Monthly Archives: February 2023

Feb14

February 13, 2023 – Willow Meets Her Great Aunt, That Question, Insubordination On Deck, Respect & Funny

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Sam and Dante make it to London, and immediately get busy in their hotel room.

Willow says she wants to be Michael’s wife for as long as she can, and he says he wants that too. He asks if she wants to get married in the hospital, but she says, absolutely not.

Obrecht gets in the elevator with Carly, and after it starts moving, she presses the stop button. She says, alone at last.

Josslyn wonders if Dex is a wedding crasher or on the guest list, but he says, Sonny wanted him there for security. She says, he looks good enough to blend in, and he asks if he looks good enough to be seen with her – if they could be seen together. She says she hates that he works for Sonny a little less today.

Nina thanks Sonny for giving her the kick in the pants she needed. It’s great to be here, celebrating Curtis. He says he’s proud of her, and knows she’s nervous about Willow, but she says she can’t tell him how much it means to her to have him by her side.

Spencer tells Trina that she looks beautiful, and says he was surprised when she texted him. It was generous of her mother, especially considering Portia’s opinion of his family. He can’t say she’s wrong. His father continues to live down to his expectations. Zeke comes in with Sterling, and says, if it isn’t his gorgeous niece. He asks who her friend is.

Laura comes in, startling Ava, and Ava says her mind was elsewhere. Laura asks if she’s thinking of Nikolas.

Drew says, it’s not an act; Curtis is actually not nervous. Curtis says there’s nothing to be nervous about. They have history, and they’re definitely in love. He and Portia are a sure thing.

Portia tells Jordan that she and Curtis are getting married, and it’s what they both want, but Jordan asks how she can say that when Curtis doesn’t have all the information. It’s very likely Trina is his daughter. Portia says she’s not doing this today. Stay out of her business. She wants Jordan to leave, but Jordan says, it’s not her who Portia has to worry about. Stella knows her secret too.

Obrecht says it’s her chance to eviscerate Carly for her monstrous treatment of Nina. She calls herself a mother? No one worthy of that title would deprive another woman of her child. She can forgive Carly about Nelle. Nelle was deeply troubled, and Carly didn’t know she was Nina’s until after Nelle perished. But Willow, month after month of keeping that secret, and now might be the only time she and Nina get to have as mother and daughter. Carly robbed them from it, and as much as she hates Carly for it, she prays Carly never experiences that kind of pain.

Willow says she doesn’t want to marry Michael in this room or the hospital chapel. Their love is so much more beautiful than the lights, smells, and sounds there. He says, wherever she wants, he’ll make it happen, and she says, there’s a huge chance she’s going to die. She refuses to spend whatever time she has left in this bed. She wants to be with their children, and go to sleep with him lying next to her, without a machine beeping away the second like a ticking time bomb. She wants to go home.

Sam jumps out of the bed, and Dante asks where she’s going. She says, if she gets back in, they’re going to end up making love, which means they’ll probably fall asleep because they’re jet-lagged, and they need to be out there looking for Esme’s nanny. He says, in the hopes they get pointed in the direction of the killer, and she says, there’s her detective boyfriend. He says he’d rather be in bed with her, and she says, later. After they find Maggie Fitzgerald. He asks, what happens if they strike out? and she guesses he strikes out too. He says, they’d better get to work then.

Trina introduces Spencer to Sterling and Zeke, the coolest uncle ever. They shake hands, and Sterling asks if Portia is nervous, but Trina says, just excited. She can’t wait to marry Curtis.

Portia asks exactly what Stella knows, and Jordan says, that she and Trina both had a close match on the ancestry website; someone in Port Charles. Then Stella’s match disappears at the same exactly time Trina takes herself off the website. Portia says, that doesn’t prove anything, and Jordan says, maybe not, but it was enough to convince Stella. Portia says, Stella’s not sick. She didn’t officiate the wedding because she knows Portia could be lying to Curtis. And it’s all Jordan’s fault. She wanted this to happen. She kept pushing and prying. Why couldn’t Jordan just leave her alone? Jordan says she’s a cop. Something didn’t add up, so she investigated. Portia says she’s warning Jordan for the millionth time, stay out of her business. Jordan asks why Portia thinks she didn’t say anything. She knows it’s not her secret to tell, but Stella… Portia tells her, Stella’s not going to say anything either.

Ava tells Laura that she can’t help but think of Nikolas with regret. She really wanted their marriage to work. Laura says, of course (🍷) Ava did. She did too. Ava says, it took Laura a while to come around, but she’s not going to dwell on it. Today is about Portia and Curtis, and she’s so happy for them. Laura says she is too.

Nina says, here’s the man of the hour, and she and Curtis hug. He says he’s glad Sonny could make it, and Nina asks how he feels. Curtis says his great day just got even better now that she’s here. It means a lot. She says she’s glad to be here.

Terry asks if Finn has heard from Elizabeth. She texted that she was on her way, but it was a while ago, and now Terry’s kind of worried. Finn says, don’t worry, and points, as Elizabeth walks in.

Josslyn says, on one hand, she was hoping Sonny and Nina would be no-shows, so she didn’t have to deal with them today, and Dex says, on the other hand? She says, he’s here, and he asks how she’s been. She says, it’s a mixed blessing. Her baby niece has a name – Amelia. The bad news is, the doctors wanted to use the stem cells from the cord blood, but they couldn’t harvest enough. He says he’s sorry, and asks, what’s the next step? She says, there’s still a chance for the bone marrow registry, but the chances are slim, and Willow’s getting weaker every day. He takes her hand, but drops it when Trina and Spencer come out. Spencer asks what Dex is doing here, but Trina says, let’s walk. He says, Dex didn’t answer his question, and Josslyn asks why he cares. Spencer asks if Dex is with her, but Josslyn says, Sonny posted him here for security. Spencer says, it’s a good excuse to hang around Josslyn, not that she cares now that she’s a free woman, and Trina asks why he’s doing this. Josslyn says, because he wants to fight. Normally, she’d give him one, but they’re at Trina’s mother’s wedding. Trina says, which she needs to get back to, and asks Spencer to come with her. He says he’ll be there in a moment, and tells Dex, no one wants you here, dude. Dex tells him, dude, like Miss Jax said, he’s working.

Laura says she’s happy to see Elizabeth, but Elizabeth says, not happier than she is to see Laura. When she’s with Laura, Laura makes her feel like everything is going to be okay. Laura asks if something is wrong, and Elizabeth says, nothing that can’t wait until tomorrow. Today is about love, and she intends to enjoy every minute of it.

Sonny says, it’s big of Taggert to show, but Taggert says, selfish reasons. The Hook is still out there, and he wants to make sure his daughter is okay. Sonny says he’s got his people looking out for things, and Taggert guesses for once, he’s grateful. They shake hands.

Molly says she’s sorry she’s late, but TJ says, they still have plenty of time. She says, it looks so beautiful in here, and he says, it’s a little different from their Domestic Partnership ceremony. She says, just a little bit, and he says, any regrets? She says, of course (🍷) not. What they have is all she could ever want.

Portia tells Jordan, if anyone can keep a secret, it’s Aunt Stella. Look how many years she hid the fact Marshall was alive, and she did it for the family. She’ll do the same this time. Jordan says, even if Stella stays silent, can Portia really walk down the aisle with this hanging over her? How long before she breaks? Portia says she’s carried it this far, and Jordan says, and maybe will indefinitely, but life happens. What if Trina needs her complete family medical history at some point, or decides to look into this whole DNA match herself? Portia says, or what if none of that ever happens? That would be Jordan’s worst nightmare, wouldn’t it? Because the man she still loves would be getting married and living his happily ever after with someone else. Jordan says, Portia is right. She does still love Curtis. She wants him to be happy, and he’s happy with Portia. She wants this marriage to work, which is why she’s begging Portia to tell Curtis the truth, that Trina might be his daughter. If she does it before the wedding, it gives them a fighting chance, but if Curtis finds out later on his own, Portia will lose him just like she did. Jordan leaves.

Carly says, this must be especially triggering for Obrecht, given she just lost her daughter, and Obrecht says, people keep reminding her that Britt died a hero, and Carly flashes back to thanking God that Josslyn is alive, and Josslyn saying, Britt saved her life, and it cost her her own. Obrecht says, yes, of course (🍷) it’s a small consolation, knowing Britta gave her life courageously, but she’d rather have her daughter here. Carly says she’s so sorry, and Obrecht says, if she means that, help her niece.

Michael says he’ll talk to Dr. Randolph about getting Willow released, but she’s at a wedding right now. Willow says she can wait a few hours, even until tomorrow if necessary, but that’s it. She wants out of here. She wants to go home and be with their son and daughter, and plan their wedding. He kisses her hand, and says, that sounds good to him. He asks what it looks like, and she says, when they were first married, it was in his family’s living room. Maybe they could do it there again. He says his family would be thrilled; they love her. She says, so they’re agreed. He’ll take her home.

Drew asks if they should get this show on the road, but Curtis says, there’s something he needs to do first, and leaves.

Terry asks where Elizabeth was. Is everything okay? Elizabeth says, it’s great, and Terry says, Elizabeth has been worrying her, but now she seems steadier, calmer. Elizabeth flashes back to telling Finn that she’s going to turn herself in, and tells Terry that she’s been struggling with a decision. Now that she’s made it, she’s not feeling better, but resolved.

Drew says, Nina looks very nice, and she says, as does he. He asks if she got in an Amelia sighting, and she says she did; she came straight here from the hospital. He says, cute as ever, and she says, even more so. He says, she’s a blessing, and Nina says, this wedding is a blessing. To have something to celebrate is a gift. Is he flying solo, or will Carly be joining him?

Spencer says he’ll inform his Uncle Sonny that Dex was being intrusive, and he sent Dex away, but Josslyn says, Dex is doing nothing wrong. What’s the problem? Spencer says his problem is he doesn’t like Dex, and Josslyn asks if he’s five. He says he also doesn’t like the way Josslyn defends Dex, but she says she’d defend anyone this way. He can’t just roll up and start yelling at Sonny’s employees. He asks if she’d be this defensive about just another one of Sonny’s guns, and Trina says, enough. She invited Spencer here as her guest, and now he’s going out of his way to pick a fight. Sonny comes out, and asks, what’s going on?

Michael says he’ll take Willow home, and they’ll get married at the Quartermaines’, but he needs her to do something for him in return. He needs her to believe in the possibility of a miracle; just acknowledge that miracles do happen. He needs her to promise him that if they find a donor, she’ll agree to the transplant.

Obrecht says, help Nina reconcile with Willow, but Carly says she can’t do that. Obrecht says, Carly did all she could to create distance between them. Help bring them together for whatever time Willow has left; the only time Nina will ever get with her daughter. Carly says, Obrecht acts like Willow’s dislike for Nina is her doing, but Nina caused that all on her own. Because of that, she’s not pressuring Willow to accept Nina if she doesn’t want to. Obrecht says, and they say she lacks compassion, and starts the elevator again. Carly says she can’t build a bridge between Willow and Nina, but maybe she can try to build one between Willow and Obrecht.

Sam says, they caught a break tracking down the last family Maggie worked for, but Dante says, that was all her, and her P.I. skills. She says she doesn’t want to brag, but he says, she should. She got some very rich, private people to open up about Maggie. Not that it’s a lot to go on. She has no phone number or address; no email address, just a P.O. box. Sam says, that’s a very defeatist attitude, and he says he doesn’t mean to be. He’s just saying they have their work cut out for them. She says, that’s true, but it’s okay. They don’t have modern technology to fall back on. They’ll have to do this the old fashioned way. He asks, which way is that? and she says, he’ll see.

Portia checks herself out in the mirror, and flashes back to Curtis asking her to marry him, and her telling Curtis, when he came back into her life, happiness was again a possibility, and she wants that forever. He asks if that’s a yes, and she says, yes. She’s going to marry him. She remembers telling Curtis that Trina isn’t his daughter; Taggert is her father. She reaches for her bouquet, but then starts to walk to the door. There’s a knock, and Curtis asks if they can talk.

Josslyn says, what’s going on is, Sonny’s nephew is an entitled inconsiderate ass, and she goes inside. Trina says she appreciates Sonny having his own security, but it’s really not necessary. Her father has it covered. She goes in, and Spencer follows her. Sonny asks Dex what that was about, and Dex says, Sonny’s nephew wanted him to leave, but he wasn’t doing that until he checked with Sonny. Sonny says, it looked like Spencer was provoking Dex, but Dex didn’t take the bait. He says, Dex can go, but wants him to know that he got a date from Pikeman. The shipment’s going to be two weeks from tonight. He wants Dex to go with him to make sure the shipment is transferred without incident. Dex says, understood, and Sonny says, this is important. Dex says he appreciates Sonny giving him a chance to prove himself, and Sonny leaves.

Ava asks Trina, what’s wrong? and Trina says, nothing, but Ava says she knows better. Trina says she just saw Spencer roll up on one of Sonny’s people, and it’s a side of him that she doesn’t like.

Drew tells Nina that he thinks Carly is sticking close to Willow and Michael, and also thinks she wasn’t invited. Nina says, she wasn’t. She just thought Carly would be his plus one. He says, no date for him, and steps away.

TJ says, it’s almost time, and Molly says, it’s so exciting. Marshall wonders where his son disappeared to.

Portia says, they still have a little time, and starts to open the door, but Curtis says he doesn’t want to see her in her dress before it’s time. She says, it’s not like him to be superstitious, but he says, today’s not the day to tempt fate. He loves her, and felt the need to tell her that one more time before they take their vows. Trina comes into the hallway, and listens, as Curtis says he’s so happy life brought him and Portia back together, and he was able to rediscover her, so they can love openly and honestly; no secrets. They get to do it right this time. Trina slips away, and he says he can’t wait. Portia says she loves him to, and starts to say something else, but he says he’ll see her at the altar. He’ll be the one wearing his heart on his sleeve. She says, Curtis… but he’s already gone, and she cries.

Michael asks Willow to tell him, if she has the chance, she’ll fight to stay with him and the children, and she says she doesn’t want to leave him and the children; there’s nothing she wants less. Of course (🍷) if she gets the chance, she’ll fight with everything she has. He says, then he’ll go on praying for a miracle, and she says, as will she. Carly comes in, and asks if everything is okay. Willow says, it’s better than okay. She and Michael are getting married.

Sam tells Dante to let her do the talking, and he asks if she doesn’t think he can do a good British accent. She says, he can do a good Brooklyn accent. Maybe they should say they’re here on a referral from a friend. Maybe a couple they met in London, or the last family Maggie worked for. He asks if they should say they want her to work for them, and she says, to take care of their perfectly behaved children. He wonders what part of the story is more of stretch, and she says she thinks they should go to Plan B. Tell Maggie that they’re here on Esme’s behalf. They’re looking for the nanny who raised her because Esme is in trouble, and desperately needs her help.

Carly doesn’t blame Willow for wanting to go home, and Willow says, hopefully today. Michael says, tomorrow at the latest, and Carly says, then they’re going to have a wedding. Michael says, at the Quartermaines’; they want to recreate the first one. Carly says, that sounds beautiful and fitting. When? Michael says they haven’t picked a date, but Willow says, obviously sooner than later. In two weeks? Michael asks if it’s doable, and Carly says, with her and Olivia at the helm, anything is doable. They’re going to make sure they have the most perfect wedding. She suggests Michael take a walk, so she and Willow can discuss details. He leaves, and Carly says she really does want to talk to Willow about the wedding, but mainly she wanted Michael to leave the room. He wouldn’t like this. She needs to ask Willow for a favor.

Laura tells Curtis, they’re ready to start, and Spencer tells Josslyn that he’s sorry. She says, he’s always sorry… until next time.

Portia approaches the entrance to the church, and Sterling says, there’s his beautiful daughter. Trina says, she looks incredible, and Portia thanks them. Trina says she’s so excited for Portia and Curtis; she’s excited for all of them. Portia tells Trina to promise to remember how much she loves her, no matter what, and Trina says she promises, but Portia is getting married; she’s not being deployed overseas. They’re not saying goodbye. The music starts, and Terry says, that’s their cue. Trina asks if Portia is ready.

Trina walks down the aisle, and Sterling tells Portia, now it’s their turn. He’s so proud of her. Proud of the way she’s raised her daughter, proud of how she conducts her life. He and her mother feel blessed that she’s found someone to love her as much as she deserves to be loved. She says she loves him, and he says he loves her too. She takes his arm.

Here Comes the Bride plays, Terry opens the doors, and Portia and Sterling come down the aisle. Portia hands Trina her bouquet, and Trina mouths, I love you. Sterling shakes Curtis’s hand, kisses Portia on the cheek, and she and Curtis join hands.

Dante says, it’s true that Esme needs help, and Sam says, however awful Esme was – and they can all agree she was awful – she’s convinced Esme doesn’t remember. He says, Maggie helped raise her, so she’s going to want to help her, and she says, you’d think, and Maggie is probably worried that Esme’s gone off the grid. He asks which way she’s leaning, and she says she’s thinking the simplest way is the best way. He agrees, and suggests they go find Maggie and see what happens. She says, sounds like a plan, and he says, since the post office is closed until morning, they should stop at the pub they passed on the way in. She says, of course (🍷), and they leave.

Obrecht thanks Willow for seeing her, and Willow says, Obrecht is her great aunt. She didn’t know she had a great aunt at all. Obrecht says, it’s an adjustment for all of them, but life is full of surprises, and unexpected chances. She doesn’t intend to waste this one. Willow comes from a family of strong women. Not without flaws of course (🍷). They’ve certainly made regrettable mistakes, but they come through for each other, and they’ll come through for Willow. Like it or not, Willow is one of them now. Willow sort of smiles.

Michael sees Dex, but says, now is not a good time. Dex says he’ll keep it brief. Sonny just gave him some important information; they set a date for the Pikeman shipment. Sonny will be there personally to supervise, and wants Dex with him. It will give Michael the evidence he needs to take Sonny down. Michael asks, when’s the shipment? and Dex says, in two weeks.

Laura welcomes everyone, and says she’s so happy to be officiating this wedding, to have the honor of marrying Portia and Curtis, two people who clearly love each other. She and Curtis have been friends for a while, and she happened to be with him on a night he heard Portia was in danger. To say he jumped into action would be an understatement. Without hesitation, without fear, he was willing to risk everything to keep Portia and her daughter safe. It’s moments like that, that are so telling, and make it clear what’s really important. What was clear to her that night, was that there was already a strong bond between these two people; a bond that has only deepened since then, because here they are, ready to join their lives, and with Trina, become a family. So before they get the ball rolling, she has to ask the question they already know the answer to. Can anyone here show just cause why these two should not be joined in holy matrimony? If so, speak now, or forever hold your peace.

Tomorrow, Laura asks Curtis and Portia if either of them know any reason they shouldn’t be joined in holy matrimony; Heather gives someone a Valentine’s present; and Ryan says, everyone needs a back-up plan, right?

👰🏽 I have never once been to a wedding, including my own, where they’ve asked that question.

Below Deck

Rodney Bay Marina. In Fraser’s interview, he says he doesn’t know what’s worse; the captain telling him to stop speaking or telling him that the interior isn’t doing their work. He knows they are. Captain Sandy tells Tyler that he’s the hardest worker, and in her interview, she says she hears everything. She’s had over 30 years of experience, and expects respect for the chain of command. Alissa and Fraser have no regard for authority, and it’s frustrating. A bee bites Tony, and he curses the whore that birthed it. In Tony’s interview, he says, there’s a belief that garlic helps reduce the pain of a bee sting. He doesn’t know if it’s accurate scientifically, but it’s magic and it works. I can buy this, since garlic is a natural antibiotic, although I’ve never actually tried it. I was only stung once when I was four. No surprise, I was trying to pet the bee, but only annoyed it. Fraser tells Alisson, in his 29 years of work he’s never been talked to like that, and won’t be silenced by someone who doesn’t see the whole picture. They’re all doing their jobs. In Alisson’s interview, she says she’s upset since they’ve worked hard. They’re always up later than deck the team, who gets off every day. We flash back to demanding guests, and Alisson says she thinks the captain is delusional. Fraser says, it’s a solid crew, and Captain Sandy’s not a part of it. It’s time for the guests to depart, and primary Janine says, they came and conquered. There are hugs all around, and she thanks them for their wonderful service; they had so much fun. The crew made eight women happy. She gives Captain Sandy the tip envelope, saying, this is for you, and jokingly tries to take Rachel, saying, this is for me. The captain tells the crew to turn the boat around, and then meet in the main salon for the tip meeting.

Captain Sandy tells the crew, charter 6 is down, and they did a great job. She knows it’s been stressful, but the walls are thin, and she hears everything. She looks at Fraser, and says, so can the guests. If they’ve got a complaint, take it to their cabin. She doesn’t want it penetrating the boat. She tells them that they’re going to play volleyball on the beach for an hour, and in her interview, she says, all the gossip, finger pointing, and backstabbing has permeated the boat. She wants to turn this around with a team building exercise. On a previous boat, she had had $10K a year to do them, and it works. The tip is $23K, or $1739 per person. In Hayley’s interview, she says she’s with the interior for a reason. She hasn’t been outside in two years. Alisson says she loves the idea of volleyball, but not if it cuts into her napping. She tells Fraser that she’s taking heed, but doesn’t think the captain cares about what she said. Fraser calls up medic Conor, and asks if Conor will come look at his foot to see if it’s infected. When Conor arrives, Fraser tells him, that when he took off his sock, he tore the scab off. Conor says, it might be infected, and to keep the sand off of it. In his interview, Fraser says, it’s brilliant. Alisson is in bed, and doesn’t want to come, but Fraser tells her, it’s not a good look. In Fraser’s interview, he says he doesn’t need this, and has to remind Alisson that she has no control over her life when she’s on the ship.

Captain Sandy asks Rachel to be the coach, and says, Rachel sees the big picture; so many don’t. Fraser tells Alisson to come on; it’s a compulsory bond, and not his call. She bitches that she needs to sleep, but joins everyone as they leave for the beach. The captain explains that she always asks for team building exercises; they have to rely on each other. Tyler says, it feels weird be on land, and in Tony’s interview, he says he’s so happy. They finally get to move. There’s a lot of drama, and he thinks they need team building. The captain makes Ross the captain of the interior, and Fraser the captain of the exterior. In Rachel’s interview, she says she’s not into sports. Having balls near her face makes her want to run. Fraser tells the captain that he can’t get sand on his toe, and in her interview, Captain Sandy says she wishes she’d known about his foot. She could have delayed or rearranged the exercise, and it’s lack of communication. Fraser never reported he’d gotten hurt, and should have. Ross says he has no idea of the volleyball rules, and in Hayley’s interview, she says she doesn’t think their team is the most athletic. She did a sit-up once. She tells Ross that she feels like a fetus in a wig, rolling in the sand and getting sunburned. It’s severely embarrassing. Fraser plays cheerleader, and the interior wins, 6 to 0. In her interview, Hayley says, zero isn’t even a real number. The captain says, the exercise is used so they can see the strengths of each other’s team, but since Fraser couldn’t engage, it was a moot point. In her interview, she says she knows he said he was hurt, but it’s obvious he doesn’t want any part of this. If not trained, stepping into the role of chief stew is a huge learning curve. The potential is there, but she’s seen a lot of different chiefs, and can see where Fraser is. In Fraser’s interview, he says he feels like the captain is mentally taking a machete to his throat. Hayley says, there’s no praise; just what they’ve done wrong. Fraser says, the captain doesn’t value their work, and that’s why he doesn’t value the captain. Rachel suggests he not take that approach, and in her interview, she says, Fraser doesn’t take criticism well, and it reflects badly on his leadership. She’s seen him get offended when it’s just the captain’s style. Alisson tells Fraser that the next time the captain comes for him, she’ll hear from the crew, but I wonder what the rest of the crew would think about that.

On the way back, Alisson asks Katie what’s with her and Ross, and complains that Ross is the one flirting with her. Katie ignores her, and in Katie’s interview, she says she’s getting annoyed. She doesn’t know for sure, but Alisson could be telling the truth. Having sex with someone changes the dynamic of everything. We flash back to that, and Katie says, if she sleeps with someone, then they do something stupid, it makes her look like an idiot. Back at the boat, the crew gets ready to go out, and Ben calls Camille. They go to a restaurant, and raise their welcome shots to an epic charter. A kitty comes by, and everyone’s all into it, except for Fraser who whines, it’s a stray, and not while they’re eating. Ross sits with Katie, and in his interview, he says he likes to play the field. He doesn’t know what qualifies as a sex addict, but he does foresee having a partner for life. He’s made an active decision that it’s just going to be him and Katie, and there’s a good chance he’s going to get laid tonight. Alisson decides to be an a-hole, and literally walks in between Ross and Katie’s chairs, and in between Katie and the table to get to her chair. I’ve met women like her before; the ones that don’t like other women. Fraser bitches about the captain, and says they have an amazing team. Alisson says, the captain sucks the deck team’s d*ck, and in Ben’s interview, he says, Alisson is throwing bait and trying get a rise out of Fraser, but the captain is a badass you don’t want to cross. We flash back to Captain Sandy telling the captain of the boat next door that she’s not moving, and Ben says, she’s a great captain, but hard on the interior because there’s no flued connection. Alisson is just talking out of spite to get someone on her side. Fraser tells Alisson that from now on, the captain’s harsh words will be like water off a duck’s back.  They eat, then go back to the boat. Ross says, it was a great evening out; no injuries and he didn’t offend too many women. Alisson comes on to Ross, asking for a drag of his cigarette, but he tries to keep his distance. In Katie’s interview, she says, being cheated on has made her insecure. She created feelings with Ross, and now she’s upset. It sucks. Ross and Katie go to her cabin, while the others get in the hot tub. He tells Katie that he wants to go to the guest cabin. Tyler tells Ben that when he started in yachting, he didn’t drink. Now here he is. Ross tells Katie that talking about Alisson isn’t productive, and it pushes him away, but Katie says, him staring at Alisson makes her look like an idiot, and he leaves because he’s a big baby who can’t handle real talk.

In Katie’s interview, she says, don’t f***ing disrespect her. Alisson said she looked stupid, and she wanted to know what Ross had to say about it. In Tony’s interview, he says, Katie and Ross are like a cheap telenovela that he doesn’t want to see. Alisson is la otra (the other woman). Ross grumbles that he’s a victim no matter what, and tells Tony that Katie claimed he was flirting and grabbing Alisson throughout the evening. Tony says, it’s a sh*tshow, but Ross has a reputation, and Ross says he just went to bed. In Ross’s interview, he says, he’s slightly frustrated. It seems he and Katie have reached a dead end, and he doesn’t know what happened. He doesn’t enjoy drama; it’s like a throbbing headache. He doesn’t want to put any more effort in. He texts Katie, just you and me. No more Alisson bullsh*t. Everyone has pizza for lunch, and in his interview, Ross says, it’s awkward because he’s not sure if Katie read his text. In Katie’s interview, she says she keeps coming back, but she doesn’t want it to end because of Alisson. It’s giving her the power. Why play into that? Fraser tells the stews, when they’re done, they can get tanning time, so Alisson and Hayley jet through their tasks as quickly as possible, and lie on the bunny pad. Captain Sandy tells Tyler that he’s the only one she sees working, and he says he enjoys job. She says, that’s obvious, and goes out to find Hayley and Alisson tanning. She says, Tyler is still working, and Alisson says, they all had set tasks. Fraser said once they were done, they were allowed to tan. The captain asks if they won’t help Tyler finish his, and Hayley says, they didn’t realize he was still working. Alisson says, he’s on his last task, and the captain wonders if they asked if he needed help and he said he didn’t. Alisson says, all he had to do was the silver, and it’s not a two person job, but Hayley says she can help if he needs it. Captain Sandy says, if they asked and he said, no, that’s fine. She tells Alisson that her lack of respect is going to be addressed, and to come to the bridge. In Hayley’s interview, she says, there’s a way to speak to a captain, and the way Alisson does is not the one. It’s painful to watch her make the wrong move.

The captain tells Alisson that there have been a lot times the crew has overstepped. It’s something she won’t tolerate, and there needs to be a level of respect for the position. She knows Alisson feels secure, but she’ll be off the boat so fast. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, Alisson has no regard for authority. She doesn’t have to respect the captain as a person, but has to respect the position. Alisson says, they were only out there ten minutes, and weren’t aware Tyler was still working, and basically says, the captain had no need to chastise them. Captain Sandy tells Alisson that her communication style has to change, and Alisson says, cool. Yes, Sandy… Captain Sandy. In her interview, the captain says, that was like a f*** you in her face. Alisson tells Hayley what the captain said, and told her that she’d be off the boat so fast it would make her head spin, and in Alisson’s interview, she says, what she told the captain was in defense of the whole interior team. She’s frustrated with how the captain is treating Fraser, and he won’t say anything. When it comes to defending those she cares about, she doesn’t have a filter. The captain tried to make her feel insecure, so she has to try harder. Captain Sandy radios Fraser to meet her on the bridge, and tells him that Alisson has been insubordinate three times. Alisson’s crossed the line, and she won’t tolerate insubordination. She needs to see a change in things, and expects him to shoulder what needs to be improved. He’s permeated the boat like a cancer, and infected her entire program. Fish stinks at the head, and right now, he’s the head. It’s blatant disrespect. In her interview, she says, Fraser lacks respect for authority, and needs to earn her respect back. It started with him and it has to end with him. She tells him that he’s created the worst experience she’s had with a chief stew. Any words that come up the stairs from a crew member that are gossip or insubordination, she’ll fire whoever it is, and him. He apologizes, and says, he’s still learning. He’s sickened about how she feels, but it’s his mistake, and it won’t happen again. She says, that’s a first step. They can be allies or it can go another way. The hierarchy has to be respected. This is their reset.

