Category Archives: Bravo

October 10, 2022 – A New Common Denominator, Repeat Guests On Deck, Wasp In a Fig, This Week’s Vampire, New Witches In Town & Little Red

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Nina and Sonny walk into the MetroCourt Garden, where there’s a large photo of Brando on display. Sonny says, Nina made the place look great; she even found a great photo of Brando. She says, planning the post funeral reception is the least she can do for Sasha. He kisses her and they hug. Michael and Willow walk in, and Willow says she sees the way Michael is looking at his dad. Keep telling himself, this day is about Brando, and they’re here to help Sasha and Gladys any way they can. He tells her that she’s right.

Maxie comes in with Dante and Sam, and thanks them for the ride. Austin is still at the hospital, and she didn’t want to be alone. Olivia leads Gladys and Sasha in, saying, she knew the Garden would be the perfect place for the reception; they got a perfect Autumn morning. Sonny asks how Sasha is doing, hugging her, and she says she’s okay. She thanks him and Nina for coming, and Nina says, they woudn’t be anyplace else. She hugs Sasha and says, the funeral was very touching. No matter what Sasha and Gladys think, they’re all here for them. Sasha thanks her, and says, everything looks beautiful. Looking bottles on one table, Sasha says, of course (🍷) Brando would be the first person to say they shouldn’t have gone to so much fuss. She can just hear him. She walks over to the photo, and touches it.

Funeral program in hand, Josslyn knocks on Dex’s door. He asks what she’s doing here, and she says she could ask him the same thing.

Curtis goes to Jordan’s office, and says he got her message. It sounded important. She says, it is, and he asks if there’s a break in whoever attacked Diane and Ava, and killed Brando Corbin. She says she was just at Brando’s funeral, and after Diane telling them the attacker was a woman, they don’t have very much. That’s not why she asked him to come by. She hands him a large envelope, and asks him to read what’s in it. His future depends on it.

In an exam room, Ava tells Portia that she has a very busy day ahead. She has to figure out what she’s going to do now that she’s closing the gallery. She’d appreciate it if they can wrap this up. Portia is talking to Amy, and Ava says she’s feeling really good. Her wound is almost healed now, so is there something else wrong with her? Portia thanks Amy, who leaves, and Ava says, whatever it is, she can take it.

Nikolas closes the secret safe in the bookcase, and Victor says, counting his blessings? Nikolas says he was just adding some documents, and Victor says he assumes Nikolas will soon be adding another important document to that safe of his; his finalized divorce decree. But of course (🍷) Nikolas insisted on hiring his own lawyer, so Victor hopes he’s filed all the paperwork correctly. Nikolas tells Victor, he said he would handle it, didn’t he? and Victor says, he’s seen how Nikolas handles Ava, signing a false confession to a murdering Esme. That little mea culpa of his could have sent him to prison for life if Valentin hadn’t gotten it away from Ava. Fortunately, his ridiculous romantic gesture won’t be coming back to haunt them, and neither will Esme Prince, may she rest in peace.

Oz is zipped into a body bag at the docks, and I’m disappointed, since I thought his character would have made an interesting addition to the canvas. An officer tells the paramedics that they can take him, and radios, a dead John Doe found on Pier 55, apparent stab wound, no driver’s license or ID. They leave, and Esme comes down the stairs.

Sasha says she’s so grateful to Nina; all the trouble she’s gone to. Nina says, it’s no trouble at all, and Sonny says, she thought of everything, right? Like Brando’s favorite drink, beer; root beer. Gladys says, it was always his favorite, ever since he was a little boy. Michael – who I like less every time I see him – says he can’t watch this anymore, and asks if Willow would like a drink, but she says she’s good. He goes over to the bar, and Dante asks if he’s all right. Michael says, no, he’s not.

TJ brings Willow a club soda, and tells her, drink up; doctor’s orders. She raises her glass to him and takes a sip. Nina glances at them, and Sonny asks if everyone can gather around. Raise their glasses. They’re going to make a toast to Brando. Brando was an incredible son, a kind and loving husband. He left them way too soon. He had a big laugh, but most important, he had a big heart. To Brando, he’ll never be forgotten. Everyone raises their glasses or bottles, and takes a drink.

Josslyn asks why Dex isn’t at the hospital, and he says, then he wouldn’t be here to let her in. She says, he knows what she means. He’s covered in bruises from what Sonny did to him. He says he is a little sore, and she says, a little. He says, okay, he hurts everywhere, especially his wrists, but it could have been a lot worse if she hadn’t shown up. He never really got the chance to thank her for that.

Curtis says, it looks like the divorce papers are ready to go, and Jordan says, he can see it proves she submitted them to the court. She wants him to keep that. He says he doesn’t need proof. He takes her at her word that they were filed. Now they just need the court to sign off, and they’ll officially be divorced. She says she’d feel better if he held on to the receipt. It’s something he can show Portia, since she botched things the first time around. He says, this is what doesn’t make sense to him. She’s one of the most organized people he’s ever known, so it just doesn’t add up that she misplaced the original papers. She tells him, what can she say? Nobody’s perfect. She thinks she proved that during their marriage, right? He says, it takes two people to make a marriage, and two people to mess it up. Let’s be honest. They both knew their marriage was over long before they signed those papers. She says, maybe for him, but not for her.

Portia says, physically, Ava is recovering just fine. But as her doctor, it’s Portia’s job to treat the whole patient, and she wants Ava to take care of herself. To be honest, she’s a little worried about Ava’s well-being. Trina told her that Ava closed her gallery, and she knows it was far more than just a business deal. Ava says, it’s Portia’s fiancé’s fault really, and Portia asks, how that is exactly? Ava says, Curtis came to her and said he was worried about Trina working at the gallery with some serial slasher roaming around, and he was right. As much as she hates it that she won’t be working with Trina for now, she has to do whatever she can to protect Trina from any future attack. Portia says she thinks Ava did the right thing for Trina and for herself, but she needs Ava to know that working at the gallery was far more than just a job to Trina. And she never got a chance to thank Ava for arranging the Fellowship at The Chuck for her. Ava says, that was Curtis’s idea exactly. She just made a couple of phone calls, and gave Trina a sterling recommendation, which is well-earned. She’s just sorry Trina is upset with Curtis for setting it in motion. She said she already has one protective father looking out for her. If there isn’t anything else, she’s really spent more than her fair share of time at GH. Portia says, there’s just one more thing. She wants Ava to focus on keeping herself out of harm’s way, and since the gallery is already off-limits, at least Ava knows she’s going to be safe at Windymere, right?

Victor tells Nikolas, Esme is lying at the bottom of the harbor, thanks to Nikolas’s wife. And no one need be any the wiser, despite Nikolas’s ridiculous attempt to take the blame for the murder, in an attempt to woo Ava. So just proceed with this divorce as planned, and no more confessions in the name of love. Are they clear on that? Nikolas flashes back to making the videoed confession on Ava’s phone, and Victor says, Nikolas. He was always a poor judge of women, and a fool for their charms. So tell him the truth. What else has Ava got on him?

Esme says, bad for you, Oz, but good for me. She goes into her bag, and takes out her wallet, looking at how much money is in it. She says, this won’t get me through the day. Windymere, here I come.

Ava tells Portia, she’s no longer living at Windymere. She’s happy Nina’s offered her a place to stay; she’s staying with Nina. She’s grateful for that, and plus, there’s the added benefit that Sonny is looking out for Nina. Portia says, which means Sonny will be looking out for Ava, and Ava says, as Avery’s mother, Sonny wants to keep her safe. Portia says, she’s glad Ava has someplace to go but… Ava says, but what? and Portia says, Ava knows she has no love for Nikolas or his son, but she knows Ava is still in love with her husband. But for Ava’s sake, she hopes Ava finally leaves Nikolas and never looks back.

Curtis says he’s surprised to hear Jordan say that, but he’s with Portia now, and she says she knows. All she’s saying is, she never made it a secret about how she felt. She was ready to fight for their marriage if he had been. He says he couldn’t. By that point, there was too much damage for him to try again; too many secrets, too many lies. He’s a former cop, so he knows some of the deception comes with the job, but not all of it. She says, no, not all of it, and he’s a man who values honesty above everything else in a relationship. He tells her, he’s not saying he’s holier than thou, but in his book, if you can’t trust the person you love, who can you trust? She says, and he’s found what he’s look for in Portia? and he asks if that’s a question or a statement. She says she wants him to be happy. She hopes he knows that. He says, then why does she make it sound like there’s a reason they won’t be?

Josslyn points to Dex’s open shirt, and asks if it’s his look for the day, or is he going to button that? He tries to button it, obviously in pain, and he says, his wrists. He’ll just grab a T-shirt. She says she’ll do it, and she buttons it for him. He thanks her, and she says, he can thank her by making sure that Sonny never does this to anyone again.

Olivia asks Nina for a word, but Nina says, not today, for Sasha’s sake, please. Olivia tells her that she just wanted to say the set-up is really beautiful. It’s tasteful, it’s lovely, it’s well done. Nina thanks her, and says she appreciates that.

TJ asks how Willow is feeling, and she says she’s hanging in there. She tells him, don’t look now, but Nina is watching them as if they’re stealing the silverware. He asks what Nina’s problem is with them, and she says, Nina saw them hug the other day at the hospital, and has it in her head they’re having an affair. He says, what? and she says, don’t let it get to him; she doesn’t. It seems Nina judges everyone by her own shabby standards.

Michael hugs Sasha, and says he’s here for her, whatever she needs. She says, he may regret making that offer, but he says, never.

Sam tells Dante, she keeps trying to remind herself that Brando’s not alone; he’s got Mike. It’s just still really sad. He says, Brando was too young to die, but he sees Sasha is handling it so well; he admires her courage. It makes him more determined than ever to find out who did this. Maxie asks if she can borrow Sam for a second, and Sam says, sure. They leave, and Michael tells Dante that he hopes the investigation leads to the actual perp. Unlike their father. Dante asks what he’s talking about. Sonny?

Sonny sits with Gladys, and asks how she’s doing. She says she can’t do it. She can’t be brave like Sasha. He says, it’s normal. Brando was her only child; nothing hurts like that. She says she can’t fill up her mind with other things and forget, and he says he doesn’t think that’s what Sasha is doing. He thinks she’s holding it together for Brando’s sake. It’s what he would have wanted. She says she keeps thinking about when she came to town to see Mike. She told everyone Brando was dead. She couldn’t stand to admit she was ashamed of him and his addiction. Then one day, he showed up. She was given a second chance. She and her son had a chance for the kind of life their cousin Sonny had; picture perfect marriage, beautiful, loving children. He had it all. Sonny says, looks can be deceiving; time has proven that. He takes her hand, and says, nothing in life is guaranteed. He and Michael look at each other, and Gladys says she made a decision this morning. The best thing to do going forward is for her to pack up and go back to Bridgeport. Sonny says, he’s known her to be a lot of things over the years; a little greedy, a little selfish. But one thing he’s never known her to be is a coward.

Sasha thanks TJ and Willow for coming, and TJ says, of course (🍷). Molly had to stay at the courthouse, but asked him to pass along her condolences. Sasha asks him to thank Molly, and says she knows he and Brando had a little falling out, but it meant a lot to Brando that they patched things back up. She wishes they’d had more years of being friends. Nothing lasts forever. Willow asks TJ to give them a minute, and he steps away. Sasha says she’s okay, but Willow says, it’s the day of her husband’s funeral. No one expects her to be okay. She’s just sorry she hasn’t been around more for Sasha. Sasha says she understands why Willow stayed away, and Willow says, she does? Sasha says, Willow didn’t think she could handle her having Michael, and Wiley, and a baby on the way. Sasha is happy for her. Willow’s life is pretty perfect.

TJ says he appreciates Nina pulling out all the stops today for Sasha, but he’s not surprised, considering his Uncle Curtis is one of her biggest fans. She says she feels the same about him, and TJ says, what he doesn’t understand is why she’d stick her nose in, and suggest something is happening between Willow and him.

Jordan says she knows Curtis and Portia love each other. It’s plain to see when they’re together. They’ve done more than just buy a house together. They’ve done everything they can to create a family. Not just for the two of them, but his dad and Aunt Stella. He says, and don’t forget about Trina. Even though she’s away at college, living in the dorms, it’s her home as well. She says, of course (🍷), and it’s because of Trina that… He says, what about Trina? and Jordan’s phone rings. She says she needs to take this, and answers. She says, what?… When did this happen and where?… She’ll be right there. He asks, what’s wrong? and she says, we have another victim.

Amy asks if Ava and Portia have heard; it happened again. Portia says, they haven’t heard. She’s just trying to get her patient safely home. Ava asks, what happened again? and Amy says, a John Doe was just brought in. Another guy is dead after being stabbed. According to the coroner, it’s likely the same woman with a hook. They weren’t able to identify him, but she recognized him right away, because he’s been a patient here not too long ago. Ava asks, who is it? and Amy says, the bartender guy who testified at Trina’s trial. Portia says, Oz Haggerty? and Ava practically flies into the elevator, saying, she has to go.

Nikolas says, Victor just doesn’t get it. It’s not about what Ava has on him, or what he has on her. Victor says, tell that to the young lady Ava pushed over the parapet, and Nikolas says, Ava swears it was an accident. Victor says, fine. Say he believes that. Does Nikolas really think the police or a jury would? Ava had just discovered Nikolas had slept with his son’s girlfriend. They’ll think she was out for revenge, and to frame Nikolas for the crime. Nikolas says, it would be an act of love. Ava didn’t twist his arm; she didn’t threaten him. He proved she can trust him despite the terrible mistake he made with Esme. He earned Ava’s trust by putting his life in her hands. He did it willingly, with his eyes wide open. But Victor can’t understand that, can he? Victor says he can understand Nikolas acting like a damn fool, and Nikolas says, it’s sad. Despite all of Victor’s conquests, he’s never been in love.

Esme comes to the door at Windymere, and tells herself, who says you can’t go home again?

Sonny says, Gladys can’t cut and run. She has to be here for Sasha, and be strong for her, because Brando can’t be. Sasha has lost a child and a husband. No one knows that kind of pain, only Gladys does, because she’s lost a son and a grandchild. Gladys has got to be here for Sasha; they’ve got to be here for each other. Today, the next day, and the day after. Gladys says she wishes she was as strong as he thinks she is, and he says, she’s not going to have to do this alone. She doesn’t have to grieve alone; he’s going to be here for her. Brando used to come to him for advice, not for tuning up engines or business. Brando thought he had all the answers, but he told Brando he didn’t. Brando used to say, how can he be a better father, a better husband? and Sonny would say to him, there’s nothing more important than family – success, power, money. He just wants Gladys to know, she’ll always be a part of his family. They get up, and she says, of course (🍷) family’s the most important thing… A lot of money doesn’t hurt though, right? He says, that’s the Gladys he knows, and hugs her.

Willow says she knows her life looks perfect, but it’s not, and Sasha asks if there’s an issue with the baby. Willow says, no, the baby is fine, and Sasha asks if there’s an issue with Willow. Willow says, no, she’s fine. It’s just that it’s not all smooth sailing. Sasha says she gets it. Willow lost Harmony not long after she found out Harmony wasn’t her biological mother. That’s a lot. Willow says, if this year taught her anything, it’s that good and bad things can happen at the same time. Which is why she feels fortunate to have a friend like Sasha, and she hopes that never changes. Sasha says, never, and they hug.

Nina says, whatever is going on with TJ’s quote-unquote friendship with Willow, she’s just giving him a friendly warning. Take it from her. He does not want Michael Corinthos as an enemy.

Michael asks if the PCPD had legitimate reason to suspect Dex Heller, and Dante says, he can’t talk about the details of an ongoing investigation. But Dex was brought in as a person of interest until Diane told them her attacker was a woman. Why? Michael says, before Diane made her ID, Sonny took matters into his own hands, and almost played judge, jury, and executioner. Talk to Dex if he doesn’t believe it.

Dex says, he already told Josslyn, he doesn’t want to get the cops involved, and she says, but he didn’t tell her why. He’s not a fugitive, is he? He says, no, and she says, he’s not afraid to incriminate himself in his own kidnapping and torture? He says, no, and she asks, then why is he protecting Sonny? He says, she hates her stepfather; he gets it. She says, and he doesn’t? and he says, Sonny’s not his favorite person at the moment, no. She says, so many good people have been protecting Sonny; someone has to take him down. He says, she sounds like her brother, and she asks how Dex would know she sounds like Michael?

Esme tries her key, and says, they changed the locks? Like that’s going to stop her.

Victor says he will not be schooled in the art of love by a man who bedded his son’s ex-girlfriend, because his own wife wanted nothing to do with him. He’s experienced real passion, the kind Nikolas will never know. Nikolas asks if Victor is talking about what he had with Liesl Obrecht? He believes that’s called obsession, not passion, and she clearly wants nothing to do with Victor. What Nikolas and Ava have happens once in a lifetime. Victor asks if Nikolas doesn’t mean had; their divorce is well underway. Nikolas says, Victor can force him to divorce Ava, but the way he feels for Ava will never… The door rattles, and Victor holds up his hand, and moves quietly toward it. He unlocks it, and Ava comes in.

Dante tells Michael, they’re supposed to be here honoring Brando, and supporting Sasha and Gladys. Can he put it on hold just for today? Michael barrels on, saying, the PCPD brought in Dex for questioning. Sonny shows up to get him out, and Dex and Sonny leave together. Then Dex disappears for 48 hours. Dante knows their father as well as he does. Where does he think Dex was?

Gladys thanks Nina, and says, everything is so lovely. Nina says, there’s no need to thank her, and Gladys says, maybe she can repay them like this. She knows everyone thinks she’s self-absorbed, and sometimes she is. But she’s seen the strain between Sonny and Michael. She just spent two years trying to make things right with Brando. They were almost there, and then she ran out of time. Don’t make her mistake. Don’t think he has forever to make things right with Michael. Do it now.

Dex tells Josslyn, it’s no big secret that when he’s out with Sonny, and they run into Michael, Michael goes after Sonny with both barrels. He has to say, the way boss keeps his cool with Michael attacking him is impressive. She says, it sounds like he admires Sonny, and he says, Sonny looks after the people he cares about. She points to his wrists, and says, this is Sonny looking after the people he cares about? He says, he didn’t say he likes it, but he gets it. Josslyn asks if he doesn’t see. That’s exactly what Sonny is doing. He wants Dex to be able to give him the benefit of the doubt. He’s never going to do that for Dex. Dex needs to quit Sonny’s organization now, before he gets in deeper. Dex asks her, who says he wants out?

On the phone, Jordan says, the John Doe has been identified by a previous stay at GH. His name is Oz Haggerty. Portia takes Curtis aside, and asks what he’s doing here. He says, Jordan asked him to come by to show him a new set of divorce papers. They’ve officially been filed. She says, it won’t be long now, and he says, too late to back out. Jordan hangs up the phone, and asks if they don’t have a wedding to plan. Curtis says, they do, but if there’s anything Jordan needs to help find the attacker, they’re here to help. Jordan says, sadly, the files are getting thicker and thicker. The only thing they have to go on is, Diane said the attacker was a woman, but they’re not any closer. Portia says, there is something three of the victims have in common; her daughter.

Ava tells Victor, don’t touch her, and he says, listening at keyholes now, are we? She tells him, don’t flatter himself. She has zero interest in what he and Nikolas talk about. Nikolas asks what she’s doing here, and she says she wanted to tell him, there’s been another fatal attack. This time, the victim was that bartender, the one who Esme tried to keep from testifying for Trina. He thanks her for the update, but says, she could have just called. She says she was just going to get some of her clothes, but never mind. If he’d please ask the staff to pack up her things and send them to Nina’s. Victor says, perhaps he should come with her as added protection, and she says, suit himself. Nikolas thanks her for the warning, and Ava leaves, Victor following her. Outside, she says, on second thought, she can take care of herself. He says he has no doubt, but it’s a wicked world out there. They leave, and Esme comes out from behind the bushes, and goes in the door they stupidly left unlocked.

Esme looks around, and strides through the sitting room. She opens the bookcase, revealing the secret safe, and wonders what the combination is. She says, Spencer’s birthday, and puts it in. It opens, and Nikolas comes in the room. He asks, who the hell are you?

Nina says she knows it’s been a difficult day for everyone who loved Brando and loves Sasha. She tells Michael to make sure Willow gets home safe, and gets some rest. Willow says she can take care of herself, and asks TJ if he’ll give her a ride. He says, of course (🍷), and Michael thanks him, saying he’ll see Willow home. They leave, and Sonny asks if Nina can give them a minute. He wants to have a conversation with his son.

Portia says she doesn’t know how, but Trina is the common denominator. First, it was Ava, and she’s not just Trina’s boss; she’s Trina’s mentor, and supported Trina during the trial. Then Diane came in when Scotty had to step away, and was brilliant in defending Trina. Now there’s Oz Haggerty. It was his testimony, saying he sold the black market phone to Esme Prince and not Trina, that proved Trina was innocent. Jordan says, yes, at first glance, Portia’s theory seems correct; it seems to be a pattern. But what about Brando Corbin? Is there a connection to Trina that Jordan’s not aware of? Portia says, he’s the only exception; Trina barely knew Brando. Curtis says, unless… and Portia says, unless what? Jordan says, unless Brando wasn’t the target. Josslyn Jax had just been in that same alley behind Charlie’s, and Josslyn is connected to Trina.

Josslyn says, just so Dex knows, the next time Sonny turns against him, don’t wait for her to come rescue him. He says, there might not be a next time, but she says, yes, there will be. Sonny will betray Dex, like he has everyone else. She just hopes Dex can see the man Sonny really is, before it’s too late for him. She leaves, and Dex says, son of a bitch.

Nina goes to get some water, and Sonny says, Gladys shared something with him that he wanted to share with Michael. She said it was too late to make things right with Brando, but she thinks it’s not too late for him and Michael to get things right. He took that to heart, and just wants Michael to hear him out. He wants to make things right, whatever it takes.

Dante knocks on Dex’s door, and Dex asks how he can help Dante. Dante says he wants to ask Dex some questions about what happened between him and Dante’s father after Brando Corbin was killed.

Tomorrow, Trina tells Ava, something horrible is going to happen; Esme tells Nikolas that he’ll have to try harder next time; Valentin asks Nina for help; and Dex asks if he should call a lawyer.

Below Deck Mediterranean

Valletta, Malta. At the crew dinner, Storm leaves the table, having had enough of Natalya’s roller coaster ride. Natalya says, he’s the most dramatic person, and Mzi goes to find Storm in the restroom. Storm tells Mzi that he’s always the bad person every time, and it has nothing to do with her. She’s making him look like an idiot. Mzi tells him to calm down, and Storm says he’s going back to do anchor watch. He wants to go back to doing his job. This is bullsh*t.  Storm leaves, saying, f*** all these people. He’s done with this sh*t. Mzi goes back to the table, and in his interview, he says, he’s trying to comfort Storm when he feels bad himself. Everything is everywhere. He’s not living his best life. Natalya tries to trash talk Storm some more, but Mzi tells her, please don’t talk. Storm gets back to the boat, and tells Jason that he’ll take over the watch. In Jason’s interview, he says, he’s done, and he’s pumped. Somehow, Tasha’s shoes have gotten wet, and Dave gives her a pair of his. It’s unclear whether he’s going barefoot, is now wearing heels, or he usually carries spare shoes. In Tasha’s interview, she says, she and Dave are still friends, and her boyfriend clearly wants her away from him, but she can’t because she has to work with Dave. It’s the worst thing about yachting; you have to put your work life first. Kyle says, let’s shake our caboose, and they get ready to move on to a club.  They take a couple of taxis to the club, and in Mzi’s interview, he says, the lead deckhand situation was soul destroying, but Courtney’s happiness overrides his sadness. He’s going to drink to numb some emotions. Everyone cuts loose on the dance floor, and Tasha goes outside to call her boyfriend. She says she misses him, when Dave comes by. She tells Dave that she’s talking to her dogs, and he says, come dance. She blows him off, but her boyfriend has already overheard, and tells her, just leave me the f*** alone. F*** off. Tasha runs to the restroom, crying, and Kyle follows her. She tells him that her ex (another thing that’s unclear – sometimes she calls him her boyfriend, and sometimes her ex) told her to f*** off. She doesn’t want any men in her life; just Kyle. Kyle tells her to blow her nose, and take deep breaths, and she says she’s sick of men. He tells her, stop it. He means that out of love. She’s an outstanding woman, and doesn’t need a man to complete her. Get off the man train. Never cry over a man again. Say f*** you. I don’t need you in my life. Got it?

Courtney asks if Tasha is okay, and Natalya wonders why everyone is upset. Courtney grabs Kyle’s bag, and the crew starts walking to the taxi. Kyle walks Tasha out, and she says she loves him. They get in the taxis, and in Tasha’s interview, she says she was always in long term relationships. She gets attached to people very easy, and never experienced being single. She puts all her time and energy into one person, and makes them feel loved. She guesses she wants that feeling back. They take a regular taxi to the water taxi, and shakily get in. Kyle says he loves a boat ride, and Courtney suggests they go straight to the snacks. In Natalya’s interview, she says, Storm gets emotional when he’s drinking. For no reason, he literally stormed off. She’s just over it, and she’s not chasing anyone anymore.

At 6:30 everyone gets up, and Jason packs. Captain Sandy curses the wind gusts, and in Courtney’s interview, she says, becoming lead deckhand is amazing. She’s excited, but feels bad about the Mzi situation. She thinks he’s fine and doesn’t think his ego is hurt, but she doesn’t know. The captain radios the crew that they’re going back to the dock. When the guests come on board, the sun comes up, and this all blows away, they’ll get off the dock. Natalya complains that Kyle could offer to help with laundry, and in Kyle’s interview, he says, if they ran the boat Natalya’s way, there would be no guests, they’d be on top of the laundry, and there would be a good place to sleep in the guest beds. Natalya asks if Kyle wants her to be the supportive friend today. She has six personalities, and can pick one. Anchor is home, and Storm says, it’s cold, and not a vibe. Jason helps out with the docking, and Captain Sandy gripes that she has to dock in the rain. The boat docks without incident, and the captain tells them, good job. They prepare the boat for the guests, and Jason says goodbye to everyone. He says he enjoyed meeting them, and be true to themselves. Courtney wonders how guys pack so light, and Jason goes to the bridge to say goodbye to Captain Sandy. She says, it’s been a pleasure, and he says he’ll text her his information. In his interview, he says, he’s glad to go home, but he’s sad that he’s leaving because it’s not what he planned or expected. He came to this place, and there were three friends and one outsider. Unfortunately, the outsider was him. It makes him sad; the emotional part. Storm tells Courtney that Jason was amazing this last charter, but she says she guesses he didn’t want to be here. Captain Sandy calls Storm, Dave, and Tasha to the crew mess for the preference sheet meeting.

The captain says, it’s charter number seven, and what’s cool about this charter is, the co-primaries are repeats, Jonathan and Eric. We flash back to their charter, which I have no recollection of at all, and Captain Sandy says, Eric is an entrepreneur who was so successful, he was able to retire at 59. Jonathan is a personal trainer, and they’re coming with clients. One guest wants their cabin spotless at all times, and another is a professional dominatrix, and wants a BDSM evening. Dave has to explain what BDSM is to Tasha, and in her interview, she says, people think a yacht is elegant and posh, but this theme is quite seedy. The captain says, it’s going to be an awesome charter, and Storm says, as long as they keep doing what they’re doing, it will be fantastic. In Courtney’s interview, she says, it’s a lot more pressure for her now that she’s lead deckhand. She hopes the new deckhand is helpful, good at his job, and good looking.

New deckhand Reid arrives, and meets Captain Sandy, who radios Storm. Reid says he’s had 18 hours of flying, but he’s glad to be here. The captain introduces Reid to Storm, and says, Reid has worked on tugboats, so he knows lines. Storm says, they have less than an hour, so let’s get cracking. Storm introduces Reid to the crew, and Kyle introduces himself as Captain Kyle. Reid finds out Dave will be his roommate, and says, the boat is pretty. Kyle tells Tasha that Reid is handsome, and in Reid’s interview, he says he’s from Decatur, Alabama. It’s got small town charm, but no opportunities. He graduated, 4th generation, from the University of Alabama. Storm texts Natalya, asking to talk, and she tells him to come to the twin cabins where she’s working. She asks why he left the table last night, and he says he needed to come back to the boat. She says she knows he’s pissed off at her, and he says, she lectured him in front of everyone, when it should have been a private conversation. It must be fun to turn it into a sh*tshow. She says, when they get out to have a good time, and there’s drinking, it inevitably becomes a vibe she doesn’t want to be around. It’s too heavy too quick. In her interview, she says, she knows when she’s in love; the other person’s energy matches her own. She sees Storm as more of a friend than boyfriend. If she can’t see someone as the father of her children, why date them? Storm says, the last thing he wanted was to make her feel bad, and in his interview, he says, it’s his first time as bosun, and it’s more stressful. There are more feelings on his side with Natalya, so he has to switch to work vibe. He doesn’t want it to affect his work.

Provisions come in, and Natalya tells Courtney, this sh*t drives her up a wall. This is their life now. She complains to Kyle that there are 80 bottles of wine, and nowhere to put them. It makes her frustrated. He asks what the actual problem is, and she says, too much is being ordered, and everyone agrees. In Reid’s interview, he says, one of his best friends told him, when he gets on the boat, keep his head down and his mouth shut, and don’t piss anyone off. He’s good at putting his foot in his mouth. He asks Mzi, what happened with the other guy? and Mzi tells him, it wasn’t what he’d call a bad attitude, but he was beefing with everyone. In his interview, Reid says he gets nervous and cracks jokes only he thinks are funny. He has a sh*tty sense of humor. The only one who thinks he’s funny is him. Natalya bitches to Storm about provisions, and tells Tasha that they’re out of space. They can’t keep dumping sh*t here. Tasha tells her, calm down, and watch the way she’s speaking. Natalya tells Courtney that she’s going in hot, and Courtney relays the beef to Mzi. Tasha says, Natalya is a bit cranky, and Natalya says, they have five boxes of beer. Tasha says, that’s why she asked for help from the deck crew, and Natalya says, Tasha needs to learn how to delegate. Kyle is setting the table, and they don’t need that right now. Tasha tells her not to be disrespectful, and don’t shout at her. On her way upstairs, Natalya mumbles, she’s f***ing insane. Dave laughs, and says, he told Tasha that she’s a ticking time bomb.

Tasha says she’s going out for fresh air, and whines to Courtney that this is bullsh*t. Tasha tells Kyle that she won’t be spoken to like that. Natalya comes back, and says she’s right here, and she wasn’t yelling. If Tasha wants to have a chat with her, take it somewhere private; don’t bring it up with Kyle. In Tasha’s interview, she says, Natalya is trying to make her look bad at her job, and she’s not bad at her job. She’s Natalya’s boss, and Natalya is pissing her off. Natalya’s not respecting her. Natalya tells Tasha to speak to her, and not everyone else, and slams out. Kyle hugs Tasha, and tells her that they’re taking a second. Tasha says she won’t bring him into it, and he laughs, saying, ain’t nobody getting him down. The captain radios for the crew to change into their whites. She notes that the boat looks pristine, and tells them, really good job.

The guests arrive, and Captain Sandy welcomes them back. The guests meet the crew, have a champagne toast, and Tasha gives them the tour. She points out two chairs on the bow that I don’t remember seeing before, and tells the guests they can sit in them while the boat is moving. Mzi shows Reid what to do with the luggage, and Storm shows him how to watch during departure. Eric and Johnathan check out the galley, and Johnathan asks if Dave can do a whole sea bass. Eric says, the last time they were on the yacht, the chef was excellent. They’re foodies. We flash back to Chef Tom, and again, no clue. Did I lose time? In Dave’s interview, he says, the last chef was amazing; f*** off. When he’s challenged, he goes at twenty times his original pace. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, Reid worked on tugboats, and his family owns a towing company. He’s a line handler; it’s all they do. So she’s fine with him on lines. They pull out, and in Courtney’s interview, she says, it’s her first time as lead deckhand. The boat wasn’t crushed, so she’s doing good. Natalya unpacks BDSM outfits and accessories, and Kyle puts on a mask. She says, he doesn’t know where it’s been, and he throws it back down. The crew changes uniforms, and Eric does a solo Titanic pose on the bow. In Tasha’s interview, she says she didn’t mean to confront Natalya face-on, but she could see it getting more heated. The guests are on vacation. They don’t need negativity training. Two of the female guests get nakey, and Storm helps them into the bow chairs. In Storm’s interview, he says, what’s going on? He’s trying to be respectful. Captain Sandy looks out, and says, holy sh*t! They’re completely nude in the chairs. Tasha says, their vaginas are out, and in her interview, she says, she’s not jealous. It’s just the weirdest thing she’s ever seen. Maybe the panties could stay on. I thought one of them was a germaphobe. Wouldn’t that freak them out?

Storm coaches Reid on dropping anchor, and tells him, good job. In Storm’s interview, he says, Reid seems keen to get things done. Jason was in limbo, and he wants to be in more communication with Reid to avoid Jason-like problems. They arrive at Dwerja Bay, and Tasha says, they need someone to go to the beach. She asks if Natalya wants to go, and in Natalya’s interview, she says, she takes everyone to the beach, while they take the opportunity to relax on the yacht with no guests around. Because you can’t please this a-hole, and it’s not like there’s no work when guests aren’t there. Eric asks Kyle if they found a nude beach, and Kyle says, it’s a nude beach now that they’ll be there. Storm says, they’re going on a hike first, and Tasha checks in with Dave about lunch. He says he’ll come up with the food, and Tasha puts a few plates on the bar inside. Eric and Johnathan can’t help themselves, and pick at the food before it gets to the table. Eric apologizes to Tasha for them being pigs, and ruining the display. They have no will power. The deckhands get chairs and supplies ready for the beach. Dave tells the guests what they’re eating, and guest Amanda pronounces it the perfect lunch. Eric tells the other guests that in the center of every fig is a dead wasp. The fig reacts to the wasp, and dissolves its decomposed body parts. He tells them, look it up, so I did. See below.

The guests get ready for the beach and their hike. Storm tells Natalya that he’s going now, but he’s coming back to put the toys out. She says she hopes everything is fine with them, and he says, it is, but keeps working. She hangs around, even though he’s working, and she annoys me even more. The beach is weirdly cratered, and Mzi says, welcome to the moon. Reid says, NASA faked the moon landing, and this is where they did it. Natalya says, they need to make this place look like a Catalina wine mixer, whatever that means. Reid asks Mzi and Natalya how it’s been on the yacht, and Natalya says, being the only legend is hard. She has a lot to deal with. Courtney brings the guests to the beach, and Eric thinks it’s a great place to do nudes. In Courtney’s interview, she says, she wants to eat, drink, and be merry on a yacht. She’ll even pose nude if that’s what it takes. Courtney drops Mzi off at the boat, and returns to the beach. Reid leads the hike to the top of an incline, and tells the guests, it’s quad day. In Natalya’s interview, she says she hates physical activity, and doesn’t like someone telling her what to do. It’s not her thing. Tell us something we don’t know. The hike doesn’t look easy.

Eric takes some nude shots on the top of a cliff, Reid assisting. In Reid’s interview, he double face palms. He says, he came from a conservative background, and it’s awkward. Eric jokes that he has a tough life. While the guests are gone, Natalya finds a spot to dip herself in the water, sans pants, and is getting out just as a guest comes down. She admits she had to go to the bathroom. This is what we here at the shore call a shore pee. On the boat, Dave asks what Tasha is going to do about Natalya, and she says, they live in the present, not the past. Kyle makes welcome back drinks, and Courtney returns with the guests. Tasha asks Natalya how it was, and Natalya whines that it was hot and there was no shade. The guests play on and with the water toys, and in Natalya’s interview, she says she knows Tasha and Kyle were talking about her. The dream team has gone downhill.

Tasha asks Dave when the dinner plans are, and he says he’s going to do the bass. In Dave’s interview, he says, it’s super difficult. He’s going to have to bend it to put it in the oven, and he wonders how he’s going to get it to look good. It’s going to almost fuse together. He shoves it in, and hopes for the best. In Kyle’s interview, he says, a BDSM party, it’s f***ing outstanding. We’re all animals who need to be tamed. Zookeeper Kyle to the rescue. The guests get dressed up, along with the interior. Natalya says, she wants a red district vibe, and hangs sheer red curtains. Tasha tells Dave to get dressed up and make that tip money, and in Dave’s interview, he says, Tasha looks so hot. The table is done in black with red accents, and the stews take pictures of it. Reid realizes he has the wrong size pants, and Natalya suggests he gain some weight. He says he just lost twenty pounds, and Storm says he’s talking to people who use the metric system. Reid asks if twenty pounds isn’t six meters, and I actually think he is kind of funny. Kyle takes pictures with Natalya and Tasha, and they ask if Captain Sandy wants to join, but she says she’s good. Kyle sees the clean freak guest sitting alone, and apologizes that they were late cleaning her cabin. He tells her the head of housekeeping wasn’t on the boat. The guest is cool with that, but Natalya tells Kyle that he’s pissed her off. There’s no head of housekeeping. They’re equally responsible, and the problem is time management. Make it better, and don’t try to blame her. He says he’s not blaming her, and she didn’t hear the full story. If she thinks she’s going to come for him, he’ll put her in her place. She will not come for him like she does everyone else. She’s 24, so act mature. He walks away, saying, he’ll switch this bitch off in two seconds. Not on his watch.

Next time, Reid inadvertently insults Courtney; Natalya is fed up with interior; and Kyle says, Natalya’s been talking trash, and tells her to stop spreading sh*t.

🦟 About Those Figs…

Eric wasn’t wrong, but it’s not as gross as it sounds. My concern is, how many wasps hang around fig trees?

https://www.treehugger.com/are-there-really-wasps-your-figs-4868822

🧛🏽 No Babysitting For You…

The latest chapter of the Vampire saga. It’s really very good.

https://collider.com/interview-with-the-vampire-season-1-episode-2-recap-after-the-phantoms-of-your-former-self/

🧙🏽‍♀️ More Rice Drama…

They had a preview Sunday night, and this looks good too.

🙌🏽 Shaking It All About…

Stop in tomorrow for soap, a cuppa tea, and a random musical interlude. Until then, stay safe, stay being well-read, and stay not thinking you have forever to make things right, and do it now. Don’t make Gladys’s mistake.

October 7, 2022 – No GH, New In Town, Thanks To Tony, Reporting In, Why, Soapy Rose, Meltdown Chat, Salty Talk, About the Rules, Surreal Again, Trail This, Pets (!), Four Quotes Twice & High Noon

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

There wasn’t any because, baseball.

🌴 No Wonder…

I’m guessing she’ll be one of Peyton or Virginia’s friends.

🏥 Thank You From Me Too…

Who knew Luke led to Obrecht’s tenure?

👩🏻‍💻 Not a Stretch…

An extra paycheck never hurt anyone.

🔧 Beating a Dead Mechanic…

Face it, he was a sacrificial lamb for the storyline.

🌹 No Rose For You…

This actually looks pretty good, and it’s on TubiTV, so it’s free. Todd Franco Austin Roger Howarth is in it.

💎 Still Shooking LisaR…

Even Andy didn’t know what a drama queen she was.

She Who Can Do No Wrong weighs in.

How it went down at the Reunion.

https://people.com/tv/real-housewives-of-beverly-hills-season-12-reunion-trailer/

🧂 Worth Their Salt…

The latest on the ladies in the city of Salt Lake.

🍸 VanderSad…

Lala gives us the Season 10 scorecard.

👻 Ghosts From the Past…

It’s an odd mix, I don’t know half of them, and why are the bringing this back?

https://www.realitytitbit.com/usa-reality-tv/meet-the-surreal-life-2022-cast-on-instagram-including-stormy-daniels

🗽 Horror In the City…

A peek at the new AHS season.

