Category Archives: Bravo

July 11, 2024 – Felicia Hears Cody’s Side, Soap Suds, Fresh Oranges, Scary Stuff, Teresa Talk, Have Some Whiskey, Happy Half Birthday & The Park

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Felicia goes to the stable, and Cody asks, what brings her by? He’s probably the last person she wants to see. She says, now that she knows he’s been lying to her family for the last two months, she has plenty say, and asks him to promise to hear her out. He says, absolutely, and she tells him not to give up on a relationship with Mac. She believes the best way out is through, so don’t even think of leaving.

Mac arrives at Maxie’s house, and she says she’s glad he’s home and available to stop by. He asks where the kids are, and she says she had Spinelli take them to the pool so they can blow off steam and she and Mac can talk with no interruptions. He asks if it’s about Cody, and she says, of course (🍷) it is. Mac forgave her when she messed up. Now he has to forgive Cody.

Portia shows up at Jordan’s office and says she knows Jordan is busy, so she’ll get straight to the point. She’s going to gather signatures to put a measure on the fall ballot to recall the vote and remove Laura. If it passes, the new mayor will be Jordan.

At the Pentenville visiting room, Heather thanks Laura for coming. She needs to talk to her. Laura says, before she forgets, she has a photo of the most beautiful grandson. She gives Heather an envelope, and Heather takes out a picture of Ace. She says, he’s getting more adorable each time she sees him. Can she keep it? Laura says, of course (🍷). She’ll try to bring one every time she visits. Heather says she had an unexpected visitor, Curtis Ashford. He told her that Laura was looking into her case and thinking of challenging her sentence. Laura says, all she’s done is request transcripts, but it’s possible a lawyer might find grounds for a petition to reopen her case. Heather says, that’s what she wanted to talk to Laura about. She appreciates Laura caring, but don’t do it. She needs to stay locked up.

Brook lets Kristina in and says she invited her and Blaze over to explore strategies. Kristina wonders if there’s a strategy to uncancel someone, and Brook says she thinks they can mitigate the negative damage. She asks if Blaze has spoken to her mother, and Kristina says she doesn’t know if Blaze did, but she did, for all the good did. Brook asks if she thinks Blaze would be willing to make a public statement denouncing her mother’s words, and Kristina says, what Natalia did was wrong, but she’s still Blaze’s mother. Brook says she can’t imagine how Blaze feels, and Kristina says, Natalia did the damage, but Ava is the one who should have to pay.

Ava tells Sonny to howl at moon for all she cares. Then listen to himself and decide how suitable a judge will find him as a parent. Sonny says he’s not going anywhere, and suddenly, John is in the doorway. He asks if there’s a problem here, and Sonny tells him to mind his own business. Ava says, Sonny won’t leave and he’s threatening her. If John doesn’t believe it, he can listen to their conversation.  

John asks if it’s true Sonny threatened Ava on tape, but Sonny asks why he’d record Ava. She has nothing to say. He holds up his phone, and it says, no audio. He asks if John is going door to door for the FBI asking for handouts, but John says he’s staying here. He heard voices and isn’t surprised it’s Sonny fighting with someone. Ava was living with him a week ago, and she’s the mother of another of Sonny’s children. Sonny says he cares about his kids and fights to keep them safe. What about John? Where’s his son? To be continued. Sonny leaves.

Cody asks how Felicia isn’t angry, and she says she likes to hear all sides before making up her mind. It’s his chance to tell his side. Just be honest. He’s wasted enough time already lying to her family. He asks, what’s the point? Mac made it clear there’s no place in his life for him. She says, Mac is hurt and lashing out. It doesn’t surprise her. He’s been a wonderful father to her children, but he never had a biological child of his own. He accepted the fact it was something life denied him, but when he thought Cody might be his son, he was delighted. When Cody told him they weren’t a match, it was a crushing disappointment. Now that he knows Cody lied, what is he supposed to think? He doesn’t feel wanted and who can blame him? He thinks the only reason Cody came forward now is that he has an agenda. Cody asks if they think he’s hustling for a kidney, and Felicia says, is he? He says, no, and she asks if he doesn’t want to accept that he and Mac have a connection. He says, it was never that.

Kristina says, she’s sick of Ava’s petty BS. She was upset that Sonny didn’t invite her to the wedding and took Natalia. Brook says, there were no circumstances where Ava would have been welcome. She murdered Connie Falconari, and all the Falconaris and Cerullos know it. Kristina asks if she thinks Ava cares. She pretends it never happened and assumes everyone else will too. She plunked herself into Sonny’s apartment and his life, and when he wised up and kicked her out, she retaliated. She had dirt on Natalia and used it, and now Allie is collateral damage. She’s devastated that the label dropped her. Brook says, it’s their loss, and Kristina asks if there’s anything that can be done to turn it around. Is it even possible? Blaze arrives, and Brook says she’s trying to set up an interview to give Blaze an opportunity to respond, not just to Natalia’s words, but the public reaction, the online cancellation. Blaze says she thinks it’s a great idea, and Brook says, but it needs to be a joint interview. Kristina needs to be there too.

Portia says, people on the community message boards are outraged that Heather might be roaming the streets, and Jordan says, Portia may disagree with Laura, but she has to acknowledge that Laura is the epitome of fairness. She’s just asking questions. She has no specific goal or outcome. Portia says, her point is that Laura isn’t thinking about the consequences. Lives will be at risk if Heather goes free. Jordan says, Portia knows Heather’s judgement was impaired. Can she be held fully responsible for the decisions she made? Portia says, Jordan’s responses sound like something a politician would say. Not someone who used to be Police Commissioner.

Ava says she appreciates John’s assistance, and he says he was in the right place at the right time. She says she’s only been here a couple of nights, but he knows that since he’s having her followed. He says, when he’s following someone and it reaches a point where he’s not getting anything relevant or useful, he suspends the surveillance. He asks if she wants him to call security, and she says, he sounds almost chivalrous. She knows how to discourage Sonny, but does he want to stay and have a drink?

Cody tells Felicia that he asked himself the tough questions like, who would want a son like him? No one was the obvious answer. Felicia says, he couldn’t be further from truth. The first thing she noticed about him was how alike he and Mac are. They both have a sense of decency and are kind and patient people. And they’re both good with kids. The kids love Cody. She thinks they’re both teachers at heart. Cody says he spent most of his life making a buck, and played fast and loose with the truth, but she says, he’s not alone. Mac can play when he wants to. He says he doesn’t believe it, but she says, that’s because he hasn’t known Mac long. When Mac was his age, he got in all kinds of trouble. Cody says, maybe he does take after him.

Mac tells Maxie, it’s not complicated. Cody doesn’t seem like someone begging to have a relationship with him. Maxie tells him that she’s not saying Cody’s a saint, but he hasn’t screwed up nearly as much as she has, and Mac never decided she was irredeemable. He always gave her support. Why is he taking a hard line with Cody?

Sonny visits Alexis, and says, Ava served him over sole custody of Avery. Alexis says, first her, then their daughter, now him. He says he doesn’t want Ava to ever see Avery again, and she asks if that isn’t an overreach. He says he had sole custody before. He’s going to come after Ava with everything he’s got. All he needs to know is if she’ll support him.

Laura asks if Heather is saying she wants to stay in prison, but Heather says, of course (🍷) not. It’s like some kind of hell. She hates not seeing her grandchild and hardly sees the light of day. She can’t talk to the inmates, since most of them have done something horrendous, but she knows what goes on inside is real. Laura asks what she means, and Heather says, she can’t remember why she killed people. She knows she did it, and remembers doing it, and even thinking that it was somehow justified. Laura says, she was suffering from cobalt poisoning, and Heather says, from a bad hip replacement. It was removed, and in theory, she’s thinking more clearly, but she can’t be sure if she’s let out that she wouldn’t hurt anyone. She doesn’t know if she’d do it again and doesn’t want to put it to the test.  

Blaze says, Kristina’s not a public figure and it wasn’t her idea to keep their relationship a secret. She feels guilty enough dragging Kristina into the spotlight. Brook says, Blaze isn’t to blame and doesn’t need to apologize. Her personal life is nobody’s business. The public can think what they want. The interview is to engage the people who haven’t made up their minds and let the fans know what’s going on with her. Show them who she and Kristina really are; sweet, loving people who are at ease with one another. She has some contacts, and she’s confident she can find the right one. Kristina says she’ll do it, and Blaze asks if she’s sure she’ll be okay in the limelight. Kristina says, telling the truth is easier than hiding it. They’re in.

Alexis tells Sonny that she loathes Ava with the heat of a thousand suns, but as a mother, she’s uncomfortable keeping a mother away from her child completely. Is visitation out of the question? Sonny says, Ava takes every chance she can to poison his daughter against him. He’s not letting her do that anymore. Alexis says she can’t agree to help him unless he acts within the confines of the law, and he asks if she’s willing to take the stand and say he’s a good father to Kristina. She doesn’t have to talk about Ava. Diane will figure that out. She says she’ll testify that he loves his daughter, but if they ask if she approves of what he does for a living, she’ll have to tell the truth.

Felicia says, Cody made a mistake, the same one more than once, but it’s not the end of everything. Unless he can stand here and tell her that he doesn’t want any part of the Scorpio/Jones family. He tells her that he can’t say that.

On the phone, Brook says she’ll be in touch. Chase comes in and gives her a blackberry. She says she’s surprised they’re ripe already, and he says, it’s an early season because of the warm spring. He and Violet were picking blackberries. Now she’s at the gatehouse impressing Wiley and Amelia with her skills. Brook says she’s glad the kids are getting along, and Chase says, obviously, Violet misses her dad, but with all the kids and so much to do, she’s engaged now and seems happy. She says she knows he was up checking on Violet all night because she knows the kind of guy he is.

Cody says he’s been alone so long he doesn’t know how to feel part of a family, especially one he already knows, and Felicia asks if he’d like to find out. He says he got to know Maxie and the kids, and it felt watching life through a window, but she says, he’s not so far removed. When Maxie needed help, he was there. He loves the kids, particularly James who loves him already. James even told her how he asked Cody to be his brig brother and Cody accepted, and how they spit on their hands and shook on it. It’s a sacred bond. There’s no way he can go back on that. She shows him a photo of him and James eating hotdogs on 4th of July, and Cody says he couldn’t believe James asked him to be his big brother, but that was before he told Mac. Mac is furious now and told him to stay away from James. He said he can never trust Cody again. Felicia says, Mac will be fine. Give him a little time and he’ll find his way to forgiveness. Cody tells her, that’s what Maxie said, and she says, that’s because they know Mac inside and out. It will never happen overnight, but he always forgives the people he loves. Cody says, Mac doesn’t love him, but she says, Mac doesn’t know him. She believes with all her heart that if Cody is willing to give Mac time, he and his father will both get what they really want.

Maxie says, maybe Mac and Cody will have the chance to be father and son, but Mac says, Cody doesn’t want love and acceptance and to make up for lost time. He denied they were father and son. Maxie says, he made a mistake. He’s changed. She thinks he wants to be Mac’s son. Mac asks, why now? What does Cody really want? What’s his ulterior motive? He wants nothing to do with Cody.

John asks, where’s Avery? and Ava says, at Sonny’s. She’s not happy about it. Sonny is doing everything in his power to turn Avery against her. Now he’s trying to take Avery away, and it’s cruel. Avery needs her mother. John says, they seemed to be getting along. What caused the rift? Ava says she has no idea. It’s been difficult dealing with Sonny lately; he’s so volatile. John saw how he was behaving. She’s been walking on eggshells. She’s doing what she can to keep Avery safe and wants to get her away from Sonny. John asks how she plans to do that, and she says, prove Sonny is unfit. John knows how he treated Karen and must agree that he has no business having sole custody, especially of a little girl. John says, no question, and Ava says, he’s known Sonny for decades. Would he be willing to make a statement to her attorney Scott Baldwin?

Portia says, Laura has undone all the hard work Jordan and the PCPD did to get Heather off the streets, but Jordan says she doesn’t see it that way. She was proud to play her role in getting Heather off the streets, but as a cop, she realizes evidence is evidence, even if it if comes at an inconvenient time. She advised Laura against pursuing this. She knew it could be a lightning rod and could hurt Laura’s career. But unlike most politicians, Laura’s main concern was fairness. Portia laughs, and says, fair? Heather targeted Trina because Spencer fell in love with her and not Esme. Was it fair for Heather to murder people? Jordan says, she had a medical condition that compromised her judgement, and it may be fair to reconsider her case. The law isn’t just for people they like and approve of. No more than giving them medical treatment.

Brook tells Chase that she’s in the process of setting up an interview with a major outlet and thinks both Blaze and Kristina are on board. She hopes it works. He tells her that his bereavement leave ends tomorrow, and wonders what that means for Violet. Brook says, there’s no problem with childcare, but he wants to make sure Violet knows she’s their priority. Brook says she can work from home, and he says he can pitch in. She asks if he’s going to detect from the boathouse, but he says he’ll talk to Anna and Mac and see about a three-day week. They’ll do what it takes to make sure Violet has a loving home and family.

Felicia can’t find her phone and asks Maxie to call it. Maxie does, and Cody picks up. Maxie hangs up and asks if they heard anything. Maybe it’s really lost. Mac says, maybe it’s in the kids’ room, and goes to look. Maxie and Felicia smile at each other.  

Kristina goes to Alexis’s house, and Alexis asks if something else happened. Kristina says, no, but it’s going to. She and Allie have been debating how to respond, and they decided not to address Natalia’s comments directly, but show the world who they are, two people in love. There’s something wrong with the world if they can’t accept love in whatever form it takes. Alexis asks if they’re hoping the scandal dies down and cancelation moves on to someone else, and Kristina says, Brook set up an interview where they can present themselves as they are. Sonny says, it’s a good strategy. Show they have nothing to hide. Alexis says, it’s great as long as it’s handled right, and Kristina says, they always taught her to know who she is and to stand up for herself and what she believes in, and she thanks them for that.

Heather says, her blood runs cold to think she could be a killer, and Laura asks if she wants to kill again. Heather says, no, but what if she finds herself in a situation where the feelings come back and consume her and she’s doing terrible things again? She can’t risk it. Whatever Laura is thinking of doing, don’t. She’s in here for a reason and it’s where she belongs. Laura says, what if she was triggered by her medical condition and had no control? She’s just trying to help. Heather says she knows, but if Laura really wants to help, take care of her grandson. Visit once in a while and bring pictures. Let her pay for her crimes in peace, as much as she can get in a joint like this. Laura says, okay, if that’s what she really wants, and Heather nods.

Jordan says, there were toxins in Heather’s blood and Portia was on the team who diagnosed it. Portia says she was doing her job. She believes Heather should get proper medical care, but not absolution. Jordan says, Heather has rights like anybody else, and Portia says she has the right to question the legitimacy of the mayor. Jordan says, it’s just an inquiry. Laura is just asking questions. Give it time and see where it leads. Portia says, if Jordan thinks she’s going to sit around and wait for Heather to be released, she’s got another thing coming. She wonders if Heather had targeted Jordan’s son or murdered him, how Jordan would feel then. She storms out.

Kristina says she’s lucky she has parents who have experience with the press and appreciates their advice and guidance. Alexis says, of course (🍷), and Kristina says, they raised an outspoken daughter who tends to step in it. She can’t afford to make a mistake. Alexis says, it’s a good plan, and Kristina says she has to get it right. Allie’s career is at stake. Sonny says, she’ll be great, and Alexis hugs her. Kristina says she wanted to ask how they’ll feel seeing their kid doing an interview on national TV, and Sonny says, he’ll feel more proud than he already is, and hugs her.  

Brook asks if Chase wants to play croquet with her and Violet, and he asks if she doesn’t have to work. She says she’s waiting for a call back, but be warned, she’s a fearsome croquet player. He says, bring it on, and Brook says she’s a lucky girl. Most brides don’t get a preview of how their husband will be as a father. She saw him with Bailey Lou and now Violet. She picked the right guy. He says, they need to schedule time after croquet to argue about who picked who, and kisses her.

John says he knows Scotty; he was Karen’s dad. He’s an accomplished attorney and a great guy. Ava says, he’s spoken highly of John too, and John says he’s in Port Charles in a professional capacity. He has history here, but he’s not in brief to get involved in a custody battle. She says she’s not asking him as an agent, but as John, a father. She fears for Avery, and they both know she’s the one who will ultimately be hurt. She wants to keep Avery safe. Wouldn’t he want to protect his son from Sonny? He says he can’t promise anything, but he’ll think about it, and she says she needs all the help she can get. He says he doesn’t think she needs to worry too much. Before long, Sonny is going to be behind bars where he belongs if he has anything to say about it.

Maxie asks how it went with Cody, and Felicia says, he definitely wants another chance. What about Mac? Maxie says, stubborn as a mule. Mac comes back and says, there are people who lose things who don’t really lose them, and people who lose things that are gone forever. After all these years, he thinks Felicia might be the second one. There’s a knock at the door, and Maxie opens it. Cody says, Felicia left this at the Quartermaines… He and Mac lock eyes, and Felicia says, it’s not gone forever.

Tomorrow, Sasha says, if she tells Cody, she has to swear him to secrecy; Mac asks, what’s the point of this humiliating experience; and Portia tells Curtis, the worst is yet to come.

🛁 More Soap Bubbles…

I wondered if/how the latest Sonny arc was affecting him. So glad he was able to cope. Frank Valentini has always done right by his actors. I doff my cap.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/maurice-benard-reveals-why-he-had-to-take-time-off-from-gh

This sounds like a fun trip!

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/kelly-monaco-and-anthony-geary-reunite

 Extra, extra.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-cameron-mathison-has-an-exciting-new-role

What’s next.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/michael-easton-reveals-whats-next-after-gh

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/gregory-harrison-is-back-on-tv

🍊 O Say Can You C…

The messiness is back. It didn’t take long for Shannon to try and get into it with Alexis, bringing up some old lawsuit she insisted Alexis was involved with, yet she had no receipts. It was at that point, Alexis suggested the real issue was that she was with Shannon’s ex. That’s when she said, if Shannon didn’t like it – all together now – there’s the door Shannon Beador.

A little more about Beador.

https://people.com/rhoc-recap-alexis-bellino-and-shannon-beador-square-off-john-janssen-romance-past-8676867

💎 Worse Than Being Chucky’s Bride…

She’s going to be a great addition to the cast. Hopefully, she can keep her poker face on and not engage in the drama. Or if not, give as good as she gets.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/chucky-jennifer-tilly-real-housewives-of-beverly-hills-friend

👙 No Love Bubbles To See Here…

Oh well. We can dream.

https://ew.com/teresa-giudice-rumor-leaving-real-housewives-new-jersey-8675092

Nice try. What’s really funny is, at one point, she said she loved the comments. So why did she disable them?

https://people.com/teresa-giudice-addresses-larsa-pippen-bikini-photoshop-fail-8675214

🐶 Never Mix Whiskey and Fireworks…

This dog. I can’t.

https://paradepets.com/pet-news/bri-bagwell-rescue-dog-whiskey-fireworks

🎂 A Very Merry Half Birthday To You…

My eldest Peke, Marco, is 17½ today. Seems like he was a puppy just yesterday.

Baby Marco

🏊‍♀️ Life’s a Beach…

Come on by tomorrow for soap, a little tea, a bit of talk, and a tune. Until then, stay safe; stay keeping an eye on your children or pets in public areas, and don’t allow them to be intrusive to others (although if it’s me, you can allow your pets to intrude); and stay always forgiving the people you love.

July 10, 2024 – Cody Makes a Promise To Sasha, Dubai In the House, New Listings, What’s Cookin’, For the Senior Pets (!) & America

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

In the nook, Sasha gives Drew some coffee, and flashes back to seeing him kiss Willow. She tells him that his speech was inspiring, and he says he’s given other speeches before, but this one was different. She says, last night was full of surprises, when Willow walks in. She asks if Willow wants coffee or a beignet, and Willow says, yes, to both. Sasha says she doesn’t want to brag, but Wiley says these are his new favorites, and Willow says, he calls them bayonets. Sasha tells them to help themselves, and she leaves to see Cody at the stables. Willow and Drew look at each other.

Felicia says she always felt there was a connection between Mac and Cody, and Maxie says, Felicia’s Spidey senses have always been borderline terrifying. She asks if something could have happened to the DNA sample Felicia sent in, but Felicia says, the lab is the best. Even if the sample was contaminated, it would only add to the sample, not take away from it. Maxie says, they’ve all spent a lot of time with Cody, and he’s been wonderful, and Felicia says, that’s why she doesn’t want Maxie to be mad when she says this. He’s lied before, so why should they believe him now?

Scotty goes to Ava’s hotel room, and she checks the hall for a certain FBI agent who’s having her followed because she’s spent time with Sonny. He asks if she means John Cates, and she says, that’s the one. He says he’s known John since high school. He’s a good guy. She asks what Scotty is doing here and is he billing her for it, and he says, oh yeah. He has Diane’s countersuit. Sonny wants sole custody of Avery. He hands her the papers.

Sonny visits his old kitchen and the moss bowl🎍, and Carly says, Avery and Donna are doing crafts with Pilar. Don’t be surprised if they’re covered in glitter. He asks if she doesn’t think Donna is growing up too fast, and she says, that’s why they have to enjoy these glitter filled days. He says, now that Ava’s moved out, would Carly reconsider having Donna spend the night? He and Avery would love it. Jason walks in, as he’s another member of the moss bowl🎍fan club and can’t stay away.

Willow says she wasn’t looking for Drew, but she’s glad she ran into him. She loves Michael with all her heart, and it was wrong of them to kiss. It never should have happened. Drew says, it was an accident. (Yep. He accidentally fell into her lips.) The result of too many drinks and too many fireworks. He loves Michael too and would never hurt him. They did something impulsive and stupid, but one kiss doesn’t have to change anything for anybody.

