What I Watched Today
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Curtis walks into the house and sees Portia. He says he loves coming home to this sight, and she says, her in her scrubs? He says, beautiful her in their living room. He kisses her, and she wishes they could spend all day doing this. He says he does too, but unfortunately there’s this thing called life. She says, doesn’t she know it.
Ava meets Trina at Kelly’s and thanks Trina for letting her crash her mother/daughter lunch. She hopes Portia is okay with it. Trina says, totally, and Ava says she wanted to bring Avery with her, but she’s with her father. She knows that look. What’s wrong? Trina says she’s about to be expelled.
Spencer gets on Spider Finder and looks up Margaret Fitzgerald (aka Nanny Maggie), when Esme walks in. She says she has a giant surprise for him.
At the fair, Ned tells Leo that Chase will be there any minute, but Leo says, it’s almost time to start. What if Chase doesn’t come? Like at his adoption party? Brook says, remember what she and Chase told him that day? If Chase can’t be here, other people will cover for him. Leo says, like whale pods, and Olivia says, that’s a great analogy. She’ll cover for Chase. She’ll sit right up front, and he can recite his poem to her. Leo says, that won’t work. It’s not the way he practiced it.
Felicia and Anna are at the MetroCourt Garden, and Felicia says, it’s nice getting together, just us girls. Anna wonders why they ever invite the men, and Felicia says, Mac is fun, so look out. Anna says, even with a baby crazed gleam in his eye? and Felicia says, for her information, that topic hasn’t been brought up until they talked about it last. Now that she’s no longer the topic of conversation, start talking. Anna says, about? and Felicia asks, what’s the latest with Anna’s on again/off-again paramour?
Ned asks how Leo is feeling, and Leo says, shaky. Ned tells him to remember what the doctor told him; deep breaths, in through the nose and out through the mouth. Olivia says it will help him focus, but Leo says he doesn’t need that. He needs Chase. Brook says, he’ll do great all on his own, but Leo says he’s not going up there without Chase. Chase says, it’s a good thing he’s here then, and Leo hugs him. Chase says he’s sorry; he got stuck in traffic. He would have run here if he had to. Leo says, without his car, and Chase says, if that’s what it took. Leo says, he’s so glad Chase is here.
Sam and Willow approach Dante and Sonny, and Sonny says he hears Scout has a painting at this place. Sam says she doesn’t even know what it is, and Drew asks if she didn’t get a preview, but Sam says, Scout told her it was all very top secret. Drew says, it’s amazing; a sight to be seen. He’ll show her. They leave, and Willow thanks Sonny for the flowers. She says, it was really thoughtful, and he asks how she’s holding up. She says, it’s been difficult, but Wiley and Michael are getting her through it. Sonny says, if she needs anything, he’s always here for her, when Michael comes along with Dante. Michael says, Willow will never need anything from Sonny.
Anna says, there’s nothing to talk about, but Felicia says, New Year’s Eve, The Savoy, Anna and Valentin, with their hands and lips all over each other. Anna says, Felicia wasn’t even there, but Felicia says, other people were, and she heard all about it. Since then, there hasn’t been any action. Anna says, there was plenty of action, which resulted in Valentin having to recuperate out of town. He’s only been back a couple of weeks. Felicia says, he’s back? Why is she only learning about this now? Anna tells her, like she said, there’s nothing to tell. Valentin came to her house, and they talked, and he kissed her. She hasn’t seen him since. Valentin comes over to the table, and Felicia says, speak of the devil. He says, this must be his lucky day.
Willow says she was just thanking Sonny for the flowers, and Dante asks if Sonny is there to see Avery. Sonny says, yeah. He’s there to see Avery’s dance performance, then they’re going to have a little lunch. Dante says, Leo is reciting a poem, and Willow suggests she and Michael find seats. They leave, and Dante asks if Sonny is sticking around. Sonny says he’s not leaving because his son doesn’t want him here.
Olivia thanks Chase for being here; it means the world to Leo. Chase says he wouldn’t have missed it, and Ned thinks he and Olivia should find seats, but Olivia says she’s going to hang back. Leo tells her that he’s okay, and she says she’s so proud of him, hugging him. Brook asks her to save them seats, and tells Leo, it’s a really good turnout. Leo tells Chase, there are a lot of people here, and Chase says, isn’t it awesome? Leo asks, what if he messes up?
Esme says she’s arranged for her and Spencer to have a picnic by the water, and ride horses through the grounds. Doesn’t that sound romantic? She knows he has his own special surprise for them, and she’s not trying to step on that, but it’s going to be a little foreplay; him, her, all alone, no interruptions. Nikolas says, except for his. Sorry. Esme says, don’t apologize. She and Spence were just heading out for the afternoon. Spencer says, that’s really sweet that she went to all the trouble, but he can’t go anywhere with her.
