What I Watched Today
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Marcus tells Sonny that he has nothing to say to him. Sonny says they both just want what’s best for Yvonne and Mike. They can’t make decisions for themselves anymore.
Mike wants to go to Turning Woods, but Stella warns him things might be different. He asks if she’s referring to the guy who says he’s Yvonne’s husband. He wants to take her away, but Sonny left to stop him. Mike wonders, what if he’s too late?
Curtis meets Jordan at the station. She thanks him for coming. He asks if she has any new leads on the murder, and she says, murders, plural. He’s always been her favorite person to bounce ideas off of. He tells her, they make a good team. She says there are three victims. The only thing they have in common is the killer. She needs a breakthrough.
Maxie and Nina arrive for the self-defense class Chase is teaching. Elizabeth walks in, and wonders if it will be just the three of them. Under her breath, Nina mutters that she hopes not. Willow comes in.
A town hall meeting is being held at Charlie’s. Laura thanks Julian for hosting. He says any exposure is never a bad thing. Maybe he’ll gain new customers. Lulu says maybe they’ll gain new voters. She wonders if the serial killer might deter people from coming, but Laura says, there’s comfort in being together; there’s strength in numbers. Not-Doc arrives, and says, absolutely. The killer doesn’t stand a chance. Lulu tells him if he came to make a scene, turn around now. He tells her, stand down. He was just getting coffee, and then he’ll leave. Laura says, that’s not necessary. He’s a member of the community, and always welcome. Ned tells Laura, bring it on. She says she plans to.
Julian sets up a podium, and introduces himself. He’s proud to host the meeting, and reminds them the election is just one day away. He turns the meeting over to Lulu. Lulu says she’s Laura’s daughter, and also her biggest supporter, but she’s not incapable of being fair and unbiased. She’ll try her hardest to be both. Ned tells everyone that he and Laura agreed. As long as Lulu doesn’t cut him off or mute his mic, they’ll be okay. Laura points out that he doesn’t have a mic. Lulu asks for questions.
A woman named Wendy gets up. She says she lives downtown, and asks what the candidates will do to bring more diversity among the staff appointees. As the current mayor, Ned goes first.
Chase says they’ll be getting started in a few minutes, and tells Willow it’s good to see her. Nina introduces Maxie to her as Charlotte’s teacher. Willow and Maxie talk about leggings. Elizabeth asks if Willow has done this before. She says, no, but thought it was time. Nina pulls Maxie aside, and asks why she’s being nice to Willow. Maxie says, why not? Lulu says she’s great. Nina says, of course she would, and walks away. Maxie wonders what she missed.
Curtis looks at the bulletin board Jordan has set up, and says she’s been busy. Jordan says the first order of business is to squash panic. Curtis says, easier said than done. She says Chase is teaching self-defense classes, the FBI has given them their full resources, and the state police have stepped up their presence. Curtis says she has everything under control, and she says, everything except a suspect. Where to begin? Curtis says, if Doc is right, it begins with them.
Stella tells Mike, whatever his experience with Marcus is, he’s a decent, loving man. Mike would be more inclined to believe that if Marcus wasn’t keeping him and Yvonne apart. They’re not children. They know what they need, and what they need most is each other. Stella says, it’s a blessing to find someone who makes you happy, no matter how late in life. Mike says the real blessing is that he makes her happy. Why can’t Marcus see that?
Marcus says it’s different for Sonny. He brings his father for the day, and takes him home. He sees Yvonne during visiting hours, and might as well be a stranger. Sonny says he’s sorry, but Marcus isn’t asking for pity. In sickness or in health is what they vowed, but he didn’t promise to give her a Christmas present from a man she’s only known a few months. Sonny says Stella calls them coping partners. They help each other in ways the two of them can’t. He didn’t want his father there. He wanted him home, but Mike insisted. Marcus asks, why? Sonny thinks Mike felt it was the next step, and he was afraid to take it until he met Yvonne. Then the place became okay. He believes Mike is helping Yvonne too. Marcus says, for the last few weeks. They’ve been married thirty years. This is just a blip; short term. Sonny says, being honest, short term is all they have.
