Category Archives: Below Deck

Jul3

July 2, 2024 – Natalia Causes a Backlash Tsunami, Lots About Soap, Just Caroline, Stirring the Jersey Pot, New New York, Deck Doings, Keep Them Safe & Party

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

I missed the very beginning, but that’s usually just a rehash anyway. So…

Diane tells Sonny that it’s her job to plead his case and provide counsel. It’s steep hill he’s going to have to climb. Avery isn’t a baby anymore, and if she sees him trying to take her from her mother, it could permanently alter her relationship with him. He says he’d rather she hate her father than become her mother, and Diane says, it’s his call. She records some notes for herself on her phone, and her phone beeps. He asks, what’s the problem? and she says, it’s a big one. Does he mind if she makes a phone call?

Alexis says, Kristina is in the homestretch of her pregnancy. The last part is challenging, physically and emotionally, and she wants Kristina to know she’s here for her no matter what. Kristina says she knows, but it never hurts to hear. Alexis’s phone rings, and Diane says she saw The Invader alert. What is Alexis doing? Alexis says she’s with Kristina celebrating quitting her job. She’s left the tabloid life behind. She doesn’t know what’s in The Invader, unless they’re running a picture of her face on a dartboard. Diane says, it’s not about her, but it’s bad. Go to the website now. Alexis asks what she’s looking for, and Diane says, she’ll know when she sees it. And turn up the audio. Alexis and Kristina listen to the file from The Face of Deception’s Daughter, and Diane says tell Kristina that she’s sorry.

Sonny asks if everything is okay, and Diane plays the audio file for him.

Everyone in Maxie’s office listens to the audio file, which includes Natalia talking about her fear that someone will take a picture of Blaze and Kristina holding hands. She’s scared it will be sold to the tabloids and there will be a scandal. Blaze glares at Natalia and says, don’t hold back. Tell us how you really feel.

Alexis and Kristina listen, and Kristina says, turn it off. She gets the gist. Alexis asks if she’s okay. Her blood is boiling, so she can’t imagine how Kristina feels. Kristina says she’s not the one who was just outed. Blaze was discriminated against by her own mother in public. She’s angry, but she’ll be fine. Alexis wonders if Kristina has heard from Blaze, and Kristina says, they usually text constantly, but no. Alexis says, maybe she hasn’t seen it, but Kristina says she doubts it. Deception is probably coming up with PR strategy for a response. She’ll call when she can. Alexis says she doesn’t understand how a mother could talk about her own daughter that way, and Kristina says, that’s why she’s grateful. She can forget about maternal leave from the center. After this, they won’t let her in the front door.

Ava says, her phone is blowing up, and Adrian asks if she wants to celebrate with him. She calls him a little worm and tells him to forget he knows her. Her name isn’t to cross his lips, not anytime to anyone, especially not Nina. Adrian says, sounds like a story. Does she care to dish? She says, she’ll see to it that he’s typing with his toes. Men have killed for her for a lot less. They’ve never met. They’ve never spoken. Take down the recording. There’s no reason for it to be online anymore. He says he can’t do that. It will just draw more attention to it and people will ask questions, to which every answer would be Ava Jerome. Besides, wire service has already picked it up. It’s everywhere and there’s no going back now.

Natalia says she doesn’t know what that was, and Lucy asks if Natalia is denying that’s her voice, but Natalia says, it’s obviously her. Scotty asks if Deception doesn’t have a PR master, but Lucy says she let them go when they had to save money. Lois says, that wasn’t a good idea, but Lucy says she had no idea this would happen. Scotty says he knows a guy… but Maxie says, stop. She tells Lucy to talk to the regular PR people. She’ll coordinate with Brook and have her lock down the social media. No comments. And she wants Scotty to guard the door from Tracy, who will be there soon, because the stock is going to take a nosedive. She asks Natalia where this took place, but Natalia says she never spoke to a reporter and doesn’t remember who she said it to. Blaze wonders if it’s because she says things like that so often.  

Sonny says he knew Natalia was uncomfortable with her daughter being gay, but didn’t think she’d spew that kind of garbage. He asks Diane if it could be fake, and she says, possibly, but she doubts The Invader would run it without authentication. They’d be opening themselves up to a huge lawsuit. Sonny says, it makes no sense, but she says, he’d be surprised how easily some people hide their ugliness in polite company. He says he thought she’d be smart enough not to talk to somebody who was recording it, and Diane says, sometimes hated gets the better of people. He wonders why Alexis would run such a thing, but Diane says, Alexis didn’t. She quit this morning. Sonny says, whoever did this hurt his daughter, and that means there’s a target on their back

Diane tells Sonny to take this lesson seriously. Even things said in privacy behind closed doors run the risk of exposure. Sonny says he knows the danger, and she tells him, things said in anger can work against him in a custody fight. The court needs to see him as a reliable and stand-up parent who they can trust. He asks how he can be a good parent if he doesn’t do anything about the garbage being said about his daughter? Diane says, activists on social media are calling for Kristina to resign from the center she founded. They don’t think she should be running an outreach if she’s dating someone who’s in the closet. They’re saying she has too much internalized homophobia to be trusted. People get worked up about things they know nothing about. Sonny throws his phone against the door.

Alexis tells Kristina not to jump to the worst case, and Kristina says, people are already saying ugly things. Alexis says, Natalia robbed Blaze of coming out on her own terms. She’s not going to interfere between Blaze and her mother, but she is going after the person who made this public. Alexis leaves.  

Ava says she didn’t set out to hurt Kristina, Blaze, or herself. Adrian will keep his mouth shut and she’ll have plausible deniability. If anybody asks him to identify where he got the audio file… He says, it came via the anonymous tip line. Ava tells him, get out, and he heads for the door. She asks if he’s learned nothing, and she checks the hallway. She says, okay. Go.  

Natalia says she keeps going over it in her mind, but has no memory of saying that to anyone. Maybe her phone was tapped. Lois says, it doesn’t sound like a bad connection. It sounds like it was in person, but she doesn’t think that’s the real issue. Lucy says, it’s not about the how and why. It’s about, what the hell do we do now? Blaze says she’ll need to respond. Not so much because she’s the Face of Deception, but there’s so much more. It’s going to impact her music career. Natalia says, they’ll put together a joint statement and give it to a friendly outlet, but Blaze asks why she’d publicly associate with Natalia when the whole world heard what Natalia thinks of her. Natalia says, it wasn’t specifically about her. It was more a generalization. Blaze says, Natalia mentioned both her and Kristina, but would it matter if she’d left their names out? Which gays are disturbing and offensive to her fragile sensibilities? Do drag queens on a Pride float make her angry? Do her and Kristina holding hands make Natalia sick to her stomach? Or is the problem that any two women in love disgust her? She’s quiet now. She has nothing to say now that they’re in private. Why? The whole world has heard her words by now. She should have known something like this would happen. She talks about gay people dismissively or with pity, reducing them to how they look and talk, and who they love. They’re not real people, herself included. Lucy says, it’s ironic that the same person who locked Blaze in the closet is the same person who just outed her, and Maxie tells her that she’s not helping. Natalia says she’s the victim. She was used to damage her daughter’s career. Blaze says, Natalia hasn’t heard what she said. She let Natalia convince her to portray a straight person, and now Natalia’s words are going to destroy any hope for her future life in music. Blaze walks out.

Natalia says she’s sorry. Her daughter is emotional. Lois says, she has a right to be. Does Natalia want to go after her? Natalia says she doesn’t think it would do any good, not when Blaze is in this frame of mind. She knows her daughter. Maxie says, does she? and Scotty says he has nothing more to contribute. He’s going to leave. Maxie tells him to stay. They might need legal advice. Lucy says she thinks a lawyer should be here to finalize the last addendum to Blaze’s contract, and she rips it up. Natalia says, she can’t do that. Blaze is known everywhere as the Face of Deception. If they try to get rid of her, they risk backlash in the press and in court. Maxie says she thinks they’re within their rights to change their relationship with Blaze.

Blaze knocks at Kristina’s door, and when there’s no answer, she lets herself in. Kristina is on the sofa, looking at her phone, and Blaze asks if Kristina didn’t hear her knocking. Kristina says, sorry. She was zoned out on her phone. Blaze says she’s guessing Kristina read The Invader article. She was hoping Kristina hadn’t seen it, but then she’d be the one giving the bad news. Kristina says she’s definitely seen it. The comments are awful. Instagram is particularly brutal. It looks like she’s canceled. Blaze says she thinks they both are.

Adrian goes to the pool and asks for a margarita pitcher and the guac trio, extra salty chips. And put it on Nina Reeves’s tab. He lies on a chaise lounge and closes his eyes. Someone approaches his chair, and he says, they’re in his sun. Alexis says, it’s better than being all up in his business. Which she will be if he doesn’t agree to play ball. She had to harass his assistant until he cracked to find out where Adrian was. Adrian says, note to self, fire assistant, and tells her, whatever it is will have to wait until tomorrow. She’s intruding on his hard-earned afternoon off. She says, good, since he published that loathsome recording in The Invader, and intruded on her daughter and her girlfriend. He asks if that’s what’s snapping her brassiere (really? have we been transported to the 1950s?), and she says, it will be fun to sue him and him and The Invader into oblivion.

Natalia asks if they’re saying her daughter is no longer good enough to be the Face of Deception since she’s been outed. She can’t sell their products because she’s gay? Maxie tells her that she’s saying the exact opposite. What they can’t afford to have is someone ashamed to be gay. They have a diverse clientele that they’re proud of, a lot of whom are gay and have a large social media presence. What they can’t do is align themselves with someone who’s ashamed. They’re proud to be a gay friendly company, so they need Natalia and Blaze to either get with the program or kick rocks. Lois says, they’re all parents and love their kids. A difficult situation is evolving, but it’s less about a contract than about a mother and daughter finding their way back to each other. They should be a little careful with hurtful words. Maxie says she’s telling the truth, and Lucy says, they love Blaze, but they can’t sacrifice their reputation for her. Lois agrees, but thinks they should put the negative aside for now and work on their PR response. Give Natalia a chance to try and make peace with her daughter. Natalia says, her relationship with her daughter is none of their business, but when it comes to Blaze’s contract, if they do anything to hurt Blaze, they’ll deal with her. Natalia leaves.

Blaze says she’s so sorry. People are saying horrible things and it’s her fault. Kristina says, it’s not. It’s her mother’s fault. Blaze says, they wouldn’t be having this conversation if she’d been truthful, but Kristina says, Blaze did what she thought best. Blaze says she did what was easiest. She didn’t want to rock the boat and tried to have it both ways. Now it might cost her everything, including Kristina. She knows how much the center means to her, and if Kristina can’t forgive the damage that she and her mom caused, she understands. They can go their separate ways and no hard feelings. Kristina doesn’t have to decide now. She’ll leave and let her figure it out. Kristina says, don’t you dare. She’s not going anywhere. She’s hadn’t caused any damage in Kristina’s life. She was already planning on handing over the reins of the center. The only thing she lost was the title of undercover girlfriend. She was already out and had nothing to hide. Blaze says, there might be nothing left to salvage. What if she loses everything? She hid, and people hate liars. Kristina says, Blaze is breaking her heart. She’s beating herself up when it’s not her fault. It’s going to be okay. They’re going to be okay. They’ll get through this. She has faith in them. Does Blaze still feel the same way? Blaze says she’s sorry, but she doesn’t.

Adrian tells Alexis to do her worst and laughs. If her legal skill is on par with her ability to publish a newspaper, he’ll be just fine. He has the Bill of Rights on his side. Alexis says, even the Bill of Rights has its limits. She remembers warning him to be cautious about how deploys secret recordings. He says, if Natalia didn’t know she was being recorded that’s too bad. New York is a one-party consent state. Perhaps Alexis should consult her law books before returning to court. She says, perhaps he should seek legal counsel. Nina is going to cut the tightrope he’s walking on when she finds out. There’s reasonable expectation of privacy. Adrian says, Blaze is the Face of Deception and a famous singer. Public figures don’t get to claim privacy. She says, Blaze’s mother isn’t, and he monetized and commercialized a private citizen without consent. He left a big softball hanging left for her hit out of the park. He says he wants to consult a lawyer, and Alexis says, he has one right here. She’ll even waive the retainer. She’ll make it go away in exchange for one small thing. She wants him to name the person who supplied him with the recording.

Natalia gets in her car, crying, and breathing heavily. She listens to the recording on her phone, and wonders who she was talking to. Why the hell did they record it and send it to the media? Suddenly, the lightbulb comes on.

Maxie wonders, what’s next? and Lois thinks she should cool her appearances, but Lucy says, they need her. She’s the only Face they have left. They need to show they have nothing to hide or be embarrassed about. Scotty says, Lucy is right. They have to deal with it head on. Lucy says, this might not be a popular opinion, but they can’t afford another stumble. They can’t put out that they’re not going to associate with Blaze. Maxie says she didn’t mean that part. She just said it to prompt Natalia to sacrifice herself. She underestimated Natalia’s self-absorption. Lois suggests they take a day to think, but Lucy says, they have no time. They need to make sure the public knows that’s not how they feel, or they could be inundated with candlelight vigils and marches and be canceled on social media. Scotty asks if he should draw up a statement. Is Blaze in or out?

Blaze tells Kristina that she’s not saying they should break up, but she doesn’t see a way to move forward. Kristina says she does. She’ll guide both of them. Blaze says, it’s a huge responsibility, but Kristina says she doesn’t care. Blaze is worth it, and she loves her. She refuses to accept that Blaze’s enormous talent can’t override the ugly things being said. She’s not saying that out of love, but out of love she’ll continue to say it until Blaze believes it.

Sonny tells Diane that they’ll talk again after she comes up with a strategy, when Natalia walks in. Sonny turns his back to her, and Diane says she’ll be in touch. She leaves and Natalia says she can tell Sonny heard the recording. He says he has, and she says she knows he’s pretty upset and doesn’t have a high opinion of her. He says, obviously, and she says she’s not going to force her presence on him. She’ll go, but first, she wanted him to know where the recording came from. He says, she insulted his daughter, and she says, unfortunately, those are her words, but they were said to someone close to him who secretly recorded her. He says, who? and she says, it actually took a while for her to remember who she had that regrettable conversation with. She realized the person who edited out their part is the same person who supplied the recording to The Invader – Ava Jerome.

On the phone, Ava wonders where her room service is. There’s a knock at the door, and she says, there it is now. She opens the door, and Alexis is there. Alexis says, they need to have a conversion. One that won’t be recorded.

And I laaaugh because Adrian folded like a cheap suit.

Tomorrow, Sasha wants Blaze and Kristina to benefit from her hard-won experience; Lois has a suggestion; Sonny says, there are no limits to how far Ava will go; and Carly tells Josslyn there’s a good chance she could go to prison.

🧼 All  the Soap News Fit To Print…

Blaze and Kristina’s storyline today brought tears to my eyes. It almost softened the blow of Finn’s departure. Almost.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-jacqueline-grace-lopez-shares-why-representation-matters

Life imitating art.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-kin-shriner-is-recovering-from-surgery

He’s got a better perspective on his being let go than I do.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/michael-easton-puts-his-gh-exit-into-perspective

I’ll have what he’s having.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-chad-duell-shares-an-important-message-with-fans

So cool how they stay in touch. Soap stars are a different breed of actor.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-kimberly-mccullough-and-brooklyn-rae-silzer-reunite

GH won’t be on July 4th. You get the whole day off.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/soap-opera-soaps-holiday-schedule

🐪 No Camel For You…

Sorry. As of this posting, there was no recap for Real Housewives of Dubai. Stay tuned for it tomorrow, and in the meantime, there’s this. Discuss amongst yourselves.

https://www.realitytea.com/2024/07/02/caroline-stanbury-sergio-carrallo-might-not-make-it-rhodubai/

👠 What Happens In Jersey…

What happened.

Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 14, Episode 9 Recap: A Wedding and a War

What’s going to happen.

RHONJ Season 14, Episode 10 Preview: Margaret Josephs and Dolores Catania Sit down for Serious Conversation

And what the Marge hopes will happen.

Margaret Josephs Suggests She Will Be ‘Vindicated’ With RHONJ Finale

🗽 If They Can’t Make It There…

RHONY used to be my favorite of the franchise because, NYC, but I found the new cast to be mind-numbing, city or no city. Maybe the latest additions will make a difference. Or not.

Erin Lichy Teases RHONY Season 15: ‘Highly Entertaining and Pretty Shocking’

🛟 Random Topics On Deck…

The perfect guest.

Why Trishelle Cannatella Was the Perfect Below Deck Med Charter Guest

The feud.

Below Deck Med Feud Ends: Captain Sandy and Hannah Ferrier’s Relationship Explained

And the fans.

Below Deck’s Biggest Celebrity Fans

🐕 Knowing the Drill…

It’s that time again. Actually, that time started here on Sunday night when I was wearing my chihuahua on my head after he heard the first firecracker.

https://www.morrisanimalfoundation.org/article/10-easy-tips-happy-safe-pets-july-4th

⛲️ Summer Mood: On…

Join me tomorrow for soap, tea, and entertainment news. Until then, stay safe, stay wearing sunscreen whether you think you need to or not, and stay never reducing anyone to how they look and talk, and who they love.

Jul2

July 1, 2024 – Ava Releases a Bombshell Via Adrian, Newlyweds For the Ninth Time On Deck & Asbury

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Drew and Nina argue about what she needs for Paris Fashion Week, and he says, it’s not like they focus on one brand. Alexis comes in and says, Nina’s office said Nina was here, and Drew says, she’s always here. Nina suggests she wouldn’t be if he’d do his job instead of getting in the way of hers, and Drew asks if Nina has forgotten that he’s her boss. Nina tells Alexis that she’s in the middle of something, but Alexis says, it’s important. Nina says, it will have to wait. She’s busy. Or has Alexis forgotten Nina is her boss? Alexis says, not anymore.

In Maxie’s office, Scotty says, don’t be surprised if Natalia plays hardball anyway, and Lucy says, this is the fourth addendum to Blaze’s contract. Natalia brings new meaning to the term momager. She hopes Lois doesn’t screw it up. Lois walks in and says she thought that was Lucy’s job.  

Blaze finds the phone she’s been looking for, and Kristina asks if that means they can have breakfast. Blaze says she has to get to Deception before her mother gets there and she needs to pull her back. Kristina says, Natalia has Blaze’s best interests at heart, and Blaze says, that’s what Natalia thinks, but that’s not always the same thing. She leaves.

Gio sees Sonny and Avery come to the pool. Avery goes over to Josslyn, and Sonny asks if the Quartermaines are driving him crazy. Gio says, they’ve been great, and the grounds are so big, he can practice without bothering anyone. Sonny says, Gio’s practicing never bothers him, but Gio says, Sonny is biased. He has his living and work situations together, and he has new neighbors. Josslyn and Trina are moving into an apartment on the grounds.

Trina goes to see Ava at the hotel, bringing her the proofs for Harriet Nakaya. Ava says, the borders still aren’t right, and Harriet is particular. They’ll have to do it again. Trina says she’ll relay the message and asks if Ava needs anything else. Ava says she needs Trina to tell her everything Josslyn has ever told her about Sonny.

Lois says, Brook won’t be joining them, and Lucy asks, what’s more important than her job? Lois says, she’s needed elsewhere, and Maxie says she’s getting positive feedback on Lois’s department store appearances. Lois says she’s having a blast, and it’s getting her ready for her Home & Heart appearance. She was at Wyndam’s, when a woman raved to her about Blaze, and said how proud Lois must be. She thought Lois was Blaze’s mother. Can you imagine? Natalia walks in and says, no, she can’t.

Nina asks what has Alexis upset now, and Alexis thanks Nina for taking a job she didn’t love in the first place and making it a job she hates. She quits. Nina says, they have a contract, but Alexis says, on the contrary, they don’t. She never did. She and Shawn trusted each other. But if Nina wants to dispute that, it will be a cool warm up for her since she got her law license back. Drew says, congratulations, and Nina says, Alexis was born to argue, but it won’t be with her. Good luck and goodbye. She’ll inform Adrian that he’s acting Editor-in-Chief effective immediately. She leaves, and Alexis says she thinks that went well. Drew says he enjoyed it, and Alexis says she’s not happy that DeWitt will be in charge. He’s been the bane of her existence. Drew says, she reframed The Invader and elevated the paper. She should feel proud. She says she does. It’s not Camelot, but there have been some shining moments. Drew says, watching her cut Nina down to size was the most fun he’s had all week.

Sonny thanks Josslyn for looking out for Gio, and she says, of course (🍷). He says, Gio is talented and he’s a special kid, and she asks, what’s his point? He says he’s known the Cerullos his whole life. Gio is family, and he thinks it’s best if Josslyn didn’t give Gio her personal views him. He thinks it’s better to just leave the subject out of the equation. Josslyn says, it’s clear Gio puts him on a pedestal, and she didn’t share her opinions with him. She regrets trying to open Kristina’s eyes about him. It wasn’t her place, and Sonny is her father. Kristina is entitled to those illusions, and she’s not making the same mistake twice. If Gio finds out the truth, it will be because of something Sonny did.

Trina says she doesn’t keep tabs on Sonny, but Ava says, she and Josslyn are close, and she’s spent time with Dex. There’s got to be something she can use to protect herself and Avery. Sonny said she could expect a call from his attorney, and that means he must be going for full custody. Trina needs to be her eyes and ears. Listen to Josslyn and pass on anything she says about Sonny. It’s only a matter of time before he tries to revoke their shared custody. He wants to take her baby from her, and she can’t let that happen.

Trina says, sorry. Josslyn never talks about Sonny. They avoid the subject and Josslyn has never given her any details. She’s sorry, but she’s afraid the only thing she can do for Ava is cover for her at the gallery and run errands. Ava says, let her know if she thinks of anything. Every little bit helps. Trina leaves.

Alexis visits Kristina and says she walked into Drew’s office, Nina was there, and she quit. Nina claimed they had a contract, but they don’t. Kristina says she’s happy for Alexis, but sad for Nina. Alexis is an asset and invaluable to the paper. Alexis says, Nina has her pet gossip columnist and doesn’t have to worry about the pesky truth now, and Kristina says, congratulations. This calls for a celebration – mimosas, hold the champagne. Alexis says, in other words, just orange juice, and Kristina goes to the kitchen. Alexis looks at the resumés on the coffee table.

Lois says she’s sure Natalia gets people fangirling and fanboying about Blaze, when Blaze comes in. She says she’s sorry she’s late. What did she miss? Natalia says, just an amusing story from Lois, and Lois says she’s having a ball. When people find out her daughter is Blaze’s manager, they ask for her autograph. Blaze says, people ask her if Lois is her mother, and Maxie suggests they wrap things up. Lucy says, they’re fortunate to have both Blaze and Lois representing Deception. It was one of her more inspired ideas… She didn’t mean to imply she came up with it by herself, and Maxie reminds her what happened the last time she did that. Her appearance on Home & Heart led to their lowest sales ever. Not only is Lois gorgeous, but she’s warm and approachable. They’re lucky to have her. Natalia asks if they can finalize the addendum to her daughter’s contract.

Jordan tells Drew that she just got back from a conference in DC where she was subbing for Laura, and she heard internal rumblings. Is it true he’s running for McConkey’s seat? Drew says he didn’t think it would come out so soon. He was planning on July 4th. As soon as his name change goes through, he’s getting yard signs. She says, Congressman Quartermain has a nice ring to it. He’s full of surprises. He says he’s not bailing on the esplanade, and she asks if he’s running to raise his profile or does he plan to win.

Trina finds Josslyn at the pool, and tells her, don’t look up. Ava has a room overlooking the pool and just made her very uncomfortable. Josslyn asks, what happened? and Trina says, Ava was wound up. She thinks Sonny is going to file for full custody. Josslyn says, there are certain things they shouldn’t talk about, and Ava is one of them, but Trina tells her to say what she’s thinking. Josslyn says, it’s going to sound ironic, but she thinks Avery is better off with her dad. Trina says, Ava’s been supportive and loving to her and she thinks of Ava as a close friend, but the Ava she’s been seeing lately is like the one Spencer used to talk about. Josslyn says she’s sorry Trina got dragged into this, but Trina says she feels bad for Josslyn’s sister. She’s in the middle.

Adrian goes to Ava’s room, and says he’s not accustomed to being summoned. He hopes this covert visit is worth the hype. What does she have for him? Ava asks what he knows about Natalia Rameriz, and he says, she’s popstar Blaze’s mom. Ava says, she’s controlling, insufferable, hypocritical, and not politically correct. Did he get the audio file she sent him? He says he hasn’t had time to listen to it, and plays it. We hear Natalia say that she’s not a prude. What people do behind closed doors is their own business, but she thinks gay people, or whatever alphabet soup they’re calling themselves these days, are flighty and not serious about life. Kristina is going to be pregnant for nine months and just hand the baby over. It seems like Kristina and Blaze think it would be fun to have a baby as long as there’s not hard work and they don’t have to be serious about it.

Drew says he fully intends on winning the seat, and Jordan says, he has her full support. He says he appreciates her input, and she says, it comes down to one name, Chelsea Grimes. She should not be considered a serious candidate, but her numbers are up, and her campaign is picking up steam. She’s an absolute terror. She’s out for herself and will do or say anything to get power. She’ll be a distraction in congress and a waste of a seat. She has to be stopped at any cost. Drew asks if she has any advice, and she says, start his campaign, with or without yard signs.

Kristina toasts to her accomplished mother and her bright legal future ahead. What’s next? Alexis asks why Kristina is looking at resumés, and Kristina says she’s looking for a replacement to fill in for her when she goes on maternity leave. It’s overwhelming. Some candidates have master’s degrees in social work and decades of experience. She’s figuring it out as she goes and learning on the job. Alexis says, the center exists because of Kristina. She’s sorry about the delays, but that stuff happens. Kristina says, it’s ironic. The center is finally opening its doors right when she’s taking a leave of absence.

Gio asks if Trina is going in for a dip, but Trina says, Ava needed to see proofs. She shows him one of them, and he says he figured it would just say, live music. He didn’t think he’d be credited. She did this? She asks if his name is spelled correctly, and he says, it’s all good. He lucked out. He moved here and met the nicest people in the first month. She says she got him the gig at the gallery, but she can’t do a thing about the pool, and he says he assumes that means he should get back to work. He leaves, and she watches him as he goes.

Scotty suggests they get this show on the road, and Maxie says, the new ad campaign with Blaze is fantastic. And they’ve had a great response to the division of duties. Blaze and Lois each reach a different segment of their market. They’re happy to accommodate the addendum. Scotty says, the third time’s the charm, and Lucy says, it’s the fourth.

Adrian listens as Natalia says she tries to be open minded, but if her way of thinking is considered old-fashioned, so be it. Adrian asks Ava if this is legit and hasn’t been doctored, and Ava says, it’s the real deal, or rather, the real Natalia Rameriz. He can have the recording, as long as she’s assured none of it tracks back to her. He says he always protects his sources. Isn’t Natalia’s daughter the new Face of Deception, a company that’s supposed to be socially conscious?  Ava wonders if Adrian will encounter some resistance from Alexis, but he says, her timing couldn’t be more perfect. Alexis is gone as of this morning, and he’s the new Editor-in-Chief. They have an anonymous tip line, so send the file there, and stay tuned to her laptop for a smoking hot story going live today. He kisses her hand and calls the copy department as he goes out the door. He leaves, and Ava says, the pleasure’s all hers.

Nina walks into Drew’s office and says she’s so sorry. She didn’t know they were having a meeting. Is this about the docks project? She’ll come back. Jordan says, no need. She was wrapping up some things at city hall and stopped by to fact check. Drew says, Nina knows about the campaign. He promises an announcement soon. And when he’s elected, she can expect their project to move faster. Jordan says, Congressman Quartermaine. She looks forward to his yard signs and buttons. She leaves, and Nina says, Congressman Quartermaine?

Kristina tells Alexis, it’s been a lot to handle. Now her due date and the opening of the center are both in August. The timing’s not great. Alexis asks if Kristina thinks she’s not entitled to maternity leave because she’s not raising the baby, because that’s not the case. Even as a surrogate, she’s entitled to leave. Kristina says, that’s why she’s looking for a replacement, and Alexis asks, what isn’t she saying? Kristina says, she’ll be away, giving birth to a child she’s carried for nine months that was never meant to be hers.

Maxie says, what Lucy meant to say is, Natalia is diligent, but Natalia says, that’s okay. She’s not apologizing for the care she takes with her daughter’s career, and this meeting is validation that her effort has been successful. Blaze says, her mother has her best interests at heart, and Scotty says he’s drafted a new version that addresses her concerns. He thinks they’ll find it acceptable. Natalia looks at the revision and says, no. This is awful. It’s not what they agreed to.

Ava comes down to the pool, and Josslyn asks if Gio wants to help Sonny. He says, sure, and she tells him to follow her lead. She tells Avery that ice cream is being served in the Garden. She can’t take Avery because she has to watch the pool, but Gio can. Sonny tells Avery that he’s known Gio since he was smaller than her, and Ava says, it’s fine by her (like anyone asked). Gio tells Avery that he can get her extra sprinkles. He knows a guy. They leave, and Ava says she was watching from her balcony and saw them. Avery is becoming a strong swimmer. Sonny says he showed Ava the door because he didn’t want to see her face anymore. Not at his place, not here, not anywhere.

Drew asks if Nina is still harping on Fashion Week. She can have two editors and two photographers. She says, thank you, Mr. Quartermaine. She appreciates his generosity and thinks the name change definitely raises his recognition factor. He says he didn’t expect her to support him, but she says, she backed him to be put in that spot. He says, she extracted her quid pro quo quickly, and she says she told McConkey that he would be a great representative and she thinks he’ll do well in Washington. She’s all in to get him elected and is ready and willing to support him. If she knew what she was doing, she’d offer to be his campaign manager. He asks why she’s helping him.

Kristina says, reality is hitting. She’s planning maternity leave, but not as a mother, just a surrogate. She cries, and says, now that she’s experiencing it and it’s coming to an end, she’s thinking it’s exactly what Alexis and Sam warned her about. Her body and her hormones don’t know the difference. She keeps thinking, if things go according to plan, and Molly and TJ stay together and raise the baby, are they going to miss her? Will they think about her? Will they know the woman holding them isn’t the one who gave birth to them? Does it matter? She can’t stop thinking, what’s going to happen to her? What is she supposed to do? Just bounce back, work to get her body back in shape, and go on like nothing happened? Alexis says, no one expects that, and Kristina says, as it gets closer to the due date… That’s another thought. Is the due date hers, or is it really Molly and TJ’s and she’s just the person doing the labor? Alexis says, it’s definitely hers, and Kristina says she’s sorry. She’s spinning a little and knows Alexis warned her. she doesn’t want to be a disappointment. Alexis tears up, says she’s so proud of Kristina she could cry, and hugs her.  

