Category Archives: cooking competition

Jun8

June 7, 2017 – Nina Says Good-by, Ramona Spontaneously Combusts, 1981 & Lotsa Food

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

General Hospital

Jordan visits Curtis with a cupcake that has a candle in it. She remembered it was his birthday, and brought his favorite, red velvet. She tells him make a wish, and he says it already came true.

Finn and Hayden talk about the upcoming baby and his drug test. Obrecht overhears.

Elizabeth’s house is being fumigated from the class guinea pig’s visit. Cameran is miffed that he has to go to work with her.

Spencer says he’s still on French time, but Laura tells him to get his intercontinental butt in gear. He says now that Valentin is in custody, he can be in Port Charles permanently, instead of in exile.

Valentin asks Dante and Lulu how Charlotte is. Lulu told her that he’s away on business and there’s a time difference, so they couldn’t call right now, and it seemed to satisfy her. She says she wants what best for Charlotte, and Dante says that’s why they’re here. Valentin is going to prison, and they have to figure out what’s going to happen with her.

Anna thinks about what Valentin said about her own transgressions.

Finn tells Hayden that he’s not taking a backseat to prenatal visits just because he might be reinstated. She wonders why he seems skeptical about reinstatement. He says someone is tampering with his drug screens, but what if it’s not Brad? Hayden tells him good things are coming. She makes him say it, and they kiss.

Elizabeth tells Cameran he needs to do his summer reading. He takes out a comic book, and she’s like, no. Hayden comes to the desk. Elizabeth fills her in as to why Cameran is there, and Hayden says she has the day off, and can take Cameran for the day. She says it will be good practice. Elizabeth asks for what, and Hayden gets vague, talking about someday.

Spencer tells Laura that he knows his father isn’t coming back, but Laura is there, and Alexis. She says they’ve all missed him, but she put him in the school for his safety. Valentin being arrested is a good start, but she wants to know the charges will stick. Spencer talks about Anna being fearless and resourceful.

Mac sees Anna in the park. He says Robert thinks Valentin’s extradition will be hard on her. She says that Robert should mind his own business. It’s her job, but she thinks it has little to do with justice.

Nathan asks Nina how she is, and she says how do you think? To him Valentin is a fugitive; to her he’s her husband and he loves Charlotte. She says they could have gotten away if it wasn’t for her.

Lulu says Charlotte needs to be with her mother. He says she’ll be fine with Nina. Lulu tells him that Nina is the one who turned him in. Because she’s a selfish twit.

Jordan says she has to go to work. Curtis says he only gets one birthday, but she says it will still be his birthday when she gets off. He says it sounds like she has something planned, but he’d be happy to just be with her. She says he already has her, he doesn’t need to game her. He says it’s how he feels, and that every day with her is a gift. She says maybe she could push back some things to the afternoon. They get busy, and Curtis says, happy birthday to me.

Elizabeth agrees to Hayden taking Cameran for the afternoon. Laura arrives with Spencer. He says he moved back home, but Laura says they’re discussing it. He bluffed his way out of boarding school and turned up on her doorstep. Hayden tells him she’s sorry his dad is gone, and makes him promise that they’ll catch up. Elizabeth says that she doesn’t have to take Cameran. Cameran tells Spencer that he just missed Emma, and that they hung out. Laura says that today, Spencer is going to wait quietly while she goes to her meeting. He asks Hayden to save him, and she suggests he come with her and Cameran.

Anna says that Valentin isn’t innocent, but not as guilty as the bureau maintains. Max says she blames Alex. She says so far, Alex is refusing to cooperate, but it will change now that Valentin has been apprehended. She wonders if Alex will pin it all on him.

Nathan tells Nina that Valentin has committed so many crimes, they can’t even try him in the US. It has to go to the ICC. She tells him to stop acting like it’s black and white for her. Years ago, he had a weapon that he sold to Helena and it was horrible, but he also saved her life and got shot because of it. He fell in love with her and made her happier than she’s ever been. He made her part of a family, and it was real. She says she doesn’t know if she can turn her back on him.

Valentin tells Lulu that Nina was acting in Charlotte’s best interest, and will continue to do so as her stepmother. Lulu says she should have been in court this morning then, and he says they didn’t waste time. She asks him to help work through the transition to minimize Charlotte’s confusion and fear. Like it or not, they both have to be her parents right now.

Griff talks to Finn about Ava. He says his real concern is infection, and he needs Finn’s expertise. Obrecht says unless he can’t provide it.

Elizabeth calls Hayden. She’s at Perks with the boys, and she says she’s got this. They order drinks, and she asks if they’re allowed all that caffeine and sugar.

Lulu tells Valentin that Charlotte needs continuity. They need him to tell Charlotte that he wants her to stay with them. They need to make her understand, and it will be hard, but worse if he’s not in their corner. Valentin says he’ll do it on one condition – no one tells her why he’s there. He’ll choose the reason and tell her himself, and they’ll back him up. Lulu agrees. She says it’s really what’s best. Dante says they’ll be in touch.

Max asks if Anna is okay with testifying. She says Alex had no problem keeping her in a drug induced coma and impersonating her. He says what about Valentin? Is she going to be able to take the stand against him?

Valentin has a visitor. It’s Nina. He smiles at her.

Curtis says thanks for his dessert. Jordan says he barely touched it, and he says that he was satisfied with other desert. She leaves for work and there’s a knock at the door. It’s Curtis’s Aunt Stella. She asks if he always answers the door in his altogether, and when was the last time he cleaned. He asks if she’s okay. She says she came to surprise him on his birthday, and asks if it’s a problem. He says no, and tells her to have a seat. He asks if she wants anything, and she says to know what’s going on in his life.

Nathan tells Jordan that Valentin is behaving himself. Nina asks Valentin about his wound, and he says it’s healing. She says he must know they wouldn’t have found him if not for her. He asks if she’s apologizing. She says she didn’t think it would be good for Charlotte to be a fugitive. She thinks he knows that oo, and panicked, which isn’t his style. He says it wasn’t his best plan, but for the record, he was going to send for her. Nina says she’d be a fugitive too. He says they could have continued as a family, and would have been happy. Nina says now they’ll never know.

Anna tells Mac that she doesn’t have much to offer. It would just be her word against his. She can say he took the Chimera from the ballroom with the intention to destroy it, but surrendered it to her. She says she’ll be 100% honest, but any case they have rests with Alex.

Obrecht tells Griff that Finn is suspended and can’t do a consultation, but Griff says no one else is as experienced. Obrecht suggests that Finn’s judgement might be clouded by drugs. Griff asks Finn if he’s under the influence, and when Finn says no, he says it’s good enough for him. Obrecht asks if it will be good enough for Ava if Finn’s faculties are impaired. Griff says it’s just a consult; he’s not treating anyone. As they leave, Obrecht says nor will he be.

Hayden suggests the museum. Spencer likes it, but Cameran would rather go to the park and play soccer. Spencer says he knew it would be too intellectually challenging for Cameran, but they can go and Cameran can find a soccer game. Maybe someone will pick him up like the stray that he is. Cameran tells Spencer that no one missed him, adding that he kissed Emma and she loved it. Spencer throws whipped cream at him.

Laura tells Elizabeth that the meeting canceled. She says she could get Spencer, but Elizabeth tells her to do something for herself. Laura likes the sound of that, but her phone rings. It’s Hayden asking for help. Spencer and Cameran are going wild, throwing things, especially frothy things, all over the place.

Laura arrives at Perks she says that’s enough in her angry grandma voice. She tells the boys that they both know better than this. Cameran says Spencer started it, and Spencer says he was trying to protect himself. Laura tells them to clean up everything. She asks Hayden what happened. Hayden says they had caffeine and sugar and went crazy. She’s pregnant and what kind of mother is she going to be? She starts crying, and Laura hugs her

Finn asks to talk to Obrecht. He says he accepts she doesn’t like him, but doesn’t know why she’d want Ava to suffer. They don’t have to be friends, but just good doctors. He asks her to put her hate for him aside for long enough to do right by the patient.

Curtis tells Stella he’s still doing PI stuff, and really likes Port Charles. He offers to show her around, but she says she doesn’t want to be any trouble. She asks if he’s seeing anyone. He says he’s always seeing someone, and she asks if it’s someone she should meet. He starts talking about the hotel, and she says she can stay with him.

Robert calls Anna. She asks if his ears were burning, and then says, what? when?

Dante wonders if they should pull Charlotte and Rocco out of school for the day. Lulu says she’s worried about how Charlotte is going to handle the news. Dante says she has an extensive support system. Lulu says none of them are her father, and she’s going to find out the truth. She asks when it comes out, what if she blames Lulu? Because all Lulu ever thinks about is herself.

Valentin talks about how Nina turned him in once before, and that she made the right decision, but her eyes betrayed her. He knew he’d see her again. Now he loves her, and can’t imagine life without her. She says it was different last time, and part of her knew he’d come back. This time, he won’t. Even if he beats the charges, he won’t come back to her. He says he loves her. He has a past, and it’s over. Nina says so is the part with her and gives him divorce papers. Argh! My heart!

Stella asks Curtis if she’ll be in his way, and he says no; he’ll crash on the couch. She says she’ll cook, but he says his cupboards are bare. She says they’ll go shopping. He asks how long she’s staying, and she tells him long enough to celebrate his birthday and see TJ. As long as she doesn’t cross paths with his mother, she’ll be fine. Gulp.

Jordan is having something delivered for Curtis’s birthday. Nathan has the transfer information for Valentin, and they go to her office.

Nina tells Valentin that she’s not asking for anything except her freedom. Valentin says what if he doesn’t want to be free from her?

Laura tells Hayden that they don’t pop out like this. By the time they’re at this stage, you’ve learned to wrangle them. She says congratulations, and tells Hayden that she can do this. Hayden asks her not to tell Elizabeth, and Laura agrees to keep it between them.

Griff asks for a word with Finn. Finn asks how soon he can see patients. Griff tells him that the test was positive for opioids, and they have no reason to question the results, since he hasn’t noticed the venomous hate pulsating from Obrecht. Finn says, so he’s suspended.

Nina tells Valentin that she can’t be married to a man in prison, and can’t be step mother to a girl she loves who lives with another family. She says it was gorgeous and beautiful, but it’s over. He asks her not to do this. She says it’s one less thing for him to worry about and leaves. Outside, she leans on the door.

Mac asks Anna if it’s bad news, and she says it depends on your point of view. Alex escaped, and the WSB doesn’t know where she is.

Another visitor comes for Valentin. He says, of course it’s you.

Curtis argues with Stella about Jordan, Michael wants Ava to pay, and Carly asks why Nelle would do anything to help them.

The Real Housewives of New York City

When we last left the Wives, Ramona kept repeating, “Are you kidding me?” twenty-thousand times, after Bethenny told her she hadn’t been a good friend.

Ramona says, “wow,” a few times too. She talks about when Bethenny was sick and she visited. Bethenny informs her that those are crisis moments, and most people rise to the occasion. Ramona says Bethenny has never been there for her the same way. Bethenny brings up some of the idiotic, nasty things Ramona has done, including stealing dresses from her. In a major deflective move, Ramona says Bethenny was topless, had sex in a water bed, and kissed another woman in a film. Bethenny tells her to mention it all, and Ramona says she went out with men for the money. In her interview, Bethenny says she can’t even screw her way to the middle, let alone to the top. Ramona says that Bethenny pretends to be a successful woman, but her brand is done, and Ramona is on top. Bethenny suggests she look at the numbers. In her interview, Ramona says she wants to hurt Bethenny because Bethenny is hurting her. She says Bethenny has always been paid for, while she is a self-made woman. I wonder how much alimony she’s getting. Ramona starts crying about her marriage. Bethenny tells her that she doesn’t see herself, and Ramona calls her an opportunist and user. She says Bethenny is broken, and she feels sorry for her. Ramona says that she loves people, but Bethenny attacked her, so she’s attacking back. Bethenny says she did nothing of the sort, but the truth came out, and Ramona calls her Bethenny the bitchy witch because Ramona has the insult capability of a five-year-old. Bethenny says it figures nobody else was there, and no one will understand what just happened.

Ramona complains to Dorinda about Bethenny. Sonja says she told Ramona to leave Bethenny alone. Ramona tells her own version of the story, which is very different from what we just saw. Bethenny talks to Carole, saying that it defies description, and every jealous thing Ramona has been storing up, came out. In her interview, Sonja says she’s not giving what Ramona says much credence. Ramona claims that Bethenny had sex for money. Dorinda comes to Bethenny’s room, and Bethenny says she’s leaving. Ramona continues to spin everything that Bethenny has ever done. Dorinda says every time Bethenny comes there, it’s a nightmare for her, and she wishes Ramona was the one leaving. Carole says she’ll go back to the city with her. Ramona calls her a loser, saying that Bethenny is just using her. As Bethenny is leaving, Ramona says, you started it (omg, she really is five), and Bethenny says as long as she’s happy with herself. Bethenny tells Ramona that she got her way, and they’ll never speak again. Ramona asks why she’s such a vicious bitch, and Bethenny tells her, that’s why. Ramona insists she was just trying to apologize, doesn’t get what’s wrong with Bethenny, and babbles about how they’ll get over it. Bethenny says she’s never coming back here again.

Feeling better, Tinsley comes downstairs, and is like, wow. Dorinda asks if she was there for the whole thing, but she says she couldn’t, and asks what happened. Dorinda says she didn’t expect such a tremendous argument, but there’s always next year. She talks about coming down to get water at 2 am, and finding Sonja sleeping sitting up at the dining room table. She nearly freaked out, thinking Sonja had died from a heart attack. We all start laughing, as Dorinda paints a picture of her waking Sonja in a panic.

Ramona’s phone rings. In her interview, she says she knows she drank too much and had a loose tongue, but doesn’t remember what she said. However, when she talks to the other women, Ramona makes something else up, including that she’d been defending Dorinda. We flash back to when Ramona criticized Dorinda about John. In her interview, Dorinda says Ramona is trying to backtrack. The Countess LuAnn appears, and says she’s there to make eggs a la Française, which is the cure-all for everything. In her interview, Dorinda tells us that Sonja decided to wear a beautiful pair of pajamas her late husband had given her – that were in a zipped bag in the closet. Doesn’t Sonja have her own loungewear? They are really nice.

Ramona talks to herself about Bethenny as she packs. Seriously, there is something wrong with this woman. Dorinda bids good-by to Luann, and says another one down. Sonja jumps on Tinsley’s bed, and tells her that she’s decided to invade Tinsley’s space. Tinsley says she knows she’s living at Sonja’s, but it’s unfair to make her uncomfortable. She thinks Sonja blew the Conner thing out of proportion. Sonja thinks she’s been easy-going, yet reminds Tinsley again that she can’t use Conner. Tinsley says she’s got it. In her interview, Dorinda says she loves to see them coming, and loves to see the going. Finally, everyone is out.

Back at Dorinda’s apartment on the UES, Dorinda unpacks. She says Ramona trashed her room in the Berkshires, pulling light fixtures off the wall. We see a picture, and I think, who does that? I’m sure I’ve been as drunk as you can get, and I have never once pulled anyone’s light fixtures off the wall. Dorinda says the house in the Berkshires is her home and a legacy, and enough has been taken from her. I’d have Ramona freaking arrested. Dorinda says that Ramona never even said a word. She wonders if Ramona treats all of her friends like this. I’d change Ramona’s tagline to, If you like me, you must have no taste. I also have to mention that her pupils are HUGE. Just sayin’.

Tinsley visits Carole. Carole wonders how Tinsley can still be living at Sonja’s, and is going to show her an apartment in the building. In her interview, Carole says she wants to take Tinsley under her wing a bit. Tinsley says she doesn’t want to overstay her welcome. Carole shows her the apartment along with the owner. It’s gorgeous, no surprise, and also huge. And $7,100 a month. They go back to Carole’s, where Adam is creating a salad for lunch. Carole talks about an art gallery opening, and they discuss the building and the area. Tinsley is concerned about being too far from where she gets her blow-out. Carole wonders if she really wants a change, or does she want to repeat her past life? Adam takes blog pics of them eating the salad. If I could afford it, I’d move in there in a heartbeat. Or a New York minute as it were.

Bethenny and her assistant go over her schedule. Bethenny is feeling overloaded. She finds a dead moth in the closet that she spent ten grand to de-mothify. Her assistant looks up the moth on the internet.