Sonny tells Marcus, this disease is son of a bitch. He used to hold his breath when he’s see his dad, wondering if Mike would recognize him. Marcus says it’s hard the first time they don’t, and Sonny says he’ll never forget it. He suggests Marcus not have expectations. One day his father knows him, the next day he doesn’t. Marcus asks how Sonny let go. Yvonne walks in, wondering where Mike is. Marcus tells her that Stella is looking out for him. She asks who Marcus is, and he says he’s her husband. She says she doesn’t have one. He tells her it’s okay if she doesn’t remember; he does. Where they met, how they fell in love and married. Sonny slips out, and Yvonne demands Mike.
Mike asks Stella if she’s ever felt really needed by someone. Stella would like to think her nephews needed her, and there are the people she helps with her social work. Mike means someone special who really loves you romantically, and you love them back. Stella thought she did, a long time ago. He asks, what happened? and she says, hasn’t she told him? He says, if she did, it doesn’t a ring bell. Not much does lately. She tells him, life happened. She made a choice, and before she knew it, that part of life passed her by and it was too late.
Willow asks Elizabeth how Aiden is doing. Nina says, Charlotte is doing great; thanks for asking. Elizabeth says, she’s not the one who was being bullied. Nina says, Charlotte apologized, and Elizabeth says they appreciate it. Nina says it could have been nipped in the bud early on, but Elizabeth thinks it’s not the teaching, but the parenting, and she’s not blaming Lulu. Nina says that leaves her and Valentin. Maxie encourages Chase to start the class, and he tells them, time to focus – on the class. Chase says they’re here to defend their safety, and that of their loved ones. He can’t discuss the ongoing case, so the best they can do is put everything aside and get going. Maxie is the only one who’s enthusiastic.
Jordan wonders if someone is trying to impress them. Curtis says, like a cat leaving a dead mouse and expecting a reward. She says they’ve been in attendance at all the events, but Curtis says, not just them. He wants to make a list, but Jordan is ahead of him. He looks at her list, and says one name jumps out. Jordan says, Laura. She was in all three places. Curtis says, clearly, she’s not the murderer. Jordan suggests the killer knows her. Curtis says, or she knows them and doesn’t realize it.
Ned says his staff isn’t the most diverse. They’re mostly white males, but not by design. They’re pivotal economic players he’s worked with for years and trusts implicitly. And his trust isn’t misplaced. They brought the city back, and it’s thriving. Laura says it’s true they did a fabulous job, and stepped up in wake of the earthquake, but it’s a closed circle. The problem is, they only work with the people they know. She wants to widen the circle, and if elected, will bring in people from different backgrounds.
Chase tells the group to always carry flashlight. Nina and Elizabeth bicker. Nina accuses Elizabeth of coddling her son. Chase gets louder, trying to talk over them. Willow tells Nina that she doesn’t think that’s what’s going on, and Nina says it could have been avoided. Chase asks for volunteers, but no one gets up. He asks Willow to help demonstrate the bear hug, and how get out of it. She thanks him, since she was about to tell a mother where to shove her opinion.
Sonny returns, and Mike asks if he told Marcus not to take Yvonne. Stella asks Mike to get their coats. Sonny tells her that he talked to Marcus, but he doesn’t know how much luck he had. Yvonne showed up, and asked for his dad. He’s concerned about taking Mike back, and Yvonne not being there. Stella thinks the sooner he gets there, the sooner he can make new friends.
Jordan says, Alexis, Lulu, Chase, and Curtis says, a lawyer, a journalist, and a cop. Jordan says the killer likes to make a display in the most public manner. Curtis says, the deeper they dig, the less he’s thinking it’s about the two of them. Jordan agrees, and says the only thing in common is the missing driver’s licenses. There’s one other thing though. More specifically, one other person – Ryan Chamberlain.
At the meeting, Daryl gets up. He lives in the Charles Street district. He asks if Ned thinks his background as a businessman is a positive or a negative. Like Ned might say, negative. Ned thinks economics drive everything. New business raises the standard of living and property values. If they don’t have businesses, nothing else works. Lulu asks if Laura wants to add anything. Laura admires Ned as a businessman, but says government can’t be run like a business. It’s not for profit. It should be people coming together to decide how to best serve the public’s needs. Money is a factor, but not everything. Nor should it be. Everyone applauds. Not-Doc raises his hand, saying he has more of a statement than a question. He thinks it’s high time he made his intentions known.