🐶 Ending With a Squee…

Omg, Oscar.

https://www.yardbarker.com/lifestyle/articles/20_celebrity_pets_that_will_make_you_say_aw/s1__34563662#slide_1

🐣 Quotes of the Week

In our daily lives, we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but the gratefulness that makes us happy. – Albert Clarke

Expecting life to treat you well because you are a good person is like expecting an angry bull not to charge because you are a vegetarian. – Shari R. Barr

Observe due measure, for right timing is in all things the most important factor. – Hesiod

The really magical things are the ones that happen right in front of you. A lot of the time you keep looking for beauty, but it is already there. And if you look with a bit more intention, you see it. – Vik Muniz

The darkest places in hell are reserved for those who maintain their neutrality in times of moral crisis. – Dante Alighieri

Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring. – Marilyn Monroe (I was going to say, that’s genius, but…)

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

We rise by lifting others. – Robert G. Ingersoll

🥁 Turning the Beat Around…

It’s time again for the weekend, or the next two days if you’ve loud quit. I’ll be back when the Dead Walk, if you’d care to join me. Until then, stay safe, stay going the extra mile, and stay not having public meltdowns, especially if your last name is Hilton.

Halloween is on the horizon…

October 6, 2022 – Chase Debuts At The Savoy, Charming Reunion Part One & Falling

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Portia meets Trina at Kelly’s, and apologizes for being late. She asks if Trina wants a milkshake, and Trina says, Portia is treating her like a child. Portia says she didn’t know milkshakes were just for children, and Trina says she’s trying to make a point. Portia doesn’t treat her like an adult. Portia says, okay, she’ll have one for herself, and signals the waitress. Trina says, make that two, and she wants whipped cream, and Portia says she’s glad Trina isn’t too grown up for whipped cream. Trina says, what she’s too grown up for is the lecture Portia is going to give her about forgiving Curtis. That’s never going to happen.

Elizabeth, Finn, Terry, and Yuri sit at a table in The Savoy, and Curtis says, it’s good to see them. He’s sure Chase will appreciate the cheering section. He hopes they enjoy a wonderful evening. He leaves, and Elizabeth says she’s glad they’re finally doing this. She and Finn were talking about getting together with them. Finn says, they were? and Elizabeth puts her hand on his leg. He says, they were. He was just saying, it’s long overdue. Terry says she’s excited to hear Chase perform. Yuri is a big fan of male singers. Yuri says, Harry Styles, Ed Sheeran, Weird Al Yankovic and Finn asks if that’s what brought the two of them together, a love of Slavic singers, but Terry says they have more in common than that. Yuri says, they’re both very good at kissing.

Cody comes into the back of The Savoy, and Selina says, very prompt. She hopes his card counting talents are as finely honed as his timing. He says, with all due respect, does she even need him? It looks like she has a pretty good operation here. She says, he’s not trying to back out of their agreement, is he? This could be a significant problem… for both of them.

Chase thanks Dante for coming, saying, he can use all the fans he can get. Dante says he wouldn’t miss this for the world, and Chase says, in case he makes a complete fool of himself? Temp Brook says, fat chance. Chase is ready for this. Dante’s phone dings, and he says, it’s Sam. She sends her apologies for not being able to be here, but Danny’s got a cold. Brook says, tell Sam that they hope he feels better, and they’re going to miss her, and Dante says he will. Chase asks if there are any updates on the hook attacks, but Brook says, please, no shop talk tonight. Chase says he’s free for a consult if Dante needs him, and Brook asks if he heard what she said. Curtis comes by, and asks if Chase has time to go over some details before his performance. Brook says, of course (🍷) he does, and Chase says, Curtis heard his manager. Lead the way. They leave, and Brook says, Chase misses the job. Dante says he might have a fix for that.

In her office, Jordan tells Robert, they’ve been operating under a misapprehension. Learning their perp is a woman will change the course of the investigation. Robert says, they’re hardly back to square one. Her department’s done a great job of profiling the killer. When they circulate this information, it will narrow the field. She says, it better, when there’s a knock at the door. She says, come in, and Oz says, good evening, Commissioner, DA Scorpio. She says, he looks fully recovered from his drug overdose, and Oz says, no thanks to that psychopath Esme Prince. Have they found her yet?

Esme says, Ryan looks surprised to see her, and he says he is. She says, because she’s here after visiting hours? and he says, because he thought she was dead. She says, he forgot she was her father’s daughter; impossible to get rid of, and she’ll seek revenge on anyone who tries.

Yuri asks if Finn is the same kind of doctor as Terry, but Finn says he’s an infectious disease specialist. Terry says, Finn would have appreciated the conference she just attended. It made her realize GH is way ahead of the curve when it comes to new cancer protocol. It feels so good to know she can offer her patients the best care possible. Finn says, his department certainly benefits from her department’s breakthroughs, and Terry tells Yuri, there are a lot of overlaps in their specialties. Finn says, especially since his original specialty was oncology, and Terry says she had no idea. What made him switch to infectious diseases? Finn says he lost someone close to him, and Terry wonders if she can ask what happened. He says, at the time, he lacked the knowledge and resources to save their life. That kind of haunted him, and he guesses he became obsessed with the obscure and the unknowable. Elizabeth asks if there’s any part of him that regrets making the switch, but he says, no. He feels just as challenged by infectious diseases. Gesturing toward Terry, he says, they have excellent doctors leading the charge in oncology. Terry asks what everyone is drinking; the first round’s on her. Finn says, something non-alcoholic, and Yuri asks if this place has Krambambula. Elizabeth says, if Finn hadn’t experienced that loss, the whole trajectory of his life could have been different, and Terry says, everything happens for a reason. Elizabeth tells her, people say that, but the whole course of Finn’s life changed when fate intervened. Can Finn honestly say he’s happy with the life that chose him?

Ryan asks how Esme got past security, and she says she might be banned from Spring Ridge, but she’s very resourceful. He says, and before Spring Ridge? and she says she was biding her time at a Canadian hospital. Brought there by a sympathetic fisherman pulled her from a lake after she fell off a parapet at Windymere. He says, Ava paid him a visit. She said Esme missed her step. She says, one moment, she was wrestling with the object of his affection, and the next moment, Ava got to resume her life as mistress of the manor, while Esme fought to keep air in her lungs. He asks if Ava pushed her, and she says, let her put it this way, she never heard a siren or saw a searchlight; Ava left her for dead. Ryan grabs Esme’s wrist, pulls her to him, and says, and she decided to get even by butchering Ava with a hook.

Jordan says, Esme is still wanted for questioning, and Oz says, he’s sure arresting some rich girl for almost killing a bartender is top priority for her. She says, arresting Esme Prince is a top priority for the PCPD. However, as she’s sure he knows, they can’t discuss the details of an ongoing investigation with him. Robert says, when Oz’s attorney arrives, they can go over Oz’s plea deal. He signs it, gets a copy, and walks out a free man. Oz says, they’ll be dealing with him alone. It should be fairly simple. After all, you people owe me.

Tasting their milkshakes, Portia and Trina go, mmm… and Trina says, it’s her favorite. Portia says, strawberry milkshakes have always been Trina’s favorite, since she was a little girl. Trina says she’s not a little girl anymore, and Portia says, she knows that, but Trina will always be her little girl. And she’ll always protect Trina. Always. Trina says, she gets it. Portia and Taggert are her parents, but Curtis isn’t.

Curtis tells Chase that he adjusted the reverb, so it will no longer be an issue, and Chase wonders if he could have some water. Curtis asks N’neka to get some water for their star, but Chase says he’s hardly that. Curtis says he understands the nerves, but Chase will be fine. Chase says, Jordan told him that Curtis used to work in law enforcement, and Curtis says, once upon a time. Chase asks if he misses it.

Brook asks, what’s Dante’s idea? and Dante says, Jordan has some influence with the Civilian Complaint Review Board, and thinks she can get Chase reinstated. Brook says, that’s such a relief. She was convinced she’d cost him his job. He says, it’s good for Chase too, and she says, of course (🍷). So in a few months, after Chase has been able to establish his singing career, he’ll be able to work out a schedule that allows him to do both. Dante says, if this works out, it’s going to happen a lot sooner than a few months. She asks, how long? and he says, a couple of weeks. She says, that’s not enough time.

Cody tells Selina, he doesn’t want any problems, and he definitely needs cash like any other guy. but he really wants to play legitimately, not cheat. She says, he’ll do as she asks, and he can secure his buy-in. Until then, he owes her. He says, in all fairness, she did take back the money he won; left him with 50 bucks, while her associate tenderized his torso. She says, what Li did to him in the alley was merely a love tap. He’ll really show Cody what he’s capable of if Cody lets her down.

Finn says he doesn’t understand what Elizabeth is asking, and Yuri says he doesn’t either. Terry tells Elizabeth, the waitstaff seems swamped. Let’s get the drinks at the bar. Elizabeth says, but… and Terry says, now. They leave, and Finn says, so besides Weird Al, what else is Yuri into? Yuri says, doctors.

Terry asks if Elizabeth is okay, and Elizabeth says she is. Why? Terry says, what was that? and Elizabeth says, what was what? Terry says, she was interrogating Finn. What’s bothering her? Elizabeth says, Reiko, and Terry says, a Japanese name meaning beautiful and wise? but Elizabeth says, she was Finn’s wife, but now she’s dead. And Elizabeth thinks her family could be responsible.  

Ryan says, Esme wasn’t holed up in a hospital all this time, was she? She was getting even with her enemies at the sharp end of a hook. She says she barely knew Brando Corbin, and he thanks her for not pretending she wasn’t aware of these attacks. She asks how she could not be aware; it was all over the internet. He says he doesn’t blame her for relishing the publicity. He knows how much she hates Sonny, and she’s welcome to target anyone around him. Except for one. She says, his precious Ava? and he pulls her closer, saying, Ava is his. He determines her fate. She had no right. She says she has nothing to do with it, but he says he’s not sure he believes her. Revenge is fine, but she’s getting distracted from their original goal. She says, goals change, and he says he hates repeating himself. She pulls away, and says, so does she. She’s done talking about that hook, and so is he.

Jordan says, Oz was going to be charged with redistribution of stolen property and felony theft by extortion, and he says, extortion? She asks how Esme got the opportunity to slip something into his drink if they weren’t meeting to discuss a payoff, and Robert says, this is a generous deal. How does Oz figure they owe him? Oz says, the exculpatory evidence he laid out to the judge and jury exonerated Trina Robinson. Good thing he woke up from his medically induced coma right in time to testify.

Portia says, when she marries Curtis, he will be Trina’s de-facto parent, but Trina says, of an adult woman who can protect herself. Portia says she seems to remember Curtis doing a lot to protect Trina. He’s the one who realized she and Trina had been taken hostage by Cyrus Renault. And if he hadn’t tracked down Oz Haggerty, and brought him back for Trina’s trial, things could have gone very differently. Trina says, and she’ll always be grateful to Curtis, but just because he looked out for her in the past, doesn’t give him license to interfere with her life now. Like having Ava fire her? Portia says, Curtis knows he overstepped, but there’s something Trina needs to realize. As awful as these past few months have been for her, Portia doesn’t know if she would have made it through without Curtis.

Curtis tells Chase, sometimes he does miss law enforcement, but his situation is complicated. He took away a lot of hard lessons. Chase asks if Curtis is happy where he is now, and Curtis says, owning a nightclub seems to be meant for him. Chase says, that’s the thing. He doesn’t feel like he’s meant to be a singer. Curtis says, it’s early, give it some time, and Chase says, now Curtis sounds like Brook. Curtis says, they both agree Chase has mad talent, so why doesn’t he see where it goes? Chase says he is; mainly because he has no choice. He knows fame and fortune might appeal to most… Curtis says, but not him, and Chase says, don’t tell Brook, but if he could be a cop tomorrow, he’d drop this singing business in a second.

Brook asks Dante if Chase can really be reinstated in a few weeks. Won’t there be interviews, and lots of paperwork? He says, it doesn’t work that way. With the Commissioner involved, it can really speed up the process. Plus the CCRB takes into account letters of support. Since Brook was with Chase at both instances when he threw his fists, which got him suspended… She says, on her account, and he says, but it’s not a done deal, so don’t say anything yet. She says she won’t breathe a word.

Cody comes out, sees Maxie, and turns around, but she says, excuse me. What is he up to?

Jordan says she’s not sure what Oz is driving at. The doctors at GH brought him out of his coma. She had nothing to do with the timing. He tells her, he’s just saying, her department and the DA’s office would have some serious egg on their faces if they’d convicted an innocent person. Now that he’s had more time to think, he realizes the immunity deal they have on the table is the very least they can offer him. Robert says, make no mistake; that’s all they’re going to offer him. Oz leaves here, and puts a foot wrong, they’re going to haul him in. Come on. He’s just a lowlife fence and a two-bit hood. Oz says, he’ll also be representing himself. He graduated at the top of his class in law school. In the hospital, he was promised full immunity from criminal prosecution in exchange for his testimony. And if any document they care to show him falls short of that, he’ll sue them into oblivion. Hell, maybe Trina Robinson will want to jump on a class-action suit for false arrest and malicious prosecution.

Portia says, Trina’s father, Curtis, Marshall, they all called in favors to get evidence to get Trina exonerated. But at the end of the day, it was Curtis who held Portia when she cried. It was Curtis who tracked down Oz, and waited outside his hospital room day and night, waiting for him to wake up. And he even considered mortgaging The Savoy in case Trina was convicted and they needed money for the appeal. Trina says, Curtis was willing to do that? and Portia says, Curtis might not have raised Trina, but that man loves her.

Cody asks, what makes Maxie think he’s up to something? and she says she knows trouble when she sees it. He says she’s been hanging out with her Uncle Mac too long, and she says, speaking of Mac, has Cody given any more thought to the DNA test? He says he’s had other things on his mind, and she says, like avoiding Dante? Cody says he’s not avoiding Dante, and she says, then why not go over and say hi. He tells her, because nature calls, and leaves.

Yuri’s phone dings, and Finn asks if everything is okay. Yuri says, his friend wants to know how much to feed Svetlana, and Finn says, his cat? but Yuri says, Svetlana is a bearded collie. Finn says, no kidding? He has a bearded dragon, and Yuri says, two beards. Name? Finn says, Roxie.

Elizabeth tells Terry, when she saw the picture of Reiko, she realized it was the woman she’d sketched; that’s the woman in her recovered memory. Terry asks if she’s sure she hasn’t seen a picture of Reiko before, and transposed it into her memory, but Elizabeth says, Finn never even talks about her, and she only saw Reiko’s picture after she drew the sketch. It can’t be a coincidence that they were both at the Mariana Islands at the same time. She knows Reiko’s face because she knew her, and so did her father. Terry says, drink, then answer. Elizabeth takes a sip of her drink, and Terry says, does she think Reiko died after a fall, and her or her dad was there when it happened or caused it? Elizabeth says she doesn’t know, and Terry says, why doesn’t she ask Finn?  

Ryan asks, what was in the water Esme fell into? and Esme says, when you’ve been through hell, nothing scares you. He says, not even her father? She just missed Ava. Clearly Ava doesn’t know she’s back. He assumes that extends to the Cassadine men as well. She says, he was her first stop, but Windymere hasn’t seen the last of her, and he says, but will she complete her mission? Or is the old plan beneath the new Esme? She says, adaptation is necessary for survival, and he asks if she’s pitching him a new strategy. She says she now has a powerful weapon in her arsenal, one that guarantees mass destruction of the Cassadine family, and will drive Ava into his arms. He asks if she intends to share this, and she says, thank God he’s already sitting down.

Maxie says, it’s so exciting, and Dante says, Chase is pretty nervous. Maxie says, which is totally normal; he’s going to be fine. He’s going to be great. Brook says, he’s going to be better than great. He’s going to be legendary. Dante says he’s going to get a beer, and asks if they’d like something. Maxie says, surprise her, and Brook asks for a double vodka on the rocks. He leaves, and Maxie asks if Brook doesn’t want to make it a ginger ale. She looks like she might lose her dinner. Brook says, for good reason. Dante just told her there might be a path back to the PCPD for Chase. Maxie says, that’s fabulous… right? but Brook says, no, it’s the worst.

Curtis says he’s sure Brook knows how passionate Chase is about being a cop, and Chase says, she does. What she doesn’t know is, he’s doing this whole singing thing for her. She worked like crazy to promote him, and he didn’t want to disappoint her. Curtis says he’s sure Brook doesn’t want to disappoint Chase either. Chase didn’t ask, but a word of advice. Don’t hold back in a relationship. It is the beginning of the end. Portia walks in, and Curtis raises his glass to her.

Oz looks at the paperwork, and Robert says, does it meet with your satisfaction, counselor? Oz says, no need to be nasty. It’s all in order. Jordan shows him where to sign. Oz signs, and says, always happy to right a civil wrong. You’re welcome. Jordan says, Oz is shrewd and sharp, and Robert says, too bad he uses his intellect to break the law. Jordan says, in a perfect world, this would serve as Oz’s wake-up call, but something tells her that he’s going to continue to ignore his potential in the wake of a little profit. Oz says, he’s the victim here, remember? Esme Prince tried to kill him. In a perfect world, she’d be out there trying to catch the maniac with the hook, instead of harassing the little guy. He grabs his copy of the papers, and leaves. Robert says, what a waste

Esme asks what Ryan thinks, and he says, it’s genius. She says, even though it wasn’t part of their original plan? He says, plans evolve. His wide traveled and worldly wise daughter taught him that. They laugh.

Elizabeth asks Terry, why burden Finn with speculation? It’s enough that losing Reiko derailed his life. Terry tells Elizabeth, she’d hardly say Finn is off-track; he saves lives every day. Elizabeth says, except for the one he couldn’t. That’s probably why he’s so determined to save her. Terry says, he loves her though, and Elizabeth says, does he? He tends to equate loving someone with rescuing them. Terry says, all doctors have a savior complex, herself included, but Elizabeth says, she’s not his patient. She’s supposed to be his partner. Terry asks if he’s been like this in past relationships, and Elizabeth says, her sister Hayden was dying from the same disease that killed his wife, so Finn moved heaven and earth to save her. His engagement to Anna fell apart because she didn’t need to be saved. Neither does she. She can’t have her personal problems cast in the shadow of the woman Finn couldn’t save. A woman, who if she were still alive, he’d probably be with today. She needs to know what happened to Reiko. Finn deserves the truth. Terry says, and she’ll tell him if she finds out? and Elizabeth nods. Terry says, then she’s here to help, and they clink glasses. Here’s the part I don’t get. Reiko died of an infectious disease, so why is Elizabeth worried about her being killed from that fall? Wasn’t Finn there? Or wouldn’t he have been able to tell what she died from even if he wasn’t? Are they changing the past here?

Finn tells Yuri, his daughter Violet has full conversations with Roxie, and she’s sure Roxie understands everything she’s saying. Yuri says, Svetlana understands every single word he says, both in Belarusian and in English. (Not unusual; there are a lot of bilingual dogs.) Wearing silver pants and a black shirt, Chase comes over, and says, sorry to interrupt. Finn says he’s not. Great pants. He was wondering what happened to his shower curtain. He asks if Chase remembers Yuri, and Chase says, of course (🍷), and says hello in Belarusian. Yuri is impressed, and says he thinks the two brothers deserve some privacy. He leaves, and Chase sits down. Finn asks if he’s nervous, and Chase says, he has to ask? He knows dad is watching Violet, and asked Finn to record it on his phone, but please don’t. Finn says, okay, but Chase isn’t really nervous, is he? He’s the most prepared person Finn knows. Chase says he’s all nerves, and Finn says, understandable, but a little ironic if you think about it. Chase used to make his living going into the line of fire, and now singing for a bunch of hipsters is making him break out in a cold sweat. Chase says, Finn’s not helping. He doesn’t know if this is for him, and Finn says, the things we do for love, bro, and looks at Elizabeth.

Curtis greets Portia and Trina, and says he’s glad they could make it. It should be a wonderful evening. Trina says she’s sure it will be, but that’s not why she’s here. Portia steps back, and Curtis says he knows things between them have been tense since he spoke to Ava about Trina’s job at the gallery. He’d like to explain. Trina says, her mom helped her figure out a few things, and she understands why he did what he did. And she can appreciate his instincts. He says, she’s very important to her mother, and even if he didn’t know her, that would make her important to him, but he does know her, and cares a lot about her. It’s hard to apologize for that. She says she won’t ask him to, but she will ask him to never go behind her back again. He nods in agreement.

Esme tells Ryan, if she’s going to put their plan in motion, she’s going to need some essentials, like food and a roof over her head. He asks if she has access to her trust fund, and she says, she could, but she’s wanted for questioning by the PCPD, and she can’t risk the money being traced. Can he help her? He says he did manage to squirrel away some money when he was pretending to be his brother, but without Doc’s credentials, he can’t get to it. She says, that’s okay; she’ll figure something out. He says, she’s managed to get this far under the radar; it’s impressive. She says, believe her. Nobody ever sees her coming. He says he only has one ask, but she says, don’t bother. Ava will pay for what she did to her. But she has other scores to settle first, so for now his beloved is safe from her. He says, but is Esme safe from Ava?

Terry brings drinks to the table, and Yuri says, no drink for him? She says, he has to explain Krambambula to the bartender, and she leaves with him. Finn wonders why he’s getting the distinct impression that Terry is giving them some space, and Elizabeth says, because she asked Terry to. She wanted to apologize for interrogating Finn earlier, but Finn says, she doesn’t have to; she can ask him anything. Why the questions about his change of specialty? She says, he’s mentioned it was because of a loss, but he never elaborated. He says, it’s not really a secret. He had a really good friend once, a good doctor; they served together in Doctors Without Borders (🍷 this is becoming like the river in Pennsylvania). His name was Garrett. One day in the field, he got bit by a snake. Finn tried to save him, but he couldn’t. She says, oh. She kind of assumed… He says, that he was talking about Reiko. He understands she asked his dad about Reiko, and he thinks he knows why. Okay, they’re changing the past.

Esme asks if Ryan is worried about her, and he says, when Ava insinuated she’d been in an accident, he was worried he’d lost her forever. She says, how inconvenient. He would have needed a new foot soldier. He says, she means do much more to him than that, and she says, does she? He says, she’s his legacy; she’s the best of her mother and him. And there’s no limit to what they can achieve, especially with this new development. She says, now they’re closer than ever to getting what they want, but there is one obstacle that needs her immediate attention. He asks what she’s waiting for, she kisses him on the cheek, and he says, welcome back.

Robert says, Jordan had the same strange look on her face when Haggerty mentioned waking up to testify. Is there a story? She says, petty criminals like Haggerty frustrate her; they’re always getting away with their crimes. He says, get used to it. There are plenty of Haggertys out there. She thanks him, and says, that was comforting.

Trina tells Curtis, this is her life, and she’s going to try to direct it as best she can. And while she respects that Curtis marrying her mom makes him her stepdad… He says, she doesn’t need another one, and she asks, what does he say? Does he want to be friends again? He says he’d like that a lot, and they hug.

Maxie tells Brook, Chase seems like he’s more comfortable chasing down bad guys than being a rock star. Isn’t she happy for him that he might get his old job back? Brook says, she wants what Chase wants for him, but it sounds like it will happen quickly. What happens to all the plans they made? Chase comes out in a jacket matching his pants, and says he’s ready. Maxie tells Brook, go. They’ll talk later.

Cody sit at the bar and knocks back a tequila shot. He says, another please. He has a tab running. Maxie asks if he’s okay, and he says, one more of these and he will be. She asks if she can suggest something, and he says, can he stop her? She says, if the way he’s living requires liquid courage, he’s going about it wrong.

Brook says, ready? and Chase says, almost. He needs something from her. She says, anything, and he says, kiss me. She says, unusual encouragement from the manager, but whatever works, and she kisses him.

Yuri sips his drink, and Terry says, well? He says, perfection, and kisses her hand. He says, dziakuj, and she says, you’re welcome. At the table, Elizabeth says, they can talk later, but Finn says, no, it’s good. He shut down after Reiko died; he closed himself off to other people. Elizabeth has unlocked parts of himself he thought were gone forever. He just wants her to know there’s no part of him that he woudn’t share with her.

Curtis thanks everyone for coming out tonight, and asks if they’re ready for tonight’s performer. Brook says, go get ‘em, tiger, and Chase goes to the stage. Curtis says, for the first time on this stage – he knows they’re going to love him as much as he does – help him welcome to The Savoy, Harrison Chase. Chase asks how everyone is doing, and they all yell and cheer. He sings Brook’s song Falling Into Place, and the crowd loves it. Maxie tells Cody, see? Chase chose a new path. He can too. Selina nods, and Cody he goes with her to the back. There’s lots of applause, whistling, and cheering, and Chase does a reprise. Brook gives him a thumbs up, and Dante says he has to hand it to her; she knows how to spot talent. Chase is almost as good a singer as he is a cop. He’ll reach out to her about that statement. He looks forward to getting his partner back.

Robert says, Jordan is a good Commissioner, but remember something; she worked hard and she earned it. She says he used to do almost anything to achieve a result. Then she overcorrected by refusing to bend the rules. Neither strategy has served her well. He says, trying to figure out what line not to cross is tough in their business, and she asks how he manages. He says he straddles the line, but just enough to administer justice to the good people of Port Charles, and he sleeps well at night. She says, and when he slips? When he’s party to something that may be for the greater good, but is an ethical grey area? He says, remember they’re only human. The real criminals are out there, running around committing violent crime without mercy. They bring them in, whatever it takes.

On the phone at the docks, Oz says he’s in the clear. Is he good to go back to work at the Highsider?… Good, but not full-time; he decided to study for the bar. Guess who has a future as a lawyer?… That’s right. Bye. He hears something, and says, hello? He goes back to looking through his paperwork, and in no surprise to anyone, he turns, and the hook comes down.

Next week, Dante tells Sam, he’s more determined than ever to find out who did this; Victor asks what else Ava has on Nikolas; Brando’s funeral happens; and Esme tells herself, who says you can’t go home again?

Southern Charm – The Reunion, Part 1

Ugh. I forgot it was the Reunion. Venita starts off by saying she’s wearing a little bit of Barbiecore, and I’m already irritated. When did pink turn into that? <sigh> Okay, 3… 2… 1…

Andy welcomes us per usual, to break down another wild season. He tells Craig that he doesn’t have the authority to throw anyone out, and asks how Naomie feels to be back. She says, it feels good to be here, although I can’t imagine why. We find out that Little Craig broke up with Peaches, and he’s after Venita’s dog. Andy says, there’s been talk that revelations from last season’s Reunion may have contributed Bennifer’s marriage, and we flash back to the brouhaha about Madison’s texts, but she says, no comment. Andy says, it seems the hardest part of running with this crew this season was running into exes. Madison and Olivia were both with Austen, and Kathryn shares commonalities with Naomie and Taylor. Is there anyone he doesn’t know about? Madison suggests Thomas and Olivia had a hook-up,  but Olivia says, Thomas is a family friend. Did Madison just pull that out of her fake ass? My jury says, probably. Andy says, a Twitter poll asked, which Southern Charm male would make the worst husband, and Madison says, sorry, Shep, but Shep says he’s here for it. Andy says, Shep got 53%, and Austen came in a close second. Andy asks Craig if it’s easier dating someone who lives outside Charleston, and Craig says, it’s been his most successful relationship. Although you can find temptation anywhere. Taylor says, Shep can fly somewhere to find it, like Texas, and Shep says, he’s single; it was no capital offense. Taylor says, allegedly, Shep has slept with over 300 women. They broke up because he said he wasn’t capable of being in a committed relationship or wanted one, and he said he wanted to figure out himself out. He partied and hooked up all over the place, and now he’s wrapped her into a slew of whores he’d f***ed. Now she’s just a number. He says he’s sorry she feels that way, and she says, two and a half years. She’s just the whore who lasted the longest. Andy asks if Taylor was Shep’s longest relationship, and Shep says, yes, but Taylor says, the whole time, he was searching for other women. He’s single, 43, and using women to masturbate then tossing them to the side. He’s hurting women and hurting himself. Does he want to get to a million? She asks if he even knows anything about her, like her favorite color, movie, or animal. Anything. He says, green and her dog, but the figurative buzzer sounds, and Taylor says, wrong. He says, she told everyone he wasn’t capable of being trustworthy, but didn’t he make an effort? Did he do nothing for her or with her? She tells him to ask himself, and he says he already did, Craig asks Taylor if she believed Shep could be better, and she says she knows he can. She’s seen a better side of him that’s pure, raw, real, and capable. Andy asks Taylor what Shep’s favorite color is, and she says, purple. Shep says, oh, because he’s wearing it, and she says, no, because he told her. Andy asks what she thinks Shep’s favorite book is – I guess we’re assuming he reads – and she says, probably his own. Apparently, we’re off to the races quickly.

Andy says, Kathryn had a birthday blowout for her big 3-0, and realizes he’s known her for her entire adult life. She says she started when she was 21, and she’s 31 now. He asks how the kids are, and she says, amazing. They’re now 7 and 8. Kensie opened a lemonade stand, and made $42, and Saint read his first book. Shep says he saw Thomas, and he’s the same old. You have to smile because he’s larger than life. Andy says, Chleb left Charleston after the break-up, and Kathryn says, he lives in Miami, but they’re not in touch. We flash back to Chleb talking to Venita at Kathryn’s birthday party, and Andy asks if Venita had any idea Kathryn was upset. Venita says, not until she watched it, and Kathryn says, Venita was acting like she suddenly wanted to solve the problem came out of nowhere. It was fake. I think Venita’s problem is she doesn’t read the room well, and wants to fix things her way and now. Andy says, Venita’s not the only person who felt Kathryn’s wrath that night, and we flash back to Kathryn calling Naomie a petty little bitch. A viewer says, instead of extending an olive branch, Kathryn whacked Naomie with it. Kathryn says she overheard someone tell Naomie to talk to her, and Naomie saying, fine. Let’s get it over with. Naomie says, Kathryn was stomping around. She knows Kathryn’s face when she’s mad. Kathryn says she came out of the bathroom straight to the table to talk, and calls bullsh*t. Andy asks if Naomie wouldn’t have been pissed if she overheard what Kathryn did, and Naomie says, she would, but she’s not sure she would react like that. Kathryn says, Naomie claimed she tried to ruin a good person’s family, when she and Cameron said sh*tty things about her for years that were used against her in custody battles. Naomie has always been a condescending mean girl with her, and made her feel less than. Naomie says, that’s Kathryn’s own trigger, and Leva tries to butt in, but Kathryn tells Leva to stop shutting her down. She’s voicing how she feels. Andy asks Leva if Chleb was right, that Kathryn is the problem in the friend group, and Leva says, she thought they were good, and Kathryn flipped the switch. She was super rude on Watch What Happens Live; that’s when they were done. We see a clip of Kathryn saying, Leva is trying to be relevant, and Andy says, a hot button issue was Kathryn’s jelly meatballs; a viewer said, it looked like the worst dinner ever, with Chleb choking down those dry-ass meatballs. Andy asks where she got the recipe from, and she says her mom makes them on Christmas. They’re made with chili sauce, grape jelly, and ketchup. He asks if she made them for Thomas, and she says, no; she made Thomas salmon with mayonnaise. We flash back to that, and Andy says, maybe she should stop cooking for her men. Andy reads a tweet that says, Kathryn’s relationship with Chleb looked staged, and they suggest it was to clean up her image. He asks how genuine their relationship was, and Kathryn says she definitely thought she was in love. Andy asks for a show of hands from whoever believed their relationship was genuine, and it’s everyone. He asks if she’s dating anyone, and she says she’s talking to someone not in Charleston. He asks if she’s on Raya, but she says, no. She applied three or four years ago, and thinks she’s still on the waitlist. Andy says, maybe Shep can recommend her, and Taylor makes a face. Oh Andy. Why?

Andy says, after Austen’s dramatic break-up with Madison, Austen claimed he was moving on, but the past moved with him. They discuss Austen’s ass, which is apparently prime, and Austen and Shep show off their (thankfully clothed) booties. Then Andy moves on to Austen and Shep having compared d*cks. Austen says, Madison and Taylor were there, and Venita wonders how all that happened. Craig says, they get mad at him when he won’t show his, and Austen says, it’s weird that he’s known Craig so long and hasn’t seen it. Craig asks Andy to help them explore their love, and Andy says he’d love to facilitate that. Austen says, it’s a normal thing for friends, but Andy says he hasn’t seen Anderson Cooper’s d*ck. He says, Austen claimed he was no Christian Grey in the bedroom, and we flash back to Austen telling Kathryn that he’s not kinky. A viewer says, no surprise Austen is boring in bed, but Madison says, something kept her around for three years. Andy asks about Austen’s parents, and Austen says, they’ve settled into their new home. A viewer says, it was the sweetest thing seeing Austen packing his late sister’s belongings, and we flash back to that. Andy asks how difficult that was to relive, and Austen says, when they were doing it, it was emotional with his parents; it broke him down, but it was beautiful because of where their family has come. Everyone starts to get teary, and Austen figures out she’s been gone for 28 years. He says, there were 26 years of memories in the house to pull out. His mom was going down Memory Lane full-on, and one of the last boxes they packed was his sister’s stuff. Everyone is openly crying now, and we see a clip of Austen and his mother looking at his sister’s teddy bear. Shep says, it’s the saddest thing in the world, and Taylor leaves the stage. Austen says he wishes Katie had been there. She was the one who saved the family. He was an only child, and the family became whole. It was broken until she was born. Everyone loves her, and she’s funny as hell. We see a clip of them together, and Andy wonders why Taylor was so broken up. Shep says, her sister is sick. She also loves Austen a whole lot. Austen says, she’s an empath with him, and Andy decides to take a break.

Taylor comes back, and Andy asks why she left. She says, her sister is going through cancer, and she can’t imagine losing a sister. It’s hard, and she respects Austen for being able to talk about it. He puts his arm around her. Andy says, friendships have been the bedrock of this group, but Austen and Shep were estranged from Craig at the beginning. Austen says, they hadn’t sat down and talked about it, and Taylor says she thinks Craig pulled away from everyone. We flash back to Craig saying, hanging out with them isn’t healthy for him, and Andy asks if Craig was a little full of himself. Leva says, Craig told her that she doesn’t want to go to war with him because he’s the most popular person on Bravo. Andy switches topics, and says, their newest cast member is blond, beautiful, and bold; Austen has a type. He asks Olivia what the best thing about the season was for her, and she says, the friendships. Her drinking tolerance also went up. He asks, what was the worst part? and she says, exes. Madison shrugs, and a viewer says, Austen’s new girl is a Madison clone, and Olivia says she’ll take that as a compliment. She’s just mean as hell. Andy says, Madison called Olivia trust fund trash, and homely, and Olivia adds, homeless. Madison says, Olivia lives at her parent’s house, and Olivia says she was taken aback. She didn’t think they knew each other well enough to have beef. Then Madison went on a shade tour. Madison says she’s sorry, but Olivia says she doesn’t need an apology; she’s just curious. Andy tells Austen, he said Olivia was wifey material, then wanted to take it slow. Clearly, seeing Olivia with a date made him regret his decision. Austen says he knew the risks to tell someone to date other people. Then when they do, you have to eat it. Olivia says she didn’t go home with her date, but Austen went home with his ex, Sierra. Austen says, it wasn’t his intention, but Andy says, Austen knew it was a crappy move to spend the night with Sierra. Craig says, it wasn’t out of revenge, and Olivia says, Austen told her that if she hadn’t brought a date, he wouldn’t have done it. Craig says, Austen wouldn’t have gone home with Sierra if he hadn’t seen Olivia with a date, but he didn’t sleep with her out of revenge. I kind of get what he’s saying, but Andy says he thinks Craig is rationalizing, and I agree. Taylor says, Austen should have swept Olivia off her feet, and told Jack or Zack or whatever his name was, get away from my women. Madison asks if Austen and Olivia are in a relationship or not, and Olivia says, no. Austen says it would break his heart to lose Olivia’s friendship. Call him a coward, but it terrifies him to commit. Olivia says, after filming, they had fun, and there was no pressure. It’s okay to have fun in the grey area, but after a while, it chips away at your confidence. After so many months, you wonder why you’re still here. She was ready for a relationship, but Austen couldn’t figure it out. Andy asks if Madison thinks Olivia and Austen will get back together, and Madison says, after Austen’s redemption tour, no. All of his exes say he’s a lap dog, and Olivia is here calling him a Range Rover. Oliva says, that’s because she doesn’t want to break people down like Madison does, and Madison says, talk to her when she’s three years in. Craig says, after only one round of questioning, everyone is ready for a drink.

Andy tells Madison that they got a lot of messages about Brett, and asks if the proposal was everything she’d dreamed of. She says, it was shocking. He asked for Hudson’s permission, and Hudson said, as long as he was a part of it. Andy says, it must have been a factor in why she said yes, and asks if they’re talking babies. Madison says, in the future for sure. Andy asks if Kathryn could date a Mormon, and Kathryn says she loves how Salt Lake City looks. Madison says, it’s just a joke about him saving himself; they’re very active. He was raised Mormon, but he’s not practicing. Andy says, viewers think Madison and Austen were still hooking up close to the engagement, and that’s why they weren’t talking, but they both say, false. Leva says she thinks Madison gets a kick out of bugging Austen, and Austen gets bugged. Madison says she thought they were friends until she got engaged, and he iced her out. Austen says, if they were friends, he wouldn’t have been blindsided, and Madison says, it’s not like they were talking daily. Naomie says, it wouldn’t be appropriate if the first person Madison texted was her ex, and Austen says, it was also dig after dig. We flash back to Madison livestreaming about her engagement, and saying Hudson’s father is the only ex who means anything to her. Madison insists it wasn’t a dig, and Andy says, Madison showed off her rock at her and Venita’s joint birthday party. He asks Venita if she thinks Madison invited Olivia and Kathryn to sabotage her, and Venita says, no, but she would have preferred Madison to give her a heads up. Austen asks if Madison and Venita are friends, and Madison says, no. Venita says, it’s not of her choosing, and we flash back to Venita saying that Madison snatched the phone out of her hand, and saw that Leva had texted: Madison is so dumb. Madison and Venita have a mini argument over whether Madison grabbed the phone or Venita showed it to her, and Madison says, f*** Venita and Leva. Venita threw her under the bus on girls night. She failed to tell Venita that Venita never wants to be on her bad side. She says, Venita acted like a brat at their birthday party, and Venita says she’s allowed to be on her birthday, which is pretty childish, Madison says, she threw the party, and Venita never said  thanks or helped clean up. Venita says she sent people, but Madison says, the people were her.

Andy says they took a break because Olivia was upset, and we see a clip of Olivia in the dressing room, saying she doesn’t know why she’s upset. A producer asks if she feels Austen should have had her back more, and she says, yeah. I say, leading the witness. Olivia comes back, and says, it’s very confusing. She doesn’t like having to explain that she and Austen are just friends. Madison seems to hate him, but they’re cracking each other up. It’s a lot weird; like a different universe. Taylor thinks there’s a lot of love there, but Austen was wishy-washy, and Olivia says, things with Austen were complicated, and she was mentally f***ed. She imagined they’d get there, and then he agreed to just be friends. Venita explains that Olivia didn’t want him to immediately agree, and to fight for her. Taylor says, every girl wants a man to fight for them, and Andy says, Austen seems to have a pattern; it’s reminiscent of Sierra. Austen says he knew he’d dragged his feet too long, and Andy says, Olivia rejected him in that moment, so he folded. Olivia says she was patient while Austen figured out what he wanted, but when she needed him to be patient, he was like, that’s that. Naomie says, Olivia put in the time, and Austen wasted that time talking about Madison. Olivia says she sees them laughing at each other’s jokes, and Madison says, they put in three years; Olivia’s been there five minutes. Olivia asks if Madison wants him, and Madison says, no. Olivia says, then stop talking about it. Madison tells Austen that he can do nothing right at this point; they’re ganging up on him. Olivia says, they’re just talking about it, and Madison says, let it go. Craig says, it’s a tough thing to say, but if it was meant to be, they wouldn’t have waited so long. Andy says, Austen hurts people because he’s a p*ssy, and Shep agrees with Craig. Olivia has always been more of a homebody, and he thought it would end up being a sticking point. Taylor says, actually, that’s a good quality at 30, and Shep says, he’s just saying Austen is more of a social animal. Andy says he thinks they’ve figured out why Olivia was in tears, and they’ll leave it here.

