record. Cassie wanted Noah working for her, but Carlotta said Cassie wasn’t going to win this war.

Alex brought Bianca’s (the fan who died in the plane crash) sister, Olivia, to visit her. Olivia was thrilled to be in Alex’s presence and see the glamorous life. Alex told Olivia about her guilt, and being brought out of the plane before Bianca was. Olivia asked if bringing her there made Alex feel better. Her sister was dead because of Alex.

Carlotta gave Andy an envelope of money, and told him to stay gone. He told her that he was sorry, but she said that wasn’t going to change anything. Just stay safe. Jahil appeared – he’s growing a beard in the afterlife – and Carlotta told him that Andy feels guilty. She had to deal with the Cassie mess, and knew someone was bankrolling her. Jahil asked what she wanted in return. Noah wanted to pull out of their deal, and Mateo told Carlotta, just make sure the club event was a success.

Star’s baby started to kick, and Star told Simone that she was going to give her kid what they didn’t have. She was thinking of looking for Brody. He messed up, but they’re grown now. Simone said they needed to find his ass then.

Ruby was feeling the aftereffects of the rape. She told Derek, when she closed her eyes, all she could see was his face, and him holding the gun to her head. She said, he had a brand.

Mateo gave Noah a new, flashy sportscar, along with a new contract. Noah told Mateo that Carlotta promised him creative control over his third album. Mateo said they’d discuss later. Bobby asked if tap shoes came with the contract.

Carlotta met up with Cassie’s businessman bankroller, Xander. She told him that he couldn’t play her like her sister. If she found out his money was dirty, she’d call the cops so fast, he’d think she was a white woman.

There was a birthday party for Jaden at the salon, and Cassie showed up with a gift. Cotton told Carlotta that she wanted Cassie in her life. I love the scenes in the salon. It always seems so real. Carlotta told Cassie that Xander was going to want something in return. He was going to drag her ass from the sewer to the gutter. Carlotta wanted Cassie to drag her ass out of her life. Cassie accused Carlotta of fornicating with a pastor, and Carlotta called Cassie a bottom feeder.

Alex visited Olivia, and heard her singing hears her singing. She told Olivia she could write or produce a song for her.

Maurice told Noah that if he signed with him, he would be king. Noah said he was already king of Gravity Records. Maurice said he just wanted to make sure Noah’s voice is heard. He needed his own empire; to create his own sound. Carlotta suggested next time come with a proven track record. She thought Noah should stick with her.

Cassie thought about what Carlotta said, and broke into a song.

Mateo told Carlotta every investor would be watching. Carlotta says she didn’t write checks she couldn’t cash. Just before Take 3 was about to perform, Star got a phone call about Brody, and took off like a rocket, Simone along with her. Bobby came to Noah, and told him Black men had it hard enough; they couldn’t be perceived as weak. Being a gay Black man was even harder. He was was wrong to leave. He’d seen Noah’s Dance with My Father performance. He tells Noah that Paul died. He lost Paul, but had promised him that he’d find Noah, and make it right. It took his whole life to figure it out who he was. Noah came out of his momma marching to his own beat. Whatever he does in this world, it ain’t about the fame; it’s about the freedom.

Cassie introduced Noah in a silver jumpsuit that not many could pull off. Noah sang Papa Was a Rolling Stone, and it was superb. While Noah sang, Star’s investigator told her that he checked the jails and the John Doe’s. It looks like electrocution. Star identified Brody’s body, and received his personal effects. She took out his wedding ring.

Take 3 was late, and Miss Bruce said his blood pressure was up because of this Mexican harassing him, referring to Mateo. Alex wondered what was going on, and Simone returned, telling her Brody was dead. Star remembered her last conversation with him, where he told her not come after him, and that he loves her always. She had to leave the stage, and told Jackson to get her out. Simone told Mateo life was short, and his wife is her good friend. She saw him with the reporter. Mateo made some excuses, but I don’t think his wife cared a whole lot. Olivia brought Alex a framed picture of Bianca. Alex introduced Derek, and I thought Olivia’s hand lingered a little too long on his arm. Derek saw a guy with a brand, but then couldn’t find him in the crowd.

Noah told Carlotta he wanted independence, and he was going with Cassie. Cassie said she was winning, and there wasn’t a damn thing Carlotta could do about it, bitch. Carlotta thumped the hell out of Cassie right at the club bar, and there was hair wig and weave pulling, and rolling around on the floor. A wigless Carlotta threatened to kill Cassie.

Carlotta said it was the biggest night of her life, and she lost Noah. She told Cotton that Cassie had gone too far. She didn’t now who Cassie was or what she’s capable of. Cotton wanted to know what was going on, but Carlotta wouldn’t say.

Alex put the framed photo on a dresser, and we saw a light blinking on the back of it. I knew there was something up with that frame.

Star told Jackson that she felt stupid. She couldn’t put things back together. He said he knew what she needed, and danced for her.

Xander met with Cassie, and said he was proud of her. He wanted her to him a favor. Run some money through the club. Cassie protested, saying she was going legit, and he said she would. Just one favor. She said, that’s always how it starts. After Xander left, a guy with a brand dragged Andy in to Cassie. She asked if Andy missed her, and kissed duct tape on his mouth. Ruh-roh.

Next time, Derek is concerned about Olivia, Mateo tells Carlotta that she’d better get it done, and Carlotta walks a road alone.

💈 Tonight’s hair win went to Star for a Bridget Bardot bouffant, blonde, and updated with dark roots. Star got second place as well, with long, loose retro curls, half piled on her head, the rest cascading down. Alex gets a fashion mention with a white long-sleeved button-down shirt. Similar in style to a man’s button-down, but the sleeves had slits and no cuffs. Kind of like angel wings.

⚓ I’ve been watching the Below Deck reruns that Bravo has been airing in the wee hours, and caught the one where chief stew of the Honor, Adrienne, ended up being a guest for a day when she rode the coattails of some other guests. You could see Adrienne eyeballing Kate the whole time, and yes, Adrienne, Kate is so much cooler than you can ever hope to be. Adrienne was the worst, both as a chief stew and a guest.

🐎 Because of the pesky need for sleep, The Real Housewives of Dallas still needs editing, and will be in tomorrow’s post.

🎤 Bohemian Rhapsody, a biopic of Queen, opens November 2, and looks impressive. I saw Queen twice at Madison Square Garden back in the day. Freddy Mercury had such a big presence, I didn’t even mind the seats in mountain goat territory.

😨 Scary Below Deck Entrée… 

Behold, the moonfish…

🎶 Enjoy…