Maxie says she doesn’t think Cody is lying, but Felicia says she saw the DNA result with her own two eyes. Maxie says, those were the results from the top secret don’t-tell-anyone test. Cody claims the results from the original test prove he’s Mac’s son. Felicia asks if Cody could be working an angle, but Maxie wonders where the big payout would come from. When she talked to Cody last night, she could tell he wanted to bolt. She knows the look of someone wanting to run from the mistakes they’ve made. He was trying to say goodbye without actually saying it. She practically had to threaten him into staying. He can’t leave town after telling Mac that he’s his son.

Sasha goes to the stable and tells Cody that she was going to keep this to herself, but last night… He says, last night he told Mac that he’s his son. He kept thinking about what she’d said. He hated lying to Mac and it just came out. He should have kept his mouth shut. It was worse than he thought. Mac’s furious with him. He said, Cody had plenty of chances to tell him the truth, but he didn’t. He also told Mac about the whole Taub/WSB stuff with Scotty. She asks if Mac understood, and Cody says, what Mac understood is that he betrayed Mac’s family. She says, it was a lot to take in for both of them, and He says, Mac stormed out, so it seems he took in enough. The only person he was madder at than Cody was himself. For believing Cody could be anything but a grifter. She says, that’s harsh and wrong, but give him time. He’s probably in shock. For what it’s worth (🍷), she’s proud of him. He must feel better having that secret off his chest. He says he feels like garbage, and there’s still a weight on his chest. It’s just for a different reason. She asks what he wants to do now, and he says he wants to get the hell out of town.

Ava says, it’s no surprise Sonny is suing for sole custody, and Scotty says, after reading Diane’s filings, he thinks Ava’s expectations should be lower. He doesn’t like the facts of this case. She says, Avery’s father is a dangerous man working in a dangerous business with other dangerous people. What other facts does he need? He says, she was living with Sonny with Avery, but she says she was living there to keep Avery safe and be a loving touchstone for her in a stressful time. He says, judges like stability and don’t like seeing kids ping-ponged around, and she says, that’s why she wants Avery with her full-time, but he says, she’s in a hotel. At Sonny’s, Avery has a routine, and she likes living with her father. Does Ava think a judge will want to take her away from that? She asks if he didn’t tell her that if Sonny had a public meltdown… He says, all bets would be off, but he doubts that’s going to happen during a custody hearing. Sonny’s not that stupid.

Sonny tells Jason that he and Carly are talking on a private matter, and Carly says she and Sonny are discussing the kids. She tells Sonny that Avery is welcome to be there with Donna any day, and Sonny says he has to take care of something, showing her the papers. Ava thinks she deserves to have sole custody of Avery. Carly says she’s happy she doesn’t have to wade into this mess, but he tells her that she might be called to testify because they share custody of Avery’s sister. He needs to know what she’s going to tell the judge about his suitability as a parent.

Sonny says he knows he and Carly have had their problems. He wants to know she’s not going to say he’s a terrible father. She says, it’s no secret they’ve had their issues – he says he’s sorry – but if she’s going to walk in a courtroom and trash anyone, it’s going to be Ava. He says, that’s not what he wanted to hear, but he’ll take it. He heads for the door, but then asks if Jason and his FBI buddy found anything on him.

Sasha asks if Cody is leaving, but he says he told her that he wanted to leave. It would be easier to just disappear, but no. Maxie made him promise he wouldn’t leave, but she’s not the reason he’s not leaving. Sasha is. At least for now. He moves closer, but she stops him and says, he has to stop doing this. He wants a connection with someone, but every time he gets close, he thinks of a reason to bolt. They’re building something. She kisses him and says, he can’t go. If he does, he’ll have a lot more than Maxie to worry about. She’ll hide Tracy’s secret cash box and say he took it. Tracy will have anyone with eyes and a badge looking for him. He says, Tracy has a secret cash box? and she says, not a very well-kept secret. Promise her he won’t go. He hesitates, and she says, how about this. He talks to her first if he decides to go. He says he can do that, and she says she should get back to the house, and leaves.

Ava goes to see Clemont the pharmacist, and he says he has a staff meeting in 15 minutes. He’s going to have to ask her to leave. She says she can sit in. She’s sure his staff will find it fascinating the way he refills Sonny’s bipolar medication. He says he knows she’s not Sonny’s wife. He doesn’t even have a wife. She says, give him time, but it doesn’t matter. She knows he’s been filling Sonny’s prescription with less than a quarter dose and thinks that’s frowned upon in his profession. She’s sure he has his reasons and doesn’t care what they are, but she cares about Sonny’s dosage. He says he’ll change it back to the proper dosage, but she says, he’ll change it to zero. He says, she wants him to give Sonny placebos? and she says she does. Unless he wants Sonny to know what he’s been doing, he’ll do what she wants. He says, it’s dangerous, but she says she’s willing to take that risk.

Drew (who now looks like a creeper) says, they kissed and regretted it and agreed it won’t happen again, and Willow says, absolutely not. He says, the worst thing they can do is dwell on it and let it interfere with their friendship and working together. She tells him that she doesn’t want to compromise her and Michael’s happiness for any reason, and he suggests they put it behind them. It won’t feel as big of a deal in the future. They probably won’t remember it in a year. Michael comes in and says he knew he smelled beignets.

Michael wants to talk to Drew about the wellness division, particularly the budget for Curtis. Willow says, the conversation sounds too exciting for her, and goes out on the patio.

Felicia says, maybe Cody is just mistaken about the DNA results, but Maxie says, they’re pretty conclusive. There’s no real room for interpretation. Felicia says her results were zero, when there’s a knock at the door. It’s Sasha, who asks if it’s a bad time, but Maxie says, no. Sasha says she’s sorry to come by without calling, but this is important. She knows Cody is Mac’s son. If they’re mad at Cody, they should be mad at her too. Cody told her the results months ago.

Clemont says he understands, and he’ll take care of it, and Ava says she knew she could count on him. She asks if anyone’s been asking about her, but he says, no. She says, if anyone does, tell them she was here for a consultation. Make it believable. She hopes he doesn’t do anything to make her come back. She leaves and Clemont looks pretty nervous.

Jason says he’s not working against Sonny, and Sonny says he hopes it stays that way. He’ll be back to pick up Avery. He leaves, and Carly says, he’s not wrong. Jason is working with Cates. Jason says, it’s not to take Sonny down, and Carly suggests he tell Sonny that the only reason he’s working with Cates is to protect her.

Michael and Drew go over the budget, and Michael says he assumes Drew is going to be campaigning to take advantage of the momentum. Drew says he was thinking about that, and Michael says, before he starts shaking hands and kissing babies, did Willow seem off to him?

Willow goes to the stable and asks if Cody is good with her being here. She was wondering how the horses were doing after the fireworks. Cody says, they’re fine. He kept the lights on and gave them extra hay. Some people say you should play classical music to soothe them, but these guys are metalheads. She flashes back to kissing Drew, and says, fireworks are beautiful, but kind of disorienting. You get so distracted, you kind of lose your bearings. (Okay. If you say so, Willow.)

Sasha says she knew Cody lied about the DNA test and that Mac was Cody’s biological father, but it didn’t feel like her secret to tell. Felicia asks how Sasha can be so sure. Her tests results came back negative, and Sasha was there when she told Cody. Sasha says she was also there at the Home & Heart set, when Felicia ordered the DNA test. She saw Felicia take hair from Cody’s brush and she replaced it with her own.

Carly asks why Jason can’t tell Sonny the truth, and Jason says, if Sonny finds out Cates is threatening him, who knows what he’ll do? She agrees, especially with how volatile Sonny’s been, and he asks about the meds. Carly says she checked. He’s taking them. Despite all his faults, he’s always been disciplined with his medication. Jason says, something is off, and she says she agrees, but just now, Sonny seemed like his old self. It was a relief. It seemed like the old Sonny was still in there. Jason says, until he walked in, and she says, that’s when the Sonny she doesn’t recognize showed up. He says he can’t tell Sonny the truth. Not yet. What if he goes after Cates again and kills him?

Holding an ice bucket, Ava opens her door, and Sonny is there. He asks what this garbage is. Is she alleging he’s emotionally unstable? She says she’s not talking to him like this and asks if she should call security. He says he took a page out of her book, and puts his phone on record. Just in case something is misinterpreted later on. Don’t do it.

Willow and Cody have coffee, and she says, he should have come up to the house last night, but he says he wanted to make sure the horses were okay. Did he miss a good time? She says, he was in better company, but people are upbeat about Drew running for congress. Even Tracy is on board. He asks if Willow is going to campaign for him, but she says she’s not a savvy campaigner. He says, she was a teacher, and she says she taught children, not town meetings full of would-be voters. He says, children are people too. If Drew is running as a Quartermaine, it might help if the Quartermaines supported him. Get the family involved. Aside from the kids, Willow is one of the more appealing family members.

Sasha tells Felicia and Maxie, Cody has been wrestling with this decision to tell Mac. She thought, if he had more time, he would get there, so she switched the samples to buy him more time, but she hated lying to them. Please believe that. Felicia says she does, and Maxie says she doesn’t understand. Mac’s a great guy. Sasha says, Cody knows that, but has an issue with not being good enough. He’ll have to tell them the rest. She owed them an explanation and apology. Maxie says she accepts and so does her mom. Felicia says, they appreciate her honesty, and Sasha asks, what happens next? Felicia says, it could turn out to be a good thing for Cody and Mac, and Sasha agrees, but says, Cody told her Mac was really angry and hurt. Felicia says, he was, and it will take time for him to trust Cody again. Sasha says she was trying to help, but by delaying the inevitable, she just made things worse.  

Sonny says, no wonder Scotty is the only lawyer Ava could get, and she says, it’s the strength of the case that matters, not the strength of the lawyers. He asks if that’s what her slip-and-fall guy told her, and she says, defenseless mothers seem to do well in family court. He asks if she’s going to have a stand-in, because that’s something she’s not, and she says, he’ll look good in court unless somebody says something he doesn’t like or looks at him funny. Then all bets are off. He says, Diane can find 20 witnesses to say she’s an unfit mother, and she asks if he thinks his reputation is off limits. What judge is going to give custody of an innocent child to a notorious mobster who used to run a strip club?

Maxie tells Sasha not to be so hard on herself, and Sasha says she doesn’t know what to do. Cody is devastated and talking about leaving Port Charles. Maxie says she made him promise he wouldn’t, and Sasha says, so did she. Maxie says, Cody’s promise to Sasha carries more weight, although she threatened him and she’s more dangerous. Sasha says, not really, and Maxie says, Sasha is so sweet, Sasha could be related to her mom. For all they know, maybe she is. Felicia says she would know. Mac is devastated too, but neither one of them is going to approach the other. It seems like they share the same stubborn gene. Maxie asks what they’re going to do about it.

Cody tells Willow that he likes all the Quartermaines, but some of them are more approachable than others. Can she picture Tracy on the campaign trail? Willow says, not so much, and he says, all kidding aside, he thinks Drew should run as part of a family, because that’s the dream. To be surrounded by people that love and care for you and want the best for you. Sometimes when you don’t deserve it. She says, he’s right about being part of a family. The Quartermaines have done that for her, especially Michael. He’s given her everything.

Drew asks what Michael means by Willow being off. Did she say she wasn’t feeling well, because she seemed fine to him. Michael says, nothing like that, but Willow doesn’t always tell him. She just muscles through. Maybe he’s being oversensitive, but whenever she comes down with something, he gets worried that the cancer came back. Drew says, that’s a normal human reaction. Michael witnessed the person he loves going through a terrible disease and has to give himself a break. Michael says, last night, she was tossing and turning, and he doubts she got an hour’s sleep. Drew says, maybe she just had a tough time winding down, and Michael says, he’s right. It was a big day. If Drew says she seems fine, he’ll stop worrying. It’s probably nothing. He leaves.

Jason asks, what happens to Donna and Avery if Sonny’s in prison for killing a federal agent? and Carly says, especially since there’s a possibility of her going to prison, but he says, that’s not going to happen. He’s not going to let it happen. She says she knows he believes that, and if anyone could stop it from happening, it’s him, but it may not be up to him. Or the moss bowl🎍.

Ava says she’s glad Sonny is recording this. Keep talking. Howl at the moon for all she cares. Then go home and listen to himself and judge how suitable he sounds as a parent. He says he’s not going anywhere, when Cates is suddenly at the door, and asks, is there a problem here?

Tomorrow, Ava proposes a deal with John; Heather makes a plea to Laura; and Portia tells Jordan her plan.

🐪 Better Camel Than Never…

I’m on Taleen’s team about the dog. Even if I hate you, I’ll send you condolences on the passing of your pet. It’s a sadness that’s universal and transcends beef.

🌆 LA Is Back…

As usual, there were fabulous houses with views to die for that all our combined incomes could never afford. The market in LA wasn’t great, and the Joshes were at odds over a co-listing, while Tracy tried to bridge the gap with them. JoshA listed a 7200 square foot house at 9000 square feet to get more eyeballs on it, since it had been on the market for 18 months. He played fast and loose with the definition of living space, saying the extra footage was a concrete area that could be a living space. It seemed shady to me, but so do a lot of things in real estate. JoshA appeared on Days of Our Lives as an aggressive businessman with an affinity for cocaine. They thought he resembled his character in real life – an arrogant a-hole – and he was asked back. I tried watching Days for a while, but I just don’t have the time for another soap. They showed clips though, and I’m hoping they have his scenes on YouTube.

Next time, the Heather and Terry Dubrow, and JoshF dresses up as a shark.

Tonight’s full recap here:

🍳 Leaving the Stove On…

I watched this tonight and really enjoyed it. I think Lisa and Gordon are a great fit, and it’s a little different from the usual cooking competition.

Also saw this, and ditto on the enjoyment factor. The new generations spin on it keeps it fresh.

🐯 No Judgement…

I don’t think the word furries means what they think it means, but even if it did, more power to them. Senior pets need extra love. My oldest Peke just turned 17½ right now, June 11th.

https://people.com/furries-raise-over-100k-for-homeless-senior-pets-at-pittsburgh-convention-8676313

🪭 It’s Getting Hot in Here…

Join me tomorrow for soap and a peek at the OC. Until then, stay safe, stay keeping anything breakable away from pools and pool decks, and stay not delaying the inevitable. It just makes things worse.

July 9, 2024 – Cody Tells Mac That He Lied About the DNA Test, Sudsy Newsflash, Just a Preview, Messy New Jersey, Shocking, Have Some Brisket & Born

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Sorry, I missed the beginning, but it’s always just a bit of a rehash. Basically, Drew told Willow that in another time and place, they might have meant something to each other.

Nina tells Michael that, more than anything, she wants a relationship with her daughter and grandchildren. If they continue to be at odds, that won’t happen. That’s enough motivation, but she also loves her job at Crimson, especially after being at The Invader. She’d be an idiot to continue to antagonize Aurora’s CFO. Curtis says, they share family, but they also have a similar work ethic. They’re professionals and damn good at their jobs. Their work is interdependent, they need each other, and Aurora needs them both. Michael says he’s starting to believe that, and he’s willing to put down the past and focus on the here and now. Curtis says, and hopefully, the future, and Michael says, and not just at Aurora. He’s a husband and father, and doesn’t want Willow feeling torn. Whatever she decides, he’s on board. Willow’s happiness is his top priority.

Portia says, while Laura is defending Heather’s rights, how does she know Heather won’t come after Portia’s family? Laura says, the law is for everyone, including the people they hate, but Portia says, it’s not about the law. It’s about Laura feeling bad for a family member who’s locked up. It’s uncomfortable, and sitting in discomfort is hard, but so is fearing for her daughter’s life. Elizabeth comes in and asks if they’ve seen Aiden… Clearly, she’s interrupting. Portia says, Laura’s got backup. Elizabeth came just in time to take her side.

Drew says, that was a rotten thing for him to say, but Willow says, that they might have meant something to each other under different circumstances doesn’t sound rotten. Drew says, it’s a trap when you think of things that might have been. You don’t mess up, and everyone does and says the right things. You don’t doubt your choices. When they met, Willow was already in love with Michael. Willow says she loves Michael so much, she can’t believe she did that, but Drew tells her not to put it all on her. They had a couple of drinks and got caught up in the fireworks and the proximity, and probably a little bit of election enthusiasm. Things happen. She says, it’s not the end of the world, and he says, it’s not even the end of the day. It happened, it’s over, and it will never happen again. Willow says, ever, and Drew says, they’re on the same page. Michael, Curtis, and Nina come in, and Michael says, coincidentally, them too.

Gio joins Trina and Josslyn at the boathouse, and Josslyn asks how the concert was. Gio says, good, and tells them there’s food at the house, but Josslyn says, they’re still full. She offers him a beer, and he asks, how was the barbecue? Josslyn says, eventful. Drew Quartermaine announced he was running for congress. Gio says he thought it was Cain, and Trina says, it was, 24 hours ago. Her dad said Quartermaine has a higher recognition factor. Josslyn says, Drew brought back the mayor and the congressman, but it wasn’t all business. There were friends and family there. Gio asks why Sonny wasn’t here and wonders why he wasn’t invited. Josslyn says, maybe he was and didn’t come. Gio would have to ask the Quartermaines.  

Cody says he wants to be part of Mac’s family, but Mac says, he has an interesting way of showing it. Cody says he didn’t know how to tell Mac, and Mac says, so he actively lied. Cody says he’s not proud of it, and Mac says, what upsets him most was that Cody felt he couldn’t be honest. The worst part is that he lied to Felicia. He lied to Maxie, Georgie, James, and Bailey Lou. Everyone he claimed to give a damn about. Cody says he loves them, but Mac says, if he did, he wouldn’t treat them like that. Cody asks if it helps that it was killing him. He’s eternally sorry. Mac says, it doesn’t help. He doesn’t trust Cody. For all he knows, it’s just another lie. He walks away.

Portia says, Heather was Elizabeth’s mother-in-law. Of course (🍷) she agrees with Laura. Laura says, this conversation is over, and Portia says she’ll leave them with this. Heather Webber is a serial killer, and she has every reason to believe Trina was her target. If Laura thinks she’s going to allow Trina to be at risk again and continues to try and set Heather free, the next conversation they have will be in public. She walks out.

Drew says, he and Willow were just watching the fireworks and talking politics. What’s up? Curtis says, they had an impromptu meeting about Aurora, and Nina says, they’re putting aside their differences and moving forward. Michael says, it’s time to move forward, and Nina says, everything is aboveboard, and their agendas have been put to bed. Willow says, it’s a relief to hear that, and Drew says, it feels like a new beginning, a new era, a clean slate. Nina says, with endless possibilities, and Drew asks how this came about. Curtis says, in order to move smoothly, the CFO of Aurora and the Editor-in-Chief of Crimson need to be in the for same room more than two minutes. Portia runs in and tells Curtis that she needs to go home.

Elizabeth says she doesn’t think she’s ever seen Portia so angry, and Laura says she understands. She went through hell with Heather, then Esme, and is genuinely concerned about her daughter. Elizabeth says, Esme is gone, and strange as it is, Heather’s situation has changed. Laura says, thank God she can see that. Portia can’t and it surprised her. Elizabeth says, why? Because she’s a doctor? Laura says, Portia knows Heather was sick and knows the medical ramifications. She was there when they were figuring it out, but she won’t consider the possibility that once the poison left Heather’s body, she’s no longer as dangerous. Elizabeth says, it’s easier for Laura to see. All Portia sees is a monster who tried to hurt her child. It’s like her experience with Franco. She could look past the tumor, but his victims couldn’t and never forgave him. Laura says, she thinks Portia is the same way, but Elizabeth says she hopes not. She hopes Portia realizes she’s asking questions only the court can answer. It’s not up to them. That’s why they have laws. It’s supposed to be justice for all. Laura says, that’s all she’s been saying, and thanks Elizabeth for hearing it. Elizabeth hugs Laura and says she’s proud of her, and so are her grandkids. She leaves, and Laura wipes tears from her eyes.

Maxie goes to the stable and asks if Cody has seen James’s riding gloves. He needs them for his next lesson. He’s obsessed and keeps asking everyone to watch. He even asked the grocery bagger. Cody says he doesn’t think he should keep giving James lessons, and she asks, why not? Did he say or do something? Cody says, it’s nothing like that, and Maxie says, he can’t take the lessons away from her. It’s her only leverage. He says, Mac is furious with him, and she says, her Mac? That doesn’t sound like him. Cody says, he’s our Mac, and Maxie says, explain please. Cody says he’s been lying to all of them. He’s Mac’s son. Maxie says, but the DNA test… and Cody says he lied. Maxie says she can see it, and he says he totally lied and now Mac knows the truth. She says, now Mac is unhappy, but Cody says, that’s a massive understatement.

Gio says, it’s his first boathouse party, and Trina says she hopes not his last. He tells them, keep inviting him and he’ll keep showing up, and Josslyn asks what they do in Bensonhurst on the 4th. Gio says, they have a huge block party. Everyone within 10 blocks is a Cerullo or a Falconari. They’re big Italian families. Trina asks if his mom was from Italy, and he says, she was. It was her proudest moment to officially become a citizen. She told him to never take it for granted and he never does. Neither do his relatives. That’s why the 4th is a big deal. Trina says, it means something to his family.

Curtis asks if everything is okay, and Porta says she just needs to go home. Curtis tells Drew, congrats again, and Portia says, if he wants her vote, he needs to pledge to keep Heather Webber in prison, no matter what the mayor has to say. She and Curtis leave, and Willow says, Portia is a mom and entitled to her feelings. She tells Michael that she’s exhausted and suggests they round up the kids, but Michael says, the kids are staying here, so they can head back to the gatehouse when she’s ready. Willow says she’s happy Nina and Michael made up and Nina is helping with the campaign. It’s nice being on the same side again. Nina says she couldn’t agree more, and Willow leaves with Michael, glancing at Drew on her way out the door.  