Next time, Craig rips his pants; Andy asks how many times Naomie has snuck out of Patricia’s house; Craig says, Leva made his party about herself; Leva says, Craig went from 0 to 100; and Andy asks why Taylor cares if it’s over, and she says, because she loves Shep.  

🛌🏽 Falling Into Bed…

Don’t forget, no soap tomorrow, baseball, but I’ll pour a cup of tea for you, with some quotes and music on the side. Until then, stay safe, stay curious, and stay not holding back in a relationship. It is the beginning of the end.

October 5, 2022 – Ryan Has Two Visitors, There’s a Leak In Erika’s Camp & Amy’s October

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Carly says, this cemetery has been here for 100 years, and the idea of uprooting this kind of history is a violation . And the only reason the Beautification Guild is targeting this cemetery is that the citizens who have family members buried here, are primarily working class. None of those families have the kind of financial resources to fight this injustice. Reporter Tara says, unlike her, accompanied by her friend, who happens to be the CEO of Aurora Media, and Drew says, if she’s asking if Carly has his support, that’s a yes, without a doubt. Tara says, but this issue was up for debate 10 months ago. Where were they to make their arguments then, and tell them why should the residents should listen to them now?

Willow is looking at her own lab tests when TJ asks if everything is okay. She says, everything’s good… No, actually things aren’t so good. She was looking at her latest bloodwork, and the numbers keep moving in the wrong direction. He says he’s sorry, but not surprised. What is she going to do about it?

Ava tells Ryan, Windymere isn’t always a safe place. In fact, it can be downright treacherous if you don’t watch your step, and Esme… she failed to watch hers. She seriously doubts anyone will ever lay eyes on Esme Prince again. He clenches his fist, and she leans forward, saying, for somebody who can only communicate by blinking, he certainly has a lot of rage in his face right now. Or is that just her imagination? No. He doesn’t seem seriously upset about this Esme news, but one can never be too careful. She gets up, goes to the door, and says, she’ll speak to his brother about another neuro-exam for him, just to be sure there’s no chance. She leaves, and he says, Ava, my love, what have you done to my daughter?

Esme skulks around Kelly’s in her hooded cloak, but disappears when she sees Trina coming. Trina sits down outside, and calls Ava. She says she just got a table outside of Kelly’s. She’ll order Ava a coffee. See her soon. Esme watches.

Nina sees Curtis at the hospital, and they hug. She tells him, she was just headed to the 10th floor to fill out paperwork confirming the MetroCourt will be the location for next year’s Nurses Ball. He says he just left there, stealing away precious time with his lovely fiancé, and she says, the MetroCourt is also a fantastic place for weddings, in case he and Portia haven’t locked down a location yet. He says, running the MetroCourt clearly agrees with her, and she thanks him. She says she’s getting a handle on it… she thinks. Despite the constant pushback from Carly and her army of supporters.

Sonny walks into Pozzulo’s, and Michael says, hey dad, look who we found in your freezer, which is just as funny the second time. Carver says, these three were threatening to call the cops, and Josslyn says, Dante would want to be a part of this. She’s calling him. Michael tells her, hold on. Sonny might deserve it, but he doesn’t want to put Dante in the position of arresting his own father. Josslyn says, Dante would do it in a heartbeat if he knew Sonny hired this freak to torture Dex with knives.

Carly tells Tara that she didn’t pay for her mother’s cemetery plot, or pay the maintenance fee. That was all done by her best friend Jason Morgan, who’s no longer with us. Drew says, Jason was his brother, and in the process of settling his estate, the notice the city sent notifying him of moving Virginia Benson’s grave wasn’t forwarded to her daughter. Tara says, that makes sense. Had Carly been paying regular visits to her mother’s gravesite, she probably would have found out about the Guild’s plans. I’m not a huge Carly fan, but I’m less of a fan of eminent domain, and it’s stupid to expect someone to come from upstate New York to Florida regularly to visit a grave. Carly says, just because she’s late to the battle doesn’t mean her cause is any less valid. The only reason the city wants to move this cemetery is because it wants to protect other areas from commercial development. It’s the same old sad story of the haves protecting what’s theirs at the expense of the have-nots. Tara thanks them for their time, and says, they have enough, telling the cameraman, it’s a wrap. She thanks them both for bringing this to her attention; it’s going to make for a very compelling segment. Carly asks if she knows when it’s going to air, because the sooner it does, the more pressure the city is going to face. Tara says, it will air on tonight’s newscast, but she feels she needs to warn them, there are many influential people who are invested in this project, and aren’t about to take the objection lightly.

Josslyn says she doesn’t know where Sonny found this sicko, but there’s a bag of knives in the freezer. This so-called chef was going to use them to torture Dex. Michael says, so that’s how Sonny’s claiming to protect their family? Sonny already lost him and Josslyn; what about the rest of his family? He’s sure Donna and Avery are too young to understand torture, but what does Sonny think Dante and Kristina are going to think? Does he think they’d thank him? Sonny says, Josslyn and Dex were on their way out. Michael should go too. By the way, Diane woke up, and she identified her attacker as a woman. Josslyn still thinks they should call Dante and let him know what Sonny did to Dex, but Dex says he already told her that he didn’t want to get the cops involved. So can they just get out of here please? He’s not feeling so hot. Josslyn says, she’s sorry. His boss was going to torture him, perhaps even have him killed, and Dex is sticking beside him. She grabs her jacket, and leaves, Dex following, and then Michael. Sonny glares at Carver, and says, what’s with the knives?

Nina tells Curtis, she’s not naïve. She knew by keeping Carly’s half of the hotel, Carly was going to be against her, and there was going to be resistance from the staff. He asks, so what wasn’t she ready for? and she says, Sonny’s children, specifically Josslyn. Nina knows she’s Sonny’s stepdaughter, but she sets the emotional toll for Avery and Donna, and she’s made it very clear she can’t stand Nina. He says he gets that. He knows what it’s like to fight against a determined young woman who’s convinced you’re in the wrong. She asks, what’s going on with him? She thought things were great between him and Trina. He says, they were… until he tried to help.

Still on the phone, with Esme lurking in the background, Trina leaves a message for Josslyn. She says, just checking in. Did Josslyn find Dex? She’s at Kelly’s. Hit her back. She gets up, and Esme ducks back. Ava joins Trina, and they hug. Trina says she got Ava a coffee, and Ava thanks her, saying, she’s sorry she’s late. She was at Spring Ridge, and lost track of time. Trina asks what she was doing there, and she says she went to see Ryan Chamberlain. Trina asks why Ava would put herself through that when she just got out of the hospital, and Ava says, there was a time not that long ago when Ryan was stalking her, and he used a hook to kill somebody, just like one was used to attack her. So she wanted to see for herself that he was still immobile, and not faking it. She needed to be sure Ryan wasn’t her attacker all along. Trina says, and? What did Ava find? Esme continues to listen.

Willow tells TJ, it’s only a few more weeks until she’s in her 2nd trimester, and then the baby will be developed enough to safely begin her treatment for leukemia. He says, right, and in the meantime, she’s putting a huge strain on herself, acting like nothing is wrong. Her schedule would exhaust anyone, let alone a pregnant woman with leukemia. She says, thank you for your opinion, Dr. Ashford, but he says, that’s just it. He’s not speaking to her as her doctor; he’s speaking to her as her friend. And to be perfectly honest with her, the choices his friend is making are scaring the hell out of him.

Ava tells Trina, Ryan was in his wheelchair, unable to move, except to blink yes or no. His condition is unchanged. Trina says she gets why Ava wanted to check, but now that she has, can she please take it easy? Ava nearly died, and Trina doesn’t know what she’d do without her. Ava tells her, the doctors say she’s healing well; she has no intention of relapsing. Her phone rings, and she steps away. Josslyn shows up, and Trina asks if she found Dex. Josslyn says she found him all right, and Trina asks what that means. Ava comes back, and says, Diane Miller told the cops that her a attacker was a woman. Esme listens more intently, and Josslyn tells them, Sonny said the same thing. Lucky for Dex that Diane knew her attacker was a woman, because Sonny blamed Dex, and they all know what happens when Sonny thinks someone is guilty. Ava says, Dex helped save her life, and Josslyn says, not that it mattered to Sonny. Ava thanks Trina for the coffee, and says she has to run. She has to take care of something, and it looks like the two of them could use some time alone. She leaves, and Trina asks why Josslyn looks upset. What happened? Josslyn says, Sonny is even worse than she thought.   

Curtis says, after Ava’s attack, he thought it wasn’t safe for Trina to work at the gallery alone, especially after her classes at PCU. So he suggested Trina work at The Chuck. It’s a great facility with a strong security unit. Ava agreed, and she made the arrangements. Silly him thought because the Chuck was so prestigious, Trina would be thrilled. Instead, it all blew up in his face. She says she thinks Trina is lucky to have such a supportive, loving future stepfather who’s willing to step in and save her from herself, and he says, there’s no chance Nina is a little bit biased? Nina says, no, and they laugh.

Sonny says, Carver never talked about using knives on Dex, but Carver says, when Sonny hired him, Sonny knew he was an experienced professional. (Please. After his total fail?) He uses knives because he’s found they make people talk faster than any other method, and Sonny wanted a confession. Sonny says he wanted the truth. He didn’t want a made-up confession from Dex because he wanted to get Carver to stop cutting him. The third victim, Diane Miller, told the police it was a woman who attacked her; that makes Dex innocent. Carver says, lucky for Dex, but Sonny says, lucky for Carver. He was going to cut Dex in Sonny’s name without his knowledge. Sonny has a problem with that, and he doesn’t like problems.

Michael knocks on Dex’s door, and Dex asks what he’s doing here. Michael asks to come in, and Dex says, he’s the boss. He’s surprised Michael would show up in person.  That’s not the best way to hide he’s working for Michael. Michael says, that’s over. Dex doesn’t work for him anymore.

Willow tells TJ, all she wants is to give this baby the best chance to be born 100% healthy. The whole reason she’s keeping the truth from Michael is because she doesn’t have the strength to fight with him about it. She knows he’d insist on her getting treatment right away. She doesn’t want to fight with TJ either. TJ says he’s sorry for pressuring her. He told her that he would support her, and that’s what he’s going to do. She thanks him, and they hug. Nina passes by the doorway, and sees.

Trina asks what Josslyn means by Sonny was worse than she thought, and Josslyn says, Sonny decided Dex was responsible for the attacks, and was holding Dex in his restaurant. She has her phone, and could have videoed what she saw, but it was more important to rescue Dex. What she should have done was called Dante. She was witnessing a crime in progress. She had the perfect opportunity to get Dante there to arrest Sonny. Trina asks why she didn’t, and Josslyn says, Michael was there, and she didn’t want to get her brother involved. What’s even stranger is, Dex – the victim – didn’t want to get the cops involved either. Esme is still listening, every once in a while taking a peek at them.

Ryan closes his eyes, and Ava comes in as he starts moving around. She says, aha! She knew it was too good to be true that he was a motionless vegetable. She saw it; he can move. He says, he can talk too, and jumps up, grabbing her by the throat. He says, and she’s gonna walk him out of here, as his hostage. She says, he’s been faking it this whole time, and he says, he was just waiting for the right opportunity. Now that she’s killed his daughter, he’d say that time is now. She says, what daughter? and he says, Esme Prince; his flesh and blood. She says, of course (🍷). It makes perfect sense. She was just as sick and twisted as he is. He says, she killed his daughter; his little girl. She says, no. He murdered her daughter Kiki. His daughter just tripped off the parapet, which is more than fair. He says he doesn’t care about fair; he wants revenge. And he’ll get that after. She says, after what? and he says, after he loves her one more time. He kisses her, and she kisses back, putting her arms around him. He opens his eyes, and no surprise, it’s all in his head, but how would he know Esme tripped?

Sonny tells Carver, he called Selina Wu and told her they’re not a good fit. Sonny won’t be using him as an interrogator anymore. Carver says, it’s up to him. His body of work stands for itself. Sonny says, he and Selina speak on a regular basis, so if Carver disappoints her – he whispers – he’ll know about it. Ava comes in, and Carver walks out without another word. She says, he was in a hurry to leave, and Sonny asks what she’s doing here. She says she’s here to put in a good word for an employee of Sonny’s. Dex Heller? He’s the man who saved her life.

Nina watches TJ and Willow for a moment, then leaves. She says, well, well, well . Who are the cheaters now? TJ tells Willow that he’s sorry for coming down so hard on her. It’s only because he cares about her so much. She says she knows, and it means a lot. She can’t disagree with anything he said, but there’s just no other choice she can make. She knows what it’s like to lose a baby. She still visits Jonah’s grave on a regular basis. She can’t lose another child. TJ says, she’s a fighter. He has total faith she’ll beat this, and he’ll be by her side, all the way. She thanks him, and says, that means everything to her. They hug again, and TJ leaves. Willow looks at her watch, and heads in the same direction as Nina. Nina is looking at her phone as Willow walks past, and she asks if Willow got some good news.

Michael hands Dex a check, and Dex says, fifty thousand. Michael says, that’s severance, plus a bonus for hazard pay. Dex says, the job’s not done. He didn’t get what Michael wanted. Michael says he hired Dex to take Sonny down. He never intended for Dex to die in the process. Dex says, he knew the risks. He was infiltrating a criminal organization, and that’s a dangerous proposition. Michael says, it sounds like Dex was more realistic about who Sonny was than he was. As many times as Michael has been angry at Sonny, or disappointed, or wanted to take him down, he guesses he was naïve to who Sonny really was. He thought Sonny lived by some code. Never in his wildest dreams did he think Sonny was capable of torturing someone with a knife. It’s just beyond the realm. He didn’t understand the risks he was asking Dex to take, but now that he does, the job is over. Dex says he can’t accept that. Did he get lucky today? Of course (🍷). But they can use that to their advantage.

Carly tells Drew, the first time she was at this cemetery was at Virginia’s funeral. She was a mess. Jason handled the arrangements. When she realized he’d picked a spot this close to the ocean… You can still feel the ocean breeze. He says, absolutely, and she says, the perfect spot for her mother’s resting place. She should have done more. He says, like what? and she says, for starters, she should have been on the paperwork. Then she would have known about the potential move. She could have been part of the original fight against this change. He says, it’s not often he’d use her own words against her, but what did she just say to Tara? That even though she’s starting late, it doesn’t make her cause any less valid. She says, Virginia was a good woman. Terrible taste in men, but she was kind, loving, and way more forgiving than Carly. She deserved so much more than life gave her. She deserved a more attentive daughter. Carly knows she can’t change the mistakes she made as a teenager, but as an adult, she can make sure Virginia’s grave isn’t dug up; she deserves that. And she damn sure deserved a better husband than Frank.

Sonny says he appreciates Ava’s two cents, but he’ll make up his mind about who he works with. She follows him into his office, and says, it’s more than her two cents. All her doctors at GH agree Dex saved her life. Josslyn found her, and called 9-1-1, but it was Dex who realized she was bleeding out. And if he hadn’t acted like he did, she would have died. He tells her, Josslyn said the same thing, and for Avery’s sake, he’s happy Dex helped her out. She says, then he can see why she’s concerned about the young man’s welfare, and Sonny says, Dex is in no danger from him. She says, that’s good, but she has to wonder. Is that because Sonny trusts him, or because Diane ID’d her attacker as a woman?

Dex asks if Michael is giving up on getting evidence against his father, but Michael says, of course (🍷) not. He’s more determined than ever, but it can’t be for something like assault, where Sonny will work the system and go free. He has to get Sonny on organized crime charges. If he can find evidence of RICO violations, there’s no way out for Sonny. He just needs to find another way to get proof. Dex says, starting over with someone new is a waste of time. He’s already in Sonny’s organization. Michael says, Sonny almost had Dex killed, and Dex says, because Sonny thought he was behind the attacks. Now Sonny knows he’s innocent; even better, Sonny knows he was wrong. The look he gave Dex when he admitted the attacker was a woman, is an opening. Sonny’s feeling guilty because he misjudged Dex, and he’s going to want to make up for what happened to him. That’s how Dex can get close enough to get Michael what he needs.

Josslyn tells Trina, Sonny has brought nothing but misery to Dex’s life. Dex has to realize he could have been seriously injured, or killed. Why not call the cops? Press charges, send Sonny to prison where he belongs. Trina says, maybe Dex just doesn’t hate Sonny like Josslyn wants him to. Esme peers over the bushes.

TJ thanks Curtis for meeting him, and Curtis says, he got TJ’s message. Good thing he was already here visiting Portia. What’s going on? TJ says he can’t go into specific details, but a friend is going through something and choosing a risky path. He tried to intervene, but was told to back off, on no uncertain terms. Curtis says, seems to be a lot of that going around.

Carly tells Drew, she could never understand why Virginia kept the last name Benson. Frank walked out on their marriage; never paid her a dime of alimony or child support. Why not go back to her maiden name? Wow. She could ask herself the same question. Why is she keeping Sonny’s last name? They’re over; she’s not going back. She doesn’t want anything from him. They’ve already established their divorce settlement. Why is she still Carly Corinthos? He says, maybe she wants to have the same last name as Donna; a lot of her career is tied to that name. She says, keeping Sonny’s name means she’s holding on to something, and she’s not. Maybe it’s time to stop being Carly Corinthos and become somebody else.

Sonny tells Ava, until Diane said the attacker was a woman, all the circumstantial evidence pointed to Dex. He was second on the scene after Ava was attacked, and there before or after Brando and Diane’s attacks. And then there was the dog tags, which fit perfectly with the metal noise Brando and Josslyn heard. Ava asks if Diane had another explanation for that, and he tells her, Diane said the attacker was wearing a bracelet. She says, then the circumstantial evidence that pointed toward Dex was misleading, and he says, that’s right. She says, but when he thought Dex was the guilty party, what was he going to do to get him to confess? He says, he wasn’t going to condemn Dex without proof, but he also wasn’t going to let him wander around free if he thought Dex was a threat to his friends and family. She says, he made the right call.

Michael says, Sonny just proved how far he’ll go. He doesn’t want Dex’s death on his conscience. Dex says, the security firm Michael hired him from has been sending him into combat situations. He’s used to risking his life. That’s how he earns a living, and it pays well. There’s incentive in that, but he doesn’t see the honor in being some corporation’s soldier for hire. He does see the honor in stopping Sonny. Michael says, enough to take a chance like that? and Dex says, after what Sonny just did to him? Hanging him from a meat hook overnight, being his judge, jury, and executioner? Sonny definitely has this coming. Think about what would have happened if Michael and Josslyn hadn’t shown up. He likes to think he’s tough, but he’s no match for that psycho’s bag of knives. He could have been killed, or at least cut to ribbons by the time Sonny realized he was innocent. The next guy won’t be that lucky. That’s why he wants to see this through. Michael asks if he’s absolutely sure, and Dex says he is. Michael says, okay. In that case, keep the check; he deserves the bonus for hazard pay. Dex thanks him, saying, he’s generous. Michael says, there is one added condition of his employment. Stay away from Josslyn.  

Willow tells Nina, it’s just work stuff, and her shift just ended. Time for her to go home. Nina says she gives Willow credit, continuing to work with everything she has to do; taking care of Wiley, and another baby on the way. Willow says, lots of women continue to work while they’re pregnant, and Nina says, that’s true, but a lot of women aren’t pregnant with the next Quartermaine heir. Willow says she worked to get her nursing degree, and she loves her work. Nina says, money is no object. She’s sure Michael would be thrilled if Willow stayed home during her pregnancy. Because she has to say, Willow looks pale; no offense. Is she just taking on too much? Then she has to wonder, what’s here at the hospital that’s so compelling Willow can’t seem to tear herself away from it?

Drew says, if Carly drops the name Corinthos, what name would she go by? but she says she doesn’t know. Back in the day, when she first came to town, she was Carly Roberts, but that was an alias; she stole the name from Reese. She’s been Carly Quartermaine, and Carly Jax, but just like Corinthos, those were her married names. She doesn’t think legally she’d be allowed to use those names again. Besides, Monica would lose her mind if she called herself Carly Quartermaine again. He says he bets she would, and she says, what about him? He’s been faced with this question. Was he ever tempted to use the Quartermaine name?

Curtis tells TJ, even Ava admitted her security is nothing compared to the security at The Chuck, and TJ says, plus the Murphy-Katz Foundation Fellowship is a big honor. It would look awesome on Trina’s resumé. Curtis says, that’s what he was thinking, so he was talking to Ava, and she said Trina was more than qualified for that offer. The problem is, Trina’s not trying to hear it, because she’s so mad at him interfering in her life. So everything they’ve built, all the progress they made, just evaporated. Now he’s back at square one. TJ disagrees. He doesn’t think Trina would be able to stay mad at him for that long.

Drew tells Carly, he thought about the name Quartermaine. For good or bad, they’re family. Sometimes it’s a bit of a bumpy ride, but he feels like he’s one of them. She says, but he never took on the family name, and he says, because he’s also a Navy SEAL. Chief Andrew Cain, and he’s very proud of that part of his history. The tours that he did, and the people he served with. He doesn’t want to distance himself from that part of his life just for a family brand. Carly says she feels the opposite. She wants distance from Sonny, but she doesn’t want to do it by taking back the name Benson. Drew’s phone rings, and he asks Tara, what’s up? She says she’s confirming Carly’s interview will air tonight, and he says he’s here with Carly; she’s on speaker. She says, unfortunately, someone beat them to the punch. She’s texting Drew a link to a story that already aired on a rival station. She’s sorry she doesn’t have better news. Carly says, she appreciates the heads up, and Drew goes to the link. He hands Carly the phone, and she reads: The woman behind the last minute effort to stop the development of the new parkway not only has ties to madam and sex trafficker Ruby Anderson, Carly Corinthos has a history of violent and erratic behavior, has been institutionalized, and as a teenager, was rumored to be responsible for an auto accident in Jacksonville that left two teenagers dead and one in a coma. She tells Drew, yeah, they’re coming after her. Why doesn’t she just out Peyton’s husband for rape? Reese is no longer alive, so who cares?

Willow says she doesn’t know what drama Nina is trying to drum up this time, but the simplest answer is that GH needs nurses. Like she said, she worked hard to get her degree, and it’s important that she use it. Not that it’s any of Nina’s business if she works or not. Nina says, she completely disagrees with that, and follows Willow to the elevator. She says, Willow and Michael’s reason for banishing her from her grandson’s life is that she’s somehow a threat to the safety and security of their happy home life; a happy home life with two loving parents, completely committed to Wiley and each other. Willow says, she and Michael are committed, and Nina says she really hopes that’s true, because rumors and gossip spread like wildfire. And while she has no intention of telling people about that incredibly intimate embrace between Willow and Dr. Ashford, other people might not be as considerate. She walks away.  

Sonny says, Ava came there to defend Dex; now she’s saying he had a right to suspect him. She tells him, she’s saying he had a right to be cautious, to do whatever he deems necessary to protect his family. He says, what if he hadn’t figured that out in time? and she says, but he did. Dex was unharmed. He says, relatively, and she laughs. She says, the way she sees it, he has an opportunity here. He’s proven to Dex that he doesn’t rush to judgement; that he’s dangerous, but inherently fair. He says he might consider it a test, and she says, one that Dex passed? but he says, that remains to be seen. She says she thinks he found a keeper. Dex is smart, capable, and she thinks he could be trained to be a trustworthy and valuable associate, and she likes that for Avery’s father. Because she wants Avery to have both her parents for a long time.

Dex says, Michael wants him to stay away from his sister? and Michael says he hates lying to Josslyn, and she can’t know Dex works for him. Dex asks, why not? She certainly seems open to the idea of taking Sonny down. Michael says, she’d be all over it, but it would hurt other siblings who Josslyn loves, especially Avery and Donna. He’s willing to be the bad guy, because in the long term, he believes his siblings would be better off without Sonny in their lives. But in the short term, he doesn’t expect them to agree. So those little girls will need Josslyn more than ever, so she needs to be clear of his plans; that means she has to be clear of Dex. Dex says, okay. Michael’s the boss. Dex doesn’t like the idea of lying to Josslyn when he sees her, so he won’t see her.

Curtis says he thinks TJ is being optimistic. It’s one thing for Trina to forgive him. It’s quite another thing for her to see him as her stepfather. TJ says he hears Curtis, but he disagrees. Even if Trina hasn’t come to say the words just yet, he thinks Trina’s grown to love Curtis. And by the time Curtis and Portia get married, he’s confident she’ll be there cheering them both on.

Josslyn says, she hopes that even though he didn’t press charges, this is a huge wake-up call for Dex, and now he’ll be more appreciative of his life. And hopefully take off, and go far, far away from Port Charles. Trina says, that would definitely be for the best. Not just for Dex, but for Josslyn. Josslyn says, her? and Trina says she’s been where Josslyn is, or at least something similar. Think about all the time Spencer brought trouble into her life. Think about all the excuses she kept making for him. Getting involved with someone like Dex, or Spencer, could cost you a lot.  

Esme lets herself into Ryan’s room, and says, hello daddy. Did you miss me? Ryan smiles.

Tomorrow, Ryan asks if Esme is pitching him a new strategy; Selina tells Cody, this could be a significant problem; and Chase says he’ll drop this singing business in a second.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

In Garcelle’s interview, she says she’s fascinated with the love of Birkins. She doesn’t have one; she has kids to send to college. She thinks it’s outrageous to spend that much on a bag, and wonders if it comes with money in it. Christos is one of her best friends, and had a store on Melrose decades ago where everyone went for couture and vintage. He’s helping her throw a Birkins & Bubbles party; two of the things the girls lovegirls being her word, not mine; the girl ship sailed away from this group decades ago, along with Christos’s store. She says she stole Patrick from Kathy, and we flash back to Patrick doing his butler thing at one of Kathy’s parties. Christos shows Garcelle the Birkins named after women; the Jane, who was a sexy French girl in the 60s, and the Kelly, named after the Princess of Monaco.  

In an odd tie-in, Kyle is getting ready to host an event for the Princess Grace Foundation. In her interview, she explains, it’s for their US launch of their luxury brand, and 100% of the proceeds go to their charity. Gismondi is a supporter of the charity, and offered to let the women borrow their diamonds. Uh-oh, check Erika’s pockets before she leaves. Kyle says, the dogs are confined to the bedroom where they’re eating her shoes. The women start to arrive at Garcelle’s, LisaR toting a mini Kelly bag, the first Birkin she bought. In Sutton’s interview, she promises no one is going to threaten anyone, and we flash back to Kathy’s dinner, and  Erika saying she’ll come for Sutton, and Patrick telling the kitchen staff, they’re fighting like cats and dogs. Just ask Kyle is coming in, Sutton picks up a green Birkin, and Kyle rushes her, reminding me of the women at the clearance table in Alexander’s back in the day. In Crystal’s interview, she says, Garcelle is brave to have this party without security. She thinks Kyle is going to win the fight, since Sutton won’t be able to catch her with those skinny legs. In Kyle’s interview, she says, seeing LisaR is awkward, now that this situation happened between LisaR and her sister. She’s hoping Kathy’s apology will be enough, so they can all move on, and selfishly, it will make her life easier. She tells the women that she’ll be wearing a 52 carat diamond tomorrow. Josh chats up Patrick, asking if he has a husband, but Patrick says he’s a butterfly, who goes from flower to flower. But he can be a good friend. Garcelle ponders getting a Birkin in her favorite color, yellow, and in Sutton’s interview, she says, Garcelle had a Birkin birthday cake. We flash back to Garcelle saying, it’s the only Birkin she’s ever going to have, and Sutton says, turn the cake into a real Birkin. The women chant, get the bag, and Christos says, sold.

Kyle tells Garcelle that Kathy apologized, and Garcelle – who wasn’t in on that whole thing – says, for? Kyle says, Kathy got upset, and had a meltdown. She knows apologizing isn’t easy for Kathy. Garcelle asks if LisaR knows, and Kyle says, she came over. She told Kathy that she thought Kathy needed help. We flash back to that, and Kyle says, then Kathy goes silent. She wants to just move on. In Garcelle’s interview, she says, she grew up with five girls; she knows about drama with sisters. If Kyle wants to sweep it under the rug, LisaR needs to butt out. Kyle says, all roads lead her, and she wants everyone at the wedding. In Kyle’s interview, she says, it’s not just her sister. She doesn’t get to see her nieces and nephews. Paris and Nicky (?) are like her sisters. She has more to lose than one person. We find out Erika can’t come because of personal stuff; it’s Jagger’s birthday, so Dorit won’t be here; and Diana can’t make it either. Sutton tells Garcelle, regarding the Bumble, a man she thought was nice called her. They talked on the phone for 40 minutes, then suddenly, the phone went dead. She texted him, and it went green – he blocked her. She thinks he got busted by his girlfriend or wife. Kyle says, or Sutton’s clumsy words offended him. In her interview, Sutton says, she’s having fun, she’s single, and she’s 50. She’ll report back later on how it’s working for her. Garcelle says, she heard about Kathy’s apology, and LisaR says she thinks overall it’s a good thing to have happened. Whatever that means. She asks how Kyle feels, and Kyle says, better. She just wants to move on. LisaR asks how much Garcelle knows about what happened, and Garcelle says she got a text from Kathy at almost 1 am, and LisaR says she got one at around 1, but didn’t see it until the morning. She’d locked herself in the bedroom. Garcelle asks, why? and she says she was shook by Kathy’s behavior. Her using the word shook grates on my nerves, and Garcelle says, she was that scared? In her interview, Kyle wonders why LisaR can’t just accept the apology and move on. She can be a dog with a bone. Then, like Bravo read my mind and wants to personally irritate me, we flash back to every time LisaR said she was shook. Kyle tells us that she thinks LisaR is more upset that she had to witness this, than she’s concerned about looking after her. LisaR says she thinks it’s something Kyle and Kathy need to deal with, and Kyle says she’s feeling uncomfortable. She has to move on. LisaR says she thinks she’s being protective of Kyle, but Kyle tells LisaR to put herself in her shoes. They’re not shoes anyone wants to wear. She heads for the kitchen, and Sutton says, she thought the ruckus was about the dress code. Crystal says, they couldn’t hear anything in the club. They couldn’t even hear each other. LisaR can’t help herself, and follows Kyle. She says she hopes Kathy gets the help she needs, and in Kyle’s interview, she says, LisaR is putting her in a worse position. She’s not helping by taunting Kyle’s sister. Accept the apology and move on. LisaR says she prays for Kathy and hopes she takes this, and asks, how can I grow from this? Omg. I might actually get sick.

Everyone gets ready for Kyle’s event, and Erika says, she’s going to try to be Grace Kelly, and rise above it all. She’s sure it will last five minutes. On the way there, Crystal explains to Rob that Prince Albert runs the foundation, and Rob wonders if they’ll have any diamond grills. He insists Grace Kelly wore one. LisaR tells Erika – no surprise these two are thick as thieves now – that Kathy’s publicist called her. Erika says, Kathy’s lawyers are trying to kill it. It’s known what went on. We see a clip of a podcast, where host Zack Peter thinks Kathy probably has tantrums and meltdowns often. Someone has loose lips. In LisaR’s interview, she says, as much as Kathy would like to silence her, Kathy knows what she did. She acted like a fool, and her behavior was disgusting. Now the press got ahold of it, and it’s everywhere. Kathy wants her to stay silent, but she’s not that person. Yeah, we know. <yawn>  She tells Erika that she’s still shook (stop it!). She’s never seen behavior like that in her life. I guess she’s forgotten slamming a glass on the restaurant table – #WhatDidHarryDo – when she was pissed at Kim, and the pieces went flying everywhere. The women begin to arrive at Kyle’s and pick out jewelry. Kyle puts on the 52 carat ring, and in her interview, she says, the more glamorous it looks, the more money people feel they have to give. Gorgeous gowns, tuxedos, and diamonds galore. People will spend money. Kyle tells Crystal that Kathy is out of town, and Crystal says, it seems like Kyle has a lot of stuff going on; it’s not healthy. They sit, and Crystal says, Kyle needs to handle whatever’s going on between her and Kathy. Kyle says, Kathy’s meltdown was leaked. They all heard and saw it, but Erika and LisaR are the most upset. We flash back to Erika telling Diana, if they’re going to talk about Erika’s behavior, they’re going to talk about everyone’s behavior. Crystal wonders who would have the motive; what’s the point? Kyle says, it’s not like everyone’s an angel. You don’t get to decide whose apology is acceptable, and who should be forgiven. If they care about her, can they not talk about it? She and her children are the ones who will get hurt in the end.

Crystal asks if Kyle wants to talk to them, but Kyle says, not now. In Kyle’s interview, she says she was hoping everyone would drop what happened in Aspen, and have a beautiful, fun evening. Wow. She asks a lot. At the bar, Erika says, technically, she’s not supposed to drink anything, but that’s not going to work tonight. The charity rep goes to the mic, and says, tonight is extra special. They’re launching the first luxury brand that’s funded entirely for good. All the profits go to the artists and their charitable mission. They’re ushering in a new era for the Princess Grace Foundation. Everyone sits down for dinner, and Kyle asks if Garcelle has spoken to Kathy. Garcelle says, Kathy is upset about people running with a story that doesn’t make her look good. In Garcelle’s interview, she says she thinks Kathy is pissed at LisaR, and feels like she shouldn’t have been made to apologize, but she doesn’t know what happened. LisaR isn’t letting go, and it’s going to hurt Kyle and Kathy’s relationship. Is it worth it? Only LisaR knows. Kyle says, LisaR and Erika claim it hurt them to hear Kathy talking bad about her, but Garcelle says, they don’t seem to care. If they did, they’d let it go. In her interview, Garcelle says, if they really cared, they would drop it, but they’re not doing that. This is their agenda. Garcelle tells Kyle, she thinks it distracts from Erika. No one’s talking about Erika anymore; they’re talking about Kathy. Kyle says, it’s hard to talk. She feels like she’s being watched. She feels like the opportunity is being taken advantage of, and Garcelle says, and they’re running with it. Kyle says she won’t be able to recover from this, and they go to a lounge area that has heaters. The women trickle over, and Garcelle tells Sutton that she wants to get to the bottom of this. Why did Kathy apologize to LisaR? Garcelle says she feels like she’s out of the loop about Aspen. Why was LisaR offended and need an apology from Kathy? LisaR says didn’t need anything from Kathy. Garcelle says, if Kathy apologized, they should let it go, and playing stupid, LisaR asks, who should let it go? Garcelle says she’s talking to LisaR and Erika, and LisaR says she’s sensing some attitude. Why is Garcelle being opinionated about something she’s not part of? Do they really not see what they do, or do they think we have short term memory loss?

In Garcelle’s interview, she says, Erika has said awful things in past – we flash back to that – and it feels like they’re gunning for Kathy. Erika says, people were hard on her, she took it, and owned up to it. Kathy needs to own her sh*t too. LisaR says, it’s not her fault, or Erika’s that Kyle’s sister had bad behavior. Kathy did it, and that’s that. Garcelle says, Kyle would rather it not be brought up, and Kyle says, she wants everyone at her daughter’s wedding. They have to let it go. Telling Kyle what she should do with her feelings, LisaR says, Kyle can’t sweep it under the rug, and pretend it didn’t happen. Garcelle can if she wants, but if LisaR didn’t express herself about the bad things that go on, she’d get sick with cancer. it’s that vile that she’ll get sick and die. There are various interview reactions from laughing to Garcelle wondering we’re back on Days of Our Lives again. LisaR says, Kathy said things that could ruin people’s lives forever. Does Kyle know what happened back at the house? Does anyone? Before they point fingers, she’s protecting her friend. Okay, here’s where I have a big problem. Either LisaR is greatly exaggerating, because all we know is Kathy said she’d ruin people, not how she’d ruin them; or she’s going to poke this beehive until what could ruin people comes out and ruins them. What an asshat she is. In Erika’s interview, she says she doesn’t know what happened. Only LisaR knows, and she hopes LisaR tells everything. Rob says, every moment is big drama, and Crystal says, Kyle wants to mend things with her sister. Family is bigger than anything. Erika says, she was pummeled for a year and a half pummeled, and Kyle asks if that’s why she wants Kathy called out. Erika says, Kathy was in a public place, and there’s consequences. Kyle says, they’re punishing her, but LisaR says, no, her sister is. Erica says, that’s right, like she’s giving a witness, and Kyle gets up, saying, she’s going to the bathroom. Dorit follows her, and they sit inside. Kyle says, it’s weird that at every detail is leaked from every event, and Dorit agrees it’s weird, and asks if she thinks it’s somebody here. Kyle says, 100%, and in her interview, she says she heard from a reliable source that the leaks in Aspen came from someone in the group, and there were other leaks that didn’t make it to publication. She tells Dorit that she knows who it was. It’s someone who wants her sister to look bad so they don’t look as bad. Everyone starts leaving, and Kyle tells the morally corrupt Faye Resnick that she’ll fill her in later. Articles came out, and Kathy’s lawyers are trying to squash them. Sutton asks if she has to do this, and flat-out asks Erika and LisaR if they leaked it to the press, but they both say, no. Erika says, she doesn’t know how, and the world laughs. Kyle says it was Erika’s publicist, and in her interview, she says, Kathy launched an investigation, and someone on Erika’s team leaked the story. Erika asks Kyle to show her what she has, and Kyle says she’ll get it to her. LisaR says, she got calls from her publicist just this week about things said about her. Stuff gets out there, but not necessarily from a leak. Kyle says she’s never had any calls like that, and Erika says, she and Nicky share a publicist, and she wouldn’t think it was in their best interest. In her interview, Erika says, how convenient accusing her publicist. Kyle’s sister made an ass of herself in public, and everyone saw. It’s disappointing to see Kyle try to flip it back on her. She’s afraid of Kathy, and what Kathy can do to her. LisaR says, if she opens her mouth, people are listening and watching. Kyle says, stories have been given to the tabloids, and at Erika’s hair party, someone called from the event, and texted a play-by-play. LisaR and Erika start firing questions at Kyle about why it hasn’t been printed, and in Kyle’s interview, she says, there are a number of reasons a story might be squashed. It’s not true, there’s no evidence to support it, someone has motivation to discredit someone else, or there’s a threat of a lawsuit. She knows it came from that camp. She tells them, people who want to make Kathy look bad are only hurting her.

In LisaR’s interview, she says, accusing Erika’s publicist is bullsh*t. Kyle knows what happened, and the extent Kyle is going to, to cover for her sister is un-f***ing-believable. Kyle says, they think Kathy was an a-hole – Erika says, she was – so they’re making sure everyone knows it. Erika says, she’s having a hard time with this conversation. For the last two years, her ass was chewed every day about things she didn’t do, and her behavior was up for discussion. In her interview, Kyle says, there was no reason to talk to the press or anyone outside the group. If they’re her friends, they need to end this, so she can repair things with her sister. Garcelle wonders why they want to take Kathy down, and in her interview, Erika asks what she’d have to gain. The people who are suing her don’t give a sh*t about Kathy. Maybe not, but maybe Erika gives a sh*t about public opinion. LisaR says, it’s a dangerous game, and Erika says, a lot of people don’t like Kathy. LisaR says, it’s not about taking Kathy down; Kathy is taking herself down. Kyle says, it distracts from Erika, and Erika says, there’s no distracting from her. Kathy isn’t well-known enough to distract from her. In Kyle’s interview, she says, it’s not a competition about who’s more famous, but if Erika wants to play that game, she thinks Kathy’s last name trumps Girardi. Dorit whispers to Kyle that she shouldn’t have brought it up, and Kyle says she has to give back the earrings. Is she keeping the ring? Erika and LisaR start to leave, and Kyle says, if it’s not out, can it stay that way? but they’re like, not a chance. In her interview, Kyle says, she’s not sure what happens from here, if she’s forced to choose between her friends and her sister. Regardless of  what happened, her sister is her blood. Garcelle says, if someone said her people did this, she’d be asking herself if that was a possibility. Dorit says she hates when it becomes sides. She likes standing on her own island.