Trina hands Ava the report, and tells her, it’s from PCU. A one-stop shop for all the findings from the investigation into Joss and Cam’s sex tape. Ava says, this is what the school will use to determine if she’s guilty or not? and Trina says, they have two days to review it. If they decide she’s responsible, she’ll most likely be expelled. Ava says, they’ll reverse that when Trina is found not guilty in court, and Trina says, if she’s found not guilty. Ava says, she will be, and Trina says, and no actually. The court has no bearing on the university’s decision. Ava says, that’s ludicrous, and Trina says, those are the rules. And PCU can still kick her out of school, which is the least of her problems if she’s sent to prison. What is she going to do?
Curtis asks why Portia is here. He thought she’d be working. She says she wanted to take Trina to lunch; hopefully to take her mind off of everything. She just came home to change. She looks at her watch, and says, and she’s late. He tells her, go, and she asks what he’s doing here. Is everything okay? He says he’s sure they’ll soon find out. She says, she’ll go ahead and let him be mysterious now, but he’ll explain everything later, right? He says, everything, and she goes upstairs. The doorbell rings, and Curtis opens the door to Stella.
Chase says, no matter what happens, they’re all so proud of Leo, and he’s been practicing his trick with his poem, right? Leo is reciting it just for him. Brook says, she still gets stage fright, but it goes away when she starts singing, and Leo says, he’s not singing. Brook tells Chase, he’s up. and Chase says he’ll make Leo a deal. If Leo recites his poem now, later at his birthday party, he can pick any song, and Chase will sing it in front of everybody. Leo says, any song? Even Fly Me To the Moon? Chase asks what Leo knows about Frank Sinatra, and Leo says, his mom sings it to him all the time. Chase says, he’ll sing whatever Leo wants him to, but Leo has to do his part. Deal? Leo says, deal, and they fist bump.
Sonny tells Dante, he’s not going to let Michael chase him out of here. Olivia is his friend, and he’s here to support Leo. (Um… and Avery maybe?) Dante says, Michael was still pretty angry, and Sonny says he noticed. Dante says he’s been trying to get Michael to talk to Sonny, but it hasn’t worked. He’s thinking Sonny might have to make the first move. Sonny says, what happens next is up to Michael. Michael said some tough things he can’t take back. If Michael wants to apologize, he has to come to him, and they’ll work it out. Dante says, he’d agree with Sonny if things had cooled off a little bit, but they’re not. He’s worried in the meantime more damage will be done. Sam tells Dante that they should find their seats, and she and Dante leave.
Willow says, Sonny was just offering his condolences about her mother… about Harmony. Michael says, the flowers were sent to her, so he didn’t say anything, but Sonny has barely noticed any of them since he got back from Nixon Falls, and now he’s showing his concern? She asks if he thinks it wasn’t sincere, and he says he thinks Sonny feels bad for Willow, but he also thinks Sonny is trying to get one over on him. She asks if he wants to leave, but he says, no. He’s with his family, and he’s not letting his father throw this away.
Valentin says he was on his way to his room, and thought he’d stop by to say hello. Anna’s phone rings, and he says, sorry he hasn’t been in touch, but she says, no need to explain. She tells them that she needs to take this, and steps away. Felicia asks if Valentin wants to join her, and he says he’d love to. He sits, and asks how she’s been. Felicia says, great, except she heard he kissed her friend then ghosted her. He says he’s apologized, but she says, he can do better than that. Going off the radar whenever he and Anna get close. Unacceptable. He asks if that’s how it looks, but she says, that’s how it is. Tell her, how serious is he about Anna?
Ava says, at least Josslyn and Cam got on the record, saying they know Trina didn’t do this. That’s got to be helpful, right? Trina says, it doesn’t look good. The burden of proof is lower in these cases. Ava says, try to think positive; pessimism will get her nowhere. Trina says she calls it realism, and Ava says, nobody found her responsible, and they may not. There’s every chance in the world this coordinator person will see what Trina’s friends, family, and countless others see – that Trina is innocent. Trina thanks her, and says, but they all know her. To the coordinator, she’s just another random troublemaker.
Spencer says he has to go into Kelly’s, and Esme says she loves that he’s so dedicated to his job, but it’s his day off. He says, Cam texted, and one of the other servers called in sick; Cam needs him to cover. She asks if there aren’t plenty other people who can cover. Come on. He’s been working so hard, at Kelly’s and the gallery. He deserves a day to himself, to spend time with loved ones. She tries to take his hands, but he backs away, saying, sorry. He needs to go. He leaves, and Nikolas says, Esme.