Nina says the class is about owning their power, not worrying about if what might have been said is hurtful. Elizabeth says it is hurtful, and Maxie wonders how they expect their kids to get along if they can’t. Nina says she’s teaching Charlotte not to hold herself back. Elizabeth says she can do what she wants, but not with her son. Chase calls up Nina, who tells him, so far, it’s been very informative.
Not-Doc says it’s no secret his marriage is ending, but he has nothing but boundless respect and admiration for Laura. She gives selflessly to both her family and community. Ned is a fine man, but when it comes to the future of their city, it will be his honor to vote for Laura. He hopes they all do the same. Laura says it’s a lovely gesture, and she’d like to return it. If elected, she’ll become an advocate for mental health. She’s already made a tour of Ferncliff, and will do more. What’s the point of an influential position, if you can’t throw the spotlight on conditions that need it? She wants to be visible, and use her visibility for good.
Jordan tells Curtis the third victim was making a documentary about Ryan. He wonders if it’s a copycat, and she says anything is possible. She reminds him of another case they worked on, where all signs pointed to a mugging, but it turned out to be an insurance situation. Red herrings everywhere. She thinks it might be the same, where it seems to be one thing, but it’s another. She gets a call from forensics, and tells Curtis there hasn’t been a single trace of the documentary found. Curtis says they’re trying to remove any mention of Ryan. They’re not trying to repeat the murders, but top them. The killer is competing with a ghost. Jordan has all the Ryan Chamberlain files, and says, it’s time to bring the ghost back to life.
At Turning Woods, Mike can’t wait see his girl, but Sonny says it might not be possible. Yvonne and Marcus walk in. Mike guesses they should say their goodbyes, but Marcus says, no goodbyes. Mike wonders about the luggage, and Marcus says he was set to take her home, but spoke to Mike’s son. Or rather Mike’s son spoke to him. He said, when you love someone, you do the far better thing. Yvonne isn’t leaving. Sonny smiles. Marcus, not so much.
Mike gives Stella her gift, a big soft scarf. Marcus tells Stella that he wishes she’d known Yvonne before the Alzheimer’s. She would have loved her. Stella knows she would have; Marcus married her. She must have been an incredible woman. He says he used to see glimpses. The doctor warned him that he would lose her, but it’s one thing to hear it, and another to live it. Well-meaning people with well-meaning advice aren’t worth a damn. Mike tells Stella, it’s for cold winter nights, and puts the scarf on her. He tells her, Merry Christmas, and they hug.
Curtis tells Jordan it might be easier to resurrect a ghost than pour through the records. She knows there’s a link. Something in there links to that terrible bastard. She says, wait, and he asks what she found. She says it’s what she didn’t find.
Chase shows Maxie how to shake him, and strike palm to nose. He tells them practice with partners. Maxie tells him she needs to get back to the others before they start pulling hair. Chase laughs, and she tells him, it’s not funny. She might have to consider homeschooling. He shows her another move. He tells the class, it’s one thing be prepared, but if you’re not scared, you’re not paying attention. That doesn’t mean they’re a victim though. Make it nasty. Focus on eyes, ears, knees. Nina says, and the family jewels. Chase asks, who wants go first? This time, it’s everyone.
Lulu thanks everyone, and the meeting breaks up. Ned tells Laura, may the best man or woman win. Lulu says she was awesome; she had them eating out of her hand. She’s proud. Laura thanks not-Doc for the endorsement, and he says he meant every word. She says, so did she. If elected, Ferncliff, and every place like it, is on her list. Lulu has to get back to the office, and Laura needs to meet Sonny at the gym. Not-Doc watches them leave, and follows.
Chase says that’s all the time they have. Maxie asks if they’re seriously ready to kick predator ass, and he tells her that he wouldn’t mess with any of them. He tells the class, same place same time next week. Maxie tells Nina that she needs to keep as far away from Elizabeth as possible. Nina replies that Elizabeth said she has no restraint. Maxie says she doesn’t. Willow tells Chase, it was empowering; she enjoyed it. Chase asks if they could maybe go on real date soon, and she says, how about now? After all that drama, she could use a drink. He says, there was drama?
