(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Sonny and Carly are bound and gagged with duct tape. Not-Doc takes the tape off of Carly’s mouth. She asks if Sonny is okay. Not-Doc moves around to Sonny, and Carly says, don’t touch him. He tells her to be nice, or Sonny will be the first one on the chopping block, and she’ll get to watch. Ava comes in, and not-Doc says, darling, you’re early. Carly tells her, call 911;he’s crazy. Not-Doc says, hush, and puts the tape back on her mouth. Ava sees a rolled up cloth, and asks, what is this? He says it’s his gift to her, and unrolls it, revealing knives. She asks what she’s supposed to do with these, and he says, whatever her heart desires. She runs her hand across them, and he nods. She takes one out, and moves toward Carly, asking, how about a facelift? Not-Doc asks if she likes her present. She says she loves it. How did he know? He says they’re kindred spirits. Happy Valentine’s Day, my love.
Not-Doc sits in his office, and Ava asks where was he just now? He looked positively blissful. He says he was thinking about her and making all her dreams come true.
Curtis puts a necklace on Jordan, asking her to be his Valentine. She loves it, but hopes he didn’t go into debt. He says, business is booming. She seems less than thrilled about Franco being in custody, and he asks if she thinks she has the wrong guy.
Drew tells Franco and Elizabeth, wait for the honeymoon. Franco says they’ll have to wait for a conjugal visit, but she says it’s not close to being over. The police have plenty of time to realize he’s not guilty.
Laura tells Lulu it’s not too late to change her mind, but she says she’s not spending another night in the hospital. She’ll heal faster at home. Laura wants a police guard at Lulu’s house, and Lulu asks, why?The killer was caught, andFranco will get what’s coming to him for killing Kiki, Mary Pat, and Peyton. And for what he tried to do to her.
Maxie tells Peter that she can’t believe Valentin. Romancing Nina, and getting her to marry him, while harboring a deep, dark secret. She snaps her chopstick in half, and Peter puts his hand to his eye. He tells her that he got a crumb in his eyeball.
Sonny asks if Carly is sure she’s pregnant. She says she took a test. He tells her that he doesn’t want to hurt her feelings, but it has to be a mistake.
Lulu tells Laura that they’re all safe, now that Franco is locked up. Laura agrees, but wants a guard just until Franco is arraigned and locked up in Pentonville. Lulu asks if she isn’t being overprotective. Laura says Lulu collapsed in her arms, covered in blood. She can’t leave Lulu unprotected. Spencer walks in, and tells them, who says she’s unprotected?Never fear; Spencer is here.
Maxie calls for some water. Nina looks over to see what’s going on, but Valentin says it looks like it’s being handled. He’d rather spend the time planning their wedding. Nina thinks there’s something to be said for long engagements. Maxie tells Peter that they should go to the ER, but he says it’s not necessary. She says, it’s all Valentin’s fault. Peter says to give her peace of mind, they need more facts. Maxie admits they don’t know anything, but the only reason Valentin would go out on a limb for Obrecht, is if she has leverage. The only two things she could be using are Charlotte or Nina, but Maxie doesn’t think Obrecht would use a small child. That leaves an adult child. The secret is about Sasha.
Obrecht sings karaoke at The Floating Rib. Griff sits at the bar. Sasha walks in.
Curtis tells Jordan that she’ll have to prove it, one way or the other. First to herself; then to the court. He suggests they go over the plan, and she says she already told him. She’s throwing the book at Franco. The arrest doesn’t sit well with her, and Curtis tells her to use him as a sounding board. She says her plan isn’t exactly on the up and up, and carries certain risks.
Not-Doc tells Ava, the only regret he has, is living a provincial life with conventional women. He needed a woman who does things her own way. Ava says that’s her, but she’s done time for that. He says he’s also been in a prison – of his own making, constrained by the expectations of others and himself. She freed him, and accepted who he is. With her at his side, he can do anything. She feels the same way. He can never repay her, but he’ll do his best, starting today. It’s their first Valentine’s Day. What does she want most. He’ll get it for her, no matter what it costs.
Carly tells Sonny the tests are 99% accurate. She took two to make sure, and it was a plus sign both times. Sonny thought she was on the pill, but she says, no. She thought she was past the age of getting pregnant. Clearly, she was wrong. She thought she was late because of her age. Sonny asks if she’s sure that’s not it. She says, it’s not a mistake; she’s pregnant. He asks what she’s going to do, and she says she was hoping they could figure that out together. He asks when she thinks it happened, and she says the surprise New Year’s Eve trip to the city; she’s about six weeks. Another kid never crossed his mind, and she says her neither. He asks if she’s seen a doctor, but she says she just found out. He wonders how safe it is for her to have a baby, and she says there are some risks. He says, how bad? When she was pregnant with Josslyn, there was a 50/50 chance of her having a stroke. She says, it was a while ago; maybe the odds have improved. He says, if they haven’t, she’s not going through with it. She asks if he doesn’t want a baby, and he says he doesn’t want her to have a stroke and die.
Curtis says Jordan didn’t tell him the plan was dangerous. She says it’s their best chance of flushing out the killer. If Franco is exonerated, it could expose the real killer. She wants to confuse them, making them think Franco is taking the fall. Curtis gets a text, and says he has to get back to the hospital. Lulu might need him. Jordan says she needs more than a hunch, and is going to put the plan into action. Curtis asks, where? and she says, the source.
Elizabeth says she won’t stand by while the police blame her husband for a crime he didn’t commit. He tells her not to engage Lulu. He thinks she really believes he attacked her. Drew says maybe the trauma confused her memory, and when she’s better, she’ll realize. Elizabeth says, maybe isn’t good enough. When the news of the wedding gets out, there’s going to be a reaction. Franco says he won’t talk, Drew won’t, and he’s pretty sure Cliff won’t. Elizabeth says, she will.
Lulu wonders if Spencer shouldn’t be in school, but he says he’s on holiday. She says he’s always on holiday, but he tells her he can’t help how the French do things. He thought it would be a welcome change to their dreary lives, and if he was constricted by rules, they wouldn’t be together, and they’d spend Valentine’s Day falling asleep on the couch, wondering what went wrong.
Ava tells not-Doc what she wants most, she’ll never have. She wants to make things right with Kiki. She wants never to have pushed her away or hurt her, and never have lost her. He says he’ll ease her grief. She’ll be happy again, he promises. It’s a promise he’s not afraid to make, and would die to keep. She says she loves him, and they kiss.
Sonny says Carly has to think about everybody who needs her. Josslyn’s boyfriend is going to die. She doesn’t need this. Jax would take her, but what happens to Avery? The only mother figure she’ll have is that bitch. Carly asks, what if the odds are better? Sonny says they’ll talk to the doctor. She says, if it’s relatively safe, do they want this? He says they don’t have talk until they see a doctor. She says it seems he doesn’t want the baby under any circumstances. He tells her that he didn’t say that. Maybe it’s her. She says, maybe it is. Michael is an adult, Josslyn is a teenager, and Avery is getting bigger. Do they want to do this all over again? Do they really want to bring another baby into their world? He asks if this is because of his business.
Lulu asks what about Spencer’s love life, and he says he has a few irons in the fire. He thought it would be gauche to brag about his success, when Doc is ruining his grandmother’s life. Lulu says Doc helped her through a tough time. Spencer says, it doesn’t excuse what Doc did to his grandmother. Curtis comes by, and Laura says Lulu is just about to be discharged. She has one thing to do first.
Franco says Elizabeth can’t tell the world their married. She says her sons need know, and tells him that he’ll never be alone again. Jordan comes in, and says, sorry; marrying hours are over. Elizabeth and Franco kiss. Franco thanks Drew, and Drew leaves with Elizabeth. Jordan says, Cliff too. She needs a moment alone with the newly married man.
Valentin tells Nina, they can get married tomorrow or next year, but he was under the impression she wanted to get married right away. She says she does want that, but long with a long engagement, they have time to plan a wedding, put their signature on it, and give people time to get used to the idea. Some people are not that keen on them getting married. He asks, any people in particular?
Sasha and Griff talk. Obrecht approaches them, and says she sees Griff has met her lovely niece. Griff says they’re acquainted. Obrecht says Sasha’s flame burns bright and hot like Nina’s. Take care not to wander too close to her flame. He may get singed. She laughs.
Peter wonders what Valentin could know about Sasha that he doesn’t want known? Maxie says, Nina is so happy to have her back, nothing would bother her. She’d forgive Sasha anything. The worst thing would be to lose her again. Peter asks, what betrayal would cause that? Maxie knows the answer, but doesn’t want to say it out loud. Given who Valentin is, and what he’s capable of, there’s a chance Sasha is not really Nina’s daughter.
Ava fixes her clothes. Not-Doc says, sorry; something came over him. He should have saved it for later. Ava says they’ll have a lot of laters; there’s only one now. They kiss, and Laura walks in.
Maxie tells Peter, after twenty-five years, Valentin is the one who finds Sasha, when they thought she was dead? After two DNA tests, she let it go. Nina has a lightness she didn’t have before, and is the happiest Maxie has ever seen her. Nina always wanted what she couldn’t have; a child of her own. The only way Valentin could change her mind was to provide what she never had. Like Peter said, the ends justify the means.
Spencer asks if Curtis is moonlighting. He thought Curtis was a police officer. Curtis says he’s not a cop, but he’s married to the commissioner. Spencer says, must be rough. A commissioner is busy. He asks how the election investigation turned out, but Curtis says it was sidelined. It wasn’t a priority. Spencer says why waste tax payers’ money, since the new election went off without a hitch. Justice was served. Curtis says the commissioner will get back to it and get to bottom of things.
Jordan tells Franco, don’t talk; just look. He says, what is it? and she says, a wedding gift. She shows him an envelope.
Not-Doc asks what he can do for Laura. She says she ran into his assistant, and thought he’d seen his last patient for the day. He says, Ava isn’t his patient; she’s his lover. Ava says she’ll give them a minute, and he kisses her again before she leaves. Laura says, really? and he says, it’s Valentine’s Day. She seems offended. Maybe it’s something she should explore. She says it seems unlike him. He says unlike him with her, but he’s with Ava now. He’s a new man.
Carly tells Sonny that they used to tell themselves the business wouldn’t touch their kids, but they know better now. The kids grew up with guards and bullet proof glass. Eventually they realized he was a criminal, and played by one set of rules, while they were expected to play by another. Avery is still young, but will figure it out eventually, and as much as Sonny protects them, he knows his family is a target. Do they want to do that to another child? Sonny says, it doesn’t seem fair, but Carly says, life’s not fair. It’s random and arbitrary. If they dwell the bad things, they’ll be paralyzed. They need to have hope and faith. Life doesn’t happen the way you expect. Sonny says even if she has a healthy pregnancy, and has a healthy baby, who will they remind her of? She says, Morgan.
Valentin says Sasha expressed reservations about he and Nina getting married. Nina says she thinks he’s great. She’s just being protective, and making sure Nina is jumping in with her eyes open. Nina thinks it’s better for both their peace of mind, if they walk down the aisle with no objections.
Maxie wonders how Valentin pulled off the test, and Peter says it can be faked. She says, one, absolutely, but two? From two different labs? And there’s no way Curtis would be involved. Peter says maybe the sample was rigged, but Maxie says, he got it directly from Sasha. What if he provided the sample that was given to Curtis? That would mean Sasha is in on it.
Obrecht asks if Griff has heard about her new endeavor. She’s The Invader’s new medical advice columnist. Sasha says she’s perfectly healthy, and Griff says he is too. She says the questions don’t have to be about maladies. Her column is more concerned with birth, aging, death, dying, and family matters. For instance, Sasha will want to learn the medical history of her family.
Not-Doc says Laura isn’t there to celebrate the holiday. Laura says Lulu is being discharged, and she came to thank him. He helped Lulu remember Franco was the one who attacked her, and they were able to bring him to justice. Not-Doc says he did what he had to do. Laura says it worked, so she thanks him. The arraignment is tomorrow. Not-Doc hopes the reckoning is swift, so the victims and the community can heal and move on. Like they need to. She says she told Alexis to put a rush on the divorce. It shouldn’t take long, since they don’t want anything from one another. He says they do need to address the prenup.
At The Floating Rib, Drew toasts to Elizabeth, Franco, and many years together.
Jordan tells Franco, it’s a sneak preview to the prosecution’s case. He opens it, and looks at the photos inside. He starts to breathe heavy, and says, what is this? She asks if he doesn’t recognize his handiwork. He throws it across the cell, and ask how she could do that to him? He didn’t do that. He couldn’t have done that. He couldn’t kill anybody; he doesn’t have it in him anymore. If he lived a million years, he wouldn’t understand who could do that to Kiki. Jordan says, a person without a soul, but he has one, doesn’t he? She says he didn’t attack Lulu, and didn’t kill Kiki or any of them.
Sonny tells Carly that he loves all the kids; hers and his. Morgan was from both of them; he shared their DNA. When he died, Sonny wanted to die too. He prayed for that. He doesn’t want to go through that terrible grief again. Carly says she loved Morgan so much. She misses him every day. She gets snapshots in her head. They’re random, and just hit her. Sometimes she remembers him as a toddler; next, she sees him as a grown man. She remembers the first time he talked with a deep voice. As much as she misses him, and it’s hard to grieve, she’s never wished he’d never been born. She’s glad they didn’t know how it would end at the beginning. The truth is, they don’t know how this will end. They don’t know what kind of life the baby will have, but if it’s safe, she wants to find out. She wants to have this baby. Sonny says, first things first. They see the doctor, and see how big the risk is. She says, all right. and they hug.
Valentin says Nina makes a good point. If they rush, it looks like they’re hiding something, and they won’t enjoy the journey. Nina wants to be married now. He does too, but wants to make sure she’s happy.
Maxie tells Peter, at first, she thought Sasha was a victim, but she would have to know. Valentin must have hired her. It will break Nina’s heart all over again. Peter says, unless it’s not true. Maxie says they won’t know for certain until they do a DNA test of their own. She knows how to make that happen.
Griff bets Sasha didn’t think she was getting a crazy aunt. Sasha says Obrecht is definitely a lot to handle. Maxie calls, and asks if Sasha is free tomorrow. Sasha has no plans, and Maxie offers to treat her to a mani/pedi at a cute salon. She’ll send her the deets. Maxie tells Peter, one DNA sample coming up.
Franco tells Jordan that he didn’t do it. She says she’s seen his files. He’s a killer, but not the kind she’s looking. He asks if she’s letting him go.
Not-Doc says Laura Insisted on a prenup. It was not only generous, but prudent. He’ll accept the settlement it provides, and that will be the end of it. She looks confused, and he asks if Alexis talked to her. She says she didn’t have a moment. He says they’ll iron out the details, so there are no uncertainties between them. Laura thinks it’s probably best that they have their lawyers present. He hopes for a prompt conclusion. She says, her too. Not-Doc says, for all their sakes. She says, of course, and leaves. Ava comes back, and not-Doc says the prolonged divorce is taking its toll. She asks if Laura is dragging her feet, but he says they have to sort out the prenup. Then he’ll be a free man. Ava is surprised there’s a prenup. She pictures Laura insisting it would doom a marriage before it begins, and saying, what’s hers is his.
Laura leaves a message for Alexis, asking if Doc questioned her about a prenup. She says, call her back. It’s very important.
Lulu tells Spencer to give the lonely hearts talk a rest. His grandmother doesn’t need any more reminders. Spencer says she needs to steel her heart against that scoundrel. Her nature is too forgiving. Curtis asks if they’re good to go. Lulu says Laura just texted for them not to wait. She’ll meet them at home. Curtis thought she’d be pushing the wheelchair, but Lulu says something came up.
Ava says she and not-Doc should continue the celebration elsewhere. He asks if she minds a slight delay. One of his patients is in dire straits. We should start a drinking game for every time he says that. She says, as long as it’s slight. Don’t be long. She leaves, and he calls Kay at Ferncliff. He wants to drop in on his special patient. Make sure they’re prepared for his arrival. He’s on his way.
Elizabeth tells Drew, her husband says he’s innocent. Let’s go. They leave The Floating Rib.
Franco says, finally, sanity, and asks Jordan when he’s getting out. She says he’s staying where he is. He says he thought she said she knows he didn’t do it. Is she letting him take the fall? She says that depends on what he’s willing to do to prove he’s innocent. He asks what he has to do, and she says, whatever it takes.
Laura follows not-Doc out of the hospital.
On Monday, Chase asks if Willow has a problem with Brad, Ryan visits real Doc, and Laura says time is of the essence.
💋 Quotes of the Week
Happiness isn’t something that depends on our surroundings…it’s something we make inside ourselves. – Corrie ten Boom
When you boycott light, you spread darkness. – Netta Barzilai, on the push to boycott Israel’s hosting of the Eurovision
Only when we know who we are can we get what we want. – Littlefinger (Aiden Gillen), Game of Thrones
Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power. – Abraham Lincoln
That is a bad nose. – Dr. Terry Dubrow, Botched
Everyone thinks they have the best dog… and none of them are wrong. – W.R. Purche
🐶 Speaking of Dogs…
Company’s coming, so I have to jet early, but let these Westminster Dog Show cuties send you off on your weekend.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Sam brought Jason something. Danny made him a card. She tells him the scribble is from Scout. He loves it. She loves him. She hates that they’ll be separated on Valentine’s Day, but says she knows it counts least as a holiday. He agrees that he’s not a huge Valentine’s Day celebrating person, but he’s looking forward to celebrating with her. She asks if she can get that in writing. He says she knows he loves being with her. She has to go to the party, then she’s picking up the kids up, but she doesn’t have to leave now. They kiss.
Shiloh tells Kristina, job well done. She must be proud. She says she can’t take credit; she had help. He asks if she has any idea when her sister is arriving.
Franco is thrilled to see Elizabeth, but says she shouldn’t be there. She has a family to look after. She says one member of her family is at the police station. He’s part of her family, and she wonders when that is going to sink in. He says there’s nothing she can do for him. She says, maybe not, but there’s something she can do for them. They’ve been putting it off for too long. She wants to marry him. He says he wants to marry her too. She says, let’s do it. Right here right now.
At the MetroCourt, Ned and Olivia wish each other a happy Valentine’s Day. Ned says this time they got it right. Olivia agrees they haven’t had the best luck with that, but Ned says, this year, it’s going to change. He slides a keycard over to her. He says, not just any room; 610. He asks her to let him set the scene. Her, drunk as a skunk, about to adopt every dog in the animal shelter. That’s the night he fell in love with her, and he’s been falling ever since. They kiss. I have no idea what he’s talking about, so I must have missed that episode.
In bed, Carly tells Sonny, making love in the middle of the afternoon is a luxury. Sonny says, Valentine’s Day is just getting started. She says she thought they agreed not to exchange any gifts, but he says he loves to surprise her.
Robert tells Cabot, come on. He knows there are certain aspects of his research he never intended to be made public. Cabot asks why he should tell them, and Anna says, if he doesn’t answer their questions, he won’t get his sight back. He knows that voice. Alex Devane. Anna says, yes; it’s me.
Sonny tells Carly, it’s been a hard year; everything with his father. He leaned on her. She says they’re a team, but he says he couldn’t have done it without her. He needs her. Always. He doesn’t say it enough. He loves her and appreciates her, and there’s no one he’d rather walk this crazy world with. She says, funny he should say that. He tells her that he made reservations for dinner, and they have to get going. He got the best table, and doesn’t want to lose it. It will be a night to remember. She laughs, and when he’s out of earshot, she says, you could say that again.
Kristina says she’s sure Sam will show up soon, and Shiloh tells her to let him know. Valerie walks in, and Kristina say she didn’t know Valerie was coming. Valerie says Kristina did invite her. Along with everyone else on her MyFace page, but it was an invite. Kristina thought Valerie had been avoiding her, but Valerie says it’s totally forgotten. She’s sorry she overreacted. She was caught off guard, and didn’t handle it gracefully. Kristina says, and she did? Valerie wants to be friends again, if that’s cool. Kristina says, absolutely. Shiloh wonders where Sam is.
Spinelli arrives at Jason’s place. He hopes he’s not interrupting. Is he? Sam says, it’s okay. She was just leaving. She’s going to the Dawn of Day party. Spinelli implores her, proceed with caution. From what he’s uncovered, Shiloh is quite dangerous. He’ll fill Jason in. Sam says she’ll see Jason tomorrow. Jason tells her, be safe. When she’s gone, Jason asks Spinelli, how dangerous is he? Spinelli says, murderously so
Cabot asks, is it Alex Devane or Alex Merrick now? It’s been far too long Anna says, it has. Because of a bounty on her head, she couldn’t make herself known sooner. He asks, why now? and she says she needs to know about the project they worked on together. He says, wait. She’s not Alex. She’s the other one.
Franco says Elizabeth is joking. He asks if she realizes it’s just the two of them, and she says she realizes they keep putting it off because life gets in the way, and she’s done. It’s time they get in life’s way. He says, no. She can’t marry an accused killer behind bars. It’s not the wedding of her dreams, or what she deserves. She says all she needs is him. What does he say? Will he marry her?
Spinelli tells Jason, the story Shiloh spun is that his father was a ruined man after Sam wiped out his finances.It’s a compelling story, but far from complete. After Sam fled, Shiloh’s father registered a patent, and there was a bidding war over the rights. He was on his way to another fortune. Jason asks, what stopped him? and Spinelli says, his death. The brakes failed on his car. It was a freakish accident, considering it was a brand new high end vehicle. Jason asks if Spinelli thinks the brakes were tampered with, but Spinelli says, that’s unclear. He needs to do more digging. Jason says, do that. Start with what happened to the patent.
Shiloh is glad Sam made it. Kristina watches them, and Valerie asks if she’s okay. Does she need to talk? Kristina says if anyone should apologize, it should be her for getting the wrong idea. She’s been talking about it in group sessions. She tells Valerie, this place is amazing. They listen without judgement. She used to beat herself up over mistakes, but the truth is, there are no mistakes. Shiloh taught her, every choice, right or wrong, lays a brick in the path we walk. Every choice leads you to the now. Knowing that is the first step to self-acceptance. Valerie says, it sounds nice.
Shiloh hands Sam his book, and says, a gift. She says she already read it; cover to cover. He says, and…? She says she couldn’t help notice there was something missing – him.
At the MetroCourt, Sonny says he wanted to take Carly someplace else, but it is the best food in town. Is she okay with it? She says she’s okay with anywhere, as long as she’s with him. He tells the waitress that he ordered champagne, and she leaves to get it. He slides an envelope over to Carly. He asks if she remembers when they got married, they made a list of places they wanted to go. She says they’ve gone to almost all of them. He says, except one. Azores. Carly thought it was too difficult to get too, but Sonny was convinced otherwise. He says they’re leaving in three weeks. She seems hesitant, and he asks if she doesn’t want to go. She says she doesn’t know if she’s able to. He asks, why?
Anna says Cabot is mistaken, but he says, don’t bother denying it. He knows her sister quite well. Let him guess. That isn’t a medical colleague either. Robert says, Robert Scorpio, WSB. Anna says, who they are doesn’t change a damn thing. If he wants his sight back, he’ll have to answer questions, or her friend won’t treat him. Cabot says they’ve already overplayed their hand. He appreciates the attempt to trade on his familiarity with Dr. Merrick, but it’s apparent this is part of a WSB investigation. If they want his cooperation, they have to treat him first.
Sam noticed there’s not much in the book about Shiloh’s family. She knows about them, but doesn’t know anything about him. They sit. She remembers he told her that he never wanted to settle down, and his followers are his family, but is that entirely true? There had to be someone he was serious about at some point. Shiloh says his father’s personal experience left him closed off to sharing his life with another person. Sam says he means his father’s experience with her.
Sonny asks if Carly has too much work. She says they have a lot going on in general. There’s been a lot of turmoil in the past year; too much. She thinks life is like childbirth. Problems cause agony when you’re going through them, but when you get to the other side, the pain fades, and you’re left with the good. They’ve had trying times in the past year, but also beautiful moments she’s grateful for. Sonny says he’s grateful for her. She made him see it was important to spend time with his dad. She saw that, knew that, and helped him wrap his mind around it. Carly says she sounds amazing. Sonny says she’s not just an amazing mother, but an amazing wife. She’s his friend, and she loves him, period. it means a lot to him. Carly asks if he’s trying to make her cry. He says, no. he’s trying to get her to give him a kiss. She says she loves him.
Sam wonders how could Shiloh put himself out there, when he’s been so burned? He supposes it makes sense, but that’s not the only reason. He realized in order to find happiness, he had to find peace within himself. Sam says that resonates with her. He asks when she’s going to stop running, and find peace within herself?
Franco tells Elizabeth that his heart is so filled with her. He won’t marry her there. She asks, why not? and he says because he’s in jail, and no one is there to marry them. Unless Cliff is ordained. He calls over to the guard, and asks if he’s ordained. Cliff laughs, and Franco says he thinks that’s a no. Elizabeth says she thought about that recruited a person for the job. Drew comes in, saying, I heard you crazy kids want to get married.
Elizabeth thanks Drew for coming. Drew says she approached him last night, and she says she thought someone important to them both should do the honors. Franco asks if he’s ordained, and Drew says, it’s so easy, it’s frightening. Franco says they have no witness. He calls to Cliff, who asks, what now? Franco asks if it isn’t his job to keep eye on them. By definition, he thinks makes Cliff a witness. He tells Elizabeth that it’s insane. She knows, but wouldn’t have it any other way.
Valerie tells Kristina, now that they’re not avoiding each other, they can hang out again. Kristina says there are some great introductory seminars that she thinks would be perfect for Valerie. She’ll get a brochure.
Shiloh puts hands on each side of Sam’s face, and tells her, close her eyes. He says they get so sidetracked on their path, their thoughts become robots. They worry about the past, which is behind us, and the future is just imagination. What’s important is the present; the here and now. He asks, when is she? and Sam says, now. Kristina watches Shiloh touching Sam’s face.
Spinelli tells Jason, the plan is for him and Sam to focus on Hank/Shiloh, and he’ll focus on the father, and whatever fate befell him. Jason is sorry Spinelli isn’t with Ellie on Valentine’s Day, but Spinelli says he took the precaution of booking a flight home. Jason tells him, have fun, and tell Ellie that they said hi. Spinelli missed the sound of we. Jason says, the patent first, and Spinelli says he’ll call. Jason thanks him, and Spinelli spontaneously hugs him.
Kristina tells Sam and Shiloh, sorry to interrupt. Sam tells her to stay, but she says she has to go back to the event. She goes back to Valerie, wanting to show her the brochure, but Valerie has to get going. She has an early shift. She thanks Kristina, and says, it was fun. Call her. It’s great that she wants to spend time together. They hug. Valerie leaves, and Kristina looks panicked.
Sam gets up, and Shiloh asks if she’s leaving. Sam thinks it’s a good idea. It’s Kristina’s place; her home. She doesn’t want Kristina to think she’s stepping on her thing. Shiloh says, if Kristina thinks that, she’s not observing their tenets. She tells him, she’s trying to be sensitive; that’s all. He understands, and asks if she’ll come again. She says, yes, of course. She’ll see him around. He looks over at Kristina.
Outside, Sam calls Jason. She says she’s on her way out to pick up the kids. He asks how it went, and she says, good. He asks if she talked to Shiloh, and she says, it was pretty creepy. It’s so weird how he gets people to do things for him, and think it’s their idea. He asks about Kristina, and Sam says, she was pretty possessive. She thinks Kristina has a thing for Shiloh. Jason says, they’ll figure it out, and she tells him that she’ll see him tomorrow. He tells her, happy Valentine’s Day, and she asks if it killed him to say that. He says, no; he loves her. She says she loves him too.
Shiloh tells Kristina that her sister knows a lot about him. Kristina noticed they spent a lot of time together, and admits it bothers her. She doesn’t think she’s as enlightened as she ought to be, but he tells her not to be too hard on herself. He asks what level she’s at, and she says she’s only done the introductory course. He says the kind of enlightenment he’s talking about isn’t touched on until later. She says she doesn’t have the money for those courses. He says if she needed surgery, she’d find the money. Perhaps she should think about paying the same attention and importance to her soul. It’s something to think about. Can you say Scientology?
Finn tells Cabot, the terms are non-negotiable. Cabot says everything is negotiable. It’s not just hi vision on the line. If he answers their questions, he’ll be betraying people who could retaliate by killing him. If they want him to risk death, the operation comes first. Anna says, fine. Finn will neutralize the virus, and then talk. Cabot says, deal. Robert says he’ll make the arrangements. Cabot says he likes Anna
The news breaks in. Then when they come back, it’s to a commercial. Thanks, ABC.
Anna tells Cabot the feeling isn’t mutual. He says she has the same tenacity as her sister. How is she? She doesn’t know; they’re not in contact. He supposes he’s not surprised. They were always like oil and water. Robert comes back, saying the travel arrangements are made. They’re staying in a hotel tonight, and flying to Port Charles in the morning. Cabot says, fantastic. Anna thanks Robert, and he says, don’t mention it. He means it. He had to violate twelve protocols to move this bastard. He says, ready, doc? and wheels him out. Finn asks if Anna is okay. She says, something he said… It’s probably nothing. He tells her, happy Valentine’s Day, but she says they probably missed it. He says it’s a Swedish clock, but he’s still on Port Charles time. He kisses her.
Franco asks, what about rings? but Drew says Elizabeth thought about that, and shows him the wedding rings. Franco is impressed. He thinks Drew has a bright future as a wedding planner. Franco says Drew doesn’t have to do this, but it means a lot. Drew says he’s connected to Elizabeth through the boys, and they’ve been through some stuff. He thinks of Franco as a brother. One he’d like to choke half the time, nonetheless. He asks Franco to do him a favor. Treat Elizabeth right. She’s one of the good ones. Franco knows. Elizabeth comes back, and they join hands.