Lucy asks, what’s the problem now? and Maxie asks, what specifically are Natalia’s concerns? Scotty says, Blaze told them that she’d do interview as long as she knew the questions ahead of time. What’s the problem? Natalia asks where video interviews enter into it, and he tells her, welcome to the 21st century. Maxie’s phone keeps going off with alerts, and Lucy says, that’s how you build followers. She should know. She has quite a few. Natalia asks if Maxie can turn her phone off, but Maxie says she gets an alert every time Deception is in the news. Lucy says, they’re probably trending. She crafted a particularly good motivational post this morning. It’s about authenticity. Maxie suggests they just continue, starting with page one, paragraph three.

Ava says she doesn’t want any trouble. She just came down to say, hello. No harm in that, right? Sonny says, as long as they understand each other, and she says she does, but maybe he doesn’t. He needs to be careful. If he’s thinking about taking her daughter from her, it will go worse for him than he can imagine.

Nina says she and Drew have managed to get along. Clearly, he’s committed to this if he’s changing his name. Maybe it will help. He says, she’s all about public service, and she says she’s desperate to have a relationship with her daughter, but she does believe in him. He’s no worse than most politicians and vastly preferred to his opponent. Stop questioning her motives. He’s going to need all the help he can get.

Alexis says, Kristina volunteered to have her sister’s baby. it was incredibly generous. She’s opening the LGBTQ – did she get that right? – center for youth, which is an incredibly generous act. She has the biggest heart. Kristina says, because she’s been loved, accepted, and supported. Her dad always made her feel important and accepted. Alexis asks why he wouldn’t. She’s so damn fabulous. She hugs Alexis and says, that’s her girl.

Josslyn watches as Sonny asks if Ava is threatening him, and Ava says, it’s not a threat; it’s a promise. (What does that even mean anyway?) Did he forget who she is and what she’s capable of? She suggests he remember quickly. Avery is her daughter, and she’ll do whatever she has to in order to make sure she stays in Avery’s life. Some of her history is questionable, but in some respects, his is worse. Can he afford the kind of trouble she can make for him?

Maxie’s phone continues to blow up, and Natalia suggests they reschedule. Scotty says he’s revised it four times; he can draft a fifth. Lucy wants to get it done now and tells Maxie to turn off her phone. Maxie looks at it and Lucy says, it must be because Deception is having so much success. Maxie sees Blaze’s picture and the headline, The Face of Her Daughter’s Deception. She scrolls down and sees Natalia’s picture along with the audio file. She says, oh my God.

Tomorrow, Maxie says, Natalia needs to get with the program or kick rocks; Ava tells someone on the phone that they can’t risk being seen together; and Sonny tells someone, that means there’s a target on their back.

Below Deck Mediterranean

The crew heads back to the boat, and Ellie says she’s feeling a vibe with Joe. Gael’s boyfriend whines to her in a text that he’s feeling hurt. Aesha says, bikinis, jacuzzi now, and Ellie says she doesn’t want to do something she regrets. In her interview, she says, you don’t get to drive a Lamborghini for nothing. You have to put in the work. Gael tells her boyfriend that she’s sorry she’s not doing more to make him comfortable. He sounds like a d*ck. Iain says he has a huge little toenail, and in Nathan’s interview, he says he’d rather spend time with Gael, but he’s talking to Iain about his f***ing toes. Joe and Bri stare at each other, and in Aesha’s interview, she says, they have f*** me eyes. It’s enough for her to say, time for bed. Everyone wanders off, and Joe asks if he and Bri are the only ones left. Bri says, they’re the last men standing. Nathan admires his own ass and tells Gael to squeeze it. That’s a hard no, and he and Iain want her to decide who has the best ass. Gael gives Nathan a strawberry. Nathan wonders if they should be nosy, and they sneak downstairs. Bri and Joe are kissing in the hot tub, and Bri takes her top off. Ellie is sleeping, and Gael’s boyfriend gets all emo. In her interview, Gael says, she knows she should put the relationship first, but she wants him to have her back and he’s pushing her away. She’s beating herself up over Nathan. Joe goes back to his bunk, and in Bri’s interview, she says, now they’ll carry on like normal, like nothing happened.

Ellie asks if Bri and Joe had sex, but Bri’s not saying. In Ellie’s interview, she says she feels snaked by Bri. Bri doesn’t give a f*** about her feelings, and it’s irritating. In Joe’s interview, he says, there’s no tension. His door is open even for Captain Sandy. News flash. Captain Sandy’s door ain’t opening for him. In the morning, Aesha tells the stews that she wants everything turned over, and Jono calls his boyfriend David. He says, the guests on the last charter didn’t like his food. He was shocked at the feedback and feels like he’s going to be fired or shouldn’t be here. He’s doubting himself. In his interview, he says, it’s a skill. Sometimes, you take it with a grain of salt, sometimes a boulder. You have to learn how to carry it. Norma texts the captain, saying, a chef will be available in two days. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, she thinks Jono knows her expectations. He has to perform. Otherwise, she’ll replace him. In Nathan’s interview, he says he likes Gael, but he’s not pushing it. He’s letting her call the shots, and if she wants to do it, they’re on the same team.

It’s time for the preference sheet meeting. The primary is Brittany Brower, a former fashion model turned stay at home mom from Tampa, Florida. The captain says, they may have seen Brittany and her friends on TV, but don’t fan out. Jono reads that they want five tins of beluga caviar, nothing gamy, and no melons except watermelon. There are also other restrictions, yet Brittany says she’ll eat anything, and they laugh. In Jono’s interview, he says, after the last charter, he was looking for less picky guests. Aesha reads that guests Marsha and Big Daddy Dean would like the captain to help them renew their vows in a silly, fun, ancient Greek themed ceremony. The captain says, no chicken and no guests floating away in a boat. Gael tells Aesha that she’s scared, and Aesha asks if she wants a cuddle. She gets in Aesha’s bunk, and says, she and her boyfriend had a fight. Aesha says, it’s hard when they’re here and it’s just a phone call, and in her interview, she says she feels for Gael. It’s intense. This thing with Gael’s boyfriend is making Gael upset and it’s too much. Bri asks Ellie if everything is okay between them, but Ellie says, not 100%. She made it clear that she wanted to pursue Joe, but Bri thought, f*** that, and did her own thing. If Bri hadn’t had Ellie’s training, she’d be in a different situation, but after that, Bri gave zero f***s about her. She broke girl code with a random guy.

Ellie says she’d never break a friendship over a random f***ing guy, and Bri says, if she’d known, she never would have done it. Ellie says, it was a snake move, but Bri says she was never snaky. Ellie says, Bri genuinely hurt her, and in Bri’s interview, she says, the last thing she wants is to be called a snake. She never does anything with – she has trouble with the word and a producer has to help her – malice. Bri says, if she’d known it would be like this, she wouldn’t have done it, and Ellie says, it’s changed the relationship completely. She’s done. She’s moving on. She walks out, and Bri call outs that she appreciates Ellie. Bri finds Joe and tells him that she f***ed up and she’s feeling sh*tty. Joe says he’s sorry, and in his interview, he says he’s got to be careful. He’s a magnet for chaos and doesn’t want to complicate things within a department. Bri decides to sleep in the crew mess, and when Nathan sees her, he says, what the f***? In his interview, he says, the charter is having a bit of drama, and he loves it. He tells Joe, and they laugh. Joe says, it’s pathetic, and tells Nathan to ask Bri to come here. Joe makes a place on the floor for her to sleep, and in his interview, he says, if he can provide comfort, so be it, but he doesn’t want it to be an ongoing thing.

The captain calls Iain to the bridge. She tells him that he needs to step it up. She wants the deck team to be happy, but they need to stop making rookie mistakes. We flash back to some of their mistakes, and captain Sandy says, they look like amateurs. In Ellie’s interview, she says she didn’t hear Bri come in last night. She has no compassion. She can sleep wherever she wants. Aesha tells the stews to make the beds and smash the cabins out. One of the guests is going to renew their vows with a fun, silly, ancient Greek themed wedding, and they also have to do a runway show with the yacht crew. She wants to not just maintain the standard, but improve it. In Iain’s interview, he says, the last charter was a nightmare. He’s almost like a motivational speaker with the deck team. Are we ready for today? He’s got to build them up. Aesha shows Captain Sandy her thumb and points out a sign of infection. She says, it feels like she still has glass in there, and the captain says she’s sending Aesha ashore to the doctor. She’ll get her car service. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, if Aesha can’t work the charter, it will be catastrophic. The last charter, the chef wasn’t the greatest and Bri is still getting her feet wet. She doesn’t want the interior to fall apart. Aesha tells the stews about her thumb, and says, if she’s not back, Ellie should do the welcome drinks. In Aesha’s interview, she says, the guests are coming in three hours. It’s not much time to go to a Greek hospital to get this looked at and come back.

Provisions come in, and Ellie tells the deckhands to put the alcohol on the sundeck. In Ellie’s interview, she says, what the f***? Bri is calling the shots and making decisions. She tells Bri that she’s overriding her, and it needs to stop. It would be like her giving Aesha instructions. It’s not Bri’s place and it’s disrespectful. In Bri’s interview, she says she thinks Ellie might think she’s trying to compete with her, but that’s not the case. Ellie is focused on the hierarchy. Just talk nice to her. Ellie asks Bri to throw out the rotted citrus, but Bri says, that’s not a priority for her. Aesha said to clean up the laundry. In her interview, Bri says she’ll show Ellie hierarchy, and in Ellie’s interview, she says, that Bri is feeling this empowered to speak to her this way is shocking. Bri’s job is to support her. Ellie tells Jono that she asked Bri to do the citrus, but Bri said it wasn’t a priority. She’s playing with fire. Jono says, it’s getting hot in here. Thanks for the earworm, Jono! In Joe’s interview, he says, management isn’t Iain’s strong point. Bri says she might burst into tears. There’s unnecessary drama on the yacht. Jono says, it’s crazy. Ellie is going to be spicy. Bri says she’s going to be passive/aggressive spicy, and the captain overhears. She asks what Bri means by that, and Bri says, she’ll be angry, but do the right thing. (Right.) The drama is affecting her. Captain Sandy says, they all get tired sometimes and people can say things with a sharp tongue. Bri says, not everyone likes her, and the captain says, but she’s so likeable. They laugh, and the captain says, she’ll be fine and can come to the bridge anytime. In the captain’s interview, she says she has to make sure Bri is okay. It’s charter three and the wheels are falling off. She doesn’t need details. It’s not her business until it becomes her business. Bri needs to go to Aesha.

Aesha comes back and shows Captain Sandy the glass in a little plastic bag. The captain says, she didn’t feel it? and Aesha says she was trying to ignore it. She has to keep the bandage on for two days and can’t get it wet. The captain says she caught Bri having a moment and Aesha needs to talk to her. Aesha finds Bri and asks if she wants to talk. Bri says she got overwhelmed and told the deckhands to put the alcohol on the sundeck. Ellie told her to stop calling the shots. She’s the third stew. There’s an awkward vibe and she feels like Ellie is power tripping. She’s trying to stay positive and not take it to heart. Aesha says, Ellie is here to help guide Bri, not boss her around in a way that makes her feel upset. In Aesha’s interview, she says, the charter is already intense. Don’t screw the crew if you can’t emotionally handle it. She asks if Bri wants her to speak with Ellie, and Bri says she does. The captain radios that the guests are coming in 30 minutes, and Aesha tells Ellie that Bri feels like she’s having a power trip, but Ellie says she doesn’t need to power trip. It’s a large team. She thinks Bri is playing the victim, but she’s not easily manipulated. The captain radios for the crew to meet in ten minutes, and Ellie says she’s not going to be upset and argue.

Ellie tells Aesha that Bri’s attitude is disrespectful. She wouldn’t tell Aesha what to do, and there are certain things Bri doesn’t understand. In Aesha’s interview, she says, it’s important that she stay neutral with the girls. She doesn’t actually know what happened, but her place as a leader is to stay professional and treat them both the same. When it’s appropriate, she’ll address it. The guests arrive, and Captain Sandy welcomes them and says, they’re happy to have them. Aesha will show them around. In her interview, Aesha says she doesn’t watch TV, so she’s the last person who would recognize the girls. Well, I watch a lot of TV, and don’t recognize anyone, except Trishelle who was on The Real World. Hardly something to fangirl over. They shove off, and in Iain’s interview, he says, the deck team is kicking ass and taking names. Guest Marsha says she used to teach modeling and Aesha wants to see a walk. Captain Sandy asks how Jono is feeling, and he says, nervous. She tells him to do what he did on the first charter. In Jono’s interview, he says, one more bad meal and he might lose his job. The guests have an Asian-y vibe, and his sushi skills are up there. It’s time to step it up get this p*ssy popping. In Gael’s interview, she says, Nathan knows what he’s doing. He doesn’t need to prove anything. On deck, he’s a nice leader to have. A sushi and tempura parade comes out. Finally, some food porn. Jono tells Aesha that she needs to talk to the stews. The interior drama is going to affect their work. She says she has no time to address it now and tells him the guests loved lunch. In Jono’s interview, he says, thank the f***ing Lord. Hallelujah. It’s time to drop anchor, and in Gael’s interview, she says, Joe is feeling the pressure, and the captain is waiting. She guesses this is where experience comes in. She helps Joe with the anchor.

Captain Sandy tells the deck team to lock it down and put the toys in the water. Joe says, sh*t. This is getting annoying. Bri text whines to her mom, who tells her to rise above. Marsha gets dressed for her wedding – for the ninth time – and Bri and Ellie decorate, creating a beautiful aisle and archway. Aesha says, it looks amazing, and everyone gets Greeked up, except for Marsha who wears a real wedding dress. She thanks Captain Sandy, who says, it’s an honor. In the captain’s interview, she says, Marsha had breast cancer and is a three-time survivor. She knows what it’s like since she had kidney cancer. She thinks when you go through things where you don’t think you’ll survive, it changes everything. She doesn’t lose sleep over stuff. She’s just grateful for another day. Marsha walks down the aisle holding a potted plant, and Captain Sandy says, for the ninth time, they’re celebrating the love between Marsha and Big Dean. They’re celebrating good health, love, and commitment to one another once again. She pronounces them husband and wife for the ninth time, and there are cheers. Marsha and Dean kiss, and Aesha says, that’s lots of tongue. In her interview, she says, that must be why they call him Big Dean. Aesha takes photos and asks if Jono can pull the dinner forward. Dean says, it’s the best wedding they’ve ever had, and Gael helps Jono shuck oysters in the galley. In Jono’s interview, he says, steak, beluga caviar, and lobster that’s going to swim on the plate. She’s going to be fresh. The guests indulge in caviar and oysters at the bar. Gael calls her boyfriend, who gripes to her, and she says she’s going to take a wee nap. They’ll speak soon. Aesha tells Marsha and Dean, happy Vow Day, and Dean says, now the honeymoon begins. Dinner is served and Brittany says her steak is dry. Aesha asks if Brittany wants her to change it, but Brittany says she’s good. In Aesha’s interview, she says she’s absolutely rooting for Jono, but Brittany’s not good.

Brittany tells Aesha that the steak isn’t good, and Aesha asks if she wants a shot of tequila, to which Brittany also says she’s good. In Aesha’s interview, she says, it’s a steak. Jono must have cooked hundreds of them. She tells him that the guests seem fine, but the primary said it was dry. Jono says, he’ll come up and talk to her, and in his interview, he says he doesn’t want a repeat of the last charter where the primary’s experience blanketed everyone else’s culinary joy. We flash back to that, and he says, not again. Ellie tells the captain about the steak, and the captain asks Aesha about it. Aesha says, everyone else thought it was good, and in Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, this can’t keep happening. Jono’s presentation has improved, but this is one step away from her making a change. She texts Norma, asking if the chef is still available. The dessert is some kind of cake with a white chocolate drizzle and I’m all in. Jono tells Brittany that he’s sorry about the steak, and everyone says, dessert is so good. Marsha asks what their after-dinner activity is, and Brittany says, the fashion show. Captain Sandy asks the guests how their dinner is, and Brittany acts all happy. Marsha thanks the captain again, and Aesha tells the crew that the show starts at 10:30. They put on costumes and wigs, but Ellie is taking forever to get into her black leather BDSM outfit with thigh high boots. In Aesha’s interview, she says, the guests requested a fashion show, and the guests are waiting, but Ellie is taking 50 billion years to get ready. Delivering to the guests comes before your OnlyFans career. The guys go first, and Aesha tells Ellie that she’s going to have to miss out. She’s being so selfish, and Aesha is frustrated that she’s not listening. Ellie is already 20 minutes late, and struggles getting her boots on. Aesha says, this is the first time Ellie has disobeyed her and she doesn’t like it.

Ellie runs out and there are lots of cheers. She nearly falls off her six-inch heels, and Brittany says, just keep going. In Aesha’s interview, she wonders if Ellie is using the time to seriously be scouted since Marsha is a modeling agent. Iain says, they had good teachers, and Marsha says, good comment. Joe says he feels bad about the situation with Bri and Ellie. The guests go to bed, and Ellie wonders where Bri is, since she’s not in their cabin. In her interview, she says, once again, Bri is sleeping in the boys’ cabin. Bri is making it look like Ellie is being so abusive, she can’t even sleep in the same cabin.

Second day of charter. Bri complains that Ellie leaves the lights on all night, and Nathan tells Joe that he thinks she’s going to suggest a cabin change. Joe says, that’s not happening, and in his interview, he says, Bri needs to STFU and sort out her differences. He tells Nathan, it’s not his fault… is it? Nathan says, yeah, it is. Ellie asks Bri, what’s going on? and Bri says she knows she has problems. She’s sorry they affected Ellie. She’s sorry she’s not sleeping cabin. She doesn’t know if it made Ellie feel weird. Ellie tells her to do what she wants, but it’s kind of unusual. Nathan tells Aesha that Bri has been sleeping on their floor and he doesn’t know what’s going on. Bri tells Ellie that her teaching is in some ways belittling, and Ellie says, whoa. That’s a strong word. She’s out. She’s not engaging in that. Is Bri f***ing kidding her? In Ellie’s interview, she says, Bri saying she’s belittling is baffling and stupid. Bri says, Ellie makes her feel insecure, and Ellie says, if she feels that way, it’s her own doing. Her victimhood needs to stop. Bri says she has every reason to feel that way, but Ellie says, do not tell her that.

Next time, a guest does the splits a la Kyle Richards; there’s no power in the windless; Captain Sandy says, it’s the worst possible time for a mistake like this; and the captain thinks they may not be able to get the anchor up.

🛀 Inaction Required…

Join me tomorrow for soap and Dubai talk. Until then, stay safe, stay keeping your pets indoors on 4th of July (or whatever day your city and neighbors start blowing off fireworks); and stay not losing sleep over stuff and just being grateful for another day.

Jun25

June 24, 2024 – Tracy Gives Finn an Ultimatum, Just Okay Food On Deck & Greatest

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

John says he needs to celebrate with someone, and so far, Carly is the closest friend he has here. She tells him that he has to get some new friends, and toasts to taking down the bad guys – or bad persons. He says he’ll definitely drink to that.

Molly comes home, where TJ is waiting. She apologizes for being late. She was stuck at the office, then there was traffic. He asks if that’s true or was she avoiding coming home?

Kristina goes to Sonny’s office and says she got him a gift. He looks in the bag, and she asks how she did. He says, perfect.

On the phone, Tracy says, Brook’s mother is waiting. She’ll take care of it. Finn comes out and says, tell him where his daughter is.

Brook and Chase bring Violet to the Quartermaines. Lois tells Violet that there’s nothing she loves more than a sleepover. They’re going to stay up all night, eat tons of sugar, and do all the fun stuff. Chase tells Yuri to make sure the front gate is locked, and the staff knows not to let his brother in.

Molly asks if TJ thinks she’d volunteer to stay at work, and he says he wouldn’t blame her. She says she was stuck at the office, and he says he ordered take out, but she tells him that she had a late lunch. Maybe later. He says he was hoping they could talk about what happened, but she says she doesn’t know what more they can talk about. They can’t go back in time and change the surrogate. TJ says he wants her to accept his apology. He was a total ass and he’s sorry.

Sonny takes something out of the bag, and Kristina says, it’s organic and locally grown. He says he’ll put it to good use. He’s starting to feel like he wants to cook. Is she hungry? She says, Blaze is meeting her and they’re going out, when Natalia and Blaze come in. Natalia says she told Blaze that Sonny wasn’t a vampire, and tells Sonny that she thought she’d drop by and say hey. He says he’s glad she did and hopes she stays. He has a lot of basil in the kitchen, and he’s thinking of making pesto and chicken piccata. Blaze and Kristina agree to stay for dinner, and Natalia says, he had her at pesto. Can she help? He says, that depends. How good is she in the kitchen? She tells Blaze, careful, and Blaze says, she’s a pretty good cook. Sonny says, there are some kitchen rules. In the kitchen, he’s the boss. Natalia says, yes, chef, and they go to the kitchen. Blaze asks if Kristina is cool with this, and Kristina says, yeah. It helps that Blaze is here and can be a buffer. Blaze says, who thought they’d be having dinner all together? and Kristina says, it’s been a long and winding road. Blaze says she wouldn’t change a thing, and Kristina says her either.

Carly asks if John will be checking out when he wraps up his assignment, and he says, soon. She asks, how soon, or is it classified? and he says, within the week. He was here longer than he’d intended. Carly says, thanks for choosing us for your stay, and he thanks her for saving his hide on the docks and watching him all night. She says, he thanked her already, but he says, it deserves repeating. Carly says, he’s welcome, and he tells her to enjoy the rest of the champagne. She says, if he insists, and he says he did enjoy her company. She says, back at him. Give her a give a call if he’s severely beaten, and good luck with whatever happens next. He says, it’s been a while, but he feels like luck is finally on his side. He leaves, and she says, not for long, you bastard.

Violet wonders if she should go home in case her daddy needs help, but Lois says she spoke to Brook’s grandma and she’s with Violet’s daddy, helping him feel better. Let them spoil her. Violet says her stomach hurts, and Brook takes her to the bathroom. Lois says, of course (🍷) Violet feels sick. So does she. Chase thanks her, and she says, they all want to help. Chase says, if Violet had stayed with them, Finn would have been pounding on the door all night. Violet is going through enough. She found Finn bleeding and couldn’t wake him up. She says, thank God Violet called Tracy, and Chase says, with the amount of booze Finn consumed, he could have been passed out all night. As it is, Violet is going to carry this with her for the rest of her life. Lois says, they’ll get her through this. It’s important that Chase is here, and Violet knows she has him. He says, he hopes so. He has to make some more arrangements. She tells him to let her know if there’s anything else she can do, and leaves. He makes a call and says he’s sorry to be calling so late.  

Tracy says, Violet is safe, but Finn says, that’s not what he asked. She asks if he has any idea what Violet saw when she walked in here. He was passed out cold, bleeding on the floor in a sea of broken glass. He says he’s sorry Violet had to witness that, but Tracy says, she didn’t have to. He created the situation. Finn asks if Violet called her, and she says, Violet picked up the phone, saw the missed calls from her, and had the good sense to call her back. She said her father needed help. She’d thought he died. Tracy called 911, and when she got here, Violet was standing over him, keeping watch, scared out of her mind. Finn says he’s sorry for how he spoke to her earlier. This was the wake-up call he needed. He’s going to clean himself and the apartment up, and bring Violet home. Tracy says, no, and Finn says, he’s Violet’s father. She says, he can’t care for his daughter, and she’s not coming home until he proves he can care for himself.

Finn asks where his daughter is, and Tracy says, she’s with people who love her, and they’ll continue to care for her when he seeks help. She’s booked him a room at Sky Meadow Lodge. It’s a 90-day minimum treatment facility. He says, she’s overstepping. He doesn’t need residential treatment. She says, even before tonight, she would have argued that he did, and he says he’ll go to meetings, but Violet is staying with him. She says, meetings are no longer sufficient, and he says, she doesn’t know his life. His daughter is at the Quartermaines, isn’t she? He’s going there and getting her, and if anyone tries to stop him, he’ll call the police.

On the phone, Chase says, Yuri will meet them at the gate. Violet comes back with Brook and asks if Chase is sure that Brook’s grandma will take care of her dad. He says, she can, and she will. Violet says, it’s a big house, and Brook says, their room is next to hers. If she needs anything, or if she has a bad dream, they’ll be right there. Violet asks if they think her daddy had bad dreams, and Chase says, they make some people so sad, they feel sick. Violet says, like grandpa? but Brook says, no. This is completely different. Violet says, if her daddy is sick, he needs her, and Chase says, that was his first intention, but Brook says, her daddy taking some time away is the best way. Violet asks, what if he thinks she doesn’t love him anymore? but Chase says, he would never think that and that will never change.

As they enjoy dinner, Natalia tells stories about Blaze as a kid, and Blaze asks if they’re done laughing at her younger self. Dinner was incredible. Natalia says she thought Corinthos was a Greek name, and Sonny says, it is. She asks how he got so good at cooking authentic Italian food, and Sonny asks how Brook’s wedding looked. Natalia says, the Cerullos, when Ava walks in and says, isn’t this cozy?

Carly flashes back to Sonny telling her that Jason working for Cates is proof Jason is working against him, and Carly saying, if he thinks Jason is trying to get evidence against him, Jason must be bad at it, since he’s a free man. Spinelli comes into Carly’s office, saying, gracious greetings. He says, she seems disgruntled, and she says she wonders why. She can’t believe that guy used her as leverage to hold Jason hostage. Then he had the nerve to show up here with champagne. Spinelli just missed him. Spinelli asks how it went, and she says, she smiled and said she hoped he’d enjoyed his stay in Port Charles. Spinelli wonders if there was cause for celebration, or was he trying to come on to Carly, and she says she wishes he’d tried something. It would have given her an excuse to stab him. (Ah, my favorite side of Carly.)

TJ tells Molly that he let his anxiety run away with him and it wasn’t fair. They both decided on Kristina being the surrogate together. It’s not like she strongarmed him. So for him to blame her was messed up and he’s sorry. She thanks him, and asks if he wishes they hadn’t used Kristina, but he says, Kristina is a great surrogate. She loves Molly more than anything and would never hurt her… intentionally. He’s not going to allow worry to overshadow their joy. What he hates most is that he didn’t make Molly feel like she could share things with him because his reaction would be so… She says, big? and he says, an understatement. They weren’t on the same page, but now he’s all in. She says she’s scared when the time comes… She doesn’t want to say it out loud, but he tells her that she can say anything to him. She says she’s afraid when the time comes, Kristina won’t be able to let go of their child. What if they were wrong to trust her sister?

Ava says she came by to see if Sonny wanted to grab dinner. It looks delightful. Natalia says, he’s a master chef, and Sonny says, she minced garlic like a pro. Ava says, it’s nice to share a passion. She’ll grab a chair. Kristina says, no. There’s no way in hell she’s sharing a meal with the woman who stabbed her mother in the back.

Brook says, Violet is braver than she was at Violet’s age, and Chase tells Violet that she did the right thing, calling for help. Violet says, that’s what he told her to do when there was trouble, and he says, she got the ball rolling, and now she can leave it to the grown-ups to get her daddy better. Lois comes in and asks if Violet would like to see her room, and Brook says, when she wakes up, she’ll see the most beautiful view. Lois says she picked out a pair of Scout’s pajamas and suggests they set her up. Brook says, they’ll be up in a minute, and Lois takes Violet upstairs. Brook thanks Chase for being her rock, but he says he’s just following her lead. He knows Violet can’t stay with Finn, but getting it in his head… She says, watching it play out breaks your heart.

Tracy says, if Finn calls the police, she’ll show them the pictures, and he asks her not to take Violet away from him. She’s all he has left. She can’t take his daughter. She says, nobody wants this, and he insists he’ll pull it together. She asks if he thinks he’s the only one grieving. This is not the way to handle it. Finn says, and taking away his daughter is? He made a mistake. Seeing the pictures, he doesn’t like the person he is any more than she does. That’s not him. She says, but it is. (Thank you.) But it doesn’t have to be if he goes to rehab. He says he’ll fight it on his own. He’ll do whatever she wants. She says, this is not a negotiation. If he wants Violet back, he’ll have to seek treatment. If he can’t or won’t commit to sobriety, she’ll have to use all her resources to make sure his brother and Brook get custody of Violet, temporary or otherwise. Finn asks why she’s doing this, and she says, it’s not about him. It’s about Violet, and until he understands that there’s nothing left to say. She walks out.

Chase and Brook talk about Florence, and Chase says he wishes they were there, but Brook says she doesn’t. It’s hard and messy and heartbreaking, but it’s real, and they’ll get through it together. Home is where he is. It doesn’t matter. He says he loves her, and she says she loves him too. They’ve got this. Diane walks in, and Chase thanks her for coming. She says, he felt it was important that they met, and he says, to protect Violet from her father. Finn is in danger. Brook says, he’s been drinking heavily since Gregory died, and Chase says, Violet walked in on him, passed out. Brook says, he’d cut his hand and was bleeding. Violet was terrified. Chase says, she thought Finn had died like her grandfather, and Diane says, tell her what they need.  

TJ tells Molly that Kristina keeping the baby is their worst nightmare, but isn’t it anyone’s who uses a surrogate? They wanted to have a child, but they couldn’t. Kristina gave them a beautiful gift because Kristina loves her. He thinks she loves him too, but a little less. Molly says she was being paranoid. They’re the ones who wanted to be parents, not Kristina. It was the furthest thing from her mind, and now she’s in a new relationship. The last thing she needs is to be up all night with a baby. TJ says, their baby is going to sleep through the night, and Molly says, they’re going to come out of the womb a perfect angel and never want screen time. They’ve mastered parenting already. TJ says he’s sorry about their fight, and she says her too. He says he knows it sounds rich coming from the guy who was second guessing things, but they need to try and have faith in her sister. She says she’ll try if he will, and he says, deal.

Ava asks if Sonny is going to condone this hostility, and Kristina says, she’s lucky hostility is all it is. Ava had her mother disbarred because she was mad that Alexis was being mean to her brother. Ava says, it goes deeper than that, and Kristina says, she didn’t even have the courage to attach her name. Ava says, Alexis lied under oath, and Kristina says, this coming from the paragon of truth and justice. Sonny suggests someone fill him in, and Kristina says, that actually sounds like fun. Does Ava want to do the honors or should she? Ava says, knock herself out. She’ll give Sonny the unbiased version later. She walks out, and Natalia looks like she wants to disappear, as we all would.