Curtis thanks Stella for coming, and she asks if he thinks she wouldn’t. This is obviously more than a social visit. He says, why obviously? and she says she could tell in his voice when he called. What can she do for him? He says he’s sure this won’t be the easiest thing to hear, and she says she noticed Marshall hasn’t been around lately. Does it have something to do with him? He says, Marshall left town; he’s not coming back. She asks why he left, and Curtis says, they had an argument. Marshall wasn’t being honest with him. She says she thought his father would open up the more Curtis got to know him, and Curtis says he thought Marshall would open up the more he got to know them. Curtis says he’s not talking about what Marshall held back on, but the lies. Marshall let them believe he was in Witness Protection all those years, or that he might suddenly have to go underground because he got on the wrong side of the wrong people, and he had no choice but to abandon his family. Now Curtis knows that wasn’t the case. Stella asks how he knows all this.
At the fair, a woman takes the stage, and says she’s glad the audience could join them in what promises to be a wonderful showcase for their students’ talents. Sam says, Dante and Sonny looked pretty intense. Is everything okay? He says, not really. Drew asks if the seat next to Ned is taken, and Ned says, it’s all his. Drew sits, and says, they both must be so proud. Olivia says, they truly are, and Drew says, it’s nice that family can come together like this. Ned says, in the spirit of family, he’d like to sit down with Drew and Michael, and have an in depth discussion about ELQ’s future. Drew says, absolutely. He and Michael have been talking, and have a proposition for Ned. The woman welcomes Leo to the stage, to recite the poem The Only Me by Pat Mora (see below). Everyone applauds, and Leo looks at Chase.
Esme tells Nikolas, all she wanted was to get back to where they were, but it’s impossible when Spence keeps throwing up these walls. She supposes she should accept it. He’s no longer into her; move on. But the thought of giving up on him… She knows she and Spence might not always agree – Nikolas says, what couple does? – but she never imagined those differences were what drove him away. They were a team. One argument, and poof! It’s all gone. Does he know what that’s like. He says, yeah, he does.
Trina tells Ava, she’s so ready for the day she never has to think about Esme every again. All the damage she’s done; to her, Joss, Cam, Ava. Ava says, Esme’s transgressions against her are very well known, and in the past apparently, or so she’s been assured. Trina says, so things are better with Ava and Nikolas, and Ava says, no, but it has nothing to do with Esme. She and Nikolas are grown-ups. If it doesn’t work out, that’s on them. Trina’s loyalty means so much to her, and Trina will always have hers. But dealing with Nikolas and Esme is her job. Trina’s is to focus on herself. Keep her chin up, okay? Trina says, okay.
Spencer sees Portia outside of Kelly’s, and says, Dr. Robinson. She says, of course (🍷) he’s working today, and he asks, how’s Trina? She says, Trina is none of his business. Her daughter is off-limits to him.
Stella says, Curtis accessed Marshall’s arrest record? How did he manage that? Forget she asked, but why? She thought he was done snooping in his father’s past. He says he was, but Marshall kept hinting at danger, and he wasn’t about to let any harm happen to her or anyone else in his family. So he needed to know the rest of the story. She says she wishes it hadn’t come to that, and he says, him too. It turns out, Marshall didn’t run afoul of the mob. He got arrested at a protest that got out of control. He wasn’t tried, he wasn’t jailed; instead, he was remanded to a mental institution. When he tried to talk to Marshall about it, Marshall shut down and refused to talk about that part of his life. The night Stella had her panic attack, he noticed she and Marshall had their heads together, and it doesn’t escape him that she didn’t ask what he’d learned. She doesn’t seem surprised either. She knows more about what happened than she’s letting on. She says, yes, and he asks, why lie to him about it?
The audience waits. Leo looks at Chase and smiles, and Chase gives him a thumbs up. Leo sees only Chase, and recites his poem. He gets a standing ovation.
Valentin says he’s very fond of Anna, and Felicia says, he’d better prove it or move on, because Anna is the best of the best. If Valentin hurts her… He says, he’ll have to answer to Felicia? and she says, bingo. Anna comes back, and says, it was Agent Beamon from Tahiti. Felicia says, the one who arrested Jennifer Smith, and Valentin says, Jennifer Smith? Anna says, the Bureau took her into custody, not only for stealing the Ice Princess, but for causing the cable car accident that killed Luke. Apparently, they have solid evidence, and Beamon says she’s going to spend the rest of her life in Steinmaur. Felicia asks if Anna told him that she thought Jennifer wasn’t guilty, and Valentin asks why she thinks that. Anna says, because there’s a missing piece, and Felicia says, the French naval captain. Valentin to pretending to be the captain, and Anna says, Jennifer claims she was with this captain, but the WSB had no luck finding him. Valentin says he thinks he can help.
Esme tells Nikolas that Spencer doesn’t trust her because she followed him in his vendetta against Ava. Meanwhile, she only did those things because she was devoted to him. Does it make her sound weak because she blindly did what he wanted? Nikolas says, it sounds like love, and she says, it’s the very thing tearing them apart. He says, trust is a tricky thing. He knows that better than anyone. She says, oh my God. She’s so sorry. He asks, why? and she says, she’s going on about her problems, when his and Ava’s are so much more significant. She didn’t mean to dredge up a painful subject. She wasn’t thinking. He says, that doesn’t sound like her.