There’s a music part. Olivia and Ned get busy. Why are they even in this episode? Carly and Sonny kiss. Sam goes to Jason’s place, and let’s herself in. He asks, what about the kids? She says Monica wanted to take them somewhere, and it was hard to say no. They get busy.
Elizabeth says she didn’t know what expect when Franco came into her life. She never guessed he’d teach her the most important lesson she’d ever learn. Love is completely, unabashedly, insane, and the craziest thing of all is, that’s what makes it so beautiful. She’s forever grateful, and she’ll love, honor, and cherish him until death they do part. Drew says it’s Franco’s turn. Franco says, this is all he’s got. He loves her, and hopes it’s enough. He’s totally down for more loving, cherishing, and honoring. He loves her. He says, Elizabeth Imogene Webber, till death do they part. Drew tells him, well said, and asks if Elizabeth takes Franco as her husband. She does.
Drew asks if Franco takes Elizabeth to be his wife. He does. Drew says, by the power vested in him by the internet, he pronounces them husband and wife. They kiss through the bars.
Jason and Sam bask in the afterglow. She asks where he got the flowers, and he says he asked the flower lady. She thinks he means the florist. He asked what she suggested for someone who doesn’t like a big deal, but secretly likes holidays. Sam asks if she picked them out, but he says she told him whoever it was is a lucky woman, and went to the next customer. He asks if it was a bad choice. Sam says, it was a good choice. The florist was right; she’s a lucky woman. She wants to be nowhere else but with him. Jason gets it now. The point of Valentine’s day isn’t about chocolate and flowers. It’s about not taking love for granted. It’s about saying those words. He loves her so much. She loves him too. They kiss, and probably get busy again, but we don’t see that.
Ned asks Olivia who she’s calling. She says, the animal shelter; who does he think? She’s calling room service. They should open another bottle. He’s in. All in with her, forever. She says, room service can wait.
Back home, Sonny asks if Carly wants a drink. She says, no. She wants to sit with him for a second. He asks if she’s okay, and she says she’s great. She was just thinking about life, them, everything. How it has its ups and downs. she thinks as long as they have each other, and hold on to that connection, they can handle anything life throws at them. He says, sounds great, and she says, good. She’s pregnant.
Tomorrow, Maxie tells Peter the secret is about Sasha, Lulu says Franco is going to get what’s coming to him, and Carly asks if Sonny doesn’t want this baby.
🔪 On Top Chef, Art Smith was a guest judge for the Quickfire challenge, a spice taste test while blindfolded. I noted that Padma should really lose the white eyeliner. No. Just no. Sara was the winner, naming all twelve spices she tasted. The next challenge was for the chefs to create their own spice blend in honor of KFC’s Colonel Sanders. Courtesy of Art, we find out the Colonel didn’t achieve success until age sixty. There’s hope! The chefs only had a half hour to fry up some chicken. There was no elimination escape, but there was a $5000 prize. Sara was the big winner there too, totally redeeming herself from the boxed biscuit fiasco last week. Next, for the elimination challenge, the chefs had to work together on a progressive menu based on six of Muhammad Ali’s most memorable fights. The dinner was served at a charity gala being held at the Muhammad Ali Center, with Laila Ali as guest judge. Gail Simmons was also back, after having her baby. Eric came out on top, with something called fufu, a plantain dish from Africa. His course also represented the Rumble in the Jungle, aka the Ali vs George Foreman fight in 1974. Eddie had to gather up his knives and take a hike, the judges feeling he didn’t go far enough. He said being in the competition was about confidence and getting out of his own shell, and he thought he came out a better person and chef. Next time, who knows? I wasn’t paying attention. But in the useless brush-with-celebrity trivia department, I once saw Muhammad Ali in an elevator and he smiled at me, making my heart go pitty-pat.
💖 Speaking Of Hearts…
A few Valentine related quotes.
Love is taking a few steps backward maybe even more…to give way to the happiness of the person you love. – Winnie thePooh, aka A.A. Milne
Love is, above all, the gift of oneself. – Jean Anouilh
We are afraid to care too much, for fear that the other person does not care at all. – Eleanor Roosevelt
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Stockholm, Sweden. Finn tells Robert he drives like a maniac. Robert wanted to get to the clinic before Cabot left. He says it’s a Bureau op, so he’ll do the talking. Finn says the man worked for the DVX. If he hears WSB, he might shut down. Finn thinks he should talk, doctor to doctor. He tells Robert to just sit there, and try not look so much like a spy. He told Anna that he’d check in. He calls, and tells her that they just got to the clinic. They’re hoping to see Cabot. He didn’t want Valentine’s Day to go by… Anna says, without saying he loves and misses her? He says, all of the above. She tells him that she has a special present, and comes around the corner, saying, happy Valentine’s Day.
Willow goes to the MetroCourt. She looks around, and says, maybe he’s just late. She calls Chase, and leaves message that she’s there, but doesn’t see him. She thought they were meeting after school let out. She says, if there’s any problem, call her. She starts to leave, and runs into Brad and Wiley. Wiley smiles, but Brad, not so much. I normally don’t pay much attention to the babies, but Wiley is a blast. He’s one of the most animated babies I’ve ever seen on any show.
At the hospital, Michael pulls an envelope out of his pocket, and looks at the contents. Chase asks how it’s going, and Michael says, better, now that Franco has been arrested. Chase says he knows it must be a relief that the alleged killer is behind bars. The evidence is strong. He just retuned a file to Doc; dark stuff. He sees the envelope and asks if Michael has a secret admirer. Michael says it’s someone they’d both love to forget. We see the return address is Nelle at the prison.
Kristina sits with Alexis at the MetroCourt, and asks why Sam wanted to meet. Alexis thinks she just wants to check in, since they’ve all been busy.
Sam tells Jason that she doesn’t want to go. Jason wishes she could stay. She has to go to the MetroCourt, and make Kristina and her mother believe they broke up. Jason wonders, what if it backfires? Kristina could get pulled in deeper. There’s a knock at the door. It’s Shiloh looking for Jason. They stay quiet, and Jason sees Shiloh is leaving a phone message. He says Kristina gave him Jason’s number. He heard Jason was at Beechers Corners, and had a chat with his friends. It’s not necessary. If Jason has questions, he can ask Shiloh. He knows where Shiloh is. He leaves, and Jason tells Sam that he’s gone. Sam says, that’s not creepy or anything. Kristina gave him the number, and now he knows where Jason lives.
Kristina tells Alexis that they didn’t just achieve a mini-breakthrough at Dawn of Day, but she had a heart to heart with dad her dad. She introduced him to Shiloh. He was scoping Shiloh out, and putting him on notice. Alexis says he does that to everyone, but Kristina says he has no reason to worry about Shiloh. That’s why she’s grateful Sonny invited her to dinner. He really listened when she told him DOD was like family to her. He didn’t challenge her or criticize. Alexis says she didn’t criticize either, and even went to a seminar. Kristina says she’s talking about dad. Alexis says Kristina has always had her own family with them, and always does.
Finn and Anna hug. He’s happy, but also confused. He thought she was keeping an eye on Obrecht. She says it was really counterproductive. Peter is in charge of his own life. If he wants to employ a woman who captured him and tortured him for weeks, who is she to interfere? Peter is doing it for Maxie; they’re edging toward a relationship. Obrecht is her mother-in-law and James’s grandmother, and Maxie wants to see the best in her. Robert says Anna is dangerously close to being Obrecht’s BFF. She says they have an armed truce. If Obrecht behaves, she won’t intervene, but if she goes back to her old ways, Anna will slam her. Meanwhile, she’s here to help. Robert says there’s a bar in the hotel lobby. She can wait there. Anna doesn’t think so. Robert says she can’t stay. If Cabot gets an eyeful of her, it blows the deal.
Michael says he thought of throwing it in the trash, unopened. Chase says, or setting it on fire? Michael says Nelle is getting under his skin, and knows it. Chase reads, thinking of you and sweet Jonah. Michael says he can see Nelle in her arts and crafts class, scoring points with the guards. Meanwhile, she’s twisting the knife. It always comes back to Jonah. She never misses the opportunity to bring up the son they lost. Chase says he can make a call to the prison, but Michael says, no. Chase wonders if he wants to hear from her.
Willow asks if Brad is coming back from a parent/baby group. She’s a big believer in early child development. Wiley must love it. Brad says he does, but it’s getting toward naptime. He has to get home. She thought he was headed into the restaurant. He says he was, but he’s had enough coffee, and he’s tired. You know what they says; you sleep when they sleep. She says he knows who she is, doesn’t he?
Sam asks what Jason is thinking. Jason says he went to Beechers Corners, and Sam wonders if it’s payback. Jason says it’s a message that he’s on Shiloh’s radar. A message that he’s pulling Sam in, and Jason doesn’t want to interfere. Sam says tonight’s theme is, true love begins with self-love. Jason says the last thing Shiloh wants is for him to step in and create distance. He’s going to try and get Jason to lash out, so Sam will move away from Jason, and closer to him. She says she’s telling her mom and Kristina that they broke up. Jason thinks her mom will be happy. Sam says Alexis likes him, just not with her. She says it’s temporary, just until she can get Kristina away from Shiloh. Now he knows where Jason lives, so they can’t meet up. Jason says, there are plenty of ways in and out of the building. That’s why he got the apartment. It’s not easy to track who’s coming in or going out. Sam says he thinks of everything. He says he thought he’d be avoiding the cops, and Sam says, instead, he’s avoiding the con. They kiss, and Jason tells her, good luck.
Anna asks if Robert just told her to wait in the hotel bar. He says, it’s a nice bar, and she says he can wait there. She and Finn will deal with Cabot. Finn loves the idea, but doesn’t think it will work. She says, how so? and he says she came to the conclusion herself. She said they could get closer to Cabot if she wasn’t there. She says she changed her mind. Robert says they don’t know how things were left with her sister. A woman comes in, and asks if she can them. Finn introduces himself, saying they came to confer with Cabot. Anna is sure she’s heard of Finn. He found the cure for Blackwood disease. She says it’s an honor to meet him, but she’s sorry. Their information is out of date. Robert says Cabot isn’t there? She says he’s there, but he doesn’t work there. He’s a patient.
Michael tells Chase, in a weird way, Nelle has done him a favor. The card had a different effect than she intended. She can’t get to him anymore. The pain of losing a son will never go away, but she wants to keep him imprisoned like her; trapped in the past. Chase isn’t sure Nelle is trapped, but she knows how to weaponize it. Michael says he has Jonah in his heart. Not even Nelle can take that away. It gives him the strength to live again.
Brad says, he knows who she is; Wisteria. She says, Willow, and he tells her he’s lousy with names. She’s Michael’s friend, the teacher. They talked at Charlie’s. He must sound like a helicopter parent; the kind a teacher dreads. He promises he won’t bother her with questions. She says, it’s no bother. She loves seeing them, which she’s sure he realizes. She says he knows she’s Wiley’s mother. He says he and Lucas weren’t told the name. She says he knows it’s her. Did Julian tell him? Does Lucas know? Brad says Lucas doesn’t know anything. How long has she known? She says, all that matters is that little boy. The child they both love. Brad asks if she’s trying to have a relationship with Wiley, and she says, yes.
Finn says, Cabot is a patient? Robert says they’d still like to talk to him. He won’t want to pass up a visit from Finn. The woman says Cabot hasn’t wanted visitor, but might make an exception. She leaves, and Anna says they’re not leaving until she finds out why she got the virus. Robert says Cabot and Alex could have parted enemies. Why risk it? Anna tells him, don’t ask her to wait in the bar, and Finn says, never ask something like that. Why doesn’t she get them checked in, and he’ll update her. She says she’s not going, and Robert tells her, stay quiet, and let him do talking. She says she always does. Cabot comes in, sitting in a wheelchair. He says Finn has him at a disadvantage. He doesn’t recall Finn’s name, and he’s unable to see his face.
Kristina tells Alexis that she’s adjusting her perspective. Things are almost perfect. Alexis asks, what’s missing? Kristina says, she is. They were just starting to make progress, and Alexis ran out of the session. Alexis says it doesn’t work for her. Kristina says it seemed like it did until Julian’s name came up. Alexis thinks they should take a theater trip, and Kristina tells her, come back for another try. It worked for them. Alexis thinks they’re in a good place, and Kristina says they are; thanks to Shiloh. Who knows what they could accomplish with more work. Alexis thinks she’ll stick to a more traditional path of self-discovery. Kristina says, okay. She’ll ultimately find something that works for her. Alexis sees that DOD is good for Kristina. She’s happy and found a place she feels she belongs. Kristina hears her, but tells her, just remember, if the traditional path doesn’t work, DOD’s doors are still open. She asks what Alexis is doing tonight. She should come to the Valentine’s Day event. Alexis says she hates Valentine’s Day, but Kristina says, it’s not a typical party. Alexis says she’ll be on her couch. Sam approaches the table, and says if she can go, Alexis can go. The flyer says, true love begins with self-love.
Dawn of Day is being decorated for the event. Shiloh says it looks fantastic, but they need to pick up the pace. Their guests are about to arrive, and to show others the path, their own way must be clear. Jason walks in. He says he got Shiloh’s message. He said Jason should come to him with questions. Here he is. Shiloh hears he took a ride to Beechers Corners. It’s a lovely town, and the people are sweet. Did he find what he was looking for? Jason says he met Harmony; she was helpful. Shiloh says she keeps everything together. He’d be lost without her. Jason tells Shiloh that she had good things to say about him, like Kristina, and she’s devoted. Shiloh says, not to him; to the mission. Jason says the mission seems successful in Beechers Corners. Even the local police are friends. Shiloh likes to think they appreciate the positive influence. Jason asks, if it’s so active, why did he leave and come to Port Charles?
Alexis asks if Sam is going to the Valentine’s Day party with Jason. Sam says, no; they’re not together. Alexis says, since when? Kristina asks what she means. They’re not together for Valentine’s Day or he’s out of town. She says they’ll both be in town, but she won’t be with him. She realized she’ll always love him, but they don’t have a future. Jason has been back for over a year, and they’re still not together. They’re lives have taken different paths. He’s wonderful and fearless, but refuses to change. He’s set in his ways. That’s okay, but he’s just not open to self-discovery. In the past few weeks, she’s realized self-discover is what she needs. There’s so much more she needs to know and explore about herself. Kristina thinks it’s a huge step toward enlightenment. She’s happy for Sam. They hug, but Alexis doesn’t look like she buys it.
Michael wonders where he should throw the card away. Paper and plastic, or toxic materials. Chase says, tough call. Michael has to get to a meeting, and Chase didn’t realize the time. He checks his phone, and hopes Willow’s not canceling. Michael says, are they… and Chase says they’ve just been out a few times. They seem to get along; she even likes his cooking. Michael says Chase really likes her. Chase says she’s the anti-Nelle. Open and honest, and she’s great with kids. Michael says she’s out of Chase’s league. Chase says, she’s had some real setbacks, and they didn’t make her bitter, but better, stronger. They get into the elevator, and Chase says he’s got it bad. Michael says it sounds like he’s got it good.
Willow tells Brad, of course she wants to be part of Wiley’s life, but she knows she can’t be. Brad says the adoption is finalized; he’s theirs. She says maybe when he’s grown, he’ll want to know who she is, but she can’t tell him for now. She can’t allow anyone, including Brad’s husband, to know. They’re wonderful parents, and it’s best for everyone, especially Wiley, if no one knows she’s his mother. Brad says so they’ll stick to the agreement. Like she said, all that matters is Wiley.
Finn says he’s a great admirer of Cabot’s work. He traveled from the US to confer with him, and had no idea. He asks when the blindness occurred. The woman says she’s sorry. She thought they knew each other. Cabot says he’s starved for a colleague to converse with. He tells the woman she can go, calling her Elsa. He tells Finn the blindness came on suddenly, without warning, a few months ago. Finn asks if it started with a severe headache, followed by a loss of consciousness, and waking up blind. Cabot asks how he knows. Finn says his field research was done in infectious diseases. Cabot says he created a synthetic interferon to replicate the human immune system. Finn tells Cabot that he’s treated other patients. Once the virus is cured surgically, it won’t reoccur. Cabot asks, who are the other patients?
At the MetroCourt, Michael sees Brad, who says he has to go. Michael says, not so fast. He wants to see his godson. It’s just what he needs to make it through a boring meeting. He can’t stay away from this kid. Willow doesn’t blame him. Chase arrives, apologizing for being late. Willow says she got know Wiley and his dad a little. Chase asks if she’s okay, and she says she was actually worried he might not show. He’s sorry. He lost track of time. They’ve been working him 24/7 since the attack. Why would she think he’d blow her off? She says she was worried she scared him off after telling him she gave up her baby.
Michael says Wiley is better dinner company that the head of the Port Charles zoning board. Brad doesn’t want to keep him, but Michael says he has a few minutes. He tells Brad that he heard from Nelle, and Brad asks what she said. Michael says, happy Valentine’s Day, in her twisted way. She wants him to feel guilty about losing Jonah. She’s never letting it go.
Finn tells Cabot the names of his patients are confidential. After two cases in Port Charles, New York, he isolated the virus. They both recovered their vision. Cabot asks why he should believe Finn, when every specialist has said otherwise. Robert says, he’s the best, and Cabot asks, who’s that? Finn says his colleague from Sydney, who’s also best at what he does. Cabot asks if Finn can give him back his sight, and Finn says he has every confidence. Cabot says, he may be blind, but he’s not a fool. Finn wants something. Robert says now Cabot is talking his language. If he helps them, they’ll help him.
Alexis asks Sam if this isn’t sudden. Kristina says Sam told them Jason has been there a year, and has acknowledged a barrier existed all along. Alexis says it’s no secret she has reservations about their relationship., but Sam always insisted there was a bond. Sam says her perception changed. There’s a real bond with him, but it’s holding her back. This is something she has to do. Alexis asks how Jason feels. Sam says, he doesn’t like it. He thinks it’s temporary. That’s why she’s going to the Valentine’s Day party at DOD. Shiloh wants her there. Kristina says, it’s not a big deal, and not to feel like she has to accept. Sam says she thought Kristina would be happy she’s going. Kristina wants Sam to be there. That’s what the evening is about; love and renewal. Not just for the lonely; for couples, friends, and family. Maybe it’s the kickstart she needs to move forward without Jason. Sam says, that’s the plan. She doesn’t need a man to complete her. Alexis says she’s seeing a new therapist, and thinks it’s good. Kristina asks if that’s the traditional path she was talking about. Who is he? Alexis asks what makes her think it’s a he? She says she shouldn’t have brought it up. It’s doctor/patient confidentiality. Sam says, not the therapist’s name. Alexis asks if Kristina doesn’t have a party to plan for. Kristina says, it’s not really a party. She’ll see Sam there. She leaves, and Alexis asks what’s really going on with Sam and Jason?
Shiloh tells Jason that he prefers direct questions. What does Jason want to know? Does he think Shiloh is taking over? Beechers Corners, Port Charles, then the world? Jason says he’s the one who said it. Shiloh says he’s been accused of a lot of things, but world domination isn’t one of them. Jason asks what he has been accused of, and Shiloh says, caring too much, offering something money can’t buy. There’s nothing up his sleeves or in a Swiss bank account. What you see is what you get. If he accepts it, he can move past the obstacles he puts in front of himself and Sam. Jason says it always comes back to Sam; the emails. Shiloh says they were sent without his knowledge, but he’s interested in anyone who turns from dark to the light. Sam is already taking steps and coming to their celebration tonight. He says there’s more than enough light. Why doesn’t Jason join them?
Willow says she didn’t mean to put all that on Chase. He’s glad she told him. Trust is everything.
Michael tells Brad, even in prison, Nelle is holding on. He told Chase she’s part of his past, and he’s focusing on the future. It’s looking bright, and a large part of that is because of Wiley.He makes everything better.
Cabot says his blindness surprised Finn, so Finn didn’t come expecting to treat him. He has something Finn wants. Finn says he wants to learn about Cabot’s research with identical twins. It was fascinating; he read every word. But it’s what Cabot didn’t publish that interests him most. Cabot doesn’t know what he means. Robert says the park of his work that he never intended to be made public. Cabot asks why he should tell them. Anna says, if he wants his sight back, he’ll answer their questions. Cabot knows that voice.
Sam tells Alexis that she won’t ask any more questions about Alexis’s therapist, if Alexis doesn’t ask about Jason. Alexis says, fine, but she’s warning Sam to be careful. Sam says she doesn’t have to worry. Alexis doesn’t know what Sam is up to, or why she and Jason aren’t together, or why she’s going to the Valentine’s Day party, but wants her to please consider it’s been tough for Kristina. She’s found peace and made friends. Please don’t spoil it. Sam says she’d never do anything to hurt Kristina. She’s doing this for her.
Shiloh tells Jason that Sam has taken the first step on the path to her best life. He can walk with her – them – or walk the same path he’s walked his whole life. But that path is a dead end. Jason says he’ll take his chances. He leaves, and Shiloh shakes his head. We see the Valentine’s Day sign that says, love begins with self-love.
Tomorrow, Cabot says Anna is the other one, Shiloh tells Sam to stop running, Jason asks Spinelli how dangerous Shiloh is, and Spinelli says murderously so.
🍔 On 24 Hours to Hell and Back, Gordon dressed like a hipster (or homeless person, I’m unsure since I missed the beginning) to visit Boardwalk 11, a gastropub and karaoke bar (my wheelhouse!) in Los Angeles. The secret camera showed us unbelievable levels of grease, green and rotten food (a chef suggested just scraping the mold off), and an employee who needed a breathalyzer. I’ve noticed that people who have probably never said, yes, chef! once in their lives, automatically say it to Gordon. Before the renovation even started, a cook got called out for inappropriate banter and was fired. Gordon said it was a toxic atmosphere, and owner Steve’s negativity had infected the whole staff. He wanted Steve (who looked a lot like a young Stephen King) to delegate, and in the process, another cook was let go. The décor was given a retro 70s feel, which I loved. Gordon promoted two women, both named Kat (!) to head chef and general manager. The place was jumping, and Steve seemed pleased. Gordon thought as long as the Kats were in charge, life would be beautiful, but the after he left, Steve made excuses to demote them. Some people just can’t listen and/or are resistant to change. Next time, a Mexican restaurant whose owner is throwing five decades of business down the trash.
🍳 Best quote from Gordon: We are not going down for an egg.
👜 This week’s The Real Housewives of New Jersey had Jennifer throwing a 16th anniversary party. Danielle and Teresa went fancy shopping for red dresses. The kind of shopping where you drink champagne and they bring the dresses out. Delores claimed Frank wasn’t holding her back, but she was standing in her own way. She told Frank that she needed a change of environment, and was ready to move out. He took it better than I expected, saying no matter what, he loved her and would be there for her. Is she sure she wants to move? The conversation emotionally exhausted her, and she needed a nap.
Marge got her ex Jan’s son (I have no idea which kids are hers, his, or whoever’s) to agree to a dinner with him, which was a huge step. Melissa confronted Joe #2 about his view of gender roles, and how it was affecting their daughter. Surprisingly, he caved quickly, saying a real man sucks it up and changes for his family. Melissa was also sending in a DNA test, hoping somehow this would connect her with her possible sister. Jackie got her mother a makeover, and told her about speaking with her estranged sister. Her mother was thrilled with both.
When Teresa told Milania that she was going to Jennifer’s 16th anniversary party, Milania asked if Jennifer didn’t want to spend the day with her husband. Teresa said she just spent the last 16 years with him, which we all found hysterically funny. At the party, there was Turkish food, hookah action, and some fake-money gambling. The most asked question by Danielle to Teresa was, was anything said about me? followed by, who said it? Marge didn’t even do anything, and Danielle bad-mouthed her, saying she was the toxidity [sic] in the group. No wonder she and Teresa get along, since they both make up their own language. She appealed to Teresa’s stupidity vanity by saying Teresa doesn’t let anyone tell her what to do. I’m not sure what’s up with Teresa that she’s not seeing what’s wrong with this picture. It’s a shame. I liked Danielle, prostitution whore and all, but not this season. Marty is obviously insane, saying once again that Joe #3 was jealous because Danielle is so hot. They had this argument way too close to the pool, and Marge finally pushed him in. Somebody had to. Although he popped right back up with his mouth still running. Jennifer missed the whole thing until Teresa started screaming at her to get a towel. Melissa couldn’t understand how Teresa couldn’t see that Danielle was a common denominator. One thing Jackie said that I appreciated, was that you don’t choose your friends based solely on how they treat you. You have to see how they treat other people. Thank you. I hate when there’s a totally toxic person, and one of them will say, but they’ve never done anything to me. If you’re treating my friends like sh*t, why would I want to be yours? And if say you’re not picking a side, you just did. The side of the wrongdoer.
This was the finale, so they had the blurbs about what’s happening with the cast. Delores is looking for an apartment that will take five dogs, a chinchilla, and a three-legged Guinea pig. She’s also looking for a boyfriend, so I assume things with David aren’t working out. Jennifer is helping throw a lavish Turkish wedding for her brother. Her husband will be coming along to keep her away from the tequila. Marge got a facelift, and Jackie mended the relationship with her sister. Melissa hasn’t found a sister yet, but did find out she’s 97% Italian. And we all know Juicy Joe is appealing his deportation ruling. I’m not particularly fond of either him or Teresa, more him, but I think he’s being treated unfairly. I think the court wants to make an example of him, since he’s a D-list celebrity. Next time, the Reunion, Part One.
🙊 One thing that gave me pause. Passing by Danielle on her way out of the party, Marge said, your husband’s in the pool. Danielle immediately said, who threw my husband in the pool? How did she know he was thrown? He could have fallen in or decided to go swimming if he was drunk.
💭 Speaking of things that make you go, hmm… Andy has been having a week of theme nights on Watch What Happens Live. What I call cheap shows, since they’re basically clips from old ones. It’s been fun to watch though. Everything from James and Lala practically getting booted off for using the f-word to Joan Rivers and Carol Burnett. The Clubhouse has done well for itself.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Drew tells Jordan that Franco didn’t do it.
Cameron has obviously been in a fight. Elizabeth asks what happened, and he says her boyfriend was arrested for attacking Lulu and killing people. Everyone knows.
Peter and Maxie arrive at the MetroCourt, and see the sign for their Valentine’s Day dinner. Peter says, Valentine’s Day is around corner. Maxie says no one does it better than the MetroCourt. They have the most romantic menu. Nina is sitting with Valentin and Sasha, and calls Maxie over. Peter is chilly toward Valentin, and Nina suggests they ignore whatever’s going on between those two. She says she’s about to share some amazing news. Sasha tells her not to keep them in suspense. Nina says she and Valentin are getting married again.
Sonny opens the door to Spencer. He says the guardhouse said there was an intruder on the premises, and Spencer says a hale and hardy hello to him too. He’s carrying a large heart-shaped box, and Sonny wonders if it’s for him. Spencer thought his presence would be enough to brighten Sonny’s existence. Sonny says it is, and Spencer tells him that he’s going to rescue Valentine’s Day for his grandmother, and especially Aunt Lulu.
Franco plays ball with rolled up sweatshirt in his cell. Laura comes in, and he says he knows what the police are saying, but he didn’t do it. Laura says her daughter says otherwise, and so do the police.
Maxie congratulates Nina and Valentin. Valentin says Nina has made him a happy man. Maxie says marriage is hard work, and no one has worked harder. She tells Nina it’s a real surprise. She thought Nina was… Nina says, she was. She was happy with how things were; now she’s happy with what things are. Peter asks what changed her mind, Nina says Sasha was a big part. Sasha asks what she did, and Nina says Sasha reminded her that time is precious, and you can’t get it back. She and Sasha have been granted more time, and it’s what wants with Valentin. Everyone knows they love each other. Maxie says she read the ads in Crimson – all seven of them. She wants to be a family with Valentin. Maxie says Nina’s happiness is all she wants for her. Valentin wants to keep her that way. All of his transgressions are out in the open. He can’t right the wrongs, but he can spend his life trying. Peter trusts he’ll handle Nina with the utmost care. Maxie says, or else, and they all laugh. Valentin thinks champagne is in order. Peter says he and Maxie have things to discuss, and they sit at another table. Valentin goes to order the champagne, and Nina tells Sasha that she’s trying to get used to Maxie and Peter being a semi-couple, and be happy for them. She hopes she was convincing, and Sasha says, very. Maxie’s happiness is the most important thing, and she’s happy with Peter. She’ll guesses she’ll get used to it. Sasha says her intention was never to convince Nina to marry Valentin. In fact, she strongly suggests Nina reconsider.
Franco tells Laura that he didn’t kill those people, and he didn’t lay a finger on Lulu; he swears. Laura asks if that’s supposed to mean something to her. He says he didn’t do it, and she says, cross his heart? He knows what she wants, but he can’t express guilt and remorse for murders he didn’t commit. She says because the tumor was taken out and he’s a changed man. Convenient. He tells her to talk to Elizabeth. She believes him; trust her. Laura says she does trust Elizabeth. In all matters except this one. Elizabeth has the incredible misfortune of believing she loves him. Her judgement is compromised. He says Elizabeth is the one person who sees him. The only other person who ever did was Kiki. Laura is sure Kiki got a glimpse of the real him when he plunged the knife in her lungs. She asks if he watched while her life drained out. He says he’s not an innocent man, but he’s innocent of this. She says society made a mistake, giving someone like him a second chance. She’s going to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
Elizabeth tells Cameron that she’s calling the school. He says he didn’t get in a fight because of Franco. He got in a fight because his mom is engaged to a serial killer. She says she hopes Cameron told them that Franco isn’t, but Cameron says, he only used to be. Elizabeth asks if he was taught that people are innocent until proven guilty. He says it’s school, not a courtroom. They have all the evidence they need. She says, including the teachers? She’s going to have a chat with them tomorrow. Cameron says she let Franco live there, despite his past, which is famous, but she says he’s not that person anymore. He says, no one believes that except her.