Felicia says she’s been looking everywhere for Mac. What’s wrong? Mac says, Cody is his son, but she says, no, he’s not. He says, yes, he is, but she says, he can’t be. She did her own DNA test. She’ll explain the details later. Mac says, Cody must have doctored the results and lied the first time. She asks how he knows, and he says, Cody confessed to him. She says, he’s known all this time? and Mac says, and he never said a word. Cody gave him some convoluted excuse, but he was barely listening. She asks how he feels, and he says he’s furious. He has a son. Cody knew it and lied about it on purpose. She was right about him. He’s nothing but a grifter and must have some agenda for it coming to light now. She says, he really doesn’t think Cody needs a kidney or points removed from his driver’s license, but Mac says he can’t think of another reason. Can she?

Mac says, maybe Cody doesn’t need an internal organ, but he’s coming from some kind of angle. Felicia says, Cody is his kid, but Mac says, on paper only. Felicia says, it’s Cody’s loss. It’s sad really. Mac says he would have welcomed Cody to the family, and Felicia says, he did. Mac says, it would have taken adjusting, but he would have found a way to love him. Felicia says, of course (🍷), and Mac says, now it’s too late for that.

Maxie says she feels her brain melting. Why did Cody lie? Mac is the best father in the whole world. Cody says, at first, he thought he wanted money more than family. Pathetic, he knows. By the time he changed his mind, he didn’t know how to take back the lie. Maxie says, tell the truth? and Cody says he was afraid Mac would hate him, and guess what? He was right. Maxie says, Mac is upset. He doesn’t hate Cody. Cody says he wants her to know that he’s sorry he messed this up. They’re all a terrific family. She says, especially her. She’s a fantastic sister. He says, they’re not related, but she says, Mac is her father and that makes Cody her brother, and her kids his nieces and nephew. Cody says he loved teaching James, and Maxie says, when James finds out Cody is Mac’s son, he’s going to be over the moon. He tells her to hold off telling him until she talks to Mac. James is a good rider, and you can’t beat his enthusiasm. He wants her to know that he’s grateful for all their time together. She says she sees what he’s doing. If he thinks he’s going to get rid of them that easily, think again.

Gio says, it’s not just patriotic. It’s a reason for everyone to get together. Thanksgiving and Christmas are the same, but it’s cold. On the 4th, they’re all hanging out in the street. Josslyn asks if he’s been to the soft serve truck, and Trina says, it’s easy to overlook, but there’s nothing like it. Josslyn says, it’s usually parked by Rice Park. All they have is chocolate and vanilla in cones, but there’s nothing like a classic cone on a hot day. Trina says, it’s her afternoon treat when she’s at work, and Gio asks if there are any other Port Charles traditions he should know about. Josslyn says, one is about to start, the Country Club fireworks. Now that he’s done playing, he can relax and enjoy the view. He says, the company’s not bad either.

Curtis asks, what’s going on? and Portia says she had a chat with Laura. As long as Laura continues to help Heather to go free, she’s the enemy. And so is anybody who supports her, including Drew and the Quartermaines. (Ugh. I hate when Portia puts her self-righteous hat on. She also has a habit of what my dad called, crying before you’re hurt, and it’s annoying.)

Curtis says, to be clear, he wants Heather to stay locked up until the end of time and he’ll advocate for that, but it’s not his call. No more than it is hers. Portia asks why he’s not angry, and he asks, what good would it do? He’s on her side, but regardless of how they feel, it’s the court’s decision, not theirs. She says, that sounds like spin. Trina is his daughter. Doesn’t he care? Curtis says, it’s one thing for her to fight Heather. It’s another thing to fight him. She knows he wants his daughter to stay safe. She says, he’s not the one she’s mad at. She’s sorry. They hug.

Gio, Trina, and Josslyn watch the fireworks, and Gio says, beautiful. Trina asks how they rate compared to Bensonhurst, and he says, these are tame. She asks if he misses home, and he says he misses his family of course (🍷) and his neighborhood, where he knows everyone, and everyone knows him. But he needed a change, to try something new. He likes Port Charles. It’s the perfect fit. Josslyn lifts her beer bottle and says, to finding your place. Trina says, and making new friends, and the three of them clink beer bottles.

Maxie says, admit it. In Cody’s mind, he’s packing and saying his goodbyes. Don’t do it. He says he doesn’t see what choice he has, and she says, stay. She’s had lots of experience with huge lies and life wrecking mistakes. Running just makes it worse. She once pretended to be pregnant to get a guy to be in a relationship with her. She’ll tell him about it sometime. He needs to stay and process. Give Mac time and them time to adjust. Don’t leave, for Mac and Sasha and mostly himself. Promise. He says, okay, but she says she needs him to say the words. He says he promises, but she says, too vague. What exactly is he promising? He says, not to leave, and she says, he won’t regret it. He gives her James’s riding gloves and she leaves.

Nina asks Drew if she was dreaming just now. She never thought the day would come. He says he’s happy for her, and she says, maybe she’ll get to spend time with Wiley and Amelia, be part of the family, and he says, it’s looking that way. She thanks him with tears in her eyes, and says, he built a bridge between her and her daughter. She’ll be forever grateful. He says, she’s welcome and they kiss. (Wow. Is this getting messy or what?)

Sasha is having a glass of wine and sees Michael and Willow outside on the patio. Willow says, it’s a beautiful night, and Michael tells Willow that she’s gorgeous. They kiss, and Sasha watches, flashing back to seeing Willow and Drew kissing.

Tomorrow, Sasha says, if Cody leaves, he’ll have a lot more than Maxie to worry about; Felicia wants to be wrong; and Ava says she’ll do what she wants.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

He might be gone, but he’ll never be forgotten. I still live in hope that he’ll be back. It’s happened before.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/michael-easton-pays-tribute-to-his-gh-leading-ladies

A super soap spy couple reunites.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ian-buchanan-and-finola-hughes-reunite-in-london

Sad news.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/general-hospital-star-doug-sheehan-dead-at-75

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/gh-ryans-hope-and-loving-producer-joseph-hardy-dead-at-95

Happier news.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-kate-mansi-is-engaged-to-matt-mcinnis

🐪 No Camel, Preview…

As of this posting, there was zilch on tonight’s RHODubai, but here’s a taste.

👠 They’re Not Wrong…

For once, Andy is not to blame… totally.

Me too.

Case in point.

Just for fun.

⛵️ Over the Bounding Reef…

Well, he isn’t exactly known for keeping to the rule book.

🐕 The Lassie Of His Generation…

Meet Brisket.

https://paradepets.com/pet-news/glen-powell-rescue-dog-brisket-twisters

Oh, there’s a dude in the photo? Seriously though, no on the pants like that.

https://people.com/glen-powell-shares-steamy-photo-instagram-post-about-dog-brisket-8674643

🥏 Tell Me More, Tell Me More…

Join me tomorrow for soap, and the latest in Listing and Dubai (I hope). Until then, stay safe; stay not bringing uninvited guests or pets to someone else’s event or party without asking permission; and stay being willing to put down the past and focus on the here and now, and hopefully, the future

July 8, 2024 – Two Major Surprises In Port Charles on the 4th Of July, Anchor Disaster On Deck, Sharks Ahoy & R.O.C.K.

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

On the television, McConkey says he’s proud of what he’s accomplished, and serving in congress has been the honor of his life. He did it all for the hardworking citizens of Port Charles. Port Charles is a city that has everything you want in a place to live. Olivia says, he’s a good man, but wears too much pomade, and Sasha says, everyone speaks highly of him. Olivia says, he’ll be a tough act to follow, but Sasha says she doesn’t know. Drew looks pretty sexy in his suit. Olivia says, don’t tell her husband, but she thinks so too. If they want sexy politicians, they’ll have to move to Canada. Sasha says, if Drew is elected, Canadians will start moving here. McConkey says he’s retiring. It’s time for him to enjoy his golden years with his wife and family.

Cody shows James a hoof pick and explains how it’s used. James asks if Cody’s father taught him about horses, but Cody says, no. James asks if his brother did, but Cody says he doesn’t have one. James says he doesn’t either. He just has sisters. There are so many girls in the house. But he sees Cody as just as good as a brother.

Portia and Mac watch on a laptop as McConkey says he feels gratitude, and Felicia asks if Mac brought work home. Portia says she brought the laptop. She’s hoping to glimpse Curtis in the crowd. Georgie says she’s bored and asks when they’re leaving. Mac suggests she go for a swim, but she says, there are too many boys at the pool. Felicia says, boys she’s known her whole life, and Georgie says she’s spent enough time with them already.

Tracy watches McConkey’s speech on her phone and asks Sasha why she can’t rewind. She wants to see Drew’s close-up again. Sasha says, sometimes you can’t rewind with live events, and Tracy says, they have expensive tech and all it does is allow them to be tracked down. She prefers her old TV and VCR. Sasha tells her, preach it.

McConkey says he’s endorsing Drew Quartermaine, and Tracy says, what? McConkey says he’s confident Drew will do great things for the New York 28th congressional district. Meet their next representative to congress. Drew steps up to the podium and confetti falls.

Olivia runs around putting the finishing touches on the picnic, and Portia asks if she’s excited about Drew’s campaign. Tracy says she’s thrilled, and Felicia says she’s sure that anyone has reservations about a family member going into politics. Mac says he’s sure all the skeletons are out of the Quartermaine closet by now, and Olivia says, it will be over in a couple of months. Tracy says, unless Drew wins. Then they’re in for two years. All eyes will be on the Quartermaines. Ned says he was mayor and he’s been there, and Tracy asks if that ill-fated adventure is supposed to make her feel better. It’s not the same. Drew is running to be a member of congress. Olivia puts a campaign button on Tracy and says, it will help her get in the spirit.

Willow says, Drew is a natural, and Michael says he likes Drew’s chances. Curtis walks in and says, same here, and Portia says, Curtis will have his work cut out for him at Aurora. Curtis says, he and Michael will keep the business afloat, but Michael says, more than that. It will be thriving. Sam says, Drew’s not elected yet and has a hard road ahead, and Laura says, Chelsea Grimes is a formidable opponent. She’s a shameless self-promotor, but she has a following. Willow says, she exploits people’s worst fears, while Drew’s been to hell several times and come out the other side. Who wouldn’t want a man as strong as Drew? Jordan agrees, and says her money is on him. McConkey comes in with Drew and says, anyone who bets against Drew is either a fool or a cynic. Everyone applauds and Drew thanks them. He says he loves them and couldn’t have done this without them. He thanks McConkey for his wisdom, his friendship, and his endorsement. Nina comes in, and Drew says he couldn’t have done it without McConkey. McConkey says, or her, indicating Nina, and Tracy asks, who the hell invited her?

McConkey says he was sparked by Nina’s timely introduction, and Tracy says she applauds Nina’s commitment. She didn’t completely ruin Drew’s life, but pushing him into politics should do the job. Ned tells her that she needs to learn to read the room, and Olivia says, who’s hungry? McConkey tells Drew that he needs a bigger gut and American shoes, then he’ll make a fine representative. Drew asks what Sam thinks, and Sam says, far be it for her to question the congressman’s judgement. McConkey excuses himself, and Sam asks how it went with Scout. Drew says, she’s a little vague about what the campaign means, but she’s excited about the name change. Sam says, he’s actually doing this, and he says he’s having his lawyers handle Scout’s name change. Cain was just a placeholder given to him by the state. Sam says she’s glad he’s claiming his Quartermaine name, and Scout too, but it will take some getting used to. Dante joins them and tells Drew, good job. Drew’s got his vote. Sam says, tonight is Drew’s night. Enjoy it.

Willow notices Nina sitting alone and asks if Nina is okay, and Nina says she’s fine. Sometimes she forgets the universal contempt for her, then someone comes along like Tracy to remind her. Willow says, she’s wrong about it being universal, and Nina says she’s glad to hear it. How did Willow feel about participating today? Willow says, surprisingly good. She’s been disillusioned with politics. (Same.) No one seems to care about the important things, and most of them just pretend to listen to the voters when their job is on the line. Drew makes her hopeful that there can be good, important change that can help people. Nina says, it might be a surprise to hear, but she feels the same. Drew is building a bridge between the two of them and it changed the way she thinks of him and herself. She has a habit of clinging to a grudge too tight. Willow says she’s guilty of that herself.

Jordan asks if Ned misses his mayoral days, but Ned says, the people made their choice and Laura is an excellent mayor. Olivia says she can’t imagine dealing with all that baloney, and Laura says, her either. Mac and Felicia join them, and everyone says how good it is to see him, and they missed him. He says, ditto, and tells Laura that he’s sorry about Spencer. She says, it’s still kind of unreal, and he says, when someone so young is taken from them, it’s hard to make sense of it. Laura says, but today is a happy occasion and she’s glad Mac made it back in time for the party. Jordan says, it’s been too long, and Felicia says, that’s what she’s been telling him. Mac says, they kept it together without him, and Ned says, he’ll take the backstabbing at ELQ over local politics any day. Thank God he doesn’t have to deal with that Heather Webber business. Mac wonders what he’s talking about, and Laura says, it’s come to light that Heather may not be legally responsible for the crimes she committed.

Cody says, James thinks of him as a big brother? and James says he doesn’t know what it’s like, but he bets this is close. Is it okay with Cody? Cody says, it’s a little scary, to be honest. He doesn’t know what it’s like. Dante comes in with Sam and says, Cody’s been his brother since he was twelve. Dante taught Cody how to pick up girls, and Cody taught him how to ride horses and make cherry bombs. James says, cherry bombs are cool, and asks if it’s okay that brothers have different last names. Dante says, it’s better, and Sam says, it means you’re not family by accident. Dante says, it’s the family you chose. James says he wants to be brothers, and Cody suggests they make it official with something only brothers do. They each spit on their palms and shake hands, and James says, Georgie would never do that.

Mac says, if Heather isn’t responsible for Britt Westbourne’s murder, who is? and Felicia says, it’s complicated. Heather was sick. Mac says, she’d have to be sick to kill all those people, and Portia leaves the room. Curtis follows her and says, it’s a day to celebrate. Don’t let herself get dragged into hypotheticals about Heather.

Olivia tells Ned that she needs help in the kitchen, and Ned says, of course (🍷), and leaves with her. Laura explains Heather’s condition to Mac, and he asks if she means a bum hip made Heather a murderer. She says, it caused psychosis. No one knew and maybe the case needs to be reopened. Mac says, she was a willing participant. Heather knew what she was doing on Spoon Island. They were there. Laura says, she wouldn’t have made the decisions she did if the poison wasn’t in her system, and Mac says, they live in world full of toxins and don’t turn into serial killers, but Laura says, he doesn’t have a medical degree and neither does she. She’s putting her faith in the expert’s opinion, whatever that may be.

Tracy asks what Drew’s name is, and he says, Drew Quartermaine. He shows her the papers and asks if she minds sharing her last name. She says, a Quartermaine will always get her vote, and for the record, her brother Alan would be proud of him.

Nina scarfs down some cookies in the nook, when Sasha comes in. Nina asks how they could know each other this long, and she had no idea Sasha was a talented chef? Sasha says she’s full of surprises, and Nina says, she’s glad. She’s starving and there were slim pickings at Drew’s announcement. Sasha says she’s surprised Nina was there, but Nina says, the whole Aurora team came to support him. Sasha says she’d thought they didn’t get along, but Nina says, something changed when he hired her back at Crimson. She thinks they realized they have more in common than they thought. Drew is the reason her relationship with Willow is healing, and she introduced him to McConkey. They’re both seeing another side of each other lately.

Drew finds Willow in a room by herself, looking outside at Wiley. He asks if she minds him hiding out with her, and she says, not at all.

Cody tells James that it’s a big responsibility and he doesn’t want to let James down. James says, Cody is the best and would never let him down. Cody thanks him, when Mac comes in with Georgie, who says, she told him James would be here. His grandma is looking for him. It’s almost time for the fireworks. James asks if Cody is coming, but Cody says he’s got to stay here and make sure the horses aren’t scared. James says he could stay and help, but Cody says, no way. Then who would record the awesome video for him? James promises to get it and leaves with Georgie. Mac says, Cody is good with James, and hopes James isn’t too much. Cody says, too much fun? James is the greatest. Mac says, Cody has had an effect on James. He constantly talks about the horses and Cody’s stuntman days. He wants to do the same thing when he grows up. Cody says he’ll walk it back. He doesn’t want to lead James in the wrong direction. Taking care of horses, living above the stalls, and wrangling Quartermaines isn’t for everyone. Mac says he can see the appeal. Cody’s life seems good. He wouldn’t do a thing to change his own life, but if he had two, one would look like Cody’s.

Laura tells Felicia that she’s sorry she brought the party down. Clearly Mac doesn’t share her point of view. Felicia says, Heather brings out strong feelings. It’s a complicated situation, and there’s no solution that will make everybody happy. Laura thanks her, and Ned announces, it’s time for the fireworks. Everyone leaves except Laura, and Portia tells Curtis that she’s going to stay a minute. Save her a seat. He leaves, and Laura says, Portia is obviously angry with her. Would she like to talk about it? Portia says, the only thing she wants is Laura’s assurance that Heather will stay in Pentenville where she belongs.

At the boathouse, Dante tells Sam that they’re the first ones here and get to pick a spot. The kids seem to be having fun. Sam says she’s glad they’re having a good time, especially scout. Drew was right; she’s happy with the name change. He asks if she wants to talk about it, and she says, talk about what? He says, my mother’s potato salad… or Drew running for congress, but Sam says she’s not wasting time arguing with Drew. He and Jason know how to compartmentalize. It’s done, and now all she can do is be happy for Drew and show up at a rally or two and smile for the camera. He asks, what if The Invader calls? and she tells him that she has nothing to say to that sleazy rag after what DeWitt did to Blaze and Kristina. Dante suggests she have a plan of attack. Saying, no comment, might look like there’s something to hide. She says, it’s Drew’s problem, not hers. The only thing she’s worried about is Scout. Drew’s new career could hurt her in all kinds of ways.

Willow tells Drew that she loves this party, but it can be overwhelming at times. He says he had an honest to God moment, a positive one, with Tracy, and she says, there’s no one he can’t impress. He suggests Mercury might be in retrograde, but she says, that’s next month. It’s impressive how quickly he took to politics. People can tell it’s not just a vanity competition, and Drew is going to carry on McConkey’s legacy and do great things for the people in the district. Drew says he was blindsided, but the more he gets into it, the deeper he goes, the more convinced he is of his duty to do it right. Willow says, that’s why he has to win, but Drew says, if he does, things will change, including things for them.

Nina tells Sasha that she and Drew… Sasha says she gets it, and Nina asks if Maxie told her, but Sasha says she picked up on a vibe earlier. Nina says she’s glad they’re not too obvious. Neither of them wants to advertise it. The reaction would be less than ideal. Sasha says, so it’s a casual thing, but Nina says she doesn’t think it even reaches that point. It was just a few times… a few very good times. Sasha says, so she’s enjoying herself, and Nina says she is, but it’s not going to happen again… probably. Sasha says, she’s not judging. Drew is hot and his body is amazing. Nina says, you could grate cheese on his abs, and Sasha says, she’s happy to see Nina laughing. She deserves to have fun, but it’s time to stop. This kind of thing can only end in disaster.

Nina says, disaster is a strong word. It’s just a little fling. Sasha says she just wants to make sure Nina knows what she’s doing. She was deeply in love with Sonny, and Drew was in love with Carly. Both of their relationships ended abruptly and were heartbreaking. The end of a relationship isn’t the end of the feelings. It takes time for the feelings to recede, and until they do, Nina has to find an outlet somewhere else. Nina says she gets it, but sees nothing wrong in wanting a little company, a human touch now and then. It’s difficult to be alone when you’re used to being a couple. It’s been so long. Sasha knows what it’s like, doesn’t she? Sasha says she does, and she might have been too careful with her heart since then, but maybe it’s better than having her heart broken again before it’s had time to heal.

Drew says, if he gets elected, he’ll have to spend more time in DC, after he lured Willow away from her GH job. He feels like he’s abandoning her. Willow says she’s worried he’ll think she’s exploiting him, since she plans on lobbying the heck out of him for the New Tomorrow Institute. He says he looks forward to it, and she says she doesn’t want him to feel guilty. She loved her job at the hospital, but she’s grateful for the change. She gets to spend more time with her kids, and she loves the work. The kids are too young to understand, but Wiley is fascinated that she smells like perfume instead of antiseptic. It’s fun dress up and not be in scrubs all the time. Drew says, she could win a beauty contest wearing scrubs. (Rut-roh. I think I’m smelling what Drew is cooking.)

Mac tells Cody, working at the Quartermaine stables with an apartment upstairs doesn’t exactly qualify as roughing it. It reminds him of growing up in Australia and the walkabouts he and Robert took with their parents. He once flew over the area in a prop plane and the landscape was amazing. He wouldn’t mind living in a treehouse or camping. When he was away, it reminded him of how much he likes it. Cody asks if that’s why he was gone so long, and Mac says, it took longer than he expected. He hated being away, but he had to go honor a commitment he made so long ago he doesn’t remember making it. Some things become such a part of your blood, you stop questioning them.

Sam says, Drew will probably live in DC away from Scout, and she’s going to miss her father. Dante says, he has money and access to a jet. He can come and go as he pleases. She says, it’s frustrating how she wound up choosing Jason and Drew to be parents when they don’t prioritize their children. Dante says, biologically, the kids have other dads, but he thinks they’re good at parenting and thinks their crew would agree. Who cares what Jason and Drew are doing? Scout and Danny have them. It’s not always easy, but it will always be good. They kiss.

Tracy and McConkey come downstairs, and Tracy says she’s glad they did that. Monica enjoyed catching up with him. He says he enjoyed it too and asks how long Monica has been laid up. Tracy says, she doesn’t like to talk about it, but Monica had a difficult year. She understands he did too. He says, they’ve known each other long enough that he doesn’t have to pretend. He has lung cancer. She asks, how advanced? and he says, Stage IV. She says, her father thought ill health was a sign of carelessness, and McConkey says he feels like he’s in his prime, and still has a lot do and more to give. She says, her father was the same way, and he says, he was a fine man and a giant pain in the ass. She says, that’s why they loved him. If he’s up to it when the campaign is over, she’d like to invite him and his wife over for dinner. He says he’ll have Hazel reach out, if he’s not six feet under. She says, if he is, she’ll send a spread over to his wake. She tells him to take care of himself, he says, her too, and leaves.

