Monthly Archives: February 2021

February 26, 2021 – Cyrus Is Handed His First Setback, Woman Of Action, a Sigh Of Relief, a Friend’s Goodbye, Another Awful House, Your Rights, Today’s Fact, One Less Than Twelve Quotes & Grace

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Curtis tells Finn, word on the street is, he’s getting married. He congratulates Finn, and they bro hug. Finn invites Curtis in, and Curtis says, look at him, all cool and calm. How’s he feeling? Finn says he doesn’t know about cool and calm, but he’s okay; he’s good. Violet is so excited, she’s practically levitating. Curtis says he can imagine. He’s happy for Finn, and Finn says he’s glad Curtis is there. Curtis played a big part in this. He helped Finn get his life back on the right track. Curtis says, it was all Finn. Finn got sober and stayed sober, and now he gets to live the life he deserves. Finn says, still, he’ll never forget what Curtis did. There’s a knock at the door, and it’s Chase, who says, this is it, the big day. Is Finn ready to spend the rest of his life with Anna? Finn says, sure. Why not?

Jordan walks into Anna’s house, and says, her official ride has arrived, and her dress has been delivered to the MetroCourt. She sees Anna sitting on the couch, staring into space, and says she’s ready, and Anna is… Anna says, oh, hi. She’s just finishing her tea. Jordan says, forgive her for saying it, but Anna doesn’t seem very excited. Is everything okay? Anna says, yeah, and asks if Jordan will be okay with seeing Curtis. Jordan tells her not to worry. She and Curtis are adults. They can handle being at the same social events. The doorbell rings, and Jordan answers it. Anna flashes back to Peter burning the evidence, and Jordan says Valentin is there. Valentin walks in looking grimmer than we’ve ever seen him look.

Peter sees Britt at the MetroCourt, and asks where his bride is, but she blocks the door. She says he’s not getting anywhere near Maxie.

Inside on the phone, Maxie tells Felicia that she got the presents. Open them before the ceremony? She figured. She tells Felicia, it’s okay. They’re Aunt Liddy’s only relatives, and she needs Felicia. She has Nina there to help her get ready. She has to go, and tells Felicia that she loves her too. Nina asks if she’s okay, and Maxie says although she’d love to have her mother there, her aunt Liddy, who is really her great-grandmother Mariah’s cousin, took a fall and needs Felicia, which she fully supports. Nina says Felicia is being generous, since she’s sure Felicia would want to be there on her daughter’s big wedding day. She takes Maxie’s hands, and asks where they start. Maxie asks if Nina is sure she’s up for this.

Jason sees Sam, and says she looks great. She thanks him, and says she’s on flower duty. She told Maxie that she’d make sure the ballroom looked perfect. She asks how he is; how’s Carly after Nina’s meltdown? He says, she’s okay. The Feds are satisfied that Nelle’s death was an accident. Sam says Carly is really lucky to have a friend like him.

Laura brings Lesley some coffee in the hospital boardroom, and says it went so much better than she expected. Lesley says Laura can be very persuasive. She doesn’t know where Laura gets it from. Laura says, Cyrus’s day is about to get a whole lot worse, and they laugh.

Cyrus comes stomping out of the elevator, looking at his tablet. He throws it down in front of Jackie, who’s standing at the reception desk, and says, what the hell is this?

Cameron is reading The Invader, where the headline says, Criminal Ties, next to Cyrus’s picture. Franco comes downstairs and sits on the couch, and Cameron asks if he wants breakfast. Franco says that’s nice of Cameron, but he doesn’t think he can manage it right now. Cameron says he picked up some extra shifts at Kelly’s since it’s winter break, and starts to put on his coat. Franco sits up straight and says, before Cameron does that, can they please have a conversation about his decision to not go to college? Cameron says, what about it? and Franco says Cameron has to go to college. It’s a bridge to his future. He has to go and practice being amazing, so he can be amazing in the world. Cameron says, the world will still be there after Franco… after Franco doesn’t need his help anymore. Franco says he won’t allow Cameron to postpone his life, and Cameron says, being there is the right thing. Elizabeth comes downstairs, as Franco says he wonders how Cameron can even say that after he attacked him. Cameron looks at Elizabeth.

Elizabeth asks, what happened? Franco was asleep when she got home last night, but Cameron didn’t say anything about an attack. Cameron says, Franco is just being dramatic. Franco was sleeping, Cameron woke him up, and it startled him. Franco says he almost hurt Cameron, and Cameron says, but he didn’t; he’s fine. Elizabeth says, just tell her what happened, and Cameron says, Franco was having a nightmare, and when he woke Franco up, Franco grabbed him. Franco says he didn’t just grab Cameron. He pinned him down on the couch. Cameron says, and Franco stopped the moment he realized it was him. Franco starts to argue, and Elizabeth says, okay. Was Franco angry when he grabbed Cameron? Franco says, the point is, he attacked Cameron, and Cameron asks if they can stop saying attacked. Elizabeth asks if Franco is talking about moving out, and Cameron says, no. He was just saying that he’s not going to college. Elizabeth looks startled.

Chase asks how Finn is, and Finn wonders why everyone is asking him that. Does it look like he’s trying to find the exit door? Anna is the best thing that ever happened to him, except for Violet. Chase says, and him, and Finn says, yeah. There’s a knock  at the door, and Chase says, by the way, he invited dad. Finn says, what? and Gregory comes in.

Laura tells Lesley, she still can’t get over the fact that Lesley and Monica worked together on this. Lesley says, she and Monica will always have their differences, but General Hospital comes first. She and Laura join hands.

Jackie tells Cyrus, it’s called journalism. Part of the free press aspect of our society. He says, that’s libel, and if she talked to his mother, she’s an accessory to kidnapping. She says, Florence gave her no indication that she was being held against her will, and he says, tell him where his mother is now.

Spinelli gets off the elevator at the MetroCourt, and walks over to Jason and Sam. He says, greetings on this most curse-ed day, and Sam asks if he’s going to be able to handle the wedding. He says he promised Maxinista that he’d come… to witness what he knows will be the biggest mistake of her life.

Maxie tells Nina, when she, Nina, and Britt were all at the cemetery, they said they were family, right? Nina says they did, and Maxie says, family means telling each other the truth. Nina just found out the daughter she was searching for was Nelle. It’s a pretty traumatic thing to process. Is Nina sure she’s in the wedding mood?

Peter asks Britt what he did now, and she says, nothing is wrong. Tradition says she can’t let him see the bride before the wedding. He says, oh, that, and she says, of course (🍷). What else? She suggests they go get a drink in the lobby, and he says, it’s 10 o’clock in the morning. She says, so? They’ll dress it up with coffee.

Anna tells Jordan, she just wants to make sure everything is sorted out, and has to talk to Valentin. Jordan tells her, don’t be too long, and leaves. Valentin asks Anna how she is, and she says, devastated. She’s furious, at herself mostly, for not seeing what was right in front of her face. She finally gets it. Peter is not the man she thought he was. He’s beyond their help. Robert tried to warn her; Jason tried to warn her. She put Maxie in harm’s way, and now it’s up to them to make sure Peter never hurts anyone again.                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

Chase says Finn left is tux in the bag; he has to let it breathe. Finn says, it’s a suit, an inanimate object, and asks Gregory if he has enough coffee. Gregory says, it’s fine. He’s just preoccupied about Jackie. He married two incredible women, and has two fine sons to show for it. They make all the pain and heartache of love worth it. Finn gets a text on his phone saying, your DNA test results are ready.

Jackie tells Cyrus that she doesn’t know his mother’s current location. She’s sure Florence was moved following their conversation. He asks who set up the interview; Jason Morgan? She says a reporter never reveals their source, and Florence specifically said she didn’t want to see him. He says, she’s an old woman in poor health, and easily confused, but Jackie says her mind seemed clear as a bell when they spoke. A woman approaches Cyrus and says, the Board meeting is about to begin. She hands him some papers, and he snatches them from her. He tells Jackie, they’re not done.

Curtis approaches Jordan, and says, hi. She tells him that he looks great; she was just texting Anna. He says, she’s not here? and Jordan says she’s sure Anna is on her way. How has he been? Sam comes in, and apologizes for interrupting. She tells Curtis that her lawyers have been waiting on the paperwork for the sale, and asks if his have drawn them up yet. Jordan says, sale? and Sam tells Curtis that they can talk later. Curtis says he’s sure there was a mix-up. He’ll have his lawyer get it to her as soon as possible. Sam leaves, and Jordan wonders what’s going on… or is she not allowed to ask anymore?

Cyrus walks into the boardroom, and sees Laura and Lesley. He asks where the Board is; they have a vote scheduled. Lesley says, had, and Laura says, it’s all over.

Spinelli tells Jason that he’s glad Georgie has tonsilitis and isn’t there to participate in this farce of a ceremony. Sam sees Peter and Britt come in, and says hi loudly. Spinelli asks what one of the grooms is doing wandering around the lobby, and Peter says he’s glad he ran into Spinelli. He’d like to have a word about the wedding. Spinelli says, sure, and follows Peter to somewhere more private.    

Nina tells Maxie that she admits it crossed her mind that she’ll never help her own daughter get ready for her wedding. That’s what makes helping Maxie get ready more precious. She asks what present Maxie wants to open first, but Maxie says she can’t chose, and tells Nina to pick one. Nina hands Maxie a jewelry box, and Maxie opens it, finding a garter laced with a blue ribbon. Maxie says, of course (🍷), and Nina says she’s proud of Felicia. She took care of the blue and the new. She gives Maxie another jewelry box, and there are beautiful earrings inside. Maxie says they belonged to her sister Georgie, and were her great-grandmother Mariah’s before that. Nina says, there’s the old and the borrowed, and truly loved. You can’t beat that. Maxie says, you can’t.

Cameron suggests he postpone college, and get a job. Franco says he’s leaving out the part about the college being in California, and that he’s been admitted. Cameron tells Elizabeth, he got accepted to Stanford, and asks Franco if he’s happy now. Elizabeth says it wasn’t even on Cameron’s list, and Cameron says, it was a reach. Franco says, apparently not. Before they have this conversation about possible postponement, he feels a gap year is to find out what your passion is, and figure things out, not for taking extra shifts at Kelly’s to unfairly help with your parent’s financial responsibilities. Elizabeth suggests they put a pin in this important conversation for now. They need to talk about what happened last night. Franco says, they’ll totally put a pin in it, and they’ll talk about everything, but not now. There’s something else he has to say. He can’t stay there anymore.

Anna tells Valentin, Peter doubled down on the lie about Obrecht framing him. When she confronted him with the incriminating documents, he took them right out of her hand and threw them in the fire. Valentin says, burning the evidence, and she says, but it was the way he justified it; his sense of entitlement and his blatant disregard for the truth. She saw him clearly for the first time. Valentin says she wanted to believe in his redemption – they both did – but he was raised by Faison. She says, Faison is dead, and Peter is a man now, responsible for his own choices. People can change, but it appears Peter doesn’t want to. He killed Drew, and almost killed Andre and Franco. And not out of malice or vengeance but to cover his tracks, which means he’ll continue to do that. Valentin says, it’s up to them, and she says, it is. Any hope she had of Peter’s redemption went up in flames, along with the evidence.

Valentin asks why Anna didn’t call Peter out on his lies, and she says she wanted to give him one last chance. One last test to see if he’d tell the truth, but he didn’t. She’s done. She can’t delude herself any more. Peter has to face justice for what he’s done. Valentin says, not quite yet.

Finn looks at his phone, and Chase asks what’s so fascinating. Something from Anna? Finn says, it’s an emergency at the hospital. He has to leave. Gregory says, don’t be ridiculous. He’s the groom. Finn says he’ll be right back. He can get ready in five. Chase tells Gregory to save his breath. If his patients need Finn, he’s there. He’s a dedicated doctor. Gregory tells Finn, go on then. They’ll be there waiting. He puts his arm around Chase, and says, right, son? Chase says, right, and Finn leaves.

Britt tells Jason, the Board was supposed to vote today, but she hasn’t heard anything; she’s been there. Sam asks if there’s something going on at GH, and Jason says, yeah. He’s just been keeping tabs on Cyrus. Britt asks if Sam has spoken to Dante. How’s he doing? Sam says, he’s doing fine, and Britt says, alrighty. Good talk. She leaves, and Jason tells Sam to take him through exactly what made her mom go after Franco. Sam says, her mom was drinking, and read the article in The Invader. She thinks it pushed Alexis over the edge, and made her act out. He asks how Franco was acting, and she says, he was agitated. At one point, he was talking to himself again, the same way he did when he showed up at the penthouse. She was scared. He says, okay, and thanks her. She says, of course (🍷), and he leaves.

Franco tells Elizabeth, he can’t stay there anymore. They talked about it; him not being a danger to her and the boys. Cameron says, Franco… and Elizabeth says if Franco feels he might be a danger to someone, then they can check him into Shadybrook. Cameron says, what? and she says, just until they figure out what’s happening. Cameron says, Franco’s not dangerous; he had a nightmare. She says, this is just for Franco’s peace of mind, and Cameron says, what about their peace of mind? They need him there. Jake and Aiden are still young. They need Franco. Franco says he’ll still see them, and Cameron says, just not at home. Cameron runs upstairs, and Elizabeth says it’s just because Cameron loves Franco; they all do. Franco says, and he loves them, but wants her to understand this is what he has to do. They agreed if he ever acted dangerously… Elizabeth thinks he was just startled. Cameron woke him up in the middle of a nightmare. Franco says, a nightmare about Jason.

Spinelli says he doubts Peter invited him up for a toast, so he’ll just say it… Peter says, stop talking. He’s tired of the games. He doesn’t want Spinelli at the wedding. Spinelli laughs, saying he doesn’t want to be there, but he promised Maxie, and they have a child together. Peter says he’s come to grips with Spinelli and Maxie co-parenting, but he’s not going to have Spinelli lurking at the wedding, stirring up trouble. Go. Away. Now.  

Nina says she’s always admired Maxie, and Maxie says she’s always had a flair for accessorizing. Nina says, she has, but she admires Maxie for having the courage to find love after losing Nathan. A blow like that isn’t easy to recover from. Maxie says, James drew her a picture today. It said, happy wedding day, mommy and daddy. Nina asks, what is it? and Maxie says, it’s just that drawing… James always referred to Peter as Peter, and James has pictures of Nathan. They  talk about him all the time. So for James to call Peter daddy, it got to her. She doesn’t know why. Nina says she gets it, but if Maxie is feeling guilty or disloyal, don’t. Doesn’t she think Nathan would want James to have a father? Maxie says she does, but she doesn’t know if Nathan would want him to be Peter. She went to Nathan’s grave, and asked for his blessing, but she didn’t get it. Nina asks if she’s sure, and Maxie says, usually when she visits Nathan, she can sense him; she feels warmth in her chest. This time, all she felt was cold.

Cyrus asks Laura, what’s going on? and she says, as he knows, her mother is a board member emeritus. When the Board read Jackie’s article, they agreed to meet early to discuss the vote. He says he can’t believe anyone paid attention to that article. It was a hatchet job; sensationalist tabloid garbage. Laura says, still, Jackie’s credentials carry a certain amount of prestige. Her mother and Monica simply suggested they read it. Lesley says, it was a close vote, but ultimately, the Board decided to turn him down. Laura tells him, don’t bother trying to fight it either. The drug was developed at GH, and GH isn’t going to submit it to the FDA.

Elizabeth gives Franco his shaving case, and tells him that his meds are in it. He thanks her, and says Doc is going to meet him there tomorrow morning, and help him check in. He’ll stay at the MetroCourt until then. There’s a knock at the door.    

Chase tells Gregory that he steamed Finn’s suit. He can’t believe Finn spent the night there so he wouldn’t see Anna before the wedding. Who knew either of them was so traditional? Gregory says, it’s a way to mark the end of your single life, and take a pause before your life as a married partner begins. Chase says, he and mom didn’t do that, did they? Mom is anything but traditional. Gregory says, actually, Jackie insisted on it. He didn’t see or hear from her for 24-hours before the wedding. Part of him started to wonder if maybe she’d changed her mind.

Jackie comes out of the elevator at the hospital, and sees Finn. She asks if he isn’t getting married in a few hours, and he says, something came up that couldn’t wait. She says, what could possibly be… Is it about Harry(Chase)? He says he did the DNA test, and the results are at the lab. When he gets them, he’ll know if Chase is his son. She says he can’t do this.

Cyrus says Laura and her mother had no right to meddle. GH needs the income stream this new drug could bring. Lesley says she thinks he’s talking about his income stream. Doesn’t he hold the patent for the drug? Laura says, it’s for the best. The FDA would have done more testing, and what they did was save General Hospital from public embarrassment. He says, this isn’t over, and leaves. Lesley says, it felt so good, and Laura says she thinks Lesley and Monica should team up more often. Lesley says they may not see eye to eye on much of anything, but they agree Cyrus is wrong for GH. Laura says, Cyrus was just handed his first major setback since he took over as Chairman. Lesley says she’s going to savor the memory as her plane takes off, and Laura says, she’s leaving?

Curtis tells Jordan, all he needs to do now is finalize the paperwork, and she says she didn’t realize that he was unhappy being a P.I. He says, neither did he, until he recognized and decided he needed a change in his life, a different direction. She asks if he has any idea what he’s going to do next, and he says he’s buying a nightclub.

Anna asks if Valentin still wants to protect Peter after everything he’s done, but he says, no. Peter burned the evidence, which is a good thing since Anna withheld it. She could have gotten arrested. They need proof of Peter’s crimes. Anna says, and let him marry her goddaughter in the meantime? No. Maxie needs to know the truth about who she’s letting in to her life. He says, if she tells Maxie the truth, it could get Peter killed.  

Nina says she had no idea Maxie had doubts about marrying Peter, but Maxie says she was talking about Nathan. Her phone rings, and it’s Spinelli. She asks if everything is okay with Georgie, and he says, Georgie’s condition remains unchanged. His, however, is not. Sadly, he’s succumbed to an unfortunate stomach malady, and needs to go home. He’s so sorry. She says, what? He’s not coming to the wedding? He says he’s afraid not, but please know he wishes her only the best of everything. Her happiness is truly all he’s ever wanted. Again, he’s so sorry. He hangs up, and says, satisfied? Peter says, quite. Now go home. If he sees anyone, pretend to be sick. Spinelli says, he won’t have to pretend. This marriage nauseates him. He leaves. 

Maxie tells Nina, Spinelli just apologized. He said he’s sorry, but he’s not coming to the wedding. Nina says she’s sorry, but Maxie says, it’s fine. It would probably be too hard for him to watch her marry Peter anyway. Like it’s too hard her for Nina for different reasons. Nina just had her heart ripped out, and shouldn’t be forced to paste on a smile and be in a partying mood. Nina says, of course (🍷) she’ll be there, but Maxie tells her, consider herself uninvited. Nina says, what?

Jason asks Elizabeth if Franco is there, but she says, it’s not a good time. Franco says, it’s fine; come on in. Is there something Jason wants to ask him?

Cyrus stomps around the reception area. Finn tells Jackie that he knows how she feels, but sorry; the test results are waiting, and he needs to know the truth. She says, at any cost? A woman brings a phone to Cyrus, and says, the Board is on the line, and wants to discuss the vote. He takes the phone. Jackie says, Finn hasn’t changed a bit, has he? It’s all about facts, not people. He doesn’t stop to consider the ramifications of the truth. He says he thought the truth didn’t matter in journalism, but she says, not with this. Gregory will always be Chase’s father, and they’re still family. If Finn finds out Chase is his son, it will devastate Gregory. Finn has no idea what Chase means to Gregory; they’re so close. Chase will lose everything; the father he’s loved his whole life, the mother who kept the information from him, and the brother he’s come to care about and adore. Is it worth taking all that from Chase?

Chase asks if Gregory thought his mom was going to leave him stranded at the altar. Was he paranoid? Gregory says, they fell in love fast, Jackie was younger, and he kept wondering what this beautiful, intelligent adventurer saw in a quiet history professor. Chase says, there must have been something; she showed up, didn’t she? Gregory says, she did. She spent so long in the bride’s room, he thought she’d never come out, but when she did, his life was never the same. Chase asks if she ever said where she was, and Gregory says he didn’t ask. Once they were married, it didn’t seem important.

Jason tells Franco, Sam said he was talking to himself before Alexis attacked him. Can Franco tell him what that was about? Cameron comes down, and asks what Jason is doing there. Jason says he came to speak to Franco, and Elizabeth tells Cameron, they’ve got this; go upstairs. Cameron says he’ll go when Jason goes, but Franco says, please do as his mom asks. They’re fine. Cameron leaves, and Franco says Cameron thinks Jason is a  threat to him. Elizabeth says, but his fears are unfounded, because any agreement Jason made with Franco is off. Franco says, so Jason was asking why he was talking to himself. He’s hearing voices.

Valentin says, if Anna tells Maxie, she’ll tell Spinelli. Anna says, and he’ll tell Jason. Valentin says she knows how Jason will react, and she says Jason tried to warn her, but she didn’t listen. Valentin says, Jason will kill him, and she says she wouldn’t be surprised if Peter turned up dead. They wouldn’t be able to trace it to Jason, but it would be his work.   

Anna says she doesn’t want Jason involved. She wants Peter to face justice, but not killed in cold blood. Valentin says, then don’t they have to wait? Gather evidence, so the WSB can prosecute Peter themselves? Anna says, at Maxie’s expense? She can’t do that. He says, so what do they do?

Laura says she wishes she and Lesley had more time together, but she’s grateful Lesley is going to be with Lulu. Lesley tells her, don’t worry. She’s going to consult with Lulu’s doctors, and make sure her granddaughter is getting the best possible care. Laura says she keeps hoping and praying Lulu will wake up, and Laura says, they have to keep believing. Lesley says, their girl is strong, like her momma, and Laura says, and like her momma. They hug, and Laura tells her mother that she loves her.

Jackie says she’s begging Finn, please think about the people he loves and what they stand to lose. Finn nods, and says, okay. Maybe she’s right. Today is not the day for this. He won’t go to the lab and get the results. She thanks him, and says he’s saved them all a lot of pain.

Jordan tells Curtis that she hopes it works out. He deserves to be happy. He thanks her, and she asks him to save her a table for his opening night at the new club. He says she’s got it, and she says she’d better go. Anna will be there any minute. She walks to the elevator, and Curtis says she looks incredible. She goes into the elevator, and tries not to cry.

Jason says, Franco is hearing voices? and Franco says, just the one. Elizabeth says the doctor in Switzerland thought it was left over from Drew’s memories, not the tumor. Jason asks if Franco recognizes the voice, and Franco says he does. It’s Peter August.  

Peter looks at his tux, and says, it won’t be long now before he marries Maxie.

Sam and Britt go to the bride’s room, and Britt asks if Maxie is ready for the finishing touches. Sam wonders if she’s still getting dressed, and goes into the other room. Britt sees the garter, and Sam comes back, saying, Maxie’s not here; she’s gone. Britt wonders where she could be.   

At Nathan’s grave, Maxie says, it’s her again. She’s getting married in a few hours, and had to come check in with him first, because she doesn’t know what to do. He always knew the right thing to do, so please, she needs his guidance. She hears footsteps, and says, oh my God. What are you doing here?

Maybe Obrecht?

On Monday, Curtis says he feels solid in his decision, Sam says they have no idea where Maxie is, Maxie says Peter isn’t the man someone thinks he is, and Valentin says, it’s not too late.

📖 An Open Book…

Jackie, on the other side of the interview.

🔊 False Alarm…

Taggert got a false positive, but still had to skip work.

🙌🏿 Farewell To a Friend…

I love Sonja Eddy. Sadly, her friend was claimed by covid.

😱 Most Frightening Reality Yet…

Merging the cast of the God awful Summer House with Craig and Austen from Southern Charm sounds like the Frankenstein’s monster of Bravo.

https://www.distractify.com/p/winter-house-cast

⚖️ Just In Case…

You never know.

https://www.mic.com/p/your-rights-at-a-protest-heres-what-you-should-know-62199909

📌 That’s a Fact…

Josephine Baker was a spy for the French during WWII. You can read about her here:

https://www.dw.com/en/josephine-baker-erotic-dancer-spy-and-civil-rights-activist/a-56220683

📋 Quotes of the Week

Your journey has molded you for your greater good, and it was exactly what it needed to be. Don’t think that you’ve lost time. There is no short-cutting to life. It took each and every situation you have encountered to bring you to the now. And now is right on time. – Asha Tyson, American Author and Public Speaker

It had long since come to my attention that people of accomplishment rarely sat back and let things happen to them. They went out and happened to things. – Leonardo da Vinci

A thinker sees his own actions as experiments and questions–as attempts to find out something. Success and failure are for him answers above all.Friedrich Nietzsche

Everything you can imagine is real. – Pablo Picasso

If you can’t explain it to a six year old, you don’t understand it yourself. – Albert Einstein

Never put off till tomorrow what may be done day after tomorrow just as well. Mark Twain

It’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then. – Lewis Carroll

The difference between genius and stupidity is: genius has its limits. – Alexandre Dumas-fils

Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving. – Albert Einstein

Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. – Winston S. Churchill

I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel. – Maya Angelou

🍌 Making Like a Banana and Splitting…

We’ve come to another weekend, or 24-hour cycle if you haven’t foregone time altogether. This Sunday, the Dead go back to walking and talking, and until they do, stay safe, stay being more genius than stupid, and stay not opening a DNA test at an inappropriate time.