Jordan tells Drew that the killings are reminiscent of Franco’s pattern, Lulu remembers him, and that’s not the only evidence she has. If Drew has proof, hand it over. Otherwise they’re done. He tells her that Jim Harvey tried kill Franco. He was strangling Franco, but still, Franco couldn’t bring himself to take Jim’s life, even if it meant saving his own. Drew had to pull the trigger.
Sonny is happy to see Spencer, but wants him to be upfront and honest. Spencer says he has been so far. Sonny asks why not go to Laura first. Spencer says, after she became mayor, she was busy with official duties, then Lulu was attacked. Sonny is a humble coffee importer. How is he going to wreak justice – coffeewise? Sonny says don’t make him ask a second time. Spencer says he needs intel on hi grandmother. He needs to know what he’s walking into. Sonny says, so far, he and his sources haven’t heard anything about Valentin revealing Spencer’s secret. He asks to stay the night, and Sonny says as long as his grandmother won’t mind. He’s sure she’s going to love the chocolate. Spencer says it’s the least he can do, after what Doc put her through. Sonny wants him to come clean first. Spencer says it will take away her joy. She called him a scourge. Sonny is like, what? and Spencer tells him, she said whoever tampered with the election was a scourge, so since it’s him… Sonny says he has to unscourge himself. Surprise his grandmother, and tell her the truth.
Sasha says all she talked about was why Nina shouldn’t marry Valentin, and Nina agreed with her. Nina says she felt that way at the time. Sasha asks, what changed? and Nina says, his past mistakes don’t matter more than the man he is now. He makes her happy, when she lets him, and she wants to let him. Sasha asks if they’ve set a date, and Nina says, no, but she wants to set one as soon as possible. She’d be the happiest mom alive if Sasha would agree to be her maid of honor. Obrecht approaches the table, and says she must be Sasha. She can see the resemblance to Nina; she could be her Britta’s sister. Nina introduces her Aunt Liesl, and Sasha says she’s heard so much about her. Obrecht says she hasn’t heard nearly enough about Sasha. Tell her everything. Peter tells Maxie, it just got more interesting. Maxie takes out her compact, and uses the mirror to watch them. Obrecht wants to hear everything about Sasha. Where has she been all these years?
Elizabeth tells Cameron that she’s sorry for what happened to him, but she’s not apologizing for loving Franco or bringing him into their lives. The person who did this needs to apologize, and the school for allowing it to happen. He says the police have evidence, but Elizabeth says she doesn’t. Cameron says that’s because it would hurt her too much to face the fact Franco has been lying the whole time, or his tumor came back, or she’s crazy. She says Franco is innocent. It will be over soon, but in the meantime… He says he doesn’t care about idiots talking trash, but Aiden and Jake are still little. How are they going to handle things the kids are saying about Franco, and the things they’re saying about her?
Drew says it’s not his place to tell Jordan what happened between Jim and Franco. She says she read the files; it’s all there. He says then she knows what Jim did when Franco was a boy. If it had been TJ, what would she want to do? She says she hopes someone would intervene, but he says, off the record. If TJ was violated, what would she want to happen? She says, off the record, she’d want to kill the son of a bitch. Drew says, him too, but Franco couldn’t do it. He couldn’t kill the man who molested him, so how could he kill people he didn’t know, and someone he loved so much. She says, maybe he relapsed, and Drew asks if she thinks that’s possible. She says it’s not outside the realm of possibilities. Drew says, if she can’t trust him, at least take a better look at the pieces. They’ve got the wrong guy. Drew leaves. He sees Curtis in the hallway, and says, all yours. Curtis says, for what it’s worth, he’s sorry about Franco. He knows Drew had hoped Franco turned things around. Drew says he guesses he wasn’t sure Franco had – until now.
Curtis goes into Jordan’s office. She’s studying Franco’s file, and he asks if she’s okay. She says she’s just thinking. He says he talked to Drew in the hallway, and he believes Franco is innocent. What does she think?
Franco says, for the sake of argument, say she’s right; he’s a monster. Why? why now? He has everything he ever wanted; Elizabeth and a family. It’s his job to take care of his family. Laura says it’s a perfect cover for him to sneak out and kill again. He says he wouldn’t use them like that. She says he would strap a bomb to her daughter’s body. Franco says he did something horrible. Whether he was in control or not isn’t the question; did he do it? Laura says, he did. He says, exactly. It has to be a vividly awful memory for Lulu, and not remembering who attacked her in her office. Laura says she remembered the attack. He says it wasn’t him, but it’s entirely possible that perhaps she was seeing him to fill in the blank. Laura thinks it’s more possible that Lulu was seeing his face because he stabbed her. Franco says, Lulu is wrong. He’s sorry she got hurt, but she’s wrong. It wasn’t him.
Obrecht says, champagne, and not just any champagne, the best. She’s touched. Valentin says that’s one word for her. She says they’re one flute short. Valentin says it’s a family celebration. She says Nina is her family, and Sasha.
Maxie tells Peter that Obrecht just swiped a champagne glass for herself, and Valentin didn’t stop her. Peter says, it’s not right.
Sasha laughs at Valentin and Obrecht’s banter, saying it’s almost like they don’t like each other. Obrecht says she has beautiful perception and a subtle bite. Who else could she be but Nina’s daughter. She can’t tell Sasha how much she’s looking forward to getting acquainted.
Elizabeth sits with the boys in the living room. She says people are saying scary things about Franco. Cameron tells them, they should see the other guy. Elizabeth knows they have questions. They can ask her anything, and she’ll answer the best she can. Aiden asks if Franco hurt the lady in the apple barrel, and Jake asks why he hurt Aunt Lulu? She says Franco doesn’t want to hurt anyone. Jake asks if it was an accident, but Elizabeth says, no; he didn’t do it. Aiden asks if grandma is a liar, and Jake wonders why Franco is in jail. The doorbell rings. It’s Drew, who thought he’d check on her and the boys. She says his timing couldn’t be more perfect. Aiden tells Drew, Franco was arrested, but mom says he didn’t do it. Grandma says he did. Does Drew know who’s right?
Drew says, people make mistakes. Their grandma is making one. and the police are making one. Franco didn’t hurt anyone. He loves them, He has hurt people before, but there’s no way their mom would let him live there if she didn’t trust they’d be safe. Cameron says, if he’s such a great guy, why was he arrested? Drew says Lulu remembered Franco did something bad, but she remembered wrong. Aiden asks if she’s lying, but Drew says, no; she’s making a mistake. He doesn’t know why. Elizabeth says there could be a lot of reasons they don’t know, and the police have to confirm or rule them out. Cameron asks, what are the odds of them ruling him out? Drew says he spoke to the commissioner. He explained that Franco is a good man, and the evidence is misleading at best. They have the wrong guy. Elizabeth asks if they have any other questions. Jake asks if Drew can visit more often. Elizabeth tells them it’s time for bed. Jake asks if Drew can come upstairs with them. Elizabeth tells Cameron to wait. She’ll get some ice.
Jordan tells Curtis that Drew was asking the same questions that have been in her head. He says, any answers? and she says something is off. Curtis says, definitely. He’s there to talk it through. She says the victims weren’t random; they each have a special connection. Curtis says, Franco crossed paths with each of them, but there was no acrimony with anyone. No one had anything good to say about Mary Pat, but no one recalled her clashing with Franco. Peyton wanted to set up a meeting. She says, maybe he had something on Franco, but Curtis says, according to Franco, they never even met. Then there’s Kiki. Franco says he loved her like a daughter. Jordan says he believed she was. It was ages ago, but everyone confirmed they had a bond. Curtis asks, what about Lulu. They had a history of violence. Jordan says that was a decade ago. He went from town crier to a respected member of the medical community. He worked hard to become worthy of Elizabeth. He had a lot to lose. What threat would they pose? These aren’t run of mill killings; they were done with skilled precision. Curtis says it was someone not new at murder. Jordan says, Franco is the obvious suspect, and Curtis says, too obvious.
Spencer is beyond shocked that Sonny wants him to tell his grandmother the truth. Her marriage is over, Lulu was brutally attacked, and the only brightness in her day is her being mayor – and him. Sonny asks if Spencer doesn’t think he owes her the truth. Spencer thinks the kindest thing is if she never knows the trick he played. Sonny tells him, it’s 100% true that it’s not about the crime. It’s always about the cover-up. Spencer asks if he’s sure that’s an accurate statistic. Sonny asks what’s bugging Spencer more; that he did it or that Valentin knows. Spencer gets it, and Sonny asks who Laura hates most. Spencer says, Valentin, and Sonny asks if he thinks she’d be happy that Valentin has power over him. Spencer says, of course not. Sonny wants to give him some more advice. Never let your enemies hold secrets over you.
Obrecht says, before they toast, she wants to say she’s moved. She’s surprised with them gathering in celebration of her new advice column for The Invader. Nina says she’s working for Peter? Maxie closes the mirror. Valentin says that’s not what the celebration is about. Nina asks why they didn’t know, and Valentin says he did. He says the press release was truly spectacular. Nina says her family isn’t short on self-confidence.
Maxie doesn’t like it one bit. Peter says, Valentin can take care of himself. Maxie says she’s worried about Nina. She’s sitting with two pathological liars. Peter tells her that Valentin would never purposely hurt Nina, but Maxie says if he and Obrecht go up against each other. Nina could get caught in the crossfire.
Obrecht says if they’re not celebrating her prosperous new career, to what do they owe this special vintage. Nina says she accepted Valentin’s marriage proposal. Obrecht says Nina has a generous heart. Nina says he puts her happiness before his. Because of Valentin, she has two incredible daughters.
Peter asks if Maxie thinks they’ll hurt each other. Maxie knows Obrecht is a lunatic, but she cares about her. What she’s done doesn’t hold a candle to Valentin’s ruthlessness. There are things they’ve never even seen. Peter says he has to tell her something. She asks where it is on a scale of one to he’s secretly her husband’s brother? He says when he didn’t press charges against Obrecht, he said it was because she’s part of Maxie’s family. He meant it, but it was also partly because Valentin asked him. Valentin also suggested he give Obrecht a job. She asks why he didn’t tell her. He says it goes along with what she was saying about Valentin. She asks if he thinks Valentin has a secret he doesn’t want Nina to know, and Obrecht is in on it. He says, that seems to be the case. She’s blackmailing him, but with what?
Drew asks Cameron if the guys at school are giving him a hard time about Franco. Cameron says he could say that. He thanks Drew. He knows Drew’s visit meant a lot to Jake and Aiden. Drew knows Cameron is a stand-up guy by the way he takes care of his brothers, and the kind of friend he is to Oscar. He knows how hard it is to take a side when everyone tells you you’re wrong. Sometimes small-minded people pick fights over it, but it’s not his fault. Elizabeth says Cameron also defended her, but he doesn’t have to. Cameron says he does. He doesn’t care what anyone thinks about Franco, but he doesn’t want them to think they can say stuff about her. He goes upstairs.
Curtis tells Jordan there’s something else that doesn’t fit. Even if Franco was inspired by the attention that Ryan Chamberlain got on the anniversary of the murders, there’s no way he could have known about Ryan keeping the driver’s licenses as souvenirs. It was never made public. Jordan says there were no fingerprints on them; not even the victims’. She says, he could have wiped them down, but Curtis says, why, if he was keeping them as souvenirs? And why keep them where they can be found? Franco might be a lot of things, but he’s no idiot. Jordan says, if the licenses were planted, then Franco was framed, and the real killer is out there, waiting to strike.
Laura tells Franco that Doc thought he’d helped him. Franco says Doc did. Laura says Doc thought he became a changed man, worthy of Elizabeth’s love. Franco believes he is, but Laura says even excellent psychiatrists make mistakes. It must have hurt Doc to find out Franco deceived him. She read the truth. They have Doc’s notes of their sessions. It’s all there in black and white. He is a monster.
Sonny tells Spencer that he can’t spend all his time looking over his shoulder. He has to man up, and face the consequences head on. Spencer says, consequences are one thing; his grandmother is another.
Franco tells Laura that he has no idea how that twisted garbage found its way into Doc’s files. He’s not that person. If Doc said otherwise, then Doc isn’t the man Franco thought he was. Laura considers this.
Curtis tells Jordan that he’s going back to the hospital. If the killer is still out there, Lulu is in real danger. Jordan doesn’t think they’d risk taking suspicion away from Franco by hurting Lulu. Curtis says, if she thinks it’s a set-up, is she going to drop the charges. Jordan says, no. She’s going to throw the book at him.
Elizabeth thanks Drew. The boys needed hear from someone who believes in Franco who’s not her. He asks how she’s doing, and she says she’ll get though it. She’s glad Franco has Drew in his corner. Drew says he’ll do what he can. If Elizabeth needs anything, let him know. She sees the wedding flyer, and says, there is something.
Obrecht toasts to Nina and Valentin. May they have a life free from strife and comeuppances, and filled with joy. May they all get what they most desire.
Peter tells Maxie, blackmail requires leverage. There’s only one thing Valentin fears – losing Nina. Maxie says the one thing Nina has wanted is a child to replace the one she lost. Peter says, and she suddenly appears alive and well. Maxie says, and they’re engaged again. Whatever Obrecht has on Valentin, it has something to do with Sasha.
Tomorrow, Kristina asks Alexis to give DOD another try, Jason has questions for Shiloh, and Willow says Brad knows who she is.
The Haves and The Have Nots
Hanna tells Mitch to repeat himself. Jim had Benny stabbed? Bennie nods, and she asks Mitch if that’s true. Benny says, tell her, and Mitch says, yeah. She asks how he knows. He doesn’t want to get into it, but she tells him, shut up and tell her. He says his family is really connected, and Benny says he’s telling the truth. She asks if Jim was threatening Benny in jail, and says, she’s got him. Benny asks what she’s going to do, but she walks out. Mitch is sorry. Benny tells him to stop her, but Mitch wonders how he’s supposed to do that. Benny says they’re going to the Cryer’s. Mitch helps him up.
On the phone, David tells someone that he needs something handled. A police officer is harassing his son; Justin Lewis. He wants a clear message not to go near his son again. He listens, and says he likes it, and would like it immediately. He thanks them. Madison tells Jeffrey that his dad wants to see him. Jeffrey asks if Madison told him. Madison says David just wants to see him; just talk to him. Jeffrey asks if Madison thinks he knows his dad. He doesn’t. Jeffrey asks if Madison is doing this in the hopes David will help Madison be with him. Madison says Jeffrey’s dad is a nice guy, and is going to help him. David calls down. Jeffrey says he’s done talking to Madison about this, and goes upstairs.
Jeffrey asks if David slept well, but Davis says he should be asking Jeffrey. He asks if something happened last night. Jeffrey has covered this up for too long. He asks if that boy pointed a laser at him, and Jeffrey says, yes, but he talked to him. It was just a laser pointer. David says Justin is sending a message he doesn’t like and won’t tolerate. Jeffrey asks how he knew about Justin coming there, and David says there are cameras all over. Did Jeffrey ask him to come? Jeffrey says, no, but he’s harmless. David is going to make sure. The behavior isn’t acceptable. Jeffrey asks what he’s going to do, and David says, make sure Justin understands the cost of harassing his son. He needs to be alone – now. Jeffrey leaves. David says, Lord help him.
Madison tells Jeffrey, sorry. He hopes whatever David did, it keeps Jeffrey safe. Jeffrey says he doesn’t know. He says Madison gets one strike. Madison says he was trying to help Jeffrey, but Jeffrey says he has two more left.
At the Artisian bar, Rocky complains that RK is always late. RK says that crazy broad tried to burn him. Rocky wonders why she didn’t. RK sees Justin, and Rocky asks if he’s a john. RK says, no; a cop. Rocky says he’s going on a break. Good luck. RK goes to Justin’s table and asks how he can help him. Justin says he needs a drink. He wants RK to bring it to his room, but RK says he can get room service. Justin wants him to do it, but RK says, not going to happen. Justin says, it’s happening. Does RK want him to tell everyone what RK does and who he is? RK tells him, go ahead. Justin says maybe he’ll have a chat with the manager, and RK repeats, go ahead. Justin says, why doesn’t RK make it easier? Find a room, give him the number, and meet him there. RK asks why the hell he’d do that, and Justin says because he said so. RK tells him, go to hell. He’s not letting Justin do that to him again. Justin acts ignorant, and RK says he knows what he did at the police station. Justin says, he got out, didn’t he? RK says, after Justin got off. Justin thinks it’s a fair trade. Get the room. RK suggests Justin get the hell out of there. Justin says he’s talking to the manager on the way out.
Justin goes over to Roderick. He says he’s a police officer, and RK has a rap sheet longer than his arm. Roderick says, that so? He didn’t know that. Justin says, now he does. Be more careful who he hires. Roderick says he’s right, and asks to see RK in the back. Justin sits back down.
Roderick asks RK, what the hell is with the cop? RK says Justin felt him up when he arrested him, and he wants him to go to a room. Roderick asks, what’s the problem? and RK says he doesn’t swing that way. Roderick says he can’t have heat on the operation. RK’s got to get rid of him. RK says he’ll tell Justin that he’s fired. Roderick says, okay, and tells RK to pack his things. RK asks if Roderick is really firing him. Forget it; he quits. Having quick second thoughts, RK says he needs the money. Roderick says, then go make nice.
RK goes back to Justin’s table. Justin says, look who still works here, and RK says, not for long. Justin says RK should have gone with him, but RK says he’ll never go anywhere with Justin. Veronica sits with Justin, and asks, what this girl talking about? She asks RK for coffee, and says, hello, officer. Justin is silent, and just stares at her. She asks, does he like? No? He wouldn’t know how to like this. RK brings her coffee, and she says he’s not pouring it. He says, hell no, and she says she burned his arm one time, and he acts like a little bitch. Like the one in front of her. RK tells her to pour it herself. Justin starts get up, and she says, uh-uh. Sit. Let’s chat. How is he? He says, better than her. He doesn’t have to deal with an FBI investigation. She says, he’s trying to come for her. She saw his wife the other day in court. She was sad, holding her head down. Veronica told her, don’t be sad, and don’t hold your head down. She’s not the first one duped by a flaming homo, and won’t be the last. She started to cry. She’s a delicate little thing. Justin says he’s on suspension. He has nothing to lose. She says she heard he’s about to be brought up on charges. Sexual assault again Wyatt while he was in jail. RK is back, and asks if that’s why Justin arrested him. Justin had his hands all over him in the back of his car. Veronica asks if this is how Jeffrey got arrested. Did he feel Jeffrey up too? This is his M.O. She bets there’s more to it. If the station did some digging, they’ll find out it’s serial. She asks RK if he’s wiling to testify. RK says, damn right. She says, the DA is going to love this. Justin gets up. She tells him, walk, Miss Honey. Walk, bitch. RK laughs. She asks if Justin really did that to him, and he says, yeah. She says, okay. Thank you for that. One down, one to go. She pours her coffee and smiles, saying, he learns fast.
She asks where RK is going, and he says, far away from her. The last time he sw her, she assaulted him with grits. She says it was a gesture of love. He says she’s crazy. She says, they say she is when she’s drinking. He says she’s a different person when she drinks. She says she’s Veronica – and several otherpeople. He doesn’t like it; he’s not coming back. She says that’s not why she’s there. She’s brought undercover officers there to arrest him for stealing her jewelry. He says he didn’t take anything. She asks if he thinks she’d let his hood ass run around her place without cameras on. Is he telling her the video is lying? Tell the damn truth. He says he took them, and she says she knew that. Where are they? He tells her that he pawned them. She says he better get his ass over there and get her things, or he’s going with the officers.
Roderick sees Kathryn. She says she’s checking on her hotel. Shall they look at rooms? She asks where the young man is who works at the bar. Roderick says he just left, and she says Roderick can catch him before he leaves. RK needs to talk to Roderick, but Roderick says, not right now, and tells him, get back to work. Kathryn sees Veronica, and wonders what the hell she’s doing there.
Kathryn says hello to Veronica, and they make phony small talk. She asks what Veronica is doing there, and Veronica says, having coffee. Her? Kathryn says she owns the place. She doesn’t need a reason to be there. Veronica says from what she saw, Kathryn is there for that young man. Their body language wasn’t boss and employee, but cougar and kid. (Shouldn’t that be cub?) She says like when a woman is lying on the floor, you know she’s dead. Kathryn says, the FBI is on to what happened to David; it’s out of local jurisdiction. Veronica says, let’s hope they get their man. Kathryn hopes it’s not a woman. Veronica says, only a diva with an ax to grind would be so bold. It’s nice to see Kathryn, but she has to go. She has a team of lawyers protecting her secrets. Kathryn says, very smart. Veronica says she is. She tells Kathryn, take care, and leaves.
Rocky and Roderick approach Kathryn’s table. She starts to leave with them. A man tells them, step back. Kathryn says it’s her hotel, but the guy says it’s the President Elect. Charles goes by with the Secret Service. She asks Roderick why she didn’t know he was here, and Roderick says it was on the news. Rocky says he stays there a lot; he seems to like it. She asks if he’s had any contact with their services. Roderick says, no. She says, too bad. She didn’t vote for him. She was with her.
Charles tells the guys, that will be all, but not Landon. When they’re alone, he asks how Landon’s jaw is. Landon says, okay. Charles checks Landon’s face out, and says, not that bad. Landon says, nothing a little makeup can’t cover. Charles says his wife claimed he had a problem saying he was sorry. He wants to prove her wrong. He’s sorry. Landon says, it’s okay, but Charles says he was way out of line. Why didn’t Landon tell him that he was gay? Landon didn’t think it was important. Charles asks if Landon is attracted to him, and Landon says, yes. Charles is a very attractive, sexy man. Charles says he has no desire to be with the same sex at all, but appreciates Landon’s honesty. He asks if it’s going to be a problem, since they’re working closely. Let him know now. Landon is good at his job. Landon says it will be no problem; trust him. Charles says he respects Landon, and expects the same. Landon asks if he can speak freely. Charles can’t believe he’s really asking that after what he tried. Landon says, touché. He knows Charles likes her. (Interesting. He always refers to Candace as her.) When she’s around, Charles is better. When she’s not, he’s bitter and mean. Landon asks Charles to let him work on her for him. Charles says Landon can’t make her do or become what she doesn’t want to. Landon says, let him try. Charles says, be his guest.
Madison comes downstairs. Jeffrey has his face in his phone, and Madison asks if he’s still not talking. Jeffrey says Madison has a job to do; he should do it. Madison says Jeffrey’s dad is resting, and he’s going to his nighttime shift at the hospital. Is Jeffrey really going to act like this? He obviously cares about Justin. Jeffrey says he doesn’t want his dad getting to him. All his life, his dad has handled his problems. He can handle this. Madison says he can’t. That guy going to kill him. Jeffrey says Madison doesn’t know Justin. Madison says, no, but he works at the hospital. He sees it all the time. He knows the signs. Jeffrey says he knows the psychology. Madison says he’s too close to see it for what it is. Is the sex that good? What would make Justin crazy enough to do what he does? Jeffrey says when Justin’s not crazy, he likes him. Madison says Jeffrey loves him. Jeffrey says he can’t talk about it anymore. Madison says he wants Jeffrey safe, with no havoc in either of their lives. Jeffrey asks if Madison doesn’t have somewhere to go. Madison says he’s wasting his time there. Jeffrey is glad he knows that. Madison blows out, and Jeffrey says, don’t slam my dad’s door, bitch.
George finds Wyatt in the interrogation room. Wyatt wants to talk to him – now. George says he has it bad. Wyatt says he didn’t do anything. The bitch put it in his pocket. George says everyone there says they’re innocent. Wyatt says he’ll do it. He’ll testify. He wants out. George asks, why in such a rush? and Wyatt says George knows why. A guy out there is trying to kill him. He asks if he’s still there, but George doesn’t know who he’s talking about. Wyatt says he told George that he’d do it. Get him out. A guy comes in, and says something to George. He tells Wyatt that he’ll be right back.
Jim is in the reception area, and he says George has his son. Does he mind telling him why? George says, possession. Jim asks why George is holding him; he has no priors. George says, tell the judge. Jim says, let him out, and George asks if that’s a threat. Jim says he’s sick and tired of George. George says he’s just getting started. He has enough on Wyatt for him to serve twenty years. Jim says Wyatt is broke. He couldn’t have afforded it. George says he got from somewhere. Jim says George sent his whore to his house to get his son. Get him out right now. George says Jim doesn’t scare him. Jim says George isn’t railroading his son. George says Jim has something that belongs to him. Jim says he has nothing that belongs to George, and wouldn’t admit it if he did. George says Kathryn is going down, and so is he. Jim says, so arrest him, and George says, it’s coming. Jim says, bring it on. George says he’s not seeing his son, but Jim says he’s his son’s lawyer. George says Wyatt refused him as counsel. Jim says George thinks he has the power in this matter. George says he does. Jim says he’ll go to the Attorney General. George says he won’t answer Jim’s calls. George walks away, and Jim says, sh*t.
Hanna goes to the Cryer’s. Housekeeper Diane answers, and tells her that they’re out. Hanna asks if anybody is home, but Diane says, no. Diane asks if Hanna can help get out a stain, but Hanna says she doesn’t work there anymore. She’ll just sit and wait. She sits on the sofa, and the doorbell rings. It’s Candace, who asks for Jim. Candace says she’ll wait, and tells Diane to call Jim now. She sees Hanna, and asks what the hell she’s doing there. Hanna asks what the hell is Candace doing there. Candace says, none of her business, and Hanna says all she’s been doing is cleaning up Candace’s business. Hanna goes to another room and sits.
Diane calls Jim. She says Hanna’s there, and so is her daughter. He asks what they’re doing, and she thinks staring at each other. Should she ask them to come back? He tells her, serve them tea, and have them wait. Tell them he’s on his way.
There’s a flower delivery of yellow roses for Justin. The delivery guy says they’re from Jeffrey. Justin says it’s not what he thinks. The guy says he’s not thinking anything. Justin says, it’s not like that. If it was, it would be weird. He goes inside to get a tip. Three guys follow him in. He turns around, and sees them. The flower guy grabs him, and throws him down. They proceed to kick the sh*t out of him, then punch him. Justin gets one guy, but then they really stomp him.
Next time, Kathryn has another three-way, George tells Wyatt that he’s free to go if he says what happened, Veronica doesn’t trust David, and Hanna slaps Jim.
💔 If Loving You is Wrong will be having a two-night premiere, on March 19th and 20th, at 10 pm.
⛪ I happened to catch a commercial for Madea Family Funeral, and it looks like Rome Flynn (RK, HAHN) is a main character.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Giggy! LVP and Kyle are having a fight. LVP insists she didn’t say that about Kyle, and isn’t going to admit she did something that she didn’t. Ken tells Kyle that LVP would never say that about her. Kyle says maybe she cares more about her image. Ken tells Kyle she’s not LVP’s friend; get out. LVP says she’s done with Kyle, and Kyle leaves.
Two months earlier.
Kyle makes breakfast, and asks if the kids are going to be around on weekend. They’re having people over. The ladies all get a text, saying Kyle is having a pool party this weekend.
Teddi and her husband recently bought a new house – five houses away from where they were. Her husband has been stalking it for years because of the view. it went on the market, and guess who had to buy it? She’s kind of in love with it. She’s doing great businesswise, with thirty coaches, and five hundred clients. It’s a learning curve, and she has to remind herself, balance.
LisaR wants to spend every moment with her girls. It’s important because they’re working so much. She and her daughters attend goat yoga. No way I could concentrate with a bunch of cute goats sniffing at me. LisaR says, it’s the funniest weird LA thing she’s ever done, and she’s done a lot of weird things. They’re dying laughing, and their French bulldog plays with the goats. Last year Delilah was living in NYC, but realized she was lonely. LisaR is thrilled that she wants to move back. Delilah makes it clear she won’t be living with her parents; there’s not as much freedom. In her interview, LisaR says at age eleven, Delilah couldn’t leave the house because of anxiety. Considering she moved away for a year, it’s a huge win. LisaR thinks it’s good she’s taking a step back. It’s surreal watching the girls grow up; it goes by fast. We see some old clips of them. LisaR says they don’t need her as much as she would like, but she’s proud of them.
LVP brushes the ponies. Giggy still has a cold, and she worries about him. She explains that he’s had fainting episodes, and has be in an incubator. His heart is slowing down, and they need to give him CPR and massages to bring it back. She tells Ken there were only two siblings in her family, and suddenly, her brother is gone. In her interview, she says the passing of her brother is still fresh. So many people have taken their lives recently. People say it’s selfish, but she knew him well enough to know that wasn’t the case. It was a cry for help that went horribly wrong. He was her partner in crime while they were growing up. Whatever happened, it was the two of them. She tells Ken that she moved his photo off her desk; she couldn’t keep looking at it all the time. She thinks work is a good distraction, and Ken says it’s the best distraction. She went back to work two days after the funeral, and it’s only when people bring it up that she gets emotional. She’s a strong woman and can cope with most things, but wasn’t prepared for this. Ken says you grieve properly for a month, come out, and carry on. You can’t grieve for the rest of life your life. LVP thinks you always grieve. Geez, this is all too much for me.