The fireworks start and everyone is enthralled. Felicia wonders where Mac is, while James films. Mac and Cody come out of the stables, and Mac says, they went all out. The display gets bigger every year. Cody says he knows, and Mac says, it’s amazing how elaborate they are since he was a kid. He’s never seen one look like rain. Cody struggles for a moment, then says, I’m your son. (I nearly choke on my coffee.)

Laura tells Portia that Trina said she had concerns about Heather, but Portia says she has concerns with Laura. Why go to bat for a convicted murderer instead of protecting the citizens? Laura says, Portia was part of the team that diagnosed Heather, so she must understand the questions it raised. Portia says she treated Heather according to the oath she took, but can’t forget that Heather’s entire mission in life was to murder her daughter.

Curtis asks if Nina wants to join him for the fireworks, but she says she thinks she’ll head home. He says, she can’t miss the best part, when Michael comes in. He gives Nina a curt hello, which Nina returns. She thanks Curtis for the offer, but says she’s going to take off. She tells both of them, Happy 4th of July, and starts to leave. Curtis says, he doesn’t like getting into their personal lives, but when Drew is on the campaign trail, they have to learn how to work together. Are they going to be okay or is one of them always going to have to leave the room?

Willow says she hopes she didn’t give Drew the wrong impression. She believes in him so much. He’s always been there for her family, her kids, and her. she wouldn’t be alive today if he hadn’t risked his life in Greenland. He’s the reason she can see her kids grow up. Everyone would be lucky to have someone like him in their corner. She’ll do whatever she can to help, but selfishly, she doesn’t want him to move to DC. She’ll miss him. He says he’ll miss her too, and they kiss. Sasha sees them. (Almost choking on my coffee for the second time.)

Wow. Two bombshells on a Monday.

Tomorrow, Gio says he never would have guessed; Laura says her concern is to see justice served; and Maxie asks why someone lied.

Below Deck Mediterranean

Ellie tells Bri, the victimhood needs to stop. She’s sorry, but Bri’s lack of experience shows in her not being aware how a boat works. There’s a chain of command. Bri says, Ellie makes her feel dumb and it hurts, but Ellie says, maybe it’s Bri’s own insecurities making her feel that way. She never said Bri was dumb, and she’s tired of this bullsh*t. She’s had it. She’s done. In Bri’s interview, she says, Ellie is on a power trip and against her since she hooked up with Joe. In Ellie’s interview, she says, Bri doesn’t listen. Both she and Aesha are her superiors. Breakfast is lobster eggs benedict, and in Jono’s interview, he says he doesn’t want to put out cold eggs again, so he’s making them nice and fresh. He still thinks his job is on the line, so please, no complaints. Captain Sandy asks the guests how dinner was, and they say, fabulous. She says, Aesha will tell them about their next destination. It’s a very cool place. Jono tastes his eggs benedict and dances around. Guest Dean declares the lobster delish, and Aesha explains that they’ll be going to a cave on Moni Island that they have to swim to. Guest Marsha says she can’t put her head underwater. The peacock (i.e. her hair) doesn’t like the water. In Aesha’s interview, she says she loves Marsha’s attitude. She can’t imagine the time it takes to look like that. She’s exhausted just looking at her.

Ellie asks Joe what the Bri situation is, but he says he doesn’t know. She slept on a mattress on the floor. Ellie says, Bri is creating drama for no reason and playing the victim. It has nothing to do with her. Anchor is hauled, but the windless isn’t working properly, and Joe says, it’s a piece of sh*t. Iain says he’s going to send Joe and Gael in the tender with the guests, and Ellie tells Aesha that the Bri situation is out of control. She’s been sleeping on the floor in the guys’ cabin and said Ellie was belittling her. Aesha asks if she is, but Ellie says she’s not that person. That’s where she draws the line. Aesha says, they both need to get on with it, and they’ll sort it out after charter. In Aesha’s interview, she says, there’s an annoying rivalry circling around Joe, but she can’t discipline them out of their emotions. The guests are paying a lot of money to be here. Captain Sandy does some weird jumping jacks on the bridge, and says she needs exercise. Yeah. She needs to learn how to do jumping jacks.

Aesha tells the captain that Ellie is going to the cave because of her thumb situation, and Nathan tells Gael that he’s glad the drama has nothing to do with them. Gael says she thinks they’re the same. Anchor is dropped and the tender is loaded with supplies for the cave excursion. Bri talks to her mom, who asks if she’s got everything sorted. Bri tells her that she’s saying the wrong stuff, and her mom says, show kindness. There’s a fine balance between being assertive and people perceiving you as cheeky. In Bri’s interview, she says, boarding school has a way of making you feel small. You had to wait at the door for whoever was above you, no matter how far away they were, or you’d be bullied. Captain Sandy says, they’ve got to be faster, and she sees the swim platforms leaning up against the side of the boat. In her interview, she says, the fact Iain is in charge and hasn’t caught this is not okay. She tells the deckhands put the swim platforms in the water, and calls Iain. She says, it can’t look like that. It’s a guest area and they have to get the platforms in the water. In Iain’s interview, he says he planned to get them set up after the guests were in the water. Joe says, it’s difficult being told two different things, and they put the platforms in the water. Captain Sandy says, the guests are waiting, and tells Iain that he’s got to be faster.

Aesha is bummed and wishes she could come. Iain says he’s waiting for the guests, who are waiting to be told where to go, and Aesha suggests he go get them. Ellie wonders if it’s a good time to say she’s not a good swimmer. On the yacht, lain tells the captain that he had a different plan, and she says, his plan wasn’t working. In Gael’s interview, she says, growing up being half Asian wasn’t cool, and on top of it, she was slightly socially anxious, which gave her identity issues. When she started yachting, she found that being underwater made her feel safe and at peace with herself. The guests swim to the cave, Ellie following. They hang out in the wading pool inside and it’s amazingly beautiful. One of them says, it smells good, like salt. Iain whines to Nathan that if he’d done it correctly, he still would have been told he was wrong. Ellie has a hard time with her flippers and says she’s the worst person to do this. Gael hauls Ellie back into the tender, and Ellie says she hopes Joe doesn’t believe she’s a bad person or belittles Bri. He says, all he knows is this girl came to their cabin, crying and moaning. Aesha calls Bri to meet her in the upstairs pantry, and says she doesn’t want to get into what Bri and Ellie are fighting about, but why did Bri sleep in the boys’ cabin? Bri says, because it was just fun. She needed her own space and was sleeping in the galley, but Joe said she could sleep on the floor. Aesha asks if she’s trying to prove a point to Ellie, but Bri says, no. She tried saying something, but Ellie didn’t want to hear it. Aesha tells Bri that she can’t sleep in the boys’ cabin. It will affect them. Ellie tells Joe that she was honest with Bri about wanting to pursue things with him, and in Joe’s interview, he says, they’re butting heads, and he’s the cherry on top. (Ugh.) He doesn’t want anything serious, but of course he’s interested. Who wouldn’t be? Bri tells Aesha that Ellie is annoying. When they’re sharing, Ellie has completely different times than her. Aesha says, that’s yachting. If they can’t cancel their sh*t out, she’ll have to make some changes.

Aesha says, they can’t be fighting. It’s affecting their work. Bri says she’s sorry, and Aesha says, they’ll sort it out. Those who went on the cave excursion are back, and Aesha tells Ellie that the guests are chill, but keep an eye on them and set the table. She’s taking a break. Iain tells Gael to keep an eye on the guests when they’re in the water, and Aesha finds that she has no polo. The one on her bunk belongs to Ellie. She tells Bri to put the laundry in the right place, and in Bri’s interview, she says, they’re not labeling their stuff properly. A producer asks if she actually looks at the tags, and she insists she does. In Gael’s interview, she says she’s gained confidence since being here. She wants to be treated like an equal or die trying. On her last boat, a piece of metal crashed down on her and she needed 16 stiches, so she couldn’t prove herself to the men. She wants to not just be good, but pass expectations. Ellie tells Bri that they should change into their nights and pull plates for the chef, and in Bri’s interview, she says, her job depends on her getting on well with Ellie. Whatever Ellie wants, she’ll do. Aesha tells Ellie to start setting the table and wonders why the plates weren’t pulled ages ago. In Aesha’s interview, she says, she doesn’t know if Ellie is distracted or not as capable as she lets on. We flash back to Aesha having to remind Ellie of various things, and Aesha says, she has to always keep an eye on Ellie and Bri, and it’s exhausting. How about doing your job? Just work. She asks why the plates weren’t pulled, and Ellie says she was serving the guests and cleaning up the bar. It just didn’t happen yet. Aesha says, they need to be done in an hour, and in Ellie’s interview, she says, the time got away. At the same time Bri is getting away with murder, she’s put on the cross for the smallest mistake. It’s bullsh*t.

Jono is excited about dinner, and in his interview, he says, the guests want a Hollywood extravagant experience, and he wants to push past last night’s experience. He wants everything perfect and wants to erase last night. We flash back to the primary Brittany’s steak being dry, and he says he wants that gone. They guests dress up like old Hollywood, and Joe tells Gael that he had a word with Ellie. She said Bri broke girl code and is playing the victim, but it’s between them. Gael says, there’s two sides, so they don’t know, and laughs that it’s over him. He wonders if he should go for Ellie, and Gael tells him, whoever he bangs should be the person he continues to bang, or it will cause issues. The guests sit for dinner, and the tablescape is gorgeous. Iain says, the guests want the crew to sing Happy Birthday, and Joe says he hasn’t practiced yet, but Ellie says he has an hour. In Joe’s interview, he says, being an entertainer, he’s always acting. His mom has fibromyalgia and is bedbound, so she got her son to entertain her. To this day, he’s never stopped. He goes to practice on the piano. In Aesha’s interview, she says she and Jono have had a nice trajectory, getting closer with each charter. He’s a lovely human and she’d love nothing more than for him to run the ribbon at the finish line with a gold medal. She asks how the food is, and Brittany says, mama like. Meanwhile, Joe plays the piano while Nathan sings badly. As they do cabins, Ellie asks Bri, how’s laundry? and Bri says, good. In Ellie’s interview, she says, Bri is trying to make her look like a bad person. None of her concerns are being addressed, but Bri’s concerns are being addressed whether they’re real or not. Injustice frustrates her. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, Jono’s presentation between this charter and the last one is like night and day. She’s relieved she has a back-up chef, but she’s impressed. The captain helps serve, and Trishelle says, Jono gives a classy presentation. The topic of escaping boobs comes up, and Marsha mentions Trishelle’s Playboy spread. Trishelle says she’s not ashamed. She looks good and her boobies are generational. Brittany asks if they can see them, but Trishelle is like, no. Brittany does the splits a la Kyle Richards, and Aesha wonders if she’s overserved her.

Aesha says, there’s a surprise for the guests in the main salon and leads them to the piano. She tells Jono that they absolutely loved dinner. Well done. He smashed it. In Jono’s interview, he says, it’s what he wants every dinner. He needed to stop and p*ssy up and she stepped up. Aesha calls the crew to the salon, where Joe is at the piano. They sing Happy Birthday – badly – to guests John and Rich. In Aesha’s interview, she says, no one wants to hear her sing. She’s horrific. God gave her other gifts, like her tiny hands. What is she supposed to do with these tiny hands? Wait. Don’t answer that. Ellie apologizes to Aesha for not getting the plates in a timely manner, and Aesha says, they can’t be perfect all the time. Marsha doesn’t want to go to bed. She doesn’t want it to be over.

3rd day of charter, Moni Island, Greece. In Bri’s interview, she says, it feels good to be in her own bed. It’s not like she was sleeping in a bed though. She was on the floor. She’s trying her best to stay away from Joe. She wants to be drama free. Even though she likes watching it, it’s not for her. Aesha asks where Bri slept last night, and Bri says her own bed. Aesha high-fives her and says she doesn’t want it festering when they go out to drink. They’re going to squash it today. A producer asks Joe and Nathan how they know the bromance is in effect, and Joe says, it happened in like, two seconds. Nathan thinks it’s their energy, and Joe says, it’s spiritual. Jono tells Aesha that he’s going to do eggs benny again. The guests seem to like it. Captain Sandy tells the deckhands to start hauling anchor, and the windless makes a lot of sad noises. Nathan radios the captain that they’re having trouble. There’s no power on the starboard side. Captain Sandy asks if it’s because of the wind or is the windlass not connecting. He says, it’s not connecting, and Joe says, it doesn’t sound good. No, it doesn’t.

Captain Sandy gets the engineers involved, and in her interview, she says, the windlass is like a spool of thread. The clutch is frees it from the teeth that haul the anchor, but it’s not grabbing, so they’re having a difficult time. While the engineers try to figure it out, breakfast is served. Jono says, juicy food porn, and he’s not wrong. The guests love that he gives them extra lobster on the side. The captain talks with engineer Luka, and in her interview, she says, they have to release the clutch and haul a little at a time. The worst-case scenario, she leaves the anchor. The battery is dead in the tender, and the captain says, it’s the worst possible time to make a mistake like this. She wonders, who left the battery on? and asks Nathan, who was the last one to dock the tender? Nathan says, Joe or lain. Nathan wakes Iain, and tells him, the battery in the tender is dead and the anchor isn’t working on the starboard side. To his credit, Nathan doesn’t bitch and just gets out of bed. Brittany says, they’re flying to Paris this afternoon, and we see in the text that there’s already a 20-minute delay. Captain Sandy asks Iain, who was the last one to dock the tender? and he says, probably him. She says, he has to turn off the battery, and he says he was refueling and got distracted. She says she needs him to help sort that out, and in her interview, she says, it’s like herding cattle. In Iain’s interview, he says, he’ll take the blame. He wonders if they can jumpstart the tender like a car, and Joe says, what a disaster. They start hauling by hand, but the line snaps, and the chain releases. Captain Sandy tells them to put the brakes on. Stop the anchor. F***, f***, f***!

To be continued…

🦈 Doo-Doo Doo-Doo Doo-Doo…

Shark Week is upon us. Here’s your schedule.

https://www.discovery.com/shark-week/schedule

☀️ Three-H Summer In Progress…

Hope you made the most of the long weekend if you had one. If not, hope you didn’t work too hard. Either way, put your feet up tomorrow and join me for soap and Dubai talk. Until then, stay safe; stay yielding to hikers, runners, and horses when biking on a trail; and stay preaching it if you prefer your old TV and VCR.

July 5, 2024 – Kristina Confronts Natalia, Celebration, VanderSuit, Woe Is Her, A Tease, Dead Talk, Possible Return, Responding, Almost Here, If They’re Lost, Pets (!) At the Polls, Close To 10 Quotes & Woman

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Drew sees Jordan at the pool, and says, she rarely leaves the Deputy Mayor’s office, so she must be undercover. She asks if she looks like she’s dressed for wearing a wire. Even her cell phone is in her locker. He says, she’s really just here to relax, and she says she is indeed. Laura asked her to take over one of the meetings for her. So many suits and so many horrible people wearing them. They were angry when they were done, but when the receptionist told them they don’t validate, she thought they were going to burst into flames. He bets she misses her old job, and she says, they do use nicer language, but after subbing for Laura at the mayor’s conference in DC and that dumpster fire of a meeting she just had, Laura told her to take the rest of the day off. For once, she took Laura up on it. What about him? He says he just took a chance to get some pool time in and take advantage of the last few days before he makes his announcement. Once he officially runs for Congress, he’s going to have to get his laps in at like 6 in the morning because the days are going to be crazy. She says, on the upside, at least he’ll probably have the pool to himself. And she’s thrilled for him, and for them when he wins. The campaign trail awaits.

Trina and Josslyn unpack at the new apartment, while Dex brings in boxes. He asks if Josslyn is sure all this came from the one dorm room, and she says, most of it, yes. That’s why it was so comfortable. He says, when he transferred units in the army, he had one backpack and one small bag, and she says she knows he’s making a point about packing light, but that just makes her sad for him. Trina says, it does. One cute pillow, and your tent becomes a home. He says, only if it’s really cute, and she says she was thinking about turning one of her bedroom walls into a gallery wall. He says, she has the space and the light, and she says, look at him, appreciating light. And her work is done. Josslyn says, there are some tools they might need in the garage. She and Dex can grab them. She and Dex leave, and Trina opens a box, taking out the Molyneaux art book that Spencer gave her. She looks at the inscription and closes it again. Gio walks in, and it falls off her lap onto the floor.

Maxie and Brook walk into Maxie’s office, and Maxie says she knows trolls live to be nasty, but some of these comments… Brook says, are over-the-top, even for a bunch of losers who don’t have lives. Maxie says, some of the lies they’re writing about Blaze and Deception… Brook says, make you want to track them down, and Maxie says, and teach them a lesson? She doesn’t know what’s worse. The homophobic trolls who are spamming them… Brook says, or the Deception customers that feel deceived and betrayed that Blaze wasn’t transparent. Because somehow, they’re entitled to know every single thing about her life, whether she wants them to or not. Maxie says, check this one out. Deception, it’s all in the name. She guesses they kind of walked into that one. Brook says, judging from all of the similar comments, she guesses they did. Trolls aren’t a particularly imaginative bunch, are they? Maxie says, no. This is a bona fide disaster. She hates that any Deception customers would think they want Blaze to hide who she really is. Brook says, or that Deception would be anything but supportive of the LGBTQ community, and Maxie says, it goes against who they are, personally and professionally, or as a brand. Brook says she feels so terrible for Blaze. Her mother knew the truth about her and still said those things. Maxie asks how much she thinks that had to hurt, and Brook says she can’t imagine. She talked to Blaze about being open with her fans, but she just wasn’t ready. Maxie says, and Brook respected that, but let’s be honest. She wasn’t ready because of her mom. And if it was up to Natalia, Blaze would never be ready. Brook says, probably not, but Blaze deserved to decide if and when she wanted to come out. She remembers a time when outing people was a thing. She hated it then and she hates it now. Maxie says she hated every single word that came out of Natalia’s mouth, but this is between Natalia and Blaze, and they deserve the space to navigate this privately. Someone took that away from them.

Kristina knocks at Natalia’s hotel room door, and Natalia lets her in. Kristina says, if Natalia wants to hate her, fine, she can. She doesn’t like Natalia much either right now, but she’ll survive. But what Natalia has just done to her daughter, to Allie, the person she loves, is unforgivable. Natalia says she didn’t know… and Kristina says, she didn’t know what? That she was being recorded? Of course (🍷) not. At the top of the list of the things she doesn’t know, she doesn’t even know her own daughter. Allie is amazing. She’s so special. How could she do this, reduce Allie to the things she said about her? Natalia is her mother. She’s supposed to protect her. What’s wrong with her?

Dante knocks at Sonny’s office door, and Sonny says, what can I do for you, officer? Dante says he just wanted to check in on Sonny; see how he’s doing. Sonny says, he checked in. He did his duty. He can tell the Commissioner he’s doing nothing. Dante says, so Natalia, huh? He knows Sonny liked her. He took her to the wedding, and it seemed like they were having a good time. Sonny says, that doesn’t mean he didn’t hate what she said on that recording, and Dante says, that makes two of them. Sonny says, but who he despises is Ava, because it was Ava’s fault, and he’s going to hurt her in ways she doesn’t even know.

Maxie says, to be honest, she’s said some things she wouldn’t want recorded and broadcast to the world, and Brook says, not her. She’s always been thoughtful and kind. Maxie says, she’s a real angel, and Brook says, even as a joke, it’s not believable. Maxie agrees and tells her, what Natalia said is out there on the internet forever and she can’t take that back, even if she wanted to. Brook says she doesn’t know how Natalia and Blaze move past this, try to repair their relationship, if they even can. Maxie says, they need to figure out how they can turn this around. Otherwise, Natalia’s comments are going to cancel Blaze and Deception. They need to shore up the company, figure out how to turn their public image around, and save their customer base. Otherwise… Brook says, otherwise, they lose everything, for everyone, including them and their careers. Maxie says, they’ll do whatever they can to support Blaze, and Brook says she’s sensing a but. Maxie says, but with everything going on, she senses that maybe they should take a break from Blaze being the Face of Deception.

Natalia asks if Kristina is done. Or does Kristina need her to order some room service so she can keep her energy up to keep yelling? Kristina asks if she’s actually making a joke right now, but Natalia says she’s taking this very seriously. Kristina says, but in her world, gay people aren’t serious about life. They’re not serious about it at all, right? That’s what she said. The alphabet soup that they call themselves? They’re very flighty? She will give Natalia this. She packed a hell of a lot of homophobia into one sentence. Natalia says, no. It was reckless and it was wrong of her to voice her private thoughts to somebody she barely knew. Kristina asks how she could even think them to begin with, and Natalia says she didn’t grow up the way Kristina did. She can’t change that and she’s not going to apologize for having grown up in a different way than Kristina did. Kristina says, part of her life she lived with her daughter. Allie is none of the things she said. She is the hardest working woman and she’s more serious about her career than anybody Kristina knows. And flighty? She doesn’t even know where Natalia got that. Natalia says, maybe she wasn’t referring to Allie.

Gio tells Trina, must be some book. It looked like she was far away from here. She says she was just caught up in a memory, and he says, a good one he hopes. She says, Spencer gave her this book. He was really into art and not the way people say they are. He really understood how important it was. Gio says, art was something they shared then, and she puts the book back in the box. She says, it really was, and they sit on the window seat. She says, Spencer traveled too. He’d actually been to places she’d dreamed of, and she used to imagine a future with him, and now none of it will ever happen. And even though she knows he’s gone, sometimes she looks up and expects to see him coming through the door. He says, it’s like you can still feel the person you lost. Sometimes you can only feel their absence.