Dorinda meets Jill Zarin and her husband, Bobby, at a restaurant. Dorinda and her late husband had been friends with them. Jill talks about having a luncheon way back when, and we see an old clip with Dorinda in it. Luann arrives with Tom in tow.  The Zarins have been invited to the wedding. Dorinda talks about the fight in the Berkshires. Luann adds that Ramona had been swilling pinot, and brings up Ramona’s interest in Tom’s behavior. Tom says Ramona has made it her mission to dig up dirt on him. Luann says that they don’t let gossip interfere with their relationship. Jill talks about when Ramona blew off her party to do something else, and we see some old clips of altercations between the two of them. Tom says he doesn’t care so much, but feels badly for Luann. Jill says that Ramona’s life is such a mess, she wants everyone else’s to be a mess. She’s lonely, so she wants everyone else to be. Dorinda thinks Ramona isn’t unhappy, but going through something. Like what? Menopause? Jill gets nosy about who was invited to the wedding.

Carole arrives at the gallery opening. She is the subject of many a painting, being the nude muse for the artist. Carole greets Dorinda. They discuss the fight, and Carole thinks both Ramona and Bethenny are coming. Dorinda is about to say something important, when Tinsley interrupts. Dorinda tells them that her house was destroyed, and Ramona’s room was a disaster area. Bethenny joins them, wondering if the topless paintings will bother anyone. Dorinda says the room was trashed. She thinks that somehow Ramona feels betrayed. Bethenny says unless she the one who had sex with Mario, she shouldn’t be treated that way.

Ramona makes a grand entrance. Bethenny heads in the other direction. Dorinda talks about how lovely Carole’s natural boobs are. Ramona acts like an over-enthused jerk about her own anatomy, and I’d be embarrassed to be seen with her. Dorinda tells her that her room was a disaster, and it made her feel depressed. Ramona ignores her, and goes on about something else. Dorinda says if she was a bitch, she’d sue Ramona. Do it! Carole’s dentist arrives, and she introduces him to Tinsley because he’s single.

Sonja blows in. Bethenny greets her, and she asks if Bethenny has put the Berkshires behind her. Bethenny says everything Ramona ever did flashed before her eyes, and now she gets how Ramona feels about her. She says she hit the jack pot, and she never saw someone so jealous about it. She tells Sonja that you can’t be a friend with someone who has a rifle pointed at you. Ramona horns into the conversation, saying hello to Sonja, and Bethenny says ttyl. Sonja starts to reprimand Ramona, but Ramona interrupts, reminding her of last season when Bethenny said she was never talking to Sonja again. She calls Bethenny judgmental, and says she has two sets of rules, and she’s sick of it. I know people who are like that, but I don’t think Bethenny is one of them. Sonja says Ramona messed up, but in typical fashion, can never admit she’s wrong.

Dorinda and Carole discuss the paintings.

Tom and Luann head out to Palm Beach. In her interview, Luann says she’s happy, excited, and nervous; it’s overwhelming and fabulous at the same time. She says they’ve been through hell, but they got through it. They discuss some details in the car. She thinks they shouldn’t be together the night before. Ooh, it’s a private helicopter. Luann says she got the glass slipper and that’s why they’re all pissed off.

This season, sun and fun, snow and fun, Carole sets up Tinsley, Harry makes an appearance, suckerfish Jason Hoppy gets arrested for stalking, a party in Mexico, Bethenny and Ramona tangle some more, and Tinsley and Sonja rumble. Sonja says, welcome to her friend group, like they’re toddlers, which is appropriate.

🎉 Tonight, Andy Cohen’s Then & Now covered 1981 – one of my favorite years! Morgan Fairchild was on the cover of every magazine; Tori Spelling got her first job on Vegas – her one line being “Hi, Uncle Dan.” Dynasty was the big TV show, and also bred shoulder pads. They were in every garment too. Since I’m built like a small football player, I was constantly removing them. The connection to today’s obsession with rich reality TV families, like the Kardashians and the Real Housewives was discussed. Ronald Reagan became POTUS, and was also shot, telling Nancy that he forgot to duck. MTV was born, with Video Killed the Radio Star being its first effort. Bevy Smith commented that it looked like something from a puppet theater, which made me laugh. Truth! The B52s were also interviewed. Fred Schneider is friends with someone I know, and we’ve crossed paths occasionally. Unfortunately, I’ve yet to get a chance to sing Love Shack with him at karaoke.

The Royal Wedding happened, and even I got up before the crack of dawn to watch. It was commented that, although beautiful, Diana’s dress looked heavy and miserable, and that the marriage went much the same way. Lisa Vanderpump also married Ken Todd that year, and used the same dress designer. I think I actually like her dress better. Less poufy. We also now know where Andy keeps his stash – in a Charles and Diana commemorative tea tin. General Hospital‘s Luke and Laura were also wed. I was there too, albeit through my VCR. It was talked about how today, protests would be had and tweets would be sent over the storyline of a rapist marrying their victim. Mommie Dearest was a top film, and also the basis for RuPaul’s Drag Race persona. We also met the first child conceived by IVF, who talked about being trotted out at every life milestone to prove she was still “normal.”

Next time, 2008, Britney Spear’s downfall, Bernie Madoff, and the Octomom.

🍳 MasterChef was still passing out white aprons, the last one going to a cowboy cook. The loser said he was going home proud, as he should be, and that he lost fair and square to a guy with a good cupcake.

🍴 On The f Word, James Corden, funny as usual, competed with Gordon in a cookoff and lost. He commented on how different Gordon was on this show, saying he thought he was always grumpy in the kitchen. The Cooking Cubans faced School Pride in the restaurant challenge, School Pride winning with the most succulent Southern-style pork chop ever. Gordon also fed some NASCAR drivers, and did a spin around the track of his own. Next time, Katy Perry is up against Gordon, and there’s scuba diving for dinner.

 

Jun3

June 2, 2017 – Ava’s Aftermath, Gordon Does It Again & a Tetrad of Quotes

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

General Hospital

Anna thanks Lulu for keeping Emma overnight. She also wants to find out what Charlotte understands and what Lulu knows. Lulu says she gave Charlotte minimal details, telling her that her father is in the hospital. Anna says it was a bad injury, but not life-threatening. Lulu asks what happens to Valentin next.

Valentin asks Nurse Deanna, who does he talk to about getting out of the hospital?

Carly asks Kristina if she’s talked to her dad, but Kristina says Michael filled her in. She says Ava is getting what she deserves, and Carly agrees.

Ava opens her eyes. Griff tells her that she’s in the hospital and to relax. She’s been in a pretty severe accident.

Julian asks Alexis what she’s doing at the hospital. She says she heard about Ava. He says it’s not good. He starts to tear up, and Alexis hugs him.

Kiki visits Sonny, who lies, saying he’s sorry. She asks what her mother did to Morgan.

Nathan sees Amy at Kelly’s. He wants to talk. He shows her an article about Man Landers being poised for a book deal.

Carly thanks Kristina for hiring Morgan; it gave him a sense of stability and purpose. Kristina jokes that she wanted someone to boss around, and Carly calls her a good sister. Carly sees Andre, and goes to talk to him. She tells him that she’s not great, but thanks him for everything he did to help them.

Sonny explains to Kiki that Ava tried to cause a breakdown by replacing Morgan’s lithium with a placebo. She admitted it, but they’d also found placebo dust in the bottle. Kiki says she used Avery as her way into the house. She doesn’t understand why Ava would do this to Morgan, and Sonny tells her that if Morgan was in the hospital, Kiki would have been free of him.

Griff tells Ava she’s on a morphine drip, and she has to rest. He doesn’t know where they’re going with treatment until they assess the nerve damage.

Alexis says she’s there for Julian, and she also has good news. She tells him that her law license has been reinstated. Julian congratulates her, and moves in for a hug. She says one hug is plenty. Ha-ha! He says that he should fire Scotty and hire her, but he wouldn’t drag her back into his mess. Griff comes out, and tells them that Ava is awake.

Deanna tells Valentin to give himself time to recover. He says he has things he has to get back to, and asks if she can speed things along, acting all charming.

Anna tells Lulu that Valentin will stand trial, and most likely go to prison. Lulu wonders about Charlotte. Anna says she has to fight for custody, or Charlotte will end up a ward of the state. Anna gets a message that it’s time to arrest Valentin.

Amy tells Nathan not to believe everything he reads online. Kristina arrives, and Amy says that she has perfect timing. Nathan explains to Kristina that Amy has been writing advice columns and using his picture. He asked her to take it down, and now he has a book deal. He tells Amy that he can’t be a cop by day and an advice columnist by night. He asks for one reason he shouldn’t arrest her for identity theft.

Sonny brings Avery downstairs. Kiki comments on how big she is because of soap super-speed child aging. Just wait, Kiki. By next year, she’ll be in high school.

Julian talks to Ava. He tells her that she had him worried. They might fight like cats and dogs, but that’s how they express their love. He tells her that Kiki was there all night.

Kiki thanks Sonny, and he says Avery is her sister; she can see her any time. He says that Kiki is as much of a victim as Morgan was. Sonny tells her not to take Ava’s guilt on herself. Kiki says she can hear it already – Ava was doing it to protect her. She flashes back to Ava saying that whatever she did, she did for Kiki’s well-being. Kiki realizes that Ava practically told her. She says she must have been talking about switching Morgan’s pills. Sonny says that Ava is a master of excuses, but Kiki doesn’t have to buy into it; it’s on Ava. Kiki tells him to protect Avery from her mother.

Andre tells Carly what Ava did was the worst kind of sabotage. Carly says Ava doesn’t have a conscience. He says had Morgan lived, they never would have gotten an accurate read on his condition. He would have been hurting Morgan while trying to help him, a nightmare scenario for a doctor. Carly says at least they know the truth, but when Andre asks if she’s gotten closure, she says no.

Anna goes to Valentin’s room, but he’s gone. Deanna tells her that Valentin signed himself out against medical advice.

Lulu tries to get the kids moving for school. The doorbell rings. It’s Valentin.

Amy begs Nathan not to arrest her. He says he’s a detective and has to interact with people. He can’t perform those duties if people are asking him relationship questions. Amy says she took the picture down. Nathan has to go to work, and tells her that he won’t say anything, but it had better not come back to him. He leaves, and Amy says that was close, and thanks Kristina for the assist. Kristina asks why she used Nathan’s picture, and Amy says everyone wondered what Man Landers looked like. She wishes Nathan understood how important it is.

Carly says she still feels the same hopeless ache, and Andre says grief isn’t that simple to get over. She says that she thought there would be comfort in justice, but there is no justice; it won’t bring Morgan back. Sonny appears.

Ava moans. Griff says they can’t completely neutralize the pain. Julian asks if she’s going to be fine after surgery. Griff says it’s too soon to speculate, and tells him to wait outside.

Sonny thanks Andre, who was glad to help. Andre goes back to not working, and Carly says that Sonny must be there for the same reason she is. He says he feels close to Morgan there, and Carly says that she does too. Morgan had hope for the future there, but it’s gone because of Ava. Sonny says that Ava isn’t done suffering.

Lulu asks why Valentin is there, and he says to pick up Charlotte. Charlotte comes out, thrilled to see him. She tells him that she was scared. Lulu says she’ll take the kids to school. When Charlotte goes to get her lunchbox, Lulu tells Valentin that she doesn’t think it’s a good idea for him to have Charlotte with him right now. He’s about to be arrested.

Alexis opens the door to find Julian on the porch. He gives her some flowers to celebrate her law license. She says she thought it was a retainer. He’s going to need a defense attorney, since Scotty has his hands tied. She asks if Port Charles should be bracing itself for more bloodshed.

Sonny tells Carly that it’s best if Ava doesn’t see Avery at all, and talks about Kiki’s visit. Carly says as much as she hates Ava, she didn’t wish this on her. She wants Ava tried, and asks what if she just walks away again? They have no way to be sure she’ll pay for what she did. Sonny says she will.

Lulu tells Valentin that the WSB is going to have him tried by the ICC. She tells him to spare Charlotte seeing it happen, and asks him to give her secondary custody, so he can leave the country. She tells him to do what’s best for Charlotte. Charlotte comes out, and Lulu leaves to help Rocco find his shoe or something.

Anna tells Nathan that they have to check the airports. She also has an officer at Charlotte’s school. Griff asks if Valentin is gone. Anna says he checked himself out. When he asks why Valentin hadn’t been handcuffed, she says he hadn’t been under arrest yet. Griff asks why Anna isn’t more upset. She says Valentin was running for his life when he sold the Chimera, and wasn’t responsible for what happened at the Nurses Ball. It was like Helena set him up to take the fall. He asks if Anna feels sorry for Valentin, but he says it more like, you don’t feel sorry for him, do you? The same way that when I want to finish the cookies, I say, no one wants anymore cookies, do they?

Lulu comes out to find Valentin and Charlotte gone. Charlotte’s lunchbox has been left on the table.

Kristina tells Amy that Nathan is a nice guy, but he has a point. Amy says she took the picture down. She says guys like taking advice from other guys, and women like to take advice from good-looking men. Kristina suggests she take credit for her own creation.

Griff tells Anna that Valentin needs to pay for what he did to Nicholas and Claudette. Anna says those are separate issues, but he’ll be convicted on Alex’s word for this. She says they were friends, and she reacted badly when he wanted more. It made him vulnerable, and Alex took advantage of it. He’s not innocent, but not completely guilty. Lulu calls, and tells Anna that Valentin took off with Charlotte.

Julian tells Alexis that he’d like Sonny to feel the same pain. Alexis says Sonny and Carly probably felt the same way after Morgan’s death. Ava started the fire, and he can’t blame Sonny. Alexis asks if he doesn’t want revenge, and Julian says he’s not starting another cycle of violence. Alexis says that he’s said that before. He says he meant it, but she says he still went back. Julian says that he thought it was the only way to protect the people he loved. Now, there’s no one to protect. Alexis isn’t sure that’s true. He says she didn’t turn him away, and asks if there’s hope for them.

Sonny comes into Ava’s room. She asks if it’s Kiki, and he says, guess again. Really? Really? He’d be allowed in there under what circumstances? Plus, because of the possibility of infection, whoever comes in has to wear all kinds of gear. Did no one notice him putting all that on? Sometimes the suspension of belief is hard, even for me. And I would never, ever agree to be put in this hospital. I don’t care if the next closest one is in Albuquerque.

Kristina insists that Amy can do it on her own, but Amy says content is only half the battle. She wonders if she can change Nathan’s mind. Her phone rings. She’s got an unofficial offer for the book. Kristina congratulates her, but Amy says they want to meet Man Landers.

Nathan and Anna go to Lulu’s place. She tells them what happened, and says it’s all her fault. She wanted to do what was best for Charlotte, and told Valentin about the arrest. She wanted him to sign over secondary custody, but instead he ran. What if she never sees Charlotte again? Well, yeah, Lulu, it is all your fault, because you were really just thinking about what’s best for you, as usual.

Valentin tells Charlotte that they’re going someplace special, where no one will bother them again.

Julian apologizes for hurting Alexis. He says he made mistakes, but loving her wasn’t one of them. It made him a better man. With everything that’s happened, he thinks he could get it right this time. She wishes she could believe him, but she can’t. Not today. She thanks him for the flowers, and goes inside. Julian says it wasn’t a no.

Kiki sees Carly at Perks. She says she heard what happened, and she’s sorry. Carly says she’s not responsible, and Kiki says that’s what Sonny said, but Ava did it because of her. She went after Morgan, and did the worst thing she possibly could. If it wasn’t for her, he would still be alive. Carly says that none of it is her fault, and Kiki says she really loved him. Carly says she believes her, and he loved her too. Kiki says it got him killed. They hug. Carly says Ava is responsible, and repeats that none of this is Kiki’s fault. They hug some more.

Sonny looks very scary. He messes with one of the plugs that hooks Ava to a machine. He says that Kiki wants nothing to do with her. He calls her a twisted, selfish monster, and asks how she feels about everyone knowing what she did and who she is. She sealed her own fate, and deserves what she’s getting. Ava asks him to kill her. This is freaking me out a little.

On Monday, Laura tells Elizabeth there’s something she doesn’t know, Anna asks Nina for help, and Carly isn’t stopping Sonny this time.

The f Word with Gordon Ramsay

It was everything I’d hoped it would be.

This is a different Gordon than we’re used to seeing; kinder, gentler, and more fun-loving. We get a bit of it on MasterChef Junior, but this is more adult fare. This time, The f Word stands for food, fun and family. I’ve always liked Gordon. Even with all his screaming, yelling, and real f-words, my gut feeling has been that he’s one of the good guys; he really seems to care about people. On both Kitchen Nightmares and Hotel Nightmares, he’s not only had to turn around businesses, but people’s lives. I’ve seen him wear many hats, being a marriage counselor and a psychologist, helping families build something better, even if he has to smash what exists to do it.

The challenge part of the show was between The Spice Boys (blue team) and The Sexy Paesans (red team). They cooked dinner for a restaurant full of people, who filled out cards saying whether they would pay actual money for the meal. The team with the highest percentage was the winner. The ladies won, but it was close. I don’t know what the prize was, since I spaced out. Maybe just being in Gordon’s presence was enough.

