Category Archives: cooking competition

Aug25

August 24, 2022 – Curtis Has an Unscheduled Meeting, No Diamonds For You, GH Con, Where’s the Beef & Can’t

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Walking into the pool area on the phone, Anna says, just make it work. Victor is going to be at that picnic, and so is he. He’s the CEO of Deception; just live up to the name… What?… The call is cut-off, when Curtis walks in. He says, don’t tell him the hardest working woman in international law enforcement is taking the day off, and she says, every now and then she indulges in a little R & R. She was so happy to hear about Trina. They dropped the charges, yes? He says, they did, and Anna says, she must be so relieved. He says, that’s an understatement. His whole family has many reasons to be celebrating. She asks if something else good happened, and he says, as of a little over an hour ago, he and Portia are engaged.

On the phone in a private area, Portia says she’s already been waiting for a genetic counseling appointment. Jordan almost walks in, but stops, and Portia says, yes, put her on the schedule as soon as they can… No, it’s not concerning her; it’s concerning her daughter. Actually, her medical history isn’t relevant to the screening. It’s in reference to her daughter’s paternal line. Jordan flashes back to being with Portia at The Savoy, and Portia asking if there’s something on her mind. Jordan says, Portia, and the things Portia said the night they were almost killed. Did she ever tell Trina what she thought Trina should know about Taggert?

At Kelly’s, Rory takes Trina’s hand, and says he could get used to this. She says, is he? Or is it going to get boring now that it’s not forbidden anymore?

Olivia tells Leo that he didn’t do anything wrong. She wishes he’d talked to her before he mixed up a batch of Nonna’s love potion for Dante and Sam, but there is nothing in any of those ingredients that can do anyone any harm. He says, but what if the wrong people drink it, and what if the wrong people fall in love with each other? We see Brook run into Dante, and Olivia says, the thing about the play Leo is doing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Titania the fairy queen thinks she’s nuts about his character Bottom, but they’re wrong for each other. We see Brook and Dante clink cups.

Drew says, Carly can be his sous chef, but she says, that’s not why she’s here. In a voiceover, Olivia says, like it says in the play, the course of true love never did run smooth. But just like in the play, the universe always rights itself in the end. Drew says he bets Carly likes it smoking hot. He’s more of a low and slow guy. Carly asks if he’s flirting with her.

Leo asks if Olivia is sure everything is going to be okay, and Ned asks, what happened now? Leo says, the Sicilian Thunderbolt, and Ned says, that stuff made with flowers Olivia tried to give him when he had shingles? Olivia says, it serves many purposes, and Leo says, it also makes you fall in love. Just like the potion in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Olivia says, people swear by it. Leo mixed up a batch and now it’s out there in the picnic somewhere. Leo says, what if all the couples get mixed up? but Ned says, that’s highly unlikely. Although, depending on the couples, it could be an improvement. Olivia says, just in case… Nonna, if you’re listening, hear our plea, and set things right. She throws some salt over her shoulder and blesses herself, and Leo blesses himself.

Dante asks if Brook is having a good time. He’s having a great time. He doesn’t know the last time he had this good of a time actually. She says, same, and he says, it’s terrible. She says, abysmal, and he says he guesses they know each other too well. She says, they go way, back, and he says, they do. They sip their drinks, and she asks, so why is he hiding out here with all the food, drinks, and lawn games? He says, everything but the girl, and she says she thought he and Sam were solid. He says, they were. They may have hit a roadblock… a big one.

Carly says, for months, she’s been getting signals from Drew, and she told herself, no way; they’re just friends. He says, they are, but she says, lately, it’s felt different, and she’s not the only one who’s noticed. He says, he’ll bite; who noticed? She says, Olivia and Brook. They think there’s something going on between them. He says, those two never met a pot they didn’t want to stir, and she says, that’s true. Olivia wants everyone to fall in love, and Brook is a troublemaker with good intentions, but she doesn’t care about them. She’s asking him. From where he’s standing, what the hell is going on between them?