Since it’s the finale, the text tells us that Dorit is still working to overcome her trauma, and the robbers at still at large. In her interview, she says, when you go through something like she went through, and your friends all rally around you, you feel like you can get through anything. We read that Crystal’s family adopted a puppy, and Crystal is also seeing an ED (that would be eating disorder, not erectile dysfunction – why are those known by the same initials?) specialist. In her interview, Crystal says, it’s just a part of life. She’s going to keep taking one step at a time toward recovery. When she does, she’s having a good day, and today is a good day. We see Diana had another painful miscarriage in May, but remains determined to have another baby. Sutton tells Kyle that blood is thicker than water, but water moves faster, and blood is slow. Just hold on. We read she’s still seeing Sanjit, but insists they’re just friends. In her interview, she says, this year, she was thinking of herself too much, but she’ll always stick her foot in her mouth. She wouldn’t be herself if she didn’t. I love Sutton. Garcelle tells Kyle, let it play out for them to work it out, and the text tells us that Garcelle’s memoir received good reviews… even if everyone did not enjoy it. We see a picture of Erika putting Garcelle’s book in the garbage. Because we’re in middle school. We read that Garcelle took her Birkin on tour, and in her interview, Garcelle says, sometimes you have to say how you feel, and she does that. Kyle says she just wants everyone to be okay, and Garcelle says, Erika and LisaR should understand that if they’re her friends.

In the car, Erika says, she told LisaR that they’d try to pin it on them. Nothing could be a distraction from the nuclear bomb her life is. The text says, Erika is off the hook with one lawsuit. It was determined she had no knowledge of Tom’s financial shenanigans. She’s still trying to win back the $1.3 million earrings (an amended appraisal from $750K). In her interview, she says, her goal is to get to a peaceful place with all these women. Hmm… Maybe she should try a different tactic if that’s the case. She says, their lives could blow up, and she’ll be the one to give expert advice. She tells LisaR that they didn’t give her enough understanding and space about her mother. LisaR sucks it up, then falls apart at home. That’s what they do. What the…? Is she on the same show I’m watching? Or are we supposed to pretend LisaR didn’t have several outbursts, for which she apologized, but didn’t mean it. Erika says, she had too many drinks, and fell in front everybody. LisaR says, there are worse things Erika could have done. Yeah, like leak info about someone else to the press. We read that LisaR and family honored Lois with a private ceremony in Oregon, and she still hears Lois in every bird. In her interview, she says, it’s been the hardest year. She doesn’t know who she is without her mom, but she has to be for her family what Lois was for her. And those are huge shoes to fill. The text says that Kyle has only seen Kathy a few times since the show wrapped, and has no idea if she’s going to attend Farrah’s wedding. In her interview, Kyle says, everyone has gone through a lot, and she’d like to think they’ll come out the other side, but she just doesn’t know right now.

Kyle returns to the backyard, and says, let’s get the party started… There’s nobody here.

🚪 Dave’s Not Here…

Return to this same spot tomorrow for soap and those Charmers from the South. Until then stay safe, stay surprising yourself occasionally, and stay remembering, just because you’re late to the battle doesn’t mean your cause is any less valid.

October 4, 2022 – The Hook Is Revealed, Booted By Baseball, New Career, a Goodbye, Dragon Update, First Vamp, New Materials, New Vision & Country

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

At John F. Kennedy High school in Jacksonville, Drew asks if Carly forgot they’re supposed to meet the reporter at Virginia’s grave in 45 minutes. She says, her mom’s grave is less than 10 minutes from here, and he says he’s guessing this is where she went to high school. She nods, and says she had no intention of ever coming back. They were driving by, and she just needed to see this. She needed to see the spot where her life changed in an instant. So, they were in the same car? Did she just yell, stop, and jump out?

Ava goes into Ryan’s room, and asks if he’s surprised to see her. Knowing that Doc comes in from time to time, she’s updated on his condition, but she just had to see for herself. Doc assures her that he’s still incapable of movement, but she knows how deceitful Ryan is. She never really bought it. She still thinks he could be faking it.

Outside Kelly’s, Victor thanks Nikolas for meeting him, and Nikolas says, like he had a choice. Why has Victor summoned him? Victor says, Nikolas needs to divorce Ava – immediately.

Sitting in a private area at the MetroCourt, Valentin says, Michael is working hard at Aurora; the stock’s up. Michael says, it’s no secret they took a hit when Valentin blocked the merger, but they’re going in the right direction. Valentin says, in no small part thanks to Michael, but Michael says, Drew is doing a great job. He knows what he’s doing. Valentin says, the reason he wanted to meet with Michael is, he thinks Michael’s talents could be better utilized elsewhere. He wants Michael to consider leaving Aurora, and coming back to ELQ full time.

Carver asks Josslyn, what’s the matter; cat got her tongue? Who is she? She says, she’s Josslyn Jax, Sonny’s stepdaughter. She knows most of his guys. Is he new? He says he’s the new chef. He’s just getting the tools of his trade in peak condition. She says she left her jacket here. She’s just going to go grab it. He says, no, she won’t.

Looking pretty worn out, Dex sings The Star Spangled Banner. Wow. I never even noticed he’s hanging in a freezer. Isn’t it cold in there? Why does no one seem cold? Is this a freezer just dedicated to hanging people up? While I’m on the subject, does anyone outside of Sonny’s friends and family eat at this restaurant?

On the phone at the hospital, Sonny says, they’re taking Diane off the ventilator. He’ll call with an update when he gets one. TJ comes out and joins Sonny, along with Dante and Robert. TJ says, Diane is breathing on her own. She’s conscious, although she’s still pretty groggy. Sonny asks if he can see her, but Robert says he’s going to have to wait. If she’s up to it, he has a few questions. TJ gestures for him to go in.

Diane says, Mr. District Attorney. To what does she owe the pleasure? He says he has a good mind to book her for malicious intent. She scared the life out of them. She says she was attacked with a hook, just like Ava and Brando, and he sits down, saying, unfortunately, but she’s a tough cookie. He knows she just woke up, but tell him what she remembers.

Carly says she used to be a cheerleader. Did she ever tell Drew that? He says he doesn’t believe so, and she says, she and Reese made the varsity squad their freshman year; it was quite an accomplishment. I’d say so. I’ve never been a cheerleader, but I don’t think freshmen are normally on the varsity squad. He says, Peyton’s daughter, and she says, they were best, best friends. They were so close, like Josslyn and Trina close. Reese had it going on; country club girl, pretty, popular. It’s probably why they made the squad. Although Carly was a much better athlete and much better cheerleader, even if she does say so herself. He says he has no doubt, and she says, Reese gave her access to a life she wouldn’t have been able to touch. She was so grateful for that. They loved each other like besties, and by junior year, they ran that squad. Until that afternoon. Reese had been ignoring her all day. It was after practice, and Reese, Jody, Lisa, and her were headed to Reese’s car. She realized she forgot her sweater, and went back to grab it. When she came back to Reese’s car, the girls were already in the convertible, and she could tell Reese was talking about her; they were all laughing and whispering. Just like that, Reese looked at her, started the car, and pulled away. It was deliberate. She wanted Carly to know she was leaving her on purpose, and Carly yelled, I hope you crash and burn. Ten seconds later, Reese pulled onto the parkway, right in front of a semi. She saw the whole thing happen. Reese’s convertible disintegrated into a twisted pile of metal. Two girls dead and one in a coma, and Carly stood on this spot without a scratch on her.

Nikolas says he’s not divorcing Ava, and Victor says, come on. Nikolas and Ava have been on the brink of divorce at least three times to his knowledge. It’s time they just got on with it. Nikolas says, aside from the fact he loves his wife, they’re staying married to protect Ava. Victor says, Nikolas is referring to spousal privilege. It’s true as Ava’s husband Nikolas can’t be compelled to testify that he saw Ava and Esme struggling just before Esme plunged to her death. Nikolas tells him to keep his voice down. Why is he bringing that up? Victor assures him that they’re quite alone, but Nikolas says, this conversation’s over. He and Ava are remaining married. Nikolas starts to leave, and Victor says, Nikolas seems to be under the misconception that he has a choice in the matter. He doesn’t.

Ava says she’ll check to see how in control Ryan really is, and snaps her fingers in front of his face, then claps. He blinks once, and she says, that’s convincing enough. She drags a chair over, and grabs her side, saying, she may have overdone it there. That’s right. He doesn’t know about her injury, does he? Some maniac attacked her with a hook. But he knows all about that, doesn’t he? He used a hook on at least one of his victims, so she has to wonder, would he use one on her too, if he could get out of that chair?

Diane tells Robert, she was at Brando’s garage because she’d gone there to see Sasha. She’d been asked to file a continuance concerning Sasha’s guardianship. Sasha didn’t know where the papers were, but thought there was a copy in Brando’s office. He asks, what happened then?

Sonny says, Robert’s in there questioning Diane, and she’s not up for it. She’s still recovering. TJ says, she was stable when he left. He thinks she can handle it. Dante says, Diane is tough, and Sonny says, she’s tough in the courtroom; she’s like a barracuda. But she didn’t have a defense against whoever attacked her with that hook. Dante says, she survived, and if she can ID the attacker, they can finally get ahead of this psycho. Sonny says, give it their best shot, go through all the channels, but he’s telling Dante, he’s going to do what he has to do to make sure Diane gets justice.

Michael says he didn’t see that one coming. Why would Valentin want to bring him back on board after everything he’s done to get ELQ? He tore Michael’s family apart, and he’s sure Valentin doesn’t trust him. Valentin says he trusts Michael. Michael and Drew almost got the better of him, fair and square. It was a strong countermove, and it would have worked if Valentin hadn’t had Ned. Michael asks, why risk alienating Ned by bringing him back on board? and Valentin says, he knows ultimately that Michael will put the good of ELQ first. Michael says, good luck explaining that to Ned, and Valentin says he expects there to be pushback, and he’ll handle that. Michael has expertise Ned lacks. Michael says, that’s always been the case, so what changed? and asks if the company is in trouble, but Valentin says, it’s stronger than ever. He has certain operations he’s undertaking that are at a critical juncture, and he doesn’t want ELQ to suffer. Michael says, Valentin could always step aside, and Valentin says he’s not interested in giving up CEO, but come back to ELQ. He promises he and Michael will both have the time and the resources to devote to their outside projects.

Josslyn asks Carver, what part of her stepfather is his boss is unclear? and he says, Mr. Corinthos isn’t here. He can’t let her have free reign in the restaurant or his workspace, so today, her access is denied. As for Mr. Corinthos’s office, she’ll need his permission to go in there. She says, Sonny won’t be happy to hear he gave her a hard time, and Carver says, she thinks this is a hard time? She says, what she thinks is, he’ll regret being so rude to her, and he says he’ll tell Mr. Corinthos she stopped by. She slams out.

Ava tells Ryan that she was attacked on the Quartermaine grounds, at a picnic they were having to benefit GH’s pediatric wing. Josslyn Jax found her, and made sure she got to the hospital. Unfortunately, Sonny’s cousin Brando was attacked a few days later, and tragically, he did not make it. Diane, Sonny’s lawyer, was the most recent victim. So if it isn’t him or some sort of copycat, maybe it’s Sonny that’s the common denominator. In his mind, Ryan says, outrageous. Unacceptable. If anyone is going to gut you with a hook, my love, it’s going to be me. Don’t delude yourself.

Nikolas tells Victor, he’s the one in possession of the family fortune. Victor has no power over him. Victor says, Nikolas does not want to put that to the test. He’d really rather not waste his time and resources bringing Nikolas back in line, but he will if he has to. Nikolas says he won’t be intimidated into giving up his wife, and Victor says he can’t say he blames Nikolas. Ava is a spectacular woman; beautiful, ruthless, and that wicked sense of humor. But sadly, she’s too much for Nikolas to handle. Nikolas says, no one handles Ava, and Victor says, particularly not Nikolas. Nikolas is way out of his league with his callow tricks and childish games, provoking Ava into fights, so he can declare his love and win her back again. Nikolas says, marriages hit rough patches; they’ve hit one. They’ll get past it. Victor says, his marriage hasn’t hit a rough patch. He jumped into bed with Esme. Open his eyes. Ava came out of hospital, and declined to move back to Windymere. Nikolas says, but she will. She’ll believe in him again because he’s found a way to prove his love for her.

Valentin says, he has no doubt that Michael’s performance at ELQ will be effective, and his outside projects are his own business.. Josslyn walks in, and says she needs to speak with Michael right now. Valentin tells her to take his seat; he has somewhere he has to be anyway. He tells Michael, think about it, and leaves. Michael asks, what’s going on? and she says she thinks she knows why no one has seen Dex. She thinks Sonny is keeping Dex in his restaurant, and Michael needs to help her get in there before Sonny kills him.

Dex continues to sing The Star Spangled Banner, when Carver comes in. He says, don’t let him interrupt. Keep singing if he likes. He just wants to have things ready for when Sonny gets back. He unrolls his knives for the 200th time, and Dex says, don’t waste his time unpacking. Carver’s not going to get to use any of that on him, because he’s innocent. Carver says, Sonny seems unconvinced.

TJ says he has another patient he has to see, but he’ll be back to check on Diane. He leaves, and Dante stands in front of Sonny. Sonny says, what? and Dante says he knows it seems like Sonny is the common denominator with all these victims. He knows everything inside Sonny wants to go after this attacker and make them pay. Sonny says, that’s right, but Dante says, don’t do it.

Diane tells Robert, it’s really just a jumble. She doesn’t even know when Sonny and Sasha left, but they had to have left because she was alone when she was attacked. He asks, what’s the last thing she remembers? and she says, talking to Sonny. Then after that, she’s just trying to get the sequence of events right. Maybe if she could talk to Sonny again…  He says, Sonny is right outside. He’ll get him.

Drew says, you can’t cause an accident by wishing or even screaming the words out loud, and Carly says she knows that, but she contributed to Reese’s state of mind when she pulled out on the parkway in front of that truck. They had been best friends since they were twelve years old. Reese would have never left her behind, never turned against her. That was before she found out Carly slept with her father.

Victor says, enlighten him. How does Nikolas plan to prove his love to Ava this time? Nikolas says, it’s private, between husband and wife. All Victor needs to know is that he’s proven to Ava that she can trust him. Victor says he’s going to need more than that, and Nikolas says he’s afraid Victor is going to have to learn to live with unanswered questions. Now if Victor will excuse him… Valentin blocks his way, and Nikolas says, surely Victor doesn’t expect him to answer to Valentin. Both of them can go to hell. Victor says he anticipated that Nikolas would be less than cooperative, so he reached out to his son for assistance, and don’t call him Shirley. He asks if Valentin was successful, and Valentin says, see for himself, handing Victor the envelope Nikolas gave Ava.

Sonny says, it’s about time Diane woke up. It’s good to see her. She says, thank you, boss. From what she understands, it was touch and go. He asks how she’s feeling, and she says, blissfully numb at the moment. Her mind is foggy, but it’s starting to clear. She’s just trying to piece together what led up to the attack. Dante says, that’s good; whatever she can remember. She asks if Sasha gave her permission to go through Brando’s papers, and Sonny says, yeah. She went into Brando’s office. Dante says, they can’t have Sonny influencing Diane’s memories. They need her recollections unprompted. She says, here she thought hearsay just applied to the courtroom, and Robert says he’s not concerned about admissibility at this point. He just wants to get this psycho. But Dante’s right. Sonny can corroborate, but the memories have to be hers. She says he remembers being in Brando’s office. She found the guardianship papers, but it was so dark in there, she came back out to the garage to read it. Robert asks if anyone was in the garage, when Sonny’s phone rings. She says, the next thing she remembers is seeing Dex.

Carver leaves Sonny a message, saying, he’s ready to get the truth out of that punk. Let him know if he can proceed on his own. Michael walks in with Josslyn, and Carver says, her again. Mr. Corinthos isn’t here. If she doesn’t get that, maybe her friend will. Michael tells him to consider his next move carefully. How Carver chooses to handle the situation could determine his future, as well as Sonny’s. If Carver blows it, Sonny won’t be so forgiving.

Carly tells Drew, she was a minor, and Reese’s father took advantage of her. The adult Carly knows that, but Reese was blindsided. She was devastated when she found out. He says, Reese’s father is dead, right? and she says, he killed himself not long after the accident. Drew tells her, what he did was reprehensible. One day Scout will be 16 years old, and if one of her friend’s fathers seduced her into an inappropriate relationship, Drew would annihilate him before the case ever reached trial. And he knows Carly would do the same thing if Joss, Avery, or Donna was ever in the same situation. She says she’d kill the bastard, and he asks if she’d blame them or think they brought it on themselves. She says, of course (🍷) not, and he asks, then why is she still blaming herself?

Ava tells Ryan, it must be hell, sitting here alone, all day every day. No mental stimulation of any kind; just sitting here waiting for somebody, anybody. She wonders if he’s still waiting for his precious Esme. His eyes shift to her, and she says, bingo.

Victor reads Nikolas’s confession, and Nikolas reaches for the letter, but Valentin steps between him and Victor. He says, easy, and Nikolas asks how the hell he got this. Valentin says, trade secret, and Victor says, the more pertinent question is why the hell a letter like this exists in the first place.

Carver asks what Josslyn wants, and she says, Dex. Where is he? Carver says he has no idea. He’s the chef. He has nothing to do with other employees. Michael says, this is what’s going to happen. His sister Josslyn is going to look around. If she sees Dex is being held anywhere in this restaurant, she’s going to bring him out, and they’re going to leave. If Carver interferes in any way, he’s going to call his brother Detective Falconari of the PCPD, and they’ll have the cops search the premises. If they find Dex is being held prisoner here, Carver is going to be arrested, as well as his boss. Sonny will claim Carver acted on his own, without his knowledge. If Carver thinks he can cut a deal and give Sonny up, they both know how he’ll retaliate. Carver’s best option, his only option, is not allow the police to get involved in the first place. What’s it going to be?

Robert says, Diane saw Dex in the garage with Sonny and Sasha before the attack, and she says, yes. He asks who Dex is, and she says, he works for Sonny. He was there at first, then he wasn’t there. She assumed Sonny sent him on an errand. Dante says, she found the guardianship papers, and took them into the garage where there was better light. Is that when she saw Dex? She says, no… wait. He wasn’t there then. He was there before the attack, then when she came to for a second, she saw him. Robert says, let’s get the sequence right. Diane came out of the office with the papers; who was there? She says, no one. The garage was empty. Sonny and Sasha had gone, and she started reading. That’s when she saw a glimpse of motion out of the corner of her eye. She turned around, and that’s when she saw her. She came at Diane with a hook. Sonny asks if Diane just said she, and Robert says, she saw her attacker? Diane says, she came right at me, and Dante says, she? Diane says, yeah. The attacker was a woman.

Dex sings My Country Tis of Thee, when Josslyn runs in. She asks what Sonny did to him, and he says, nothing yet, but they have to get out of here. Carver is a dangerous freak. Josslyn says he gave her the creeps too, and Dex says, Carver knows she’s here; she has to go. Josslyn tells him that her brother is dealing with Carver. She needs to get him untied. He tells her, use the knives; it will be faster. She asks if Carver used them on him, but he says, no and he never will. Josslyn grabs a knife and starts cutting the ropes on Dex’s wrists. It would be ironic if she cut him by accident. Just saying.  

Dante asks if Diane can describe her attacker, and she says, a woman with a hook. He says he means other details like age, build, hair color, that kind of thing. Diane says, the attacker was about her height. She couldn’t tell her build because she was wearing a bulky coat with a hood, or a cloak; she wasn’t sure. And Diane couldn’t see her hair. Dante says, that’s good. Just take a minute. Robert says, she’s doing great. Can she remember any more details? Dante says, sounds. Does Diane remember hearing anything? Diane says, yes. She was wearing bracelets, and they jangled when she raised up that hook. Dante tells Sonny, bracelets, not dog tags, and Diane wonders why she can remember her bracelets and not her face. TJ comes in, and says, this is far too many visitors. He’s going to have to ask them to leave now. Robert tells Diane that she’s given them a lot to go on, and Sonny tells her, take it easy. Dante says, he’ll be back to check on her later, and Diane tells Robert, if she remembers any more details, she’ll call him. Or she’ll have her people call him. She laughs weakly, and he says, the most important thing is that she focuses that considerable energy of hers on recovering. She’s doing great; that’s the most important thing to remember. She laughs again, and he leaves.

Michael tells Carver, it’s never too soon to quit. If Carver isn’t here, he won’t have to answer to Michael’s brother the cop, or Sonny. Carver heads for the door, when Josslyn brings out Dex. Michael asks if he’s all right, and she says, Sonny had him in the freezer. He was tied by his wrists, hanging from a meat hook. Michael says, all right, let’s go, just another day. Still trying to save what little dignity he has left, and maybe his job, Carver says, they’ll leave when Sonny says they leave. Seriously, if I was Carver, I’d skip town asap after this. It won’t just be, he’ll never work in this town again; it will be a grave in the Pine Barrens.

Carly tells Drew, when Mr. Roberts started paying attention to her, she was flattered. She could tell he liked her, and she liked it. She even started flirting with him in her own way. She knew it was wrong, but she felt like she was doing something new. She should have stopped going to the Roberts’ house; she should have transferred out of the school. But she didn’t want to lose Reese. She didn’t want to stop being the popular girl on the cheerleading squad. She didn’t want to stop going to the country club, pretending she was a member. Reese gave her access to a life she didn’t want to give up, and that’s on her. Drew says, she was a child; he was a predator. She says, Reese found them in bed together. The next day, Reese wouldn’t talk to her, or even look at her. She thought. she hoped, they could talk after they dropped the other girls off, but Reese had already turned against her. Something had broken in Reese. She shouldn’t have been driving; she was too upset. She shouldn’t have been on the road. He says, wait. Did Reese’s mother tell her all this? and she says, Peyton is a vindictive snob, but she’s not wrong. He says, yes, she is.

Ava says, Esme was determined to intern at Spring Ridge so she could work with Ryan. She claimed she was fascinated with his case, which of course (🍷) makes perfect sense now. Esme probably saw him as some kind of kindred spirit. In his mind, Ryan says, you have no idea, and Ava says, she knows Doc had her banned from seeing him, but that cunning Esme found a way around that, didn’t she? Ryan thinks, yes, my clever daughter. She says, in retrospect, she thinks Esme was blackmailing Nikolas, and Ryan thinks, because he betrayed you. Nikolas was never worthy of you. Only I’m worthy of you. She says, but all good blackmail schemes must come to an end, and Esme overstayed her welcome, and now she’s gone.

Victor asks, what possessed Nikolas to confess to a murder he didn’t commit? and Nikolas says he did it to protect his wife. He’d do anything to protect Ava. Victor says, which is precisely why he has to divorce her. Nikolas’s obsession with Ava is not only detrimental to him, it’s jeopardizing the whole family. Nikolas says he doesn’t give a damn, and Victor says, clearly Nikolas doesn’t give a damn. He didn’t give a damn when he alienated his son. He didn’t give a damn when he was unfaithful to his wife. And he obviously didn’t give a damn when he wrote this ridiculous confession. Fortunately, Valentin intercepted the letter before it fell into the wrong hands. Nikolas says, it belongs in Ava’s hands; it was meant for her. Victor says, until she hands it over to the police in a fit of pique. Nikolas says, she wouldn’t do that, and Victor says, because she’d be implicating herself, but Nikolas says, no, because she loves him. Victor says, be that as it may, it’s too late now to matter.

Drew says he can’t believe Peyton didn’t know what her husband was up to. That is a dysfunctional family. He bets Peyton was used to dealing with her husband’s indiscretions because she didn’t want to give up the wealth, and the status, and the social position. She couldn’t afford to confront her husband. It was way easier to blame Carly. The only person who did have an excuse is Reese, because she was a child. It was too painful and confusing and scary to confront her father about what he did, so she made it Carly’s fault too, but it wasn’t her fault. Yes, it was a tragedy, one where the parents acted badly, and the kids paid the price. He gets why she wants to run away. She’s been running her whole life, but it’s time to stop. Let go of the misguided guilt. Let it go. It wasn’t her fault. She says, what happened to Reese was a terrible accident. She hates that it happened, but it wasn’t her fault. He says, it wasn’t, and she says she’s been telling herself that for years, but she never believed it. Seeing Peyton brought it all out. But it’s over, right? He says, it’s over, and holds her.

Josslyn says, they need the police, but Michael tells her, hold on. He tells Carver, this is about to escalate in a way that will not end well. It’s best all-around if Carver just lets them go. Carver says, if he’s so confident Mr. Corinthos won’t mind his guests leaving, they can afford wait until he gets here and gives his okay. Josslyn says, to hell with this freak. She’s calling the cops. Dex says, no cops, and Josslyn says, why not? Sonny tried to kill him. Sonny walks in, and Michael says, hey dad. Look who we found in your freezer.

TJ says, Diane is doing well. He just wants her to try and rest. She says, sorry, doc. Now she can’t stop thinking about her attacker. She’s sure she knows this woman from somewhere. She just can’t place her, and she usually has a good memory for faces. He says, she went through a traumatic experience. The mind will go into protect mode, and keep the disturbing events at bay. She may start to remember in bits and pieces. That’s what happened to him when he went through something traumatic. But driving herself crazy trying to remember won’t do much good for her recovery. Be patient with herself. It’ll come back in time. She says, sorry, doc. That’s not going to work for her. Now she just wants this maniac caught.

Dante tells Robert, that was amazing. Diane just gave them some real valuable information. Robert says, thanks to her, they know the killer is a woman, and Dante says, it could change the direction of the investigation. There could be patterns they haven’t detected yet, or a way to tie the victims together aside from Sonny. Robert says, or it confirms their worst case scenario. The killings and the attacks are random after all.

Ava tells Ryan, Esme just disappeared one afternoon, at the height of Trina Robinson’s trial. She bets that topic never came up in conversation; how she framed an innocent young woman. She was just about to be exposed too, and she just vanished. She made a couple posts from the French Riviera, so the authorities are looking for her. In his mind, Ryan says, Esme would never abandon me for a place as banal as the French Riviera. She’d never abandon me at all. Ava says, she, for one, is glad Esme is gone. She found Esme to be a dangerously disturbed young woman; reckless too. She just kept pushing the boundaries, assuming nobody would ever push back. Windymere’s not a safe place. It can be downright dangerous if you don’t watch your step, and Esme failed to watch hers. She seriously doubts anyone will see Esme Prince ever again. Ryan clenches his fist.

Victor tells Nikolas, Ava is a practical woman. He’s sure she’s already begun to realize her marriage is toxic. It shouldn’t be too hard to convince her that it’s also jeopardizing her future. He’ll also offer her a generous divorce settlement, which he’s sure she’ll be more than happy to accept. Nikolas says, even if Ava agrees, he never will, and Victor tells him, stop being so tedious. Valentin asks if Victor isn’t overlooking something; Nikolas isn’t really necessary. If he were to disappear like Esme did, Spencer would inherit the Cassadine estate. Victor says, Valentin does have a good point. If Nikolas is intractable, there’s always Spencer. After all, accidents do happen. Nikolas says, threats. Victor wants him to choose his life over Ava. Victor says, it isn’t really a choice, is it? How can he be with Ava if he’s dead? Nikolas says he loves her, but Victor says, love is a luxury; survival is essential. Just remember that. Nikolas says, fine. He’ll do it. He’ll divorce Ava. Victor grabs Nikolas’s shoulders, and says, splendid. A hooded figure walks into the background, and Victor says, he’ll have his attorneys draw up the paperwork, and obtain the necessary signatures. Then with Nikolas divorced and Esme dead, he can finally turn his attention to more pressing matters. The hooded figure turns, and we see it’s… Esme.

Not a huge shock, considering all they did was talk about her once we knew it was a woman.

Tomorrow, Carly tells Drew, maybe it’s time she stopped being Carly Corinthos; Willow tells TJ that she has no other choice; Ava tells Ryan, she knew it was too good to be true; Josslyn says, it’s worse than she thought; and Sonny has a problem with that.

⚾️ And They’re Out…

I love how they act like everyone has this Friday off.

🎙 About His Gig’s Side Gig…

While I thought he did a great rendition of Feel It Still for the Nurses Ball, I’m not too sure how likely this would be to happen in any world. Nice try though.

🎬 Final Cut…

He’s now sitting in that great director’s chair in the sky.

🐉 This Week’s Dragon…

The latest on what’s going on in the House.

https://ew.com/tv/recaps/house-of-the-dragon-season-1-episode-7/

https://www.insider.com/house-of-the-dragon-season-1-episode-7-recap-hbo-2022-9

🧛🏽‍♂️ And While We’re At It…

I watched this, and it was quite good. Love the period costumes and sets too.

https://collider.com/interview-with-the-vampire-season-1-episode-1-recap-in-throes-of-increasing-wonder/

🐅 Materially Speaking…

A first look at Season 3.

https://ew.com/tv/his-dark-materials-season-3-angels-first-look/

From the beginning.

https://www.hbo.com/his-dark-materials

💃🏻 Dancing Blind…

So first I saw this, and what like, what the…?

Then I saw this, and was quite impressed. Especially since I have a hard time coordinating my steps and arm motions when doing aerobics.

https://people.com/tv/selma-blair-says-dancing-blindfolded-on-dwts-was-like-boot-camp/

🥿 Kicking Off My Blue Suede Shoes…

Come back tomorrow for a dose of soap and the lowdown on how lowdown Beverly Hills can get. Until then, stay safe, stay never straddling the fence (metaphorically or physically – I can’t imagine that’s comfortable), and stay letting go of misguided guilt.

October 3, 2022 – The Hook Has One Nasty Modus Operandi, Storm Chooses a Lead Deckhand & Break

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Carly wakes up and hears a door open. She says, Drew? and Drew comes in the room. He says, she’s awake, and she says, he’s here. He asks, where else he would be? and she says she doesn’t know. She thought maybe he left. He says, if he had, would she have missed him?

On the phone in her office, Maxie says, they need to rethink this whole presentation. They want it to be classic and clean, not sterile. Sasha knocks at the door, and Maxie says she’ll call them back. Sasha apologizes for interrupting, but Maxie says she’s not. She’s so sorry. She hugs Sasha, and Sasha says she knows she’s supposed to take a step back from the company, but she didn’t know where else to go. Maxie says, forget the company. Whatever Sasha needs, she’s here.

The inmate (whose name we find out later is Book, so we’ll go with that now) tells Spencer to pick up the book he dropped on the floor. Spencer says he’ll get it later, but Book says, pick it up. Spencer says, you dropped it, you pick it up, and Book says, he told Spencer to pick it up. He cracks Spencer in the head with a book, and Spencer falls to the ground. He kicks Spencer, and Spencer asks, what is his problem? Book says, Spencer is the one with the problem – him.

Gregory wonders why Elizabeth is asking about Reiko, and she says, Finn doesn’t mention Reiko, to her at least. He says he’s sure it brings up difficult memories for Finn of losing Reiko.

Alexis asks Finn, what’s going on? Is Diane okay? Robert says, tell him she didn’t…

Walking into Charlie’s, Trina says she can’t begin to tell Josslyn how good it felt; not just to be back on campus, but to have no one stare at them like they’re a bunch of circus performers. Apparently, they’re last semester’s news. Josslyn says, ugh. She tried every social media platform and can’t find him anywhere. Trina asks, who? and Josslyn says, Dex. She has no way to reach him.

Dante is having coffee at Pozzulo’s when Sonny walks in, and asks what he’s doing here. Dante says, waiting for Sonny. Frank said he’d be right back. He thanks Frank for the helluva cup of coffee he made, and Frank says, anytime. Sonny sits, and says, any news on Diane? Dante says, no, but he is here about the attacks, and Sonny says, what about? Dante asks, where’s his employee, Dex Heller? Sonny asks why Dante is looking for Dex, and Dante asks if he’s working today. Sonny says, it’s Dex’s day off. Why is Dante asking these questions? Kristina flies in, followed by Cal, and she says she can’t with this guy. He’s scaring off all the customers. No offense. Sonny says, hello, and she says hello to him and Dante. She asks if Sonny could please get rid of this one, and reassign Dex to her. Sonny looks like he has a headache.

Trina asks why Josslyn is looking for Dex, and Josslyn says, she heard he was being questioned by the PCPD about the attacks. Trina asks if they have evidence against him, and Josslyn says, circumstantial. Dex was in the area either before or after all of the attacks. The evidence she has points away from him. Trina says, then he’ll be cleared, but Josslyn says, Trina wasn’t. Not nearly as quickly as she should have been at least. Trina says, good point, but she still doesn’t get where Josslyn fits in. Josslyn says she just thinks it’s strange. Dex starts getting questioned, then he goes completely MIA? Trina says, he could be anywhere. It’s not like Josslyn knows him that well. He could be lying low so he can stay out of the spotlight, or maybe he is guilty and left town. Josslyn says, maybe, and Trina says, or he’s with family. Josslyn shakes her head, and Trina says, or a significant other. What’s going on? Why is Josslyn so interested in this guy?

Carly asks if Drew is a ninja, and he says, damn. She figured out his secret identity. She says she didn’t hear him leave, and he says, that’s good. He was trying to be quiet so she didn’t wake up. She says she can’t believe how late it is. Although she’s not surprised. She had trouble falling asleep last night. He says he heard her tossing and turning, and she says, sorry. He says she doesn’t have to be sorry. Is she always such a restless sleeper? She says, sleeping alone takes some getting used to, and he says he could help with that. She looks at him, and he says, not like that. He could, and totally would in a heartbeat, but they’ve already had that conversation. He was going to tell her, he learned some sleeping techniques in the service, and those techniques can help you fall asleep in less than five minutes. She says she could have used that last night. She had this awful dream that Virginia’s grave was being dug up, and Peyton was just standing there laughing. He says, but they’re not going to let that happen, and she says she wanted to tell him that she appreciates his offer to help her… He says, but, and she says, she thinks she should just call Diane and see what her legal options are. He puts his hand on his arm to stop her, and says, about Diane…

Maxie gives Sasha some tea, and sits down. She says, sorry, and Sasha says, what for? Maxie says, after Nathan died, people were forever trying to ply her with tea. Half the time, she felt like throwing it in their faces, and she’s now realizing they were just trying to do what they could for her. What she’s saying is, Sasha is under no obligation to drink that. Sasha says, she likes Earl Grey, and takes a sip. Maxie asks if there’s anything else she can do for Sasha, anything at all, and Sasha says she needs an outfit for Brando’s funeral. She was going through her closet, and the only thing that was appropriate was the dress she wore to Liam’s funeral, and she can’t… Maxie says, of course (🍷) not, and Sasha says she was going to go shopping, but as she was walking into Wyndham’s, she remembered her credit cards don’t work. Maxie says she’s really sorry about he conservatorship. Sasha came to the right place. She can definitely find Sasha the right outfit. Sasha thanks her.

Finn tells Alexis and Robert, Diane made it out of surgery, and the venom protocol he administered seems to have worked. Alexis says, thank God. So she’s going to be all right? Finn says, that’s the plan, and Robert asks if she’s awake. He wants to get information on the bastard who did this to her. Finn says, she’s still unconscious, but he’ll be the first to know when she wakes up, and Alexis says, she’ll be the first to know; Robert can stand in line behind her.

Elizabeth says, Reiko meant a lot to Finn, didn’t she? and Gregory says he wishes he could tell her stories about Finn and Reiko’s time together, but the truth is, he wasn’t around when they were married. That’s what he calls the dark period; he and Finn weren’t in contact. She says she’s sorry. She didn’t mean to bring up difficult times. He thanks her, and says he hates that he and Finn missed out on all that, but he mostly hates that he wasn’t there to support Finn when Reiko died. She says, but he’s here now, and he says, something he’s grateful for every day. If she doesn’t mind him asking, what brought all this up? She says she’s been thinking a lot about the past lately, and he says, the past is a tricky thing. Even when you think you’ve let it go, it has a way of hanging onto you.

Spencer asks how he’s Book’s problem, and Book says, Spencer used his connection’s to steal his job. It took him 12 years to be assigned to the library, and Spencer shows up and he’s out? Spencer says, that’s a long time, and Book says, it is. Pick it up. Spencer says, okay, and gingerly reaches for the book, when Book steps on his hand. Spencer says, sorry. He didn’t mean to offend Book. Book says, anything useless offends him, and it doesn’t get more useless than Spencer. Rumor has it Spencer’s daddy wanted to buy this place last year. Now hardworking citizens have to pay to feed and house Spencer. He thinks maybe he should give them a tax break. Cyrus walks in, and says, he who commit’s violence against his brother shall be covered in shame, and destroyed forever. Book tells him to take his bible thumping somewhere else, and Cyrus says he’ll stop the proselytizing, but only if Book lets Spencer up. Book takes his foot off Spencer’s hand, and Spencer gets up. Cyrus says, conflict disheartens him, and he abhors violence. Book says, from convict to convert. He’s a regular walking after school special. Cyrus says, it’s not too late for Book. If he changes his mind, he knows where to find Cyrus. Book says he sure does, and tells Spencer, he got lucky with the save. Next time, he’ll make sure they’re not interrupted. He leaves, and Cyrus asks, how’s the hand? Spencer says he had that under control, and Cyrus says, not from where he was standing. Spencer says, and now? Cyrus did him a solid. What does he want for it?

Carly tells Drew, she can’t believe Diane was stabbed. She looks at her phone, and says, she has messages from Josslyn, Michael, and Sonny. Boy, she’s mother of the year. He says, the fact that she wasn’t glued to her phone first thing in the morning, most people would think is a good thing, but she says, not when your family’s in danger. The hell with this. She doesn’t care what Sonny says; she’s going back to Port Charles. He asks if she really thinks it’s a good idea. He and Sonny don’t necessarily see eye to eye on a lot, but when it comes to her safety, there’s a murderer loose in Port Charles, and the only common denominator… She says, is Sonny, she knows. Her kids are in danger. He says, Sonny has the kids guarded, but he only has so many resources. So one less person to guard means more protection for everybody else. She says, so if she stays she’s protecting her kids? Come on. He says, in a way, that’s true. Not to mention the fact she has unfinished business here, and he happens to know it’s hugely important to her. She says she doesn’t know, and he says he can send for Josslyn and Donna; have them close if it will make her feel better. She says, that leaves Avery, and Ava and Sonny are never going to let them bring her here. And she doesn’t want to disrupt Josslyn and Donna’s lives. Josslyn is just starting school again. Ugh. They’re safe? He says, they really are, and she says, thanks to him for making that video, she knows Donna and Avery are happy. He says so she’s not going to hop on the next flight out? and she says she’s going to stay put… for now.

Trina says she feels like she’s missing something. Why is Josslyn trying to find Dex? Josslyn says, forget she said anything. Trina’s right; it’s none of her business. She heard Ava is close to getting discharged. Is she going back to the gallery soon? Trina says, no, and neither will she. Ava fired her. Josslyn says, why? and Trina says, maybe fired is a little extra, but Ava thinks it’s safer if the gallery stays closed. Josslyn tells her, she can’t believe she’s saying this, but Ava might be right. Trina says, and she’d be fine with it if Ava had come to the decision all on her own, but Curtis convinced Ava to pull some strings at The Chuck. Josslyn says, the actual art museum? and Trina says, yes, and now she’s the proud recipient of the Murphy-Katz Fellowship. Josslyn says, that sounds like a pretty big deal, and Trina says, it is; it’s a huge honor. Which is why she fully intended on applying next year. But now it’s been given to her as a distraction to keep her away from the gallery. Josslyn says she knows Trina doesn’t like how it came about, but she’s going to take it, right? but Trina says, no way.

Gregory says he doesn’t think Elizabeth has anything to worry about, and she says, meaning? He says, his son lives in the here and now. As important as Reiko was, he’s moved on. He’s lived a whole life in the years since Reiko died. He fathered a child, and now he wants a future with her. Finn doesn’t smile like that at just anybody. He’d venture to say, Finn saves that smile just for her. Finn and Alexis join them, and Gregory asks Alexis, how’s her friend? Alexis says, she’s going to be okay, thanks to this guy, and Gregory says, my son, the hero. Finn says, nah, it was a team effort. Speaking of which, will Elizabeth help him check Diane’s vitals? She says, of course (🍷), and she and Finn leave. Gregory tells Alexis, she’s okay, and Alexis says, she’s okay.