The show didn’t disappoint with celebrity appearances by Jamie Fox, Snoop Dogg, and Kevin Spacey. Gordon discussed philanthropy with Jamie, who has his own Beat Shazam going on. There was also a nice interview with Snoop and his kids, where he told us that you can’t go wrong with a bowl of cereal and milk. I assume he consumes a bowl of something else first. Kevin and Gordon played some tennis and did some grilling, with Kevin choosing the ingredients – swordfish, couscous, and asparagus – and Gordon making the dish. Kevin also talked about playing Clarence Darrow on Broadway.

The home audience wasn’t left out, with Gordon encouraging Instagrams of food. He told us that if it looks good, they might show it, but if it doesn’t look good, they definitely will. Gordon put his acting skills to the test, playing a prank on his former head chef, by disguising himself and attending a class she was giving. He was surprisingly convincing, and her reaction was everything.

There was also schmoozing with the restaurant guests, including a couple who was on their first date. Dude, you will never be able to top this. Your dating life is downhill from here.

Quotes of the Week

Never miss a chance to shut up. – Dr. Phil’s dad

Those who hate you don’t win. unless you hate them, and then you destroy yourself. – Richard M. Nixon

Do I go to an animal shelter, or do the cats just appear? – Bonnie (Allison Janney) giving up on love, Mom

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

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Jun1

May 31, 2017 – Nina Has a Realization, Bethenny Breaks Down, a Little Scandal & Gordon is Everywhere

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

General Hospital

Jordan and Curtis bask in the afterglow. He tells her that he never thought it would happen, and she says she had to make him work for it a little. She adds that she had a fear of “us.”

Nathan talks to Anna. She tells him the Chimera canister has been destroyed under her personal supervision.

Nina stands by Valentin’s hospital bed. She tells him he’s going in for surgery. He saved her life, and got shot for it. Valentin asks her to promise to remember that no matter what, he loves her. She asks what he means by “no matter what.”

Anna tells Laura that it’s a complex situation. Lulu asks if anyone was hurt, and Anna tells them that Valentin was shot and is in surgery.

Kiki leaves a voicemail for Ava, because she has no clue what’s going on yet. Dillon brings fresh coffee to the hospital for her. She thanks him, saying tonight is going to be a long one. There’s a patient in the burn unit who needs extra staff, so she has to help pick up the slack elsewhere.

At the station, Dante tells Sonny and Carly that Ava is in critical condition. Sonny says they gave their statement, and Carly says they have nothing to hide. Dante asks why they were in the warehouse. Sonny says they were confronting Ava about what she did to Morgan. Carly tells Dante that Ava drove him to his death by replacing his lithium with placebos.

Nina tells Valentin he’s going to be okay. She says he loved her enough to sing to her in front of everyone. She tells him that he needs to be okay; she and Charlotte are depending on him. He wants her to check on Charlotte, and she says when she comes back, he’s going to be awake and fine, or he’ll never hear the end of it.

Anna explains everything to Laura and Lulu about how Valentin sold the Chimera to Helena. Laura says the only thing she ever believed about Valentin was that he loathed Helena. Anna says he needed the money, and Valentin thought Helena died without using it, but she’d programmed Jake. She asks if she can leave Emma for the night; she has some things to finish. Lulu asks what she should tell Charlotte. Anna says she’ll check at the hospital and text her. Laura asks what about Valentin’s involvement? Anna says to tell Charlotte that her father was very brave; it’s too soon to say anything else.

Nina runs into Nathan and thanks him. He says he has to talk to her about Valentin. There’s a lot she doesn’t know about his involvement in the Chimera Project. She says they’ll have to talk later; she has to check on Charlotte. In all the excitement, I forgot to mention that Nina is wearing the most beautiful purple sequined ballgown with a mermaid hem. It’s like something out of an Estée Lauder or Lancôme commercial.

Jordan tells Curtis that he exceeded her expectations. He’s a bedroom god and has ruined her for all other men. She says she feels blessed and grateful. Curtis says just wait. He’s going to render her speechless.

Kiki asks if Dillon thought her mother was acting strangely, and he says yes. If it was anyone else, he would have thought she was just being a mom. Kiki says she seemed intense, but distracted.

Dante asks if Sonny and Carly have proof of Ava’s involvement in Morgan’s death. Carly says Ava admitted it. Dante asks what they found at the warehouse. Carly says it was dark, but they eventually came across Ava with a kerosene lamp. Dante asks if that’s how the fire started, and Sonny says it started when she threw the lamp at Carly. Well, that’s not exactly what she did, or she has seriously bad aim.

Curtis asks what Jordan wants to do about dinner, and she can’t believe he’s thinking about food. Not for long. They start getting busy again.

Nathan says he guesses this is the classified business Anna had with Alex at the airport. Anna explains about their falling out, and how her sister impersonated her. She says in Helena’s last act, she was almost successful in programming Jake, but in the end, it was Valentin who got the Chimera back to her.

Laura tells Lulu not to judge herself. If Valentin drops off the face of the earth, it would solve her problems, and her brother’s murderer would get what’s coming to him. If he doesn’t pull through, she has nothing to feel guilty about. Lulu says Charlotte adores him, and she doesn’t want her to go through that kind of pain. The doorbell rings. It’s Nina.

Carly repeats that Ava admitted she switched the pills to keep Morgan away from Kiki. Dante is skeptical. Carly says if her plan had worked, Morgan would be over-medicated in Freedman, but still alive. Sonny says Ava’s miserable life wouldn’t have been worth the trouble of him killing her. Dante is still doubtful of them going there just to discuss things. Carly calls Ava a coward, telling Dante that Ava threw the lamp after she called Ava out.

Kiki tells Dillon that Ava thinks she’ll have more access to Avery if Carly is divorced from Sonny. She says she can’t get drawn in again. Epiphany comes out, and tells Kiki that she has bad news.

Nina asks about Charlotte, and Lulu says she’s sleeping like an angel, inviting Nina in. Laura says they heard Valentin was shot. Nina says she knows he’s not her favorite person, but he was a hero. Lulu says she doesn’t know. Laura says everything that happened was set into motion by Valentin.

Anna tells Nathan what happened, and how she and Valentin argued over the Chimera. She says in the midst of it, they got a call from Nina. While Valentin went to outwit, outplay and outlast Nina’s abductors, she went to get the Chimera annihilated. Now, it’s no longer a threat to anyone.

Curtis tells Jordan to never stop challenging him, and Jordan says he’s worth the trouble. They’re about to kiss, and Jordan’s phone rings. She says it’s Anna. He says what has Anna done except get her in trouble, but Jordan says that Anna is the one who told her to go for it with him. She has to go to work, and tells him that it’s a classified event. Curtis says he hates letting her go, but knows it can’t wait. She promises to make it up to him.

Sonny tells Dante that Ava used the distraction of Carly falling to pull out her gun and accuse him of Morgan’s death. Carly says by the time the fire spread, they were on opposite sides of it. Sonny says there was a back door, and Dante asks why she didn’t use it. Carly says they were trying to find their own way out, and weren’t thinking about Ava’s escape route.

Epiphany tells Kiki that the burn patient is her mother.

Curtis puts the empty room service tray in the hallway. Grace walks by. She’s there for an interview, and asks what he’s doing in a hotel, and if the room service is that good. He says he didn’t dine alone. Grace asks if he wants to grab a drink.

Anna tells Jordan that the weapon has been neutralized. Jordan asks how it got there, and Anna explains about Helena programming Jake. She says that Jordan needs to know that Valentin sold it to Helena after her sister got him to steal it for her.

Laura tells Nina that Valentin stole the biotoxin years ago and sold it to Helena. Nina says he hated Helena, but Laura says he was a fugitive and needed the money for surgeries. Nina says it was decades ago. Lulu tells her that Helena literally programmed Jake to use it. Since Charlotte and Emma were next to him, they would have been the first to be exposed.

Kiki asks Epiphany how bad Ava is, but she’s still being evaluated. Kiki wants to see her, but Epiphany says she can’t. Dillon asks if they know anything, and Epiphany says she has burns over 50% of her body. Kiki asks if she’s saying Ava could die

Carly tells Dante that the warehouse is like a maze, and it’s amazing (I don’t think pun intended, but she used that word) that they found their way out. She says they called 911 immediately when they got outside. Sonny says that Ava started the fire and trapped herself.

Curtis tells Grace he’ll take a pass. He doesn’t want to mess things up. Grace says she must be something else, and she’s happy for him. He says no, she’s not, and she says to wish her luck; they might end up being neighbors.

Jordan asks about Anna’s health, and Anna says Alex arranged for her to be treated. She’s back now, and the Chimera is destroyed. Other than Valentin, no one was hurt. Nathan tells them that the surgery is over. I can’t help thinking there’s still something up with this Chimera business. The fact that it’s not a threat anymore has been repeated a million times. Usually, that means something is still a threat.

Nina tells Laura and Lulu that Anna’s version of the truth isn’t the truth, because they know how it is where Valentin is concerned. Lulu says that Anna did claim there were mitigating circumstances, but Laura says that if Valentin hadn’t sold it in the first place, this wouldn’t have happened. Nina remembers Valentin telling her that she transformed him, and he had been a bad man. She says omg, it was him. I’m saying, omg, how about Anna’s involvement and being a double-agent? I guess we’re bypassing that.

Dante tells Sonny and Carly they’re free to go. After he’s out of the room, Carly tells Sonny that maybe they shouldn’t have talked without Diane. Sonny says the evidence backs them up. They’ll figure out that Ava did it to herself. He tells Carly not to waste her compassion. I guess like most husbands, he wasn’t really listening, since she was only being concerned about the two of them.

Epiphany tells Kiki that Ava is getting the best care. Kiki asks her to tell Ava that she loves her. Kiki asks Dillon how this could have happened. Dante comes by, and Dillon asks him how this happened. Dante explains that Ava had a confrontation with Sonny and Carly. Kiki asks if it was about Avery, but Dante says it was about her involvement in Morgan’s death.

Carly says last thing she feels is compassion. Sonny talks about Morgan thinking his own mind had turned against him. He says Ava doesn’t have a clue, and he doesn’t care that she’s going through this hell. Carly says she doesn’t want to let this go, and what do they do if she lives? Sonny says hope she gets caught, tried, and put away. Carly says it won’t bring Morgan back, but Sonny tells her that they have no more questions. They finally know why he died. Carly thought it would lessen the grief, and says she needs to go. She has to figure out what to tell Josslyn. Sonny says at least Avery is too young. Carly tells him to give her a hug and take care of himself.

Kiki says Ava had nothing to do with the bomb. Dante says he’s sure she must have noticed Morgan’s behavior, and it was because he wasn’t getting his lithium. He explains about Ava replacing the pills. Kiki doesn’t want to believe it, but Dante says she admitted it to Carly and Sonny. Kiki says omg, and starts crying. Dillon comforts her. I hope she doesn’t get stupid again, and let this come between them.

Nina says that Valentin never told her about the Chimera, but there was something about his past that he regretted. Lulu says not enough to warn somebody. He left it out there like a ticking bomb for it to be used against their children. Nina asks her not to tell Charlotte. Lulu says she didn’t want it to go down like this. Nina gathers up the bottom of her fabulous dress, and says she’ll talk to them later.

Anna enters Valentin’s room. He asks about Charlotte, and Anna says she’s fine and at Lulu’s. He asks about Nina, but she doesn’t know. She says the bullet passed his vital organs, and he’s lucky. He says he doesn’t feel lucky, and asks about the Chimera. Anna tells him that she personally supervised its destruction. She says the WSB has Alex in custody. She’s going to tell them that he stole it, and he’ll be charged with treason, among other crimes, and will probably be put away for rest of his life. She takes his hand and he makes the Saddest. Face. Ever.

Tomorrow, Diane tells Alexis she’s a lawyer again, Michael wants to take care of Nelle, And Julian gets the news about Ava.

The Real Housewives of New York City

Idiot, and/or liar, Luann tells Dorinda that she trusts Tom 100%. She says Ramona has been calling Tom’s friends to get dirt on him. Ramona appears, and Dorinda tries to tell her what they were talking about, but Luann talks over her about happiness with Tom and blah-blah-blah. Ramona says if she was getting married in two weeks, she’d want to know if he hasn’t changed. Luann says she still texts with Jacques, and she’s not changing a guy of that age. Ramona says he’s still kissing other women, but Luann insists he’s with her 24/7. Ramona asks why she’s lying.

Magically, Bethenny and Carole have joined them. Bethenny says they just want to make sure it’s all good. Ramona wants Luann to admit that Tom’s philandering hasn’t stopped. Luann says he has female friends, but Ramona says he takes them out to dinner, and pushes himself on them. Bethenny says cracks become craters, and brings up how he was making out with someone before the engagement party. Luann says it was a year ago, but it’s only been six months. Ramona says they just want to make sure she doesn’t find something out later that will devastate her. She says she was the last to know, and it was terrible. She adds that it is what it is.

Bethenny says Carole was concerned that Luann was having second thoughts. We flash back to Carole’s conversation with Barbara. In her interview, Carole says she thinks Luann knows what she’s doing and what she’s getting. Luann tells the women that they’re confident in who they are and what they’re doing. She says they’re happy, and talks about their lifestyle. Bethenny quietly tells Tinsley that she thinks Luann is looking at Palm Beach and parties rather than marriage. Luann says there’s no question in her mind, and there shouldn’t be in anyone else’s. Dorinda says it’s time to put it to bed now. Somehow, all of the women have ended up in the conversation circle at this point.

Sonja tells Luann that there’s always someone who’s jealous and wants to ruin it for you. In her interview, Sonja says she’s already on thin ice with Luann and Tom, so she’s not saying anything. Carole says they’ve said all they can say. Bethenny tells a few of the women that it’s the trick guy syndrome – he wasn’t hot or popular in high school, then gets money and goes crazy; they’re like sleeper cells.

Bethenny has doubts that Luann doesn’t have doubts. She says they could say he murdered someone, and she’d be okay with it. Carole asks Tinsley if she listened to anyone, and she says no. In her interview, she says it took a great fall for her to realize. Sonja feels badly, but says they need to stay out of it. Carole wonders why all these women want him, and Bethenny says his d*ck shoots diamonds. Must be, because I can’t figure it out either.

Ramona insists to Sonja that Bethenny is engaging with her, but Sonja thinks Bethenny is ignoring her. Ramona tells Sonja that she and Bethenny have always had a shallow great relationship, and she understands what topics are off-limits now. She made a mistake, but it wasn’t out of maliciousness, and she wants to address it at some point. Sonja approves.

Dorinda has little stockings with candy canes in them at each place setting. Bethenny asks Tinsley how she’s liking this crew. Tinsley says that she and Sonja have had differences lately, but Bethenny says that will happen when you live together. Tinsley tells her that Sonja has a tendency to talk down to her.

The ladies decide to start up one of the fireplaces. Carole claims to know what she’s doing. In her interview, she says her fire was on point, but she thinks she burned some doorstoppers. Luann joins them. Bethenny congratulates her, and she sends a congrats back for the divorce. Bethenny says it’s almost over, and apologizes for the altercation she and Luann had same place last year. Dorinda comes in, and tells them the fireplace doesn’t work. Yep. The room is full of smoke. So much for Carole’s Girl Scouting abilities, although she claims no responsibility for a broken flue. Well, she might have asked if it was okay first. In her interview, Dorinda says it’s like taking care of toddlers.

Tinsley talks about wanting a relationship with someone older than thirty. Luann says you have to go with your gut. Bethenny says that’s what got her in the toilet bowl, but Luann says she does have her daughter. Bethenny says she never would have imagined what was going to happen. She’s in a negative torturous situation, and holding on by a thread. Dorinda thinks Bethenny is emotionally heightened because of what’s going on in her own life. Luann says you just move on to the next phase; there’s a reason the rearview mirror is smaller than the windshield. Bethenny says she’s still in the same phase, and feels like she’ll never be done. She says she’s in hell, and it will never end.

While she’s talking, Ramona and Sonja literally skip in holding hands. I can’t even. Dorinda says she loves John, but she’s finding it hard to jump to the next level of commitment. Bethenny goes into the other room and cries. In her interview, she says she feels hopeless sometimes, like her ex is untouchable and she’ll never get out of this. Luann finds Bethenny, and says she didn’t mean to upset her; she didn’t realize it wasn’t over. Bethenny says she didn’t know, and not her fault. She starts to cry again, and tells Luann she thinks she’s making a big mistake and that Tom is cheating on her.