Anna congratulates Curtis, when Portia joins them. Anna says, Curtis’s fiancé; he just told her the good news. Portia says, fiancé has a nice ring to it, and Anna says, speaking of rings… Portia squeals, and Anna admires her ring. Portia says, can she believe Curtis found it at the bottom of the pool? and Anna asks if that’s how he proposed to her. He says, hiding a ring in a dessert or cocktail, we’ve seen that before. Now in a pool… Anna says, wow, and he says he figured Portia wouldn’t see that coming. Portia says, he figured right, and he says, nothing’s too good for his baby, including champagne and strawberries waiting for them when they get home, and a few other surprises he knows she’ll love. His phone rings, and he says he has to take this. Portia tells him, go. Now they can talk about him. He leaves, and Portia thanks Anna for everything. She’s being so gracious, and Portia appreciates it. Anna asks why she wouldn’t be, and Portia says, Anna and Jordan are friends.

Jordan walks in, and bumps into a chair, dropping her bag. Spencer asks if everything is okay, but she says, no. Everything is not okay.

Ned says, Leo is taking his play a little too much to heart, but Leo says, that’s where love happens. Ned says he’s seen that play many times before, and it teaches a valuable lesson. You know what happens when you try and manipulate people’s feelings? Leo says, it can cause trouble? and Ned says, exactly. It’s a very good thing to remember. Leo says, he’ll remember it, and Ned says he wants Leo to go out to the picnic and enjoy himself. And don’t worry about this so-called potion. Leo says, okay, but he’ll just make sure while he’s at it, and he runs out. Olivia wonders what he meant by make sure, and Ned says he has no idea, but Sicilian Thunderbolt? She says, there’s plenty of magic to be found in this world. You just need to know how to recognize it.

Dante sees Sam, and asks where she’s headed. She says she was headed to the stable. She thinks she left her phone there. He wonders if Cody knows they’re on his turf, and she says she hasn’t seen him. She can understand why he loves it here. He’s got all the creature comforts. Dante says, too bad he didn’t invite her to live in the stables. She might have moved in with him then. She says, ouch.

Rory asks if Trina is really worried. He doesn’t buy a soda for every beautiful woman who graces the interrogation room. She says, this relationship is lopsided. He knows her likes, he knows her hobbies. He knows her family; he’s been to her job. He says she’s been to his job too, and she says, okay. He knows what she means. She wants to know him better. What kind of music is he into? When he’s eating on the steps of The Chuck, what’s for lunch? He says, there’s a reason she doesn’t know that much about him. And it’s because she might not like what she hears.

Brook is coming out of the stable, and this time, runs into Chase. She says, he just missed Dante, but he says he’s not here to see Dante. He’s here to see her. He’s going to make this fast, because they always get interrupted. Brook Lynn Quartermaine, you are pigheaded, brash, and impossible to understand from one moment to the next. She says, in that case, Mr. Harrison Chase, you’re a Pollyanna choirboy with a questionable sense of fashion. He looks at his outfit, and says, she’s also caring, passionate, and incredibly sexy. And he’s been falling for her for a long time now. And even if she doesn’t feel the same way about him, he had to tell her. Because we miss 100% of the shots we don’t take. She says she couldn’t agree more, and kisses him.

Spencer picks up Jordan’s bag, and she thanks him. He says, of course (🍷). Does she want him to call someone? She says she’s fine. She just had a bit too much sun.

Anna asks if it was a surprise, and Portia says she had no idea. Curtis comes back, and says he’s sorry, but he and Portia are going to have to put the champagne on ice. She asks if it’s something at the club, but he says, nothing he can’t handle. She says, that’s fine. They’ll just have to pick up their celebration a little bit later. He kisses her and leaves, and Anna tells Portia, Jordan is her friend, but she feels like everyone has moved on. So she’s very sincere in her congratulations. Portia thanks her, and says she appreciates that. Anna says she just wants the best for the both of them, and Jordan joins them, saying, so does she. Curtis deserves nothing less.

Drew says he can’t tell Carly what’s going on between them, because honestly, he’s not sure himself. Does she? She says, forget she asked. She’s a grown woman and she’s telling him that her friends think he’s crushing on her. She’s totally embarrassed, so can they just pretend like this conversation never happened? She starts to leave, and he says, they could, grabbing her arm, but he doesn’t think they should. She says, why not? and he says, because the reason people are getting ideas about them is, he is flirting with her.

On the terrace, Chase tells Brook that he thinks he hears a three-foot mosquito, and Leo pops out. He says, Chase knows they never grow larger than half an inch, and Brook says, Leo knows he shouldn’t eavesdrop. Leo asks how he can eavesdrop when they weren’t talking, and Chase says, Leo has her there. Leo says, they weren’t talking because they were kissing, and it’s all because of him.