Spinelli tells Carly that he tried his best to pull the file out of the hands of the FBI, but there were too many levels of protection to penetrate. Carly says, for two years Jason could have been with the people who loved him, but he was too busy protecting her. She has to make it right. She’s going to tell Cates to arrest her. Spinelli says he can’t let her do that, and blocks her way.

Molly says she shouldn’t have kept what happened from TJ, but he says, he didn’t make it easy for her to confide in him. She thought he’d react in anger, and she was right. She wonders if they’ll ever feel easy again, and he says, considering they’re bringing a baby into the mix, no. At least not for a while. Something can be wonderful and hard at the same time. Molly says she can’t believe how fast it’s coming. Soon the apartment will be littered with baby stuff. TJ says, and diapers everywhere, and she asks if it’s stressing him out. He says he’s not worried. He just wants to do right by their child and let them know they’re loved and supported, no matter what.

Kristina says, at the hearing, her mom found out Ava was the one that accused her of perjury, and signed an affidavit that was hearsay. Sonny asks if it’s Ava’s fault Alexis lost her license, and Kristina says her mom just found out now. She can’t believe he lives with the same woman who caused so much pain. It’s the first time she’s seen Ava since the hearing, and she had to say something. She’s sorry she ruined dinner. Sonny says, she didn’t ruin it, and Natalia says she commends Kristina. She defended her mother and has nothing to apologize for.

Diane says, it will be an uphill battle, and Chase says he’s aware of that. She says. Finn is Violet’s legal guardian, and the law is on his side, but they can preempt him with an emergency custody order, so Violet can stay for the time being. Lois comes in and says she can’t find Yuri. Tracy walks in behind her, and says, he was opening the gate for her. Diane being here saved her a phone call. She’s afraid they’re going to need a restraining order.

Carly says she’d rather be in prison than see Jason blackmailed one more day. Diane has successfully gotten her exonerated before; she’ll do it again. He says, what if she doesn’t? What if she’s incriminated? What happens to her children, specifically Donna? Carly says she can’t stand the thought of that, but how is Donna more important than Danny or Jake? He says, what happened to them was tragic, but they still had their mothers. If she goes away, Donna will be without hers. He’s sure Jason was aware of that and wanted to avoid it at all costs. Carly says she’s struggling with how she’s feeling. On one hand, she’s frustrated that Jason would do this without her knowledge or consent. She’s responsible for him being gone so long. Spinelli says, and on the other hand? and she says she’s so moved to see how much he loves her. Spinelli says he’d do the same for Maxie without hesitation. He loves Maxie the way Jason loves Carly. And if Carly loves Jason… She says, he knows she does, and he says, then she has to let this go. She asks, how? and he says, it’s already done. They can’t go back and undo it, and if she turns herself in, Jason’s sacrifice was for nothing.

Molly says, they won’t have much time for themselves, and TJ says, not any. She suggests they make the most of it while they can, and he asks what she has in mind. She says she was thinking they could start with this – she kisses him – and go from there. He says, so basically, dinner can wait, and she says, dinner can wait. They get busy and I think it would be really funny if she got pregnant.

Natalia says, it would have been easy to keep the peace, but Kristina defended her mother. She hopes her daughter would do the same. Blaze says, of course (🍷), she would, and Sonny says, Alexis should be proud. He asks, who’s up for tiramisu? but Natalia says she couldn’t eat another bite. Kristina says, she can, and Sonny says, she won’t regret it.

Spinelli says, freedom is the greatest gift Jason could give Carly. She can’t give it back and has to accept it. She says, okay. She won’t turn herself in, but she won’t allow the FBI to use her as leverage with Jason. He asks how she plans to stop them, and she says, she’ll find a way. And when she does, Cates won’t see her coming.

Tracy says she tried to get through to Finn, but doesn’t know if she succeeded, and Brook says, arrangements have been made if Finn wants. Chase says, that’s a big if. He wishes you could force someone into treatment. Diane says she’ll need a statement from him, and Brook asks when the restraining order can be filed. Diane says she’ll present it to a judge tomorrow morning, and Chase wonders if Finn is going to come there tonight. Tracy says she doesn’t know, but she hopes he realizes they’re trying to save his relationship with Violet.

Alone in his apartment, Finn looks at family pictures on his phone.

Tomorrow, Finn says he’s not going to let Chase steal his daughter; Carly says she needs Jack’s expertise, but doesn’t know if she can trust him; and Sonny asks someone, who are you to judge?

Below Deck Mediterranean

Captain Sandy calls Jono to the bridge and tells him that the primary came to her and said the spices were too strong and the eggs were cold. How did that happen? He says he had the eggs ready at 8:30 when they’d wanted to have breakfast, but the guests had a slower morning. She tells him to make sure the eggs are made to order, and in her interview, she says, for a chef to tell her that he made breakfast when it was supposed to start is a huge red flag, but she has to give him the opportunity to show he can do this. Finish strong and she’ll assess the next charter. Anchor is in the pocket, and they head out. Bri says she’s feeling more confident, and in Ellie’s interview, she says she’s putting in a lot of effort because they’re improving as a team. The team’s success is her success.

Nathan tells Gael that she’s a genuine girl, and she thanks him. Did she not know? Was she a questioning young adult? The captain tells Iain that once the beach is set up, take two crew members there and come back. He can help them set up, but then he has to stay on board. Since he’s bosun, he’s not allowed to have fun anymore. In her interview, the captain says, if something goes wrong, she needs someone to know what’s going on. It’s a safety thing, Aesha talks to Jono about lunch, and in Jono’s interview, he says he’s hoping lunch goes smoothly. He needs to create a menu that doesn’t need microwaving. There’s no microwave on the beach. In Aesha’s interview, she says she thinks Iain heard Captain Sandy say the guests knew what they wanted and that meant the guests set it up themselves. In Iain’s interview, he says he’s had no time to scout for a location, and it makes him nervous. He prefers to trust his team rather than micromanage. This is a little test. Ellie and Joe flirt, and in Ellie’s interview, she says she would not kick Joe out of bed. Iain drops Joe and Gael off with a ton of stuff, but goes directly back to the boat instead of helping them set up. They lug the stuff a long way to the beach, making several trips, and in Joe’s interview, he says, there’s no leadership. Iain could have helped. Back on the boat, the guests are getting antsy to leave, and are finally given the green light. Iain radios that the guests are on their way, and Joe says, what the f***? The guests are underway, and they haven’t set up. This is bad. Gael wonders why no one is communicating. It’s a sh*tshow.

Aesha comes with the guests and helps with the set up. She asks Joe if the beach Olympics were organized, but he tells her, there was no time. On the boat, Jono frets over what Captain Sandy told him, and in his interview, he says, there’s no time to process his disappointment like there would be at a normal job. He has to focus on the meals to come. Joe tells Aesha that no one let them know when the guests were coming, and she says, it’s their first beach picnic. They’ll get it. Gael says, they’ll make it work, and Aesha says, when the food comes, Gael can swap out with Bri. There’s volleyball, then a ring toss. Joe takes his shirt off, the guests cheer, and he wins the long jump. The food is served, and on the yacht, the captain has the deck crew set up the water toys. Joe tells Gael that he’s never had guests arrive before everything is set up, and they wonder why they weren’t told until the guests were on their way. In his Joe’s interview, he says, his granddad taught him that respect is everything, and he doesn’t want step on Iain’s toes. He’s in an awkward situation. Lunch is a success, and one of the guests suggests they’ll have to wear muumuus on the plane back. When the guests come back, Aesha tells Iain, if there’s something like Beach Olympics on the preference sheets, he has to organize it ahead of time, and he makes up some lame excuse per usual. In Gael’s interview, she wonders what Iain was doing. Where was he? And he didn’t even acknowledge that they managed to do it anyway. In Iain’s interview, he compares his lack of management to a difficult task on a previous job – i.e. apples and oranges – and says, sometimes you have to do things that frustrate you. Just get it done. Aesha calls the provisioner for a Greek folk dance instructor, and the provisioner says she knows just the guy and he’ll bring plates for smashing. In his interview, Jono says, there’s a lot to be proved. If he makes a mistake and the captain picks up on it, his job is at risk.

The captain is joining the guests for dinner, and Aesha tells Iain that the Greek dancer needs to be picked up at 9:15. One of the guests says, they’re going to their next feeding, and they sit down for dinner. Gigi asks Jono about the spices in the gazpacho, and he says he googled it. It was some grandma’s recipe and it sounded authentic. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, don’t say it’s some grandma’s recipe; say it’s a secret recipe. Don’t say you googled it; say it’s someone else’s recipe. Joe and Ellie flirt, and in Bri’s interview, she says, it feels awkward. After tasting the entrée, Gigi says, there’s that spice again. It’s not agreeing with her palate. Jono takes the dessert out of the oven, and in his interview, he says he can see the cakes are overdone. F*** me. In the captain’s interview, she says, this is a superyacht. The food shouldn’t be just okay. It should be excellent. Jono is 0 for 2 now.

Captain Sandy asks Gigi about qualifying for the Olympics, and Gigi says, when she and Mary Jo Fernandez were in the finals, two audience members came in between serves to sit in some front seats. She’d missed her first serve and it was distracting, so she asked Mary Jo who those people were. Mary Jo told her to calm down. It was the Queen and King of Spain. That’s okay. I wouldn’t know who they were either. In Gael’s interview, she says she’s more comfortable with Nathan every day. He’s a good guy to be around. Jono doesn’t have a freezer in the galley (!) and leaves to get vanilla ice cream. Aesha and Ellie look at the cakes, and Aesha thinks they don’t look good. Ellie agrees, and Jono comes back with coffee ice cream. In Aesha’s interview, she says, last night, she had to serve grocery store sponge cake. Now she has to serve overcooked lava cake and melted ice cream. When she finds herself questioning too many dishes this early on, she needs to say something. Gigi says, the cake is interesting, and in Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, it’s subpar. When the guests are off the boat, she’s going to have a very real conversation with Jono, but she’s definitely looking for backup. The guests are brought to the sundeck where they’re serenaded by two guys on lute and guitar. Afterward, the instructor teaches them Greek dancing.

Aesha cuts herself on a glass behind the bar, and in her interview, she says, it’s been a long day. When you’re exhausted, that’s when accidents happen, but unless they have to amputate her thumb, she’s going to keep going. Guest Rabbi Deb offers to get her Band-Aids. Upstairs, plates are smashed, and the guests all say, that was so fun.

Third day of charter. The captain hauls anchor, and Ellie says she’s proud of Bri. Bri says, they can drink to that tonight. They talk about Joe, but neither one of them stakes claim. Ellie says, no matter what happens, she’s not fighting over boys, since there’s no future in any of them. The boat docks, and it’s time for the guests to leave. There are lots of hugs, and Gigi says, it’s been a special couple of days. They had an amazing time and beach day was outstanding. The food was… okay. It was hit or miss. Some of it was good, but some of it missed the mark. The tip represents a little bit of that. Captain Sandy says, feedback makes us better, and they hug. In Aesha’s interview, she says, Gigi’s comment was accurate. Jono’s plating is mostly average, and she doesn’t want to be embarrassed by any plate she puts down on charter. She tells Ellie and Bri that she’s impressed with their improvement. Ellie is a natural born service person, and she thanks her for taking Bri under her wing. The captain radios that it’s time for the tip meeting.

Captain Sandy says, the deck team killed it. There were some issues with a guest and the catamaran, but Nathan and Gael did an amazing job with the beach games. She loved how they worked together. She’ll discuss the food with Jono on the bridge later. She tells interior that the party was epic, and the guests loved it. The tip is $25K or $2000 each, which doesn’t reflect okay to me. I wonder what excellent would have been. She tells them that they’re going to turn the boat around and thanks them. In Joe’s interview, he says he likes two babes in the same department. He’s testing the waters on both ends. The captain calls Jono to the bridge, which is where we started this episode.

Captain Sandy tells Jono that she tasted the food, and it was salty. She asks why he chose chicken for the chef’s choice when it was a chance for him to show what he could do. We flash back to the guests being underwhelmed, and he says, he was trying to see what he could serve that satisfied all preferences. Some people didn’t like seafood, and some didn’t like red meat. The captain says she doesn’t think chicken should be served on a yacht. He could make epic seafood for those who like it, and a different protein for those who don’t. He’s got to work on his plating, and the ice cream was also melted. Jono blames the freezer, and Captain Sandy says, she’ll make sure it’s fixed. Don’t lose his mind in the galley. Jono says he prides himself on his professionalism and accepts criticism. He was self-trained, and if the guests don’t like it, he needs to know why and he’s happy to improve. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, it’s only charter two, but it has to be perfect from charter one. She’s given second chances in the past, but she’s not waiting to find another chef just in case he doesn’t come through. She texts provisioner Norma, and says she needs someone on standby.

The crew goes out to a restaurant, and Aesha asks Jono if he’s okay. He says, the captain wasn’t super critical, and he welcomes feedback. Bri wonders what’s up with the espresso martinis in Greece. They’re like a sweaty person after a long day. In Ellie’s interview, she says she’s not jealous of Bri flirting with Joe, but Bri knows she’s attracted to him and they’re roommates. The general rule on a boat is, you don’t want to go for the guy your supervisor is interested in. Gael’s boyfriend texts her, and Bri tells Jono that she’s annoyed with Ellie because she wants Joe.

They leave for a club, drink some more, and dance. Ellie dances with Joe, and Nathan comes on to Gael. In Ellie’s interview, she says she’s going for Joe. They’re getting it on. Not tonight, but pretty soon. Gael says, it looks like Bri needs to get something out, and Bri says she’s irritated. She and Ellie talked about Joe, and she knows Ellie is interested in him because she asked if Bri was. Gael encourages Bri to go after Joe anyway, and while Ellie takes a break, Bri sits next to him. He asks who she’s gravitating toward, and she says she’s feeling it out. He asks if she’d s*ck Nathan’s d*ck, and she says she’d take his.

Ugh.

Next time, Jono says, it’s still not good; Ellie tells Bri that she’s breaking girl code; Bri tells the captain that this unnecessary drama is killing her; and Ellie says she’s out.

🏇 Matching My Polos…

Join me tomorrow for soap and a little Dubai talk. Until then, stay safe, stay never body shaming anyone who hasn’t worked on their summer body, and stay remembering that something can be wonderful and hard at the same time.

Jun22

July 21, 2024 –Carly Hears the Audio File, On Returning, No Social, Almost Brandy, OC Drama, Coming Deck, VanderJunk, Expectations, Reunion, Animal Tales, Jesting, More Than 8 Quotes & Love

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Carly says she’s sorry to keep Sam waiting, and Sam says, crisis averted? Carly says, more like crisis handled for now. Sam says, good, because she’s going to need Carly’s undivided attention. She only wants to do this once. Carly says, do what? and Sam says she knows why Jason let them think he was dead.

Anna tells Jason that she’s having dinner at Valentin’s house tomorrow. She’ll find the opportunity to search. Then she’ll get the evidence that he’s running Pikeman. Jason says his way is simpler, and she says, if by his way he means he’s going to break in, search, and if he doesn’t find anything, he’ll beat the truth out of Valentin, that’s not going to work. He says, her way will? and she says, yes, because she’s Valentin’s blind spot. She can take him unawares. Jason just has to be patient. Jason says he sacrificed over two and a half years to protect Carly. He will not let this go to waste. He needs to prove to the FBI that Valentin is their guy.

Chase says, Brook really went all out for dinner, and she says, it’s their first homecooked meal as a married couple. It’s a big milestone. It doesn’t matter that she’s cooked a ton for him in the past. This was the first official one. He says, then he officially declares it delicious, and she asks how he’d rate it. He says, five stars. And the food was pretty good too. He kisses her.

Maxie says, Bailey Lou has had her second bath and is in bed, and James asks her to tell Georgie that he didn’t throw food as a baby. Maxie asks Violet if they’re still fighting about this. Who’s winning? Violet says she thinks it’s a tie, and James says, that means he won. Georgie says, no, it doesn’t, and Maxie says, they’re all winners. Why doesn’t Violet get her stuff and she’ll take her home. Georgie says, they really don’t want Violet to go home. Can she please sleep over? Spinelli comes in and says, hello, family, and the lovely Violet. He’s sorry he missed dinner. Maxie says, he also missed clean-up. How was work? He says he’ll fill her in after dinner, and James asks if Violet can’t stay. Maxie says, maybe next time. Violet’s dad really wants her home. Violet says, it’s okay. She had a lot of fun today, but she hasn’t to go home now. Her dad gets really sad and lonely when she’s not there.

Finn lies on the couch, his phone playing morose music alongside an open bottle of tequila. (Why? Why is it always tequila?) He wakes with a start, sits up, and holds his head. He picks up the bottle and takes a swig. (Ugh. It’s bad if you’re drinking straight from the bottle, and Michael Easton is so good, he’s making me feel ill.) He notices a smear of blood and some glass on the table, and looks at his hand, realizing he has a piece of glass imbedded in his palm. He pulls out the glass, takes another swig, and pours some tequila on the wound, which is obviously painful. He tries to get up, but falls on the floor and stays there.

Sam puts her phone on Carly’s desk and says, what she’s about to hear isn’t all about her, even though she knows Carly is going to make it that way. Sam’s life and her children have been affected. Elizabeth and Jake, and anyone who’s ever loved Jason and mourned his death.  Carly asks where she got this and how she knows it wasn’t altered, and Sam says, it’s real. Spinelli got it from the FBI’s evidentiary database. And of course (🍷) Carly will be able to confirm its authenticity. Sam hits play, and Carly’s voice says, as you all know, my husband is dead, but his organization isn’t. It’s still strong and stable. The only thing that’s changed is the person who sits in Sonny’s seat, and from now on, that will be me.

John comes into the warehouse and asks, where is she? Jason says, where’s who? and John tells him not to play games. He knows Anna was here. Jason says, and now she’s not. John asks what they talked about, and says, Jason had better have been smart enough to record it. Jason says he never records conversations, and John says, then they have a problem. Unless he’s figured out another way to prove Anna is the one running Pikeman. Jason says, John’s not going to find anything on Anna because there’s nothing there. Or does proving it not even matter anymore?

Anna says, sorry she’s late, but Valentin says, don’t worry about it. He’s just glad she wasn’t canceling. She says she did think about it, but she wanted to see him. He says he’s glad, and she says, whatever he’s cooking smells delicious. He says, coq au vin, and she says, the classics. They never get old. She’s always loved how he decorated this place. He says, that makes him happy because it’s all for her. He bought this house hoping they would share it. Does she know what goes well with coq au vin? A Bordeaux he brought back from his travels. Would she like a glass? She asks how she could say no, and he says, she can’t. He’ll be right back. He goes into the kitchen, and she says, take your time. When he’s gone, she starts snooping around.

Violet thanks doorman Carl for walking her up and he says, anytime. Tell her dad he said hi. She closes the door and sees Finn on the floor. She says, dad? and runs to him. She shakes him and says, she’s home. Wake up. She sees the blood on his hand and takes his phone off the table. She sees he missed a call from Tracy, and she hits the number to call back.

Tracy picks up and says, it’s about time. She’s left him three messages. She was beginning to think he was avoiding her. Violet says, her dad needs help, and Tracy asks, what’s wrong? Violet says she thinks he’s dead, and Tracy says she’ll be right there. She calls 911 and says she needs to report an emergency. 347 Portside Road, apartment 9.

Spinelli kisses Maxie, and says, it seems as though she may be somewhere else. Is something wrong? She says, no. She’s just worried about Violet. He asks if something happened when she dropped Violet off, but she says, it was a completely normal drive. She just really heard what Violet was saying while she was here. How she needed to get home and be with her dad because she was worried about him. It kind of sounded like she was raising Finn, not the other way around. Spinelli says, she does seem responsible for her father, but what if that’s just their normal relationship? After all, in the dictionary, under the word precocious, there’s a picture of Violet. Maxie says, even so, it’s possible for a child to be too sensitive. She feels like there might be something going on at home.

Tracy runs into Finn’s apartment, and Violet says, he won’t wake up. Tracy says she called an ambulance, and asks Violet to wait by the door until they get here. She checks Finn, and the paramedics come. Violet tells them, he’s over there, and they go over to him. Tracy says, his daughter found him like this when she came home. Luckily, Violet had the good sense to call her. She tells Violet that she thinks her dad is just sleeping, and Violet says, on the floor? Did he fall? Tracy says, maybe, probably, and Violet asks why there’s blood on him. Tracy says she thinks he cut his hand when he fell. The paramedics will take care of it and they need to give them room. She’ll talk to them. She tells Violet to stay where she is, and asks one of the paramedics how bad Finn is hurt. The paramedic says, the cut? and Tracy asks if they checked his airways and his heart. The paramedic says she’s sorry to put it this way, but drunk is not an emergency. Tracy says she knows that, they know that, but Violet doesn’t know that. She has to get her out of here, so she’ll be back. She tells Violet that the paramedics want a little time to help her dad. Grab her bag. She thinks they should visit her Uncle Chase. Violet says she’s already been gone too long today, and Tracy says, her dad didn’t hurt himself because she was gone. She knows how happy it will make her Uncle Chase to see her, and she’ll come right back here and make sure her dad is as good as new. Violet says she doesn’t want to go, and Tracy says she understands, but she would say her dad needs to rest, wouldn’t she? Violet says, what if he doesn’t wake up like grandpa? but Tracy says, it isn’t the same thing. Her grandfather was really, really sick. Does she remember all the doctor’s appointments and the special things he needed to walk and to breathe? Her dad just needs a little time to feel like himself again. Violet asks if she’s sure, and Tracy says she is. Violet asks if she can give him a kiss before they go, and Tracy says she wishes Violet could, but they need to give them room to work. Violet says, okay, picks up her bag, and leaves with Tracy.

Carly says she can’t believe this, and Sam says, she didn’t know the FBI had evidence against her? Carly says, no. All Jason told her was that he was an informant. She assumed they had evidence against him. It never occurred to her… Sam says, that it was her, and Carly says she can’t believe this recording even exists. It took place over three years ago with the heads of all the families under incredibly tight security. Sam says, obviously not tight enough, because the FBI was able to record the whole meeting, including Carly’s declaration that she was taking over for Sonny as head of his organization. Carly asks why Sam even went looking for it, and Sam says, because she wanted to know what the FBI was using to force Jason to cooperate. So she was able to borrow and copy Agent Cates’s credentials, and Spinelli was able to hack into the evidentiary database. Their plan was to get rid of the evidence once they had it, but Cates’s access did not allow for him to alter or delete the file. So all Spinelli could do was make a recording of the audio file. Carly says she can’t believe Jason was protecting her. Everything he’s been through… Poor Jason. Sam says, he’s not the victim here. Jason abandoned his children and let anyone who ever loved him think he was dead.

Anna rifles through Valentin’s desk, listens for him coming, then looks on the shelves. He comes back with two glasses of wine and says, sorry to keep her waiting. He hands her a glass and she says, some things are worth the wait. He asks if she found what she was looking for.

Chase opens the door to Tracy and Violet, and Tracy says, sorry to come by unannounced, but she told Violet how happy they’d be to see her. Chase says, of course (🍷) they are. He can always use some more Violet time. He invites them in, and Brook says, they were just talking about how much they miss her and want to hang out with her, and here she is. Perfect timing. She just made dessert – apple pie – and they were about to dig in. She’s sure Violet wants a piece. Violet says, that’s okay. She’s not hungry. Chase asks if she wants some hot cocoa. She can put all the marshmallows she wants in it. (All I can think is, Chase, it’s 90 out today.) Violet says she’s fine, except she was in the pool all day and put her wet swimsuit in her bag. It gets all gross if she leaves it in there. Brook says, come with her, and they’ll hang it up. She and Violet leave, and Chase asks Tracy, why is Violet with her and what’s going on?

Anna says, Valentin caught her. She was just looking at all the titles on his books; they’re so interesting. He knows how she’s always pretending she’s going to read at night instead of going to sleep as soon as her head hits the pillow. He says he always loved the untouched stack of books on her bedside table. She’d never let him move them because she said she was going to get to them. She says she promises she will one day… when she retires, and he says, it sounds like her work is very busy. She says, the Commissioner’s job is never done, and he tells her to try the Bordeaux. She takes a sip and says, that’s delicious. Yum. He says he’s glad she likes it because there’s plenty more where that came from for them to share in the future. She says, that’s a bit presumptuous of him, and he says, hope springs eternal, darling. She says she did actually find out an interesting piece of information in her work about Jack Brennan, and he says, he’s ancient history, but she says, he’s not so ancient. He was injured recently in Pentenville. He was taken to GH for treatment. He got caught in a knife fight. He says, that’s unfortunate. Still, you can count on Jack to make enemies of those he’s stuck with behind bars. She says she was alerted when he was taken in for treatment. Jurisdictional courtesy and all that. She went to see him. Valentin says, and? and she says, he knows Jack. You can never get a straight answer out of him. But he did strongly imply that he did stab himself in the hopes he’d get a visit from Carly of all people. He says, hopefully, he’ll recover. He’s really not interested in discussing Jack. He’d really rather discuss her. She says, he’s so good at deflecting, and he says he learned from the best. He suggests they adjourn to the patio and have dinner.

John tells Jason, the good people of Port Charles may have been fooled into seeing Anna as a dedicated public servant, but you don’t have to dig very deep into her background, especially her time at the WSB, to uncover evidence that proves Anna is the head of Pikeman. Jason says, the evidence can be interpreted any way he wants, and he wants Anna to be guilty. John says he won’t be lectured by a man who spent years working for Sonny Corinthos, and Jason says, John is also derailing his investigation by targeting the wrong person. John says he’s following the evidence, and if Jason won’t or can’t find him what he needs to shut down Pikeman and close this case, he won’t go back to Quantico empty handed. He will take Carly Spencer with him. He walks out.

Carly closes the door and says, Sam knows Jason didn’t want to leave Danny and Jake or anyone else he loved. He was doing it to protect her. Sam says, yes, because he loves Carly more than he loves his own kids, and Carly says, it isn’t Jason’s fault. If Sam wants to blame someone… Sam says, blame her? Don’t worry. She does. She thinks Carly is just as responsible for this as Jason. She showed up at a mob meeting. She claimed to be running Sonny’s organization. She incriminated herself. And instead of paying for her actions like the adult she is, Jason abandoned his children and abandoned his life to cover for her. Carly says, Jason was doing what he thought was right, and Sam says, how convenient for her. She doesn’t ever have to pay for her mistakes. Carly says, why doesn’t Sam direct some of this anger toward Agent Cates? He’s the one who started all this, not Jason. Sam says, Carly will always stick up for Jason like Jason sticks up for her. What about everyone else? What about the people who believed in Jason? What about the people he left behind… for you? Sam walks out.

Tracy tells Chase, Violet just walked in on her father, passed out, drunk, and bleeding on the floor, and Chase says, bleeding? She says, he cut his hand. It wasn’t serious, but it was messy. Violet didn’t know it wasn’t serious. She actually thought he might have died while she was having fun on a playdate. She blamed herself because she left him alone all day. He asks how she found Violet, and she says, Violet saw missed calls from her on Finn’s phone and called her back. Violet told her that her father needed help. He says, poor Violet, and Tracy says, he should have seen the look on Violet’s face when she walked in there. She was terrified. He says, Tracy wanted to get her out of there, so she brought Violet here, and she says, Violet adores him and she thought maybe he could distract her from what she just saw. He asks, where’s Finn now? and she says, he’s at home with the paramedics. She called 911 and hopefully, they got him bandaged and sobered up by now. She will soon see. He says he’s coming with her, but she says, no, he’s not. He says, of course (🍷) he is. Why wouldn’t he? She says, because when Finn wakes up, he’s going to want to see Violet and he just can’t. Not like this. So she wants him and Brook to take Violet back to her house. He asks, why? and she says, he doesn’t have the room here for Violet to stay here, and what if Finn decides to come and get her back? Does he really want Finn pounding on his front door, putting her through that after everything else she’s been through tonight? He says, God no, and she says she can handle Finn. He needs to comfort his niece. She needs her Uncle Chase to make her feel safe. He says, okay. He’ll do it here way, but she has to keep him posted on Finn’s condition. She says she will. She has Violet’s keys so she can let herself back in. He thanks her for all of this, and she says, he knows she loves Finn. He’s her friend. And she also knows this is what his father would want, and she’s grateful she can help his son any way she can. He says he can’t believe Finn would let Violet see him like this. The pain he must be in to let this happen. He wants to be here for his niece, but he feels like he’s failing Finn if he doesn’t go with her. She says, he’s done everything he can to help his brother, and truthfully, she can say things to Finn that he can’t. And what she’s going to say to him, he really needs to hear. She leaves.

Spinelli and Maxie snuggle on the sofa, when there’s a knock at the door. Maxie asks if Spinelli is expecting anyone, and he says, no. She says, great, and gets up to answer it. She opens the door to Sam, who says she’s sorry she didn’t call. She has to discuss something with Spinelli. Maxie says she owes the kids some butterfly kisses, and leaves. Spinelli says, Sam left him earlier quite expeditiously. Dare he ask where she was going? She says she went to see Carly, and he says he thought she’d go see Jason. He should have anticipated her need to confront Carly. She says she wanted to see what Carly knew about Jason and the FBI, and he says, she played the recording for Carly? She says, Carly can lie like a pro, but her reaction was genuine. Tonight was the first time she knew that Jason spent the past two years under the control of the FBI so she didn’t have to face charges of racketeering.

There’s a knock at Carly’s office door, and she says, come in. John asks if she’s got a few minutes, but she says she’s a little busy. He says he’ll make it worth her while, and holds up a bottle of champagne. Full disclosure, even though she owns half the hotel and could get this bottle for free, he charged it to his suite. She says, he didn’t expense it to the FBI? and he asks who she thinks pays for his suite. He just never thanked her properly for coming to his rescue that night in the alley or spending the night nursing him in his suite (WOTD). Things could have gotten a lot worse had she not been there, and he appreciates her help. She says, he’s welcome, and he says he’s also grateful that she didn’t tell anybody about it like he asked. She says, and that deserves an expensive bottle of champagne? and he says he just thought he should celebrate. His investigation is almost finished. A little more time wrapping things up and he’ll be heading back to Quantico. She says she’ll be sorry to see him leave Port Charles, and he says he won’t miss much about Port Charles, but he will miss her.