Dorinda asks why Bethenny is crying, and Carole explains how things have gotten worse with suckerfish Jason Hoppy. Bethenny tells Luann that if she has any doubts, she doesn’t have to go through with it. Luann says she’s good. Bethenny says she’s not a big sharer, but she’s not okay. She and Luann hug. Bethenny says if someone’s life is to torture you, you’re not okay. Carole tells the other women about Bethenny’s creepy cling-on cross-to-bear, and says he tells Bethenny that she’s a bad mother, calling her by her own mother’s name, who was a bad mother. I’m hoping any visits with the kid are supervised. Bethenny tells Luann that she doesn’t think Tom is a good guy, but Luann says she does. Bethenny wishes someone had pulled her out at the last minute, and she didn’t mean to intrude. Luann says she feels like they’re always being watched, and it’s been nerve-wracking. Bethenny asks if Tom was caught making out with someone tomorrow, if Luann would react the same way, but Luann says it won’t happen again.

Dorinda is talking about how her late husband introduced her to John. Luann returns, and Ramona asks how Bethenny is. Carole goes upstairs to check on her. Ramona and Sonja talk about how they’re always laughing and having fun. That’s because there isn’t a full brain between them, and ignorance is bliss.

Bethenny tells Carole that Luann is sitting up Deepak Chopra’s a-hole with her zen attitude, and she’s living in a fortune cookie. She’s concerned that Ramona is going to make it about her.

Dorinda is serving canned cranberry sauce. Not even the one with berries in it; the solid kind. Really? Everyone gathers in the kitchen to watch her put the meal together. Everybody except me – and maybe Bethenny – is thrilled with the cranberry sauce. For once, Carole is first at the table. Bethenny is hoping Ramona steers clear of her. Ramona spills sauce on one of the upholstered chairs, but Dorinda says not to worry about it, and she’ll deal with it tomorrow. In her interview, Dorinda says there’s something strange about Ramona, and it seems to be intensifying.

A toast to Dorinda! The chicken is served, which compels Carole to bring up how terribly their raised, and that she can show them a video. Dorinda says that on birthdays you should give a gift, and one of them is winning a handmade chocolate Santa. Ramona wins, and says Avery will love it. Carole thinks Ramona is drunk. In her interview, Bethenny says Ramona’s daughter is twenty-two. Is she sending her a chocolate Santa to go with her beer? Ramona toasts to Luann, wishing her a happy life that’s everything she wants it to be.

It’s cake time. Bethenny talks to Luann about Ramona laying it on. Ramona is the only one who doesn’t take her dishes to the kitchen, leaving a mess at her dining table spot. In her interview, Dorinda doesn’t understand where Ramona gets her sense of entitlement. The ladies sing Happy Birthday, and Dorinda blows out the candles.

Suddenly, Ramona is talking in Bethenny’s ear. In her interview, Bethenny says she was like a bat crawling onto her shoulder. Ramona says knows what she did hit Bethenny wrong. She doesn’t want to say she’s sorry, and risk being called The Apologizer, but she’s sorry. Bethenny tells us that Ramona gets the creepiest apology of the year award, adding, is that an apology or are you happy to see me?

At the table, Bethenny talks about all the awkward situations that have happened between them. Ramona says stupid things, and Carole calls her schmaltzy. Ramona tells them how much she loves them – except Tinsley, who’s new and she doesn’t love her that much yet. She proposes a toast to friendship, and Dorinda and Luann say they’re toasted out.

Ramona thinks she and Bethenny made up, but Dorinda says no, she doesn’t think so, and I laugh. Ramona says that Bethenny is making it difficult. Ramona tells Sonja that Bethenny makes her nervous. The girls goof around in the kitchen, saying that Tinsley’s voice makes everything she says sound like a proposition.

Ramona follows Bethenny to the living room. In her interview, she wonders how to fix things if Bethenny won’t let her. Bethenny says she doesn’t want Ramona walking on eggshells. Ramona apologizes again, and says there’s nothing malicious in her. Bethenny asks what she’s done, and Ramona says she doesn’t want to go in the past, but move forward. Bethenny tells Ramona that she hasn’t been a good friend. Ramona says, are you kidding me, like a dozen times.

Next time, Ramona gives Bethenny a list of her faults, Tinsley is uncomfortable at Sonja’s place, and Jill Zarin makes an appearance.

🎉 Tonight, Andy Cohen’s Then & Now presented a look back at scandals and how they’ve impacted us. Lorena Bobbitt, Hugh Grant, Bill Clinton, Rob Lowe, Pam Anderson and Tommy Lee, more sex tapes, Jim Baker and other Evangelical scandals, Amy Fisher, Mary Kay Letourneau and how she and her one-time student squeeze are still together, Hulk Hogan, Tiger Woods, et al. One of the highlights was a lengthy interview with Mary Jo Buttafuoco, who, for the first time, displayed the Members Only jacket that she was wearing when Amy Fisher shot her, albeit torn and pretty bloody. It’s dried since then. I like Mary Jo. She’s a cool person and quite the pragmatist. She also informed us that to this day, ex-husband Joey has never admitted to having an affair with Amy. Next time, 1981 – the Royal Wedding, MTV, and shoulder pads, here we come!

🍰 Master Chef (the one with big people) started its new season tonight, and looks promising. The f Word also premiered, and even though I haven’t seen it yet, thanks to Bravo screwing me over, from the previews, it looks awesome. I’d previously watched the BBC series, and loved it. FOX is rerunning it on Friday at 9 pm. I’ll be there.

 

 

May19

May 18, 2017 – Hayden Makes a Decision, the Small Chefs Have a Winner & Quoting Winter

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Brad pounds on the vending machine after losing his money. Brad is all of us. Finn and Hayden discuss Finn’s next drug test, LOUDLY, and how he has to pass it. Brad comes over and tells them to keep it down. Hayden agrees. Brad thinks the hospital is in real trouble because the pastries in the vending machine suck. When he leaves, Hayden asks Finn if he bought it. Not the pastry; their act.

Laura literally runs into Dillon near Kelly’s. He says he was glad to hear she’s taking over some of Tracy’s responsibilities on the hospital board. She says she has her work cut out for her, and there are big shoes to fill.

Michael tells Kiki he needs a favor.

Nelle is in pain.

Dante makes pancakes. Chocolate chip for a special occasion. Lulu says it’s the first morning they’re spending together as a family.

Nina’s phone rings. It’s Valentin. She ignores it. He leaves a message asking her to call him back. He promises Anna isn’t coming between them again. He made sure of it.

“Anna” wakes up at the foot of the stairs tied to the bannister. She flashes back to asking Valentin if he’s just going to leave her there. He says she’s a secret agent, so she should know what to do. I’m glad he didn’t kill her. Not that I wouldn’t want to see her dead, but I like him too much.

Valentin goes to pick up Charlotte. He speaks to her in French (I love that!), and she says it’s okay; Lulu picked her up. He asks if she had fun. She tells him about playing Memory and the pancakes. Valentin says he’ll walk her to school, but Lulu says Dante can take her, since she and Valentin have a prior engagement. Mrs. Watkins is at the door.

Dr. Lancaster calls Alex (let’s call her who she is now). She says Valentin is on to them, but he says they have a bigger problem. Anna escaped.

Nurse Deanna tells Nelle she can’t get up. Nelle asks how long she’ll have to be there, but they don’t know yet.

Michael tells Kiki he’s not a member of Nelle’s family and can’t get an update. He was hoping she could help him out. She says she just took her exam, but if she passed, she doesn’t want her first act as a nurse’s aid to be breaking the rules. She tells him she’ll check though. She looks on the computer, and says Nelle is accepting visitors. Michael wonders what he’s doing there, when she doesn’t want to see him. Kiki says he’s a good person, and doesn’t waste time on people who don’t deserve it. He must see something good in Nelle.

Laura tells Dillon that she loves the hospital, and wants to do what’s best for it. Lurking Brad appears, and says he hopes she means that. Does he ever work? I want to get him a witch’s hat and broom.

Hayden doesn’t understand Brad’s bitterness. Finn says he didn’t make anything off the cure, but money does funny things to people. I think in this case, what he means is love of money. People misquote that all the time too. It’s the love of money that’s the root of all evil. Finn asks how Hayden is doing. She says she couldn’t sleep; all she could think about was the huge decision she has to make. He asks if she’s made it.

Nina comes to the hospital, and thanks Michael for calling. She asks if he called Nelle’s family, but he says there’s no one to call. Nina says she feels partly responsible. She never should have asked Nelle to get involved in her marital problems. He explains that Nelle doesn’t want to see him, and Nina asks if he wants her to tell Nelle anything. He says to tell her that he’s at the hospital.

Laura asks who Brad is. He explains that he’s in charge of the lab, and says if she’s sincere, he knows a way she can help. Laura asks Dillon to excuse them. She asks Brad what’s up. He says they have a major liability that will bite them in the butt. He asks if she’s aware of Finn’s drug abuse history, and says he’s still using. Laura says that’s a serious accusation, and asks why he didn’t go to Monica. Brad says she’s no better than Tracy. Everyone knows that Finn and Tracy were close, and she did everything to cover for him. He asks if Laura is planning to do the same.

Hayden tells Finn that she weighed the pros and cons. Pro, she’s always wanted kids; con, her life has changed since then. Pro, she could be putting good out in the world; con, if she goes broke raising a child, what good will it do? Finn says that the one important question is, does she want to have a baby right now? She thinks she does.

Valentin tells Mrs. Watkins that he had no idea the nanny was not available for pick-up. Dante gets ready to take the kids to school. They leave, and Mrs. Watkins wants to discuss what happened with Valentin and Lulu. Valentin says there was an unforeseen event and he was unreachable, but by the time he got to Lulu’s, Charlotte was asleep, so they both decided to let her spend the night. Mrs. Watkins says it looks like they worked the matter out among themselves, and she’ll be in touch. She leaves, and Lulu says that went well. Valentin says she seems pleased, and asks what game she’s playing.

Alex tells Dr. Lancaster that Anna was supposed to be sedated. The doctor says that Anna came out of it, and knows they switched identities. If she finds Alex, she’ll force her to tell everything. Alex has to get out – now.

At Kelly’s, Dillon and Kiki kiss. He asks about the test. She says the results will be in soon. He says before she knows it, she’ll be rehearsing the opening number for the Nurses Ball. He asks if he can be her official escort, and she says no.

Hayden says it’s the first time that she’s said she wants the baby out loud. Finn says stranger things have happened, and she says they’ve all happened to her. She asks what about him? He says he thinks he’s ready, but it might not matter. He carried around serious demons which might still be there. He wouldn’t blame her if she wanted him to keep his distance.

Valentin says that the minute school called, Lulu started strategizing. If they were playing chess, she would be three steps ahead. She says she loved having Charlotte over. What she was hoping for, was that when he saw Charlotte was fine, and does belong, he would reconsider the custody arrangement.

Alex goes to the airport and asks about a flight to London. Robin and Emma have just gotten off a plane and see her.

Hayden tells Finn that everyone has baggage, including her. She says it’s the past, like his drug use. He says every day is a fight not to slip; he doesn’t know if he trusts himself yet. She says no matter what happens, he’ll be part of the baby’s life. She says a brush with death changes priorities. She’s alive because of him. He didn’t just come up with the cure, but gave her strength she never knew she had. Finn says he’s capable of things he never would have believed. She says she knows it’s a shock, but she never thought he was perfect. He has the strength to recover. She says maybe they need to accept that they’re happy where they are, and they’re doing this together.

Brad tells Laura imagine what would happen if word got out there was a junkie on the staff. Laura is offended that he used the word “junkie,” and says many people are struggling with addiction. Families have been affected, hers included, and she has no interest in starting a witch hunt. Brad says Finn is using drugs while practicing medicine. Laura says she’s done her homework, and he’s been on restricted duty. No certifiable result has been turned in, and until then, there’s nothing to discuss. Brad whines, saying she’s no better than Tracy.

Michael flashes back to finding Nelle, while he wanders aimlessly around the hospital. Nina goes in to see her, and asks how she’s feeling. Nelle says, unemployed, and Nina apologizes, saying that Nelle was within her rights not wanting to spy on Valentin. She says it won’t happen again; she’s not living there anymore. If Nelle chooses to go back, she’ll answer to Valentin, and Nina will let him know nothing was her fault. She’ll have job to come back to. She says Nelle isn’t alone, and can count on her. She says there’s someone else who feels the same way. Nelle asks if it’s Michael, and Nina says he’s by her side.

Lulu tells Valentin, the less tension between them, the better for Charlotte, and to give her a little leeway – two or three hours, and an occasional sleepover. She starts talking about him and Nina breaking up, and he says they’re very married and intend to stay that way. Dante comes back, and Valentin tells Lulu that if she wants an adjustment, talk to the judge. He walks out.

Alex asks what Robin is doing there. Robin says she knew they were coming for the Nurses Ball. Alex asks about the pregnancy, and Robin tells her that as long as she goes home after the ball, she’s within acceptable limits. Emma says that she brought the “Smiling Sisters” that Anna gave her. Anna says she had a teddy bear she used to take everywhere, and Robin says they’re graphic novels. Alex says she’s not thinking straight because she’s so happy to see them. She says she has a work situation, and has to go to London. Robin says something isn’t right.

Kiki tells Dillon that it’s the first time she’s applied herself, and what if she fails? She doesn’t want to be the big loser in the audience. Dillon says even if she doesn’t pass the test, she’s not a loser. He says they’ll stay home in their sweats and watch movies if that happens; it’s a win-win. The results of Kiki’s test come in.

Finn and Hayden kiss. She says they’re actually doing this – having a baby. Brad comes by, and she says the eagle has landed. He tells her to stop watching so many spy movies. They tell Nurse Deanna that Finn is ready for his test.

Valentin sees Nina at the MetroCourt, and she asks about Charlotte. He says he’s picking her up from school later, and asks if Nina wants to come. She says no. He tells her what happened with Lulu, and Nina says Lulu acts like Charlotte was in a burning building instead of just waiting for twenty minutes. Valentin says Lulu informed social services, and he tells her about Mrs. Watkins showing up. She says Lulu didn’t miss a trick. Valentin wonders what happened to Nelle, and she says it has nothing to do with their parenting. Nelle got mugged, and is in the hospital, but it doesn’t explain where he disappeared to.

Robin asks Emma to text Patrick that they landed. She tells Alex that she seems frazzled. She asks if everything is okay, and asks about her health. Alex says it’s just the London situation, but she can’t talk about the details. Robin tells her to stay safe. She says she’ll be back for Nurses Ball. Robin tells Emma to give her grandma a hug, but Emma says that isn’t her grandma.

Kiki can’t do it, and gives the list to Dillon to read. He tells her he’s so sorry – it doesn’t look like she’s spending the evening of the Nurses Ball in sweats. She passed.

Deanna puts Finn’s test on the cart going to the lab. Brad strolls over and picks it up. He opens it, and the vial is empty. Hayden says, not what he was expecting, eh? Finn says he’s in trouble. I’d say Brad actually might be right about the hospital being in trouble, but it has nothing to do with Finn. What’s up with everything always being unattended? Computers, lab tests, patients…

Nelle sees her keychain on the nightstand. Wasn’t that in her purse? She unplugs herself and sits up. I wonder why no alarm sounded.

Laura sees Michael. She says she was about to run the Nurses Ball numbers, and asks if she can run them past him first. He says he’s there to see someone, but okay. They step away, and Nelle comes out of her room.

Nina tells Valentin that it wasn’t Nelle’s fault, and wants to make sure she still has a job when she’s well. Valentin says of course. Nina says Charlotte loves Nelle, and she would hate to think of Charlotte losing someone else she loves. She runs out before she starts to cry.

Lulu talks to Dante. She says for the first time she feels hopeful. Dante says she got a break. Valentin screwed up, and social services knows it. Lulu says Valentin and Nina’s marriage is on the rocks. Everything is falling into place, and before they know it, they’ll have custody.

Alex says that Emma is probably just tired. She hands Robin her keys, and suggests they go to her flat. Robin says something is wrong; Anna hasn’t said “flat” since Robin was a child; she’s not her mother. Anna walks in. She and Alex do a soap opera stare.

Tomorrow, Ava says Carly’s time with her daughter is over, Griff says the head that’s going to roll is Brad’s, Obrecht comes to save the Nurses Ball, and Alex says hello to Anna.

🎂 Tonight was the MasterChef Junior finale. Martha Stewart and Wolfgang Puck were guest judges, and the final two were Jasmine and Justise.  Jasmine had been cut earlier, but returned in a come-back challenge. So it just goes to show that even sometimes when you think you’re out, you’re not. The families joined their little cooks, and meals were made, with Jasmine showing her Jamaican roots, and Justise giving everyone a taste of Alabama. I learned that pork belly is serious business. Sadly, Justise undercooked it, but she rallied with a panna cotta that looked like it was to die for, and made Gordon smile. When the end was near, kudos were heaped on the girls. Jasmine was the winner, which was what I thought was going to happen after the pork belly downfall. There was also a sweet moment where Jasmine shared the trophy with Justise, and said she couldn’t have won without her. Confetti fell, and everyone hugged. Don’t worry, Justise, you’ll own your own restaurant by the time you’re fifteen. These tiny chefs are truly amazing to someone whose best friend in the kitchen is the microwave.