February 25, 2021 – Florence Has a Visitor, Same House, Here It Comes Again, Mary’s Marriage, Sober Sisters, Historic Reality, No Seconds, New To Come, Today’s Fact, a Quote & Freedom

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Finn looks through the scans of Franco’s brain. Elizabeth asks what he thinks, and he says he thinks cancer isn’t his specialty. She says she knows, but she just got the images back, Terry hasn’t gotten back to her yet, and she trusts him to be honest with her. She’s not asking for a prognosis, just his take. Is the radiation working? Is Franco’s tumor shrinking?

Franco tosses and turns on the couch, repeatedly hearing, please be Drew Cain; you know his brother.

Curtis brings Sam to the club, and she says, it’s really nice. She wonders why she never heard of it. He says, probably because she has kids, and she says, back in the day, this place would have caused her a lot of trouble. He says he’d have been right there with her. Sam says she noticed a bunch of beautiful women, ogling Curtis. Does she need to call Jordan to save him? He says, Jordan’s got enough to do saving herself.

Portia goes to Jordan’s office, and Jordan asks how she can help. Portia says she doesn’t need help, but Taggert does. Whatever Cyrus wants to tank the government’s case against Taggert, she wants Jordan to give to him.

Standing in the woods on the phone, Jason says he sees it. He tells them, no, don’t do anything yet. Let’s see how it plays out.

In the car next to Jackie, Martin cleans up a basket of fried chicken, licking his fingers. He says he’d offer her some, but she’s already expressed her displeasure of fried chicken several times. She said he just worked his way around a gooey cinnamon roll, and he says he never eats like this unless he’s nervous. He just realized, no one ever made fried chicken like his mama. Jackie says she’s not surprised. His mother sounds perfect. He says, close enough. If she’s wrong about this… She says she’s not. She looks through a pair of binoculars, and says, Bobbie Spencer is holed up in that house. And the patient she’s caring for is his mother.

Bobbie sits on Florence’s bed, reading out loud to her. Florence looks happy.

At the hospital, Nikolas pays off a guard, saying he wants 30 uninterrupted minutes. The guard leaves, and Laura comes out of the elevator. She says, friend of his? and he says he’s been meaning to call her, steering her down the hall. He tells her that wanted to run some wedding ideas by her. When they’re out of sight, Ava comes out, and sneaks into a room. Ryan sits in a chair, and she says, please don’t get up.

Laura asks if Nikolas and Ava have set a date, and he says, they’re hoping for late spring, early summer. She says, good. It gives him time to make peace with his son.

Ava wonders what malady brought Ryan back to GH from his minimum security prison. She flips through a folder, and says, oh, bed sores. That’s what happens when you let your stabbing and severing muscles fall out of use. She can’t imagine how frustrating it must be for him, but she doesn’t have to imagine it. She leans on the back of his chair, and says, they both know he’s not as helpless as he appears.

Martin asks why Jackie is so convinced Jason has his mother stashed away in there. There’s been no sign of her, or anyone else who might be involved in her abduction; just lights behind curtain windows. She tells him, look in the back seat, and he picks up a big plastic bag, wondering what she has in there. It stinks to high hell. She says, the thing about garbage is that it has an unpleasant odor, and he takes out two prescription bottles. She asks if they look familiar, and he says his mother takes this medication. She says, and the prescriber? He says, Bobbie Jean Spencer, Nurse Practitioner, and she says, aka Bobbie Spencer. He asks how she knew they were here, and she says she did a story on private nurses; their dedication and long hours. One of the nurses from her story is a contact, and she has a friend who relieves Bobbie when Bobbie needs a break. He asks when she had time to go through the trash there, and she says, while he was in line for fried chicken, she took a trip there. If he keeps looking, he’ll find someone has a yen for Corinthos coffee. He says he’ll take her word for it; color him impressed. But if she knew his mother was there, why didn’t she call the police? She says, and risk his mother being in the middle of shootout between the police and Jason’s men? He says, so what are they going to do? They can’t just sit there while his mother languishes. She tells him, don’t worry. Does he know what the biggest newspaper in the nation named her? Jackie Templeton, woman of action.

Jordan tells Portia, fine. Let’s talk. Portia says they don’t need to talk. What her family needs is action – from Jordan. Cyrus agreed to stonewall the Feds’ case against Taggert, and without Cyrus’s testimony, Taggert could go free. Jordan asks if Cyrus told Portia what he’s expecting to get back for his cooperation, and Portia says, he didn’t volunteer any information. She asks what he expects for keeping quiet, and Jordan says, Cyrus and Jason are in a stand-off. Cyrus wants Jason to give up his leverage, which will leave Port Charles open for a mob war. Cyrus will run his drugs through their town, and they’ll see an epidemic of overdoses and deaths. Jason and his men will try to fight back, leaving the PCPD and GH to pick up the pieces. So Cyrus isn’t offering his silence in good faith. It isn’t an offer; it’s a manipulation. Portia says, it’s no surprise Cyrus would want to use the situation to his advantage, but she doesn’t care what he wants not to testify, as long as he refuses. It will break Trina’s heart if her father goes to prison. If anyone knows what it’s like to protect their child’s happiness, she knows it’s Jordan.

Curtis tells Sam, he thought his and Jordan’s relationship could handle just about anything. Pretty naïve, huh? She says, no. Sometimes we think we can handle it all, then something comes along we don’t anticipate, and it puts a new perspective on it. He says he doesn’t know how much is a new perspective, as much as it’s just a series of events that led him to realize Jordan isn’t the woman he thought she was. If he could be so wrong about his marriage, what else could he be wrong about?

Finn tells Elizabeth, Terry is a top oncologist, and will let her know if Franco’s tumor is changing. She says, but he can read the scans. Please. She’s desperate. He says it will just be his opinion, and she says she’s not going to sue him if she doesn’t like it. He says, okay. In his opinion, after Franco’s initial rounds of radiation therapy, the size and shape of his tumor remains unchanged.

Franco is still sleeping restlessly, and starts to repeat, Jason. He gets louder, and Cameron says, Franco, trying to wake him up. Franco suddenly sits up, pushing Cameron back. He’s about to punch Cameron, when Cameron raises his hands and says, Franco, it’s me. It’s Cameron.

Laura asks if Nikolas has reached out to Spencer since he and Ava decided to renew their vows. Does Spencer know they’re marrying for love this time? He says he spoke to Spencer and explained, but Spencer’s response was less than enthusiastic. She says she knows how much Spencer loves him; he’ll come around. Keep reaching out. He says, for how long? Spencer is stubborn. Spencer is quick to anger, and slow to forgive. She says, and he’s sensitive and bighearted, like someone else she knows. He asks if he should apologize for wanting to marry Ava again, and she says, of course not (🍷), but don’t expect a change of attitude overnight. She thinks once Spencer sees how much Ava loves Nikolas, and how happy Ava makes him, he’ll come around.

Ava tells Ryan, she’s so impressed at how he was able to communicate to one of his minders that he wanted to send her this lovely gift, made just for her. She shows him the roach, no longer under glass. She says, soon, he won’t be able to give her any more tokens of affection. She and Nikolas are going to identify his helper, and put an end to this. The note was such a nice touch; secrets and cockroaches, the only two things that always survive. Except for us. She laughs, and says she nearly busted a gut. She’s so sorry. Did he think she’d be frightened? She puts her face close to his, and says, no, Ryan; not anymore. She moves even closer, and says, if anyone ought to be scared, it’s him… scared of her.

Franco wonders if he hurt Cameron, and says he didn’t mean to. Franco didn’t know it was him. Cameron says, it’s okay; it’s no big deal. Franco was dreaming. It was probably a nightmare. Franco says, Cameron woke him up, and startled him. He’s sorry. Cameron says, it’s his fault; no biggie. He’ll get Franco some water.

Elizabeth says, so it’s too soon to expect any progress, and Finn says, yeah. She says, dammit. Damn, damn, damn, damn, damn. She bangs the wall with her fist, then puts her head against it. Finn comes up behind her, and says, hey.

Bobbie reads to Florence from a romance novel, and Florence says her Marty used to read to her all the time, but nothing as steamy as this. Bobbie has a soothing voice; it lulls her right to sleep. Bobbie says Florence misses him doesn’t she? and Florence says she does. Her Marty is a good boy. He always looks out for her. Bobbie promises she’ll see him very soon, and leaves to get Florence’s medication.

Martin asks Jackie, what’s the plan? She’s the woman of action; how does she intend to sneak them in to locate his mother undetected? Jackie says, the house was renovated last year. She got the plans from the county clerk’s office, and memorized the layout. It’s easy to navigate. He asks if that’s the plan. They just go room to room, looking for his mother, hoping they remain undetected, and Jackie says she understands Florence is bedridden. There’s a parlor on the first floor. She guesses that’s where Florence is. She’d be easier to move if needed. He says, what if one of Jason’s henchman discovered them snooping? and she says, they didn’t. The guards have 12-hour shifts, and their best opportunity is during the changeover. Which is now. She opens the car door and says, coming? He says he has one last question. What’s the plan if they get caught? She says, there isn’t one. Don’t get caught. He says, oh Lord. He’s going to live to regret this.

Finn asks how Elizabeth’s hand is, and she says, it’s fine; she’s used to it. He asks if it happens often, and she says, only since Britt became Chief of Staff. He takes it Britt hasn’t mellowed, but Elizabeth says she’s glad Brook is there. She needs someone to take out her anger on. It’s hard to take it out on the tumor, and she’s mad at herself for being mad at Franco.

Cameron brings the water, and tells Franco, sorry. It’s his fault; he shouldn’t have startled Franco. Franco tells him not to blame himself – ever. He shouldn’t have reacted. Cameron says it’s not Franco’s fault. He’s sick, and had a nightmare. Does he remember any of it? Franco says, no, and Cameron says Franco was talking, saying the same thing over and over. Franco asks what he said, and Cameron says, it sounded like Jason.

Sam is sure Curtis’s problems with Jordan caused him to question himself. He entered the relationship thinking they were on the same page. He says, along came some test that blew up his assumptions, and she says, he realized along the way that he’s one who changed. He’s not the kind of person that believes in relationships anymore. He says, yeah. He’s been rethinking about a lot of things lately, including his profession. He’s made a career out of digging up other people’s dirty little secrets, and he never cared, because they weren’t his secrets. Then he discovered his life was full of them too. He can’t stomach another case of infidelity, or tell another client that they’re being lied to by the person they trusted most. He’s done digging. She gets it, and asks what he wants to do. He looks around, and says she’s looking at it.

Portia tells Jordan, it was wrong of her to bring up TJ; it was uncalled for. Jordan says Portia had every right to bring it up, but Portia says Jordan doesn’t need Trina adding on to her problems. Just get her in to see Taggert, and she’ll take it from there. Jordan says Portia doesn’t need her permission, and Portia says, no, but she needs Taggert’s. He refused a visit. Jordan says she thought Trina didn’t want to see him, and Portia says, Trina was hurt and angry. She was confused, and completely overwhelmed, but that changed when Cyrus dangled Taggert’s freedom in front of her. Naturally she’s interested in her father coming home, but now he refuses to see his daughter. Jordan says she’ll speak with him, but he’s not going to change his mind, and he’d be right not to.

Jackie and Martin sneak around the house where Florence is, and he asks how long they have. She puts her finger to her lips, and peeks into a room. They go in, and Martin says, it’s him, Marty, come to take her home. The bed is empty, and Jason is sitting in a chair. He says, wrong room. Ha-ha! Jason’s way of being low-key funny.

Elizabeth tells Finn that she’s angry at Franco for getting sick. They’re not perfect, but they had a good life. They were happy. Finn says, before the tumor, and she says, Franco didn’t tell her, and hid his diagnosis, making a plan without her. He says, the desire to hide a diagnosis from a loved one is pretty common. In part, it’s to protect the loved one, but part is also denial. He’s seen it before; he did it himself. She thinks Franco’s denial lasted longer than normal. When he finally told her, he ignored Terry’s advice to start radiation, and took off to Switzerland for an unproven treatment. She can’t help thinking about the time they lost, and how much bigger the tumor might have gotten because they did nothing. She wonders how much sicker he got, and if he’s too sick now to get better.   

Franco wonders why everything is always about Jason, and tells Cameron, there are more interesting people in this world. Cameron says, it makes sense Franco’s nightmare would be about Jason. Jason hates him. Jason can’t forgive the things Franco did when he had his first tumor, but it’s not Franco’s fault. Franco hates that Cameron has to think about any of it, and Cameron says, that’s why Jason keeps his distance. Franco says, there’s nothing anyone can do about Jason, but Cameron says, the hell there isn’t.

Jason says he wondered how long it was going to take Jackie and Martin to get out of the car and pay Florence a visit. Martin says Jason knew they were there? and Jason says, yeah. Martin asks where Jason is holding his mother. He wants to see her now. Jackie says, if they could track Bobbie, so can Cyrus. Jason says if they want to talk to Bobbie, feel free. Martin says he doesn’t give a damn; he’s not there to play games. His mother is old and vulnerable. Please. He needs to see her. Jackie says, when Martin spoke to his mother on the phone, she said she was doing well, but he wants to see it with his own eyes that she’s whole and healthy. Jason says, okay.

Nikolas tells Laura, he adores Spencer, and will never stop trying to win him over, but he doubts he can do it in time to get Spencer’s blessing for the ceremony. He’ll keep trying to get Spencer to participate, for her. She says, no, for him and his son; the whole family really. He says he wants family togetherness as much as she does. Speaking of family, what’s going on with Cyrus? She says, his mother is missing, and he blames Jason for abducting her. He says that doesn’t sound like Jason, and she guesses what started the debacle was Carly. She leaps before she looks. Now Cyrus blames Jason, and her too, in a way. He says she has nothing to do with it, but she says, Cyrus believes she has the means to return his mother. He tells her, stay out of it. Let Cyrus play games with Jason, not her. She says she’d like nothing better, but Cyrus is irrational, and has an obsession with his mother. If she’s not returned, she’s afraid he’s going to lash out. She doesn’t want anyone in the family in his sites when he does.

Ava asks Ryan if she’s crystal clear. If he continues reaching out, she wouldn’t want him to claim she didn’t warn him. The only pest is him, and this is what she does to pests. She stomps on the roach, and grinds it into the floor. Ryan continues to stare straight ahead.

Finn asks if Elizabeth really wants his unvarnished assessment about Franco’s chances, and she says he knows she does. He says, Franco is too annoying to die. He doesn’t think death wants anything to do with Franco. He looks at her and the boys, and sees the love they have for Franco, and he doesn’t want anything bad to happen. She says, Franco is fighting cancer, not only the radiation, but the side effects. Finn asks if he has fatigue or nausea, and Elizabeth says, they went out on Valentine’s Day. Franco wasn’t feeling well… then his hair… She starts to cry, and says they went home, and Cameron saw what was going on. She could see how Franco was trying hard to cover up his embarrassment, and Cameron ran upstairs and shaved his own head. Finn says, impressive. Violet won’t be happy. She loves Cameron’s hair, but it will grow back. So will Franco’s. He says, it looks like Elizabeth has Franco covered. She says she does, and he asks, who’s covering her?

Franco tells Cameron, no one has hurt him, and Cameron says, really? Sam’s mom tried to stab him with a syringe, and almost killed Dante. People are refusing to treat him. Franco asks how Cameron knows about that, and Cameron says he heard Franco and his mom talking about the tech that didn’t want to be in the same room as Franco. Franco says, that’s one person, but Cameron says, it’s not. He’s seen it all over social media that Franco deserves to die. People think the tumor has made him dangerous, and it gives them the right to go after him. And don’t tell him that he’s stupid to worry and want to protect him. He cares whether Franco lives or dies. Franco says Cameron is super smart, and a good kid, but he doesn’t want to pick a fight with crazies to defend him. Cameron says, if he doesn’t fight to defend his family, who else would he do it for?   

Portia says, Jordan and Taggert believe his best chance is to stay in the PCPD jail, essentially in protective custody, but for how long? What if the Feds decide to go ahead with the case? And even if by some miracle, Taggert is exonerated, Cyrus will come after him. Jordan says, by then, she should have Cyrus, and Portia asks, how’s that working for her this time? Jordan doesn’t say anything, and Portia says, that’s what she thought. In the meantime, she’ll shut out her daughter, causing no end to the pain and heartache. She doesn’t know what she’s supposed to do, and Jordan says, tell Trina, it’s not on Taggert, but on her.

Sam asks if she heard Curtis right. He wants to buy the nightclub? She’s sure he knows a healthy amount of patrons will want to unload their problems, and he’ll have to hear about their troubles. As a server – which he will be sometimes – he’ll be forced to stay in the bar and listen to their troubles. He says, the difference is, at the end of the night, he’ll close up shop and go home. He won’t have to think about them again. She says, and that appeals to him? He says, not having to produce pictures of infidelity to a brokenhearted spouse, or watch a man gamble away his child support money appeals to him. She says, then go for it, and he says he already is. He sits down and says, this is where she comes in.

Finn tells Elizabeth, it’s times like this when she needs a support system. Who has she reached out to? She says, Laura, Bobbie, Scotty; she has her career at the hospital. He says, good, but for what it’s worth (🍷), she can lean on him. She thanks him for talking her off the ledge, and gets up. She says, tell Violet that Cameron’s hair grows pretty fast. He says, good to know, and she leaves.

Franco says he can’t criticize Cameron for wanting to protect his family, and Cameron says Franco is already dealing with cancer treatments; he doesn’t need to deal with vigilantes. Someone needs to make them back off. Franco wonders what happens if Cameron gets into trouble defending him? Where does that leave Jake and Aiden? The boys look up to him. Cameron says, that’s crazy, but Franco says, it isn’t; it’s wonderful. They’re good kids, and want be like him. He’s a good kid. So he needs to continue being an honorable young man. At least until he goes to college in California. Cameron says he’s not going; he’s staying there. Franco asks when he decided that, and Cameron says, the other night. Franco says, Valentine’s Day. Why didn’t he say anything? Cameron says Franco and Elizabeth would have just argued with him, and tried to talk him out of it. He feels like so much has changed. Maybe he won’t go to college at all. Franco says, because of him and his tumor? and Cameron says, Franco didn’t leave him when he was in trouble. Why would he leave Franco?   

Curtis asks if Sam is done with the P.I. game, and she says, actually, no. She’s ready to take on some work. Unlike him, she misses it. She’s not talking about anything dangerous. She has kids, and knows she has to be safe, but she just misses it so much. She wants to help people know the truth, even if it hurts them. He says he sees a way they can both get what they want, and she says she’s listening. He says, buy his half of the P.I. firm. He’ll give her full ownership of operations, his contacts, files, and lists, and he’ll give her fair market value. She asks what he’s going to do with the money, and he says, close the deal on this place. What does she say? Does she want to buy him out? she says, let the bidding begin.

Portia says she doesn’t want to lie to her daughter, but Jordan says, it’s not a lie. Effective immediately, she’s barring Taggert from having visitors. Portia asks if she can do that, since it’s Federal and out of her jurisdiction, but Jordan thinks they’ll accept her request. If Portia has a problem with Trina, send Trina to her. Portia says, if she’s willing to take on the full brunt of her daughter’s fury, and Jordan says she deserves it. It’s the best she can do, at least for now. Portia says she’ll take it, but only for now. Jordan says, good. Now if Portia doesn’t mind… Portia picks up her coat, and says she’s sorry to her about Jordan and Curtis. Cyrus really ruined a lot of lives. She leaves, and Jordan looks sad.

Bobbie tells Florence, someone is eager to see her. Martin walks in, and Florence holds out her arms. They hug, and Martin says he heard she was expecting him. He must say, her radiance is a sight for sore eyes. In the hallway, Bobbie asks Jason, now that Martin knows his mother is here, is there any chance this might be over? He says, sorry. It’s too soon to know how this will effect Cyrus’s reach. Florence tells Martin that he’s lost weight, but he says, don’t worry. He just ate the better part of a bucket of fried chicken. It wasn’t as good as hers though. She says, of course (🍷) it wasn’t. He eats badly when he’s stressed. Has he been worried? He says, about her? Of course (🍷). He hasn’t seen her for weeks. She says she missed him, but Bobbie and Mr. Blue Eyes are taking wonderful care of her.

Ava cleans her shoe, and says, it’s been fun, hasn’t it? What does he thinks of her new scent? It’s a Valentine’s gift from Nikolas; lovely, isn’t it? Would he like a whiff. She takes a bottle out of her bag, and sprays it all around him, then says, oh, sorry. She forgot he’s allergic to perfume, isn’t he? She guesses he’ll have to sweat it out, like an itch he can’t scratch. She leaves, and he still doesn’t react, except to blink.  

Florence says, everyone is so sweet, and Jackie says, Martin isn’t the only one worried about her. Her other son is anxious to see her. Florence says, that guy can wait, and Jackie says it sounds like she doesn’t have a lot of patience for Cyrus. Florence says, sadly, her older son is a lost soul. He’s willful, selfish, and lacks conscience. She doesn’t know where she and his father went wrong, but she washed her hands of that scoundrel years ago. Jackie takes out a recorder, and says, tell her about it.   

Nikolas asks Ava how the conversation went, and she says, one-sided. He says, the best kind, and thanks Laura for her advice; he’ll take it to heart. She says, any time, and Nikolas and Ava leave. Laura peeks in on Ryan through the door window, and walks away. A guard comes into Ryan’s room, and says he’s got mail. He puts a stack of envelopes down, and says he’s got one there from Ryan’s biggest fan, Heather W. He reads, dear Ryan. Love your work. I’m your biggest fan. We see some outgoing mail, with a letter addressed to S. Cassadine on top.  

Tomorrow, Lesley says Cyrus is wrong for GH (like we didn’t know), Elizabeth asks if Franco is talking about moving out, Maxie uninvites Nina, and Cyrus wants to know where his mother is.

🏖 I’m here to report that Summer House is still just as awful, and the cast is still a bunch of horrible, horrible people, to borrow a phrase from Sophie on 2 Broke Girls. Ciara should run for her life, and take Hannah with her. Luke is still stringing Hannah along, using words like connection and chemistry and I love you. For a moment, I thought Ciara might actually be the voice of reason, when she told Hannah that she wanted nothing to do with a guy who could yell at a friend the way Luke yelled at Hannah. But the next thing I knew, she was sitting next to him, being a bobblehead while he talked a bunch of bullsh*t. Kyle, who’d seemed to have matured, and had just done a quarter million in sales with his online business, reverted back to his true baby nature, whining about people not doing their chores. I’m not sure what all happened there, but both Amanda and Hannah ended up in tears. Sadly, at the end of the episode, Carl found out his brother had died, and on Amanda’s birthday. Still, if you decide to watch this show, just remember, it’s an hour of your life you won’t get back.

🎁 Another Gift That Keeps On Giving…

Joining LuAnn’s drunken fall into the bushes, Ramona’s crazy-eyed runway walk, NeNe telling Kim, close your legs to married men, and so many other memorable moments, comes the analogy.

I find it hard to believe that Gia’s character is being questioned, unless kids her age don’t understand what an analogy is either. In which case, we have a bigger problem than this mess.

https://pagesix.com/2021/02/25/gia-giudice-tells-teresa-to-apologize-for-jackie-goldschneider-rumor/

Marge looks like the poor man’s Jayne Mansfield in the group shot.

https://people.com/tv/rhonj-jackie-goldschneider-says-teresa-giudice-drama-caused-terrible-tension-with-husband-evan/

https://pagesix.com/2021/02/24/jackie-goldschneider-devastated-by-husband-cheating-rumors/

👴🏾 He’s Nobody’s Grandaddy…

More on the not as unusual as it seems Cosby union.

https://pagesix.com/2021/02/24/rhoslc-mary-cosbys-husband-addresses-marriage-at-reunion/

🍵 Teetotaling Together…

God help us if they ever fall of the wagon together.

https://pagesix.com/2021/02/23/sober-sisters-braunwyn-leah-mcsweeney-hang-out-in-miami/

⛲️ Doing the Charleston…

Not new news, but a great article on the town. I always thought it would be a fun place to live if it wasn’t 110 degrees in the shade. And not so expensive.

https://screenrant.com/southern-charm-filmed-charleston-south-carolina-history-sightseeing/

🔮 But I Want More…

I was never all that interested in the Marvel Universe, but then came WandaVision.

📺 Coming Up…

What’s coming to Paramount+.

https://nypost.com/2021/02/24/frasier-reboot-a-quiet-place-2-more-exciting-paramount-content/

Reboots and randoms.

https://pagesix.com/2021/02/22/upcoming-tv-reboots-include-the-39-steps/

📌 That’s a Fact…

Marsha “Pay it No Mind” Johnson (1945-1992) was a Black trans woman who was a force behind the Stonewall Riots and surrounding activism that sparked a new phase of the LGBTQ+ movement in 1969. – from glsen.org

You can read more about her here: https://www.glsen.org/activity/glsen-lgbtq-history-cards-marsha-p-johnson

❗️ That’s a Quote…

We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.Martin Luther King, Jr

🎐 Sweet Dreams To You Dear…

We made it to the end of another week, or seven sunsets block of time, depending on how you’re calculating your days. But whether you’re keeping track or not, stay safe, stay industrious, and stay not getting caught if you don’t have a plan for that.

February 24, 2021 – Nina Has Two Surprise Visits, New Jersey In Lake George, Mystery Blonde, the Reunion Ends, Today’s Fact & Fight

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

At the bistro, Carly tells Jason, since there was no evidence, the special agent determined there was no reason to charge her. Nelle’s death was officially declared an accident. He says, because it was, and she says, but Nina isn’t remotely ready to accept that.

Michael tells Nina that he knows it’s late, but Wiley was wide awake. Willow says they thought Nina would like a visit from her grandson. Nina approaches Wiley, and says, hi, Wiley. She tells him, it’s been a while since they met. She’s sure he doesn’t remember her, but she remembers him. She’s his gr… She’s Nina.  