Spencer tells Portia that he’s sorry for what Trina and their family are going through. He hopes this is all over soon. She says, this will never be over for Trina. Her name, for the rest of eternity will be attached to this horrible act. Not to mention an arrest record that’s going to follow her around forever. And she’s about to get kicked out of school too, but that’s the lesser of two evils, considering the other option is prison time. He says he knows how hard this is for her, but she says, he has no idea. He was actually guilty and his family bought him a slap on the wrist. He says, he went to prison, but she says, minimum security for 30 days; don’t even start with her. Now he’s back and here. He’s got his trust fund, his island, and his family name, which apparently gets him out of anything. Trina doesn’t have that. Does he understand this is ruining Trina’s life? Does he get it? And it’s all because of him and his awful girlfriend.
Ava asks if Trina wants to order, or will her mom be here soon? Trina says, she hasn’t heard from Portia. Maybe she got caught up at work. Ava looks out the window, sees Portia reaming out Spencer, and says, she’s not at work. Outside, Portia says, and Trina vouched for him. Time and time and time again, and what did it get her? Nothing. Wait. It did get her something; heartache, misery, and a tainted future. Lucky her. Ava comes out, and tells Spencer, you, inside. He goes in, and Ava follows. Trina asks, what did Portia say to him?
Curtis says, all those times Stella told him, let it go, wait for Marshall to come to him, she knew he’d abandoned his family for no reason? Stella says she’s so sorry, and he says, that’s it? She’s sorry? How long has she known? She says, if he’s asking if she was in on this from the beginning, the answer is no. She didn’t find out until Marshall was already gone. He says, so when mom got sick, and she came to help them, she knew? She says she did, and he says, Aunt Stella, the pillar of honesty. She’s been lying to him his whole life? She lied to Tommy his whole life? She watched them cry and grieve a man who was still alive. She says, it hurt something fierce, knowing, and seeing them grow up without a father, knowing how much they needed and missed him; she hated every second of it. When he told her that he and Tommy had stopped asking about Marshall when they saw how it affected them, it broke her heart. She wanted to confess right then. He asks why she didn’t, and she says, because the man came back, and wanted a relationship with Curtis. Once she saw Curtis warming to a relationship, she didn’t want to get in the way of that. Curtis says, his family; this is unreal. She says, if he has any other questions for her, she’ll do her best to answer them, but he says, he’s sorry; it might be too late. He doesn’t know how he can believe anything she says.
Valentin asks if Anna will let him take her to dinner. They can discuss the case – or not. What is she doing later? She says she has plans, and he says, cancel them, but she says she can’t. He wonders if she still has the Bordeaux, and Felicia says, they drank that at their last meeting. Anna says she told him it wouldn’t last, and he says he hopes she let it breathe, but she says, it didn’t need to. He says, if not tonight, tomorrow night, or any night after. She can choose. He’ll bring something posh and even more expensive. She says she’ll check her dance card and let him know. He says, by all means.
Esme tells Nikolas, she knows she seems confident, but before she met Spence, she was a mess. She was mourning her parents, all alone, no friends to speak of. He says, it must have been difficult, and she says, it was awful. She knows it may sound disingenuous, confiding her problems with her boyfriend to his father, but Nikolas is also the man who rescued her from Sonny; the man who took her in when no one else would, even though it cost him. He says, she and Spencer being there just brought some things to the surface, and she says she doesn’t see how Ava doesn’t get it. The one thing he cares about most is doing what’s best for his family. He says, that doesn’t mean he’s always successful, and she says, of course (🍷) he’s made mistakes; everyone does. But his intentions… He cares about his family, and would do anything for them. Who could ask for more?
Portia tells Trina that she couldn’t hold it in anymore. Spencer is so spoiled and entitled… Trina says, mom… and Portia says, he deserved every word and more. Trina says, he’s heard it from her, so Portia might as well, and Portia says, she’s not mad? Trina says she’s grateful, and thanks Portia for having her back. Portia says, always, and Trina wonders why Spencer is even here. Cam told her today was his day off, or she would have picked a different restaurant. Portia says, it doesn’t matter. She hopes it doesn’t ruin their lunch. Trina says, it was already ruined. She got the Title 9 report. Portia asks what it said.
Ava says, she and Portia are trying to keep Trina’s mind off the hell Spencer and Esme inflicted on her. His being here doesn’t help. He says, he picked up an extra shift, and she tells him, unpick it up. He says, they’re not at the gallery. She has no authority over him here, so leave him the hell alone.