Dante asks what Ava did now that’s got Sonny out for her blood, and Sonny says, Natalia showed up at his place to drop off something. She got to talking to Ava, and Ava recorded the conversation, and sent it to The Invader. Dante says, Ava’s behind that recording. He gets that she’s capable of worse, but why would she even bother doing this? Sonny says, because she’s jealous that he took Natalia to the wedding, and Dante says, so he was supposed to take Ava? So she’s going to completely wipe her memory of all sorts of things the Falconaris wouldn’t be forgetting about. Sonny says, he wasn’t going to offend Connie’s family by bringing Ava to the wedding. He told Ava that and made it very clear. But now that she’s gearing up for a custody battle, she’ll do anything to hurt him. Dante says, maybe he’s right about that, and Sonny says, you want to come after me, you’re an idiot. You want to come after my daughters, you’re a dead man. Dante says he gets that Sonny is furious right now. And what Ava’s done to Kristina definitely crosses the line. Sonny says he’ll take care of it. Dante can go ahead and go. Dante says he’s not going anywhere, and Sonny asks if he has a warrant. Dante asks, for what? and Sonny says, if he doesn’t have a warrant, then Dante needs to get out of his place. Does Dante want Sonny to make him leave? Dante says he’s just been shot again, and almost died again, so maybe they can save the threats and hating each other for never. Because that’s not what they do with each other. Sonny says, Dante told him a long time ago that a guy like him couldn’t live in his law-and-order life, so get out of his life, and Dante says he’s sorry, but no. Sonny says, who is Dante to come in here and say no to him? and Dante says, his son. And he loves Sonny, unfortunately, okay? So when Sonny hurts, he hurts. He knows Sonny is full of whatever it is right now – rage, aggression, he’s ready to pop. He feels like he needs to do something. He doesn’t. And the last thing Dante needs is to walk out that door and let Sonny do something that’s going to destroy him.

Jordan asks what Scout thinks about Drew’s campaign plan, but he says, she doesn’t know yet. She asks if he doesn’t think she’ll know when she turns on the TV and sees ads that say he’s running for office, and he says he just wants to make sure he’s got things lined up before he tells her. She says, it could be a challenge, and he says, Scout isn’t running for office. It’s really important that she just gets to be a regular kid. She says, this could be a pretty unique opportunity for the both of them. He could take Scout on the road with him, and she could see a political campaign in action. Hearts are going to melt when the voters see him and Scout together. She has no doubt Scout is going to be his secret weapon in this campaign. Curtis approaches them and says, Drew had his vote, even before he knew Scout was on the ticket, and Jordan says, what did she tell him? Curtis apologizes for being late. He was on the phone with the architect. But it’s nice to see that the Deputy Mayor got started without him. She says she’ll have him know she’s off the clock, and he says, she could never resist a good strawberry daiquiri. She says, why would she? They’re even delicious when they’re virgin. Drew suggests he and Curtis get in and start doing laps before they end up with margaritas in their hands, and Jordan says she’s going to soak up the sun, enjoy her drink, and maybe order some chips and guac. Curtis says, that’s just playing dirty, and he and Drew get ready to go in the pool.

Gio says he lost his mom when he was 10, and Trina says she’s so sorry. He thanks her and says, she was a musician, a violinist. She was his first violin teacher. She was great. She was a great mom too. She says, people always say that, but when he says it, she believes it. He says, it’s really true. He and his mother were like their own little family inside this big Cerullo clan. And then one day, she was gone. She says, then you’re stuck wondering how someone could just fill up your whole world and disappear all at once, and he says, that’s how it was with his mom. He didn’t mean to get them so off-track. She tells him not to apologize. She gets it. He says he knows she does, and gets up. It’s pretty hot outside, so he thinks he’s going to grab some waters from the house. She thanks him, and he leaves.

Kristina says, so she’s the flighty gay who’s not very serious? If Natalia thinks that about her, then Natalia knows less about her than she does her own daughter, which is saying a lot. Natalia says, that’s funny, because Kristina has a whole lot to say for someone who’s just seen a teeny tiny snapshot of a decades’ long relationship with her daughter. She carried her daughter in her body. She loved her before she was even born. Kristina says, then why can’t Natalia love her right now for exactly who she is? and Natalia says she does love her. She loves her very much. Kristina says, that’s not how it works. You don’t get to love somebody by picking and choosing pieces of them that you’re going to accept and expecting them to hide away the parts of themselves you don’t approve of. Natalia says, it’s pretty easy for Kristina to stand here and lecture her about things she knows nothing about, and Kristina asks what she’s even talking about. Natalia says, let’s see where Kristina is at in about twenty years, when that baby she’s carrying is hurting, and she would do anything, even if it means them hating her, to spare them the tiniest bit of pain. She knows Kristina isn’t having this baby because she wants to be a mother. She just thinks Kristina is in for some pretty big surprises. Kristina says, Natalia doesn’t know anything about why she’s carrying this child. She’s doing this for her sister because she loves her, and she’s never been more serious about anything in her entire life.

Dante says, Sonny knows he has to stay calm and take the emotion out of it. Think while the other guy’s reacting. He wants to do something he might regret because of Ava? That’s not like him. Sonny says, it’s not like him to let Ava live under his roof, and the only reason he did it was because he needed somebody to talk to. Dante says, Sonny is going through something right now and she was there. So was Avery. Maybe it felt like Sonny had his little family. Sonny says, the Jeromes aren’t his family. His family is dead because of them. Connie was murdered… Morgan… Ava messed with his medication. And he still, for whatever reason, made sure she was safe. Dante says, it seems to be what Sonny does, and Sonny says, what Ava does is stab him in the back, again, and hurt the people closest to him.

Curtis and Drew come out of the pool, and Curtis says he knows it’s been a while since they swam laps together, but Drew is part dolphin. Drew says, Curtis used to swim laps just fine. He’s going to get it back. Curtis says, remember he said that. He’s swimming laps with Drew from now on. He’s going to get his strength back. He can’t have Drew flapping his pruney feet in his face. Drew says he loves it, but Curtis says, Drew might love it less when Curtis starts flapping him. Drew says he’ll deal with that when it happens. In the meantime, he wants to tell Curtis that his congressional campaign starts with the Quartermaines’ July 4th picnic. Curtis says, he’ll be there cheering Drew on, and Drew says he knows, and he appreciates that. He also wants Curtis to know that he appreciates all the work he’s been taking on with the wellness division rollout. It’s been pretty much all him. Curtis says, alone is fine. Fewer people to butt heads with. Drew says, whatever he’s doing is working. He locked in the flagship property and also narrowed the target markets for the rollout. Curtis asks, what can he say? He loves the work. He loves what he’s doing. But Drew needs to focus on that congressional seat. It does no good to run a great campaign only to come in second. Drew says he only plans on doing the first part of that, and Curtis says, good. Because the woman he’s running against, Chelsea Grimes, is a populist reactionary. He’s convinced she’s only running to gratify her ego and to gain a few followers. Drew says, so her idea of public service is using the public services to get more for her, and Curtis says, pretty much. So when Drew accepted that nomination, he took on the responsibility of taking that woman down, and he’s going to do everything in his power to make it happen. Drew thanks him.

Josslyn slips off a chair while taking down a smoke alarm, but Dex catches her. She thanks him, and he says, happy to help. What is she doing? She says she’s changing the battery, not the smoke alarm. This one lasts five years, so you don’t have to get up in the middle of the night and turn it off a million times. He suggests getting a real ladder, but she says, no. She almost had it. He just has to spot her. He says he’s here to help, and she says, thank God. When she said she and Trina could do this themselves, she might have been a little bit over-confident. She still thinks they can do it. They just might need another week. He asks if he’s hearing she’s happy he’s helping, even though she’s too stubborn to ask for it, and she says, her? Stubborn? He sounds crazy. It couldn’t be further from the truth.

Blaze comes to Maxie’s office, and Brook asks if she texted, but Blaze says, no. She just showed up. She hopes she’s not interrupting. Brook says, no. They were just talking… Through her tears, Blaze says she’ll keep this brief. She’s so sorry about the things her mother said, and she’s so sorry for her decision to stay closeted for so long. Brook takes her hand, and Blaze says, it’s pretty clear she’s a liability to Deception, and that’s the last thing she wants. So she resigns.

Natalia says, maybe Kristina is able to just have that baby and hand it off and move on with her life and be completely indifferent to it. But her babies were her life. They still are. There wasn’t a single day she wasn’t grateful for them, not a single day. Her children are the best part of her. She didn’t just stop loving them or caring about their happiness even though they no longer needed her for their literal survival. Kristina says, her love is limited, and she can’t love Allie for who she is, and Natalia says she’s struggling to accept something she wasn’t raised to believe in. Kristina says, that gay people existed? and Natalia says, no, that gay people were confused. She tears up and says, that there was something not right, that they chose to be the way they were. It was wrong. Kristina says, okay, but she has to know now that’s not true. There’s science and genetics. It’s proven. Natalia says, it takes time to reconcile a past with a present that’s so different from what’s ingrained. So she’s sorry she’s not doing that quickly enough for Kristina. Kristina says, it’s not that Natalia’s not doing it quick enough. It’s that she’s a bigot because she’s choosing to be a bigot. She can blame her upbringing all she wants, but the reason she’s a bigot is her. And while she’s working so hard to become a decent human being, her daughter is hurting and she is in pain, and Natalia is the reason for that.

Josslyn says she’s never going to admit she’s stubborn because she’s not, and Dex says, she wins. She’s a human willow tree. She says, let’s not go that far. She’s just saying that she can adjust her attitude to situations or new information as it presents itself. He says, good to know, and she says, no one knows everything and no one’s perfect. He says, she comes pretty close though, and moves closer to her. He’s crazy about her just the way she is. They kiss, and she says she doesn’t want to rush this. He says, him either. That’s not true. He does want to rush it, but he won’t risk messing it up. She kisses him, when Trina and Gio walk in.

Nina sees Drew talking to Curtis, and tells Jordan, good afternoon, Deputy Mayor. It’s nice to see her out of her office. Jordan says she has to admit, it’s nice seeing sunlight for a while, and Nina says she hopes Jordan is enjoying the amenities. She looks over at Drew and Curtis, and adds, the view, and Jordan says she would prefer a view with fewer ex-husbands in it, but she guesses she can’t complain. Nina says she hopes Jordan enjoys herself. She deserves it. Jordan thanks her and says she thinks so too.

Nina goes over to Drew, and says she’s sorry to interrupt, but something’s come up and she wonders if they can speak. Drew asks, what’s going on? and Nina says, Blaze’s mother made some homophobic remarks and outed Blaze in the process. Clearly, the remarks were made in private, but The Invader got ahold of them and now they are everywhere. Social media has piled on from every conceivable corner. They are desperately trying to make this into a scandal. He asks what she wants to do, and she says, as publisher, she’s already done it. She held the Crimson print run, so she could give Deception time to pull the Blaze ad and replace it with a simple two-page statement – no one cancels love. He asks what kind of a delay in publication they’re talking about, and she says, twenty-four hours, give or take. So what does he think?

Dante says he hates what’s happened to Kristina, but he’s not worried about her because she’s a fighter. She’s a protector. He guesses he could say she got that from Sonny. Sonny says, all Kristina gets from him are mistakes, his mistakes. The first mistake was letting Ava back in his life. The second mistake was letting her live in his house. All that matters is Avery and he could have found a different way to keep her safe. Dante says, okay, but if he’s saying his different way would have been something happening to Ava, how does he think that would work out for Avery if something happened to her mom? Sonny says, it would have been the best thing for everyone. Avery’s mom is like the rest of the family, but everybody judges him. But he has a code. What does Dante want? Blood on the streets? Does he want drugs everywhere? That’s the Jeromes. Dante says, what’s sad is that the Jeromes aren’t around anymore, and Sonny says, Olivia Jerome’s bomb could have been the one that killed Morgan, but it doesn’t really matter because it was Ava who messed with his medication. Dante says, Olivia was a bona fide psychopath, and Sonny says, so is Ava. She just puts a face on it. That’s what makes her more dangerous. Dante says, now they know everything she’s capable of, okay? but Sonny says, they don’t know for sure. Look what she did to Connie. Look what she did to Morgan. How does he know she’s not going to do something to Avery? Dante says, she loves Avery. She’s not going to hurt her. Sonny says, Ava is what she is, the last of the Jeromes. And he’s going to take that last cycle down.

Natalia says, Kristina has every right to question the things she said. But don’t dare ever question her love for her daughter. Kristina asks, exactly where was that love in the things Natalia said about her? She has no idea what she lost. Allie is amazing, and unlike Natalia, Kristina appreciates and accepts her for the gift she is. Natalia says she thinks she’s seen and heard enough of Kristina for a lifetime, and honestly, the only reason she let Kristina go on this long is out of respect for her father. Kristina says, but not out of respect for her own daughter? That is consistent. Natalia is right. They are done. Natalia is a prisoner of her own prejudice and wouldn’t even free herself if someone was handing her the key. Natalia says, that’s enough. Come on. Kristina picks up her bag, and Natalia says, tell her daughter that she loves her, but Kristina says, nobody needs the kind of love Natalia has, and she’s going to make sure Allie doesn’t need Natalia again for anything. She walks out.

Maxie says, Blaze has nothing to be sorry for. They’re sorry she’s going through this. Her heart hurts for Blaze. Blaze says she appreciates that, and Maxie says, they were talking though. Given everything that’s going on, they think it might be a good strategy for Blaze to pause being the Face of Deception. Brook says, they’ll hit the ground running in the fall and let everything die down a little. Blaze says she doesn’t think… Brook’s phone chimes, and she says she’s sorry. She steps away, and Blaze tells Maxie that she appreciates them trying to keep her on, but she doesn’t think it’s the right move. Brook comes back and says she’s so sorry. The label just made an announcement. They’re dropping her. Blaze says, so that’s it then. There’s no reason for her to be the Face. Not anymore. Maxie says, that’s not true at all, and Brook says, absolutely not. They believe in her. They know what she has to offer. Blaze says, which is nothing without her music. They don’t want to say it, but they know it’s true. Maxie says, what she knows is, they’ve been counted down and out several times. And Lucy has come back a miraculous and upsetting number of times. Blaze is going to love when it happens. They live for payback. That’s not Deception’s official motto, but lowkey, it really is. Blaze thanks them both, and leaves. Brook and Maxie look at each other.

Drew tells Nina, this is really a tough situation. Not only for Deception, but also Crimson. He thinks she made the right call. She says she was concerned he be worried about the cost, and he says, normally, he would be, but in this case, he’s very impressed with the compassion she’s shown Blaze. And he thinks it’s a better business decision in the long run. It’s better to hold off for 24-hours and issue a statement of tolerance, than rush to meet the deadline and walk right into a firestorm. Nina thanks him, and he thanks her. Curtis says, Nina is real good with PR. It’s no small thing. This guy – he points to Drew – could use her help with his congressional campaign. She’d be a valuable asset. Jordan says, sorry to interrupt their meeting, but Drew’s phone is blowing up. She hands it to him, and says, he got five messages in the time it took her to walk over here. He looks at it, and Jordan asks if he’s okay. He says, yeah. It’s all good. Curtis says, he’s not really selling the all-good part, and Drew laughs. He says, it’s just that the name change is now legal and official. They’re now looking at Drew Quartermaine.

Trina sings as she and Gio put pillows on the couch. He stops to listen and she stops singing. He asks why she stopped. It was great. She has a fantastic voice. She says she doesn’t know about that. She loves to sing, but she usually saves it for her shower. He says, showers usually have good acoustics, and she says, the point of hers is that it has her alone in it. He says, she’s lucky. You can’t play the violin with the water running. She says, give her a break. When it comes to music, he’s like on a completely different level. He says he doesn’t think that at all. Trina’s voice is an instrument, and if an instrument gives you joy, that’s all that matters. She tells him that he has to say that because he’s her friend, but he tells her that he doesn’t say anything about music he doesn’t mean. She asks who he listens to, and he lists several musicians and says, and of course (🍷) Roman. She says, a legend, and he says, and her? Legend category. She says, Aretha, and he says, hard to imagine anyone giving her anything but R-E-S-P-E-C-T. They laugh.

Josslyn and Dex come back with a six-pack of beer, and says, it’s to christen the place. They each take a bottle, and Gio says, absolutely. Who wants to do it? Trina says she will. To good friends, independence, and new adventures. Josslyn says, cheers, and they clink bottles.

Brook says she can’t believe Blaze’s label dropped her. (Doesn’t Lois work for a music label?) They caved in to an anonymous mob. Maxie says, a mob who’s going to move on to somebody else’s mess in a few hours. She meant what she said. She’s not giving up on Blaze and neither will Deception. Brook says, but Blaze doesn’t want to be a model. She wants to be a singer. She is a singer. Maxie says she knows. It’s her passion. Brook says she may have lost her chance to sing, but there’s no way she’s letting Blaze lose hers.

Kristina comes home to find Blaze there and asks if something happened. She’s sorry. She means, did something else happen? Blaze starts to cry and says her label dropped her. It’s over. Everything she poured her heart and soul into for years. This was the thing her mother wanted for her more than anything else and now it’s gone. Kristina holds her as she cries.

Dante says, if Sonny goes after Ava, he’s going to cut his own throat. If he wants to beat her, he’s got to pull it together. Everyone needs him to pull it together.

On Monday, Laura says she’s putting all her faith in the experts’ opinions; Dante tells Sam that this might make it look like she’s got something to hide; Sasha says, this is about a thing that can only end in disaster; and Tracy wonders, who the hell invited her?

🎉 It’s Their Day Off Too…

I’m guessing we all celebrated pretty much the same way.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/see-how-the-stars-celebrated-independence-day

🍸 Just a Little Thirsty…

Normally, I’d never agree with Sandoval, but yeah, she’s just trying to extend her fame. If you want to call that fame.

⚖️ Make Good Choices…

Maybe she and Rachel Raquel can get together.

https://okmagazine.com/p/brandi-glanville-no-choice-sue-bravo-health-legal-issues/

🪝 Don’t Want To Know…

This might be a little too surreal.

https://www.etonline.com/surreal-life-villa-of-secrets-trailer-teases-kim-zolciak-and-chet-hanks-hookup-228311

⚰️ All Kinds Of Dead…

The longest interview ever. Centuries in the making.

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/interview-with-the-vampire-season-2-finale-streaming-amc

https://ew.com/interview-with-the-vampire-rolin-jones-sam-reid-season-2-finale-season-3-preview-exclusive-8670980

Like we didn’t know.

https://ew.com/interview-with-the-vampire-cast-where-are-they-now-8671571

Directing the Dead.

https://undeadwalking.com/posts/lauren-cohan-to-direct-episode-of-the-walking-dead-dead-city-season-2-01j17mb26vg0

In case you missed him.

https://undeadwalking.com/posts/exclusive-andrew-lincoln-talks-the-ones-who-live-uk-release-in-this-exclusive-interview-01hyxhmh47by

Not sure why this is being rehashed. It’s a little late. Like years.

https://comicbookmovie.com/tv/amc/the-walking-dead/the-walking-dead-star-andrew-lincoln-reveals-the-moment-he-thinks-zombie-series-over-egged-the-omelette-a211820

🧹 You Can’t Keep a Good Witch Down…

I want Binx back.

https://ew.com/hocus-pocus-3-bette-midler-teases-return-winifred-8670794

👟 Get Off His Jackson…

You know what they say about opinions.

https://www.etonline.com/colman-domingo-responds-to-michael-jackson-biopic-criticism-exclusive-228383

🦸🏼‍♂️ It Won’t Be Long Now…

This looks like it’s definitely going to be the best one.

https://ew.com/deadpool-and-wolverine-cover-story-cameos-future-marvel-mutants-ryan-reynolds-hugh-jackman-8672079

https://ew.com/deadpool-and-wolverine-cameos-shawn-levy-a-lot-of-characters-8672625

https://comicbookmovie.com/deadpool/deadpool-wolverine/deadpool-wolverine-star-ryan-reynolds-teases-taylor-swift-cameo-with-new-social-media-post-a211803

🐕 Finding Them…

What to do if, God forbid, your pet got or gets lost.

* Check animal shelters not just in your direct area. Pets can travel far when scared.

* Check Craigslist in case someone found them and is looking for you or are trying to sell them.

* Put posters up ASAP all over the place with a good pic of pet and a good description with your contact info.

🐢 Bring Your Pet To Vote Day…

I think I recognize that tortoise.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c2503exwrwlo

🦜 Quotes of the Week

Overcome the notion that you must be regular. It robs you of the chance to be extraordinary. – Uta Hagen

Whatever you are, try to be a good one. – William Makepeace Thackeray

Every bad situation is a blues song waiting to happen. – Amy Winehouse

However difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at.Stephen Hawking

Accept responsibility for your life. Know that it is you who will get you where you want to go, no one else.Les Brown

Nothing in life is to be feared, it is only to be understood. Now is the time to understand more, so that we may fear less. – Marie Curie

Music doesn’t lie. If there is something to be changed in this world, then it can only happen through music. – Jimi Hendrix

We never know when our last day on earth will be. So, love with full sincerity, believe with true faith, and hope with all of your might. Better to have lived in truth and discovered life, than to have lived half-heartedly and died long before you ever ceased breathing.  – Cristina Marrero

Why is my bowl full of non-football related foods on Superbowl Sunday? – Jay Pritchett (Ed O’Neill), Modern Family

🍔 Life Liberty and the Pursuit Of Barbecue…

Follow your happiness this weekend and join me on Monday for soap and messiness on Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay never leaving a pet in a hot car, and stay not expecting someone you love to hide away the parts of themselves you don’t approve of.

July 3, 2024 – Adrian Outs Ava Everywhere, Overjoyed, Bonsai In Dubai, Kim Talks Jersey, Still Missing, Dragon Eggs, BET Awards, A Farewell, Just Married, History Lesson, Another Pet (!) PSA & Anybody

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

On the phone, Carly says she knows if anyone can keep her from prison it’s Diane, and thanks her for the update. Josslyn says, don’t make her ask, and Carly says she wants to protect Josslyn, and wishes she was still little. Here’s the deal. The only way to get Jason out from under the FBI is her risking going to prison.