As they walk back inside, Anna tells Valentin that his coq au vin is perfect, and he says he’s glad she liked it. But he can’t take full credit. It’s not his recipe. She says she appreciates honesty. It’s so rare these days. He says, and all the more precious because of it. In the spirit of honesty, he has an armagnac that makes the perfect digestif. He pours them each a glass, and asks, what should they drink to? She says, their lovely conversation under the stars, and he says, that is cause for celebration. Anna says, or they can talk about something they haven’t touched on yet. Like his success at ELQ. He seems to be jetting around all over the place lately. What exactly is he up to these days? He says, most of his trips to Europe are just excuses to pop in and see Charlotte. It’s one of the perks of having access to a corporate jet. She says she wouldn’t know. And the rest of the time? He says he’d bore her to tears with all that corporate stuff. He thinks her work is far more interesting. What case is she working on now? What mysteries is she solving at the moment? She says, everything she’s working on is classified, and he makes a pouty face. She says, which reminds her, she has a very big day tomorrow. This is really lovely. Thank you, but I have to go. He takes her hand and says, no. Please don’t. There’s something he has to tell her.

She says, sounds serious. Should she be concerned? He says, it is serious. They’ve been dancing around this for a long time. A long time ago, the trust between the two of them was damaged. She says she expects that’s true for both of them, and he says he really only believes 30% of what she tells him. She says, that’s interesting. Her percentage for him is actually a lot lower. He says he supposes he deserved that. If he hasn’t completely drained the trust tank, he’d like to say something to her, and he thinks she’s going to understand it’s completely honest. She says, and that is? and he says he loves her. He always has. It’s in his DNA; it’s like the color of his eyes. Being apart from her is the hardest thing he’s ever done, and he keeps wishing that this hopeless feeling of loving someone he can’t have will fade away. But it doesn’t. He doesn’t think it ever will.

Carly says, since John is opening up a bottle of fancy champagne and celebrating heading home, does that mean he’s rounded up all the bad guys and put them in prison? He says, wouldn’t that be nice? and she asks if that means he hasn’t. He says, investigations are rarely cut and dried. One thing about bad guys, there’s always one more out there. She asks if this one more is really dangerous, and he says he’s not sure what they’re capable of, but this person has done some very bad things. She says, interesting choice of words – this person. Does that mean the bad guy is really a woman?

Spinelli asks if Carly is worried about the information on her that the FBI is holding over Jason’s head, but Sam says, they really didn’t talk about it. She was more concerned about what Jason was up to. He says, perhaps when she has time to process, she’ll realize the great jeopardy. The recording incriminates her for possible RICO violations… Sam asks why he’s worried about Carly being charged. That’s never going to happen. Jason made his choice. He turned his back on everyone to keep Carly safe. Now he’s going to have to live with those consequences.

Chase says he knows Violet is scared and worried about her dad, but he promises her dad is going to be okay. She asks how he knows that, and he says, sometimes, grown-ups just know things. Brook says, he’s not lying to her. Her Uncle Chase is a cop. He’s telling her the truth. Violet asks if Chase knows how to cook, and he says he sure does. She asks if he thinks he could teach her how to make stuff besides sandwiches. Maybe her dad won’t look so tired or be so sad if she can make him some good things to eat when he comes home from work. Chase says he knows she wants to help her dad, but it’s not… Brook shakes her head, and he says, it’s not that hard to – Brook nods – to make something special. How about this? They’re going to go and spend the night at the Quartermaines, and in the morning, he’ll make some French toast. Sasha can cook for everybody else, but he, Violet, and Brook will have their own thing. It’ll be his special recipe with cinnamon. Violet says, with whipped cream on top? and he says, of course (🍷). It’s no good any other way. He puts his arm around her and hugs her to him.

Finn half sits/half lies in a chair, his hand bandaged. Tracy comes in and says, hello? She looks around and says, they just left him like that. She kicks one of Finn’s feet, but he barely stirs. She kicks him again, but nothing. She sighs and gets her phone out of her bag. As she fights back tears, she takes pictures of Finn, the broken glass, and the nearly empty bottle, with the blood smear next to it. She gathers her composure and takes another photo of Finn. (Reality check. It’s highly doubtful the paramedics would have left Finn alone and passed out. If something had gone sideways, like him dying from alcohol poisoning, they could be sued.)

As he opens the bottle, John says, if he didn’t know any better, he’d say Carly was trying to worm confidential information out of him. She says, he’s the one who showed up here with champagne trying to lower her defenses. He says, maybe he just wants to celebrate the beginning of the end, and she says, by all means. He pours the champagne and says, as for the gender of the bad guy, a good agent never tells. He hands her a glass, and she asks if he’s a good agent. He says, the best, and she says she’ll drink to that, and they clink glasses.

Anna says, as much as she tried to fight it, she’s still very much drawn to him. And like him, she wishes she didn’t feel it. It’s late. She really should go. She’s had such a lovely evening. She takes his hand, and he thanks her. He kisses her hand and says he loved it too. He just wishes it didn’t have to end. She says, maybe it doesn’t, and he kisses her. They continue to kiss, as Jason lurks around the front of the house. He sees them through the window. He looks… I don’t know. It’s Jason. He never looks any kind of way but Jason.

Violet says, spending the night at the Quartermaines will be fun, but she didn’t bring her PJs. Brook tells her not to worry about that. Scout has a bunch at the house she can borrow. Violet says, all right, but she still has to call her dad and ask if she can come. He cut his hand, and it was bleeding. He might need her help tonight. Brook suggests she give Violet’s dad a call and make sure it’s okay. She thinks she left her phone in the kitchen and asks if Violet wouldn’t mind grabbing it for her. Violet says, sure, and goes to the kitchen. As soon as she’s gone, Brook says, all she wants to do is take care of Finn. It’s breaking her heart. Chase says he knows. Him too. She says she didn’t think she could love him any more than she does, but watching him be such a great uncle to that little girl… He says, is she kidding him? He’d do anything for that girl. He hates lying to her. It feels wrong. Brook says, no, it’s not wrong. There are certain things children need to be protected from. What Finn is going through right now is one of them. Violet is too young to understand the truth of what’s going on. It will only scare her. They’re keeping Violet safe. So any time he starts to feel guilty, remind himself of that, okay? Brook calls to Violet that she found her phone. She called dad and he said it was okay for her to spend the night at the Quartermaines.

Tracy walks into the living room with Finn’s medical bag. She fishes around in it and comes out with a capsule of what (I think) they used to call smelling salts. She pops it open under his nose, and he sits up, coughs, then groans. He says, what the…? What happened? Tracy says, you tell me, and Finn looks at her for a moment, then says, where’s Violet? Where’s his daughter? Tracy says, she’s gone. She’s not coming back.

Tomorrow, Carly says she has to fix this and make this right; Kristina asks if Ava wants to do the honors, or should she; Violet asks Brook, what if he thinks she doesn’t love him anymore; and Finn tells Tracy, if anyone tries to stop him, he’s calling the police.

🧼 After His Break…

It’s great how GH gives actors wiggle room and also fosters their other talents.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/dominic-zamprogna-opens-up-about-his-break-from-gh

🔌Ryan Unplugged…

Can’t say I blame him.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ryan-paevey-explains-why-hes-retreating-from-social-media

🥂 Valentin’s Digestif…

I’d never heard of this before. The more you know…

https://www.liquor.com/articles/brandy-armagnac/

🍊 That Boy Is a Monster…

Looks like someone has been on Ozempic. Maybe everyone. Most of this is just sad. I don’t remember a lot about Alexis, but I’m guessing she’s not super bright. Rhyming door with Beador isn’t exactly poetic genius.

VIDEO: See RHOC Season 18 Trailer! Shannon Calls John Janssen a “Monster” as Alexis Taunts Her, Travis Moves Out of Home With Gina, & Heather is Accused of Lying, Plus Ryan’s FBI Drama, Shannon’s DUI, and Meet Newbie Katie!

🛟 Preview On Deck…

What’s coming up on the next Med.

Below Deck Med Season 9, Episode 4 Preview: Captain Sandy Sees ‘Huge Red Flag’ With Chef Jono

🍸 Perception Of the Rules…

The VanderQueen herself.

Lisa Vanderpump Discusses Ariana’s Potential Exit, If They’re Feuding, and Lala Nearly Quitting Vanderpump Rules, Plus VPR Pause, Ann Maddox’s Future on Show, and Credits Stassi for Start of Series

This season’s MVanderP.

Lala Kent Says She Was Approached for ‘The Traitors,’ and Shares Update on Scheana Friendship, Plus She Talks Tom Sandoval’s Casting, Katie & Ally’s Convo, Due Date, and What She’s “Most Excited” for With Baby No. 2

On the VanderOutskirts.

Billie Lee Says She Staged “Intervention” for Tom Sandoval After Finding “Drugs” as She Explains Why They’re No Longer Friends, Plus Claims Tom’s Girlfriend Victoria Wanted Ariana’s Stuff Out of House & Dishes on Their “Toxic” Fights

⚰️ Setting the Bar…

Wake me when September starts.

https://undeadwalking.com/posts/norman-reedus-sets-high-expectations-of-daryl-dixon-the-book-of-carol-01j08qn5shvk

🎸 Together As a Hole…

I loved this band. Whatever else you think of Courtney, she’s a brilliant musician.

https://people.com/hole-courtney-love-melissa-auf-der-maur-reunite-in-studio-8666898

🃏 A Joke…

A burglar broke into a house one night. He shined his flashlight around, looking for valuables when a voice in the dark said, Jesus knows you’re here. He nearly jumped out of his skin, clicked his flashlight off, and froze. When he heard nothing more, after a bit, he shook his head and continued.

Just as he pulled the stereo out so he could disconnect the wires, clear as a bell he heard a voice say, Jesus is watching you. Freaked out, he shined his light around frantically, looking for the source of the voice. Finally, in the corner of the room, his flashlight beam came to rest on a parrot.

Did you say that? he hissed at the parrot. Yep, the parrot confessed, then squawked, I’m just trying to warn you that he is watching you. The burglar relaxed. Warn me, huh? Who in the world are you?

 I’m Moses, replied the bird.

Moses? the burglar laughed. What kind of people would name a bird Moses?

The same kind of people that would name their Rottweiler Jesus.

🦄 It’s Okay To Be Different…

Kind of like that eagle in Strays.

https://people.com/intersex-tortoiseshell-kitten-found-in-oregon-8661653

Who knew he was a farmer at heart? Or is he hoping to hatch a dinosaur egg?

https://people.com/chris-pratt-chickens-washington-state-ranch-8665857

The donkey has found his people… er, elk.

https://people.com/pet-donkey-missing-5-years-found-living-with-wild-elk-8667442

🐓 Quotes of the Week

Many a trip continues long after movement in time and space have ceased. – John Steinbeck

Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful. – Annette Funicello

Behind her back, like a lady and a professional. – Kate Chastain (Below Deck) on how one should gossip

The great Western disease is, I’ll be happy when… When I get the money. When I get a BMW. When I get this job. Well, the reality is, you never get to when. The only way to find happiness is to understand that happiness is not out there. It’s in here. And happiness is not next week. It’s now. – Marshall Goldsmith (Or my favorite, when I lose weight.)

I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order. – John Burroughs

The road to success and the road to failure are almost exactly the same. – Colin R.Davis

Good judgment comes from experience, and experience comes from bad judgment. – Rita Mae Brown

Sometimes when you have a lot of bars and a lot of people, people make bad choices. – law enforcement officer, Drugs Inc.: The Fix

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

🤽‍♀️ Coming Up For Air…

Enjoy the first weekend of official summer, or the A/C if it’s too hot where you are, and join me on Monday for soap and what’s on Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay always using sunscreen, stay saying the things a friend needs to hear, especially if others can’t. 

Jun20

Juneteenth 2024 – Alexis Gets Good/Bad News (and we’re back to present tense), Her Conflict, Standing Alongside, Their Baby, At the Top, Weeds In the Garden State, Rankings, New Life, Pets (!) Too & Kinky

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

🤸‍♀️ Shifting tenses. Going back to using present tense, since the other way wasn’t working for me.

General Hospital

Josslyn marvels at how early Gio gets to the pool, and says, he knows she’s very competitive. Now she has to figure out how to be a better, more conscientious employee than him. She tells him not to save someone; leave the lifeguarding to her. Sonny brings Avery in, and Avery tells Josslyn that she’s taking swim lessons. Josslyn introduces her to Gio, and Sonny says, it was about time he and Gio saw each other again.

Chase and Brook go to see Alexis, who says she’s sorry she didn’t make the wedding. If she’d known it would be the last time she’d see Gregory, she would have. She’s going to miss him. She shows them the medal Gregory gave her, and says, it was for good luck. She’s sure he’s going to send it when he can. Brook says, in between charming the angels, and Alexis asks the reason they’re here. Chase asks how it went with his brother, and she says, not well.

James and Cody come into the stables, saying, it was so cool, and Tracy asks, what’s cool? James says he jumped, but Cody says, technically, Comet did the jumping. Tracy wonders if Cody set jumps up for James, but James says, it was a huge tree, and Cody says, really, Comet took a longer than average step, but it counts as a jump. Tracy says she hasn’t worked up to jumping, but James has inspired her. She asks Cody to get her horse ready, and he says, it’s done. He’s going to take James back to the house. James complains that there are only girls there, and Cody says, his family is the best.

Maxie wonders why Spinelli is wearing a towel around his shoulders, and he says, Bailey required an unscheduled bath. He’s leaving it at that. Maxie says, they’re going to the pool when James gets back, and there’s a knock at the door. She opens it to Mac, who asks if anyone has seen his wife. There’s lots of hugging.

Stella, TJ, and Felicia discuss a patient who can’t afford treatment and has to wait five months for their benefits to kick in. They decide on the route they’re going to take and fist bump. Maxie calls Felicia, but Felicia says she can call Maxie later.

Alexis tells Chase and Brook that Finn was worse than she’d ever seen him. He was defiant, angry, and denied there was a problem, despite the evidence to the contrary. She thought she could navigate this road, since she’d done it before, but she had no magic words for them. Finn wasn’t going to listen until he was ready. Chase says, he’s not there yet, and Alexis says she’d try again if she thought it would help. Brook says, their immediate concern is Violet, and Alexis asks if they’ve noticed anything, like Violet being neglected. Chase says he doesn’t think so, but Brook says she’s concerned about Violet being left in a situation that’s potentially damaging. They want to protect her in every way. Chase says, they thought Alexis might have some advice for them.

Sonny says, it was a big deal for Gio to switch to PCU, and Gio says he likes it already. Sonny asks if he doesn’t regret leaving the city, and Gio says he’ll always be grateful that Sonny made it possible for him to go there. Sonny says, Gio has a gift that he wants him to pursue, but he’s concerned that Gio accepted going to PCU because Gio doesn’t want him to keep paying tuition. Gio says, it’s more complicated than that. PCU has an excellent music department and gave him a scholarship. He’ll always be thankful to Sonny… Sonny says, but he wants to pay his own way. He gets that. He likes making his own money and being independent. Gio says he’s not that independent. He’s living at the Quartermaines’. Sonny says, he should get hazard pay.

Natalia walks into the pool area on the phone and leaves a message for Brook. She wants to discuss the last recording session that Brook wasn’t able to attend… for good reason. She’s sorry about Brook’s father-in-law and hopes they got the flowers and card. She’s at the pool and wondering if Brook would like to join her. She sees Sonny, who says he was hoping to run into her. Would she like to join him? She says she’d love to, and he says his daughter is taking swim lessons. Natalia sees Avery and says, she’s adorable. She’s a water baby. Sonny says he loves swimming in Puerto Rico, and she says, it has the most beautiful beaches, but she might be bias. She had been biased about Kristina too, but she underestimated his daughter.

Maxie says, of all the days for her mom to ignore her calls, but Mac says she’s busy. Maxie says she left a message that there had been an exciting development, and Mac says, she thinks a sale at Wyndham’s is an exciting development. Spinelli brings nuBailey in, and Mac says, she got so big. He wonders if she’s getting her driver’s license next, and takes her from Spinelli. Spinelli tells him, gracious greetings and a heartfelt welcome home, and Mac asks if he’s a permanent fixture or temporary. Georgie says, he lives here now, and Spinelli makes an excuse to take Bailey and get out of the room. There’s a knock at the door, and Georgie opens it to Cody and James, who runs to Mac. Mac says he thinks James has grown a foot, and Cody says, pretty close. Mac says, it’s good to see Cody, and Cody says, him too.

Natalia says, it’s not that she didn’t think Kristina was lovely and intelligent, but the other day, they were all at a recording session and Blaze was terrible. In came Kristina, and a light switch flipped. She realized how much they loved each other. Sonny asked if Kristina made Blaze’s performance better, and Natalia says, Kristina’s presence made all the difference in Blaze’s emotional connection to the song. She asked if he believed in muses, and he said he thought so. He’d dabbled in the industry and was a silent partner in the 90s for a big music label. She says, everything was fun in the 90s, and he says, it was a good time. She says she thinks good times are ahead, and he says he hopes so.

Alexis says, family court isn’t for the faint of heart. It’s not what they’d expect. The best interest of the child should be the priority, but the way the state defines it and the way a loving relative does is hardly ever the same. Reporting a parent to CPS doesn’t guarantee protection, and the child can end up in a group home or with strangers. Chase says, that’s the last thing they want, and Alexis says, he’s in a tough predicament, being between his loyalty to Finn and protecting Violet. Her advice to them is to call a licensed clinical social worker, and Chase says, then that’s what they’ll do. Alexis wishes she was more help, but Chase says, just talking helped, and thanks her for trying with Finn. Alexis says, he’s a good man. He’s just lost. Chase says he knows that at some point, they’ll help him find his way back. She tells them, good luck, and they leave.

In the hallway, Brook sees she missed Natalia’s call, and tells Chase that she’s demanding. Chase says he’s still on leave and has extra time. He suggests she deal with it now. He’s going to GH. He knows exactly who to talk to.

Mac says he heard Cody was the new Face of Deception, but he thinks Sasha is better for business. Maxie says, they’re the former Faces, and Mac says, sorry. Cody says, don’t be. It’s not up his alley. Mac asks what he’s doing now, and Cody says he’s managing the stables at the Quartermaines. Maxie says, he’s been spending a lot of time with James, teaching him about horses, and James says, they jumped over a tree. Maxie says, what? and Cody says, James is exaggerating. It was more like a big stick, but it was still an awesome feat. He asks what Mac was up to, and Mac says he was helping a friend. Maxie asks if that’s all they’re getting, and Mac says, unfortunately, yes, and he hates keeping secrets. Cody says, him too, and Mac says, that’s something else they have in common. Cody says he’ll leave them to their family reunion. He’ll see James soon. Mac says he’d like to tag along sometime if it’s okay with Cody, and Cody says he’d like that. Mac says, he’ll set it up, and Cody watches the family interaction for a moment, then leaves.  

Sonny asks how Natalia is feeling about Blaze and Kristina’s relationship, and she says, worried. Not because she thinks it’s wrong, but the way she was brought up in Puerto Rico, they’re not accepting. Sonny says, love is love was not a motto she grew up with? and she says, no, but she’s evolving. She has a hard time seeing that kind of love ending in real happiness. He says, Kristina and Blaze have to figure it out, and she says, that means she’d have to relinquish control. It’s not her favorite. Her phone dings, and she says she has to approve some photo shoot proofs. She hands him a thumb drive of the recording session and asks him to give it to Brook. He says, on one condition, that he’s invited to the release party. She says she’ll see what she can do, and leaves.

Gio asks if Josslyn talked to Michael about the apartment yet, and she says she’s going after work to see him in person. She knows he’ll say yes, but she doesn’t want him to think she’s taking advantage. Gio says, that’s like him and Uncle Sonny. Sonny has paid for his musical education and would probably pay for him to go to Europe and visit all the concert halls, but that would be taking advantage. Josslyn asks if he’s worried about taking advantage of Sonny, and Gio says, when someone is as powerful and important as Sonny, people are always asking for things, and he never wants to take it for granted. Josslyn says, it’s nice to hear how Gio appreciates Sonny. She’s sure it means a lot to him.

Maxie tells Mac that Cody has been great for James. He treats James like a little brother, and all the kids at the Quartermaines are obsessed with him. She doesn’t know how he has the patience. Mac says, they’re not his. No matter how bad it gets, they go back to their parents. (Been there, done that as a mother’s helper. I had all the patience in the world because I was getting paid and going home at the end of the day.) Maxie says, Cody is gifted, and Mac says, so is she. She says she’s not sure her kids agree. Cody is like a real-life superhero around here. Like someone else she knows.

Diane goes to Alexis’s office, and says she comes bearing gifts. What she hopes is a source of clarity. She holds out an envelope and says, it’s from the Court of Appeals. It came in care of her office. Alexis says, she didn’t open it? and Diane says, tampering with the mail is a federal offense. She doesn’t know what’s in there, but Alexis’s future awaits.  

TJ says he’s impressed with what Felicia has done in record time. The few things she didn’t get are probably in the patient’s records, but they’ll have to get the patient’s consent. She says she already got it and it’s on file, and he says, she thought of everything. Her phone rings, and he says, Maxie again? It’s fine if she wants to pick it up. She says she will, when she’s officially off duty.

Tracy calls Finn and leaves a message. She says, he keeps not calling her back. She’s worried about him. Please call her. She goes into the other room, and startles Cody. She asks if he’s okay, and he says he’ll take care of her gear. She says, that’s not what she asked.

Maxie asks, what kind of mother doesn’t answer her daughter’s calls or texts? and Mac says, the working kind. He’s so proud of Felicia. Maxie says, she goes the extra mile for her patients and it’s spilling into other areas. She advocates for everyone, including Maxie, whether she wants it or not. She asks if Mac was in on Felicia’s plan to get Spinelli to move in, but he says he had no part of it. Maxie says, her heart was in the right place, and she’s glad it happened, but don’t tell Felicia she said that. They’re taking things slowly. Mac says, that’s music to his ears, and Maxie says she missed him so much. He says, it’s so good to be home.

Brook sees Sonny at the pool, and he motions her over. He tells her that Avery has her swim class, and she asks if he’s seen his wedding date. He says, Natalia just left, and Brook says, Natalia summoned her, then took off? He says, Natalia left something with him for her, and gives her the drive. He asks if she’s okay, and she says, it’s Chase’s niece Violet. He asks if she’s hurt or sick, and she says, Violet is fine for now, but if she tells him something, will he keep it between them? He says, of course (🍷), and she says, ever since Gregory died, Finn has been drinking… a lot. Sonny asks if he isn’t recovering, and she says, that’s why they haven’t faced this before. Finn furiously maintains it’s none of their business. Sonny says, that’s where he would be wrong.

Chase sees Stella in the café and tells her that TJ said she’d be here. She says, he ratted her out, and Chase promises to be brief. She’s a social worker. She says, and he’s a police officer, and he says, normally, he’d hand this off to someone else, but it’s personal, and he doesn’t feel comfortable with that. She asks if it has something to do with his father. She was sorry to hear about Gregory’s death. He says, no, but yes, and she says, that clears things up. He says, not directly with his death, but it may be a catalyst. There’s a child is with a parent in the throes of SUD. She says, Substance Use Disorder. Long term or recent? and he says, they’ve been clean for years, but the recent environment isn’t safe for anyone, let alone a little girl.

Alexis says, a friend just died and her two daughters are courting disaster, and Diane tells her, don’t buy a lottery ticket. Alexis says, or open that envelope, but Diane says, the outcome won’t change, no matter what. Isn’t Alexis tired of being in limbo? She knows she is. Alexis says she’s sorry to inconvenience Diane, and Diane says, if Alexis doesn’t open it, she will. Alexis says, do it… No, wait. She picks up Gregory’s medal, and says, go ahead. Diane opens the envelope.

Cody tells Tracy, where he comes from is a story with a winding road. He thought his dad was Mr. Bell, but he wasn’t. Then he assumed his dad was the rich guy Mr. Bell worked for, but he wasn’t. He moved to Port Charles and had a DNA test and finally knows who his father is. Tracy asks if it’s good news or bad news, but he says, his father doesn’t know he has a son. She asks if he’s a bad guy, but Cody says, the opposite. He likes him a lot. She says she’s confused, and he says, join the club. He’s had multiple chances to tell him, but he lied instead. He’s not sure he can walk it back. She says, it’s his story. He can walk it in any direction he wants. He asks, what if his father is furious? but she says, what if he’s thrilled he has a son?

Mac puts Bailey down for her nap, and Maxie says she thought he’d be more tan since he was in South America. Spinelli says, it’s winter there now, and James asks if it’s winter in Florida too. Spinelli asks Maxie if they teach geography at James’s school, and she says, he takes after her. (Same.) Felicia comes in and says, she’s here. What’s the exciting new development?

Sonny tells Brook that this has to be stopped. Kids are innocent, and they think the suffering and pain are going to last forever. Even if they get through it, it changes them. But with people like Brook in their corner, this child will never go through what he did. She won’t let it happen.

Chase says he’d prefer not to give specifics, and Stella suggests she ask questions and he can tell her what he’s comfortable with. She asks if the child is being neglected, but he says, no. She says, threatened or abused? and he says he doesn’t think so. Don’t tell him he has to wait until it happens. She says, there are agencies where he can report his concerns, but as a cop, he knows the drill. It’s not easy. A judge isn’t likely to break up a family over a couple of benders. Document everything and get statements from people who have seen the parent under the influence and acting irresponsibly. He asks if he’s supposed to build a case against his brother, but she says she’s advising him to build a case for his niece.

Alexis says, just tell her, and Diane says, well… There’s some good news and some bad news. Which does she want first? Alexis says, the bad news… no, the good, and Diane says, the court vacated her disbarment as improperly applied. Alexis says, she won? She can practice law again? Diane says, that leads to the bad news. Her legal license has been suspended for two years. Alexis says she’s waited this long. She can put up with this hellhole for a couple of years. Diane says, she doesn’t have to. Her two-year suspension started four years ago. She knows, she’s awful. Alexis says, it’s over, and Diane says, Alexis needs 48 hours of legal education and will have to apply to the bar. Alexis says she couldn’t have done it without Diane, and Diane says she knows. They dance around, saying, it’s over, and hug

Cody wonders if Tracy thinks he’s crazy, stupid, or both, and she asks if he wants to know what she thinks. He says, at this point, he’ll take Comet’s advice, and she says, he’s lucky. He has a clean slate and the opportunity for a fresh start. He says he lied and he’s still lying, but she says, one admission can put an end to it. The rest of their lives can begin any time, and he gets to decide when that is. She leaves.

Felicia says she fulfilled her duties at the hospital, despite the steady stream of interruptions. She’s confused as to what was so important. The kids are fine. The house isn’t on fire. James starts to say something, but Maxie stops him and says, it’s not on fire, but the house is hotter than it’s been in a while. Felicia asks if the A/C isn’t working, and coming in behind her, Mac says, the A/C is working. He’s sorry he was away so long. It won’t happen again. Maxie asks if Felicia understands why she was blowing up her phone. Felicia says, you’re here, and hugs Mac. James suggests they get ice cream to celebrate, and despite Maxie’s objection, Mac says, James can have all the toppings. Felicia says, welcome home, and they kiss. Mac says, it’s good to be here.

Tomorrow, Violet tells Finn that she doesn’t want to be alone; Spinelli tells Sam that they found their prize; and Carly tells Jason, what he’s doing affects you.

🧼 Not Twinning…

Excellent actress in a tough role.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-eva-larue-reveals-how-shes-trying-to-redeem-natalia

🧹 Enough Already…

It baffles and infuriates me how people use the anonymity of the internet to say whatever pops into their feeble little heads.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/general-hospital-defends-tabyana-ali-against-racist-attacks

🔮 Meanwhile In Another Soap Galaxy…

How cool is this?

https://people.com/kelly-ripa-and-mark-consuelos-reunite-with-their-all-my-children-baby-enzo-8664900

🔪 Top Of the Heap…

Since there was no more Quickfire Challenge, the chefs went right to Elimination, where they had to make the best four-course meal of their lives. There was food porn galore, including a new take on Hummingbird cake. Emeril Lagasse was the secret guest judge, which thrilled the contestants to no end. I went to see his show once at the Food Network in NYC, but I was in mountain goat territory, so no tasting for me. We did get a righteous bag of potato chips though. Read on to see who came out on top.

‘Top Chef’ finale recap: ‘Cruising to a Win’ crowned the season 21 champion – was it Dan, Danny or Savannah?

👠 What Happens in Jersey…

What’s annoying about RHONJ is that I’ve lived at the Jersey Shore for quite a while and have never met anyone like these people. That goes for the cast of The Jersey Shore as well. And I’ve never once heard anyone use the term bitch boy.

Real Housewives of New Jersey Season 14, Episode 7 Recap: An Ice-cold Housewarming

They should be scared. It’s time to call it a Jersey night. While they’re at it, they might find people who live in this century.

Report: RHONJ Cast ‘Walking on Eggshells’ and ‘Scared of Speaking Out’

The Countess speaks.

Luann de Lesseps Predicts Money Loss for RHONJ Cast After Canceled Reunion

🧑‍🍳 Chef On the Water…

Chef Ben will always know the way to my heart.

A Definitive Ranking of Every Below Deck Med Chef

🏡 Surreally Back…

Why, Macy Gray, why?

Kim Zolciak Joins Macy Gray and More Celebs in MTV’s Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets

🐕 Don’t Forget Your Pets…

Pets enjoy holidays too. Okay, we probably enjoy dressing them up for holidays more, but that’s beside the point. They do love being included.

Celebrating Juneteenth With Your Dog

🏄‍♀️ Sea-ing Clearly Now…

Take a break with me tomorrow for soap and useless, but amusing, information. Until then, stay safe, stay not monopolizing a community grill, and stay never taking advantage of your benefactor.

Jun18

June 17, 2024 – Alexis Confronts Finn, Tennis Pro Again On Deck, Soap Fathers, A Farewell, Covering Pride, Tearful Trailer, The Tonys, Don’t Watch This, Showing Off & True

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Michael surprised Willow with a birthday party at the MetroCourt pool.

At the hospital, Portia told Elizabeth she was headed to the party, but Elizabeth said she wasn’t in a party mood. Portia said she had something that would put a smile on Elizabeth’s face. Finn was going to be back at work tomorrow. Elizabeth asked to talk to Portia in private.

Finn was binging hard when there was a knock at the door. He hid the bottle and glass and sprayed his breath. He opened the door to Alexis, who said, surprise!