Olivia says she’s so proud of Leo, and Dante says, he was incredible. Sam says, he was really great, and Willow says, The Only Me is one of her favorites. She used to read it to her students all the time for inspiration. Chase joins them, and says, Leo was amazing. He hugs Leo, and Leo says he used Chase’s trick. Brook says, he did the trick, and he was so good. She hugs him, when Sonny comes by. He says, you know how hard it is to get on the stage and do that? and hugs Leo. Brook asks if Leo is ready for his birthday party, and he runs off. Olivia says, that’s her cue. She’ll see them at the hotel. She yells for Leo to wait up, and Sam and Willow wander away to look at the exhibits. Sonny says, when Dante told him the damage would be done while he’s waiting for an apology, what did he mean by that? Is Michael planning something?
Michael tells Ned, they’ll have a more formal conversation about this later, but they wanted to fill him in asap. They’ve been looking at the corporate structure of the merger, and can offer Ned COO. Ned says, Chief Operating Officer. That’s an administrative position; more about nuts and bolts, not long term vision. Drew says, Ned would be perfect for this. With his expertise, Ned will be able to seamlessly implement the wide scope of changes. Ned says, and his lack media experience? and Michael says, they might bring in someone to focus on that side. Ned says, so he wouldn’t even be the only COO, and Drew says, to be determined. If that happens, they’ll make sure that position is lower than Ned’s. Michael asks what Ned thinks, and Ned says, they’ve given him a lot to consider. He’ll see them at the MetroCourt. Ned leaves, and Drew says, that went well.
Stella says she loves Curtis more than anything in the world. She’s so deeply sorry for causing him this pain. That was never what she wanted. Please tells her he believes that. Curtis doesn’t say anything, and she says, in the time she spent with Marshall since he came back, she’s seen how much Marshall loves him. After all that time, after 40 years, it would have been easy for him to stay away, but he couldn’t. She knows what Curtis is thinking. If Marshall loved him so much, why did he leave in the first place? Right or wrong, Marshall thought he was giving his sons what they needed. He asks, how could being away from them be what needed? Marshall left his wife. He left his two sons… or did he? Did mom know? She says, it was Marshall’s decision to let him and Tommy believe he was dead, but their mother agreed to it. She hated keeping that secret, but his parents thought it was best, and she had to respect that. If she could go back, and could have told him sooner, she would have spared him this hurt. She’s so sorry. She cries, and Curtis puts his arms around her. He holds her as she sobs. Curtis says he loves Stella; that’s never going to change. He just doesn’t understand why. There was no jail time, no ties to the mob. Hell, he doesn’t even know how long Marshall was in that mental institution. So why the decision to pretend he was dead? Stella says, that part isn’t her story to tell. It’s his father’s. Curtis says, then he needs to find him.
Dante tells Sonny that he thinks the best course of action is to talk to Michael before things escalate. Sonny asks if that’s code for watch your back, and Dante says, it’s a heads up. He tells Sonny to take care of himself, and leaves.
Leo says, this party is the coolest party ever, and Ned says, that’s because he’s a cool kid. Leo asks where all the balloons came from, and Ned says he can thank his mom; she made it all happen. Leo hugs Olivia, who tells him, happy birthday. He goes off to look at the balloons, and Ned’s phone rings. He says he probably should take it before the singing starts, and asks if it’s okay if he steps out. Olivia tells him to do his thing.
Brook asks if Chase realizes that it’s almost time to face the music – literally. Unless he plans to not uphold his end of the bargain. Chase asks if she’s kidding. Leo brought it today. She says, big time, and thanks him for being so supportive of her brother. He says, Leo is a good kid, and we see that someone is watching them. She says, Chase is pretty great too.
Michael says, Ned was a little non-committal on the COO offer, and Drew says, ya think? Michael says, no one cares more about ELQ than Ned does. He thinks when push comes to shove Ned will do what’s right for the company.
Outside behind some hedges, Ned says, they wanted to meet. Here he is. We see it’s Valentin.
Ava tells Spencer, stay away from Trina or she’ll make him regret it, but he says, he’s not the enemy here. Trina comes in, and picks up her bag. She says, she and her mom are going somewhere else. Does Ava still want in? Ava says she’ll have to take a raincheck, and they hug. Trina starts to leave, and Spencer says, he’s really sorry. He didn’t mean to upset her or her mom. She says, he never means to do anything, does he? She leaves, and Ava asks if there’s a reason Spencer can’t seem to leave Trina in peace.
Esme says, that must be the reason she’s so comfortable with Nikolas; she trusts in his intentions. He makes her feel safe. Nikolas says, that’s kind of her, but believe him, not everyone approves of his methods. She says, like Ava, and puts her hand on his. She says she’s sorry Ava can’t see him the way she does, and he says, what way is that?
Tomorrow, Chase tells Brook, all will be revealed in due time; Gladys wants to know what’s in it for them; and Valentin wonders if there’s something he and Ned can do so they both get what they want.