Olivia tells Robert that Dante is on the mend; no thanks to Alexis. Robert says, Alexis has been arrested and charged. She’s not going to get away with sticking a syringe in Olivia’s son. He asks, what about Nedski? Has anyone seen him since Robert stupidly invited him to the hospital to join her? She says she’d rather talk about Robert and his life. He says his life is kind of boring, and she says, really? Has he made peace with Maxie and her choice of husband? He says she’s kind of got him there. If he gives his blessing to the wedding, that means lying. On the other hand, if he sets out to stop it, he risks making a martyr out of Peter and alienating his niece for good. She says it’s not like Robert Scorpio to be indecisive and sit around doing nothing, and he says, Livvy, have you ever known me to sit around and do nothing?    

Obrecht shines a flashlight around, and says, if she were Peter, where would she hide incriminating evidence? She checks the couch cushions.

Britt tells Maxie, she never had a sister, and never thought she wanted one, but now that she’s linked to Maxie and Nina, it’s a surprisingly good feeling. Maxie says they have each other’s backs, but Britt says, what if having each other’s backs means saying something the other doesn’t want to hear? Maxie says, please, no more advice on how she should marry someone other than Peter. How many times does she have to tell Britt and the rest of the world that she loves Peter and she’s going to spend the rest of her life with him? Britt says, methinks when you stop protesting so much. She tells Maxie, okay, she’s going to make a graceful exit, so Maxie can enjoy her date without her unwanted advice. Maxie thanks Britt, and says, speaking of her date, he’s late. She wonders if he’s stuck at the office, and thinks she’ll call him to see if he’d like a relaxing night at home. Britt tells her, don’t do that, and Maxie says, why not?

Obrecht checks the shelves, and sees a laptop. She sits at the desk, and opens it. When she moves it forward, the pile of mail falls to the floor. We see the envelope from D. Marick.

Peter arrives at Anna’s and says he got there as fast as he could. He asks if everything is okay; she sounded serious. She says she thinks it’s time they faced the truth… together.

Carly tells Jason, at the very least, Nina thinks she could have saved Nelle, but chose not to, and she doesn’t see that changing. He asks what more Nina can do. There’s no evidence; the Feds closed the case. Carly says she knows, but Nina refuses to see Nelle for who she really was, and only sees the daughter she didn’t get the chance to raise and love. But there’s one more person connected to Nina through Nelle. He says, Wiley, and she says, her grandson happens to be Nina’s grandson too.   

Nina says Wiley is very much daddy’s boy, but she sees he also takes after his mommy. Michael says, Willow is Wiley’s mom, and Nina thanks them for bringing Wiley to see her. Willow says they thought Nina might need some cheering up tonight, and Nina apologizes to Michael for her meltdown at his father’s service. She should have taken her problems with Carly and Jax to a private area. Michael says his mom had an interview with the FBI tonight.  There was no evidence that she had anything to do with Nelle’s fall, and the case was closed. Obviously, it’s a relief for him and his family, but he hopes Nina finds a way to move past her issues with his mom, for Wiley’s sake.

Olivia says she knows that smile. What does Robert have planned to keep Maxie away from Peter, and how can she help? He asks what she has against Peter, and she says, besides the fact that he fired her son? Robert says, Peter thinks he can get away without a head of security? and Olivia says, he’ll need one when she gets through with him. Peter felt Dante wasn’t a good fit for Aurora. Honestly, she’s happy Dante isn’t working for him, after he published Franco’s private medical records. That’s what led to Dante getting stabbed by Alexis to save Franco. Please, don’t tell her how drunk Alexis was; she nearly killed Dante. He says, it’s an ongoing investigation, and he can’t discuss the case, and she suggests they stick to him and his plan of how to save Maxie from that termite Peter. She has a spectacular bottle of wine that she and Ned were saving for a special occasion, and tells him, don’t even think of saying no. Robert stammers as she leaves to get it. The doorbell rings, and he says he’ll answer. It’s Alexis.  

Britt says it’s Maxie’s last chance for a night out with Peter before they’re married. She should make the most of the time, because her due date is fast approaching. Once her little girl comes kicking and screaming into the world, all her nights will be at home. She can’t change a diaper at the club. Maxie supposes she’s right, but doesn’t understand what’s keeping Peter. He usually calls if he’s going to be late. Britt asks what’s really bothering her; that Peter is late, or that he’s late because he’s up to no good? If Maxie can’t trust him before the wedding, how is she going to trust him once they say I do? Maxie says, it’s not about trust; it’s concern. She wants to make sure he wasn’t in a car accident, or took a fall in the shower. It’s what people do when they’re in a committed relationship. They worry, and want to make sure the other person is okay.  

Obrecht wonders where Peter has hidden the proof of his wrongdoing. It’s not in the office; she already searched it. I’s not there. Is there a storage locker he has under another name? An office or an apartment no one knows about? No matter. She’ll find it, and his secrets. She picks up the mail, and puts it on the desk. She starts to leave, stops, comes back, and looks at the mail again. She sees the envelope.

Anna tells Peter, what they decide tonight will directly affect the wedding, but more important, Maxie’s future happiness. He says she’s scaring him, and she says, good. She wants to scare him. She wants him to take it seriously. He’s about to pledge his life and love to her goddaughter. Before he says I do, she wants to know he’s being completely honest with her; no secrets, lies, no evasions. If he has something to tell her, now’s the time to do it.

Carly tells Jason, Wiley is her grandson too, and she owes it to Wiley to make sure Nina’s is emotionally okay to be part of his life. He asks what that means, and she says she doesn’t want Nina projecting her fantasies about Nelle, and how she could have been onto Wiley. He’s way too young to carry all of Nina’s grief.  

Nina tells Michael, the FBI called her to tell her that her accusations had no merit. The only thing that matters is making sure Wiley is loved and cared for. She tells Wiley that she’s so sorry this place is so boring. There are no lollipops or toys. She asks how he feels about polar bears, and Willow says he loves polar bears, especially after a documentary they saw. Michael adds that a few weeks ago he wanted to be an astronaut, but now they’re sure Wiley wants to be an artic explorer. Nina says, then they should get started. It just so happens that she loves polar bears too. She helps him into her chair, and says she got a cool app that she’s been too busy to use. So she was wondering if he could help her. What does he say? First stop, the arctic circle? She shows him the screen.    

Alexis asks if Olivia is in, and Robert says she shouldn’t be there. She says she didn’t come to make things worse; that’s not her intention. He says she shouldn’t be around Dante’s mother; Alexis almost killed her son. She says she was drunk, and afraid Franco was going to hurt her family, and he thanks her for the window into her defense. Olivia walks in with the wine, and stops short.

Britt tells Maxie, they agreed to support one another, so allow Britt to support her as she begins her married life with Britt’s brother. Maxie says she doesn’t need support. Everything is awesome. Britt asks, then why does Maxie care so much what other people think, including her? Why does she need validation for her choice of husband? Unless she has cold feet.

Obrecht looks at the envelope, and says, Marick; curious. Anna’s sister is dead, and Alex’s husband is sending an envelope from beyond the grave. She wonders why, and opens it.

Peter says, Anna spoke with Valentin, and she says, yes. Valentin wants Peter to be happy; he feels a great responsibility for him, and wants him to do the right thing. He doesn’t want Peter going down the path of his father. Peter says, it’s true. Valentin has been the one constant in his life, even before he met her and fell in love with Maxie. He wonders why the sudden talk about secrets and lies, and Anna goes to her desk and picks up a folder, saying, because of this. It’s a paper trail, showing he worked with the assassin, and proof that he hired him to kill Andre and Franco. Peter asks why she kept the document, and she says, to protect him. When she took the file from the WSB, she committed obstruction of justice and tampered with evidence because he convinced her that was innocent. He says, because he is, and Anna says, please. She’s bringing it up again because he’s going to marry Maxie, and his choices will become Maxie’s choices. Peter says Anna knows he loves Maxie, and Maxie does too. She says, if the documents are accurate; if there’s a paper trail linking him to the assassin. If it’s real, then he needs to say so. She’s giving him a chance to clear his conscience.

Peter looks through the folder, and says, one bank statement. He reads, David Black, and says, the man who tried to kill Andre and Franco, the man he stopped from killing them. Anna says, proof of payment made to the assassin from the same company they both worked for, Eurotech. He says, and this payment can be connected to him? He could have hired an assassin to kill Andre and Franco, then tampered with the plane that went down carrying Drew? She says if he did that, and he says, let him ask her something. Are there more documents other than the original? Does he have some noose around his neck that he doesn’t know about? She says, if there is, doesn’t he think he should tell her so she can help him? He says, whatever file links him to the assassin is a lie of Obrecht’s. She says, so the information in the file isn’t true? He says, they’ve been over this before, and it’s true he once worked with David Black, and maybe came in contact with him, but he’s certain this is Obrecht’s doing. She says, so Obrecht doctored the documents? and he says, it looks like it. Obviously, Obrecht got her hands on some innocuous records, and twisted them to appear damning to him. There’s only one thing to do with a lie like that. She says, what? and he says, destroy the evidence

Maxie tells Britt that her feet are very warm, that’s because Peter… Britt say she doesn’t want to hear about foot rubs, back rubs, or emotional support. Maxie says she’s happy so many people doubt Peter’s intentions. It will make it that much sweeter when they’re proved wrong. Britt says, and she’s confident they will, and Maxie says, look at how much Peter has had to overcome already. He moved to Port Charles as a stranger, shook the curse of being Faison’s child, and helped her recover from the loss of Nathan, his own brother. Not to mention he helped her deliver James. Even with all the doubters and haters, Peter revamped The Invader and made it a success. In Maxie’s apartment, Obrecht finds a letter and flashdrive in the envelope. She reads, dear Peter. In the event of my death, you should hear the truth in my own words. Maxie says, along the way, Peter discovered that Anna was his mother, the antidote to whatever poison he inherited from his father. That is how she knows there’s good inside Peter. It’s been there all along. He gets it from Anna. Obrecht puts the flashdrive into the computer. Alex is on the screen, and she says, hello, Peter. If you’re seeing this, I’m probably dead. It’s unfortunate, but I didn’t want the truth to die with me.

Alexis says she knows she has no business being there, but it’s never stopped her before. Robert suggests she try now, but Olivia says she’d like to hear what Alexis has to say. Robert doesn’t think it’s a good idea, and Olivia says she appreciates his concern, but doesn’t need his protection. She’ll be fine. Robert says, okay. He’s just a phone call away. He’ll take a raincheck on Nedski’s bottle. Olivia says she wouldn’t miss it for the world, and he leaves. Olivia says, after you, and they go into the living room. She says Alexis has five minutes. Start talking.

Nina shows Wiley the laptop, and says, the polar bears are ice skating; how fun. Now they’re dancing. See that? Michael says she’s a natural, and Nina says, it’s true what they say; grandparents have all the fun, and none of the responsibility. Willow says she might not agree when they ask her to babysit, but Nina says she can’t wait. Carly arrives, and listens outside. Willow warns Nina that Wiley is a master negotiator. If you don’t get a firm commitment to a limit of three stories, he’ll manipulate you into reading all night. Carly peeks in, and shakes her head.

Nina tells Wiley, see the baby? and Carly comes in. Michael says, mom. They decided to bring Wiley to surprise Nina. Carly says they surprised her too. It sounds like they’re having fun, but it’s past Wiley’s bedtime. Michael says, Grandma Carly is right. They’ll save some polar bears for next time. Nina tells Wiley that she had a wonderful time, and hopes he comes back soon. Willow says, he will, and Nina  thanks them again for bringing him. Willow says, it’s their pleasure, and they leave. Carly isn’t smiling anymore, and closes the door. She says she hopes Nina enjoyed the time with her grandson. If she doesn’t play her cards right, it will be her last.

Alexis tells Olivia that she’s deeply, terribly sorry for what she did to Dante, She was drunk and out of control. Olivia says, ya think? She’s surprised Alexis had the guts to come and apologize. She thought Alexis would be out drowning her sorrows in whatever dive bar was still willing to serve her. Alexis says, that’s always very tempting, but she wants Olivia to know she takes full responsibility for what she did. Olivia says, so what step is this? and Alexis says she doesn’t think she’s in a position to explain any of the steps. It’s her first day of sobriety, yet again. What’s more important is that Olivia has been a good friend. She even went out of her way to prove Alexis didn’t drive drunk. Olivia says, more proof that no good deed goes unpunished. Alexis says she’d like the opportunity to make it up if she can. She wants to be the kind of friend Olivia has been to her, and hopes Olivia gives her the chance. How is she doing for time? Olivia says she’s off the clock. Keep talking.

Robert meets Jason at the bistro, and thanks Jason for seeing him. Jason asks, what’s on his mind? and Robert says, Sonny is gone, so he guesses Jason is running the Corinthos businesses. He wouldn’t answer that. Jason says, then why bring it up? and Robert says, he’s concerned Jason’s new responsibility will cause him to take his eyes off what he thinks is the bigger prize. Jason says, Peter August?

Britt tells Maxie, bravo. That was an impassioned defense of her fiancé. Maxie says she noticed Britt didn’t say convincing, and Britt says she knows more of Peter’s history and family tree than Maxie, and has her own reasons to doubt his so-called goodness. Maxie asks if this is how she plans on keeping her pact to have Maxie’s back, and Britt says, absolutely. By being honest even if it hurts. Maxie says, maybe she’s right, and Britt says, she is? Who is she, and where’s the Maxie who just defended her fiancé to the death? Maxie says, clearly something is going on with Peter. He hasn’t returned her calls or texts, and she has a bad feeling. She thinks she’ll just go home. Britt tells her, wait. There’s a million reasons why Peter might be missing out on date night. His phone died, he can’t find his phone, he’s out of gas. He had a wedding emergency with Finn, and lost track of time. Maxie says he’d still find a way to reach her, and Britt says, okay. She’s going with Maxie. If something awful did happen, Maxie will need her. Maxie leaves, and Britt follows her.

Obrecht says she does believe she struck the motherlode. She kisses the flashdrive, says, and she does mean mother, and laughs.  

Peter tells Anna, destroying the documents is the only way to keep Obrecht from using them again. He has reason to believe Obrecht deceived her handlers, and she’s free from Steinmaur. And she’s not retiring to some Swiss chalet. She’s going to come after him. If Obrecht gets her hands on those, she’ll turn them over as proof of his guilt. He doesn’t think the authorities would believe her, but they both know how Obrecht could twist Maxie against him. More lies and doctored evidence; is that what Anna wants? She says she just wants the Peter she believed him to be, and he says, here he is. He holds out his hand. She puts her hand in his, and he takes the folder from her. He puts it in the fireplace, and it burns.

Nina tells Carly that Wiley is also her grandson. Willow and Michael get to decide who Wiley sees, not Carly. Carly says she knows Willow and Michael are Wiley’s parents, unlike Nelle, who gave him away. Nina asks if that gives Carly justification to watch her daughter die; let her fall to her death. Carly says, that’s not what happened. Ask the Feds. She and Jax were grilled for two hours, and she’s not under suspicion. Does Nina know why? Nina says, because Carly lied through her teeth? but Carly says, because Nina’s claims had no basis in fact. She was just trying to get back at them for not telling her that Nelle was her daughter. Nina says, that’s right, they didn’t tell her. How long were they going to be silent? Were they going to let Wiley grow up, never knowing she was his grandmother? Were they just going to go on, letting her live in the same city as her only grandson? The hell with that. She’s Wiley’s grandma also, and Carly isn’t taking away her grandson like she did her daughter. Carly says she didn’t take Nina’s daughter away. And if Nina spirals out of control like she did in the cemetery, she’ll lose everything, and only have herself to blame.

Willow tells Michael, it was hard for Wiley to fall asleep. He was excited about the visit to Nina. Michael says Willow was right. Nina needs Wiley in her life, and their son needs her. Willow says, as much as she loves being right – and she loves it a little too much – Michael was willing make first move and reach out to Nina for Wiley’s sake. Good job, dad. He says, thanks, mom, which is just a little creepy.

Alexis thanks Olivia, and says she hopes Olivia knows her forgiveness means everything. Olivia tells her, who said she forgave Alexis? She wonders why Alexis wasn’t at Sonny’s funeral. Was she out getting drunk? Alexis says she didn’t want to embarrass her children with the charges against her, and didn’t want it to end up being about her instead of Sonny. Olivia doesn’t think Alexis needed to worry about that, and Alexis says she’s trying to do better. Olivia asks, if Alexis had been sober, would she still have picked up the syringe and stabbed Dante? Alexis says she never meant to hurt Dante, and Olivia says she meant to kill Franco. What if it had been Elizabeth or Sam that got in the way? Alexis says, she never would… and Olivia says, she did, and she’s going to keep hurting people until she gets help.

Obrecht is about to leave, and hears Britt, talking loudly. Britt says, if Peter is out galivanting tonight, what can Maxie expect after the wedding? Maxie asks if Britt can be any louder. She doesn’t think Mrs Getz in apartment 66 heard her. Peter isn’t a gallivanter; he’s the last of the romantics. If he missed their date night, he has a good reason. They go inside, and Maxie asks if Peter is there. She goes into the bedroom, and Britt looks around. Maxie comes back, and says, no sign of him, and Britt says, at least he didn’t fall in the shower. Maxie says, but if he’s not there, where is he?   

Peter tells Anna, no more moving backward. All the things they did wrong, and things they should have done differently, It’s all in the past now, and they have to think about the future. She’s marrying Finn, and he’s marrying Maxie. Anna says, that’s all that matters now, yes? and he says, the next time he sees her will be on her wedding day; his too. He kisses her cheek, tells her, be well, and leaves. He lingers on the porch, looking grim, and Anna pokes around in the fireplace, but there’s nothing left of the folder.    

Carly tells Nina, she’s made mistakes, but so has Nina. Concentrate on what she has, not what she lost. Let go of her bitterness, work it out with Jax, and focus on being happy. Nina says she doesn’t remember asking for Carly’s advice, but Carly says she should take it. Wiley needs stability, security, and a loving nurturing home. Nina asks what part of that Carly thinks she doesn’t understand, and Carly says, given her performance at Sonny’s grave, she’d say, all of it. If Nina pulls something like that again, Nina will never have a place in her grandson’s life. Carly stomps out, and Nina sits.

Willow tells Michael that she should go; she has class in the morning. If Wiley needs her, she’s just a gatehouse away. Michael says, before she goes, he apologizes. He hopes he didn’t ruin her Valentine’s Day by making her watch the movie. She says he didn’t make her watch it; she’s glad he asked. She hopes she and Chase didn’t ruin his when they walked in on him and Sasha. He says, it’s fine, and she asks if he’s going to see Sasha again. He says, of course (🍷), and asks what about Chase? She says, of course (🍷), and he says the whole reason they did the annulment was so they could be with Chase and Sasha. She says, absolutely. She’ll see him and Wiley tomorrow. He says, goodnight, and closes the door. He heads for the stairs, and turns to look again at the door.   

Olivia says she believes Alexis wants to make amends, but intentions are meaningless without actions to back them up. She doesn’t mean showing up at a meeting here and there, but choosing to make changes, and not taking any shortcuts. Alexis says she’s willing to try. Does Olivia have any suggestions? Olivia says she doesn’t have those answers, but she thinks Alexis took the first step in coming there tonight, and Alexis leaves.

Maxie tells Britt, maybe she should call the police, but Britt says Maxie is overreacting. If Peter isn’t home by midnight, she’ll be the first one to organize a search party. In the meantime, this worrying isn’t good for the baby, and Maxie should lie down and rest. Maxie says she will, for the baby’s sake, and Britt says, good; she’ll keep trying Peter. Maxie thanks Britt for bringing her home. She’s so distracted, she wouldn’t have been a good driver. Britt says, anytime, and Maxie goes into the bedroom. Britt waits a beat, and says, all clear. Obrecht comes out, and Britt hustles her to the door. She asks if Obrecht found something, and Obrecht says, Henrik is as good as dead. Britt says, congratulations. She doesn’t want Maxie to hear. Obrecht has to go. She literally shoves Obrecht out the door, and lets out a sigh of relief.   

Jason tells Robert, he hasn’t forgotten about Peter. Peter went to a lot of trouble to target Franco and Andre. He got Franco. Robert says, when he published the article about the return of Franco’s tumor? Peter would call that journalism. Jason says, it was about more than driving traffic to The Invader. He doesn’t think it had anything to do with Franco’s tumor or what Franco did in the past. Is it possible that Franco knows something about Peter, and Peter is trying to shut him up? Jason’s phone dings, and Robert says, trouble? Jason says, yeah, but not with Peter. Robert is on his own until Jason gets back. He asks where Jason is going, and Jason says, on a quick trip out of town.

Britt says the things she does for her mother, and sinks onto the couch. Maxie comes out, and says Britt is still there? Britt says she promised to look out for Maxie, and that means staying the night. Maxie thanks her, saying she could use the company. Peter comes in, and says he’s sorry she was worried. He just got her messages. She asks where he was. Is he okay? He promises he’s just fine, and he’ll never worry her like that again.  

Anna calls Valentin, crying, and says she gave Peter a chance, but he was right. His redemption was just a lie. They turned a blind eye for too long. She honestly thinks it’s up to them now to stop him… Okay… She gets up, and walks past a photo of her and Peter, toward the door.

Tomorrow, Sam asks what Curtis wants to do, Martin asks what the plan is if they get caught, Ava visits Ryan, and Elizabeth asks if Franco’s tumor is shrinking.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey

And there we were, back at the analogy heard round New Jersey. In her interview, Marge said Jackie clearly didn’t know her audience. There were two rules, never use an analogy – no one understands them – and never bring up kids in an argument. Jackie delivered a two for one special. Jackie called Marge, saying she wasn’t going on the Lake George trip. She never wanted to be around that woman again. Marge insisted it would be made right. Teresa immediately called Melissa, insisting she heard what she heard, and any strong woman would want to know. She guessed Jackie was a weak woman. In Melissa’s interview, she said Jackie would have never accused Gia of doing cocaine. She knows Teresa twisted it, or it was said wrong. Teresa said she was going to demolish Jackie. Melissa wasted no time in calling Jackie, and letting her know she’d poured gas on the fire.

Jennifer went to see mom Josephine with Olivia. In her interview, Jennifer said her brother Michael had married Melda in Turkey, and decided to stay there until Melda got her visa to come to the US. They had a honeymoon baby, and named it in honor of their father John. Josephine refused to call the baby John, instead using his middle name Bryan. She told Jennifer it was because her husband was mean, but Jennifer thought she was being unreasonable. In Jennifer’s interview, she said it had been an arranged marriage, and in their culture, they don’t do divorce. She never saw her father do anything bad to her mother, but she never saw any love either.

Dolores went to see her mother Valerie, and they sat socially distant in the yard. In Delores’s interview, she said, for fifteen years, her mother had done nothing but take care of her grandchildren, so she was feeling lonely, even though the grandkids visited at the gate. Dolores told Valerie that David could handle anything except talking about relationships. In her interview, Delores said when her dad became Chief of Police in another town, he wanted to live there, but her mother wanted to stay put, so they’ve had a marriage in every sense of the word, except they don’t live together. Delores told Frank about the trip to Lake George, and he said he was sure there was a big guidette population there. He wanted to shake David down for a commitment while Delores was away, and Delores said she thought the trip was going to be a bloodbath  I kept thinking, no one can be this stupid, but then I remembered Teresa went to prison for signing something without understanding what it was. I actually do believe Joe #1 told her to just sign the papers, and she did. Just in case you have any doubt about things like that, always read something before you sign it. Always. I can’t stress it enough.

Margaret must have had a bout of amnesia, since she thought she could talk sense into Teresa, and actually get her to apologize to Jackie. The women met at Marge’s under construction house, and Teresa was late, so Marge explained to the others that Jackie wasn’t coming. She griped that now she had to explain how you don’t go to a birthday party and spread rumors about the person whose birthday it is. Delores thought it was a smart move on Jackie’s part not to come, and said all Teresa heard is that Jackie said something about her daughter. In Marge’s interview, she said Teresa wasn’t the inured party, Jackie was, and the analogy wouldn’t have been made if Teresa hadn’t spread the rumor. On the way to the lake, Marge told the group that her kids went to camp near there, and she would vacation with her husband there. It was a nice town with a beautiful lake, and good memories. Teresa tried to justify her idiot self for what she’d said, and declared she wasn’t sorry for saying it. I wondered who the extra blonde was who resembled a younger Marge. After the show, I googled it. See below.

Jackie did buzzcuts on her kids, and Evan was pretty angry about the whole analogy thing. In Jackie’s interview, she said she hadn’t taken an easy breath since it happened. When the kids wondered why she didn’t go to Lake George, she told them that they didn’t have to be friends with someone who didn’t treat them right when you did nothing wrong. In her interview, she said Teresa got to cause trouble, and she stayed there to pick up the pieces while Teresa got to go on vacation with all her friends. She hoped they had her back.

While the women were at Lake George, at home, the guys went bowling. In his interview, Frank talked about a bad accident he’d had falling down some stairs. Both of his quads detached, and his knees blew out. I felt pain just hearing about it, and he said he was essentially paralyzed, and David took him in. He told David that he was on his side about Delores having surgery, and said they should work things out. He accused David of procrastinating on the relationship front, and said he was a great doctor, but a mediocre boyfriend. The two of them seem like genuinely nice guys.  