Dante tells Sam that he’s sorry; it’s not about her. She says, except he wasn’t joking; she heard him when she didn’t agree right away. He says he doesn’t know if he’d go that far, and she says she knows he wouldn’t, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true. For that, she’s so sorry. he says, she doesn’t have anything to apologize for. He’s the one who’s sorry. He wanted too much too soon, and pushed her away. She says, here she is, so now what? He suggests they pick up where they left off, and hold off on the moving talk until she’s ready. She says, that’s the thing. She doesn’t know if she’s ever going to be ready.

Drew says, Carly can’t be surprised, and she says, she knows what she felt, but she didn’t think he’d confirm it. So he’s really been… He says, flirting with her. Yeah, just like she’s been flirting with him. She says, not true, but he says, she’s not hanging this on him. He said at the beginning of the friendship that he’d always be honest with her. Can’t she do that for him? She admits she’s been flirting with him, and she looks forward to seeing him, in and out of the pool. Although in the pool is pretty damn spectacular. He says, see that right there? Flirting. She says, why hide it now? Unless she’s been reading this wrong, and there’s really nothing underneath. Is he just kidding around? He says, no, is she? and she says, no.

Trina asks what’s not to like about Rory, and he says he’s worried she’ll think he’s boring. She asks if he has a stamp collection, and he says, no, but has he told her that he’s working on a graphic novel? She says, he’s an artist. Check, please. Why would he think she’d find that boring? He says, he’s not an artist; he just doodles. She says, he has to start somewhere. What else is he good at? He says, cooking. Actually, he’d like to cook dinner for her at his place sometime. She says, so he’s telling her that he’s a physically active man, who has artistic ambitions, and cooks. And he was worried she was going to find that boring? He says, when she puts it like that… So it’s his choice what they get to do today? She says, anything he wants.

Portia tells Jordan, rest assured, she intends to spend the rest of her life making Curtis happy, and Jordan says, bear in mind, Curtis values transparency more than anything. Portia says, meaning what exactly? and Jordan says, meaning she couldn’t give him that. She kept too many things from him – important things – and it ended their marriage. She hopes Portia doesn’t make the same mistakes she did. Portia thanks her, and says, but she and Curtis try not to keep any secrets from each other. Spencer comes over with a glass of water for Jordan, and tells her, feel better. Portia asks him to wait as second. She’d like to have a word.

Curtis sees Selina on a bench in the park, and says, she called, he came, what might she want? She says good afternoon to him as well, and felicitations. He asks how she heard about it, and she says, how could she not? Every news report covered the final day of Trina Robinson’s trial. He says, they’re all relieved. No disrespect intended, but she could have just sent him a message. She says she is sending a message. She needed to express in person how pleased she is that her tip on where to find Oz Haggerty paid off. He says, it did, and he’s grateful. She asks, how grateful?

Carly says she hasn’t let herself consider Drew anything other than a friend, and he asks, why not? She says, he’s Sam’s ex and Jason’s brother. He asks if that’s really what’s been holding her back, and she asks, what’s been holding him back? He says, she’s been going through a lot these past few months, and she says, that’s an understatement. He says, all things considered, what was he supposed to do? Put the moves on her while she was in the middle of a divorce? She asks if he’s considered putting the moves on her, and he says, every man alive has considered putting the moves on her.

Dante says he knows he pushed too fast, but Sam says, it wasn’t about the timing. She just got stuck in her own head. He says, about Lulu? and she says, yeah. She just keeps thinking that she could never measure up to his memories of her. He asks what she’s talking about. They haven’t been in that house together in years. She says she was already in her own head, and had this thought that she wasn’t who he wanted. He says, she’s the only person he wants, and she says she was going to say the same thing about him, when all of a sudden, he took the idea of living together off the table. She thought that window had closed. He says he didn’t take it off the table, an that window is always open for her. Always.

Ned says, Olivia doesn’t believe this potion business, does she? and she says, Titania wasn’t the only one enamored of an ass. He says, she does believe it, and she says, Nonna was madly in love with Carlo, the village butcher, and he had eyes for her too. Unfortunately, he was already promised to Valeria, the milkman’s daughter. So Nonna, slips Carlo the Sicilian Thunderbolt, and bam! – she bangs the table – all of a sudden, goodbye village Valeria, hello new life in Palermo with Nonna. Now did the Thunderbolt give him the courage to make a new life with Nonna, or did he just think it did? Who knows? What difference does it make? Ned asks if she slipped him the Thunderbolt when they first met, and she says, as if they needed it, and they kiss.