Teddi visits Kyle. They giggle over being in a boxing class with Justin Bieber. Kyle tells Teddi that one of her eyes is bigger than the other. I assume she means the pupils. Teddi tells her it looks better. In Kyle’s interview, she says she has general anxiety disorder. Her parents both died from cancer, and she automatically imagines the worst. Kyle shows Teddi around. In her interview, she says they have so much in common; it’s an easy friendship. Teddi asks if Kyle is nervous about the security stuff, and Kyle says all of the cameras and alarms are working. She didn’t want to stay in the house after they were burglarized. We flash back to the reunion where she talked about how they took everything, even sentimental things she can’t replace. She tells Teddi about seeing a mountain lion on the property.
Erika chills champagne, and Dorit arrives. In her interview, Erika says she’s gotten more interested in having people over. Dorit tells her about Boy George being on tour. They clink glasses. Dorit says she’s had a sh*tty days that tipped her world upside down. They were robbed when they were away; all her handbags and jewelry were taken. Wonder if it’s the same one that burgled Kyle. She says they’ve been hit five times. Erika knows what it’s like. Dorit laughs, saying they left one horrible necklace her husband got her for Valentine’s Day. The burglar had the nerve to leave it. Afterward, she went to Utah, and climbed a mountain. In Dorit’s interview, she says she doesn’t classify herself as an athlete, but told herself she could do it. She tells Teddi that she had a mental breakthrough. It’s like a switch flipped, and the gas is back in the tank. It was her biggest spiritual awakening to date. She says her daughter has more purses than mommy right now.
At Vanderpump Dogs, manager John greets Teddi and her daughter. In her interview, Teddi says her daughter is obsessed with dogs, so Teddi brings her there to play with puppies, and they don’t have to commit yet. She explains that she hosts cycling rides for charity, and got to know John through doing one for Vanderpump Dogs. Kyle joins them, and LVP arrives. They fawn over the precious babies. John brings out a dog, and asks if Kyle recognizes it. Kyle thinks something is strange, and wonders why they’re staring at her. John says it’s the dog Lucy that Dorit adopted. She (the dog, not Dorit) ended up in a shelter, and Vanderpump Dogs was called because Lucy had been microchipped. LVP doesn’t want to talk about it, and I’m perplexed as to why anyone would be staring at Kyle. Since there’s no explanation, I’m assuming maybe she’s just paranoid.
Dorit tells Erika that the dog wasn’t the right fit. She bit the kids, and bit PK in the face. We see a picture of him with what look like scratches on his nose. I’m guessing the kids were probably rough with the dog, and PK shouldn’t have put his face there. Dorit was thinking the dog was going to a beautiful home, but ended up in a shelter. LVP called her and didn’t seem mad, just shocked like she was.
John says it wasn’t handled properly. LVP says this isn’t helpful, and she doesn’t want to talk about it. Teddi says Dorit should have come to her, and LVP says maybe Dorit believed Lucy was going to a good home. John says he’s pissed. Everyone is pissed, and he’s been dealing with it for a week. In LVP’s interview, she says she doesn’t think Dorit deliberately gave the dog away to a shelter. They go in the back where some dogs are in crates. John explains they keep them for seven days of observation to make sure nothing is wrong. LVP says she wishes Kyle had come to TomTom for the Daily Mail party. Kyle says LVP is full of sh*t, and she’s not doing this. She landed at 4 am, and LVP said it wasn’t even her party, acting like it was no big deal. In her interview, Kyle repeats that LVP said it wasn’t her party, and didn’t even invite her. Kyle says Dorit drops off a dog, and LVP gives her the benefit of the doubt. She’s not doing this again. LVP is being a bitch to her, but Dorit can bring a dog back, and gets away with it.
In Kyle’s interview, she says LVP likes to make her look bad in front of other people. She’s watched when friends did sh*tty things, and LVP has made excuses. We flash back to that. She says you don’t do that to one of your closest friends. LVP says Kyle hasn’t come to the restaurant once, but Kyle says it wasn’t finished, and she’s not doing this. On the side, Teddi tells Kyle that LVP is super sensitive right now. Kyle says she can feel it. LVP wants to start with her, and she’s been there for her. LVP apologizes, saying she made an idiot of herself. It’s not like her to lose her sh*t. Teddi says that’s’ what happens when you hold it in. In Kyles interview, she says that after LVP’s brother passed, there’s been ups and downs. One minute, everything is good, and the next, it’s not. It’s understandable. LVP sits on the steps and cries, calling herself an idiot. Teddi tells her not to be hard on herself.
LisaR gets ready for company. Denise Richards comes to the door. In her interview, LisaR says they go back in many different lifetimes. We see a clip of them talking about knowing each other for almost thirty years. She thinks Denise will blend in well. Denise is a seasoned old bitch like she is. Dorit arrives, followed by Erika. Erika asks how LisaR and Denise know each other, and LisaR says she saw Denise at Wilhelmina when Denise was sixteen. Erica says she loved Denise in The World is Not Enough, and Denise says she got slammed for that movie. They talk about Charlie Sheen. LisaR says she did a movie with him, and in the first scene, he was licking her toes. They’re like, eww! and we see a clip of that, which we can never unsee. They laugh about the margaritas being strong.
Dorit and PK meet LVP and Ken for dinner. Dorit asks how LVP is feeling, and LVP says she compartmentalizes, says it’s just a bad time in her life, and moves on. She can’t bring him back. In her interview, Dorit knows it’s affected LVP, no matter what she’s saying. She can see it; it’s physical. LVP wants to clear up the dog thing. She knows Dorit had no malintent. PK says she knows Dorit didn’t mean for that to happen, and LVP says that’s why she defended Dorit. She knows Dorit had the best intentions. PK says it was a mistake that could have been made by anybody. LVP says that’s why they make stringent rules, and put a $5K penalty in the contract. PK says, but the mistake was made by a best friend. In Dorit’s interview, she admits she signed the contract, but didn’t look at it with a fine-toothed comb. LVP says John lost his mind, and it got heated at the center. She tried to shut it down, but people are talking about it. Dorit wants to know who discussed it, and what they said. LVP says John spoke to Teddi; he’s close with her. In her interview, Dorit says LVP sent her a text that Teddi was aware of the situation, but made it seem like it was fine. She’s surprised there’s a different tone now, and Teddi is talking about it. She doesn’t want her private matters discussed with anyone, especially Teddi. They decide to move on.
There’s an amazing spread happening at Kyle’s. In her interview, she tells us when they were burglarized, they hadn’t had any celebrations there yet. This makes it feel like home, not just a house. Guests begin to arrive. Ooh! A Snow-Cone machine! Camille walks in, followed by LisaR and Denise. Kyle says she once belonged to a Hollywood moms group that Denise and LisaR were a part of. They would get together for potluck dinners, and it’s how she got to know Denise. She’s known Charlie since she was a teen. Her old boyfriend, C. Thomas Howell, used to hang around with him, but she wasn’t happy about it. You never knew what was going to happen – or what they’d bring home.
In her interview, Dorit says, in the past, she’s been a target of Teddi’s attacks. In the back of her mind, she’s thinking Teddi knows about the dog situation, and wonders how Teddi is going to torture her. The party is in full swing. In Teddi’s interview, she says Dorit isn’t mentioning anything, and she’s not going to with the kids there. In Dorit’s’ interview, she says they’re doing what they do in Beverly Hills. Put a smile on their faces, and put it behind them.
LVP and Ken show up. Ken hopes they saved some food. LisaR tells LVP she’s sorry, but LVP would rather not talk about it. In her interview, LisaR says, grief is a tricky thing. LVP keeps a stiff upper lip, and doesn’t want to deal with it. She doesn’t want get to the deep feelings. Kyle is feeling weirdly guilty. They had a conversation about Dorit, but no one is saying anything. I guess bringing up inappropriate topics at parties is the norm now. She says they probably don’t want to put Dorit in a bad situation. If you get the reputation of not caring for an animal, you’re screwed.
Mauricio does some grilling. LVP and Denise talk kids. Denise adopted another one, but she thinks Charlie is her dad. LVP sits on the porch with Camille. She asks if Camille is excited to get married. We see a clip of her showing off the ring. It’s stunning. LVP says it’s been eight years. She should have gotten married a few times by now. It’s Hollywood for God’s sake. Dorit and Teddi’s boys play together. In her interview, Teddi says her past with Dorit isn’t good, but the kids don’t care. They want spend time together, so figure it out, moms. Ken snoozes in the living room. It’s probably one of several living rooms. LVP talks about her car having been stolen, along with Charlie Sheen’s, and the cars going over a cliff. I’d like to hear more of that story.
The ladies, minus LVP, talk about how it was a different time when they were teenagers. Teddi says Boone’s Farm (a way too sweet, disgusting wine cooler) was their thing. Teddi uses the word winning, and everybody laughs about how Charlie used that word. In Teddi’s interview, she says, who knew saying winning would make her look like a loser. Thanks, Charlie. Erika announces that Teddi’s kid is peeing in the pool like a champ. LVP Hollywood kisses Kyle goodbye, but she’s wearing a wide-brimmed hat that gets in the way. Kyle says she can’t get near LVP, and LVP says the hat is intentional. Kyle sighs.
Next time, Kyle says somebody is hell bent on getting the story about Dorit out there, and the text says the real story is more shocking. This season, there will be a trip to Europe, more performing from Erika, Denise gets married, Brandi (ugh) is back, Teddi makes it rain, Camille calls LisaR a mean girl, and Kim accuses Denise of lying.
🗽 The new season of The Real Housewives of New York City begins on Wednesday, March 6th, at 9 pm.
🎀 In Wrapping It Up…
Hoping that the hour doesn’t reflect in the editing.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
At Beechers Corners, Harmony welcomes Jason. She says he called with questions, and wants to check them out. Let’s get to it.
Carly thanks Sam for meeting her at the MetroCourt. She talked to Jason, and thinks she knows why Sam and Jason broke up. She wants to support them both, which Sam interprets as wanting to talk her out of it. Carly laughs. Drew comes by to say hi. Carly says Josslyn told her the good news about Oscar, and Drew says the tumor hasn’t grown. Sam says, incredible, and Drew says he and Oscar’s mother are trying to get back to a normal life – whatever that is. He wants to check in on Shiloh. Sam says he doesn’t have to, but Carly thinks the more information, the better. Drew says Shiloh made a point to be friendly. The least he can do is be friendly back. He leaves, and Carly hopes he gets lucky, and gets some leverage on Shiloh. Then Sam and Jason won’t have to break up.
Alexis says the new guy is Neil Bern. She looks at his card, and says, yep. She wishes she’d read it before putting it in her bag. He wishes he’d known he was inviting a patient out to dinner. She asks what they do now, and he says it’s up to her.
Not-Doc sneaks around behind Griff, holding the syringe. He flashes back to seeing Griff holding Ava. He asks if Griff sees a spot for Kiki’s memorial brick. Griff thinks she’d like the flower bed. The GH community meant a lot to her; it’s a thoughtful gesture. He turns around, and not-Doc startles him, being so close. Griff says he didn’t see him there. Ava pops out of the roof door, and tells Griff that he’s too close to the edge. Does he have a death wish? Not-Doc asks if she was looking for Griff, but she says, no; she’s looking for him. She knows what he’s been up to.
Neil tells Alexis to do what she thinks is best. He’ll be happy to give her a referral. She says she can’t go back to Doc; she’s representing his ex-wife in the divorce. She tells Neil, once again, she’s given him TMI, but he says there’s no such thing for a psychiatrist. If she’s uncomfortable, he can give her the name of an associate. He writes something down, and gives it to her, saying he thinks it would be a good fit, and he hopes it works out. She thanks him, and says, goodnight. She closes the door behind her, and shakes her head.
Drew goes to DOD. Shiloh says it’s a nice surprise, and Drew says he had a free night. Shiloh invites Drew inside. Drew wanted to talk about their time in Afghanistan together; when Shiloh went by Hank. Shiloh says Drew saved his life, but more than that. They were seriously tight, but Drew held his cards closer to the vest than he did. He gave Drew some late night, sloppy confessions. He wanted to get some things off his chest in case he didn’t make back. Drew said he didn’t remember, and Shiloh thinks he feels better about it that way. Drew says they must have been some confessions.
Sam tells Carly that she told Danny she was coming there, and he wanted her to give this to Carly and Sonny. She hands Carly a handmade Valentine’s Day card. Carly says, little boys can sure surprise you. She never would have associated Danny with making a card; he was always the adventure boy. Sam says she had to have Monica lock the attic. Danny was taking Annabelle up there, and playing on the roof. He’s like his father; fearless, but sweet and thoughtful at the same time. Carly says Sam is going to have to work harder if she wants this to work out. It’s obvious how much she loves Jason.
Harmony says Jason must be there on someone’s behalf, and asks if it’s a family member. He says he considers them one. She asks if they’re in Beechers Corners; is it someone she knows? He says, no, and she asks why not talk to Shiloh; he’s in Port Charles. Jason says he wants to talk to someone besides Hank Archer. Harmony says, a blast from the past. She used to be Lorraine. Her parents chose it, but it was never a good fit. She found it freeing and empowering to choose her own name. Jason says so she became Harmony, like Hank became Shiloh. She says it was a bridge to becoming her true self. Shiloh untethered her from what was holding her back, and Dawn of Day unlocked her potential. She tells him that she and Shiloh built the community center across the street from the ground up. He asks if they’re still in touch, and she says, of course. They still conduct business together. Jason says, but they’re not together. She’s there, and Shiloh is in Port Charles. Why? Wow. Harmony looks a lot like my sister.
Not-Doc asks what Ava thinks he’s up to. Ava says she knows why he’s up there. She went to his office, and found this on his desk. A letter about honoring Kiki with a community brick. It says the best way to look for a spot is from the roof, so she came to see for herself, and give some input. She says it’s a lovely gesture, and thanks him. He says it’s all he could think of. Maybe it will bring some small comfort to the people who miss her. Griff says he was just saying the same thing. He tells not-Doc to let him know when it’s picked out. He needs to be somewhere. He leaves, and Ava says Kiki will be part of a place she loved forever. Not-Doc says a brick isn’t much, but if it dissipates her anger toward him… She says she’s not angry at him. She jumped to conclusions, and owes him an apology.
Carly tells Sam that Shiloh has charisma, and knows how to use it. She asks if Sam thinks he’s a sexual predator. Sam intends to find out. Not just for Kristina. All the girls there look like they worship him. Carly asks why she and Jason have to break up, and Sam says she has to con Shiloh. He’s about to get a taste of his own medicine.
Harmony tells Jason that Shiloh was the visionary; she was the pragmatist. Jason asks why they’re apart, and she says Shiloh wants to expand the work. Jason wonders why Port Charles, and she tells him Shiloh found that’s where people needed outreach that DOD can provide. He left, and she stayed to continue the work there. Jason says, Shiloh seems devoted. What about a life outside? Does he have no family, or no interest in having one? Harmony says, DOD is his family; why is he asking? He says because the young lady he’s there for is really involved. She’s naïve, and growing attracted to Shiloh as more than a mentor. She’s falling for him. He asks how Shiloh handles situations like this when they come up.
Shiloh tells Drew the thing about confessions is, when you’re making them, they seem of monumental importance, but in the grand scheme of things, they’re not important at all. Drew says he has a point, but why is he still thinking about it? Shiloh says coming there brought back memories. First he runs into the brother he didn’t know Drew had, with his face; then he sees Drew with another face, and Drew doesn’t know him. Drew says he doesn’t remember anyone or anything, and not to take it personally. Shiloh asks if there’s any chance Drew’s memory will return.
Griff bangs on the radiator. Then he does push-ups. Like three of them. He starts to lift free-weights, but there’s a knock at the door. It’s Sasha. She says she was in town to visit Nina, but needed a break. She can’t imagine what Griff has been going through. It must be hard walking past Kiki’s apartment every day. She asks how he’s doing, and he says he’s sick and tired of everybody taking to him about Kiki. Talking about her is not going to bring her back.
Ava tells not-Doc that she realized he wasn’t protecting Franco. He didn’t think weren’t Franco was a threat. Not-Doc says he would have never let Franco harm Kiki or anyone. He never thought Franco would act on his impulses. Ava says she’s convinced Franco is innocent, which means the killer is still free. Not-Doc says, that’s a real problem. She says, it doesn’t have to be. He needs to go to the police, and tell them that they have the wrong man.
Alexis goes back into Neil’s office. She says she’s thought about it. She already spilled her guts to him, and established she’s at ease talking with a complete stranger. So if he’s still willing to treat her… He says he is. She has some intriguing issues to work out. She says, referring back to their conversation, just to sure, when they met, did he know she was his patient?
Drew tells Shiloh, supposedly, there’s a procedure that can undo what happened. Shiloh doesn’t know what happened, and Drew says, long story. Shiloh says he’s heard plenty of those, but Drew assures him, not like this. He was never AWOL; he was abducted. Shiloh says he knew Drew never abandoned his post. Drew says the plan was to put him in his brother’s place. Transfer his brother’s knowledge to his head, and have his brother eliminated. Shiloh says Drew’s brother is still around; someone messed up. Drew says, the first part worked. He has Jason’s memories, and lost his. Shiloh says Drew told him there’s a procedure that could help him recover his memories. Why wouldn’t he do that? What’s holding him back?
Carly tells Sam, maybe Sonny can persuade Shiloh to leave town. Sam says, that could backfire. Shiloh could tell Kristina, and she’ll dig in even harder. Carly would like to wring Shiloh’s enlightened neck. Sam says she has to pretend to be hanging on every word. Carly asks what if he catches on? Sam says she’s an experienced con, and Shiloh expects women to fall for him’ the girls there are almost like groupies. All she has to do is play along.
Harmony says Drew is naturally warm and inclusive. It can be misunderstood by the more vulnerable volunteers. Jason asks how he handles it. He doesn’t want his friend getting hurt. A cop walks up, and asks if he’s Jason Morgan. Jason asks if there’s a problem, and the officer says he ran Jason’s plates. He has an arrest record there for murder. Jason says the charges were dropped, but the officer says he’s on the wrong side of the law again.
Neil says Alexis called to make an appointment at five, when he was already sitting at Charlie’s. He didn’t know the interesting woman sitting down next to him was soon to be his patient. If he had, he wouldn’t have asked her to dinner. She apologizes for questioning his professionalism. He says, apology accepted. If they move forward, can she trust him? She says she can, and he says they’ll see how it goes, and if she wants to continue. He asks why the urgent return to therapy at this time? She says, a lot of reasons, but the chief one is the feeling she has when she sees her ex kissing his girlfriend. She also had an experience at the Dawn of Day house.
Drew tells Shiloh the procedure is like overriding a computer program. The old memories are restored, but the past five years would essentially be deleted. The relationships he’s made with the people he’s grown to love. the memories of his daughter from the day she was born, until now – gone. He didn’t know he had a son until he move there. Meeting his son, and the memories they made together, he’d lose them. They mean everything to him, so the short answer is, no; he’s not having the procedure. Shiloh says, good. He has his priorities straight.
Sam tells Carly the worst part is lying to Danny. He’s too young to understand what’s going on, and he’s missing out on family time. Monica has been great about it; she’s a hand’s off mother-in-law. Carly says when she was married to AJ, all Monica did was meddle. She understands though; they loathed each other. Sam says she and Monica are a lot alike. Carly asks, in what universe? Sam says they both have a love for family, and Carly says she’s a part of that club too, protecting Kristina. Sam knows what it’s like to have a guy using you, and making you feel worthless, tearing down your self-esteem. She’s not letting Shiloh do that to Kristina.
Jason tells the cop that he did nothing wrong. The officer says he parked in a designated handicapped spot. Jason says there was no sign, but the officer tells him to move it, or he’s impounding the car. Harmony tells the officer that Jason will be going shortly, and thanks him for his diligence. When he leaves, she tells Jason that his bark is worse than his bite. Jason thanks her for smoothing things over. She says it’s a community, and they look out for each other. They’ve really come together since Dawn of Day launched. She hopes it’s the same in Port Charles. He thinks he’s heard enough. He’s learned a lot.
Griff apologizes to Sasha. He doesn’t know what’s worse; thinking about Kiki or not thinking about her. He’s consumed with missing her. He can’t find a moment’s peace. Sasha asks how he get the bruises, and he says, boxing; he spars sometimes. She says with a neurosurgeon’s hands? Is he crazy? He says they wear padded gloves. She tells him, pick someone his own size next time. He looks like he boxed with a kangaroo. He says he lost focus. His mind wanders, and regret takes over. She knows the feeling, and he asks what she has to regret. I’m wondering if Griff is involved with a fight club. Griff Durden.
Ava tells not-Doc it’s important the police stop wasting time on Franco, while the real monster is out there. Not-Doc knows she’s struggling with grief, and didn’t want to add to it by upsetting her. She says she recovered, but he says she ran back to Griff. She says he saw Griff comforting her, and assumed she went back to him? He says she ran out on him. She’s beautiful, and the man is an Adonis. Ava says not-Doc is insane, and she’d have to be equally insane to go back to the man who betrayed her with her own daughter. She hugs him.
Sasha tells Griff that she thought she’d blow in, meet with her mom, and blow out. She’s met people she cares about, and found herself worrying about them; hoping they’re okay. Griff says that’s a good thing. She made connections. She says she wants to do the right thing, but she’s not sure how. Some things are hard to fix. He says if she wants to talk, he’s wide open to distractions, and wants to help. She asks why it’s so hot in the apartment. He says can’t control the radiator. Kiki showed him some tricks, but he never got the hang of it. She had the magic touch with everything she did.
Not-Doc turns away from Ava. She asks if he’s okay. He says he thought he’d lost her. It’s only been a short time, but she has his heart. She’s everything to him. He doesn’t think he could put one foot in front of other if he lost the woman he loves. She says, he loves her?
Alexis tells Neil, in an effort to heal the rift between her and her daughter, she attended a seminar by the man responsible. Neil asks, how was it? and she says, weird; uncomfortable. She played along to appease her daughter, and realized, as Neil pointed out, she frames everything in the context of her ex. She’s fairly certain she doesn’t want a relationship, but she’s drawn to his type; dangerous, selfish, incapable of intimacy and honesty. Men who love power more than they’ll ever love her. He asks if there’s a man in her life who set that pattern. She says her father. Small world. Her father was one of those exiled Russian aristocrats he’s fond of studying.
Shiloh says that’s a lot of pain Drew is carrying. If he’s ever interested in reconciling, the seminars can ease suffering, including his own. He’s learned to untie his troubled past. It looks like they both can have closure. Drew says, no charge. Maybe he can start his own seminars. They shake hands, and Shiloh thanks Drew for giving him his life back again. Drew leaves, and Shiloh ponders the visit. Or plots. I’m not sure which.
Harmony says she’d Invite Jason to attend an open house, but something tells her that won’t happen. He must bear scars, being arrested for a murder he didn’t commit. He says he doesn’t, and thanks her for time.
Carly knows Sam and Jason aren’t candy hearts and flowers people, but they should be together on Valentine’s Day. Sam says she has plans, and Carly asks if she’s going to the Dawn of Day event; she’s seen the flyers. Sam says Shiloh is expecting her, but Carly says she can have an emergency. Sam says she won’t be spending Valentine’s Day with the man she loves. She’ll be at the DOD house, listening to Shiloh’s wisdom with an eager smile. The harder she works on it, the faster she can get Kristina out of there.
Alexis suggests she skip over the gory family details. To sum it up, her father was a distant, unapproachable, controlling figure in her life. He was ruthless and powerful, and she was simultaneously drawn to him and repelled by him. She rarely got his attention, and never his love. Neil says, it’s not a job. You don’t earn a father’s love; it’s a gift with no strings attached. She says, not in her family. Love was a weakness to be exploited. He asks at what age she realized that, but she has no idea. She blocked out most of her childhood. Her father murdered her mother, and she witnessed it. He says she probably has PTSD, and asks if she’s ever been diagnosed. She says, no. Her stepmother was as ruthless and cruel as her father. He wonders if she equates those traits in men with safety, to ensure her survival. She says she never thought about it like that. He says if she decides to move forward, she can get a better understanding of herself, why she’s led to people who aren’t good for her, and be steered toward healthier relationships. She likes that, and he asks when she’d like another appointment.
Not-Doc was hoping to save the words for Valentine’s Day, but Ava says, don’t. He says he won’t. He loves her. She says she loves him too. Very much. They kiss.
Sasha tells Griff she didn’t mean to bring up Kiki again. She’s heading out, and he says to stop by anytime. They can work on her regrets. She’s too young to have them weighing on her. She says so is he. He watches as she leaves.
Harmony calls Shiloh, who asks to what he owes the pleasure. She says he sounds upbeat. He tells her a potential threat isn’t so threatening. She says she just met Jason Morgan, who questioned her about their arrangement. She was assisted by their favorite cop, Billy. He did his part, and made Jason feel less than welcome. I wasn’t aware Jason felt much of anything. She doesn’t think he’ll be back, and he didn’t learn anything they didn’t want him to know.
Jason arrives at the MetroCourt, and Carly says he just missed Sam. Or was it intentional? He tells her she has a bartender who’s into DOD. She asks, which one? but he doesn’t know. Sonny was talking to him. She says she can’t fire him, but she doesn’t want him reporting to Shiloh. She wanted a safe place for him and Sam. Yeah, a public hotel seems just perfect. Jason says they’ll find one. She says DOD has made unsettling inroads. No one noticed they were responsible for the clothing drive. She wouldn’t have let Josslyn be a part of it. Jason says Josslyn has a good sense of herself. Kristina is in deep. It might help if Shiloh is distracted, and feeling pressure from the outside. Carly asks what kind? And he says he went to the originating DOD, and got a good idea of how it works. But now he has to figure out how to take it down.
Tomorrow, Sonny talks to Spencer, Sasha and Obrecht meet, Nina announces she’s marrying Valentin again, and Cameron questions Franco’s innocence.
Vanderpump Rules
I’m not sure if anything can top Lisa getting slaughtered last week, but we’ll see.
Lisa arrives at SUR with a bit of a hangover. She tells Peter, those bloody cocktails; she literally had two. We flash back to her at the event, saying she had five. She hasn’t had a hangover this bad since 1985. She got pregnant that night. Schwartz says she was amazing; it was well-earned. Tom says she was cute; she had so much momentum. Schwartz thinks they both get gold stars, and Tom says it was a total success. She says once they get the gas on, they can start interviewing, and there’s outside work to be done. It’s a different situation when people aren’t paying to be there. Now is when the hard work begins.
Lala, Kristen and Ariana meet for lunch. Kristen asks if it was fun at TomTom. Lisa didn’t want her there. In her interview, Kristen says whether Lisa likes it or not, she’s part of the SUR family, and she might as well accept it. Lala tells her about the trip to Danish wine country. In Lala’s interview, she says Kristen is a nightmare to travel with. In Mexico, she was an absolute sh*t show. We flash back to her throwing a glass of wine at James. Lala says this trip is for the people who were there for her when her dad passed, and Kristen was one of them. Kristen says she and carter are having problems. They fight about dumb sh*t. We see a clip of that. Something about the dishwasher, walking the dogs, and sharing responsibilities. She thinks it’s healthy to disagree, but not seven days a week. Lala passes on the rosé, and in her interview, says she and Randall got sloshed one night, she got naked, was yelling at the top of her lungs, and broke a hurricane proof window. They made a pact that they should probably stop drinking. but that doesn’t mean she can’t get her bitches drunk.
Jax and Brittany, along with Katie, Stassi, and Ariana, look at the venue for the engagement party, The Inn of the Seventh Rain. Brittany says it has a whimsical, enchanted forest feel. They get the tour. The place is gorgeous, and Jax says, it looks expensive. The manager asks what Brittany’s vision is. In his interview, Jax says Brittany sees possibilities, and he sees dollar signs. He says they’re not even at the wedding yet. The total damage is $14,205. In Stassi’s interview, she says Jax looks like he’s sh*tting his pants. Since he’s always stolen things, she doesn’t know if he’s cheap or a klepto. Brittany says they can all have babies together now. Stassi wants them to wait, but Jax says they’re starting right away. Wait until he finds out how much a kid costs. They talk about pre-marriage counseling.. In Jax’s interview, he tells us that if you get married in the Catholic church, it’s require the have therapy a year ahead. It’s the Pope’s rule. I don’t know about it being a year ahead, unless it’s a waitlist thing, or if the Pope is involved, but it is a requirement to have pre-marriage counseling. Most of them have a one-day seminar option though, so it’s not like he’s making it sound. He says he’s never going to be able to quit SUR.
SUR is hopping. Peter sends Brittany to work in the pink room, her favorite. She tells Lala and Scheana that the venue looks like a fairy tale. The guys are having a guys’ night when the girls are away, and Tom is glad it’s relatively local. He has to be close to TomTom in case the sh*t hits the fan. In his interview, Tom assumes, now that he’s engaged, Jax wouldn’t do anything remotely close to pissing off Brittany. He assumes. Lala hasn’t asked for time off yet, and finds out no one else did either. She approaches Lisa, and explains about the trip. Lisa is cool with it, as long as they’re back by Friday night. Lala says they’re taking a private jet, so they can be back any time. Lisa says Randall must be part of the equation. In Lisa’s interview, she thinks Lala is cavalier with her job. It feels almost like she’s working for Lala, and Lala needs to come back to earth if she’s going to be part of SUR.