🌍 Fair Poetry…
The Only Me by Pat Mora.
https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/poems/155505/the-only-me
Below Deck Sailing Yacht
Daisy tells Marcos that dinner is going to be at 11:15, and all Marcos wants is to get some rest. Glenn wants to sail on the way back in the morning, and Daisy suggests breakfast be something the guests can hold. The dinner table is set in a gorgeous Asian theme, and Daisy takes drink orders. Glenn explains to KIM that the morning sail might be rolly, and asks if something like wraps will be okay for breakfast. Surprisingly, she’s good with that. Gary says, Kelsie’s hair looks nice, and he wonders if she did something different. She says she brushed it. Guest Dino wants a Japanese beer, but Daisy doesn’t think they have any. KIM screeches for Marcos, saying, she misses him. The food is brought up, and the guests cheer for Marcos. It’s a fabulous spread of sushi and other Japanese delights, and Marcos describes the dishes. The guests applaud. Dino keeps pressing the beer issue, now joined by the primary’s husband Chris. In Daisy’s interview, she says she wants to rip his head off, but she’s going to be a sweet, professional stew. Dino starts asking Ashley for the same stuff, and downstairs, Daisy tells her, just ignore him like you would a three year old. Daisy asks Gary to check the preference sheets for Japanese beer, but he finds nothing. Daisy says, she’s going to f***ing punch that f***ing motherf***er, and Gary says she’s sexy when she’s angry. Daisy points out to Dino that Japanese beer isn’t on any of the preference sheets, and he says, it’s f***ing bullsh*t. We see someone has drawn horns and a moustache/goatee on Dino’s preference sheet picture, along with a dialogue balloon that says, I’m a POS. The guests go to bed, and Daisy makes up a tray with vodka and such for Chris, telling Gary that they’re going to party in their room. Gary asks if Colin will read him a bedtime story, and Daisy brings the tray to KIM and Chris’s cabin. In her interview, she says, goodnight, a-holes. See you in the f***ing morning.
In the morning, Kelsie says, there’s so much boat. Glenn gets a text from an agent who says they worked their magic, and Glenn is getting a new stew. In Barnaby’s interview, he says he could work harder, but he’s there to work smart, not hard. If he gets along with Gary, he won’t have to worry about the windows so much. Glenn says he’s going to fire up the boat, and the sails go up. Things go flying, and the guests get out of bed sideways. KIM throws up, and Gary tells Colin that he doesn’t get seasick unless he’s hungover. Somehow, KIM makes it to the upper deck, where the other guests are enjoying the sail. She lies down, and Chris says, it’s beautiful, but she has to sit up to appreciate it. That’s a hard no, and Chris wonders, how did Columbus do this?
Ashley takes drink orders, and asks Barnaby for help, calling him Barnabas. He tells her, if she calls him Barnabas, she’ll be doing it by herself. KIM and Chris want someone to pack for them, and no surprise, their cabin is a trash heap. Daisy tells Ashley to just throw things in; don’t fold a single thing. Wrap her dresses in her shoes. Chris yells for Daisy, and she and Ashley toss the guests’ belongings in their suitcases. Daisy runs upstairs, and Chris asks for a vodka/orange juice. Colin shows Barnabas Barnaby stuff about the lines, and in Barnaby’s interview, he says he’s never docked a boat as big as this one. Dino proclaims the docking not bad, and it’s time for the guests to leave. KIM thanks the crew from the bottom of their hearts, and says they were amazing. Chris says, they were astounded, and gives Glenn the tip envelope, thanking him. On their way back inside, Daisy says she probably ruined her whole career in yachting.
Glenn radios the crew to meet in the saloon for the tip meeting. He gives them major kudos, especially Daisy. Losing Gabriela wasn’t easy, especially with demanding guests. He’s proud of them. He says, Barnaby is great at the job, and they’re happy to have him, and Barnaby says he’s faking it until he makes it. Glenn says, the guests were challenging, but they left happy, and it was reflected in the tip, which is $20K or $2100 and change each. In Daisy’s interview, she says, they deserved it, and Glenn says they’re getting a new addition. He expects they’ll welcome her with open arms. In Ashley’s interview, she says, she and Daisy are working well together. The last thing she wants is a new girl bossing her around. She likes twosomes, and doesn’t like to share. She tells Daisy, new guys are okay; not so much girls. It’s weird that their first meeting will be the crew’s night off. She’s a little nervous.