In Fraser’s interview, he says he’s so embarrassed and ashamed by his behavior; it was immature, and he has to learn from his mistake. Ross tells Katie that he’s waiting for an apology, and she says she wanted to answer his text, but doesn’t understand why he doesn’t believe her. He says, Alisson is trying to drive a wedge between them. She’s the one flirting, not him. Katie says she’s sorry, and he says he’s never been involved in so much ridiculous drama in his life. She says, welcome to his life now. Alisson tells Fraser about her meeting with the captain, and says, the captain didn’t like her tone. She said Alisson would be off the boat so fast it would make her head spin. I’m not sure why she added that head spin, since Captain Sandy didn’t say that. She tells Fraser that she was just defending him and the team. He says he appreciates and loves Alisson as a person, but she has to respect the hierarchy. As much as they have their own opinions, they have to keep them to themselves. They’ve got to be strong.

Captain Sandy calls Ross, Rachel, and Fraser for the preference sheet meeting. The next primary is Kaura who’s in real estate, and has also entered several pageants. She was Miss Classic Universe (whatever the hell that is), and she’ll be celebrating her win with associates she’s met through the pageant circuit. Her goal is about being queen. They want a drag show, and a Beach Queen Olympics, and one guest has anti-inflammatory diet restrictions. The captain says, they’re hitting reset, and only have three more charters to go. Rachel says she wants a crown too. Afterwards, Fraser calls his mom, who asks, what happened? He tells her that he voiced an opinion, the captain caught wind of it, and named him the cancer of the crew. It makes him disgusted, especially after what he went through with his father. He’s ashamed and going to do his utmost to put things back on an even keel. He feels horrendous about what he did wrong, and he’s 100% responsible. He’s embarrassed, and going to learn from it, but he feels stupid. His mom tells him, it’s okay, as moms do.

In her interview, the captain says she wants to make it crystal clear that she’s not willing to tolerate insubordination. She wants zero pushback. It’s permeating the vessel negatively. Alisson was defensive and condescending. We flash back to that, and she says, Alisson is past being on thin ice; she’s falling through. People need to know there’s a boundary, and where the line is. Alisson tells Hayley that she had a dream the captain fried her. Should she apologize or let it go? Hayley asks what image she wants to portray, and in Alisson’s interview, she says she doesn’t think she was disrespectful. Hayley tells her to do what she thinks is right. It might not be what she said, but the way she delivered it. Captain Sandy calls Ross to the bridge, and shows him where they’re going to anchor. She says, if the wind picks up, they’ll head for their go-to spot. She adds that she needs him as a witness, which doesn’t look like it makes him too happy. She calls Alisson to the bridge, and I get all excited. Ross wonders what’s going on, and the captain tells Alisson, yesterday, when she said, Yes, Sandy, I mean, captain, it was a f*** you in her face. It’s insubordination, and shows a lack of respect for the position. And it’s insurmountable.

To be continued…

⚓️ I’m not just being mean when I say, good. Camille was lazy AF, but Alisson seems to have no clue that she’s working for someone. I would never talk to any boss the way she talks to Captain Sandy. And I even always address her, and any of the other captains, as Captain. Except for Glenn, who has told everyone to call him Glenn. I’m surprised at Fraser. He’s turned out to be a big crybaby and I wouldn’t have expected it, but maybe Alisson infected him. Hayley is a walking TMI booth, but she does her work and doesn’t complain. And while I sometimes think she’s too harsh, and Captain Lee will always be my Boat Daddy, they could do worse than Captain Sandy. She’s extremely fair, and is always willing to work with a crew member, as well as help them up the ladder. Buh-bye, Alisson.

💕 Popping Candy Hearts…

I’ll be trash talking Summer House, which is even more awful, tomorrow, along with the usual soap and a peek at New Jersey. Until then, stay safe, stay not taking Valentine’s candy from strangers, and stay aware that life is full of unexpected chances. Don’t waste them.

Feb11

February 10, 2023 – Willow Wants Arrangements Made, Duke Dialog, Reaction, His Honor, For Shame, Halftime, Puppies (!), One More Than Ten Quotes & Groove

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Curtis comes downstairs in his tux. Marshall and Drew are there, and tell him how great he looks, but Curtis says, all eyes are going to be on his lovely bride. Drew asks if he has the jitters, but Curtis says, not one, and Marshall asks, what’s his secret? Curtis says, today, he gets to marry the woman he loves, and he’s never been more sure of anything in his life.

Jordan sees TJ at the hospital, and asks if he shouldn’t be with Curtis, getting ready for the big day, but TJ says he’s still a resident, and has to put in the hours. He’s just wrapping up. He wants to see if he can get Aunt Stella to come to the wedding, but she keeps insisting she’s not feeling well, and doesn’t want anyone to catch what she has. But they both know there’s more going on here, don’t they.

Portia flashes back to Jordan telling her, it might do her some good to unburden herself, when Josslyn knocks at the dressing room door. Portia asks where Trina is, and Josslyn says, she’s making a phone call.

On the phone, Spencer tells Trina that he almost crashed the rehearsal dinner, but realized it wasn’t about him. He didn’t want to pull the focus on the bride and groom. She says, he might be halfway decent at this father thing after all, and Portia overhears the end of the conversation.

Austin arrives at Windymere, and asks Ava, what’s so urgent? She says, they have to move her ex-husband.

Finn says, Nik is just gone? and Elizabeth says, after their argument, he must have realized she could confess to the police. Finn says, that changes everything.

Nina tells Sonny that she was going to attend Curtis’s wedding, but that was before they got the bad news about Willow. He says he’s sure Curtis will understand, but it would give them a few hours to get out of the hospital. He doesn’t think Willow’s condition is going to change tonight. She asks how she can leave her daughter’s side, even if Willow doesn’t want her near her.

Willow says, it’s time they have the talk, but Michael says he’s not giving up. She says she’s not giving up either, but they have to start thinking about his life without her. She says she needs him to face the truth; she’s going to die. I kind of don’t get this, since it’s not like he’ll have to fend for himself.

Laura comes to the church early, and Taggert says, it’s been ages since they’ve seen each other. He came early to double-check security, and she says, better safe than sorry. They can’t get the cop out of him, can they? He says, not when it comes to his daughter or her mom. Why is Laura hear earlier than everyone else? She says she’s officiating this wedding. Apparently, Stella wasn’t well enough to come.

TJ says, Aunt Stella might be feeling guilty, since she meddled with Portia and Curtis when they first got back together, but Jordan says, Stella gave all of Curtis’s girlfriends a hard time, including her. She eventually comes around. He says, they know Aunt Stella is the best at punishing herself; she’s probably overblowing an upset stomach. Jordan suggests Stella might be concerned about her own recent health scare. She just wants Curtis to be happy; they all do. He asks how she’s handling today. It must bring up a lot of emotions. She says she and Curtis weren’t meant to be; there were too many secrets between them. He asks if she thinks they’d still be together if things had been different, but she says, they couldn’t have been. The secrets she was keeping were because of her job. The only thing she could have changed is letting the truth come from her, instead of someone else. She tells him that he should go, and to wish Curtis well for her.

Curtis says he knows Drew has a lot on his plate with Willow, but Drew says he’s where he needs to be. Not that he has a lot to do. Curtis isn’t nervous, and didn’t even let Drew throw him a bachelor party. Curtis thinks they might be a little too old for that, and Marshall says, you always think you’re old until you get older. Then you realize how young you really were. Drew says, at least they’re going to have a toast, and goes to get the drinks. Curtis asks Marshall if everything is okay, and Marshall says he’s just a wee bit overwhelmed. All those years of not being there for Curtis, he never knew they’d have this relationship. They still have miles to go, but standing by Curtis’s side means everything to him. Curtis says, it means everything to him too.

Trina asks if Portia is ready to put on her dress, but Portia says, there’s plenty of time for that. Josslyn says she’s going to check in with Olivia, and make sure the MetroCourt ballroom is set up for the reception, and talk to Laura. She asks if Trina is sure she doesn’t want to talk to Laura, but Trina says, Josslyn is going to have to face Cam’s grandmother at some point. Josslyn leaves, and Portia says, with Stella under the weather, there’s going to be an extra seat at the main table if Trina wants to invite a friend.

Ava says, they have to move Nikolas to the Pine Barrens right away, and Austin asks, why? Nikolas’s body is safely tucked away in a tack room closet. Didn’t they agree to wait until the curiosity about his disappearance died down? She says, that was before she spoke to Elizabeth. Just as she feared, Elizabeth is feeling guilty about what she and Nikolas did to Esme. How long will it be after Elizabeth turns herself in, that the police will get here and discover her late husband’s body?

Finn asks if Elizabeth has reconsidered turning herself in, but she says she thought she made her position clear. He reminds her that she said she was going to sleep on it, and she says, she did. She woke up more convinced than ever of what’s right. She even had Scotty come over this morning. She didn’t get into particulars… He says, it’s good to get legal advice. He sort of spoke to a lawyer himself. He didn’t use any names and spoke in hypotheticals, but this lawyer said her best bet is to testify against Nik, and the prosecution will focus on the main culprit, but Nik took off. He’s probably long out of the range of the law. Doesn’t that change the calculus? She says, not for her.

Michael says, it’s a setback, a big one, but Willow can’t be certain she’s going to die. She says, they’re running out of time to make sure everything is in place, and he asks what she means. She says, what she wants for Wiley and Amelia, and for him. So she knows when she’s gone, arrangements will be made, and they’ll be okay. He doesn’t want to hear it, and gets up, but she says, if they don’t do this now, everything she’s done will have been for nothing. She risked her health and safety to make sure Amelia would have a fighting chance at life. She can live with those consequences, but if he doesn’t sit down and talk with her about arrangements for Amelia and Wiley, and what life she wants them to have, about who will help him take care of them, and what they’ll be told about her when she’s gone, she won’t be at peace. He sits back down, and she says she’s so scared about what’s going to happen to him. It would be easy for him to bury himself in work, but she doesn’t want he children raised by nannies. She needs to know he’ll keep going, and one day, the three of them will be happy again. She needs to know her family will be okay and someday move on. They’re both crying, and he says he doesn’t want to give up hope. She says she loves him so much for that, but right now she doesn’t need hope. She needs peace of mind. And he’s the only person who can give that to her. A nurse needs to check Willow’s vitals, Michael says, of course (🍷), and leaves.

Drew comes back with glasses and some scotch, and Curtis says, it’s a special occasion. He’s got the good stuff downstairs. He leaves, and Drew says he wants to apologize to Marshall for all the background check stuff that went down, but Marshall says, that’s all in the past. There is something Drew can do for him. His greatest fear is that he has some kind of episode today. He hasn’t had one in years, but given this big occasion, he’s afraid he might give in to the pressure. So if Drew gets any sense he’s going to cause a scene, promise he’ll get Marshall out of there without any disruption. Drew says, absolutely, and Marshall thanks him and says he doesn’t want to ruin Curtis and Portia’s big day.

Trina says, Josslyn is going to be there, so she’ll have a friend with her, and Portia asks if Trina is actually going to make her say it. Trina says, what? and Portia says, if Trina wants to invite Spencer, she’d be okay with that. She’s never going to say he’s her favorite person, but she’s noticed Trina getting closer to him. She wants her special day to be special for Trina too. Trina says she’ll think about it.

Austin says he’s confused. Last night and this morning, Ava was all out of sorts, and now she’s all business. She says she loved Nikolas. It was a dark and twisted kind of love, but it was love. He says he believes it, and she says she doesn’t know what his story is, or why he decided to help her, but they’re bound together now, and they’ve got to get going. Ava hears Spencer call her name, and he bursts into the sitting room. He says, sorry. He used his key and let himself in. She asks what she can do for him, and he says he wants to know what went down between her and his father last night. Spencer asks for some privacy, and Austin steps out of the room. Spencer asks what Austin is doing here, and Ava says, they became friendly after he treated her for her hook wound. Spencer says he played the blackmail video for his father, but he refused to sign over the rights to the baby. He got the definite impression Nikolas was going to come here to confront her. Since then, he hasn’t answered any of Spencer’s calls or texts. He just wants to know if Nikolas is going to fight him for custody. She says she doesn’t think Nikolas is going to be a problem for him anymore.

Elizabeth tells Finn that she can’t live with this hanging over her for the rest of her life, always wondering if Nikolas or Ava will change their mind, and throw her under the bus. Finn says, Nikolas can’t throw her under the bus without throwing himself too, and his answer was to skip town. She says she went along with the plan because she thought she was protecting her son and this entire town from Esme. Once they found out Esme wasn’t The Hook killer, she and Nikolas said nothing. They withheld the truth, and The Hook killed again, her colleague Britt Westbourne. Britt’s dead because of her.

TJ arrives at Curtis’s, and says he wanted to try and rally Aunt Stella into coming, but no luck. Curtis says, it would be nice to have his whole family there, and TJ says, how sick can she be? Curtis says, she’s probably just nervous about her recent health scare, and TJ says, that’s what his mom said; he ran into her at the hospital. Curtis says he hopes Jordan knows, despite everything that went down, he’d love to see her there tonight. TJ says, she knows that. Understandably, she’s a little in her head today, but wanted him to send her best, and tell him that she’s happy for him. All of them are.

Terry says, sorry she’s late; she got held up at the hospital. Portia says, with a family full of doctors, if anyone understands, it’s her. Trina, Josslyn, and Terry wait, and Portia comes out in her wedding dress. I suck at describing clothes, but it’s got long sleeves, which I appreciate, and is super low cut. It’s got tasteful cut-outs and sparkly adornments, and a train that she can attach to her hand – I love those. Trina says, she’s the most beautiful bride ever. She’s beyond gorgeous, but Trina thinks they’re forgetting something. Something old, blue, borrowed, new. Josslyn says, the dress is new, and Portia says, her brother Zeke gave her this brooch that belongs to her mom. We see it pinned to the bouquet, and Trina says, they have new and borrowed, so she’ll handle the old and blue. She opens a jewelry box to show a charm that has a doctor’s symbol on it, and says, remember the suffrage project she did in high school? Portia says, of course (🍷) she does, and Trina says, she read about a doctor named Priscilla Johnson and she had a charm like this one. She found this a while back and wanted Portia to have it. Portia asks, why? and Trina says, she was ahead of her time and it inspired her, the way Portia inspires her every day. Portia says she absolutely loves it, just like she loves Trina.

TJ says he knows the toast is the best man’s job, but asks Drew to indulge him. To his uncle, the man who spends so much time looking out for everyone else. It means so much that they get to stand up for him on the happiest day of his life. Drew tells them, he couldn’t have said it better himself, they clink glasses, and drink. Drew says, now they have to get the groom to the church. It’s time for him to get married.

The nurse says she’ll see Willow in an hour, and leaves. Nina slips in, and Willow asks what she wants. Nina says she understands that the stem cell transplant isn’t happening. She wanted to tell Willow that she’s really sorry, and she’s sorry she wasn’t a bone marrow match, and couldn’t save Willow’s life. Willow says, not everything is about Nina, and Nina says, she’s right. That’s actually why she came by. She takes off her half-heart necklace, and says she found this necklace with Madeline’s belongings. Willow asks if the story has a point, and Nina says, for years she convinced herself this was Madeline’s way of connecting her to her daughter. That’s how self-absorbed she is sometimes. She thought the necklace had to do with her, but it had nothing to do with her; the necklace was linking the sisters together. Her twin daughters Madeline separated from each other. She knows Willow wants nothing to do with her or her sister, but this necklace is Willow’s. Willow turns her back to Nina, and Nina stands there for a moment, then puts it on the nightstand and leaves, closing the door. I can’t stand Willow. There, I said it.

Elizabeth says, Britt was in the wrong place at the wrong time, but Britt is dead because of the choices she made. Finn says, Elizabeth has been beating herself up for a while, but he can’t help feeling she’s transferring residual guilt she feels about Reiko onto Britt. Please don’t do this because she thinks she needs to pay some kind of penance, or thinks he’s holding a grudge against her; he’s not. She doesn’t need to be absolved by him or anyone else. She says, maybe she needs to be absolved by herself, and he says, even if the police knew where Esme was, it wouldn’t have prevented anyone from getting hurt. The prosecution will be out for blood, and with Nik gone, she’ll be left to pay the price. Is that justice? The guy responsible for this is out walking free, while she risks being taken away from her boys? She says she woudn’t be someone they’d be proud of if she didn’t do this.

Ava tells Spencer that Nikolas came to Windymere last night. He was livid that she’d given Spencer material to use against him in his custody battle. He said he couldn’t trust that Ava wouldn’t turn him in after Spencer got custody. She’s so sorry. His father left town, probably the country. She doesn’t think he’s coming back to Port Charles, not after all the bridges he’s burned. The only two people in his corner are his mother and his Uncle Victor. Spencer says, he left without saying goodbye? and she says she’s so sorry. His phone dings, he looks at it, and says he has to go. All he can say is, good riddance. He leaves, and Austin says, she’s really good. She says, no time for compliments. They have a body to move. He says, that’s not going to happen.

Elizabeth asks Finn how she’s any better than her parents. How can she expect her boys to be better when she’s setting a bad example? How can she ever find peace? She’ll always care about him, and Violet will always be her niece, but if she’s honest, their underlying issues were exacerbated by his need to be her hero; protecting her instead of trusting her to handle things. She knows it’s from a good place, but needed to handle her trauma in her own way, and she did just that. Now she wants him to let her handle this in the way she sees fit. For the sake of the family they’ll always share, she’s asking him not to fight her.

Austin says he’s not helping Ava with the body right now, and she asks if he didn’t hear her. Elizabeth is having a crisis of conscience. If she goes to the cops, the first thing they’re going to do is search the property, and look for where Esme was being held captive. He says, people get caught when they’re impulsive, and they should be smarter than that, methodical. It’s the middle of the day. Her super handsome stepson just waltzed right in here. What would have happened if he’d seen them putting his tarp-wrapped papa in a rowboat to get him off the island? That would have been really uncomfortable. They would have been screwed. She says, that’s a fair point. Does he have a plan? He says, no, but he knows enough not to do it in broad daylight. They should wait for the cover of darkness. Isn’t she supposed to be at a wedding? They don’t want people asking why she was a no-show, or worse, stopping by to find out if she’s okay. She says, fine. After the wedding, they’ll meet back here, and take care of the body. She starts to leave, then says, she knows why she has experience in these extreme situations. Remind her to ask why it comes so naturally to him.

Terry says, the guests should be arriving soon; they should mingle. She and Josslyn leave, and Portia tells Trina that she loves the charm, because it reminds her of the amazing young woman Trina is. She’s going to carry it with her always. Trina says she’s grateful for Portia every day. Portia makes her so proud to be her daughter. Portia says, Trina makes her proud every single day, and Trina says she knows she didn’t always make it easy, but Portia says, she’s an angel. Stress is part of the job of being a parent. Trina says she meant she didn’t always make it easy for Portia and Curtis at first, but Portia says, that time has long past. Every choice she’s made in her life, it’s been with Trina in mind. Just because she’s walking down the aisle, doesn’t mean that will change. Trina is the love of her life.

Laura says, Curtis looks fantastic, and he says he’s just keeping up with his bride. He knows she’ll look amazing. Laura says she needs to prep, and jets, when Taggert walks in. He says he thinks it’s time he and Curtis had a talk.

Michael comes back to Willow’s room. He asks about the necklace, but she says, it’s nothing that matters. He says he’s sorry if he made her feel unheard, but she says he doesn’t need to apologize. They’re in this situation because of decisions she made without giving him a say. She doesn’t get to dictate how he deals with this. He says he’ll never give up hope on her, but if it gives her peace of mind to make preparations for a future she might not be part of, he can do that. She thanks him, and he asks where they start. She says, finally an easy question. He can start by marrying her.

Sonny asks how it went with Willow, and Nina says she didn’t expect it to be easy, but she thought if Willow knew there was a mom looking for her, it would give her the strength that she needs. She asks if they can get out of here, and he says, home or to the wedding? but she says they don’t have time to get ready for the wedding. He says he had Frank bring her dress just in case, so it’s ready if she is. He’ll follow her lead. She thanks him.

Finn tells Elizabeth that he doesn’t like it, and disagrees with it, but it’s not his decision to make, and he respects her choice. If she likes, he’ll be there with her every step of the way. She thanks him, and he says, for the record, he wasn’t trying to be a hero; he was just trying to do right by her. Do him one small favor. Don’t go to the station tonight. Call Scotty in the morning, and have him coordinate everything with the police. She says, okay. She’ll try not to let the family know anything is wrong. He says, she doesn’t have to wait alone. There’s a little shindig they’re both supposed to be at, and he thinks Portia would appreciate her being there. And if she needs anything, there’s a guy across the aisle who cares about her.

There’s a knock at Portia’s bedroom door, and Terry says, the church is starting to fill up. Her phone dings, and she says, Elizabeth’s on her way. Trina says she’ll see Portia out there, and Portia tells Trina that she loves her. Trina says she loves Portia too, and leaves.

Ava comes out all dressed up, and Austin says she looks really nice. She says, thanks, let’s go, but he says he thought he’d hang out here until she got back. She tells him that she said this binds them together, not that she trusts him. Come on. He follows her out.

Josslyn says, if she had to come to a wedding without a date, she’s glad she’s with Trina. Trina says she hates to break it to Josslyn, but she has a date. Josslyn says, what? Who? Spencer walks in.

Taggert says, he and Curtis never really talked about how Curtis and Portia got together back then, but Curtis says, this isn’t the time. Taggert says, just hear him out. Whatever happened back then doesn’t matter. Today is about the future, and he sees how great Curtis is for Portia, and the sacrifices he’s made for Trina. He sees they’re going to have a bright future. Curtis says he certainly didn’t expect that, and thanks Taggert. Taggert says he knows this doesn’t make them family, but he’s glad Curtis is part of his daughter’s. He’s a good man. They shake hands, and Curtis says, Taggert is a good man too.

Portia checks herself out in the mirror, when there’s a knock at the door. She opens the door and sees Jordan. She asks what Jordan is doing here, and Jordan says, stopping Portia from making the biggest mistake of her life.

On Monday, Jordan asks if Portia can really walk down the aisle with this hanging over her; Michael says he needs Willow to do something for him in return; and Nina asks if Carly will be joining Drew.

🕶 Live and In Person…

On YouTube anyway, February 17th.

Ian Buchanan Live Interview Scheduled

👛 More Than Two Cents…

Why shouldn’t Bethenny comment? She’s done her time. Brandi really needs to go directly to the unemployment line, no passing go, no collecting Bravo dollars.

https://pagesix.com/2023/02/07/bethenny-frankel-reacts-to-caroline-manzo-brandi-glanville-incident/

👨‍⚖️ You Should Be Watching…

It was so long between seasons, I’d actually forgotten about Your Honor, but it’s back, and worth the watch. Great story and an amazing cast. My advice though, start from the beginning.

https://www.thenationalnews.com/arts-culture/2023/01/22/bryan-cranston-on-exploring-grief-and-depression-in-season-two-of-your-honor/

https://nypost.com/2023/02/03/how-isiah-whitlock-jr-deals-with-bryan-cranston-in-your-honor/

https://www.salon.com/2023/01/22/rosie-perez-your-honor/

🤬 Blood Officially Boiling…

What possessed this woman to make a comment like this? Not to mention, Melanie Lynskey is a superb actor, while she’s a model who married Christopher Knight, and did a bunch of reality shows.

https://nypost.com/2023/02/09/melanie-lynskey-slams-antm-winner-adrianne-curry-for-body-shaming-her/

🥁 Bowl, Wings and Chill…

Halftime. That’s what it’s really all about, isn’t it?

https://parade.com/entertainment/super-bowl-2023-halftime-show-rihanna

In related RiRi news…

https://parade.com/entertainment/super-bowl-2023-halftime-show-rihannahttps://pagesix.com/2023/02/10/rihanna-gets-met-gala-inspired-wax-figure-before-super-bowl-2023/ 

I admire the audacity to rank.

https://www.avclub.com/super-bowl-halftime-shows-ranked-1850091017

🐶 And Of Course…

What it’s really all about for me.

https://parade.com/tv/puppy-bowl-2023

How to Watch the Puppy Bowl 2024

You get a puppy! And you get a puppy!

https://ew.com/tv/puppy-bowl-2023-puppies-kittens-you-can-adopt/

👩🏽‍🏫 Quotes of the Week

The rule is to dress for the job you want. 🔸  I can’t come to work dressed like an astronaut. – Mandy (Molly McCook) and Kyle (Christoph Sanders) respectively, Last Man Standing

Life is problems. Living is solving problems. – Raymond E. Feist

Every piece of the universe, even the tiniest little snow crystal, matters somehow. I have a place in the pattern, and so do you. – T.A. Barron (Don’t step on any butterflies.)

A man who has never gone to school may steal from a freight car; but if he has a university education, he may steal the whole railroad. – Theodore Roosevelt

As to wishing it had not happened, one can’t help momentary wishes: guilt begins only when one embraces them. You can’t help their knocking at the door, but one mustn’t ask them in to lunch. – C.S. Lewis, from The Collected Letters of C.S. Lewis, Volume III

Leaders who win the respect of others are the ones who deliver more than they promise, not the ones who promise more than they can deliver. – Mark A. Clement

No man can tell whether he is rich or poor by turning to his ledger. It is the heart that makes a man rich. He is rich according to what he is, not according to what he has. – Henry Ward Beecher

Have no fear of perfection; you’ll never reach it. – Salvador Dalí

The opportunity of a lifetime is to pick yourself. Quit waiting to get picked; quit waiting for someone to give you permission; quit waiting for someone to say you are officially qualified… and pick yourself. – Seth Godin

That food you eat can be either the safest and most powerful form of medicine or the slowest form of poison. – Ann Wigmore

What did Columbus discover? People were already here. It’s like crashing your car into Starbucks & saying you discovered coffee. – Jimmy Kimmel

🥙 Bowl Me Over…

Make a return trip on Monday really Tuesday for soap, the latest Deck, and my derogatory comments about the godawful Summer House coming back. Until then, stay safe, stay taking it a minute at a time if you have to, and stay never moving a body in broad daylight. Wait for the cover of darkness.

Feb10

February 9, 2023 – Willow Gets Bad News, Doing Time, Baby Amelia, Joining GH, Loss Trend, Text Leak, Missing Nothing, Party Time, Celebrate Pets (!) & Happy

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Willow tries to get Austin to tell her what’s going on, but he says, Dr. Randolph will be her shortly to update her. Michael asks if Austin knows what Terry is going to tell them about the harvested stem cells, and Austin says he does. Willow says, whatever it is, she can take it; they all can.

In the waiting area, Sonny brings Nina an empty cup of coffee, and she says she’s going to have to learn about Willow’s transplant from someone else in the family. He says he’s sorry Willow is keeping her at arm’s length. He knows she’s worried. She says, hopefully, that worry will soon be in the past. The transplant will work, Willow will go into remission, and Nina can focus on what the future holds; with her, her daughter, and their new granddaughter.

Gregory asks if Alexis can just create a job for him, and she says she can do anything she wants; she’s the boss. Someone from the editorial board is retiring, and she thought of him. He’s been very helpful to her, whether she likes it or not. He says, mostly not, but she asks if she’d be offering him a job if that were true. He’d be an asset and could start immediately. She tells him this is the part where he says he’d love the job.

Finn asks how he would know why Elizabeth is meeting with Scotty, and Obrecht says, he must have a guess. He flashes back to Elizabeth telling him that she’d never been pregnant, and how she helped Nikolas hold Esme captive. Obrecht says, he does know something. Tell her. He asks why he would do that, and she says, so she can help.

Scotty asks what Elizabeth did; run over her neighbor’s mailbox and not tell them? She says, it’s worse. She wants to come forward, but before she does, she wants to know the potential consequences. If she needs a lawyer… He says he’ll represent her, and she asks if everything she says will be protected by… He says, yes, of course (🍷). He’s been a lawyer his entire life, and he’ll get her out of whatever mess she’s in. Now what did she do? She says, a few months ago, she entered into a crime in progress, and she’s been a part of it ever since. He asks if it’s still ongoing, but she says, no. He asks how bad it is, and she says, bad. He asks if there’s a chance this could come to light, and does anybody know about it? She says, a few people, and he says, who knows about it, and who’s involved? The doorbell rings, but he tells her to ignore it. She goes to the door anyway, and finds Ava on the porch. Ava says, they need to talk, and asks if Scotty is here to spend time with the boys, but Elizabeth says he’s here for her. Scotty says, they have some family legal matters to discuss, and Ava says, normally, she woudn’t dream of interrupting, but this is important. She asks if Scotty will give them some privacy. She wants to talk about Nikolas. Scotty asks what he’s done now, and Ava says, this is a conversation for those who know him best, and Elizabeth has experience with Nikolas and his secrets. Elizabeth suggests she and Scotty finish their conversation later, and Scotty says, see ya, Ava. She says, not if she sees him first, and Scotty tells Elizabeth not to discuss this with anyone else. He leaves, and Elizabeth asks what Nikolas told Ava. Ava says, everything.

Finn wonders what Elizabeth is to Obrecht, and Obrecht says she cares for Elizabeth. He asks, since when? and she says, since she fell in love with Scotty. Elizabeth is his son’s widow, and her sons are the closest thing he has to grandchildren. His daughter is obsessed with the preservation of the sea, an admirable pursuit, but he rarely sees her, so Elizabeth and her sons are his family. When she took him into her life, she also took in those he cares about. She and Finn both know she can be a valuable ally. If Elizabeth is over her head, Obrecht has the skills to get her out of it, with no harm coming to her and her boys. But she can only do that if Finn tells her what’s going on.

Gregory says, it means a lot that Alexis thought of him. He knows how important The Invader is to her. She says, he’s stalling, and he says, sadly, he’s going to have to turn down her offer. She says, why?