James goes to the therapist. In his interview, he says Lisa thinks it’s a good idea for him to talk to someone. If he’s going to get back in SUR, he has to show her he’s trying. He says he’s dealing with his parents. HIs mom called him about his dad not having a job, although his dad says he’s looking, and James is sending money to his mom every other day. In his interview, James says when his dad was managing George Michael, and his mom was modeling, they lived a lavish lifestyle. As he got older, it gradually disappeared, until they were fighting about money 24/7. He tells the therapist he came from a two-income household, with a mom and dad. His life has now flipped, and he’s the guy providing the only income. The therapist says he’s put these expectations on himself. He says it turned quickly, and the therapist says his mom has resentment at his dad, and he has to set boundary that she can’t take it out on him. In his interview, he says, it’s frustrating. He’s helping them, but still getting caught in the crossfire. They’re treating him like a child, when he’s the man of the family.
James calls his mom, and tells her that he can’t deal with it anymore. She’s always yelling about his dad and asking for money. He’s her ex-husband, but his father. He starts yelling, because she’s obviously not listening, and eventually he hangs up. He wonders if he’ll ever get something back at some point. She’s his effing mother. I don’t think he’s talking about the money either. I think he just wants to be acknowledged, and see a little gratitude. I don’t like James, but fair is fair, and I feel sorry for him with having to carry the family.
Katie asks Schwartz is jealous of her going on a private jet. He asks if they’re going Girls Gone Wild, and she says possibly. Stassi drops in. She’s excited; she’s never been on a PJ. In her interview, Katie says she used to think Lala was a rachet gold digger, bragging about traveling on the PJ, but she took a trip with Lala and Randall, and it was luxurious AF. Stassi says they have the rooming situation. She doesn’t want to room with Kristen. Katie volunteers. In Stassi’s interview, she says Kristen is a bad traveler. During their girls trip to Copenhagen, she left. She flew home instead of going with them to Paris. That’s next level. Beau says he’s turning his phone off after midnight.
It’s Brittany and Jax’s turn for therapy next. Brittany is nervous. Jax says he’s making better choices now. He was a bad boyfriend, but after his father passed away, it cleared up for him. He knows the right way to live now. The therapist says every relationship has its challenges. She asks if they talk about what happened last year. Brittany says when the pat has to be brought up, Jax doesn’t like talk about it. Jax says they talked about it, and put it to bed. No one points out the bad choice of words. Brittany says, for sure. The therapist says, if Brittany wants to talk about it, and he shuts that down, he’s basically telling her to shut up. If she’s a people pleaser, then it’s not honest. It’s part of what needs be healed. She asks why Jax just rolled his eyes. Jax says, it’s fine, and Brittany asks what he’s mad about. He says he’s not mad. He just doesn’t understand how going back makes everything better. Brittany asks how does he know he won’t go back to old behavior? He says he just knows. Brittany wants to keep their relationship on the right track. The therapist says that means being honest, not hiding things, and being more transparent.
James plays some tracks for Ariana and Raquel. Ariana thinks being there is a good first exposure being in recording studio. We see a clip of her singing. Kind of. In her interview, she says Ariana Grande needs to look out for Ariana Vente. She asks how everything is going. James says, all right. He’s seeing a therapist to figure out how to avoid future fights. He’s learning how to say no in the right way. Ariana says it sounds like he’s doing good sh*t for himself. Raquel says he’s going to the gym, and James says he’s picked up golf again. Ariana says he can be sober and responsible, and not be a sixty-five-year-old man.
Jacqueline arrives at the apartment, bringing her rescue dog. In James’s interview, he says he wants peace. No down-talking or shutting him out. He wants to be listened to, like a person. Ariana leaves, and Jacqueline asks if James went to therapy. He says they talked family stuff, and how it would be a good thing to set boundaries. She can’t talk about his dad. She says, okay, and he tells her, she says that, but then she calls him. This is all it takes for her to go on a tirade about his father, and how he doesn’t send her a dime. She says, yes, she’s bitter. Ya think? Raquel looks really uncomfortable. He says she puts him in middle, and she says, fine. Boundaries done. He says the other thing is finances. He’s helping, and wants to see what she’s doing with the money. He’s sending $200 every three days. She says she still has two kids at home. She asks him if she was a sh*t mother. He went to an expensive school, had fabulous vacations, and designer clothes. He took his first steps at Tiffany’s. Well we see what’s important to her. She says she’s not telling him to kiss her ass, but he should thank her. Act like she’s not a total bitch. He’s making her feel like a child. James says, he’s the child, and she needs to remember that. She says when she and his dad broke up, she was in hell. He says they were all in hell. He says she sees the relationship going downhill, and doesn’t want that. No talking about his dad, and he wants to know where the money is going. He doesn’t want to see it going nowhere.
Jax asks if therapy was what Brittany expected. Brittany tells him the therapist said things that made sense. She wants to go back. Jax thinks she should go by herself a couple of times, but she doesn’t know about that. She asks what he’s doing while she’s gone, and he says he has to monitor the guys. We flash back to other guys’ nights, where Jax needed to be monitored. Brittany says don’t disappoint her. She doesn’t want to go backwards. He says he should probably cancel the strippers.
At SUR, Lisa asks Peter, what’s happening. He has a table in garden for her. Jacqueline arrive, and meets with Lisa. She was hoping James would be working there again. Wow. This woman is so entitled. No wonder James is the way he is. She says he’s in therapy, and not drinking. He needs this. Lisa says, it’s a start. He needs to be committed. He has an anger issue. Jacqueline says he needs to come to terms with her and his dad. She has something to ask Lisa. James’s brother, Harry, is back from college. She asks if he can bus two nights a week. In her interview, Lisa says James has been a major pita, and doesn’t know if she wants to deal with another one, but maybe if his brother is working, the finances won’t be James’s sole burden. Jacqueline wants Lisa to meet him regardless.
The girls get ready to leave. Ariana opens champagne on the plane. Stassi texts to say they’re running late. In her interview, she says she told Katie don’t carpool with Kristen – she’s always late – and they had to go back for her purse. Stassi has never been on a PJ, and she’s not letting Kristen ruin the trip. In Kristen’s interview, she says Stassi goes out of her way to be an a-hole to her. She is who she is. Ugh. I hate people who are chronically late, and can’t understand why the people on the other end are upset because their time is valuable too. Lala tells the pilot that she has virgins, and they’re popping PJ cherries. Kristen finds a basket of booze nips, or baby bottles of booze, as Adam (Guy Pearce) calls them in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. Stassi films. In her interview, she wonders why she waited so long. She’s naming her first born PJ. It was the best twenty-five minutes of her life.
James brings Harry to meet with Peter and Guillermo. He introduces Harry to Jax. He asks if Jax is having a big night, and Jax tells him about guys’ night. In his interview, James thinks Jax gets pleasure in not inviting him. He’s not letting it bother him. Well, he did kinda ask. Jax asks what James is up to. In James’s interview, he says that his mom helped him get a job at SUR, and he’s here for Harry’s interview. It’s a big day for him.
The girls take a limo van to the hotel. Lala says they’re going to have a wine tasting at the hotel today, but tomorrow, they have full day. Lala is obsessed with Sideways, and hoping someone gets so drunk, they drink out of spit bucket like Paul Giamatti. In her interview, Stassi says she spent more time waiting for Kristen than being on the PJ. The town of Solvang is really cute; quaint and Danish. It looks like it’s from another time.
They get to the hotel, and divvy up the rooms. Scheana is rooming alone. In her interview, Scheana assumed she’d room with Ariana, since they’re besties. She lives by herself, and doesn’t want to room by herself on vacation. Lala can’t wait to Instagram TF out of it. Stassi and Ariana get to their room, and Ariana says, there’s a coffeemaker; thank God. Stassi says, there’s wine; thank God.
Scheana puts a stuffed frog on the other bed, and says she guesses it’s just him and her.
Kristen tells Katie that Stassi screamed at her. Katie says she didn’t want to get involved, and Kristen goes through a lengthy explanation as to why she left her purse. In Katie’s interview, she says you’d think since Kristen is a bad traveler Carter would help, but no. And now she has a stressed out terrorist traveler in her room.
At SUR, Peter talks to James and Harry, while they wait for Guillermo. When Guillermo arrives, he asks what Harry is looking for. Harry says he just finished school, and is looking for a couple of nights a week bussing tables. Guillermo says, five years ago. James said he’s a DJ. He said he didn’t need a DJ; he needed a busboy. Now, he doesn’t need a busboy; he needs a DJ. James effed it up. He says they’ll take Harry on, and train him, and see how it works out. In his interview, James says Guillermo is like a third father, after Ken. His jabs are like a knife in his heart. Guillermo says they’ll find out if he’s a hard worker. He’s heard that before. He looks at James. As he’s leaving, he says he’s still looking for a DJ. By this time, James is crying. In James’s interview, he says it feels like someone who was once proud of him isn’t proud anymore. Harry tells him that he made some mistakes; it will be all right. He needs a little tough love. Peter tells him to hang on.
Brittany loves how the buildings all look like little cottages. There’s lavender everywhere, and Kristen eats a piece. To double-check that it’s not something poisonous, afterward, she checks with the bartender. They start doing a tasting. Kristen announces that merlot is the basic bitch of wines. Whatever that means. (In Vanderpumped – a wringing-it-dry second show that features pop-up trivia, Stassi said she drinks the basic bitch of wines – pinot grigio.) Katie thinks Kristen should get ahold of herself. It’s just the first winery.
When they get to the next one, Stassi says she can see the telltale signs. Crazy Kristen is coming out. Weird behavior, she starts rambling, and drinking – a lot. Yep, she’s guzzling, and looking for more. Stassi says, crazy Kristen. She’s not coming. She’s here.
Next time, Peter gets wild, Lisa says Harry’s brother hasn’t set the best example, Harry says he’s his own person, and Kristen takes a drunken tumble.
I didn’t watch The Young and the Restless, except for a few months when Marc Singer played a villain. However, Kristoff St. John was in one of my favorite exercise videos of all time, Kick Butt, along with trainer Jackie Vankatwyk and three-time European kickboxing champion Badrino Kocktane. It was made a million years ago, but I still use it. He was so young too.
👗 As a general rule, I don’t watch awards shows, but I did check out the Grammy fashions online. There were a few I loved – like Lady Gaga and the sculpture that Cardi B wore – but it mostly went from, I kinda like that, to eww! to, what the blip is that??? You can read about the pretty stuff here:
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
The Walking Dead
Michonne’s voice tells us that Rick’s vision lives on. The communities must reunite face a brutal enemy who walks with the dead, and whispers.
Everything is at a standstill. Dog barks. Eugene freaks. Aaron takes the knife out of Jesus. Daryl pikes a few zombies. They go back behind the gate, dragging Jesus with them. zombies clamor at the gate. One undoes the bolt holding it shut.
Negan goes upstairs and outside. He marvels at fresh air, and smiles. He eats a tomato. He picks up a shovel, and goes into a house. He goes to a bedroom, and sees a child’s drawing of their family above the bed. He sees a compass hanging from a lanyard on the bedpost, and takes it.
After changing his clothes, Negan goes back out. He starts to climb the fence, and Judith says she thought he was smarter than this. She guesses not. She has a gun aimed at him, but he says she’s not going to shoot him. She says, yeah, she will. He tells her that he’s not going back, so pull the trigger. He suggests how about they go their own ways, and never see each other again. She says, how about no? He gets back down. How embarrassing for him. He says when her parents locked him up, they said he’d help people see things can change, and they did for everyone but him. Alexandria is a wonderland, but his part is full of walls and bed pans. Judith says her mom decides, not her, but he says she can. She’s not letting him go; she’s just not seeing him leave. She says there’s nothing out there for him; for anyone. He says she knows him better than anyone has in a long time. He promises he’s not hurting anyone – even if they try to hurt him – but he has to go. She lowers the gun, and he thanks her. She asks if he was in her room. He shows her the compass, and asks if she wants it back. She tells him, keep it. It will help him find his way. She says if she sees him again, she’ll shoot. He smiles, and says he would. He climbs over the fence and out.
Luke walks around. Alden says Michonne and the others have only been gone a few hours, but the rest of the group is concerned. He suggests two two-person teams. Tara says, no risks. Luke asks if they need an extra hand – he has two. He wants to do his part. Alden says Luke can ride with him.
Michonne, Daryl, and Aaron head back, along with Magna’s group. Daryl and Aaron carry Jesus. Michonne says it will mean a lot to them, bringing him back. Daryl is sorry he couldn’t find Rick for her. She’s sorry she couldn’t do it for the both of them. She thanks him for trying, and for after.
Aaron doesn’t think they should be out there. Eugene says it’s his fault, but Aaron says Rick wanted to be out there. Maybe what happened was bound to happen. Dog barks. They see zombies and follow.
Zombies amble through a covered bridge. Daryl aims his crossbow, and hits one in the leg; then gets it in the head. The other zombies jump on it, feeding. Another zombie pulls out a knife, and goes after Michonne. A third drops to her knees in front of Daryl. He removes her mask, and she says, please don’t kill me. Michonne says, how many? and she says they killed them all. It’s just her. Michonne doesn’t believe her, and holds the katana to her throat. Daryl says they have no time; they’ll take her with them. He pulls her up. Michonne says if she tries anything, she won’t have to pretend.
Negan is pretty tickled to be out. He sits in a rusted, burned out van, having a snack. A presses against the windows, and he whacks it with the shovel. That’s not good enough, so he cracks its head open. A decomposed, crispy critter zombie grabs at him from a truck bed. It slithers after him, and he finishes it off. He goes to a stream, drinks some water, then gets sick. I was just thinking the water in there can’t be good to drink, what with corpses everywhere and all. He leaves his jacket, and continues on.
Michonne and the others get back to Hilltop. Michonne leads the prisoner in. Jesus’s body is draped over a horse. Everyone looks grim. Siddiq runs to them. Aaron hugs Tara. Jesus is taken off the horse.
A woman asks Tara if the prisoner did it. She says no; one of her people. The woman says the people are looking to Tara. They’re going to want justice, and when the time comes, they’ll look to her for that too. Tara says she knows.
Daryl tosses the prisoner into the pokey. Henry asks, what’s going on? Daryl says, Jesus is dead. The prisoner is plopped on a chair, and Michonne says, no more bullsh*t.
Negan wanders around in an old shopping area, and goes into a clothing store. He knocks the shovel on the wall to find out if anyone is in there. It seems to be empty, and he goes through the store. He finds a flashlight, and gets it working. It’s creepy. There are mannequins everywhere, and a dead guy slumped against the wall. Negan checks out the sale racks. and puts on a jacket.
He hears growling, and a pack of dogs comes in. They go after him, and he makes a mad dash to the back of the store. He climbs up where they can’t see him, but they’re smart dogs and they’re looking hard. Aw, a Pitbull like Spuds. Negan runs to an exit, but the door is jammed. One of the dogs is almost on him, and somehow, he gets the door open, but there’s a zombie right there in his face. He shoves the zombie inside, and slams the door shut. We don’t see it, but it sounds like the dog got eaten. This was of much discussion on Talking Dead, with Jeffrey Dean Morgan assuring viewers that no dogs were harmed. (See below.) Speaking of dogs, why is this the first time we’ve seen dogs in ten years? Were they hiding until they thought it was safe? And why aren’t there more birds other than those symbolic crows?
Luke talks to Alden about singing at the fair. Alden says he’s been known to sing when he has enough drink in him. Luke says they’ll knock them dead at the fair; a two man band. Luke sees an arrow in a tree. He takes it out, and says it’s Yumiko’s. He sees another, and takes that one out. A zombie toddles up, and as Luke is about to pike it with the arrow, another grabs his pant leg, and he falls. Alden uses an arrow like a javelin, and Luke kicks the other zombie away. He tells Alden, a two-man band, and a symphony of awesome; think about it. Luke sees another arrow, and thinks it’s a trail. Alden says they could be stray shots, but Luke says if the arrows lead to their people, Alden is singing at the fair.
Alden looks through binoculars. They see a horde in the distance. Luke says it’s Alden’s call. Go back or keep going.
Michonne asks the prisoner, how many more, but she insists they’re all dead. They were her family, and they’re dead. Michonne tells her, stop, and asks her name. She says, none of them have names. That’s not how it works. Daryl asks why they wear the skins. She says, they were good people. It’s what they did to live. All they wanted to do was live. They wouldn’t understand. Michonne says, make them understand. She asks if they were made do it, and the prisoner says they were just trying see if they were good people too. They attacked them, and now they’re all dead. She doesn’t have anyone. Michonne asks what her group knows about them. Did they know about Alexandria? The prisoner says they didn’t tell her anything, and asks them to leave her alone. She cries, and Daryl and Michonne go outside. He says he’ll get it out of her. He’ll try again in the morning. Michonne says it will be without her. She’s taking her people back. They might not know about the new enemy, and she can’t risk it. He thanks her for being there and helping. Tara guesses it’s her call now. Michonne tells Daryl that keeping the prisoner there is a risk; they both know that. Daryl says he’ll get her to talk, and Michonne says if she doesn’t, he knows what he has to do.
Siddiq tells Eugene it’s not so bad, and Eugene says, says him. Siddiq says, a few weeks light compression, and he’ll be good as new. He tells Rosita that he was scares she wouldn’t make it. He’s torn up about Jesus, but a quick twist, and it could have been him. He takes her hand, and tells her they don’t talk about what’s nearest and dearest, and then time goes by. He’s done playing the losing game. She jets outside, and gets sick. Siddiq asks if she’s okay. He says her body has been through a lot. She says, it’s not that. When they were having fun, before Gabriel. She’s pregnant. Eugene hears them talking. Didn’t see that coming.
Daryl sits outside with Henry, who asks if getting drunk always makes you feel bad. Daryl says, no; acting stupid does. What was he thinking? Henry says, he wasn’t. The fresh air is helping though. Daryl tells him, another two minutes, and he’s back in. He has one more night. Henry says he’s sorry. He wants to find his place. He knew where was at the Kingdom. Who is he here?
Negan continues his trek. He gets to the Sanctuary, and says, home, sweet home. He goes inside, and whistles. He looks out over the warehouse floor, and it’s a mess. Kind of like when Little Edie came back to Grey Gardens.
Negan busts an opening through a wall. Behind it is a motorcycle. He hears a noise, and sees a zombie behind a door. He says, big Ritchie, that you? Loyal to the end. The zombie presses against the glass, and Negan smiles.
Aaron, who is looking more Amish by the day, helps Michonne pack up her truck. He asks if she’s all right. He says they have everything they need at Alexandria, and everything they need there. They should take care of what they have, and each other. He’s sorry he didn’t get that until now. She’s sorry too – for everything.
Daryl tells Michonne that he thinks Luke and Alden should be back by now. She says it could be something or nothing. She tells him that he knows what he needs to do about the prisoner. He ask why it’s up to him, and she says he’s the best damn judge of character she knows. Without Jesus or Maggie, they need him. Tara is smart, but she shouldn’t do it alone. Bringing Jesus back will help them move on. After that, it’s about doing whatever it takes to not bear anymore. He says, aight.
Negan looks at a dead plant. Big Richie makes a lot of noise. Negan sits at the boardroom table, alone, and says, well, sh*t. He straightens up, and moves things around. He sits on a couch, looking really sad. He hears something, picks up pole, and looks out back, where a few zombies are wandering around. He goes out.
Negan says, damn, Big Richie. He thought they had something special going on. The other zombies turn toward him, and one by one, he whacks them in the head. Big Richie is behind a fence. Negan leaves him, and goes back inside, blockading the door.
He looks at the compass, seeing the initials JG engraved on the back. He half-smiles. He lets Big Richie in, says, sorry it just ain’t working out, and dispatches him.
Jesus’s coffin is nailed shut. It’s pretty fancy.
Daryl asks the prisoner, who are you? She looks terrified, and he asks if she wants to die. Henry says, what’s his problem? and Daryl says their people just buried a good man. They’re ready to string her up. He’ll drag her ass up the steps. He asks how many are in her group. She says she told him, and he pulls her up. She says, ten, and he asks why they wear the skins. She tells him, to blend in. He asks her name, and she says they have no names. They had names once, but don’t use them. He asks how long they’ve been around there, but she doesn’t know. They moved around with the dead. The skins made the dead leave them alone, yet they were never alone. They protected each other. He asks if they have a camp, or walls, but she says, walls don’t keep you safe. Places like this don’t make it. She and her mom saw it happen over and over. She barely remembers the world before, but mom said it was changing, and they had to change with it. They needed the dead to keep safe. He asks, why kill other people? and she says they were always going to kill them. It’s what people do. Everyone is a threat; it’s us or them. He asks how many people are in her group, and she says, it’s the truth. It’s just her mom left, and she’s a good person. She begs Daryl not to look for her. She’s one woman, out there alone. Daryl says he thought she said they were never alone. She says her mom got separated, and he calls her a liar. He told her what going to happen. He starts dragging her out. She begs him not to, and Henry tells him, stop. Daryl drops her, and she scoots back to the wall in her cell. He locks the door, and says he told Henry, sit still and be quiet. Henry says, she’s just a girl, but Daryl tells him to wise his ass up. As he leaves, Henry calls after him, but Daryl doesn’t come back.
The prisoner thanks Henry. He says he had to. He couldn’t let Daryl do what he was going to. He introduces himself, and she says her name is Lydia. Daryl listens outside the window.
Negan rides on his bike. Judith shoots the tire out, and he falls. He tells her slow down. He knows she said she’d shoot him, but damn. She says a lot of people are out looking for him. She says she told him nothing was out there. He says she sure as sh*t did. She tells him, language. I’m a kid a-hole. He says he swears in front of his friends; people who know some sh*t. He give her the compass, and thanks her for letting him borrow it. She takes it, and he says she was right. He got a good look outside, and there’s nothing there for him anymore. She says, so he goes back; then what? He says he’ll let her know what he knows. She shrugs, and walks away, He follows.
Enid and Magna look out over Hilltop. Enid says Magna is one of them now. It’s good to have them. Magna asks what brought Enid there. Enid says, Alden. She doesn’t know what to call what they have; it’s all so new. Magna says she has one of those. She tells Enid, Luke’s a survivor. Alden’s in good hands.
Luke says Alden had better warm up his vocal chords. Alden says we’ll see. A zombie comes toward them, and Luke says he has it. The zombie stops, and they’re weirded out. They now see other zombies standing silently, surrounding them. A zombie strides up to them, pointing a double-barrel shotgun at them, saying hands where she can see them. It’s Alpha, aka Lydia’s mother. (They don’t say this, but at this point, it’s common knowledge.)
Next week, Lydia says they will never be okay again. Alexandria will fall like every other place. She tells Daryl not to mess with her mom, and when he asks where her mom is, she tells him be glad he doesn’t know.
🚴 Norman Reedus is back with Ride, along with his sometimes sidekick, Jeffrey Dean Morgan. I didn’t think this would be my type of show, but I love it. The season premiere brought them to London, and they also visited areas of the English countryside. Stopping at a pig and goat farm, they picked pigs for a race, and Norman’s pig, Rachel – named for the Friends character – won. It was adorable to hear them talk about how cute the goats were. I loved when Norman compared the pub they went to, to The Slaughtered Lamb in American Werewolf in London (one of my favorite movies). They also went to Stonehenge, where the guide assured us the stones had nothing to do with aliens, and the winter solstice is the key. A meet-up with Andrew Lincoln, who served crumpets, rounded out the show. Even if you’re not into travel or motorcycles, this show has a little bit of everything, and something for everyone. It’s lighthearted, but you still learn a lot.
But just in case you didn’t. Is this the beginning of the end of TWD? Lauren Cohan (Maggie) has already jumped show too. They’re going to be paying Norman Reedus (Daryl) a skabillion dollars an episode to keep him.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Jason asks if Sonny is reading the book. Sonny says Alexis gave it to him. He was hoping to see why Kristina is so hooked. Jason says he read it to research Shiloh, but doesn’t buy it. Sonny says, Alexis did, and he’s wondering how it affected Kristina. He wants to be filled in on Shiloh. Spinelli joins them and says, allow him. His research has borne something. He was in deep dive mode, but it has not been a proverbial cake walk.
Sam goes to the DOD house. Kristina answers the door, and asks why she’s there. Sam says, hello to her too. Shiloh says she’s there to see him.
On the phone, Alexis tells someone she was referred by Dr. Collins, and she’s wondering if she can get an appointment with Dr. Bern. Julian is taking out the garbage, and sees her. She says she’ll take the appointment tonight, and have Dr. Collins send her records. When she’s done, she asks Julian if he got that. He says she’s getting a new shrink?
Elizabeth wants to see Franco, but Jordan says they have a lot of questions for him, and the answers might not be pleasant. Elizabeth wonders why they’re assuming he’s guilty, and Margaux says, there’s strong circumstantial evidence. Franco is brought out, and asks Elizabeth where Scotty is. Jordan thinks he’s avoiding the inevitable. Margaux says the recovered the driver’s licenses from the art therapy room. Elizabeth says they were placed there; it’s a set-up. Jordan says it’s not the first time Lulu ID’d Franco, and Elizabeth says she’s confused. As for the licenses, Carly’s hair was found in Mary Pat’s hand, and the knife that killed Kiki went missing, and turned up in Griff’s apartment. Griff was innocent, and she doesn’t understand why they’re convinced Franco is guilty.
Not-Doc sees Griff, and flashes back to seeing him holding Ava. He signs in for blood donation, and sits next to Griff. He says, it’s a fine day to give blood, isn’t it?
Spinelli says, before David Archer went Zen and became Shiloh, he had a propensity for trouble. He lists many of Shiloh’s encounters with the law, as well as a couple of lawsuits. Sonny says maybe he was just a kid. Spinelli says, he was a restless young fellow, with too much money and no responsibility. After his funding went dry, he went searching for excitement, and ended up in Afghanistan. Then came the incident he claims turned his life around. Shiloh’s narrative reads phony and contrived, but Spinelli researched it, and the story checks out.
Shiloh tells Kristina that he and Sam were having a great conversation, and wanted to continue it. Sam says she wanted to find out more. She thought Kristina would be happier, and Kristina says it’s great Sam’s there, but she didn’t have a positive experience last time. Sam says she realized Kristina is important to her. She knows DOD is important to Kristina, so she’s come with an open mind. Shiloh says, after today, she’ll have a better understanding of Kristina’s dedication. Kristina leaves to do some outreach, leaving Sam and Shiloh alone.
Alexis says if Julian must know, she left therapy with Doc months ago, and realized it was premature. Julian asks why not go back to him, and she says he’s much too nosy. He says, good for her. It’s no secret she has a lot to work through. For someone who claims she’s done with him, she’s very interested in his relationship with Kim. They’re back together now. She says, poor Kim. She sits at the bar, and says, arrogant bastard. A guy sitting there says, I beg your pardon?
Not-Doc tells Griff, donating blood is an easy way to help save lives. Griff says, if you’re not afraid of needles, and not-Doc says, no problem there. And the post donation cookies help. Not-Doc says he needs Griff’s help, and Griff says, with…? Not-Doc says he can’t find Ava. Does Griff know where she is? Griff says, no, and asks why not-Doc would think he knew. Not-Doc says he saw them embracing earlier. Is there anything he’d like to share? Man to man.
Franco says Elizabeth makes salient points. Jordan says his situation is different. He asks, what about the licenses?Someone planted them; it’s exactly the same. Jordan says, those were obvious plants; the licenses, not so much. Franco suggests the killer deliberately deviated from the plan. They came to him, and he told them all about himself. Now they’re exploiting his history, and using his past to pin the murders on him. Jordan says he has no alibi, and wears the same shoe as Lulu’s attacker. It matches the print. He says maybe they should drag everyone in who wears a size twelve. Jordan says then there are the notes from his sessions with Doc. Scotty shows up, and hands Jordan some paperwork. He tells her to take a look. They won’t be railroading his innocent son after all.
Jordan asks what it is, and Scotty says, a little thing he likes to call due process. Margaux says he wants an injunction. Scotty says Franco won’t be charged because of a medical factor. Margaux says they can’t move forward until Franco gets an MRI scan to make sure he has no brain tumor. Scotty asks if he’s going to have to call the judge.
Shiloh gives Sam a tour of the house. She says he has impressive friends. Jackie Templeton (aka Demi Moore, circa 1982). He says they met building sustainable housing in Central America. You meet amazing people doing outreach. He hopes it proves they don’t operate in the shadows. Sam has noticed he says we and us a lot, and he says likes to work closely in a collective sense. She says he has an almost paternal quality. She’s wondering why he never settled down and had a family. He says the members of DOD are his family. She gets that, but hasn’t he been tempted? He says he could ask Sam that question. She hasn’t settled down with Jason.
All Spinelli found were glowing endorsements. Sonny says, too clean. Shiloh’s got to be behind some kind of mess. Kristina comes in, and he thanks her for penciling him in. He’s sorry it’s short notice, but she says she was planning to come downtown anyway. The group she’s working with is hosting a Valentine’s Day dinner. He says her mom mentioned she’s been at the DOD house, and had nothing but good things to say. The seminar had a positive effect on her life.
Alexis repeats, arrogant bastard – not him. Unless he’s one too. She tells him not to take it personally. She’s sorry. She and her ex got into it. She’s sure her ex is nothing like him. He’s here alone reading and drinking water. He doesn’t know who she’s insulting now. She says she’s sure his book is a page turner. He shows her the cover, and it’s about Russia in the earlier 20th century. He says, so much social change in a short time. She asks if he’s a professor, and he says, a doctor, but a history enthusiast. He’s surprised she’s not drinking something stronger, but she says she had to give that vice up. He seems to be pounding it up with coffee. He says he has to go work. She thanks him for not asking her why she can’t drink anymore. He says, hmm… and I wonder if he’s her new shrink.