The women went to a modern designed lake house, and chose rooms. No surprise, they were all gorgeous, and Marge had amazing goodie bags for everyone. How come I’ve never gotten a goodie bag at a party or get-together? Not since I was twelve anyway. Marge said she should have brought gummies, and I wondered, did she mean…? The rumor/analogy thing was brought up off and on, mostly by Teresa, who moved on to blaming Jennifer next for giving her tequila.

Melissa tried using logic, but Teresa didn’t listen, and in Melissa’s interview, she said if Teresa and Jackie didn’t make amends, there would never stop being tension in group. It would be over. We saw a clip of Teresa telling Gia about it on the phone, and Gia saying if Teresa had upset Jackie, she should apologize. Out of the mouths of babes, but contrary to what the tabloids claim she said. Still, video doesn’t lie. Teresa told everyone that Joe #1 was selling sex toys, and had sent her one. Jennifer wanted to start fresh with Melissa, and apologized. Teresa jumped back on the bashing Jackie train, and said Jackie should STFU, and quit crying like a baby. In her interview, Marge said, with Teresa, information had to go through the cogs, the cobwebs, and hair extensions, then came out in an effed up way, which was actually scary. The episode ended with some guys buying their table a round.

Next time, Teresa can’t get on the phone fast enough to call Joe #2, and tell him Melissa is flirting with the owner of the restaurant.

👱🏼‍♀️ That Blonde…

Across from them was Margaret Josephs, and seated next to her was her assistant, Lexi Barbuto. The blond has frequently been on the show in the past, although never held a housewife or friend title.

https://www.inquisitr.com/6223626/rhonj-new-cast-member-speculation/

The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City – The Reunion – Part 3

Lisa came back, and said she was good; let’s go. The husbands came out, Seth and Robert remotely. Seth said he was in the land of opportunity in Canton, Ohio, and Robert was keeping traveling to a minimum because of covid. Whitney’s pole dancing was brought up, and she deferred to Justin’s talents on the pole, saying he was better at spinning. We saw a bunch of clips from the season, and Andy said viewer Melissa from Wilmington, Delaware was upset that Lisa had thrown John’s Rolex out the car window. Lisa said he’d forgotten her birthday, and she’d given him the Rolex as a gift for his. He told her that she could have her gift back, and she said he had ten seconds to put it back on, or out it went. She tossed it toward a Taco Bell, but he stopped the car and retrieved it. John showed proof on his wrist, and I’m sure Melissa from Wilmington was thrilled. Andy asked about Sharrieff missing Jen’s father’s funeral, and if coaching was more important than family. Coach Shah said it was not, and he thought the problem was that Jen’s father only seemed responsive to him. Because of that, Jen had it in her head that he could have made her father rally, and resented him not being there; however, there was nothing that could have been done. Andy asked if Jen could let it go, and she said Sharrieff had done what he could. They talked Mormonism, and Justin said he’d gotten a letter from the church saying he was no longer a member after he married Whitney. He said if there had been tithing rebate, it would have been easier, and I literally LOL’d. Still stuck a little in that mindset, Heather got weepy.

Andy asked what Robert wanted people to know or what he thought people misunderstood about his relationship with Mary, and Robert said the grandfather stuff pissed him off. Andy asked if Robert could let bygones be bygones, and Robert told him that the gossip was that Mary had married for money, and the grandaddy stuff. He was 22 when he married Mary’s grandmother, so he was nobody’s grandpa. He was used to it, but he didn’t like people messing with his wife. Mary was a great mother and wife, his co paster, and his equal. Mary got emotional, and said no one knew her better than he did. His words validated who she is, and touched her. Coach Shah said he made it clear to Jen at the beginning that he wasn’t there to engage in any fight she had with the women. He told her what she’d said to Mary was unacceptable, as was commenting on any marriages or what people did therein. Jen apologized to Robert. We found out Whitney’s dad had dropped off the face of the earth, and wasn’t speaking to her. She said his disappearance was brutal on her heart. Andy asked how Seth and Meredith’s reconciliation was going, and Meredith asked why she’d want to share anything with the group. After she got a little pissy, she said he show actually helped save their marriage – no doubt a first. I told you these Wives were different from the others. She said they couldn’t sweep anything under the rug. Jen apologized to Robert again, and Robert said, don’t you worry about it, sister, which I thought was sweet. Then the guys left the magic circle.

The next topic was the Las Vegas trip, and we flashed back to that. Andy remarked that Meredith’s mask was ahead of its time, and Heather said it was a prophecy. We found out they’d wrapped week before the pandemic hit. Heather talked about Jen being insulting on social media, and Jen raising her hand when the hypnotist asked who didn’t trust Heather. Andy asked Mary’s opinion. Mary had her eyes closed, and he asked if she’d fallen asleep. She insisted she hadn’t, and knew the question, so I guess not. She said Jen felt hurt, and had raised her hand as a dig. Jen started to get agitated, and said when terms like aggressive were being used, it was dangerous to a POC; there was a double-standard. Meredith said no one denied white privilege, but to make that accusation was a huge statement. Jen said she didn’t want to get into this sh*t, because it was painful, and they didn’t understand. She ran off to find her husband, and Whitney called Justin to alert Coach Shah. Sharrieff came out, and Jen collapsed into his arms.

Jen hopped up and down, talking about discrimination, and did a bit of exaggeration, even making up a few things. True to form, Sharrieff calmed her down, and walked her back. I think Jen’s disconnect with the group is because she wants to give the reasons why she did something, rather than just taking responsibility. After she sat down, she said that the good thing was, people were willing to listen more than before. Andy said the one great success of the Reunion was seeing Mary and Jen find common ground, along with Robert Sr. and Sharrieff. He wondered if there was a double-date in the cards.

He asked the women to name one thing they’d learned watching themselves, and Lisa said she had to work on listening more. She noticed she talked a lot. Mary said she needed to work on the way she said things, and how they could come across offensive or wrong. Jen said she had to work on communication, and making sure her friends felt they could trust her, and didn’t feel threatened. Whitney wanted to focus on her timing and delivery, and how to speak clearly and confidently with her own voice. Meredith said she’d treated everyone with kindness and respect, but didn’t feel she’d been treated the same, and was disappointed. She said Whitney and Heather had called her to apologize, and she thought Jen’s apology was genuine for the first time. But an apology didn’t make things go away. She would forgive for herself, but to move forward, trust needed to be earned. Heather said she hoped she’d be able to speak up, embrace people where they were, and not hold back.

Instead of the usual alcoholic adult beverage, meatballs on sticks – or meat lollipops, if you prefer – were distributed to everyone. Mary’s eyes lit up, and I thought she must be hungry. Andy said Jen was the CEO of fun, and asked her to give a toast. She said, to a great reunion, understanding each other, and meeting in the middle. Heather toasted to how many licks it took, and Andy made it snow. No, really. Snow fell inside the studio. It was pretty cool, both literally and figuratively.

📌 That’s a Fact…

From the end of the Civil War until the last vestiges of the Jim Crow era were finally deemed illegal, Black Americans sought to obtain their sliver of the American Dream while facing violence and discrimination—a journey that continues today.

Here are 9 places you can visit today that provided Black Americans with some of what America had been denying them, on the ongoing journey to equality and freedom. – from AtlasObscura.com

https://www.atlasobscura.com/lists/9-forgotten-black-enclaves

🚶🏽‍♀️ Heading On Out…

It’s been a long day. So long, it’s the next day. Whatever day you’re in, stay safe, stay learning from your mistakes, and stay understanding each other and meeting in the middle.

February 23, 2021 – The FBI Talks To Carly and Jax, a Cuppla Things, Cameron’s Hair, Sober Filming, Terrified Teresa, Karate Return, 24th Anniversary, Globe Moments, Celebrating Drew, Today’s Fact & Duke’s

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

I missed the beginning, since that’s the way the week is going, but what happened was… Carly met Diane in the PCPD interrogation room to go over what Carly was going to say to the FBI. Diane said Carly should stick to her original statement, and say Nina misheard them. Maxie found Nina at Crimson, and said she’d heard about what happened at the cemetery, and Nina told her about Jax and Carly knowing Nelle was her daughter. Jax met Alexis at the café, and she said it seemed like he had something on his mind. Michael told Willow about Nelle being Nina’s daughter, and how Nina thought Carly was responsible for Nelle’s death. Anna and Finn were getting ready to look for Obrecht, but Finn had to deliver Peter’s tux to him first. When he left, Valentin showed up, and Anna said she could tell he didn’t have good news. He said their suspicions about Peter were right, and it was worse than they feared. Britt met Obrecht in the club Curtis is thinking of buying. Obrecht showed up wearing a dark fedora and trench coat, looking like a spy, and Britt told her the sparrow had landed. Peter went into the apartment, dropping the mail on the table, but not noticing the envelope from Dimitri Marick. Then I sat down, and…

Diane tells Carly, they’re going to want to interview Jax. Is there any chance he had second thoughts about backing her? Carly says he told Nina that they’d talked to the authorities before they found out Nelle was Nina’s daughter. They all felt bad, before Nina went off at Sonny’s grave, which is exactly why they chose not to tell her. Diane says, and here we are. They should have told Nina the moment they discovered it; it would have saved them a world of pain. Carly says, Jax devested Nina, and Diane says, that’s her point. Will Jax think Carly is more deserving of his protection than Nina is?

Jax tells Alexis that Nina was searching for her daughter, when he and Carly found out Nelle was Nina’s daughter. They chose not to tell her, but the truth came out. Alexis says, it inevitably does, and he says Nina felt betrayed. She’d misinterpreted his conversation with Carly, and went to the authorities. Her statement was given to the FBI. Alexis says, about? and Jax says, the night Nelle died. She says he knows attorney/client privilege is no longer a thing for her, and he says he’ll just say, certain facts were simplified to protect certain people. She says, in other words, Carly. Don’t tell her. He says he can confirm Nelle’s death was an accident; their original statement was simplified. That’s why they were… She says she’s not able to give him advice, and he says he understands. She says, simplifying can make him sound like the biggest criminal. Why further incriminate himself? Just her two cents. He says he appreciates it, but she says he seems to have reservations. He says he was wondering what’s the best thing for Nina.

Nina tells Maxie, she talked herself into believing that once Jax realized he was keeping Wiley from her, he would tell her the truth. She was looking for him to salvage… something. When she found him, he was with Carly, and they were talking about Nelle’s death on the cliff. Carly was there, and when Nelle fell, Jax encouraged Carly to keep quiet. Maxie says, Jax told Carly to lie, not the other way around? and Nina says, she had no intention of confronting him. She wanted to go someplace private, but of course (🍷) Carly needed Jax. Maxie tells her, don’t get mad, but they were at Carly’s husband’s funeral. Nina says she should have heard Carly. She thinks Carly was happy that she made a scene, so Carly would have an outlet for her anger. She knows it wasn’t the right place or time, but she swears everything she said was true.

Obrecht asks what sparrow Britt is speaking of, and Britt says, herself. Anna isn’t the only one deserving of a code name. Obrecht asks, what code name? and Britt says, scarecrow. Obrecht says, that’s not a code name. It’s an epithet of scorn and derision. Britt says the scarecrow confronted her, demanding to know where Obrecht was, and Obrecht says, Britt said nothing? Britt says, of course (🍷) the sparrow remained silent, but the scarecrow revealed more than she intended. She was trying to determine Obrecht’s whereabouts, by asking questions of the WSB. Obrecht asks what the WSB told Anna, and Britt says Anna thought they were stonewalling her, but that’s just her amateur suspicion. Obrecht says, no doubt Anna isn’t used to being kept in the dark, and Britt says Anna warned Peter that Obrecht was on the loose. Anna didn’t say that to her, but if she hasn’t told him, it’s only a matter of time. Obrecht says, perhaps it’s what she does with the time that matters.

Valentin tells Anna, before he says anything, he’ll give her a choice. She can drop this, and let her questions about Peter lie, believe he’s the man she wants him to be… Anna says, or the truth. Why does he want her to know? Is he somehow incriminated? He says, for once, Peter’s actions have nothing to do with him, other than being the man who started Peter on this path. Anna says Valentin did what he did, but didn’t make peter the man he is today. Neither did Faison, Alex or her; he’s his own person. He says she wants to believe Peter is someone else, someone better, and she says Valentin knew Peter was lying to her all along, didn’t he?

Britt says she doesn’t get why Obrecht is being under the radar, unless it’s to wear that get-up; it’s fabulous. Obrecht preens, and says, danke. Britt says, Obrecht was cleared of all charges and released. It’s not as exciting as prison, but it’s less stressful. Obrecht says she’s not avoiding law enforcement; it’s for the element of surprise, so she can trap and unmask Henrik. Britt asks, how? She hasn’t been able to prove anything. Obrecht says, no one that dirty can cover up everything. The proof is out there. Britt says, Obrecht wants revenge, and Obrecht says, of course (🍷), but she wants to protect Maxie and James even more. She swore on Nathan’s grave that she would. Britt says she’s not the only one swearing on Nathan’s grave. She was there the other day and ran into Peter, who was making a few promises himself.

Finn goes to Maxie and Peter’s apartment, and asks if Peter is ready to do this. Peter says, bring it on, and Finn hands him a garment bag. Magically, they’re dressed in black tie, and Peter says, too much? Finn says, maybe, but he looks good. Peter says, look at them, ready to tie the knot, and Finn says, it’s amazing what the love of a good woman will do.   

Jax tells Alexis, Nina’s pain had unintended side effects. He had to take steps to protect Carly and Josslyn. She says, if he takes Nina’s side, it will give credence to her claim, and asks if there’s any hard evidence. He says, no, and she asks if there were any witnesses. He says, no, and she asks how Nina would benefit by him not sticking to his story. He says, Nina would know he’s on her side.

Nina tells Maxie that she was getting angrier, and lost her composure. She could feel the stares, followed by the cringes. Maxie says, as someone who can share in public cringe-worthiness, solidarity, sister. Nina says she hears that. They were thinking, there’s crazy Nina, having a breakdown again. They should have focused on what Jax and Carly did. That’s why she went to the Commissioner, and told her everything they did. Maxie says, she turned them in? and Nina says, someone has to hold Carly responsible for killing her daughter.

Michael tells Willow, Nelle’s death was an accident. His mother didn’t cause her fall, but But Nina went to the FBI (actually, she didn’t, Jordan did, but I’ll let it pass), and told them a crime was committed. Now they want to interview his mother. Willow says, Nina went for the worst possible course of action, lashing out at Wiley’s other grandmother. Willow tells him, her relationship with Nina has been rocky at best, but then Nina testified at Wiley’s custody hearing. He says, a game changer, and she says, Nina showed up out of compassion for their child. Everything Nina did for Wiley happened before she knew Wiley was her grandson. She may be acting badly now, but people do awful things when they’re grieving. Maybe it will help Nina and Wiley to let them know each other.

Maxie asks if Nina is trying to get the case reopened, and Nina says, damn right. Maxie says that she gets that Nelle is Nina’s daughter, but she was also a raging psychopath. She made Michael and Carly’s lives hell for years. Nina says she’s not excusing Nelle’s litany of crimes, but she was also a person. As her mother, shouldn’t she want to know how Nelle died? Maxie says, of course (🍷), but the question Nina should be asking, is how Nelle became the person she was. Nina says she already knows the answer. Her mother gave Nelle away, and she was raised without any love by a man – Nina starts to cry – who literally sold her for parts. She sits at her desk, crying, and Maxie sits opposite her. She says she can’t imagine what Nina is feeling now, knowing what Nelle went through, and that there was nothing she could do to stop it, but lots of people live difficult lives and experience terrible abuse and hardships, and they still manage to be good people. There came a point where Nelle stopped being a victim of circumstance, and decided to hurt people. Nina wonders if Maxie is saying she should drop it; cut Jax and Carly out of her life. Maxie tells Nina, that’s not for her to say, but she thinks Nina should ask herself, if she was Carly, and saw Nelle go over the cliff, would her first thought be to help her? Or would she be thinking, is Nelle going pull her over the edge if she tries?

Carly whines to Diane that the Feds are going to look for any inconsistency that leads to obstruction of justice just because she’s Sonny’s wife… Sonny’s widow. Diane says, Sonny left behind an allegedly successful enterprise, that’s at present unprotected. Any prosecutor could use the case to uncover it. Carly says, there is no case to make. She’s sticking to her statement.

Alexis asks Jax if he wants some hard earned life advice, and he tells her, go ahead. She says, throwing yourself under the bus because you want to prove you care is not all it’s cracked up to be. He thanks her, and says he should get going; he’s already late. She says, the Feds don’t like to be kept waiting. Does he know what he’s going to do? He says he thinks so.

Obrecht says, Henrik visiting the sacred ground her Nathan is buried in is abhorrent. She hopes Britt spat on him. Britt says she did one better. She talked about how good and decent Nathan was, and how that’s what Maxie loved about him. Obrecht says, it’s moments like these that make her proud, and asks how he responded. Britt says, it bugged him, but he never veered the whole time, giving his I am not my father’s son mantra. Obrecht says, let him believe that, and Britt asks if she ever thinks Peter will follow in their father’s footsteps. Obrecht says, he’s a liar and a murderer, but he’s no Caesar. Britt says, maybe he doesn’t need to be. Maybe he just needs to be a good enough bad guy that even Obrecht won’t catch him. What then?

Valentin says he told Peter that Obrecht had been released, and was probably heading for him, and Anna says, and he admitted to framing her? Valentin says, he did, and arranged the hit on Franco. She wonders why he’d arrange a hit just to abort it, and Valentin says, a fit of conscience, a change in strategy. She asks why he’d order a hit on Franco in the first place, and Valentin says, Franco was having a procedure to reverse the one that had given him Drew’s memories. A possible outcome might have been the memories becoming more intense and vivid. She says, Drew knew something that Peter didn’t want to be common knowledge, and he says, Peter is good at making people disappear who get too close to the truth. She says, he tried with Andre, and Valentin says, he arranged the attack on Andre. That means… She says, he arranged for Drew’s plane to go down.

Nina tells Maxie that Jax and Carly repeatedly lied to the authorities. She’s not wrong to want them to face the consequences. Maxie says she gets that, but she doesn’t know that sending them to prison will give Nina the peace she needs. Only Nina knows that. Nina says Maxie is right. She’s been so focused on making sure they were punished, she wasn’t thinking about Josslyn or Donna. She doesn’t want another child deprived of their parent. Maxie says, there’s one child she hasn’t talked about, who’s waiting for the avalanche of love Nina has stored up. Nina says, Wiley, and Maxie says, don’t tell her that she hasn’t thought about it. Nina says, it’s all she can think about. She’s going to spend time getting to know him. Maxie says if Nina keeps the focus on Wiley and the world she wants with him, she knows Nina will get it. Nina says Maxie is a good friend, and Maxie says, not friend – family. She made a promise with Nina and Britt over Nathan’s grave; together, no matter what. No matter what, she has Nina’s back. Now, she has a hot date with her groom-to-be.    

Obrecht tells Britt, Henrik is weak. He believes he’s worthy of having the scarecrow as a mother, and worthy to take Nathan’s place. He’s desperate to maintain that belief, but he forgot, sooner or later, he’s going to crack. Britt says, all she’s hearing is posturing. Tell her that there’s an actual plan. The wedding is almost on top of them. Obrecht says Britt is right. The operation is moving too slowly. It’s time to confront the beast in its lair.

Finn tells Peter, it probably sounds incredibly corny, but being in love with Anna and being loved by her changed his life in a way he never thought possible. Peter says he never had a maternal presence in his life, and now… Finn asks if he remembers the time without it, and Peter says, quite well, too well. It’s a life he never wants to go back to. Since they’re being corny – Finn says, fire away – sometimes he thinks if there weren’t a mother in his life, he wouldn’t have changed course. He was headed down a dark road, and he’s grateful to put it behind him. Marrying Maxie, and bringing their daughter into the world is the final step in closing the door on the life he had before he met Anna.

Michael tells Willow, someone is making a strong argument for more stories, and she asks if it’s any story in particular, or should they make up a new one? What does daddy think? He says he thinks nothing makes him happier than seeing her with Wiley, and she says she’s pretty sure she knows someone else who would like to see him. He says he knows Nina deserves to see her grandson, but he doesn’t know if it’s the right time. She says, Wiley might fill the hole in Nina’s heart, and bridge the chasm between her and his mother, and he says, the little guy does have a way of bringing people together.

A man walks into the interrogation room, and says he’s Special Agent Wilson from the FBI. He’s there to follow up on some accusations by Nina Reeves regarding the death of Nelle Benson. Diane says they’re eager to cooperate, and he says, then he’ll begin. Nina stated she overheard a conversation between Jasper Jax and Carly, where Carly stated she was present when Nelle fell to her death. Is that true? Diane says, sorry. Is he asking if the statement is true, or if it’s true they had this alleged discussion? Is it the discussion of the event, or the event itself? Wilson apologizes for being unclear, and asks if Carly stated she was present at the time Nelle fell. Carly tells him, she never said that, and he asks if she was present when Nelle fell. She says she stands by her original statement, and he says he’s sure her more than capable attorney advised her to answer yes or no questions with a yes or a no. So was she present when Nelle fell to her death? Carly says, no. He asks about what Nina heard, and Carly says Nina was mistaken about what they were discussing. He says, if they weren’t discussing the events surrounding Nelle’s death, what were they talking about? and Carly says she has no idea. They were laying her husband to rest, and outside of Nina’s outburst, the day was a blur. He says, tell him again what happened on the night in question, and Carly says, she caught up with Nelle in the clearing. They fought, Nelle took off, and she never saw Nelle again. He asks where Jax fits into the scenario, and she says, he showed up after she scuffled with Nelle. He asks if she has anything she’d like to add, and Carly says, no. He thanks her, and asks them to wait outside. Jax is in the squad room, and Wilson tells him, come on in. Carly looks panicked.

Finn sees Alexis at the Bistro, and she says, the groom to be. The day is fast approaching. He says, that it is, and she asks if he’s happy or dreading it; it’s hard to tell with him. Finn sits with her, and says he’s dreading the crowds, and socializing in general. He learned a secret though, Violet taught him that the fuss is really about everyone else. Violet is loving every minute of it, so he guesses he is happy. For him. How about her? She looks happier… happyish. She says she’s had three of these, indicating her coffee cup, and has one of these. She shows him her AA chip, and he says he’s proud of her. He asks if it’s okay to say that, and she says, yeah, but she’s not too proud. It’s her second one for 24 hours in less than a week. Finn looks at it, and says he is proud of her. He believes in her. He knows how hard it is to start day one. If she ever needs a friend, he’s there.

Obrecht tells Britt, there’s been a fortuitous turn of events. She pretended to be a potential advertiser, and inquired about Nina’s assistant Maxie. She found out Maxie has dinner plans with her fiancé tonight, presenting her with the prefect opportunity. Britt says, for what? and Obrecht says, to pay a visit to Maxie and Peter’s home. What a pity they won’t be there. She and Britt laugh.

Wilson asks Diane and her client to join him and Jax in the interrogation room.  

Valentin tells Anna. Peter has been working hard to cover up the true nature of his crimes, which brings them back to Franco. Anna says, Franco has been hearing Peter’s voice in his head, which is really Drew’s memory. Valentin says, Franco’s tumor retuned, so Peter blasted it all over the internet. Anna says, to discredit Franco, and Valentin says, in case he figured out what he was remembering. The only time Drew would have remembered Peter’s voice when he was connected to Shiloh and Cabot… was when they were in Afghanistan. Anna says, right, so Peter was really working with Faison and Helena all along. Valentin says, Peter may have told him months ago, but he didn’t say anything because Anna believed that was in the past, and Peter had been redeemed. He realized that redemption was a lie. She says, it was clear to everyone; to Robert and Jason, and Finn. She blinded herself to who Peter really is, and that makes her just as culpable for the harm he’s done.

Anna says she was thinking about something Alex said, after she shot her. She said the reason she gave Anna the memories of Peter was so she’d protect him, but she didn’t do that. Valentin says, nonsense. He’s the one who delivered Peter to his father. She says she doesn’t mean that; it’s not the entire reason. Cabot’s memory transfer caused her to believe Peter was her son; hers to rescue and raise the same way she did Robin, but she didn’t. She decided she preferred to carry the guilt, and turned her back on him, and that was the reason Alex hated her so much. He says, take it from a man who has to make up for damage that he’s done; Peter’s life ain’t on her. They sit, and Anna takes his hand. She says, okay. Peter’s done what he’s done. The question now is, what do they do about that? He says, take their heads out of the sand; ask the tough questions. Anna says, what’s the point of protecting Peter when he’s putting those they most love at risk? We see she has tears in her eyes.   

Finn hands Alexis’s chip back to her, and she says, say something. He says, maybe, but don’t argue. She says, he doesn’t want to argue? and he says, okay. She’s one of the most brilliant, capable, and kind people he’s ever met. She says he always has her back, and he says he always will. He wants her to treat herself the way she treats other people. Back the hell off, and leave his friend alone. She deserves better. He says he wants her to do what it takes, lean on who she needs to lean on. Crawl, scream, do what she has to in order to get through, but get through. She deserves better.  

Peter’s phone rings, and he says, Anna. If she’s looking for Finn, he just left. She says she was hoping to talk to him. Can he come by the house? He says, sure. He’s about to meet Maxie, but if it’s important… She says, it is. It’s important that they talk.

Maxie sees Britt at the club, and Britt says, fancy meting her there. This place is great. They have an impressive selection of mocktails. Does Maxie want to sit and have a baby-friendly drink? Maxie says, sure, before Peter gets here. It’s their last date night. Britt says she can’t wait, and Maxie says she’s been thinking about Britt. She was just talking to Nina. Her sister Georgie is gone, and Lulu is out of commission. She and Nina were remembering when they made that promise in Nathan’s memory, and it’s good to know that she has sisters looking out for her again.