Leo says, they drank a love potion, and Chase says, they did? Brook says, not the Sicilian Thunderbolt, and Chase says, the Sicilian what now? Leo says, it shows people who they belong with, but it can also create confusion. Chase says, it certainly worked here, but in the future, maybe lay off the magic. He’s stressing himself out. Leo says, so it can cause trouble with him too? and Chase says, exactly. So buzz off, petito mosquito. Leo says he’s not a mosquito, and goes inside. Chase asks Brook, now where were they? and she says, Nonna Tuccia’s recipes were well known in the old neighborhood. She had a gift. He says, she can’t think they kissed because of Leo’s Sienna Lightning, and she says, Sicilian Thunderbolt, and don’t knock it. She’s seen things. He says he’s had feelings for her for a long time. Whatever was in that lemonade has nothing to do with it. She says, but that doesn’t mean what they’re feeling is real.

Anna tells Jordan that she’s sorry she hasn’t been in touch. They’ve both been swamped, and they’re overdue for that drink. Is Jordan allowed to have a drink? Jordan says, every now and then. She looks over at Spencer telling Portia, the last thing he wanted to do is cause her more stress, so if his being here is causing a problem… Anna asks why Spencer told Jordan to feel better, but Jordan says, it’s nothing. She just got a little dehydrated; hence, the water. Anna says, and warning Portia about transparency? Jordan says, if Anna thought she knew something that could deeply impact her ex’s relationship, would she say something? Portia tells Spencer, she’s not saying she’s completely changed her mind about him, but she appreciates his sacrifice. He says, that means a lot, and she says she needs him to understand something. Trina has moved on; from the trial, from what Esme tried to do to her, and from him. She’s so happy now, finally. And because of what he did, what he attempted to do, Portia wishes the same for him. Rory and Trina walk in.

Curtis thanks Selina for her congratulations, and asks what she really wants from him. She says, The Savoy will soon be in receipt of an import; her people will take possession when the shipment arrives from the dock. He asks, what’s the product? and she says she could tell him, but that would deepen their arrangement, and she doesn’t think he’s willing to do that – or is he? He says, she was right the first time, and she says, that’s what she thought. In the meantime, she trusts his staff will be discreet, and not obstruct the transport of this delivery, into and out of The Savoy. He says, his staff will not be involved; neither will he. Poker games are one thing, but he won’t let her use him, or The Savoy, to traffic illegal goods. She says, she’s informing him as a courtesy because she appreciates their friendship, and he says, so that’s what this is? A friendship? Her strongarming him? She asks if they can agree that without her assistance, Trina Robinson might not be walking around free right now. They may have different definitions of friendship, but she thinks they can agree that he’d rather have her as his ally than his adversary.

Jordan says, if what she suspects is true, it’s life-changing information, and Anna says, and not for the good she assumes. Jordan says, it could cause serious problems, and Anna says, Jordan is an investigator. If she has a hunch, she’s probably right. Jordan says, that’s what she’s afraid of, and Anna says she does think the most important thing is not whether the information is true. What matters are Jordan’s reasons for revealing it.

Spencer thanks Portia for what she said, and tells them all to have a lovely afternoon. He leaves, and Portia hustles Rory and Trina over to a table. Trina asks, what was that about? and Portia says, she’ll tell Trina later. She’s just happy Trina is here; both of them. Rory is welcome to hang out with them anytime. Trina says, Portia is being a little extra, and she can’t tell if it’s a good thing or a bad ting, so… Portia says, actually, there’s something she needs to speak to Trina about. It’s very important.

Sam tells Dante, he said they’d know when the time was right, and he asks if she doesn’t agree. She says she thinks they need to control their own fate, and decide for themselves. Let’s do it. He asks if she’s sure, and she says, about moving in? Yes, absolutely. He picks her up, and spins her around. She tells him, there’s one thing she needs to say to clear the air. She respects the memories he and Rocco have made in the house, and she wants him to know that he doesn’t have to change a thing when she and the kids move in. He says he doesn’t actually think he wants her and the kids to move in with him and Rocco.