Kristina tells Sonny, Dex blends in with the clientele at Charlie’s, and he has the unique ability to carry on a conversation. She tells Cal, no offense again, and Sonny says, his concern is Kristina’s safety; he doesn’t care whether she’s entertained or not. She asks why Dex can’t keep her safe, and Sonny laughs. She looks at Dante, and says, oh. He’s flexing his big brother muscles? Dante says, what? and Kristina says she gets that Dante doesn’t like Dex, but just because he’s a cop… Dante says he has no opinion about Dex one way or the other, but until he’s ruled out as a suspect, he shouldn’t be around. She says, that’s ridiculous. Dex didn’t attack anyone. She looks at Sonny, and says, tell him, but Sonny says, he’s doing his job. What does she want Sonny to tell him? She tells Dante, okay. Do it faster. Clear Dex so he can get back to work. Dante says, aye-aye, captain, and Kristina asks if that’s really why she hasn’t seen Dex around lately. Since when is Sonny swayed be the PCPD? Sonny says, until they know who’s behind these attacks, she’s going to trust whoever’s assigned to her. Got it? She says, no. She don’t got it.

Finn says he’s had a kind of interesting afternoon, and Elizabeth says, do tell. He says, her buddy Nik informed him about her telling Ava that his alibi was a lie, and she asks what he said. Finn tells her, he said a lot of nonsense, but the main point was that Finn put her at risk. She says, that doesn’t make any sense, considering they decided to tell her together. Finn says he guesses Nikolas doesn’t see it that way, and she says she’s sorry Nikolas got on his case; he shouldn’t have done that.  She guesses in his own misguided way, Nikolas is just looking out for her, and Finn says he’ll take her word for it. She says, at one point, she and Nikolas meant a lot to each other. That kind of connection never really goes away, does it?

Sonny says, Kristina’s safety is not up for debate, and she asks why Dex would hurt Ava, or Diane, or kill Brando. Sonny tells her, he never said Dex did, but she says she’s not an idiot… even if he and her mom doesn’t think she’s living up to her potential. He says, he and her mom just want to keep her safe and breathing, and she says, maybe he does. Mom had a lot more to say on the subject. Dante says he hears that. His mother still tries to tell him how to live his life to this day. She says, please, it’s not the same with sons, and he says, maybe, but he bets his mother could give her mother a run for her money in the opinionated mother department. Maybe they could make a drinking game out of it (🍷 wild card). Kristina says she has to get back to work, and Sonny asks her to do something for him. She says, yep, she’ll take the bruiser with her, and kisses Sonny on the cheek. She says, come on, Cal, let’s go to Charlie’s, and they leave. Sonny and Dante sit down in Sonny’s office, and Sonny asks if Dante thinks Kristina is right about Dex. Dante says, maybe. They did a search of Dex’s place earlier. Sonny asks what they found, and Dante says, nothing; not even Dex. Sonny wouldn’t have anything to share about that, would he? Dante’s phone rings, and Sonny flashes back to introducing Dex to Carver, and saying, he’s well-known for getting people to talk – by any means possible. Dante says he’s on his way, and tells Sonny, Diane is out of surgery. They both dash out the door.

Alexis says, Gregory should go home; he doesn’t have to stay. She thanks him, and he says, she’s welcome. He did what exactly? She says, he kept her company, and kept her from losing her mind. She’s sure he has better things to do now, like lecture people… give lectures, and grade papers. She’s really good, truly.

Josslyn asks if Trina is really going to turn the Fellowship down, and Trina says she doesn’t want to. Josslyn says, then don’t, but Trina says she can’t. Is this how it’s going to be when her mom and Curtis get married? Will he ever stop hovering and making preemptive decisions about her life, or is this her world now? And if it is, there are going to be problems. Trina’s phone dings, and she says, Rory. Josslyn asks what Mr. Cutie Cop has to say, and Trina says, he wants to know if she’s available. Josslyn says, available for what?

Cyrus returns a book to the shelf, and Spencer quickly slides away from him. Cyrus looks at another book, as the guard returns, and says, the new English version just came in. He finds it more elegant than the King James, doesn’t Spencer? Spencer says, he wouldn’t know, and Cyrus says, that seems to be a theme with Spencer, including with the man Spencer just managed to make into an enemy. Spencer says, Book. Why do they call him that anyway? Because he works in the library? Cyrus says, because he once beat a man into a vegetative state with an Oxford Dictionary. But he’s sure Spencer had it under control. Cyrus sits down with his Bible, and Spencer says, Cyrus still hasn’t answered his question. What does Cyrus want in return from him?

Maxie hangs up a garment bag, and says, Sasha’s all set. She didn’t even need a fitting. Sasha asks if Maxie is sure they shouldn’t have asked Nina, but Maxie says, Nina loves Sasha. Of course (🍷) she’d want Sasha to have this. She asks if Sasha needs a bag or shoes. She can have Crimson send up some options. Sasha says she has everything she needs… except Brando. She misses him so much. She misses everything she thought their life was going to be, and doesn’t know what she’s supposed to do now. Maxie takes her hands, and says, what Sasha is going to do is go home, and hang the dress on the back of her closet so it doesn’t get any wrinkles. Then she washes and dries her hair, so she doesn’t feel rushed tomorrow. And do her nighttime beauty regimen because routines are important. With any luck, tomorrow, Sasha will feel like she’s in a bubble where nothing can get to her. But if that bubble breaks, and it all comes rushing in, just look around her and see the people who love her, and that includes Maxie. Then she focuses on the next minute, and the minute after that. Don’t worry about what happens in the next hour, or even a week from now. Just take it one minute at a time. Sasha asks, what if she can’t do it? but Maxie says, she can. Maxie survived it, and Sasha can too. They hug.

Carly calls out, perfect timing; breakfast is here. Drew comes out wearing a towel, still wet, and says, thank God. He’s ravenous.

Dante and Sonny come out of the hospital elevator, and Dante tells Robert, he got the word Diane was out of surgery. Robert says, she’s in recovery, and Dante says, that’s good news. Robert says, the best, and Dante asks when they can talk to her. Robert says, not until she regains consciousness, and Dante says, that would be helpful. Sonny asks if Alexis is there, and Robert says, she’s probably off harassing the staff, so they let her in to see Diane. It’s interesting. All the victims have one thing in common. Sonny says, Robert wishes it was the mob, doesn’t he? but Robert says, he wishes he would find this guy before he does it again. Sonny says, can Robert believe it turns out they want the same thing?

Carly says, really? and Drew says, sorry. She says, uh-huh, and he goes to change. He tells her that he talked to one of the top media consultants at Aurora. They recommended a colleague, a reporter at a local news station who can interview Carly at the cemetery. She says, that’s great. If the public can really see how this project is affecting people and their families, maybe they can stop this parkway in its tracks. He says, that’s the best case scenario, and she says, she can hear hesitation in his voice; what? He tells her, they’re talking about turning the dial on public opinion, and they have to remember that dial can turn two ways. She asks if he thinks they’ll have to deal with some backlash, and he comes out, saying, he just wants her to be prepared. In order to maximize impact… She says, she has to shame the Jacksonville elite. He says, she has to get personal. She’s got to be vulnerable. Maybe talk a little bit about how much Virginia meant to her. She says she can do that, and he says, good. She also has to withstand scrutiny. They’re going to shine the light on her past, and they both know, it wasn’t all sunshine and roses. Is she going to have a problem with that?

Gregory tells Alexis, he could be grading papers right now, or planning his next lecture, and she says, exactly. He says, but nothing is more important than supporting a friend, and she says, are they friends? He says he’d like to think so, and she says, her too. Sonny joins them, and asks if there’s any update, but Alexis says, they’re just waiting for Diane to wake up. She introduces Sonny to Gregory, and says, Diane has been representing Sonny and his family… Sonny says, for a long time now, and Alexis introduces Gregory as a colleague and a friend. Sonny says, nice to meet him, and Gregory says, likewise. He’s going to go track down his son. He’ll be back. He leaves, and Sonny asks if it was something he said, but Alexis tells him that she has no idea.

Cyrus says he doesn’t want anything from Spencer; they’re family. Spencer says, they may be related, but they’re not family. If Cyrus thinks coming to his defense is going to make him overlook everything Cyrus as done… Cyrus says, he saw a fellow child of God was in trouble, and he stepped in. He would have done the same for anyone. Spencer says, what a good Samaritan he is, and Cyrus says he’s sensing sarcasm. Spencer asks if Cyrus really expects him to believe he didn’t know Spencer was in Pentenville, but Cyrus says he’s sorry. He guesses he missed Spencer’s big entrance. Spencer sits across from him, and says, bull. Cyrus orchestrated that whole thing with Book, so he could fly to Spencer’s rescue, and Spencer would owe him. He hasn’t changed at all. Cyrus says, oh, but he has.

Trina tells Josslyn, there’s a comic book convention out of town. Rory is into graphic novels. Josslyn says, that’s cool; she didn’t know that. So if it’s out of town, will they stay in a hotel? Trina says she guesses, and Josslyn asks if she and Rory are there yet. Trina says she doesn’t know; maybe. It’s hard to think about after her last weekend getaway. Josslyn says, that weekend getaway will live on in infamy for all of them, and Trina says, except for Esme, who seems to have gotten off scot-free. Josslyn says, Dante told her there are still precincts in Europe looking for Esme, but Trina wonders how likely it is they’ll find her, especially if she’s not in contact with anyone at home. Josslyn says, not even Spencer, and Trina asks if Josslyn and Cameron have gone to see him. Josslyn says, they talked about it, and Trina says she bets Spencer would really like that. Josslyn asks if Trina would want to come, but Trina says she doesn’t know. She thinks it’s better to leave things where they are. Josslyn tells her, right, but Trina said she missed the opportunity to speak to him before he was shipped off to Pentenville. If she’d made it on time, what would she have said to him?

Carly says she thinks she’s a little offended, and Drew asks, why? She says, he doesn’t think she can handle a couple of questions from a reporter? and he tells her, that’s not at all what he said. She says, when the reporter looks into her background and her connection to Jacksonville, a couple of things are going to come up. She’s the grand-niece of the notorious madam Ruby Anderson, and there was a car accident involving Peyton’s daughter, and she was somewhat involved. She doesn’t think it’s going to come out that she had sex with Peyton’s husband. She doubts Peyton wants to publicize the man was sleeping with a sixteen-year-old, and committed suicide. Drew says he’s guessing Peyton would want to exert her influence without revisiting the scandal, and she says she doesn’t get it. Peyton suffered a terrible tragedy. Where’s her empathy? How can she just go around steamrolling families who have no means to fight back? He says, all they have to do is focus on the message the parkway is unnecessary. When the opposition tries to discredit her, or however the other news outlets try to spin it, they have no control over that. She says she’s not afraid; let them come at her. He says, good. So the answer’s no. She doesn’t have a problem with the possible use of her past against her. She says, no. She has a problem with their food getting cold because she’s really hungry. He says he’ll fix her a plate, and goes to the table. He says, it looks incredible, and she looks at him and says, it really does.

Kristina arrives at Charlie’s and Josslyn asks how she is, hugging her. She says, it’s good to see Kristina, and Kristina says, her too, and says hi to Trina. Josslyn says she can’t believe Kristina found Brando, and Kristina says, and Josslyn found Ava. Josslyn asks how Kristina is holding up, and Kristina guesses she’s okay. The whole thing is so surreal. Josslyn says, tell her about it. Kristina says she just wants the PCPD to find out who’s doing this, so they can put it behind them, and Josslyn says, and the people under suspicion can move on. Kristina says, people like Dex? and Josslyn says, Kristina heard? Kristina says, not in so many words, but she figured. Dante definitely hasn’t ruled him out, but the weirdest part is, she thinks Dante’s suspicions are starting to get to her dad.

Gregory asks how Finn is doing, and Finn says, when he’s not worried about his patients, he’s probably worried about Elizabeth. Gregory says he can’t help Finn with the former, but as far as Elizabeth goes, he thinks she just needs a little reassurance. Finn asks what makes him say that, and Gregory tells him, she was asking about Reiko earlier. Finn asks, why? but Gregory says he’s not sure. Maybe after all they’ve been through, and all Finn has supported her through, she’s feeling a little insecure.

Kristina tells Josslyn that she basically begged her dad to reinstate Dex as her bodyguard, and he flat-out refused. Josslyn says, so she thinks Sonny’s concerned because he believes the police are right to suspect Dex? Kristina says, feels like it, and Trina asks if they’re going to order. Her stomach is growling, she’s so hungry. Kristina says, give her one second, and she’ll take their order. She goes in the back, and Josslyn tells Trina, Sonny was so weird when she went to see him about Dex, and Trina says, Josslyn went to see Sonny? Josslyn says, yes, and now Dex is nowhere to be found. If Sonny thinks Dex is guilty, Dex is in serious trouble. Trina asks, what happened to Dex being none of Josslyn’s business? and Josslyn says she has to go. Trina asks if Josslyn wants her to come, but Josslyn says, it’s probably better if she stays. Stay, eat; she’s sorry to bail. Trina says, please be careful, Josslyn says she will, and leaves.

Carly says she needs to get dressed, but Drew says, no one’s making her. She says he’s already been on a run and taken a shower. She needs to start her day. He asks if she wants him to step out, but she says she can use the bathroom. She thanks him for being here, and says she couldn’t have done it without him. He says, yeah, she could, and she says, she could, but she’s glad she doesn’t have to.

Cyrus tells Spencer that he’ll spend the rest of his life atoning for his mistakes, and yes, he has more days behind him than in front. But the way Spencer is going, the same could be true for him. Spencer asks if that’s a threat, but Cyrus says, Spencer has nothing to fear from him. Allow him to give Spencer a word of advice. Don’t let his disdain for Cyrus cloud his instinct for survival. Spencer says he’s doing just fine, and gets up. Cyrus says, yeah he is, and that fact makes him assume Spencer has some protection in here. The word is out about Spencer’s powerful relations. That scares some, but not all. Take Book for instance. Nothing to lose, and no qualm taking chances. That’s a lethal combination. Spencer is lucky Cyrus has ways of handling people like that. Spencer says, baptism? and Cyrus laughs. Cyrus says, joke if you must, but the Old Testament has many lessons for us. This is a dangerous place. Spencer says he’s noticed, and Cyrus says, despite his past issues with Spencer’s grandmother, he thinks they can agree Spencer needs to be protected. And like our Creator is for all of us – he taps Spencer’s chest with the Bible – he’s here for Spencer. All Spencer has to do is call. He leaves, and Spencer ponders this.  

Dante says, he’s more and more convinced that Dex isn’t their attacker, and Robert suggests they look at what they’ve got. We see Diane, hooked up to machines, and Alexis and Sonny looking through the window. Robert says, first and foremost, all of our victims share a connection to Sonny. Coincidence? Doubtful. Dante says, next up, they have the clanking metal sound Josslyn and Brando heard at their crimes scenes. Robert says, could be jewelry, could be dog tags. It could be something they haven’t even considered yet. Dante says, this perp is careful. No bloody clothing, or slaughterhook found at the Quartermaines’ or Brando’s garage. Robert says, and the venom used in two of the attacks; clearly our killer is honing their technique. Dante says, whoever it is, has one nasty modus operandi.

Finn tells Gregory, he lost Reiko a long time ago. He’s had relationships since then. Why would Elizabeth be asking about her in particular? Elizabeth walks up, and says, sorry to interrupt, but Diane’s vitals are improving. She should be awake soon.

Josslyn walks into Pozzulo’s, and Carver is there with a big knife in his hand. He asks if he can help her, and she looks at the knife.

Wow. A little messy for a guy who’s supposed to be such an expert. But then again, he hasn’t been great at his job in general so far.

Tomorrow, Josslyn tells Michael that she thinks she knows why no one has seen Dex; Ava tells Ryan that Esme overstayed her welcome, and she’s gone; Sonny says he’s going to do what he has to do to see Diane gets justice; and Drew asks why Carly is still blaming herself.

Below Deck Mediterranean

Jason tells Storm, he’s censured himself 80% in the way he talks and acts, and Storm says, still sometimes he doesn’t click. In Jason’s interview, he says he didn’t want to quit, but if he’s that much of a cancer, end it for him. He’s closer to the fish in the water than the deck crew. Dave tells Tasha about how he wants to do a pop-up restaurant in the states. She can do the cocktails and coffee. In Tasha’s interview, she says, since she was 15, she’s been in one relationship or another. She’s kind of worried about the issues going on with her boyfriend. She doesn’t want to go down that road again, but she craves someone to be there for her. Storm talks to Captain Sandy, saying, he has an issue he’s trying to address, but there’s a lot going on. He had a chat with Jason about his attitude, but Jason says he’s not going to change, and wants to go. Storm told him that he didn’t want him to leave; that’s why they were having the conversation. The captain says, if Jason wants to quit, she needs details, and Storm tells her, Jason is grumpy, and ignores him and Courtney. He said he didn’t want Jason to feel like a victim, and he wasn’t ostracizing him, but they need a good vibe. He said he appreciated Jason’s work, but the last few charters, he’s been affecting everyone. He just doesn’t jive with the team. Captain Sandy says, when people say they don’t want to be here, she doesn’t want them to stay, but until she can find someone, they may need Jason for the next charter. Storm says, they’ll get through it, and he’ll try to diffuse the situation. The captain calls Jason to the bridge. Natalya asks Storm how the chat went. Storm tells her and Mzi that Jason doesn’t want to be here, but until they find someone, the captain wants him to stay. They’ll see. Captain Sandy tells Jason, Storm said he wanted to leave, and Jason says, his personality came into play, even though he’s been biting his tongue. She says, sometimes people just don’t gel. It’s not that there’s anything wrong with his personality; it’s just a conflict. Sometimes it happens. They crew needs to have a rhythm, and the guests pick up on it. He’s always been respectful, and she’s asking him to continue to do the job until she can find a replacement. He says he’s running at capacity, but doesn’t want to leave her high and dry. In his interview, Jason says, he’s taking a risk. He doesn’t know how to behave. The captain says, the next charter starts in an hour. They need to focus on the job, and find a way to navigate. Mzi tells Courtney about Jason saying he doesn’t want to be here, and Captain Sandy calls Dave, Storm, and Tasha for a preference sheet meeting.  

She tells them, it’s charter number six, and it’s going to be shorter. Primary Myiesha is a project manager, and she’s bringing along her successful girlfriends. They want to let loose and be three sheets to the wind by the end of the cruise. Translation: They want to be drunk five minutes into the cruise. Dave says, one of them is vegan, and the guests would like a  surf and turf dinner, even though some of them don’t like fish. In Dave’s interview, he says he has no idea what to do. It’s a shorter cruise, so it’s harder. If he f***s up, there are no second chances. Captain Sandy says, the cool part is, Myiesha is friends with famous Maltese pop star Destiny, and they’re going to surprise the guests with an appearance. Tasha asks Dave about lunch, and he says he’s doing a Moroccan theme. Storm talks to Natalya in her cabin, and we flash back to her telling him to take it slow. She tells Storm that she just broke up with someone, and it’s still fresh. Storm says he appreciates the chat, and in his interview, he says, it’s not the first time he’s been told to slow down. So much is happening with the team, he’s going to have to compartmentalize. If it goes sideways, everything could go to sh*t. He needs this to be his main focus. Captain Sandy tells the crew, 30 minutes, and they do a last minute spiff-up of the boat. Storm says, they’re still a team, right? and Jason says, right.

The guests arrive, and Captain Sandy welcomes them to their home away from home, which is her standard spiel. She tells them, Tasha will show them around,  their luggage will be brought on board, and then they’ll take off for their vacation. Kyle passes out champagne, and Tash gives the tour. Tasha gives them the lunch menu, and guest Whitley checks for the not meat option. The captain radios that the lines are all free, and Myiesha says, the inside has great energy. Whitley asks Mzi his sign, and when he says, Libra, she says she loves that for him. He’s a beautiful being. In Mzi’s interview, he says, so beautiful, and laughs. Kyle thinks he should be the 8th guest, and Natalya says, he already acts like it. Why not continue? Tasha’s boyfriend harasses her with texts, and the drop anchor in Ghadira Bay. In Dave’s interview, he says, he needs to be focused more, instead of just focused on Tasha. He just wants to keep the vibe going from the last charter. The eating preferences aren’t ideal, but he wants to try and give the guests some variety. Natalya does unpacking, and isn’t sure what to do with a vibrator she finds. In his interview, Mzi says, Jason is leaving, someone new is coming in. There are a lot of moving parts right now. Lunch is served, and after tasting the entrée, Myiesha says, lamb is her favorite – hell yeah. The water toys are put out, strawberry mojitos come, and the guests approve. Captain Sandy calls Norma to find a deckhand, and Norma already has someone for her. Courtney tells Storm that Jason is being strangely nice, and Natalya and Kyle discuss the Hawaiian theme for the surf and turf dinner. Some of the guests are taken out on jet skis, and Mzi shows Myiesha how to use the slide. It all looks so fun. In his interview, Dave says, the surf and turf confuses him. Some of the guests don’t eat meat, and three don’t like lobster. It’s a tough one since he’d normally make beef and lobster. The dinner decorations are gorgeous; bright colors, faux flowers and faux parrots hanging all over the place, and soft yellow light coming out from under the big lazy Susan in the middle of the table.

Storm tells Captain Sandy that he knows he’s expected to delegate, and wants to put someone in the lead position. Mzi is his good friend, and he’s been working hard, but Courtney blew him away, and he wants to go with her. He doesn’t want to cause any upset, but he’s doing it based on experience and performance. In Storm’s interview, he says, he doesn’t want to hurt his friend. It’s hard, dude. It’s going to be a f***ing nightmare. Kyle tells Natalya, the table is their best work so far; he’s proud of himself. Dave decides to make sea bass as back-up, since he’s not sure what any of them eat. The sound technician arrives, and Tasha radios the crew to help with the equipment. In Natalya’s interview, she says, Destiny better be good at singing, and Kyle wonders if there’s a body in one of the cases. Tasha asks if Kyle can think of a distraction, while they get Destiny upstairs, since it’s a surprise. He suggests he flash his penis. Destiny arrives, and Kyle distracts the guests with taking group photos. Tasha greats Destiny, and says, they managed to make it a surprise. In Tasha’s interview, she says she’s not much of a singer, but she did majorettes for nine years. She carries her baton everywhere. We see a demonstration of her twirling. I took baton lessons, but I was mediocre at best. One of the guests says, a luau, ooh-la-la, apparently confusing Hawaii with French Polynesia. Destiny gets ready, and somehow Kyle gets confused, and tells the guests that sea bass is one of the choices. In Dave’s interview, he says, he might not have explained it properly. The turf is meat, and the surf is scallops. Kyle offered the sea bass as an alternative, and added another course, when it was just for the one who didn’t eat meat.

Kyle apologizes to Dave, and dinner is served, with Whitley just having vegetables. Dave has several orders of sea bass to cook, and tells the filets, cook, mother***ers. The guests talk astrology, as Dave plates the fish, and Tasha tells Destiny, sorry for the wait. After the last course, Tasha tells the guests to come to the sundeck. She has something sweet for them. She radios for all crew to come to the sundeck, the guests sit, and Destiny comes out. She says she’s performing a very special song to very special ladies, and sings Je Me Casse (I break). She’s very good; reminiscent of Lizzo. Kyle films on his phone, and the guests dance. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, holy cannoli, she’s f***ing awesome. To kill short charter, they need to create memories with moments. She was one them. The crew helps get the equipment back in the boat, and Destiny leaves. The guests have tequila shots, and Natalya whines that Kyle isn’t helping. In Natalya’s interview, she says, the majority of the time, the two of them aren’t doing anything. It’s laziness. She’s such a jerk. It’s not like they’re not working. Tasha says, she’s making drinks, and Kyle says, the main priority is the guests. In his interview, he says, what the hell is she talking about?

Natalya says she’s just asking them to help; cut the bullsh*t. Kyle tells Tasha, she’s mental, and in Tasha’s interview, she says, Natalya isn’t the easiest person, and trying to undermine her whenever she has the chance. Stop it already. Kyle snarks that Natalya is the one who maintains the pantry so lovely. Natalya cuddles with Storm for a millisecond, and the guests continue drinking. Kyle says his energy levels are crashing, and he and Tasha clean the pantry kitchen, while the guests dance. Kyle says he’s getting too old for this sh*t, and the guests finally dance their way to bed.

In the morning, Courtney hands out yoga mats, and a couple of the guests do yoga. Storm frets over choosing a lead deckhand, and breakfast is served. Captain Sandy sees bad weather coming right for them, and tells Storm that she wants to stay anchored next charter. It’s time for the guests to depart – that wasn’t a vacation; it was a party – and the crew gets in their whites. When Tasha clears the table, Myiesha says she noticed a change in wardrobe. One guest doesn’t want to pack, but another says, they never really unpacked. Natalya tells Kyle to listen before speaking, and in his interview, he says, it’s not his first rodeo. It only gets worse. He feels Natalya needs to be put in her place. She wants to talk sh*t, and he doesn’t have the time. The crew lines up to say goodbye, and Myiesha says, Captain Sandy’s people are wonderful, patient, and serves with a smile. It was beautiful to see. She thanks the captain for having them, and says she hopes they meet again. She gives Captain Sandy the tip envelope, and when the guests are gone, the captain tells the crew to meet in the main salon for the tip meeting. Fastest. Charter. Ever.

Captain Sandy says, from interior to exterior, they killed it. Jason was awesome on deck, and she’s grateful, but they’ve found someone who will be here before the next charter. She thanks him for working hard. The tip is $14,000 or $1,272 each. Not bad for one night. Jason volunteers for anchor watch while the crew goes out. The crew does some clean up, and Tasha’s boyfriend texts her that he loves her, but hopes that’s the case in a few hours. What’s wrong with this guy, and why is she hanging onto him? In Tasha’s interview, she says she’s trying to ignore it, but she’s a person and has feelings. As a leader, she doesn’t want anyone to see her break down. She cries in the bathroom, and Kyle asks if she’s all right. She says she feels lost. She doesn’t want any men in her life. She’s fed up. Kyle asks what she feels she needs to do, and she says she feels like running away. She doesn’t want to face it. Kyle says she’s got a job to do. Eyes are on her, and that has to be her main focus. He hugs her, and says, no more tears left to cry, only happy penises. The crew gets dressed to go out.

Kyle says, vamos, and they take a water taxi to shore, then a regular taxi to a restaurant called 506. Natalya asks if the deck crew is nervous about getting someone new on the team. Storm mumbles about appointing a lead deckhand, and Natalya says she’s the lead deckhand. She’ll watch while they clean windows, and she drinks iced coffee. Storm is triggered by this, and says, they’re going have this conversation tonight. He asks Mzi and Courtney to step aside with him, and Natalya tells the others, it’s about lead deckhand. Storm tells Mzi and Courtney, they’re going to get a new person. It might throw them a new spinner, so he’s making Courtney lead deckhand. It’s nothing against anyone, and was a hard decision. He tells her to make it what she wants to make it, and in Courtney’s interview, she says, they’re obviously outside, Storm is somewhat drunk, and she’s scared to believe it. Courtney says she knows Mzi is Storm’s boy, and they bounce off each other. Everything will stay the same. Storm continues to stammer, and Mzi – who is the nicest guy on the planet – says, no need for explanation; there’s no hard feelings. Storm asks if he wants to cuddle, and they have a three-way hug. In Mzi’s interview, he says, it’s disappointing and unexpected, proving what I just said. When Storm gets back to the table, Natalya berates him for doing this at the bar. She says, Mzi is taking it hard, and Storm’s been drinking. Funny, since she kind of egged him on. I think this chick is problematic. Storm says, Mzi isn’t upset, and Natalya says, it was a sh*tty thing to do. Storm asks if he should lie, and she says, no. She’s saying he should have had the conversation tomorrow. She asks if he feels lighter, and he says, clearly not. He was until he sat down. He gets up, and walks off, saying, he can’t take her anymore. Get out of his life. He’d done with this sh*t.

To be continued…

🌾 Bringing In a Sheaf…

Come see me tomorrow to get the soap skinny and a cup of tea or two. Until then stay safe, stay encouraging inclusivity, and stay remembering, nothing is more important than supporting a friend.

September 30, 2022 – Victor Visits Spencer In Prison, Temp Brook, Arisen, He’s Dancin’, Reimagined, New Kitchen, NYC Horror, Dead Return, Explanation, Below Ten Quotes & September

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Brook bangs on Chase’s door, and says, open up. She knows he’s in there. He’s got a big… He answers in his boxers, and says, a big what? She squeezes the to-go cup she’s holding, and her drink squirts out the straw and spills over top. And I can’t believe they just did that, even though I’m laughing.

Valentin wakes Anna up, and they speak in French. He kisses down her body.

Victor sits down to visit Spencer. Spencer comes in, looking scruffy and wearing a too big shirt. Victor says, my God, what happened? Excuse me if I think this is the best Spencer has ever looked.

Nikolas approaches Finn at the hospital, and Finn asks how he can help Nikolas. Nikolas says he can start by minding his own damn business. Finn says, which is what he was doing before Nikolas stopped him, and keeps walking, but Nikolas grabs his arm. Finn breaks away, and says, whoa. Nikolas says, Finn’s been talking to his wife about their private matters. That was a big mistake, and it will cost him.

Elizabeth comes to Ava’s room, as Ava is packing to leave. She says she hears Ava’s being discharged, and Ava says, not a moment too soon. She’s grateful for the care she received here of course (🍷), but she’s glad to leave. Elizabeth says she’ll put a rush on the paperwork, and they’ll get Ava out of here. Ava says, there’s something she and Elizabeth need to settle first.

Alexis sees Gregory in the waiting area, and asks if he’s slept at all. He asks, why? Does he look exhausted and bedraggled? She says, they were at The Invader until the wee hours, so she thought he’d slept in, and he says, he knew she’d be pulling a literal all-nighter with the op-ed, so he came back here. He wanted to keep an eye on her friend.

At the MetroCourt, Sonny looks at the headline on his phone: Port Charles’s Spirit Is Stronger Than A Hook. Nina comes along, and asks if he’s okay, hugging him. He says he’s fine; he’s just worried about everybody else. She asks if there’s any word on Diane, and he says, he’s going to check on her at GH later. He asks if she’s seen The Invader, and she says, Alexis took a brave stand, letting that psychopath know that Port Charles is not a community to be messed with. What does he think? He says he thinks she’s doing it because she thinks the attacker is targeting people connected to him, and she says, and he and Alexis have a daughter who happened to see the killer in action. She’s sure he has eyes on both Josslyn and Kristina. He asks, how’s her bodyguard? and she says she’s getting used to it, but she did feel safer having him there last night. She thanks him, and he says he hopes it doesn’t last too long. She asks if he knows who’s behind these attacks.

Glad to see they’ve changed some of the photos in the opening, in particular Ava.

Still in bed, Valentin and Anna kiss. He says he wants to remember all of this, and she says, name three things. He says, being in her bed… She says, that’s one, and he says, being in her bed with her. She says, that’s two, and they’re very general. He says, all he wants to remember is the two of them doing this… always. They begin to get busy, but his phone dings. He asks if she minds, and she takes it from the nightstand, giving it to him. He looks at it, and places it face down on his chest. She asks, what’s wrong?

Victor says he’s worried about Spencer. It looks like he hasn’t eaten since he got here. Spencer says, this is the work of his fellow inmates who go out of their way to make sure that he never has the right clothes. Victor says he was assured Spencer would be protected, and Spencer says he is… physically anyway. Victor says, go on, and Spencer tells him, on his second day here he had a run-in with a guy. He said he wanted to rearrange Spencer’s face. Fortunately, a guard arrived before the he could do that, and that was the end of that. Victor asks, what’s this business with the clothes? and Spencer says, the other inmates know he’s a rich kid who’s under protection from important people, and whose cop friend got him a cushy job, so they find other ways to mess with him, like not having a uniform that fits. Stealing food and supplies he buys from the commissary, and threatening him with all manner of horrible fates. Victor says he’ll speak with the warden, but Spencer says, please don’t. It will only make things worse.

Finn says, if Nikolas is referring to him being with Elizabeth when she told Ava that Nikolas lied about his alibi… Nikolas says, Finn had absolutely no right, and Finn says, Nikolas lying to his wife is none of his concern. By which he means he literally does not care. Nikolas says, why should Finn care? and Finn says he won’t let Nikolas take advantage of Elizabeth. So find someone else to give him a fake alibi. Finn walks away, but Nikolas follows, saying, he gave himself and Elizabeth an alibi, because Elizabeth can’t account for her whereabouts when Ava was attacked. He did what he did to protect her. Finn says, Nikolas was covering his own ass. Him giving Elizabeth an alibi was just working in his favor. Nikolas says he doesn’t care what Finn believes, but does he have any idea the amount of damage he could have caused by telling Ava the truth? It’s like he doesn’t care about Elizabeth at all.

Ava says she just wants to thank Elizabeth for telling the truth about Nikolas’s so-called alibi. She knows Nikolas is one of Elizabeth’s closest friends, and knows it couldn’t have been easy. Elizabeth says she should be grateful Nikolas gave her an alibi, and Ava asks if she thinks he would have if it hadn’t provided him with one as well. Elizabeth says, the Nikolas she grew up with would have done it in a heartbeat, and Ava says, what about the Nikolas as he is now? Elizabeth says, after Ava was attacked, and everything was so uncertain, she did have her doubts about his motives. Ava tells her not to beat herself up about that. None of them were sure about Nikolas. Elizabeth says, exactly. They are now.

Nina says, from what she read the police are hoping Diane makes it through surgery to see if she can identify her attacker, but if Sonny’ s learned something new… He tells her, let’s just say, he’s working on it, and she says she heard Michael went to Pozzulo’s last night. He says, what about it? and she says, did they come to some kind of truce? He says, they just talked about what happened with Brando, and… How’s Sasha? She says, fragile, and he says, and Gladys? She says, Gladys is Gladys. She’s in a lot of pain, but she’s enduring. He says he admires that, and she says, Gladys actually convinced Sasha to start making funeral arrangements for Brando, but Sasha’s credit card was declined. He asks how that’s possible, and she says, because Sasha’s not in control of her finances right now, and it’s still unclear who is. He says, if she’s having financial problems, he’ll do what he has to do to help, and she says, she knows he will, but he doesn’t have to worry about this. She already put her credit card down for the deposit. Sonny says, let Sasha know he’s going to help her, and Nina says, Sasha does know that. Right now, she’s more concerned with Sasha’s state of mind. She’s already carrying so much, and now with this guardianship, Nina doesn’t want this to be the straw that breaks her. He says, Sasha is going to be okay, and she asks how he knows that. He says, because Sasha has her.

Alexis asks how Gregory was able to get updates if he’s not family? and he says, he has a secret weapon. She says, Finn, and he says, Diane’s still in surgery, and she says, still? He tells her, Finn says, sometimes these things can take a while, and she says she hopes that’s all it is, because she needs Diane to be okay. She guesses now they just wait and see how their op ed page pans out, and if it brings the killer out into the light. He asks if she’s eaten, and she shakes her head. He says, let’s get her some sustenance, and while they’re at it, maybe they can track Finn down and finagle another update. She says, lead the way.

Chase cleans up the mess, and Brook says she really needed that caffeine. He says he’ll make them some coffee, and she says, he can definitely make her some coffee, and she’ll definitely thank him for it, but he can’t have any caffeine. He asks, why not? and she says, because it’s murder on your vocal cords. Didn’t his vocal coach ever teach him that? Tonight, he needs to be in peak form. He asks if she’s saying he’s not, and she says, vocally. They need to get him ready. Everything they’ve been working toward is all riding on tonight. He says, all right, peak form, and moves closer to her. She says, good, but it’s really important that they stay focused. He moves even closer, and says, he’s laser focused. Is she?

We see a picture of Charlotte on Valentin’s phone, with a text that says: Bonjour, papa. I miss you. Je t’aime. Anna takes it from him, and says, she looks happy. He says, Charlotte still has no idea she’s being used as leverage. She misses him. She can’t understand why they’ve been apart so long. Anna says, he will see Charlotte again; trust her. He says, more than anyone, and she says, damning her with faint praise. He says he trusts her implicitly, and she says, believe her when she says they’ll bring Charlotte home. He says, Victor’s playing the long game; so far, he’s winning, but she tells him that she didn’t say it would be easy. Victor is a formidable opponent, and Valentin has carried this alone far too long. He has her now, and they’re changing the game, together. Is he with her? He says, to the ends of the earth, and kisses her. He asks, what’s the move? and she says, unfortunately, the best way to get to Victor is through Lucy, but he says, she’s proven to be a wild card, in every sense of the word. Anna says, the sooner they find another way, the better. He says, any thoughts on what that might be? and she says, no, but that’s okay. They’ll figure it out together. They kiss some more.

Victor says, as head of this family, it’s his responsibility to make sure Spencer is taken care of, and Spencer says, he and Uncle Sonny have people who are taking care of him, but they can’t be around him 24/7. This place is like 15 times bigger than Spring Ridge, and it’s full of angry, violent people. The best thing he can do is keep his head down and stay out of everyone’s way. The best thing Victor can do… Victor says, assassinate anyone who looks at Spencer cross-eyed. He’s sure Spencer’s Uncle Sonny would agree. Protecting Spencer is probably the only thing they agree on. Spencer says, what part of don’t is unclear? but Victor says he can’t just sit back and watch Spencer suffer at the hands of… convicts. Spencer says, Victor owes him, and Victor says, all right, but if Spencer changes his mind… Spencer says he won’t, and asks, how’s life in Port Charles? How’s Ava’s recovery? Victor says, she gets discharged today. Spencer can ask about him. Spencer says, who? and Victor says, his father.

Finn tells Nikolas, let’s get one thing clear. Elizabeth is her own person, and she decided to tell Ava that Nikolas’s alibi was a lie. She thought Nikolas might pose a danger to his wife, and decided to err on the side of the truth, a concept Nikolas isn’t familiar with. Nikolas says, Finn is the only person who’s a danger to Elizabeth. This whole thing started with him. Alexis and Gregory come out of the elevator, and Nikolas says, Finn is the reason Elizabeth is so messed up. Finn tells Nikolas, say it again, and strides toward him, but Gregory holds him back. Alexis asks Nikolas, what is he doing?

Ava says, as long as there’s a lunatic running around with a hook, she doesn’t think she’ll be sure of much, and Elizabeth says, at the risk of overstepping, at the Quartermaine picnic, Nikolas told her that the two of them were having trouble. She’s under the assumption they worked things out, but in case she’s wrong, can she say something? Ava says, of course (🍷), and Elizabeth says she’s sure Ava knows that Nikolas went through some really dark times growing up. He’s not an easy person, but he is capable of love and devotion. And honestly, she’s only seen him in love one other time before he met Ava. Only Ava can decide what she’s willing to accept, but as for Nikolas, it’s not always pretty, but it is love, unwavering love.

Nina tells Sonny, she has to get to the hospital because Ava is getting discharged. She wants to make one last pitch for Ava to stay with her. Sonny asks why Ava’s not going to Windymere, and Nina says, Ava wants to go to Windymere, but she’s worried that living with Nikolas too soon will be stressful for her. He says he wishes Ava would kick Nikolas to the curb. Nikolas is not a good person. She says, it’s okay. Nikolas and Ava have a powerful connection. He says, she calls it powerful; he calls it toxic. She says, Ava and Nikolas’s marriage is more complicated than they know. Wish as much as he wants, but she wouldn’t assume they’re done. He says, she can’t tell him that they’re good for each other, and she says, a lot people think they’re not good for each other.

Brook says, stop it, and Chase says, stop what? She says, being all sexy. They need to stay focused on the plan. He says, sexy? and she says, he needs to perform flawlessly tonight. He says, right. The more successful he is, the more Linc will want to sign him. She says, and the angrier Linc will be with her, and it will make him want to sign Chase even more. Then when they’ve got Linc exactly where they want him… Chase says, he fires her, signs with Linc, retires, and leaves Linc high and dry. She says, looking like the loser that he is, and Chase says, hopefully, he can be a cop again someday. If they’ll have him. She says, they will. He’s the best guy that’s ever been on the force, and one day, they’ll wise up to that. He says, she thinks so? and she says she knows so. He says, how? and she says, she just does. They kiss, and head for the bedroom. I think, so much for being focused, but Brook breaks away, and says, as much as she wants this – he says, they want this – they need to take this energy and put it into the show. He says, huh? and she says, and all the leftover energy will fill other arenas. Go get dressed, and they’ll talk strategy. He holds up his hands, and leaves to get ready.