Nina says, it feels like she and Sonny have been on a roller coaster these past few weeks. Finding out Willow is sick, and then that Willow is her daughter, fighting for her life, the birth of her child… He says, Nina’s had a lot to process, and she says, the stem cell transplant is going to work. Willow will go into remission, and she and Michael will return to raising their two beautiful children. Maybe Willow will return to nursing. He says, then the two of them can repair what’s broken, and she says she hopes that’s possible. He says, Willow has a big heart. As soon as this is over, she’ll come around and accept Nina as her mother. Nina says she’ll pray for that, but in the meantime, she’ll keep trying to show that Willow can depend on her, and how much Willow means to her. She’ll do it or die trying. He says he knows the feeling, and she says, maybe the same thing can happen with him and Michael. When all of this is over, they’ll find their way back to each other. He says he’s not holding his breath, and she says, in the meantime, they have a lot to be grateful for. He has a bunch of kids who adore him, and now they have a beautiful new granddaughter. She suggests they go; they have to get ready for Curtis and Portia’s wedding. He wonders how much time they have, and she asks what he’s thinking. He says, she’ll see.

Austin thinks they should wait for Terry, and Michael says he knows there are protocols, but it’s more important they find out what they’re facing. Willow agrees, and Austin says, every procedure is going to have its complications. Terry walks in, and asks how Willow’s feeling. Willow says, weak and sore. Dr. Navarro says that’s normal after a C-section. (Well, duh.) But they’re anxious to know what the next steps are. Dr. Gatlin-Holt said there might be complications. Terry  looks at Austin, and he says, the good news is, Willow is healing nicely. They want to keep her in the OR for observation, but so far, everything is encouraging. Michael says, but Austin told them there were complications, and Terry says, they were unable to harvest enough functional stem cells for Willow to undergo the procedure. She’s sorry. This stem cell transplant is no longer an option for Willow.

Ava tells Elizabeth that Nikolas came to see her last night. He told her all about the tower bedroom, and what really went on there; that it wasn’t some tawdry affair. They made that up to conceal what was really going on, and she has to say she’s impressed. She almost admires Elizabeth. Elizabeth says, Esme should have been turned over to the police. It would have saved them all a lot of heartache. She’s sorry she got in the way of Ava and Nikolas reconciling, but Ava says, Nikolas broke us long before you entered his scheme. Elizabeth says she still regrets her involvement, and has to fix things. That’s why she called Scotty. She’s decided to turn herself in. Ava asks why she’d sacrifice herself. What good would that do? Elizabeth says she knows the police will investigate Spoon Island, and she apologizes for the headache it’s going to cause Ava. Ava flashes back to talking to Austin about covering up Nikolas’s death, and how she doesn’t want the cops investigating Spoon Island. Ava says, it will be so much worse for Elizabeth. Has she thought about the consequences? Elizabeth says, it’s all she’s thought about, but she can’t live with herself like this. Ava asks if Elizabeth’s children can live without her.

Sonny brings Donna to the waiting area where Nina is, and says he’s going to make her pancakes for breakfast tomorrow, but first, he has someone for her to meet. He lifts her up to the window, and tells her, that is Baby Amelia, her brother’s new baby. Donna says hi to Amelia, and Sonny says, Willow’s her mother, he’s her granddad, and Nina is her grandma. Donna says, we’re a family.

Carly asks, what went wrong? and Terry says, in order to give the patient the best chance for survival, there needs to be a certain amount of stem cells in the placenta and the umbilical cord; ideally, 21 million per kilograms of body weight. Willow says, TNC, total nuclear cell count; she studied it in nursing school. Terry says, if there are too few stem cells, the patient doesn’t have time to grow healthy blood cells, and they’re at risk for infections without the immune system to fight them. When they analyzed the stem cells from Willow, they found that the TNC was too low. It contained too few stem cells for a successful procedure. Willow asks if her hemorrhaging had anything to do with it, and Austin says, they don’t know for sure, but there’s no reason for her to think like that. Sometimes there are too few stem cells, even if there are no complications with the delivery. Terry says some other medical stuff about there not being a match, and how it’s influenced by a number of factors, including Willow’s disease status. Willow says, leukemia Stage IV. She studied this in oncology class, and knew it would be a possibility. She just didn’t want to believe it. Michael says, moving forward, what’s next?

Ava says, when Nikolas told her about Esme, he was already concerned that Elizabeth was having a crisis of conscience. He told her that he tried to reason with Elizabeth, and then he did what Nikolas always does; he tried to save his own skin. She hasn’t told Laura because Laura’s upset already, but she thinks Nikolas left town. If Elizabeth insists on turning herself in to the police, she alone will pay for his crimes.

Finn tells Obrecht that he doesn’t know why Elizabeth called Scotty, when Scotty walks into the hospital. Finn suggests she ask him, and she asks if Scotty is already finished with Elizabeth. Scotty says, Ava interrupted them, and she says, another one of his favorite clients. What did Elizabeth want? He suggests they talk somewhere else, and Finn says, Obrecht was just telling him how concerned she was about Elizabeth. Scotty says, Finn dumped her, but Finn says, it’s more complicated than that, and he still cares about her. Is it something with the boys? Scotty says, the boys are fine, and Finn asks if it’s something with Elizabeth. He’d like to help if he can. Scotty says, Elizabeth has enough problems right now, and Finn asks if she’s in trouble. Scotty says, that’s between a lawyer and his client, and Finn says, of course (🍷). He tells them, it’s been a pleasure, and jets.

Alexis says, Gregory has told her that he wanted to be where the action is. He said he wanted to make a change. He tells her, actually, she suggested he explore having a second act, and he said he’d think about it. She says, obviously, he’s decided against it, and he says he considered trying something new, but he made a commitment to the university. He can’t just leave in the middle of a semester. She says, he’s been volunteering here, teaching, and giving advice for weeks. The only difference is, he’d be being paid. He says, working on the editorial board will demand a greater commitment, and she says, they’ll be flexible until his semester is over, and then he can work full time. He says, it’s not that simple, but she says, from where she’s standing it is… unless he’s scared.

Nina looks through the window at Amelia, and says, it’s Grandma Nina again. She just wanted to remind Amelia that she loves her, and will do everything in her power to make sure Amelia is safe. Amelia’s mommy and daddy don’t want her anywhere near Amelia right now, but she’ll always be here for her, and Amelia will always be in her heart. Always.

Terry says, now that the stem cell transplant isn’t an option, Willow’s best chance for survival is a bone marrow transplant. She’s still on the registry. Michael says, she’s been on the registry for months, and hasn’t found a viable match. Willow says, what about more chemo? She’s willing to do whatever’s necessary. Terry says, she’s afraid at this advanced stage, chemo could do more harm than good. The best thing they can do right now is manage her illness until a donor is found. Carly says, a match will turn up; there’s still time. Isn’t there? Willow asks Terry, exactly how much time does she have? Terry says, sometimes, patients live far longer than what’s expected, and Willow asks, what’s expected of her? Terry says, it’s likely a matter of weeks, and Austin says, they don’t know any of this for sure. This is just their best guess based on the advanced state of Willow’s leukemia, but every patient is different. Willow says she gets it. She could live longer than that… or not. She thinks she needs some time alone. Austin says, there are some things they should discuss, but Terry says, there’s time for that later, and they leave.

In the hallway, Austin says, they need to talk to them about palliative care, or at least start thinking about it, but Terrys says, it’s too much for them right now. They’re processing the most horrible news anyone can be given. They need to give them space for that before they talk about what’s next.

Carly tells Willow, this is not the end. She will find a donor. She tells them that she loves them both, and leaves.

Sonny puts a chair up to the window for Donna to kneel on so she can see Amelia. He asks what she thinks of her niece, and Donna asks, what’s a niece? He says, it means Baby Amelia is her brother’s daughter. Donna says, she’s really little, and he says, she was little once. Now she’s a big girl, and Amelia is going to be a big girl. She’s going to look up to Donna, the way Donna looks up to Josslyn and Avery. She’s going to want Donna to look out for her and be there for her. Does Donna think she can do that? Because that’s what families do. Donna says, okay, daddy.

Elizabeth says, Nikolas left Port Charles? and Ava says, the way he stormed out of Windymere last night, she doubts they’ll ever see him again. Between his and his Uncle Victor’s resources, Nikolas has the means to disappear forever. In the meantime, Elizabeth will be held responsible for his crimes while he gets off scot-free. Is that fair? Elizabeth says, of course (🍷) not, but it doesn’t absolve her or erase what she did. Ava says, don’t ruin her life because of Nikolas’s bad decisions, and Elizabeth asks why Ava cares what she does. What’s it to Ava if she turns herself in?

Carly leaves a message for Drew, saying, he’s probably getting ready for Curtis’s wedding, and he’s going to make the perfect best man. She’s still at the hospital. They got some information, and she’d really like to hear his voice right now. When he gets some time, can he call her? Sonny brings Donna over, and she hugs Carly. Sonny says he took her to see Baby Amelia, and Carly says she was on her way there. Donna says, they’re all a family, and Carly says, they are. Donna asks, what’s wrong? and Carly says, she just got some news. She tells Sonny, it didn’t work. She doesn’t have much time. Nina joins them.

Ava says, Elizabeth is right. It’s her life. Blow it up if she wants to. But she knows what it’s like to be betrayed by Nikolas. She really loved him, and doesn’t want to see anyone else suffer because of Nikolas Cassadine. Elizabeth says she’s not doing this for Nikolas; she’s doing it for herself. She needs to own what she did wrong. Ava says, why? Nikolas is gone, Demetrius is gone, Esme has no memory. There isn’t anybody left who knows anything about Elizabeth’s involvement. Elizabeth says, except Ava, and Ava says she’s not going to say anything. If Elizabeth gets sent to jail, it won’t just be her life that’s destroyed. It will affect her children, and all the people who care about her and need her. Just let Nikolas go, and let his crimes go with him. There’s a knock at the door, and it’s Finn. He says he wanted to see if Elizabeth was all right, and Ava says she was just talking to Elizabeth about all the people who care about her.

Gregory admits he finds the prospect of trying something new daunting, but he’s not holding back because he’s scared, and Alexis asks, then what is it? He says he likes teaching. He doesn’t want to give it up, and doesn’t want to walk away from his retirement. She says, so do both, and he asks if she won’t need more from him. She says she might, but he’ll be on the frontline of breaking news. Think how interesting that would be for his students. She’s sure PCU would lighten his load a little, and she’d work it out so he could do both. He’s not sure the university would be so accommodating, and she says, then they’d be stupid. He says, with hundreds of adjuncts breathing down his neck for his position, willing to work for less than he makes, he’s lucky he has a job. She says, now he’s being modest? It doesn’t become him, and if he really didn’t want this job, that would be one thing, but she knows this interests him, and she’ll work it out so he can teach and do this. She’s offering him this job. Why doesn’t he take it?

Nina says, it looks like they all had the same idea, and Sonny says, they were going to take Donna for some hot chocolate. Donna asks if mommy can come, and Carly suggests they get hot chocolate on their own and have some mommy/daughter time. Sonny asks for a big hug first, and Donna hugs him, then Nina. Carly leaves with Donna, and Nina asks if Carly told Sonny anything new about Willow’s procedure. Come on, tell her. He says, there’s not going to be a stem cell transplant. The doctors can’t harvest the stem cells. She asks what that means for Willow, and he says he’s sorry. Willow doesn’t have much time. Nina says, she just found Willow… that’s not right, and Sonny holds her.

Michael asks what Willow is thinking, and she says, that she loves him so much, but she really needs to be alone right now. He kisses her forehead, says he loves her too, and leaves. She flashes back to being with Michael and Wiley in the park, and Wiley saying he loves her, and remembers holding Baby Amelia for the first time. She flashes back to her and Michael exchanging I love yous for the first time, and saying she’ll marry him. She fingers the ring he gave her, and cries.

Alexis says, all Gregory has to do is have a quick chat with his department head, and figure out what he can take on and still be able to teach. Just give it a try. That’s all she asks. He tells her, how can he say no?

Sonny tells Nina that Carly couldn’t say a lot because Donna was there. They don’t have the complete picture, but he’s sure the doctors are figuring out what they can do for Willow. She says, it’s hard for her to have hope. Anything between her and her daughters is always the worst case scenario. She was in a coma for most of their lives, and Nelle was dead when she found out Nelle was hers. Now Willow, everything she’s been through. She just had a baby, she has a child at home. Willow doesn’t deserve this; she’s a good person. You know who deserves it? She does. She’s done horrible things in her life. Maybe she brought this on her girls. Maybe it’s some cosmic payback. He says he doesn’t believe that. Everybody messes up. Everybody makes mistakes. He’s done plenty he’s not proud of, but look where his life is at. He has a good life, a good family, and a woman who loves him. Willow and everybody who loves her is being dealt a bad hand, but they’re not going to give up. She takes his hand, and says, they’re not, but she just wants to be with Willow. She just wants to be able to comfort her. He says he’s sure Willow and Michael have a lot to talk about, when Scotty and Obrecht come out of the elevator. Obrecht asks Nina, what’s happened? Is it Willow?

Elizabeth thanks Ava for stopping by, and Ava thanks Elizabeth for hearing her out. Ava leaves, and Finn asks, what was that all about?

Outside, Ava calls Austin, and says she needs to meet with him right away. He asks, what’s wrong? and she says, they have a huge problem.

Elizabeth tells Finn, Ava stopped by to tell her that Nikolas left town.

Donna asks if Carly is still sad, and Carly says she is, but being with Donna makes her feel better. Donna asks if this will help too, and hugs her. Carly says, it helps a lot.

Obrecht says she can’t bear to see her Nina suffer like this, and Scotty asks what she’s going to do. Obrecht sees Terry at the reception desk, and says she was powerless to help her Britta, but there is something she can do for Willow. She says she needs to speak with Terry, but Terry says, this isn’t a good time. Can Obrecht call her assistant and make an appointment? Obrecht says, this is a matter of life or death. She understands her niece’s daughter needs a bone marrow donor. Take her to get tested.

Michael goes back to Willow’s room, and takes her hand. She says, all she wants is for them to have a long overdue conversation, and he says, about? She says, his life without her.

Tomorrow, Willow needs Michael to face the truth; Finn tells Elizabeth, that changes everything; TJ tells Jordan, they both know there’s more going on; and Curtis says he’s never been more sure of anything in his life.

⛓ Workin’ On the Chain Gang…

Musings on Spencer’s taste of thug life.

Nicholas Chavez Reveals How Prison Changed Spencer on GH

👶 Extra Large…

At least they admit she looks way past eight months in the oven. And I admit she’s a cutie; round and rosy, with squishable cheeks. Very animated, too, like the original Wiley.

Baby Amelia on GENERAL HOSPITAL — Everything You Need To Know

🩺 New Doctor In the House…

I see a moving van headed to Port Charles…

Ricco Ross Cast on GENERAL HOSPITAL as Dr. Sterling Robinson

💉 One More Magic Solution Down the Drain…

Her anti-aging doctor? Does she mean plastic surgeon or anesthetist? Why does everyone think there’s some quick fix to weight loss? Stop eating crap and exercise. Calories in/calories out. There you go.

https://people.com/health/vanderpump-rules-lala-kent-ozempic-weight-loss-trend-hollywood/

👠 She’s All About the Love…

Nona and Noni must be shaking their heads.

https://pagesix.com/2023/02/09/melissa-gorga-slams-fake-teresa-giudice-after-text-messages-leak/

💎 Don’t Go Away Mad…

They got along without you before they met you; they’ll get along without you now.

https://pagesix.com/2023/02/08/lisa-rinna-says-rhobh-will-be-missing-everything-after-her-exit/

🗽 Fashion Fêtes…

A peek into New York Fashion Week.

https://pagesix.com/2023/02/08/new-york-fashion-weeks-hottest-parties/

🐈 February Is For Pets…

For the feline lovers.

https://people.com/pets/fancy-feast-creates-cuddle-collection-for-spending-valentines-day-with-cats/

And of course the 🐕 Bowl.

https://people.com/pets/how-to-watch-the-2023-puppy-bowl-on-super-bowl-sunday/

🏈 Running Interference…

Join me tomorrow for free-for-all Friday, with the usual soap, a mix of tea, wise words (or not), and music to soothe the savage breast. And yes, that’s correct; it’s not beast. Until then, stay safe, stay remembering to put the oxygen mask on yourself first, and stay never holding back because you’re scared.

Feb9

February 8, 2023 – Elizabeth Asks Scotty For Help, VanderBack, Sequel Role, Incident Statement, Please Don’t Leave & Everything

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Ava dreams that Nikolas is in the bed with her, but she says, this isn’t real; he’s dead. He says, she bludgeoned him, and she says, it was an accident. He says, an accident of passion. It’s always been like that with them, and always will be. She tells him to go away, but he says he’s not going anywhere. What’s between them is forever. She wakes, and sees blood on her hand. She pulls back the covers, and the sheets are bloody. She screams, then really wakes up. Her bedroom door opens.

Carly finds Michael in Willow’s room, and asks if he needs anything, but he just wants to see Willow’s face when she meets the baby. She’s been sleeping since the C-section. Carly suggests he take a break, but he says he can’t leave until Willow opens her eyes.

Elizabeth looks at a picture of her boys, and flashes back to Finn telling her to sleep on it before she turns herself in. There’s a knock at the door, and it’s Laura, who asks if she’s heard from Nikolas.

Finn goes to Alexis’s office, and she asks, what’s going on? He says he needs some hypothetical legal advice, but she says she’s not even a hypothetical lawyer. He says, how about some advice about the law from someone who’s good at it? and she asks, what’s up? He asks, what kind of charges someone would be facing if they were an accessory to a felony? He’s asking for a friend.

Nina looks at the baby through the window, and Obrecht joins her. Obrecht says she remembers when Britta was born; she was vocal and disapproving from the start. And as beautiful as Nina’s granddaughter. Nina says, it’s good to see Obrecht here, and Obrecht says, of course (🍷) she’s here; she had to see her grandniece. She asks how Willow is, and Nina says she thinks Willow is sleeping. Willow doesn’t really want anything to do with her. If Willow wants to see her, she’ll be there in a second, but she made a promise to herself not to upset her daughter.

Willow wakes up, and Michael asks if she wants to meet her daughter. She can’t wait to meet Willow. Welcome back. He says he loves her so much, and kisses her forehead. Carly slips out of the room, and in the hallway, she tells Sonny that Willow’s awake. Michael tells Willow that their baby is perfect, and wants to meet her mom. Willow says she needs to see her now, and asks Michael to bring her their baby.

Scotty joins Obrecht and Nina, and asks how the newest member of the family is doing. Obrecht asks if that’s why he’s here, or is he checking up on her? He says, the kid may need a lawyer. It’s never too soon to start suing people. The hardest thing for him about memorials is, people say nice things, then go back to their lives. She says, her Britta’s gone, but her heart rejoices for Nina, and she can’t wait to meet her grandniece. Nina gets a text from Sonny that says, Willow’s awake.

Sonny says, their son has a daughter, and Carly says, now that she’s here, Willow can get the stem cell transplant she needs, and this nightmare will finally be over. He says, babies are miracles. Can she believe their granddaughter is going to save Willow’s life? It’s amazing.

Willow says she remembers them showing her and Michael their baby. Then they took her away. He says, Willow asked him to go with her, and she says, then she remembers… not exactly. Did something happen? He says, from what he was told, Willow started hemorrhaging, and her heart stopped on the operating table. She says, Michael was there, but he says he was in the NICU with their daughter. She says, then he came back, but he tells her that they wouldn’t let him back in. She says she heard his voice, as clear as she’s hearing it now. He told her to come home and live. He tells her that he did say that, but he was in the waiting area, praying as hard as he could for her to come back. She says, and she did.

Finn tells Alexis, someone he knows made a really big mistake, but it’s over. He’s worried confessing will ruin their life without making anything better. She says, so this crime is not ongoing? He says, no, and she says, murder? He says, no, and she says, accidental death? He says, no one got hurt, not really, and she asks if the friend was part of planning the crime. He says, they got roped into helping the person, and chose to protect them rather than going to the police, and she says, so this person might be an accessory to the crime after the fact, which would be a misdemeanor at worst. He says, that doesn’t sound so bad, and she says, or a felony, depending on the details of the crime.

Elizabeth says she hasn’t spoken to Nikolas since they argued at the hospital, and Laura says, it was obvious they were both shaken by it. Is she okay? Elizabeth says, no. She thinks her friendship with Nikolas is over. Laura says, after everything they’ve been through all these years? Doesn’t Elizabeth think it’s possible they just need a little time? She knows it’s not her business, but does Elizabeth know what happened between Spencer and Nikolas? Elizabeth asks her to narrow it down, and Laura says, Spencer wants to sue for custody of Nikolas and Esme’s baby. Elizabeth looks shocked, and Laura says, Spencer said he knew something about Nikolas; something he thinks is unforgivable. Elizabeth asks if Spencer said what it was, but Laura says, he told her it was best she didn’t know, but he insists Nikolas should not be allowed to raise the baby. Elizabeth asks how Nikolas reacted, and Laura says she’s never seen him so devastated. It’s like he really lost everything.

Austin asks if Ava is okay. Does she want to focus on some breathing? She takes some deep breaths, and says, Nikolas, he’s dead. Austin says, he is, and she says, he was going to take Avery. She just wanted to stop him, and she hit him with a statue and he fell. Austin says, he did, and she asks what he’s doing here. He says, she asked him to spend the night and keep an eye on her, and she says, he scared her, walking into her room like that. He says he heard her scream, and was worried about her, and she tells him, get out. He goes to the door, and says, at some point, they’ll have to talk about what happens next. She says, what happens next is, he leaves and forgets he was ever here, and they never speak of this again. He says that works for him, but what is she going to say when people notice Nikolas is missing? She tells him, she’ll say, Nikolas was here and they argued about Windymere. He regretted giving her Spoon Island and wanted it back, but she wouldn’t give it to him, so he stormed off. She doesn’t know what happened to him after that. He says, that’s good. A good lie manages to stay as close as possible to the truth. She asks where he learned that, and he says, his family. She thanks him for not turning her in, but says she meant what she said. He should go and never look back. As far as she’s concerned, he was never here. He says, if only it were that easy, and she asks, what’s hard about it? He says, his cousin Mason. Mason is the reason he stopped by last night. He’s after Ava. She says, Mason’s a thug. Does Austin think she’d let him in her house? Austin says, he came here just in case, and she says, if Mason had shown up instead of him… He says, if Mason had glimpsed her hiding Nikolas’s body, he would have had her for life. She says she’s glad it was him, and he’s right; she’s going to keep it really simple. Nikolas was here, he left, and she doesn’t know anything else. They don’t want the cops focusing on Spoon Island. He asks if Nikolas’s kid is going to be a problem, but she says, Spencer won’t be a problem. Elizabeth might be.

Elizabeth tells Laura, after she ran into Nikolas, Finn came to see her. Laura asks how that went, but Elizabeth says, not well. Laura asks if Elizabeth was angry before she ran into Nikolas, and Elizabeth says, she told Nikolas what her parents had done to her as a teenager, how they hurt and betrayed her. He knew she was struggling because of it. Laura asks what he did, and Elizabeth says, he just made it about himself. He made it seem like he was inconvenienced by her pain. Laura says she’s sorry Nikolas let Elizabeth down, but she also feels sorry for Nikolas because Elizabeth has been such a positive influence in his life. Elizabeth says, not always. She’s not as perfect as Laura thinks she is.

Finn says he’s worried his friend’s life is going to be torn apart because they thought they were doing the right thing, but Alexis says, they weren’t. Clearly, there’s a victim here. Was the victim aware of Elizabeth’s involvement? He says he doesn’t think so. Not yet, unless they figure it out. She says, if there’s a chance it can be figured out, his friend needs to get ahead of it, and come forward voluntarily, and he asks if they’ll still go to prison. She says, probably. Here’s a thought. Would his friend consider testifying against the person who committed the crime in the first place?

Carly and Sonny fawn over the baby, as she’s wheeled past to see Willow. The nurse takes the baby into Willow’s room, and Carly says, she’s so beautiful, and she’s smart. She, Bobbie, and Josslyn went to the NICU to see her. They were blowing kisses and waving, and Carly swears the baby was looking right at her.

Willow holds the baby, and Michael says, she’s so beautiful and awfully big for a preemie.

Laura says, Elizabeth has something more on her mind than just Nikolas. Whatever it is, she’s here for her. Elizabeth says she knows, but she’s come to realize her friendship with Nikolas is bad for both of them. She’s sorry. Laura says she’s sorry it’s come to that, but Elizabeth has to do what’s best for her. Nikolas is spiraling, and she’s worried about him, but saving Nikolas from himself isn’t Elizabeth’s responsibility. Elizabeth says, it’s not Laura’s either, but Laura says she’s his mother. She’ll never give up on him.

Finn isn’t sure if his friend would testify, and Alexis thinks he should try to convince them. Cooperating with the prosecution can go a long way. It could reduce his friend’s sentence. He says, reduced, as in no jail time? but she says she doesn’t know the details of this case; she doesn’t want to know. He thanks her for the advice, and she suggests his friend call Diane or Martin, someone they can give the details to, because his friend is on a slippery slope. He says, that’s what he was afraid of, when there’s a knock at the door. Gregory comes in, and Finn says he’s on his way out. He jets, and Gregory asks if he interrupted something important.

Sonny says, Carly knows she’s dying to go in, but Carly says, Michael and Willow deserve a little time with their daughter before she busts in the room. He says, it reminds him of the first time they saw Donna, and she says, her too. They thought spina bifida was going to limit Donna’s life somehow; that she was going to grow up with extra struggles. He says, but she’s perfect, and Carly says, she is. They’re so lucky. He says, they are.

Michael films Willow with the baby, and she says, Wiley is going to be so excited. He says, no pressure, but he thinks before they introduce their kids, their daughter needs a name. They have to give their daughter a name that’s not Annabelle III or Ashoka. She says, actually, she knew the baby’s name the moment she saw her.

Carly tells Sonny that she’s happy for Michael; he was denied this chance with Wiley. He says he hates to think of the pain Michael went through, and she says, because of Nelle, Nina’s daughter. He says, who Nina never knew (try saying that 3 times real fast).

Scotty steps away to take a call, and Obrecht says she knows every cell in Nina’s body is aching to go to her daughter. Nina says, it’s torture, but it’s what Willow wants, and Obrecht says, for now. Perhaps someday, and soon. It’s not right that Carly gets to share in this moment with Michael and Willow. Carly is no better than they are, but she gets to share in this moment while they’re shunned. She’s forgiven her transgressions, while Nina is considered the transgressor. That is unacceptable. How she’d love to dig Carly’s skeletons out of the closet and into the light. Nina says, come to think of it, there is something Carly’s trying desperately to hide. Obrecht says, tell her more.

Austin says, so Nikolas was holding Esme Prince captive, in a tower no less, and Elizabeth was helping him? He didn’t know she had it in her. Ava says, still waters with that one, but he doesn’t get how Elizabeth is a threat. If she was helping Nikolas, wouldn’t it be in her best interest to keep quiet? She says, of course (🍷) it is, but Elizabeth’s conscience tends to flair up at the most inopportune moments. If her guilt sends her to the cops, Spoon Island will be swarming with police, and they could find the body. He says, we need a plan, but she says, not we; just her. This is her problem. He says, the second he saw her hiding the dead body, her problems became his problems, and she says, that’s noble of him, but nobody would have any idea they had a relationship beyond doctor and patient. No one will ever know he was here. The doorbell rings.

Ava answers the door to find Laura on the porch, and says, Laura wasn’t the person she expected. She invites Laura in, and Laura asks if Ava was expecting her son, but Ava says, definitely not. Laura asks Ava to tell her what happened with Nikolas last night.

Gregory says, it’s not like Finn to rush out like that, and Alexis says, he had a lot on his mind. He says, a nice way of telling him to butt out, and she says she likes his shorthand. He asks how her day is going, and she admits the editorial meeting was a little rough. He asks if there are any new developments in The Hook case, and she says, no, which is why they have to keep the pressure on the PCPD, so they find the lunatic. He asks how she’s going to do that, but she says she’s not sure. He suggests an early lunch and a little brainstorming, but she asks if he doesn’t have classes this morning.

Nina tells Obrecht that she saw Drew hugging Carly, comforting her, and wouldn’t have thought anything about it, but it was clear they were trying to keep their relationship a secret. Obrecht wonders what there is to hide. Even she knows they have a history of friendship. No one would be surprised if it evolved into more, so why would it matter if it had? Nina says she has no idea, and Obrecht suggests she find out.

Ava asks why Laura thinks she saw Nikolas last night, and Laura says, he and Spencer had a horrible argument. Nikolas seems to think Ava sided with Spencer against him. He stormed out, and she assumed he would come here. Ava says, he did. He barged in like he still owned the place. He went on and on about how it  belongs in the family. Austin slips out, and Ava says, in the end, they both said things they can never take back, so it’s just as well they’re divorcing. She wants him out of her life. Laura doesn’t see how that’s possible. Not if Ava is helping Spencer to blackmail him.

Carly asks if she can come in, and Michael says, 14 minutes and 20 seconds; Willow owes him twenty bucks. Carly asks how Willow is feeling, and Willow says, never happier, now that Amelia is here.  Michael says, let’s make it official, and introduces Amelia Grace Corinthos to Carly. Carly says, it’s perfect.

Nina asks if Sonny got to hold the baby, and he says, no, but he saw her on the way in. She says, Willow and Michael must be thrilled, and Sonny’s phone dings. He says, Willow is sending a text from Michael’s phone, and asks if Nina is ready,. He shows her a picture of the baby, and says, their new granddaughter has a name; Amelia. Nina says, Amelia Grace, and hugs Sonny.

Gregory says he doesn’t have a class today, and Alexis says, it’s hard to tell. He asks what she’s getting at, and she says, he never talks about his classes much. He says, of course (🍷) he does… doesn’t he? She says, most professors love talking about their classes; the interesting conversations, the offbeat questions, their students and how they inspire them. He says, here’s an offbeat question for her; what’s her point? She says, maybe he’s not as invested in teaching as he used to be, and he says, because he doesn’t tell her about his classes? She says, it’s possible he’s just over it, and ready for a change.