New stew Scarlett is originally from Arkansas, but now lives in San Diego. In her interview, she says she doesn’t like country music, and she’s rebellious. She needs to touch a hot stove to see for herself. She dated a captain and they went out on the water their first date. It became her life. She meets Glenn first, then is introduced to the rest of the crew. Gary helps with her luggage, and asks the eternal question, what does she have in here? Scarlett finds out she’s bunking with Ashley, and Daisy says, tomorrow, they’re just turning over the boat. In Daisy’s interview, she says, as long as Scarlett doesn’t piss her off, they should be fine. They’ll see. Ashley fishes around to find out how much experience Ashley has on the job, and if she’s single. She makes sure Scarlett knows she and Gary have kissed a few times, and they get ready to go out.
The crew has a drink and heads to the restaurant. Gary insists he didn’t shag Ashley, but everyone tells him that Ashley says he did. He says, if you have a lick of ice cream, you didn’t eat it, but Daisy says, the calories still count. In Ashley’s interview, she says, he can deny it all he wants, but it happened. It’s like he’s ashamed of her. At the restaurant, everyone has tequila shots, and Gary – who’s conveniently seated next to Scarlett – finds out Scarlett is drinking water. Ashley keeps trying to get Gary’s attention, but he’s too busy flirting with Scarlett. Ashley starts getting louder, repeating that he can deny it, but it happened, and Daisy asks Gary to come for a cigarette. For whatever reason, Scarlett goes with her instead. Scarlett tells Daisy that she’s happy to be there. Daisy asks if Scarlett is single, and Scarlett says she is. Daisy says, here comes trouble, and tells her, watch out for Gary. He’s single, but be careful of the consequences. In Scarlett’s interview, she says she thinks Daisy is protective of Gary. It’s just the first night, and this is so wild. Ashley shouts that she remembers Gary’s dingdong in her who-ha, and in Gary’s interview, he says, this is why he didn’t want to hook up with someone who’s clingy and childish. Ashley yells over to Gary, asking if he remembers his weewee in her peepee.
Marcos thinks it’s kind of explicit, and Gary says, this is his cue to leave. Daisy wants to know who’s looking after her tonight. Last time, Colin was supposed to, and she kissed Gary. Ashley says, Daisy kisses Gary every night, and Daisy calls her jealousy in the corner, telling her to stop talking and drink some water. Daisy, Colin, and Gary go for a smoke, and Daisy asks what Gary is going to do about his girlfriend. Gary says, he doesn’t have a girlfriend, and his self-defense mechanism is coming out. I wonder if he’s going to turn into a transformer that’s a giant weenie or something. Ashley pouts, and says, she wants to go to bed. They leave in two taxis, and Ashley complains that she doesn’t like liars. In the other taxi, Barnaby says, Ashley was hammered at starters. Ashley whines that Gary saw something shiny and new, and in her interview, she says, it’s one thing to be tossed off to the side, but she doesn’t need to be kicked when she’s down. She says she doesn’t want to look stupid, and Colin says, she looks more stupid carrying on about it.
Back at the boat, Daisy says, nobody gives a f*** if Ashley and Gary hooked up, and Gary says he’s over American chicks. Colin says, Ashley thinks they had sex, and Gary says, it doesn’t matter, but Colin says, it matters to her. In Colin’s interview, he says, Gary has his knickers in a twist. This jeopardizes him hooking up with Scarlett, and his feathers are ruffled. Apparently, Colin likes a good metaphor. Colin tells Gary that Ashley said, it was the worst 2 seconds of her life. The crew gets into the hot tub, and Gary decides he wants bubbles. He pours dish washing liquid into it, and I have a flash back of doing the same thing at a hotel with shampoo. And being very sorry. As soon as I put the jets on, the suds went wild, and I was afraid I was going to have an I Love Lucy moment, not being able to stop them. It’s also no fun to clean up. Ashley drinks straight from the tequila bottle, and says, she’s an a-hole; it’s fine. She tries to talk to Gary, but he walks away. She tells no one in particular that she’s done talking. She’s going to eat salt and vinegar chips, and then she’s done. Several of the crew members end up in the mess eating spaghetti, and Marcos says, this is why he cooked so much pasta. Ashley shovels it into her mouth like she may never eat again, and Daisy says, she’s eating her feelings. As usual, Glenn has taken the smart route, and is sleeping.
In her cabin, Ashley hiccups for a minute, and then runs into the bathroom to throw up. Unfortunately, Scarlett is already in the bathroom, and in her interview, Scarlett says, WTF is going on? It’s night one, and there’s politics, drama, and vomiting in the shower. This boat is messy. The next morning, it’s no surprise Ashley isn’t feeling good. Since she doesn’t remember what happened, Scarlett tells her that she threw up in the shower. In Ashley’s interview, she says, for sure she’s hit rock bottom. It’s embarrassing, but the only way to go is up. She officially hates herself. Drinking makes you do stupid things. Marcos says, the new chick must be in shock, and Ashley pleads blackout, shoveling in more pasta. In Scarlett’s interview, she says she’s never going to look at spaghetti the same way. Gary tells Barnaby that Scarlett is pretty cool. She and Ashley are like chalk and cheese. Ashley asks Daisy if she’s still third, or is she second stew now? and Daisy says, it doesn’t matter. In Daisy’s interview, she says, not this again, and we flash back to Ashley being relentless about Gabriela being second stew. Daisy says, this title bullsh*t needs to stop. It doesn’t mean anything. You’re still a toilet cleaner. She tells Scarlett that she wants them working as a team, and in her interview, Scarlett says, she has no experience, and doesn’t know if she’s second or third. It’s terrifying. She’s in a new place with new people, and she’s freaking out. It’s going to be a long day.