Chase says he’s not following, and Brook asks, when was the last time they were just Chase and Brook? He says, right now, but she says, they’re client and manager. And before that, they were co-conspirators, shielding a baby from her homicidal father. He says, of course (🍷) they got closer when they were co-parenting Bailey; it was bound to happen. She says, they were on an adventure; it wasn’t real life. What if they’re mistaking other feelings for something more? He says, what other feelings? and she says, her guilt and his gratitude. She got him suspended twice, and he’s grateful because she’s helping him embark on a new career. He says he can’t believe she’s saying this right now. She doesn’t think he understands his own feelings? She says she would love it if these feelings were real, but how can they know for sure?

Trina tells Portia, don’t keep her in suspense. What’s the earth shattering news? Portia looks all sad, and puts her hand on her forehead so Trina sees the ring. Trina says, oh my God. Does this mean…? Portia says, Curtis proposed, and Trina asks, when? Portia says, about an hour ago, and Trina asks, where? Portia says, in the pool, and Trina says, in the pool? She can see how that would be romantic. Portia says, it was, and they squeal, stamp their feet, and hug, Rory watching with amusement. Portia says, she’s glad Trina came here. She wanted to tell her in person. Trina says she’s thrilled, and Rory says, congratulations. Portia’s phone rings, and she says she has to take it. They’ll catch up later. Have so much fun. She leaves, and Rory says, seems like there’s a lot of good news. Trina says, not for everybody, and goes over to Spencer, who’s lying on a chaise. She says, any word from the DA’s office? and he says, just what he told her before; he reports to Pentenville in three days. She says, that’s so unfair. They’re giving him three months, and he only left Spring Ridge for a couple of hours. The only reason they even know is because he tried to help her. He says he’s only sorry he didn’t come to her defense sooner, and Rory joins them. He says he knows the COO at Pentenville, and was told the cushiest job is working in the library. He can check and see if they have any openings for that assignment. Trina says, that’s so sweet.

Drew says he thinks what’s holding Carly back is how complicated it might get, and Carly says, agreed, so… Whatever this is, they just leave it alone? He says, maybe, and she gives him the tongs. He says he learned on an open grill. You have to make sure the charcoal is out when you’re done grilling. The slightest stir in the air causes the charcoal to reignite. She asks why she gets the feeling this is more than a grilling tutorial. What is he getting at? He says, they can try to ignore it, and move on, but something tells him it will take a lot more than walking away to make this fire go out.

Selina says she only wanted to convey her sincere investment in her and Curtis’s partnership. He says he’s going to go, and she asks if there’s something more pressing than their business. He says, she summoned him when he was in the midst of a celebration; this was not a scheduled meeting. She asks if more congratulations are in order, but he says, Trina’s exoneration, that’s all. She says, an outcome that is celebrated by all, particularly those of us who had a hand in it. She won’t delay his festivities any longer. Her people will reach out about the shipment. Curtis says he never agreed… and she says she’s happy his family is no longer in jeopardy. She gets up, says, may his good fortune continue, and walks out of the park. Her outfit, including accessories, is beyond chic. Whoever does wardrobe for this show is a genius.

Portia goes to the hospital reception desk, and says, Dr. Samuels? She introduces herself, and says she spoke with the doctor’s office. Dr. Samuels says, genetic counseling for her daughter, right? and Portia says, yes. She scheduled a consultation, and can provide the doctor with the family medical history, but her daughter’s so busy with work and school, and as a physician, she was wondering if it would be okay for her to provide the doctor with a DNA sample for analysis. Dr. Samuels says she’s afraid not. She can’t discuss results with anyone other than the patient seeking counseling. And she certainly can’t accept a sample without verifying consent. Portia says, of course (🍷), and the doctor says, as soon as her daughter has the time, have her daughter come see her. The doctor will get her the answers she needs.

Portia says, anything she’d have to say would be to protect Curtis, and Anna asks if that’s the only reason. If she were to do something, or nothing at all, she’d want to understand her own reasons. Jordan says she would too, and thanks Anna. Anna asks if she’s available for that drink right now, and Jordan says, yes. Please. Lead the way.

Spencer says he needs to head out, and tells Trina, enjoy the pool. She says, he’s leaving already? He hasn’t even gone in. He says he has things to take care of before he reports to Pentenville, and thanks Rory for the advice. He says, it’s good to see Trina happy, and leaves. Rory says, is this spot good? and Trina says, it’s great. They sit down, and Spencer leaves after taking one last look.