Ava says, Laura, of all people, can’t condone what Nikolas did, and Laura says she probably wouldn’t if she knew what it was, but Ava and Spencer are holding it over his head, aren’t they? She knows Nikolas treated Ava badly, but does Ava think it’s a good strategy to respond in kind? If they keep tearing into each other, how will that end? Ava flashes back to the argument with Nikolas and whacking him in the head, and tells Laura that she didn’t want this. Laura says, of course (🍷) Ava didn’t, but she’s worried about her son. He’s lost Ava, and apparently had a terrible falling out with Elizabeth. She’s afraid Spencer’s threat to take away his child is going to be the last straw. Whatever secret Ava shares with Spencer, Spencer lorded it over his father last night. Nikolas felt so betrayed, and was so angry. She feels like something horrible is going to happen now and she’s going to lose her son for good.

Finn offers his condolences to Obrecht about Britt, and she thanks him… for his absence at Britta’s memorial. At least he’s not a hypocrite like so many others at this hospital; giving Britta her due only after she’s gone. Since he’s feeling so generous today, perhaps he can do something about his friend Elizabeth.

Elizabeth thanks Scotty for coming over, and he says, she calls, he comes, they are family. She says she’s glad he’s part of the boys’ lives, and he says he’s going to cut to the chase. She sounded funny on the phone, and said she wanted to see him in a professional capacity. Now she’s telling him that she’s happy he’s part of the boys’ lives. What gives? She says she’s in trouble.

Laura says, there’s nothing to stop Nikolas from throwing in with Victor now, and Ava says, Nikolas hates what’s become of his life. He doesn’t think there’s anything for him here in Port Charles. But for what it’s worth (🍷), she doesn’t think he’ll throw in with Victor. Laura hopes Ava is right, but wishes he’d return her calls. She supposes she’ll hear from him eventually. He probably just needs a little time to lick his wounds. She’s probably overreacting. Ava says, she’s reacting as any mother would.

Nina thinks it’s a good sign that Willow sent Sonny the photo, but he says, it’s not the real thing. She says, he’s right, and hugs him.

Carly holds Amelia and says, she’s beautiful. Michael says he thinks some peace and quiet might do the baby some good, and Willow says she knows what he’s trying to do, but she doesn’t want to take her eyes off Amelia. Carly says, Willow has the rest of her life to look at Amelia; she can rest. Willow says, when she puts it that way… and closes her eyes.

Alexis asks if there’s a chance Gregory is no longer interested in teaching, and he says, they already talked about him becoming a journalist. She says, this time, she’s not just talking. She’s offering him a job.

Laura says, if Ava hears from her son, text her, and Ava says, absolutely, but Nikolas made it clear that he never wants to see her again. It’s probably for the best. All they seem to do these days is hurt each other. Laura says she wishes it could have gone differently, and Ava says, so does she, more than anything. Laura leaves, and Ava leans against the door.

Finn asks what Obrecht thinks he needs to do about Elizabeth, and she says she just lost her daughter, but is her Scotty here with her? Obviously, he’s not, because Elizabeth called with yet another life crisis she’s ill-equipped to handle. Since her Scotty is both blessed and cursed with an excessively kind heart, he ran to her aid. Why? What does Elizabeth want with Scotty?

Scotty says, what kind of trouble? but Elizabeth says she’s not exactly sure. He says, she needs a lawyer, but doesn’t know why? and she says she knows what she did. She just doesn’t know how bad it is legally speaking. He says he’ll help her any way possible, so spit it out, and she says she committed a crime. Actually, several crimes.

The nurse wheels Amelia out of Willow’s room, and Michael comes out. Sonny starts to say something, but Michael sees Austin, and runs after him. He asks if there’s any news about the stem cells, and Austin says, Dr. Randolph should be on her way. Michael asks if they can wait for Terry in Willow’s room, Austin says, sure, and follows Michael in. Nina says, it sounds like they harvested the stem cells. Willow is going to get the transplant, right? This whole ordeal is going to be over. Sonny says, she’s going to live a long and happy life, and Nina says, hopefully, she’ll be part of that life.

Carly asks Austin if there’s any news, and he says, there is, but they should wait. Willow says she’s awake, and asks if Austin has met Amelia. He says he has, but wasn’t aware they’d named her. Such a beautiful name for a beautiful girl. Willow says she misses Amelia already, and Michael suggests she get some shuteye. They’ll wake her when Terry gets here. She says, or they can cut to the chase. Have the stem cells been harvested? She’s ready to move forward right away. She wants to get treated, and get out of this hospital as soon as possible. Her children need her. Austin doesn’t say anything, and Michael asks if there’s something wrong.

Tomorrow, Willow says, whatever it is, she can handle it; Elizabeth says she’s decided to turn herself in; and Nina asks what Sonny is thinking, and he says, she’ll see.

Vanderpump Rules

This was pretty much the same old, just with the players moved around. Lala talked about Randall’s mess of a life, and the LA Times article. Among the many sins of Randall listed were, his casting couch, sending assistants to run drugs, and $25 million in lawsuits. In Lala’s interview, she said, the LA Times confirmed what 50 Cent had said; Randall was a little Harvey Weinstein with less money and power. James had a new girlfriend, Ally, who’d already moved in. Raquel told us that James had found her replacement in three weeks. She was surprised when James called Ally the love of his life, since five minutes ago, he’d said the same thing about her. James was also drinking again after over two years of being sober. It was the old I just like a glass of wine with dinner justification, and I wonder how long before he’s the old James again. I’m pretty sure the old James has been lurking just beneath the surface this whole time.

Scheana and Raquel went to some spa to be wrapped in infrared blankets, which the manager said was the same as a cardio workout. If it was, we’d all be doing it. Raquel was going out with Peter, sort of. She told Scheana that she wasn’t trying to date Peter. She just wanted to under James’s skin. She could do worse. He’s certainly the most mature of the bunch. No surprise, James made a comment about Peter’s belly, even though Peter isn’t fat. Why does this twit continually call people fat to insult them? It’s wrong on so many levels, especially in 2023. In Raquel’s interview, she said she thought Ally was in for a rude awakening, and she couldn’t believe what she’d tolerated when she was with James.

Schwartz and Katie were divorced, and Schwartz thought they had a good friendship. It had been a healthy divorce, although he thought divorce was a dramatic word. You should just say, I want to start a happy new beginning… without you. Schwartz had also played pickleball with Randall, and was on Lala’s sh*t list. In Sandoval’s interview, he said, it seemed insane that Lala hadn’t seen what was coming, and we flashed back to some red flags. The girls made plans to go to Hotel Ziggy where James was going to be DJ’ing, and Raquel said she thought it was going to be stressful with Ally plus James plus Peter.

It was Lala’s first time being single and sober, and it freaked her out. Rachel decided to rip the Band-Aid off and get to know Ally. They talked on a couch in the bar lounge, and it was all rainbows and unicorns. Until some weird guy, wearing only a towel, came by, and said it was his couch. His face was blurred, so I’m guessing he thought better of his decision making when sober. But seriously, WTF? Schwartz tried to talk to Lala, and said he couldn’t believe she cut him from her life for hanging out with her ex seven months after the fact. Lala said, if he didn’t want to be on her team, that was fine, but then he wasn’t going to be in her orbit. He said he hadn’t been being malicious, and she sent him a malicious text, making a derogatory comment about his marriage. In Schwartz’s interview, he wondered who the f*** Lala thought she was. He’d been at the lowest point in his life, and Lala hurt his feelings. Cry me a river. I don’t blame her for being pissed. Lala apologized for her timing, and in her interview, she said, it was the year of burning bridges. Either you were with her, or out of her life.

This season, twerking: a girls trip; Vanderpump Paris opens; a Schwartz piñata; Garcelle (!); delays in Schwartz & Sandy’s opening; and Schwartz calls Lala a bootleg Housewife.

🃏 No Joke…

So that’s where Morgan has been all this time.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/bryan-craig-teases-his-role-in-the-joker-sequel

🏋️‍♂️ Dropping the Bar…

It’s not even low anymore. It’s on the ground.

https://people.com/tv/peacock-shares-statement-after-brandi-glanville-caroline-manzo-rhugt-incident/

😭 Say It Ain’t So…

My dream vacation was to cruise on a yacht with Captain Lee driving and Kate as chief stew. Alas, it looks like it will never be. Like I’d have a year’s salary to spend for a few days on a boat. Still, the show won’t be the same. It’s suffered from Kate leaving. This will be the final nail unless they pull one huge rabbit out of a hat.

Why Is Captain Lee Rosbach Leaving Below Deck? Details on the Bravo Star’s Departure After 10 Seasons
https://pagesix.com/2022/12/13/captain-lee-rosbach-leaving-below-deck-over-health-issues/

💃🏽 Whiskey Tango Foxtrotting Out…

Check in tomorrow to find out what’s happening in Port Charles and have some tea. Until then, stay safe, stay not crossing a bridge until you come to it, and stay not believing an infrared blanket is the same as a cardio workout.

Feb8

February 7, 2023 – Felicia Plans a Vigorous Haunting, Same Old Jersey, Calendar Boys, Leaving Port Charles, Everything Grammy & Handsome

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Laura thanks Eileen for meeting her at Kelly’s. She needed the comfort and coziness of the diner tonight. She asks Eileen to step in for her tomorrow at the sanitation worker’s negotiation meeting. When she attended Britt Westbourne’s memorial, she found out a dear friend of hers died.

Anna says, Valentin and Charlotte had a nice visit, but he says it was too brief. Holding her in his arms made him realize what he was missing. His girl is growing up. Anna says, they have a tendency to do that, and he says, she and Charlotte seem to be getting along. She says, Charlotte is on to them, and she thinks Charlotte approves. Felicia comes in, and Anna asks how it went. Felicia says, as planned. Charlotte is home with Doc at Laura’s. She asks if there’s a problem, and Anna says, other than Victor, no.

Spencer finds Victor in the chapel, and Victor says he was hoping to give Obrecht his condolences, but he’s too late. Spencer says, Britt would have approved of the memorial, and Victor thinks Obrecht will be struck by the irony of the situation. They’re living in the same hell; the hell of losing one’s only child.

At The Savoy, Portia hugs Curtis, thanking him for making everything look so beautiful. Molly asks if TJ is ready for the big day tomorrow, and he says, absolutely. Portia and Curtis should be celebrated. She says, but she can’t help wondering how his mom feels.

Taggert and Jordan have dinner at Kelly’s, and she tells him that he was probably her most successful relationship. He says, he gets her, and tomorrow their exes are going to become partners for life.

Curtis says he knows Portia was disappointed that her mom’s condition prevents her from traveling, and she says, of course (🍷) she’d like to have her family here, but as long as she has him, she’ll be all right. He says he can’t have his beautiful bride disappointed, and turns her around. She sees her father and brother, and hugs them both, squealing with happiness. Marshall asks Trina if that’s her grandfather, and she says, and her Uncle Ezekiel. He asks if her uncle is a doctor too, but she says, Uncle Zeke went his own way.

Elizabeth stands at the doorway of The Savoy, and almost leaves, but Drew says, not so fast. Didn’t she just get here? He’s sorry for blocking her escape, but he’s also sorry for everything she’s going through. She looks at him blankly, and he says, her break-up with Finn. She says, it’s been a rough couple of weeks; for the boys as well. Cameron had a first love break-up, and it’s a unique type of pain. Drew says, he’ll get through it, and he’s sure Cameron knows she’s there for him. She says, but what if she can’t be?

Ava says she can’t let Nikolas take Avery, and he says, don’t worry. He’ll tell Avery that she said goodbye. He turns to leave, and she grabs a statue of a griffon, and whacks him in the back of the head. He drops to the floor, and she goes to him, asking him if he’s all right, and telling him to please answer her. She couldn’t let him take Avery. She just wanted to stop him, so she could reason with him. Please wake up.

Eileen says, Anna Devane is dead? and Laura says, along with her granddaughter’s father, Valentin Cassadine. Valentin tracked Anna to a Paris catacomb, and it collapsed. There were multiple fatalities. Whoever was behind this is responsible for a tremendous loss of life.

Jordan asks if Taggert invited her out to have a pity party, but he says, pity is not their style. Everyone is at The Savoy, celebrating the happy couple and toasting them, so he thought they could share a meal. She says, because she might feel lonely? Jealous? He says, left out, like him, and she says, they were invited. He says, but they declined because it wouldn’t be right, and she says, because he’s not over Portia. He says he’s been over Portia. Jordan isn’t over Curtis. She says she’s not over wanting to protect him, and Taggert asks what that means.

Curtis introduces him self to Portia’s father Sterling, and says he’s glad Sterling and Ezekiel could make it. Ezekiel tells him, it’s Zeke. No one calls him Ezekiel except his mom when she’s mad at him. Portia asks Zeke to tell her everything, and Zeke says, not only did Curtis arrange for their flights at the last minute, he hired a caretaker to look after their mom. Portia says, he’s a keeper.

TJ tells Molly that his mom thought it best to sit this one out, although he’s sure she wishes them well. Molly says, it must be hard to watch Curtis move on, and he says, if they ever split up and Molly committed to someone else he doesn’t know how he’d take it. She says, if they ever split up, she’s joining a nunnery, but he says, that, he can’t imagine. No relationship is infallible. She wonders why they’re talking about this at the rehearsal dinner, and says she’s sorry she mentioned it, but he says, they’re good. He just wants them to stay that way. She asks why they wouldn’t, and he says, because they have something in common with his mom and Taggert.

Trina asks Marshall where Epiphany is, and he says, she’s out of town. Now that she passed her MCATs, she’s checking out a few med schools. She asks if Epiphany is moving, and he says, hopefully not. Why is Trina hanging around him? Doesn’t she have a date tonight, or is he late? She says, Marshall is fun to hang around, and she knew better than to invite Spencer to a family event. He says, good call.

Spencer asks if something happened to Valentin, and Victor says, he died. He drowned in Paris. Spencer asks if Valentin was there on business, and Victor says, his son died putting others ahead of his family. Let that be a lesson to Spencer. Friends may have their appeal, women may have their uses, but in the final analysis, cleave only to his true family. Only a Cassadine can truly understand a Cassadine. Heed these words, lest Spencer suffer the same fate as his son.

Ava tells Nikolas, please wake up. She didn’t mean it. She just wanted to stop him from taking Avery. She wonders if he’s breathing, and listens for a heartbeat, when there’s a knock at the door. Ava hears, open up. It’s Austin.

Laura says, now Eileen knows why she asked her to step in. It’s so upsetting, the loss of innocent life. She believes Anna was innocent and thinks she was framed. Of course (🍷) now she’ll never have the chance to prove that. And Laura’s little granddaughter is just bereft over the loss of her father. She suggests they go over the sanitation workers’ contracts, but Eileen says she’s not feeling very well. Could they tackle this in the morning? She gets up, gathering her things, and Laura says, of course (🍷). Does Eileen think she’ll be up to it? Eileen says she’ll be fine. She’s sorry about Laura’s friends. She leaves, and Laura takes out her phone. She sends a text, and says, mission accomplished.

Taggert asks why Jordan still feels the need to protect Curtis, and she says, just because they divorced their exes doesn’t mean they don’t still care. He says he still cares about Portia, but protecting her is Curtis’s responsibility now. Trina’s a different story. He’s always going to care about his baby girl, no matter what. She says, protecting the people she cares about is second nature; that includes him. He says he doesn’t need protecting any more than Curtis does. Unless there’s something she’s not saying. She says, she and Taggert have always trusted each other, with their lives and with their secrets… Laura comes by, and says she was on her way to the rehearsal dinner,  and she guesses they’re not going. Jordan says she’s not really feeling the moment. Laura’s meeting with Eileen looked intense. Anything she should know about? Laura says, they were just going over contracts for tomorrow’s meeting, then Eileen felt sick, and left kind of suddenly. Jordan hopes she feels better soon, but Laura says she thinks things are likely to get worse for Eileen before they get better. She hopes Stella feels better soon. She heard Stella was too sick to officiate at the wedding.

Zeke says, their mom wanted to be here more than anything, and Portia says, she knows, and asks how she’s doing. Is she having any side affects from the new medication? He says, she’s doing okay. She made him promise not to talk about her health with Portia. Portia says, of course (🍷) she did, and Zeke says, she wants Portia to focus on her wedding. He takes out a jewelry box, and says, she wanted Portia to have this. She opens it to a beautiful rhinestone flower brooch, and says, it’s their great grandmother’s brooch. She can’t accept it; it’s far too valuable. He says, their mom knew Portia would say that, and also said nothing is more priceless than the happiness of her only daughter. And he’s not wearing it, so she’d better. He leaves, and Curtis comes along. Portia hugs him, and says, how can she thank him? It’s going to be perfect tomorrow… What’s wrong? He says, there’s been a slight hedge, but they have guests and can talk about it later. She says, if there’s going to be a problem, she wants to know.

Drew says, Elizabeth can tell him, and she says she’s just hyper-aware that time’s fleeting and tomorrow’s not promised.

Trina tells Marshall that she sees Spencer. He’s sensitive and kind. People just need to keep an open mind and give him a chance. Marshall says, it sounds like her friendship has been good for Spencer. Just make sure the reverse is true.

TJ tells Molly that Curtis and his mom started leading separate lives when they let their careers take their focus. He doesn’t want them to make the same mistake. She says she misses him, but still feels close to him, and he says he feels the same. He asks her to promise they’ll always be vigilant about this, and she promises. In fact, she can’t wait to get closer tonight. They kiss, and Trina says, sorry, but she needs to know, how close is the DA to nailing Esme Prince?

Victor asks Spencer to promise he’s committed to this family, and the future Victor is trying to build for the generations of Cassadines to come. Spencer says he is. He believes there is a better future for the Cassadine line. Victor says he knew he could count on Spencer to do what’s necessary, and Spencer says, he can. Starting with taking full custody of his little brother or sister.

Ava closes the sitting room doors, and opens the front door. She tells Austin that it isn’t a good time, but he says, it will only take a minute. She says, maybe tomorrow? She really wasn’t expecting company this evening. He says, it’s really important. Will she let him in? It’s really cold out here. She tells him to go to the sitting room, upstairs to the right. The staff has the night off, so he’ll have to find it on his own. He heads upstairs, and she goes back to Nikolas. She says, think, Ava. Think.

Jordan says she hadn’t heard about Stella being sick, but she was worried this might happen. Stella has a history of health issues, and was a little off when Jordan saw her earlier. Laura says, at least it’s nothing serious. She should get going. She hopes they have a wonderful evening. She leaves, and Curtis says, whatever it is, it must have really laid Stella out. He can’t imagine her missing her nephew’s big day. Jordan says, maybe she’ll check in on Stella, and he says, it’s good she’s kept up a relationship with Curtis’s family. She says, when there’s a divorce, it doesn’t just affect the two people in the marriage, and he says, he and Portia need to have a relationship for Trina’s sake. Now that Curtis is part of the equation… He’s a good guy. She says, he is, and so is Taggert. Portia is a good woman, but sometimes good people get caught up… He says, hold up. He knows why she feels she has to protect Curtis. It’s because of Portia’s lie.

Portia asks why Curtis didn’t tell her about Stella earlier, and he says, auntie didn’t want to ruin tonight. She feels awful about tomorrow. She says she knows how badly he wanted Stella to officiate, but he says, as long as he gets to marry her tomorrow, nothing else matters.

Marshall asks if Drew has his speech locked down, but Drew says he’s on the fence between funny and sentimental. Marshall says, as long as it’s from the heart, and Drew says he’ll do his best. The gift Curtis is most grateful for is Marshall being at the wedding. Marshall says he just wishes he could give Curtis the one thing he asked for.

Trina guesses she came in kind of hot, but Molly says, it’s totally understandable, given what Esme has put Trina through. But she’s afraid the defense might try to plead it out, argue for lesser penalties or even a dismissal of charges. Trina says, which means Esme will be free to live her life and raise her baby.

Spencer tells Victor that Diane agreed to be his counsel, and even Ava offered to help. He also has the support of his friends. Victor says, Spencer is making this move now, after what he just said about putting others ahead of family? Spencer says, his sibling is a Cassadine too, arguably the only one worth saving. This baby represents the future Victor is so passionate about. Shouldn’t they give the newest Cassadine heir the best chance in life? Can Victor honestly say that would be with his father or Esme? Victor says, Nikolas is desperate to raise this child, but Spencer says he doesn’t care what his father wants. Victor says, neither does he. He knew he was right to put his trust in Spencer. Well played. This custody move is a stroke of genius.

N’neka says, Curtis has an uninvited guest. She told him it was a private event, but he says he needs to have a word. Curtis says he’ll handle it, and goes outside to find Brad. Brad apologizes for intruding, but he told his aunt that he’d stop by. He holds out an envelope, and says, on the occasion of Curtis’s wedding, his aunt sends her warmest compliments.

Ava drags Nikolas to a closet in the stables, and says she’s so sorry. She really did love him. She padlocks the closet door on her way out, and sees Austin watching her.

Valentin says, the authorities confirmed their deaths, but how do they know Victor buys it? and Felicia says, after Victor was contacted by Laura, he verified it with his people. Valentin says, it’s neat, it’s clean; what’s next? Felicia says, as far as Victor knows, he and Anna are deceased. They’re ghosts. And what do ghosts do best? He says, they get three sheets to the wind. It’s not a dad joke; he got it from Charlotte. Felicia says, ghosts do love their boos. They also like to exorcise. Anna says, stop it please, and Felicia asks how ghosts exorcise. With a vigorous haunting.

Curtis asks Brad to tell his auntie that he appreciates the well wishes. He’s welcome to stay for a drink. Brad says, thanks, but he’s not in a celebrating mood, and Curtis says, sorry about his friend. Brad says, congratulations, and leaves. Laura arrives, and hugs Curtis. She asks if he can believe his big day is here already, and asks how he feels. He says, overwhelmed, but happy, when Portia joins them. She and Laura hug, and Curtis says, they have a big favor to ask Laura. Laura says she’d love to officiate their wedding, and he asks if she’s psychic, but she says, no. Stella called her. He says, that’s his auntie; always taking care of business. Portia thanks Laura for taking the weight off their shoulders, and Laura says, her pleasure. Stella wanted them to know how sorry she is. She didn’t sound that bad, but Jordan seemed to think it was coming on all day. Portia says, Jordan said Stella was sick? and Laura asks if something is wrong. Portia says, Stella seemed fine when she saw her last, but Laura says, those bugs can come on suddenly. Curtis suggests they get a drink, but Portia says she wants to take a second with her mother’s gift, and Curtis and Laura go inside.

Spencer says he’s surprised Victor approves of him seeking custody, but he’s glad Victor does. Victor says, he doesn’t just approve; he’s impressed. This is a masterful move, and could be the key to getting Spencer’s father to fall in line. Spencer says, this isn’t about getting his father to fall in line. It’s about getting him out of their lives. Isn’t Victor finished with Nikolas? Victor says, no one’s ever finished with family. This move is seamless. It builds on everything already in motion. It’ll take Nikolas losing everything, including his baby, to force him back into the fold.

Austin asks if Ava is going to explain what’s going on, and she asks if he’s going to the cops. He asks if there’s any reason he wouldn’t, and she says she and Nikolas were arguing, and he threatened to take her daughter. He would use his Uncle Victor’s resources, and she’d never see Avery again. She panicked, grabbing the first thing she could, and she hit him. She just wanted to stop him, but he fell and he wasn’t breathing. Austin says, so she put him in a closet? Can they talk about that? (Ha-ha! Roger Howarth’s delivery.) She says, people will think she killed her husband out of revenge, and he says, did she? She says, no. She just wanted to stop him and talk to him. He threatened to take her daughter. Austin says, she thinks that sounds like a defense, but it sounds like motive, and she says, despite everything, she loved him. Austin says, so Nikolas shows up here late at night, unannounced, uninvited, and threatened to take her daughter. He doesn’t know her track record with the truth, but it rings true. She says, he doesn’t understand. She loved Nikolas and she killed him. It doesn’t matter that she didn’t mean to or what any court may rule. She’ll be condemned and sentenced by Victor Cassadine.

Taggert says, Portia really hurt him, but he’s forgiven her, and Jordan says, but Trina… and he says, of course (🍷) it’s never easy learning your parents aren’t perfect. She was hurt, but understands his behavior was part of it. Jordan asks how any of this was his fault, and he says he was never home. When they were off doing undercover work, his wife was lonely; she felt neglected. He gets why Jordan feels she has to protect Curtis. She feels if Portia was unfaithful before, she could do it again. Jordan says, actually, she’s sure Portia loves Curtis, and would do absolutely anything not to lose him.

Portia leaves a voicemail for Stella, saying, she wanted to check in and see if Stella was okay. If she needs anything, let her know. They miss her. Zeke asks, what’s wrong? and she says, nothing, hopefully. Curtis’s aunt suddenly fell ill. He says, and she’s worried, but she says, not for the reason he might think.

Marshall tells Drew that Curtis asked him to perform at the ceremony, but he doesn’t want to screw up on Curtis’s big day. Drew says, that’s highly unlikely. As a wise man once told him, all that matters is that it comes from the heart.

Trina introduces her grandfather to TJ and Molly, and Sterling says, thank goodness for Molly. They’re a little doctor heavy in this family. Curtis tells Trina, they’re playing our jam, and takes her to the dance floor. TJ tells Molly that he’d like to continue their conversation about getting closer.

At the bar, Laura asks if Elizabeth is okay, and Elizabeth says she just has a lot on her mind. Laura asks if one of those things would be Nikolas. What was going on at the hospital earlier? What were they arguing about?

Felicia says, years ago, her, Sean, and Mac devised a plan to outwit outlast outplay Ryan Chamberlain. She was already dead, so Ryan thought, and she haunted him to get his confession on tape, and it worked. Valentin says, so she thinks since it worked on Ryan, it will be worth trying on Victor? and she says, they have way better technology now, but in a nutshell, the strategy is torment, guilt, compel. Anna asks if it isn’t worth a try. She already recorded a message from the Great Beyond earlier. He says, she knew of this plan? and she says she did. Just hear them out. He says, there’s one minor flaw. Felicia’s plan will never work on his father.

Spencer tells Victor, there’s enough manipulation in this family. This is a baby; this is not leverage. Victor says, everything’s leverage, if used in the right way, but Spencer says, him gaining custody serves a higher purpose; to save his little brother or sister from his father. Victor says, keep telling himself that, but from where he’s standing, he’s seeing a man tapping into his natural born instincts. Before he saw Spencer, he was really quite bereft. Now he has hope again.

Ava asks if there’s anything she can do to get Austin to walk away right now. He can have money. He can have this house. He can have the gallery. She knows they don’t know each other very well, but she thinks they understand some things, and hopes, despite her history, he knows this is not who she is. Not anymore. Just give her some time to leave with her daughter. He says he’s going to stop her right now. There’s nothing she can do to change his mind.

Sterling says, Portia looks way too serious for a blushing bride. It’s not too late to back out. She says, if there’s one thing she’s sure about, it’s Curtis, and Sterling says he likes Curtis. He’s not sure if Curtis deserves her, but he’ll do. She’s done nothing but make him proud. She’s every father’s dream; her and that little granddaughter of his. Everyone goes back to dancing, and Spencer watches Trina from the top of the steps.

Eileen meets Victor in the chapel, and says, since he wouldn’t take her call. Anna and Valentin are dead. He says, news travels fast. Yes, his son was killed. She says, Anna and his son were looking for Lucy Coe. Is she dead as well? He assured her nobody would die. She didn’t sign up for this. Obviously, she did no research before that sign-up. He says, she acts like she has some choice in the matter; she doesn’t. She works for him. She knew there were risks. She says she’s out. She’s no longer at his disposal. He says, that’s not her decision to make. If she crosses him, getting caught will be the least of her worries.

Valentin says, if they hope to get a confession from his father by playing on Victor’s guilt, they’re going to be disappointed. Anna supposes you can’t shame the shameless, and Felicia says, which is why she had to adjust the plan this time. He says, which part? The torment part, the guilt part, or the compel part? She says, that all stays the same. She’s talking target. It’s not Victor.

Eileen gets her really, really nice car, and the radio comes on. There’s nothing but static, and she tries to adjust the dial. She hears Anna’s voice saying, you’re next. You’re next, Eileen. You’re next. You’re next. YOU’RE NEXT!

Austin says he doesn’t believe Ava wanted Nikolas dead, and she asks if he’s saying he’ll wait to report this. He says he has no intention of reporting this at all, and she asks, why not? He says he’s not really clear on that, but it feels right, and she helped him out when she didn’t have to. They’ve talked about this; families are complicated. If Victor is going to kill her if he finds out, then the only solution is for him not to find out. She wonders how to keep it from Laura and Spencer, and he says he’ll help her.

Tomorrow, Elizabeth says she’s not as perfect as Laura thinks she is; Alexis supposes Gregory is over it; and Carly thinks the nightmare will finally be over

The Real Housewives of New Jersey

Getting down to business, there are a couple of new wives, Rachel and Danielle (no, not that Danielle), as well as another Jennifer who’s a friend. We’ll call her Jen to avoid confusion. These Jennifers are getting like the Joes. Throw a rock, hit a Joe or Jennifer. Dolores has new man Paulie in her life, and it looks like Frank isn’t hanging around so much anymore. Although you’d think he wouldn’t want to, since he’s dating Brittany, and Dolores said she had dogs who were older than Brittany. I think she’s exaggerating, but if not, I want to know what she’s feeding them.

Teresa had a destination 50th birthday celebration, where Jennifer #1 broke her toe. In Jennifer’s interview, she said she had the evil eye on her, and her mother did something called a kurşun, which was supposed to remove it. Jennifer didn’t feel it worked, and thought the evil was coming from Dolores. Joe #2 was pissed about Melissa being frozen out of Teresa’s wedding, but Melissa texted Teresa that it was all good. She didn’t hear back, and two months later, Teresa invited Melissa to her birthday. As you can imagine, Melissa RSVP’d a big fat no. Teresa also celebrated her birthday at home with Louie’s family, and said, it was a dream, since apparently, she’d traded her own family for them. Louie’s mom is a therapist, so she must be having a field day. Teresa said it hurt that Joe and Melissa hadn’t come to her party, and thought it was coming from Melissa, and Joe was just following blindly. Louie said Joe was weak and immature, and Melissa was insecure. Teresa’s birthday wish was that the family not fight and love each other. I don’t see how that could fail, considering her fine example. And talk about a follower. Louie is like her bobblehead. Whatever she says, he just agrees.