Elizabeth says she’ll go get Ava’s paperwork, and Ava asks if Elizabeth is all right. Nikolas mentioned to her that Elizabeth blacked out the night she was attacked, can’t remember where she was or what she was doing. Elizabeth says, sorry. She probably should have told the police all that. Ava says she doesn’t blame Elizabeth for anything; she’s just asking if Elizabeth is okay. Elizabeth flashes back to Reiko at the bottom of the stairs. She says, she just has way too much on her mind, and leaves.

Alexis says, this is a hospital, for Pete’s sake, and Nikolas says he knows. He’s on the board. She says, really? Because he’s acting like he’s on the playground. Come with her – now. I laugh at how she orders him around. Gregory asks if that isn’t Alexis’s nephew, Nikolas Cassadine, and Finn asks how Gregory can tell; the overwhelming smell of jerk in here? Gregory says, and he’s a friend of Elizabeth’s? and Finn says, the word friend might be a little subjective. Gregory remembers Finn said he didn’t think Nikolas had Elizabeth’s best interest at heart, and Finn says, he’s only got his own best interest at heart. Gregory asks why they were going at it about Elizabeth; did Nikolas do something to her? Finn says he doesn’t like Nikolas, and doesn’t trust him. Maybe in his own ultra-privileged narcissistic way, Nikolas does actually care for Elizabeth; he said he was looking out for her. Gregory asks if Finn is taking Nikolas at his word, and Finn says, for now.

Spencer says he’d rather discuss literally anyone else, and Victor says, like his stepmother? He didn’t know Spencer cared so deeply for Ava. Spencer says he doesn’t, and Victor says, she’s the first person he asked about. Spencer says, because she’s important to people he does care about. Victor says, like his father, who Spencer refuses to discuss? but Spencer says, like Trina. Victor says he sees, and Spencer says, speaking of Trina, how is she? Victor says, Spencer should probably as his friends, and Spencer says, he would if they’d visit. Victor says, they haven’t? and Spencer says, Victor’s his first. Victor says he’s sorry, and Spencer says, why? What did Victor do this time? Victor says he should have been here sooner. He got wrapped up in other time-sensitive matters. He’ll try to do better. Spencer says he brought this on himself. The only people who care about him are Victor, maybe Britt, and his grandmother. Of course (🍷) she’s in Italy still. (Um… He left out Sonny.) Victor says, nothing is more important to him than family. If he’d only known what Spencer was going through… Spencer says, it’s not Victor’s fault, but Victor says, let him make it up to Spencer. He can get a message to Trina if Spencer would like him to.

Nina says, granted, their history… Sonny says, is nothing like Nikolas and Ava, but she says, their cheering section is roughly the same size as theirs. Sonny says he doesn’t care what people think; they’re good for each other. She says, he doesn’t have to convince her of that, and they kiss. Selina comes in, and says she was so sorry to hear about Sonny’s cousin’s passing. He thanks her, and she says she understands Nina is close to his widow. Nina says she and Sasha are very close, and Selina says she can’t imagine what that poor woman is going through, especially when her husband’s killer still roams free. If she can be of further assistance in these trying times, please let her know. Sonny says he will, and Selina says, in the meantime, she was wondering if she’d see him at The Savoy tonight. The young talent Sonny mentioned to her is performing, Harrison Chase. He says he was thinking about it, and Nina says she’s got to go. She tells Selina, it was a pleasure to see her, and she’ll see Sonny later. She leaves, and Selina tells Sonny, she’s quite lovely. He smiles, and says, she is. Selina asks if he’s convinced he can keep her safe.  

Selina tells Sonny, Diane is a formidable woman. She’s confident this is not how Diane’s story ends. She sits at the bar, and she says she supposes he has a guard watching Nina, and he says he does. She says she hopes her supposition doesn’t offend him, but it would seem these attacks are related to him. He says, it’s crossed his mind, and she says, and the police? He says, it’s crossed theirs too, and she says, it could be bad for business. Since they share a bottom line, her resources remain at his disposal. He thanks her for her cooperation, and says, anything else? She says, just one more thing. In keeping him apprised per their arrangement, there’s a game scheduled for tonight. Sonny says, she knows the place is going to be crawling with friends of the PCPD; Chase was a cop. She says, it provides her players with a convenient cover, and as an added benefit, they can watch the entertainment. Word of the game has spread, attracting even more influential players and raising the cost of the buy-in. Would he like a seat at the table? He says, it’s an interesting offer, but he already gets a cut of the door. She says he stands to gain so much more. From what she hears, he’s quite a skilled player. Can she deal him in?

Spencer says, thanks, but no, and Victor says he doesn’t know if it’s pride or obstinance, but they both know Trina is important to him. Spencer tells Victor, he never said she wasn’t, and Victor says, if he didn’t want to reach out to her, why bring her up? Spencer says, because he read an article in The Invader that there was another attack by that psycho with a hook, and he wanted to make sure she was okay. Victor says, Spencer needn’t worry. The prevailing wisdom is that these attacks are related to Sonny. Spencer says, Uncle Sonny will take care of and protect his family. He just wishes he could help. Victor tells him to just focus on helping himself. As for these gruesome attacks, there is some good news. His father is no longer… Spencer says, for the last time, he doesn’t want to hear anything about his father. He told his father that he was done with him, and he meant it. If his father is capable of betraying him the way he did, Spencer doesn’t want anything to do with him. Victor says, come on, and Spencer says, where is he? He hasn’t even tried to visit. Victor says, he takes it Spencer wants Nikolas to visit, only so he can turn Nikolas away. Maybe Nikolas is doing Spencer a favor by skipping that part. Spencer says he told Nikolas to stay away, but the man he grew up with, the father that raised him, he wouldn’t have listened. Victor says he’ll talk to Nikolas, but Spencer says, don’t waste his breath. He thanks Victor for visiting him. He has to get to the library. He doesn’t want to be late for his work detail. Victor says, very well. He’ll be back soon. In the meantime, keep his chin up, and watch his back. Spencer hangs up the phone, and leaves.

Alexis reminds Nikolas that her best friend is in the OR fighting for her life, and he says he’s genuinely sorry to upset her, especially when she’s worried about Diane. Has there been any news? She says, Diane is still in surgery, and will be there a while, and he asks if there’s anything he can do to help. She says, he can not brawl in the hospital for starters, and he says, done. Anything else? She says, there’s nothing anybody can do, and he says, he saw The Invader, her op ed, a united front in Port Charles. She says, too much? but he says, it’s perfect. She’s showing this monster that they can’t be intimidated. She thanks him, and says she needed that. He asks if she thinks the attacker is going to answer the challenge, and she says, they’ll find out soon enough. She hopes her instincts are right, and his ego is his downfall, because if it doesn’t work, she’s poked the bear, and set the bear on this path of destruction that’s going to put everyone in danger.

Gregory asks how Elizabeth is doing, and Finn says, good. All things considered, he thinks she’s making progress. Gregory says he’s glad to hear it, when Finn’s phone dings. Finn says he’s sorry, but he has to check on a patient, and Gregory tells him, go save lives. He asks if Finn is going to be at Chase’s show tonight, and Finn says, of course (🍷). He’s coming with Elizabeth, and they’re bringing Terry. Chase is going to be great, but if he bombs, it’s okay to tease him, right? Gregory says, always the supportive brother, and Finn says, always.

Now dressed, Chase calls to Brook. She comes out with a garbage bag, and he says, what’s all this? She asks if he knows how much hidden sugar is in his food, and he says he knows how much he spent on it. She says, that’s beside the point, and he says, she’s throwing out his oranges? She says, does he want to pepper spray his vocal cords; citrus is too acidic. He assumes she got rid of his peppers, and she says, nothing spicy, come on. He looks in the bag, and says, yogurt? She says, a dairy, and he says, eggs? She tells him, she said no dairy, and he says, eggs aren’t dairy. She says, they’re in the dairy section (yeah, I don’t get it either), and he says, his soy milk? She says, don’t even get her started with soy milk and singers; the phlegm. He says, so this bag basically contains everything in his kitchen, and she says, he’s right. There’s nothing in this house for him to eat. She’s got to stop by Deception, and then she’ll treat him to breakfast. Is he coming or not? She pulls him out the door, and I wonder what he’s going to eat for breakfast, since pretty much everything is out. Dry toast?

Valentin and Anna sit down in the MetroCourt restaurant, and Valentin says, he considered bugging Victor’s room, but he takes extensive precautions and would have found it immediately. If he’s learned anything, it’s that Charlotte would have been put in greater danger. They need to get Victor to lower his guard. They need to get someone he won’t see coming. Nina walks over, and says she didn’t know they’d made it official. Valentin asks if it would kill Nina to act a little jealous, and Nina says, oh yeah, and tells Anna, get your hands off my man. Anna says, no, and Nina says she’s glad she ran into Valentin. She’s been thinking about Charlotte. He says, that’s funny. He just heard from her this morning. He shows Nina his phone, and Nina says, look how grown up she is. He says he can hardly believe it himself, and Nina says she knows Charlotte is busy with her fancy school and her friends, but she misses her. Valentin says he misses her too, and Nina says, tell Charlotte to give her a ring. He says he will, and Anna tells Nina, congratulations on being the new co-owner here. Nina thanks her, and says, it’s an adventure. Valentin says, it suits her. She looks happy. She says, he looks happy too; both of them. Anna thanks her, and she says she needs to go. It was good seeing them. Nina goes to the elevator, and Valentin says, he thinks she’s the answer

Sonny tells Selina, it’s an interesting offer, but with everything going on, he doesn’t think he can make that game. She says, the seat is always available to him, when Chase walks in. She says, Mr. Chase. She’s looking forward to hearing him sing tonight. She leaves, and Sonny says he heard about Chase’s gig; congratulations. Chase thanks him, and asks if Nina’s around. He was hoping to thank her. Sonny says, for what? and Chase says, for putting in a word with Curtis about getting him an audition at The Savoy.

By she, Anna hopes Valentin is referring to Lucy and not Nina. Valentin says, Lucy’s already got an assignment. Nina’s the one. She can help them get to Victor.

Alexis asks how things went with Ava. Did Nikolas figure out what to do for her? Nikolas flashes back to Ava reading his confession letter, and says he took Alexis’s advice. He gave Ava total and complete power over him. She says, that wasn’t her advice. How did take a risk and show you care turn into, I’m turning all my power over to you? He says, it was the right thing. It was the only thing he could do. She says, never mind. She doesn’t need to know. She hopes it works. He says, there’s only one way to find out, and they get up. Alexis tells him, good luck. He’s going to need it. He says, it never hurts with Ava, and they hug. Alexis sees Victor, and says, oh look, her cue, and jets. Victor comes over to Nikolas, and Nikolas asks, what brings him by? Victor says, Ava of course (🍷). She is family. He’s here to support the both of them, and Nikolas’s son. Nikolas says, his son’s not here, and Victor says he knows; he just came from visiting Spencer. Nikolas asks, how is he? and Victor says, a visit from his father would do him a world of good. Nikolas says, Spencer made it very clear he doesn’t want to see him, but Victor says, it’s time Nikolas stepped up as a father. His son needs him more than ever.

Elizabeth looks at folders as she walks through the hospital, and flashes back to Reiko again. She nearly walks into Gregory, and says, sorry. She was… He says, somewhere else? and she says, yeah. Between work and everything else, she has a lot going on in her mind. He says he understands. He knows she’s been going through a rough time lately. Finn hasn’t told him any details or betrayed Elizabeth’s confidence, but he wants her to know Finn cares about her a great deal. She says she cares about Finn too, and he starts to leave, but she stops him, and says she needs his help.

Nina says she’s here to spring Ava, and Ava says, thank God. She needs a long hot bath and a big strong drink. Nina says, both of which Ava can get at her place. Come on. Nina knows Ava can go wherever she wants to from here, and Ava believes she can co-exist with Nikolas at Windymere, but she’s worried it’s more challenging than Ava thinks. Ava says, things are definitely still less than ideal, but she hates the idea of being thrown out of her own house. She didn’t do anything wrong; she didn’t screw up. Nina says, that is right, and she’d be more than happy to put Ava up at her place for however long she needs. Nikolas and Victor are at the door, and Nikolas says, that won’t be necessary. He and Ava are going home together.

Spencer puts some books away in the library, and the guard walks out. An inmate comes in, rolls up his sleeves, and looks through a book on the table. As Spencer walks by, he slaps the book Spencer is holding out of his hands. Spencer says, what the hell? and the inmates says, it was long overdue.

Spencer tells Sonny, remember, at the pool, Nina said she was going to talk to Curtis about booking him at The Savoy? Then the two of them left, Chase thought to go talk to Curtis. Sonny says, they went to The Savoy, but he doesn’t think Nina had a chance to talk to Curtis. Chase says, maybe she spoke with him later? but Sonny says he doesn’t think so. He thinks Nina would have told him if she’d asked Curtis to book him. Chase says, if Nina didn’t talk to Curtis, how did his gig get arranged? Sonny flashes back to talking to Selina about Chase, and Selina smiles at him as she gets into the elevator.

Elizabeth says she was hoping Gregory could answer a question, and he says, absolutely; he’d be happy to. She says, how well did he know Finn’s wife Reiko?

Finn sees Alexis, and says he was looking for her. He has news about Diane.

Anna says she has no intention of including another civilian in this, but Valentin says he’s not going to put Nina in harm’s way. But she can help them without being put at risk. She asks what he’s thinking, and he says, to save Charlotte, they need access. Nina could be the key.

Nikolas says he’s made arrangements for every comfort and amenity to await Ava at Windymere. Shall we? Nina folds her arms, and stands next to Ava, and Ava says she’s not going with him. He says, Windymere is her home, and she shouldn’t be driven away because of something he did. She says she has no intention of giving up her claim to Windymere, but she’s not ready to live under the same roof as him… yet. He says he thought after everything they’d discussed… and she says, they’re not there yet. An orderly comes with a wheelchair, and Ava says, perfect timing. She’s ready to go home. Nikolas tells her, he just said… and she says, her old home. Her first home in Port Charles, where she felt safe before she got mixed up with him. If Nina’s offer still stands. Nina says, it certainly does, and Ava says, then let’s go. Nina struts out next to Ava, and Victor puts his hand on Nikolas’s shoulder.

The inmate says, pick it up, but Spencer says he’ll get it later. The inmate repeats, pick it up, and Spencer says, dude dropped it. Pick it up himself. The inmate whacks Spencer in the head with a book, and Spencer falls to the floor.

On Monday, Trina asks why Josslyn is so interested in Dex; Elizabeth tells Finn, the connection never really goes away; and Robert wishes he’d find this guy before he does it again.

📋 Interim Manager…

When someone uses the phrase scene partner, you know they went to acting school.

👻 Knew It…

Like any of us thought she was really dead.

🕺 Terry’s New Squeeze…

Who knew?

📽 New Perspective…

I love stuff like this.

https://ew.com/books/black-hollywood-reimagining-iconic-movie-moments-book-preview/

🍳 Preview Of Hell…

A new season of cooking and yelling.

https://ew.com/tv/gordon-ramsay-hells-kitchen-season-21-preview/

🗽 Start Spreading the News…

Premiering October 19th. The cast looks great. Zachary Quinto is one of the most underrated actors ever.

⚰️ While We’re At It…

Premiering October 2nd.

https://collider.com/the-walking-dead-season-11-part-3-trailer-norman-reedus-jeffrey-dean-morgan/

🦸🏻‍♂️ Leaving You Laughing…

These two are the best, and I love Deadpool.

https://ew.com/movies/ryan-reynolds-hugh-jackman-explain-how-wolverine-alive-in-deadpool-3-timeline-concerns/

🧙🏽‍♂️ Quotes of the Week

The only way that we can live, is if we grow. The only way that we can grow is if we change. The only way that we can change is if we learn. The only way we can learn is if we are exposed. And the only way that we can become exposed is if we throw ourselves out into the open. Do it. Throw yourself. – C. JoyBell C.

The flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all.Walt Disney Company (Did you expect someone like Gandhi, the way I did?)

The healthy being craves an occasional wildness, a jolt from normality, a sharpening of the edge of appetite, his own little festival of Saturnalia, a brief excursion from his way of life. – Robert MacIver

The final test of a gentleman is his respect for those who can be of no possible service to him. – William Lyon Phelps

Love is never wasted, for its value does not rest upon reciprocity. – C. S. Lewis

Be regular and orderly in your life, so that you may be violent and original in your work. – Gustave Flaubert

In oneself lies the whole world and if you know how to look and learn, the door is there and the key is in your hand. Nobody on earth can give you either the key or the door to open, except yourself. – Jiddu Krishnamurti

The healthy man does not torture others – generally it is the tortured who turn into torturers. – Carl Jung

Loyalty to petrified opinion never yet broke a chain or freed a human soul. – Mark Twain

🌫 Sensing Kenneth’s Frequency…

Meet me for a condensed recap of Dead people Walking on Sunday, really Monday morning, or two days from now if you’re counting. Until then, stay safe, stay willing to look at things from a different perspective, and stay remembering only you can decide what you’re willing to accept.

September 29, 2022 – Josslyn Tells Sonny That It Wasn’t Dex, Craig Kicks Leva Out Of His Gala & Paradise

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Portia tells Jordan, they’re getting down to the nitty gritty. If that’s the case, then Jordan owes her an answer. If she doesn’t tell Curtis about Jordan’s theory that he’s Trina’s biological father, is Jordan going to tell him herself? Jordan says, believe it or not, she doesn’t want to blow up Portia’s relationship with Curtis. She and Portia may never become the best of friends, but she wants Curtis to be happy. Portia says, so does she, and Jordan says, then Portia can see she’s right. It’s up to Portia to tell Curtis herself.

Marshall and Epiphany come out of the elevator laughing, and see Curtis. Curtis asks if Marshall is here for a check-up, and Epiphany says, her break is over. She’ll see him later. She leaves, and Marshall says he’s not here to get checked out; he’s here to help. Thanks to Epiphany, he’s been asked to provide some music therapy to the GH patients. Curtis says, that’s a good idea. Maybe Marshall can start right here in this room with a patient who’s lucky to be alive.

Ava tells Trina, she knows this is upsetting. Let her explain. Trina says, no need to explain. Working side by side with Ava kept Trina going during her trial. It gave her something to focus on other than her fear of being found guilty and sentenced to prison. She intends on working at that gallery until Ava is back on her feet. Ava takes Trina’s hand, and says, listen to her. Whoever did this to her, whoever put her in the hospital, is still out there. As long as she’s a potential target, she’s got to close the gallery. It’s just not just not safe there right now; not for her and not for Trina.

Cody tells Maxie, he never said he wanted Leopold Taub to be his biological father, and she says, from what she understands, Leopold Taub was a misogynist tyrant. Mac, who raised her as if she was his own daughter, is the absolute best. So she thinks, if Mac was his dad, it would be a huge step up for him. Cody says he’s always lived life on his own terms. No strings; no expectations. So let’s just say the last thing he needs is a cop for a dad. She asks, what’s Mac’s job have to do with it? and Austin says he thinks it has to do with everything.

Sam says, so Spinelli is behind Society Set-Ups? and he says he’s doomed. He’s destined to rot in a federally funded supermax. She tells him, calm down. Everyone knows he’s prone to exaggerations. So he used his cyber skills to create a matchmaking service. There’s nothing illegal about that. He says, except when there is. His one and only child is going to be seeing daddy on visitation days. And trust him when he says orange is not the new black. She tells him, stop, please. Tell her everything, and start from the beginning. He says, before or after he violated the computer fraud and abuse act?

Sonny says, he asked Michael a question. What does he care what happens to Dex? Michael says, he was on the scene either before or after all three attacks, and Sonny says, and the point is? Michael says, they both know what Sonny does to someone he suspects is targeting his friends and family.

Carver says, as Dex can see by his tools, he has options. Dex can answer his questions, and they can proceed the easy way, or Dex can play tough guy and keep evading, and they can do it the hard way. It makes no difference to him. He holds one of the knives, and says, sooner or later, Dex will start talking. Dex looks at the knife.

Austin says, to be clear, he’s not taking any sides here, but he knows what it’s like to come from a family you have to look up to… or look down, one of the two. Cody says, see? He’s not the only one leery about family. Maxie says she assumes Austin is talking about the Quartermaines. She knows they treated him unfairly, but isn’t he still guided by the memory of his father? Austin says, sure, and other things, and she says, they’re going to circle back to the other things later. Her point is, if Cody gives Mac a chance, he won’t regret it.

At the hospital, Felicia tells Mac, she takes it there are no updates on Diane Miller, and he says, she’s still in surgery. She says, he’s been here for hours, come home with her, but he says he can’t do that. She takes his hand, and says, okay. How can she help him? He says, if she really wants to help, tell him what happened after he got the call about the attack on Diane, and left her at the MetroCourt with Cody Bell. She says she has a better idea. Come on.

Portia asks Jordan, what exactly is she supposed to tell Curtis? That according to Jordan, he may be Trina’s biological father? Curtis asked her that question years ago. Jordan asks what Portia told him, and Portia says, she told him no, he wasn’t. Jordan says, and Portia knows that for a fact? and Portia says, what she knows for a fact is that they wouldn’t be the only ones affected by such a thing. Trina is Marcus’s whole world. Jordan says she realizes that, and Portia says, does she really? Because when things were bleak with Marcus, the thought of Trina is the only thing that kept him going. And Trina adores him. She remembers how bad Trina was grieving when she thought he’d been killed. She will not turn their world upside down because Jordan keeps inserting herself into her life. And Curtis’s life, when he’s made it clear Jordan has a minimal role in his.

Marshall buffs his clarinet, and Curtis says, look at that; good as new. Marshall says, even better. Those punks who tried to steal it from him did him a favor. Leon Purdie. He fixed her up some kind of good; look how she shine. Wait until Curtis hears how she sounds, sweeter than Tupelo Mississippi honey. Curtis asks if they’re still talking about the clarinet, or is Marshall talking about Epiphany? Marshall says he barely gets to see that woman. She’s busy studying for them MCATs. Curtis says, the way Epiphany was smiling at Marshall when they walked in, he doesn’t think she’s ever too busy for him. Marshall says, what about Curtis? He figured by now, he and Portia would have set a wedding date. What’s the hiccup?

Trina tells Ava, her dad taught her to stand up bullies, and her mom has never been afraid to do the right thing, no matter what the cost. Ava says, that’s very commendable, but they’re not talking about a schoolyard bully here. They’re talking about a killer. She could never live with herself if something happened to Trina. Trina says she gets it; there’s a dangerous person out there. But she carries pepper spray with her, always, and never misses any of her classes at PCU. Why is the gallery any different? Ava says she forgot to tell Trina the exciting part. She takes Trina’s hand, and says she helped Trina get a different internship. Trina says, what internship? and Ava says, only the most prestigious one offered by the Port Charles Museum of Fine Art. Trina says, the Murphy-Katz Foundation Fellowship? and Ava says, mm-hmm. Trina says, at The Chuck? She was too late to apply; she couldn’t have gotten it this year. Ava says, well, this letter says differently, and hands Trina an envelope.

Dante goes through a folder, looks at a rendering of the hook, and frowns.

Sonny tells Frank to take a break, and asks if Michael is telling him that he can’t protect his own family right now. Michael says his problem is with how Sonny is protecting his family, and Sonny says, Michael has made it clear how many times he doesn’t want Sonny in his life. Unless he’s rethinking that, then they can talk. Michael shakes his head, and Sonny says he figured. But make no mistake the kind of father he’s going to be taking back. He’s the kind of guy who’s going to make sure his family’s safe, no matter what Michael thinks. He’s going to make mistakes. Michael doesn’t have to agree with everything he does, but he is who he is, and he’s going to do what he’s always done. And that’s make sure Michael, Willow, the kids, and Carly are safe. He’s going to make sure nobody he cares about again is left to bleed. And he’s sorry, but he doesn’t give a damn if that offends Michael’s delicate sensibilities.

Cody says, he and Maxie have clearly led very different lives. In his experience, when someone promises something that’s guaranteed, that just means you’re going to be disappointed, every single time. Austin’s phone dings, and Maxie says, let her guess. The hospital needs him. Austin sees a text: You know what you have to do. He says, something like that. He has to go. He tells Cody, hang in there. He understands, sometimes family can be a pain. He opens the door, and Felicia is there with Mac. She says, they know it’s late, and don’t want to wake up the kids. Is this a bad time? Austin says, he thinks that depends on who you ask, and leaves. Mac says, they just want… He sees Cody, and says, oh, you’re here.

Sam says, now that she knows Spinelli’s not exaggerating, and might be in real trouble, can he please back it up and walk her through it? He says she may understand this better than anyone. He and Ellis just parted ways, and Jason was killed. He’s self-aware enough to know he’s quirky and not everyone’s cup of tea, but losing two of his guiding lights in such a short span, he was lost… and lonely. So those dating websites and apps he mocked when he was with Ellie, he suddenly fell prey to, but no one he met was… She says, quite the right fit? He says, so few people have actually read Stephen Hawking or a Wordsworth poem. A true connection is incredibly rare. She says, she and Dante know how incredibly lucky they are to have found each other, and he says, alas, he hasn’t had the same good luck. So he built a better mousetrap, if you will. He wrote an algorithm that takes a subject’s personal data and transforms it into a unique, completely objective profile, and it matches them with their mathematically perfect fit. She says, she may be lost here, but it sounds like an amazing matchmaking service, and he says his invention may be worthy of a Nobel Prize for love. If only… Sam says, if only what? How is he breaking any laws? He moves closer to her, and says, he realized, in order to find someone’s perfect match, he needed to cast a wider net of possible matches. What good would it be if someone’s perfect match wasn’t a member of Society Set-Ups? In order for this to work, he had to have access to the digital footprint of the lovelorn all over the world. She asks if he’s saying he learned how to hack everyone? He says he’s equally proud and somewhat horrified by his invention that he calls Cupid’s Arrow. The program can penetrate every password, every firewall, so that he can learn every aspect of someone’s life. Not just their favorite color, and yes, their social security number and bank account, but what kind of ice cream they prefer, what teams they root for, who’s online at 3 am; literally every aspect of someone’s life. She says, wow. Spinelli… you’re screwed.

Curtis says, he and Portia hit a few speed bumps on their way to the altar, and Marshall says he hopes Curtis isn’t considering letting that girl go. Curtis says, of course (🍷) not. It’s just that technically, he and Jordan are still married. Marshall asks how that’s possible, and Curtis says, there was a mix-up with the divorce papers; they never got filed. Once it’s worked out… He’s got to go. Good luck with the music therapy. Curtis leaves, and Epiphany asks if everything is okay. Marshall says he doesn’t know. You tell me.

Trina reads, the Port Charlies Museum of Fine Art is pleased to offer you a Murphy-Katz Fellowship for the fall semester at PCU. She doesn’t know how to thank Ava. Ava says, it’s her pleasure; it’s her honor. But it wasn’t originally her idea. Curtis set all of this in motion. Curtis walks in, and Ava says, he’s one Trina should thank.

Dex tells Carver, he didn’t do this; let him go. Please. I’m kind of surprised Dex is so naïve he thinks he can beg this guy for anything. There’s a knock at the door, and Carver rolls his knives back up, and answers. Frank comes in, and says, let him guess. Their guest wants an upgrade. Carver says, more like an early checkout. Frank says, Dex isn’t going anywhere. So what does Carver think? Time for a break? Carver says he could use some fresh air. Really? I want his job. He scared Dex with words for ten seconds, and now he’s going on break. He and Frank leave.

Michael says, Sonny’s not protect anyone by finding a convenient scapegoat. Some unlucky guy he can blame based on flimsy circumstantial evidence. But he feels like a hero, showing the world he’s willing to throw his associates to the wolves. But that doesn’t make him right. Sonny says, it also doesn’t make him wrong, unless Michael knows something he doesn’t. Why does Michael think Dex is innocent?

Mac asks if Felicia knew Cody was here, but she says, no; absolutely not. This is not an ambush. She just thought a visit with Maxie would take his mind off the investigation. Cody says he was just leaving, unless of course (🍷) the Chief of Detectives still considers him a suspect. Mac doesn’t say anything, and Cody says, okay. Felicia asks him to wait, and Cody turns around. Felicia says, Mac asked her what happened after he left the MetroCourt and she was still there with Cody. The truth is, they talked. Mac says he’s listening, and Maxie says, this is Cody’s chance. Man up. Cody says, fine. When he found out Mac was asking questions about him, he assumed it was because Mac was trying to nail him for attacking Ava Jerome, but then, thanks to Mac’s wife – she tells him to call her Felicia – he realized Mac was asking questions because he used to be involved with Dominque Stanton, who was his mother. And Mac wanted to know… Mac says, if Cody is his son.  

Amy asks what Austen is doing at the hospital. She didn’t see his name on the work schedule. He says he’s covering for somebody; he forgets who. He excuses himself and goes over to Mason, who’s sitting on bench. He says, Mason doesn’t get to summon him like this. He doesn’t work for Mason. Mason says, Austin is right. He doesn’t work for him, but they have the same employer. Austin says he quit that, but Mason says, that’s the thing about a  family business; you don’t get to quit. Tonight it’s his turn to do the heavy lifting.

Jordan wonders if Portia has asked herself what happens if she says nothing, and Portia says, things will go on as they have been. Jordan says, that’s wishful thinking. Curtis doesn’t just share a home with Portia; he loves Portia and her daughter. Portia says, which means nothing has to change, and Jordan wonders if Portia’s asked herself what happens if Curtis finds a reason to suspect Trina is his daughter too. Portia doesn’t have to answer Jordan’s questions, but she won’t have that luxury with Curtis. She knows from her own experience how Curtis deals with secrets and lies. Don’t repeat her mistakes. Maybe not today, and maybe not tomorrow, but one day this will come back to haunt her. Portia tells Jordan to stay out of her business. She’s going to handle her life her way. Jordan says she can’t predict what will happen if Portia comes clean with Curtis, but she knows for sure what will happen if Curtis finds out on his own, and Portia leaves.

Curtis asks if Ava told Trina about the Fellowship, and Ava says she did; she couldn’t wait. She needed something to lift Trina’s spirits after telling her that she’s closing the gallery. Trina tells Ava that she doesn’t know what to say, except thank you, and Ava says, like she told Trina, it was a team effort. Trina says her mom never told her that Curtis was into art before, and he says he’s more into keeping her safe. She asks what that means, and he says, he and Ava had a conversation about how the gallery lacks proper security. Such is not the case at The Chuck. Trina asks if Ava minds if she and Curtis step outside to talk, Ava says, of course (🍷), and they leave. In the hallway, Curtis asks, what’s up? and Trina says, she appreciates the opportunity, but can’t accept the Fellowship. She hands the letter to him.

Michael says he barely knows Dex, but he’s seen how he acts around Sonny, and Sonny asks, how’s that? Michael says, like a dog who’s been in the shelter for too long, and now he’s eager to please Sonny. So killing Brando makes no sense. Sonny says he doesn’t know. There a few people who he’s done good things for who have turned their back on him. They’ll see how it shakes out. Michael asks what he means, and Sonny says, he wants the guy with the hook, and Michael says, exactly. Not some wannabe who’s willing to deck Michael for talking back to the boss. What if Sonny targeting Dex leaves the killer out there with a free pass? Then someone else from the family Sonny claims to love is next on the list.

Sam says, shut Society Set-Ups down now before it’s too late, and Spinelli says he knows it’s the right thing to do, but his program actually works. She should see some of the testimonials that come across Zelda’s desk… Okay, his desk. Zelda’s just a figurehead; it’s not even her real name. People are grateful, they’re happy, and they’re satisfied, romantically, and in every other way because of him. She asks if the money is that good, and he says, yes, but it’s not just that. He feels like in some small way he’s helping to change the world for the better. She says, why doesn’t he tell that to Britt Westbourne and her string of losers? and he says, that was an earlier version, a beta version. He’s refined the program. She tells him, so he’s saying Britt’s perfect match is Cody?

Mac says, it took him a while to accept the possibility Cody could be his son, but he’s not afraid anymore. It sounds like Cody is; why is that? Cody tells him, who says he’s afraid? and Mac says, he’s been a cop long enough to recognize when somebody is hiding something. Maxie says, come on. Mac can’t seriously think Cody is some serial killer? Mac says, he’s not accusing Cody of having a hook up his sleeve, but he is a card player, right? Cody asks, who told him?… Yeah, if the stakes are high enough he’ll play. Mac asks what he’s playing for now, and Cody says he’s had enough of this. He starts to leave, and Felicia says, Cody could do worse than be a member of this family. As Maxie. Maxie says, they’re all right… She’s kidding; they’re the best. And there’s more of them. Felicia asks what Cody has to lose by finding out.

Austin tells Mason, when this is over, he’s done, understand? Done is done. All his debts will have been repaid. Mason says, it’s cute that Austin thinks it works like that. Amy calls over to Austin, and Mason says, showtime. Austin comes over to a man who’s waiting, and tells Amy, let’s get this gentleman into an exam room. She says she’ll call for an orderly, but Austin says he’ll take the man himself. Can he walk? The man says he thinks he can manage. He asks the man’s name, the man says, Gordon, and Austin leads him away as Mason watches.

Curtis tells Trina, the Murphy-Katz Fellowship is very prestigious, but she says, that’s not the issue. She can’t leave Ava right now; the gallery needs her more than ever. He says, Ava is going to close the gallery until whoever attacked her is caught, so what’s this really about? She sighs, and says, he didn’t ask her first, and he says, that’s fair. He was Trina to do something nice for her while keeping her safe. Ava realizes the guy with the hook is still out there, and it’s not safe for either one of them. She says she understands he meant well, but why didn’t he talk to her first? She’s a sophomore in college. She lives at the dorms. She’s not a kid. He says he understands that, but all he could think about was her working late nights at the gallery with no one to look out for her. Portia comes down the stairs, and Trina says, she looks out for herself. She knows he had good intentions, but he doesn’t get to make decisions about her life. Her dad doesn’t even get to do that anymore, and he’s certainly not her dad. Trina turns to see Portia.

Dante pours through a file, and Jordan asks, how’s it going? He says, good. He was just going over the forensics report, does she know how much blood Ava lost? She says, about one and a half liters? and Dante says, her attacker would have been covered in her blood. She says, that’s her assumption. Is this about a potential suspect? He says, Dex Heller, and she says she thought Dante questioned him. He says, he did, and he doesn’t think Dex is their guy, but there was that sound that Brando said he heard right before he was stabbed. He hands her a paper from Brando’s folder, and she says, some sort of metallic clicking. What about it? He says, Josslyn heard the same thing in the alley behind Charlie’s.

Dex moves the cart toward him with his foot, and kicks the knife roll to the floor. He keeps working at the rope around his wrists (my bad. The rope is black and I thought it was duct tape.) He’s suddenly doused with water, and Carver says, Dex is working too hard. It could be the death of him.

Sonny tells Michael, Dex is his employee. If he’s innocent, he has nothing to worry about. Ray says, Josslyn is here, and Sonny says, let her in. As she walks in, Josslyn says she told Ray he’d let her in. She hugs Michael and says she’s happy he’s here. She tells Sonny that she needs to see Dex.  

Cody says, funny how he might be part of a whole new family. It’s a lot to take in. He missed out on a lot growing up; things he wanted and couldn’t get. As soon as they seemed like they were within reach, they either turned out to be wrong or a complete disappointment. So he doesn’t know if he wants to go down that road again. Maxie says she knows she’s not completely objective here, but he could do a lot worse than being related to Mac. If he is a part of this family. She stands between Felicia and Mac, putting her arms around them, and Felicia says, and she’s completely prejudiced, but he couldn’t do better than being a part of this family. Cody says, the three of them look pretty cozy, but still… Maxie says, but still what? and he says, what difference does knowing make? Maxie says, it makes all the difference in the world.

Ava asks Epiphany, what’s the latest? When is she going to get the hell out of here? Epiphany says, she’s anxious to get home, huh? and Ava says she doesn’t even know where that is. Epiphany tells her, they say home is where the heart is, and Ava says, for now she would settle for a breath of fresh air and a bit of moonlight. Epiphany says she thinks that could be arranged. Would Ava like a little light jazz music going in? Ava says, it sounds heavenly, and Epiphany laughs on her way out the door.

Portia says she doesn’t know what she just walked in on here, and Curtis says, just a difference of opinion. Trina says, Curtis was trying to help her, which she appreciates, but it wasn’t his decision to make. Curtis says he understands why Portia’s daughter feels this way, but he’s not going to apologize for wanting to keep Trina safe. If he overstepped his boundaries, he’s pretty sure that’s what her dad would have done. When he and her mother finally tie the knot, he’s going to be her stepdad. And honey, that comes with responsibilities.

Jordan asks if Dante thinks Dex’s dog tags could have made the sound Josslyn and Brando heard, and he says he thinks it’s a possibility. On the other hand, Joss is pretty positive that when Dex found her and Ava at the Quartermaines, he was wearing a clean white T-shirt. If he was Ava’s attacker, he would have been covered in blood. She says, what if he ditched his clothes? and he says, he thought about that, so he has people recanvassing the Quartermaine property. He’s also got a search warrant to check Dex’s apartment. She says, he doesn’t sound optimistic, and he says, the timing is off. And Joss is pretty positive that Dex didn’t do it. She asks if Josslyn has proof, but Dante says, she has good instincts, and he thinks in this case her instincts could be right.

Sonny tells Josslyn to have a seat, and they sit in a booth. He asks why she wants to see Dex; who is Dex to her? She says he found her and Ava when Ava was stabbed and bleeding at the Quartermaines. She screamed for help, and Dex was the first person to show up. He said they had to get Ava to the hospital, that they didn’t have time to wait for an ambulance, and that’s the difference that saved Ava’s life. She heard he left the PCPD with Sonny. Sonny says, she knows Dex works for him, and she says she also knows Dex was near all three of the attacks, but he’s not the person Sonny is looking for. Sonny asks, what makes her so sure? and she says, when Dex came over to help her with Ava, he was wearing a clean white T-shirt. Of course (🍷) when they got to GH, they were both covered in blood, but if Dex had been the attacker, he would have had blood on him from the start. Sonny says, he could have changed his clothes, but she says she doesn’t think he had time. She found Ava moments after she’d been attacked, and Dex showed up a minute later. He didn’t do it. He didn’t do it to Ava, Brando, or Diane.

As he wipes one of his knives off, Carver asks Dex, where were we? Right. Dex was going to answer some of his questions. He walks closer to Dex, and Dex kicks him in the stomach. Carver falls back, slamming against the door.

Epiphany brings Ava out of the elevator, and Ava says, there’s a full moon tonight. Epiphany says she bets it’s shining over Spring Harbor too, but Ava says she doubts it. Nothing ever shines bright over there; not for long anyway. Near the door, Marshall plays his clarinet, and Ava smiles sadly.

Trina guesses she has a lot to think about, and Curtis says, please don’t turn down this opportunity because she’s mad at him, or because he tried to help her. She says, noted, and leaves. Curtis tells Portia, be honest. Did he overstep? She says she doesn’t really know… and he says, she knows he likes Taggert. He’s not trying to take Taggert’s place. He just wants Trina to know she can count on him too, as they start to build their family together. They hug, and Portia flashes back to Jordan saying, she knows from her own experience how Curtis deals with secrets and lies. Don’t repeat her mistakes. Maybe not today, maybe not tomorrow, but one day this will come back to haunt Portia.

There’s a knock at Jordan’s office door, and she says, come in. Dante says he wanted to let her know he’s taking off for the night. But he’ll have his cellphone handy if she needs him for. She says, there’s nothing more they can do tonight, except hope Diane wakes up, and tells them something. She’ll see him in the morning. He says, goodnight, and leaves.

Sam asks Spinelli to tell her the truth. If his algorithm is so foolproof, how could it match two obviously mismatched people like Britt and Cody? He says, his program’s not at fault. Forgive him. He knows Cody is an old friend of Dante’s, but Cody coerced him into matching him with Britt. And he’s not sure Cody’s reason are entirely romantic.