Obrecht breaks into Maxie and Peter’s apartment. We see the envelope from D. Marick on the table with the mail.  

Wilson says he wants to speak to both Carly and Jax. In the absence of hard evidence, and no witnesses, they have no reason to pursue the case. The case will remain closed. He thanks them for their cooperation, and Diane thanks him. She asks if he’d like to go brief the Commissioner together, and they leave. Carly says, thank God it’s over, and Jax says, the legal part. Nina isn’t happy. Carly says she doesn’t care, and she doesn’t feel bad. Jax says she has every right to be angry and upset, but he’s just saying, there’s going to be fallout.

There’s a knock at Nina’s office door. Willow and Michael come in with Wiley, and Michael says they were wondering if Nina was up for a visit. Wiley waves at her in all his cuteness. 

Tomorrow, Olivia tells Alexis that she has five minutes, Anna thinks it’s time she and Peter face the truth, and Carly tells someone if they don’t play their cards right, it will be their last.

🤹‍♀️ A couple of random things. While I didn’t see The Real Housewives of Dallas, I did catch some of Marge and Delores (RHONJ) watching it. The highlight was a drunk shopping trip, where the women thought a charcuterie board was for spanking. Good thing they bought it, since they’d tested it out. Repeatedly. Ricki Lake and John Waters were virtual guests on Watch What Happens Live, and told a ton of good stories. They also pulled out some souvenirs from their Hairspray days, which proved one way being remote is good. People can run into the other room and find stuff to show us.  

✂️ (Almost) Bald Is Beautiful…

A backstage look at Cameron’s new ‘do.

☕️ Coaching the Countess…

I need a sober coach to watch.

https://pagesix.com/2021/02/19/luann-de-lesseps-had-a-sober-coach-while-filming-rhony/

🥤 Just a Bigger Solo Cup…

It’s as good an excuse as any.

https://pagesix.com/2021/02/21/why-teresa-giudice-is-terrified-shell-be-axed-from-rhonj/

‘RHONJ’: Teresa Giudice Reacts To Report Claiming She’s ‘Terrified’ of Being ‘Axed’ From Show

🐍 AKA AJ…

I love Cobra Kai.

https://www.tomsguide.com/news/cobra-kai-season-4-could-bring-back-karate-kid-iii-villain

🎸 Making It Home For 24 Years…

There’s got to be something better than in the middle.

https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/rock/9527847/the-wallflowers-one-headlight-jakob-dylan-interview

🏆 The Best Of Them…

According to Parade anyway.

🎂 They Say It’s Your Birthday…

In celebration of Drew’s 46th, a whole bunch of pictures. I love her, and hope her new talk show makes it.

📌 That’s a Fact…

Abolitionist leader Frederick Douglass was born into slavery sometime around 1818 in Talbot County, Maryland. He became one of the most famous intellectuals of his time, advising presidents and lecturing to thousands on a range of causes, including women’s rights and Irish home rule. – from Biography.com

You can read more about him here: https://www.biography.com/activist/frederick-douglass

🤸 As Tuesday Turns To Wednesday…

I’ll be interviewing underground rap artist, Mumm-ra tomorrow for MUPO Entertainment. He sounds like an interesting guy, who’s also a comic buff and collector. Same. See you in Salt Lake tomorrow, when the Reunion wraps up, and it’s their last chance to rip more bandages off. Until then, stay safe, stay inquisitive, and stay deserving of whatever code name you choose.

February 19, 2021 – Valentine’s Day In Port Charles, a Deletion, a Secret, That Analogy, Mary Tells All, Bethenny Brings Relief, New Miami, Coming Up, Global Info, Today’s Fact, XIII Quotes & Better

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

I missed the beginning, but here’s what happened. Port Charles is on a different calendar, so it was Valentine’s Day there. Cameron serenaded himself on his guitar, when there was a knock at the door. He approached the door, wielding his guitar like a weapon. Chase went to the Quartermaine mansion to pick Willow up, since she was there putting Wiley to bed, and he had an awkward moment with Michael. It got even more awkward when Sasha came by for her date with Michael. Then the awkwardness tripled when they found out both couples had reservations at the Port Charles Grill (the mysterious replacement for The Floating Rib). Portia went with Curtis to the nightclub to help him with his case. Molly and Kristina went to an office, where Molly said she was ready to make a commitment, and TJ was on his way. Franco and Elizabeth were also at the Port Charles Grill, where they overheard another couple talking about them. The couple talked about being afraid of Franco, and left. Franco said he didn’t feel well, when Nikolas and Ava also arrived, and Franco and Elizabeth told them what happened. Franco excused himself, and Elizabeth told Ava and Nikolas about Franco getting treatment. Jordan showed up at the hospital to question Brando, who had a bandaged leg, and Jason came in just as she was asking Brando what happened. At the hospital, Britt was impressed that TJ had stayed late on Valentine’s Day, and TJ told her that he hadn’t been on the schedule, and he had a big night planned. That’s when I sat down, and…

Michael says he figured Chase and Willow were going to the MetroCourt, so he made reservations at the Port Charles Grill. Chase says he can call and change his reservations, but Michael says it’s hard enough to get one. He’ll call Olivia. He’s sure she can get them a table at the MetroCourt. Chase says, let him know if it doesn’t work out, but Michael says, it will. Chase says, cool, and Willow says, happy Valentine’s Day… to all of them. After Chase and Willow leave, Sasha asks if she can tell Michael how much she hated that. Not because everyone wasn’t perfectly nice… Michael says, but because everyone was perfectly nice. She says, it reminded her of how things used to be, and he says, him too. While he disputes the tactics used, what they did, they did for Wiley’s sake, and he’ll never regret it. She says, neither will she, and he says, there are consequences when you give certain things up. Some things, you can’t get back. He’s afraid the friendship between the four of them is one of them.

Trina tells Cameron, it’s just them; open up. He opens the door to Trina and Josslyn, and Trina asks what he was going to do. Sing them to death? Cameron says, ha-ha, and Josslyn says he’s taking protecting his family seriously. Cameron says they should know how many threats the family has gotten since the article came out. Josslyn says, it’s the worst; notorious family members on the front page. Then you have to worry about vigilantes. She says she thought celebrating together might take their minds off everything, and Trina produces a heart-shaped box of candy. Josslyn says, happy Valentine’s Day, bringing out more candy.

Ava asks how Franco is doing, and Elizabeth says, he’s having radiation treatments. Nikolas says, that’s good, isn’t it? and Elizabeth says they’re doing everything, and praying it’s enough. Franco comes back, and Elizabeth congratulates Ava and Nikolas on their engagement. Ava says Franco is the one who convinced her to go all in with Nikolas, and Elizabeth says she and Franco are celebrating their second anniversary. Franco says, not everyone gets married in a jail cell. He runs his hand through his hair, and realizes it’s falling out.

Britt tells TJ that he’s off the clock, and asks how he and Molly are doing. He says they’re still going strong; it’s a big night for them. Britt tells him, then get out, and he heads for the elevator. He asks, what about her? and she says, her heart belongs to GH. He tells her that she’s changed a lot since her first go around there, and Britt says, bye. The elevator door closes, and she says she doesn’t know about that. She still has a few tricks up her sleeve. She goes into one the rooms, and says, sorry to keep them waiting. There’s no one she’d rather be with tonight. She takes off her lab coat, and poses seductively, and we see Brad in the bed.

Jason tells Jordan, he was just checking on Brando, and she says, how convenient. Brando was just about to tell her what happened. Jason says, don’t let him interrupt, and Jordan tells Brando, go on. Brando says he was about to meet Cyrus, when he heard a shot, and felt an incredible pain in his leg that took him down. Jordan says, and the person who shot him? Brando says he never saw them. He only heard them running away. She says, so he has nothing that can ID the person who shot him? and he says, no. She asks if that’s all he’s going to give her, and Brando says, that’s all he’s got. She asks if Jason has anything to add.

Cameron thanks Josslyn and Trina for coming, and says he can’t help feeling bad. Josslyn asks, why? and he says, aren’t they supposed to be at the dance? Trina says, without him? and Josslyn says, insane. Cameron tells them, he remembers last year at this time, and Josslyn says she knows the year was rough for all of them. She wants them to know she couldn’t have gotten through it without them. Trina says, her neither, and Cameron says, same. Trina looks at the Valentine’s Day banner hanging over the fireplace, and says, it’s falling down. Cameron says, that’s what happens when Jake insists on doing it by himself. He wonders where the tape is.   

Elizabeth tells Franco, Terry said the treatments were working so well, she upped the dosage. He says, if horrible is what she intended, it’s working well. He didn’t think they’d be testing the in sickness or in health so soon, and she says, it’s not a test. It’s life, and they’re going to live a long and happy one.

Britt and Brad put together Valentine’s Day goodie bags, and Brad tells Britt, this may be a new low; making Valentine’s for other people, when he’s received none of his own. Britt says, they’re sick kids, and it’s to make them feel better, so stop moping. She busted him out to have fun, not sit and cry about how lonely he is. He asks how she made it happen, and she says she told the warden that Brad needed a follow-up to insure the proper healing of the stab wound he sustained in the warden’s jail, and on his time. Brad says he guesses she wanted to see him because she needed help, and she says, of course (🍷) she wanted to see him. It’s only the most depressing day of the year, but if he’d rather be in jail, she’ll gladly alert the warden’s office. He says, this is exactly where he wants to be, and thanks her for making it happen. She says, he’s welcome, and he says he has one question. Does Lucas know he’s there?

Felix and Lucas are at the reception desk, when TJ comes by. Felix says, someone has big plans, and Lucas says, don’t let them keep him. Have fun. TJ says he plans to. Ciao. He leaves, and Lucas says, ah, to be young and in love. Felix says Lucas is still sort of young. What are his plans? Lucas says, nothing, and Felix says, he could change that. Does Lucas want to go for a drink after work?

Portia asks Curtis what they’re doing there again, and he says his client believes his wife is cheating with the owner. She asks, who’s the wife? and he says, 11 o’clock. She says, what about the owner? and he says he hasn’t seen the owner yet today. Portia says, let her know when he sees him, and he says, will do. He stares at her, and she says, what? He says, look at her, having a good time, and she says she loves her life; her job, her daughter. But every day she moves from chaos of GH, and dealing with patients, hopefully saving lives, to home, where she deals with Trina, who, as he knows, is dealing with an extremely difficult situation with her father. It’s a difficult place to be in. Curtis said he was over the P.I. stuff, but it’s like a little vacation for her. He says, well, all right, and they clink glasses.

Jason tells Jordan, he has nothing to add, and Jordan says, shocking. She doesn’t know why she bothers to ask any more. The ballistics report shows that Brando was shot at close range. He claims he didn’t see who did it, but does he have some idea of who might be motivated to do this? Who is he protecting? Cyrus or Sonny’s organization?   

Molly tells Kristina, TJ is done with work and on his way over, and Kristina asks if she’s nervous. Molly says, no. She’s excited, happy, and most of all, at peace. Kristina says it’s the perfect way to feel before a commitment, and Molly asks if she thinks Sam and their mom will be upset when they find out she and TJ did this without them. Kristina says she thinks when Molly explains why, they’ll understand. Molly says, as much as they love their families, and want a big celebration, doing it this way feels right. Kristina says, intimate and simple; she gets it. Molly says, no big fanfare. Just the two of them starting their lives together. The clerk comes out, and says, not if she has anything to say about it.

Curtis tells Portia, there he is, and she says, the owner? Where? He says, 2 o’clock, and she looks over. She asks why he didn’t say, at the bar? and he says, it sounded more P.I. She says, it kind of does, actually. She looks over again at the couple, and says, wow. He can’t keep his eyes off of her. Has his client asked her if she was cheating? Curtis says, she denies it, but his client is positive she’s lying. Portia says, that’s usually the way it goes. Maybe they’re friends, and just enjoy working together. She sees the woman run her hands over the owner’s chest, and says, maybe not. Curtis tells her, say cheese, and he takes her picture, with the couple in the background.   

Jordan says, Brando is Cyrus’s driver, or whatever his job title is, and Brando says, so? She asks if he did something to make Cyrus angry, or Jason, but he says he doesn’t have an issue with either of them. He told her that he doesn’t know who did it, and she says, whoever it was, didn’t want him dead, or he would be. Maybe it was a warning. Brando says, maybe it was random, and Jason says, maybe it was a gift. We all go 😮 since Jason said something other than he’s not talking without his attorney.    

The clerk tells Molly and Kristina, see what time it is? She’s about to close. Molly says, she can’t, and she says she most certainly can, and she won’t feel bad. Molly says her fiancé just texted. He’ll be there any minute. He’s in med school. Can’t she make an exception? The clerk says she has 20 minutes. If Prince Charming isn’t here by then, buh-bye. Molly says, come on, TJ, and wonders, where is he? 

On the phone, TJ tells someone, 400 milligrams, and gives instructions about a patient. A man comes up to him, and thanks him, saying he and Britt were so kind in caring for his wife. TJ says he’s glad she’s feeling better, and the man says they’re married 48 years today; they got married on Valentine’s Day. TJ tells him, congratulations, and the man says he hopes TJ finds that kind of love with someone special. TJ says he already has.

Lucas says, it’s cool of Felix to ask him out, but he’s not ready. Felix tells him, who said anything about asking him out? and Lucas says, Felix did. It’s not like they haven’t been here before. Felix says he thought they could have a drink as friends. They can ignore Valentine’s Day together, and not talk about their exes. Lucas says, sounds enticing.

Britt tells Brad that she hasn’t seen much of Lucas, and he asks if Lucas is working tonight. She says she’s not sure, and he says, she made the schedule. She tells him, let it go, please. He says he knows he doesn’t make her nervous, so why is her hand shaking?

Sitting at a table, Nikolas says he and Ava have come a long way, and she says, not exactly in a straight line, but she likes where they landed. He says, him too, and she wonders if it’s possible they actually found happiness. He says, not only is it possible, it’s happening. Welcome to the rest of her life. They clink glasses, and Ava says, it’s good. He says, the best, and a waiter comes over with a heart-shaped box for Ava.

Chase tells Willow that she looks beautiful, and she thanks him. He says he wanted to tell her at the Quartermaine’s, but it seemed… She says, awkward? She tells him that he looks nice too, and he asks if they should get a bottle of wine. She says, definitely, and he looks at the wine menu. She asks if they have a specific one, and he says he’s never heard of it. He wonders if she’s been hanging out with the wine guy, and she says she has, but not their wine guy. Michael had a tutor come to the house, and her head was spinning with regions and vintages. He says, sounds cool, and she says, it was. He orders the wine.  

Michael tells Sasha that Olivia squeezed them in at the MetroCourt, and Sasha says she’s surprised Michael asked her out tonight. He says, they had to start somewhere, so why not one of most fraught days of the year? He wants them to get to know one another again. No expectations. Just see where the night takes them. Does it sound good? She says, sounds good, and he tells her, if he hasn’t said it already, she looks absolutely beautiful. She says he hasn’t, and thank you. As they’re leaving, his phone rings. He says it’s his mom, and she tells him, take it. He answers, and says, is he okay?… Wait. What?   

Curtis tells Portia that he got some good shots. They put on quite a a show; they weren’t even trying to be discreet. She says, now he has to tell his client? and he says, it’s part of the job, and not the fun part. He shows her the pictures, and she says, not the butt grab. They’re not fooling around. He says, neither is he.    

Jason tells Jordan, the longer Brando is out of commission, he can’t do Cyrus’s bidding. Brando says, but he has to work, and Jordan says she thinks there’s more to this than they’re admitting. She’s telling them, she will figure it out. She leaves, and Brando asks why the hell Jason shot him. 

Kristina tells Molly, don’t worry about the clerk. She’ll take care of her. Molly asks, how? and Kristina says, what part of don’t worry doesn’t she get? Sit back, and go to her peaceful place. They sit down, and Molly asks if Kristina was surprised, and Kristina says, a little that they picked Valentine’s Day to become partners. Molly says, cliché? and Kristina says, traditional. It’s anything but them. Molly says they did it to give the day more meaning than greeting cards and chocolates. This is what it’s supposed to be about; true love. Kristina says her little sister was always a romantic. The clerk says their 20 minutes are up. It’s closing time. Clear out.

TJ looks at his phone, and says, this isn’t happening. Not one Ride Share. He decides to look for another app, when Jordan approaches him. She asks if everything is all right.

Ava wonders what could be in the box. She already has two beautiful rings, so she’s sure it’s not that. Is it a necklace, or perhaps earrings? She asks Nikolas, what is it? and he says, open it and find out.

Franco pushes his plate away, and Elizabeth says, he can’t eat again? He says, it’s okay; he’ll watch her eat. She says they’re going home. She’s not taking no for an answer. He says, thank God, and they leave.

Cameron can’t find the tape, and thinks Jake must have taken it upstairs, but says he has some in his bag. He bought a calendar to count off the days until graduation. Trina says, the days until they’re college bound, and Josslyn starts to dig in Cameron’s bag. He tells her, wait, and she takes out a paper. She asks if it’s for him. It’s an acceptance letter to Stanford University.

Josslyn says, Cameron got in? She didn’t even know he was looking at Stanford. He says he applied for early acceptance, and Josslyn says, amazing. Trina says, congratulations; she’s proud of him. Josslyn says, it’s dated over a month ago. Why didn’t he tell them? He says he doesn’t know if he wants to go, and Trina says, he doesn’t know? He says, it’s an amazing school, with an incredible soccer team, and Josslyn says, he’s an incredible player. He says, there, but what if he sucks at college? Trina says, what if they all go to college, and totally tank? Should they stay home, or worse, be scared? Cameron says he’s not scared, and Josslyn says she gets him not wanting to be away from his family. He says, that’s part of it, but it’s also them. It doesn’t feel done yet. Trina says, what? and he says, this. High school. He doesn’t know if he can be apart from them. Trina says, it does feel like everything is changing, and Josslyn says she gets that, but whether they go or stay, life will change anyway. That’s just the way it is.

Brando says he’s the one in the hospital bed; Jason at least owes him an explanation. Jason says, Cyrus was threatening Brando, and Brando was stuck, so he took Brando out of commission. Brando says, okay, Jason did him a favor, but he could have given him a heads up. Jason says, and risk having him flinch? This was the easiest way. Brando asks if Jason knows how much it hurts to take a bullet (I think he probably does), when there’s a knock at the door. Michael and Sasha come in, and Michael says his mom told him what happened. Sasha asks if Brando is okay, and Brando says, nothing a little rest won’t fix. She asks if he’s sure, and he says he’s fine. What are they doing there? Sasha says he saved her life; the least she could do was check on him. Michael says his mom was a little light with the details. Does Brando know who did it? Jason says he’ll let Brando fill them in, and leaves. Sasha asks, what happened? Does he know who shot him?

Chase tells Willow that he noticed work being done on the gatehouse. She says, a little, and he asks if it was in bad shape. She says she mentioned in passing that the kitchen could use an island or more counter space; nothing urgent. Michael did a full gutting and renovation, not just of the kitchen, but the whole house. It’s hilarious how he’s been spying on her. She points out something she likes, like a chair, and it shows up at the gatehouse. She apologizes, and says she doesn’t mean to be talking so much about Michael. Chase says she lives on the property, and she and Michael are raising a kid together. Michael is part of her life. She asks how his life is. How is he? He says, right here in this moment, pretty damn great.

Ava opens the box, and looks in. Nikolas asks, what’s wrong? and she looks at him.

Britt takes her hand away from Brad, and says she’s fine. Being Chief of Staff is a lot of pressure. He says, it’s Cyrus, isn’t it? She went to the trouble of breaking him out of prison; talk to him. She says, the less he knows, the better. She doesn’t want Cyrus going after him again, and he needs to be in the hospital. She says she should deliver the bags, and he asks if he can help. She says, great idea. Walking around GH when he’s not supposed to be there. He says, so it’s a no? and she says, a hell no. She tells him, keep a low profile. She’ll be back. Outside, she drops some of the bags, and while she’s picking them up, Jason comes by. He asks if she needs some help. I think, nooo. Are they going to get together?

Michael says, Brando never saw who shot him? and Brando says, whoever it was hit nothing major. He says they must have better plans than this on Valentine’s Day, and asks Sasha how recovery is. She tells him, as they say, one day at a time, and he says, nothing wrong with slow and steady. He’s sure they must have reservations somewhere, and tells them, go. Have a good time. He needs the rest anyway. Sasha says, okay, but she’ll be back. He says he’ll be there, and they leave. In the hallway, Michael’s phone dings, and he says, change of plans.

Willow says, it’s so great that Finn and Chase’s dad are getting along. Chase says he never thought it would happen. He feels hopeful that they’re finally becoming a family. She says, it just goes to show, damage can be repaired, bridges can be rebuilt… Chase says, and relationships can be regrown. It’s happening for his dad and Finn, and he hopes it happens with them.

Brad hears Lucas and Felix talking in the hallway, and peeks out through the blinds. Lucas tells Felix, let’s go grab that drink, and Felix says he knows a new place. Brad turns away.

Ava looks at a large bug in a display dome, and Nikolas says he got her something, but not that. What is that, a roach? She says she hates roaches, and he wonders if anyone likes them. (Maybe an entomologist?)  She says she doesn’t understand. Who would do this? Nikolas says they’ll find out.

Curtis tells Portia that he’s so used to going on missions solo; it feels good to have a partner again. She says, if he needs an assist, hit her up, and he says he might take her up on it. His job there is done, and he asks if she’s ready to get out. She says, um… and he says, look at her. She wants to stay. Portia says, maybe one more song, and Curtis says he’s there for it. One more song.

Jordan tells TJ that she knows he’s still mad. She made a mess with him and Molly, and she’s so sorry. He doesn’t have to be ready to forgive her, but if there’s anything she can do to help… He says his car won’t start, and he’s a half-hour late. Jordan says, it will be impossible to get a car, and he says, yeah. Would she give him a ride? She says, of course (🍷). She’ll even use the siren.

Molly tells the clerk, please. She bets he’s parking right now. She’ll go get him. She leaves, and Kristina says, look. Her sister really needs this night to happen. The clerk says, they all have needs, and Kristina says, maybe the clerk has plans, or maybe she’s tired and wants to get home. She gets it, but she wants her sister to be happy, so will this help? Kristina slides a few fifties across the counter to the clerk.

Josslyn tells Cameron, they’ll see each other all the time, and when they can’t, they’ll stay in touch. He asks if they think he should go, and Trina says, if he wants to. Josslyn says she heard there’s some awesome surfing in California. When she visits, she’ll teach him a thing or two. Elizabeth and Franco come in, and Cameron says they’re home early. Elizabeth says, Franco’s not feeling great, and Franco shows Cameron some hair in his hand. He says he’s going for Jeff Bezos, and asks Cameron’s opinion? 

Britt tells Jason, she’s got this, but since he’s intent on giving her a hand, does he want to help her deliver them before the kids are asleep? Or is he too badass to spread a little love? Jason. Almost. Smiles.

Tomorrow, Curtis doesn’t want to, Ava hopes the next present is from Nikolas, Elizabeth tells Franco that it’s just the beginning, Molly asks TJ if he’s ready, and Cameron says he has to do this.

🎞 More Davis, Please…

Just in case you can’t get enough GH, here’s something they left out.

🙊 Sonny Has a Secret…

I’m not sure quite what this is about, but it’s amusing.

👩🏽‍🏫 All About an Analogy…

Everyone weighs in on the analogy heard round Bravoland. While I realize Jackie could have picked something safer, what really bothers me is that many of them – mostly Teresa – don’t grasp what an analogy is. Is this some kind of collective stupidity?

Jackie’s not having it.

https://pagesix.com/2021/02/18/rhonjs-jackie-goldschneider-defends-gia-giudice-coke-comment/

https://nz.news.yahoo.com/rhonj-jackie-goldschneider-says-shes-163354051.html

Marge has something to say, while trying desperately to be Switzerland.

https://pagesix.com/2021/02/17/margaret-josephs-on-teresa-giudice-and-jackie-goldschneiders-fight/

Dina puts in her two cents, even though she hasn’t been on the show in years.

https://pagesix.com/2021/02/18/rhonj-alum-dina-manzo-jackie-should-apologize-to-gia/

The lot of them react.

Oh horrors. Gia is suffering. Over an analogy. After her parents both did time for fraud, and her father has been shown to be an insensitive idiot over and over on the show.

⛪️ Setting Things Straight…

Mary talks about her marriage, her grandparents, and not being scared of Black men at 7-11.

https://www.oprahmag.com/entertainment/a34930757/real-housewives-salt-lake-city-mary-cosby-grandfather-marriage/

✈️ Bethenny Comes Through…

And Lord knows, Texas needs the help right now.

https://pagesix.com/2021/02/18/bethenny-frankel-sending-aid-to-texas/

🌴 The 411 On the 305…

Too bad Mama Elsa has left us.

https://pagesix.com/2021/02/18/everyone-and-their-mother-auditioning-for-real-housewives-of-miami/

🌱 When Hamilton Finally Gets Old…

Disney+ tries to keep it fresh.

https://www.cnet.com/news/disney-plus-reveals-full-lineup-star-movies-and-shows-with-more-to-come/

🏆 Regarding That Globe…

Everything to bring you up to speed.

https://ew.com/awards/golden-globes/everything-to-know-about-2021-golden-globes/

📌 That’s a Fact…

The 54th Regiment Massachusetts Infantry was a volunteer Union regiment organized in the American Civil War. Its members became known for their bravery and fierce fighting against Confederate forces. It was the second all-Black Union regiment to fight in the war, after the 1st Kansas Colored Volunteer Infantry Regiment.