🍴 May 31 MasterChef  (the one with big people) returns, followed by The f Word. I can’t wait!

🌬 Because there’s time and it’s warm out tonight…

Laughter is the sun which drives winter from the human face. – Victor Hugo

Winter is coming. – just about every character on Game of Thrones

PannaCotta

May12

May 11, 2017 – Anna’s Listening Days are Over, Junior Chefs Serve Chefs & Pondering

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

General Hospital

Curtis sees Hayden sitting in the park. He asks about her relationship with Finn, but she doesn’t know what they are at the moment.

Finn asks Griff if there’s any word on his latest test results. Griff says not yet, but he hopes Finn’s plan works for everybody’s sake.

Nina comes back to Windemere to say good-by to Valentin. In the park, Anna smiles. I hate her.

Olivia-F sees that Carly is still wearing her rings, and jumps to a conclusion, but Carly says it’s her lawyer’s idea.

At the hospital, Sonny asks what Andre is looking at, and if it has anything to do with Morgan. Because he must have no other patients other than one who died almost a year ago.

Valentin says she has every right to be upset. Nina tells him to admit that Anna has been between them the whole time. She says every time she turns around, Anna is there, and he lies about it. Valentin doesn’t want to lose her. She asks why he wants to throw away everything to chase Anna? He says he’d be happy to never see Anna again.

Anna talks with Robin on the phone. She says she’s just getting to her phlebotomy appointment, and asks if they can talk later. Translation: she’s busy gloating over Valentin and Nina’s marriage falling apart. I hate her even more.

Valentin begs Nina not to go, and promises never to see Anna again.

Hayden tells Curtis that someone has been tampering with Finn’s drug tests. He asks her if she’s sure, and tells her to be careful. She swears it’s a real thing and she’s not enabling. He tells her to let him know if she needs his help, and he’ll shut it down.

Griff tells Finn and Hayden that he’s been avoiding Monica while he waits. He says if someone is falsifying drug tests, it’s not going to be good for anybody.

Olivia tells Carly that the Nurses Ball is Lucy’s excuse to be a diva. She says if Carly and Sonny would just talk, forgetting about the hurt and pride, they could work it out. Carly says riding off into the sunset doesn’t work that way. She sees Olivia’s ring, and asks why she didn’t say anything.

Andre tells Sonny that he got a copy of Morgan’s pill analysis. Sonny says he has a look on his face like there’s something he’s not telling him.

Valentin tells Nina that he can do better; he can be the husband she wants, just give him a chance to prove it. Nina says she can’t. She says her ex-husband’s affair pushed her to the edge. When she woke up from her coma, all she wanted to do was hurt people, including herself. She changed, and promised herself she was never going to feel like that again. He says their wedding was untraditional, but he took the vows seriously and he’s kept them. She says he may not have been with Anna physically, but wants him to admit that he’s been with her emotionally. He says he should have shut her down right away. Nina asks why he took the watch and lied to her. She explains about finding the box and the note in the wastebasket. She knew the first day, and he lied. She asks why she should believe him now. He holds out the watch. She won’t take it, so he puts it in her purse and says he doesn’t care what she does with it. Smash it!

Anna is like, dammit.

Curtis asks if Hayden and Finn are good. They talk about their kiss, and Curtis says he’s surprised she remembers. Finn pops out of nowhere, and says him too.

Carly tells Olivia how glad she is. Olivia says that Carly had so much going on, she didn’t want to make it worse. Carly says she’s excited for her, and Olivia thanks her for understanding. Carly says it’s a great feeling. Olivia tells her not to be afraid to love again.

Andre says he knows how important it is, and Sonny says they’re working hard to make peace with Morgan’s death. He and Carly were hoping to make sense of his downward spiral. Andre says some cases shake you to your core; he needs to understand too. Not like Sonny does, but Morgan was his patient. He’ll keep digging, and get whatever answers he can for both of them. Sonny talks about Avery, and tells Andre to keep in touch.

Andre asks Monica if they can talk. It’s about Morgan.

Griff is out jogging, and Anna says she was just listening to a podcast. Translation: listening to the inside of Nina’s purse. Griff says Robin mentioned that Anna was getting treatment at GH, and asks if she told Robin that she’s going elsewhere. Anna says it must have slipped her mind. He asks why she isn’t at her treatment, like she was telling Robin. He thinks something is going on, and it has to do with Valentin.

Nina ask why Valentin even took the watch. He says some scars are deeper than others, and he wanted to believe Anna was making amends, but not at Nina’s expense. She accepted him for who he is, and gave him a life he never dreamed of. They have a family, and it’s all that matters. He asks for another chance. If not for him, for Charlotte. He says he can prove himself to her, but please stay for Charlotte’s sake.

Hayden says she was drunk. Finn says she called him out, and what he did was inexcusable. He tells Curtis if he can repay him, just ask. Curtis says just take care of his girl, and goes back to jogging. Hayden tells Finn that kissing Curtis was an idiot move born out of hurt. Finn says he’s no one to pass judgement. He shows her something on his phone.

Carly tells Olivia that she’s not afraid of love. Olivia says it’s terrifying, and makes you vulnerable. She’s still terrified, but when she saw Ned in danger, her fear melted away, and she was more afraid to be without him. She tells Carly to remember the times she and Sonny faced down danger. Olivia says death is around them all the time, and can come for anyone. She asks if Carly isn’t concerned she won’t ever see Sonny again. Carly asks if Olivia is getting a premonition. Olivia says no. Sonny acted like an ass and Carly retaliated, and it’s sad that they waste so much time.

Martina visits Sonny at his restaurant. She says Carly wants to go forward as planned, and was suspicious right away. He says he doesn’t want to leave the country. Martina says Ava is a problem if she goes to someone, but she’s come up with a plan.

Andre tells Monica about the lab test on Morgan’s pills. He shows her the difference in the prescription dosage. She asks why the pills were 300 mg when 600 mg was prescribed, and he says that’s a good question. He wants to find out.

Martina tells Sonny that being together was a mistake. He asks what plan B is, and she says they can settle it today. She can fly home tonight, and everyone is in the clear. Give Carly everything. In other words, there is no plan B.

Olivia tells Carly about Leo being on a waitlist for a playgroup because she forgot to put down a deposit. She’s wondering when she’ll have time to do anything for the wedding. Carly says she’ll take care of things. Olivia has been supportive and sensitive, and they’ve been business partners for years. She says she’ll gift her with a wedding cake. It will be a nice distraction from the ugliness in her life. Olivia says it wouldn’t be so ugly if she dropped the anger, and she might find her way back to Sonny.

Hayden and Finn look at his phone, and Finn says that it’s his kind of house. He thinks they should start a home. He says the program taught him that relationships can be rocky after rehab, but maybe she’ll visit and leave a toothbrush. They kiss.

Griff asks Anna what’s going on with Valentin, and she says he has nothing to do with her mood. She’s doing the best she can to take care of herself. He says he’s there if she needs help. Since it’s the one year anniversary of her run-in with Carrrlos, he wonders if it could be affecting her mood. He asks what Duke said that gave her the will to live, but the hospital calls, and he has to jog on. I gotta say, we have never seen any of these people run before, and now it’s like an epidemic.

Nina says she loves Charlotte and Valentin, then Anna came between them. He’s disappointed her to the point where she’s turned into something she promised herself she wouldn’t. She says it’s a difficult line for her to walk, and she’s done. Continuing to play the Charlotte card, Valentin says he stands convicted, but don’t punish Charlotte. She tells him not to use Charlotte against her. What good is she doing Charlotte like this? Anna will always be the problem. Anna will always be in his life, and they both know that. He says Charlotte needs her, and not to be another person she loves who left. Nina says she took being a mother to Charlotte seriously. She wanted to be a strong, confident woman for her. What kind of role model can she be, being jealous and insecure? She cant stay because she loves Charlotte so much. Nina walks out.

Valentin drinks and remembers times with Nina. He thinks about Anna in the park. I think about how good he looks in riding pants. He smashes the glass against the fireplace. Like we didn’t see that coming.

Anna listens in on Nina talking to Curtis. Nina says things didn’t add up, but she wanted to believe it was real. She takes the watch out, and Curtis asks to look at it. He has a fondness for trophy watches. She smashes it, throwing it on the ground and stomping on it, and I laugh. Finally. It’s obviously loud in Anna’s ear, which makes me laugh harder.

Hayden and Finn look for Griff at the hospital. Finn asks for the results. Griff opens it. He says the test indicates positive for opiates. Hayden says their plan worked.

Andre tells Monica that the lab could have made a mistake. Monica says they can’t rule anything out. She says there’s only one way to find out, and Andre says he was hoping she’d say that.

Martina tells Sonny to give Carly his legal assets, and keep the other ones which are substantial. He says that he’d love to compromise, but his holdings are crucial. That leaves one option – her. She has to quit the case. He tells her sorry, and she says she’s sorry too. She was hoping it wouldn’t come to that. Her reputation is going to take a hit, but it beats disbarment. No hard feelings; she’s a big girl. Sonny says he wishes she could stay longer and she does too. They touch hands, and Carly walks in. She says, what the hell…

Hayden had taken the drug test instead of Finn, and they know she’s clean. Now they have to find out who’s to blame, although she has her suspicions. Finn asks if Griff wants to move on to phase two. Griff says something else needs addressing. Hayden also tested positive for being pregnant. Although why they’d be doing a pregnancy test on Finn is beyond me.

Curtis almost cries over the watch, calling it a work of art. Nina says it’s everything that’s wrong with her marriage, and tells him get it out of her sight. He fiddles with it, and asks about the band. Nina says all she knows is that it was a gift from Anna. Curtis says there’s a big problem.

Valentin gets a call from Anna. She asks if he’s all right, and he asks what she wants. She says she was frustrated with their encounter, and asks if they can pick up where they left off.

Nina says she doesn’t care, and Curtis says maybe she should. There was a listening device in the wristband. Anna has been listening in. This is going to be good.

Monica tells Andre that if there’s been a mistake, she’d like to keep it between senior management until there can be a full investigation. Andre says they can’t be certain about anything. Morgan was thriving, and the next minute, he was dead. He owes it to Morgan and his parents, whose lives haven’t been the same since.

Carly says, interesting, she finds her husband and divorce attorney holding hands. She tells them to say something, and it had better be good. You know someone is going to say, it’s not what it looks like.

Tomorrow, Nelle asks Michael if she has a reason to stay, Valentin blows off Anna, and Martina says she’ll tell Carly everything.

🍳 Tonight, the MasterChef Junior kids created a pop up restaurant by the beach and served an amazingly complex meal to chefs and food writers. One of the appetizers involved quail eggs and scallops. It looked incredible, but those eggs are mighty small. I once ordered quail in a high end restaurant, and it was one of those please, be an appetizer moments. The blue team ran out of eggs because they’d messed up on some of them. I can’t even poach a normal-sized egg, so I’m no one to judge. They still won the restaurant war though, and two little ones from the red team went home. The one who looked like a tiny princess in an apron said that she’d grown both as a chef and a person. We should all strive to be so mature. Next time, it’s the two-hour finale, with guests Wolfgang Puck and Martha Stewart. I like Martha, but I think she’s gotten to the point where she’s trying too hard to be cool, which makes you not cool. I believe it starts at 8 pm, but double-check on that.

Something to Ponder

There’s only one corner of the universe you can be certain of improving and that’s your own self. – Aldous Huxley (If you’ve never read Huxley, now would be as good a time as any.)

Valentin Pondering

GHValentin

May5

May 4, 2017 – Best Good-By Ever & Six Small Chefs

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 General Hospital

The time has come for Tracy to step out of her father’s shadow and make a life of her own. She can’t do it in Port Charles, so she’s leaving. Ned asks what that means (someone, get that man a dictionary), and she says she’s called them there to say good-by.

Nathan comes home to an empty place. He picks up the welcome home card he’s made for Maxie, and tears it in half.

Carly takes her ring off, and says let’s get started. When her lawyer shows up, Sonny is surprised to see it’s Martina. He flashes back to five minutes ago. She and Sonny act like they’ve never met. Diane suggests getting down to business. She thinks it’s possible to avoid a lengthy arbitration.

Monica tells Tracy that if she wants dramatic effect, it’s not working. Tracy says she wants to make a worthwhile life for herself. Her father is going to bankroll her, since the proceeds of the sale of the painting will be more than enough. $20 million? Yeah, I’d say so. The doorbell rings. The food has arrived. It’s pizza.

Ned explains the Thanksgiving pizza tradition, and says it sounds like it’s the last time they’ll be a family for a while. He tells Tracy she doesn’t need to travel the world to find meaning. Hayden asks what she’s going to do, and she says she has no definite plans. Ned asks if they can talk her out of it, but she says no. She’s not happy about leaving him and Dillon, but they’ve been living their own lives for years, and it’s time for her to do the same. Dillon says they’ll come to visit her wherever she is. They all say they’ll miss each other, and I’m trying to rise above crying over this.

Amy 2.0 knocks on Nathan’s door. She wonders why Maxie has flaked about the Nurses Ball. Lucy wants her to handle it, but she’s a talent; she doesn’t work behind the scenes. Nathan explains that Maxie is in Portland. Amy says she’s still the same self-centered witch she always was. Nathan is like, excuse me?

Diane talks about Sonny’s various assets that have been transferred to Carly. Martina says they were signed over months ago, and Sonny has no claims on them. Diane says they’re still married, so technically, Sonny has equal rights. Martina says the assets were put into Carly’s name to keep the government from seizing them. She says if he fights it, she’ll have to bring up his overseas businesses. Sonny claims they’re legit, but Martina tells him that she’s surprised at how low the casino proceeds are. She says it’s as if he has secret offshore accounts, and reminds him that would be a felony.

Dillon says he’s used to him being the one leaving for parts unknown. Tracy says he has a big heart, and is more than capable of dealing with life. She tells him that his heart makes him the strongest Quartermaine.

I hate you, George Stephanopoulos. We’ve been interrupted. On Tracy’s last day. Fie on you, Washington DC! Although I have to admit to being interested in the insurance topic, since I got totally screwed over with Obamacare. Looks promising, but we’ll see.

And we’re back. Tracy tells Michael that if the company tanks, they’ll be hell to pay.

Carly doesn’t want to bring the legality of Sonny’s offshore holdings into question. Martina says Sonny should thank her, and to quit fighting about the rest. Carly says he lost his temper and made bad decisions. Now he has to pay the consequences.

Tracy tells Ned sorry to steal his thunder, but he’s always been a Quartermaine whether in name or not. Ned says that the house needs an Edward Quartermaine under its roof. She tells him that he’s her rock, always has been, and always will be. Crap. Ned is starting to cry. I’m sure this was an emotional day for everyone involved.

Monica tells Tracy that the jet is fueled and ready to take off, and her car will be there shortly. Tracy says it’s real now. Monica says she doesn’t know what she’ll do without Tracy. Tracy suggests celebrating, but Monica says somewhere along the line, Tracy she went from being her sister-in-law to her sister. She never hated her. She loves her. Here come the waterworks.

Nathan tells Amy II about being caught off guard with Maxie staying in Portland. The only thing not there for her is him, and he wonders if he still fits in her life.

Diane thinks they’ve painted themselves in a corner. Martina says they need to compromise, and Sonny makes noises about them keeping what they came with, and throwing Carly a few bones. Carly says see you in court; they’re done here. She walks out, and Diane follows, leaving Sonny and Martina alone. Martina says it was unexpected, and Sonny asks what kind of game she’s playing. Actually, if he was up for it, Sonny could make a stink about this being a conflict of interest. If nothing else, Carly would have to get a new lawyer.

Amy2 says Nathan is coming up with reasons why his marriage won’t survive, but a case could be made for the opposite. If he really loves Maxie, he’ll find a way to make it work. He tells her she’s good at the advice thing. She says to think of her as his bartender, and that she gave her four brothers advice when they were growing up. Nathan goes to change, and Amy looks at a picture of Nathan and Maxie on the sign he ripped.

Carly tells Diane that until the divorce is final, she should talk to her attorney. Diane says she’s approaching her as a friend. She says they’re not the first to divorce after a child’s death, and she understands that Sonny has provoked her, but what part of any of it surprises her?

Sonny asks if Carly put Martina up to this. Martina says that Carly has no idea. He was just a stranger she met in a bar, and she was as shocked as he was. He says there has to be a violation here somewhere, and she stops him from continuing.