Maxie says she agrees with Lucy. Deception needs to be clear that they don’t stand with Natalia’s views, but not fire Blaze. Keeping her on shows the world that they stand with a person’s right to define themselves and come out on their own terms in their own time. Lois says she agrees 100%, and Lucy says, she’s a spokesperson, not a partner. Lois says, then make that 200%, and Lucy says, Maxie is right. She’s been thinking like a corporation, not a person. Scotty says, now that they’re on the same page, they need to talk damage control. Nina comes in and says she heard about the disaster. She feels horrible for Blaze and Kristina. Maxie says she thinks they need to discuss damage control, and Nina says, then she got here just in time.

Kristina tells Blaze to stop blaming herself. People are garbage. Blaze says she’s a coward. She wanted to come out and tell the world about them. She’s a grown woman, a badass rock star, and she let her mom pressure her into staying in the closet. Now her weakness ended up hurting Kristina. Kristina tells her to stop apologizing and listen to her.

Alexis tells Ava that they need to have a conversation. One that won’t be recorded. Ava tries closing the door, but Alexis breezes past her. Ava says, Alexis already scolded her for telling the truth about Alexis perjuring herself, but Alexis says, DeWitt gave Ava up when she threatened him with a lawsuit that would leave him destitute. She knows Ava turned over the recording to The Invader. Hurting her is one thing. Hurting her daughter is another, and a big mistake.

Natalia tells Sonny that she thought it was a private conversation. Ava edited out her part. Ava used her words to ruin Blaze and Kristina’s careers. Sonny says, Kristina created her foundation, and because of what Natalia said, the activists don’t want her near what she created. They think she’s ashamed to be gay. Natalia says she’s so sorry, and Sonny tells her that she said the words, but Ava delivered the recording. Now she’s going to pay for it.

Kristina says, Blaze’s life is her own. She’s not obligated to share her personal business. She owes her fans great songs and great shows, nothing else beyond that. Neither does she. The public doesn’t have to know who she’s dating. People think she’s unworthy to run the center she built from the ground up and are saying she’s a hypocrite. They’re the ones in the wrong. She and Blaze have nothing to be ashamed of. The person who should be ashamed is the one who violated their privacy and leaked the recording. Blaze struggles with her words and says, she knows that, but still wishes she’d come out the minute she knew it was real between them. Kristina says, she didn’t. Now they can only move forward. There’s a knock at the door, and Blaze wonders if it’s a reporter.

Nina says, Crimson has a two-page ad featuring Blaze. She can’t imagine they want that on the newsstand this week. Maxie says, they 100% support Blaze, but she’s right. It would be a disaster and draw more outrage. Lucy says, they support Blaze, but it will take away from the products, which is what the spread is about. Nina wonders what they should run instead, and Lucy suggests a brief history of Deception. Of course (🍷) she’d be more than willing to give an interview. Maxie says she’s surprised Lucy isn’t suggesting a two-page transcript of her Home & Heart appearance, and Lucy says she was so good that day, but Maxie says, she was a walking test pattern. Lois says, the lowly employee has a suggestion.

Ava says she heard the recording. The internet is abuzz, but she had nothing to do with it. Alexis asks why Adrian would lie, and Ava tells her to connect the dots. Nina decided she hates her and is conspiring with Adrian to frame her. Alexis says, prove it. She’ll subpoena Ava’s cellphone provider. She’s sure the audio file is hefty. Ava says, subpoena it based on what? Alexis has been gone so long, she forgot how this works. Alexis says, nobody told Ava. She got her license back. Ava asks, how long before she hangs out her shingle? and Alexis says she’ll be working with Diane, but she has no clients yet. Ava says, baby steps, and Alexis says she’ll be so busy with a big case, a huge, brutal bloodbath. Does Ava care to guess what it is?

Carly explains that Agent Cates and his superiors took two and a half years from Jason because they have a recording of her. When Sonny was in Nixon Falls and they thought he was dead, she went to a meeting and announced she was running Sonny’s organization. Josslyn says, tell her that she didn’t.

Sasha says she’d ask if it’s a bad time, but that’s why she’s here. The reporters and paparazzi are outside, and they recognized her, but not before their doorman did. He’s doing an amazing job. How are they doing? Kristina says, better, and Blaze says, but not great, and Sasha says she gets that they’re not in the mood for company. She’s just doing a drive by. She was out shopping for the Quartermaines when the story hit. As someone whose life was blown up by the press, she wants to give them the benefit of her hard-won experience.

Lois says, instead, why don’t they do a feature on Blaze and have her give a statement, get her truth out? Maxie says she likes the spirit, but Nina says, the timing’s not ideal. Lucy says, they’re supposed to sell products, not be wading into scandal, and Nina says, they have no time for an elaborate photo shoot. The magazine needs to go to print. Maybe they have some old shots of Sasha… Maxie says, they don’t want it to look like they’re dropping Blaze. A single message in bold type – no one cancels love – with Deception’s logo underneath. A black page with white lettering, nothing else. Nina says, it’s perfect, and Lucy says, it’s genius, if she does say so herself. Lois says she doesn’t like it… she loves it. It takes the pressure off and turns the conversation in the right direction. Maxie thought of everything. She’s on it. Lois leaves, and Scotty asks, what’s next? but Nina says, who’s next? Adrian has to answer for what he’s done.

Natalia says, when she brought Sonny the scotch, Ava invited her in. That should have been her first clue. They made small talk, and she told Ava about Brook’s wedding. Then Ava talked about Kristina, and how comfortable Sonny was with Kristina’s sexuality. She admitted she was struggling with Allison’s, which they talked about. She should have known better than to talk to a relative stranger, but how would she know Ava was recording it? Who does that? Sonny says, there are no limits to how far Ava will go. He should have told her. Natalia says she should have trusted her gut instinct. To be honest, she thinks she was too arrogant. She was sure she could handle anything anyone threw at her until this morning. She doesn’t know why Ava would do this. Sonny says, he never thought she’d come after his daughter like this.

Natalia tells Sonny that she was blindsided. Her private thoughts were out there, and then to see the pain, shock, and betrayal on her daughter’s face, and the realization of what she’d done. How she ruined her daughter’s career. All their hard work up in flames. Sonny asks if she thought about how Blaze felt about the recording, and she says, of course (🍷). She never wanted her discomfort to ever distract or hurt her daughter, so she kept it to herself. Sonny says he went through something. Kristina saw something she wasn’t supposed to see. A side of him he never wanted her to see. He was terrified he’d never see her again. Natalia says, exactly.

Adrian comes into Maxie’s office, and says, Nina and ladies of Deception. It’s gratifying to see how the web traffic has picked up. He assumes that’s what this tête-à-tête is all about. Nina says she’s not pleased, and Adrian says he’s not sure this is the appropriate venue to air The Invader’s dirty laundry, but Nina says, it’s the perfect place. His absence of judgement will affect the bottom line of Crimson’s favorite ad sponsors. They deserve an answer. He asks what the question is, and she asks where he got the recording and why did he run it without consulting her? He says, she’s been a champion of his society journalism, but she says, it was inflammatory and doctored. Adrian says, it was edited. Only Natalia’s part of the conversation was relevant. Nina says, what about Kristina and Blaze? She’s sure he knows Kristina is Sonny Corinthos’s daughter and Sonny is her ex-husband. Did it occur to him that running a hit piece that was detrimental will make it look like she was using the paper to lash out at her ex? Adrian says he assumed her reputation was above reproach, and Nina says, even she knows it’s far from sterling. And he didn’t answer her first question. Where did he get this recording? Tell her this instant or he can clear out the office he hasn’t even occupied for 24 hours. He says, Ava Jerome. (Ha-ha-ha! He’s just singing like a canary all over the place.)

Ava says, even if she did it, it’s not illegal for one person to record another, and Alexis agrees, it’s not. Ava says, it’s an open and shut case then, but Alexis says, not really. Has Ava heard of reasonable expectation of privacy? Blaze is a public figure, so hers is limited, but Natalia is not a public figure. Ava says, it’s still not illegal, and Alexis says, that’s the fun part of the challenge. Case law is made based on judicial rule and opinion. She’ll be going on intention of malice, and Ava tampered with the recording, negating all legal protection. Ava says she’d think it was a public service exposing Blaze’s mother as a bigot. People deserve to know. Alexis says she never pictured Ava as a homophobe, and Ava says she’s not. She’s encouraging the truth. Alexis says, good. She looks forward to Ava’s confession of a certain murder.

Carly tells Josslyn that she didn’t really run the organization, but she had to convince them she was to maintain the balance of power. If they’d been seen as weak, the other families would have tried to expand into Port Charles, and she would have been seen as a threat, as well as Michael. She couldn’t take the risk. Someone at the meeting was wearing a wire, and apparently, she was convincing. If the FBI chooses to charge her, there’s a good chance she’ll go to prison.

Lucy thanks Scotty in advance for washing his hands of Ava. He’s going to drop the court case that Ava wants him for. Maxie asks Nina what Lucy is talking about, and Nina says, Ava is trying to take Avery away from Sonny. Scotty says he told Lucy in confidence, and Maxie says, like Ava told him. Adrian says, the people deserve to know, but Nina says she doesn’t think shoes come in designer cement. Adrian says he supposes the parties involved have reasonable expectation of privacy, and Lucy says she reasonably expects Scotty to drop Ava. Or no you know what with you know who. Maxie suggests they take it out of the office, and on their way out, Scotty says he doubts Lucy can hold out. Lucy says she doubts Scotty is going to be holding anything, and they leave. Maxie says she can’t believe her life, and Nina says she’s so sorry. By the way, Adrian is fired. Adrian says he told her who his source was, and she says, no good journalist would do that. Pack his things and get out. Maxie says, wait.

Natalia says she’s never seen her daughter that upset, and Sonny says, they both know how difficult it is to watch their children suffer. They have a tough road ahead. She says she wants him to know, despite what she said, she does think Kristina is a lovely young lady, and he says if she treats Kristina with respect and courtesy, that’s all that matters. Natalia thanks him, and says, as for what Ava did, she knows Ava wasn’t standing up for gay rights, so why? Sonny says, Ava knows he loves his daughter and wants to protect her. She did it to hurt him and get back at him. Natalia and Blaze are just collateral damage. Natalie asks what they do now, and he says, she doesn’t do anything. He’ll take care of Ava.

Ava says she never killed anyone, but Alexis says, Connie Falconari’s relatives might not agree. Ava hurt her daughter to get back at her. Ava says, Alexis thinks everything is about her, and Alexis says, speaking of daughters, where’s Avery? Not here. Ava says, she’ll be here soon, where she belongs permanently, and Alexis says, Ava shouldn’t put her one remaining egg in her empty basket. She’s alone with no friends. She wreaks havoc, but never considered the life she would ruin was her own. Ava says, it’s time for Alexis to leave, and Alexis agrees. She got what she came for, and she’s sure their conversation will prove useful in court. Ava says, she recorded it? and Alexis says, it’s not illegal. Ava says, it won’t help her, and Alexis says, she’s right. That’s why she didn’t record it. Or did she? Alexis leaves.

Sasha says she’s so sorry Blaze was outed. At least there are no viral videos of three public breakdowns, one where she vandalized a car. Not that she’s saying that’s worse, but it was more embarrassing. Blaze has nothing to be ashamed of. Kristina thanks her, and Sasha says, her advice is to stay in tonight. Don’t go online. Don’t pay attention to the angry mob with torches and pitchforks. It feels like forever, and then, poof! It’s gone. Blaze says she hopes Sasha is right, and Kristina says, they’ll try to remember. Sasha says, as loud as the haters are, they have a lot of people on their side.

Josslyn asks what they have on Jason, but Carly says, it’s all evidence against her. Josslyn says, it makes perfect sense. Jason went to prison for Michael, then gives up his freedom to save Carly. Carly says, when she found out, she wanted to turn herself in, but Josslyn says, she can’t go to prison. Carly says she doesn’t want to, but if she turns herself in, Jason would be free, and Diane could help get her out of the charges. Josslyn asks what Jason thinks, and Carly says, he’s furious. He said if she does that, he’ll have wasted his time. Josslyn says, he’s correct. If she does this, he’ll have given up his freedom for nothing. Carly says, there’s a possibility Jason can do whatever the FBI wants, and they’ll still prosecute her.

Carly says she and Diane are trying to come up with a defense strategy, but it’s not going well. Josslyn says, it’s not worth the risk, but Carly says she can’t stand that Jason is doing this. Josslyn says she understands how Carly is feeling. Carly and Jason have known each other longer than anyone else and been through things together that no one else understands. If she was Carly’s youngest child, she’d probably say, do what you need to do, but she’s not, and Carly doesn’t want to leave Donna in Sonny’s care. Carly says, it’s something Jason doesn’t want her to do. That’s why she’s stuck. Josslyn says she did the same thing. She asked Anna not to let Dex join the PCPD, but Anna didn’t listen. Now she’s glad.  

Maxie says she doesn’t think it’s best for Nina to fire Adrien. He still has so much to offer. Adrian says, indeed, and Maxie says, complete obedience. If Nina keeps Adrian on, he has to print what she wants. And if he disobeys her, everyone will find out his role in this horror show. When they know he lacks ethics, he won’t get a job with a supermarket circular. Nina says, sounds like a plan.

Scotty goes to Ava’s room, and says he just met with Nina. Ava says she hopes he told Alexis that she didn’t break any laws and a lawsuit is a waste of time and money, mainly Alexis’s. She and Scotty are friends, right? He says he hasn’t talked to Alexis in years. He’s a practicing attorney. Alexis Davis, Esquire isn’t. Ava says, so she’s not the last to hear. Alexis claims she’s getting her license back. He says, that’s not good.

Alexis comes into the restaurant, and Natalia says she doesn’t suppose there’s anything she can say. Alexis says, there’s isn’t. She’s surprised to see them together. Sonny tells her, Natalia said what she said. She thought it was a private conversation. Alexis asks if that justifies bigotry, and Natalia says she regrets that everyone heard her, but she can’t help how she feels. Alexis says she thinks Natalia can. Perhaps by opening her mind. Sonny reminds Alexis that Natalia is his guest, and Alexis says she could come back, but it was important they talk now. Natalia says she’ll get going, but Sonny says she doesn’t have to. Natalia says she does, and leaves. Sonny says he knows what Natalia said and hates it, but she’s not the one who released the recording. Ava did. Alexis says, so he knows that. That’s why she came to talk to him, to make sure he knew. The question is, what are we going to do about it?

Carly says, Josslyn was upset about what Dex was willing to do for Sonny, and Josslyn says, she’s not excusing that, but Dex has changed. Carly asks, what changed? and Josslyn says, they just started and now they’re here. Carly asks, where’s here? and Josslyn says she doesn’t know, but things are different now and she likes it. They’re close and they’re friends. They’re at the point where they decide what they mean to each other, instead of thinking about everybody else. Carly says, she seems happy, and Josslyn says she is. Carly says she’s happy for her.

Natalie leaves a message for Blaze to call her back. She wants to be able to explain.  

Kristina thanks Sasha for coming by, when Nina knocks on the door. She says she thought she’d stop by to check in, and as publisher of The Invader, she needs to apologize to them. Kristina asks, what happened? and Nina says, to be clear, she just found out. She was appalled about the recording. Her recently promoted Editor-in-Chief got ahold of it and thought it would make good clickbait. It never should have happened and she’s absolutely furious. Blaze asks where he got the recording, and Kristina wants to know who edited out their own voice like a coward. Nina says, Ava Jerome. (Adrian was right. Ava Jerome is the answer to every question.)

Ava asks, what’s the difference if Alexis is back to being a practicing attorney? and Scotty says, she’s a tough opponent. Ava says, he’s supposed to be tougher. That’s why she’s paying him to build a case against Sonny. He says he hates to break the news, but it isn’t going to make getting custody any easier with the stunt Ava pulled. She says she exposed the truth about a bigot. Sonny has done worse, beating Cyrus within an inch of his life. Scotty says, that’s ancient history. It was on the local news. The public outing of Kristina and Blaze is out there everywhere. Ava says she didn’t intend for that to happen. What are they going to do? She won’t let Sonny take her daughter. He says, she’s kind of screwed unless Sonny kills somebody on camera. She says, that’s not going to happen, and he says, or has a nervous breakdown in public.

Sonny says he’s going to get revenge on Ava by taking her to court. If anybody can make Ava suffer in court, Diane can. Natalia says she’ll settle for Ava’s reputation being decimated, and Sonny says, just so she knows, he’s not going to settle. She says, dare she ask? and he says he’s going to make Ava’s life not worth living. And Diane will make sure Ava never lays eyes on Avery again.  

No GH tomorrow. On Friday, Jordan tells Drew, it’s a unique opportunity for both of them; Kristina tells Natalia that she’s never been so serious about anything in her entire life; and Dante tells Sonny that if he goes after Ava, he’ll lose Avery.

🍀 She’s Feeling Lucky…

It’s going to be quite the summer of reunions.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/genie-francis-is-overjoyed-about-jonathan-jacksons-gh-return

🐪 They’d Walk a Mile For a Camel…

Stanbury’s new house is beyond amazing, especially the giant bonsai tree they had lowered in with a crane. I’m enjoying this one because, while I don’t mind a bit of cattiness, they don’t throw things at each other, curse each other out at top volume, or fist fight because, Dubai. I also don’t mind seeing how the 1% lives, and I’m pretty sure most of them live here.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-13594605/caroline-stanbury-sergio-carrallo-fertility-doctor-rhod.html

Caroline’s house… and the tree.

https://www.harpersbazaararabia.com/culture/interiors/caroline-stanbury-al-barari

👠 The One With the Square…

Striving to be relevant since 2010.

https://okmagazine.com/p/kim-depaola-rhonj-reboot-season-15/

https://okmagazine.com/p/kim-depaola-rhonj-my-life-with-the-big-boys-book/

🪣 There’s a Hole In His Bucket…

Well, he got Cher and Mariah Carey, so who knows?

https://okmagazine.com/p/andy-cohen-celebs-bucket-list-watch-what-happens-live/

🐉 Eggs Of the Dragon…

Isn’t the whole thing really a big Easter egg?

https://ew.com/house-of-the-dragon-director-confirms-game-of-thrones-easter-egg-in-episode-3-8672332

https://ew.com/house-of-the-dragon-season-2-milly-alcock-harrenhal-cameo-exclusive-8670246

🏆 Simply the Best…

The BET Awards winners.

https://ew.com/bet-awards-2024-winners-list-8669253

Moments in time.

https://ew.com/bet-awards-2024-top-5-moments-usher-lauryn-hill-keke-palmer-8671843

And of course, the fashion.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1404438/2024-bet-awards-see-all-the-celebrity-fashion-on-the-red-carpet

🥀 Goodbye Russell…

While I’m late in posting this, I’ll miss him. With sitcoms, he was literally everywhere all at once.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/martin-mull-dead-funnyman-fernwood-2-night-star-1235935445/

👰🏻‍♀️ There Went the Bride…

She looks amazing in that dress. I wish they’d bring The Culpo Sisters back, one of the kinder, gentler reality shows.

https://people.com/olivia-culpo-christian-mccaffrey-married-8553355

📜 Not a Moment But a Movement…

All about our Day of Independence.

https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/july-4th

https://www.mcall.com/2024/07/03/facts-about-july-fourth/

🐶 Harping On It…

More pets get lost on the 4th of July than any other time. Don’t let yours be one of them.

https://people.com/how-to-keep-your-pet-safe-on-the-fourth-of-july-8672745

🎆 Baby, You’re a Roman Candle…

Tomorrow’s a free day, but join me on Friday for the usual soap, tea, tidbits, and quotes. Until then, stay extra safe; stay enjoying the celebration, but remembering why we celebrate; and stay standing with a person’s right to define themselves, and come out on their own terms in their own time.

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

Standard

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 InvaderAva 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.

What’s going to happen.

And what the Marge hopes will happen.

🗽 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.

🛟 Random Topics On Deck…

The perfect guest.

The feud.

And the 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.

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

Standard

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.

June 28, 2024 – Jason Pleads With Carly, His Exit, Not Her Season, Kathy Time, Claims, Low Moments, WWDD, Dynamic Duo, Grouchy Dancer, Rescued, A Round Number Of Quotes & I Am   

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

The moss bowl🎍is back!!! Jason walks into Sonny’s old kitchen and asks why Carly needs to see him. She says, because she knows.

Chase comes back to the Q mansion and Brook hugs him. She asks how it went with Finn, and he says, okay, he thinks. He’s really owning what happened. He apologized for the lies and the other things he said. Finn thanked him for getting the restraining order. She asks if he actually said the words, and Chase says, he did. For that and for taking custody. He realized what he’s putting Violet through and he’s kind of torn up about it. She says, good… She means that in the most supportive way possible. He says he knows, and she tells him, when Violet said, I thought you died like grandpa, she lost it. He says he had to pull over on the drive back, and she leads him into the living room. She asks how he thinks the rehab is, but he says he didn’t go inside. Finn wanted to take that step on his own. She says, he made sure Finn went in, right? and he says, yeah. He watched him go all the way inside. But the outside was nice. Even at night, it was very peaceful. She says, sounds like just what he needs, and Chase asks how Violet is doing. Is she in bed? Brook says, she was out like a light. She was exhausted. They didn’t get a chance to discuss this before when Finn was here… He says, discuss what? and she says she had a long talk with her grandmother. She made a very strong case about how she thinks they should proceed. He asks what the empress had to say, and Brook says, she thinks it would be best if the two of them move in here with Violet.