At the party Gio told Josslyn that Olivia and Lois insisted he come and meet people, and she said, his big night out was at his workplace, but at least they didn’t have to work. Gio said if she and Trina moved to the garage apartment, they could carpool, and Josslyn said she wanted to talk to Michael about moving, but not at the party. They clinked glasses in hopes of being neighbors. Nina popped in and asked to borrow Drew, saying it was something about Crimson. They stepped away, and she told him to do his thing and make it convincing. He said it had been his idea, so chill. He went over to Willow and said that Nina hadn’t known they were having a party. He thought he’d gently ask if she minded if Nina stuck around.

Willow asked if Michael minded, but he said, it was her party, so she went over to Nina and asked if Nina would like to stay. Nina said she knew she wasn’t invited, but Willow said she was inviting Nina now. Nina told Willow, happy birthday, and Willow said she was glad Nina was there. Cody told Chase that he was sorry about Chase’s dad, and Chase said he couldn’t believe he’d never see him again, but he was grateful for the time they’d had together. He wouldn’t trade it for the world. Sasha told Nina that she noticed Nina had tried the if you love someone, set them free thing, and Nina said, it worked. Sasha said she was thrilled. Willow had a good heart, and if Nina didn’t push it… Nina said she was trying.

Portia took Elizabeth to her office, and Elizabeth said, Finn was still drinking. Portia said she needed to be absolutely clear. The last time Elizabeth came to her as a friend, not as a boss. What about now? Elizabeth said, the situation had escalated, and she didn’t have a choice. She had to say something.

Alexis said she hadn’t seen Finn at meetings and was wondering what happened to their two meeting a day plan. Finn said he’d gotten busy, and Alexis asked if Violet was there. He asked, where else would she be? and Alexis said, a sleepover? Finn said, Violet was asleep, and Alexis asked if he minded if she checked on her. She was worried Violet might have been listening. She went to Violet’s room, and Finn took out his bottle and glass.

Michael told Carly that Nina had been invited by the birthday girl, and she asked how he felt about that. He said he hoped Willow wouldn’t be disappointed again if Nina failed her, but it was up to Willow. He was never going to try and control her life again.

Elizabeth told Portia that she’d ended the relationship because of Finn’s drinking. So she was coming to Portia as Co-Chief. She wanted to let Portia know that Finn was spiraling, and she was afraid he’d be a danger to his patients.

Alexis came back, and said, oh good. Finn was defiant drinking. He asked if she wanted one, and she said, more than anything, but no thanks. She thanked him for not hiding it. At least she wouldn’t have to get him to admit it, since he was clearly drinking. She asked if it was since the wedding, but he said, the first drink was an accident. She said, to be fair, she assumed it had been since his dad died, and he said, they’d just reconnected after a lifetime of being estranged. He’d felt his father’s love, then he was gone. Who wouldn’t drink? Alexis said, an alcoholic might try not to, but Finn said, alcohol had never been his problem. He was a recovering drug addict and hadn’t taken drugs. And it wasn’t like he was just getting high. Zekenestrol had been keeping him alive. Alexis said, he’d developed a dependency, and Finn asked if she was saying he was at fault, but she said, it wasn’t about fault. Addiction was a disease. He said he was an addict, but not an alcoholic. That was her thing. She laughed and asked what his point was, and he said, just because she couldn’t drink, didn’t mean he couldn’t. Alexis said, people who had only a drug addiction didn’t hide their liquor, but he said he wasn’t. He’d quit drinking out of an abundance of caution. He didn’t need it. Alexis said, he was making up for it now, and he said he could handle the alcohol, but not the snarky judgments and telling him how to live his life. No doubt, that’s why she was there.

Carly asked Drew, since when did he go to bat for Nina? Michael told her that he’d asked for Nina to stay. Drew said he did, and she asked, why, after everything she’d done to him? He admitted Nina wasn’t his favorite person, and Carly said, then why?

Curtis said he was glad Nina was assisting him with PR and the roll out of the wellness division, but was she sure she was okay working with Drew? She said, they had their problems, but they were working together. Despite the bad blood, they were grown-ups, and in a position to help each other. Curtis said he was in the room when Nina was throwing accusations about Carly and the alleged FBI agent in Drew’s face, and Nina said, it had been unprofessional, and she regretted it. She and Drew had reached a détente. If she could be in contact with Willow, she could put up with Drew as long Willow could put up with her. She just wanted to be part of Willow’s life and had no agenda. Curtis told her to hang in there. It would be worth it. He and Trina had a rough start, but now she was his greatest joy. They wished each other well.

Willow told Chase that she was sorry about his father, and asked how he was. He said he was recovering. Grief was like a series of natural disasters hitting you at random. She said, his father’s last day was spent with his family, celebrating Chase’s future, and Chase agreed it wasn’t a bad way to go. They hugged.

Drew said Carly had told him that his obsession with revenge against Nina would only hurt him, and he realized she was right. She said she hadn’t meant she wanted him to advocate for Nina, but he said, practically speaking, he needed her. Carly asked, why? and he said, she kept Crimson profitable and had introduced him to McConkey. Carly said, Nina didn’t do something for anyone without something being in it for her, and Drew said, Nina greed to coach Willow about being the New Tomorrow spokesperson, and he was inspired to keep on her good side. Carly told him not to push Nina and Willow together, but he said, it was about what Willow wanted.

Alexis said she was worried about Finn. He was saying and doing things to justify his drinking and pushing people away who wanted to help. Finn said he had an ache inside that wouldn’t go away and felt like he was rotting on the inside. He didn’t know anyone who wouldn’t need something to numb that kind of pain. She said, of course (🍷) they would, but numbing the thing inside stopped people from loving him. He said, maybe that was a sign people should leave him alone, and Alexis asked if he wanted his brother to leave him alone. Chase had lost the same father. Finn said he wasn’t sure it was the same loss, and she said, maybe Chase wanted to share their loss, but Finn said he didn’t want to. It was his to deal with in his way.

Elizabeth told Portia that Finn had been triggered by his father’s death. He had found Gregory, and now it had become an excuse. He claimed he’d been addicted to Zekenestrol and alcohol had never been a problem. He could handle it. Portia asked if he could, and Elizabeth said she’d found him with a woman and a bottle of tequila. Portia asked if he’d been with the woman in a none of her business way, but Elizabeth said, that wasn’t relevant. After seeing Finn’s anger, and his refusal to accept responsibility and admit there was a problem, she was concerned it would affect his patients. Portia said, she should be concerned, and Elizabeth said she was also concerned about Violet.

Brook thanked Carly for hiring Gio and gushed out his accomplishments. Gio said he could fold towels like nobody’s business, and Brook said, he’d played at the wedding, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Carly said, Josslyn had told her that he was playing at the summer festival, and Brook said, he was also majoring in music at PCU and was first violin. Gio told her that she was getting carried away, and Carly said, when you were proud of someone, you wanted the whole world to know. She hugged Josslyn.

Elizabeth told Portia that she went to check on Violet the next day, and Finn was clearly hungover. He and Violet were supposed to go to the pool, but he’d fallen asleep. He was an amazing dad and didn’t break plans with Violet. He’d had too much to drink, passed out, and was lying to cover it up. She didn’t want this to jeopardize his relationship with his daughter. Portia said, Elizabeth had to be hoping for some kind of outcome by telling her, and Elizabeth said she wanted Portia to convince Finn to go to rehab. Medical leave allowed them 12 weeks. Portia said she’d consider the options. She was sorry and was here for Elizabeth. She told Elizabeth not to hesitate in calling her if there was anything else. She knew how difficult it was to come forward, but Elizabeth had done the right thing for the hospital and the patients. Elizabeth said she hoped in the end it was the right thing for Finn, and they hugged.

Alexis said, got it, and Finn asked if that meant they were done. She said she didn’t see any point in continuing, and he said he could see in her eyes that she’d given up on him too. (Because there’s no pleasing him.) Alexis said she knew better than anyone how Finn hated bumper sticker preachy stuff at meetings. It was the last thing she wanted here, but only he could make the turn, see the cost of his drinking, and stop it. Finn agreed and said, only him, not any of them. Alexis said, and only he could ask for help and accept it, and he said, when he needed it, he would ask for it. He thanked her for her concern, and she asked why she suspected he didn’t mean that. He said, she was projecting her own stuff on him, but she said, even if that was so, the difference between them was, when she was free falling and living from bottle to bottle, she wasn’t the sole parent of a nine-year-old girl.

Willow said, when she thought of the mistakes and wrong turns that she and Chase made… He said, it was a miracle they ended up where they should be. She told him that he’d been the first man she loved, the first choice her heart made on its own, and he said, it all worked out.

Drew told Curtis and Michael that he was going to accept McConkey’s offer and endorsement. Curtis said he was going to be great, and Drew appreciated his support, not just as a candidate, but the wellness division was now on Curtis’s shoulders. This came out of nowhere, but the more he thought about it, he realized it was important to him. He had to try. Michael said he’d gotten a phone call from Judge Perez that made sense now. The judge told Michael that Drew had filed a petition to change his name. Drew said, that was another thing he’d thought hard about, and decided the Quartermain name was higher in recognition and had philanthropic history. Curtis said, there was also the implication of privilege, but Drew said, having money made him less susceptible to special interests. He’d be able to focus on the needs of the people. Curtis said, Drew sounded like a man with a plan.

Finn asked if Alexis was suggesting he was a bad father, but she said she thought he was a wonderful father when he was sober. But when he was drunk, he was this. He said he loved Violet more than anything. She was his whole world. He had always and always would put her first. Alexis told him, prove it and go to rehab, and he told her that she was overreacting. She said, why didn’t he ask Violet, since she was behind him listening. He turned around, but Violet wasn’t there, and Alexis said, made you look. But before he cursed her out, imagine if Violet had heard him. How proud did he think she’d be of her dad then?

Willow asked Sasha if things were going well, and Sasha said, they couldn’t be better. Willow told her not to let the Quartermaines railroad her, but Sasha said, after Lucy, she could handle anything. Cody asked if they wanted anything, and Willow was good, but Sasha asked him for a glass of wine. When he left, Willow asked how things were going, and Sasha told her that the job was fun and interesting. The accommodations were comfortable, and the salary was reasonable, and knowing she got to see Cody every day was a huge plus.

Brook said, Gio was the pride of the Cerullo family, and Gio said he’d better get home and practice. He left, and Carly said she heard Gio talk about a lot of family members, but not a mom or dad. Brook said, Gio’s father died before he was born. His mother had been a violinist with the New York Philharmonic, but also died. He’d been raised by the vast and loving Cerullo/Falconari clan. Carly said, he was lucky to have a supportive family.

Curtis said he was glad Portia could make it, and asked if she was okay. She said, it was just a thing at work, and he said he was going to be busier than he’d thought. Drew made his decision. She said, Drew was going to run? and Curtis said, yes. Portia said she supported him as a candidate, but didn’t like him leaving Curtis in the lurch, and Curtis admitted he was going to be busy. She said, as long as he wasn’t too busy for her, she had no problem with it. He said he liked being his own boss and this had opened the door for him to make things his own.

Finn said he thought it was time for Alexis to leave, and she said she thought it was time for him to go to rehab. Apparently, neither of them were getting what they wanted. If he started getting booze in bulk like she had, maybe then he’d look inside himself. Meetings weren’t going to fix this. He needed 90 days to dry out and sort himself out. Finn said Violet needed him and there was no way he was abandoning her, but Alexis said, he already did every time he drank. Violet had been living with a wonderful father, and now was trapped in the house with a drunk. He told her to get the hell out.

Michael told Willow that it was official, and Willow said she thought Drew would do a great job. He had to win. She didn’t know if changing his name was necessary, but he should go for it. Michael said, she was fired up, and she said, it was hard not to be. Drew’s opponent would set anyone who wasn’t a white, male billionaire back to the Stone Age.

Cody told Sasha that he’d been talking to Chase about his dad and how much he’d cherished the time spent with him. It got him thinking. Sasha said, about Mac? and Cody said, Mac was his father. He was like Chase’s dad; he was a good guy and Cody admired him. But unlike Chase’s dad, he was still here. Who knew for how long? Cody wondered if he was wasting time he’d want back. Sasha said, if he was asking that question, he knew the answer already.

Finn said, Alexis knew nothing about him and Violet, and was projecting her sad story on him. He wasn’t interested, and for the last time, he wanted her to get out. He opened the door, and she said, sober Finn would say that with more concern. Drunk Finn is mean. Her good friend, the kind, wonderful man and wonderful father was in there somewhere, and at some point, he’d have to live with the consequences of what he was choosing now. Call her when he hit rock bottom. It was going to be sooner than he thought.

Everyone sang Happy Birthday to Willow, and Sasha told her to make a wish. Willow blew out the candles, and everyone applauded and called for a speech. Willow thanked them, thanked Michael for throwing the party, and thanked the guests for coming. She was genuinely surprised. The occasion called for a speech, but not from her. She believed Drew had an announcement. Drew said he guessed that there was no time like the present, even though it wasn’t how he planned to do it. He was running for Congressman in the 28th district inf the state of New York. He truly believed there was too much division and greed with his opponent. Because Drew had money, that meant no one could sway him. There was a big difference between prosperity and greed. When they all prospered, they all won. There was applause, and Willow said she was proud he was part of the family. The best present they could give her was to vote for Drew.

Finn closed the door. He sat on the sofa, picked up his glass, swirled the liquor around, and caressed his face with it.  

Tomorrow, Sasha asks, what’s stopping Cody; Anna tells Valentin that she wonders if it’s wise; and Jason says, someone is being framed.

Below Deck Mediterranean

Gael goes to meet Nathan, but walks past a producer who asks if she needs a mic. She makes up an excuse that she’s just getting water and texts Nathan, telling him the situation and suggesting they call it a night. In Gael’s interview, she says she’s still in a relationship and was having stronger feelings than she needed to. Nathan said, f*** me, and in his interview, he said he hoped this wouldn’t make it awkward, but he was willing to take the risk. The boat heads for The Acropolis, and in Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, the last charter was the worst provisioning experience, so she was changing companies. Normally, she’s all about three strikes and you’re out, but if the first strike was that bad, you’re out. She calls a new provisioner and sets things up. Gael calls her boyfriend, probably out of guilt. Afterward, Nathan apologizes for being a knob, but she says she was a knob too, and they could be knobs together. Ellie talks to Bri about a laundry plan, and in Iain’s interview, he says he wants to be Captain Sandy’s best bosun ever. In Bri’s interview, she says she’s only been in the industry two years and knows she’s the baby, and in Ellie’s interview, she says, Bri is like a baby giraffe figuring out how to walk. The captain calls Aesha, Iain, and Jono for the preference sheet meeting.

Captain Sandy says, the primary is Gigi Fernandez, a 17-time Grand Slam champion, who’s won Olympic gold several times. She’s had Gigi on charter before and they became friends. We flash back to that, and the captain says, they had a great charter. She tells Jono that the chef made seven courses for each meal, and their expectations are high. They see the guests want Mexican food, yoga, and the water toys. The captain says, they’re going to Poros, and Jono sees that one of the guests has a lot of restrictions. Jono says, she hates seafood, and it’s one of the top requests, and Captain Sandy says, they’re used to getting what they want when they want it. In Jono’s interview, he says he’s never had exposure with this many preferences. He still looks at things like a designer rather than a chef. The captain tells him, pressure makes us better. You can tell she’s in AA. It’s that bumper sticker stuff Finn hates.

Provisions actually are provided, and Aesha and Jono are ecstatic. In Ellie’s interview, she says, there might be something between her and Joe. The guests arrive, and Captain Sandy says she’s happy to have Gigi back. Aesha will show them around the boat, then they’ll take off for their first adventure. Gigi visits the captain on the bridge, and they talk about their passions being their work. In Aesha’s interview, she says she feels these guests have higher expectations than the last guests. She prays to the god of the ocean to give her stews who know their jobs. Joe flirts with Bri and finds out she has a tattoo. In his interview, he says his granddad was Italian and his father figure. He was against tattoos, so Joe has none, but on a female, they’re like forbidden fruit. Bri wants Ellie to teach her how to be flirty and seductive AF, and Ellie asks if she’s thinking of anyone specific, but Bri says, just in general. In Ellie’s interview, she says she has chemistry with Joe. Usually, when she sets her eyes on a guy, he’s already interested, so it’s just giving him the green light. In Bri’s interview, she says, yeah, it’s Joe.  

In Jono’s interview, he says, it’s a Mexican themed lunch. The last boat he worked on, the owners were Mexican, so it’s going to be a breeze. Lunch is served, and in Ellie’s interview, she says she’s definitely biting her tongue with Jono, but it’s hard for her. All she can do is remain professional going forward. Gigi thinks there’s something overbearing with the spices, and Jono did look pretty heavy handed with them. Aesha asks if Bri is writing down the laundry pieces so she doesn’t forget, and in Bri’s interview, she says she hates laundry so much. Thank God for the notebook. She doesn’t know why she didn’t think of it first. Gigi tells Captain Sandy, the food’s not Rachel good, but it’s good. Aesha tells a guest to make sure they pencil when jumping off the boat, because they don’t want to tear their anus.😐Anchor is dropped, and in Iain’s interview, he says, it’s early in the season, but he has a good team. No one’s an idiot. The guests request to be seated for dinner as the sun is going down, which sounds lovely. They do water sports, and guest Laura asks Nathan to paddleboard with her. Aesha’s boyfriend calls, and in her interview, she says, when she gets check-ins from Scott, he has a wonderful way of bringing her back to reality. (FYI, she was on Watch What Happens Live, and they are now engaged.) She says, Scott could totally work on a boat. He runs a bar and has the highest standards. They’d be a perfect match on a yacht. She tells the captain that they’re doing a toga competition after dinner. In her interview, Aesha says, maybe they wore togas because they had so many orgies. It’s open and waiting. Gael’s boyfriend texts her, and the guests yell for Nathan to take his shirt off. In Nathan’s interview, he says, they’re going backwards. The current is that strong. He and Laura can’t be seen, and in Joe’s interview, he says, this can’t be happening.

Joe radios lain to come to the platform. They see Nathan and Laura coming back on a catamaran, and Gigi says, a random boat picked them up. In Iain’s interview, he says, it’s not a good look and doesn’t make him happy. Captain Sandy asks to see Joe and says, it’s embarrassing. In her interview, she says she appreciates that Joe is accountable, but it still goes back to Iain. They need two people watching, and it’s Iain’s job as bosun to delegate the watch person. She tells Iain that she’s not happy. When the guests are in the water, she wants one person in the tender following them. She tells him to apologize to Gigi, and he does. He says, at the end of the day, it shouldn’t happen. The guests use the slide, then do some yoga. I’m tired just watching these people. Iain tells Gael that he didn’t know Nathan was out with a guest, and in Gael’s interview, she says, he sent her down, but not to watch the guests. If no one was watching them, it’s kind of on him. We flash back to Iain telling her to go down for three hours; Joe was coming to relieve her.

Jono tells Ellie that the guests didn’t say anything about snacks, but he’s prepping them anyway. He doesn’t want her to be in that position again. We flash back to that, and in Jono’s interview, he says he’s upset about what happened and is committed to making sure it doesn’t happen again. At the end of the day, they’re a team, and they need to have each other’s backs. He tells her, they’ll move forward and work well together. lain discusses watching the guests with the deckhands, and in Joe’s interview, he says, Gael should have stayed on the platform. The yoga instructor tells the guests to exhale out stress, because it must be really stressful to be on one of these charters. In Ellie’s interview, she says, Bri has been receptive to her advice. If Bri fails, she’ll see it as her failure as well. When it came to being a stew, she would be a Lamborghini, an A player. Bri would be a Mazda who will get you from point A to point B. Ellie tells Aesha that Bri is improving, and the captain radios the deckhands to bring in the slide. She’s ready to go. Iain orders Nathan around, and in Nathan’s interview, he says, there’s a noticeable change when Iain is frustrated. To him, it’s a sign of weakness in a bosun.

In his interview, Iian says, to be a leader, you’ve got to be tough. Sometimes you have to bark at them, and they bark back. Aesha tells the stews they’re so organized. Well done. Nathan tells Joe that he loves Iain, but hates micromanaging. He knows what he’s doing. Just let him do it. The boat lands in Poros, and in Aesha’s interview, she says, Bri has improved so much. She’s gone from Charmander to Charizard. She’s morphing slowly into a more evolved Pokémon. Gael calls her boyfriend again, apologizing for not calling enough. The guests get ready for dinner, and both the Greek décor and the view are beautiful. Captain Sandy wants to do synchronized service with the stews, and they all put on white gloves. The entree is a chicken dish, and in her interview, the captain says, the expectation of a Mediterranean cruise is five-star food. Gigi has traveled the world. She has dined in the finest restaurants. Chicken is not really something to be served on a superyacht. Everything has to be perfect. It does look pretty, which Gigi comments on. It’s super quiet while the guests are eating, and in Aesha’s interview, she says, coming from someone who proclaims it loudly when they love food – we flash back to Aesha’s happy reaction when eating – she feels like it’s usually not great if people are not wowing from their seats. She asks the guests if the food is okay.

Gigi says, it’s pretty decent – not exactly a compliment – and Jono makes deconstructed chocolate sponge cake for dessert, which I guess means just breaking it apart. He adds a scoop of sorbet, and in Aesha’s interview, she says, it’s the most boring out of all the cakes. It’s like poop on a platter. First, she was made to serve chicken. Now she’s giving them sponge cake. And she has to be the face of all this sh*t. I literally laugh out loud – Aesha is a riot. I’d probably love the food, but yeah, it’s not five-star. Gigi says, it could be more chocolaty, and in her interview, Aesha laughs. She hopes if she rushes them into the toga party, they won’t have time to think about dessert, and asks if it’s time to start the competition. The guests put on togas, but they look more like halter dresses. Aesha notes that guest Julie Ann is wearing a butt plug necklace. Iain picks his nose on the bridge like he’s digging for gold. The toga contest commences; the stews, Gael, and a few of the guests competing. Julie Ann wonders why they did this. Guests Julie Ann and Roberta are tied for winner, and Aesha suggests a butt plug for a prize. The guests go to bed, and Bri sings, it’s clean up time at a normal hour. Everyone is glad to get to bed.

In Jono’s interview, he says, breakfast is ticklish. It’s hard to time huevos rancheros, especially when there are three selections. On deck, Aesha tells Bri that she’s looking at history. You don’t get this anywhere else in the world. Yoga is set up, and in the galley, Jono covers the eggs with a towel – where they sit for one and a half hours until the guests are up for breakfast. You’d think he could at least pop them in the microwave, but no. Gigi asks Aesha for hot eggs and says, there’s nothing worse than cold eggs. I’m not sure if there’s nothing worse, but yuk. Aesha tells Jono that the primary wants extra hot eggs, and Gigi goes to the bridge. Captain Sandy asks how breakfast was, and Gigi says, the eggs were cold. She can’t believe the chef’s choice dinner last night was chicken, and thinks deconstructed means, it didn’t work out (ha-ha-ha!). Lunch also had an overbearing spice flavor. The captain agrees that she should want the food to be superb, and in her interview, Captain Sandy says she knows Gigi. She wouldn’t complain just to complain. Jono was good during the first charter, but the circumstances didn’t allow her to see what he was capable of. She calls him to the bridge.

Next time, a beach excursion; Gigi says, the food was just okay; and Ellie wants to go for Joe, but so does Bri.

🧰 It’s Their Day…

How the dads celebrated.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/see-how-your-favorite-stars-celebrated-fathers-day-2

🥀 Dimming the Lights…

She certainly had an amazing career. Kind of like Angela Lansbury.

https://people.com/janis-paige-dead-at-101-8657895

🦚 Proud As a Peacock…

I saw him in Threepenny Opera on Broadway, and he was amazing. He’s the perfect host for The Traitors and can definitely rock fashion.

https://ew.com/see-photos-alan-cumming-ew-2024-pride-cover-shoot-8662602

🌱 Moving On…

Apparently, you can’t keep them down on the farm after they’ve tasted freedom. Premieres July 16th.

https://people.com/ethan-and-olivia-plath-attempt-to-move-on-after-divorce-in-tear-soaked-welcome-to-plathville-trailer-exclusive-8662585

🎭 Hitting the Heights…

The Tony winners.

https://broadwaydirect.com/2024-tony-award-winners/

The performances.

https://broadwaydirect.com/watch-now-musical-performances-from-the-2024-tony-awards/

The highlights.

https://broadwaydirect.com/highlights-from-the-2024-tony-awards/

The fashion.

https://www.etonline.com/gallery/tony-awards-2024-red-carpet-arrivals-227498

🫣 No Pleasure, Guilty Or Otherwise…

MILF Manor 2 has to be one of the most embarrassing displays of desperation I have ever seen. A middle-aged woman crying because a middle-aged dude is looking for the shiny new thing as soon as he scored. If by this time, she hasn’t accepted that it’s not her, he’s shallow, and that’s just the way things are, she needs therapy, not a reality show. The first season was bad enough, but this one is worse, throwing not only cougars and cubs together, but also the cubs’ daddies. It’s doubtful any of the men are there for a serious relationship and the women are acting like middle school girls fighting over boys. Please don’t watch this. Please. It’s worse than awful. It’s what awful calls awful.

🐕 Raise Your Paw High…

I could look at Demi Moore’s chihuahua all day long.

https://www.etonline.com/gallery/paws-up-celebs-show-off-their-precious-pets-117103

🌞 Hot For Summer…

Surf by tomorrow for soap and a peek at Dubai. Until then, stay safe, stay checking the wind direction before shaking sand off your towel, and stay not serving chicken to someone who expects five-star food.

Jun11

June 10, 2024 – Chase Asks Tracy For Help With Finn, Sleeping Beauty Chef On Deck, Trolls Will Be Trolls, You Pick the Ending, More Emmy & Real

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and a GH blow-by-blow on Fridays)

General Hospital

While on their dinner date at The Surf Lodge (where Aunt Stella went with Trina and Josslyn), Willow told Michael about running into Nina at the pool because she wanted to be upfront with him. Michael said he still didn’t trust Nina, and while he didn’t love the idea of her being around their kids, Willow was the decision maker, and he would support whatever she decided. He said, it seemed like there had been a shift, and wondered, what changed?

Curtis met with Drew and told Drew that he thought it was the right time to launch the wellness division. Drew said he had a new venture that might conflict with it. He was thinking of running for congress. He told Curtis about his meetings with McConkey and said McConkey cared about his legacy and wanted a functioning government. He wanted Drew to take his seat and would endorse Drew if he ran. Drew wanted Curtis’s opinion, and said, if he did run, it would affect Aurora and Curtis.

Chase and Brook went to see Tracy, who told them that she’d spent the day remembering Chase’s dad. Chase said he’d like to be doing the same thing, but unfortunately, he was dealing with his brother. Brook said they needed help, and Chase said, more accurately, Finn did. He was drinking. He told Tracy about the bourbon after Gregory’s death, and how he’d caught Finn drinking at Gregory’s memorial party then covering it with breath spray. He was drinking on purpose and didn’t want them to know.

Finn asked what Elizabeth was doing at his apartment, and the woman he brought home said, you’re not the wife, are you? (The wife – ugh.) Elizabeth said, no. She was just the ex-girlfriend.

Josslyn and Dex made plans for dinner. Josslyn told him about Trina meeting Gio, and said she thought it was going to be a good summer.

Nina went on and on to Maxie about seeing Wiley, while Maxie wanted to get their meeting over with so she could go home to Spinelli. Nina said Drew had become tolerable. It had been a long time since she had this much contact with Willow and the kids, and it was because of Drew. If that was the price she paid for dancing with the devil, she was willing to pay up.

Elizabeth told the woman that she thought it was time they called it a night, and the woman asked if Finn was going to let Elizabeth order her around. She told Elizabeth to take a hint; the man’s moved on. Elizabeth asked her name, and the woman said it was Barb. Elizabeth told Barb, go home and sleep it off, and Finn looked like he had a headache. Barb told Elizabeth that she had some nerve, and Elizabeth said, bye. Barb left, and Finn said, Elizabeth didn’t live there. She didn’t love him and didn’t get to judge him. She said he was drunk and making out with a stranger, so yeah, she got to judge. He asked where she’d been and said she’d abandoned him. He wasn’t perfect, and she couldn’t stand to be around him when he was grieving, so he tried to find someone who could. (It sounds like Finn can’t stand himself.)

Willow told Michael that she still took everything Nina said with a hefty grain of salt. She didn’t know how to explain it, but it seemed like Nina wasn’t trying so hard and pushing for more. She was respecting the boundaries. Michael asked if nothing actually happened to change things, and Willow said, his uncle happened. Things changed because of Drew.

Nina told Maxie that she’d seen a side of Drew not many had seen. He was objectively handsome, but she’d seen the way he was with Wiley. Maxie wondered if it was a turn on, and Nina said she was sure Maxie felt the same about Spinelli, that his interaction with the kids made him attractive. Maxie said, it did, and that’s why she wanted to get home to see him, but Nina continued talking. She said, Drew having a 6-pack didn’t hurt… Maxie interjected that it was a 12-pack, and asked why Nina was focused on Drew’s looks when she wasn’t planning on sleeping with him again.

Drew said Curtis would have Michael for support financially and he would pitch in where he could, but Curtis would be in charge of both the internet platform and the brick-and-mortar end. Curtis said he could handle it, but had something to say as a friend. He thought Drew should do it. He thought it would be good for Drew. He had integrity, was pragmatic, and not afraid to fight, but he also understood what was worth fighting for. He thought there should be more people like Drew in government. Drew said he’d get the ball rolling first thing morning, when he got a call. He said, ugh, Nina.

Chase told Tracy that Finn was in denial, saying his addiction was with Zen-Zen, not alcohol. Brook said, Finn had abstained out of a precaution, and Chase said, Finn claimed he was working the program, but rather than telling them he’d changed mind about drinking, he was hiding it. Tracy said, Finn needed counseling or an intervention, and Brook said they wanted to get Violet away from him and to keep her in an emotionally stable environment. Tracy said, Finn wasn’t going to respond well, and Brook said, that’s where Tracy came in.

Elizabeth said, Finn was talking BS and would know that if he wasn’t drunk. Finn said he’d just had a couple of drinks, and Elizabeth said, just tell her Violet wasn’t home. He asked if she thought he’d be like this around Violet, but she said she never would have thought that before, but now she didn’t know. Finn started crying and said he’d made a mistake. He hated himself and hated what he said. He didn’t expect her to forgive him, but give him a chance to explain. Elizabeth said what she wanted was for him to get the help he needed, for his sake and for Violet’s, but they were done. She couldn’t do this to the kids or herself. Finn begged her to stay, when Jason walked in and said, let her go.