Alexis tells him that she quit two years ago. He says, congratulations, and she says it’s ironic that she’s sitting in her ex’s bar, since he drove her to drink, then drove her to therapy. The therapist had her bring him to the sessions. He asks if it worked, and she says the therapist dumped her. She has a new therapist, but no intention of bringing her ex to her sessions. He says, hmm… again, and she says, what? He tells her it’s not his place, but she says he has every right to an explanation. He says from what she’s told him, everything has been in the context of her ex.
Kristina asks what Sonny wants to know. He says Alexis gave him the book, and he was just reading it. He’ll let her know what he thinks. Kristina says Shiloh is a genius, and Sonny says, we’ll see. He told Shiloh that he’d better take care of daughter or else. She says he doesn’t trust Shiloh, but he says it’s what he would say to anyone spending that much time with her. She seems happy, and lights up when she talks about DOD. She says it’s kind of like the family she never had. He says, excuse me? and she says she didn’t mean it like that. She knows how fortunate she is, but she just inherited all of those relationships. Sonny says it doesn’t make them less important. She says she’s never been good at maintaining friendships, and her love life has always been messy. She finally found her people. She’s not just Sonny and Alexis’s daughter. There’s no history following her. She can define herself on her own terms.
Sam tells Shiloh that her relationship with Jason is none of his business. Or her relationships with anyone else. Shiloh says she’s confusing concern with judgement. It’s what they deal with there. They interrogate the mechanics of human behavior. Kristina’s session helped bring the barriers down that she put up around her trauma. They can help identify Sam’s barriers too. Sam says, fine. Make a believer out of her. Tell her why she can’t settle down. He asks if she’s sure she wants to hear this. Everyone she’s ever loved abandoned her.
Spinelli says his research didn’t yield much intel, but he did notice one constant. He shows Jason a picture of a woman with Shiloh, and says, she’s his closest ally.Or was at one time.
Griff tells not-Doc that he’s dead wrong. That ship sailed, and crashed and burned. Isn’t not-Doc dating her? There’s nothing left to discuss, unless not-Doc has something to add. Not-Doc says, you’re next…to give blood. Ha-ha! I love his little jokes to himself. Griff goes in, and not-Doc takes a cookie.
In the hospital hallway, Scotty asks for a moment with his client. Franco asks what the field trip is for; to buy time? Scotty says time is his best friend, and hopes the MRI goes at a snail’s pace. Elizabeth says, he’s stalling? Scotty says he’s delaying the charges, and asks her to come with him to see Griff. She kisses Franco, and says, it will be over soon. As usual, hospital security is totally lax, and the cop guarding him doesn’t care that Elizabeth could have slipped him a weapon. Scotty and Elizabeth leave, and Ava comes by. She says she heard he’d been arrested.
The guy tells Alexis, don’t get him wrong. If it’s cathartic, good. If bringing her ex helps, he thinks that’s fantastic. She says it doesn’t sound like he thinks so, and he says, maybe she doesn’t need her ex for her next breakthrough; just her. He’s been there, and realized the only person responsible for his own happiness is himself, and he’s not such bad company. Alexis says, except for the exiled Russian aristocracy. He says, that goes without saying. She says he’s insightful, and he says he’s been told he has that knack. He’d like to continue their conversation sometime. Perhaps over dinner.
Margaux asks what Jordan is thinking. Jordan says, Franco had the opportunity, but no motive. Margaux says, two out of three can convince a jury, and he didn’t have a motive before, but his killings were never random.
Franco tells Ava he was arrested, but it’s a misunderstanding. Ava says he’s no stranger to violence. He says he could never kill Kiki. He cared about her like she was his daughter. Ava says Kiki was her daughter, yet she found plenty of ways to hurt her. He says she’s not seriously thinking he did it. She doesn’t know what she’s thinking. When she thought he was Kiki’s father, she wanted to protect Kiki from him and his sadistic tendencies. You know what they say about old habits. He says his died. She says the cops say they have evidence, but he says they’re trying to pin the murders on him because of his history. He’s completely innocent, and while they’re wasting time with him, the murderer is free. He asks how she could think that of him after what they’ve been through. The lies, the manipulations, the double-crosses. Kiki was the better angel for both of them. He loved her, and would take his own life before he laid a hand on her. Ava believes him.
Griff asks if Elizabeth and Scotty want him to help exonerate Franco as a suspect in Kiki’s murder. Elizabeth promises he’s innocent. He didn’t do it. Scotty says Griff is legally obligated, so it’s not an option. Griff says he has patients in greater need of an MRI, and it will be a few hours. Scotty tells him, take his time. Scotty leaves, and Elizabeth thanks Griff. He says he didn’t have much choice. Elizabeth asks what happened; he has a scrape on his head (the second time they referenced that now). He says it’s nothing; he’s fine. She knows he’s having a hard time lately, and says if he needs to talk, she’s there. He repeats that he’s fine.
Not-Doc looks at Ava’s picture on his desk. He says Griff thinks he can throw her away like trash, and come crawling back to take her away from him. He just has to go. It will be difficult with Franco in jail, but Dr. Monroe has been visibly depressed since Kiki died. It’s the talk of the hospital. It would be terrible if he suffered an unfortunate accident.
Jason asks who the woman is, and Spinelli says, her name is Harmony. Just Harmony. She was born Loraine Miller, but changed her name when she joined DOD. Shiloh is the idea guy, and she’s more practicality. She helped him open branches, the most recent in Beechers Corners. Jason wonders why she didn’t follow Shiloh.
Shiloh hopes he didn’t offend Sam. Kristina told him about the hardships she had in life. How she was abandoned, and raised by an artist. It’s not a bad thing. Sam says, it’s not? Sharing her personal, private information with someone she doesn’t know? He says he’s concerned for Sam. He has no idea what she’s been through; the trials and dashed hopes. It’s not surprising that she’s attracted to dangerous men; it’s the only thing she knows. Sam says she thinks it made her strong. He says, what we think and reality are often different. Sam says he has impressive insights. He hands her the book, saying it’s part of the program. She was thinking of setting up a session. He says if she’d like another shot, she’ll have the opportunity shortly. She asks, what kind? and he tells her to come to their Valentine’s Day event. He thinks it will be the start of a new beginning for her.
Sonny wants to take Kristina and Mike out to dinner. Mike would be thrilled to see her. She asks how Mike is adjusting. Sonny says, it’s tough, but it was the right thing to do. She’s sure Sonny misses having him at home, and Sonny says he was slipping away more every day. There’s going to be a time when he doesn’t remember any of them, so it makes you realize how important it is to hold on to family while you still can. He’s happy that she’s happy at DOD, but doesn’t want her to forget her family. Kristina says, never. He tells her, if things don’t work out at DOD, he’s always there for her. They hug.
Alexis says the guy doesn’t want to have dinner with her. He says, maybe exchanging numbers would be a good start, but she says, it’s not a good idea. He seems like a nice guy, and she has a lot of issues. She thought she was ready to date, but doesn’t think it’s a good idea. She’s going through things she has to work out. He says, there’s nothing wrong with that. If she changes her mind… He gives her his card, and leaves. Julian asks what happened to her friend? She says if he means the guy she was talking to, she doesn’t know him. He was just being nice. She says she has an appointment, and leaves.
Ava says she knows Franco was heartbroken losing Kiki, and knows he’s telling the truth. It’s obvious. He says that means a lot. She says she just needed to hear him say it. He tells her that he needs a favor. He needs her to talk to Doc. The cops subpoenaed his nots, and for some reason, he made Franco sound like he was on the verge of a psychotic, homicidal break. If he felt that way, why not help him? Maybe Doc didn’t believe he’d act on his tendencies. Ava says maybe that’s why he didn’t say something to her. She says she owes someone an apology, and runs off.
Doc finds Griff, and says things got tense earlier, and he wants to apologize. He knows Kiki’s death affected Griff, and he’s sorry to upset him. They shake hands, and Griff says, apology accepted. Not-Doc says, speaking of Kiki, he was talking with the other doctors, and they want to put a brick for her in the memorial courtyard. The best place to pick a spot is from the roof. If Griff has a few minutes, his input would be appreciated. Griff says he has a few minutes.
Jason tells Spinelli, if Harmony went everywhere with Shiloh, why not there? If someone can answer all their questions, it’s her. He’s taking a ride to Beechers Corners to see what he can find out.
Sam thanks Shiloh for showing her around. If she has follow-up questions, don’t hesitate to call. Nopressure. He hopes to see her on Valentine’s Day. He thinks it would be good for her. Kristina comes back, and Sam says she was just about to tell Shiloh that she’s going to attend their Valentine’s Day event. Shiloh says, wonderful news, and Kristina says, fantastic. Her face doesn’t look like it’s fantastic though.
Alexis knocks on her new doctor’s office door. He says, come in. Yep, it’s that guy. She says, of course it’s you.
Elizabeth tells Franco it might be hours; stop worrying. He says, what if the tumor is back? She says he’d know it, but he says, would he? What if he didn’t, and did horrible things in a blackout? She doesn’t believe that. He says he’d like to think he knows himself and he’s not capable of horrible violence, but he is capable of horrible violence. What if he’s wrong? What if the tumor is back and calling the shots? She knows it’s a nightmare, and it’s hard to have faith in himself, but she has enough for both of them. She loves him. They kiss. Which again, the officer ignores.
Jordan says Franco was accused of murder, but never prosecuted because he had no capacity. Franco considered killing performance art. It was simultaneously art and a challenge to law enforcement. Margaux says, the murders fit his pattern. How the corpses were found staged screams artistic. Why is Jordan still unsure? Jordan says, it’s too neat; too easy. She’s mad at herself for not seeing it sooner. She’d feel better if she could find something iron clad. If they’re wrong, the real killer is still out there.
Ava goes to Doc’s office, but not-Doc isn’t there.
Griff and not-Doc go out onto the roof. Not-Doc points out the vantage point for the view of the memorial courtyard. As Griff looks, he takes a syringe out of his sleeve.
Next time, Jason meets Harmony, Sam says Shiloh is about to get a taste fo his own medicine, and Ava tells not-Doc that she knows what he’s been up to.
🔥 I missed the very beginning, but Mia (rookie) and Ariel (veteran) were the two finalists on Hell’s Kitchen. As usual, the former contestants returned to back the finalists up for the big dinner. Both Mia and Ariel’s families were VIP guests, as well as Marcia Clark, and some comedian I’ve never heard of. Gordon was so wired, he even told maître’d Jean-Philippe to piss off. We took a trip down the two chefs’ Memory Lanes, while Gordon pondered his decision. When called into his office, Gordon told Mia that she’d been strong in the challenges, and a creative chef. Ariel was praised for never having been up for elimination. He said they were both winners in his eyes. Although, what else is he going to say? In the end, it was Ariel’s door handle that turned, and she was on her way to becoming the executive chef at Hell’s Kitchen at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. Not too shabby, considering the salary is a quarter of a million bucks. Gordon said she was fiercely talented and a real leader. I have to agree; she was excellent at taking charge. Mia said it wasn’t the end for her; just the beginning. I did have to wonder how you could possibly go up from there, but she can certainly get a job anywhere she likes. Ariel said she didn’t just make it out alive, but made it out a winner.
🍗 MasterChef Junior begins its new season on Tuesday, March 5th.
🍹 Better to Tie One On At the Casita…
Apparently, divorce isn’t agreeing with Gina like she thought it would.
My mother said when the doctor smacked me on my butt, I thought it was applause and I’ve been looking for it ever since. – Kathy Bates on Dr. Phil
Nobody can hurt me without my permission. – Mahatma Gandhi
Behaving like a princess is work. It’s not just about looking beautiful or wearing a crown. It’s more about how you are inside. – Julie Andrews
This world is full of conflicts and full of things that cannot be reconciled. But there are moments when we can… reconcile and embrace the whole mess, and that’s what I mean by ‘Hallelujah.’ –Leonard Cohen
It’s the damn dumbest nineteen minutes in the universe. – Andrea Lee (R. Kelly’s ex-wife), regarding I Admit
Liquor. It doesn’t not help. – commentator Zach Noe Towers, Dating: No Filter
🎆 Once More Unto Your Weekend…
This song will forever make me think of Bosom Buddies. It’s my life for the next two days anyway.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Margaux runs into Sonny coming out of the elevator. He asks if she’s on her way to prosecute Franco. She says she’s not bound tell him anything about the investigation, but he says he already knows Franco was ID’d.
Alexis asks Scotty if he had a rough night. He says, wouldn’t she like to know, but she says, actually, no. He asks what he can do for her. She has an update on Gail’s will. His phone buzzes. It’s Elizabeth, who’s been calling all night. He says he’s having a problem with modern technology. She tells him Franco has been arrested.
Jordan comes into the interrogation room, and asks if she should call Franco Mr. Baldwin or Franco. He says call him a lawyer. She says she’s just there to apprise him about the situation. He’s going to be remanded to Pentonville; no bail. They’re compiling evidence, and searching the house and the art therapy room. He says, search away. He’s going to sue them for false imprisonment and harassment. And when he’s done suing them, he’s going to own Port Charles.
Elizabeth sees the police tossing the art therapy room, and asks, what’s going on? Chase says they have a warrant. She asks why they’re making a mess. They’ve ripped the patients’ artwork apart, after they invaded her house. She asks if they don’t respect anything or anyone. Griff comes by, and suggests she take a second outside with him.
Not-Doc talks to himself, saying, Franco had such talent. It’s logical that he’d revisit it. He did. Ava comes in, and asks if he knew. He says she’ll have to be more specific. She says he knew Lulu ID’d her attacker, and someone was arrested, but she hasn’t found out their name. He says it’s standard protocol, since no formal charges have been filed. She asks, what about the right of the victim? Someone should have told her. The sick bastard who killed her daughter was caught, and he knew. He says she knows how it works, and there are two other reasons for not revealing the name. To help facilitate the investigation, and to protect the suspect from someone seeking retribution. She says, like her? and he says, no. Like him.
Oscar, Drew, and Kim wait in Terry’s office. Terry arrives, and says she has Oscar’s latest test results. Drew tells her to give them some good news. She shows them pictures of the scans, and says the progression shows the scan at the onset, where there’s considerable growth into the brain tissue. Compared to the end result, the tumor is slightly larger. They took a third scan this morning, and there are no discernible differences. Oscar says, the tumor has stopped growing? Terry says they’ve gotten a mild reprieve.
At Charlie’s, Julian asks Josslyn what he can get for her. She says she’s meeting Oscar, but he has an appointment, so she isn’t sure when he’ll get there. Julian is surprised they’re not going to Kelly’s, but she says Oscar likes the food at Charlie’s. Julian regrets letting Josslyn mess with his head. He’s not letting a teenager rule his life again. She says Oscar’s parents can now focus on him, and Julian is free to be with someone more his type. He’s welcome.
Griff asks Elizabeth why the police are there. Elizabeth tells Chase that everything had better be put back before Franco sees it. Chase says he’s in custody, and they don’t anticipate his release anytime soon. Griff asks, what happened? and Elizabeth says, they think Franco attacked Lulu.
On the phone, Scotty asks for case histories on hypnotism. He also wants dossiers on Doc and Lulu. He tells Alexis he has to go. She asks where the fire is, and he says, the PCPD. He asks what the bottom line is. Did a cousin come out of the woodwork? Alexis says the delay is by design, and the details aren’t going to be revealed until April 1st. Does the date mean anything to him? Surprisingly, he doesn’t make a joke about April Fool’s Day, but says he’ll have to cancel his trip to the Bahamas. He thanks her for illuminating the situation. She leaves, and she opens her copy of Shiloh’s book, Every Day is a New Dawn.
Sonny tells Margaux it wouldn’t be the first time Franco nearly killed Lulu. Margaux is aware of the history. Before his brain tumor was removed, Franco created art installations based on the murders he committed. He was fixated on Jason, and terrorized everyone associated with him; Sam, Michael, Dante, and Lulu. Sonny says, then he used the brain tumor defense, and walked away free. He doesn’t want Franco getting away with it again.
Ava tells not-Doc it’s sweet of him to be her avenging angel, but it’s not his style. The retribution part doesn’t quite fit. He says she’s spent too long a time fighting for her place in the world alone. That’s over now. He’s by her side. She says he’s too good for her, and he tells her that’s the first time anyone has said that. She says surely Lucy or Laura would have said something, but he says, don’t bring up their names. They didn’t know him like she does, or inspire him like she does. She’s everything to him. If someone hurts her, they hurt him, and he will exact payment. He’d do anything for her. There’s a knock at the door. It’s Chase, who asks if has the file. Not-Doc asks if he has the warrant, and Chase gives it to him. Not-Doc wants to put it on the record that this goes against what he believes as a psychiatrist. Chase says, even if it prevents another murder? Ava asks if this is about Kiki’s killer, and if it’s one of not-Doc’s patients. Not-Doc tells Chase she’s going to find out soon enough, and tells Ava they believe Franco is the killer.
Elizabeth tells Griff that they took Aiden ice skating, and everything was fine until Jordan showed up. Lulu ID’d Franco as her attacker. Griff asks if Elizabeth thinks she’s lying, and Elizabeth says she thinks Lulu is confused. She believes Franco. She knows him, and knows didn’t attack anyone. They have a beautiful life. He would never throw that away. She has faith in him. Griff says he’s realized, faith isn’t something you just have; you choose it.If you don’t examine your beliefs, you’re just blind.
Scotty blows into the police station, and asks, where is he? Jordan says if he’s referring to Franco, he’s in the interrogation room. He asks, how bad is it? and she says, Lulu identified Franco as her attacker. Scotty says, sorry, but Lulu isn’t exactly a reliable source. Jordan says, Doc performed hypnotherapy, and Lulu was clear. If they get confirmation of her account, Franco is in a lot of trouble.
Ava says, Franco loved Kiki like she was his own. There’s no way he’d hurt her. Chase says he hasn’t been charged yet, but they know he’s connected. She asks what evidence they have, and what plans are there to file charges? Chase is sorry, and hopes her questions are answered soon. He leaves, and she asks not-Doc how long Franco has been suspected. He seemed at the ready with the file. He knew this was coming. He says, only since last night. He was there when Franco was arrested. She says it didn’t occur to him to tell her? He says, there was nothing definite. He thought they’d wake up to the news Franco was released. Apparently, Lulu’s statement was enough cause to hold him. The last Ava knew, Lulu couldn’t remember. He says, with help, she was able get past her memory block. Ava asks, what help? and not-Doc says, not what, whose. His.
Alexis watches Sonny talking to Margaux. Margaux says she doesn’t want the case tainted, and Sonny says it never crossed his mind. She tells him, don’t kid a kidder. She doesn’t need him ignoring or circumventing the law. He feels like she’s still after him or his family, but she says she doesn’t have it out for him. She has it out for lawbreakers. He’s just a humble coffee importer. She tells him, just keep roasting his beans, and keep his hands clean, and there will be no trouble. He wonders where he’s heard that before. She says he’s hearing it from her now. She decided to let it go and move on. She’s living in the present, and not ruled by her past – or his. She gets into the elevator, and Alexis and Sonny smile at each other.
Oscar says this means he can get going and meet Josslyn. They can finish up themselves. He wants to give her good news for a change. He dashes out, and Terry says it’s nice to see him in high spirits. Kim asks if she has anything else, and Terry says they’ll continue to monitor him. She tells them, keep in mind that, although the tumor didn’t grow, it didn’t shrink. Drew says, it’s not a miracle. Terry says, it’s a reprieve. A temporary one. The prognosis remains same.
Sonny sits with Alexis. He notices she’s reading the book, and says Jason isn’t thrilled with Kristina’s new friends. She knows he doesn’t approve, and Sonny asks if she does. She says she’s not weighing in on her adult daughter’s choices – anymore. Sonny says she’s met Shiloh. Doesn’t she think he’s a little off? She says, the whole thing is weird. He says Kristina doesn’t think so. Alexis says she’d like Kristina to have a conventional life, but that’s what she wants, not Kristina. Neither of them have had conventional lives. She wonders what Sonny’s mother would think of his choices.
Terry says everything depends on how long this lasts, but eventually the disease will progress. The symptoms will become more pronounced, and his condition will deteriorate. His life will become more difficult. It’s in his, and their, best interest to have a plan, but there’s no need to get into it now. It’s a respite for them too. Take a breath, and treat themselves. Take Oscar on a trip. Enjoy each other’s company. Create memories they can keep forever. I like Terry, and hope she gets a real storyline someday.
Elizabeth doesn’t think Griff should be giving her advice on faith, having it or keeping it. He says he doesn’t want her to get hurt, but she says, too late. The man she loves has been wrongfully accused and locked up. When you love someone, you leave yourself wide open for heartache. Hasn’t he learned that? She asks Chase, how much longer? and he says they’re almost finished. He asks if an officer found something useful, and the officer tells him, have a look. Chase says, damn. Bag it. The commissioner will want to see it asap.
Margaux arrives at the station, and asks Jordan what’s the status on the suspect. She says he’s on hold, and conferring with counsel. Scotty just got there.
Scotty asks Franco how it’s going, and what did he tell them? Franco says he didn’t do it, and asks how Elizabeth is. Scotty says, she’s okay. They did a search of the house. Franco assumes the boys were home, and says, damn (WOTD). Aiden has been having a hard time, and Jake is just getting over his PTSD. It can’t be easy to see the cops going through their stuff. Scotty tells him, don’t worry. He’ll straighten it out when he gets out. Franco says, if Scotty gets him released.
Jordan tells Margaux, Lulu’s statement is compelling, but there’s not much physical evidence. Franco’s alibi is thin, but there’s no DNA evidence. It makes the case harder to build. Margaux reads through the file, and likes how the case is going, but Jordan says, it’s not a slam dunk. She gets a text message, and says, the case is getting stronger by the minute.
Not-Doc tells Ava that he’s licensed to practice hypnotherapy, and he’s good at it. He was tasked to help Lulu regain her memory, and he did. She says it couldn’t have been Franco, but he says Lulu was more than certain; she was viscerally terrified. Ava asks if it’s possible she saw someone who resembled Franco, or is mixing two memories. Not-Doc says, she clearly recalled Franco showing up at her office with a knife. In all likelihood, he’s responsible for the other murders. She says, something doesn’t feel right. He says she was so determined to find justice. Why isn’t she relieved? She says she witnessed Franco’s transformation first hand. The man he is now isn’t capable of harming someone he loved as much as Kiki. Not-Doc tells her, don’t try unraveling a serial killer’s mind. It will make you crazy. He tried with his brother. Ava says he was treating Franco. If Franco was unraveling, he would have noticed. Or did he?
Alexis tells Sonny that she’s not blind to the drawbacks, but Kristina is happier. She came back from Oregon with a broken spirit, and full of self-doubt. Now she’s happier. She’s working, maintaining herself, and they’re getting along. Sonny asks if she thinks it has to do with Shiloh, but she says it doesn’t matter who influenced her. She tells Sonny that she went to one of the seminars. He asks if it changed her life, and she says, oh yeah; she’s meditating now. She says it wasn’t horrible, and she had a moment. Sonny asks what the seminar was about, and she says, maintaining relationships while keeping your independence. He asks if her moment had anything to do with Julian.
Julian brings Josslyn the oatmeal she ordered, and she says she asked for strawberries. She asks why he’s being rude, but he says he’s keeping a healthy distance. Isn’t that what she wanted? She tells him what she said about Oscar and his family is the truth. Just because he doesn’t want to hear it, doesn’t mean it will go away. He says she sounds like her mother; a champion meddler. Carly needs to keep her nose out of other people’s business, and so should she. She says, Oscar is her business, but he says Kim isn’t. She says, it’s working; they’re a family. Julian says they’ll always be a family, no matter what. Josslyn asks what he means, and he says he and Kim are back together. Her little plot has come to an end. Oscar comes in, and says, what little plot?
Griff helps Elizabeth put the art therapy room back together. He rubs his shoulder, and she asks if he’s okay. He says he just overdid it at the gym. I’m assuming this exchange was for a reason that we’ll find out some other time. She thanks him, and looks at a drawing. He asks if she found something, and she says, a sketch. We see a cartoon of them in a car that says, just married. She says it’s an invitation to the wedding that keeps getting pushed back. There’s always something in the way. Griff supposes they’ll have to put it off longer. Elizabeth jets with the sketch, and when Griff turns around, she’s gone.
Franco tells Scotty that they’re saying he’s a serial killer who’s killed three people, including Kiki. Scotty says, they’re biased. It will work in his favor when they go to trial. Franco says, trial? They haven’t got enough to hold him, let alone connect him to the murders. Jordan and Margaux walk in. Jordan says she has some questions for Scotty’s client. Scotty says, he didn’t do it. Margaux would like to know about hi relationship with Doc. How would he characterize their sessions? Scotty says, don’t answer, but Franco says he’d characterize them as therapy. Why is she asking? Jordan asks what they discuss, and Scotty says, that’s privileged. Franco says, they discuss a lot; his childhood. Margaux asks if they discuss his bloodlust, and Franco says, what is he? A werewolf? He doesn’t have bloodlust. Jordan says, Dr. Collins disagrees.
Ava says not-Doc told Franco that he’d plateaued, and stopped seeing him. Not-Doc says he changed his mind. He thought maybe he’d been hasty, and they had more work to do. He asks why she’s grilling him, and she says there’s something he’s not telling her. Something captured his attention; what was it? He says he can’t discuss it, but she says she’s bound to find out. Tell her the truth. Was he concerned that Franco was capable of violence again, and a danger to others? Not-Doc says, yes.
Alexis tells Sonny that she no longer has a relationship with Julian. It’s not like Sonny is the guru of relationships. She suggests they stay out of each other’s personal lives. He wants to talk about Kristina, but Alexis thinks he should talk to Kristina. She gives him the book, and says maybe he should go to a seminar. He could stand to evolve a few million years. Sonny laughs, and she leaves.
Josslyn asks Oscar how the doctor’s appointment when, and he says he has decent news. The tumor has stopped growing. She says, amazing, and hugs him. She asks if this means the treatment worked, and the tumor is shrinking. He says he didn’t say that. It’s a reprieve. She says that’s good enough for her. They should celebrate. Oscar says, after she tells him what Julian was talking about. She says, literally nothing; it’s stupid. He says, just tell him, and she says, fine. She asked Julian to take himself out of the equation. Oscar asks, what equation? Josslyn tells him that she wanted Julian to give up Oscar’s mom so she could get closer to his dad, and he could have them both. It lasted five minutes. Julian just told her they’re back together. Oscar takes her hand, and says he appreciates what she’s trying to do, but he thinks they should let his parents do what they’re going to do without their help. She asks if he’s mad at her for meddling. He says, no, but if he gets to live way he wants, his parents should too.
Drew tells Kim, it’s not remission, but it’s something. Kim says, any reprieve is welcome. Drew asks where she’s at, and she says, crashing down to earth. Every day they get a little closer. The news slows things down, but Terry is right. They have to make plans for the end. Drew tells her that Terry also said they don’t have to do it today. They got a break. Kim says, normally, she’d be figuring out some strategy to help Oscar, but she hasn’t. Drew promises they’ll figure out what do, and figure it out together.
Ava says not-Doc knew Franco was going off the rails, and might kill again? He says his assessment was incomplete, and he didn’t feel it necessary to alert the authorities. She asks what he’s going to tell the court, and he says, his professional opinion. Franco was beginning lose control, and was susceptible to sustained bouts of rage. She asks, why not make an anonymous tip? He says he was bound by duty. She asks if he knew before or after Kiki was killed. He says he would have done anything to save Kiki. Does’t she know that? She’s not sure she knows anything. She starts to leave, and he grabs her arm, saying, don’t you walk away from me.
Jordan reads from Franco’s file; feelings of aggression and grandiosity, a failure to accept responsibility for his actions, superficial charm. Franco says Doc wouldn’t say those things, and Scotty says he can’t offer his opinion without consent. Jordan says they have a warrant. Franco says Doc’s been weird lately, but would never write those things about him. Margaux says, the assessment is that of a textbook serial killer. Scotty says Doc is a pompous jerk. They have no evidence because Franco didn’t commit the murders. Jordan says, these were just recovered from the art therapy room, and tosses a plastic bag full of driver’s licenses on the table.
Ava tells not-Doc, let go, and he does. He tells her, forgive him. They never fought before. He doesn’t know what came over him. He can’t say he likes it. Right now, she can’t say she likes him much at all. She leaves, and he wipes everything off his desk, and looks mighty pissed off.
Drew goes to the art therapy room, and sees Griff. He asks if Griff has seen Franco. Griff says he’s at the police station. He’s been arrested for the attempted murder of Lulu.
Kim goes to Charlie’s, and Julian says she just missed the kids. She’s sure Oscar told Josslyn, and asks if Julian heard. He says he wouldn’t mind hearing it again from her, and they kiss. Alexis walks in, and walks back out.
Sonny reads, says, it’s a piece of garbage, and tosses the book onto the bar. The bartender notices the book, and Sonny asks if he knows it. The bartender says it changed his life. Sonny picks up the book again.
Chase says he has to admit, she bought into Franco’s act. She thought he was just trying to help with his insight, but he was taunting them. Elizabeth arrives as Franco is being taken away. He says they’ll sort it out. Scotty tells her there are additional charges for the murders of Mary Pat, Peyton, and Kiki. Elizabeth lets the sketch fall to the floor.
Ava literally runs into Griff. She says she can’t deal with him. Not after everything that’s happened. They’re saying Franco killed Kiki. He was supposed to love her.How could he possibly…? Griff holds her, saying he doesn’t know. Not-Doc sees them together.