Natalia meets Sonny at the pool (the glowing pool balls are back too!), and he thanks her for coming. She says she’s flattered he asked, and he says, it’s not too late for her, is it? She says, no. She’s a total night owl, always has been. And he couldn’t have picked a better location. Her room is right downstairs. The server asks what he can get them, and Sonny says, North Sterling scotch, neat, for the lady – she says, he remembered, and thanks him – and he’ll have the same thing. The server says, coming right up, and Natalia asks, what has Sonny up so late? He says he’s been feeling a little stifled lately at his place, and she says she can imagine. He says, so he had to change the living situation. She asks if he traded in the luxurious penthouse for the MetroCourt presidential suite, and they laugh. He says, nah, and she asks what he means then. He says, Ava moved out, and Natalia says, she seemed pretty ensconced. He says, even so, it’s time to go.

Ava thanks Laura for coming by so late, and Laura says she got Ava’s message. Has she heard from Nikolas? Ava says, not since he’s been transferred. She’s sorry. Did Laura think this was about him? Laura says, more like she was hoping. She hasn’t heard from him either. Anyways, she’s here. She didn’t realize Ava was staying at the MetroCourt. Ava says, as of this morning. It turns out she’s safer here than under the same roof as Sonny Corinthos.

Kristina looks at some paperwork with Blaze and says, some of this sounds impressive, but she can’t tell if it is or it’s a total line of BS. For example, oversaw the distribution of priority communication throughout a complex interdepartmental network. Sounds impressive or… Blaze says, sounds like mailroom? Is Kristina sure she wants to hand over the day to day running of the LGBTQ center to someone else? It is her baby. Kristina says she doesn’t want to. The Corinthos-Davis House was her idea. She’s really passionate about it, but she wants someone else to take charge right now. That’s what’s best for the center. Blaze asks, how exactly is Kristina stepping back what’s best for the center? and Kristina says, because she came up with a really powerful idea, but there are people more qualified than she is who can run the center and make her vision a reality. Besides she doesn’t want to start back up again at the Corinthos-Davis House, then have to go on maternity leave five seconds later. Blaze says, maternity leave?

Chase asks if Tracy’s suggestion they move in here an invitation or a demand? and Brook says, it was a very strong invitation. He says, she decided this unilaterally? and she says, Monica and Olivia both signed off on it. He says, Monica and Olivia agreed with Tracy? Both of them? She says she knows. It’s like the Seven Seals of the Apocalypse all burst open at once. Of course (🍷) she said she wasn’t going to make any decisions without discussing it with him first. He says, okay. Let’s discuss it. What are the pros? Brook says, her grandmother first pointed out that they can’t move into his brother’s place with Violet, what with her grandfather dying there and her finding her father passed out and bleeding on the floor. Chase says, that’s a good point. So they’ll move into his place. Brook says, yeah, it’s just… He says, that it’s too small. They can get a bigger place. They’ve been talking about doing that anyway. What better time? She says, they could, and he says, where would they stay here that has more privacy than their own place? She says, there’s a suite with two bedrooms and a private bath, and there are tons of kids running around. Not to mention, Monica and Olivia and Willow and Sasha. Lots of positive, nurturing maternal energy. He tells her that she didn’t say Tracy, and she says, neither did she. He says, so those were Tracy’s talking points, and she says, pretty much. She also said, Violet needs consistency now. Not when they move, but right now. He asks if she agrees, and she says she thought they were really good points. What does he think? He says, when he was driving back from the rehab place alone, he was thinking about something Finn said to him about how he was being the big brother, taking care of him. Chase’s whole life he had his dad to take care of him. Now he’s responsible for his family, to provide for them and make sure they’re safe. When he was driving, every minute, every mile, he was coming up with a plan and revising it because he’s never had a kid, and now he has custody of one. He knows it’s just temporary, but he doesn’t know how long it will be. Not really. But the whole way back, he thought, yes. He can step up for his niece. He can give her the home she deserves.

The server brings the scotch, and Sonny thanks him. Natalia says, after what Ava did to Kristina’s mom, she can imagine it got pretty tense in the house, and Sonny says, but not for long. He doesn’t know what he was thinking, letting her move into his place. She says, he was thinking about his daughter Avery. By the way, she thinks she can guess who came up with that name. He says, she’d be right. Still, he thinks it suits his little girl. She agrees, and says, it’s none of her business but… He says, fire away, and she says, aside from this recent cohabitation, Ava doesn’t seem like she’s the one who got away. He says, Ava can’t get far away enough, and she laughs. She says, to long distance, and they clink glasses. He says, there is one person he thought he could count on until his dying day. She turned her back on him. She asks if that’s his wife Nina, but he says, no. Nina was a different mistake, but what she did happened around the same time. These people he could count on, he figured out he couldn’t count on them at all. She tells him that he said people, so more than one, and he says he discovered that these two people were the closest to him of anyone, and they were conspiring against him. At that time, he didn’t think Ava was, so he let her in. He should have known better because Ava was and always will be a treacherous viper.

Laura says she knows Ava and Sonny have a complicated history, but she thought they’d come to an understanding of late. Ava says she certainly thought so. As far as she knew, she and Sonny were closer than ever. They’d become… Friends might be too big a word, but they’d begun to let their guard down. They were confiding in each other. There was a kind of trust. Laura says, and now? and Ava says, now she’s living in a hotel, scrolling through real estate apps. Laura says, it’s not like Sonny to put the mother of one of his children out on the streets, and Ava says she’s not exactly destitute. Laura says, that’s very true. Would Ava mind telling her what happened between them? Ava says she wishes she knew. She’s sure Laura’s noticed how erratic Sonny has been lately. He’s lashed out at almost everybody, and up until now, she’s avoided being a target of his wrath. Laura says, and she has no idea why he suddenly turned on her. Ava says, none. She wouldn’t be able to correct it even if she did. Because with Sonny, any offense is a capital crime, real or imagined. Laura says she’s aware of how he feels about loyalty, and Ava says she sees Laura’s been the brunt of it herself. Don’t worry. She won’t pry. Laura thanks her, and Ava says, if anything, she’s been trying to support Sonny, and he seemed to be appreciating it. Then today, he became completely irrational. He picked a fight with her over she doesn’t even know what. It was so unsettling. It was so unmoored from reality, she had no choice but to leave. Laura says she’s become aware just recently that Sonny is not the man she thought he was. Except that lately, it seems like he’s been giving in to all of his worst impulses. But she hasn’t known Ava to be a completely helpless victim, so come on now. Why doesn’t Ava tell her what they were really fighting about?

Carly says, the FBI used her to strongarm Jason into being an informant. Which means it’s her fault he lost two and a half years of his life that he could have spent with his family. He asks, who told her? but she says, it doesn’t matter. He says, it does matter. He needs to know. She says, Sam. Sam’s not happy about it and blames her and she gets it. He asks how Sam found out, and she says, how does he think? He says, Spinelli, and she says, Sam got Spinelli to hack into the FBI’s evidence file and they found a recording of her at that meeting with Cyrus Renault and the Five Families, announcing to everyone that she was head of the Corinthos organization. Spinelli wasn’t able to delete the file. He says, that’s good. He thinks they’d notice that. She says, he was able to make a recording though, and Sam played it for her. Jason had a choice. His freedom and his family, or her. Why did he pick her? (Ugh. Just get a room at the MetroCourt already.)

Ava says, apparently, Kristina made some petty accusation against her. And because Kristina is the apple of Sonny’s eye, she got the boot. She’s sure Kristina is throwing a party somewhere as they speak. Her concern is that the person who will suffer the most from her moving out is Sonny. Laura says, how so? and Ava says she’s tried to be a stabilizing influence. She hasn’t been very successful, especially considering what happened at that wedding. Laura says, what wedding? Oh, Brook Lynn and Chase. Ava says, yeah. Sonny beat a man within an inch of his life at the reception. Laura says, oh my God, and Ava says, it’s no surprise Laura hasn’t heard about this, because as usual with Sonny, no charges were filed.

Kristina tells Blaze that she just meant maternity leave like in the sense of the time period a woman takes after she gives birth, whatever that time period is called. Blaze says, so family leave, and Kristina tells her that she said whatever. Blaze says, obviously, she will need time to recover, but isn’t that like twelve weeks? and Kristina says, yeah. Blaze says, isn’t that so the new parents can get acclimated to raising their newborn? and Kristina says, it’s for whatever they need it to be for, but yes, most importantly for that. Blaze says, but if she’s not raising the baby, can’t she return to the center in the amount of time the doctors recommend? Kristina says, six weeks, and Blaze says, why give up running the center she built from the ground up when she can just start six weeks in? Kristina says, because she doesn’t know what’s going to happen. She doesn’t know if Molly and TJ are going to break up or if they’re going to stay together. She doesn’t know if they’re maybe going to stay together and then maybe a year later, they’re going to break up. She doesn’t know. And if TJ decides that he does want full custody, and he does because it’s his biological and legal right… Blaze tries to interrupt, but Kristina says, stay with her. Molly has no legal or biological claim to this child, but she does. Blaze says, hold on a second. Is she saying she would actually try to get custody for Molly?

Natalia says she hasn’t had much interaction with Ava, but Ava always seems so disingenuous to her, and Sonny says, that’s putting it kindly. She says, if she ever crosses paths with Ava again, she’ll have her guard up, and Sonny says, do him a favor. Don’t cross paths with her. She’s going in a different direction. Natalia laughs and says she’ll keep that in mind. She doesn’t scare easily though, so she doesn’t like to give anyone that power over her to be afraid. He says he’s not telling her to be afraid. He’s just saying, don’t underestimate Ava. She says, duly noted, and enough about her anyhow, and Sonny says, here you go, raising his glass. They clink glasses, and Natalia says, on to more pleasant topics. What were they talking about before her? He says, betrayal, and she says, that’s pleasant. He says, it’s a downer, he knows, and she says, well, it’s a beautiful night in a beautiful place. And the scotch is amazing… and the company... He says, loves misery, but she says, no. Not afraid of the dark. He says, to the darkness, they clink again, and she says, and to the light that follows. She doesn’t want to belabor the topic, but there just is no pain quite like the wound of betrayal. She’s so sorry he had to go through that. He says, the same. What about her? Did she ever forgive the person who betrayed her? She tells him, who said there was just one? and he says, oh, there was more than one. He didn’t know that. She says, forgive? She doesn’t know if she forgives. She moves on. She doesn’t forget. The Lord wants her to forgive, so she tries. What about him? He says, no, and she says, just no? That’s it? They laugh and he says, actually, with family he forgives. And his family forgives him. That’s what families do, right? She says, right, but doesn’t he find it harmful not tempering anger with mercy? He says, sometimes. He’s been thinking lately about the people who turned away from him, who he trusted, that they believed in him. They all have one thing in common – me.

Jason says he never wanted Carly or the moss bowl🎍to know about this, and Carly asks, why? It’s her life. She’s the one who could be charged. He says he made sure she wouldn’t be, and she says, by sacrificing himself. He says, because he knew if she found out, she would confront the FBI and dare them to charge her, and that wouldn’t make any sense at all. She says, and him becoming an informant does? For more than two years? He says he didn’t think it would be that long. He thought it would be six months. One undercover operation and he’s out, she’s safe, but then it was another year, and another year after that. She cries, and he says, there was never a moment when it was too much. He never once thought about bailing. She says, of course (🍷) he didn’t. This is what he does. He always protects her, but this time, she was the target. She deserved to know, and she should have a say in how they handle things. He says, there is no we. He’s handling it the way he’s handling it. She says, that’s not an option anymore. She’s not going to let him throw his life away because… He says he’s not throwing his life away. He agreed to do a job and that’s what he’s doing. She asks how he knows Cates won’t double-cross him. How does he know Cates won’t say, thanks for your help; here’s you next mission? Does he honestly believe the FBI and John Cates are ever going to let him go?

Kristina says she just wants to know what her options are, and Blaze says, options that keep the baby in the family so Molly can raise it, or does she want the baby for herself? Kristina says, now who’s going into hypotheticals? and Blaze asks if she’s actually looked into these options. Kristina says, no, she hasn’t, but she did ask her mom for guidance. Her mom just didn’t want to give her opinion. Blaze says, very wise, her mother, and Kristina says, her mother did direct her to the legal statute involved, if hypothetically, she did want to pursue custody. Blaze says she guesses that’s not so bad, and Kristina says, and she did draw up a mock petition that could arguably be filed in court. Blaze says, Kristina… and Kristina says she thinks her chances are better than 50%. The baby’s not just a package you can hand over. If the courts agree with her and she gets custody, she’s the one who’s going to have to raise this child. Blaze once said she wished this baby were theirs. How would she feel about co-parenting?

Laura tells Ava that this is the first she heard Sonny attacked someone at the wedding. Who was the victim? Ava says she tried to ask him, but Sonny was pretty distraught himself over losing control in front of Kristina. Laura says, Kristina saw it? and Ava says, from what she understands, Kristina witnessed the whole thing, and she became extremely upset. Not that it matters now, because all is forgiven. Kristina and her father are once again thick as thieves. Laura thanks Ava for telling her this, and gets up. She gets her bag, and Ava says she knows it’s not the happiest news to impart, but she thought Laura should know. Although it’s not why she asked Laura here. Laura says, oh. She didn’t think so actually. Ava says, but it is about Sonny. He’s become so erratic, she doesn’t know what he’s going to do from one moment to the next. And the way they left things, she’s afraid he’s become so unhinged and paranoid, that he’s going to try and get their custody agreement overturned to keep Avery for himself. She cannot allow that to happen.

Brook says, Violet is Chase’s niece, so of course (🍷) he wants to take the lead in figuring out the best course of action for how she moves forward. She gets up, heads for the door, and says, so she’s going to tell Tracy that they’re going to leave… He says, wait, and follows her. He’s so grateful to her and her family – she says, they’re his family too – for wanting to help and take the three of them in. She says, of course (🍷). He knows how much her grandmother loves Finn, and Chase’s father, may he rest in peace, and she also loves making decisions. He tells her, what he was trying to say earlier. When he was driving and planning and worrying what to do about Violet, he walked through the front door and saw her. And it made him realize, he doesn’t have to do this alone. He has his wife – he takes her hands – the best partner and co-pilot and teammate he could ask for. She says she not only loves him, she admires him, because he shows up for the people he loves most, and he never complains. He says he complains sometimes, and she says, he’s kind and strong and gentle and he leads with his heart. He says, she should write all this down for when they renew their vows, but she says she’ll remember, and kisses him. So now that they’ve said all those things, what does he think of Tracy’s idea?

Carly says, Jason has no way to be sure the FBI will ever let them off the hook, not now, not ever, and he says, no, he doesn’t, but that’s the risk and he’s willing to take it. She says, but she’s not. That’s why she started exploring other options. He asks who she’s been talking to, and she says she talked to Diane because she wanted to know her chances of acquittal if she turned herself in. He says he hopes Diane said zero, and Carly tells him, she said 30. He says, Diane’s a great lawyer, but he would round that number down, and she says she gets it. They’re not great odds. But what are the odds of the FBI letting him go and him getting his life back? The only way to stop them is to call their bluff. He says, she keeps talking about the time that he’s lost with his family. If she turns herself in, if she goes to prison, then everything he did – he raises his voice – everything he sacrificed to protect her means nothing. So please, do not throw all of that away.

Chase says, here’s the deal. When he married Brook, he knew that a boatload of Quartermaines, Falconaris, and Cerullos came with the package. Brook says, for better or for worse, and he says, and now that he’s met them… She tells him that she knows what he’s going to say, but they really do mean well, and he tells her that he was going to say, he definitely thinks it’s to the better. She says, oh. Well, they do mean well. Except for Cousin Patty; she’s a mess. Anyway, what was he going to say? He says he came from a pretty small family to begin with, and now that his dad’s gone, his mom is off to parts unknown, and Finn is getting back on track, her loud, crazy family full of meddlers and busybodies… She says, he’s skating on thin ice, and he tells her that he’s just saying, he shouldn’t be surprised that they’d welcome him and Violet into the fold. She says, of course (🍷). They adore Violet, and she’s pretty sure they already prefer him over her. He says he thinks it’s because he’s easier to get along with, and she says, that’s a lot of words for pushover. And yeah, the Qs and the Cerullos are a crazy mixed bag, but we love each other. He says, even Cousin Patty? and Brook says, she keeps getting invited to stuff, so she guesses so. Which only proves her point. When something is up with one of them, they come together. They step up for each other, and Chase and Violet are a part of that family. He’s stuck with them. They kiss, when Gio walks in. He says he’s sorry for interrupting. Violet heard him tuning his violin. She came looking for the sound and she got lost going back to her room, so he helped her find it. She was pretty tired, so he’s pretty sure she’s asleep now. Chase thanks him for looking out for Violet, and Gio says, if nobody minds, he’s just going to go outside and practice. Brook asks if this is for Ava’s gallery, and he says, yeah. She says, play badly, and he says, if only he knew how. He leaves, and Brook asks what Chase thinks of the move. He gives her a quick kiss and says, hold that thought. He’s going to check on Violet. He dashes out.

Laura asks if Ava wants her to assist in a custody battle with Sonny, and Ava says, yes. Laura says she really shouldn’t be getting involved with that, and Ava says, Laura once told her that they’re family, even after she and Nikolas divorced. Did she mean that? Laura says she did, because she believes Ava truly loved her son, and actually, she thinks Nikolas still loves Ava. Ava says she loves him too, but oil and water, and Laura says she knows. Ava says, at this point in her life, other than Avery, Laura and Trina are the closest thing she has to family. That means something to her. Laura says, family means a lot to her too, and while she cares about Ava, don’t dare use that to work her. If there’s something Ava wants from her, be direct and ask her. Ava says, okay. Cards on the table then. She spoke to Scotty, and he said if Sonny tries to smear her in court, it could work, and she cannot let that happen. She cannot let Sonny have Avery. He’s barely fit to care for himself. Laura says, she’s right, and Ava says, as she sees it, the best defense is a good offense, right? So she’s looking for character witnesses. Just in case. So may she give Laura’s name to Scotty as someone who would be willing to appear in family court on her behalf?

Chase finds Brook asleep on the sofa, kisses her forehead, and sits on the coffee table. She wakes and asks how Violet is doing. He says, she’s fine. Seeing her sleeping peacefully up in her bed, then coming down and seeing Brook sleeping peacefully on the couch, has him thinking, there’s no better place for the three of them to spend the summer. She says, really? Is he sure? He says, it’s the right thing to do for Violet. She’ll have kids to play with, boats to ride, docks to swim off of, horses… Brook says, she’s super jazzed about the horses, and he says he’s super jazzed about spending the summer with his amazing wife and her massive family – their massive family. Tomorrow, he’ll start moving their stuff, and Violet’s too.

Laura says she understands Ava’s need to keep Avery really close to her right now, especially since lately, Sonny’s behavior has been genuinely concerning. Ava asks if that means Laura will help her. Can she give Laura’s name to Scotty? Laura says, yes, but that’s because if Avery has to have only one custodial parent right now, she believes it should be Ava. Ava thanks her, and Laura says, don’t make her regret this. Ava says she won’t. She promises. Laura’s faith and support mean everything. She’s sure Scotty will be contacting her. Laura says, okay, and goes to the door. Ava says she promises if she hears from Nikolas, she’ll let Laura know. She really does want only the very best for him. Laura thanks her and says her too, and leaves.

Jason says, if Carly goes forward with this and gets convicted, this life she has now, with the moss bowl🎍, the kids, Bobbie’s, the hotel, it’s all done. She’s probably going to go away for twenty years. Josslyn and Michael can take turns bringing Donna to visit her until she’s old enough to visit Carly on her own. And all for what? All because she wanted to turn herself in when she didn’t have to. How’s Donna going to feel when Carly abandons her for him? Carly says, Donna will always know she loves her, and he says, enough to stay out of prison for her? She says, that’s not fair, but he says, that’s a fact. Here’s another fact. If she goes to prison, he’ll blame himself every day for the rest of his life. So if she doesn’t want her daughter to grow up without her and doesn’t want him to carry that guilt, just stop. Just back off and let him finish what he started. She says, okay, fine. She gets it. She gets that he has to follow through with all this. She gets it. He breathes a sigh of relief and thanks her. She says, but what if she can’t stand it?

Kristina says, honestly, if the situation presents itself, would Blaze want to co-parent this child with her? Blaze says, does she want kids at all? She thinks, someday maybe, but right now with her career on the upswing, she just doesn’t think it’s a good time for her to be a mom. She hopes Kristina’s not too disappointed. Kristina says, no. How could she be? It’s not exactly the right time for her to be a mom right now either. In a perfect world, Molly and TJ would peacefully and blissfully raise this child on rock steady ground. She wouldn’t have to think about this. Blaze says, then why think about it at all? Couples fight. She knows, not Molly and TJ, but yes, Molly and TJ. It will all blow over and Kristina will have wasted a lot of energy over nothing. Kristina says, no. She has to be prepared. If this goes badly and TJ wants custody of this child, she has to make sure her sister has access to this baby. And the only way to do that is by suing TJ for custody.

Natalia pushes one of the glowing pool balls with her foot and asks if Sonny usually has trouble sleeping. He asks if he looks tired, but she says, no. Restless maybe. But that might just be her projecting. There are so many nights that she lies awake with a million thoughts racing through her head. It almost feels like ghosts. Has that ever happened to him? He says, all the time, and she says she thinks he has the right idea. In situations like this, when you’re being swarmed by ghosts, you need to reach out to a friend – she picks up her glass – have a drink in the night air. It’s a good way to make all that noise stop. He raises his glass and says, to finding our friends in the darkness. They clink glasses, and she says, cheers. He says, cheers, and drains his glass.

Ava walks on to the patio with her martini. She says, to new beginnings.

Carly says she admits Jason is right about all of it, and he says, good. He’ll take it from here. She says, but what if it’s too much of a cost for her? What if she can’t live with knowing she’s the reason he hasn’t had a day of freedom since November of 2021? He says, she doesn’t have to live with it. He does. She says she wouldn’t be the person she is today if not for him. Her life wouldn’t be what it is if she hadn’t met him. So how does she let the FBI use him, knowing she had the power to stop it? He says, she told him that she was going to do this his way, and she says she knows, but she changed her mind. He says, she can’t change her mind, not about this. He chose to take the FBI’s deal. So please, he’s asking her, do not get in the way of it.