Josslyn and Dex saw Michael and Willow at The Surf Lodge, and Michael asked if they wanted to join them. Willow said she thought they had other plans, and Dex and Josslyn went to their own table. Michael said Josslyn told him that she wanted to take things slow, but she thought things had changed now that Dex was a cop, and Willow was surprised Josslyn was confiding in him. She told Michael that she was grateful to Drew for her new position on Nina, and Michael asked why she thought Drew was the reason. Willow said she thought Drew setting aside his anger at Nina allowed Nina to grow in a way she couldn’t before. If he could start fresh, maybe she could too.

Nina insisted she wasn’t going to sleep with Drew again, but Maxie said, Nina was focused on his abs and needed to be honest. Nina said she thought Drew was loathsome, a snake, and unprofessional, and Maxie said unlike Nina. She asked if they could get back to their meeting. Natalia’s had notes… Drew walked in and asked what the hell Nina’s problem was.

Brook told Tracy about her and Chase’s idea for Violet to stay with the Quartermaines and be one of the gang. Tracy said, then it would give them an opportunity to intervene, and Chase said the goal was to get Finn into rehab. He thought Finn would go when he realized he was jeopardizing Violet. Tracy said, of course (🍷) Violet was welcome to stay there, but Chase be prepared for Finn to disappoint him.

Finn asked if Elizabeth called Jason, and Jason asked Elizabeth what she wanted to do. She said, let’s go, but Finn begged her not to. She said they’d talk when he was sober, and Finn said he stood by her when she was tearing canvases apart and shredding wedding dresses. She could leave her keys and go. She dropped them into his unfinished drink, and left with Jason, who told Finn, don’t go near her.

Jason brought Elizabeth to the pool, since she said she needed someplace quiet to think. She remarked that it was closed, but he said he knew the owner. Elizabeth said she wasn’t ready to go home and field questions from the boys as to why she and Finn broke up. Jason said he was sorry. She deserved better. She said, so did her kids.

Chase said he had to hold on to hope, and Tracy said he should, but it might be difficult convincing Finn. If he was in the throes of his addiction, the only voice he could hear was his own. Nothing they said or did would change that, no matter how destructive he was being.

Finn fished the keys out of the drink, threw them at the wall, and took another sip.

Elizabeth and Jason sat with their feet in the water, and Elizabeth said she couldn’t believe she got him to take off his shoes. He told her not to tell anybody, and she promised his secret was safe. She couldn’t believe this happened so soon after Gregory dying, but she wanted to be supportive of Finn. Jason said, it was Finn pushing her away, and she said, the question was, does she let him?

Josslyn said, it was familiar, but different, and Dex asked if she meant good different. She said she was sorry she was hard on him, but he said she should have been. He didn’t like the person he was becoming either, but everything worked out how it was supposed to. He hated losing her though. It ripped his heart out. She said, hers too, and he said he finally felt good about himself again. It never would have happened if she hadn’t been honest with him. She said he was welcome.

Willow said Michael looked shocked, but he said he was just absorbing what she’d said. Was she saying she forgave Nina? She told him that she was saying she was ready to move on, and he said, Nina had sent Drew to prison. He wondered what was different about the situation now. Willow said she didn’t think Drew had made peace, but was choosing to let it go as much as he could. He was choosing the future over the past. Wasn’t that what they should all be doing?

Nina said Drew was using Crimson for his interest in his other company, but he said Crimson was his company too. Maxie said she didn’t want to be here, and skipped out the door, as Nina told her to send Natalia’s correspondence to her. Drew told Nina that he’d fulfilled his end of the bargain, and she said she had too; he was getting the esplanade. Drew said she was getting her grandchildren back, and she said she’d never give in to her natural instincts and compromise her standing with Willow.

Elizabeth told Jason that she might stick it out if it was just her, but she wasn’t sacrificing her boys, physically or emotionally. Jason said he got it, and she said, that’s because he actually heard her. It was like she was speaking another language with Finn. She’s glad Jason showed up when he did. She asked how he knew where she was, and he told her that Jake had called. Jake was so worried, Jake had reached out to him. That’s how much her son loved her.

Josslyn said she was happy for Dex. It was a gift to figure out what you wanted in life. He asked her about school, and she said she’d changed her major to environmental science. Maybe she’d come up with a way to save the planet. She told him that could see herself dating a cop. He asked if that included a cadet, and she said, it was risky, since he didn’t have a badge yet, but she was a risk taker.

Michael told Willow that it sounded great in theory, but he was surprised about Drew, unless Drew had some other reason to make nice with Nina. Willow said she thought Drew was able to see the good in Nina despite what she’d done, and she wanted to see it too. Michael said, Willow seemed happy, and she said she was. He said that was all he wanted, and she said, no more lies and secrets felt good. Michael asked if it felt better than this, and kissed her. She said, nothing felt better than that.

Drew asked what Nina wanted, and she said it was abundantly clear she couldn’t stand him. She closed the door, and he said, the feeling was more than mutual. She wondered, then why did she want to do this? and they got busy.  

Jason asked if there was anything he could do, but Elizabeth said he’d done enough. He let her talk without giving her well-intentioned advice. He said he wasn’t in a position to give advice. He’d left her and Sam to raise their sons on their own. She asked if it was because he wanted to, but he didn’t say anything. She said she didn’t think so. She didn’t know where he’d been, but she was pretty sure it wasn’t on vacation. He said he was here now and would do what he could to make time up with Jake however she thought best. She said, their son needed help and called him, and he showed up. That could go for a lot with Jake and with her.  

Chase said, they had to give it a try, and Tracy agreed, but told them to be prepared for an uphill battle. Chase said, while he was on the job, he’d seen how addiction wrecked lives. He didn’t want that to happen to Finn. Tracy said, they had her full support, and he said that meant a lot. She said, they were family, but she just hoped Finn could hear them.

Finn sat smiling, and flashed back to the camping trip, trivia night, and suggesting to Elizabeth that they take a chance and see where it went. He remembered kissing her, them deciding to get serious, and him saying that he was going be there for her because they were stronger together. He knew he was. He flashed back to more kissing, Elizabeth saying her life was better with him, and him telling her that he was in love with her. He remembered them wishing on a star, getting busy in the hospital shower, and the weekend in the cabin. He looked at the glass and drained it.

Tomorrow, Sam tells Spinelli that a window of opportunity opened up; Elizabeth wonders how Jake really saw Finn; and Chase tells Finn that they have a bigger problem.

Below Deck Mediterranean

Chef Jono won’t get his ass out of bed, and Ellie says she doesn’t want him to have a negative experience because of this. Maybe he should think about it. He says, no, and Gael helps her make grilled cheese. The guests start making their own drinks, and decide they provide nicer service than the actual crew. Guest Simon says, they’d rather fix it themselves than complain. In Ellie’s interview, she says she wants to be chief stew and has to figure out how to manage these kinds of conditions. She’s always been very self-reliant. Her dream was to have a house for her Barbies when she was little, but there was no money. So she got cardboard, a stick of glue, and crayons, and put a roof over these bitches’ heads. The guests finally go to bed at 2:50 am. Ellie goes to bed at like, 6 am.

The boat heads for the Temple of Poseidon. In Princess Jono’s interview, he says he’s proud of standing up for himself. It’s always been an issue for him. In Aesha’s interview, she says she’s setting her standards as high as possible. With no provisions, she might not be able to get to the full extent of them, but she’s going to make sure to get as close as possible. Iain tells Captain Sandy that someone tried to wake up the chef, but he’d thought it was a dream. The captain texts the provisioner, who tells her, the wine will be in this evening, but she says, that’s too late. Iain shows Joe what to do with the lines when docking, and in his interview, he says he loves to teach. Aesha tells Bri that she’s sorry yesterday was stressful. It was the first day on a new boat, and it was a sh*tshow. They’ll get better each day. Jono whines to Aesha about how Ellie tried to wake him up, and she says, to be fair, the guests listed late night snacks on the preference sheet. She suggests Jono pre-prep.

Gael talks to her boyfriend, who’s got a new job, and she reminds him that their goal was to find a boat they could both work on. In her interview, she says, relationships in yachting are hard. If someone gets your lifestyle, you want them to be there with you. She doesn’t know how good she’ll be at long distance, but guesses she’ll find out. Captain Sandy calls Jono to meet with her, and I hope she rips him a new one. Instead, she suggests he put some paninis in the fridge the night before, and they’ll address it at the tip meeting. In the captain’s interview, she says, if the chef is down, he shouldn’t be woken up. Ellie didn’t know, but she’s learning. Aesha has to tell the guests that there’s still no rosé, and says, they have every right be grumpy. In Gael’s interview, she says, Nathan is cute and she thinks platonic relationships are a possibility. In Nathan’s interview, he says, they’ll see what happens. Aesha tells Ellie that the chef not having rest is dangerous, but Ellie says, breakfast wasn’t until 10. Aesha says, next time, there will be premade food. She’s sorry Ellie had to go through that. In her interview, Aesha says, a stew should never be in bed more than an hour after the guests, but she feels confident they’ll keep learning and improving. The guests do a TikTok video and say, content is king. Captain Sandy suggests someone be sent over to a nearby humongous superyacht to ask for wine – ask politely. Aesha tells the guests that they’re going to beg the big boat for wine, and in Joe’s interview, he says, it’s his first lead deckhand role. He wants to become someone in the industry. Captain Sandy gives Joe some money and tells him to do whatever it takes. He and Nathan take the tender to ask for the wine, and Nathan tells the captain, name your price and I’ll put it in your pocket.

Aesha begs from a distance while the trade is done. The captain of the other boat won’t take less than €75 a bottle, and Joe says, according to his research, the brand is 20 quid. The captain says, take it or leave it, and Nathan forks over the money. In Nathan’s interview, he says he’s done sales his whole life and once sold a broomstick. The total is 300 quid, and Joe says he doesn’t even have that in his personal account. The guests cheer when the wine is brought back. The provisioner texts captain Sandy asking if she still wants the wine for this evening, but she says, that’s too late. The charter will be over. Afterward, she says, they’re f***ing fired. Guest Jacob says, the chef somehow nailed their preferences, although another guest thinks it’s not as tasty as the drunk cheese last night. Ellie tells Jono that they’re raving about his food, and he barely acknowledges her. In her interview, she says, he hasn’t apologized asked how her night went. Has she failed him on some level? Ellie tries to teach Bri the ways of the laundry, and in Bri’s interview, she says, in boarding school, their laundry was picked up and brought back all done. She’s stressing balls and doesn’t want to lose her job. Everything about adulting scares her. One guest is missing a pair of pants and another is missing a shirt.  

Bri cries over the laundry while the guests do water sports. Ellie tells Aesha about the missing clothes, and in Aesha’s interview, she says, if she comments on every mistake, it’s like endless nagging, so she’s trying the tactic of more compliments, hoping Bri will improve. In Bri’s interview, she says she found the frickin’ pants. She tells Ellie that they’re on warm air, but Ellie tells her, that’s just for crew clothes. They don’t want to risk shrinkage with the guests’ clothing. In Ellie’s interview, she says she feels she has her work cut out for her. It’s her first time as second stew and she’s working toward chief stew. She feels like she’s on the right trajectory, but there isn’t much competition on this boat. She tells the guest that his pants were hang drying and that’s why they didn’t see them. Bri trips, and God help me, I laugh. Anchor is hauled and Joe bandages Bri’s toe. In Joe’s interview, he says he’s scared about docking. He has no experience on the bow. He’s usually on the aft deck. He’s supposed to keep the stern from hitting the dock, but the rope keeps slipping.

With the deckhands working together, the boat is finally docked. The captain tells Joe to use muscle until she’s in the berth, but he explains the rope was slipping and he couldn’t get the groundline off without mechanics. In Nathan’s interview, he says he doesn’t want to be lead deckhand. He’s just here to have fun. It’s time to say goodbye to the guests, and Jacob thanks the crew for an amazing time. He shakes Jono’s hand, saying, the food… He says, obviously, there were a few things that were disappointing, like the lack of provisions and clothes missing in terms of getting pressed, but overall, they had an amazing time. The guests leave and the crew changes into their reds. Aesha announces to everyone how long her poo was, and then calls a meeting with the stews. She says, they’re going into the next charter with limited manpower, and Bri needs to be quicker. Ellie tells Bri not to feel like she’s the only one making mistakes. They all are. Bri says she didn’t keep track of whose stuff was whose, and Aesha says she’s not mad, but if it’s still the same when they’re at charter 5, she’ll have to look for another solution. She tells them to never be in bed more than an hour after the guests. If they are, it means they were with the guests too much. Ellie says, it was a like a form of entertainment for them, and Aesha tells her to just say, cooking is a safety thing. The captain calls for the tip meeting.

Captain Sandy tells the crew, well done. It’s easy to do a good job when things are going your way, but when they’re not, and they show up the way they did, that’s what is looked for in character. She tells the deck team, first charter, first boat, good job. She says, Aesha leads with kindness and people follow. That’s what makes her stand out. Jono created incredible meals on the fly, even with the lack of provisions. Never wake the chef, but next time food will be prepped to make paninis. Ellie says, the guests wanted a whole thing, and the captain says, she’s learning, and it’s fine, but you don’t wake the chef. Maybe on bigger boats where there’s more than one, but he’s one. The tip is $15K or $1250 each. Not bad for a one-nighter. They were lucky this was a nice bunch of kids. Captain Sandy tells the crew, have a blast.

Jono tells Ellie that she knows not to wake him again, but he’s empathetic to the crazy situation. He’ll make some stuff ahead of time. He doesn’t want that to happen to her again. Jono calls his boyfriend David, and brags, the guests said the best part of the trip was him and the food. In Jono’s interview, he says, David is an opera singer and the most supportive long-distance relationship he’s had. Yeah. I’ll bet he’s a handful. And I don’t mean that in a good way. Ellie tells Bri that Jono complained, but what about what she was going through? She didn’t get enough sleep. It’s all about the chef. She cries and says she’s pissed off. Aesha asks why she was up so long, and Ellie says she was busting her ass. Jono mumbles, that bitch is going to drive him crazy, and Ellie says, he’s making her look like an idiot.

As the deckhands clean the boat, Gael promises to be the best wingman ever. In Ellie’s interview, she says she feels that Jono has affected the captain’s perception of her, and this is her career. The crew gets ready to go out, and in Nathan’s interview, he says, Gael is attractive and has a boyfriend, but he owes no loyalty to anyone. They go to a restaurant and toast to getting through charter one. In Bri’s interview, she says, Joe is a charmer, and in Ellie’s interview, she says, Joe is hot, so it helps. Joe says he has a bromance with Gael, and Gael says she feels like a thorn between two roses. Gael talks to Aesha about her boyfriend and says she’s figuring out the trust factor. What happens when her boyfriend is on a boat with attractive women? Aesha suggests she deal with it when it happens and not think about it. In Aesha’s interview, she says she and her boyfriend have been together for three years, and she’s never been paranoid. If you’re worried, it’s not right. She tells Gael that she’s a catch and if he can’t see it, f*** him. Bri asks if Nathan is an alcoholic, and Nathan says he is Irish. (Hey, he stereotyped himself, not me.) They go to a club and dance, and in Iain’s interview, he says, Ellie is a fancy lady. Aesha thinks Bri likes Joe, and Ellie says she wants to play hard to get. Bri says she has to go to the loo, and Ellie dances with Joe. Nathan asks if Gael has stolen a strawberry for him, and in his interview, a producer asks if that’s a euphemism. He says, they’ll eventually find out, and the crew goes back to the boat.

Nathan tells Gael that they need to lose the cameras. Everyone goes to bed, and Gael texts Nathan: keep an eye on me. Nathan texts back, asking where they can meet that there are no cameras. They sneak off to the bow, and he says, all this for a few strawberries. In Gael’s interview, she says, maybe she likes him a tiny bit. She’s not harming anyone.

To be continued…

😡 Haters Gonna Hate…

She’s a better woman than I am. And she looks absolutely gorgeous in that gown.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-tabyana-ali-had-the-perfect-response-to-an-online-hater

🤰🏼 Art Imitates Soap…

Pregnant By My Ex’s Dad sounds suspiciously like what happened on GH with Esme.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-adam-huss-stars-in-a-new-movie-you-control

🏆 Party, After-Party, House Party, Denny’s…

In case you missed the winner’s list.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/daytime-emmys/the-2024-daytime-emmy-award-winners

Behind the scenes.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/daytime-emmys/the-2024-daytime-emmys-you-didnt-see-on-tv

I honestly don’t see any duds here.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/daytime-emmys/2024-daytime-emmy-awards-fashion-gallery

Pretty much what you’d expect.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/daytime-emmys/2024-daytime-emmys-fashion-the-guys

🏸 Hot Town Summer In the Suburbs…

Come back tomorrow for some soap, a little Dubai, and a few tea leaves. Until then, stay safe, stay being thoughtful about how long you hold a chair without using it at the beach or pool, and stay choosing the future over the past.

Jun8

June 7, 2024 – Jake Sees Finn At the Brown Dog Bar, Everything Emmy, Shahs Now, Bad Timing, Sandy On Deck, More Last, Dragons Plus One, Black Barbie, Don’t Worry, Stanley’s Pups (!), Quote Octet & Queen

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Hey, whatever happened to Roxie, Finn’s bearded dragon? Just curious.

Willow is with Wiley in the pool, when Drew comes in. Wiley hollers to him, and she says, Wiley is excited to see him. So is she, but she’s not as exuberant about it. He says he’s excited to see them too. He didn’t know the Navy SEALs were training here today. Wiley says he wishes there were SEALS in the pool (although it’s questionable as to which kind he means), and Willow says she’s glad they’re not. It will be hard enough getting him out of the water today. Drew says he hears that, and she says, of course (🍷) he does. He and Wiley are kindred spirits. It’s good to see him. He says, it’s good to see her too, but he’s surprised to see them bobbing around in here. Willow says, Wiley thinks the hotel pool is more fun than the one at the Quartermaines. She can’t say he’s wrong and it’s a gorgeous day. Drew says he had a similar thought process himself, and she says, great minds. Amelia is loving her swimming lessons. She’s a proud mini fish. Drew says, amazing. So if Amelia is a mini fish, what does that make Wiley? Wiley says, a shark, and dives under the water.

Nina walks into the pool area on the phone. She says she needs them to hear her on this. Crimson is an elite publication and they’re not giving a discounted ad rate to a gym equipment company… She doesn’t care what Mr. Cain said. It’s still not happening. She watches as Drew gets in the pool.

Dex sees Gio at the towel bar and says he didn’t expect to see Gio here. When did he start working at the MetroCourt? Gio says, this morning. Can he interest Dex? He holds out a towel and says, fresh from the dryer. Dex says, Gio read his mind. So did Olivia put him to work? Gio says, good guess. He’s living at the Quartermaines and said he was looking for a part-time job, and here he is. Dex says, Olivia did him a favor. There are definitely worse places to work. Gio says he’s with Dex there. Aunt Olivia promised that he could be off duty early enough to watch the NBA finals, even if it goes to seven games. Dex says, here’s hoping, and Gio says he’s been following all season. He can’t wait for game two on Sunday night. (I assume it’s on ABC.) Dex says, be warned, and looks at Josslyn. The lifeguard is a big sports fan. She’s fierce and a terrible loser, so if Gio is rooting against her team and his team wins, don’t gloat. Josslyn and Dex smile at each other.

Going into Chase’s apartment, Chase tells Brook that he doesn’t know if he’s being strategic or just avoiding the thing he dreads. Maybe they should have gone to Finn’s first like they planned. She says, they still could. What would he say to Finn? Chase says, you son of a bitch, how could you use our dad’s death as an excuse to dive into a bottle? She looks at him, and he says, not the best approach, huh? She says, certainly justified, but no. She doesn’t think Finn would have a good response to that. Chase says, he’s sick. It isn’t his fault. Addiction is a disease. He knows this. He has training for this, and he’s still so angry and frustrated and disappointed that Finn would do this to Violet. And his dad. She says, and him, and he says, frustrated and angry will get them exactly nowhere. They need to come up with a plan. A way to confront Finn, get him into recovery, and most of all, protect Violet.

At the Brown Dog Bar (remember that place?), Jake and his friends Gordo and Dale take a seat in a booth. Jake asks what they do now. Does somebody take their order or what? Gordo tries to get the bartender’s attention, but he says, the bartender’s not even looking this way. He guesses if they want a drink, they have to go to the bar. Jake says, if they do that, they’ll be carded. Gordo will be fine, he has a fake ID, but Jake has nothing. He’ll just be out here twisting. Gordo tells him, relax. Nobody ever gets carded here. Jake asks how he knows, and Gordo says he just knows. He asks Dale if he’s got this, and Dale says, no problem. They give their money to Dale, who says, three of their best cheap beers coming up, and goes to the bar. Jake looks over and sees Finn at the bar, sitting next to a woman.

The woman says, here’s to ignoring first impressions, and Finn says, okay, clinking glasses with her. He holds up two fingers, and she says she wasn’t sure she was going to come over here. She was afraid he was going to be one of those dark, brooding types, but she figured, what the heck, and came on over. She’s glad she did because he is all kinds of fun. (I doubt Finn has ever been called all kinds of fun before.) Finn says, really? Huh. They clink glasses again as Jake watches Finn down the shot.

Wiley pops out of the water, and says, how about this time? Nina watches them, and Drew says, that was like, fifteen seconds. He’s going to have to hold his breath a little bit longer to be a Navy SEAL, but he has a lot of time to figure that out. Willow says, ever since she mentioned to Wiley that Drew was in the Navy, all he’s talked about is how he wants to be a Navy SEAL. He’s less certain, though, about what that is. Drew says, he’s got a lot of time to figure that out. The Navy will be lucky to have him. Willow says, and Wiley will be lucky to have Drew as his mentor, and Wiley asks if he’ll get a uniform. Nina smiles and walks toward the pool, but she literally runs into Gio, who drops the towels he’s holding. She says she’s so sorry, and helps him pick them up. She doesn’t know where her mind was at just now. He says, somewhere good, he hopes, and Wiley yells, Grandma Nina! He gets out of the pool, and she wraps him in a towel. She says, look how big he’s gotten, and hugs him.

Chase says he doesn’t know where to start with Finn or with Violet. The day his dad died, and Brook took Violet to Bobbie’s, Finn completely broke down. He knew he’d screwed up and told Chase to pour the rest of the bourbon down the sink. He made a bad choice, but it was like Finn was getting back on track, and he bought it. Brook says she would have thought the same thing, but he says, no, she wouldn’t. She says, they have very different experiences with substance abuse. The Quartermaines have a lot of history with it and there was this couple down in Bensonhurst… Anyway, she knows how to recognize it for exactly what it is. He says, what kind of detective is he if he’s this naïve? and she says, believing in his brother says nothing about his work as a detective. He says he bought Finn’s whole act. The remorse, the resolve to do better, and Finn lied to him. She says, he didn’t do it on purpose. It’s part of the disease. He says, reading about it is one thing. Experiencing it firsthand is another. He keeps thinking about when Finn was at their dad’s memorial. He was shaking hands and wiping away tears, putting on this whole devoted son act. Then he’d sneak away to the bar and have a few tequila shots. And for the record, he bought the whole devoted son act too. She says, it’s not necessarily acting. He could be a devoted son in mourning and an addict who just had a relapse. Chase says he defended Finn to Elizabeth. She was worried about Finn, and he said everything was okay. She says, he has to give himself a break. Finn isn’t the only one who just lost his dad. Chase is in mourning too, and he’s way too close to Finn and the entire situation to see it clearly. If this was a case, he’d take himself off of it. He says, but it’s not a case. He can’t hand Finn off to someone and say, good luck to the both of you. She says, even if he could, he wouldn’t do it. Finn is his brother. He says, she’s right. He loves Finn and wants to help him through this, even though he’s madder at Finn than he’s ever been. She says, no one can disappoint you like the people you love the most. That’s why they call addiction a disease. He says he knows. And when he’s less angry, he’ll remember that Finn is suffering too. She says, they both love Finn and want to treat his situation compassionately, but their main priority has to be protecting Violet. He asks, so how do they shield Violet when her father is falling apart?

Jake tells Gordo that he had to go – now, and Gordo says, why? What’s wrong? Jake says, his mom’s boyfriend is here and if her boyfriend sees him, he’s dead. Gordo asks, what’s he doing here? He thought Jake said he’s a good guy. Jake says he doesn’t know. He’d thought he was.

Finn tells the woman that he signed up for Doctors Without Borders right out of med school, right after he graduated, and she says, so she’s having drinks with a fun doctor? Lucky her. Did he go anywhere good? he says, no. The good places don’t usually need them. He was in Rota, the Mariana Islands. She asks if people were shooting at him, but he says, no, not really. A lot of people needed help and didn’t have anywhere else to get it. Their operating room was a tent. She says, he’s lived quite the life, and probably save quite a few along the way. He says, not enough, and she asks if that’s why he’s here in Port Charles. Dr…? He suggests they leave the names out of it, and she says she doesn’t see why not. They’ve been doing just fine without them so far. He says, just think of him as in town to visit family, and she asks, how bad is it going? She’s only asking because he’s sitting in this place with her instead of doing whatever families do when they visit. He says, just taking in the local sights, and she says, he sure is. And she hopes he feels welcome. She’s also hoping there’s something she can do to make his trip memorable. He downs another shot. (I’m getting drunk just watching.)

Willow goes over to Wiley and Nina, and Nina says she’s sorry. He was just coming out. Wiley says, Grandma Nina is here, and Willow says she can see that, and says hi to Nina. Nina says, nice to see her, and Wiley asks if she’s going swimming, but Nina says she doesn’t think she’s dressed for swimming. Actually, she came here to look for his Uncle Drew, but maybe some other time, okay? Wiley says, sure. Swimming’s always good. Nina says she thinks so too, and Wiley says, the Quartermaines have a big pool too, and they have a big blow-up thing that looks like a duck. He thinks she’d like swimming there. He does. Willow says, they’ll see about that, and sits down with Wiley. Drew gets out of the pool and says he heard Nina was looking for him. What does she need? Willow says, Wiley smells like chlorine, and Drew says, there’s a pre-swim lotion you can put on your skin that prevents the chlorine from getting through. Willow asks if that’s something he learned from the Navy, but he says, no. He actually read it in Crimson. They had a few ads for it, or is he just imagining things? Nina smiles at him.

Dex says, here’s to Josslyn’s first day of lifeguarding, and she thanks him. She says, here’s to no running, fighting, or cannonballs, and he says he bets she can get two out of three. Trina says that’s not what she wants to hear, and Josslyn thanks him for remembering it’s her first day. He says, she knows how much he loves swimming, and she says, it’s a good thing he got those stitches out. Otherwise, she’d have to stop him from getting in the pool. He says, that might be easier said than done, and Trina says she heard about what happened to him at Brook’s wedding reception. That’s insane. He says, it was a little, but it’s over and he’s okay. Thanks to Joss. She’s the one who took him to the ER and made him wait to get stitches. He would have gone home, put some ice on it, and probably wound up with a scar. Trina tells him, some people say a scar makes you look a little daring, and he says, but then people as how you got it and he’d have to explain it. Some things are best left forgotten. He looks at Josslyn, and so does Trina.

Brook brings Chase something to eat, but he says he’s not hungry. She says she knows, but he has to keep his strength up. Wow. She thought she’d have more time before she’d see her mother. He says, there are worse things, like sitting around feeling helpless. He just lost his dad. He can’t risk losing his brother too, and he can’t let Violet get caught up in Finn’s mess. He thought Violet would be reason enough for Finn to get back on the wagon. Brook says, she hasn’t been so far, and he says, she’s right. A person can’t be an addict’s only incentive to get sober. She says, they have to do more than just cross their fingers and pray that things don’t go from bad to worse. If Finn is in denial about his drinking, he’s certainly not going to think there are any problems when it comes to Violet. Chase wonders how Violet is going to feel about whatever they decide to do. How does this end without one or both of them hating us? She says, Finn is going to hate whoever makes him confront his drinking, and there’s absolutely nothing they can do about that. And yeah, Violet might think she hates them for a little while. He says, it’s better than leaving her with her father… He can’t believe he just said that. She says, if he hadn’t, she would have.

Dale comes back with the beers, and Gordo says, see? Told you we wouldn’t get carded. Good job. He takes a long sip, and says, the best money can buy. Their money anyway. Jake continues to watch Finn, and Gordo says, chill out. Drink his beer. Jake says, the last thing he needs is for Finn to see him drinking, and Gordo says, yeah. He’s really taking in the beauty of this place. Come on. That guy hasn’t looked at anything but that woman in half an hour. He’s not sure that guy knows there is anything else in this bar. Jake says, shut up. His dad just died. Gordo says, he looks real sad, but Jake says, he doesn’t know. This doesn’t mean anything. He would never do this to Jake’s mom.

The woman puts her hand on Finn’s leg and says, there must be other things he’s dying to see besides the inside of this bar. She can think of a few things that might be of interest. Finn motions for the bartender to come over and asks if there are any liquor stores around this establishment, but the bartender says, not really. Finn says, how about that bottle there? and points. That’s a nice bottle. Would he be willing to part with it? The bartender says, they’re not supposed to, and Finn says he knows that, and puts a fifty on the bar. How does he feel about that bottle now? The bartender scoops up the bill and puts the bottle on the bar. The woman says she loves the sight of a man taking care of business, and Finn picks up his drink. He says, here’s to taking care of business, and they clink glasses.

Trina says she’s going to grab herself an iced tea while Josslyn and Dex catch up. Does anybody want one? They say, no thanks, and Trina leaves. She bumps into Gio, who maybe needs glasses, and he says he’s so sorry. She says, that’s okay, and he says, for some reason, he’s like a human bumper car today, but she says, he’s okay. It’s fine. He says, it’s not, but he promises he’s not always such a klutz. He was just going to check in with Josslyn. Trina says she would probably hold off if she were him. Those two used to be together and now they’re not, but it looks like they’re patching things up. He says, they obviously still like each other, and she says, that’s what she keeps trying to tell them. She loves them, but they’re exhausting. He says he comes from a long line of nosy Italians, so he has to ask. Why did they break up in the first place? She says she doesn’t know all of the details, but it had something to do with Josslyn’s stepfather. Technically, ex-stepfather, which is bonus points for Josslyn. Sonny Corinthos is basically awful.