To kick off Memorial Day weekend, Melissa had an 80s roller skating party, because the 80s was her jam. Everyone except Louie dressed up, and those who’d gone through the 80s (Rachel was born in 1991) had 80s flashbacks. Marge ended up breaking her wrist when she landed on her ass. Not that I’m judging. I’m terrible on skates. In Teresa’s interview, she said she’d been going to therapy, and was learning that she didn’t have to be so reactive, yelling and throwing things. I wonder how much that therapist is charging. I’ll tell her that for half of it. We also found out that her father had been volatile when angry, which makes complete sense. In Danielle’s interview, she said she was a combination of Staten Island and New Jersey. She got her cojones from Staten Island, but her sass from Jersey. Jennifer avoided Dolores like the plague, and Dolores wondered if they were in the schoolyard.

Dolores said, since the charity softball game for breast cancer research was such a success, they were doing a calendar of the husbands. Teresa invited Marge and Joe #3 to have lunch with her and Louie at their house. Marge said she was a little anxious, since last time they met, Teresa had dumped a whole table on her, and we flashed back to that. Teresa wanted to talk it out, and once they got going, Louie told her to stop interrupting Marge. That’s another thing he does, the gentle correction when they’re in public. I think it’s all for show. Teresa blamed Marge for her issues with Melissa, because Melissa didn’t stand up for Louie. Yeah. She’s a real logic queen, a regular Mr. Spock. Teresa said she’d also texted Melissa to tell them not to talk about Louie, and Melissa read the text to the group. Teresa said she was being raw as a cucumber, apologized to Marge, and invited her to the wedding. While I’d like to see Teresa shown the door, I would miss her little bon mots.

The guys gathered with the Wives at Dolores’s house for the calendar shoot. One new husband – I’m not sure which was which – was photographed watering plants (shirtless of course), and the other was a lumberjack. Joe #2 was a chef at the grill, and Joe #3 was on a motorcycle. Evan was a basketball player, and Bill, a sexy doctor. Louie did yoga poses, and Marge said, Teresa could be the fluffer. In Teresa’s interview, a producer asked if she knew what that was, and she thought it was a long stick with a feather at the end. If you don’t know, google it. In Melissa’s interview, she said, Joe #2 was going all Zoolander. Marge told Joe #2 and Melissa about Teresa’s apology, and that she’d said Melissa didn’t back Louie up. Paulie, who’d just gotten over covid, showed up last, and his character was a bartender. He’s not jacked like Frank is, but he seems sweet.

Jennifer babbled about Marge, but Rachel wasn’t having it. She talked to Dolores, who said she didn’t know what she’d done to Jennifer. She said Jennifer was telling everyone else how she felt, but not her. In Dolores’s interview, she said, now she was f***ing mad, and she hunted Jennifer down for a talk. She said Jennifer had been talking about her during the whole party. She’d tried talking to Jennifer at the roller rink, and she’d walked away. Jennifer whined that Dolores had told her, f*** you, the last time they’d talk, and said she didn’t have the decency to say what Marge did wrong. She said she and Jennifer didn’t agree on what a friend is, and Jennifer said she was nice, but Dolores wasn’t. She started yelling that Dolores was never her friend, and was two-faced. Bill steered her out, and she yelled that Dolores looks like an old f***ing handbag.

I don’t think there was a preview, but I imagine it will be more of the same yelling, screaming, and acting ignorant in general.

📅 About That Calendar…

Well, it is for charity, and face it, the husbands are the best part of the show.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/rhonj-see-the-pics-from-the-husbands-charity-calendar-photoshoot

🚢 Aντιο σας, Nikolas…

They probably just wanted someone new to own Windymere. Faison owned it when he first came to Port Charles. It’s about time it changed hands again.

Marcus Coloma Reveals “How Much it Hurt” Leaving GH
Adam Huss Opens up About Taking Over as Nikolas on GH

🏆 For the Gram…my…

The basics. Who won, who didn’t.

https://www.grammy.com/news/2023-grammy-nominations-complete-winners-nominees-list

The performances.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/entertainment/music/2023/02/05/grammys-2023-brutally-honest-reviews-every-performance-ranked/11193018002/

https://people.com/music/grammys-2023-best-performances/

The fashion.

https://pagesix.com/2023/02/05/grammys-2023-live-red-carpet-all-the-celebrity-outfits/

https://www.eonline.com/photos/35657/grammys-2023-red-carpet-fashion

https://www.essence.com/gallery/red-carpet-roundup-the-2023-grammy-awards/

https://people.com/style/2023-grammys-standout-style-moments/

https://www.grammy.com/news/lizzo-fashion-2023-grammys-red-carpet-pre-grammy-gala-performance-outfits

And a bunch of odd stuff. Like the untouched food.

https://www.popsugar.com/food/charcuterie-boards-grammys-2023-49079835

Madonna’s new face. I’m more concerned about what she’s wearing, the Pilgrim Wednesday Addams look.

https://pagesix.com/2023/02/05/fans-so-confused-by-madonnas-new-face-at-grammys-2023/

I don’t think they were saying she looked old. Just weird.

https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/madonna-responds-ageism-after-comments-appearance-grammys/story?id=96963896

Controversy! Although I’m sure he was referring to his social status or upbringing or something.

https://apnews.com/article/grammys-2023-harry-styles-album-of-the-year-harry-beyonce-68bfa38b02e797e3300b7c32f00d8b2c

I’m not even sure what to make of this.

https://pagesix.com/2023/02/06/sam-smith-grammys-2023-performance-slammed-as-satantic/

🤓 Hello, I Must Be Going…

Drop by tomorrow for soap and what’s pumping in VanderLand. Until then, stay safe, stay celebrating your progress, no matter how small, and stay hyper-aware that time’s fleeting and tomorrow’s not promised.

Feb7

February 6, 2023 – Nikolas Threatens To Take Avery From Ava, Here’s Your Hat What’s Your Hurry & Lift

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Linc tells Brook that he never forgets the terms of a deal, although he has to admit, his financial advisors balked at it. Her catalog is a goldmine. She says, he must be scared to walk away from all that money, and he asks if this isn’t what she wants; her songs back, and him out of her hair. She says, among other things, and he tells her all she needs to do is sign on the dotted line.

Outside The Savoy, Chase suggests Blaze walk away from Linc and find a manager who respects her, but she says her contract is ironclad. The career she worked so hard for would be over. She asks him to excuse the pity party, but when he leaves the business, she’ll be all alone. He looks inside, and sees Linc put his hand on Brook’s knee. At the table, Linc says, there’s one more thing he needs from Brook, and squeezes her knee.

At the hospital, TJ asks if Trina is looking forward to the rehearsal dinner. She says she is, and he says he is too. He thinks her mom left already, and Trina says, she did. Just act like he never saw her. He says, whatever it is, she can tell him. After all, they’re about to be family.

Elizabeth tells Finn that she didn’t want there to be any more lies between them before she turns herself in. He says he can understand her wanting to confess, but he can’t let her throw it all away.

Spencer asks where his father went, but Laura says she doesn’t know. She asks what Spencer has done, and he says he doesn’t know what she means. She says, he’s been clever since he was a little boy, but he can’t fool her. She doesn’t know what kind of twisted Cassadine game he’s playing with his father, or how Ava fits in, but she knows it will be destructive to the three of them unless he lets her help him before his relationship with his father can never be salvaged. What is he holding over his father’s head?

Outside Kelly’s on the phone, Mason tells someone that it was Ava who gave him a hard time the other day. Austin watches from the doorway, looking grim, and Mason says he’ll report back. Austin grabs Mason by the lapels of his coat, and says, if Mason wants to come after him, go ahead – give it his best shot – but don’t dare threaten Ava.

Ava opens the door at Windymere to find Nikolas outside. She says, clearly, from the sour expression on his face, he’s spoken to Spencer, and he asks if this is how it ends between them. She turned his own son against him, and saw fit to weaponize Spencer. She says, he did that all himself. Now begone. This is her house now. He stops her from closing the door, and says, they’re not done until they finish what they started.

Chase watches as Brook pushes Linc’s hand off her knee, and tells Blaze, that dirtbag doesn’t give up. Blaze tells him, easy. He told her what happened the last time he tried to defend Brook’s honor; he was suspended without pay. He says, but still…

Brook says, if Linc thinks this agreement gives him special groping privileges, he can shove it, but he says, she can’t blame a guy for trying. She says, she can blame him. Hashtag metoo. He tells her that their disagreement falls under the non-disclosure agreement, and she says, like she could ever forget. She gets the rights to her songs back, and he gets her silence in return. He says, after all the bellyaching she’s done about getting his songs back, he’d say it’s a small price to pay. She looks over at Chase, and Linc says, her handsome singing detective never has to know. They’ll both have what they want. Blaze and Chase’s careers will continue to climb. It’s a win-win for all four of them. She says she thought Linc touching her was unbearable, but watching him put his scuzzy hands on another woman… He tells her to spare him the moral outrage. Just sign her name.

Finn says, if Elizabeth goes to the police, it’s going to cost her everything she loves; her family, her career. Is easing her conscience worth all that? She says, it’s not about easing her conscience. It’s about who she is, or who she used to be before her life went sideways. He says, before Nik roped her into keeping his baby a secret. Let him go to jail, not her. She appreciates that he still cares, but suggests he do himself a favor and wash his hands of her and let her go. He says, when he was in trouble, she didn’t wash her hands of him.

Mason says, Austin’s sense of loyalty is totally out of whack. He’s Austin’s family, and Austin wants to defend Ava? She’s the one who wanted to put the cops on him for The Hook attacks. Austin says, Ava was one of the first to be attacked, and lucky to be alive. He can’t blame her for trying to figure out who the attacker was. Mason says, if Austin was in his shoes, he would totally take Austin’s side, but hey, he’s not the one who wants Ava for himself.

Trina tells TJ, if she says anything to her family, they’ll totally overreact. She just wants to check on Spencer. He says, ah, and she says, him too? but he says, Spencer is Molly’s cousin. He’s known Spencer most of his life. He seems to have zero impulse control, but he is a good guy. He really cares, and TJ thinks that might actually be Spencer’s problem. Spencer cares too much, and it makes him vulnerable and easy to hurt. All that cynical, spoiled BS is just a put-on. Just like when he was a little kid, and he was entitled, obnoxious, and precocious. He used to wear cravats and smoking jackets. But what he thinks Spencer really was, was lonely, and he thinks Spencer still is.

Laura says she saw her son’s face go pale when Spencer vowed to gain custody of his child. There was a not-so-veiled threat behind that vow. Spencer flashes back to Ava giving him the link to the video, and telling him that he can’t unsee this. If he chooses to use it, he’ll be his father’s sworn enemy. Spencer tells Laura that he doesn’t consider it to be a threat; he considers it to be the truth. She says, the truth can be weaponized, and he knows it. She’s speaking to him as someone who loves them both. She deserves to know the truth. He says, it’s because he loves her so much that he can’t share what that truth is. If his father goes down for this, it will be because it’s his choice. He’s not letting Nikolas destroy anyone else in this family in the process.

Nikolas says, Ava wanted the house and she got it. She can redecorate, tear it down from its studs, or burn it to the ground. She can erase every trace of him in the house, but what she can’t do is erase what was between them. She says, where did his feelings for her lead him? Into the arms of his son’s girlfriend. He asks if she thinks he wanted Esme, and she says she knows Esme’s no innocent, but he took what she had to offer. Nikolas says, Ava is the one who was arguing with Esme before she fell, but he kept it quiet. He protected her, and was even willing to take the blame for her. And this is how she repays him? By turning that very confession against him? By giving it to his son to use against him in gaining custody of his unborn child? Has she forgotten Spencer came to town just to break them up, and destroy her in the process? She says she’s forgotten nothing, but she happens to agree with Spencer that the baby deserves better than Esme, and certainly deserves better than him. He says, it’s not about the baby and she knows it. Call it what it is. It’s revenge. She says she doesn’t care what he calls it, as long as it stops him.

Chase says, enough’s enough, and Blaze says, just don’t punch him. Chase says, he’s not. He’s just going to put Linc in his place. He walks into The Savoy, Blaze following.

Linc says, all he needs is one little signature. Is she in or out? Chase asks, what the hell is going on here? and Linc says, they were just concluding a little business negotiation. When Chase’s manager signs this document, she gets her song catalog back, not including the rights he’s already sold. It’s his way of saying thank you for all she’s done for him. Brook pushes Linc’s hand off her knee again, and tells Chase, it’s okay. This agreement gives them both what they want. She signs it, and says, it’s done. Linc says, that wasn’t so hard, was it?

Laura says, it sounds like Spencer is implying Nikolas has done something illegal; something that would compromise her position as mayor if it were made public? He says, it’s best she doesn’t know what he knows, and she takes that as a yes. He asks her to trust what he’s doing, and drop this, and she says, drop what? Her feelings for him and his father? He says, not for him, but for his father. He thinks Nikolas is a waste of her time. She says she remembers when he worshipped the ground Nikolas walked on, and he says, his mother was dead; Nikolas was his only parent. When he was a little kid, he believed in Nikolas. She says, he still can, just tempered with the knowledge that no one is perfect. He says he’s sorry; that time has passed. At every turn, Nikolas has disappointed him. That man chooses his own selfish desires over everything and everyone. That’s just who he is, and Spencer has had enough. He’d have done them all a favor if he’d just stayed dead.

Nikolas tells Ava that Esme meant nothing to him, but she says, what about Elizabeth? Was she nothing to him too? Did he use her like he uses everybody else? He says, yes, he used Elizabeth, but not the way she thinks. It was all a lie. There was no affair. He never slept with Elizabeth.

Elizabeth says she didn’t walk away from Finn when she found Peter on the stairwell, but their cover-up almost blew up in their faces when they found out Peter wasn’t dead. Peter knew Finn was responsible for that fall, and hung it over their heads. Finn says, his point is, Elizabeth wouldn’t let him lose everything and everyone he loves. She stood by him, knowing the risks, and it brought them closer. She says, it seems like a lifetime ago, and he says, not to him. She says, he’s under no obligation to help her, but he says, it’s never felt like an obligation with her. She asks, then what is it?

Linc says he’s sure Brook isn’t going to regret this. He’ll get a copy of the contract to her asap. He goes to the bar with Blaze, and Chase asks, what was that all about? Brook says, they were negotiating, and he says, with Linc’s hand on her knee? It was all he could do not to punch Linc out again. Brook says she’s glad he still cares enough to get all riled up. She’s also relieved he didn’t throw any punches. He says he’s learned the hard way, and she says, now that she has her songs back, he can forget all about the music biz. When the CCRB reinstates him, he can go back to being a cop. He says, Linc doesn’t just give away important assets like her song catalog. Is Linc going to buy out his contract like they’d hoped? She says, not exactly, and Chase asks what she had to give Linc to get her songs back.

Austin says, not that it’s any of Mason’s business, but he and Ava are just friends. Mason says, could have fooled him, and Austin says, moving forward, that’s something Mason understands? Mason says, absolutely, but since they’re just friends, Austin won’t mind if he pays her a little visit tonight. Austin asks why he’d do that, and Mason says he doesn’t have to tell Austin this, but love/hate is stronger than love or hate.

Elizabeth asks if she and Finn are fighting about this, but he says he’s fighting for her. Somebody has to. He doesn’t want to see her throwing her life away for someone like Nik Cassadine. She says she’s not turning herself in for Nikolas.

Trina tells TJ that she doesn’t want to violate Spencer’s privacy by giving details, but they were in the chapel after Britt’s memorial, and Spencer’s dad and grandmother came in. Spencer asked her to leave, and she could tell it was going to be a major blow-up. She could text Spencer, but it’s easy to lie in a text. If she sees him, she’ll know. He says he and Molly are like that. In their work, they don’t get to always share what they feel. So they’ve gotten good at hiding their emotions, but not from each other. One look at Molly, and he can tell if she’s happy, worried, or her last nerve is about to snap. She can do the same thing with him. But they’ve known each other since they were teenagers. How long as Trina known Spencer? She says, about a year and a half, but it seems longer because of everything that’s happened. He says he thinks that’s why her family is concerned, and she says, they don’t like Spencer for her. He says, they don’t want her to get hurt, and she says, that’s why TJ would be doing all of them a huge favor if he didn’t mention she was here. He makes a zipping motion across his mouth, and asks if she’s going to continue looking for Spencer. She says, he’s probably gone or dealing with his family, and she doesn’t want to be late for the rehearsal dinner. He says he’ll ride down to the garage with her, and she thanks him for listening. He says, that’s what family is for, and they leave.

Laura says, Spencer doesn’t wish his father was dead. When he thought Nikolas was dead, he was shattered. Spencer says, he was a child then; he’s not now. She says, when he found out Nikolas was alive, they never connected as father and son after that. She guesses she kept hoping that when he came home from boarding school, there would be a chance, but he says, he’s grown up now. He doesn’t actively wish his father was dead, but he knows that he doesn’t want Nikolas in his life anymore. She says, he might feel that way now, but he knows what it feels like not to have a father. Is that something he wants for his younger sister or brother?

Ava says she knows Nikolas is desperate, but now he’s trying to deny his squalid affair with Elizabeth? He says, there was no affair. It was a lie, and it wasn’t his. Elizabeth invented that. She says, that makes no sense. It ended Elizabeth’s relationship with Finn. He says, better that than anyone know the real reason Elizabeth was spending so much time here. He was keeping Esme locked in the north tower. They thought Esme was dead when she fell from the parapet, but months later she showed up pregnant with his child. She threatened to use the baby against him, and at the time, he had every reason to believe she was The Hook killer. She asks why he didn’t call the cops, and have the little demon locked up, but he says he didn’t want his baby born in prison. And it wasn’t safe for the baby or anyone else if Esme roamed free, so… Ava says, so he held her prisoner. That’s why the north tower was off limits to everybody. He says, Elizabeth found out, and begged him to call the police, but instead, he convinced her to give Esme some basic medical care. He appealed to their friendship, and it ended up destroying their friendship. Forever. She says, it turned out Esme wasn’t The Hook killer, but he says, they didn’t know that until that rookie cop was killed when Esme was under lock and key. After that, he was going to fly her to Cassadine Island to have the baby there. But before he could make that happen… Ava says, Esme escaped, and ended up at GH with no memory. She still doesn’t get why Elizabeth would make up the story about their affair, and Nikolas says, Finn was getting suspicious that Esme was on the island, and one day, he came here, and saw a bottle of prenatal vitamins. He found Elizabeth with a second bottle, and when he asked about them, she panicked, saying the first thing that came into her mind; that she was pregnant from sleeping with him. Esme was a one-time mistake, and Elizabeth was just his friend. There was never anyone else but Ava.

Brook says she did have to throw Linc a bone, and Chase asks, how bad is it? She says she agreed to write a dozen commercial jingles for Linc. When she delivers, they’ll be done. He asks if that’s it, and she flashes back to Chase telling her that he doesn’t want to be a pop star; he wants his badge back. She asks if this isn’t what Chase wanted. Now he can go before the Review Board and become Detective Harrison Chase again, and be done with the music business for good. Chase looks over at Linc brushing back Blaze’s hair.

Linc tells Blaze that he just finished his business dealings with Brook. Now he can focus all his attention on her, and making her so big, Lady Gaga will want to be her opening act.

Brook asks if Chase heard what she said, and he says, what if he doesn’t want to be done with the business just yet?

Elizabeth says she doesn’t deserve Finn’s charity, not after the way she treated him. She lied to him and made him believe she’d cheated on him, and for what? To imprison a pregnant woman? He says, it’s not charity. She doesn’t need that, but she needs to stop beating herself up. Nikolas didn’t tell her that he was planning on imprisoning Esme, did he? He imagines Nikolas pulled her in a little at a time. Go get prenatal vitamins doesn’t sound so bad, and he imagines Nikolas reminded her of the revenge porn Esme made of Cam every chance he got. She says, he mentioned it a few times, and Finn says, she’s a reasonable person who made a reasonable mistake. He’s talking as her friend, which is what they were, and as her friend, he’s going to keep her from throwing away everything she loves. She says, everything except her self-respect. She’s made up her mind. She’s going to the PCPD and tell Jordan everything. He asks if she’s thought about the boys. Who’s going to take care of Aiden and Jake? He imagines that will fall on Cam’s shoulders. He can see Cameron dropping out of school to get a full-time job. Laura is gong to be dealing with Nikolas, Spencer, Esme, and a baby, and all the drama. This is going to fall on Cam’s shoulders. Is she willing to do that to her boys just to clear her conscience?

Ava asks why Nikolas waited until now to tell her. Why did he make her think the worst of him? He says he was protecting Elizabeth from going to prison. He’d already lost Ava when he slept with Esme. What else did he have to lose, so he went along with Elizabeth’s story. She says, it doesn’t change anything between them. Of course (🍷) she admits she’s done a lot of things she regrets. He says, God knows neither one of them is perfect. That’s why he’d hoped that one day after the baby was born, and Esme was taken care of, he’d tell her everything, and maybe she’d forgive him. Maybe he could find a way to repair the damage he caused. They could get past the betrayal and bitterness, and find a way back home; the home they shared and loved.

Brook says she doesn’t understand. Chase made it abundantly clear on multiple occasions that his true calling is catching bad guys. He says, that’s the ultimate goal, but when he signed on, it was for two reasons. One, to get her song catalog back. Mission accomplished. But two, to nail Linc for sexual harassment. Not just with Brook, but with every female he tries to make a star. She’s still up for that, isn’t she? She says, Linc will get his… someday. But Chase deserves to follow his dreams, which means going to that Review Board, and convincing them to give him his badge back. He asks where that leaves Blaze. He’s grown to like her a lot. How long does she have to put up with Linc and his sleazeball ways? What if the guy doesn’t take no for an answer? And what about every other pretty, trusting face that comes along. If he’s all about taking down bad guys, what kind of person would he be if he just looked the other way? He signed on to take down Linc, and that is exactly what they’re going to do… together.

Elizabeth says, Finn knows how much her boys mean to her, and he says, of course (🍷) he does. She says, that’s why she’s doing this. The truth is going to come out; it always does. This way, she can hold her head up high and face the consequences of her actions. And her boys will know their mom’s not a coward. He says, her boys know that, just like they know she’s human and capable of making mistakes, especially when she’s helping a friend save the community from a killer. She says, in the eyes of the law, she’s an accessory to a kidnapping. The sooner she faces it, the better for everyone. She starts to leave, and he says, wait. If she’s determined to do it, do it, but do him one favor. Sleep on it one night; talk to Jordan in the morning. He asks if she isn’t supposed to be at the rehearsal dinner. Maybe it will be a reminder of everything she’d be giving up. He hopes she realizes what she’ll be losing, and stops punishing herself.

Spencer says he’ll be all the father that baby needs, and Laura asks if he’s ever babysat a baby. Has he ever changed a diaper? He says, no, but he can watch tutorials online, and figure it out. He is capable. She says she’s never seen him make a meal in his life, and he says, the baby’s not going to be eating real food for a year, right? That’s plenty of time for him to learn how to cook. She says, the point is, he’s always been taken care of. Does he really think he can meet the emotional needs of a baby? Babies are very demanding. He says his plan is very simple. Whatever his father did, he’s going to do the opposite. She says, despite his many mistakes, Nikolas is still her son, and she’ll never give up on him, but she needs Spencer’s help.

Ava asks if Nikolas really meant what he just said, and he tells her, every word. If only she hadn’t conspired with Spencer to take his unborn child away from him. She, of all people, knows how that feels. When Ryan Chamberlain murdered Kiki, it was agony, yet she still weaponized (WOTD) Spencer to take his unborn child from him. How could she be so heartless? The real question is, what does she think he should do as a result? An eye for an eye; that’s her way, isn’t it? Since she’s forgotten what it’s like to lose a child, someone has to remind her. So brace yourself, my love, because that someone is me. Wow, he looks kind of scary.

Chase says he and Blaze should record another song together, and she says, Blaze and Chase together again. Maybe they could record an entire album this time. Chase doesn’t see why not, and they hug. Linc says, it looks like they’ll all make a lot more money with each other, and Chase thinks they should toast to make it official. Linc says he’ll do the honors. Here’s to everyone getting exactly what they want. The four of them clink glasses.

Elizabeth tells Finn that she did promise Portia that she’d go to the rehearsal dinner, but she’s not promising she’ll sleep on her decision. She’ll most likely be up all night. He says, as long as she doesn’t go to the police for now, and she says, for now. But in the morning, if she does decide to turn herself in… He says, she won’t be alone, and they hug. She thanks him for caring whether she deserves it or not, and he says, if they all got what they deserved, who’d be left to run this place?

Austin tells Mason to stay away from Ava, and Mason says, don’t be greedy. Austin says he’s not asking Mason, he’s telling him; stay the hell away from Ava. Mason says, Austin still thinks he’s a knight in shining armor. First, it’s Maxie and her baby, now it’s Ava Jerome. Austin says, Ava is a big girl. She can fight her own battles. Mason says, then why is he doing it,\? and Austin says, because he knows Mason, and knows the twisted mind games he likes to play. Mason says he learned from the best, and Austin says he remembers, but he’s grown up. Some of them are changed people. Mason says, Austin is boring and predictable. He’s heard enough. Nighty-night. He leaves, and Austin tries to call Ava, but gets voicemail.

Spencer says he hates telling Laura no, but she’s asking too much. Nikolas Cassadine was born with every luxury, every privilege, every opportunity to be the kind of man, the kind of father a son could look up to. That man has squandered every opportunity and privilege, including her love for him. If it’s salvation he seeks, it’s going to have to come from someone else. Laura says, it’s not Nikolas’s fault; it’s hers. She should have stayed on the island and raised him. She leaves.

Ava asks if Nikolas is threatening to take Avery from her. That’s impossible. He has no grounds for custody. Nikolas laughs, and says, who needs the courts? He has Uncle Victor by his side, and access to all of his resources. When Avery is gone, he guarantees Ava will feel an emptiness in her soul for the rest of her life. That’s a promise. He’ll start now. Don’t worry. He’ll tell Avery that she said goodbye. He starts to walk out, but Ava whacks him in the back of the head with a statue, and he drops to the floor.

Tomorrow, Taggert asks why Jordan feels she needs to protect Curtis; Valentin says, Felicia’s plan will never work on his father; and Victor says he knew he was right to put his trust in Spencer.

Below Deck

Rodney Bay, St. Lucia. Fraser asks Alissa and Tyler to meet him in the main saloon. In Ross’s interview, he says he has vague snapshots of the crew’s night out. He remembers something about crunchy fish. He was out of control. In Katie’s interview, she says she was in a relationship for three years. She and her boyfriend had even bought a house together. Then he cheated, but she learned from it, and moved on. She wants to make sure it doesn’t happen again. Ross is 100% a f***boy, and now she has a wall up. Katie tells Ben that Alissa is nice to her face, then talks sh*t about her behind her back. Ben says, that’s what she did to Camille. Tony tries to juggle bottles of water in the crew mess, and fails miserably. Rachel tells Fraser that they have to work bigger, faster, and stronger, and encourages him to be strong on service. In her interview, Rachel says, Captain Sandy has a lot of constructive criticism, and she thinks it’s good to hear what can be improved. And if it doesn’t improve, she’s throwing herself over the side of the boat. In Tyler’s interview, he says his strength is in housekeeping, and likes cleaning in general. He thinks he’ll be a great husband, since managing a house is the same as working on a yacht. Ross tries goofing around with Katie, but she’s not having it, and Ross’s interview, he says, Katie is pissed off, and she has a right to be. He has no idea how to fix this. He needs to have sex. He snort laughs, and I’m like, eww! Katie tells Ross that when Alissa drinks, she’s all about him, and he plays into it. He says he should be more aware, and apologizes. I can’t figure out the allure of this guy. Does he fart diamonds or Birkin bags, or something? In Ben’s interview, he says, Ross just melts Katie with his charm, and he just wants to shake her. Alissa hassles Hayley about cleaning the toilet, and calls her a gross, dirty bitch when she’s out of earshot. Hayley tells Fraser that she could whine about Alissa, but there’s no point. They have to work together. If she said something, Alissa would see it as attacking her. In Hayley’s interview, she says, Alissa is very young, and has a lot of growing to do. Her attitude is a problem, and now Hayley is feeling like maybe Camille wasn’t the problem after all. Rachel tells Captain Sandy that she talked to Fraser, and in her interview, the captain says, some chief stews want to be friends with the crew. Fraser works in circles because he doesn’t know how to tell people to do their job. That’s his problem, but then it becomes hers, and affects the guests. In Tyler’s interview, he says, South Africa is a conservative country. He went to a Christian school, and thinking about coming out to his parents makes his stomach churn. Captain Sandy radios Ross, Fraser, and Rachel for the preference sheet meeting.

The captain tells them, charter 6 will  be a one-day charter, and in her interview, she says, it’s nice to have a one-day charter, but it’s tight to get everything in in 24 hours. It’s hard on the crew, and she hopes they bring the energy. Primary Janine is a real estate professional in NYC and recently divorced. She spent her honeymoon in St. Lucia, and this is her do-over trip. They want a bonfire on the beach, and fire dancers. Captain Sandy says she’s putting pressure on the department heads to provide the level of service expected. She tells them that she knows they got thrown a captain and crew change, but she gave them grace for that. She tells Rachel that the food is excellent, and she’s proud of Rachel for sticking to three courses. She thanks Ross for turning Tony around, and says she wants to see Fraser do that. It’s not about making friends, but doing your job, and necessitating respect. In Fraser’s interview, he says he’s physically and mentally exhausted. If it’s to be done correct, he needs to do it himself, but it feels like he’s pushing his limits. Captain Sandy doesn’t appreciate the work he’s doing. He tells Hayley that it felt like the captain said he’s doing a terrible job.