You can read about them here:

https://www.history.com/topics/american-civil-war/the-54th-massachusetts-infantry

💡 Quotes of the Week

You can’t wake a person who is pretending to be asleep.  – Navajo saying

Everything you’ve ever wanted is on the other side of fear. – George Addair

The most difficult thing is the decision to act, the rest is merely tenacity. – Amelia Earhart

For to be free is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. – Nelson Mandela

The ultimate measure of a person is not where one stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where one stands in times of challenge and controversy. – Martin Luther King, Jr

Start where you are, with what you have. Make something of it and never be satisfied. – George Washington Carver

We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated. – Maya Angelou

You are here for a purpose. There is no duplicate of you in the whole wide world. There never has been, there never will be. You were brought here now to fill a certain need. Take time to think that over. – Lou Austin  (And let’s hope it’s not to create stupid names for lipsticks.)

Do what is right, not what is easy nor what is popular. – Roy T. Bennett

Silence becomes cowardice when occasion demands speaking out the whole truth and acting accordingly. – Mahatma Gandhi

Action may not always bring happiness, but there is no happiness without action. – William James

You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with. – Jim Rohn

A day without sunshine is like, you know, night. – Steve Martin

🚙 Getting On the Exit Ramp…

It’s that time again. Time to wrap up the week, or cross another day off the calendar as you mindlessly eat another bag of your chips of choice. But the world is opening up more, so step away from the chips, and do something different. Get out of the house, and give the outside winter wonderland a try. Unless you’re in the middle of a blackout, in which case, you’re not reading this anyway. Until we reunite on Deck, stay safe, stay appreciative of what you have, and stay knowing that, no matter what you do, life will change anyway. That’s just the way it is.

February 18, 2021 – Nina Wants Carly Arrested, Same Old (Awful) House, Today’s Fact, a Quote for BHM & Spangled

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Valentin meets Martin, who says he’s glad Valentin showed up. Valentin wonders why he’s surprised, since Martin asked him to join him at the Port Charles Grill, but Martin says Valentin has been avoiding him for weeks. Valentin asks why Martin is being so dramatic. He has more pressing issues in his life. Martin says, apparently finding his mother isn’t one of them. All Valentin has been doing is wasting time with Jackie, who won’t do anything other than dig up dirt on his brother. They argue as Jackie walks in. She goes to their table, and says she found Martin’s mother. Does that help?

Phyllis cries over the damage at the Tan-O, and wonders how they’re going to recover from this. Lenny looks at the cash drawer, and says, damn. They were cleaned out. Phyllis starts to pick things up, but Sonny tells her, it’s best to wait for the cops, and she says he’s right; she wasn’t thinking. Sonny gets a chair for her, and she says she shouldn’t be so upset. It’s just things, but the level of destruction is so angry. She’s glad Sonny wasn’t there; he could have been hurt. Lenny asks where Sonny was. He was supposed to be watching the bar. What happened? Officer Finchley walks in, and says he’d like the answer to that himself.

Carly tells Jax, Diane wants to go over everything that happened with Nelle on the cliff, step by step. Jax wonders why, and Carly says, Diane wants to be prepared for whatever. She hopes Diane is right about what she anticipates, and the PCPD leaves well enough alone. She asks if Jax is okay, and he says he is, considering he just destroyed Nina.

Jordan tells Nina that Nelle probably just fell, but Nina says, Nelle wasn’t alone. Carly was on the cliff with Nelle when it happened. She’s been lying to them, and the police. Jordan asks why Nina supposes that is, and Nina says she wants Jordan to arrest Carly for Nelle’s murder.

Britt tells Jason that Cyrus’s research is fiction, and she thinks he must have complete control over Dr. Roberts. She did her own research, and the drug is addictive on the first use. Cyrus must have told the doctor and his team to change the data, so the Board wouldn’t vote against the drug. Jason asks if she still has her research, and she says she does. She’ll print it out and show him. Cyrus made a mistake thinking he could fool the Board and falsify data. It’s a good thing she ran her own tests and can prove the result, so she can expose Cyrus’s lies. Her laptop says, file empty.

Cyrus says he’s putting Brando on notice. He tasked Brando with finding his mother weeks ago, yet he hasn’t made any progress. Perhaps Brando isn’t as useful as he originally thought. Brando says he’s been trying to find Cyrus’s mother, and he’s made some headway. Cyrus says, go on, and Brando says he tracked the SUV caught on the security camera the night his mother disappeared. Cyrus says, and? and Brando says he can confirm it’s not the one that transported her off the premises. Again, Cyrus says, and? and Brando says, that’s it for now. Cyrus raises his fist and says, not good enough.

Jackie sits down, and Martin asks where his mother is. She says, Vermont probably, and Valentin asks her to please explain. She says Carly’s mother is working in Vermont, nursing a private patient. Martin says, she needs a job, but Valentin says, it makes sense that Carly would involve her mother. Bobbie is a competent nurse, and has unequalled loyalty. That would explain why Bobbie didn’t come back for Sonny’s funeral. Jackie says she’s going to Vermont to check it out, and Martin asks, when are they leaving?   

Portia explains Cyrus’s offer of refusing to cooperate and testify against Taggert. She says she can tell he hadn’t heard about it, and he says, it’s the first time he’s hearing about it. Why is she coming to him? She says, because Cyrus made the offer to Jordan, and she turned it down. He says, Jordan must have some leverage over Cyrus, and Portia says she doesn’t blame her for not wanting to take a deal from Cyrus, but once again, she’s out of loop on something that directly impacts her family. He says he doesn’t expect Jordan to check in with him on police matters, but Portia says, if Taggert isn’t protected and not prosecuted, he’ll go to prison. It will impact her daughter, so will he please talk to Jordan and find out what she’s thinking. He says he doubts Jordan will tell him anything. They’re officially separated.   

Jordan tells Nina that she’s making allegations about a case that’s been closed for months. Maybe she should take it down a notch. Nina says she’s not letting people turn a blind eye to protect Carly; not this time. Jordan says, that’s not what she’s doing, and asks Nina to sit and start at the top. Nina says she was at Sonny’s funeral, when she overheard Carly and Jax talking about what happened on the cliff. Carly heard Nelle calling out, and hesitated. She let Nelle fall, and left her there. Jordan says, Carly told the police that she fought with Nelle in the clearing, and Jax said that’s where he found her. They never went to the cliff. Is Nina accusing them of lying to the police? Nina says, that, and so much more. The truth has to come out about what happened to her daughter. Jordan says, her daughter? and Nina says, yeah. Nelle was her daughter. She fingers the necklace.

Josslyn comes home, and Carly asks if she’s okay. Josslyn says she was at Trina’s, trying to do homework, but couldn’t focus. What happened at the cemetery? Why did Nina lose it? Jax asks what she overheard, and Josslyn says, Nina accused him and Carly of doing something to her daughter. Carly tells Jax that she already explained to Josslyn that Nelle was Nina’s daughter, and Josslyn asks what Nina is accusing them of. What does Nina think they did to Nelle?  

Sonny tells Finchley that he drove a drunk customer to the motel in the customer’s car, and had to walk back. Lenny says, leaving the Tan-O ripe for the picking. Did he even lock the door? Sonny says he did, and Lenny can check the damage on the lock. Lenny says, none of it would have happened if Sonny had been there watching, and Finchley asks how long Sonny was gone. Sonny says, twenty, twenty-five minutes, and Finchley says, it took him that long to drive to the motel and walk back? Sonny says, he took the customer to his room. He didn’t want him found frozen. Finchley says Sonny is a regular good Samaritan, and Sonny says, he can’t say; he doesn’t remember. Finchley says that seems to be his answer for everything, and Phyllis asks what he means. What is he implying? Finchley says he’s not implying anything. He’s saying straight up that Mike/Sonny is a liar.

Jason asks Britt, what’s wrong? and she says, her research is all gone, erased; even her back-up. Jason says, obviously Cyrus found out and covered his tracks. She says she’ll confront Dr. Roberts, but Jason says he can’t let her do that. She says, don’t tell her what to do, and he says, he respectfully requests that she hear him out. The smart move is to do nothing. Take their time. She says, time is something she doesn’t have, and he asks, why? Is she going somewhere?

Jackie tells Martin, she works solo, but he says, not this time. He and Valentin are going. Valentin says he can’t drop everything for a Vermont road trip, and Martin asks, why? Is it ELQ, or Valentin’s obsession with his ex? His romantic woes can wait; they need to find Martin’s mother. Valentin says he’ll even pay for the trip, but if they find evidence, they’re to go directly to the Vermont police. Jackie says she’s not going to try and rescue Florence by herself, but it’s moot until they’re certain she’s there. That’s why she needs to keep a low profile. It makes sense for her to go first, and alone to scout the location. Martin says he’s absolutely going. End of conversation. She says, then prepare to fail. If he goes, he’ll ruin everything.

Portia brings Curtis into one of the examining rooms, so they can talk privately. She says she’s so sorry to hear he and Jordan are separated. She knew they were going through a rough patch, but thought they’d work through it. They obviously love each other. He says, it takes more than love to make a marriage, and she asks if he’s saying it’s over. He says, no. He’s saying it’s on pause, but he’s tired of living a life of lies and omission, no matter how well-intended. She asks if that isn’t the actual job description, and he says, he knows the boundaries of the job. When he and Jordan worked together in Baltimore, he knew more about her personal life than he does as her husband. Portia says she gets it, but she doesn’t think Jordan intended to shut him out. He says, it keeps happening, and Jordan is so good at it, he wonders what else she’s not telling him. He’s exhausted, waiting for the other shoe to fall. If they can’t be honest, what’s the point? She says, honesty is the backbone of a marriage. That’s why she and Taggert didn’t make it.

Nina shows Jordan how the necklaces match, and says, two halves of a whole. Nelle had it the entire time, even when she was a little girl. Nina didn’t know until it was too late. Jordan says she’s so sorry. She knows how long Nina had been searching. It must be devastating. Nina appreciates Jordan’s understanding, and says, now that Jordan knows, she can help. Nina wasn’t Nelle’s mother when Nelle was alive, but she can still fight for her. Jordan says she understands the instinct to do something, but as she explained… Nina says, Carly is responsible for Nelle’s death. She could have saved Nelle, and did nothing. She needs to be held accountable. Carly is the reason Nelle is dead.

Carly tells Josslyn that she hesitated; she thought it was a trick. She thought Nelle would pull her over. She finally looked, and saw Nelle dangling. She reached out, and tried help, but Nelle fell. She was kneeling there in shock, when Jax showed up. Jax says he was afraid if the police showed up, they’d accuse Carly of pushing Nelle, and Carly says, so they went to the clearing. That’s where she told the police she fought with Nelle, Nelle ran off, and it was the last time she saw Nelle. Josslyn says, so she lied, and Carly says, she did. Josslyn says she made the right call.

Phyllis tells Finchley, that’s an outrageous thing to say. Mike/Sonny has been open and above board with them. Lenny says, he had his doubts, but that was before he had the chance to see Mike in action; he’s a hard worker. Finchley says, good to hear, and Phyllis asks why he’s so dead set against Mike. Finchley says Mike showed up just as the smash and grab robberies started, including this one. Sonny says he wasn’t there, and Finchley asks if the customer had a name. Sonny says, they didn’t have a conversation; the customer was too drunk. Finchley can check with the motel. Finchley says he will. He won’t take anything Mike says at face value, especially since he ran Mike’s fingerprints. We all go, WTH? Does he know Mike is Sonny? But it’s a commercial.

Sonny says, Finchley ran his prints even though he said no? and Lenny says, it’s within the man’s rights. Lenny asks how Finchley got them, and Finchley says he took a cup he saw Mike/Sonny drinking from. Sonny asks if Finchley ID’d him. All this time, Finchley has been harassing him when Finchley knew who he was?

Brando says he’s proven himself to Cyrus over and over, but Cyrus tells him to prove himself again; find his mother. Brando says, he needs time. but Cyrus says he’s made himself perfectly clear. He hired Brando as a source of information about Sonny’s organization. Now Sonny is dead, and Jason has no loyalty to Brando. Brando needs to prove his worth in other ways. Find his mother. If he doesn’t, he’ll have Brando terminated.

Britt tells Jason, she has a full plate. She has a staff to manage, and a department to oversee. If Cyrus discovered she did her own research, he’s bound to come after her. Jason says he won’t let that happen, and she asks how he’s going to stop it. He says, any way he has to. He has enough leverage to back Cyrus off. She asks, what kind? but he says he can’t tell her. He gets a text from Brando, saying, Saint Street alley. ASAP, and tells Britt that he’s got to go; be careful. She says she can take care of herself; she always has. He leaves, and Britt looks at her hand shaking. She says, this, she might not be able to fight.

Carly says she doesn’t know if lying was the right or wrong decision, but it’s the one she made in the moment, so she’s seeing it through. Josslyn says she understands. She doesn’t want Carly going to prison for something she didn’t do. It’s like what happened with Nelle all over again, when Carly went to Ferncliff for pushing Nelle down the stairs. Even though she was innocent, she was locked up anyway. Josslyn never wants that to happen again. Jax says they’ll do everything in their power to make sure it doesn’t, and Carly says, Nina is grieving. She’s lashing out about the daughter she’d imagined, and blaming Carly. It’s not fun, but she’s survived worse. She and Josslyn hug.

Portia tells Curtis that she gets it. Taggert had so much locked away, she felt abandoned emotionally. Then she met Curtis, and she was the one holding back. Ultimately, the only thing they shared was Trina. Even when Taggert was home, they didn’t have enough life together to make the marriage work. Curtis says, everyone has a secret or two, and he understands, but the secrets Jordan has been keeping directly effect their lives. She knew TJ was kidnapped long before she told him, and she knew he blamed himself for Taggert’s death. Meanwhile, Taggert was safe, and in hiding. Jordan might have her reasons, but at the end of the day, he doesn’t want to live like this, no matter how hard it is to walk away.

Jordan looks at her and Curtis’s wedding photo. She gets her coat, and leaves her office.

Martin tells Jackie that he resents the implication. He’d never do anything to put his mother in danger. She says, not on purpose, but he’s too emotionally involved. He’ll probably charge in and try to rescue her the minute he lays eyes on her. Martin says he does know his mother is all right, and Valentin asks, how? Martin says he spoke to her, and Jackie says, how? When? He says he received a dedicated phone, and she asks if his mother said anything like the name of her nurse or her location, but he says all she told him was that she was being treated well. Nina walks in, and Valentin excuses himself. Martin says, they’re not finished, but Jackie says she thinks they are. He says, very well, and she says, then it’s decided. He says he’s coming with her.

Valentin sits with Nina at the bar, and says he hasn’t seen her in a while. She says, he knew that Jax knew Nelle was her daughter. She’s not asking how he knew, but it was just the tip of the iceberg. He asks, what happened? and she says, Carly was on the cliff when Nelle fell. Jax convinced Carly to lie, so she wouldn’t be arrested. For all his fancy talk, insisting he was protecting her feelings and saving her heartache and grief, the whole time, the person he was protecting was Carly. Valentin warned her, didn’t he? He was right. Jax always puts Carly first, and she can never forgive that.

Carly opens the door to Jordan, who thanks Carly for seeing her. Carly asks if she had a choice, and Jordan comes in. Jordan says she was hoping Jax would be there; otherwise, he was her next stop. Jax asks what they can do for the Commissioner, and Jordan says she’d like to do this privately. Carly asks Josslyn to go upstairs and check on Donna. They exchange I love yous, and Josslyn leaves. Carly says Jordan is aware Sonny’s funeral was a few hours ago, and Jordan says she’s sorry, but she had to come tonight. There are allegations against them, so she’s going to ask flat out, did Carly push Nelle to her death? BTW, regular Jordan is back. Funny thing, I never even noticed. I guess I’d already forgotten about tween Jordan.

Portia tells Curtis, she’s so sorry it’s come to this. She hopes Jordan realizes what she’s losing, and he finds it in himself to change his decision. He says, it’s not just about Jordan. He needs to refocus his own life. She asks, in what way? and he asks if she remembers their conversation at the gym. He’s tired of trading in secrets, his and other people’s. He makes a living uncovering other people’s dirty laundry, then blows their secrets wide open. He needs something new… something more.

Nina tells Valentin, Carly admitted she hesitated. How do they knew she put in any effort at all, with all the bad blood between them? And Jax blindly backs her without question. He didn’t care enough about Nina to think she deserved the truth. Valentin says, so he didn’t see Nelle fall, and Nina says, if Jax can lie about Nelle being her daughter, how can she believe anything he and Carly say about what really happened? Valentin says, she can’t.

Jackie tells Martin, there’s no proof Bobbie is looking after his mother; it’s just a hunch. He says that’s good enough for him. He’ll be her back up. She says she doesn’t need back up, and he says, what happens if she gets caught, or Bobbie gets wind she’s been asking questions? Jason will relocate his mother, and they’re back to square one. She says she’s not an amateur. She’s navigated war zones. She thinks she can handle a sleepy Vermont town. Cyrus approaches, and asks if they’re planning a trip.

Finchley says he couldn’t ID Mike/Sonny, and Phyllis asks why Finchley did it. It’s plain that he’ll make any excuse to blame Mike. Lenny says, Finchley took Mike’s fingerprints without his consent, and stole a cup from him to do it. Finchley says he’s concerned with stopping the robberies, but Sonny says Finchley isn’t catching anyone when he’s fixated on him. Lenny says, the robberies were going on before Mike got there, and Sonny offers for Finchley to check his room. He’ll see Sonny didn’t steal anything or bust up the place. Finchley says, don’t mind if I do, and goes upstairs. Sonny thanks Lenny and Phyllis for sticking up for him, and says Finchley isn’t going to find anything up there. Phyllis says she’s sorry, but he can’t stay there any longer.

Curtis tells Portia, now that he’s realized what he wants, he sees no reason to stay. The job he’s working on will be wrapping up shortly, and it might be the last one. Portia says, the nightclub? and he says, yeah. He’ll be stylin’ tomorrow night, and blending in. He’s going to finish the job and make his money. Does her offer to help with the case still stand?

Carly tells Jordan that she didn’t kill Nelle; it’s the God’s honest truth. She knows Nina made allegations. She barged in on Sonny’s funeral while they were laying roses on his grave. She got upset, and leveled unfounded accusations. Carly knows Nina is in pain, but so is Sonny’s family, and so is she. Jax says, Nina was distraught about Nelle being her daughter, and Jordan says she’s still wrapping her head around that, but it’s her job to investigate. Nina heard Carly say she had been on the cliff, but that wasn’t in Carly’s statement; why is that? Carly wonders if this is an official interview, and says she’s calling Diane. Jordan says, that’s not necessary, but before she leaves, she has to say something.  

Sonny tells Phyllis, he’ll go, but he just doesn’t want them thinking he did this to them. She says she’s not asking him to leave because she thinks he’s a criminal, and Lenny asks, what’s the deal? She says, obviously, Finchley is fixated on Mike/Sonny. If he stays there, the only way it will end is with Mike behind bars, and she doesn’t want that. Lenny says, so she doesn’t want Mike to go? and she says, of course (🍷) not. She’s thinking about what’s best for Mike. Sonny says, all right, he’ll stay. He’d like to think he’s needed there, and he needs them, but he’s got to tell them, he doesn’t think their troubles are over.

Valentin says he’s sorry Jax betrayed Nina’s trust, but Nina says he knew it was coming; so did Ava. Valentin says he takes no pleasure in being right. He doesn’t like to see her in pain. Nina says, ironic, considering how much he hurt her, and he says he’d do anything to make it up to her. She says, then prove it.

Cyrus takes his jacket off, and says, cozy. Martin says they were just enjoying a cocktail, and Cyrus says, and discussing Vermont. Jackie says she was looking into Martin’s allegations that Jason kidnapped his mother, and Cyrus says, Martin told her? Martin says Cyrus knows him, and knows he’d do anything to get their mother back safely. Jackie says she was thinking of taking a trip to Vermont to speak to the staff who were on duty when his mother disappeared, but Cyrus says her inquiry isn’t necessary. He’s confident that his man understands the urgency and the consequences if he fails.

Brando tells Jason that he can only put off Cyrus for so long. His time is up. Cyrus is going to terminate him if he doesn’t show results. Jason says, define terminate, which is what I was thinking, and Brando says Jason’s guess is as good as his. Cyrus is either going to fire him or kill him, unless they come up with a solution.

Sonny thinks the Tan-O is a target, but Lenny says, they’re not the only ones. The hardware store was also robbed. Sonny says, but this is the second time since he’s been there. He disarmed the first guy, but this time it’s more than a robbery. Look around. Whoever did this wanted to do as much damage as possible. Finchley comes back, and says Mike/Sonny’s room is clean. Lenny thanks him for coming by, and Finchley says he finds Mike’s story flimsy. It will be hard to prove with no name, and he could have checked out by now. Sonny says, law enforcement is harder than it looks, and Finchley says he’s got his eyes on Sonny. He leaves, and Phyllis says, what did she tell them? Finchley is like a dog with a bone. He’s not going to let up. Is Mike sure he wants to put himself through this? Sonny tells her, like he said, he’s not leaving them in the lurch, especially with all the kindness they’ve shown him. As long as there’s trouble there, he stays. Lenny guesses they’d best start cleaning up then, and Sonny says he’s Lenny’s man.

Portia asks if Curtis wants her to help with the case, and he says, nothing dangerous, he promises. She says she knows he’d never put her in jeopardy. Okay, she’s in. What does he need her to do? He says he wants her to be his Valentine.  

Jordan tells Carly and Jax, Nina is not going to let this go. She wants Carly arrested. Jax says he doesn’t care what she wants. Carly didn’t kill Nelle. Jordan says, Nelle’s body was recovered in Pennsylvania (on the other side of the river), and it’s out of her jurisdiction. She’s going to have to notify the Feds, and thinks it would be wise for Carly to alert Diane. She leaves.

Martin asks if Cyrus has any promising leads, but Cyrus thinks it’s best he keeps them to himself. Martin says he’s sure Cyrus intends to keep him in the loop, and Cyrus says he’s going to keep their mother safe at all costs. He tells them to enjoy their drinks, and leaves. Martin tells Jackie, he hopes she understands that if Cyrus finds their mother first, he’ll move her to another location, and she’ll be lost to him all over again. Please, he’s begging her. He’s got to find his mother. Jackie says, okay. She’s going to track Bobbie, and hopes it leads to Florence.   

Valentin says he’ll do anything for Nina. What does she need? Nina says, help her make Carly pay.

Josslyn comes back, and tells Carly that she changed Donna, and she’s asleep. She asks if Jordan left, and Jax says, yeah. Josslyn asks if Carly is going to be arrested, but Carly says, no. There’s no evidence, and the simple fact is, she didn’t do anything wrong. It’s just a formality. Everything will be okay. They hug.

Britt looks at her phone, and calls Dr. Todd Walsh. She says she’d like to make an appointment. The referring physician is Dr. Britt Westbourne… The symptoms are intermittent tremors in the right hand... She’d like the earliest available appointment.

Brando tells Jason, he’s doing everything he can, but he’s out of time. Cyrus is out of patience, and he needs a solution now. Jason says, Brando is right; that is a problem. He turns his back, and Brando says, so that’s it? Jason’s not going help him? He did his best for Sonny, and now he’s on his own? So be it. He walks away, and Jason shoots him in the back.  

I literally said, whoa! out loud, and something about what a dirtbag Jason is, but after some thought, I’m guessing he’s just putting Brando out of commission for a while. Even though I’m not really a Jason fan, I don’t see him shooting someone in the back. At least not Brando. If that’s not the case, then he is a dirtbag.

Tomorrow, it’s Valentine’s Day in Port Charles, Britt says there’s no one she’d rather be with, TJ says it’s a big night, and Jordan asks who someone is protecting.

🏖 The awful people living in Summer House were still just as awful tonight. I found it particularly distasteful when Luke tried to gaslight Hannah, while confirming she was in the friendzone. She said he was no friend of hers, and he said she was delusional and overly dramatic, but I’ve met his kind before. He’s a jerk whose M.O. is benching certain girls, and not worth her time. It’s been a while since I was in the dating pool, and while the meeting place might have changed, the players haven’t. Still far from Luke’s narcissism, Kyle comes in at second place for humble bragging about working 80 hour weeks in the Hamptons. But I thought summer was supposed to be fun?

📌 That’s a Fact…

On March 30, Alvin Ailey and a group of young, black modern dancers perform for the first time as members of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater at New York’s 92nd Street YM-YWHA.

The rest is history, and you can read about it here:

https://www.alvinailey.org/about/history

📣 That’s a Quote…

I am writing this book to redefine Blackness and establish a new ‘Black Card,’ so to speak. Carriers of this car will no longer be ashamed of admitting that past traumas have hurt them….Trauma isn’t just war flashbacks. It’s having to raise your siblings because you were fatherless. It’s have to raise yourself because your mother was dealing with her own crises. It’s having a father who left you and your siblings at home while he roamed the streets looking for a fix. It’s being neglected because you were raised by a single parent who dealt with their trauma in silence. – AD Thomason, Permission to Be Black

🏇 That’s a Finish…

While there will be plenty of Port Charles Valentines and tea tomorrow, I have to work on some copywriting, so I’m off. Until we meet in the Saint Street alley, stay safe, stay sure of yourself, and stay the hell away from dudes like Luke.