Dex asks if Trina knows everything that went down between him and Sonny, and Josslyn says she told Trina that Sonny assaulted him. She didn’t get into the details and probably won’t. He says, Sonny tracked him down in the park the other day, and she says she doesn’t see any fresh wounds or bullet holes, so she guesses that’s progress. He says, Sonny told him the bad blood between them was done, and he could live his life however he wants. Even become a cop. She says, wow. Dex doesn’t need his permission, but she’s a little surprised. He says he’s surprised too, and she asks if Dex believes him. It’s the least he could do after trying to kill Dex, but it’s Sonny, so… He says he believes Sonny hates him, but he also believes Sonny has taken the target off his back. She says she can finally breathe, and he says, him too. She says she guesses it’s a fair trade. Dex doesn’t press charges and Sonny leaves him alone. He says he’s just ready to put Sonny and whatever he does or doesn’t do behind him, and just focus on what’s in front of him. That’s all that matters.

Drew tells his future frogman to come along and let Willow and Nina talk lotions. He goes back into the pool with Wiley, and Willow says, Nina and Drew seem to be working well together. Nina says, it’s amazing how perspectives can change. They respect each other as professionals and that’s been nice. Willow says, however they managed it, they seem to be in a more peaceful place, and they both look happier. Nina says she’s certainly on board for more peace, and Willow says, he’s so good with Wiley and Amelia, and of course (🍷) his own daughter. Nina says, he really is. She’s never seen Drew Cain like this.

The woman whispers something to Finn, and Jake says, you’ve got to be kidding me. That’s it. He gets up, but Gordo says, hang on. Not here. Jake says, he doesn’t need to do this to his mom, but Gordo says, if Jake gets in his face here, they’re all going to get busted, right? Jake says, right.

Finn says he needs to go. He needs to get out. He needs some fresh air. He picks up the bottle and tells the woman, let’s go, and she says, that‘s an excellent idea. She follows Finn out, and Dale tells Jake that he’s really sorry. Jake thanks him and says he’s sorry, but he has to get out of here. He leaves, and we see the two empty shot glasses on the bar.

Brook says, Violet doesn’t have a passport, does she? and Chase says he’s not sure. She says, if they need one, they’ll get one, and he asks why exactly Violet needs a passport. She says, because they’re going to take Violet with them to Italy while Finn is at rehab. What’s that saying about seeing the world through a child’s eyes? He says he doesn’t know, but he knows the saying about abducting a minor and taking them across state and international lines. It’s a felony. She says, they’re not kidnapping Violet, but he says he’s pretty sure Finn’s going to say they did in court. He loves that she’s willing to bring Violet on their honeymoon, but Finn’s never going to go for it, and Violet’s not going to want to go if Finn’s not 100% behind it. And if he’s being honest, he doesn’t think child abduction is the answer to all of their problems. She says, what if they keep it local? and he says, like a scavenger hunt? Where Finn goes around town looking for his own child? (Ha-ha-ha!) She says she can tell by the tone of his voice that he’s not completely on board, and he says, it’s a terrible plan. It’s actually one of her most troubling. Her family would be proud. She tells him that he always knows exactly what to say, and he says he knows she came up with that plan just to take the edge off. She asks if it worked, and he says, no, but he loves her for it anyway, and they kiss.

Gio says, Sonny Corinthos is Josslyn’s ex-stepfather? and Trina says, yes, to her eternal regret. He says his family thinks Uncle Sonny is second only to the Pope in terms of greatness, and she says, Uncle Sonny? He says, Sonny’s not really his uncle, more like his benefactor. Sonny’s been really good to him. She says, okay. She’s happy for him, but pretty much everyone in Port Charles has an opinion about Sonny. Some good, some bad. She just knows there’s some bad history when it comes to Joss. He says he’s sorry to hear about that, but now that they’ve gotten that settled, tell him. Why did she have such a weird look on her face when they first met? Did he do something, or have they run into each other before?

Finn brings the woman to his apartment, and he looks at all the boxes. He flashes back to packing up Gregory’s stuff and picking up the shoes Gregory wore at the wedding. The woman asks if those are the things from his border work. These boxes, are they his Doctors Without Borders stuff? He nods and says, it’s hard to believe he lived that life. It feels like it happened to somebody else. She says she sure likes the doctor guy who’s living this life, but he says he doesn’t. He doesn’t like anything about him. She smooths his hair back and says, hey. Come on, sugar. This is not the time to be sad. Anything he’s feeling, she can take it away. He asks how she’s going to do that, and she says, how about this? and kisses him. Doesn’t that feel better? He nods and she says, and this, kissing him some more. (I’ve been basically yelling, no, no, no! at the TV since they left the bar.)

Jake goes into the hospital and finds Elizabeth at the reception desk. She says she didn’t expect to see him until later. She thought he was going to the movies with Gordo. He says, they were, but… She asks, what happened? and he says he met up with Gordo and Dale, and they were on their way to the movies, and they passed this dive bar. He’s talking super sketchy, and they saw Finn coming out. She asks if he’s sure it was Finn, and he says, positive. And he wasn’t alone. She says, great. He’s found himself a drinking buddy. Jake says, sort of. He was with this lady, like with her with her, and it was pretty obvious he’d been drinking with her.

Elizabeth turns away, and Jake says he’s sorry, but she says, he has nothing to apologize for. He says he didn’t want to tell her, but he had to, right? and she says, he absolutely had to. She’s glad he did. Thank you. He says, sure, and she says she’ll handle this when she’s done here, but he says he doesn’t know. That might not be the greatest idea right now. She says, don’t worry. She’s got this. She’ll see him at home, okay? He says, okay, and she leaves. He takes out his phone and makes a call. He says, it’s Jake. My mom’s got a situation. She needs you.

Chase tells Brook that there’s got to be something they can do that doesn’t mean them spending their honeymoon in separate prison cells fighting assorted felony charges. Brook says, okay. What if they make something happen at the Q’s house that Violet just won’t want to miss? He says he’s listening, and she says, they tell her that all the kids are out of school, that there’s tennis and swimming and horseback riding and barbecues every night. He says, like summer camp, and she says, exactly. He says, that sounds promising. Are they just talking about this or doing it? She says, we are doing it, baby. And all the Quartermaine adults will take turns on supervising shifts, work schedules permitting. He says, because of his dad, he has some time off he could use, and she says, and she can work from anywhere. So they’ll just say they’re spending a few weeks at the Quartermaines. He says, and there will be a bunch of cousins and pseudo cousins and assorted rugrats running around playing with Violet. She says, not bad, huh? and he says, yeah. He’ll talk to Finn tomorrow, assuming that he’s sober. She says, and with Violet staying with the Qs, they can do some sort of intervention. Get him to see what kind of trouble he’s in. Chase asks if she’s sure her family is going to be okay with this. He can’t imagine Tracy will be. It’s a lot. (One more kid? And Violet no less? Hardly.) She says, then they’ll tell her the truth, privately. Tracy and Finn are friends. She should know anyway that her friend is in trouble. Then she can help them get the rest of the family on board. He says, that might be a leap, and she says, maybe. But at the end of the day, every last Quartermaine is going to be doing this, no matter what it takes.

Nina and Willow sit by the pool, and Nina says, the lotion. It’s called DermaPool and it’s fantastic. It contains shea butter and green leaf extract in it. It leaves a moisturizing coating on the skin and vitamin C neutralizes the chlorine. Olympic swimmers swear by it. They had medalists that were actually part of the ad campaign at Crimson, and they were great. It also helps with pool rash and swim hair… Willow says, swim hair? and Nina says, you know how chlorine can change some hair green? Willow says she didn’t know it had an official name, and Nina says, Crimson has boxes of DermaPool in storage. Why doesn’t she send Willow a couple of boxes?… She can really overdo it sometimes. The last thing Willow needs is a truckload of product showing up on her doorstep. Willow says, that’s okay, and Nina and Drew exchange glances.

Trina is on her laptop at a table, and Gio says, sorry. The way people go through towels, you’d think they never saw one before. Trina says, people go wild when they’re not the ones doing the fluffing and the folding, and he says, that makes sense. At the risk of trying her patience, is she sure they never met before? He’s positive he’d remember someone like her. She says she promises they haven’t, but she will admit that if she looks at him just the right way out of the corner of her eye, he does look like someone she used to be close to. He says, why used to be? Why aren’t they close anymore? She says, he died, and Gio says he’s sorry. He’s an idiot. She says, no. You know what? I’ll just… She dashes out, and Josslyn looks at Gio.

Willow tells Wiley that they have to get home. Mommy has a date. He says he doesn’t like that idea, and she says, it’s with daddy. He’s taking her to dinner. Wiley says, okay then, and she says she’s glad he approves. Nina asks if they’re going anywhere fun, but Willow says she has no idea. It’s a new place Michael wants to try. Nina says, nice. She’s sure wherever they go, it’s going to be lovely. She should get back to Crimson before they send out a search party. They still have some things to iron out before they launch the next issue. She tells Wiley that it was really, really great spending some time with him, and he says he knows. Let’s do it again. She says she hopes this is the start of an incredible summer for him and Amelia. She hopes they have lots of adventures and lots of fun and lots of swimming. He says he already told his mom that he’s going to swim every day this summer, and Willow says, he’s not lying. He started telling her about his swim plan in February. Nina says, that sounds like a great plan. It was really good to see Willow. Willow says, it was nice seeing Nina too. Wiley loved it. Nina says, and if she ever needs DermaPool… Willow says she knows who to call. Nina leaves as Drew watches.

Josslyn catches up with Trina and asks if she’s okay. Trina says, yeah. She just went to the ladies’ room. Josslyn says she saw Trina take off. Did Gio say something? She’ll beat him up if he did. Trina says, Gio didn’t say anything wrong. It’s just that sometimes some things will just hit her a certain way, and memories of Spencer will flood in and just knock the wind out of her. Josslyn says she’s so sorry, and Trina thanks her. She thinks it’s best if she just goes home. Josslyn says she’s going to be off soon, and they could go somewhere. They could talk or go see a movie. Whatever she wants. Trina thanks her, but thinks it’s best if she just has some alone time tonight. Josslyn says, of course (🍷), and hugs Trina. She says, but she’s here, and Trina says she knows. She leaves, and Dex comes back. He asks if Trina is all right, and Josslyn says, not at the moment, but she will be. He asks if something happened, and she says, not really. She thinks that grief just snuck up on her. He says, it’s going to take her a while to get over Spencer, and Josslyn says, it is. She really loved him. She feels so bad for Trina. He says, there’s been some big losses lately. What he keeps trying to say and keeps screwing up is, every moment is precious. They both know that life is short, so have dinner with him.

Chase says he wishes there was something they could do to fix Finn right now, and Brook says, her too, but they can’t lock him in a cage for his own good. He says he desperately wants Finn to stop drinking before he hits rock bottom, and she says she knows. They just need to remind him that the stakes are different for him than they are for other people. On top of everything else, Finn is a doctor at GH. People know him from there. If he keeps this up, word is going to get out. He says, if Finn does something he truly regrets and can’t take back, he’ll never recover. There will be nothing left of the Finn they knew and loved.

Elizabeth approaches Finn’s apartment and almost knocks, but then lets herself in with her key. She sees Finn and the woman sitting on the sofa, the woman’s legs on Finn’s lap, and the nearly empty bottle on the table with two glasses. Elizabeth is stone-faced and Finn just looks drunk.

On Monday, Curtis tells Drew, this is just the right time to do this; Willow tells Michael, if Drew can start fresh with Nina, maybe she can too; Nina tells Maxie, this is the price they pay for dancing with the devil; and Finn wants a chance to explain.

🏆 Winning Daytime…

The winners.

https://people.com/daytime-emmys-2024-winners-list-8653423

The important winners.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/daytime-emmys/the-2024-daytime-emmy-award-winners

Red carpet gallery.

https://parade.com/tv/daytime-emmy-awards-red-carpet-fashion-outfits-2024

History maker.

https://people.com/daytime-emmys-2024-dick-van-dyke-becomes-oldest-winner-guest-performer-in-drama-8652791

🌍 Where In the World Is Reza Farahan…

This was another reality show I actually liked. Yeah, there was fighting and fussing, and Mike… Well, let’s not talk about him. But it had tons of heart, and it was the real deal. I need someone to root for and this group was worthy of cheering on.

‘Shahs of Sunset’ Cast: Where Are They Now?

📹 Nice Try…

Doubtful I’d have watched this before the whole Rust tragedy anyway. He just doesn’t seem like a good guy.

https://people.com/alec-baldwin-reality-show-not-ideal-timing-rust-trial-source-exclusive-8659398

👩‍❤️‍👩 There Went the Brides…

After the wedding and other hookups.

https://extratv.com/2024/06/04/captain-sandy-on-married-life-and-below-deck-hookup-shockers-exclusive/

Who was in attendance.

‘Below Deck’ Stars Who Attended Captain Sandy’s Wedding to Leah Shafer

Supposedly, there was no shade intended on excluding Captain Lee.

Which Below Deck Stars Attended Captain Sandy Yawn’s Wedding?

🌁 Are We There Yet…

The latest news on The Last of Us. Sounds great if we ever get to see it.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-last-of-us-season-2-will-expand-on-unseen-stories-from-game/

https://comicbook.com/gaming/news/the-last-of-us-season-2-episode-count-seasons-3-and-4/

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/the-last-of-us-four-seasons

🐉 Caution – Dragons Ahead…

This makes me want to give it another try.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-review

A spinoff of a spinoff.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/game-of-thrones-sea-snake-spinoff-steve-toussaint

💃🏾 Evolution Revolution…

This is definitely on my must-see list.

https://ew.com/shonda-rhimes-black-barbie-documentary-trailer-8658080

🕸 Not So Itsy Bitsy…

Everybody, calm down. It’s not going to bite you or your pets, and it doesn’t have wings. Actually, my first thought was, I hope I get to see one.

https://people.com/joro-spiders-2024-everything-to-know-8659303

🐶 Move Over Montreal…

The pups are taking over the ice. More on the Stanley Pup.

https://people.com/stanley-pup-adorable-rescue-dogs-take-nhl-ice-8659802

https://www.nhl.com/fans/2024-stanley-pup

📠 Quotes of the Week

Only two things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and I’m not sure about the former. – Albert Einstein

A mathematical formula for happiness: Reality divided by Expectations. There were two ways to be happy: improve your reality or lower your expectations. – Jodi Picoult

The border to eternity is never ahead of us. It runs parallel to life and can be crossed over at any moment by old and young. – Reinhard Bonnke

As I get older, I am becoming more selective of who I consider a friend. I find that I would rather have 4 quarters than 100 pennies. – Steve Maraboli

The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing. – John Powell

I believe the most important single thing, beyond discipline and creativity, is daring to dare. – Dr. Maya Angelou

I am under no obligation to make sense to you. – Neil DeGrasse Tyson

Be yourself, but not too much.  – Jasmine Pineda, 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?

⛺️ Oh Those Summer Nights…

Join me on Monday for a little soap and a little Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay respecting others’ boundaries at the beach or pool (also, please don’t leave litter behind), and stay remembering addiction is a disease, and give grace, but don’t excuse it.

Jun4

June 3, 2024 – Carly Gives Sonny a Reality Check, Blog Revamp, No Wine On Deck, New Pairing, Inside Scoop, Number One, Who’s On Stage, Furbabysitting & Born

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Poor Jason can’t get any real work done. Two gunmen slip into the coffee warehouse, but he can feel it. He chucks his clipboard, takes out his gun, and ducks behind some shelves before shots come his way. There’s a shootout and Jason hits one of the gunmen. The other is apparently a coward and runs out.

Carly says, if Jason doesn’t sell his half of the coffee business to Sonny, what does he plan on doing about it? Sonny says, it’s just business, but Carly says, it isn’t. Sonny made it personal when he insisted Jason was the enemy. Sonny says, that’s who he is now; he’s working with the Feds. He was free to make a choice how to handle it. Sonny made his. She says, he told her that what happens next is on Jason. What the hell does that mean? What did he do?

Kristina sits at a beautifully set table in Blaze’s room and says, when Blaze surprises a girl with dinner, she really goes all out. And her favorite chocolate cake for dessert. She can’t believe Blaze remembered that. Blaze says, to be fair, Kristina talks about the chocolate cake a lot, and Kristina says, yeah, because it’s her favorite. Not that she’s complaining, but what’s the occasion? Blaze asks if she needs an occasion to spoil Kristina… Maybe there’s a little something else going on here. She knows Kristina has been having a hard time with what she saw at the wedding reception. She just wanted to do something to show Kristina that she’s not alone. She’s here. Kristina says, that’s really sweet of her, and thanks her. It has been hard lately. It’s been hard facing the reality of who her dad actually is, but talking to Dante really helped because she could see he was struggling with the same issues. Blaze says she’s glad, and Kristina says, also, being here with her like this makes her feel even better. She feels so safe with Blaze. She used to think the only person in this whole world who really understood her was her dad, and now she knows that’s not true because she has Blaze. Blaze says, Kristina does have her, and Kristina says she knows. She’s glad Molly doesn’t know about this because if she did, Molly would be out of control, and she really can’t handle that. She asks Blaze, what’s wrong? and Blaze says, Molly does know. She told her.

Ava records on her phone: Welcome to the first US exhibition of the work of Lagos based Harriet Nikia, exclusively at the Jerome gallery, when… She says, dammit, and rewinds. She says, welcome to the first… when there’s a knock at the door. She opens it to Natalia, who says, she hopes this isn’t a bad time. Is it?

Deanna brings Jack into his hospital room and says, he did a good job keeping up with her on his walk. Now he should get some rest. She helps him back into bed, and he says, being in a hospital is a lot like being in a casino. You have no idea what time it is. (Didn’t Heather say that too?) Deanna says, his stab wound might be healing, but his aim is to regain his flexibility with two or three walks a day. He says, it’s always good to have a goal, and the guard handcuffs him back to the bed. The guard’s phone dings, and he says, there’s a disturbance on the third floor. They need his help. Jack says, take your time. He’s not going anywhere. Deanna says, they’ll be fine, and Jack thanks her. She follows the guard out, and Jack takes out a paperclip and undoes his cuff. He gets out of bed and finds some conveniently stashed scrubs in a drawer in his room.

Jason tosses the gunman’s gun aside and checks for a pulse. He hears someone and draws his gun, but it’s Anna coming in with her gun drawn. She says, he seems to have a dead man on his floor, and he says, there was a second shooter, but he got away. She asks if he got a look at him, but he says, no. He was too busy returning fire. She asks if he has any idea who sent them, and he says, she got here right after the shooting stopped. That’s perfect timing, unless she’s watching the place. She says, what? No, it was a coincidence. She was coming over here to get more details about Sonny attacking Dex. She heard shots and she drew her weapon. She’s going to call this in. She takes out her phone, they hear sirens, and she says, it appears someone beat her to it.

Sonny says he doesn’t have to explain himself to Carly after all her lies and broken promises. She says she never lied to him about Jason, and he says, just broken promises. Is that better? She asks if he knows what she thinks, and he says he’s sure he’s going to hear it. She says, he still hasn’t made up his mind about Jason. Deep down, Sonny still trusts him. He might want to hate Jason, but he still trusts him. He asks if that’s what she thinks and starts to leave, but she grabs his arm and says, wait a second. He came here for the reality check he knew she would give him, so here it is. He never had a friend like Jason, and he never will. And even now, after everything Sonny has accused him of, Jason still has his back. And he knows it. Deep down he feels it. He says, does he? and she says, does he know why he’s struggling with all of this? Because he can’t erase Jason from his life. And if they’re both being honest, he doesn’t want to. He says he didn’t come here to bare his soul to her. He’s going upstairs to see Blaze. She asks if he’s serious. Please tell her that he’s not going up there to ask Blaze to defend him to Kristina.

Blaze says she’s so sorry. Telling Molly was a complete accident. Kristina says, how? How does someone say something like that by accident? Blaze says she ran into Molly outside of Kelly’s. At first, it was a totally normal conversation. Then Molly wanted to talk about what happened with Kristina at the wedding, so she thought Molly knew about Kristina’s dad, but it turns out she was just fishing. Kristina says, of course (🍷) she was. Of course (🍷) she was just fishing. That’s what Molly does. She gets information out of people. She’s a lawyer. She’s a damn good one too. She can’t believe Blaze fell for that. Kristina gets up and Blaze follows. Blaze says, Molly could tell by her reaction that something had happened, and she was afraid that if she didn’t tell Molly, she would just ask Kristina and it would upset Kristina even more. So she told Molly what Kristina’s dad did to Dex and that she witnessed it and called Blaze from the ladies’ room. Kristina asks why Blaze didn’t tell her this right away, and Blaze says she didn’t want to make it a bigger thing that it was, so she assured Molly that Kristina and the baby are fine. Kristina says she highly doubts Molly believes Blaze. Molly and TJ are already convinced she’s not responsible enough to take care of this child as it is. Now, this is definitely not going to help. Blaze says she’s so sorry. If she could take it back, she would. Kristina says, this is really bad. Molly is an ADA. She has the power to prosecute Sonny even if Dex doesn’t file charges for himself. Blaze says, she seemed completely fine when they said goodbye. She didn’t seem upset at all. In fact, she said she was headed to their mom’s house. Did Kristina see her there? Did she say anything about it? Kristina says, no. She said nothing. And that makes it even worse.

Ava says she assumes Natalia is here to see Sonny. He isn’t home yet. She’s expecting him very shortly though. Natalia is welcome to wait if she’d like. Natalia says, okay, thanks, and Ava invites her in. She asks if she can get Natalia a drink, but Natalia says, no thank you. She actually comes bearing alcohol because she remembered that single malt scotch Sonny like so much, so she picked him up a bottle. Just to say thank you for inviting her to the Quartermaine wedding. Ava says, that’s so thoughtful. She heard it was a very lively affair, especially the reception. Natalia says, was it?

Jack slips out of his room wearing the scrubs. He goes out to a stairwell, leans on the railing, and says, son of a bitch. Valentin is at the top of the stairs, and Jack says, it took him long enough to make this happen. Valentin says he’s got to give Jack credit. Not everyone would stab themselves in the stomach. He doesn’t know how many people would have thought of that, since there are other ways to communicate. Jack says he’ll remember to tell Valetin that when he’s the one behind bars, and Valentin says, the last time they talked, they agreed they weren’t going to see each other face to face. So this better be important.

Jack says he has information that couldn’t wait, and Valentin walks down to him. Valentin asks where he got this information from and how much did it cost, and Jack says, suddenly now money’s an object? Nothing. It was completely free. It came from Carly Spencer. Valentin says, now Jack has his attention, and Jack says, Carly came to visit him in Pentenville. She wanted information, then let something of her own slip. He knows which three letter agency is investigating Pikeman – FBI. Valentin says, he heard that from Carly Spencer? and Jack says, it seems the FBI relocated an agent to Port Charles, specifically to investigate Pikeman. John Cates. Valetin says he’s aware of John’s presence, and Jack tells him, do the math. If the FBI went through the trouble to bring Agent Cates here, they can safely assume they’re also the ones responsible for creating Alan Jacobs aka Jason Morgan and having him infiltrate Pikeman. Valentin says, now they know that Jason Morgan is reporting to the FBI.

In the interrogation room, Ann comes in with a recorder and tells Jason, let’s start from the beginning, shall we? He says, she knows everything he already knows. He was working, and two men he didn’t recognize came into the warehouse. They opened fire; he fired back. One is dead and the other one ran away. She asks if he has any idea who might have sent the gunmen, but he says, no. She asks if anyone has threatened to kill him, and he says, ever? She says, recently, say, where it could have been overheard by witnesses, like outside the MetroCourt ballroom for instance. Diane walks in and says, okay. Not another word. An officer tells Anna that he’s sorry. He tried to stop her. Anna says she can handle it. Don’t worry. He leaves, and she says, Diane got here fast. Diane says she happened to be in the area and came right here when she got the call. So she’d like a word with him alone. Anna says, fine, and leaves. Diane asks Jason, who tried to kill you? and he says, there were two shooters. One’s dead and one got away, but she has to get to Sonny and warn him that the cops are going to come to question him.

Sonny says he doesn’t need Carly’s permission to tell him what’s best for his daughter, and starts to walk away. She says, come on. Wait. She knows how much he loves Kristina and how much he cares about that baby, but if he pressures Blaze to intervene with Kristina, he’s only going to push Kristina further away. He has to let Kristina reach out to him first. He says, what if she doesn’t? and Carly says, it might take longer than he wants, but he has to let Kristina come to terms with this on her own, and she’ll definitely contact him. Despite what Kristina saw him do, she loves him fiercely, and that doesn’t just go away. But if he tries to manipulate Blaze into talking to Kristina, Kristina is going to find out, and she’s going to see it as him going behind her back and that’s just going to make everything worse. He says he knows what’s best for his daughter and goes to the elevator. His phone rings, and he says, Brick, can this wait?… How many shots were fired?… Cops there?… All right. Thanks for letting him know. He’ll handle it.

Blaze says, considering the fact that Molly didn’t bring up what Sonny did to Dex means that she trusts Kristina, but Kristina says, really? They don’t even trust her to go to the grocery store or take a yoga class. Does Blaze think they’re going to be okay with the fact that she’s been hiding from them? That she freaked out in a public restroom after seeing her father brutally attack someone? Blaze says, she doesn’t even know that Molly told TJ, but Kristina says, she told TJ. If she hasn’t yet, she’s about to. This is so bad. Now they’re going to start putting more restrictions on her… Blaze says she knows Kristina is worried about a lot of things right now – her dad and the baby – but please don’t let herself spin out. Molly and TJ are rational people… Kristina says, Blaze doesn’t know them like she does, and Blaze says, Kristina… but Kristina says, no. She trusted Blaze. She trusted her more than anyone and Blaze has completely betrayed her. She walks out. (Please don’t let them break up. They have more chemistry than all the other couples put together.)

Diane says, Sonny just ordered a hit on Jason, and he’s worried about her warning him? and Jason says, she’s Sonny’s lawyer. It’s her job. She says she’s his lawyer too. And right now, she’s a lot more worried about keeping him alive than she is warning the man who just tried to have him killed. Her phone rings, and she sees it’s Sonny. Jason says, she should answer it. Go ahead. Diane answers, and Sonny says, Brick just told him there was trouble at the coffee warehouse. He rubs his forehead and says he needs her to meet him there. She says she’s sorry. She’s with another client at the moment, when Jason gestures to her. She says, hang on, putting the phone on mute, and Jason asks if that’s Sonny. She says, he wants her to meet him at the coffee warehouse, and Jason tells her, go. He’ll be fine. She says, he just shot and killed a man. He claims it’s self-defense, but there’s no guarantee the police are going to believe him. It’s more likely they won’t. He says, either Anna is going to release him or she’s not; either way, he’ll be fine. Sonny might not be. He’s going to say something incriminating if she’s not there to protect him. Diane says she’ll just assume Jason knows what he’s doing, and tells Sonny that she’s on her way. Sonny says he’ll see her there, and Jason thanks her. She says she wants him to think about something. While he’s in here worrying about Sonny, how does he know Sonny isn’t planning another hit on him? She leaves.

Ava says she takes it that means Natalia didn’t stay for the reception, but Natalia says she did. Sonny insisted she see the MetroCourt Garden all decked out for the party, so she couldn’t say no. Ava asks if she enjoyed herself, and Natalia says, it was an interesting evening. Sonny knew everybody, but she only knew her daughter, and Kristina of course (🍷). Ava asks if she stayed until the very end, and Natalia says she doesn’t know when Allison and Kristina left, but she got tired and Sonny was off socializing. She just thought she shouldn’t overstay her welcome, so she went up to bed. Ava says, it sounds like everybody had a lovely time. And it must have been nice for Sonny to see Blaze and Kristina so happy together. Just between the two of them, Kristina has been a bit of a problem child over the years. Natalia says, really (and I say, Ava, why?), and Ava says, she’s made some bad decisions. Luckily, Natalia’s daughter isn’t one of them. Natalia says, while they’re sharing, she has to say their relationship is a little too unconventional for her liking, and Ava says, in what way? Natalia says, they’re not really a normal couple, are they? Kristina is pregnant with her sister’s baby. She’s holding hands with Allison out in public. She’s scared to death someone is going to take a picture and sell it to the tabloids when her daughter’s career is taking off. It’s going to be such a scandal. Ava says, would it be? It’s 2024. She thinks most people seem to be very comfortable with both those things. And since Natalia and Sonny have struck up a friendship, she should know, career worries aside, Sonny is completely supportive of Kristina in every way, sexual identity included. Natalia says, it would seem so. She just can’t say she’s of the same mind.

Carly sees Kristina coming out of the elevator and calls to her. Kristina says she’s sorry. She was in her own head there for a minute. Carly says she knows Kristina has a lot on her mind, and Kristina says she does. Carly says, baby brain. It’s a real thing. She used to go to the freezer to get some ice cream and open the door and just stand there staring, wondering what she went there for, and the ice cream is sitting right there. (Am I pregnant???) She asks if Kristina is feeling okay, and Kristina says she feels great with the baby. Honestly, whenever she feels it kicking or moving around or making her uncomfortable, it’s kind of nice because she knows it’s safe and healthy. She knows it sounds kind of weird. Carly says, it doesn’t sound weird; it sounds perfect. Kristina says, it’s crazy how much she cares about this little life growing inside of her, considering it’s not hers. But it is hers for nine months, right? Carly says she thinks it’s amazing what Kristina is doing for her sister. It’s selfless. And this little baby may be her niece or nephew one day, but it’s always going to be a part of her. Kristina thanks her for saying that, and Carly says, just like Kristina is always going to be a part of her father.

Valentin tells Jack that they already knew Jason Morgan was working with one of the agencies. All Carly has done is confirm it was the FBI. Jack says he’s glad Valentin is taking the news so well, but it does present a problem. If Jason knows Valentin is heading up Pikeman… Valentin says, but he doesn’t. Otherwise, he’d be sharing a cell with Jack. Jack says, then don’t do anything to draw attention to himself. Leave Jason Morgan well alone.

Anna tells Jason that she just saw Diane leaving. Does he want to postpone this conversation until she can be present for it? He asks if he needs her, and she says, it’s his right. She encourages him to protect himself. He says he’s fine, and she says, okay. They found the dead guy’s ID. They put him through the system, and wouldn’t you know he’s had multiple run-ins with law enforcement. He’s a low-level member of an organization with ties to the big guys downstate. She shows him the gunman’s picture on her tablet and asks if Jason recognizes him. Jason says he’s been away for a long time, and Anna says she’ll take this as a yes. It seems his organization has done business with Sonny in the past. Jason tells her, like he said… She says, he’s been away a long time. She doesn’t believe this man was a stranger to him. She thinks Jason knows exactly who he worked for. Why doesn’t he just say it? It was Sonny who tried to have him killed.