Felicia says, there’s only one way to answer the question of whether Mac and Cody are father and son, but they both have to agree on it. Maxie says, it’s time for the DNA test.

As he puts gloves on, Austin asks Gordon, before they start, is there anything he needs to know about Gordon’s medical history? Mason walks in, and says, Austin doesn’t have to worry about doing the doctor motions. He knows what to do. Austin tells Gordon to lie down, and he does. Austin gets a syringe ready, and says, lucky him. He’s not going to feel a thing. I’m hoping they’re vampires or something, but I doubt it.

Sonny says it’s nice of Josslyn to look out for Dex. He’ll let Dex know the next time he sees him. He asks if Ray will drive Josslyn to Carly’s, or her dorm, or wherever she’d like to go, but Michael says he’ll make sure his sister gets home safe. Ray lets them out, and Michael lingers for a moment, looking around, but leaves.

Carver says, Dex surprised him, but it won’t happen again, and Dex says, stay away from me, freak. Carver says, Dex has a somewhat limited range of motion, and he can always call for back up. At times, he really enjoys his work; this is one. There’s a knock at the door, and Carver rolls his knives up again, and opens it. It’s Sonny, and Carver asks, what’s going on? Sonny says, they’re in a holding pattern. He’s doing some fact checking. Stay on call. Carver says, understood, closes the door, and tells Dex, saved by the bell… for now anyway. But don’t worry. He’ll be back to finish what he started. He leaves, and in the restaurant, Sonny ponders.

Tomorrow, Brook tells Chase, everything they’ve been working for is riding on tonight; Ava says, there’s something she and Elizabeth need to settle; and Victor visits Spencer and says, my God, what happened to you?

Southern Charm

It’s Christmastime in Charleston, and Craig is excited. He tells his employees, the tree is permanently on for the season. He tells them about the gala, and says he hopes they don’t get sick of Christmas music too soon. Everyone shops for what to wear to the party, and Olivia calls Leva, who’s setting up her new office. Olivia asks how she’s doing, since she didn’t go on the trip. Leva says, it was like she didn’t have the energy, and she wanted to be home with her kid. She heard bits and pieces from Naomie. Olivia says, the moody tornado named Craig got mean, and Leva says, that’s another reason she didn’t want to come. Thanksgiving hurt her feelings. When Craig goes for Naomie, she’s innately protective, but she doesn’t want to fight. She doesn’t think you should talk to people like that. Olivia asks if she’s going to the Winter Wonderland party. Olivia wants to have a good time, and dip in one piece, but Leva thinks that’s wishful thinking with this group.

Paige and Craig have cheese and wine before the fire, and he shows her mockups for the event. In Craig’s interview, he says he loves Christmas, and he’s dreamt about having a company big enough to have a company Christmas party. Paige asks if he’s doing a seating chart, but he says, no. Almost everyone knows each other, and they’re grown up enough to pick where to sit. Paige says, a seating chart is a way to control the chaos, and avoid random situations like Madison sitting with Olivia. She also wants the people around her to be who she wants. He tells her that he uninvited Naomie, and she says, she feels like if he doesn’t invite Naomie, it will become a bigger thing. She thinks it’s harsh, and makes him look petty. In his interview, he says he wants the gala to be happy and a celebration, and not deal with sh*t from the past. Paige thinks Craig should call and reinvite Naomie. It will be an olive branch, and show they can co-exist, but don’t need to be friends. Craig says, if Naomie wants to come, fine. They don’t need to interact.

Naomie and Madison visit Patricia to try out a chambong. In Patricia’s interview, she says, she’d never heard of it, but a friend gave it to her. You drink it all at once, and she thinks Madison is the perfect person to do it with, but she never gets high on champagne. She’s sure she could do five of them, and it would have no effect. Whitney joins them, and Patricia says she wants to see the girls do one first. They practically inhale the champagne, and Patricia says, it’s just a gulp. Whitney says he can’t look. Of all the indignities he’s suffered, this raises the top spot. They have some caviar, and Whitney dips his cracker into it. Naomie remarks that he treated the caviar like it was salsa, and they do another chambong.  Patricia says, it’s a piece of cake, and Whitney hands them normal flutes of champagne, telling them, have fun, and getting out while he can. Naomie gets a call from Craig, who says he’s been going over final things for the winter gala, and he’d love for her to come. He’s sorry for the way he said those things. He should never elevate or raise his voice to anyone, let alone her. She’s more than welcome to come. She says she feels like they’ve had this conversation before, and it’s going to happen again. She doesn’t want to put herself in that kind of situation anymore. He says, it’s up to her, but he wanted to clear the air. She thanks him for calling, and he says he’ll see her if she comes. Patricia sits on the floor and says, don’t mind her. Madison asks what Naomie is going to do, but Naomie says she’s still not 100% sure she should go. Patricia says she would. Naomie’s friends are going to be there, and um… She thinks the champagne hit her and Madison says, they’re litty titty, about as lit as the Christmas tree. Patricia says she prefers sh*t faced, and Madison says, that works too.

Craig and Paige check out the venue, and agree it looks good, like an upscale prom. Craig thanks his business partner Amanda for doing this, and she shows them around. She asks where he wants everyone, but he says, it’s not like an event where no one knows anyone. They’re all friends. Amanda says, as long as he doesn’t think it will create drama, but Craig thinks having a seating chart will. She says, whatever keeps it calm, peaceful, and lovely, and Craig says, with this group, who knows? Little Craig! Taylor shows her dress to Shep, and they look at his rental tux. They go out on the patio, and Shep says he wants to talk. He’s genuinely happy, and thinks she is too. There are things he needs to work on. They’ve talked about it, and he wants her to be there with him. She says she will, and he says, her love and encouragement mean the world to him. He feel positive about her in his life. He likes not knowing what the future holds, but likes being with her not knowing. Everything that’s happened so far has gotten them here. It’s like a dream, and she’s the star of his dream. He wants to go places and have adventures, and what better way than with her? It sounds crazy, but he’s been thinking about it. Um… She waits, and he says he loves them together. He wants her to quit her job. He’ll take $30K of his money, put it in a joint account, and they’ll travel the world go until they run out, and then they’ll come home. Disappointment hangs heavy on all of us, except clueless Shep. In Shep’s interview, he says, traveling is the ultimate barometer. Bill Murray gave a speech here, and said, if you love someone, travel to places that are hard to get to and hard to get back from. If you still love each other when you get back to the airport, ask her to marry you. He tells her that it’s an investment in their future, but she says, that’s a lot. She doesn’t want to look like she’s traveling on his dime; she likes her independence. He says he knows it’s a leap of faith, but she’s into faith, and he thinks it will benefit their relationship. In Taylor’s interview, she says she thinks it’s every girl’s dream, but if Shep wants her to uproot her life and put all her eggs in one basket, she’ll have nothing to lean on except him. She doesn’t know how she feels about that. She tells him, it’s a lot to unpack, and she thinks she should think about it. What a d-bag Shep is.

Everyone gets ready for the party. Austen has underwear that looks like a tux, and he says, it makes his d*ck look huge. Craig says, Paige looks like a hot Cindy Lou Who. They go to the venue, and Paige tells him that he should be proud of himself. In Craig’s interview, he says his mind is still processing a lot. There are a lot of images going through his mind right now. We flash back to his pillow fails, and Naomie telling him that it’s stupid. He says, a lot of people that doubted Sewing Down South are going to be in this room tonight. It’s a little bit fun to be like, ha-ha. Who didn’t believe in him? Look at this. Venita arrives with friend Tati, and everyone admires each other’s outfits, especially Marcie, who looks fabulous two weeks after giving birth. Olivia calls Austen from the limo, and he says, this is how he always dreamed it would be; her picking him up for a big party. She tells him, his chariot awaits. In Austen’s interview, he says, he likes Olivia a lot, and thinks they can be something. He says, tell Robin she ain’t coming home tonight. At the party, Madison brings best friend Erika, and Marcie shows off pictures of Baby Edie. She says, Edie is a sweet baby, but people are saying, just wait. Craig tells Whitney that he invited Whitney’s girl. Whitney says, that’s magnanimous of him. Shep says he heard Patricia got drunk with the girls, and Patricia says she got sh*t faced. Shep says, welcome to our world. Craig says he’s taking it all in, and Austen says, a lot of people are eating crow at this moment. Naomie comes in with the other Madison, and in his interview, Craig says he has to laugh. Naomie thought him leaving law to sew was the biggest clown idea ever. Now she’s walking into his company Christmas party. I hate to tell him, but having a company party doesn’t mean you’ve made it. He thanks her for coming, and apologizes for the disinvite. He tells her, no one is on the blacklist, and in Naomie’s interview, she says, it feels awkward, but she came on the principle that she’s not allowing Craig to force her out of a friend group they’re both in.

Craig mingles, and everyone is astounded at how Marcie has bounced back after having the baby. Naomie goes to the bar, and Venita follows her. She says she’s happy Naomie came, and Naomie says, it was dodgy there for a second. Venita asks how they are, and Naomie says, they’re good. She drifts away, and Venita tells Tati that she thinks Naomie is avoiding her. Tati says, 100%, and thinks Venita needs to pull her, as uncomfortable as it is. Kathryn arrives with friend Jake, who she calls her new best man. I have no idea what that means, but I don’t think it means boyfriend. Craig tells Leva his ideas are impulsive, but he knows they’re going to work, and she says, ideas are the easy part. Marcie talks babies with Kathryn, then asks Taylor if she’s going to travel with Shep. Taylor says she has a house with a mortgage she needs to pay, and Marcie suggests she rent it out. Taylor says, it’s a lot, but he gears are turning. Shep tells the guys that he wants to show Taylor the world until the money runs out; then they’ll come home. Craig asks, then what’s next? When the money is gone, Taylor doesn’t have a job, and has no independence. Shep thinks it’s a great step. Venita asks Naomie for a second, and says she cares about Naomie, so cut the sh*t. If Naomie thinks she’s being a pet, tell her. Naomie says, another time, but Venita (as usual) keeps going, saying, they’ve known each other a long time. Naomie says, but it’s not a deep friendship. She was in an uncomfortable position at dinner, and Venita did nothing because she only cares about herself and how she feels. She’s being honest. Venita says, don’t shut her down. She’s coming to Naomie as a friend, and Naomie is walking away. Naomie says, right now, they’re not friends, and in Naomie’s interview, she says she was feeling hurt and attacked at the dinner table, and Venita showed her true colors. In Venita’s interview, she says, she and Naomie have history. It’s not going to be an easy one to get over. She hugs Tati.  

Patricia says, they’re just here for cocktails; she has to go. Whitney says he’ll drive her, and then come back. Craig notices seats have been  claimed with purses, and says, maybe they should have done a  seating chart. Um… yeah, since everyone is really confused. Craig shuffles people around to seat Austen with Olivia. He moves some more people, and Naomie says, it’s so annoying. Craig says, she didn’t have to come, and Naomie thanks him for making her feel awkward. He says he can only do so much, and in Naomie’s interview, she says, one would think even if there’s no seating chart, there would be room for people at the table. She feels it’s tit for tat. He’ll invite her to the party, but she can’t sit with them. It feels fishy. In Leva’s interview, she says she’d never have an event with a seating chart. It’s like Craig is deliberately making his ex-girlfriend feel stupid. She, the other Madison, and Naomie sit at their own table, and Leva says she wonders why she’s friends with some people; they’re f***ing toxic. Craig tells Shep, they’re throwing a hissy fit, and Shep says, it’s the seating. In Craig’s interview, he says, this is his party and he’ll have fun if he wants to. They’re trying to keep him from having fun. He tells Shep, it’s fine; they can sit by themselves. The food is served, and Craig says, sh*t happens. Madison says, Leva (who is wearing a midriff-baring outfit) didn’t get the memo. It’s Winter Wonderland not slutty ho. WTF? She and Kathryn talk smack about Leva, and Olivia says, she doesn’t like the mean girl energy. How about 14-year-old mean girl energy? That wasn’t even a sophisticated insult. Shep asks Taylor to say the blessing, but she passes the ball back to him. He wonders if they should hold hands around the table, and they awkwardly do. He says, God… um… Are you listening? Thank You for all the friends here, and thank You for the beautiful setting, and wonderful drinks and food. Shep asks that they all be happy, and get to the new year, and have an even greater new year after that. Long time, no see, God. Leva says, it’s the dinner from hell.

Craig gets up, and tells the room that he’d like to say a few words to the people from his past, his present, and the people who will be in his future. He thanks the people who helped turn his vision into a brand, and says, Shep said he was an idiot, but stuck with him and pushed him through. Shep says he’s welcome, and Craig thanks them, and says he loves sharing what he’s built with everyone. Everyone applauds, and Olivia says, he didn’t thank the wife. Naomie gets a drink, and sees Whitney. She tells him that she probably should leave; it’s awkward. Taylor and Shep come close to arguing over whether dessert is crème brûlée or flan. Leva tells Amanda that Craig is out of line, and Craig whines that Leva is talking to his business partners, Amanda and Jerry. He yells over that Amanda doesn’t have to talk to her. Leva can leave. She’s acting like a child. It’s his business and she’s making it about her.  

I realize I have the same sparkly reindeer that are in one of the displays. Craig says, Leva threw a hissy fit, as he throws a hissy fit, and she says, he’s so rude. He tells her, if she’s not happy, she can leave. In Leva’s interview, she says, he’s not Elon Musk. Keep it real. People who have put their blood, sweat, and tears into a business, aren’t screaming at a business gala. He looks like an a-hole. She tells him that he went from 0 to 100, and he says, no, you. She says, everyone here has seen him go from 0 to 100, and he says he’s kindly asking her to leave. Why is she at his party? She wasn’t invited. She says she has a business on the same street, and she’s talking to the people who actually run his business, which is not him. She calls him a clown, and he says he’ll have security escort her out. She says she’s leaving. He says he’s sorry it got to this point, sounding like someone’s dad, telling her, go home, go home, and pointing at the door. She asks if he wants her to run, and calls him a loser as she leaves. He says, what an embarrassing way to go out, totally ignoring the fact that he just embarrassed himself all over the place. What was it Naomie said about his self-awareness? Oh yeah, he has none. Paige says, it was rude of Leva. That’s Christmas. Madison says, it was awesome, and Olivia says she’s such a bitch, and gets up. She tells Madison, good talking to you, and when Madison says, you too, Olivia gives her the finger as she leaves. Naomie follows, and they see Leva outside. Naomie asks if Leva needs someone, but Leva says she’s done, and keeps walking. Naomie tells Olivia, they can’t force her to stay.  

Ten minutes later. Whitney sings Silent Night badly into a microphone, and Olivia tells Austen, she loves this band. Shep says he doesn’t understand, and Taylor thinks maybe it’s telling them to get out of the country.  

Three months later. We see Shep and Taylor posting on Instagram about their trip. The text tells us that Shep convinced Taylor to quit her job. But when they returned to Charleston, there was trouble in paradise. We see headlines saying, Shep and Taylor broke up after two years; he refused to commit; it’s assumed he was unfaithful. We read, good thing Shep never deactivated his dating profile, and we see that too. Good luck to whoever gets stuck with him next. Taylor deserved better, and I hope she finds it.

Next time, the Reunion, Craig rips his pants, and he doesn’t wear underwear; Andy says he heard Austen was boring in bed; Madison says, Thomas and Olivia once hooked up, and Olivia asks if she pulled that out of her fake ass; Madison tells Venita, f*** you; Kathryn throws a mini fit; and Taylor says, there were 300 whores, and she’s the whore who stuck around. I see Madison is just as delightful as she was the last Reunion.

🚶🏽‍♀️ Emigrating the Building…

Make a return appearance tomorrow for soap, tea for as many as you’d like, words to take heed of, and something to listen to. Until then, stay safe, stay treating all people with dignity, and stay making a seating chart. It’s a way to control the chaos, and avoid random situations.

September 27, 2022 – Drew Finds Carly In Jacksonville, Soapy Memoir, Visiting, Tuc Update, a Tribute, Buh-Bye, Andy’s Excuse, Piecing It Together, Pets (!) & Need To

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Sonny gives Gladys lavender tea to help her relax. She asks what he knows about tea; he’s a coffee importer. He says, maybe he’ll branch out, and she apologizes, adding, it does smell good. Sasha comes out, and Nina asks if she got any sleep, but Sasha says, every time she closes her eyes, all she can see is Brando in that hospital bed. Nina hugs her.

Curtis goes to the hospital, and Portia hugs him, saying, she’s so glad to see him. He asks, what’s going on? and she says, Diane Miller was brought in with a stab wound tonight. He says, wow. First Ava, then Brando, now Diane. She says, looks that way, and he asks if Diane is okay. She says, they’re operating right now, and that’s all she knows, but it’s got her really on edge. He says, of course (🍷) it does. She says she wanted to tell Trina, but she was with Rory, and Portia didn’t want to tell her then. He says, it’s going to be okay, but she says, how? When? He says he doesn’t know, but thanks to that Invader article, at least they’re all watching their backs. She says, speaking of that, Jordan feels some type of way about whoever leaked it to the press, and he asks if Jordan said something to her. Jordan comes out of the elevator, and Portia says, Jordan wasn’t very happy that she defended the source. Jordan says, because she’s trying to capture a violent criminal. And to that end, she needs Portia’s help.

Dante comes into the interrogation room, and sits across from Dex. He says he’s been briefed on the Diane Miller attack. Dex was the first person at the scene? Dex says he got there just before Miss Davis and Mr. Chase. He’s sorry; he won’t be able to tell Dante much. Dante says he doesn’t know about that. He bets Dex has plenty to tell him.

On the phone, Carly tells Olivia, she feels so bad… Because her family was going through hell and couldn’t get in touch with her… She already talked to everybody, and wanted to jump on the first plane home when she heard about Brando… Yeah, she and Sonny agreed it’s probably safer if she stays here… She knows. There’s a knock at her hotel room door, and she tells Olivia that she’ll call her back; someone’s at the door. She opens it, and Drew asks if someone ordered room service, holding up a six-pack. Yes, we could make a lot of jokes here.

Josslyn, Cameron, Trina, and Rory go to the hatchet throwing place, and Trina says, wow. She didn’t even know places like this even existed. Josslyn says, her mom told her about it. She said it’s super fun. Cameron tells Rory that they should start collecting their weapons, or can he even say that to a cop? Rory says he’s off-duty, and they go to make their selection. Josslyn says, finally they get a little double date action with the guys, and Trina says, it’s so cute. Josslyn says she likes Rory. She’s so happy Trina ended up with him. Trina says, as opposed to Spencer? and Josslyn says, Rory’s definitely preferable… isn’t he?

Dex says he wants to speak to a lawyer, and Dante says, that’s his right, and he should. Dante points to his neck, and asks what Dex has here, and Dex takes out his dog tags, asking if they quality as a lethal weapon. Dante says he certainly hopes not, but you tell me. Dex says he doesn’t know what happed to Miss Miller. He doesn’t know how many times, or how he can say that until they actually believe him, and Dante asks, what makes Dex think he doesn’t believe him? Dex says, the way Dante came at him just now, and how he questioned Dex at the hospital. It’s clear Dante’s made up his mind. Dante says, so far, Dex is the only person who could have seen what happened, and Dex says, but he didn’t. When he came in, she was on the ground bleeding. Dante asks what Dex was doing in the garage in the first place. This is his chance to go on the record and clear up any misconceptions. Dex says he was working, and Dante says, doing what? Dex says, Dante’s father asked him to lock up behind Diane while he took Sasha home, and Dante says, so Dex was there when she was attacked? Dex says he must have been, and Dante says, the garage is a big open space; how could Dex not have seen it? Dex says he was outside, and Dante says, Dex is good at his job, right? Dex says, ask his dad, and Dante says he will, but right now he’s asking Dex. When Sonny ordered Dex to stick around, how could he not see someone enter the garage? It feels to Dante like Dex is lying about something. What is it?

Trina says, now that Spencer’s not in her life, she’s happier than she’s been in a while, and Josslyn says, with Rory. Trina says she’s ready for a fun, uncomplicated relationship, and Josslyn says, Trina deserves it. Trina says, Josslyn’s turn. She and Cam went through a rough patch, and Josslyn says, yeah, but they’re out of it. Trina asks if Josslyn told Cam about the dumpster thing with Dex, and Josslyn says, just because they’re together doesn’t mean they have to tell each other everything. Didn’t Cam prove that by keeping Spencer’s secret? Cameron and Rory come back, and Cameron asks what they’re talking about. Josslyn and Trina both say, nothing, and Cameron tells Rory, nothing means them, right? Rory says, 100%, and Josslyn says, the egos on these two.

Sasha says she really appreciates Nina and Sonny being here, but please go; get back to their lives. Sonny says he can stay, but Gladys says, he’s done enough. The truth is, nothing’s going to make this better. They just have to live through it as best they can. Sonny says he’ll go, but if she needs anything, call him at any time. That goes for Sasha too. He hugs Sasha, and Nina says she’ll walk Sonny out, but she’ll be back. They can’t get rid of her that easily. In the hallway, Nina says she didn’t want to broach this in front of Sasha, but what are they going to do about the guardianship? He says, Diane’s filing a continuance with the judge right now, but the thing is, Sasha is still under guardianship. She asks what that even means without Brando. Is the court going to appoint some interim person, a stranger? Sonny says, no. They’ll give Sasha some time to grieve before they get into the details. Nina says she just can’t believe on top of everything else, Sasha has to contend with that. Sonny’s phone rings, and it’s Alexis. He says, whoa. Hold on… What?

Jordan says she knows Dr. Finn was on hand when Diane was brought in, but he was called on a patient emergency. She was hoping, since he and Portia worked together on Brando’s case, Portia might be able to provide some helpful information. Portia says, Finn did brief her, so she thinks she can help Portia, and Jordan says, and this conversation will stay at GH this time? Curtis asks what that’s supposed to mean, and Jordan says, he saw the article in The Invader. The leak came from the hospital. She’s just reiterating the need for discretion to keep important details under wraps. He says, that was always her area of expertise, wasn’t it? He’ll leave them to it. Portia tells Jordan, sorry. The divorce paper situation has him a bit… Jordan says, Portia doesn’t have to explain Curtis to her, and suggests they go somewhere private to discuss Diane.

Carly asks what Drew is doing here, and he says, what is he doing here as in, it’s so good to see you? She says, of course (🍷) it’s good to see him, and he says, phew. She says, but she told him that she was fine, and he says, he was already on the plane at that point. She says, to Jacksonville? How did he know she was here? He says, it wasn’t easy, but lucky for her, he’s got skills. She says, he’s got Spinelli on the case, and he says he was going to call Spinelli next, but he called Mia. She says, at the seminar, and he says, Mia told him that Carly’s flight had an emergency landing in Jacksonville, and here he is. She says, he came all the way down here for her? and he says he came all the way down here for her. Is she going to invite him in or what? She tells him, come in

Sonny tells Alexis, thanks for letting him know, and Nina asks if it’s another attack. He says, Diane. He’s got to get to GH. She says, of course (🍷), and he tells her to stay safe. She says, him too, and he leaves.

Drew gives Carly a beer, and says, he’s assuming she spoke to her family, and she says she knows about Brando. He says he’s so sorry, and she says, so is she. She feels so awful for Sasha. First her son, now this? He says, it’s unfathomable, and she says, it is. She’s so sorry she was out of touch. He says, she lost her phone; it happens. She says, during a family emergency? She was going to be on the first flight home when she found out about Brando, but she talked to Sonny, and he thought it was safer for her here. He says, he’s sure she hates that, but Sonny’s right. With a violent psychopath on the loose, it’s better she stays here. She says, but just hearing that, she feels like she’s abandoning her kids, and he says he gets that, but Sonny’s never going to let anything happen to them. She says she knows. He’s got security on Michael, he’s doubled security on Josslyn, and Donna and Avery live with him. Drew says, the penthouse is like a fortress; it’s fine. She says she knows. She still can’t believe he tracked her down just to tell her about Brando. He says, it’s not just that, and she says, okay. What else?

Gladys shows Sasha some photos on her phone, and Sasha says, Brando as a baby. Gladys says, a baby who was so proud to serve his country. That war made a mess of him. She barely recognized him when he got back. They lost so much time. If only she’d known how little time they had. Sasha says, but when they did reconnect, she’d say they made the most of it; woudn’t Gladys? Brando loved her. Gladys says she drove Brando crazy, and Sasha says, he didn’t love her any less. Gladys says she just wishes she had one more chance to tell him how much he meant to her, and Sasha says she wishes that too. Gladys gets to pictures of Brando and Sasha in Niagara Falls, and says, their wedding… which no one was invited to. Sasha says, if she could do it again, she’d celebrate with the whole world, all their friends and family… It’s just hitting her that she’s completely alone now. Without Brando, she has no family left. Gladys takes her hand, and says, listen to her. She and Sasha became family the second Sasha married her son, and that doesn’t change now. She’s got news for Sasha; Sasha’s stuck with her. Sasha says she’s so glad.

Sonny goes to the hospital reception desk, and asks where Diane’s room is, and what condition she’s in. The nurse says she can’t share information with anyone but family, when Curtis comes along, and says, Diane is in surgery. Sonny asks how he knows, and Curtis says he has his sources. Sonny says he’s surprised Curtis is sharing that with him. The last time they saw each other, it was a one-sided friendship.  Curtis says he owes Sonny for what Sonny did for his father. His father told him that Sonny knew he was on antipsychotic meds and kept quiet. Sonny says he knows something about that diagnosis, and Curtis says he appreciates it. Sonny says, the truth be told, he wasn’t just looking out for Marshall. He respects the hell out of Curtis.  

Trina gets a bullseye, and says, it’s so satisfying. Josslyn suggests they make it a friendly competition, and Trina says, here we go. Josslyn says, what? and Trina tells Rory, if he hasn’t picked up on it yet, Josslyn is totally extra in the competitive department. Josslyn says, what is the point of throwing these things unless someone is keeping score? and Rory says he’s game. Josslyn says, see? She told Trina that she liked him. Why don’t they do a tournament? They’ll pair up, and the winners get to compete for the ultimate glory. Trina says, sounds good, and Josslyn says, let the games begin.

Jordan and Portia go to Portia’s office, and Portia looks through some folders. She says, Diane’s wound was consistent with how Ava and Brando’s presented, and Jordan says, so it was likely a hook was used too. Portia says, the only difference was, the doctors noticed when they were operating that the wound was more precisely inflicted. Jordan says, the attacker is improving their technique. Was a tox screen run? Portia says, it confirms the presence of the same venom that was found in Brando’s system. Thankfully, Finn found an anti-venom, and was able to race it over to the surgical team quickly. The last she heard, Diane was stable and the procedure was going well. Jordan says, thank God for that, and Portia says, it seems like something is still weighing heavily on Jordan’s mind. Jordan says, the last time their victim survived, the assailant made sure the next attack would kill. She doubts this will be any different.

Dex says he’s telling Dante the truth. Sonny told him to lock up, not to keep watch, so he didn’t have eyes on the door. Dante asks, then what was he doing? and Dex says, working; answering texts and emails. Dante can check his phone; there are time stamps on everything. Dante says, good. At the Quartermaine picnic, no one can verify Dex’s whereabouts before he found Ava and Josslyn. Dex says he was bringing paperwork for Dante’s father to sign. The front drive was crowded, so he parked on the access road. Dante says, what about Charlie’s? and Dex says, what about it? Dante tells him, Josslyn said she followed him out to the back alley, but when she got there, Dex wasn’t there. Dex says, because he wasn’t there, and Dante says, Dex has been on the scene of all three attacks; that’s a pattern. Dex says, you know what else is a pattern? He gave Diane and Ava first aid, and hopefully, it helped save both their lives. Dante says he doesn’t know if that’s enough for him, and Dex says, time stamps? Dante starts to leave, and Dex asks if he’s being arrested. Does he need to make a call? Dante says he thinks Dex should call his lawyer, and leaves. Dex makes a call, and says he’s in trouble. He needs their help. Sonny asks where he is, and Dex says, the PCPD. Sonny tells Dex, he’s on his way.

Rory gets a bullseye, but Trina’s hatchet bounces off the target. Rory and Cameron chest bump. Cameron’s hatchet bounces off the target, and Josslyn says, sorry. Cameron says he doesn’t even want to talk to her, and she gets just inside the middle circle. Cameron says, you’re joking, and Trina and Josslyn do a happy dance. Rory and Josslyn are the winners.

Dante asks what Sonny is doing at the station, and Sonny says, Dex said he was in some kind of trouble. Does Dante know anything about that? Dante says, he’s being questioned. He thought Dex was calling a lawyer. Sonny asks if he needs one, and Dante says, he was on the scene of Diane’s attack. Sonny says, he asked Dex to lock up, and Dante wonders if Sonny asked Dex to stand over Diane’s body with her blood on his hands.

Jordan says she’s going to arrange for somebody to stand guard over Diane, and Portia says, good idea. Portia leaves, and Jordan calls Rory. She says she’s sorry to bother him on his night off, but she was hoping for a favor. He says, of course (🍷), and she says, there’s been another stabbing. The victim’s Diane Miller. Dex Heller was at the scene. He’s been brought in for questioning. Rory says, wow, okay, and Jordan says she’d like him to come to the hospital and stand guard over Diane. He says, absolutely. She can count on him.

Drew says he knows Carly doesn’t have the best memories of Jacksonville, and he figured something big must be going on to get her to stay here. Before she can protest, he says he knows she can take care of herself. He just wanted to make sure she was okay, and offer his support if needed. She says, that support of his… He says, completely unnecessary? but she says, completely appreciated. The fact that he flew down here, she can’t tell him how much that means to her. He says he thinks she just did. Her phone dings, and she looks at it, saying, oh no. Come on. He says, more bad news? and she says, that something big he was referring to? He was spot-on. He asks, what’s going on? and she says, they’re clearing out the cemetery Virginia is buried in to put in a parkway to the beach. He asks if she’s talking about moving the bodies, and she says, yeah. He says, for beach access? That’s unbelievable. She says, it is. That spot was so perfect for Virginia, and it was so important to Carly that she be buried there… for many reasons. He says he remembers, and she says, oh, right. She decided to fight it. He says, of course (🍷) she did, and she says she hired a lawyer, and filed an injunction. Apparently, she has no legal standing because she’s not a resident. He says, so now what? and she says she doesn’t know what to do. He says she has to keep fighting, but she says, that injunction was her Plan A, B, and C. He says, there’s got to be other options, and she says, like what? He asks if she trusts him, and they sit down with some beers. He says, she may not have legal standing, but there are other ways to enact change. She says she’s listening, and he says, hi, I’m Drew Cane, holding out his hand. He says, and you are? She says her name is Carly, and he says, that’s such a beautiful name. She says, thank you, and he tells her to ask him what he does for a living. She asks, and he says, he owns a media company. The lightbulb comes on, and Carly says, a media company they can use to raise some hell. He says, exactly. He’ll stay one or two days; he’ll help her make some noise; they lay into the Guild and the developers. She says she can’t ask him to do that, and he says, she didn’t. She says he has a family back home who needs him, but he says he’s talking about a couple of days; they’re not even going to miss him. He’d never offer if it wasn’t something he wanted to do. She asks if he’s sure, and he says, 100% positive. She says, okay, and he says, let’s make this town sorry it ever crossed you. They clink beer bottles, and she says, Jacksonville, you have no idea what’s coming.

Nina tells Sasha and Gladys, bit by bit, it will get easier. Every week that passes, the pain will lift a little more. Sasha says, but does she really want that? Then it will be like Brando will truly be gone. Nina says, no. Brando will never be gone. She feels the people she’s lost every single day. Jay (Nathan), her daughter… Sasha feels Liam, doesn’t she? Sasha says she does, and Nina says, it’s no different. Gladys says, there’s a step they can take if Sasha is ready. They can make arrangements for the funeral, and put their boy to rest.

Curtis asks how things went with Jordan, and Portia says, it was tense, but it was fine. Curtis says he sensed a little tension with her as well, and Porta says she saw that. Um… I did too, and it was because Curtis made a snide remark. Are they in the same show I’m watching? Curtis wonders if it will always be this way even if they get their divorce issue dealt with, and she says, he was going to tell her about their talk. He says, Jordan swears she didn’t deliberately sit on those divorce papers, and Portia says, but what else? He tells her, Jordan also started saying some pretty strange things, and Portia says, strange how? He says, she asked if he and Portia were on solid ground, and then she fed him a line that you can never really know someone even if you’re married to them. It felt off, like she thought they were keeping secrets from each other. But he’s sure she’s just projecting, right? Portia says, mm-hmm, and he says, because they’re about as solid as it gets.

Sonny asks if Dante is sure, and Dante says, Alexis and Gregory found Dex in the garage. He says he was helping Diane. He says he didn’t see anyone or know what happened. Sonny says, Dante doesn’t believe him? and Dante says, Dex has been on the scene of all three attacks, and hasn’t seen or heard anything. Sonny asks what Dante’s implying, and an officer says, they have the forensics report Dante wanted. Dante thanks her and says, one second. Dante tells Sonny, he knows Sonny likes this kid, but he has to ask himself, how well does he know Dex Heller?

Rory says, sorry about the forfeit, and Josslyn says, a win is a win. Rory says, there was another attack; Diane Miller was the victim. Trina says, oh my God, and Josslyn asks if she’s okay. Rory says, all he knows is that she’s in surgery. He’s supposed to go to GH and stand guard, and make sure no one gets in to see her who shouldn’t. Trina says, this is so awful, and Rory says, there is some good news; a suspect was brought in. Josslyn asks, who is it? and he says, that still doesn’t mean things are safe. Trina says, they’ve got hatchets. This is the safest place in Port Charles. Rory asks them to promise to go home together, kisses Trina on the cheek, and leaves. Josslyn follows him, and outside, she says she knows there are certain things he can’t tell her, but this feels really personal. She’s been at two of the crime scenes, and Diane’s a close family friend. Who’s the suspect? He says, all he can tell her is, it’s someone who’s been questioned before, and has been spotted at all three crime scenes. Josslyn flashes back to telling Dex the police are looking for him, and Dex saying he already spoke to Dante.

Dex thanks Sonny for coming, and Sonny asks how they’re treating him. Dex says, so far no arrest, but they think he did it. Sonny asks, what happened? Why did they bring Dex in? Dex says, they think he’s behind it because he happened to be in the vicinity of all three attacks, but he’s innocent. Sonny believes him, right?

Gladys gets on the phone, but Nina says she doesn’t think they have to do this right now. Sasha says, Gladys is right. How long can they wait? Brando deserves a proper goodbye. Gladys says, now he’s just sitting in the morgue, and Sasha says she can’t think about it. They can’t leave him there. And this will be good for them too. They’ll have somewhere to go and visit and talk to him, right? Nina does that with her brother. Nina says, and Nelle. On the phone, Gladys says she’s sorry. Are they sure?… She understands. She’ll be in touch. Nina asks, what’s wrong? and Gladys says, nothing that can’t be fixed, she’s sure. Sasha asks, what is it? and Gladys says, the funeral home won’t take Sasha’s card because there’s a hold on it at the bank. Sasha says she has more than enough… Brando was her guardian. She needs him to sign off on purchases. Nina says, there’s no problem. Why don’t they call back and use her card? Sasha says, no. He is her husband… was her husband. She’s the one who should… She cries, and Nina holds her. Sasha says, oh my God. What do I do now?  

Curtis tells Portia that when he was with Jordan, he could just feel it. There was a part of her that she was holding back from him. He doesn’t feel that with Portia. Portia says she’s glad, and he says, the poor thing must think just because she’s keeping secrets, everyone does. Portia looks uncomfortable, and I question Curtis’s P.I. skills. Portia flashes back to Jordan saying she’s glad to hear they’re both on the side of truth. She remembers she and Jordan being trapped in the basement, and saying she needs to tell Trina the truth about her father. Curtis says, what is it? and she says she’s so sorry. She just remembered something she needs to take care of that’s very important. Does he mind if she… He says, of course (🍷) not, and she kisses him. She says she loves him, he says he loves her too, and she leaves.

Trina says she can’t believe it’s Diane, and Josslyn says, this is all just hitting too close to home. Trina asks if they can just get out of here, and Josslyn says she wants to check on Diane, and report back to her family. Cameron says, they’ll go with her, but she says, no, it’s fine, okay? Cameron says he won’t have her go out alone, but she says, thanks to Sonny, she won’t be. She has a guard 24 hours. She’ll have Reed take her, but please, get home safe. She leaves, and Trina and Cameron sit down. Trina asks if they should get out of here too. There’s no point in hanging around here. Cameron says, or they could talk about what’s going on between them. She says she doesn’t know what he means, and he says, she’s been avoiding him since she found out he was covering for Spencer. He gets it. She has every right to be mad. She says, good. Because she is.

Drew says he forgot. He has something he wants to send Carly. Does she have her tablet? She says, yeah, and it’s one of those looking at the camera like Jim from The Office moments. If Carly had her tablet, couldn’t she have sent everyone messages? Hell, she could have called them using it. He says he stopped on the way to the airport to send her a little message. She looks at her tablet (😐) and sees a video of Drew with Donna and Avery. The girls say they miss her, and good luck. Drew tells them, what else? and they say they love her, and can’t want to see her when she gets home. Drew tells them to blow Carly a kiss, and counts to three. He, Donna, and Avery blow a kiss to the camera, and Drew tells Carly, he was hoping she’d like that. She says she loved it, and he says, it’s getting a little bit late. She asks where he’s going, and he tells her, there are some conventions in town, and a lot of the hotels are booked. He’ll probably get a hotel out of town, but he’ll be back in the morning. She says, that’s crazy, but he says, it’s no big deal. She says she’s sure this couch pulls out. Really? I don’t think I’ve ever stayed in a hotel room with a pullout couch. She tells him to stay here, and he says, with her? She says, yeah. She’s going to be here too. He says he doesn’t know. He’s not sure it’s the best idea considering… She says, it’s fine. They’re adults. They can have an adult friendly sleepover. It’s the least she can do. Please stay. He says, okay.

Dex asks if Sonny isn’t going to say something, when Jordan comes in. She says she didn’t know Sonny was a lawyer now, and Sonny says, far from it. He came to check on Dex, and found out he has no lawyer present. Dante joins them, and says, Dex chose not to call one. Sonny asks if Dex is arrested, and when they don’t say anything, Sonny says, that’s a no. Let’s go. They leave, and as Dex passes Jordan, she says, don’t leave town. He says, got it, and she closes the door. She asks if Dex gave Dante anything, and Dante tells her, Dex swears he didn’t see or hear anything. She asks how that’s possible, and Dante says he doesn’t know, but they don’t have anything to hold him on. All the evidence they have is circumstantial. She asks if she’s wrong. There’s something about him; something off. Dante says, she’s not wrong, and she tells him, keep digging. He says, will do, and she leaves.

Outside, Dex thanks Sonny, and Sonny says he’ll give Dex a ride. Dex says, he doesn’t have to, but Sonny says, let’s go. They leave, and Dex looks worried. I’d be worried too.

Drew puts blankets and pillows on the couch, and Carly tells him that she’s sorry. She thought it pulled out. He says, it’s fine, and she says she can call downstairs for a cot. He says he thinks she’s forgetting he spent two years in a cell. This is like heaven compared to that. She says, noted, and they say goodnight. Carly goes to bed a few feet away, which seems really awkward, and Drew lies on the couch. Carly turns out the light, and tells Drew, she knows she said it before, but thanks for coming. It really means everything. He says she’s welcome. They’re going to fix the situation with her mother. She knows that, right? She says she does now.

Sasha thanks Nina for being here, and Gladys says she hasn’t always been the kindest or the most welcoming to Nina. Nina says, for legitimate reason, and Gladys says, but what Nina’s done for them, it hits her right here. Gladys touches her heart, and Nina says, well, get used to it, because she’s not going anywhere. The three of them join hands.

Portia storms into Jordan’s office, and slams the door. Jordan asks what she’s doing, and Portia says, Curtis told her about their little divorce papers chat. How dare she?