Sam says she doesn’t understand. Dante asked her to move in; now he’s changing his mind? He says he doesn’t want her to move in with him and Rocco. He wants them to move in with her. She says, oh, and he says, oh is how they got into this mess. Is that, oh, it’s what she wants… She says she doesn’t want Rocco to lose any of his memories with Lulu, but Dante says, he won’t. Anything he wants to remind him of his mother, he can bring with him. All he needs is them… and a PlayStation and a fridge full of food. She hugs him, and he asks if that’s a yes. She says, it is, and he asks what she wants to do. How should they tell the kids? She says she doesn’t know. Tell Olivia. Let’s put it in skywriting. He says, that’s kind of like the same thing. Why don’t they start by telling the kids? He kisses her.  

Leo runs inside, and says, guess what? He saw Chase and Brook kissing. Olivia says, it’s about time, and Ned says, honestly? He thought it would never happen. Olivia says she wonders what finally gave them that little push they needed, and Leo says he knows what it was. They drank the Sicilian Thunderbolt. Olivia says, mystery solved, and hugs him. Ned says, thank you, Nonna, and they have a group hug.

Brook tells Chase, say something, and he says, she’s one of the bravest people he’s met. She says, and? and he says, to a point. She’s absolutely fearless until it comes to risking her own heart. That soliloquy she delivered would give Shakespeare a run for his money. But it won’t work. She says, what won’t? and he says, this whole pushing away from him thing. It’s an exercise in futility, because the feelings they have for each other are real. She says, feelings are one thing, but acting on them is when you can get really hurt. She admits she’s scared, and he says, then she’s in luck, because he’s absolutely terrified. She says, so much for being brave, and he says, if she wasn’t scared, she wouldn’t need to be brave. She says she’s not going to be scared all by herself. Is he in? He says, all in, and she says, great. They can be scared together. He says he thinks Leo’s love potion worked, and she says, maybe, but maybe they made all this magic on their own. He says he thinks there’s a lyric in there, and they kiss.

Carly says, what’s gotten into them? and Drew says he’s betting it’s the apron that did it. She says, it is rather fetching, and he says, or they could chalk it up to what it is; an attraction they can no longer ignore. He kisses her

Tomorrow, Nikolas won’t give up on Ava or Spencer; Victor tells Ava that they can either be family or enemies; and Olivia tells Sonny, he’s got people. Do something.

💎 For whatever reason, RHOBH wasn’t on tonight, and Dubai took over Bravo. At this point, Caroline Stanbury looks like she was kidnapped and dropped in from another planet.

🏥 Mark Your Calendars…

You say celebration, I say convention. Potato, potahto.

Meet Your Favorite GENERAL HOSPITAL Stars!

🍝 Beefing It Up…

I happened to catch this, and loved it. The guest chefs were Caroline and Dolores from RHONJ, but host Joel McHale is what makes the show. He makes me literally lol. I thought his postscript of Tiger King, The Tiger King and I, was brilliant.

https://www.eonline.com/videos/341424/celebrity-beef-with-joel-mchale-official-trailer

🐳 Got Me a Car As Big As a Whale…

If all goes according to plan, you can meet me here tomorrow for some soap and Charm. Until then, stay safe, stay breaking the mold, and stay remembering there’s plenty of magic to be found in this world. You just need to know how to recognize it.

Mar19

March 18, 2022 – Alexis Answers the Question, Goodbyes, Staying, RSVNot, Eboni’s Why, It’s a No, Booted, Injured, It’s Him, Reactions, Where They Are, Merging, Choices, One Worthy Quote & Dance

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

On the phone in her office, Alexis says everything looks in order, so it should be good for an early morning release. Shawn comes to the door, and says, got time? She says, for him, always, and he says, good, because they have a lot to talk about. She asks, what is it? and he says, her friend Harmony, and the company she keeps.

Phyllis sees Nina at Charlie’s, and gives her a hug. She says she wishes Nina would have given her a heads up; she would have cancelled her plans. Nina says, Phyllis is a busy lady, and asks what kind of plans she has. Phyllis says she’s going to meet up with a friend of Lenny’s, and Nina asks if they live in Port Charles. Phyllis says, just passing through. Raincheck? Nina says, definitely. The truth is, she has a meeting herself, and no, not with Sonny. Phyllis says, see her soon, and leaves. Harmony walks in, and says, she hopes she didn’t keep Nina waiting.