Marcus tells Stella that he owes her an apology. She asks, what for? and he says when she tried to intercede for Yvonne, he lashed out. He’s said she gave up the right to an opinion on his life a long time ago. She says, it’s true, but he says he wanted her to hurt the way he was hurting. It was unfair. She says, none of this is fair. She knows he was doing what he thought best. He says Stella always does, but part of him will always wonder what would have happened if he’s taken Yvonne home.
Mike introduces Sonny to Yvonne. She loves his dimples, and Mike says, everybody does. Sonny tells Yvonne that his father thinks the world of her. Yvonne says, the world is a big place, but Mike says, not really. If you’re lucky, you can hold her in the palm of your hand.
Jordan asks what’s missing from Ryan’s victim? and Curtis says, no driver’s license. Is it something he did? She says it’s not listed in any files, and he says, it could be a coincidence. They keep looking. Jordan says, no license… no license. Curtis says, nothing here either. Twenty-five years ago, Ryan took a trophy. Jordan asks, how did the killer know if the police didn’t?
Laura goes to the gym looking for Sonny. Not-Doc is in the shadows. He walks up behind her while she’s busy on her phone.
In loving memory of Donna Messina, 1959 – 2018.
On Monday, Julian says he and Kim agree the relationship is over, not-Doc says there’s been something he’s been wanting to say to Laura, and Jason is more interested in Shiloh’s life before he was Shiloh.
🎨 In Case You Didn’t Know Her…
Donna Messina, makeup artist to the GH stars.
https://www.abc.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital-stars-remember-donna-messina-168796
🎢 Something Fun…
Imagine my surprise seeing Jennifer Coolidge from 2 Broke Girls in Ariana Grande‘s blooper reel. I said, whaaat? with a Polish accent. What’s Kris Jenner doing there? Your guess is as good as mine.
💍 But Did She Give Back the Ring?
Finally, after two years, GG is divorced. From a seven-week marriage.
😪 Still Mourning Z Nation, But…
I love any show that Gordon Ramsay bleepity-bleeps his way through, and I was finally able to catch the latest – eighteenth! – season of Hell’s Kitchen. Keeping it fresh, this time, it was Rookies vs Veterans. Tonight, the restaurant was transformed by Italian décor, and a five-course Italian menu was served in honor of the supporters of St. Jude and the Waterkeeper Alliance. Before the dinner, the red (dudes) and blue (dudettes) teams did a blindfold taste-test. A chef from each team was given a tiny ice cream cone, and had to guess the ice cream flavor – everything from tomato to jalapeno. The ladies won by a landslide, but the best part was, when an incorrect guess was made, a member of that team had to be pelted with spaghetti, doused with sauce, or have cheese grated over them. The reactions went from merriment to horror to anger. There were several actors at the dinner. No one super famous – Chad Lowe was probably the most recognizable name – but I noticed Parker Young from The Imposters, another show I loved and lost. The red team just did not do well overall, and at one point, Gordon had to take over in the kitchen. As one contestant said, When Chef Ramsay has to cook for you, you know you screwed up. At the end of service, he told the red team to piss off. Jose got sent home, with tears in his eyes, and Gordon got to tell the remaining red team members to piss off a second time at elimination.
🐀 If, like me, you can’t get enough Gordon, 24 Hours to Hell and Back will be on Wednesday, January 9th, at 8 pm. In the preview, we saw someone in the kitchen taste the food, and then spit it back into the pot. I don’t know if it gets much nastier.
📣 Roll Call of the Dead…
The celebrities that we lost (how careless of us) in 2018. I’m sure there are more than this, but it’s a good list.
http://extratv.com/photos/stars-we-lost-in-2018/
🎤 Quotes of the Week
If you took a bad James Bond felon, and had him drunk on fireball, and then had him played by an emaciated Muppet, that would be less annoying than James Kennedy. – Stassi Shroeder, Vanderpump Rules
If you know something’s that bad, don’t put it on a plate. – Tom Colicchio, Top Chef
Don’t go into tributaries. – Judge Judy, to litigant trying to change the focus
God has mercy. I don’t. – Padre Benito (Cheech Marin), Machete
The purpose of studying economics is… to avoid being deceived by economists. – Joan Robinson
I told him go on and live your life however you want to live it, but don’t bring down somebody’s else’s life. – Lena McLin, R. Kelly’s high school music teacher – words to live by. Too bad Kelly couldn’t.
🎯 What Happens When You Google First Weekend 2019…
What I Watched - TV With Theresa 