The car has arrived. Tracy tells Lulu and Laura to take care of each other. She tells Hayden and Finn that they taught her something important – we don’t have unlimited time. She says to stop wasting it. She warns Michael to remember that she expects ELQ to keep turning a profit. From Dillon, she expects to be invited to a premiere sooner than later. She says that if he needs a patron, to go to Michael. It’s time for ELQ to branch out. She tells Olivia-F that Ned has a bad habit of trying to take care of everyone, and she’s grateful that Olivia is the one who’s going to take care of him.

And Monica. Tracy is worried about her decorating ideas. Monica says she’ll leave their house the way Tracy wants it. Tracy points out that she said our house instead of my house, and Monica says that she knows what she said. Tracy takes Monica and Ned’s hands, and says she cherishes them all. She turns and flies out the door, and we’re all left with tears in our eyes. She runs back in for a four-way hug, with Ned, Dillon, and Monica.

Nathan tells Amy2 that he’s sorry Maxie flaked. Amy says the show must go on, and they’ll make it bigger and better than last year. Nathan offers to help. Amy thanks him and leaves. In the hallway, she takes the picture that she was looking at out of her purse. She tears it, detaching Maxie. I’m guessing that Amy is interested in Nathan now, but wasn’t she interested in Dillon literally a few weeks ago? What happened with that? She doesn’t strike me as the type who would give up easily.

Diane tells Carly that she understands Sonny better than anybody. His first reaction to being hurt is to lash out, and she can choose to compromise. If not for him, for everybody else, including herself, who doesn’t want to watch them tear each other apart. Carly asks if Diane has said this to Sonny, and Diane says that he’s less than reasonable on the best of days. Carly has to be the bigger person here. Carly says that’s not going to happen; she can’t do that. Diane says she’s legally obligated to carry out her client’s wishes, and regrets what’s about to happen. She thinks Carly and Sonny will regret it too.

Martina tells Sonny that she could be disbarred. Sonny says she just got done telling him he was a stranger, so what’s the big deal? He says she’ll just get a warning from the bar. She wants him to do nothing; anything before today was a chance encounter between strangers that he’ll never speak of again. Carly comes in, and asks what’s going on. Martina makes something up. I just thought of something. Why is it that Sonny keeps getting new babes, but Carly just gets recycled Jax?

Monica says the house won’t be the same. Dillon offers to insult her every morning at breakfast. Olivia asks Ned how he’s doing. He says better than expected, even though it seems like his family is getting smaller by the day. Olivia says she was going to keep her last name, but Olivia Quartermaine has a nice ring to it. The Quartermaine family is the heart of Port Charles, and Port Charles is her home. Someone has to look after it, so why not them?

They look at the family photograph.

Tracy arranges a sale for the painting. The dealer tells her that there’s been an offer of $60 million from a private collector. Tracy wants to close asap. He says they can close as soon as she fills out the paperwork. She signs the contract, and the dealer says he thought she’d be reluctant to sell it. Tracy tells him that she gained more parting with it than keeping it. He gives her a moment alone with the painting, which is kind of funny. Tracy tells the painting that she doesn’t know who she is or what kind of life she lived, but she knows she’s going to live her life on her terms. The dealer comes back, saying the money has been wired to her account. She says she could use a good cup of coffee, and he says he’ll show her a place across the street.

We see clips of Tracy and how she’s grown. Excuse me while I bawl.

Good-by, Tracy. Hopefully, you’ll stop by now and then.

The dealer takes Tracy to the coffee shop. Where Luke is waiting.

I don’t even know what’s happening tomorrow – I was too busy crying. Kudos to GH for giving Jane Elliot a beautiful send-off. It was also everything a fan could have wanted. And thank you, God, for not making the news break too long. It had to be God. It certainly wasn’t out of the goodness of any politician or newscaster’s heart.

🍟 There are six chefs still cooking on MasterChef Junior. Tonight, they made a lamb dish for first responders and construction workers. I don’t even like lamb, and I would have eaten this, it looked so heavenly. A female police officer said if she wasn’t in uniform, she would be chowing down on the chops. I hear you, sister! This evening’s mystery box contained a couple of Muppets. Miss Piggy and the Swedish Chef paid a visit, causing the kids to go out of their collective minds, especially when Miss Piggy called Gordon every name except Gordon, and he kept correcting her. Kids love an ongoing joke. She also took up the challenge of preparing steak frites along with the young chefs, and was voted out, so really, no one went home. Next week, the kids cook for critics, chefs and journalists in pop-up restaurant on the beach.

An Applicable Quote

🍨 A person holding a grapefruit in one hand and a blowtorch in the other has let the world know they won’t be putting up with any of their malarkey today. – Allison Robicelli, Why You Should Set Your Breakfast on Fire

GHTracy

 

 

Apr28

April 27, 2017 – ICE Nails Samira, Small Chef Memories & the Debut of John Gray

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Jason and Jake do some drawing. Jason says Jake is talented and must have gotten it from his mom. Jason puts Jake in a wrestling hold, and Jake says he can’t breathe. Jason tightens the hold. And then wakes up.

Jake has a temperature. Did Elizabeth just say it’s 110? He doesn’t look like he’s in a coma or dead. Franco comes to visit, and Elizabeth sends Jake back upstairs. She says he’s been up all night and doesn’t want to go to school. She’s concerned. She did say 110, so I guess Jake is faking it. Or he’s an incredibly hardy child.

Samira tries to get out of the hospital bed, and Kiki tells her she has to be cleared to leave, and that she can’t help Sadika if she’s sick. Samira asks if Kiki’s ever had someone she’d like to save, and Kiki tells her to get dressed.

Monica tells Laura that Samira will be better when Tracy coughs up the painting.

Tracy talks to her father’s photograph, and tells him that the journal was dry as dust. He seemed lonely; like his life was pointless without his family. She ponders how many hours he spent staring at Lila’s picture, or if he was frolicking with Samira’s mother. She wonders if it was all a set up for the cruelest double-cross of all. Dillon walks in and asks if she’s talking to Edward’s picture.

On the phone, Sonny asks if they can make it sooner. The pills might be the missing link in his son’s death. Ava rings the doorbell.

At the MetroCourt, Diane tells Alexis she’s not being charged. Carly walks out, and Diane says sorry, but Sonny already retained her services for the divorce. She hopes they can come to an equitable agreement. Carly asks Alexis if she’s available, because Carly is waaay out of that loop.

Samira tells Kiki that she has to go back; maybe the brothers will have another idea. She begged Tracy, but she won’t let the painting go. Samira thinks she should offer to take her daughter’s place. Because human traffickers are easy to haggle with.

Dillon asks Tracy if Edward is talking back, and Tracy says he’s wondering when Dillon is going to join the family business. She says there’s no reason to stop sparring with Edward now. Dillon tells her that when she’s ready to talk to a live person, he’s the guy. She asks if he thinks she’s a bad person if she doesn’t give up the painting.

Ava says she has something to talk to Sonny about. She asks if Lucy is shaking him and Carly down for donations. Sonny says she hasn’t bothered him, but he doesn’t know about Carly. Ava says she’d like to discuss Avery’s preschool, and asks if Carly is there.

Diane says she’s sorry for Carly and Sonny’s troubles, but thinks when the smoke clears, they can put it behind them. Carly says Sonny has pushed her too hard, and this time she’s pushing back. Diane says duly noted.

Elizabeth tells Franco about letting Jason know that he thought Jake was afraid of him. She says Jake said that’s not it, but it’s halfway right. Jake is afraid of the man Jason used to be.

Jason says he couldn’t sleep and didn’t want to wake Sam, so he stayed on the couch. Sam says she could tell something was off; he didn’t even eat dinner. She asks what’s going on, and if it has to do with Jake. He says Jake is afraid of him. Not so much who he is now, but who he used to be.

Sonny tells Ava to let him know what preschool she likes, and he’ll see if they agree. Diane breezes in and says apparently, a storm is brewing. Sonny says Ava was just leaving.

Alexis asks if Carly is sure she wants to do this. Carly tells her about Sonny having Jax deported permanently. He has sensitive information on Jax, and thinks he’s punishing Carly, but he’s really punishing Josslyn. She says he doesn’t care who he hurts, and this time, she’s done. Alexis says she was busy with her downward spiral, but Kristina filled her in, and she’s sorry. She tells Carly that she doesn’t have her license back yet. Carly asks if she can be Alexis’s first client, but Alexis says it could take months. Carly says she’d be willing to wait, but Sonny won’t, so Alexis recommends another lawyer (Nora?).

Kiki tells Samira that she’s taken risks that are stupid, but she’s learned not to act out of fear. She says the Quartermaines are difficult, but they have good hearts and money, and she should give them another chance. Kiki says if Dillon is on her side, she’ll be okay.

Monica tells Laura that only the people who admitted her know Samira is there. She says Tracy has offered to cover the medical expenses, and isn’t that nice? Laura can tell Monica isn’t happy with Tracy, but says since her father died, Tracy has changed. Monica says it’s a big test, and so far, she’s failing. Laura says she has faith that Tracy will do the right thing in the end. Monica tells her not to hold her breath.

Dillon says that Tracy knows how he feels about Samira’s situation, but he also understands how Tracy feels. He says Edward wasn’t there for her when he was alive, so what makes her think he’ll be there for her now? He tells Edwards’s picture that his way of loving sucks, and tells Tracy he’ll always love her, even if she disappoints him. She asks if it would disappoint him if she doesn’t give up the painting. He says it would, but she’s stuck with him. The Quartermaines aren’t he nicest people, and incapable of expressing emotion, but it doesn’t mean they can’t feel love and loyalty. If they stick together, it will be okay. Tracy says that’s what family does. Dillon tells her that their numbers are dwindling, and they can’t afford not to. He leaves, and Tracy smiles at the picture.

Tracy asks if Edward heard that. Dillon won’t kick her to the curb, and is being her support system. Laura appears, saying too bad Samira doesn’t have one. Tracy wonders who keeps letting random people in. Laura says she spoke to Robert, and human trafficking in Turkey is on the rise, especially with refugees. Tracy says that’s not her problem, but Laura asks if it will be if Samira is her sister?

Kiki tells Monica that Samira is getting restless. Monica says who wouldn’t be, waiting on Tracy. Officer Stick-in-the-Mud walks in, and says he needs to talk to Monica; they can have a discussion here or at the station. Kiki asks if he has any paperwork, and Monica explains that he’s there investigating an enemy of the state. He says it’s an expired visa. Monica stands corrected, and gives Kiki the papers to get “the patient” released. Kiki asks if she should call legal counsel, but Monica says no. The officer asks why Monica lied to him. Kiki tells Samira they have to get her out of there stat.

Elizabeth explains to Franco how Jake shut down when they saw the picture. Franco thinks it’s odd, since Jake knows he’s the same person. Elizabeth says he does conceptually, but he’s still a little kid. She tells him that Jason has no memory of the island. Franco says it’s good; it’s a starting point. It’s time to start considering that Jake was traumatized by something he saw or something the old Jason did.

Jason tells Sam about what happened when Jake saw the photo. Sam says Jake is a child who’s seen a lot of trauma and has a lot of challenges. Jason asks what if he hurt Jake? Sam says what if he didn’t, and that it all comes back to Helena. Jason wonders what if it doesn’t? Scout cries, and Sam goes upstairs, leaving Jason to ponder things.

Monica says she didn’t let Officer Stick-in-the-Mud interrupt her busy day to insult her. He says when he first questioned her, she said she didn’t know Samira. Monica says that’s wrong; she said Samira wouldn’t be found in her house, and he calls semantics. She tells him to produce evidence to the contrary or go. He shows her a picture of Samira in her living room.

Kiki asks Dillon if they can take Samira back to the estate, but he doesn’t think she’ll be any safer there.

Laura says that Tracy has turned painting into physical manifestation of her father. Tracy says it meant a lot to have his love and forgiveness. She asks Laura, what if he wasn’t the man she thought he was?

Elizabeth tells Franco that they’re reading a lot between the lines. She says Jason could never hurt a child. Franco says he wasn’t aware of his actions when he planted the bomb on The Haunted Star, and maybe the same thing applies – he wasn’t acting of his own free will. Elizabeth says it won’t help Jake to pursue that avenue. Using soap opera timing, Jake appears and says, help him what?

Jason asks why Jake would be afraid if he hadn’t hurt him. Sam thinks Helena’s attempt to control their lives continues on. She wanted to create chaos and succeeded. Jason wonders what he did. Sam says they can’t change what happened; all they can do is help Jake move forward. Jason wants to know what Helena did to him.

Ava sees Alexis and Carly. Alexis says that’s her cue, and starts to leave. Ava tries to talk to her about Julian, but she’s not having it. Ava asks Carly if it’s too early to have a glass of champagne to toast the divorce.

Diane tells Sonny that Carly is going to make the divorce as miserable as possible. She would have advised against what he did to Jax. He has to remember that Jax is Josslyn’s father, and Carly is going to retaliate. Sonny says Carly can leave with what she came with, and nothing else. Idiot. Diane tells him not to be so sure.

Laura thinks Tracy knew Edward the best, except for Lila. Tracy says what if the man she tried to please was running around on her mother? If Samira is his daughter, the time and energy she put into the relationship was wasted. Either he was a good man with flaws or a callous bastard. Either the painting is declaration of love or the most highly valued thing he gave her. Either way, she’s not giving it up.

Kiki tells Dillon to get scrubs and a wheelchair, and pray they don’t get caught.

Monica asks if the officer was spying. He says a concerned party was worried about Samira’s presence. He’s willing to overlook it if she tells him where Samira is hiding. If not, he’ll have no choice but to arrest her.

Jason tells Sam no offense to Andre, but he doesn’t know Helena’s capabilities. He thinks there’s another way without involving Jake. Maybe the book Helena gave Jake has the answers.

Jake wants pancakes. Elizabeth wonders how he could be into pancakes with a 110 temperature, but goes into the kitchen. Jake asks if Franco wants to color, since he got some new crayons. Franco sees 0705 on the timeline, and asks what it means. Suddenly Jake doesn’t feel good, and goes back upstairs. Franco looks at the timeline and gives us a soap opera face.

Monica says she doesn’t know the woman in the photo. Officer Stick-in-the-Mud says he’ll find Samira, with or without her help. She asks him to come into her office, and he tells her to do the right thing. She wonders what the right thing is, and says she’s getting tired of the witch hunt. In the meantime, Ned comes out of the elevator, running into Dillon and Kiki trying to get Samira out. Monica claims the photo was photoshopped, but the officer tells her she’s under arrest. Ned says that won’t be necessary. He says Samira is right there, and points to her. Monica asks if he knows what he’s done, and he says he does. Not sure what Ned is up to here.

Laura tells Tracy that the painting is just a painting, and if Edward strayed, it doesn’t mean he didn’t love Lila. Tracy says maybe he didn’t deserve Lila, but Laura says he made her happy, and they were a good balance. She tells Tracy that if she wants to honor them, to follow in their footsteps and be compassionate and generous, a legacy to be proud of.

Ava says now that Carly and Sonny are divorcing, Carly is out of Avery’s life. No marriage, no baby Avery. Carly says Avery isn’t one of their irreconcilable differences. They both love her and want what’s best for her. She tells Ava that if she pushes her, she’ll be the one out of Avery’s life.

Diane shows Sonny the trusts he set up when he thought he might go to prison, and the remainder of his assets that he signed over to Carly. He says it was in case he got convicted, but Diane says no provision was made to transfer it back when that didn’t happen. They’re still in Carly’s name. He says he’ll talk to her. She tells him to go easy; Carly holds the cards. He’s the one who may have to live outside the country to avoid federal difficulties.

Carly calls the attorney. She says she’s divorcing her husband, and wants everything. Doesn’t everyone in that position? Good luck with that.

Jason tells Elizabeth that Helena liked riddles and puzzles. He thinks the answer might be in the book. Elizabeth shows him the number on the timeline, and asks if it means anything

Alexis shows up at Sam’s place, and Sam tells her that she and Jason are pursuing different avenues regarding Jake. She thinks she has to go to Cassadine Island, and Alexis is like, no way.

Jason says it could be a date. Franco says that it would be the European way of putting the day before the month. Jason wonders what May 7th means, and Elizabeth says it’s Jake’s birthday.

Tomorrow, a special Tracy retrospective. While telling Edward she’s going off for fun in the sun, Tracy gets clobbered by a plaque falling off the wall in the family crypt.

🍱 Tonight, MasterChef Junior gave us a nostalgic trip through past seasons, so there was everything from astronauts to elves to that cute, tiny girl with the big hair bow. I might have had kids if I could have been guaranteed that one. I love a trip down Memory Lane, and wish I could have paid more attention, but a friend called and I didn’t think I could blow them off by saying I needed to watch things I’d already seen. I might give it another look over the weekend On Demand.

⛪ I checked out an episode of The Book of John Gray (OWN) and really enjoyed it. He’s the associate pastor of Houston’s Lakewood Church, under Pastor Joel Osteen. It was both pleasant and entertaining. John is a very funny guy. It was a nice balance of Gray’s church and home life. Although I may or may not be a steady viewer, it gets a thumbs up from me.