At the warehouse, Detective Bennett says, Sonny needs to let them do their jobs, and Sonny asks what he’s talking about. This is his place. He’s checking the damage. Diane comes in and says she advised him not to talk to the police. Sonny asks where she’s been, and she says she got here as fast as she could. She introduces herself to Bennett, and he says, Detective Bennett. Please be advised that her client is a person of interest. She says, for what crime? Surely not this, because Mr. Corinthos wasn’t even in the building when shots were fired, so how could he be a person of interest? Bennett says, she’ll be able to get more information down at the station, and she says, fine. She’d like to speak with her client first, however. Please tell her that he’s not denying her client his right to speak with his attorney, because that’s not going to end well for him. He tells her, make it quick, and she says, oh, okay. Diane and Sonny go into the office, and Diane says, he knows she can’t help him unless he tells her the truth. Was he responsible for that?

Sonny says he can’t tell Diane what happened tonight, but he can tell her this, he had nothing to do with it. He wasn’t even here. Jason uses this place as his office. Maybe she should ask him the same question. She says, Jason was here tonight when two armed men broke in and started shooting at him, one of whom ended up very dead. If Sonny wants her to represent him to the very best of her ability, he has to tell her everything she needs to know before those cops take him into custody.

Anna tells Jason, sit down, and reluctantly, he does. He says he’s told her all he knows, and she asks if he has a death wish. He says, no, and she says, really? Because that’s not what it looks like. He just came within an inch of being killed tonight, and he’s still protecting Sonny. He says, he’s not… and she says, they both know that Sonny threatened to kill him the other day. How many bullets is Jason going to take for him? She gets loyalty. She understands it, but she thought he was smarter than this. He’s looking out for Sonny, and Sonny is sending people off to kill him. When does it end? And how much blood will be shed before it does?

Valentin says he’s meeting a very interesting side to Jack. Jack’s got issues, and he’s not just talking about the stitches in Jack’s side from his self-inflicted stab wound. He thinks Jack needs to relax. He thinks Jack needs to delegate, trust other people. Jack says he thinks Valentin is forgetting how he got where he is and the people who helped him do it. It took Valentin a long time to get to the top. It’ll only take him seconds – Jack looks down the stairs – to fall all the way back down. Valentin asks if they’re threatening each other, and Jack laughs. Valentin says he’s going to assume it’s the painkillers talking. So heal up and let him take care of everything. Jack says, they don’t even know what Jason told Cates about Pikeman’s operations, and Valentin says, assuming he knows anything. He may not. Jack says, Valentin wants to put their entire operation at risk over may not. Jason Morgan was smart enough to infiltrate Pikeman without getting caught. If he puts the pieces together… Valentin says, calm down. Once Jason Morgan figures things out – assuming he does – Sonny will already have taken him off the chessboard and saved them both the trouble. (Oh ho! Got it.)

Jack says he doesn’t know how long the guard will be occupied. He has to get back to his room before the guard does. Valentin says, okay, but can they get one thing straight? Once Sonny eliminates Jason, he’ll get word to Jack in Pentenville. Until then, they are not to talk to one another. Jack asks what he’s supposed to do. Stab himself again when he wants some fresh air? Valentin says, he’s an enterprising fellow. He’ll find something to do. Join a book club. Make a friend. It’ll be fine. Jack says, Valentin has been stalling for months. When the hell is Valentin going to get the charges against him dropped? Valentin says he hears Jack. He just needs a little bit more patience. Because if they shine a light on the WSB/Pikeman connection, it’s going to backfire. It’s all going to blow up in their face. So stay strong. Be patient. He has everything under control.

Kristina says, obviously, Carly knows what’s going on between her and her dad, and Carly asks if they can sit. Kristina nods, and they sit down. Carly says, Jason called her right after he broke up the fight. He told her that Kristina saw Sonny attack Dex and threaten to kill him. Kristina says, then she also knows everything Josslyn ever said about her dad is true and she’s so stupid for even arguing with her because Josslyn was right all along. Carly says she loves her daughter more than anything, but Josslyn has her own issues with Sonny, and Kristina tells her, it doesn’t even matter what Josslyn said. She knows what she saw, and she keeps seeing it over and over and over again. Watching her dad be so violent and out of control. Carly says, it must have been so awful for Kristina. She’s so sorry Kristina had to go through this. Kristina says she thinks it’s something that all of Sonny’s kids have to go through eventually, right? Carly knows that more than anyone with Michael. She’s just the idiot who took so long to finally see the truth. Carly says, she’s not an idiot, and Kristina says, not anymore, because now her eyes are wide open. And whether Dex files charges against her father or not, she’ll never forget what she saw her dad do. So now, she’s just ashamed she didn’t admit what she saw right in front of her sooner. Carly says, that’s because she wanted to see the best in Sonny. It’s because she loves her dad. Kristina says, Carly loved him too once, but does she think she really knew him?

Ava says, it sounds like Natalia doesn’t approve of her daughter’s relationship with Kristina, and Natalia tells her that she could say that. Ava says she doesn’t want to pry, but is it because they’re gay? and Natalia says, no. She’s not a prude. Whatever people do behind closed doors, that’s their own business. She just feels like gay people, or whatever alphabet soup they’re calling themselves these days, they’re flighty. They’re just not very serious about life. (Regardless of what she believes about sexual identity, that’s an odd statement to make.) Ava says she doesn’t think that’s true at all, but Natalia tells her that she just said herself that Kristina has had her own problems with bad decisions. Ava says, years ago. She was younger. You could say the same thing about a lot of straight people too. Kristina’s really gotten herself together. She works hard. She’s very serious about her baby. Natalia says, that choice of words is very interesting because it’s not really her baby now, is it? and Ava says, not in the way Natalia is talking about it, no. Natalia says, right. So she’s going to be pregnant for nine months, give birth, and just hand the baby over. To her, it just seems like Kristina and Allison think, wouldn’t it be so fun to have a baby because we don’t have to do any of the hard work or be serious about it. What are they going to do? Visit the child every once in a while, or take it to an amusement park sometimes? (I don’t think she understands how this works.) Ava says she’s sorry if this offends Natalia, but she thinks that is just a very unfortunate way to look at this beautiful thing that Kristina is doing for her sister. Natalia says, Ava is entitled to her opinion, as is she. She does try to stay open-minded. It’s just that if her way of thinking is considered old fashioned, so be it. (It’s not even old fashioned; it’s just weird.)

Anna says she knows how deep Jason’s loyalty to Sonny goes. She used to look at him through rose colored glasses herself. But what if the person he used to know no longer exists? Or worse, it was an illusion all along, and Sonny never really was the man Jason believed him to be? (That would be one long ruse.) An officer comes in with an evidence bag containing a phone and says, forensics thought Anna would want to look at what they found. She thanks him and he leaves. She puts on gloves and tells Jason that it might have been useful for reporting back to whoever it was that ordered the kill.

Natalia gets up and asks Ava to do her a favor and make sure Sonny gets her gift. Ava says, of course (🍷). She’ll walk Natalia out. Ava opens the door and says she enjoyed their chat. They should do it again sometime. Natalia says, perhaps, and leaves. Ava closes the door and sits down. She sees that her phone was still on record and listens to Natalia saying that she just feels like gay people, or whatever alphabet soup they’re calling themselves these days, are flighty and not very serious about life. She half-smiles.

Carly tells Kristina that she married a complicated man, and she knew that going in. And without making excuses for Sonny, he was capable of many things – great love, great anger. She watched Sonny have incredible highs and amazing lows, but he was never downright cruel. He always had a reason for doing what he did, and he never hurt someone just because he could. Kristina asks if she thinks he’s the same man now, or does she think he’s changed? and Carly says, that’s hard to answer because they’re not as close as they used to be, so she doesn’t know. But what she does know is the bond that Kristina has with him. Her father loves her more than anything. He brags about her all the time. He would give up his life for her. So she has to decide how much that matters, and where it fits into the relationship she has with Sonny, along with the stuff she’s learned about him recently. About to cry, Kristina says, what if it doesn’t fit at all? and Carly takes her hand and says, then she’s going to have to really think about if she can live her life without her dad.

Sonny tells Diane that he’s been trying to figure out what those guys wanted, but nothing makes any sense. They’re a coffee warehouse. It’s not like they have product here that anybody wants to steal. They don’t keep a large amount of cash here. He opens a desk drawer, takes out a metal box, and says, they do have small bills for cash expenses. He opens the box and says, everything is right there. Does she see that? She says, all right. So it wasn’t about the money. They must have had some other target in mind. He says, whatever they wanted, they didn’t get it, and Jason made them pay for breaking in. So why is it his problem?

The guard sees the door to Jack’s room is open a bit and hurries in. Jack raises the hand that has the cuff on it and says, miss me? The guard closes the door, and Jack smiles.

Anna tells Jason, only one number in the call history. She’d really like to know who it belongs to. She dials the number, and it rings a few times. Valentin says, is it done… Just tell him if it’s been done. Anna looks stunned, and Valentin frowns and hangs up.

Tomorrow, Chase tells Brook that it’s the best way to pay tribute to his dad; Elizabeth talks to Finn about his drinking; Drew asks how Carly feels about the possibility of that; and Sonny says he has to confess something.

🔎 Reviewing the Situation…

I have some things coming up in my life that, while positive, will require a lot of my time, so I had to rethink what I’m doing with my time now. I adore GH and while it might sound weird, I even enjoy typing it out. It’s sort of like being sucked into their world and leaving mine behind for a while. However, the reality shows have become another story.

Personally, I think the Housewives are dead, but Andy won’t let them lie down. I’m not sure what it is about these shows in general, but they’re all starting to smell like The Real World did when it took a turn from being incredibly interesting and something to look forward to, to a mess of drunken hot tub sex. It’s like they start off well, but within a few seasons, it turns into one big screaming match, or worse. I have the feeling production has a lot to do with it, possibly using cattle prods to urge the cast to create drama for screen time. I’m sure alcohol doesn’t hurt either. It isn’t quite as bad in the shows where there’s an actual job involved, like Below Deck, but where the hell are they getting some of these crew members? And who knows what will happen with Vanderpump Rules? I think Lisa should move on rather than mother a new brood at SUR. It’s all been too much of a steady diet of argument and angst. In an informal poll of my friends, we all agreed that we’d rather less arguing, more fun.

Perhaps production is catching on. The most embarrassing Housewives of all, New Jersey, aren’t even having a Reunion due to animosity. (See below.) And another season at all is questionable. Good job, Teresa. But here’s a thought. Maybe it’s time to scrap the whole thing and do something fresh. Or at least actually real. The exception seems to be the 90 Day Fiancé franchise on TLC. The first time I watched it wasn’t on purpose. I thought it sounded stupid, but I was waiting for the next show to come on. I was immediately hooked and have loved the spinoffs. These people are going through a real process and have real problems. Not whether or not they can get on a yacht with their sister-in-law or if they can be in the same room as their lying, cheating ex while they’re living their best life.

While I won’t leave them behind totally, it’s time for them to go into the background. Less time spent with others’ stories and more time spent on my own. So recaps will be less detailed, some scrapped altogether, and GH possibly only a couple of times a week, but always on a Friday. I hope those of you who read this blog will come along for the overhaul, and if there are ever any ideas for change or improvement, let me know.

https://people.com/the-real-housewives-of-new-jersey-season-14-reunion-canceled-exclusive-8655924

Below Deck Mediterranean

Aesha is back as chief stew and so is Captain – teamwork makes the dream work – Sandy, on a 180-foot yacht called the Mustique. This season is in Greece, and from the preview, it looks like there will be some crying too. No doubt after drinking. There’s already a leak in the forward cabin, so we’re off to a good start.

Iain (pronounced Ian), who was called Mr. Magoo by his parents prior to landing on his misspelled name, is the bosun. Chef Jono, who calls himself a culinary architect, will be providing the food porn this season. Elena is back and aspiring to be a chief stew. Nathan, Joe, and Gael are the deckhands, and Bri is another stew. Bri says she has room to improve with her cocktail skills, but I get an inexperienced overall vibe. Elena thinks the crew is exceptionally good looking, but it’s rare when one of them isn’t. There are no ugly people in yachting. The deckhands are bummed to find out Gael is taken, by an engineer no less.

Influencer Jacob is the first primary, bringing along his fellow internet besties. In Aesha’s interview, she can’t believe these kids are taking pictures and living it up on a superyacht, while she’s living in a van with her boyfriend and sh*tting in a bucket. When the provisions come in, the provisioner is having some issues, so there’s no wine, prosecco, or champagne. At the protocol meeting, Captain Sandy tells them, pressure makes us better. I must be perfect by now. Luckily Aesha finds one bottle of champagne in the crew mess for the welcome.

The guests are very young and very excited. Captain Sandy finally calls the provisioner, not asking, but telling them to send wine. The provisioner agrees to send over a few things until their bigger order can get there. There’s still no rosé or red wine, and the captain tells them, it’s unacceptable.

Athens is the oldest capital city in Europe, and the captain points out all the places that aren’t covered in tourists, but will be now. Like that lake in the Progressive commercial. Bri grew up with a maid and finds laundry a real challenge. She takes so long, Aesha wonders if she’s blowing on the garments to dry them. In Bri’s interview, we find out she’s never made it through a season in her three years of yachting. There’s the usual battle with the slide, and not surprisingly, the guests record everything for social media posterity. They’re not too happy about the laundry delay and not wrong in saying, it’s a great service, but if it can’t be fulfilled, it’s bullsh*t. Aesha finds out provisions have gone in the wrong water taxi and tells the provisioner, your company f***ing sucks. The chef doesn’t have lobster either, and decides to work with the crab legs he wisely bought.

Elena travels with her costumes, which she says are 10% PG-13, and wears a sequined top with metallic spandex pants to serve dinner. There’s a disco party afterward, even though this bunch wasn’t a twinkle in their parents’ eyes in the 70s. Maybe even their grandparents. There’s a confetti gun involved, and all I can think is, someone is going to have to clean up that mess. Late night munchies are requested after the guests get in the hot tub, and in her interview, Elena says she feels overwhelmed and needs help. She tries to wake Jono to rustle up some snacks, and he says, I don’t think so. Nice, since a good portion of the tip relies on food. Rather than press the issue, Elena tells the guests that all they have is grilled cheese. One of them wonders what’s in grilled cheese. Maybe he should actually take a look at the internet sometime instead of just posting content.

While Elena is wondering what the hell she’s going to do, somehow the guests coral Gael and demand the drinks they’ve been waiting for. Gael ends up helping Elena out, and in Elena’s interview she says, Jono’s selfish behavior is making her look bad. She gives waking him up another try, and in Jono’s interview, he says he hates being woken up. Aw, me too, princess. Elena tells him that she’s giving him another chance before this becomes a problem for him. It isn’t going to be good for him. In his interview, Jomo says, bitch, are you stupid? This is not going to be good for you.  

Next time, missing pants, Elena in tears, and the first crew night out.

Best quote tonight: Nothing’s lost until mom can’t find it. – Iain Maclean

Meet the cast:

https://www.eonline.com/photos/37027/below-deck-mediterranean-season-9-meet-the-cast

💘 Another Shocking Twist…

Didn’t see this one coming, but it’s cute.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-josh-kelly-and-chloe-lanier-are-dating

🍹 Ladies Who Lunch…

Looks like stiff competition this year, but no surprise, I’m rooting for Finola Hughes.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/inside-the-emmy-nominated-actresses-lunch

💣 The Victor Before the Last One…

What the original bad guy is up to now.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/days-of-our-lives/catch-up-with-soap-star-thaao-penghlis

🎷 They’ve Got Essence…

This looks like an amazing line-up.

https://www.essence.com/gallery/efoc-2024-performers/

🐩 Most Trusted…

Much easier than caring for an actual celebrity.

https://www.trustedhousesitters.com/blog/pets/favorite-famous-pets/

🌻 Because It’s June…

Join me next time for soap and whatever’s worthy. Until then, stay safe, stay enjoying what summer life has to offer, and stay not promising a great service if it can’t be fulfilled. Or as Captain Lee would say, don’t let your mouth write a check your ass can’t cash.

May28

May 27, 2024 – No Soap For You, Saddest News Ever, Not Quite Beyoncé On Deck & Color Me

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

No soap, Memorial Day, but we might as well get this sad news over with. Although I’m sure you know already, since it’s been plastered everywhere. So senseless and tragic. I hope the guy who shot him rots in prison then hell. This really made me feel so sad.

https://people.com/johnny-wactor-dead-general-hospital-actor-was-37-8654162

Below Deck

Captain Kerry tells Ben and Kyle that ignoring his order to clean their cabin is blatant disrespect. He’s shown them respect and busted his ass to help them, so is this the way they say thanks you? In the captain’s interview, he says, it’s total disrespect. He’s given Ben the opportunity to be a leader. He tells Ben that he’s the bosun and his goal is to be in the captain’s seat one day. Kyle says something about them being busy, but Captain Kerry says he saw Kyle talking to Barbie, so they weren’t that busy. Get their room sorted out. In Kyle’s interview, he says, at the end of the day, to him their cabin is clean. Um… a hard no. They mostly throw things in the closet and get the room somewhat tidy. Fraser tells Xandi that tonight is the Beyoncé theme, and he wants the crew to do Single Ladies. In his interview, he says, it’s primary Michele’s 50th birthday and they want to make sure it’s the best birthday ever. It’s his time to shine. Mummy knows how to do her sh*t and do it well. Nick tells Fraser, the guests have been taxing, and in Nick’s interview, he says he once worked on a sailboat and had to balance plates on both hands. It can’t be worse than that, right? Captain Kerry inspects Ben and Kyle’s room and asks how long it took them. Ben says, 10 minutes, and the captain says, it’s better. In Ben’s interview, he says he’s never been in this much trouble. The captain is taking it as a f*** you, but they were busy, and he didn’t give a sh*t at the time. Paris tells Barbie that she’s going right back to work after she hits land, and Barbie calls her mom. She says she’ll be home in three days, and she’s going to spend a month doing nothing. In Barbie’s interview, she says she misses her family and can’t wait to see her parents. Her dad isn’t affectionate, so she won’t get cuddles, but he’ll tell her positive things and remind her that she’s a good person and appreciated by her friends. She tells her dad that she did some things he may not like, and she hopes he loves her anyway. In her interview, she says, she’ll tell him about Kyle later. She never imagined she’d be with someone who didn’t share her lifestyle. The dinner starter comes in the form of sushi food porn that looks incredible. The guests get ready, and guest Stephanie says she’s Beyoncé if she let herself go grey. Fraser calls the crew to practice their dance, and in Xandi’s dual interview with Fraser, she wonders why they’re even attempting this. He says, because it’s Beyoncé and it’s the last charter. They have to do something. She says she thinks he’s overestimating all of them. Fraser welcomes the Beyoncés, and the guests come out, each one dressed in a different Beyoncé style. The crew does their dance, but beforehand, there’s a disclaimer that the music is not the property of Beyoncé. Since we don’t really see much of it, I’m not sure what that was about. In Fraser’s interview, he says, across the board, he’s the beehive. The guests are thrilled, and Barbie tells Fraser that if she’s up late and has to leave at 11, she’ll need naps. She needs her 8 hours!!! In Xandi’s interview, she says, Barbie is the last person who should be complaining, and in Barbie’s interview, she says she’s been doing all the work. Xandi continues her interview, saying she just has to get through the next 24 hours, and she’s done. Fraser tells Barbie to be the Barbie she’s been for the last week, and Barbie says, they’re mean. Xandi points out that Barbie is complaining about getting 8 hours sleep.

Guest Tya asks the table why they love Beyoncé, and Michele says, she’s unapologetically Black, while another guest says, she’s a Virgo, which I guess is as good a reason as any. The entrée comes and wow – glazed salmon over Asian noodles. The birthday cake is a strawberry cake, and it looks very cool, but it’s not chocolate, so, eh. Barbie tells Paris that she had to pull toilet paper out of the toilet and got piss on herself. She hates being here. I’m wondering why the toilet paper didn’t flush. In the morning, Nick says he’s dead to the world, and tells Fraser that he’s exhausted. The captain says, they’re pulling anchor for the last time, and they head for Port Louis Marine. In Sunny’s interview, she says she thinks she’s done well for her first time being lead deckhand. There were some downfalls – we flash back – but she’s proud of herself. In Ben’s interview, he says, after thinking it over, he needs to apologize to the captain. Even though he’d do it differently, it’s the right thing.  

Ben tells Captain Kerry that he had time to think, and seeing how upset the captain was, he realized they were wrong, and he apologizes. The captain says, if he can’t follow orders when things are easy, what happens when there’s something like a fire? He appreciates Ben talking to him; it means a lot. He hopes it’s been a learning experience. In Captain Kerry’s interview, he says, it takes courage to grow, and he commends Ben for the apology. Ben says, now he thinks he’s in the wrong cabin. It’s the last breakfast, and in the captain’s interview, he says he’s not upset that this is the last docking in this windy place. The guests agree it was a great girls’ trip, and Dylan thinks his shirt smells like wet dog. The crew changes into their whites and lines up for goodbyes. Michele says, they had an amazing time, and Fraser says she was the best Beyoncé. Michele thanks them for her 50th and wishes them the best. She gives the captain the tip envelope, and says, the queen has exited. Live your best life. She and her crown leave, and Captain Kerry says, six weeks. They did amazing. Well done. The drinking commences even before cleaning the boat, and Ben says, they’ll start from the top and get ready to boogie afterward. The captain calls the crew for the tip meeting, and says he’s been in yachting since he was 18. He’s 47 now and has never seen a team work together so well. The tip is $20K or $1,539 each, and the captain says, altogether, they’ve made $208,750. In Dylan’s interview, he says he can feel the pre-workout already. They toast, and Kyle calls home. He tells his mom that he thinks he’s found the one, and in his interview, he says his relationships don’t tend to last, but he thinks he’s in love. He sees a future with Barbie. His mom says, she’s more than welcome to visit. Everyone gets ready to go out, and Kyle tells Ben that he looks like he walked out of Grand Theft Auto.

The crew toasts to the last charter in the taxi, and they go to a gorgeous restaurant next to a waterfall where they’re seated on a deck overlooking it. Fraser suggests a dippy doo doo dar later, which I guess is code for skinny-dipping. Kyle says he’s jumping in the water and takes his clothes off as he goes. Barbie follows him and says, they had a conversation about this. What the f*** is he doing? Xandi yells, get your willie out, and the crew follows suit, but Barbie tells them to stop. This is not enjoyable for her. Dylan hugs Xandi, who says he’s the annoying little brother she didn’t want, but will always love. Ben tells Sunny that he thinks their situation is going the right way and he’d love to take her on a date in Miami. In Sunny’s interview, she says, it feels right, but there’s still a voice in her head telling her to be wary. She’s telling herself not to get wrapped up in her feelings, but she’s a hopeless romantic, and she’s hoping something fruitful comes out of this. Kyle says he’s skinny-dipping, and someone says, get your willy out! Barbie wonders if she’s asking for too much. She’s a class act and she’s not dating someone who’s not.

Barbie tells Paris, this is embarrassing. This is her problem with Kyle. Nick asks if Kyle has adapted at all, but Barbie says, he’s himself and she has to be the one to adapt. In Nick’s interview, he says, neither one of them is in the wrong or the right, and he can’t see a future, but don’t take relationship advice from him. They go to a club where there’s more drinking and dancing. Barbie says she’s nipping this in the bud before it becomes annoying and tells Kyle that she asked him to do one thing. What is so hard about covering his huge d*ck? He surprises me by not saying, thank you, and says he’s not trying to piss her off, but she says he knows it does. She’s literally falling in love with him and thinks he’s worth it. Kyle says he’s in the wrong, but he’s trying. He’s sorry for being an idiot. He hasn’t felt like this in a long time. Barbie takes his hand and says she for real loves him. They kiss and she tells him to stop showing his d*ck. Ben applauds.

In the taxi, Xandi says, if Barbie had been her stew, she would have let Barbie go. She had a bad attitude, but now she’s adapted. Barbie says she made it through, and in her interview, she says, everyone is against her. Xandi says she’s glad Barbie made it, and Barbie says, it’s because her captain believed in her. She busted her ass all season. Xandi says she knows Barbie is good at her job, but Barbie asks, what’s the point in saying that now? Paris tells Barbie to shush, and Xandi is obviously upset. The taxi gets quiet, but then Barbie says, after all she’s done to be nice, why is Xandi attacking her? She’s still here and Xandi isn’t her chief stew. Xandi can’t fire her. Xandi says, f*** me, and Fraser tries to calm her. She starts crying, and Kyle tells Barbie to relax. Barbie says he needs to start backing her. She’s the one who should be crying. Paris tells her, shut the f*** up, and Barbie starts ranting, then everyone tells her to shut up. Barbie says she wants out of the car and she didn’t attack anybody, but Paris says, yes, she did.

They go back to the boat, and Barbie says she’s an alpha in a car of betas. She doesn’t need idiots in her life. She’s successful and worked her ass off. She locks her cabin door and tells Kyle to f*** off when he knocks. She says he was supposed to be her person, but he backs other people. Go f*** yourself, you backstabbing bitch. Get away, all of you. You all suck. Kyle says, this is the worst thing that could have happened, and Xandi says she doesn’t want work with Barbie again. Barbie starts throwing her stuff in suitcases, and says, everybody wins. She doesn’t need that sh*t. She’s done. She quits. They want to drive her batsh*t crazy? They win. She’s going to a five-star resort. In Barbie’s interview, she says she’s not quitting because her job is done, but this job sucks. All she’s done is put her ego aside all season and worked on herself. She cries and says, people continuously continue [sic] to be against her. Nobody cares about her. She walks out, and in her interview, she says she and Kyle are done. She’s not going to be with someone who doesn’t have her back. She broke every rule for him and went against her family, and he let people attack her. Kyle has been the biggest disappointment, and she never wants to see him again. So much for being in love and him being worth it.

In the morning, Nick is snoring in the crew mess, and there’s another kind of mess everywhere. Xandi wants her mummy and Fraser says his head hurts so much. Kyle tells Ben that he got a message from Barbie telling him to change his flight. She never wants to see him again. He put his heart on the table, and it got pinched back. In Kyle’s interview, he says he’s putting on a brave face, but he’s glad she’s gone. He’s never been on such an emotional rollercoaster and Barbie took him for a ride. He thinks he felt more strongly about her than she did about him. He tells Ben, he told her that he loved her, but life goes on. Captain Kerry looks for butter and mumbles that everyone was so annoying last night. In Xandi’s interview, she says she’s disappointed about how it ended, but a drunken mouth speaks a sober truth. Dylan says goodbye to the captain, and Captain Kerry says he knows Dylan struggled a bit, but he got through. In the captain’s interview, he says, Dylan can go a long way, and he would work with Dylan again. He wishes Dylan luck, and Dylan says he got a job today on a 44-foot yacht. Captain Kerry tells him, stay in touch. In Dylan’s interview, he says, it was a character-building experience. He envisions having his own yacht. That’s what he’s working toward. He’s ready. In Paris’s interview, she says, it’s sad to say goodbye, especially to Xandi. She couldn’t ask for a better roommate. She’s going straight back to work, managing a house and working on a boat once a week. She needs money. She’s expensive. In Nick’s interview, he says, St. David, I love you. It’s been fun, but he’s not leaving the couch for a while. He tells the crew, if he misses his flight, he’ll be in the bar. Ben tells Captain Kerry about Xandi saying she wouldn’t hire Barbie, and Barbie going batsh*t crazy over the top. The captain thanks him for the update, and calls Barbie. She says, she’s disappointed that it went down like this, but she’s done. Fraser sits on the floor and says he needs sleep.

Barbie tells Captain Kerry that she’s done. She needs to work on herself, but needs to do it around people who care about her. In the captain’s interview, he says he thinks Barbie was always pissing in the wind. She didn’t fit in, but she tried, and he feels for her. Barbie tells him that she doesn’t like the hotel she’s in and she’s trying to book a villa next door. She thanks him for checking on her and practically hangs up on him. This girl is not going to work on herself. She’s just looking for a group of people who will tell her what she wants to hear. Sunny asks where Barbie is, and Fraser says he wants to push her off the boat, but Xandi says, she’s gone already. Sunny says, she left at 2 am, and Fraser is really startled. He asks if he said goodbye, but Xandi says, no one did. He suddenly remembers that it started in the car, and says, she showed her real self. She took the reins off and galloped into herself. In Fraser’s interview, he says, Barbie hasn’t changed one bit. The proof is in the pudding. Bye, babe. Farewell. He tells Xandi and Sunny that he had to put up with that all season, and Xandi says, he deserves a raise. In Xandi’s interview, she says she’s going back to yacht life, but needs to start thinking about land life. Love and light to everyone. She’s done. In Kyle’s interview, he says he lost the girl he loves, but he’s going to make lemonade out of lemons in Miami.

Ben tells Captain Kerry that seeing the deck crew gel felt like success, and in the captain’s interview, he says, at the start of the season, he believed Ben should be bosun, but he doubts he would have put him there at the end. He hopes Ben learns to pull his socks up and do himself a favor. Everyone says their goodbyes, and in Ben’s interview, he says he came on as lead deckhand and he’s leaving as bosun. He’s going to see how it goes with Sunny. Sunny asks if they’re going with the wind, and in her interview, she says she’s heard boatmances are iffy and romantic. It’s undeniable they have something going on. She wants to pursue it, but is reminding herself not to get hurt. She and Ben leave together. Captain Kerry tells Fraser that he loved seeing Fraser’s growth. He did his best to turn things around. Fraser says he’s lucky to have had Kerry as a captain, and the captain says he doesn’t get accused of that often. I kind of find that hard to believe, since he’s no Captain Lee, but he seems like a fair boss. He says, Fraser did a great job, and in his interview, he says, Fraser is the best chief stew after his girlfriend. Fraser says he thinks Captain Kerry is a fantastic leader. He’s that Aussie bloke, but also has wonderful depth. In Fraser’s interview, he says, one of the biggest lessons he’s learned is that if you have distracting thoughts that are keeping you from your goal, you need to take a step back. He had goals coming in and feels he nailed them. He’s not perfect, but he’d rather learn from his mistakes than regret the things he’s done.

Captain Kerry says he knew he had big shoes to fill coming in. They had epic highs and lows he’d like to forget about, but that’s yachting. He’s grateful for all of it. That was one hell of an adventure.

🏨 Early Check Out…

It’s been a long long weekend, so bidding you adieu until tomorrow, when I’ll give you soap and a VanderFinale. Until then, stay safe, stay taking that last piece of pizza or dumpling if everyone is just sitting around staring at it, and stay learning from your mistakes rather than regretting the things you’ve done.