Rachel tells Fraser, that’s just Captain Sandy’s approach, and in her interview, she says she agrees with the captain, but she’s concerned that Fraser feels attacked. He can’t take criticism or observation well, and acts like a big baby. She tells him not to let it throw him off. Alissa says, Captain Sandy is a cold robot, and Ben texts Camille. In the morning, the wind is 22 knots, and in Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, if she was a sailor, she’d be in heaven, but she’s driving a motor yacht. The wind is not their friend. She wants to get off the dock at the first window of opportunity. Fraser calls the provider for fire dancers, and the provisions come in. Rachel tells Alissa to set up the bar with crackers, nuts, and olives. In Ben’s interview, he wonders, who celebrates a divorce? How bad was the bloke she was with? Ross reads that the guests are actually celebrating two divorces and a birthday. Ross and Ben pick up the guests in the tender, they’re met with the usual champagne, and Fraser gives the tour. In Rachel’s interview, she wonders why no snacks have been put out. They have starving guests; they’re hangry. Rachel tells Fraser that the guests want to eat now, and tells Alissa that it’s customary to put out nuts, olives, and requested snacks from the guests’ preference sheets. Alissa says, they listed Doritos and gummi bears, but she didn’t think they matched with the crackers. In her interview, Rachel says, Alissa is in her own world and her own head. She needs to stay focused on task. Unfortunately, she’s going to have to be the bad guy. She loves bad guy pants, and brought the shoes with her.

While they’re on service, Alissa tells Hayley that Rachel yelled at her. In Hayley’s interview, she says, there seems to be some confusion, but don’t discuss it in front of the guests. Alissa mumbles that Rachel needs to take her meds. Lunch is served, and the water toys are put out. Whatever the pasta dish is that’s being served with lunch looks incredibly appetizing, and a guest says, the pasta is perfectly cooked. In Rachel’s interview, she says, Fraser is frasled. She wants to give him a Xanax. Tyler calls home, and tells his mom, the boat was in shambles when he got here, but he’s cleaning it up. In his interview, he says he gets his OCD from his mom. He wants to get out the Q-tips and dig out dirt in tight places, and hang everything color-coded. Captain Sandy goes over bonfire logistics with Fraser, while the guests play on the water toys. Alissa yaps on the phone with her mother as she works, and Fraser asks Hayley, what’s going on? and Hayley says, Alissa’s sass turned into something more, and she’s worried. Fraser says, yesterday, Alissa’s attitude was peculiar, and Hayley says, Camille is looking preferable. In Fraser’s interview, he says he thinks Camille leaving spiked some odd behavior that’s not appropriate. Alissa got her way, and now she’s acting however she wants to, but he’s not blind, and he’s not dealing with it much longer. He sees her on the phone on the sundeck, and tells her to get off. He tells Rachel that he hates doing the beach set-up, but doesn’t trust anyone else to do it right. Rachel says he’s burning himself out with his running around. In her interview, she says she’s seen chief stews who are new to the game burn out because they don’t trust anyone or manage their department properly. Fraser can’t delegate, and it’s an all around clusterf***.

Fraser asks Alissa to do dinner service while he’s dealing with the bonfire, and in her interview, she says, it’s the best compliment a micromanager could give someone. She’s putting the Camille confusion behind her, and focusing on work. She excels at being a stew, and needs to prove it. In Fraser’s interview, he says he’s insecure about leaving Alissa on dinner service, but if he wasn’t at the beach, the aesthetic wouldn’t be right. He’s not used to trusting people. Alissa asks the deckhands to take out the trash, and in Ben’s interview, he says, they’ve been helping interior a lot, and he thinks Alisson is taking advantage. Hayley says, Alissa is getting to her now. Captain Sandy tells Rachel to communicate to Fraser what she needs, and at the end of the charter, they’ll evaluate. In her interview, the captain says, Fraser has to make mistakes in order to learn from them. It’s not about tearing anyone down, but making them accountable for the expectation. The guests go to the beach, which is decorated with tiki torches. The fire dancers entertain them, and Tony surprises everyone with his fire dancing talent. In his interview, he says he was a fire dancer from 2011 to 2016. The guests go back to the boat, and change for dinner. Hayley tells Fraser not to leave her with Alissa again. An upscale surf and turf dinner is served, the lobster poached in ginger, and for dessert, there are s’mores with individual mini fires for the guests to roast them.

Final day of charter. It’s dreary out, and Rachel asks how Fraser is feeling. He says, he feels it took a lot of faith for him to depend on Alissa for dinner service, but he’s happy with how it turned out. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, the Caribbean is non-stop wind. If she can find a window in the morning, she’s taking a shot to get off the dock. She says the deck crew are in it to win it, and tells them that they’re awesome; they’re her dream team. Alissa gripes that the captain favors the deck team. She sucks crew d*ck. In her interview, the captain says, voices carry. She rises above it, but if it’s a constant problem, she’ll eliminate that problem. Why can’t they find people who know how to work and have a good attitude in exchange for the massive tips they get? It’s like the crews get worse as the seasons go on. Kind of like what happened with Real World.

Fraser tells the guests that they might want to pack now, so they can spend as much time as possible relaxing before the leave. Some of them do their packing, and breakfast is served. Guest Lindsay suspects she’ll be coming home to a lot of laundry. The captain tells Fraser that he shouldn’t rush the guests off the boat. She docked early because of the weather, but she never wants the guests to feel rushed. She asks him to talk to her privately, and behind her back, Alissa says she’s a bitch. Fraser says he wasn’t rushing them. He wanted them to maximize their experience by enjoying the last moments. In her interview, Captain Sandy says, Fraser has an excuse for everything. He never takes accountability. No matter how you spin it, telling the guests to pack is pushing them off the boat. Thunder rumbles, and breakfast is declared a masterpiece. Alissa radios the deckhands to help with the trash, and in her interview, the captain says her cabin is next to the pantry, and she hears everything. She hears the chatting, and Alissa calling the deck to come get the garbage. She comes out to find Fraser, Alissa, and Hayley there, and asks if one of them can strip her bed since they’re just standing around. It’s not fair to the deck crew who’s busting their ass. Fraser tries to justify everything, and she tells him, it’s not the time; stop talking. In Fraser’s interview, he says, it was pure rage. He’s never been told it’s not the right time to speak, and never been so sickened by a captain in his life. He’s in actual shock.

I guess it doesn’t take a lot. And pure hatred? Exaggerate much? Methinks perhaps Fraser is not chief stew material.

Next time, the crew plays volleyball; Captain Sandy says she won’t tolerate insubordination; and the captain tells Fraser that fish stinks at the head, and he’s the head. 🐟

❄️Winter, Winter Everywhere…

Join me tomorrow for soap, Grammy talk, and a possible peek at New Jersey (although I’m really starting to think the Housewives are over). Until then, stay safe, stay practicing common courtesy, and stay honest, because eventually, the truth is going to come out; it always does.

Feb4

February 3, 2023 – Elizabeth Tells Finn the Truth, Back Peddle, Guilty, Blackout Blessed, Blame Game, Rumors, Gifting, Blackeye, Godfather On Deck, Farewell Sal, Pup (!) Guide, 3 X 3 Quotes & Cold Night

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Finn asks why Elizabeth lied about being pregnant with Nikolas’s baby.

Josslyn goes to Dex’s apartment, apologizing for just showing up. She throws herself into his arms.

After a performance at The Savoy, Brook compliments Chase and Blaze, and tells them that they’re single keeps climbing the charts. Blaze goes inside the club, and Brook tells Chase that he’s a natural.

Ava holds the door for Austin, and they run into Kelly’s. She calls him the hero of the hour. She heard he helped save Willow’s life, and Willow is important to a dear friend of hers. He says, she should thank Dr. Navarro; he was just part of a team. She wants to buy him supper, and won’t take no for an answer. She’s feeling generous, since her divorce has really paid off.

Nikolas says he appreciates Spencer wanting to be involved in his new sibling’s life, and Laura says, they know Britt’s memorial was hard on him. They’re both very sorry. Nikolas says, he wouldn’t have missed it if something important hadn’t come up, and Spencer says, there’s always something more important than him. Why does he keep coming in second? How many times will Nikolas fail before he ruins the baby’s life? That’s why he’s seeking full custody of Nikolas’s child. Laura says, he’s just angry right now, but Spencer says, it’s not a rash decision made in the heat of the moment. Nikolas says, Spencer has no idea what it take to raise a child, but Spencer says, neither does Nikolas. Laura tells them to stop. She knows they love each other. Spencer says, a long time ago, Nikolas meant the world to him, and Nikolas says Spencer is his world. Maybe the problem is, he spoiled Spencer and didn’t prepare him for life. Spencer says, Nikolas taught him life’s hardest lessons, like, heroes aren’t always who they seem to be, that the people you love can hurt you in unimaginable ways, and the people you trust to protect you can sacrifice you for their selfish interests. Nikolas broke his heart a thousand times, and he refuses to let Nikolas do the same to his sibling. He’s dead serious.

Chase asks if Brook has heard from Michael, because he’s not answering calls or texts, but she says she hasn’t. He says, Sasha texted, and said she saw the baby, but Willow is still in the ICU. She takes his hand, and says, Willow is tough. She’s going to pull through. Have faith. He tells her, they can’t do this anymore.

Elizabeth tells Finn that she was never pregnant. She didn’t have an affair with Nikolas or anyone. She never cheated on him. He wonders why she said she did, and she says, he saw her with those prenatal vitamins. He says he thinks she needs to start from the beginning, and she says, when she came back from California, she felt guilty and couldn’t face him. She wasn’t thinking, and went to Nikolas to get support from her oldest friend. She discovered Nikolas had gotten himself into a bad situation and needed her help. He asks, with what? and she says, Esme.

Josslyn tells Dex that she’s been on overload; so much joy, sadness, and fear at the same time. She’s happy he was home. He asks, what’s going on? and she says, her niece was born, and she’s healthy and perfect. Josslyn, her mom, and grandma visited her in the NICU, introducing her to the matriarchy. Dex says, if Josslyn’s niece is anything like her, she’s going to be amazing, and stubborn. He means that as a compliment. She says, Willow still hasn’t held her baby; she hemorrhaged after the C-section. She’s stable, but not conscious, and Michael is with her in the ICU. She’s so weak from the leukemia. What if she doesn’t wake up? Dex holds her.

Chase says he still wants to keep his promise to take Linc down, and get Brook’s songs back, but the CCRB spring meeting is coming up. If the Review Board votes in his favor, that’s it. He goes back to being a cop full-time, and can’t go after Linc anymore. And face it, they’re no closer to their goal. Brook says, these things take time, and he says, Blaze isn’t interested in turning Linc in for sexual harassment, and he’s not going to pressure her, which leaves them with tempting Linc to buy out the contract; signing Brook’s songs back over to her just in time for him to quit. She says, it’s still a solid plan, and he says, they have to move on it. He has to be done with this by the time the CCRB meets. She asks if he doesn’t mean done with her.

Josslyn tells Dex, the reason her niece was delivered early was so they could use the stem cells from the cord for Willow’s transplant. What no one is saying is, maybe Willow’s too weak, and maybe it’s too late. She feels guilty even saying that. He says she can say anything to him. Sometimes saying something out loud can take away it’s power. Willow has the best medical care money can buy, and she wants to live. Attitude can make a crucial difference. Josslyn says she hopes so. She just feels so powerless. And Britt’s memorial was today. She couldn’t go because of her niece of course (🍷), but she still feels like she should have been there to pay her respects. Britt saved Josslyn’s life, and it killed her.

Elizabeth tells Finn, the night she was on the docks, Nikolas was there too. Esme told her that Nikolas knew she’d been in town for weeks; she’d shown up pregnant with his child. Nikolas thought she was behind The Hook killings, and couldn’t let her hurt anyone else. At the same time, he had to protect his unborn baby. Finn asks what he did, and Elizabeth says, he kept Esme locked in a tower at Windymere. He says, that’s pretty disgusting, even for Nikolas, and she says she wanted to go to the police, but Nikolas convinced her not to. Finn asks, how? and she says, he told her that he wanted to make sure his child was safe from harm, and the people of Port Charles were safe from Esme, so she agreed to help him. That’s when Finn saw the bottle of prenatal vitamins at Windymere; she was providing Esme with medical care. When Finn saw her with the same vitamins at the hospital and asked her about it, she panicked. She said she was pregnant with Nikolas’s baby to keep their secret. She asks Finn to say something.

Austin says, so in the divorce, Ava got the house, and it’s a big house, called Windymere. It suits her. She seems like the lady of the manor. Congratulations. She says, it’s the least she was owed, and he says, when he first came to Port Charles, she was divorcing Nikolas, but they worked it out. She doesn’t want to do that now? She says, different circumstances. At that time, she left Nikolas to protect her daughter. Now she’s leaving to protect herself.

Laura says, Spencer has reason to be angry, but every parent makes mistakes. It doesn’t erase the bond between parent and child. Nikolas says, it’s okay. He owns everything he’s done to Spencer, but is taking his child away what’s best for the baby, or is Spencer getting even with him? Spencer says, this isn’t about revenge. It’s about how unfit Nikolas is to be a father. Not only because of what Nikolas has done to him, but what he’s done to other people as well. Unlike Nikolas, he’s going to do what’s best for the baby. Laura tells Spencer to think about what he’s saying, and he says he’s discussed this with his friends, and discussed his case with Diane Miller. He’ll do everything in his power to make sure Nikolas doesn’t destroy another innocent life. Laura says, he’s still a kid himself. He can’t raise the baby all alone. Nikolas says, she’s right. He loves this child, and he’ll make damn sure he doesn’t repeat… Spencer says, Nikolas is incapable of keeping that promise, and Nikolas says, if Spencer goes down this path, he’ll be forced to fight him, and he’ll use every weapon in his arsenal to make sure he gets custody. Don’t make him do this. Spencer says, it won’t go that far. Nikolas is going to hand him custody of his own free will.

Finn says, Elizabeth is now an accomplice to a kidnapping, but Elizabeth says she thought she was doing the right thing. She was protecting an innocent baby, and Esme couldn’t kill anyone as long as she was locked up. He says, Esme was the number one suspect in The Hook attacks. How long was Elizabeth going to let the police keep thinking that, when she knew Esme wasn’t the murderer? She says, it wasn’t until Officer Cabrera was killed that she knew she’d made a huge mistake. He has no idea how badly she wanted to say something, but at that point, she’d already given up everything to help Nikolas. She put herself in legal jeopardy, which would affect her kids, and threw away her relationship with him. She’s beaten herself up every single day for this, but she couldn’t see a way out. Then Esme escaped. When she was found, everything Elizabeth did, and everything she gave up, was all for nothing.

Josslyn says, Dex warned her about survivor’s guilt, and he was right. She wakes up in the middle of the night with her head spinning, wondering if she’d done something different, would Britt still be alive? He says he’s the one who got her to leave before the police showed up, and she says, his argument made sense. She knows it woudn’t have made a difference if they’d stayed, but she still feels guilty. It’s the same thing with Cam. She knew the right thing was to break up with him, and feels guilty about that too. Dex says he really messed up her life.

Chase says, that’s not what he meant, but Brook says, that doesn’t mean it isn’t true. He says he doesn’t want to be a pop star; it’s not his passion. He wants his badge back. She says, they might not even reinstate him, and he says, then he’ll have to figure out what’s next, but music isn’t his future. She says, translation, he doesn’t want to be around her, and he asks her to stop putting words in his mouth. It’s time to finish what they started. She says she gets that she screwed up by not writing the letter when Dante asked her to, and ruined any chance of them having a relationship, even a professional one. Is she wrong?

Nikolas says, like hell he’s going to grant Spencer custody, but Spencer says, Nikolas doesn’t have a choice. One way or another, Nikolas is going to be out of his child’s life. Laura tells them, stop it right now. They’re father and son, and should be able to work out their differences. Spencer says, Nikolas had every opportunity to work out their difference, but he couldn’t… or wouldn’t. Nikolas asks if Spencer thinks guilting him over his shortcomings is going to motivate him to sign his child over, and Spencer says, motivate. What a good word. The motive; revenge, justice, guilt. Take your pick. Laura says, but Spencer told them this wasn’t about revenge, and Nikolas flashes back to Ava recording his confession, and him saying, the motive; revenge, justice, guilt. Take your pick. Again using Nikolas’s words, Spencer says, any chance of reconciling with him is ruined, and Nikolas says, this isn’t a game. Spencer says, honestly, his only regret is not doing it sooner, and Nikolas flashes back to using those words Spencer says, this, I solemnly swear, and Laura asks, what’s happening right now? What aren’t they telling her? Nikolas says, this is Ava’s doing. She’s thrown in with Spencer, hasn’t she? Spencer says, it sure would be a shame for other people to find out what he knows, like Commissioner Ashford. Nikolas says, he wouldn’t, and Spencer says, not if Nikolas relinquishes his parental rights. Laura says, stop right here. Nothing that’s been said or done up to this point can’t be taken back. Nikolas says, there’s no coming back from this. His son is truly gone.

Finn says he knows Elizabeth and Nikolas are friends, but going along with something like this doesn’t seem like her at all. Elizabeth says, at times she didn’t recognize herself. He saw her when she came back from California, after finding out she’d killed his wife. He says, it wasn’t like that at all, but she says she was responsible and will feel guilty about that for the rest of her life. Everything was compounded by the way she hurt him. She’ll never forget the look on his face, and how he walked out of here. She was rapidly losing her grip, and there was nothing left to hold on to. He says he never should have walked out like that, but she says, his reaction was normal. Hers on the other hand… there’s no excuse. She should have remembered what really matters, and hung on for dear life to her boys and him. Instead, she shut out everything good in her life. He says, Nikolas bears responsibility here too, but she says she’s not letting him off the hook, especially now that he’s gone too far. Finn asks how that’s even possible.

Chase says he and Brook were friends first, and he’d be lying if he said he didn’t miss that, but she put her wants and needs ahead of his. He can’t forget that. So they’re going to take Linc down, get her songs back, and have that squared away before the CCRB meeting. She says, understood. There won’t be anything left between them by them. She excuses herself, and goes into the club. Blaze comes out, and asks where Brook is off to. Chase says, beats him, and she says, it looks like she came back just in time. She hands him a beer, and says she proposes a toast to the gig they just knocked out of the park, their adoring audience, and their new single, which drops next week, and she guarantees will be a smash. Or how about the unlikely partnership between the ex-cop and would-be folk singer? May it be long and profitable. She lifts her glass, but he doesn’t, and she asks, what’s wrong? He says he told Brook that he wants out, and she says, he can’t quit.

Austin says, if Ava is standing up for herself, good for her. It seems to be something she’s good at, since he saw it first hand with his cousin. She asks if Mason has given him any more trouble, but he says, it’s been quiet on that front. She asks if he’d tell her if it wasn’t, and he says, 100% no, because it’s not her problem, and he’s a grown person who can look after his own life. She says, there was a time Ava Jerome would have gone in for the kill – metaphorically speaking – anytime anyone crossed her. He asks, what changed? and she says she became Ava Cassadine, who made excuses in the name of true love, but she’s gone. He says, in his experience, when people are in relationships like the one she’s had with Nikolas, it doesn’t just end with a signature. She says, maybe not, but she did something today that should make it clear to Nikolas where they stand. And what could come of crossing her.

Nikolas asks if Ava isn’t Spencer’s sworn enemy. Does Spencer hate him this much? Spencer says, if he hated Nikolas, he wouldn’t be giving Nikolas this chance. For redemption. They both know what would happen if he went to the police with this information. Laura, who looks like her head is about to explode, says, what information? Spencer says he could have gone directly to Commissioner Ashford, who was standing right here at Britt’s memorial, but he didn’t. He came to Nikolas because he wanted to give Nikolas the choice. He can sign away his parental rights, and go on living his life, or face what happened when Spencer goes to the police. Nikolas grabs him by the shirt, and asks if this is what Spencer means by being his own man. He’s every bit a Cassadine. Nikolas walks out, Laura looks at Spencer, and follows.

Nikolas beelines for the exit, and Laura says, if he goes out that door, he’s making a big mistake.

Elizabeth tells Finn that Nikolas promised to keep her out of it if he got caught, although she’s not sure she really believed it. Then Esme was found, and it became clear that there was nothing Nikolas could do to protect her if Esme regains her memory. He did find a way to keep his promise, which ironically made her realize she could never trust him again. Finn asks what Nikolas did now, and she says, he brought her mother to town. He wanted her to do to Esme what she did to Elizabeth; make sure she never remembers, so she can never implicate either one of them, no matter the damage it did to Esme like it did to her. That’s all of it. He has no idea how many times she wanted to tell him the truth, but she didn’t for a lot of reasons. She didn’t want to make Finn an accessory. She wanted to protect Nikolas and herself. It went too far, and she lost everything, but couldn’t stay silent anymore.

Josslyn says, Dex didn’t mess up her life. He saved her life. As grateful as she is to Britt, The Hook had Britt cornered when he showed up. He says, a lot of awful things have happened to Josslyn, as a direct or indirect result of knowing him. She’s been an accessory after the fact, left the scene of a crime, and even broke up with her boyfriend. She says, obviously he’s influenced her choices, but they’re still her choices. That includes breaking up with Cameron. If things had been perfect between them, she woudn’t have looked twice at Dex. He asks if she’s sure about that, because he was definitely looking at her, and she says, when the video of her and Cam came out, things were never the same, and she could feel them growing apart. More and more, Cameron felt like someone she used to be close with; someone she cared about, but didn’t connect with. She didn’t say any of that because she didn’t want to hurt him, but in the end, she ended up hurting him even worse. The break-up was bad, but when he found her and Dex together… He asks if she regrets it, and she says, of course (🍷) she regrets Cam walking in on them. He asks if she regrets being with him.

Blaze says, Chase is hugely talented, and it would be a waste for him to walk away, and he says, the music industry and performing isn’t him, but he had a nice time collaborating with her. She says, her too, and he says, let’s face it, he’s just holding her back. She says, even if that were true, she woudn’t care. Working with him has reminded her of her love of singing and performing, and why she got into the business in the first place. Before he came along, she was thinking of quitting. He asks, why? and she says she signed a contract with Linc, and working with Linc has made her question why she’s doing this. She thought her love of music could get her through anything, but singing with Chase is the only thing making this bearable. Linc comes out, and says, there’s his hot new star. He puts his arm around Blaze, apologizing for being late, and asks if she couldn’t have worn another outfit. Chase says, show’s over. There’s no need for Linc to be here. Linc says, cool it, Mr. No Longer a Detective. He’s actually looking for Brook. Chase says he’ll let Brook know Linc is in the building, but Linc says, there’s no need. He’ll tell her himself. He goes back inside, and Chase asks if Blaze is okay.

Linc finds Brook at the bar, and asks, how’s his favorite ex-nightingale? She says she’s so not in the mood to deal with him tonight, but he says, tonight’s her lucky night. She’s finally getting rid of him for good. She says she’s heard that before, and he says, this time, it’s true. Don’t tell him that she’s forgotten their deal.

Laura tells Nikolas that she doesn’t know what just happened, but he can’t leave things like that. He asks if she shouldn’t be lecturing her grandson on the evils of blackmail, but she says, Nikolas is the adult. He has to go face his son. He says he doesn’t know who that person is anymore, and she says, it’s still Spencer, the same little boy he loved and cared for. They’ve both done horrible things to each other, and she doesn’t know what that was about, but she knows the worst thing Nikolas can do is play into what Spencer has done. He says, Spencer threw in with his ex-wife, intending to destroy him. It wasn’t enough for Ava to divorce him and take his home (um… did he divorce her?), she had to take his son too? Laura says she’s so sorry. She’s as blindsided as he is, but take a moment to calm down. He needs to go back into that chapel and face his son, because Spencer is now at the precipice. He’s about to make a decision he’ll regret for the rest of his life. Don’t turn his back on Spencer now. Spencer needs him.

Austin says, so that moment with Mason wasn’t just a fluke, and Ava says, it was nothing. She just likes to know where someone’s weak spots are. He says, that’s her thing. How’s that working for her? She says she supposes she hasn’t met her match yet. She thought she had. He says he’s really sorry, but she says, it’s no matter. She’s used to taking care of herself, and intends to keep doing that. She puts on her coat, and says she’s off to her new castle. Enjoy his evening. He says, her too, and she leaves. By the looks of it, Port Charles is having the same cold weather we’re having. Mason walks out of the darkness, and into Kelly’s courtyard.

Nikolas hugs Laura, saying, she’s the best mother he could ever have. He’ll always love her. He leaves the hospital, and she starts to cry.

Linc says, Brook signs a non-disclosure agreement, while burnishing his reputation with the media. In exchange, he returns all the rights to her songs, except for the ones that were already sold of course (🍷). She says she remembers, but it’s been so long, she thought he forgot. He says he never forgets the terms of a deal, and his lawyers are meticulous. She says she’s aware, and he says he must admit, his financial advisors balked at this deal; her catalog is a goldmine. She says, he must be scared to walk away from all that money, and he says, this is what she always wanted, isn’t it, to get all her songs back, and him out of her hair? She says, among other things, and he says, perfect. He takes a document and pen out of his coat pocket, and says, all she has to do is sign on the dotted line.

Chase says, Blaze doesn’t have to put up with Linc. Walk away, and find  a manager who respects her. She says, the problem is, her contract is ironclad; her career would be over after she’s worked so hard for it. She’s trapped. It’s not like she has a support system. Excuse the pity party, but when Chase leaves the business, she’ll be all alone. She looks at Linc sitting inside, and says, well, not alone. Chase sees Linc put his hand on Brook’s knee. Is it déjà vu all over again?

Josslyn tells Dex that she should have let Cam know her feelings had changed. Everyone says it’s better to be honest, and now that she’s lived it, she knows it’s true. She should have told Cam how she felt. She won’t make that mistake with Dex. He asks how she feels, and she says, scared, but the good kind of scared. A small part of her wants to hide, but most of her wants to run right into it. He says he likes how she runs toward what scares her. If it’s any help, she scares him too. He kisses her.

Elizabeth says she knows what she has to do now. She just wanted to tell Finn first. She didn’t want there to be any more lies between them before she… He asks what she’s going to do, and she says, turn herself in.

Ava walks into Windymere, dropping her coat and bag on the settee. A fire roars in the fireplace, and she strolls around the living room or sitting room or whatever it is.

On the phone, Mason says it was Ava Jerome who gave him such a hard time the other day… He’ll report back. He turns around and sees Austin in Kelly’s doorway, looking like he could kill.

Spencer comes out, and asks Laura where his father went. She says she doesn’t know. What has Spencer done?

There’s a knock at the door at Windymere, and Ava opens it to find Nikolas there.

On Monday, Linc asks if Brook is in or out; Chase asks, what if he doesn’t want out just yet; Austin tells Mason to give it his best shot; and Laura asks what Spencer is holding over his father’s head.

🛥 Black Sheep Drama…

Sure they plied her with alcohol. Producers: Want a drink? Camille: Give me a double!

Camille Lamb Walks Back Diss Against Below Deck Co-Star And Producer Amid Firing Drama

💎 No Surprises Here…

Like we thought it would be otherwise. So where did those earrings end up anyway?

https://people.com/tv/tom-girardi-estranged-husband-rhobh-star-erika-girardi-indicted-on-fraud-charges/

🗽 I’m Happy If She’s Happy…

So should we congratulate her, or…?

https://pagesix.com/2023/02/03/leah-mcsweeney-im-blessed-to-have-blacked-out-with-rhony-legends/

👠 Claws Out…

Let the finger pointing begin.

The Real Housewives Of New York City Cast Are Allegedly Blaming Each Other For RHONY Legacy Falling Apart

☎️ What a Spread…

I only watch this peripherally, but I do like The Marge.

https://pagesix.com/2023/02/03/margaret-josephs-jennifer-aydin-spread-gorga-cheating-rumors/

🛍 What’s Inside…

I’m fascinated with these. Instead of, it’s an honor to just be nominated, I’d say, it’s an honor just to get the gift bag.

https://pagesix.com/2023/02/03/inside-grammys-2023-gift-bag-liposuction-skincare-and-more/

🧂 Who Dun It…

True story. I once gave myself a black eye. And no, I wasn’t in a blackout, but I had taken allergy medication. I had my legs wrapped around the chair I was sitting in at the kitchen table. The phone rang, and I got up to answer it, but forgot to unwrap my legs first. I went headlong into another chair. My husband had been out with the dogs, and when he came back in, he found me sitting on the floor with tweety birds flying around my head. He said, I can’t leave you alone for five minutes, can I?

Lala Kent Claims Heather Gay Got Black Eye From RHOSLC Co-Star, Talks Encounter With Vicki and Shades Kardashians, Plus Says Jen Didn’t Think of Kids

👶🏼 Baby Goddaddy…

No. If anyone on Deck should be the godfather of Kate’s baby, it’s Josiah. Who could forget the shame cocoon?

Below Deck’s Fraser Olender Wants To Be The Godfather Of Kate Chastain’s Baby

👄 Goodbye, Dear Pioneer…

While this happened in January, I’d be remiss not to include it. We weren’t close, but I knew Sal back in the day, and he included me in his first Creatures of the Night book. RIRHPS.

http://www.back2stonewall.com/2023/01/sal-piro-father-of-the-rocky-horror-picture-show-floorshow-passes-away-at-71.html#comment-465851

🐕 Almost Pup Time…

The definitive Puppy Bowl guide.

https://www.cbsnews.com/essentials/how-to-watch-the-2023-puppy-bowl/

🌩 Quotes of the Week

Anyone who stops learning is old, whether at twenty or eighty. Anyone who keeps learning stays young. The greatest thing in life is to keep your mind young. – Henry Ford

If opportunity doesn’t knock, build a door. – Milton Berle (Or kick one through a wall.)