On Monday, Ava says, there’s got to be something Trina’s herd that she can use; Natalia tells Maxie, this is not what they agreed to; Josslyn tells Sonny that she’s not going to make the same mistake twice; and Kristina can’t stop thinking about what’s going to happen to her.

😭 Nobody Wants This…

Get out the tissues.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/michael-easton-jophielle-loves-emotional-farewell

On YouTube June 30th.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/dont-miss-maurice-benards-interview-with-michael-easton

🍊 More About Beador…

All we know is, she wasn’t caught by the paparazzi picking up trash on the highway.

Well, she is just a wee bit volatile.

I almost feel sorry for her. It’s like they did it on purpose.

🎤 Hey Rapper Rapper Rapper…

Could his name have been Hunky Dory?

🥣 Stirring the Pot…

Not a fan of hers, but that doesn’t mean she’s wrong.

📺 Watch the Worst…

I’ll bet there were moments worse than these.

⚰️ Carol’s Turn…

The definitive date for Season 2 is September 29th. Be there or be an octagon.

https://undeadwalking.com/posts/finally-daryl-dixon-the-book-of-carol-release-date-has-been-revealed-plus-new-images-01hzq6smywpm

https://collider.com/the-walking-dead-daryl-dixon-season-3-update/

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

🦸‍♂️ Together At Last…

How it all came to be and how it’s going to be. I don’t go to the movies a lot, but I’m definitely going to see this one.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/deadpool-wolverine-news-hugh-jackman-one-in-a-billion-idea-1235932988/

https://www.cbr.com/deadpool-wolverine-mcu-x-men-elements/

https://ew.com/sabretooth-deadpool-and-wolverine-return-first-look-teaser-8671139

🩰 Dancer Unchanged…

Still confusing children everywhere she goes.

https://ew.com/abby-lee-miller-calls-fan-obnoxious-8670388

🐈 All About Them Rescues…

Dolly looks skeptical.

https://people.com/kaley-cuoco-adopts-dog-dolly-as-newest-pack-member-8671438

Well, she couldn’t just leave them.

https://people.com/meet-halle-berrys-two-new-kittens-boots-and-coco-8671178

Life imitates art.

https://people.com/lupita-nyongo-refused-change-her-rescue-cat-name-exclusive-8669582

🐝 Quotes of the Week

Never stop just because you feel defeated. The journey to the other side is attainable only after great suffering. – Santosh Kalwar

Redemption is through service. – Judge Greg Mathis

In matters of principle, stand like a rock; in matters of taste, swim with the current. – Thomas Jefferson

No man ever steps in the same river twice, for it’s not the same river and he’s not the same man.Heraclitus

The most effective way to do it is to do it. – Amelia Earhart

She gets what she wants. We had to give her a Sweet 16 on her 13th birthday. – Jeremy Grey (Christopher Walken), Wedding Crashers

Success does not consist in never making mistakes, but in never making the same one a second time. – George Bernard Shaw

You will never change your life until you change something you do daily. The secret of your success is found in your daily routine. – John C. Maxwell

A man who views the world the same at 50 as he did at 20 has wasted 30 years of his life. – Muhammad Ali

If you aim at nothing, you will hit it every time. – Zig Ziglar

👠 Sissying My Walk…

Join me on the first Monday of next month for soap and TMI on Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay letting your Pride flag fly no matter how you identify, and stay never giving anyone the power over you to be afraid.

June 27, 2024 – Finn Says Goodbye To Violet, Words From His Co-Workers, Just No, Better For You, Riders, Pet (!) Safety & Wake Me

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Carly thanks Diane for coming over so quickly, and Diane says, it sounded urgent. Carly says she needs Diane to keep her out of prison.

At the new apartment, Josslyn opens the door to Dex.

Violet runs to Finn, and he asks if she had fun sleeping over. She asks, how is he? Is he feeling better?

Sam comes home, and tells Dante that Scout was nervous in the car, but when they got there, she couldn’t wait for the sleepover. She wants to make sure Danny won’t hear their conversation, and starts to check on him upstairs, but Dante says, Jason came and picked Danny up. She asks where they went.

Walking into the garage, Jason says, sorry the gym was closed, but Danny says, this is way better than working out. They go over to Jason’s bike, and Jason asks if Danny is sure he’s ready do this. Danny says, oh yeah.

Dante tells Sam that Jason was taking Danny to the gym, and Danny was stoked. He thought it would be okay with her. Was he wrong? She says, yes, but he couldn’t have known what was going on. He asks what he’s missing, and she says, Spinelli found out what the FBI is holding over Jason. Jason stayed away all this time because the Feds have evidence against Carly.

Jason says, the most important thing is safety. Not just for kids, for everybody. If he needs to know something, ask. He tells Danny that he does his own maintenance. It’s important in case you get stuck. Danny says, especially if someone is after you. Did Jason’s father teach him? Jason says, Alan? Not that he recalls. He fixed people, not machines. Danny asks when he learned, and Jason says, after his accident.

Carly tells Diane, when Sonny was in Nixon Falls and everyone but Nina thought he was dead, she went meeting with the Five Families and claimed to be head of Sonny’s organization. Diane says, no judgement, but why did she do that? and Carly says, Cyrus was trying to take over Sonny’s territory so he could pass a highly addictive narcotic through Port Charles. It was the same drug Sasha got hooked on. Diane says, it wasn’t just civic altruism, and Carly says, there was a threat to her family that was business related. Someone at the meeting was wearing a wire, and the FBI has an audio file of her committing RICO violations. Diane asks how she became aware of it, and Carly says, a reliable source hacked into their database and retrieved the file. Diane says, good. Another felony. She doesn’t want to know the source, but asks why they were doing a deep dive into the database in the first place.

Finn tells Violet not to ever worry about him, and she asks how his cut is. Did he have to go to the hospital? He says his hand is fine. He just needed a bandage. She says, there was a lot of blood, and he says he knows, but it looked worse than it was. Violet asks if they can go home now, and he says he’d love to, but she’s going to stay with Uncle Chase for a while longer. She says she wants to come home, and he says, that’s what he wants too, but he’s not going home. He’s going away. She says, he has to take her with him, but he says, it’s just for a little while. She says she doesn’t care and wants to come, but he says, she can’t go where he’s going. Daddy is sick. His hand is better, but his head and heart… He cries and says he was so sad after grandpa died, he started drinking alcohol and never should done that. That’s why he fell asleep on the floor. Violet says, can’t he stop? and he says, some people can stop. He thought he was one of them, but he was wrong. He needs to go to a special hospital where they’re going to help him stop for good. She asks, how long he’ll be gone, and he says, the doctor says three months. She says, that’s a long time. Does he really have to go? He says he does, and she says, but she can help him stop.

Josslyn asks what Dex is doing here, and he says he wanted to look at her new place. She asks how he found it, and he says he used his sharp detective skills. She said it was above the Quartermaines’ garage, so he followed that lead. She says, hidden in plain sight. She wonders how he got past the gate, and he says, it was open. He thinks someone is visiting. She tells him that he needs better detective skills, and he says he’s still learning. He knows moving is a pain, so he brought provisions. He holds up a bag from Bobbie’s, and says he brought enough for Trina. She says, Trina is taking care of her Aunt Stella, who is sick, and he asks if she needs help. She says, yes, and asks him to come in. She’s finished cleaning, but needs help moving something that’s not heavy, but awkward. Dex says, it’s nice to have another set of hands, and they move a box that not awkward at all and looks like she could have moved it herself.

Violet says, if she helps Finn, he can stay with her, and Finn says he doesn’t want to leave her ever, but if he doesn’t go, he won’t get better. What happened can never happen again. He’s sorry. She must have been afraid when she found him. She says she thought he was dead like grandpa, and he says he’s sorry. He’s proud of her for calling Tracy and getting help. It was the absolutely right thing to do. Violet cries and says she wants to take care of him, but he says, that’s not the way it’s supposed to be. He should be taking care of her. She says, they can take care of each other, and he says, they’re good at that, but he has to be able to, and right now he’s not. That’s why he has to go away, so he can come back and be the best dad, a dad she deserves. He made a terrible mistake and none of it is her fault. She’s perfect and he loves her so much, more than life itself. They hug and everyone in the room is crying.

Jason tells Danny that he was worried about AJ drinking and driving, so he got in the car with him. The car crashed, and the next thing he knew… the first thing he knew was, he didn’t know anybody. Not his family, his name, nothing. Danny says, that must have been hard, and Jason asks if he knows what TBI is. Danny says, traumatic brain injury, and Jason says, that’s what he had. Danny says, mom told him that Jason is drawn to danger and that’s why he does dangerous jobs. Jason says, he’s done dangerous work that he can’t talk about, but mom doesn’t want Danny to get hurt. He suggests they get back to the bike, and Danny asks if it’s hard to learn to ride. Jason says he wasn’t a natural, but it wasn’t hard to learn. He loved it from the start.

Carly tells Diane that she wasn’t involved with getting the file. Someone brought it to her. Diane asks if she’s being blackmailed, but Carly says she’s not. Jason is. It’s the reason he lost 3 years with his family. The FBI threatened to charge her if he didn’t become an informant, and she has it on good authority that they won’t honor the deal. Diane asks if she’s sure the authority is legit, and Carly says, if anyone would know, he would, and he said when Jason was no longer of use to the FBI, they’ll charge her anyway. Diane says she can’t disagree, and Carly says, why should Jason spend one more day under the FBI’s thumb. She wants to call their bluff. Let them charge her and they’ll fight it in court. She needs to know, what are her chances of being acquitted?

Diane asks if Carly actually conducted mob business. Did she make any illegal money transfers? Did she launder money? Did she transfer illegal or stolen goods? Carly says, no, to all of it, and Diane asks if her name is on any incriminating documents. Carly says she doesn’t think so, and Diane asks if anyone at the meeting would be willing to testify against her. Who was at the meeting? Carly says, Cyrus Renault and Selina Wu. Vincent Novak and Charles Buscema are dead. If anyone testified, they wouldn’t be long for this world. Diane asks if the FBI has the sole audio file, and Carly asks what she’s thinking. Diane says, in this age of deep fakes and digital trickery, the chain of custody of the evidence is essential. The FBI would have to produce the original file to prove it’s not altered. Carly says, her source said the file couldn’t be altered or deleted. Where does that leave her? Diane says, given her and Sonny’s long history with the Feds and her recent dust up with the SEC, she thinks the FBI might have a strong case.

Josslyn asks what Dex learned in school today, and he says, they’re doing de-escalation training. He bets that make civilian courses. She asks if he’s suggesting she take one, but he says, no. He loves how she never backs down from a fight. Don’t lose that. She asks what he learned, and he says, each situation is different. It’s a judgement call every time. Sometimes you have to rush in and act fast, but most of the time, you’re better served to take a step back and see what happens before you do something you can’t take back. She says she’s learning that herself. She’s done a few things recently that she wishes she could take back. He says him too.

Danny thanks Jason for letting him help change the oil, but Jason says, he helped Danny. Danny did the work. Danny asks when Jason is going to teach him to ride.

Sam tells Dante about the recording of Carly meeting with the Five Families, and how it’s being held over Jason’s head. He asks if she realizes what she’s done. Forget Carly. She breached and FBI file; it’s a federal crime. If she’s caught, she’ll go to prison. Sam says, the hack was bulletproof, but Dante asks if she doesn’t think they can trace it back to Spinelli. Who else knows? She says, Spinelli, Carly, and now him, and he says, now he’s an accessory. She can’t tell anyone. If the FBI finds out about Spinelli hacking their database at her request, she’ll be taken away from her kids.

Chase says, they should get going, and Finn says, Violet is going to have so much fun. He’ll be back before she knows it. She says she’ll miss him, and he says he’ll miss her. She tries to put a friendship bracelet on him, but it doesn’t fit, so he puts it in his shirt pocket and says he’s going to put it next to his heart and keep it there always. He loves her. She says she loves him too, and he and Chase go to the door. Chase opens it, and Finn blows Violet a kiss. She catches it, and they leave. Violet cries, and Brook hugs her.

Dex says, it’s a great place, and Josslyn says she lucked out. He says he used to think about someday helping her move out of the dorm and into his place, and she says, her too. He says he enjoyed dinner, and she says her too. He says, hypothetically of course (🍷), what would it take for them to get back to where they were before? and she says, before what? He says, before he told her that he was willing to kill someone for Sonny.

Chase pulls up to Sky Meadow Lodge, and Finn thanks him for letting him say goodbye to Violet. He knows it went against the restraining order. Chase says, what he did wasn’t about the restraining order. Finn needed to see Violet before he left. Finn says he’s sorry about the things he said to Chase and Brook. The things he said to Elizabeth, he can’t forgive himself, and the worst of it was that he passed out and scared his little girl. Chase says, it could have been worse, and Finn says, only Chase could find a silver lining in this. Chase says, a lot of people take a restraining order as a challenge and show up anyway. The number of domestic disturbances he’s had to break up… Kids see knock down drag outs with their parents, and he’s seen the looks on their faces as the parents are taken away. He thanks Finn for not putting Violet in the middle and making it worse for his daughter. Finn says he heard Violet thought he was dead and left her forever. How could he do that to her? Chase says, because he has an illness. That’s why he’s going away, to get well. Finn says, his kid brother, and Chase says he’s been grown up for a while now. Finn says, this is different. Now Chase is coming to his rescue. Chase says that’s just because he’s a nice guy, and Finn thanks him for taking care of his little girl. Chase says he’s Finn’s brother, and Finn says, he did the right thing. He knows Chase was trying to protect Violet, and he’ll always be grateful for that.

Danny says he hears it’s easier than riding a bike, but Jason says, they’ll have to ask his mom first. Danny says, he was just kidding, yet kinda hoping, and Jason says, maybe next time, if mom agrees. Danny says he doesn’t see that happening, and Jason says, there are other things to do. Danny says, like what? and Jason says, they’ll figure it out. He’s seen Danny can do anything he sets his mind to. Danny says, tell that to his algebra teacher, and Jason asks if he needs help with math. Danny asks if Jason is good at math, and Jason says he uses it in his job. Danny asks if Jason shoots hoops, but Jason says he hasn’t for a while.  

Sam says, Spinelli covered their tracks flawlessly, but Dante says, Cates knows Spinelli after what happened when he was shot. Sam says, it would be impossible to prove, and Dante says, they broke federal laws. That’s exactly why he didn’t want her to get involved. She says she needed to know what they had on Jason, and he asks if she’d rather stay with her kids or have them visit her in prison. She says, stay with her kids, and he says, then she’s got to leave it alone. Talk to no one, and whatever she found out, leave it alone, act like it never happened, and hope it doesn’t come out.

Chase tells Finn not to worry. He and Brook will take great care of Violet. Finn says he knows. Tell her every day that he loves her, and he’ll be back as soon as he can. Chase says, that’s what they all want, but no shortcuts. Don’t convince himself he’s got it handled or just had a slip. Finn says, it’s not his first rodeo, and Chase says, if he’s in doubt, think of how devastated Violet would be to be put through this again, and stop. Finn says, he’ll do it for Violet, but it’s not easy, and Chase says, the best thing he can do is get well for his child. Finn says, Chase is a good cop, and Chase wonders what that has to do with it. Finn says he knows Chase has seen stuff, and Chase says, it comes with the job. Finn says, but he still wants to help. It’s a quality he admires.

Brook brings Violet a snack, but she says she’s not hungry, so Brook puts it on the coffee table. She asks if Violet has any questions, and Violet says, her dad is going to a hospital. Will he be in bed? Will he be able to watch TV? Will people be nice to him? Brook says, it’s beautiful there. He won’t want to stay in bed or watch TV. He’s going to hike and swim, and the people there are kind. They’re going to help him learn how not to drink. Violet asks if it’s like camp, and Brook says, kinda like camp. Violet says, camp is fun. If her dad is away, what is she going to do? Brook says, there’s so much to do here. Name it. Violet says she’d like to go swimming, and Brook says, Uncle Chase said he’d teach her to ride a bike. Violet says, and he told her that she’s almost ready to ditch her training wheels. She’d also like to go horse riding. Brook says, coincidentally, they have a whole stable of horses. Violet knows some of them, but Brook knows the rest will love to meet her.

Josslyn tells Dex that she doesn’t know how they can put it behind them. There are people she cares about who have crossed that line, but what’s important is that he didn’t. When she told him at dinner that he didn’t have to prove anything, that he’d done good enough to redeem himself, she meant it. She thought he’d joined the PCPD for her – she knows how to make about her – but she sees he did it for himself. The longer he’s there, the more she sees that’s where he wants to be. Did she get it right? He says, 100%, and she says, then she’s happy for him. He says, to be clear, if being a cop impressed or pleased her, he’s good with that.

Dante says, Sam knows He’s right. He’s just trying to help. She says, knowing that Jason did this to save Carly… She’d thought that maybe for once he’d put his kids first, but Carly is his first priority. Always has been and always will be. Nothing else matters. If Danny knew that, it would break his heart. Dante says, she needs to make sure he never knows.

Diane says, the FBI’s case rests solely on Carly’s admission that she was head of the Corinthos organization. Even if it was just as a figurehead, it will land her in hot water, but she had a compelling reason. She walked into a room of known crime figures, pretending to be one of them, to protect her children. Carly says she was terrified, and Diane says she knows from experience how compelling Carly is as a witness and how she can play to a jury. Even with Diane’s skills, knowledge of the law, and tricky tricks, she thinks the best they can hope for is a 30% chance of acquittal. Carly says, that means there’s a 70% chance of her going to federal prison, and Diane says she doesn’t like those odds, for Carly or for Donna.

Sam leaves a message for Spinelli, and tells him, the case they’re working on, don’t do anything until he hears back from her. Danny and Jason come in, and Dante asks, how was the gym? Danny says, it was closed. They went to the garage instead and tuned up Jason’s bike. He changed the oil. Dante says, those are awesome skills to have, and Jason says he should get going. He leaves, and Sam says, it sounds like Danny had a good time. Danny says, he did. Jason is the best. He tells Dante, no offense, and Dante says, none taken. Danny goes upstairs, and Dante hugs Sam.  

Carly tells Diane that she doesn’t know how she can leave Donna with the way Sonny is acting. But it’s not fair for Jason to be under the FBI’s thumb. Diane says, Jason doesn’t need saving. Let him do whatever he’s doing, He’s capable and strategy is his thing. If Carly’s got a plan to rush in and save him, historically, how has that worked? Whatever arrangement he has going, has kept her out of prison so far. Carly says she doesn’t know for how much longer and wants to be prepared. Can they work on a defense just in case? Diane says she can work on one. She tells Carly to sit tight, and leaves.

Dex tells Josslyn that he has an early morning. Her? Josslyn says she lucked out. she has nothing tomorrow morning. Are the cadets running in the park? He says, always, and she says, maybe she’ll see him there. They leave together.

Violet says, it’s a big house, and Brook asks if she just noticed. Violet says, it’s different when she stays over. She could get lost. Brook is lucky she used to live here. Brook says, the best part is the people who live here, her family. And the greatest part of family is that when you’re sick or in trouble, the rest step up and help out. Violet says, like they’re helping her dad, and Brook says, Violet is helping him too. She’s being very brave. Violet says, it’s easy when you’ve got help, and Brook says, they’re glad to help. That’s what family is for. Violet says she’s glad they’re family, and Brook says her too. She hugs Violet.

Finn says, it’s time to do this, and Chase says, he’ll walk Finn in, but Finn says he’s got it from here. It’s not like he can make a break for it. Chase says he’s not worried, and Finn says, Chase is a lousy liar. Promise to look after Violet, give her a kiss, and tell her that he loves her. Chase says, she knows that, but he will, and Finn says he loves Chase. Chase says he loves Finn too, and Finn says, dad would be proud. Chase says, dad would be proud of Finn taking this step, and Finn says, there’s no point in stalling any longer. Chase says, on the count of three, and Finn says, one… Chase says, two… and with tears in his eyes, Finn gets out of the car. Chase watches him as he goes to the door, hesitates, then walks inside. Chase pounds on the steering wheel, puts on his seatbelt, and drives away.

Tomorrow, Brook asks what Chase thinks of Tracy’s idea; Blaze asks if Kristina is saying she’s going after custody of the baby; and Jason says, everything he did to protect Carly means nothing.

🧂 Rubbing Salt In the Wound…

I still can’t believe this. It’s an outrage.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/gh-stars-say-goodbye-to-michael-easton

👠 If You Have the Stomach For It…

Honestly, I don’t think we need this. Not that I wouldn’t want to smash a glass on most of their heads, but because of disloyalty to hairstylists? What?

https://people.com/rhonj-danielle-cabral-condemns-violence-does-not-apologize-for-smashing-cup-on-jennifer-aydin-8385973

On the upside.

💐 A Healthier Reality…

I’m not sure how fabulous her life is, but she travels more than I do. This is a kinder, gentler, but still very real, reality show.

https://www.etonline.com/my-big-fat-fabulous-life-first-look-whitney-meets-the-man-she-thinks-shell-marry-exclusive-227160

This one is kind of weird, but I can’t turn away. There’s a lot of angst, but no throwing of Solo cups.

https://www.etonline.com/welcome-to-plathville-season-6-trailer-shows-ethan-and-olivia-plath-dating-other-people-after

🚴 Get On Your Bike and Ride…

This seems like a film worth seeing. Very grindhouse.

https://www.cinemablend.com/movies/norman-reedus-filthy-the-bikeriders-specifically-related-walking-dead-daryl-dixon

https://www.themarysue.com/jeff-nichols-interview-the-bikeriders/

🎆 It’s Almost Here…

✈️ Touching the Sky…

Join me tomorrow for soap and the usual Friday festivities. Until then, stay safe, stay not assuming everyone speaks English when traveling to faraway places, and stay knowing when you have to act fast or when you’re better served to take a step back before doing something you can’t take back.