February 17, 2021 – Cyrus Calls a Board Meeting, NJ Is Off To a Rollicking Start, Lisa Goes Off Brand, News From the Garden State, Today’s Fact & Bessie’s Kitchen

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

There’s a knock on Jordan’s office door. She thanks Curtis for coming, and says she wasn’t sure if her request would carry any weight. She sees his face, and says, sorry. It’s been almost two months since he’s been staying at the MetroCourt. She never thought he’d be gone this long. He says, it’s not like they resolved any of their issues, and she suggests they work on fixing them. She made an appointment with Dr. Massey. If Curtis doesn’t want to work on them by coming home, they can work on them in counseling. He says, no, they can’t.

At the hospital, Cyrus asks Britt where she’s going, and she says, as Chief of Staff , she usually circulates through the departments, checking in and supervising. Portia watches, and flashes back to when Cyrus told her that he was willing to withdraw his statement to the DOJ. They can’t prosecute Trina’s father without his statement, but Jordan declined. Portia wonders what those two are up to.

Lenny welcomes Phyllis home, and asks, why the suitcase? She says she knows she should have stopped home, but she wanted to make sure they didn’t burn the place down in her absence. She tells Lenny, she’s just joking; no need to get upset. Lenny says, it’s not that. Mike remembered something. Sonny says , no. He actually remembered someone.

Nina stares daggers at Carly and Jax at the cemetery. Jax sees her and reaches for her, but she shrugs him off. He says he didn’t expect her there, and she says she was at Nelle’s grave, but she saw him, and they need to talk. He says, they can talk after; Jocelyn needs him. Nina says she’s sure Carly needs him too, and asks if they can talk afterward, but she says, no. They need to talk now. She knows what he and Carly did. Dante asks Olivia, what’s going on? and Olivia says she doesn’t know, and she’s not asking. Carly walks over to Nina and Jax, and asks, what’s going on? Nina tells Jax, go ahead and tell her. No, never mind. Let her do it. She tells Carly that she knows what they both did to her daughter.

Jordan asks Curtis when he became too macho for therapy. He was the one that suggested family counseling before they got married, and he was right. It did them a world of good to air their grievances in a safe space, and Stella even came to the wedding. He asks how they’re supposed to tell a stranger about their compromises. How is Jordan going to open up to a stranger, but not to her husband?

Cyrus sees Britt going into the elevator, and says, not to interrupt her perpetual motion, but she should get off the elevator. They don’t want to tie it up for the patients. He tells her that he called a board meeting, and she says, she’s aware and appreciates the honorary seat, but she doesn’t have a vote. Her energy is better spent on patients. He urges her not to skip the meeting. It’s everything they’ve been working for. Portia joins them, and asks if everything is okay, but Britt says, everything is fine. Cyrus says, they were talking about the board meeting. As a Department head, Portia is welcome to join. Portia asks why she would need to be there, and he says, winds of change are blowing through General Hospital. Trust him; she doesn’t want to miss it.

Phyllis tells Sonny, that’s exciting; tell her everything. He says he was by himself. He was groggy, and he dozed off. Music was playing, and he was dancing with someone who had blonde hair, but he couldn’t make out her face. Phyllis says, they were wondering about the wedding band. It could be the wife that gave him the watch. He says he doesn’t know, but she definitely felt important to him. Phyllis said, like she told him, as the medicine starts working, he could possibly remember things in his life. Sonny says, maybe it was just a dream and not important. They have no way of knowing, so… He starts to walk away, and Phyllis says, that’s not necessarily true.

Jax tells Nina to keep her voice down; they’ll talk afterward. She says, no. He had his chance to be honest about her daughter, and he didn’t do it. No secrets or lies. She wants the whole world to know what he and Carly did to her daughter. Carly walks over, and says, it’s not the time or the place. Sam wonders what’s going on, but Jason says he doesn’t know, and Sam leaves. Nina says, she knows what they did to her only child, and Jax says he was trying to protect her. Nina says, he wasn’t protecting her; he was protecting Carly. Carly always comes first. Her child didn’t even merit having a funeral, just a lousy prayer at the grave. If it had been up to Carly, she wouldn’t even have had that. Nina doesn’t know what’s worse, the sheer hypocrisy or the heartless lies. She knows Carly was there when Nelle died, and they were both there when Nelle fell to her death.

At the board meeting, Cyrus says his assistant is passing out a prospectus regarding the spearheading of the research project he’s been doing in the hospital lab. It’s going to be a financial addition that will keep them from having to gouge the patients. He was inspired by Finn’s discovery, and Finn’s generous donation of the patent for Blackwood’s, but it’s a niche market. General Hospital is ready to enter into the field of pain management, an enormous market. One of the board members says, it’s an interesting presentation, and another board member says, it will help a lot of patients, and be a financial windfall for the hospital. Cyrus says, he’s glad they recognize the incredible potential. With the board’s approval, he’ll be ready to present his findings to the FDA. It requires a unanimous motion. Lesley comes in, and says she objects big time.

Jordan tells Curtis, plenty of people feel more comfortable talking to a trained medical professional, and the legal issue will be covered by doctor/patient confidentiality. Curtis says, that doesn’t always apply, and she says, they can still figure out the root of what’s going on between them. He says, that is the root. It’s tied to dancing around the truth; the lies and secrets. If she can’t speak freely to him, he doesn’t see how they can fix the relationship. He can’t live like this anymore.

Phyllis tells Sonny, she doesn’t have much experience with bipolar patients, but she did her research. There are racing, intrusive thoughts when in the manic phase. Sonny says, like the handiwork he tried there, and Lenny says, don’t remind them, Phyllis says, and the supreme confidence that led him to believe he didn’t need to figure out who he was. But like she said, when the medication builds up in the bloodstream, those thoughts leave. It might be enough to lift the fog, so he can see clearly, and remember who he is. Sonny says , maybe so. How was her trip? Lenny asks if she was able to give her former patient the answers she wanted, and Phyllis says, she was able to give answers, but not the ones her former patient wanted to hear.

Nina asks if Carly is speechless for once, and I laugh. She tells Carly not to try to deny it. She watched Nina’s daughter fall to her death. Carly knew her daughter was in the river for weeks, and said nothing. She let Nelle rot. Why is that? Carly knew if she tried to save Nelle, she could have. Carly tells Nina, don’t. This is her husband’s funeral, and Nina is going to destroy it. Nina says, just like Carly destroyed her daughter’s body, and Carly says, Nelle was a horrible person. She was a killer and a kidnapper, and on the day she died, she slashed Brooke’s throat. Nina says she doesn’t deny Nelle was trouble, but who made Carly judge and jury? Her daughter deserved dignity in death, even if she didn’t get it in life. Tell the truth. If she was capable, would Carly have saved Nelle, or did a part of her, even a small spark , hold back because she wanted to see Nelle die?

Nina says, tell her the truth. Carly owes Nina that much. Could she have saved Nelle? Diane approaches, and says, as Carly’s attorney, she strongly advises Carly to walk away. Jason agrees, but Carly tells Nina that she tried to save Nelle, despite what Nelle did. Nina says, she believes Carly hated Nelle, but doesn’t believe Carly tried to save her. Carly says she doesn’t give a damn; not after the stunt Nina just pulled. That’s exactly the reason why she and Jax didn’t tell Nina the truth. Nina can’t handle the truth. Nina says, Carly doesn’t care that her daughter is dead, even though Carly should have saved her. Nelle never had anyone in life. Nina has heard stories about Carly. Carly did horrible things, but got a second chance. Why is that? She has a whole town filled with Carly enablers. Jax says, enough, but Nina says, the best part is, Carly got Jax to go along with it. Carly is never happier than when she gets someone else to drop everything for her and back her up. Maybe Carly will bring Jax up to the major leagues now that Sonny is gone. Carly says she remembers this side of Nina. The side that drugged Ava, and cut Avery out of Ava’s womb. When Nina is in pain, and her grief is overwhelming, she takes it out on everyone around her. She and Nelle aren’t so different after all.

Phyllis tells Lenny and Sonny, her patient’s daughter passed away months ago, but the real tragedy is, she didn’t know who her daughter was until after her death. Lenny says he’s so sorry. He knows how much guilt Phyllis carries about the situation. He’ll drive her home, so she can drop her things off, and they can talk about it during the drive. He asks if Sonny thinks he can handle things, and Sonny says, no problem.

Leslie tells the Board, they don’t need Cyrus or his drugs. Cyrus says, sorry. Who is she to make that determination? She’s a board member emeritus. It’s honorary and meaningless. Leslie says she doesn’t get to vote, but those who do, should use it wisely.

Jordan says, Curtis knew secrets were part of the package when they were dating, engaged, and then married. It’s not about trust, it’s about her doing her job . If he’s being honest, his profession is trading secrets. He says, technically, it’s uncovering secrets. He gets that her job requires information she can’t share, but in the past year, she’s been keeping secrets that go well beyond work. Secrets about her being compromised by Cyrus. His nephew was kidnapped, and he was left blaming himself for Taggert’s death, when Taggart was alive and in hiding. It started with work secrets, but it’s still about him. In each case, she made the decision to keep him in the dark. How is that being a team? Jordan says, it can be. He showed up; that’s a good sign, especially after her ultimatum. She admits she was too harsh. She felt it was the only way to get through. So has he decided to come home?

Sonny asks the lone customer if he’d like another whiskey, but the customer says he’d rather get moving. He takes out his keys, and drops them, and Sonny says he’s not driving anywhere. He’s had too much to drink. The customer hands Sonny the keys, and says he can do the honors.

Nina tells Carly, one way she’s different from Nelle, is that she wasn’t an impoverished little girl from Florida with one kidney and an abusive father, but she’ll sure as hell stand up to Carly and defend her. Jason says Nina is ruining sonny’s funeral, and Nina says, he’s just proving her point; Carly has her trio of enablers there. Diane is just doing her job, but it’s not like she wasn’t warned that Carly would come first with Jax. Carly says, they’re done. She doesn’t know what Nina tried to accomplish, but she failed. Nina says Carly failed compassion, honesty, and saving the life of someone right in front of her. She’s the worst kind of selfish. She goes around thinking she’s so selfless, and her friends support it. She’s superficial, sugar sweet, until you get between her and her needs. It’s oddly poetic justice that Sonny fell to his death, like Carly watched her daughter fall. Nina starts to walk away, and Jax follows, but Nina turns and says she doesn’t even have the words for him. He had her convinced he was a white knight that would never lie to her, but just like everyone else, he is a liar. He just does it with a tan and a smile. She adds that she was wrong. She did have the words. She leaves, and Jax goes back to what’s left of the mourners.

Olivia, Dante, and Sam go back to the Quartermaine mansion. Monica says they’re home early, and Olivia says, long story. Monica asks Sam if her mother caused a scene, but Sam says, not this time; she couldn’t make it. Olivia says she wondered about that. Alexis should have been there to support Kristina. Dante suggests a Olivia check on Leo, and Monica says he and Wiley were having so much fun with video games, she didn’t even need to look in on them. She and Olivia go upstairs, while Sam and Dante go into the living room. Dante says, it might sound insensitive, but how about a drink? Sam says, it doesn’t sound insensitive. It’s actually welcomed. He says, Scotch or Scotch? and she guesses it will be Scotch. Dante asks how she’s holding up, and she asks if he’s serious. They just came from his father’s funeral, and he was just in the hospital because of her mother. She’s more concerned about him. They clink glasses, and Sam tells him, she’s not saying they needed her mother there for something of significance to go down, but she wasn’t feeling well, and thought it best not to go. Dante says, what about her? It couldn’t have been easy not being with Jason. Sam says, aside from co-parenting, things have been strange between them, but today crystallized things. She knows exactly where they stand. ** clink glass not saying need something of significance went down mom wouldn’t been there not feeling well thought best not go**

Cyrus says, Dr. Webber’s dire warning has no merit. The science is on the up and up. He looks to Britt for confirmation, saying she approved the research. Britt says, right. She did verify the scientific research, and while the findings seemed to be impressive, she wants to make it clear to the Board that this is not her field of expertise. Cyrus says, that’s why the research is important. Portia says, it’s what would be deemed adequate, considering his past in prison. It’s a valid question, especially since this is a could be a very addictive narcotic. A board member reminds her that Cyrus was framed; he was exonerated. Cyrus says, her concern is noted, but she has no vote. Portia says, that’s true, but she does have the right to block a unanimous motion. A board member says, the hospital could use the potential income, and Cyrus says, all of their voices will be heard on the floor when they vote at the regular shareholders meeting in a few days. This meeting is adjourned.

Curtis tells Jordan, of course (🍷) he wants to come home, but he’s not ready. Jordan asks, why? and he says, if he does, then nothing changes. She asks what he needs to have changed? Is he asking her to quit her job,? He says, of course (🍷) not. He admires her commitment to her job, but he needs something of his own; his own life. He does trade in secrets and lies, and he’s got to figure out how to make peace with it. Figure out who he is aside from a P.I. He doesn’t expect her to wait. She’d said, if he couldn’t come home and forgive her, he needs to let her go. She says, that was the anger talking; she takes it back. Curtis says, she’s right. He needs to let her go.

Jordan asks what he means by let her go. She doesn’t want to lose him. He says he doesn’t want that either. She wonders if he’s asking for a divorce, and Curtis says, nothing that permanent. They have to learn to be individuals again, and be okay being separate, if they want to have a chance to find their way back to each other again. Jordan asks if he wants a separation, and Curtis says, to him at least, that means they both have a chance to clear their heads, so they can figure out what they really want. He admits he can’t guarantee an ending, and knows they can’t go in with a preordained ending. It’s not fair to either one of them. Jordan says, please don’t walk away, and Curtis says, he’s not. Hopefully, it won’t be forever. Someone has to see how dysfunctional a couple they are, and call that out. The only way to face it, is to call it by its name, or else… He just can’t live like this anymore.

Cyrus approaches Lesley, and says he’s not sure what that power play was all about. Lesley says, he’s responsible for putting her granddaughter into a coma. How does he sleep at night? He says, she’s been listening to rumors, and she says, not from her daughter, the mayor. Cyrus says, she may have delayed things, but the board members are enthusiastic about the new medication. That’s how he sleeps at night. He walks away.

Britt looks at Jason’s phone number in her phone.

Back at Sonny’s house, Diane says she assumes part of Nina’s accusation is true. She gets Carly and Jason’s friendship, but she’s the attorney. She can’t continue to represent them to the best of her ability, if she’s the last one to know; she has to be the first. She waits, and then says, someone better start talking, since apparently, Nina has no edit button. Tell her the gory details. Go. Jax says, Nina isn’t entirely inaccurate, and Diane says, that means some of it was accurate. Carly says she told the police that when she saw Michael and Wiley were safe, she went after Nelle. That was true. Diane says she knows about what Carly told the police. Tell her what she doesn’t know. Carly says she caught up with Nelle in the clearing, they fought, she fell, and Nelle took off. She heard Nelle screaming, and found her dangling from the cliff. Nina wasn’t lying, but she only hesitated for a second; she did try. She got on the ground, and reached out. Honest to God, she tried to save Nelle, but she fell; she couldn’t hold on. Jax tells Diane, that’s when he found Carly, kneeling at the edge of the cliff. He’s the one who convinced her not to tell the police, because there were no witnesses to back her up. Calling him Mr. Jax, Diane says she understands advising Carly to alter the truth, and understands why Carly went along. As their attorney, she keeps their dark family secrets. She is paid a tremendous amount of money to know when, where, and how to bend the truth to suit their needs. Now Carly flat out lied and it’s a matter of public record. Jason asks, how bad is it? but Diane says, it’s too soon to tell. Jason looks at his phone, and Carly says, go. He leaves, and Carly shakes her head.

Olivia tells Monica, she’s going to miss this place. Monica asks what she’s talking about, and a Olivia says, she doesn’t know what’s going on with her an Ned. He didn’t just hook up with Alexis, he lied about it for months. She doesn’t know where they stand, and as nice as it’s been for her to stay there, it’s not her home. Monica says, the last time she looked, this was her house, and Olivia says, because Alan gave it to her? They laugh, and Monica says, much to Tracy’s chagrin. She wasn’t born into the family, but gradually over the years, she became a Quartermaine through and through, and so has Olivia. Like it or not, she’s one of them.

Dante asks what Sam is saying. She became clear about things after the crazy at the cemetery? She says, if she and Jason were still together, things would have played out differently for her today. He asked, how so? and she says, for starters, she’d still be there helping clean up the mess, instead of having a drink with him. He says, it’s preferable, a win, and she says, she’s not part of Jason’s world anymore. He asks what that makes her, and she says he can call her Sam. They smile at one another.

Cyrus tells Portia, he wants her to know that he’s not holding the Board meeting against her. She says, if doctors prescribe the medication wrong or too casually, the hospital could face a lawsuit, so she questions its review. He says, so noted. On a different subject, his offer stands regarding Taggert. Get Jordan to do her part, and Taggert will no longer be in jail, and no longer in danger. That will make her daughter happy, right? He leaves, and Curtis comes out of the elevator. Portia says, she sorry to put him in the middle of those, but she needs to talk to him about his wife.

Jordan looks at her and Curtis’s wedding picture, then turns it face down on her desk.

Phyllis and Lenny come back to the bar, and everything is a wreck, all the tables and chairs overturned. Phyllis says, what on earth…? and Lenny says, what happened? Phyllis wonders, who would have done this? Robbery is one thing, but why destroy the Tan-O? Sonny comes in, and says, Oh my God, what happened?

Jason goes to Britt’s office, and she thanks him for coming . He asks if the room is secure, and she says she checked it herself after the board meeting . He says, he takes it that it wasn’t a good meeting, and she says, Cyrus ambushed the Board, presenting his plan for the new pain medication. He wants to fast track Board approval, so he can take it to the FDA, and she had to play along. Jason says, good, but she says, it’s highly addictive. She hands him the folder, and he says he’ll look it over. She asks, when? The vote is in a few days, sooner than anticipated. She wonders why Cyrus is fast tracking the drug, and Jason says, Sonny is gone, and Cyrus sees an opening.

The Quartermaine’s doorbell rings, and Monica sees Lesley on the porch. She says Oh my God, and Lesley says, hello, Monica.

Dante tells Sam that it sounds like she’s embarking on a new chapter. He gives her another drink, and asks who this new Sam McCall is going to be. She says, for the first time in a long time, she doesn’t know, but she’s excited to meet her. He says, for what it’s worth (🍷), him too. They clink their glasses, as Olivia watches.

Leslie tells Monica, she loves the remodel, so tasteful. Who is her decorator? Monica says, cut to the chase. What inspired her unprecedented visit here? Leslie says, she’s there about the hospital . She needs Monica to help expose Cyrus as the monster that he is.

Carly asks Diane, how much trouble is she in? Diane says, it’s all hearsay, with no evidence to back it up. The Philadelphia authorities closed the case. If there isn’t a lot of pressure, the PCPD may close their case, and choose to leave well enough alone.

Nina walks into Jordan’s office, but Jordan says she was heading home. What’s up? Nina says she has new information to report on the murder of Nelle Benson.

Tomorrow, Jordan asks if Nina is accusing Carly and Jax of lying to the police, Jackie tells Martin that she found his mother, Cyrus says Brando isn’t as useful as he first thought, and Sonny asks if someone knows who he is.

👠 A new season of The Real Housewives of New Jersey has begun, and already Teresa has created pandemonium. Wasn’t it last season when she threw the Solo cup at the camera? Tonight, she threw rumors around. Jackie and Evan had a party for Evan’s birthday. Delores had a butt lift, along with few other procedures, which was a topic of conversation, along with Teresa’s possible dating life. Even the women who hated each other were excited to see one another because, covid. Although I did find it a little disconcerting that no one appeared to be concerned at all; no social distancing or masks, and this was filmed a while ago. Teresa had too much tequila, and tried to spread gossip, but was bad at it, since she could remember zero details, only that Evan did stuff at the gym. Marge was doing some renovations on her new house, courtesy of – no surprise – Joe #3, and was planning a girls trip to lake George. Frankie Jr. was living with David, but – again, no surprise – Delores still didn’t have a ring. She’d waited until the night before to tell David what she was having done, and he wasn’t happy, not approving of elective surgery.

Jennifer had a family meeting, minus her mom, to discuss the explosive fights between her parents that her mom was instigating. In her interview, she said it was the last thing she wanted to do, but felt she had to step in for her father’s sake. A friend called Jackie, and told her about Teresa claiming Evan was cheating on her, and spreading the rumor at the party. It looked like Jackie had her lips done, and I was like, no. She and Teresa had a sit-down at Marge’s house, and while Marge provided the neutral territory, she got the hell out of there fast. Jackie said all she wanted was for Teresa to admit she spread a baseless rumor with no evidence behind it. Teresa refused to tell Jackie who she’d heard the rumor from, wouldn’t admit it was a lie, and refused to apologize. If she had any sense at all, Jackie would have never tried to use an analogy to explain anything to Teresa, but she did, suggesting she heard Gia does coke in the bathrooms at parties. Teresa does not understand an analogy, and when she hears one, takes it as fact. After hopping up and down, and pointing her finger at Jackie, Teresa called her the c-word, let loose a string of bleepity-bleeps, and stomped out past Marge, who was sweating bullets, and saying, oh my God.

Next time, Joe #3 thinks Joe #2 is going through something, Teresa starts dating, and Halloween happens.

The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City – The Reunion – Part Two

Andy said they had so much to get through, like this was something important.

Mary was up first, and we took that flashback trip. Whitney thought it was hard to watch. Did you know Mary had her odor glands removed? Me neither. Heather wondered if it could be done for BO, but Mary said, no; she has a condition where they repeatedly got infected. It sounded pretty awful. Jen claimed she hadn’t been to the hospital the day Mary said she smelled like one, and Mary apologized again. Jen insisted it was the first time, but the video didn’t lie, and backed Mary up. Jason from Provo asked about Mary not going into a 7-11 if Black people were outside, but Mary said she’s Black (in case we hadn’t noticed), and she was referring to a group of men standing out front. Meredith said her interpretation was that Mary was talking about sketchy people. Mary admitted being attracted to light-skinned men, but said all shades of Black were beautiful. She said she realized she could be offensive, and had to work on that. Jen’s constant disparagement of Mary for having married her step-grandfather was discussed. Heather said it was cruel, and true to form, Jen gave a bunch of excuses.

Andy wanted to get to the bottom of Jen’s scariness. Whitney clarified that she thought Meredith and Lisa were scared of Jen’s reactions to things, not Jen herself. That’s what I thought. They’re scared Jen is going to throw a tantrum at any moment. Heather said the name Mary was like a rip cord to Jen, and Lisa called Heather out for being scared of Jen. She hadn’t asked Lisa about what Whitney told her, before passing it along to Jen. Lisa got pretty worked up, waving her arms and saying, Whitney and Heather, bad weather, a tornado that spins the truth, destroy. It got so quiet, you couldn’t even hear crickets. Then Heather said Lisa was a sh*t friend to Meredith, and Lisa called Heather a horrible person and a liar. She said everyone else had talked about Meredith’s marriage, but she never did. Meredith said she and Seth were in a positive space, and it had been a long journey with a lot of hard work. The next one who said something negative about her marriage and family, in any way, shape, or form, wasn’t her friend.  

Somehow, they started talking about Mary’s marriage again. For some reason, Andy found it weird that Mary hired family members to clean her house. I thought it made sense, since those might be the people she trusts most, and one of her bags is worth a year’s salary to some people. We found out that the age gap between Mary and Robert Sr. was the same as the one between Whitney and her husband; eighteen years. Mary talked about being married for twenty-two years, and said she’d been married before, but the break-up had nothing to do with Robert Sr. She said they didn’t sleep in the same bed anymore, but they were happy, and it was hard to find happiness, especially in a man. She told Andy, as long as they were happy, and the Man upstairs was happy with both of them, that’s all that mattered. Andy asked about rumors that Mary’s church was a cult, and Heather interjected that the Mormon church was also often called a cult. Andy brought up a question about Mary using church donations to buy her accoutrements, but she told him that her church members saw how she lived, and wouldn’t have stuck around if they thought they were paying her way. Her grandmother had left quite a bundle to Robert, Sr., having had several lucrative businesses. Mary and Jen finally made nice, but we’ll see how that goes next season.     

Heather was grateful to have been on the show, and said it was therapeutic. Whitney said she’d seen a change in Heather, who finally realized her worth. Heather said Rihanna was the healing moment, and Andy told her to get on an app. We also found out that Heather and Whitney discovered they were cousins. Heather said she wanted her kids to be wild, and have multiple partners, and I thought Mary’s eyes would pop out of her head. Heather said she wanted them to get wasted, and live. Andy asked about negative blowback, and she said some Mormons felt she didn’t represent them well, and she understood – she would have felt the same way – but the majority of the feedback had been supportive. Lisa said they attracted the same crowd, then doubled back to the liar thing.

It sounded like Jen had been busy on social media, posting negative stuff and digs at everyone, and Whitney said Lisa had put her down to her face and behind her back. Andy wanted to take a break, and said the sooner they came back, the sooner they could leave, which didn’t make it sound like he was having a good time. Heather wasn’t sure if she wanted to move forward with Lisa, and Lisa said, good, but don’t sabotage her other friendships. Meredith asked if Andy was sick of it, but he said he loved it, as he twirled his moustache and touched his horns. During the break, Jen had her makeup touched up, and Lisa jumped around, pointing her finger at Heather, and talking like a jackhammer. Heather asked if Lisa was watching her own performance, while Mary sat quietly. Meredith said Lisa and Heather both interpreted each other’s words in the worst way, and Whitney left to get Advil. Meredith couldn’t leave with her fast enough. Lisa said Heather was mean, and Heather said it was a defense mechanism. Lisa split, complaining that it was negative, and she needed a hug from John. Mary woke up, and wondered, what is this? and Lisa whined to John that Meredith was supposed to be her best friend. She said it was effing crazy, and they didn’t need to be filming this. Andy wondered if she was coming back, and Meredith said she hoped so. Lisa told John that they could go on without her.