Tomorrow, Scotty says they’re not railroading his client after all, not-Doc talks to Griff, and Spinelli tells Jason the story checks out.
🍴 I missed the first half of Top Chef. Dr. Phil once again tempted me with a dude who thought he was Batman. Really. It wasn’t nearly as interesting as it sounds, and he lost all his fights. He was a Marine or something, so I’d hoped he at least kicked some bad guy ass. His fiancé was getting a little skeptical about marrying him, which is understandable. The worst thing was, not only did he not have a full costume, his mask was lame. He also agreed to come on without the mask, but painted black around his eyes, like he was from a bad KISS cover band. Anyway, halfway through, I changed the channel.
When I tuned in, the chefs were already at the Rupp Arena, where the Kentucky Wildcats were hosting a concession stand cook-off. Hunter Lewis, Food and Wine editor-in-chief, was the guest judge. The contestants had split into two teams – blue and white. To keep in the spirit of the game, there was trash talk from the white team that the blue team used boxed waffle mix for their chicken and waffles. Sarah was called out by Adrienne, who had to admit out they did, and got heckled for it. The white team won with their juicy Lucies, a stuffed slider I’ve heard about on Vanderpump Rules. Sarah squeaked by because her chicken was spot on, but not so much Michelle’s ribs, and it was her turn to pack her knives and hit the road. She talked about how much confidence she had, and her hopes for Last Chance Kitchen. Maybe it’s me, but I sense a disconnect with her. Her backstory is sad – her father committed suicide when she was a teenager – and it possibly affects her personality. Whatever it is, I always want to tell her to speak up and look at who she’s talking to. My money is on Eric at this point. Next time a fried chicken challenge and a Muhammad Ali inspired dish.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
🎱 My apologies for attributing Maxie and Peter’s conversation to the wrong characters yesterday. Luckily, and to my embarrassment, they repeated it today. That’s what I get for trying to decipher my shorthand in the wee hours. Moving on…
At the park, Nina can’t wait to see Charlotte’s face when she sees Sasha. She asks Sasha why she reacted the way she did when Nina told her Valentin proposed, but before she can answer, Charlotte runs up to Sasha and hugs her. Valentin follows behind Charlotte, and Nina says she has her family all together.
Maxie tells Peter that Nina is crazy about Sasha, but Valentin being involved makes her nervous. Nothing is what it seems with him. Peter says, and heartbreak follows. She asks if he’s talking about in general, or something specific. Peter says, with Valentin, the ends justify the means. Maxie says, in other words, he’ll do anything to get what he wants. Peter flashes back to asking Valentin how bad it is, and if it’s so bad he’s going to lose Nina. Maxie says, the problem is, what Valentin wants most is Nina.
Obrecht works at a table in the MetroCourt. Anna, Robert, and Finn come in and sit down. Finn says after he found Cabot in the book about identifying twins, he found out he was specifically studying them. Robert says, twins raised apart. He left the university after the study, and never resurfaced. Finn says he knows exactly where Cabot is.
Elizabeth finds Franco in the art therapy room and asks if he’s okay. She wants to see his drawings. He says don’t say he didn’t warn her. She looks at them, and says, someone was in a mood. He says he can’t figure out what bothers him more. That he’s the go-to guy when something bad happens, or that he feels like he could be. Elizabeth tells him to leave that part of his past behind him.
Not-Doc asks if Lulu can see his face. The man with the knife. She can see his face now. It’s Franco. He’s the killer. Not-Doc says, good. She’s remembering. She says, Franco is the one who attacked her, right? He says, yes, it was Franco. We can tell he’s tickled with himself. He’s going to count to three, and she’s going to wake up. When she does, everything she told him will be true.
Lulu wakes up. Not-Doc asks her to tell him what she remembered. She says she saw him. She saw everything. He asks who she saw, and she says, it was Franco. She saw Franco. He says she’s safe now. Just breathe. He’s having her mother and the commissioner come in. He brings them in the room, and Laura asks if Lulu is all right. Jordan asks if she remembered, and Lulu says she did. She remembered everything. His gloves, the knife, feeling trapped. She’s seeing his face over and over. Jordan says, who’s face? and she says Franco. Franco tried to kill her.
Nina tells Valentin that she was just bragging to Sasha about how happy the three of them are. Valentin says, like family should be. Charlotte asks if Sasha likes ice skating. Nina brought skates, so they can ice skate together. Charlotte asks if poppa is skating too, but he has to meet with Willow, and pick up her schoolwork. He can’t today. Nina says that gives her more time with her beautiful girls. They leave for the skating rink.
Robert asks Finn why he didn’t say something before, but Finn says he just confirmed it. Cabot was on staff at the university in Sweden, and retired, but ARCP journals are still being sent to his last known address. He’s at home. The waitress comes to their table with champagne, compliments of… her. Obrecht turns around, and says, guten tag, freunde. Robert says they’re not her freunde. She wants to celebrate her new job. Finn says a real doctor needs a medical license. Obrecht says, Henrik… she means Peter, hired her to work at The Invader. She raises her glass.
Peter tells Maxie, Valentin is a man of many secrets; Nina is right not trust him. Maxie says, on one hand, it’s wrong to condemn him with no evidence. On the other, it’s right because he’s a liar. The only honest thing about him is how much he cares for Nina and Charlotte. If he loves her, why lie? Of course she lies sometimes too. Peter admits he does too, sometimes; everybody does. Maxie says Valentin’s lies have caused damage, but so have others. Peter says they’re both doing their best, but Valentin lies when it’s expedient. Maxie says, sooner or later, the lies might come to light. Peter says, it could be nothing, but Maxie says, it could be everything to Nina.
Maxie tells Peter that she can’t stop thinking about the horrible things Valentin might be hiding from Nina. She’s talked to Nina, but common sense and logic take a back seat when the heart has other ideas. Peter asks what choice Maxie made, and she says she chose to follow her heart.
Valentin tells Willow he’ll take Charlotte’s schoolwork and be on his way. Willow asks him to wait. Charlotte’s situation has been on her mind. Valentin says she’s doing better, and her mother is in full recovery. Willow says she brought Charlotte’s workbook, and her classmates wrote her letters. They miss her in school. Valentin says, all of them? and Willow says no one is missed by everyone. He wonders if it’s a bit of a relief not having her around.
Franco tells Elizabeth that Aiden was so happy skating; not a care in the world. Elizabeth says he was free from everything he’s going through. He had a good time with Uncle Lucas and Brad. Franco says their elaborate and flawlessly executed plan worked perfectly. She says she wanted Aiden to enjoy himself as long as possible. They kiss.
Obrecht says Anna isn’t as close to her son as she’d hoped. Anna tells her congratulations, but Obrecht says only if she means it. Anna asks if Obrecht wants her say what she means. She doesn’t understand why her son gave a job to someone who tormented and tried to kill him, or why he didn’t send her to prison. She understands Obrecht’s cruelty is caused by her grief, and they both understand about keeping their child away from the clutches of a monstrous father. Obrecht says that’s the only way they’re alike. Anna says should harm come to her son, whether or not Obrecht caused it, she’ll see Obrecht dead. Finn tells Robert to remind him not piss off Anna. Robert asks if he still needs to be reminded. Obrecht says she’s processed her grief, and has been given a second chance to be a grandmother to Nathan’s son. She’s not wasting it. Anna says she’ll be back. She wants to find out why her son has lost his mind. Robert pours the champagne.
Jordan asks Lulu to tell them what happened. Laura says she’s still shaky, but Lulu wants to purge the experience. Jordan asks if she’s ready to tell the truth exactly as she told not-Doc. She says she’s ready.
Jordan sets up a recorder. Lulu says she was working at her desk, and heard someone at the door. She went to let them in. She wasn’t alarmed, and walked back to her desk. He followed her into her office, and closed the door. They must have talked, but she can’t recall what they said. She knows he scared her. She stood up, and tried to edge past him, but he blocked her. That’s when she saw he had a knife. Jordan says she keeps referring to the killer as he. Did she recognize him or does she know who he is? Lulu says, Franco. Jordan asks if she’s sure, and she says she can see his face as if he were standing there. Franco is the man who attacked her.
Sasha and Nina watch Charlotte skate. Nina asks, where were they? and Sasha says, Valentin’s proposal. Nina thought Sasha’s reaction would be all amazing and she’d want to be maid of honor, but it seemed tepid at best. Sasha says, sorry, but Nina says, no apology needed. Sasha says when she met Valentin, he was a stranger, wanting to get his ex back, but then Nina told her about the things he’d done. Nina says she’s gotten over it; why can’t Sasha? Sasha says it’s hard for her. Nina put her heart on the line, and risked it, all on a guy who… Nina says, who what? Found Sasha and brought them together, and convinced Sasha to give her a second chance? In the past year, that guy gave Nina her child back, and when she thought she’d lose Sasha, gave her a second chance. How could she not love him?
Peter asks Maxie to clarify what she meant when she said she was opening her heart. She says she meant to him. Clear enough? He says, it’s not at all murky. She wonders, how could he miss the hint? She’s never been subtle. He says he didn’t want assume after what she’s been through. She says after what he’s done for her, he has the right to assume. He says, good to know (which has replaced for what it’s worth as the phrase of the day). They almost kiss, but Anna blows in, asking, what the hell is going on? Has Peter lost his mind?
Lulu says she was at her desk, and he was scaring her. She tried to leave, but he’s right there. She saw the knife in his hand. She’s sorry, but that’s the last thing she remembers. Jordan knows it’s hard, and she’s doing a great job. Lulu wishes she felt great. Jordan says, anything else? Does she remember how she got from her office to the MetroCourt? Lulu says she can see Franco’s face, and the knife coming at her. We flash back to that, but it’s not-Doc saying, time’s up. Lulu says she should remember him stabbing her, but that’s it. Laura asks if Jordan has enough. Jordan asks if she remembered anything else. Lulu says she’s afraid not. Not-Doc says given the nature of her reaction, he’s not sure if she’ll recall any memories beyond the initial attack. Laura thinks it’s time to do what needs to be done.
Laura asks not-Doc to stay with Lulu, while she talks to Jordan. She tells Lulu to rest; she did a great job. In the hallway, Laura asks if Jordan knows where Franco is. Jordan says he’s not scheduled to come in today. Laura says he lives with Elizabeth and her grandsons. She doesn’t want them in the crossfire. Laura calls Elizabeth. Elizabeth asks if Lulu is okay, and Laura says, she’ll be fine. She needs to talk to Elizabeth, and asks if she’s at work. Elizabeth says she’s in the art therapy room with Franco. Does Laura want to meet In Lulu’s room? Laura agrees, and tells Jordan where Franco is. Jordan is on her way.
Lulu hates this; being so fragile, but not-Doc says that’s the last word anyone would use to describe her. He wouldn’t. She says that’s kind of him. She was shaking in terror. He says she was nothing short of magnificent. He says, don’t worry. It will soon be behind her. Laura comes back, and says Jordan is on her way to arrest Franco. Lulu hopes he’s put away forever. Not-Doc says try not to let it upset her. She’s entitled to her feelings, but it’s too much like allowing Franco to victimize her all over again. Laura helps her up. Not-Doc says Franco is his patient, and he might need to talk him down. He tells Lulu, good job. Laura seconds that.
Not-Doc closes the door to his office, and takes out his locked box. He goes through the driver’s licenses, and wipes his prints from them.
Peter says Anna must have run into Obrecht. Anna says Obrecht couldn’t wait gloat, and tell her that she was working for him. It’s like Stockholm Syndrome. She wonders what possessed him, and Maxie says he did it for her. She convinced him to hire Obrecht, and as long as they’re talking openly, she talked him into dropping the charges. Anna asks, why? Didn’t Peter help deliver her baby. Peter says it’s not her fault. It was his decision. He made the decision to hire Obrecht, and knows what he’s doing. Anna says, explain it to her then.
Willow says her description of Charlotte was both objective and accurate. She was bullying Aiden. Valentin says she showed genuine remorse, and Willow saying she was cheating was upsetting. He wonders if Charlotte hadn’t been bullying Aiden, would Willow have been so quick to jump to conclusions. She made a mistake. They all do that from time to time. Willow says her job isn’t just as an instructor. She wants to help the children interact with the world, giving them the best tools possible for when they when grow up. Charlotte is strong willed and intelligent. Valentin says, wise beyond her years. Willow says, clearly, she’s had a non-traditional upbringing. She thinks Charlotte needs room to be a kid, and learn kid lessons. She needs to learn how to get along with people, even when you don’t like them.
Franco tells Elizabeth that he just texted the boys. He wants them to be part of a family baking project. He feels it’s really important to show interest in what interests Aiden. Plus there’s dessert. Elizabeth loves him. They kiss. Jordan busts in, telling Elizabeth, step away from Franco. Elizabeth asks, what’s going on? and Jordan tells Franco to keep his hands where she can see them. Elizabeth says, what’s happening? Not-Doc shows up, and tells her to do what she’s told, and no one else will get hurt. Franco tells not-Doc to let them know, whatever they think he’s done, he couldn’t possibly have done it. Not-Doc says he’s getting agitated, and Elizabeth says they’re making him that way. Jordan says, Lulu remembered, and named Franco as her attacker. Franco swears he didn’t do it. Elizabeth tells him, don’t move; she’ll call his dad. He says, fine; move aside. He doesn’t want her in danger. She says she’s not in danger from him, but he says she’s in danger from Jordan. She’s got a gun. He tells her, it will be okay. Jordan reads Franco his rights.
Obrecht says she’ll tell Finn and Robert about her new position. Finn still doesn’t care. She says it’s a medical advice column. Maybe she can interview Finn, and on the dos and don’ts of self-medication. Finn says she knows where to find him. He asks if her first article is going to be on how to be a better kidnapper. She says it’s a pity she’s not a psychologist. Robert says she’s a piece of work, and Finn can’t wait to read her column.
Sasha says Nina told her more than once that she couldn’t go back to Valentin. Nina tells Sasha, she said love didn’t make a difference, but it makes all the difference. Married or not, they can’t love each other any less. Charlotte asks if Sasha saw her axel. Sasha says she did, and Charlotte offers to teach her. Sasha says she’ll be right there, and tells Nina, if they love each other, why say no. Nina says she has a bad track record with marriage. It’s always the beginning of the end of her relationships. She was happy for the most part, but Valentin couldn’t stop keeping secrets. She doesn’t want to worry about the future. She wants to live in the moment. She wants to start believing in the two of them.
Peter tells Anna that he has no love for Obrecht, but she’s part of Maxie’s family; James’s grandmother. She’s Nathan’s mother, and he’s not taking her away from the family he has left. Anna says he’s giving Obrecht more mercy than Obrecht will ever show him. She makes him promise to be careful, and says if Obrecht tries anything, come to her. He says he doesn’t need her fighting his fights. She tells him, humor her. She needs to know he’s safe. He can’t stop her. She leaves, and Maxie says she’s sorry. She didn’t consider what it would do to him and Anna. If he wants to back out, she’ll understand. Peter says, he and Anna have things to work through. One more struggle won’t make a difference. Who knows? Maybe Obrecht will be a good medical columnist. He’s sure she’ll have interesting ideas. Maxie laughs.
Finn asks Anna how it went with Peter, but she doesn’t know. She understands, but it makes no sense. She asks where they were with Cabot. Finn says, in Sweden. Robert says someone has to infiltrate, and Finn says he can speak to the researcher. Robert says they don’t know the last time Alex saw Cabot. It’s no reflection on Anna’s capabilities, but he has practical concerns. She says she understands. They have a better chance if she’s not there. She wants them to keep her posted. Robert says he’ll go put the ball into play, and steps away. Finn says he knows Anna is staying to keep Peter safe after what Obrecht did to him. She tells Finn, be careful. He’s had his share of mad scientists and crazy people. He asks, what could possibly go wrong? She says he has Robert to watch his back. He’s looking forward to that. Anna wishes he’d stay out of danger, but at this point… He says, she has only herself to blame. She tells him, staysafe, and he kisses her.
Charlotte thinks it’s cool that they all know how to skate. She wonders if it’s inherited. Sasha says maybe there’s a skating gene. They need to celebrate themselves. They go to the MetroCourt, and Nina says she has to make a phone call. She tells them to get a table; she’ll just be a minute.
Valentin thanks Willow for looking out for Charlotte’s best interest. He’ll have her back in school very soon. Willow looks forward to it – honestly. Valentin says, in the meantime, if she needs to, she can contact him or Nina. She says, legally, the school is prevented from contacting anyone who isn’t a parent. Nina appears, and says, no problem. They’re getting married again. She’ll be Charlotte’s stepmother.
Maxie thank Peter for being open. He says, Obrecht might have useful information. She knows he’s doing it for James, so he can know his grandmother. He says that’s all the incentive he needs; James’s family. Maxie says that makes her Peter’s family too. If they find out Valentin is messing with Nina, or using her in any way, all bets are off. Peter asks if she just said, we. Maxie says it’s up to them to find out what Valentin is hiding, and to find out before Nina does.
Elizabeth tells Franco that she’ll talk to his dad. Franco tells her to say he didn’t do it, but she says Scotty already knows, like she does. She kisses him, but a cop pulls him into the elevator. Elizabeth calls Scotty, leaving a message. She tells him to get down to the PCPD as soon as he gets it. Franco is in trouble. As she’s walking, she comes face to face with Lulu and Laura. She asks if this is why Laura needed to talk to her. Laura says, Franco attacked Lulu. He could have killed her. Elizabeth says they know he didn’t. He’s not the same person. Lulu says, it was him. She’s sorry.
Not-Doc looks at more licenses. He says, oh well. His friends are gone to serve the greater good. At least he still has them. A testament to a job well done.
Tomorrow, Terry has Oscar’s latest test results, Franco says when he’s done suing the PCPD he’ll own Port Charles, and Sonny tells Margaux he doesn’t want someone getting away with it again. I forgot Margaux was on this show.
😠 I can’t even say how irritating this storyline is. I don’t know much about hypnotism, but I don’t think that’s how it works. And to have Franco be the suspected bad guy? Again? Every single one of them should know better.
💋 On The Real Housewives of New Jersey, I’m confused as to why Teresa has taken Jennifer’s side so quickly – especially since Jennifer obviously goes insane on tequila – and also why Danielle is pissed at The Marge. Teresa claimed Jennifer reminded her of her old self, so we did get to see the gift that keeps on giving – the clip of Teresa calling Danielle a prostitution whore, and flipping the table. Marge found that someone else had the same idea about the children’s hospital gowns, called Brave Gowns, and they decided to pool their resources and have a giant fashion show, the Hospital Hero Gala. BTW, Marge Sr. looks amazing after her face lift. Both Marges have been blessed with smooth necks, so it works. Nothing worse than a tight face on a wrinkly pedestal. Jennifer was embarrassed about her behavior in Cabo, and was reluctant to tell her husband. He wasn’t mad, but told her she was wrong. I say don’t go around breaking glasses unless you’re really going to use them. Not that I advocate cutting a bitch, but it just ends up looking stupid. Joe #2 told Melissa, Danielle corrupts anyone and anything she’s around. He said, Marty was a stand-up guy until she got her claws in him. She’s like the black widow of New Jersey.
Frank asked Delores if he was holding her back, and said he wouldn’t hesitate to move out if it would make her happy. She said he was her safe place, and she didn’t really know what she wanted because she was so used to doing for everyone else. Of course Frank is holding her back. Who’d want to date her with Frank hanging around? Besides the elusive David. I’m also guessing Frank still pays the bulk of the bills. They’re co-owners of the gym, but I doubt people are coming to train with her, rather than a former Mr. New Jersey.
Marge and Teresa had lunch. Teresa didn’t understand why Marge dropped Danielle as a friend, but had to admit she didn’t know everything. In her interview, Teresa said she thought they were both wrong, but said Marge gave her a lot to think about. I hope her head doesn’t explode. Marge hoped Jennifer wouldn’t cocktail it up at her charity event.
After Marge told Jackie how hard she was trying to get back together with her children, Jackie decided to call her estranged sister. Wow. Something good actually coming out of this hot mess of a show is a true miracle. The call went well, and they made plans to get together with the kids. Jackie went to Melissa’s store and told her all about it. Melissa told her about how Joe #2 belittles her business. Maybe she should ask him how the restaurant business is going. Hint: it isn’t.
Marge’s ex, Jan, brought a date to Marge’s event, who was Joe #3’s ex-wife’s best friend. Jennifer and Marge seemed to squash their beef, with Jennifer sort of apologizing to several people. She was afraid to approach Melissa, since she’d broke a glass and put it in Melissa’s face. I think the time to have been afraid was immediately after she did that. Melissa would have had every right to thump her. It was a black and white affair, and Marge looked gorgeous, as well as the décor. They used a lot of white branches, which I love. The women also had the most fantastic HUGE earrings. When Jennifer showed up in a green jumpsuit, I thought maybe the color combo was just a coincidence, although she seems like the type who wouldn’t bother with the memo. The gala was a success, and everyone cried during the kids’ speeches.
Next time, the season finale, belly dancing, Delores is moving out, Marge thinks Danielle is dangerous, and Marge pushes Marty into the pool. That dude seems like a d-bag. Or at the very least, misguided.
🏡 On Sweet Home Jennifer designed for someone who apparently has two young children, but no possessions. I’ve never seen such an empty house. Jennifer had done the interior of the house ten years prior, so it was interesting to see how her taste had changed. A good takeaway point was to keep kids’ rooms neutral to give them longevity. Like if you buy a crazy bed, the kid isn’t going to want that for long. They can personalize with things like posters and unicorn pillows. Although I’d prefer llama pillows. I also have personal experience with this issue. When I was a kid, my father worked for Ethan Allen, and I was getting wallpaper from there for my room. I was probably about twelve or thirteen, and thought this psychedelic paisley wallpaper would be great. He talked me out of it, saying I thought so when I was looking at a swatch, but a whole room of it would be busy, and I’d get tired of it. A few years later, I knew he was right. I also had a canopy bed for a hot minute before I thought it was more trouble than it was worth. I won’t even get into the white rug…
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
My streak was too long and too good to be true. I missed the beginning, but nothing major ever happens in the first few minutes. So without further ado…
Not-Doc says no one else can be in the room when he hypnotizes Lulu. The patient may recover personal or private information that they don’t want to share. Jordan says everything will be confidential, but he says it’s non-negotiable. If they want to be present, he can’t perform the procedure. They can get someone else, but neither will any other therapist worth their salt.
Nina says she told Valentin that she needed a dose of her daughter, and here Sasha is. She asks how long Sasha is staying, and Sasha says a few days. She’s not complaining, but wonders if Nina is still staying at Windymere because the killer hasn’t been caught. Nina says they haven’t caught the killer, but she moved back in with Valentin and Charlotte.
At the office, Peter tells Maxie that he had the cleaning crew in, since the police signed off on it. It was grim and sad that they have a special cleaning team for crime scenes. Maxie says, it’s not easy to butter him up, and she needs another favor. She thinks a medical advice column might boost circulation. He asks who would write it, and she says that’s the out-of-the-box part. He’s going to think it’s the most outrageous idea. He says the best ones often are, and asks, who? Obrecht walks in, and says, me.
Carly tells Jason that Sam took all that time to find herself, and she’s breaking up with him? She was just torturing him – and herself. She’s calling Sam. Jason tells her Sam is just pretending so she can investigate the leader of the group Kristina is involved with, Dawn of Day. Carly asks who it is, and why do they need investigating? He says the guy’s name is Shiloh. They know he’s a con artist, but he may be worse.
Nina says Charlotte will be happy to see Sasha. They need to have another girls’ night. She thanks Valentin, and says she’s going to march Sasha in front of Obrecht, saying this is her daughter. Then she’s going to ask how Sasha is going to leave her brokenhearted and empty like Obrecht. Sasha asks who she’s talking about, and Nina says her Aunt Liesl, who’s mad because Nina won’t give her a job. She has no idea who would hire her.
Obrecht asks if Peter is opposed to hiring one of the best medical minds in the world. She gathered some questions from the internet to give him some sample responses. She’s used everyday language, and humor where it’s applicable. He can try her out, and if she boosts circulation, which she inevitably will, they can renegotiate. Maxie says medical issues are a booming topic on the internet. He says she wants him to pay a woman he hates, who tortured him? Obrecht say she was crazed with grief. Maxie says he already exonerated Obrecht, and she’d thought his attitude had softened toward her. He says he did it because she wanted Obrecht free. He doesn’t think it’s a good fit. Obrecht tells him to just read the samples. She thinks he’ll like them. She hands him the paper, and he reads.
Not-Doc says hypnosis requires complete focus, and deep relaxation. Having other people present only hinders the process. He understands Laura might not want him, and she can get another doctor, but if they allow observation, he’d question their professionalism and ethics. I can’t say for sure, but I don’t think that’s how it works. Lulu says it’s not their choice; it’s hers. She’s unhappy with how he treated her mother, but professionally, she trusts him. Jordan has another idea. She wants it recorded. Not-Doc says that’s not possible. It’s a violation of privileged information. Lulu asks if she won’t remember when she comes out. They won’t need to record it. She’ll just tell them. She wants to get started.
At the skating rink, Aiden has wiped out, but Franco says he’s fantastic. He has some smooth moves going backwards. He goes back to the rink, and Franco tells Elizabeth that he’s so happy. Almost as happy as he is. Brad and Lucas arrive with Wiley. Lucas says it looks like they all had the same idea, and Elizabeth says it’s a good day for ice skating. Lucas asks where their skates are. Franco says they’re the cheering section. Lucas says Aiden is really good. He asks if they’d mind watching Wiley. Franco says the three of them suck at subterfuge. He tells them, stop. It’s painful.
Laura tells Lulu she’ll be right outside, but Lulu says Laura is making her more nervous. She hates not being able remember. Not just who attacked her, but what she was working on. It must have something to do with the killer. We flash back to her calling not-Doc and asking about the list, and that she wants to go over the names. Lulu tells not-Doc to make sure to ask her about that. He says he wants to help her find all the answers she’s looking for.
Nina leaves to get Sasha’s room ready. Sasha says she’s so happy, and Valentin says he loves seeing her happy. Sasha says she’s incredibly endearing, and full of love. Nina makes her mother’s absence less painful. Valentin says it would destroy her to find out Sasha was only playing a part. Sasha say she always will, but he’s not in charge anymore.
In the hallway at the hospital, Jordan tells Laura, hopefully, they’ll get answers. Laura says, if Lulu remembers, what’s next? Jordan says they’ll collect the forensic details. She might send them in a direction they’re not considering. Laura asks if Lulu’s memories will be admissible in court, but Jordan says it’s a grey area. Laura asks if Jordan thinks Lulu will remember it’s Franco.
Franco asks if they think he believes it’s a coincidence. Elizabeth says she had a talk with Brad and Lucas about Aiden. Brad says it’s nice that he has a gay couple in his extended family. Franco says, and he thought Brad was the sneakiest technician at the hospital. Lucas says, a lot has changed.
Carly goes over what Jason has told her. She says, Shiloh also has a history with Drew, and now he’s dragging Kristina in, so they’re breaking up to get Sam closer? Jason says he doesn’t like it, but what it’s what she has to do. Carly asks if he thinks she’s in danger. He doesn’t think so, but wants to make sure nothing happens.
Peter says Obrecht explain things simply without sounding condescending. Maxie asks if he likes Obrecht’s writing. He does, and says with the glut of information out there, it might be nice for someone to sort through it. Maxie says, so she’s hired? and he says, on a trial basis. Maxie thanks him, and he says he can’t say no to her. The lightbulb comes on, and Obrecht says Maxie removed her ring, and is moving on. Don’t tell her that she’s moving on with Henrik? Maxie says she and Peter are friends; good friends. Obrecht says she’s having a romance with Nathan’s half-brother, who brought Nathan’s killer to Port Charles.
Not-Doc explains to Lulu that hypnosis is really self-hypnosis. The subject has to be willing. They’re neither asleep nor unconscious, and don’t do what they don’t want to. He asks if she’s comfortable, and tells her to relax. She’s in a safe, calm, and peaceful place. She can go anywhere she needs to if she wants. He tells her to close her eyes. She controls the entire experience. Listen to his voice, and let the words wash over her. He asks how she feels, and Lulu says, good. He tells her to go to the night of the attack. All she has to do is let him guide her to what really happened. Is she ready? Lulu says, yes.
Obrecht asks how Maxie can consider a possible romance with Henrik. Maxie says she’s worked out her personal issues with him, and she didn’t say it was romantic. She’s trusted him, and he’s proved himself repeatedly. He’s also James’s uncle, and James has few blood relatives on his father’s side. She’s not keeping Peter out of her life, and if she disapproves, she can find employment elsewhere. Obrecht says she wants to selflessly steer strangers back to good health, and accepts Peter’s offer. She was uncharacteristically nervous about the meeting, and needs to fortify herself. When she returns, he can show her to her office. She leaves, and Maxie says Peter will get used to her. She hugs him.
Sasha tells Valentin that they both want the same thing; to make sure Nina doesn’t get hurt. Maybe he should take a step back, so she can have a real relationship with Nina. Valentin suggests Sasha stay away from Obrecht; make excuses if she has to. Nina says Sasha’s room is ready. They have a lot of catching up to do. She asks if Valentin doesn’t have a conference call, and he says she wants to get rid of him. He gets it. She tells him that he’s the absolute best.
Brad says Aiden is looking good out there. Aiden says Wiley is bigger than he was at Christmas. Lucas says baby’s grow fast, and Brad asks if Aiden knows any kids with two mothers or two fathers. Aiden isn’t sure, but wishes he had a baby brother or sister. Franco asks if he wants to skate some more. He does, and goes back out with Brad and Lucas.