A good education is not so much one which prepares a man to succeed in the world, as one which enables him to sustain a failure. – Bernard Iddings Bell

Integrity is telling myself the truth. And honesty is telling the truth to other people. – Spencer Johnson

A mother should be someone who inspires you, not someone you have to survive. – Liesl Obrecht (Kathleen Gati), General Hospital

You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins. – Jim Stovall

That’s not funny *** No, it’s not, but I’m going to keep drinking until it is. – Ma’Dere (Loretta Devine) and Kelly (Sharon Leal) respectively, This Christmas

I suppose there are two views about everything, said Mark. Eh? Two views? There are a dozen views about everything until you know the answer. Then there’s never more than one. – C.S. Lewis, That Hideous Strength, compiled in Words to Live By

Maintain composure in times of heightened emotion, reacting only when thoughts are calm and clear. Being sensible will open doors for solutions and creativity. – Jaren L. Davis

📻 Finding the Frequency For Kenneth…

See you on Monday really Tuesday for soap and a sure to be appalling Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay being open to compromise, and stay saying what you need to out loud. Sometimes that can take away it’s power.

Feb3

February 2, 2023 – Memorial For Britt, Renewed, Tea Time In Canada, Salty Friend, Same Old, Gotta Wait, You Get a Puppy (!) & Air

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Sam and Dante meet Sasha, Maxie, and Cody at Kelly’s before Britt’s memorial, and Maxie says she could use some good news. Sam says, Willow had her baby.

Nina and Sonny look at the baby, and Nina says, look at her, not a care in the world. She has no idea she almost lost her mother. She was so scared. Sonny says, everything’s okay now, and Nina says, we have a granddaughter.

A custodian is about to take the name plate down next to Britt’s office, when Scotty and Obrecht come along. Scotty tells him that Obrecht is Britt’s mother, and asks if he can give them a minute. They go into Britt’s office, and Obrecht says, there’s nothing left. No sign Britta worked 18 hour days, that she gave people the best – and worst – news of their lives, that she gave this hospital everything, and everything to its patients. He suggests they go to the chapel, but Obrecht says, she’ll be beset by people telling her how sorry they are. As if their words change anything, or could numb this pain in her heart.

Austin tells TJ about Willow hemorrhaging after giving birth, and says, they have her stabilized now. Checking the computer, Terry says, it looks like the stem cells are being analyzed at the lab, so things are looking up.

Laura stops by Finn’s office, and says she and Doc are taking Jake and Aiden ice skating Saturday. Elizabeth thought Violet might want to join them. He says, Elizabeth ran into Violet the other day, and sensed she was upset. Just like her to try and make a bad situation better.

Nikolas says he’s there to support Spencer at Britt’s memorial, and Elizabeth says she just saw her mother. He pretends he didn’t know Carolyn was in town, and asks if she was there to see Elizabeth, but Elizabeth says, Carolyn came to see him, which shouldn’t surprise him since he asked her to come.

Esme peruses the papers Nikolas gave her, and Heather grabs them. She looks at them, and tells Esme, not so fast.

Spencer asks, what happens to the baby if Esme gives birth in prison? and Jordan says, that would be up to social services. An advocate would be assigned to the child to determine what’s best; placing the child with the father or another relative. He asks, what if the father is also in prison? and she asks why Nikolas would be in prison.

Obrecht tells Scotty, it’s a mistake to have the memorial at GH. Public displays of grief are unseemly. He says, having it at GH is a good way to honor Britt’s 18 hour days saving lives. She died saving a life. It’s good those people want to acknowledge that. Brad walks in, and says he didn’t know anyone was there. He starts to leave, but Obrecht asks why he’s here. He says he wanted to leave something, but it’s stupid. Scotty asks what he has in the bag he’s carrying, and Brad says he realized Britt spent more time here than anywhere else. He helped her fill out her Society Set-Ups profile here. Obrecht says, while it pains her to give Brad a compliment, he was a good friend to her Britta. Brad says, she was his best friend. They had a lot of good talks here, a lot of laughs, a few tears – his, not hers. He doesn’t think he ever saw Britt cry. She’s the one person he could be completely honest with. He only wishes she’d felt the same. Obrecht wonders how he can say that. He was as dear to Britt as she was to him. He asks why Britt didn’t tell him she was sick.

Esme asks for the papers back, but Heather says, it looks like she was about to sign away her baby. She asks where Esme got this, and Esme says, from the baby’s father. Heather looks at the papers again, and says, Nikolas Cassadine. Everyone knows the Cassadine family; they’re very rick, very influential, and ruthless. She can’t sign this. Esme says, it’s her own decision, and Heather says, of course (🍷) it is. She just wants to make sure Esme is doing what’s best for her and her baby before she signs away her rights forever. She asks if Esme read this, because that’s exactly what Nikolas is doing. Esme tells her that Nikolas said it would only be temporary until her legal issues are resolved. Ryan is wheeled in, and Heather says, from one mother to another, men lie all the time, and you can’t trust a single one of them. Ryan listens in.

Jordan asks why Nikolas would be in prison, and Spencer says, wishful thinking. She asks if he has any evidence Nikolas committed a crime, but he says, if he did, she’d be the first to know. She says she can’t imagine how angry he is with Nikolas, and he says, having a child with his ex-girlfriend? He’s not sure what bothers him more; the betrayal or how tacky it all is. She asks why it can’t be both, when her phone rings, and she leaves to take the call.

Laura says she’s sorry things didn’t work out between Finn and Elizabeth, and he says, him too. She says, he was such a rock for Elizabeth and the boys when they were struggling, and he says he was glad he could be there for them. They were good together until they weren’t. Laura says she’s glad they remained friendly for Violet’s sake, and he says, of course (🍷), but he doesn’t know if he’d call it friendship. It’s more like a cross between politeness and detente. She says she hopes they can be friends again; Elizabeth could use a friend like him right now. He asks if something is wrong.

Elizabeth brings Nikolas to an empty exam room, and he says he doesn’t know what Carolyn told her. She says, her mother said Nikolas flew her to Port Charles to make sure Esme would never regain her memory. He promises he didn’t trust Carolyn with Elizabeth’s secrets, but she says he’s missing the point. She confided in him, and he saw what she went through trying to regain her memories, and then he turns around and asks her mother to do the same thing to Esme. Thank God she refused. He says, he and Elizabeth agreed the best possible outcome would be if Esme never remembers, but Elizabeth says, she never said to hire her mom to block Esme’s memories. How could he think she’d ever want anyone else to go through what her parents did to her? He tells her, that’s not what she said before. Does she want to go to prison?

Sonny asks if Trina is here for Britt’s memorial, and she says she’s here to support Spencer. She tells Nina that Curtis sends his apologies; he had an emergency at The Savoy. Sonny asks if she’s seen Spencer, and Trina says she left him in the chapel. Sonny says he’s going to find Spencer, and Nina says she’s going to wait for Obrecht. She wonders where Obrecht is.

Finn asks if Laura is worried about Elizabeth, and asks if Elizabeth’s dad is bothering her again. She says she doesn’t think Jeff has contacted Elizabeth since he left Port Charles, and he asks what Nikolas has done this time. Whatever this thing is between Nikolas and Elizabeth doesn’t make a lot of sense to him. Laura says, they’ve known each other since they were… He says, teenagers. He’s heard. She says, bonds like those between Nikolas and Elizabeth are hard to break.

Elizabeth says, of course (🍷) she doesn’t want to go to prison. That’s why she prays every day Esme doesn’t remember. Nikolas apologizes for not relying on prayer. He had to take action to protect them both. She asks why he didn’t let her in on his plans then, and he says he knew she didn’t want to see her mother. Nice try, but lame. She says, he wasn’t protecting her feelings. He hid it from her because he knew she wouldn’t go along with it. He says, what’s done is done. No matter what happens, they’re in this together. She says, not anymore.

Brad says, Britt helped him through everything; losing a child, losing his marriage, prison. He wanted to be there for her like she was for him. Obrecht says, if Britt had told him about her illness, he might have become concerned and caring, and probably would have tried to take care of her. He says, of course (🍷) he would have… Oh. She says, Britt didn’t need him fawning over her, and giving her pillows. She needed him to make cruel observations about unsuspecting bystanders; to fetch her another cocktail that did her no good medically, but made her happy in the moment; to lament about his love life, so she’d know someone had a bed more desolate than her own. But more than anything, she needed someone to laugh with. He says he can live with that, and Scotty says, they have to get going. Obrecht says, there’s nothing left to see here anyway, and Brad says, he’ll catch up with them there. They leave, and he takes a pint of ice cream and two spoons out of the bag. He eats a spoonful, and says he knows Britt wasn’t planning on heaven, but it’s probably where she ended up. He hopes there’s a hot guy there, a wardrobe malfunction or two, angel feathers getting caught in harp strings. She could make a GIF of it. They must have GIFs in heaven. Surely God wouldn’t deprive them of simple pleasures. He misses her, and promises he’ll never eat ice cream, check out unattainable men, or do a single thing without thinking of her. He closes the container, and puts it back in the bag along with his spoon, leaving the other spoon on the desk. I want to cry looking at that spoon.

Spencer listens to Nikolas’s confession again in the chapel, when Sonny walks in. Sonny says he knows it’s a tough day, and Spencer says, Britt meant a lot to him. He appreciates Sonny being here, although he knows it’s mostly for Nina. Sonny says, he’s here for Spencer, and Spencer thanks him. Sonny asks if Nikolas is coming, but Spencer says he doubts it. Sonny asks if Spencer is still going for custody of Esme’s baby, and Spencer says he’s more convinced than ever that his father shouldn’t be anywhere near that child.

Dante and Sam get the hospital, and Dante tells Jordan that he and Sam are leaving soon to check out Maggie Fitzgerald’s last known address. Jordan asks, how much of this will end up in The Invader? and Sam says she and Alexis discussed it. Alexis wants The Hook stopped, so any information they gather will be for police use only. Unfortunately, the last known address they have is at least five years old. Dante hopes Esme’s nanny is still alive, and Jordan says, the more she thinks about it, the more she believes The Hook attacks are someone’s way of punishing Esme’s enemies.

Esme sees Ryan, and asks if that’s Doc. What happened to him? Heather says, it’s Doc’s twin Ryan Chamberlain, and Esme asks why he’s staring at her like that. Heather says, don’t worry, it’s all he can do, and Esme says, Heather told her to stay away from Ryan. Now Heather’s telling her not to worry? Heather says she told Esme to keep her distance, which is easy. She steers Esme to another table, and says, problem solved. He can’t see her. He can’t do anything to her because he can’t move. He’s almost completely paralyzed. All he can move is his eyes. Esme says, that’s awful, but Heather tells her not to worry about Ryan. His mind is as sharp as ever. He’s the last person who needs her sympathy.

People start to file into the chapel for the memorial, and Spencer tells Trina that he’s decided to keep his father’s confession a family matter. For now.

Elizabeth says she’s forgiven Nikolas over and over again. When he let his family believe he was dead, when he slept with his son’s girlfriend, and so many other things. She’s done being pulled into his lies, like when he said they were together at the Quartermaine picnic. He says he was giving her an alibi, but she says she didn’t need one. It’s always an excuse with him for all the lying and scheming. This isn’t who she wants to be. He says he never forced her to do anything, and she says, he’s right; she made her own bad choices. The way her mother told her the truth, and he didn’t; her mother has proven to be more trustworthy than he is. It’s made her realize she can’t be around him anymore. He says he was only trying to protect them both, but she says the only thing she needs protecting from is him, and leaves. Nikolas follows her, grabbing her arm, and says, they’re not done talking. Laura and Finn come by, and Finn tells Nikolas to get his hands off Elizabeth.

Nina goes to the front of the chapel, and says, Obrecht asked her to speak. On behalf of the family, she thanks everyone for being here. Usually, a favorite passage or a poem would be read in remembrance of the one they’ve lost, but Britt only read medical journals, so she’s out of luck. She started thinking about Britt, how she lived and who she was, and it became really clear. Sun Tzu writes in The Art of War, let your plans be dark and impenetrable as night, and when you move, fall like a thunderbolt. That was Britt, at her worst, and at her best. Unexpected and unforgettable. She didn’t know Britt nearly long enough, but she’s proud to have Britt as a part of her family. She looks up, and says, Britt, you will be missed, but you will never, ever be forgotten.

Brad says he met Britt at GH ten years ago. Neither of them was particularly popular, and back then, she had a nickname – The Britch – which she earned; she wouldn’t want him to lie. She was mean, selfish, a bully. One time, she set a little girl’s doll on fire, but by all reports, it was a total accident. When it came to people, Britt left destruction in her wake. Then one day, she was just gone, on the run, a fugitive until her luck ran out. She did her time, and when she came back, she was determined to prove she’d changed. Was she successful? All of them are here, but to him personally, she didn’t change at all. Britt Westbourne was, and always will be, his best friend.

Heather says, Esme isn’t really thinking about giving away her baby, is she? and Esme says, Nikolas made a convincing case, and genuinely seems to care about the baby. Heather says, seems being the operative word. How long has he given Esme to sign the papers? Esme says, he told her that he’d be back tomorrow, and Heather asks, what’s the rush? She’s still weeks away from her due date, isn’t she? Why is she so eager to give up this baby? Esme says she isn’t. The baby is the only thing she has in the entire world. She goes to bed and feels the baby kicking, and knows she’s not alone. Heather says, that’s beautiful, and exactly why she can’t sign those papers. She’ll never get over it if she gives up her child.

Finn tells Nikolas again to let Elizabeth go, and Nikolas says, fine, but it’s none of his business. Laura says, Nikolas! and asks if Elizabeth is all right. Elizabeth says she’s fine, and Nikolas asks if they really think he’d hurt Elizabeth. Laura says, not if he’s in control of himself, and Elizabeth says she didn’t want to cause a scene, but Finn says, she didn’t. Elizabeth asks if she and Finn can talk, and they head for his office. Laura says she and Nikolas need to talk now, and he says he knows what she’s going to say. She says, really? Because she’s at a complete loss as to how to reach her son. She walks off, and Nikolas follows.

Scotty says he’s not sure what Britt would make of all of this fuss. She was a very private person; just like her mother. He got to know both of them very well, and fell in love with her mother. Strong women; gotta love ‘em. Britt’s big secret. Now they know. She had a big heart. The world has lost a very special person.

Terry says, Britt was a fierce advocate for her patients. She sees many of them remember how fierce she was. Britt was an excellent doctor, and a smart administrator. It was a privilege to know her, to work beside her, and become her friend. Terry’s voice breaks, and she says, her life and work deserve to be honored by this hospital and this community. She asks everyone to follow her, and they file out of the chapel.

They all stand before the memorial wall of staff photos, and Terry says, this wall commemorates those who dedicated their lives to General Hospital and the people of Port Charles. It’s only fitting therefore, that Dr. Britt Westbourne be added to this wall. Nina tells Obrecht, Britt would love this, and Dante asks Sonny, where’s Spencer?

Trina asks if Spencer doesn’t want to see Terry’s big surprise, but he says he’s sure he’ll see it later. His father was engaged to Britt, and didn’t even show up. She says, they did break up when Spencer was a child, and sits next to him. She says, this, today, isn’t about his father, and it’s not about him; today’s about Britt. Just let it be that. He says, she’s right; he’ll try. He and Britt were friends, and even though he was a kid, she never talked down to him. He appreciated that about her, and doesn’t know as he’ll ever meet someone who connects with him like that ever again. She understood. Trina says, she sounds like a pretty great person, and he says, she was.

Esme promises not to make any decisions until at least tomorrow, and Heather says, now that that’s settled, she has to talk to Ryan. Esme says, Heather told her… and Heather tells Esme that she said Ryan was dangerous to her; Heather can handle him. Stay put. She goes over to Ryan, and asks, how about a little chat? picking up the alphabet board. She lowers her voice, and says, listen up. She assumes he’s known all along about Nikolas and Esme, which pisses her off. Now Nikolas is trying to steal their grandchild, and what’s worse, the cops are on to Ryan.

Nikolas asks why Laura is so scared, and she says she feels like she’s losing him. Victor has some kind of hold over him, and he won’t tell her what it is, so she can’t help him. He’s divorcing Ava, manhandling Elizabeth, and making excuses for all of it. She’d like to say he’s not acting like himself, but she’s afraid this is who he’s become; a man who is careening from one bad decision to the next, and hurting anyone who tries to help him. He says he’s sorry he’s not the son she wanted, but she says, stop it. The son she wants is inside him, and she’s seen him. She’s seen him be the man she’s proud of. A man who woudn’t give up on his own son, no matter how hard Spencer tried to push him away. A man who defied Helena Cassadine, when she tried to groom him to be the next Cassadine heir. He says he’s not sure where that man went, and she tells him to start looking, down deep into that core of goodness and strength she knows is there, that’s somehow eluded him. She needs to believe it’s not too late.

Elizabeth tells Finn that she feels like she’s lost her best friend, but she shouldn’t be talking to him about Nikolas. He says, even though they didn’t work out, he’d be lying if he said he didn’t still care about her. She says, after everything she put him through? He’s a good person, and he deserves the truth.

Nikolas says he thinks maybe it’s not too late, and Laura says she’s glad to hear him say that. Now tell her why. He says, because after everything that’s happened, he’s done listening to Uncle Victor. Instead, he’s going to focus on being a good father to this new baby, and to Spencer… if Spencer ever speaks to him again. Laura says she thinks he will, and he says he wanted to be at Britt’s memorial for Spencer. She says, maybe it’s not completely over, and they head for the chapel.

Finn asks what truth he needs to know, and Elizabeth says she lied to him. She was never pregnant with Nikolas’s baby.

Scotty asks if Brad is okay, and Brad says he will be. Otherwise her ghost will never let him hear the end of it. How is Britt’s mutter? Scotty says, she wanted to be alone.

Obrecht touches Britt’s picture on the memorial wall, and says, auf wiedersehen, mein kind. She kisses her fingers, touches the photo, and looks up.

Sonny, Nina, Sasha, and Maxie look at the new baby, and Maxie says, this was a really good idea. She needed this. Sasha says, her too. She wasn’t sure at first, but there’s no place she’d rather be. Nina says, her neither. Just look at her. Sonny says, say hello to the future.

Laura and Nikolas go into the chapel, and Laura says, oh no. She’s so sorry they missed this. She hugs Spencer, who says he knows she would have been there if she could. Besides, he thinks he knows whose fault it was. Nikolas says he really wanted to be here, but Spencer says, stop it. He asks if Trina would mind giving them the chapel; family business. Trina leaves, and Nikolas says he really did intend to be here. Spencer says, somehow, Nikolas has managed to disappoint him more than he already has, and Nikolas asks if he’s done. Spencer says, not even remotely. Because of the damage Nikolas has done to him, he’s going to make sure Nikolas can’t damage his little brother or sister the same way.

Sam tells Jordan, now that that’s over, they’re off to find Maggie Fitzgerald. Jordan says, keep her posted. Good luck. Hopefully, Maggie will finally lead them to Esme’s father.

Heather tells Ryan, Sam and Dante were here. They’re looking for an old nanny… Maggie something. She’s guessing from his stare that Maggie knows about him. He blinks once, and she says, there’s really only one thing left they can do. They’ve got to bust out of here. He glances at Esme, and Heather says, Esme? Don’t be silly. Of course (🍷) she’s coming with us.

Tomorrow, Dex says he really messed up Josslyn’s life; Spencer asks why he keeps coming in second; and Chase tells Brook that he has to be done with this, and she asks if he means done with her.

🦹🏽 Alum Makes Good…

Glad to hear the ex-Port Charles native is doing well.

GH Alum Sydney Mikayla’s TV Series Renewed for Season Two!

🍵 Some Real Tea…

For the Y&R fans – June 4th in Toronto, Canada.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/the-young-the-restless/kate-linder-invites-you-to-tea-with-yr-stars

🏆 Off the Soap Grid…

Looks like there are a few GH faves here.

Soap Stars Nominated For Indie Series Awards

🧂 Thank You For Being a Friend…

She is pretty interesting, but I’m surprised after she ditched the Reunion. Isn’t that a mortal Housewives sin?

Mary M. Cosby Is Returning To Real Housewives Of Salt Lake City As A Friend For Season 4

💎 Ho-Hum…

So what else is new?

https://pagesix.com/2023/02/02/kyle-richards-is-not-on-speaking-terms-with-sister-kathy-hilton/

⚰️ Buffering…

Personally, I can’t wait for the Negan/Maggie combo.

The Walking Dead Fans Will Have to Wait Longer for Rick and Michonne’s Return

🐶 All Your Own…

You, too, can have your own personal Puppy Bowl.

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/puppy-bowl-xix-adopt-watch-2023-b2273064.html

🚧 Taking It Nowhere Near the Streets…

Stop in tomorrow for soap, tea, quotes, and perhaps an earworm. Until then, stay safe, stay not overthinking things, and stay falling like a thunderbolt when you move.

Feb2

February 1, 2023 – Willow Goes To Heaven, Moonlighting, One Season Wife, New Judge, No Consent, Dead Reviews Last, Adoption Help & Good

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Sonny and Nina wait for news on Willow. Nina wonders why she’s still in the OR, but Sonny says, the good news is, Willow’s having a healthy baby girl; their shared grandchild. (Weird how that worked out.) Curtis comes by, and he and Nina hug. He says, Drew just told him about Nina and Willow, and Nina says, Curtis, more than anyone, knows the disappointments she’s had searching for her daughter. Now her new daughter has a new daughter, and this miracle is a long time coming. He says he’s thrilled for her, and they hug again.

Stella tells Jordan that she’s not just Curtis’s aunt; she’s the officiant at his wedding to Portia. How can she stand before the Almighty, and ask Him to bless a marriage, when she knows the bride is lying to the groom? How can she be solid when she knows Portia hasn’t told Curtis that Trina might be his daughter? Portia walks in.

Spencer tells Trina that Ava was right; this changes everything. His father actually confessed on record that he thought he killed Esme. Trina says, there had to be a reason he confessed, but Spencer asks if it matters. He plays the confession again.

Esme says, her boyfriend’s father is also her baby’s father, and Nikolas says, it’s a complicated situation. He’ll answer her questions as best he can, but she has to know that she can trust him.

Elizabeth says, there’s nothing Carolyn can do for her, but Carolyn is right that she’s exhausted, and she’s too tired to listen. Carolyn says, Elizabeth won’t have to worry about seeing her again, since she’s flying back to California and out of Elizabeth’s life for as long as Elizabeth likes. Elizabeth asks if she wasn’t consulting on a case, but Carolyn says, now that she’s met the patient, she’s decided she wants nothing to do with the case, or the person who requested her help. And neither should Elizabeth.

Michael tells Josslyn, despite everything, his daughter is healthy and happy, when Carly runs in, asking, where’s her favorite new person on the planet? They all look at the new baby through the window.

Austin runs into the ER, asking, what’s going on? and Dr. Navarro says, Willow’s still hemorrhaging. Willow drifts out of herself, and sees Harmony in the clouds. Harmony holds out her arms, and tells Willow not to worry; mama is here.

Nina tells Curtis that Willow is still in the OR, and he says, Drew told him how Willow risked everything to have the baby. She has one brave daughter. Nina says, sometimes it takes more than bravery; look at Britt. He says, part of the reason he’s here is to support Nina at Britt’s memorial, and she says, he knows what a long, strange journey it’s been for her. He says he still regrets letting Valentin play them about Sasha, but she says, that’s water under the bridge. Sasha’s not her daughter, but she still considers Sasha family. Sonny says, almost a daughter. Curtis is going to know what that’s like one day. Curtis says, from his lips, but first there’s a wedding, and he’s counting on them to be in attendance.

Jordan says she knows Portia and Stella are picking up Stella’s dress, and hopes all goes well. She tells them that she should get going to Britt’s memorial, and Portia says to give Britt’s friends and family her condolences. She would have been there, but things with the wedding got backed up. Portia and Stella leave.

Spencer says, his father actually tried to kill Esme, and Trina says, so Spencer is going to use the confession to force his father to drop any claim to Esme’s baby, and let Spencer have custody. Spencer says, absolutely, and she says, what if he refuses? but Spencer says, how can he? This confession is evidence of a crime. Not only did his father seduce his ex-girlfriend, he tried to murder her. This isn’t just an accusation, but his father’s own incriminating words. He’s not the one who threw Esme off the parapet; his father did. She says, they both know Esme is a monster, and the way his father described it, it wasn’t premeditated, but a fit of rage. He says, that makes it okay? and she says, of course (🍷) not, but if he goes down that path, he’ll be deliberately destroying his father’s life; using his own words to take his child away. He asks what she’s suggesting; that he does nothing, and lets his father get away with it?

Esme says, Nikolas paid for her defense, and brought in a psychiatrist to consult on her case, who within ten minutes, just takes off. Now he informs her that she made this baby with him, her boyfriend’s father, and she’s supposed to trust him? He says, before her memory loss, she trusted him, and said there was a connection between them that they couldn’t deny. They were both in extremely vulnerable situations; Spencer had just broken up with her, and he thought his marriage was over. What they did was wrong, but they couldn’t resist. She says, if he’s the father, why would Spencer say he is?

Michael says his baby is gorgeous, and Carly says, of course (🍷) she is; it runs in the family. He says he can’t wait for Willow to see her. He wonders why he hasn’t heard from the OR, but Carly says, he’ll hear soon. Josslyn asks if he has a name for the baby, but he says, they hadn’t settled on one yet. Wiley suggested Ashoka, and he and Willow called the baby Walnut because of how she looked on the first sonogram. Josslyn says, Ashoka Walnut Corinthos is an option, but Carly is sure Michael and Willow have some alternatives in mind. Bobbie comes out, and asks Michael to come with her to meet his daughter.

Willow says, Harmony isn’t her mother, and Harmony – who’s dressed in black, which I find a weird color choice for heaven – says, in life no, but it wasn’t all a lie. No one loved Willow more than she did. Willow says, she knows what love is and isn’t, and Harmony asks if she thinks Nina loves her. Nina loves only Nina, but Harmony was there for her. When they moved from one temporary home to another, and it seemed impossible to make new friends. When Willow got lost, who found her? Who did their best to dry her tears? She calls Willow Kali, but Willow tells Harmony that her name is Willow. We see the staff in the OR working on her, and Harmony says, Willow is still her Kali.

Curtis says he’ll see Nina at the memorial, and she thanks him for his good wishes. He says, of course (🍷), and leaves. Nina thinks there should have been an update by now, but Sonny says, when Willow is in recovery, they’ll be told.

Trina says she’s not defending Nikolas, or suggesting he get away with attempted murder, but before Spencer uses the confession, ask himself why Nikolas confessed in the first place. His father’s not a fool; he must have had a reason. She loves Ava, but Ava wants Nikolas to pay for breaking her heart. This confession might not even be true. It might be another game between the two of them, and if Spencer uses this confession as leverage, he could get caught in the middle. He says, if it saves his little brother or sister, he doesn’t mind, and she says, he might not mind, but she does.

Elizabeth says, Nikolas brought Carolyn to town? and Carolyn says, he told her it was on Elizabeth’s behalf. He said she was in trouble. Elizabeth asks why Carolyn didn’t say anything when they ran into each other, and Carolyn says, Nikolas told her it was imperative Elizabeth not know. From her perspective, she was flying blind, and wanted all the facts before she went to Elizabeth. Once she’d spent time with him, it became clear that any trouble Elizabeth was in, started with Nikolas. Elizabeth asks what Nikolas told her, and Carolyn says, enough to sense that what Nikolas roped Elizabeth into doing was wrong, maybe even illegal. He said Carolyn could atone for any harm she’d done to Elizabeth in the past. He said she could use those same skills to keep someone else from remembering something that would end up hurting Elizabeth and her boys. Elizabeth says, and that someone is Esme Prince, right? and Carolyn says, yes.

Bobbie brings out the baby for Michael to hold, and Carly and Josslyn watch. They remark how little she is, but she really isn’t, so it’s weird. Michael tells the baby he’d give her anything. There’s so many people who want to meet her, starting with her mommy.

Sonny calls Carly, who tells him that they’re in the NICU visiting with the new baby. He asks if Michael is with her, and she says, he’s holding the baby; why? Sonny says, the doctors in the OR are looking for Michael, and she asks, what happened?

Willow says that she’s Willow, Michael’s fiancé, the mother of his children, but Harmony says, where they’re going, names don’t matter. There’s nothing to tie you to the past. Don’t be afraid. Come with her. Harmony holds out her hand, and I yell, go into the light, Carol Anne Willow!

On the phone, Jordan says she thinks she should attend Britt’s memorial herself. She wants Britt’s family to understand that Britt’s sacrifice won’t be in vain. Curtis says he couldn’t help but overhear. It takes a lot of courage to face Britt’s family on a day like today. She says, they deserve answers. She just wishes she had better ones to give them. He says, Obrecht has a temper, and he’d hate to see her take incoming fire, but she says, it goes with the badge. If she’d lost a child, she’d feel the same way. Curtis says, so would he.

A woman leads Stella and Portia to the dress viewing area (I have no idea what it’s called), and Portia says she’s a grown woman with a daughter in college, and her butterflies have butterflies. She suggests they start with Stella’s dress, and the woman leaves to get it. Stella wonders if there’s a reason Portia is so nervous, and Portia says, the last time she got married, she was in her 20s. She asks how many weddings Stella has been a part of, and Stella says, enough to know they’re not all the same. They all start off beautifully, with the dress, the cake, the music of course (🍷)… Portia says, it seems like something is on Stella’s mind, but she’s not saying it, which is unlike her. She seemed cheerful and supportive of the wedding until now. Has something changed?

Trina tells Spencer that she cares about that baby too. That poor thing never asked to be born, let alone have Esme and his dad as parents. He says, then she understands why he can’t just turn the other way, and why he needs to fight using any weapon he can find. His father can’t afford for this information to become public, and a judge or the police will want answers. That’s why his father is going to bow out and give him custody. She says, if that’s really his endgame, why leverage his dad? Why not go straight to the cops?

Esme asks why it isn’t possible that Spencer is the father of her baby, and Nikolas says, timing-wise makes it impossible. Esme says, Spencer disagrees, but Nikolas says, because she has no way to know he was lying. His son has a good heart, but sometimes he ends up hurting the people he wants to help. He’ll deal with his son, but right now they need to focus on the baby. Esme has other challenges she’s facing, like her precarious legal situation. The reason he brought Carolyn to see her is because he wanted to take one of those burdens off her hands. He takes out a document, and says, all she has to do is sign it, and he’ll make sure her baby is waiting, until she’s free once more.