Cameron says he hated every second of lying to Trina. It’s just that he and Spencer had this history… She says, so do they. It may not be as long, but it’s pretty important. He says, so important, and if this messes it up at all… She says, it won’t. She’s not planning on holding a grudge, but it might take time to get past it. He says, that’s totally fair. He doesn’t want to give an excuse, but he wants to explain himself. He was torn between two people he care so much about, and that’s… She says, hard, and he says, extremely. Has she ever experienced something like that? She flashes back to Josslyn telling her that Cameron assumed she was alone in the dumpster, and she didn’t correct him. She tells Cameron, yeah. She guesses she has.

Josslyn strides into the PCPD, and Dante asks, what’s going on? She asks if Dex is here, and he wonders why she’s asking. She says she heard he was a suspect in all the attacks, and Dante says he can’t comment, but where did she hear that? She says, it doesn’t matter. He really can’t tell her anything at all? Dante says, Dex was brought in. He left with Sonny a while ago.

Dex gets in the car, but Sonny doesn’t look at him. Sonny just continues to look out the window, and Dex says, thanks for the ride home. Sonny finally looks at him, and says, they’re going to make a stop first. Then he stares straight ahead with an odd smile.

Tomorrow, Sam asks what Spinelli isn’t telling her; Maxie tells Austin, she’s glad it’s finally out in the open; Josslyn tells Dante that she’s got some evidence of her own; and Dex asks, how can he make Sonny believe him, as he hangs from the ceiling. It’s not looking good for Dex.

📖 Coming Soon…

She doesn’t just edit The Invader.

👨🏻‍⚕️ From the Ashes…

I forget. Did they ever find Griff’s body? Maybe he ran off with Esme. Or maybe he’s the Hook.

🏐 Playing Catch-Up…

I always liked him in OLTL, and he was fun in Desperate Housewives.

Star Studded…

This sounds pretty cool. October 8th on YouTube, 2 pm EST.

💃🏻 Tango Back To Your Love Bubble…

Of course it was because a judge didn’t like her. It couldn’t possibly be that the other couples were more talented.

💩 Calling Doctor BS…

What does he mean, the cameras were down for the night? How do they film all those other wee hour confabs and meltdowns?

🤿 Diving For Drama…

There seem to be some contradicting viewpoints here, but it all boils down to Kathy being a spoiled brat. Billie Jean must be a hot button issue though. I have a friend who once argued with a music store clerk over the lyrics. My friend thought they couldn’t possibly be that stupid.

🦥 You May Now Squee…

Kind of old news, obviously before Queen Elizabeth’s passing, but who cares? They’re still cute. And now I want a kinkajou.

https://collider.com/celebrity-pets-too-cute/

🪑 Now Leaving the Desk Chair…

Come back tomorrow for Dex’s dilemma and those too-old-for-this Wives. Until then, stay safe, stay learning all the information before weighing in, and stay never being spotted at more than one crime scene. It could leave you hanging.

September 26, 2022 – Dex Saves the Day – Again, Beach Club All Day Off Deck, That’s It, Most Recent House, It’s Back & Bye-Bye

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Anna and Valentin go to her place, and she suggests he start a fire, and she’ll get them a couple of brandies. He says, good idea, and she says, consider it a down-payment; she owes him a pair of shoes. They were very nice shoes. He says, not to mention comfortable. But no mission is without sacrifice. She says, yeah, they failed, but he says he doesn’t know. She says, Lucy is still in Victor’s clutches, and he says, her own choice, but they got off and on the Haunted Star undetected. They returned the stolen zodiac… She says, borrowed, and he says, borrowed zodiac, and here they are; slightly damp and missing a shoe, but otherwise none the worse for wear. And they’re together. He’d call that a win.

Nikolas tells Ava to take the envelope; it’s hers. She says she doesn’t care if it contains a cashier’s check for a million bucks. It can’t buy back her love and trust, both of which he threw away when he had sex with Esme Prince. He says, it’s not money. He’s not trying to buy back her love. Like he said, this is proof of just how much he loves her. She opens it, and takes out a paper. She asks, what is this? and he tells her, you might say, it’s his life, and as she can see, it’s now in her hands.

At the MetroCourt, the hostess asks if she can get Robert a drink, and he asks for white wine. Mac and Felicia come in, and Mac says, they’re two minutes late, and Robert already has his nose buried in his emails. He told Felicia Robert needed a break. Robert tells him to speak for himself. He’s been looking for Brando’s killer since he got out of bed. He’s thinking, this guy probably sharpened the hook on Ava first. Felicia asks if they can agree both Scorpio brothers need a break. She needs a break. She’s not squeamish, but can they talk about something else besides hooks? Mac says, of course (🍷). He can’t deny her anything, and she flips Robert’s phone over, saying, that’s better. Robert says, now that she’s got her way, what are they going to talk about? She says she can think of one topic for sure, and they look at Cody who’s sitting at the bar.

Cody orders a bottle of beer, and the bartender says, foreign or domestic? He says, always domestic. And also, could he make sure to have a bottle of champagne chilling for when his date arrives? She’s a bit more upscale than him. He looks over at Mac’s table, and says, oh great, him? Is Mac stalking him now? He tells the bartender, on second thought, hold the beer and the bubbly.

At the hospital, Britt tells Terry that she’s officially off the clock. Wish her luck. Terry says, from the looks of things, Britt’s luck is already improving, and Britt says, she’s going on another date with Cody. The last time they saw each other was at the Quartermaine picnic, and they all know how that ended. Terry says, tonight is a new night. Have a good time. Britt thanks her, and they see a vase of roses on the desk. Terry asks when those were delivered, and Britt says, more important, who are they for? She reads the card, and says, lovely Terry, til we meet again. When did Terry get a secret admirer? Terry snatches the card, and says, it’s not a secret. His name’s Yuri, and she met him at the Quartermaine barbecue, which just goes to show the night wasn’t a complete disaster. Finn runs up, and says he needs her. Britt says, it’s too late; she’s off the clock. Finn says, not her. He needs to talk to Terry. It’s important.

Alexis tells Gregory, if Brando was specifically targeted, they need to figure out why. Was it someone he worked with? Was he in a dispute with someone? Anything to give them a clue as to who Brando’s killer is. He asks if they’re following clues now, and she says, if it’s any kind of inconvenience for him, she’s perfectly capable of following up on her own. He says, and cut him out of what might be an important article? Not a chance. When do they start? She says, now, and gets up.

At the garage, there’s a bloody handprint on the desk. On the floor, Diane lies unconscious in a pool of blood.  

Anna tells Valentin, it’s good get out of those damp clothes. Sorry she didn’t have a robe for him. Does he want a blanket? She hands him a drink, and he says, it’s not necessary. She says she ran out of brandy, so scotch. Is that okay? He takes a sip, and says, always, especially when it’s this good. They clink glasses, and she asks, how is he? He says he thinks he’s dreaming because she’s even more beautiful by the firelight, and she thanks him, but says, that’s not what she was asking. In the space of nearly two years, he was raised to believe a lie, that Helena was his mother and Victor was his father, and now Charlotte, the one person he loves without reservation has been taken from him as leverage. He wants to maintain everything is fine and he’s handling it. She’s been where he is, or close enough. Keeping a cool façade when her life was literally blowing up in flames. She wanted to scream and cry, but she was to afraid, because if she started, she didn’t think she would know how to stop. And then if she was broken, truly broken, what would happen to her child? Or she could just be projecting all that. He says, sometimes he thinks his fear for his daughter and his rage for Victor Cassadine is the only thing that’s keeping him sane.

Mac asks if Cody is following them now, and Felicia says, he’s probably wondering the same thing about them. Robert says he doesn’t have the slightest idea what they’re talking about. Who’s the dude at the bar? Mac says, he’s new in town. As a kid, he went to camp with Dante. He works at the Quartermaine stables now. Felicia says, come on. Robert’s going to find out sooner or later. Robert asks what he’s going to find out, and she says, his name is Cody Bell. Robert says, his name was on the list of 50 people still at the Quartermaines’ at the time Ava was attacked, and Mac says, that’s not all he is. Cody takes out his phone.

Britt says, Finn seems more serious than usual. Did he identify the venom that killed Brando Corbin? Terry says, Britt is off the clock, and has a date waiting for her, and Finn tells her not to let them keep her. Britt’s phone rings, and she tells Cody that she was just on her way to meet him. He says, good thing he caught her. He thought maybe they could try something different. Maybe they could meet up at the PC Lanes and go bowling. She says, excuse me? and he says, drink a couple beers, roll a few frames. What’s her size? He’ll rent her a pair of bowling shoes. She says she’s in a dress and heels; she’s not going bowling. They either stick to the plan and meet at the MetroCourt, or she’s going home – alone. He says, the MetroCourt it is. He’ll see her soon. Terry says, change in plans? but Britt says, no. Bye. She leaves, and Terry asks if Britt is right. Did Finn want to talk to her about the toxicology report? He says he pinpointed the venom, and he’s waiting on a supply to treat the venom, so they have it on hand, just in case. She says, if it’s all settled, then why did he want to… It’s about Elizabeth, isn’t it?

Outside the garage, Gregory asks why the door is open, and Alexis says, Brando’s assistant is probably still working. He says, with all the crime that’s been going on around here, he doesn’t have a good feeling about this, but she says, it’s just a garage. Let’s go inside it. They walk in, and Alexis says, oh my God. Gregory says, what the hell? and we see Dex kneeling next to Diane.

Valentin tells Anna, Charlotte is in this world because of him. He knows every parent can say that, but this was different. Helena made an embryo, but it was his call to go with a gestation host. He chose the surrogate. He’s solely responsible for her being alive. It might have been the most selfish thing he’s ever done. He knew the laws he’d broken, the crimes he committed, the people he’d wronged. He made so many enemies. He can hide her all he wants, but she’s always going to have a target on her. She asks if he had to do it over, does he think he’d make a different choice? and he says, of course (🍷) not, and she says she feels the same about Robin. Apart from the fact she’s spectacular, Anna can’t imagine a world without her. Until she became a mother, she lived her life for herself, and as he knows, that led to a series of terrible decisions. She basically sold her soul to the highest bidder. Robin changed all that; Robin changed her entire perspective. She wanted to be a better person, for Robin, the way he wants to be a better person for Charlotte. He says, the only difference is, she succeeded. His case is still very much in doubt.

Nikolas tells Ava, go on. Read it. She reads, I, Nikolas Cassadine, being of sound mind and body – that’s debatable – do hereby acknowledge and confess that I, and I alone, am responsible for the disappearance of Esme Prince. I know this because I killed her.

Robert says, the way Mac is looking at Cody, you’d think he had something on him, but Mac tells him, forget about it. He questioned Cody about the Quartermaine picnic. He has an alibi. Robert asks, then why so interested? when Britt comes in. Felicia asks if Britt wasn’t with Cody on the night of the attack, and Robert asks, since when does Britt Westbourne qualify as a legitimate alibi? Mac has already had a crack at him. Maybe Robert should go over and rattle his tree.

Britt says she’s definitely ready for that champagne cocktail, and Cody asks if she’s sure. Maybe they should relocate to that cool, new burger joint off the highway. She says, first it was bowling, now it’s a burger joint. If he doesn’t want to go on a date with her just say so. He says, it’s not her; it’s them. He nods toward Mac’s table, and she says, the Scorpio brothers? He says, the Chief of Detectives has a brother? and she says, law enforcement runs in the family. Robert’s the DA.

Mac’s cell phone dings, and he tell Robert to wait. There’s been another attack; the details are minimal. Robert says, anything to do with a hook? but Mac says, no. Robert says, then they don’t know if it’s tied to Brando or Ava. It could be totally unrelated. Mac says, it happened in Brando Corbin’s garage, and Robert says, Sonny’s cousin was the second victim. Mac says, they could be looking at victim number three. He needs to take Felicia home, then get to the scene. Felicia tells him to go; she’ll take a Ride Share. Robert tells Mac, then he’s going to the hospital. He wants to be there when the victim gets there.

Finn tells Terry that he’s been worried about Elizabeth, but she’s finally wanting to understand the root cause of all the things she’s been experiencing; the memory loss, the blackouts, all of it. Terry thanks him for telling her, and says, it’s a relief to hear. Ever since Biz found them talking about her, it’s like a wall went up between her and her best friend. He says he knows, but with Doc’s help, she’s finally remembering things from her past she’s been repressing for years. Terry says, about her family? and he says he thinks so. She says she knows better than to push for more. She doesn’t want him to betray Elizabeth’s confidence. She’s just really glad if Biz goes looking into her past, she won’t be going alone.

Gregory tells Dex, whoever he is, step back, but Dex says he needs to do this. He swears he came in and found her like this. He needs to stop the bleeding. Gregory tells him to step back, and put his hands where Gregory can see them, and tells Alexis to call 9-1-1. Dex continues to work on Diane, and says, he’s already called 9-1-1; the paramedics are on the way. Alexis asks who he is, and he says he works for Sonny Corinthos. She’s his lawyer. Are they going to help him or not? Please. Gregory goes over to Diane, and says he can barely feel a pulse. Dex says, they need to stop the bleeding, and Alexis makes another call.

Valentin asks if Anna believes the ends justify the means, and she says she’s not supposed to. He says, but she does, doesn’t she? and she says, yeah, on occasion. He says he thinks it’s his guiding principle. The desired outcome is worth whatever he has to do to get it. He wants to be a better man for Charlotte, but what he wants more than anything is to keep her safe. And if that means he has to murder his own father, so be it. She asks if this is a disclaimer, because she knows who she’s dealing with; she has no illusions about him. He says he enjoyed their evening on the Haunted Star, but he could make the argument that it was a missed opportunity. He had Victor off-guard; he could have cut Victor’s throat. She asks why he didn’t, and he says, for one, there would be a fail-safe in place. Victor lives; Charlotte lives. If Victor dies… She says, yeah. He couldn’t take that chance, and he says, there was another reason he couldn’t kill his father tonight – her.

Ava says, so Nikolas wrote a letter claiming he killed Esme, something they both know isn’t true. He says, the truth is, Esme accidently fell off the parapet and drowned in the water. That accident happened after Ava found out he slept with Esme, and no jury will believe that was an accident. He made that confession to protect her. She asks if he really thinks this is going to work. Does he really think this melodramatic gesture made at the 11th hour is going to change how she feels about him? This so-called confession is just a reminder that he did indeed have sex with his son’s girlfriend. And should it ever be made public, the whole world would know about that. If he expects her to see it as something heroic, he’s just delusional. He says he can do a lot of things, but he doesn’t have a time machine. He can’t undo his errors in judgement. She asks if that’s a polite euphemism for adultery, and he says, the only thing he can do is make sure she doesn’t suffer the consequences. She says, look at her. She’s suffering every day; she suffers all the time. She’s not talking about the wound from the hook. She’s talking about the pain she feels over how he hurt her; the betrayal, the loss of self-esteem. The sheer humiliation that she ever bought into his promises of love and fidelity. Those wounds are never going to heal. He says, if nothing else, he can protect her from what Esme can do to her, even from beyond the grave. His confession might not mean anything to her today, but keep it. Put it in a safe deposit box, and consider his life on deposit as well. And if the day ever comes she needs to withdraw it… She says she’ll keep it under lock and key, but she’s going to need more than a piece of paper. She’s going to need much more.

Britt says, Cody saw Mac and Robert rush out of here. Does he feel better now that their gone? He says, not really, and she asks, why not? Why does he break out in hives at the mere mention of the Scorpio name? He tells her, let’s just say, he and law enforcement don’t make a good match. She says, let her guess; he’s against it. He says, no. They just tend to be against him and people like him who don’t always play by the rules. It’s something he and Britt have in common. She says she’s reformed, and he says, is she? She says, she made a deal, got a clean slate, and she’s sticking to it. Felicia approaches the bar, and asks the bartender for a glass of water. While he’s getting it, she says, another date night. She’s glad the Quartermaine picnic didn’t them off. Cody says, her husband isn’t going to scare him off either. He’s tired of Mac looking at him like he’s hiding some hook up his sleeve. Now he has to deal with Mac’s brother, who’s the DA? Is this is the locals idea of an investigation; there’s a killer running around, so let’s just blame the newest guy in town? Felicia says, Mac is just doing his job. If Cody has nothing to hide, he has absolutely nothing to worry about. Britt suggests she and Cody take a table, and Cody asks Felicia why it feels like her husband is investigating him for personal reasons. She asks what makes him say that? and he says, you tell me. Is it just because he knew Cody’s mom?

Diane is carried out of the garage on a stretcher, and Mac runs in. He asks Alexis to catch him up, and she says, Diane. He says, Diane Miller? and Gregory says, she’s hanging on, but just barely. Mac sees Dex, and says, him? Again? Gregory says, he was the first one on the scene. He found Diane and called 9-1-1. If it wasn’t for him, she’d be dead now. Mac asks what Dex was doing here in the first place, and Alexis says she needs to go to the hospital and be with her friend. Gregory asks Mac if it’s all right for them to leave. They’ll answer any questions he might have. But just for the record, what he saw Dex doing saved Diane’s life. Mac says, of course (🍷). Go ahead, but they’re going to want to question them. Alexis thanks Dex. She says she knows he works for Sonny. Mac is a good man. Listen to him and tell him the truth. She and Gregory leave, and Mac says, Alexis just gave Dex some good advice. The question is, is he going to take it?

Anna asks if Valentin thinks she’d have a problem with him killing Victor, but he says he doesn’t know. Maybe; maybe not. But she’d have a problem with him killing her good friend Lucy, which he’d have to do; he couldn’t leave a witness. Anna says she’d be a witness, and he says, there is that. He’d be asking her to stay quiet about the death of her friend, and he knows she wouldn’t do that, so he’d have to kill her too. She says, could he?

Nikolas asks, what more can he do to prove himself to Ava? If Esme’s disappearance is ever investigated by the police, his confession proves her innocence and his guilt. She says, he has a history of making grand declarations that come to nothing. She needs proof that can’t be faked or forged. He says, fine. What else does she want him to do? If he’s able, he’ll do it. She takes out her phone, and says, here’s what’s going to happen. He’s going to take his confession, look into the camera, and read every single incriminating word. She holds up her phone, he gets ready, and she says, action.

Felicia says, like they told Cody the night they met him at the Quartermaine party, back in the day, they ran in the same circles with Dominique. The person Cody really needs to talk to his Mac; he knew Cody’s mother much better than she did. Cody says he already talked to Scotty, and Scotty was married to his mother. So arguably, he knew her better than anyone, and he claims she never said anything about him. Britt says her champagne is getting flat, and Felicia says she’s so sorry; she’s ruining their date. Britt says, she kind of is, and Felicia almost leaves, but stops and says, Cody really should talk to Mac. Cody asks why he should make it easy for Mac. Her husband’s been asking a lot of questions about him, even though he’s relatively new in Port Charles, and he never even met Ava Jerome or the other victim. Is Mac laying the groundwork to frame him? Felicia says, that’s not fair; he doesn’t know Mac. Cody says, but it’s fair for Mac to assume he knows him? and Felicia tells him, like she said, Mac and Dominique were close once. He says, oh yeah? How close?

Mac says, if Dex knew the garage was closed because the owner was murdered, and his body is in the funeral home, why did Dex just happen by? Dex tells him, he didn’t say that; Mac did. Mac says he’s just trying to help Dex. His fingerprints are all over the place. Diane’s blood is on his hands, literally. Dex also showed up just after Ava Jerome was attacked, and to top it all off, he was seen at Charlie’s shortly before Brando was attacked in the alley outside the pub. Either he has the worst timing in the world, or he knows a helluva lot more than he’s saying. Dex says, his boss always told him not to talk to the cops without a lawyer present. Is he under arrest? Mac says he’s questioning Dex. Dex either answers him here and now, or at the PCPD. What’s it going to be?

Finn says, got it, and hangs up the phone. Robert says, there’s been a report of another stabbing? and Finn says, Mac’s bringing them in now. The paramedics wheel Diane in, and the doctor says a bunch of medical stuff as she’s wheeled past the desk. Gregory and Alexis come in, and Finn asks how they got here about Diane so quickly. Gregory says, they were going to Brando’s garage to speak with his assistant. They were trying to get information as to why Brando was targeted by the attacker, and they found Diane on the ground. Robert joins them, and says, Brando Corbin, Diane Miller, and Ava Jerome. They’ve all got one thing in common – Sonny Corinthos.

Valentin says, yeah, he’d kill Anna, if he had to, to save Charlotte. Just like she’d kill him to save Robin. She says, yeah, she would. She’d miss him though. He moves closer, and says, anything short of that, he wouldn’t harm a hair on her head. He’s loved her since he first saw her. An insane, crushing love that never stood a chance. Now look at them. On the floor of her townhouse. He’s baring his soul in front of the fire, and the look in her eyes doesn’t look like pity. She says, it’s not, and kisses him.

Nikolas reads as Ava films: I, Nikolas Cassadine, being of sound mind and body do hereby acknowledge and confess that I, and I alone, am responsible for the disappearance of Esme Prince. I know this because I killed her. The means? My own two hands, by pushing her off the parapet at Windymere, my family’s estate on Spoon Island. The motive? Revenge… justice, guilt; take your pick. Esme Prince was my son Spencer’s girlfriend, and I had sex with her. To be very clear, it was consensual, and if anything, Esme initiated things, but I shouldn’t have given in to my worst instincts. My behavior was indefensible. However, Esme used that lack of judgement to destroy my marriage. Not only that, she used it to destroy the relationship with my son, and any chance of reconciling with Spencer was ruined. In effect, Esme destroyed my life, and when she taunted me on the turret, in a fit of rage, I grabbed her and pushed her to her death. Honestly, my only regret is not dong it sooner, to spare the ones I love the pain that I caused. This I solemnly swear. Ava says, cut, and he asks if she got all that.

Felicia says she has to go, and asks the bartender for her check. She tells him that she interrupted Britt and Cody’s date. Put the drinks on her tab. Britt says, that’s very sweet, and Felicia says, of course (🍷), but Cody says, no. He doesn’t want her charity. If she wants to give him something, tell him what she and her husband are hiding from him, especially if it’s about his birth mother. She says she understands his frustration, and understands the questions he wants answered, but it isn’t her story to tell. If he wants answers, he has to talk to Mac. It’s not like it’s some state secret. He says, if it’s no big deal, why not tell him now? Why does he have to hear it from her husband? She writes something down on a napkin, and gives it to him, saying, it’s Mac’s personal cell phone number. However, before he makes that call, he needs to ask himself if he really wants to know the truth. Felicia leaves, and Britt says, this date got way more intense than she expected.

Terry tells Finn and Robert that Diane’s wounds are similar to those found on Brando and Ava. Dr. Dempsey has to operate immediately. Diane is wheeled past, and Alexis says, she looks so helpless. Gregory takes her hand, and she thanks him. Finn tells Terry, if the hook was soaked in the same venom that killed Brando, they don’t have much time, and they head for the OR.

Anna and Valentin finally get busy, and Valentin says he’s wanted this for years. He doesn’t want to rush. She says, they can go slow next time.

Ava says she appreciates Nikolas putting his words into action, but if he thinks she’s just going to fall back into his arms, think again. She asks what he’s smiling at, and he says, she rejected him – tonight. But he can see he made progress. So no, she won’t be back in his arms this time, but she will be in the future, and that’s enough for him. He’s leaving her with the recording and the and letter. He’s literally leaving her with his life in his hands. He starts to leave, but comes back, and says, one more thing. He puts a Ferrero Rocher chocolate on her blanket and says, a chocolate truffle for her. He leaves, and she eats it, smiling.

Britt says, whether Cody is willing to admit it or not, this date is pretty much over for her. He says he’s sorry. He really didn’t want tonight to go like this. She says she believes him. Dominique is his biological mother. Of course (🍷) he’s going to have a million questions about her. She understands that, and she’s guessing if Felicia is that eager for him to talk to Mac, it’s for good reason. So why don’t they quit while they’re ahead? She gets up, kisses him on the cheek, and says, bye. He’s about to leave, when the bartender asks if he wants the phone number. He says, yeah. and takes it.

Mac says, back to Dex. Is he going to talk now or talk later? Dex asks if Mac sees an attorney here. No attorney, no talk. Mac says, Dex leaves him no choice, and tells an officer that they’ll be taking Dex down to the station. He doesn’t think they need handcuffs. Right, Dex? Dex says he’s not going to talk, but no, he’s not going to resist arrest by not going to the station. Mac says, smartest thing Dex has said all night, and the officer escorts Dex out. Mac follows, pausing to look at the blood on the floor.

Robert says, any change in Diane’s condition, he wants to know right away, and Finn says, got it. Gregory asks how Alexis is doing, and if she wants him to call one of the girls, but she says, no. Then she’ll have to tell them what happened to Diane, and she’s not ready to do that. He says he understands that, but… She says she was just thinking about how long she’s known Diane; it feels like forever. Diane is the one person who’s been there for her for everything. He says, and if Diane lives, her, him, and Dex made a difference, but she says, that’s not good enough. He says, she’s not a doctor. There’s nothing more she can do here. She says she’s not talking about here. She’s talking about the paper. It’s time to have a conversation with the killer. She starts to leave, and asks if he’s going to just stand there, or is he going to double-check her spelling. He follows her out. Terry gives Finn the results on the lab tests he asked for, and he says, Diane’s system is tainted with the same substance that killed Brando. His phone dings, and Terry asks, what is it? He says, confirmation that the anti-venom just arrived. He has to prep an injection. If there’s a chance of saving Diane, he’s taking it.

There’s a song part, and Anna and Valentin get busy… then busier… then busiest.

Tomorrow, Jordan needs Portia’s help; Josslyn suggests a friendly competition; Drew goes to Jacksonville, and finds Carly; Curtis thanks Sonny for what Sonny did for his family; and Dante bets Dex has plenty to tell him.

Below Deck Mediterranean

Captain Sandy calls Tasha to the bridge, and says she doesn’t want to crush Tasha’s spirit. She’s awesome at service, but when she comes downstairs, it’s filthy. She asks if they really need two people on service when the guests are winding down, and Tasha says, last night, she also had to make food for the guests. The captain asks if one person can’t clean the floor of the pantry while the other is tending to the guests. It should be cleaned before they go to bed, so when she wakes up, it’s not a sh*tshow. Tasha says, physically, there aren’t enough hours inf the day, but Captain Sandy says, they don’t have to be with the guests 24/7. Before they go down, she wants the floors cleaned. She doesn’t want Tasha to think she’s not doing a good job; it’s just dirty. Tasha promises to get it done, and in Tasha’s interview, she says, it’s a kick in the stomach, but it’s her job to take criticisms like this. She’s going to try her best because she cares about her job. She tells Dave about what happened, and he says, she works hard, the guests are happy, and they adore her. She does an amazing job. Tasha says, they’re not just cleaners, and Dave says he couldn’t do it without her. The captain radios the crew that they’re going back to the dock. As soon as the anchor is home, they get underway.

Natalya says, it serves Tash right, and I’m really starting not to like her. As they dock, Captain Sandy curses the wind, and Mzi saves the boat from hitting a dolphin by using a fender. In Mzi’s interview, he says he thinks they’ve made progress. He’s getting in the rhythm, and thinks Storm is becoming a good bosun. He trusts Storm more than Storm does. The captain tells Mzi, good job. The wind was blowing the bow all over. Tasha’s boyfriend continues to pummel her with texts, and Captain Sandy calls for the tip meeting. She says, charter five is down, and they did an awesome job. They haven’t had one service complaint all season, which is unusual, but at the same time, they have to maintain the vessel. The tip is $20K, or $1800 each, and the captain says she has another surprise. They’ve been doing such an amazing job, the owners gave them the day off tomorrow. Dinner tonight on the owners, and the beach club tomorrow all day. Champagne is poured, and Captain Sandy wishes Mzi a happy birthday. As she leaves, she tells everyone, don’t forget to turn the boat around.

Kyle and Tasha start organizing the pantry, but take a break in their cabin. Tasha tells Kyle, they’re human beings; they need a half hour. In the laundry, Natalya makes up a song about Kyle and Tasha not getting things done, and annoys me further. Storm works on the waterline, and in his interview, he says, it’s Mzi’s birthday, and he wants to have fun, but they need to get things done. He made mistakes during the last charters. We flash back to those, and he says he wants Captain Sandy to see he’s committed to the job. Kyle and Tasha go back to pantry organizing, and Kyle says, it grinds his t*ts. Tasha says, she never wants to be on anyone’s sh*t list, but she is. In Tasha’s interview, she says, the only way for them to catch up is to not go out. We see a clip from earlier in the day, and Kyle volunteers to stay and help. Everyone starts to get ready for dinner, and Kyle tells Natalya about staying behind to do the pantry. She tells him, it’s bullsh*t; it’s ridiculous. In Natalya’s interview, she says, it’s Mzi’s birthday, and they’re being selfish. They could have sorted it out in the five hours they just had. She bitches to Courtney, and Kyle says, winge, winge, winge. Natalya goes on and on about the pantry because she’s an idiot.

Jason asks if Tasha and Kyle need help, and Natalya says, this is rubbish. It’s the crew night out and Mzi’s birthday. They can do it tomorrow. In Tasha’s interview, she says, Natalya should be thankful. They’re doing her a favor using their fun time to organize. But if Natalya wants to moan about it, Tasha can’t win. Agreed. Still working, Storm says he’ll see them at the bar. They get to a museum that’s been opened for them, and go up a million steps to a large balcony overlooking the water. The waiter asks if they’d like wine, and Storm says, yes, and tequila. Courtney tells the waiter, what he says, goes. It’s his birthday. Mzi says, it feels quiet, and they toast to his birthday. Back on the boat, Kyle says, he’s spent more time on his knees scrubbing floors than… Well, you know. They finish up, and Tasha, Kyle, Jason, and Storm leave to join the others at the restaurant. Natalya asks, who’s single? and Dave says, Tasha is back with her boyfriend. Natalya takes this opportunity to smack talk Tasha, and says, you shouldn’t mess with how someone feels. Courtney says she’s been in that situation, but Dave says, he and Tasha are good. In Natalya’s interview, she says she’s not going to be all caring. She’s done with it. The others get there, and Natalya tells Storm that he should have come with them, since it’s Mzi’s birthday. Msi says he’s not upset, and I have serious doubts that Natalya is all caring about Mzi’s birthday like she’s pretending. Storm says he and Courtney are homies, and flirts with Natalya. Kyle predicts them having wild sex. Courtney says, let’s bounce, and in Jason’s interview, he says, the rest of the crew are just co-workers to him. When he was in business, he avoided corporate events, and still had better friendships.

The crew moves on to a club, and Natalya tries to get Dave to trash talk Tasha, but he’s not having it, and says, they worked it out. Mzi works at making eye contact with a woman he sees across the room, and in his interview, he says, it shows intent. She gave him a vibe. He dances with her, and she brings him back to her table. In Storm’s interview, he says, happy birthday. Everyone dances, and then it’s time to go. Mzi says, it’s his birthday, and he’ll do what he wants. Courtney and Dave stay behind with him, while the rest of the crew goes back to the boat. Tasha is very proud of the pantry, and shows it off. At the club, Mzi’s new friend Mariana says, she’s married, but not dead, and Mzi says he has a big day tomorrow. In Mzi’s interview, he wonders where she got a husband all of a sudden, and Courtney tells her, goodbye forever. On the boat, everyone is either eating or sleeping, and Storm says he got Natalya a watch, and shows it to Kyle, Jason, and Tasha. In Kyle’s interview, he says, personally, he wouldn’t purchase material items for someone until he knew them better, but he wants to be a witness when Storm gives it to her. Storm hunts Natalya down in her cabin, and when he tells her that he has a present for her, she gets all weird. She asks why he’s buying presents, and tells him to take it back. She opens the watch, and asks, why? Kyle calls her an ungrateful hoe, and says she needs to start facing her feelings and realize what she needs. In the taxi, Mzi says, he’s in love with a married woman, and Courtney says she’s not married. Natalya tells Kyle that the gift stressed her, and he says, she’s insane. When she gets older, she’s going to hate herself for wasting time. After years of holding back, even though he felt like Quasimodo, he talked to Frank. In Natalya’s interview, she says, it’s too intense too soon. She’s never been around a relationship that lasted. Her mom just moved out one day, and after a while, she wondered where her mom went. Her brother explained their parents were getting divorced, and she felt like an idiot. Well… She might love someone then and there, but it’s always a short and sweet thing. Tasha and Kyle giggle over texts back and forth with Frank, talking about making babies. Tasha says she can’t wait to see and have their babies. Mzi has trouble hoisting himself to the upper bunk.

The crew gets up around 8:30 for their day off. Storm admits to Mzi that he actually bought the watch for his sister, and decided to give it to Natalya. In Storm’s interview, he says, Natalya is beautiful, but so full of attitude. She’s crazy, but he likes it. She grounded him. He knows it’s early for gifts, but that’s how he is. They all have mimosas, everyone gets ready, and they leave.

They get to the Surfside Beach Club in Sliema, and Courtney says, it’s like heaven. She can’t wait to be hungover tomorrow. Kyle says he’s just going to sleep, and Natasha’s boyfriend sends more texts. Dave goes into the water, and Kyle says he’s moving her. Tasha tells him that she’s still upset. What Captain Sandy said hurt her heart. In her interview, she says, she can’t get out of her head. Between that and the horrible messages from her boyfriend, she’s in a bad head space. She tells Kyle that it’s been a bit of a roller coaster. Jason separates himself, and is eating lunch, when Mzi asks him to join them. Jason says he’s good, and in his interview, he says, it’s best to break it into math terms. There are 8 yachties; 2 have a toxic relationship, and 4 hate his guts. That equals 1 day that f***ing sucks.

Natalya tells Mzi that she’s freaking out; it’s too soon. She loves the watch, but in the car, Storm told her to cancel her trip to Mexico, and go to South Africa for two weeks with him. OMG – NOT A WHOLE TWO WEEK COMMITMENT! Mzi says, Storm is emotional, and she says, that’s what’s freaking her out. One moment, she thinks this could go somewhere, but then she wonders how he can get so emotional when he’s only known her for a few days. Kyle tells Tasha that he thinks the dynamic has changed, and Natalya feels guilty. I think, highly unlikely. Dave says, the pantry is very neat, and Tasha says she’s proud of it. Natalya twerks, and Courtney joins her. Jason sleeps. Kyle says, Natalya is always on fuse because she doesn’t face her emotions, and Tasha tells Dave that she’s upset about Captain Sandy’s comment. She has a lot of respect for the captain, and loves working for her. She feels like she’s let her down. Dave says he doesn’t agree, and thinks Tasha is incredible. In Tasha’s interview, she says, Dave seems himself now; like the person she first met. She didn’t like when he was putting her through all the drama, but he does make her feel better. Natalya tells Storm that the watch is too much. She loves it, but is concerned about the meaning behind it. Storm asks, what meaning? and says, there’s no hidden agenda; don’t read into it. She says she’s worried, since she doesn’t want to settle down, and he says he’s not asking her to, but if she’s getting that vibe, he’ll back off. Kyle says he’ll have to go for a piercing after all this drama, and Storm tells them that he doesn’t get it. He’s been respectful, and hasn’t said anything about commitment. Kyle says he would die for a man like Storm.

They change for dinner, and Storm walks down to the beach. Natalya says, drama, drama, but goes over to him, and asks if he’s okay. He says he’s not jumping into the sea; he’s just having a moment. Natalya hugs him, and Kyle says, they’re making him sick. He doesn’t know where he is, Malta or Love Island. Storm tells Natalya that he didn’t ask her to check on him. He’s not doing what he’s doing for that reason. Natalya says, he wants her to care, then he doesn’t want sympathy. Storm says he didn’t throw a tiff, and Natalya says, they’re supposed to go out to dinner. He can throw his tantrum by himself. I’m wondering if she’s in the same show I’m watching, or is she trying to gaslight him? He’s not throwing a tantrum by any stretch of the imagination. He was just walking on the beach by himself, and she acts like he’s doing something loud and wrong. He says, it’s the first chance he’s had to release any emotions. Don’t feel like she needs to come after him. He’s not asking her for anything. Natalya says, that’s confusing. Again, is it me? She seems like the confusing one. He’s been consistent and she’s been all over the place. She tells him that she’s been trying day by day, but they need to take it slower, and he says he doesn’t understand what he did to make it fast. She says she’s never had a relationship, and he says, they’re not in a relationship. She says, so it’s chill then, and in Storm’s interview, he says, if she’s thinking it’s too fast, they’re of different mindsets. He doesn’t want to ruin what they do have, so he’ll slow down. Like her, he doesn’t want to get hurt. Natalya says, they’ll rip the Band-Aid off and have a fresh start. Clearly she doesn’t understand what ripping the Band-Aid off means, and they join the others. The crew finally leaves for dinner, and Courtney says, the beach stuff was so fun. Natalya thinks Jason should make an effort to be part of the group.  

They get to a restaurant, and Courtney says, no shots. She points out that Jason is so quiet and so serious, and Kyle says, despite the hate, exclusion, and inclusion, it’s been an absolutely fantastic time. In Kyle’s interview, he says, Natalya is like the Tasmanian Devil; cute to look at, but hella annoying. The crew toasts to a great day off, and Kyle and Courtney go for a smoke. Courtney says, her dad’s struggling. He’s gone to a home, but she’s been so busy, she hasn’t had time to think about it. She gets teary, and in her interview, she says, last season, her dad was supportive and amazing. We flash back to her video chatting with him, and she says, it’s been a bad year for her. Last year, her dad went in a home. She cries, and says, now he can’t talk, and can’t walk. He’s just lying in bed. She was working, scrubbing toilets, and wondered what she was doing with her life. She loves working on deck. It makes it easier to be here. Kyle tells her that she’s a strong woman, and hugs her. They go back to the table, and the crew goes back to the boat.

Storm tells Mzi that he’s going to be causing drama tomorrow, and in Storm’s interview, he says, the last couple of charters, Jason was insubordinate. We flash back to that, and he says, now he’s doing the same thing to Courtney. It’s the first time he’s had to deal with something like this, having a conversation with someone about their work ethic and personality. He doesn’t know what to expect, but Jason’s attitude stops tomorrow.

In the morning, Captain Sandy says, the pantry looks great, and Storm says, time to talk to Jason. Everyone gets up, and the captain tells Tasha, nice work on the pantry. Kyle and Tasha do the cabins, and the boat is turned over. Provisions come, and Dave asks Tasha if he’s being helpful, or overstepping his boundaries. She says he’s helped a lot, and Storm tells Natalya that he needs to have a conversation with Jason. She tells him, good luck, and in Storm’s interview, he says, managing and understanding people is new to him. He’s learning the position, and understanding his responsibilities. He wants to try and make Jason feel like he’s part team of the team. Hopefully he takes it well. He asks Jason if they can chat.

Storm tells Jason that he wants to see if they’re on the same page. He feels tension between them, and Jason and the crew. He wonders where Jason’s head is at, and has some things to say, but wants to hear from Jason first. Jason says he’s trying not to step on toes, and Storm says, Jason gets in a mood, and they all feel it. He becomes snappy, and it becomes difficult to work in an environment when Jason is like that. He wants to challenge Jason to be proactive, and show he wants to be here. Jason says, it’s baffling when Storm says he should be proactive. He’s been carrying more than his load. Storm says he feels it’s the other way around, and being the quitter he is, Jason says he doesn’t want to leave them high and dry, but replace him. Storm says, Jason sounds like he doesn’t want to be here, and Jason says, that’s literally what he’s saying. Storm says he’s not here to make Jason the victim, and wants him to stay.

To be continued…

⚰️ Last week was the finale of Tales of the Walking Dead. Gee, that was quick.

🐉 Jumping Dragons…

This week’s latest on House Targaryen.

https://people.com/tv/house-of-the-dragon-recap-the-princess-and-the-queen/

😱 Not Again…

Oh God. Winter House is coming back Octomber 13th. The house that turns middle aged people with decent jobs into 14-year-olds with serious behavioral problems.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/winter-house-season-2-cast-premiere-date-trailer

🌊 Riding the Wave…

Stop in tomorrow, when there will be soap and a roll of the dice. Until then, stay safe, stay practicing forbearance, and stay always having a fail-safe in place.