Apr14

April 13, 2017 – Charlotte Visits Lulu, Survivor Outs a Contestant, the Kids Wellington Some Beef & a Random Thought

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Brad tells Monica the hospital is leaving itself open to a lawsuit because of an impaired doctor.

Hayden brings Finn a fresh shirt. He wants to talk to Monica about going to rehab.

Ned asks Olivia if she’s ready for a surprise. He told his mother they were engaged, and she said she’s happy for them. Olivia wasn’t expecting that, and Ned says he thinks she’s being genuine. Olivia says their most challenging test is still ahead of them.

Lulu lets Rocco go on a playdate, so as not to overwhelm Charlotte. She has scones, toys,  and arts and crafts. She tells Dante she feels like she’s forgetting something, and he suggests breathing. She’s sure Valentin will screw things up.

Nina tells Valentin that she believes him about everything, but when it comes to Anna he sees what he wants to see. Anna listens in on their conversation. Valentin says he doesn’t trust Anna. She’s part of his past and he can’t change that, but his priority is his family, namely her and Charlotte. He says the social worker is coming to pick up Charlotte, so she has to get ready. Nina notices his new watch, and asks where he got it.

Ned tells Olivia whatever she wants to do in planning the wedding is up to her. She says she was talking about her son, and she doesn’t mean Leo. I had to think about that for a minute.

Lulu goes on to Dante about how Valentin will probably sabotage all their visits. Dante says telling her not to worry would make him feel like a hypocrite. She’s relieved to know she’s not scared by herself. She suggests they put her nervous energy to good use. They kiss.

Anna talks to herself, saying that Valentin doesn’t want his wife to know he gave her the watch. Valentin tells Nina that he bought it himself. He apologizes for not talking to her about Anna. He says he should have been straight with her the way she always is with him. She tells him that she went to see Anna. Anna laughs to herself, remembering slamming Nina’s head on the desk, and I’m disliking her more every second. Her doorbell rings. It’s Andre.

Hayden tells Finn that she’s the money person, and even she thinks Monica is reasonable. With him, she’ll be talking to another doctor. Finn tells her he appreciates the pep talk, but has to face the reality that this could hurt his career. She says the hospital wouldn’t be open if not for him, and if Monica doesn’t factor that in, she doesn’t deserve him.

Finn sees Brad come out of Monica’s office. Monica tells him to come in. She says she wants a private conversation.

Hayden sees Brad and tells him he got his request for lab equipment. He says she can find the money for that, but not the people who operate it. He gripes about not getting a raise, and she says he wasn’t singled out. He says maybe if a hotshot doctor got fired, there would be more money, and it couldn’t be happening to a more deserving jerk.

Monica tells Finn that she just had a difficult conversation with Brad. He asks if his name came up. She says she doesn’t give credence to gossip. Finn says his decision to confess is probably too late, and he should have come to her sooner. He tells her that he’s an addict.

Anna apologizes for not picking up Andre’s call. He says he’ll come back, but she says she can take a break.

Valentin doesn’t suggest provoking Anna, since she’s a trained agent. Nina says she made it clear that Anna should keep her hands off her man. Charlotte comes in, whining that she doesn’t want to go on the visit.

Lulu tells Dante that the deck is stacked against them, but they’ll make it through it. Dante asks if she wants him to stay, but she tells him next time.

Charlotte says she’s busy having a bear tea party. Nina says she’s going to have her own tea party with her pony friends. She tells Charlotte that it will take her a while to prepare, but by the time she comes back, it will be ready. Valentin talks to Charlotte in French, and she goes with the case worker. Damn. I’d rather live with them than Lulu.

Ned doesn’t think Dante is going to have a problem with them getting married. Olivia says he’s protective, and Ned asks if he’s a momma’s boy. She says he has high standards, and Ned says too bad he didn’t talk to him first. Olivia says it might take time, but he’ll come around. No time like the present, since Dante appears.

Hayden asks Brad who’s getting fired. He tells her that the odds of a two-income household in her future are slim.

Finn explains everything to Monica. He says he intended to quit when he was cured. He tried, but was dependent. She says she had no idea, but she’s glad he came to her. He’s surprised that Brad didn’t say something, but she says she doesn’t go on what Brad has to say. Finn says that he thought he could detox himself – not one of his better ideas. He tells her about trying to score at the docks, and that he took meds from the hospital on one occasion. His patients never suffered, but that had more to do with his dumb luck. He knows he’s in no position to ask, but wonders if he’s out of a job. She says that’s the least of his problems.

Lulu greets Charlotte. Mrs. Watkins tells Lulu to pretend she’s not there. Lulu suggests they check out the playroom, but Charlotte says no thanks. Lulu moves on to the swing-set, but Charlotte doesn’t like swings. Lulu says they can do whatever she wants. What Charlotte wants is to go home.

Nina asks if Valentin wants to talk about Anna, and understands if he’s angry that she went to see her. He says he wonders if Anna legitimately wants peace, but it doesn’t matter; there’s not much she can do to him.

Anna tells Andre that she was listening to Mozart on the computer, and asks if something is troubling him. He says he bumped into Jordan with Curtis, and he’s not sure if it hurt more because he misses her or because he knows that she really wanted someone else. Anna suggests time and comfort food will be the cure. She asks if he wants some tea. She goes to the kitchen, and he listens on the earbuds. She comes back in, and he looks at her like she has two heads.

Anna asks what he thinks he’s doing, and Andre tells her that he thought it was Mozart. He says he’s not familiar with that requiem. He says instead he heard a private conversation between Valentin and Nina. He asks what she’s doing, and she says going on the defensive. She’s taking Valentin down.

Nina and Valentin play backgammon. He says she hates the game, and she says he hates losing the game. He’s worried about Charlotte, but Nina says Lulu isn’t going to do anything stupid with the case worker there. She tells him he’s not in it alone.

Charlotte tells Mrs. Watkins she wants to go home and doesn’t like it there. Lulu engages her, and they get in a conversation about scones. Lulu says she wants to make them for a party, but needs a mixer. Charlotte says she’ll do it if she can come to the party. That was quick, and I find it doubtful that Charlotte would have warmed up over making scones.

Brad tells Hayden that he told Monica about Finn’s addiction. He says Monica seemed surprised, but Hayden doesn’t. He asks how many millions in lawsuits she’s risked.

Monica tells Finn that dealing with his addiction has to be his first and only priority. He says he’s been looking at rehabs. She tells him to go today. Humble himself and seek help; he can’t do it alone. He says you’d think a doctor would know that already. She tells him that doctors are the worst addicts, because they think they’re above he rules since they create them. She says that she’s been sober since 2008, and. when he comes back, she’ll tell him all about it. She survived rehab; he can too. He asks if he’ll still be a doctor after he does.

Olivia wonders why Dante isn’t at the visit, and he explains they thought it might be too overwhelming for Charlotte. He notices her ring, and Ned tells him that he proposed. He asks if it’s a problem because Olivia didn’t think it would be an easy sell. Dante wonders what she told him. Olivia says she’s always relied on Dante, and now she’ll be relying on someone else. Dante says he just wants what’s best for her. Olivia says Ned is best for her. She knows he worries about her, and now he doesn’t have to. He says he’ll still worry, but it’s nice to know he won’t be the only one.

Monica says she’ll stop by for support once Finn has started his program. Hayden catches Finn before he leaves, and tells him that Brad knows everything. He says he should have given her credit for caring. He explains that he’ll have to go before a review board when he’s done with rehab, and if they approve, she’ll have him back. Hayden says it’s a start. He tells her that he only has one unresolved situation – what happens between them?Brad overhears, and shakes his head. Foiled again!

Lulu pretends to find an Easter egg, and tells Charlotte the Easter Bunny must have come early. They find a few more eggs, and she talks Charlotte into an Easter egg hunt. They go outside.

Valentin is worried, since Mrs. Watkins hasn’t called. I had to laugh at myself when Mrs. Watkins came to pick up Charlotte. Call me name-judgmental, but in my mind, the name implied a lady who looked like an old-fashioned grandma, and she’s nothing of the kind. She’s young and fashionable. Nina says Lulu never bothered to find out what kinds of things Charlotte likes, so as a responsible parent, Valentin should go over there and give her the information. That sounds like a terrible idea.

Andre says Anna is being aggressive. She says she’s learned there’s more to it. She pieced together the story with a WSB expert. Andre feels inadequate, since their sessions were thorough, but Anna says it was buried so deep, it took a lot to dredge it up. She says Valentin is a criminal, and she has to bring him to justice. Andre asks how she’s going to do that.

Brad accosts Monica. She says GH doesn’t show a staff member to the door because they’re ill, and they have a holistic policy if there’s a chemical dependency involved. She explains that a board will ultimately decide. Brad is livid that Finn isn’t losing his license. She tells him that all humans are flawed, and says that Finn’s research brought in the money to save the hospital. Crying before he’s hurt, Brad whines that Finn took all the credit, but Monica says he made it clear that Brad’s input was invaluable. She thanks him for his concern, and thinks that’s why Finn opened up. Brad might have saved his career, and even his life. I laugh as she shows Brad to the door. Foiled once more, but with kudos.

Finn tells Hayden that he doesn’t know how rehab will go. He doesn’t even remember how he is off of drugs. She might not like him sober. Hayden says get healthy, and deal with the rest later.

Olivia is shocked that Dante is giving his blessing to her marriage. Dante says they already talked; Ned wondered why she had turned him down. Dante says Ned is deserving of her, and welcomes him to the family.

Nina messes around with her collection of plush ponies. She looks at the note again. Then throws it out. She looks into the garbage can and reaches back in.

Anna tells Andre that if she wanted to kill Valentin, he’d be dead. He has to pay for his crimes legally. Andre asks how. She says she gets his version of the events, and can use it to get close to him. Lolling him into a false sense of security, and getting a confession. Andre says she’s playing a dangerous game. Anna says it’s her job, and she’s told him too much already. She doesn’t want him involved. If Valentin sees through her, he’ll retaliate, and she doesn’t want Andre to get hurt. She tells him not to tell anyone, and makes him promise.

Charlotte and Lulu come in talking about the bunnies they saw outside. Valentin arrives.

Nina sees the watch box. She puts to and two together. She reads from the note, saying, time heals all wounds. Good episode.

Tomorrow, Jason talks to Alexis, Dante asks about Morgan’s pills, Nelle wants to talk to Carly, and Sonny wants to kill someone.

🌴 Re the Survivor outing debacle. Unless you live on the moon, by now you’ve heard about the outing of transgender Zeke Smith by Jeff Varner during tribal council. While personally, I file this under who cares? I can’t believe that I haven’t seen one person propose that this might have been a set up for an old, tired show that should have been canceled years ago. First of all, none of that needed to be aired. Take it from me, I’ve been on a reality show myself, and editing is freaking magic. Secondly, Jeff Probst knew that Smith was a transgender. Apparently, so did half of the internet. In nosing around, trying to find out how Varner knew, I got no definitive answer, but took note of the fact that this has been an online topic of conversation for a loooong time. Funny how suddenly, this worn-out program that hasn’t been relevant for a while, is a topic of conversation everywhere, and is now current. It’s common knowledge that Survivor manipulates its contestants. (At one point, I was nearly convinced that Probst was the Antichrist.) At the end of the day, this seems as though it will be a win for everyone except Varner. Just sayin’.

👶 Will someone please give the father of the “Cash Me Outside” brat custody of her, before she ends up dead in an alleyway somewhere? I don’t have kids, nor do I fawn over those who aren’t in my life, but the attention that she’s getting for bad behavior, is disturbing even to me. She is not going down a good path, and she’s only 13 years old.

🍜 Tonight, the MasterChef Junior kids split into teams and created gingerbread houses. I can’t even make a house of cards using graham crackers. Gordon and Christina dressed like Will Ferrell in Elf, and a live gingerbread man (chef Aarón Sánchez) joined the group. The kids got sprayed with icing, and a good time was had by all. The babes in cookland also made a holiday dinner using Beef Wellington as the entrée. One little girl said she’d never cooked it before, so she hoped it was “cooked with a miracle.” Honey, that’s how I always cook. Unfortunately, there was no miracle for her, and she and another kid had to go home. But I hope they take heed in what Gordon said, that they’re moving on to another chapter. Chef Sánchez also offered one of them a job, making a ten-year-old further along in his career than most adults I know. Next time, they’re down to eight and some sushi happens.

 

 

Apr7

April 6, 2017 – Nelle and Anna Know It All, Potomac Movers and Shakers & a Coupla Macaroons

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Kiki wonders why Ava isn’t ready for their mani/pedi. Ava explains she’s still shaken up from the robbery. Kiki asks some questions, and Ava fills her in. Ava says they took something she doesn’t want anyone else to have.

Dante looks at the evidence bag with the pills in it.

Anna tells Valentin that they’re tryst meant something to her, like it did to him. She apologizes and takes his hand. She says she’s given him a lot to digest, so she’ll go. He asks her to wait.

Lulu is getting ready for her visit with Charlotte. She’s on the phone with the case worker, who obviously has some bad news, and gets cut off. Griff comes by, and she says Valentin is sabotaging her visit with her daughter.

Carly tells Bobbie she’s had so much bad news, she needs to process it. Bobbie asks if she wants company, and Carly says she does. She tells Bobbie that Jax is in town, and that Lady Jane passed away. Even worse, he’s the one who paid for the kidney. Geez, she barely took a breath in between those news gems.

Nelle meets with Jax at Perks. He says she’s wrong about Carly. He says she never contacted Nelle’s father about finding a kidney for Josslyn. He did.

Valentin says that Anna can’t just walk out like there’s nothing more to say. Anna says he must be furious, but at least he knows she wasn’t just stringing him along. She says he believes it was just manipulation on her part, but she knows it wasn’t, and doesn’t know how to convince him. She wonders what he wants from her, but he doesn’t know.

Lulu tells Griff the visit was postponed until tomorrow. He asks why, and she says the case worker practically hung up on her. She’s convinced Valentin is behind it. Griff says Valentin loves to play games, and Lulu thanks him for his support. Griff tells her that Valentin is dangerous (like she didn’t know), and he doesn’t believe Claudette committed suicide. Lulu says no man who could shoot Nicholas point blank should be a father. She runs off, and Griff tells her not to do anything stupid, which is like telling fire not to burn.

Michael meets Sonny, and tells him about Lady Jane. Sonny asks if Josslyn knows what happened with Nelle, and Michael says yes. Sonny wants to see her, but Michael doesn’t think it’s a good idea, since she’s hoping he and Carly get a divorce. Sonny says she might get her wish.

Bobbie can’t believe Jax never told Carly about the kidney. Carly says she’s disappointed, but doesn’t want to be a hypocrite – she would have done anything to save Josslyn, and a part of her feels grateful.

Jax tells Nelle that he thought because Frank had connections, he could help, but never knew he was going to use his own daughter. Nelle is like, did you think he was going to ask random strangers? Jax says he was desperate, and didn’t ask too many questions. He tells Nelle how sorry he is. He hopes she realizes she should be angry with him and not Carly. She tells him to stop lying for Carly.

Kiki asks Ava what was so important, and Ava says they took her charm bracelet. Kiki tells her that she’ll get it back. Ava says she just doesn’t like being without it, and sometimes evidence gets lost. She says she won’t relax until she gets it back, and Kiki says she’ll wait it out with her and go along to the station.

Dante meets with one of the perps who robbed The Floating Rib and his lawyer. He shows him the pills, and asks where the guy got them from.

Sonny tells Michael about he and Carly being asked to be Scout’s godparents. He says they agreed, but Carly made it clear that she wants to end the marriage. Michael says he wants to check in on her. Sonny knows how he must feel. Michael doesn’t like it, but he loves them, and will support them no matter what.

Michael leaves, and Griff sees Sonny. He says Sonny looks like he needs someone to talk to. Sonny tells him that it didn’t go well with Carly. He doesn’t want to get into it, and Griff says he’ll keep Sonny in his prayers. Sonny says he’s not sure prayer is going to be enough.

Bobbie asks Carly if it changes how she feels about Nelle. Carly says Frank selling a piece of his daughter is a terrible thing, but it doesn’t give her pass. Carly says she played the perfect part, slept with Sonny, and waited for the perfect moment to blow up everyone’s lives. She’ll never forgive her for that.

Nelle thinks Jax is lying. He says when he first met her, he thought maybe she knew his part in finding the kidney, and then realized she didn’t. He asks if she didn’t notice how his attitude changed toward her, when Carly was welcoming from the start because she didn’t know anything. Nelle says her father told her what happened, but Jax says that he can prove that Frank was lying.