Michael sneaks up behind Willow at the hospital, and she asks what he’s doing here. Did she forget date night? He says, she’s fine, and asks if she’s finished with her rotation. She says, yes. Can’t he tell by the circles under her eyes? If being a nurse is as exhausting as becoming one, she’s going to have to up her concealer game. He says, A, her eyes are perfect, and B, all she needs is a week in Paris and, viola. She says, he learned a new French word, and he says, oui, oui. She says she’s cleared the trip with her supervisor, and he suggests they get her home and start packing.

Jordan tells reporter Smalt (I didn’t realize it was the UFO guy from The Invader), if he wants an interview, contact her office. He says she must be aware there’s a video out there of Josslyn Jax and Cameron Webber doing the dirty. (Is everyone twelve?) She says, out there as in… He says, going viral, and he heard from unnamed sources that PCU has launched its own investigation. What does she think? With the Corinthos family involved, are they looking at a prank, or something more criminal?

Esme sees Spencer bear hugging the book, and asks if that’s the gift he gave Trina. He says, it was. Apparently, Trina doesn’t want anything from him. She says, not even friendship? Does that mean Trina’s out of his life? He says, if she is, will Esme be happy? She finally got what she wanted. She asks how he can say that. If he’s hurt, she’s hurting for him, but given the pain Trina’s inflicted on his two closest friends, maybe it’s better this way. He says, better for who? and Esme says, she finally did it, didn’t she? Trina has him believing she’s the one who made that awful video. He says, isn’t she?

At the Bistro, Sam says she can’t believe Carly just showed up like that, and Dante says, she didn’t just show up. She detonated their entire plan. Sam says, a plan that was actually working, and Dante agrees, but what can they do? She says she doesn’t know. What now? He says, now they figure out another way to find out what Victor is up to.

On the footbridge, Carly tells Drew, she’s so, so sorry that she completely and utterly ruined his plan. If she’d had any idea… He says, why? and she says, why is she sorry? He says, no. Most people who would have come up and figured out what was going on would have made an anonymous call to the cops, but she just stormed up to confront it head on. She says she thought he was about to pitch that guy over the bridge, and commit murder. That’s why she didn’t start filming right away; she didn’t want to capture that. Can he imagine trying to explain to a jury that he was conditioned, it wasn’t his fault? He says, the tarot card made me do it isn’t a good defense? He doesn’t get it. She says she couldn’t stand the thought of sitting in the gallery watching that, and he says, she’d be at his trial? She says, of course (🍷) she would.

Willow says, Michael wants to leave for Paris now? and he says, as soon as humanly possible. She says, there’s so much to do; so much to plan. He says, all she needs is her passport, and thanks to her mom, she has one of those, right? They’ll just throw some necessities in a suitcase, and as for the rest, the Parisian shops are calling their names. She says, that sounds… He says, incredible? and she says, yes, but what about Wiley? He says, who’s Wiley? Monica offered to watch him; she insisted actually. She says, that was before she had her hands full planning Jason’s memorial, and he says, he’d ask his mom, but her life’s kind of crazy right now. She says, there’s always her mom. She’d jump at the chance. And let’s face it, so would Nina.

Nina says she figured it was about time she and Harmony met. They do have someone in common. Harmony says, they do? and Nina says, their grandson. Who else does Harmony think she meant?

Jordan says, if and when the PCPD has something to say about this matter, Smalt can read the press release. TJ comes along and asks if everything is cool, and Jordan says, occupational hazard. Smalt says, if someone has targeted Sonny Corinthos’s stepdaughter, he’s damn well going to find out who, with or without Jordan’s cooperation.

Esme says she can’t believe Spencer is buying into Trina’s pathetic attempt to deflect suspicion. This is ridiculous. When she left a little while ago, everything was fine. Trina pays him one visit, and he throws this baseless accusation… He says, Cameron doesn’t think it’s baseless, and she says, who cares what Cameron thinks? He says, he does. Cameron told him to trust his gut. She says, and not trust her? Open his eyes. Cam’s always had it out for her. He says, not always. In fact, Cameron was on her side until she… She says, until she somehow taped him and his girlfriend having sex when she was miles away with Spencer? Does he hear himself? He says, she managed to torch Ava’s car without being there, and she says, she did that for him. He asks if she did this for him too, and she says, they succeeded. His friends set out to turn him against her, and they finally did. He says, they didn’t do anything. They didn’t have to. Not if she did it all for them.