Next week, the dudes join the group, and Jen walks off.

📟 Jersey Skinny…

Teresa spills some tea.

https://extratv.com/2021/02/15/teresa-giudice-talks-drama-ahead-on-rhonj-how-she-met-bf-louie/

Melissa gives Luis a thumbs up.

https://pagesix.com/2021/02/15/melissa-gorga-likes-teresa-giudices-new-boyfriend-luis-ruelas/

Sounds like sour grapes in the Wakile home.

https://pagesix.com/2021/02/16/ex-rhonj-star-kathy-wakiles-son-calls-joe-melissa-gorga-farm-animals/

📌 That’s a Fact…

This month we celebrate Black History. This year, the first since an important national reckoning with our history and reality of racial injustice, at Havenly, we wanted to mark the occasion with a celebration of Black History in the home design industry and highlight some talents that we think everyone should have on their radar.  – Lee Mayer

Read Diversifying Design: Black Designers I Admire here:

https://havenly.com/blog/diversifying-design

🦢 Feather Ball Time… Tomorrow’s TV doesn’t sound like much. Bravo is airing the terrible, horrible, no good, very bad Summer House, which I’ll no doubt watch, even though I’m horrified. Until then, stay safe, stay dignified, and stay hiring whoever you want to do your cleaning. It’s your house.

February 16, 2021 – All Caught Up, Real Boring, Scotty’s Main Squeeze, She’s an Auntie, Making It Work, Off-Camera, Latest Addition, Behind the Win, Jon Snow Knows Something, New Marvel, Dogs On Parade, Today’s Fact & Janet’s Nation

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Looks like we’ll be getting a new episode tomorrow. Barring all unforeseen trials and/or tragedies. If you missed today, it was posted on February 11th, and you can find it here:

https://tvwiththeresa.wordpress.com/2021/02/12/february-11-2021-nina-crashes-sonnys-funeral-yes-i-got-it-a-little-charm-some-summer-ramonas-rules-arrested-alexa-marks-remarks-covid-impact-last-bow-new-kathry/

Tomorrow, Cyrus says winds of change will be blowing at General Hospital, Sonny tells Phyllis that it felt like someone was important to him, and Nina wants the whole world to know what Carly and Jax did.

🐴 I saw the last half hour of The Real Housewives of Dallas, and it was much of the same old. Kary had invited the women for a weekend at an estate in Austen. Apparently, D’Andra had been saying Kary was a bully behind her back, and Kary called her out for it at dinner. D’Andra offered to leave if Kary didn’t like it, and Kary didn’t disagree. Zzzz… I think Kameron should have a box in the corner where she does diagrams of whatever’s going on, like the people who do signing for speeches. This show needs something to perk it up. I thought it was Tiffany, but she ended up breaking down in tears at the table, instead of force-feeding everyone chicken feet.

🤵🏼 Scotty Gets Real…

A glimpse into the private life of Port Charles’s favorite lawyer.

👧🏾 Auntie Cynthia…

I was an aunt at age ten. What’s the problem?

https://pagesix.com/2021/02/14/rhoa-star-cynthia-bailey-reacts-to-being-called-an-auntie/

👰🏾 Working It…

Hopefully, the second time is the charm.

https://pagesix.com/2021/02/11/how-rhoa-star-cynthia-bailey-plans-to-make-her-marriage-work/

🩲 Cut To a Commercial…

I can’t say I blame him.

https://pagesix.com/2021/02/16/rhoa-stars-ask-producers-to-cut-cameras-in-sneak-peek/

🍼 Give Me Another B…

I thought she already had three daughters. I guess that older one is such a handful, it just seemed like it.

https://pagesix.com/2021/02/15/brandi-redmond-of-rhod-gives-birth-to-daughter-no-3/

🥘 Compliments To the Chef…

The Winner of Top Chef All Stars talks about life and cooking her way to the top.

https://extratv.com/2021/02/05/top-chef-winner-melissa-king-reflects-on-life-changing-transformation-losing-40-lbs/

👑 A New Generation In Westeros…

The House of Stark welcomes an heir.

https://people.com/parents/rose-leslie-kit-harington-welcome-first-child-together-baby-boy/

🛠 How It’s Done…

Disney+ is following up WandaVision by bringing us behind the scenes.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/marvel-studios-assembled-tv-series-disney-/

🐩 Best Parade Ever…

See the dogs of NOLA strutting their stuff.

https://www.fodors.com/world/north-america/usa/louisiana/new-orleans/experiences/news/inside-the-insanely-adorable-dogs-only-mardi-gras-parade

📌 That’s a Fact…

The fact is, these guys are hot. Hey, it can’t always be serious.

https://www.essence.com/articles/fine-celebrity-men-eye-candy-valentines-day/

🩰 Dancing Off…

I hope you’re watching Big Sky. It won’t be back again until April 13th, but you can catch up On Demand. It’s well worth your time. Whether you take me up on that or not, stay safe, stay assertive without being aggressive, and stay choosing not to air your gripes during a group dinner.

February 15, 2021 – GH Is Catching Up, a Pandemic Halts the Deck, Behind the Real, Another AMC Reunion, Reuniting On Edge, Valentine’s Soap, Daytime Goodbye, Real Take Two, a Different Stand, Fashion Break, Today’s Fact, Two Holiday Quotes & Respect

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

There don’t seem to be any new episodes out there, and today ABC aired this one:

https://tvwiththeresa.wordpress.com/2021/02/10/february-9-2021-not-preempted-4u-phyllis-gives-nina-a-confirmation-will-they-or-wont-they-all-about-alex-unmasked-a-goodbye-new-wonder-dead-news-globe-list-today/

I’m guessing we’re done with preemption… for now.

Below Deck

Jolly Harbour. Francesca tells Elizabeth that every charter, she’s been putting in her energy, and checking up on her. Elizabeth sleeping in the guest cabin was the final straw. She’s been super disrespectful of the interior, and Francesca has come to a decision that she’s going to have to let Elizabeth go. Elizabeth looks panicked, and says, what? Francesca says, sorry, and Elizabeth asks if they can’t stick it out. Francesca says Elizabeth has exhausted her chances; sorry. Captain Lee says Francesca will help Elizabeth get her stuff together, and Elizabeth tells him, sorry. He says, sometimes it just doesn’t work out. Elizabeth tells Izzy that she’s been fired, and Izzy says, what the sh*t? Rachel asks Izzy if Elizabeth just said she got fired. In Elizabeth’s interview, she says she’d be the first to admit if she was wrong or she sucked, or she did anything to deserve it. It feels like it’s not even real. She says she can’t believe Francesca is doing this, and Francesca says Elizabeth’s behavior toward her is bullsh*t. It’s not nice, and she’s disrespectful. She’s been chatting to everyone about Francesca, and it’s coming back to her. Really? How come we never saw that? Elizabeth asks if Francesca will talk to the captain, but Francesca says she made the call. Rachel tells Izzy that sh*t rolls downhill. The only person actually keeping it together is Ashling. In Rachel’s interview, she says she understands Elizabeth’s foibles, but Elizabeth is close to her heart. We flash back to them having fun together, and Rachel says, it sucks, and it’s unfair. Francesca tells Elizabeth that she’s given her chances, and when Elizbeth reaches for Francesca’s arm, Francesca says, please don’t touch me, which is just a little overdramatic IMO. In Francesca’s interview, she says she doesn’t want to be a bad chief stew. Elizabeth was given chances. We flash back to Francesca calling Elizabeth out, and Francesca says Elizabeth shouldn’t be surprised. Elizabeth tells Rachel that Francesca doesn’t respect her, and wants her to go. Rachel says, stay calm, and just pack. Francesca tells Ashling about firing Elizabeth, and in James’s interview, he says he’s going to miss her. Izzy asks if James is okay, and he says he’s fine. In his interview, a producer asks if a part of him is relieved, and he asks why they said that to him. God, I’m an a-hole. At least he admits it. Elizabeth wails that now she has to go back to New York, and deal with the virus. She doesn’t want to go.

James tells Izzy that it shows how bad Elizabeth and Francesca got on, and Izzy says she thinks it’s personal. She tells James that she and Rachel had plans to get Elizabeth a birthday cake. Ashling the snake hugs Elizabeth, and in her interview, Ashling says, in some ways, she feels guilty. It should have happened three or four charters ago, but it never did. She doesn’t think yachting is for Elizabeth. Izzy tells Rob something about rinsing down the side of the boat, and he walks away, saying, just smile and nod. Francesca starts carrying Elizabeth’s bags downstairs. In Eddie’s interview, he says Francesca was looking for an ultimate reason to fire Elizabeth. It’s pretty evil, but it’s what’s best for the crew. Elizabeth tells Rachel that she’s okay. She says goodbye to everyone, and tells them that she loves them. James tells her, keep in touch, and she says, this sucks. He says he knows, and in her interview, she says, when an opportunity closes, it’s like a compass for her, and sends her in a better direction. She feels wronged, but believes in karma. What goes around, will come around for Francesca. She decides to call her energy healer.

March 13, 2020. Rachel says, it’s the eighth charter, and she’s so frustrated. In her interview, she says, Elizabeth is gone; who is going to be blamed now? Francesca’s done nothing to fix the problem. She tells Eddie, everything will come out in the wash, and become clear as day. In Francesca’s interview, she says it’s like a huge weight has lifted from her shoulders. Rachel is pissed about Elizabeth, but at this point, Rachel can jump off the boat. Rob tells Ashling, they’re going to nail it, and the crew gets ready to go out. The captain says, the whole goddam world has gone mad. James’s mother calls him, and tells him about all kinds of things being canceled, and how they can’t get hand sanitizer or soap. She thinks it’s going to get worse before it gets better. He wonders if he’s going to be stuck in Antigua, but she says it’s better than being stuck in the house.

They get in the taxi, and James says, Elizabeth was his drinking partner, and now he has no one. I play my violin. Ashling announces that it’s traumatic in Italy; all the shops are closed. Francesca says, it’s mental, and they all scroll their phones for news. Eddie thinks it will get bad for two weeks, then probably get better. Ha-ha-ha! That’s what we all thought. The birthday cake comes out, topped with sparklers, surprising Rachel. Francesca stupidly toasts to Elizabeth’s birthday, and everyone starts grabbing at the cake. The waitress says they started before she brought the knife, and Rachel says, it’s already in somebody’s back. BA-DUM-CHH! In Rachel’s interview, she says she ordered the cake, but then canceled it, and the sh*t showed up anyway. Francesca seems super stoked that Elizabeth isn’t there. Let’s celebrate. That’s f***ed up. Izzy tells the rest of them that she and Rachel assumed this wasn’t happening. Rachel leaves the restaurant, and Francesca suggests they go back to the boat. Outside having a smoke, Rachel says, tasteless as sh*t. Francesca sees Rachel sitting on a bench, and asks if she wants to come, but Rachel says she’s good. She thought what happened with the cake was distasteful, and not appropriate; she needs a moment. In Francesca’s interview, she says, Rachel is a ticking time bomb. She feels like if she says anything wrong, Rachel will explode. In Rachel’s interview, she says she was upset that the cake came. She thought that it was distasteful and handled wrongly. In the taxi, James says, Rachel is just using it as an excuse to be mad. Rachel takes a separate taxi back by herself.

Francesca feels she should talk to Rachel, but Eddie says he wouldn’t. Rachel comes back to the boat, and says it was the most distasteful thing she’s seen. Eating someone’s cake on their birthday when they’re gone was the wrong move. In her interview, Rachel says, there’s a pandemic, and these a-holes are celebrating Elizabeth’s departure. She doesn’t think it’s right. Rachel walks through the crew mess, and says, fine, whatever, and as she’s walking, she tells Francesca to shove the cake up her ass. Go Rachel. On deck, Rob tells James, it was the icing on the cake. Groan.

Rachel calls Vincenzo, who tells her that it’s 5 am. She says her friend got fired, then her birthday cake showed up at dinner. The crew cut the cake and celebrated, so she walked off. Vincenzo says, he’s happy to hear her voice, and in Rachel’s interview, she says Vincenza is her confidante. He makes everything better. She says she’s glad to see his face, and in her interview, she says he takes her away from a sh*t situation. Francesca whacks her head on the top of her bunk, and I laaaugh.

March 14. A newscaster says, they don’t know much, but it might just be the tip of the iceberg. In Rachel’s interview, she says, last night was a huge deal. Francesca is a super bully. She had to fire someone because she’s inept and incapable of training them. She effing sucks. Eddie tells the crew that the goal is to put things away, and leave them better than they found them. James says, the UK has been shut down. Rachel radios the captain, asking if he’s available, and Francesca wonders what she’s going to say. She knows Rachel is upset about Elizabeth, but what else might she say to the captain? She’s been trying hard to maintain a relationship, and not say anything. Rachel tells Captain Lee, this isn’t okay. She has issues with service. Captain Lee says they have two more charters; six effing days. He could do them standing on his head. He sees her frustration, but Francesca had to pick up the slack for Elizabeth. She’s been going to bed too late, and getting up too early, like Rachel. In his interview, the captain says, both Rachel and Francesca care about what they do, and want the same end result, but they each take a circuitous route. It’s a sh*t sandwich. Time to take a bite.

HA-HA-HA! Francesca hit her head on an open cupboard door. In Izzy’s interview, she says she’s starting to think she’ll have to talk to Rob. That sh*t brings up anxiety in her. She tells James that she doesn’t want to act like an a-hole, but she has to point out her authority. In her interview, she says Rob takes pleasure in bringing her down. She doesn’t know if it’s insecurities that he needs to talk to a therapist about, or he’s genuinely a d*ckhead. Eddie says he hates this effing island. Rachel radios Francesca to talk in the galley, and in her interview, Francesca says the last thing she wants to do is have a meeting with Rachel, but they have two charters left, and have to sort something out. Rachel says when Francesca is on service by herself, and needs help, she understands. Elizabeth wasn’t the best stew. Francesca says she gets where Rachel is coming from, but don’t take it out on her. Rachel apologizes (!), and says, they should make a good go of it, and kill it. In Rachel’s interview, she says, there are certain people you can’t bark at. If she gets aggressive with Francesca, she can’t get the end result she needs. Francesca says, if something isn’t working, they’re both proactive enough to fix it. In her interview, Rachel says, opening the communication barrier will help them be cohesive. They have two charters left. Then Francesca can s*ck her effing d*ck. Alrighty then.

Rob points out that James is using half a jar of peanut butter on his sandwich, and James says that’s because he’s on a diet. The captain looks at his phone, and tosses it down. He says, Jesus Christ, and ponders heavily. He says, the world is going to hell in an effing handbasket. He radios the crew to be in the main salon in five minutes. Rachel wonders what happened, and Eddie says, something’s not right. The crew gathers, and the captain says they have a situation. Their last two charters have been canceled, and effectively, their season has ended. In his interview, the captain says it’s something he’s never experienced, and it’s scary as hell, and frustrating. There’s not an effing thing he can do about it, and he’s not used to that. He tells the crew they’ll make their exit tomorrow. He’ll take care of the travel arrangements. In Francesca’s interview, she says she can’t believe this is happening. Her family isn’t well, and she’s afraid of what she can bring back. It’s a situation she doesn’t want. The captain says they’re done; they’ll wrap up tonight. Carry on. Rob says, that escalated quick, and Eddie goes to the bridge. He and Captain Lee agree that it got real, and in Eddie’s interview, he says he never thought this would happen. He’s worried about his family. He’s hearing there’s no toilet paper, and he doesn’t know what’s going on. Captain Lee tells him, it’s been a pleasure.

James calls his mom, and Izzy calls sister Tory. In Izzy’s interview, she says she’s not ready to leave. She’s not ready to go out and face the world in a pandemic. James tells his mom to fill the fridge, and put on an apron. There’s cooking that needs to be done. Ugh. I think he’s joking, but coming from him, it rubs me the wrong way. Rob whines that they lost five grand. I seriously doubt two more charters would have netted them five grand. More like  three. Rachel texts Vincenzo, and in her interview, she starts to cry, saying, she can’t see her boyfriend. She loves him, and he can’t come to the US. She just wants to see him. Vincenzo tells her, don’t stress. They’ll organize tomorrow In her interview, Rachel says she just wants to go home. The crew gathers in one of the lounges, and Eddie says he’s disappointed to have it end this way. They pour drinks, and the captain walks through. They offer him something, but he says he’s not in a celebratory mood. Francesca wonders why he’s not in a celebratory mood, since she’s such a moron, and Eddie says they might as well celebrate what they did this season. Francesca pops some champagne, and they toast. They put on some music, and take pictures, dancing and jumping around like idiots. Eddie finally decides to go to bed.   

Francesca says going to Australia means quarantining for 14 days. In Rob’s interview, he says he was just setting up there. He feels nervous. He commanded boats to escape the rest of the world, but he can’t this time. He tells Eddie that his dad messaged him from Canada, and he thinks he has to go there. In Francesca’s interview, she says she has a 30 hour flight back, and doesn’t know what to expect. I break out my violin, and think, at least Elizabeth got a head start.  

March 15, 2020. To top things off, it’s raining. In Captain Lee’s interview, he says, when he woke up, for a brief moment, he thought he had to get up for charter pick-up. Then the realization hit him, and he sat there going, WTF? He needs to be home with his family to take care of them. The engineer and delivery crew will take the boat back to the owners, and they’ll see how everything shakes out.

Francesca asks Eddie what his rose and thorn of the season were, and Eddie says his rose was charter one. We flash back to those very entertaining gay dudes, and he says his thorn was the entire goddam deck crew. Izzy tells James the way Rob acts toward her is rude, and we flash back to Rob being extremely disrespectful to her. James texts Rob, telling him, heads up. He thinks Izzy wants to have a chat with him about his rudeness. In his interview, James says, he likes them both, but Rob’s his boy. Izzy says, Rob has locked himself in the bathroom, so no one can speak to him. In Rob’s interview, he says he thinks it’s time for him to get back into the science swing of things. He likes mixing it up. Rob sees Izzy, and says he’s been meaning to talk to her, weirdly turning the tables. He wants to say he’s sorry for giving her a hard time. If anyone deserved to be lead deckhand, it’s her, and he’s glad. She says the way he treated her, and his passive comments were disrespectful, especially to someone in a new management position. It’s not appropriate, and a 32 year old shouldn’t act like a 12 year old. He says he’s sorry he made her feel that way, but she says she knows he doesn’t give a f***. He says, sometimes you see the error of your ways, and she asks if he has. She doesn’t think so, but hopes he has a safe trip home. He  thanks her for taking the time to talk to him. Ashling and Francesca eavesdrop like they’re 12 years old, and Francesca says she didn’t know the extent of the issue.

In Ashling’s interview, she says she sums up the experience as fun, vibrant, interesting, and weird. She says goodbye to Francesca, and in her interview, says, it’s goodbye for now. Who knows what the future holds? She might not be able to leave the country. Rachel goes to the bridge to say goodbye to Captain Lee. He tells her that she’s a talented chef, and he enjoyed working with her. In his interview, he smiles, and says, Rachel is a piece of work. She’s brilliant at her job, but there’s no doubt she’s wound up a little tight. He doesn’t mind. She wanted a shot at redemption, and she did him proud. Now that he knows which buttons not to push, he’d work with her again. In Rachel’s interview, she says she has no regrets, but she’s happy to get off the boat, and deal with what’s happening in the real world.

Francesca passes around a shammy for everyone to sign. Izzy tells James that she knows he tipped Rob off. In her interview, Izzy says, James is infatuated with Rob; they have a bromance. But she’s disappointed in him. It was a d*ck move. She tells him that he’s a sh*tbag. In her interview, she says she’s disappointed that James didn’t have her back, but it’s such a bromance, she’s not surprised. In James’s interview, he says he wants to go back to complaining about the English weather, going to the gym, and winding his parents up. The season was a muddled blur of work, arguments, and drama, with a sprinkle of fun. He and Izzy hug, and in her interview, Izzy says, they’re not divorced. They’re separated and taking a break separated. It’s a conscious uncoupling. James leaves, and Eddie tells Francesca, everything is nuts. Izzy goes to see Captain Lee, who tells her that she was a pleasure to work with. She says she learned so much, and has so much more to learn. She wants to prove she can do it. He says he thinks she’s capable of more than she realizes. He’s proud of her. They hug, and in Izzy’s interview, she says, the season ended much how she imagines sex with James would be – abrupt and unsatisfying. She started as third stew – she and Eddie clink beer bottles – and she’s ending the season where she deserves to be. She has a good feeling. She thanks Eddie for encouraging her to be an effing legend. He says if she keeps going the way she is, she’ll be bosun in no time. They hug, and she thanks him again. In Eddie’s interview, he says, it gets him choked up.

Francesca tells the captain goodbye, and gives him the shammy signed by the crew (sans Elizabeth), to remember the season by. He tells her, it’s sweet, but he won’t forget it any time soon. In his interview, he says that Francesca had big shoes to fill, but she’s very bright, and genuinely loves to please people. In Francesca’s interview, she says she had a lot to manage this season, and it was exhausting. It will be nice to go home, and see her family. Especially in times like these, that’s what’s most important. I wonder what the hell Francesca is wearing. She has a huge infinity scarf hanging over a nude top, and it looks like she’s wearing no top except the scarf.

Eddie goes to the bridge, and tells Captain Lee, the time has come. He has a flight to catch. The captain says, they made it – sort of. Eddie says, it sucks that it ended like this, but it was a wild ride, and the captain says he’s proud of Eddie. He made progress, and handled his team well. There were a few speed bumps, but there always are. The captain gives him a set of stripes, making him a first officer. Eddie says, it’s the second pair the captain has given him, and we flash back to seven years ago, when Eddie was made bosun. Captain Lee says he appreciates Eddie, and Eddie says, it was a good season. In Captain Lee’s interview, he says Eddie made the season easier. He worked tirelessly, and made the season for him. Eddie is what he would have wanted his son to turn out like… had he lived. He tells us, that’s all he can say, and I want to cry, looking at his face. He quietly says, he’s a great kid.

In Eddie’s interview, he says he’s honored to be given another stripe from Captain Lee. The captain is someone he holds to a high standard, and considers a good friend. It means the world to him. He walks down the dock, and says, that’s it, rounding the corner.

Captain Lee packs. In his interview, he says, it really sucks. He started the season in a hospital – we flash back to him telling Eddie that he has broken ribs – it didn’t start well – we flash back to Shane being let go, and Rachel walking off – and it didn’t end well – we flash back to the firing of Elizabeth, and news of the coronavirus, the announcer saying, this just may be the tip of the iceberg. The captain says, this year was tough. You have tough years, but don’t toss in the towel. You pick yourself up keep going because there are people who depend on you. It’s not the end of the world. We’re tougher and better than this. He hopes everyone gets home safe, and maybe to a better place than the one they left. As always, he tells us that he has the best goddam job in the world. He tells the boat, thanks, old girl.

Next time, I assume The Reunion.

😈 That evil mastermind of reality television, Andy Cohen, is premiering a new show. For Real: The Story of Reality TV will begin on March 25th, on the E! network.

🙌🏽 Reunited Again…

Join some of the Pine Valley residents on Wednesday, Feb. 17, at 3 p.m. EST.

🌃 On the Edge…

And somewhere in Monticello, another reunion will be happening on Thursday, February 18, at 3 p.m. ET.

💘 Celebrities, They’re Just Like Us…

Except they get Godiva instead of Dove.

🧛🏻‍♀️ From the Shadows…

A sad farewell to a vet of the soap world.

🗽 More Real In NYC…

I’m not sure how I feel about the fact that they were all available. Have they been held in suspended animation since the show ended? Don’t they have jobs? Since Eric will be around, can we get The Grind back too?

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/the-real-world-returning-to-paramount-with-original-new-york-cast

🎡 A Stand-Up Ending…

The Stand has concluded on CBS All Access. Apparently, it met with Stephen King’s approval, and mine too. Alexander Skarsgård was especially impressive as devil incarnate Randall Flagg. WARNING: SPOILERS IN THIS ARTICLE.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-stand-finale-differences-stephen-king-book/

👗 A Moment of Fashion…

What does that even mean, broke the internet? Mine’s still working just fine. And please. Since when does fashion have a moment with a seven-year-old?

https://www.eonline.com/news/1235524/from-jennifer-lopez-to-north-west-these-are-the-fashion-week-moments-that-broke-the-internet

📌 That’s a Fact…

Phillis Wheatley was the first African American to publish a book of poetry, Poems on Various Subjects, Religious and Moral, in 1773. Born in Gambia and sold to the Wheatley family in Boston when she was 7 years old, Wheatley was emancipated shortly after her book was released.

Bars Fight, written by poet and activist Lucy Terry in 1746, was the first known poem written by a Black American. Terry was enslaved in Rhode Island as a toddler, but became free at age 26 after marrying a free Black man.

Clotel; or, The President’s Daughter, was the first novel published by an African American, in 1853. It was written by abolitionist and lecturer William Wells Brown.

– from Oprah magazine

🔥 Love is a fire. But whether it is going to warm your hearth or burn down your house, you can never tell.Joan Crawford (My contribution to and acknowledgement of Valentine’s Day.)

🏛 Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude. – Thomas Jefferson (My contribution to and acknowledgement of President’s Day.)

⛸ Time To Skate…

Since tomorrow is a heavy work day, it’s time for me to slide over to another lane. See you tomorrow with whatever I can come up with, but until then, stay safe, stay evolving, and stay not tossing in the towel. You have people depending on you.