Jordan asks how Laura knew about Franco. Laura says Elizabeth is like a daughter to her, and told her about Franco being questioned. She guesses he’s the suspect. Jordan says one victim tried to reach him, and his alibis range from flawed to non-existent, but everything they have is circumstantial.
Not-Doc asks if Lulu can picture her office. Tell him everything she remembers. She says she was working. Her mom came to get her to go to the party. She was frustrated. Peter wouldn’t publish her article. It was about a potential link between Ryan Chamberlain and the serial killer. Her mom agreed with Peter, and they talked about something that troubled her about a list. A list he made. A list of Ryan’s victims. Not-Doc asks, what troubled her? She says her mom said there were nine names on his list, but the police report said Ryan killed seven, not nine. She gets agitated, and he tells her not to let her emotions cloud the truth. Her mother never mentioned nine victims. They talked about the list, but never talked about number. Lulu says, she didn’t? He says he called her, and they discussed seven victims. She says, she did? He says she remembers clearly now.
Carly thinks Jason and Sam are a great help. It’s one less worry for Sonny. Too bad he and Sam can’t be together. He tells her that he never said that. Carly says they can meet in private, and he says, that’s the plan. She tells him, enjoy sneaking around. It can be fun. Obrecht comes in, and says she’s celebrating. She wonders if she can have complementary waffles.
Peter is surprised at how well Obrecht writes. Maxie knows she’ll be on her best behavior, or she won’t be allowed to see James. He says, James is quite the motivator. He’ll keep his eyes open all the same. Maxie thinks that’s a good idea, and he thanks her for what she said about them. Nina calls, and Maxie leaves to talk to her. Peter sighs. He calls Valentin and tells him that he hired Obrecht. He can thank Maxie.
Laura tells Jordan that Elizabeth has three boys she loves dearly, and might be living with a serial killer. Jordan says Laura knows him better than her. Laura thinks he couldn’t have done it, but she’s old enough, and seen enough of the world to know nothing is impossible.
Franco wonders if maybe he and Elizabeth will have a baby. Lucas limps to the bench. He was trying to bust a move, but instead busted his butt. He says Aiden is loving it, and chatting up the crowd. He doesn’t think Aiden caught on to the gay sting operation. Elizabeth agrees, but says he’s observing them though. Franco thanks Lucas. He knows he’s not Lucas’s favorite person. Lucas says he remembers what Franco did to his sister, but he also remembers how Brad was. It’s where any of them can be. You have to look past people’s mistakes, and have faith in them changing. Brad listens in. Aiden comes back.
Not-Doc says Lulu is doing really well. Who else did she call other than him? She says she spoke with Peter. She asked him again to please run the story, but he said no. Shortly afterward, someone came to the door. She jumped when the handle rattled. Her mom insisted she lock the door. Someone was trying to get in. He asks if she was frightened, but she says, no. She went to open it, but wasn’t afraid. She went to her desk, and he followed her. He was wearing gloves, and she thought it was odd. She can see his gloves… his coat… She’s looking at him, but can’t see his face. He tells her, stop there. He promised her mother not to upset her. She asks why she can see him, but not remember his face? He tells her, calm down. They’ll get there. He’ll help her remember. He tells her, listen to his voice, and what he’s telling her. He smiles.
Nina tells Maxie that Valentin arranged a surprise visit from her daughter. Maxie says Valentin being involved makes her nervous. Nothing is ever quite what it seems with him, and heartbreak follows. Nina asks if the heartbreak is general or specific, and if so, how?
Nina tells Sasha she’s happy to be back together with Valentin, and she has Sasha to thank. Once Nina had Sasha in her life, everything fell into place. They’re as in love as ever. In fact, he’s asked her to marry him again. Sasha says she didn’t say yes, did she?
Carly wonders why she’d give Obrecht complimentary anything. Obrecht says, common courtesy, good business sense. She’s working in the building, and can send customers Carly’s way. Carly would prefer Obrecht not mention her business. Obrecht says, her loss. Carly tells her, congratulations on her new job. She can afford to pay for her own meal. Obrecht apologizes for her lack of manners, and gives Carly her deepest condolences on the tragic loss of her grandson. She met the child’s mother briefly, poor creature. She leaves, and Carly says, that was random. Jason asks how well Carly knows her. Carly says she has very little to do with her if she can help it. She wonders how Obrecht met Nelle.
Jordan tells Laura that they have no way of knowing how long the session will take. Laura wants to be close by if Lulu remembers it’s Franco. Jordan says they could be wrong. Laura hopes so. She hopes Lulu isn’t suffering too much, reliving that night. Jordan does too. Lulu has already been through enough. Hypnotherapy is a tool that will bring them closer to safety, especially Lulu. Laura says she can’t let the killer come back to silence Lulu. Jordan says Lulu will lead them right to prison.
Aiden loves ice skating, and Franco says he’s a natural. Aiden wants Franco to skate with him, but he had fun with Brad and Lucas. He wants a snack, and Elizabeth takes out a sandwich. Aiden runs off with it, and Franco thanks her for giving him perspective. It was the perfect antidote to being questioned at the PCPD. This is what’s important – her and the boys. Everything is going to be okay.
Not-Doc asks if Lulu heard everything he said, and she says, yes. He says, it’s easier to remember when you’re calm. Is she ready to remember the face of her attacker? She’s in the office, working. There’s a rattle at the door. She opens the door. The visitor follows her in. She goes behind her desk. She’s behind her desk, but something isn’t right. He’s scaring her, and she tries to leave. Lulu says, oh my God, he has a knife! She can see him. Not-Doc asks, who is it? Franco? In her flashback, everything is the same, but it’s Franco’s face. She says, it’s Franco. Not-Doc smiles more broadly.
Tomorrow, Anna will see Obrecht dead first, Peter says Valentin will lie, Lulu says Franco tried to kill her, and Jordan arrests Franco.
The Haves and The Have Nots
Madison pushes Jeffrey to the floor, and tells him there’s a laser pointed at him, like the kind from a gun. Jeffrey sees it on the wall, and says, itsfine. Madison tells him not to go to the window, and asks who’s out there? Jeffrey says, it’s just Justin, and it’s just a laser pointer. He’s looking right at him. Madison asks if he’s sure. He is, and Madison says, this kid is nuts. He tells Jeffrey not to go out there, but Jeffrey tells Madison to let him handle it. He knows ow it goes. Madison says, it’s not fine; he’s nuts. Jeffrey asks him to go upstairs and check on his dad. He goes outside.
Jeffrey asks what Justin is doing. Justin says, watching him. Jeffrey says he’s tired of this. Justin is sorry. Jeffrey knows, and tells him, go home. Justin says he misses Jeffrey. Jeffrey says his dad is there. Justin says, and that boy? Jeffrey says Justin shouldn’t have hit him. He didn’t do anything. He says, this has to stop, and Justin says, okay; he’ll stop – if Jeffrey comes home. He knows Jeffrey wants him. Jeffrey says he wants him to leave. Justin tries to kiss Jeffrey, but Jeffrey pushes him away, saying, get off of him. Justin says, I love you, and Jeffrey says, stop it. Justin says is Jeffrey isn’t in his life, he has nothing to live for. Jeffrey says he keeps saying the same thing, and he needs to leave. Justin wonders what he’d do without Jeffrey. He’s not letting Madison have him. Jeffrey says, good to know, and goes back inside.
Madison asks if Jeffrey is okay with all this; with Justin coming over. He needs a restraining order. Madison is going first thing in the morning, and thinks Jeffrey should come. Jeffrey says, okay, and asks if he can go to bed. Madison says, he’s still out there, but Jeffrey says he doesn’t care. Madison says he should. He’s calling the police. Jeffrey says, be my guest. and Madison says Jeffrey really doesn’t care about this. Jeffrey says, nope.
Candace goes to the Iron Bone. Mitch says she’s looking for him, and sits with her. She asks if they don’t like Black people there, and Mitch says, you know how these guys are. He asks what she needs, and she says she needs a lot of money. He says he has a little bit, but she’s not asking for it from him. She has it, but can’t get to it. It’s in her mother’s bank account. She sent it to Benny, and they have a joint account. Mitch asks if she’s talking about the eight million. She asks if Benny told him, but he says he just heard. He asks what she needs from him. She says her mother took Benny to the bank, and wanted to give it back to Jim Cryer, but Benny wouldn’t sign. They need two signatures, and Benny is on the fence. She thinks Mitch can convince him not to sign. Mitch says Benny is thisclose to being taken out be two different families. He needs to do the right thing: give the money back. He asks if she has any idea how dangerous Jim is. She says, he’s not, but Mitch says, he is. She says she can handle it. He tells her Benny got stabbed by Cryer. He put someone on Benny as a warning. He needs to give the money back. She says, he can handle Benny. She’ll handle Jim. She says the money will get her out of there. She’ll give him a couple hundred if she gets it. He says he’ll believe it when he sees it. She says, good. He needs a new car. He says he drives it by choice, and she says, just help her. He asks if she wants a drink, but she says not in a place where people look at her – like that, referring to a guy wearing a weird beard who’s half-glaring, half-ogling her. Candace leaves, and another guy says, what the hell? to Mitch. Uncle Vinnie doesn’t want people like her hanging out there. Mitch says, that’s Candace Young. Grandma Rose said it’s okay. The guy says, she’s hot. He wants to hit that. Mitch calls him an idiot. She would wear his ass out. The guy brags that he’s a stallion, and says Mitch does need a new car. Mitch suggests the guy buy him one.
The grits are ready. Veronica puts on oven mitts, and takes them into the bedroom. I don’t think to eat. She walks to the bed, and sets them on the nightstand. She pulls back the covers, and says, she asked him to leave. RK jumps up, and asks what the hell is she doing? She asks if he’s hungry. She made grits. He says, grits his ass. She was about to grits his ass. She’s crazy. She says, yes, and she will still grits his ass if he doesn’t leave. He says she’s lost her mind, and grabs his clothes. She tells him, don’t worry about it. She knows he stole her jewelry. He tells her, go check her maid. She wants her jewelry back by noon tomorrow. He says he has nothing of hers. She says, man, boy, they’re all the same. He tells her, he could say the same about women. She asks if he’s still there, and he says he’s a hologram. She tells him to holo his ass out of her house, and don’t come back. He leaves in a hurry, and she gets in the bed. She says, baby boy, can’t do nothin’ for her. She needs a man.
There’s a knock at Roderick’s door. It’s Kathryn, and he tells her that her car sticks out like a sore thumb. She says she won’t be there long. He he says that’s disappointing, and she tells him, cut the bull. He’s glad she called. She says he thinks she’s a fool. He wants her money. He says that’s not all he wants. He enjoys making love to her. She says his place is underwhelming, but he says, it’s cozy. She asks if he’s making money at the hotel, and he says he is. She asks if he has a drug problem, but he says, no. He has a family back home, and sends them money. She thinks that’s sweet. She asks if the prostitution ring is shut down, and he says it is. He asks if she wants a drink, and she says, sure. She watches him pour liquor into Solo cups, and says, on second thought, she’s not that thirsty. He says it’s all he has, and she says that’s sad. He says, it’s okay, but she says, it’s not. Play his cards right, she might keep him. Set him up in a nice place. Maybe a new car. She’ll take care of him. He asks what he has to do, and she says, her. He says, let’s get on with it, and kisses her, pushing her toward the bed. She doesn’t think this is going to work. He says he knows it’s not much, and she says, it’s not anything. He asks if she wants to go back to the hotel, but she says it’s getting late. She’ll call tomorrow. He’s sorry she came all this way, and there’s nothing he can do to make her happy. She says, there is, just not in this place. She asks him to walk her to her car, and asks if he’s ever seen the backseat of a $270K car. He says, only from the outside, and she tells him, he’s in for a treat. It’s probably nicer than my house.
Wyatt tells Sarah that he needs money. She tells him to calm down, and he says he needs a fix. She says she has some pain pills. She gets them, and he practically rips them out of her hand. She tells him not to take all of them, but he already did. He wants a drink. He tells her that he knows his tolerance. She doesn’t want him to die, but he says he won’t. She tells him, calm down, and he says he’s trying. There’s a knock at the door, and he goes in the bathroom. it’s George with some gigantic cops. One comes in with him. He asks if she has the bullet, and she says she has Wyatt. She knocks on the bathroom door, and Wyatt comes out. He tells George that he wants money, and get the hell out. Sarah says, arrest him. Make him testify. George asks if she thinks this will help her. She failed with the wire, and didn’t give him anything. George tells the big cop, arrest her. She tells him to take Wyatt. George say he can’t hold Wyatt. The Malones want him dead. She says, he has cocaine in his pocket. Wyatt says he doesn’t, but pulls out a small bag. He says he could have been getting high this entire time. I die laughing. He starts putting a line on the counter, and George reminds Wyatt that he’s the DA. He says, take them both, and take the drugs. Wyatt calls Sarah a bitch on his way out. She tells George, all she needs is a day. She can get him to talk. She gets close to him, and says she’ll do anything. He pushes her back, and says she has one day. One. She thanks him. I’d get the hell out of town.
Another nameless woman tells Charles that the hospital visit was good press. She gives him some briefing sheets. The President wants a meeting moved up. Charles says, okay, and she asks if there’s a female, but he says, there isn’t. She says the new First Lady usually meets with former First Lady. He says she’ll have to get his wife out of the grave, and asks if there’s an inclusion for that. She apologizes, and he tells her not to ask again. He wants a moment. Everyone leaves, but he says, not you, Landon. It’s like being called out by the teacher, and Landon looks like a naughty child. Charles punches him, knocking him down. Charles doesn’t know what that was, but wants to get one thing clear. Don’t ever try anything like that again. Not only will he have to fire Landon, he’ll eff him up, He holds out his hand, saying, olive branch, and helps Landon up. Landon is really sorry, and Charles says, about what? He’s glad he got it off his chest. He feels better. Doesn’t Landon? Landon says he does. Charles says, that will be all, and tells Landon to straighten his tie.
Veronica’s doorbell rings. She calls for Alice, who wanders out. She asks if Alice heard the door, and Alice says she did. Veronica asks if she’s going to get it, and Alice says, no. She just came to give Veronica this. She hands Veronica an envelope, and Veronica asks if she’s resigning. Alice says, no. She’s suing Veronica for a hostile work environment. Veronica asks who she’s been talking to; it’s not hostile. Alice says she has it documented. Veronica tears the papers up, and says that’s what she thinks of Alice’s lawsuit. She tells Alice, the new maid will clean it up. Alice says, the maid always knows a lot of secrets. Veronica doesn’t give a damn. Alice says it’s the ones they think don’t have the power, who are the ones who bring them down. Veronica tells her, take her power and go to unemployment. Her blind ass can’t see how to clean anything anyway. What’s really funny is how this is coming from left field. We’ve never even seen Alice until very recently, and they’d actually made it seem like she was lazy and not doing her job.
Alice leaves, and two women walk in. One is a woman from a foster care program that Veronica wanted to help, but no surprise, she doesn’t have a name. However, she introduces the other woman as Karen. Veronica asks what brings them by, and nameless lady says Karen would be perfect for Veronica’s offer. She wanted to help a girl coming out of foster care, and she thought Karen would be a good fit. She aced high school, and is studying to be a pharmacist. Karen says Veronica has a lovely home. Veronica thanks her, and says, sorry she won’t be seeing it again. The other woman wonders if she got it wrong. She thought Veronica wanted to help. Veronica says she did want to help – a Black girl, not a white girl. She wants someone who looks like her. The woman says she didn’t say that, but Veronica thinks she should have caught the hint. The woman says they don’t see race, but Veronica says, bullsh*t. Everyone does. The woman says, sorry, and Veronica says, don’t be. Just bring back a Black girl. Someone darker than her. Now take Becky, and go. Not getting the reference, Becky Karen says her name is Karen. The woman says this will disqualify Veronica for the program, and Veronica says, then it will disqualify them from her check. Not Karen says they can use the money. Veronica says, then bring her an African American girl. Goodbye, Becky Karen Becky. They leave, and Veronica wonders, what’s wrong with people? She has things to do.
Madison looks in on David, who says he’s much better. David asks where Jeffrey is. Madison thinks still sleeping. David asks how they’re getting along, and Madison says fine. David says, just fine? What is it? Madison asks if he’s met Justin. David says he has; why? Madison thinks Jeffrey is in over his head. Justin has been very threatening, David knows, and Madison asks if he knows Justin had a laser pointed at Jeffrey’s head. David says, as in a laser-sited gun? He tells Madison to get Jeffrey. Madison is concerned he’s going to let Jeffrey know what he said, but David insists he get Jeffrey. Madison leaves, and David calls Jim. He tells Jim that he needs to get a message to Benji. Jim asks if it’s for their lady friend, but David says, no. He’ll handle her himself. It’s for the punk harassing his son.
There’s a knock on Sarah’s door. They says, delivery, but it’s Jim. He says she took Wyatt from the house. She says she didn’t know he was in the car. Jim asks, where is he? but she says she doesn’t know. Jim tells her, don’t lie. She repeats she doesn’t know. He asks if the DA has him, and she says she doesn’t know. He grabs her by the throat and backs her against the wall. He asks if the DA is holding Wyatt. She says she can’t breathe, and he says he’ll ask one more time. She says, yes, and he lets her go. He asks if she knew Wyatt was in the car. He thinks she did, but she insists she didn’t. He pushes his arm against her throat, and asks how they got to Wyatt. She says she called once he got there. Jim says, it’s a shame. She’s dead. He kisses her, and says, it’s a no win situation for her; she’s dead. He leaves, and she puts her head in her hands, and cries. Seriously. Leave. Now.
Hanna wakes Benny. She has breakfast going; his favorites. He says he had to get stabbed for her to cook something for him. He asks if she really likes this dude, and she says she does. He doesn’t. Benny says he needs to leave her alone, and Hanna says Benny needs to hush. The doorbell rings, and Benny says, if it’s him, tell him go home.
Hanna goes to the door. It’s Mitch. He asks if Benny is up. Hanna asks if Mitch’s family is still after Benny. Mitch says, no. He talked to them, and they took the money. He goes upstairs.
Mitch asks how Benny is doing. Benny says, like hell, and Mitch says he looks like hell. Benny says, screw you, and asks if Mitch’s family took the money. Mitch says, yeah, and Benny asks why they came after him like that. Mitch told him it wasn’t them. Benny asks, who was it? and Mitch says he did some poking around. Can he ask Benny about something? Does he have a little money from Cryer? Benny asks what Mitch knows about it, and Mitch says, he heard about eight million through his family ties. They heard he had it. That’s what happened. Cryer put somebody on him. It wasn’t Mitch’s family. Jim Cryer had someone stab him as a warning. He wants the money back. Hanna appears, and asks what Mitch just said. Mitch looks seriously panicked.
Next time, Hanna says she’ll take care of Jim, Jim is sick of George, Charles asks if Landon is attracted to him, and David wants Justin to understand the cost of harassing his son.
Below Deck – Reunion
This is still in cheap reunion territory – at the Clubhouse, and only one part. Andy says hello to everyone. Chandler and Caroline are absent. He asks who kept in touch. Ashton and Ross are still having a bromance. Ross’s arrest is brought up. He says it was a big misunderstanding, and Andy says, it always is. He asks if Krystal was the worst charter guest of the season. Kate says, of her life. We find out that Ross went out with Krystal, and it’s benefits without friends. He claims she’s not married.
Kate’s stew situation is discussed, and we flash back to her being thrilled with Josiah, things going south with Caroline, and the conflict with Laura. Everyone is laughing. Except Captain Lee. A viewer asks what the deck crew’s thoughts were about Caroline. Rhylee says she was distraught all day, every day. Ashton says she wasn’t coping. Andy says he spoke to her, and she said there was a pattern of stews not getting along with Kate. A viewer asks if Captain Lee thinks the complaints about Kate have merit, but he says the only ones who complain are the ones who don’t want to do their job. He has no sympathy. Laura says she felt bad for Caroline. She wasn’t there, so she doesn’t know how it went down, but doesn’t think she was treated fairly. Kate says they were nice to her at first, but they got frustrated. In a tweet, Caroline says, when Kate and Josiah blasted music outside her door, what was shown wasn’t remotely close to what happened. Kate says, Caroline has a flair for the dramatic. She’s intelligent, and is good at playing the victim. Andy plays an extended clip with unseen footage, where Kate and Josiah are talking about Caroline, loudly, outside of her room. Andy says, it’s kind of mean. Kate agrees, but says Caroline lied, and she was the bully. Kate doesn’t think she started it. Captain Lee says he was uncomfortable when he saw the show, but realized it was an ongoing thing that Caroline didn’t pull her weight. Andy asks if Kate and Josiah regret anything. Josiah says, it was in the moment, and they were angry. Kate felt like a hostage. Caroline was doing what she wanted. Ashton thinks they had to be pushed to be that nasty. Andy says they didn’t want to be mean girls, but ended up being mean girls. Josiah says Caroline lied about how horrible everyone was. A viewer points out Josiah said he was bullied when he was younger. Josiah says it made him stronger, and they liked Caroline, but she wasn’t doing her job. Another viewer asks if Captain Lee felt validated in questioning Kate. He says he could have handled it better, but he didn’t have all the information. Kate says she didn’t like at the time, but feels glad about it now, because it shows he’s fair. She wishes all three of them had all been in the wheelhouse, so there was no confusion.
A viewer asks why Laura came in hot with a superior attitude. Laura say she didn’t think she had an attitude, but recognized it after seeing the show. It wasn’t her intention, which is why she’s sad about it. She says everyone has their breaking point, but Captain Lee says he would have fired her on the spot. Kate says she was bewildered. Laura said she was a chief stew on a vessel the same size, and Laura was doing the one thing she shouldn’t be, screaming at Kate in front of the guests. It was almost amusing. Almost. Captain Lee says the worst thing was Laura asking how dare Kate go back and check her work. Laura says she was angry and in hysterics. She was backed into a corner. Kate says Laura cornered her. Laura tells her, don’t act innocent. There were things leading up to it; she had a reason she felt pushed. They weren’t nice from the beginning. Andy asks what advice Laura would give Kate. Laura says, kindness goes a long way. She thinks Kate has been doing this for so long, she doesn’t put up with stupid mistakes. She needs to try and look at it from the other person’s point-of-view. Kate says she’s as kind as she can be with the time she’s given. They both say they would work together again.
Andy says, Adrian’s behavior left a bad taste in other crew member’s mouths. We see clips of Adrian’s a-hole moments. A viewer says, since Adrian is an undercover jerk, why didn’t anyone say anything? Kate says, he’s from St. Martin, and it’s very different. Whatever that means. Are kids raised by wolves there? Josiah says Laura was telling him just be wary, and Adrian appreciates that. He feels apologetic, and says he misread the situation. He’s sorry they didn’t show other parts of his and Laura’s relationship. Ross thinks Laura should have said something earlier, but it’s close quarters on the boat. Andy says the chef is technically her boss, but it’s a unique workplace. A viewer asks why Laura didn’t deal with Adrian by going to Kate. Kate says if she’d been aware of it, she would have told him, Laura is freaked out, and to knock it off.
Next, we see the screw up that was Chandler, who didn’t even know port from starboard. I don’t either, but I don’t have to for my job. Andy asks what was the problem. Captain Lee says, he was overwhelmed. He had a lot going on, plus the cameras. He isn’t sure why, since Chandler seemed like he had the necessary tools. Ross thinks he had the skills, but lacked managing skills. Andy wonders how much filming had to do with it, and Ross says it was a big part. Rhylee says she was relieved when he was gone. He treated her poorly. She didn’t jump for joy that he was gone. She thought he’d just be demoted. Ashton says, somebody was needed, and he wasn’t surprised. Andy asks Ross if Chandler deserved to be fired. Ross says he wasn’t performing as required; there were too many mistakes. They agree he was a good guy, and Josiah thinks he just wasn’t used to it. A viewer asks what was it about Chandler that Rhylee hated. She says she didn’t hate him, but hated how he treated her from the get-go. It set her tone of behavior. She was being dismissed by the deck crew; Chandler most of all. He didn’t want to manage her. Andy asks if she thinks it’s because she’s a woman, and she says she never criedwoman. She doesn’t know, but he was very quick to blame her for everything. She’s not soft spoken – they all laugh – sometimes to her detriment, but she won’t let anyone walk on her. She thinks she didn’t handle it, but Chandler couldn’t be bothered with anything with her. She didn’t care if he was her boss or not. Josiah thinks it was her strong personality. It’s rare to see a female deckhand, and there are preconceptions. Chandler wasn’t used to having a strong woman around.
Andy says, Rhylee wanted her voice heard all season. We see clips of her, mostly being loud. Andy asks if she has regrets. She says she’s reactionary, and when she’s upset, you know it. A viewer asks if Captain Lee regrets not firing Rhylee, but he says, no. He doesn’t regret keeping her, and he’s glad she made it to the end. Chandler’s method of handling the situation was being a condescending pr*ck. He says, for the most part, Ross could have been firmer and more up front. Engaging when someone is volatile isn’t wise. Rhylee says her issues with them were different. Ross was an amazing bosun and person. They were able to fix their issues. She felt it was more miscommunication, and was apologetic about being reactionary. Ross thought he couldn’t win at times. Andy gets a viewer’s text, asking how much sexual tension was there between Chandler and Rhylee. None. Were they watching? Rhylee asks if they’re effing kidding her. None at all. She was never attracted to Chandler. Andy says everyone had a problem with her, and she says every one of them, except Chandler, had a problem with her, but came to her for lovin’. She chalked it up to them drinking, and being man and woman, and wanting to hash it out sexually. Andy says hook-ups are common on boats, and it doesn’t matter if they’re your superior. Rhylee knew Ross didn’t want to be with her, and she didn’t want to just hook up.
Andy tells us, more than waves had the crew’s bunks rockin’. We take a look at the romances on board this season. Andy asks everyone’s status. Ashton and Laura are dear friends; Tyler and Rhylee, ditto, but I’m thinking, not so much. Andy says there were conflicting reports about the crow’s nest, bur Ashton says there was no sex for him this season. However, he did get together at the end. Laura seems embarrassed about it. We find out Ross tried kiss Kate, but Kate doesn’t think he knew it was her. Ross also hooked up with Hannah (Below Deck Mediterranean). He believes so anyway. WTF? How drunk was he? We see a clip of Tyler griping that it’s a turn-off for someone to worm their way into his life. Andy asks how Rhylee felt when she saw what Tyler said. She says she thought he was a d*ck when he said that. She wasn’t writing his name on her notebook. He says he felt it was his idea. Rhylee says they also feel the pressure of crew, who run them through the gauntlet of truth, asking if they liked each other. Kate says she didn’t think Tyler handled it gentlemanly. A viewer asks if Ashton thought Adrian was competition in pursuing Laura. Ashton says he and Adrian had a good relationship, and were honest with one another. Andy asks if Adrian is still in an open relationship, and he says, no, but I don’t catch if they’re no longer together or really together.
Andy asks for their biggest regret this season and what they’re doing now. Adrian regrets that he wasn’t as mindful of other’s feelings as he should have been, and is working as a private chef for a couple in New York. Tyler has no regrets. Of course not. Because he has the sensitivity of a potato. Who cares what he’s doing? Rhylee regrets how she spoke to her superiors, and has been working on several boats. Josiah regrets the way he handled Caroline’s exit, and has been traveling. Kate dittos that regret, and says she opened up a non-profit store in her hometown. Nice of Andy to speed that along, and she doesn’t even get to give us the name. Kate says she regrets how she handled her situation with Kate, and is living in Toronto, instructing yoga. Ashton regrets his accident, but he’s grateful to be alive. He’s working for a family in Atlanta, doing security, being a trainer, and managing the estate. Ross regrets trying to kiss Rhylee. He’s in Florida, probably getting black-out drunk, and Captain Lee regrets the way he handled the situation with Kate and Caroline. He’s still running boats.
Andy says the scariest moment in Below Deck history was Ashton’s accident. Andy has a surprise. It’s Brent, the camera man who saved Ashton. They hug and everybody gets teary. Brent sits. It’s the first time they’ve seen each other since the show wrapped. Ashton calls Brent his real life hero, and hopes he does Brant proud. He wants Brent to say, thank God he saved Ashton’s life. Look at what he’s doing with himself. Wow. That’s a beautiful goal. Brent says it wasn’t just him. Rhylee made the first call, and Captain Lee got the boat out of gear. Ross untied the lines. Andy says Brent was just there to shoot the show, and at some point he made the call to put his camera down. Brent says he noticed where everyone was, and saw Ashton go in the water. He joined the others to access the situation, and they went through several possibilities. He realized the solution, got Aston off the lines, and started shooting again. Ashton was under water, struggling for about twenty-five seconds. Ashton says he mentally prepare for his foot being ripped off. That was the force around his ankle. Two seconds longer, and he would have lost his foot. Brent says every time he tells the story, he gets anxious. Captain Lee says if Rhylee hadn’t said man overboard, it would have been over. He’s been in yachting for thirty-five years, and this ranks at the top of accidents. It’s never happened before, and hopefully never again. Captain Lee shakes Brent’s hand, and they bro hug. Ashton says the do a dangerous job, but get complacent. It’s a massive wake-up call. Andy says Brent prefers being behind the scenes. It wasn’t his first choice to be there, but they begged him.
He thanks everyone for the season and we’re out. Geez, not even a farewell shot. I think we can do better than this. <sniff> I’ll miss Kate and the captain.
🌇 It’s Late…
And the S on my keyboard is getting temperamental.
What I Watched - TV With Theresa 