Carly thinks she should be with Michael, but Bobbie says, Willow is getting the best care. Josslyn says, Michael can’t lose her, and they have a three-way hug.

Michael asks Sonny, what’s going on? and Sonny says, Willow’s in the OR; they’re waiting for an update. All he knows is, Willow’s a fighter, and that kind of runs in the family.

Willow’s blood pressure continues to drop, and she asks where Harmony is taking her. Harmony says, to a better place; the kind of place they’ve been searching for. A place of peace and tranquility. A place of love. Take her hand. Willow says, what about her family? but Harmony says she’s Willow’s family. Trust her. Willow takes her hand, and Harmony says, that’s my girl.

Jordan says she ran into Curtis’s Aunt Stella. She and Portia are on their way to the bridal boutique. He says, everyone’s excited. Between Aunt Stella and his father, you’d think they were going to be at the top of the cake. He apologizes, and says he didn’t mean to sound insensitive, but Jordan says she wants him to be happy. That’s why… nothing. She starts to walk away, but he says he knows her. If it’s not about the wedding, what’s wrong?

Stella says she’s going to stand before God, and Portia’s family and friends, but Portia says, our family. She used to think all she needed was her medical degree and Trina, but then Curtis came back into he life. They went from separate homes to this beautiful home of their own that they share with Trina, and were able to welcome Curtis’s dad, Stella, TJ, and Molly. She feels the more they give, the more they have. The more love, more joy, more everything. That’s why she feels this wedding isn’t just about the two of them; it’s about all of them. She gives Stella a jewelry box, and says, it’s for her. Stella opens it to find  a beautiful bracelet, and Portia says, it’s been in her family for generations. She wants Stella to wear it to the wedding, but Stella says she can’t accept this, and Portia asks, why not?

Elizabeth says, Carolyn visited Esme at Spring Ridge? and Carolyn says, Nikolas insisted. The moment she saw Esme was pregnant, and realized he wanted to silence Esme for some selfish reason, she couldn’t go along with it. She refuses to ruin someone else’s life. She knows Nikolas has been in Elizabeth’s life since high school, and been around for important events that she and Elizabeth’s dad missed out on, but trust her, Nikolas is not her friend. She doesn’t believe he has Elizabeth’s best interests at heart. She wishes she’d realized it sooner, and been straight with Elizabeth the moment she got to town. She wishes so many things. All she can say in her defense is, she’s still learning. She hopes one day she earns Elizabeth’s forgiveness. Elizabeth thanks Carolyn for telling her, and Carolyn says, you’re very welcome, Elizabeth. Elizabeth thanks Carolyn for calling her Elizabeth instead of Lizzie, and Carolyn tells her, like she said, she’s still learning.

Carly wants to be with Michael, but Bobbie says, Sonny is up there, and Josslyn points out that Nina will be there too. What’s worse, Michael facing them on his own, or them going up there, and a fight breaking out? He told them to stay with the baby. Bobbie gives them scrubs, and tells them to put smiles on their faces. They’re going in to see the baby.

Sonny tells Nina to have faith. He doesn’t think God would bring her daughter into her life to take her away. Nina says, please don’t let Willow die. Please. She has two children that need their mom. Please let Willow live.

Harmony tells Willow, just one more step, and she’ll find perfect peace.

Curtis says he knows he and Jordan are past losing the divorce papers, so what is it? She says she meant what she said. She genuinely hopes there’s a happy ending for him and Portia, and Trina. She leaves, but I don’t think Curtis is convinced she’s telling him everything.

Stella says, Portia should save the family heirloom and give it to Trina for her own wedding, but Portia says, Stella can pay it forward and give it to Trina then. Please say she’ll wear it to the wedding. Stella says, the last thing she wants to do is spoil Portia’s happiness. Portia’s right. When she marries Curtis, she marries his family, flaws and all. Portia says, Stella is flawless, but Stella says, hardly. Think of what she kept from Curtis all those years; letting him and his brother think their father was dead. Portia says, Stella thought she was doing right by her sister, and asks if she’d make the same choice if she had it to do over again. Stella says she honestly doesn’t know, and no one can make that decision for you. The woman brings Stella’s dress in, and says, showtime.

Spencer and Trina go into the chapel, and he says, if he brings the video directly to the police, it becomes a legal matter. If he takes it directly to his father, then his father backs off, it stays between them, and he becomes responsible for Esme’s baby. She says, it sounds like he has it all figured out, even though they know he’s doing this for another reason. By keeping this from the police, he’s not completely shutting the door on his dad. Part of Spencer still loves him, and knows if he uses that confession, he’ll lose his father forever.

Nikolas gives Esme the papers along with a pen, and she asks if she shouldn’t have a lawyer look at it. He says, this is a mere formality, and she says she appreciates him looking out for her and her baby, but this is all overwhelming. She’s gone from thinking Spencer is the father of her baby to finding out it’s really him, and it’s a lot to process. He says, of course (🍷). He’ll leave the paper with her and come back tomorrow. She needs to be at her best so she can clear her name and come back to her… their baby. He leaves, and Esme wonders if she can really trust him.

Josslyn, Carly, and Bobbie visit with the baby, and Bobbie says, she thinks Willow’s name is perfect. Willow trees are strong. A big, strong wind can knock down a giant oak tree, but willows can weather any storm.

Michael says, if Willow can hear him right now, she has to know how much they need her. Not just him; Wiley and their new daughter. They’re waiting for her. Waiting to take her home.

Willow hears Michael say, home. We’re waiting for you. Come back to us. Harmony says, they’re almost there, but Willow turns around.

Austin comes out, and Michael asks if Willow is okay.

Trina says, Spencer has suffered some horrible losses, but he’s also lived a pretty privileged life. Remember that. Jordan walks in, but says she can wait in the hall if they want privacy. Trina says, that’s okay. She’ll give them some time alone. She thinks Spencer and Jordan have something to discuss. Nice blindside, Trina. WTH? She leaves, and Jordan says, they do?

Stella comes out, and the dress is gorgeous, but I wonder why it’s black. I get that she’s the officiant, but maybe a dark blue would have been a better choice. Portia gets all excited, and says, now all Stella needs is some sparkle – even though the dress has white lace with rhinestone accents – and puts the bracelet on her, saying, bling it up. She says, now she knows everything is going to be perfect for her wedding day, and they look in the mirror.

Curtis sees Trina outside the chapel, and asks if everything is okay.

Jordan asks what Spencer wants to talk to her about. He holds his phone with the video on it behind his back.

Elizabeth sees Nikolas come out of the elevator, and doubles back. She looks at him like she might possibly kill him.

Esme looks at the papers, playing with the pen, and wondering why she doesn’t want to sign it. Like she said before, she lost her memory, but she’s not stupid.

Austin says, it was touch and go for a while, but Willow came through just great. Nina says she can’t believe how close they came to losing her daughter, and Michael asks if he can see her. Austin says, absolutely, she’s in ICU, Michael hugs Austin, and Michael leaves. Sonny thanks Austin, and Nina thanks him for saving Willow’s life, but Austin says he can’t take credit for something Willow’s done. Clearly, she doesn’t want to leave them just yet.

Carly says, look at them. They’re so lucky. Four generations of Spencer women. Josslyn says, it’s enough to start their own sorority, and Bobbie says, Sigma Spencer Phi. Carly gets a text that Willow is in recovery, and Josslyn tells the baby that she’s a lucky girl to be born into such an amazing sisterhood, but Carly thinks they’re the lucky ones. This little angel may not have a name yet, but hopefully she has the gift that can give her mother life.

Michael takes Willow’s hand, and says he held their beautiful baby girl. Willow did the hardest part. She carried her, kept her safe, and brought her into this world. Now all she has to do is wake up, so they can give their little girl a name.

Tomorrow, Elizabeth says, the only thing she needs protecting from is Nikolas; Spencer tells sonny that his father shouldn’t be anywhere near that child; and Heather tells Esme, not so fast.

🎥 Extra Gig…

Mama Q takes it outside Port Charles.

GH’s Lisa LoCicero Teases Her Exciting New Role!

🐪 One and Done…

Except they didn’t do their homework. She is not the only one to exit after her freshman year. Hello? Kim Fields, Carlton Gebbia, et al.

Nina Ali Announces Exit From Real Housewives Of Dubai After One Season

Resting my case.

https://collider.com/real-housewives-only-lasted-one-season/#carlton-gebbia-amp-joyce-giraud-de-ohoven-mdash-lsquo-real-housewives-of-beverly-hills-rsquo-season-4

👩🏽‍⚖️ That’s Judge Eboni To You…

I’ll bet she brings down a mean gavel.

Eboni K. Williams Gets New Gig as Judge of Court Show ‘Equal Justice,’ Plus Fans Slam Jen Shah Over Her Reaction to RHONY Alum’s Show

👠 And They’re Out…

Apparently, Brandi still doesn’t grasp boundaries. Why do they still entertain the antics of this lush?

Source Shares Details of Brandi Glanville & Caroline Manzo’s RHUGT Fight and Early Exits Following RHOBH Star’s Alleged Non-Consensual Kisses, Plus Vicki Reacts

⚰️ Strange Crossover…

But is there pudding?

https://screenrant.com/the-last-of-us-reviewed-walking-dead-carl/

🐕 She Needs Your Help…

IMO, two of the most important things: veterans and dogs.

https://people.com/pets/air-force-sergeant-needs-help-adopting-dog-from-deployment/

🎸 Off To Get the Band Back Together…

Take a load off tomorrow for some soap and tea. Until then, stay safe, stay gentle as a dove, but wise as a serpent, and stay not going into the light if someone wearing all black comes to meet you.

⚠️ Warning: Words that could be considered bad to some.

Feb1

January 31, 2023 – Ava Gives Spencer Ammunition, No More Temping, Two Goodbyes, Her 21st, Losing the Legacy, Fear’s End, About the Last, Puppy (!) Bowl & Stars

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Ava finds Spencer alone in the chapel before Britt’s memorial begins. She asks if he talked to Trina about fighting his father for custody of Esme’s baby. He says he did, and she asks if Trina convinced him to abandon this highly risky scheme.

Josslyn runs into Trina, who says she’s going to the memorial. Josslyn says she owes Britt for helping Willow with her cancer diagnosis, but she didn’t realize Trina knew Britt very well. Trina says she’s just there to support Spencer, and Josslyn says she’s bringing her family some food. They’re about to get one person bigger.

NuNikolas brings Carolyn to see Esme at Spring Ridge, but Carolyn makes it clear she’s not on board with his plan. She’s just there to evaluate Esme, nothing more. He says if she helps him, she helps Elizabeth, because Esme is a very real and dangerous threat to them both.

Jordan brings Stella to an empty office to talk, and Stella asks why Jordan was asking about the DNA tests she and Trina took. Jordan says, it’s pertinent to a case, and Stella asks if she’s investigating the genealogy website for unethical practices, but Jordan says, it’s nothing like that. She just fact finding. Stella says she thought Jordan knew her well enough not to play her for a fool.

Drew meets Curtis for a tux fitting, and says he’s looking forward to fulfilling his best man duties. Curtis says, that’s why Drew is his best man, especially with everything going on in Drew’s family, and he asks how Willow is.

Austin puts scrubs on Michael, and Michael says, this wasn’t how he pictured the birth of the new baby. Austin asks if Michael didn’t imagine he’d be dressed up like a big marshmallow, and tells him that they’re taking extra precautions. Michael asks if Austin is sure he’s not putting Willow at risk by being there, but Austin says, the only way he’d be putting Willow at risk is if he’s not there. He asks if Michael would mind if he’s in the OR too.

In the OR, Elizabeth asks if Willow is excited to meet her daughter, and Willow says she is, but she’d be lying if she said she wasn’t anxious. Elizabeth says, Dr. Navarro will be here soon, but she can answer any questions, and Willow asks if the doctor has done many C-sections. Elizabeth says, they’re pretty routine, and Willow asks if she’s ever seen one performed on a patient with Stage IV leukemia. Elizabeth says, it’s the first in her career, but Willow knows and has worked in this hospital. She has the most prepared and proficient team to get her through this. Michael and Austin come in, and Elizabeth adds, and the best support system. Michael asks how Willow is, and she says, hanging in there. Austin says, Michael is cool as a cucumber, when Dr. Adler comes in, and Elizabeth introduces him as Willows anesthesiologist. Dr. Adler explains the procedure.

Stella says, Jordan was oddly interested in her DNA test, even sending it to her friend in forensics. Jordan says, she and Curtis were just trying to help. The markers indicated Stella had a close relative in town. Stella says, which was a glitch in the website. They discovered it, after she found out she had a cousin in London. Jordan says, TJ always felt the chances of a glitch were low, and she agrees. Stella wonders why Jordan won’t let this go, and asks if Jordan believes she has a secret love child in Port Charles. Hold on… Is Jordan implying someone else has a child out there, and that person is related to her?

Trina asks why Josslyn didn’t tell her how bad things had gotten with Willow, and Josslyn says, things have been crazy. Trina says she wishes she’d been there to support Josslyn. Cam told her about the break-up. Josslyn says, it’s been rough, but she’s okay, and Trina says, Josslyn must have felt like there was no other option. Josslyn says she wishes Cam could understand that, and Trina says, Spencer thinks there was more to their break-up than drifting apart, and Josslyn says, Spencer’s not wrong.

Spencer tells Ava that Trina has reservations about him seeking custody, but she’s supportive, and Ava says, Trina is as loyal as they come. He says, Trina’s a good friend. She’s meeting him here soon. Ava says, he used the F-word. He and Trina are friends after all. He says, for now. So Ava thinks his scheme is risky? She tells him that she said highly risky, but that doesn’t mean she’s against it. She asks if Diane didn’t tell him the odds of him winning custody are slim. What if she could increase his chances exponentially, without him having to set foot in a courtroom?

Nikolas introduces himself to Esme, and she says, he’s Spencer’s father. He says he also arranged for her legal representation and she thanks him, saying, it’s nice to know someone is looking out for her, even if they’re being paid to do it. He says, Dr. Webber is also here to help, and Carolyn says she understands Esme is experiencing some memory loss. Esme says, not just some; she can’t remember anything about who she is. Carolyn says, they’ll try to get to the root of it, and see if they can’t restore her memory, and Nikolas says, or determine if her condition is permanent.

Austin explains C-section recovery to Willow, but she says she’s not like most patients. He says he’s delivered his share of babies, and Elizabeth says, including one in the woods. He says, it never ceases to amaze him how mothers and babies thrive under the most dire circumstances. Dr. Adler asks what Willow is feeling, and Willow says, almost nothing. Dr. Navarro says, good, and asks if she’s ready to meet her daughter.

Jordan says, Stella is right. There’s no point in rehashing a test years old. Stella says, Jordan asked about Trina’s test too, and obviously did it for a reason. This isn’t about a case. Jordan says, she and TJ thought it was strange that Stella had a match in town that vanished. She called the company, and a match can only disappear if a profile is withdrawn from the website. Stella tells her that Trina said she deleted her account after finding out she had a close match in Port Charles. She asks if Jordan thinks Curtis and Portia are related to each other.

Curtis asks why Drew isn’t at the hospital, and Drew says, Willow has plenty of people looking out for her, including her mother – who is Nina. Nina gave birth to twins, Nelle and Willow, and Nina’s mother gave Willow to Harmony to raise. Curtis says, years ago, Nina hired him to track down her missing child. That’s when he tracked down Phyllis. Nina was crushed when she found out Nelle was her daughter, especially after Nelle died. She thought she’d blown her only chance at becoming a mother; turns out she didn’t. He asks if Drew was the one who uncovered the truth, but Drew says, it was Carly. When Harmony was dying, she told Carly that Nina was Willow’s mother. Curtis says, Carly waited all this time to reveal the truth?

Trina asks if Josslyn didn’t break up with Cameron because they grew apart, but Josslyn says, mostly. She’s sorry she didn’t tell Trina, and that Trina had to hear it from Cam. She thinks she was scared because she didn’t feel great about how it went down. It’s too much to get into now, but she promises she’ll tell Trina, and Trina says, she better. Josslyn asks what’s going on with Spencer, and Trina says, they’re friends again, for real this time. Josslyn asks if Trina trusts Spencer, and Trina says, he’s changed. Josslyn asks if Trina really believes that.

Spencer tells Ava, avoiding court sounds ideal. How? She says, leverage, and he says, blackmail. She says, potato, potahto. There’s one thing in this world Nikolas doesn’t want coming to light, and this is it. He asks if Nikolas could go to jail, and she says, if he doesn’t, it will irreparably harm his reputation. She takes a paper out of her pocket, and he asks what it is. She says, dynamite, and if he uses it, it will clear any and all obstacles in his path.

Trina says, Josslyn and Cameron forgave Spencer a thousand times; why can’t she? Josslyn says she and Cameron never had feelings for Spencer that went beyond friendship, and Trina wonders if Josslyn and Cameron will stay friends. Josslyn says she wants Cameron in her life, but ultimately, it’s up to Cam. Her phone dings, and she tells Trina that her niece is on the way. They’ll continue this later. They hug, and Josslyn says, Britt was a really brave woman. Tell Spencer that she’s sorry.

Ava says, there’s a web address on here. Go to the site, and he’ll find a video. He says, of what? and she says, something that will give him power over Nikolas. He asks why she’s helping him, since his father already gave her what she wanted, but she says, all the Windymeres in the world wouldn’t make up for his betrayal. She warns him that he can’t unsee this, and if he chooses to use it, his father will be his sworn enemy. Is he ready for that? Spencer says he can’t let Nikolas parent another child, and asks if she’s having second thoughts. Nikolas will resent her too, assuming he knows where Spencer got it. She says, he’ll know, but she’s an expert at watching her back. She gives him the paper as Trina walks into the chapel.

Carolyn assumes Esme has had cognitive and diagnostic tests at General Hospital, and Esme says, it felt like they ran every test under the sun. Carolyn says, no sign of a brain injury? and Esme tells her, that’s what they say. Carolyn asks, what’s her earliest memory? and Esme says, seeing Spencer and his friend on the ship before she collapsed. Carolyn says she’s leaning toward dissociative amnesia. It’s when someone is unable to recall important personal information, as opposed to not remembering a few hours or days. Esme can’t remember her identity, and this kind of amnesia is usually brought on by trauma or stress. Esme asks if it’s fixable, and Carolyn says, psycho and cognitive therapies have proved helpful. Esme asks if Carolyn can help her regain her memory, and Nikolas says, there’s also cognitive hypnosis, and Dr. Webber is an expert in the field. Esme says, if hypnosis can help, she’s all in. She needs to remember who she is, so she can raise his grandchild right.

Dr. Navarro tells Willow that she’s going in to get the baby, and wow, she is some magician because the baby is crying two seconds after she says that.

Stella asks if Curtis is about to marry his own kin, and Jordan says, Curtis and Portia are not related. Stella says, thank God. She was worried whatever this is would interfere with the wedding. She asks what Jordan isn’t telling her, and Jordan says, it’s Stella’s family matter; not hers. Stella says, this is about her and Trina. If they were a match, is she a distant relative of Trina’s father? That can’t be right. The indicator said it was a closer relation. If she’s not related to Portia or Taggert, how could she possibly… Unless Taggert isn’t Trina’s father, and Curtis is. Ding-ding-ding! We have a winner!

Elizabeth shows Willow the baby, and asks if they have a name, but Willow says, they were afraid to make plans. Michael says, everyone has been so supportive. He and Willow can’t thank them enough. They made an incredibly difficult situation more tolerable. Willow thanks them, and includes Britt, saying, they couldn’t have gotten through without her. Dr. Navarro suggests they get Willow to recovery, so she can hold her daughter. Elizabeth will go with the baby to the NICU for a routine exam. Willow asks Michael to go with Elizabeth, and he says he’s so incredibly grateful. Willow says she is too.

Ava says she’s missed Trina. They should have dinner soon. Maybe in her new home. Trina asks if Ava is moving, and Ava says, back to Windymere. Trina says she thought Ava said no, but Ava says, it’s hers and hers alone. They’ll talk soon. She leaves, and Trina says, she’s confused. Spencer’s father sold Windymere to Ava? He says, his father gave it to her, and she asks what Ava gave Spencer. When she walked in, Ava was giving him a slip of paper… Never mind. He doesn’t have to tell her. He says, no more secrets between them, and tells her, it’s a link to a video. Evidence of his father at his worst, and just what he needs to beat Nikolas out of custody of Esme’s baby. She says, that sounds sketchy at best, and he asks if she doesn’t trust Ava. She says she does, but she also has no illusions about Ava. Is he sure he wants to use what’s on the video?

Carolyn says it was nice meeting Esme, and wishes her nothing but the best. She gets up, and beats a path to the door. Nikolas follows, and in the hall, Carolyn asks, what’s wrong with him? He never mentioned Esme was pregnant. He’s asking her to influence and exploit someone carrying his grandchild. He says, it’s not his grandchild, and she says, then why did Esme… She doesn’t care. This is unethical and he knows it. He says, and she’s never done anything unethical. Why don’t they call her daughter and ask her? She says, God help him, and walks out. He says, if only.

Curtis says, Drew and Carly are good friends, and she never let on about Nina and Willow? Drew says he wishes she had. Then Nina would have known sooner that she was Willow’s mom. Curtis asks if Carly wasn’t helping with Drew’s search for Willow’s birth parents, but Drew says, it turns out she was impeding the progress so the truth wouldn’t come to light. Curtis says, tell him Drew didn’t let that go.

Stella asks how long Jordan has known, but Jordan says she doesn’t know anything for sure. Stella says, but she suspected? and Jordan says, yes. Stella says, Curtis and Portia’s affair would line up with how old Trina is. Why didn’t Curtis tell her?… Oh my God, he doesn’t know. Jordan says, none of them do, not even Trina, and Stella asks if Jordan and Portia have discussed this. Jordan says she urged Portia to tell Curtis, and told Portia that a marriage with secrets was doomed to fail like hers did. Stella says, maybe Portia talked to Curtis, but Jordan asks if Stella thinks Curtis would go through with the wedding knowing Portia had kept that from him. Stella says, he’d need time to work through this, and even that wouldn’t suffice. So what do they do now? Jordan’s gathered the evidence. Is she going to tell Curtis? Jordan says, it’s not her business to tell, and Stella says, if Jordan won’t tell Curtis, she will.

Trina says, Spencer has come such a long way since he came to Port Charles and pulled all that crap, and he says, fun times. She tells him, if he’s serious about getting custody – he says he is – then shouldn’t he go about it the right way? He says, in an idea world, yes, but the right way isn’t going to work, and she says she’s been telling people he’s changed. He says he has changed. He’s not saying he’s going to use what’s in the video for sure, but he needs to know. He could have lied to her, but he told her because he trusts her. She says she appreciates that, but what if she’s not on board with him fighting dirty? He says, even if it saves his sibling? and she says, who’s going to save him? He says he thought that was her job. For once, this isn’t about him; it’s about protecting an innocent life. He’s going to do what he has to, starting with watching that video. She says, fine, but he’s not watching it alone.

Drew tells Curtis that he’s not okay with what Carly did, and Carly is well aware of that. He checks out his tux jacket, and asks if the wedding feels real. Curtis says, it’s about as real as it gets, and he’s jazzed to have Drew by his side. Drew says, it’s a privilege, and he’ll always stand by Curtis, like Curtis has stood by him. Curtis says, the way he’ll always stand by Nina, and Drew says, and we’re back. Curtis says he doesn’t appreciate what Carly did to Nina and to Drew, and Drew says, for what it’s worth (🍷), Carly truly regrets lying to him. Curtis says, but not to Nina. Carly’s gonna do what Carly’s gonna do, but he’s really glad she and Drew never got together. D’oh!

Jordan tells Stella, hold on, but Stella says, Jordan isn’t talking her out of this. Jordan says, stop and think. What will she accomplish by telling Curtis something that will blow up his life? Stella says, she’ll be providing him with the truth, but Jordan says, she’ll be sharing an unproven theory. She agrees Curtis has a right to know, but shouldn’t he hear it from Portia, his fiancé and possible mother of his child? And don’t forget, Stella has a history of meddling. Stella says she meddles out of love, and Jordan says she knows that, but Curtis could perceive it differently, especially if it turns out they’re wrong. Stella says, then let’s find out before Curtis walks down that aisle.

Spencer and Trina find a private place off the main staircase, and sit on a bench. He takes out his phone, and she asks if he’s sure. He brings up the video, and says, last chance to bail. She says, they’re in this together, and we see Nikolas confess that he’s responsible for the disappearance of Esme Prince.

Esme asks Nikolas if Carolyn is upset. She wonders if she said something wrong, but he says, she said nothing wrong, but one part did confuse him. What gave her the impression Spencer is the father of her baby?

Dr. Navarro tells Willow that the process to get the cord blood only took about ten minutes, and Willow asks if Michael is with the baby. The doctor says, he’s with their daughter in the NICU, and Willow says, they can’t let Jonah slip away again. Dr. Navarro asks her today’s date, and Willow says, the fourth of July. A nurse says, her BP is dropping, and another nurse says, she’s hemorrhaging. The doctor shouts instructions, and tells Willow to stay with her.

Drew says, that’s a bold statement, and Curtis asks if he doesn’t agree. Drew says, that’s it’s a good thing he and Carly never got together? Curtis says, lies are hard to get past, and Drew reminds Curtis that he said he’d never forgive his father, and now look at the two of them. Curtis says, fair point, and Drew says he hears a but coming. Curtis says, it was for his dad; that was family. Marshall’s lies were to protect him. Drew says, in Carly’s mind, she was protecting her family, but Curtis says, at the expense of someone else’s. If Drew wants to be friends with Carly, that’s on him, but if someone had kept a life-altering secret from him, there’s no getting past that.

Jordan tells Stella, the only way to be sure is a DNA test, but they can’t do that without Curtis and Trina’s consent. Stella asks if Jordan is saying her hands are tied, and Jordan tells her, she’s saying it’s not their place. Stella says she doesn’t accept that. Is she supposed to officiate the wedding like everything is fine and dandy? Jordan says, yes. Because that’s what Curtis and Portia asked her to do. Stella says, that’s insane. She won’t watch the woman lying to her nephew’s face walk down the aisle and marry him. No way, no how.

Spencer watches Nikolas talk about Esme ruining his life, and how he pushed her to her death in a fit of rage. His only regret is not doing it sooner to spare the people he loves the pain he’s caused them. This he solemnly swears.

Esme says, when Spencer came to see her in the hospital, he said he might be the baby’s father, but Nikolas says he’s sorry. Spencer isn’t the father. She says she was really hoping she’d found her baby’s family, and he says, she has. That baby is more loved and wanted than she can imagine. She asks how he knows that, and he says, because it’s his.

Carolyn sees Elizabeth, and says she looks exhausted, calling her Lizzie. Elizabeth tells her, it’s Elizabeth, and asks what she can do for Carolyn. Carolyn says, nothing, but she hopes to do something for Elizabeth.

Ava sees Austin, and tells him that she made an appointment with the plastic surgeon he recommended. Pretty soon her scar will be a thing of the past. He says he’s sorry she walked in on that scene in his office and wants to apologize, but she tells him, if anyone understands complicated family dynamics, he’s looking at her. He says, if only all scars were so easily fixed, when he gets a page. He tells her that it’s an emergency, and jets.

Michael looks at the new baby, who looks anything but premature. He says, she has no idea how loved she is, but she will, when Josslyn joins him. She says, that’s a promise, and asks if that’s her niece. He says, in all her glory, and she congratulates him. She asks if the surgery went okay, and he says, it did. She says she might be biased, but she can’t handle how beautiful the baby is, and he says, just like her mother.

Willow is unconscious, and everyone runs around doing medical stuff. Dr. Navarro tells Willow to stay with her, but she flatlines, and the doctor says, they need to defibrillate. She uses the defibrillator, and goes for a second time, when we see a bright light. Harmony tells Willow not to be afraid. She’s not alone. Harmony holds out her arms.

Tomorrow, Elizabeth asks what Nikolas told Carolyn; Trina suggests she and Spencer go to the cops; Curtis asks Jordan, what’s wrong; and Sonny says, the doctors are looking for Michael.

🤵🏻 Back Again…

Apparently, for good this time.

https://daytimeconfidential.com/2023/01/31/adam-huss-returns-as-general-hospitals-nikolas

🥀 Taken Too Soon…

The Wednesday bar was set with her.
https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/as-the-world-turns/as-the-world-turns-vet-lisa-loring-dead-at-64

I don’t remember her on GH, but I don’t think I was watching at the time.

GENERAL HOSPITAL Alum Annie Wersching Dead at 45

🎂 She’s Legal…

Is that a fanny pack on Taggert?

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/ghs-tabyana-ali-celebrates-her-21st-birthday-see-the-party-pics

🗽 Dumped Legacy…

The finger pointing starts.

https://pagesix.com/2023/01/31/real-housewives-of-new-york-cast-blames-each-other-for-legacy-collapse/

The Countess remains hopeful.

https://people.com/tv/luann-de-lesseps-rhony-legacy-contracts-have-stalled-never-say-never-on-return/

⚰️ Another Dead End…

No surprise, they’re going to string out the last season.

https://www.tvinsider.com/1076325/fear-the-walking-dead-ending-season-8-release-schedule/

🛣 More Than Game…

This show is great. Pedro Pascal was one of my favorites on Game of Thrones. Until The Mountain squashed his head like a grape. Here’s hoping he does better in a post-apocalyptic world.

https://www.hbo.com/the-last-of-us

🐶 Almost Bowl Time…

I can hear the yips now.

https://www.discovery.com/shows/puppy-bowl/see/meet-the-players-of-puppy-bowl-xix-

👜 Taking a Sentimental Journey…

Stop in tomorrow for soap and a tea leaf or two. Until then, stay safe, stay hanging onto your sanity in an insane world, and stay not keeping life-altering secrets from anyone, lest there’s no getting past that.