Ashley and Scarlett clean the cabins, and in Ashley’s interview, she says, even hungover, knowing Scarlett has no experience is giving her life right now. This woman really needs therapy. Glenn calls Gary, Daisy, and Marcos to the mess for a preference sheet meeting. He tells them that the primary is Keely, and Gary remembers her. We flash back to the Erica Rose group, and he says he thinks guest Jess was here before too. We flash back again, and yep, she was one of the bitchy ones. In Daisy’s interview, she says, after the charter they just had, she doesn’t want to deal with disrespect. Glenn says, they want non-stop drinking, sun, sailing, and dinner with the captain. Daisy reads that they want a wig and sequin party; the more colorful, the better. Are they secret drag queens? Gary reads that they want to do as much sailing as possible, and Marcos looks at one of the guest’s sheets who doesn’t seem to like any type of food. He reads that they want a ten-course dinner on day two, and Glenn says he’ll have dinner with them on day one, since he’s not sitting through ten courses. In Marcos’s interview, he says, he’s done a ten-course dinner, but had a staff helping him. Cooking is easy, but the plating isn’t.
Some of the crew turns in early, and Gary hugs Scarlett, saying, he’s glad she’s here. He wants to get to know her better, but it might prove to be difficult. He doesn’t think Ashley will give them the time. Ashley whines in the galley to Marcos that she deserves a promotion. Scarlett tells Gary that she doesn’t want to hurt anyone, and he says he woudn’t want her to, like he cares. He says he wants to be friends with everyone, and she says, she’s the same; good vibes between everybody. Gary jokes that she lies, and she’s only there to stir up trouble. Colin joins them, and says, she’s on the wrong boat if she doesn’t like drama.
Kelsie tells Daisy that Scarlett doesn’t deserve this. She can feel the tension and the vibes Ashley is exuding. She was on a mission to lay claim to Gary, and Scarlett probably feels like she can’t even talk to Gary without pissing Ashley off. And Kelsie has spaghetti trauma. Colin tells Gary that he can’t hook up with Ashley again, but Gary says, he not only doesn’t want to, he didn’t anyway. In Ashley’s interview, she says, Scarlett is clueless, and it’s just the confidence boost she needs. It feels so good. Seriously. I have no words. I’ll bet she’s one of those girls that hangs around girls who weigh more than she does, so she feels thinner. She’s just an all-around horrible person. Maybe Summer House has a slot open.
Daisy asks Glenn for Scarlett’s CV, and tells Colin that Ashley is obsessed with being second stew, but she’s missing the point. She should be happy to walk away with a good reference from Daisy, but instead, she’s focused on a title. She wants to have a one-up on Scarlett, and Daisy is not letting that happen. Colin asks if they’re bossing each other around, and Daisy says, no, but Ashley is dying to boss Scarlett. Colin says, she’s probably jealous, and Daisy says, she pleaded her case the other night. Neither one of them has much experience. She’d actually give Ashley the title if she wasn’t so obsessed with it. She thinks she’ll make them both juniors, and like she has radar, Ashley is there, and asks if Daisy has given any thought to her being second stew. She can give Daisy her case. Daisy says, obviously she’s dying to, and Ashley says, she thinks experience-wise, Scarlett isn’t close to what she’s done. She’s done no overnight charters, and she had to show Scarlett how to make beds. She has to tell Scarlett what to do. Daisy says, it’s not about bossing someone or being above them. She doesn’t feel Ashley is grasping it. She’s missing the teamwork aspect, and until Ashley figures it out, she and Scarlett are going to be the same. Ashley stamps her foot, and says she has more experience, and Daisy says, she’ll always know more if she knows the boat better. But it’s not about knowing more. Get the hierarchy out of her head, and learn to work as a team.
Next time, Marcos says he’s there to fulfill any chef fantasy the guests have; Gary tells Scarlett that he has a crush on her; and in Gary’s interview, he says he thinks Scarlett wants to be more than friends.
☮️ Feelin’ Groovy…
If you come by tomorrow, I can promise you soap, and that we will live through Part 3 of New Jersey’s Reunion. Until then, stay safe, stay connecting with nature when you can, and stay trying to think positive; pessimism will get you nowhere.
What I Watched - TV With Theresa 