Anna says perhaps she and Valentin could give each other another chance, so they don’t have to be enemies moving forward. Someone bangs on the door. Lulu bursts in, saying that Valentin’s little game isn’t working. She asks if Anna is there to arrest him, and says he’s not screwing up her relationship with her daughter.

Ava asks what Kiki’s news is, and Kiki tells her about registering for nurse’s aide classes. Ava says it’s a step up from the MetroCort. Kiki says she likes feeling like she’s helping people, and Ava says they’re lucky to have her. Kiki tells Ava that she’s learning a lot in the psyche ward, and is hoping to work there permanently. Ava says she doesn’t remember Kiki being interested in that, and Kiki says she is now. She wants to understand what happened to Morgan.

The perp wonders why Dante is asking about the pills, and says they’re not his drugs. Dante says they were his brother’s, and there’s no reason the pills should be there. He wants to know how they ended up with the other stuff. Dante tells him that this is his chance to make a difference, and maybe a difference with the judge. He asks who the pills came from. Like the perp took attendance. What is amusing though, is that Ava was the only one asked for her name.

Before Griff moves on, Sonny suggests that he say twenty prayers. Sonny is about to leave, when Bobbie comes in. He says he knows what she’s thinking, but she says she doesn’t. She knows he loves his kids and Carly, but every time, Carly ends up being the one who gets hurt.

Michael visits Carly. She thanks him for being there for Josslyn. Michael tells her about running into Sonny. He asks if they’re getting a divorce. Carly says she can’t think about it right now. She and Jax have been discussing something important about Nelle.

Jax shows Nelle a copy of the cashed check. He says Frank insisted on a personal check; he probably wanted to use it for blackmail later. He explains that Carly thought the kidney came from Jake. Nelle insists that her father never saw any check. Jax shows her the copy on his phone. I have to agree with Nelle here that this would be an easy thing to fake. I don’t see how showing her a picture of a signature would be enough to convince her of anything.

Sonny tells Bobbie that in his defense, he was grieving, but he never wanted any of this to happen. Bobbie says she understands more than he realizes, and grief takes away the ability to reason. What she doesn’t understand is why he didn’t warn Carly. He says he wishes he had, and she says her too.

Ava suggests pediatrics, but Kiki wants to understand how Morgan spun out of control so badly. It’s a place to start, and she wants to help. It’s also about doing something worthwhile. Ava wants to see her continue to move forward, but Kiki says everything she learns makes it more puzzling. She spoke to a doctor who was struck by how fast it happened. Morgan’s moods went out of control within weeks. She wonders how his medication quit so completely and quickly. Ava tells her she’s not going to get an answer.

The perp says he doesn’t talk to cops. Dante asks if he’s going to throw away his chance. The lawyer says only the DA can make that call. The perp says he’s no snitch and he’s not helping. Dante tells him good luck with prison. He gives the pills to an officer to get prints and DNA.

Sonny gets a text and jets out of Kelly’s.

Lulu insists that Valentin is playing games with her visitation. Anna says he knows where to find her, and gets the hell out of there. Valentin doesn’t know what Lulu is talking about. Lulu says the visit was canceled, and he says this is the first he’s hearing about it. He looks at his phone, and says Mrs. Watkins had a family emergency. Lulu says he could have created the emergency. He tells her that she’s so self-centered and entitled, he doesn’t need to cause a problem for her. Lulu says maybe he did it, maybe not, but he kept Charlotte from her for years and no child is safe with him. She will get custody. He tells her to that it’s the same, tired argument, and asks what if they talk about something different, like Nelle? Lulu is the worst. She’s actually the one I think shouldn’t be around children. I’m also finding it hard to believe that visitation would be canceled because the case worker had an emergency, but it is Port Charles.

Nelle tells Jax that after the surgery when she was sick, Frank said he was waiting for the money and everything would be okay. She would be able to go to the school she wanted to. Then he disappeared for a few weeks, telling her that he had a great opportunity he had to take. When he came back, he said Carly never paid him, and it was an illegal transaction, so there was nothing he could do about it. She wanted to call Carly herself, so she found his address book. That’s when she saw it. She suddenly sits down, saying omg.

Valentin says he understands that Lulu introduced herself to Nelle, and that Nelle knows now that Lulu is trying to take Charlotte away from him. Lulu says the truth will come out to the court. Except for Nina, everyone in town hates him. Lulu says that Anna knows what he’s about, and Valentin says she’d be surprised what Anna knows.

Anna runs into Griff. He asks if everything is okay; he knows that she was searching for answers. She says she found them. It turns out she did do all the things that Valentin accused her of.

Michael says that Nelle’s story was true, except it was Jax, not Carly, but Carly says it’s not that simple. She understands how Frank’s lying could affect have affected Nelle, but she got twisted with revenge. Knowing Carly should have changed her opinion. She ruined all their lives, and Carly can’t get past Nelle using Morgan’s death to manipulate her. Everyone is sounding a bit entitled today.

Nelle says she believes Jax. Jax wants to make it right, but she wants to be left alone. He gives her his card, and tells her to call him. When she’s alone, Nelle says she did what her father wanted. She made Carly suffer. She made Carly hurt and hate her forever, and it was all a lie. Tears roll down her cheeks.

Kiki says she can’t forget about Morgan, and of course has questions. She asks why Ava is so upset, and Ava says she just wants what’s best for her. Kiki says working in the psyche ward is best. Ava gets a text to come to the station and identify her belongings. She tells Kiki to go to the salon without her; it’s going to be a non-event. She apologizes for snapping at Kiki. Kiki says she needs closure about Morgan.

Sonny goes to the station. Dante says it could be nothing, but something strange turned up in the robbery evidence – Morgan’s prescription bottle.

Anna tells Griff that it’s a long story, and she’ll tell him later. He says he’ll see her at her appointment tomorrow. They hug.

Valentin tells Lulu that if she has any future problems, to contact child services. When she gets outside, Lulu says it sounds like Nelle could be on her side. Although I’m not sure how she would get that from the conversation. Oh, maybe it’s that self-centered, entitled thing again.

Valentin recalls what Anna said and how she took his hand. Please, no.

Michael sees Nelle on the bench, crying.

Jax tells Carly that he told Nelle everything. He says she didn’t want to believe it at first, but something clicked. She had memories she didn’t want to share, but it hit her hard when she realized she’d been lied to her entire life. He asks if it changes the way Carly feels about Nelle, and Carly says not at all. He asks if it changes how she feels about him.

Sonny tells Dante that he’ll get the name of whoever had the pills. Dante tells him not to get involved. He’s having them analyzed for DNA and prints. Ava overhears.

Tomorrow, Jax asks Carly’s forgiveness, Michael tells Nelle that she can’t take it back, and Elizabeth asks Franco if he’s lying.

🏛 Trying to catch up with The Real Housewives of Potomac, and caught tonight’s rerun encore performance. The highlights were Ashley winning a dance contest for charity – or as Karen put it, “humping for a cause.” Apparently, Ashley has grown on Karen, which compels me to tell Ashley to run. Robyn and her ex main squeeze ex-husband guy she divorced, but is living with, have downsized, and now (horrors!) own a townhouse. Karen is also in the market for a new home – she wants us to know she’s “resizing, not downsizing” – and I thank God, my lucky stars, and the heavens that I’m not her realtor. The looks on the real estate agents’ faces as they show houses to her are priceless, and alone worth watching for.  (Yes, I know that was a grammatically terrible sentence – and I was an English major.)

🍰 Tonight, the kids on MasterChef Junior were mastering macaroons. Every single cookie looked fabulous, but unfortunately the pink lemonade ones – which sounded heavenly – were overcooked and crumbly. One boy attempted maple bacon macaroons, but I probably don’t have to tell you how that turned out. He definitely gets props for being bold though.

gordonramsay

Mar17

March 16, 2017 – Judge Rawles Makes a Decision, Underage Cooks & Random Thoughts

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

I came in a wee bit late. Valentin takes Charlotte in to the psyche interview.

Alexis tells Sam about what happened with Julian. She says she ran into the woods and kept running, fully expecting a bullet in the back. Sam says she’s sorry, and suggests Alexis see a doctor, but Alexis says she doesn’t need one. She tells Sam that Julian saved her life.

Franco wants to start art therapy with Jake. Elizabeth says that when Jake opens up, Franco will be the one he’ll talk to. She says her blood ran cold when he said the ending line from the book he never saw. Jake comes downstairs, and Elizabeth leaves for work. Franco tells Jake he has some ideas for the day.

Lulu is nervous about the interview. Dante doesn’t want her to get her hopes up, but Laura thinks it can’t hurt for her to be optimistic. Laura tells Dante she asked Doc for his honest opinion, and he said it could go either way. She’s worried about what Lulu might do if she doesn’t get custody.

Valentin thanks Nina for reassuring Charlotte and speaking up for him. He asks how things are going at the MetroCourt, but she’s been staying with Nathan. She says she never questioned that Charlotte belongs with him. Valentin asks if she does. She says he’s always made her feel loved and appreciated, but also insecure and jealous. He says that was never his intention. She says it brings back the past men in her life and diminishes her. Valentin says everything with Anna is in the past. Nina says she’s going to believe him and be his wife, and they’ll raise Charlotte together. She’s willing to forget about the business with Anna if he is. He says from now on he’s focusing on the life that brought her to him. The others arrive for the hearing.

At the hospital, Elizabeth says it’s nice to see Griff in one piece. He says considering what happened, he couldn’t be better. Elizabeth is concerned about getting Jake’s cold. Griff sneezes and says it’s just allergies.

Sam understands the impulse to be grateful, but tells Alexis that her life wouldn’t have been in danger in the first place if it wasn’t for Julian. Instead of turning Olivia-J in, he allowed her to pretend to be Alexis’s AA sponsor. Because of him, Sam and baby Emily almost died. She’s glad he’s gone, and Alexis chastises her for speaking that way about her father.

The judge is late, and Valentin asks Nora if it means anything. Nora says it means the line was long for the coffee kiosk, and doesn’t think he has anything to worry about. Diane tells Lulu and Dante that if and when the judge rules in their favor, they have to make it stick. Judge Lou Rawles comes to the bench. The psychiatrist is ready to give the evaluation and recommendation for custody. Andre walks in. Whoa, wait. Isn’t there a conflict of interest somewhere with him?

Elizabeth tells Griff his throat is red. He says he doesn’t get sick, and she says doctors and nurses make the worst patients. She thinks he should go home. She says he proved himself by staying with his patient during the bomb scare.

Franco tells Jake they’re going to draw stories about the time before they knew each other. He says they’re going to draw every idea they had from the time they were babies until now. They race to the paper. I love Roger Howarth with kids. They en garde with the paper rolls.

Alexis says that she didn’t mean to snap at Sam. Sam says that Alexis scared her a little bit. She thinks Alexis has softened toward Julian, and him helping her get sober made her backslide in other ways. She’s making excuses now, so how long before she rationalizes? Alexis wants there to be an explanation, and Alexis says maybe there is. She remembers the letter and says it’s time to open it.

Andre says that Charlotte is bright, inquisitive, and well-adjusted, and has shown no problem despite all the upheaval. She was dealing with the loss of her mother, when Lulu caused her to cling to Valentin and reject her. He thinks to encourage the rejection won’t serve her when she gets older; she’ll feel cheated, unless she’s provided with the opportunity to see her mother, and would benefit from developing a relationship. The judge asks about the effect of her father. Andre says she loves him very much. He’s been the only constant in her life, and she relies on him for a sense of well-being and stability. Andre is convinced if she’s removed, it would further traumatize her, and her best interest is to remain in Valentin’s custody.

Sam asks if Alexis thinks the letter is going to reveal any excuse for what Julian has done. Alexis says that Sam saw how deranged Olivia-J was. Sam gets that Alexis is thankful she’s alive, but how many ways does Julian have to hurt her? Alexis asks if Sam doesn’t want to know if he was being threatened, but Sam doesn’t want to know why he did things; that he did them is all that matters.

Franco and Jake draw their favorite foods from when they were four-years-old. Of course Franco’s is weird – a pickle and peanut butter sandwich. Franco asks Jake what his favorite thing to do was when he was four. Jake says going on a big slide. Franco tells him to draw it, and asks if he still liked it after he was four. He says, sometimes.

Griff tells Elizabeth that maybe he is a little rundown. They talk about Marisol, and how relieved her parents were that Griff stayed with her. Griff says it must have been awful when Elizabeth thought Jake was dead, and she tells him about the woes of being a single parent. She looks at the thermometer, and Griff’s temperature is 101.2. She tells him to go home.

Andre’s professional recommendation is that Charlotte stay with Valentin, but she would benefit greatly from a relationship with Lulu. He recommends supervised visits in an environment where she feels safe, allowing her to form a connection, without thinking it will affect the bond with her father. The judge wants to take a recess so she can consider the testimony.

Nora doesn’t think it could have gone better. Lulu accosts Andre as he’s leaving. She asks if he has any idea what Valentin has done. She says he murdered her brother to get the Cassadine estate. Andre says he was to give a recommendation in Charlotte’s best interest. He gave his professional opinion and stands by it, and to talk to the judge if they take issue with it. Diane tells Lulu that the judge will take everything into consideration.

She’s fast too. She’s ready to rule.

Sam tells Alexis to do what she thinks is right, but don’t romanticize Julian. He never had a problem lying to her if it meant she thought better of him, and the letter is probably more of the same. Elizabeth peeks in and asks if it’s a good time, and Alexis says she was just leaving. Elizabeth says she just wanted to check in after last night. Sam says they’re fine. They joke about Jason, and Elizabeth looks at the baby. Sam says that Emily has had a lot of visitors today. Elizabeth gives Sam a present.

Franco asks if Jake remembers having any fun sliding since he was four. Jake says no, and Franco says draw something fun that he remembers from when he was seven. Franco wanted to be a pirate when he was seven, and asks Jake what he wanted to be. Jake doesn’t know, so Franco tells him to draw something else from when he was four. Jake gets up and paces on the paper. He starts to draw. It’s a door.

The judge awards full physical and legal custody to Valentin. Lulu shouts out, and Diane apologizes. The judge says Lulu will be allowed supervised visitation. Based on the social worker’s recommendation, they’ll revisit the custody issue in six months. Valentin thanks Nora. She says she’s happy that Charlotte is going to remain while she belongs. Lulu wants to know how they can do this when she’s Charlotte’s mother. At this point, I wouldn’t let her have custody of a squirrel.

Valentin tells Charlotte he’s taking her and Nina out for a special lunch to celebrate their family. Lulu wonders how she’s supposed to deal with this. Dante says they’ll make sure Lulu spends as much time with Charlotte as possible. Diane says she could have been denied visitation altogether, and in six months they can form a bond. Dante says at the least they’ll end up getting shared custody. Lulu whines about having to meet Charlotte with a stranger watching. Like she can be trusted.

Laura asks to have a word with Valentin. Nina takes Charlotte outside. Laura says they all want what’s best for Charlotte, and Valentin says she’s thrilled to be with him. Laura says a lot can change in six months. These people don’t know when to quit. It’s probably not a good idea to be talking to him like that, especially after Lulu’s performance in the courtroom.

Franco asks Jake what the door is about, and Jake says he’s tired of this, and wants to play with the marshmallow gun. Franco sends him to the kitchen to get marshmallows, and ponders the door drawing.

Sam unwraps a baby book. She tells Elizabeth that she’s looking forward to documenting Emily’s firsts. Elizabeth tells her there are things like a family tree in it. Sam thanks her. Sam flips through the book and when she gets to the tree, she focuses on the word “grandpa.”

Alexis takes out the safe deposit box key and the letter.

On Monday, the letter begins If you’re reading this, I’m dead, Scotty tells Olivia-J that she’s going away for a long time, and Felicia asks Anna what she’s doing.

🍰 The kids on MasterChef Junior are still going strong. Omg, this one nine-year-old is the cutest. He can barely get out the words as to what he cooked, but cooks better than all of us put together. Sadly, he got cut this week. I was having some serious thinking about becoming a vegetarian, but it almost gave me second thoughts tonight after seeing the pork chops and steaks these youngsters cooked up. Next week, the traditional pie throwing.

🍳 Gordon Ramsay’s The f Word is coming to FOX this summer. It’s billed as a cooking competition, so I’m not sure if It will be the same as the BBC version. I absolutely love that show. It has a little bit of everything – Gordon showing us a farm to table experience, some restaurant action, and Gordon competing with a celebrity cooking the same dish. I’m curious as to how they might Americanize it, but if it’s Gordon, it’s got to be good!

😢 Waaah! March Madness is making me mad. It’s totally interfering with my viewing schedule. Alas, Judge Judy and Life in Pieces, I knew you well.

🏥 Does the doctor on My 600-lb Life remind anyone else of Tim Conway’s “Mr. Tudball” from The Carol Burnett Show? Just askin’.

MrsWiggins&MrTudball