Dante says, so Drew was part of this Operation Demeter at some point, and Sam says, and their chances of uncovering it are basically zero. He says, right, because Drew was a SEAL, and it was probably some black op. She says, Spinelli could get near it. Dante knows he has his ways, but she knows. She’s not allowed to ask him for help anymore. He tells her that she’s a real piece of work, and she says she knows that, but she also knows she’s right. She thinks it’s a mistake not to utilize Spinelli just because Dante’s ego can’t take it. He makes a pained expression, and says, can’t take it? and she says, yeah. He says she’s right, and she says, excuse me? He tells her that he said she’s right, and she smiles.

Carly asks if Drew thinks she would let him go to trial for a murder he committed against his will with no one in his corner. No way. The next call she would make would be to Diane, which by the way, if he wakes up one day and finds he’s committed a crime he doesn’t remember… He says, call Diane? but she says, call her; she’ll call Diane. He’s a nice guy and all… He says, but he’s not on the list? and she says, if it makes him feel better, it’s a very short list. There were only three people in the world who could call Diane, and no matter what she was doing or where she was, she would pick up the phone. Now there are only two. He says, her and Sonny, and she says, yeah. He says he still can’t believe her first impulse wasn’t to run, but instead, she just jumps right in to the mix. She says, it’s pretty on brand for her, and he says, none of the other stuff even crossed her mind? She says, like what? and he says, like her kids, her work, her life; all the stuff she told him not to jeopardize. For all she knew, he could have thrown her over the side next. She says, oh. She didn’t really think about that, but if she had… No. She doesn’t believe he would have thrown her over the bridge, conditioned or not. He says he’d really like to believe that, but that’s what’s so disorienting. When it is the right tarot card, there is no choice, there’s no conscious decision to do or don’t. He just wakes up and it’s done; he doesn’t remember anything. She says, that’s so scary, and he says, it’s terrifying.

Shawn tells Alexis, it’s been a while since he’s seen the guy, but when you’re as notorious as Bucky was, you’re not easily forgotten… and this isn’t news to her, is it? She says, no. Harmony told her about the forger. He says, so Harmony made her an accessory after the fact, and she says she advised Harmony not to do it, but at the end of the day, Harmony did what she was going to do, and she did it for her daughter. Is there anything he wouldn’t do for TJ? He says, now she’s just playing dirty, and she says, is there? He tells her to ask herself this. Is she sure Harmony was thinking about Willow, or was she just thinking about herself?

Harmony says, she and Nina are virtual strangers. She’s learned the hard way to guard against people who want to involve her in their own personal problems. Nina says, fair enough, and she doesn’t blame Harmony for being cautious, but in this particular case, Nina’s problem could also be Harmony’s problem. Harmony says, Nina wants something, and Nina says she only wants what Harmony wants she would imagine; to spend time with her precious grandchild? Or do Michael and Willow make her feel welcome when she’s around Wiley? Harmony says she gets to see him from time to time, when it’s convenient for them. Nina says, what if she told Harmony that she could change that? What if she never had to beg or grovel to see Wiley? What if they got Wiley’s parents to put him first, and give them what’s rightfully theirs?

Michael says, he and Willow agreed Nina gets nowhere near their son. Has that changed? Willow says, no. Nina forfeited her right to be in Wiley’s life as far as they’re concerned. The courts may have a different opinion. He says, Nina has the right to file a petition. Let her take her best shot, because they know they’re doing what’s best for Wiley. She says, and they agree that’s being surrounded by people who love him with no ulterior motive. He says, of course (🍷), and she says, could that list maybe include her mom? She knows her mom’s had her issues – no one knows that better than her – but she’s trying so hard to make up for her mistakes, which is more than they can say for Nina, right?

Jordan tells Smalt, careful now. It sounds like he’s more interested in selling a story than protecting two innocent kids. Smalt tells her, who says they’re innocent? and TJ asks, what’s going on? Jordan says, that’s what she’s trying to figure out. If what Mr. Smalt here says is true… Smalt says, gospel. His sources always check out. Jordan says she’s sure, and he says, if she refuses to give him the answers he needs, he’ll just find them somewhere else, and walks off.

Michael says, despite Willow’s mom’s sincere remorse, it’s hard for him to leave what she did to Willow in the past. Smalt sees Michael, and says, paydirt.

Spencer tells Esme to look him in the eye, and tell him that she had nothing to do with that video. She says, would it even matter? After all this time together, after everything they’ve been through, she can’t believe their history isn’t enough. He says he wants to trust her, and she urges him to sit with her. She asks if he remembers the first time they met in boarding school, and he says, of course (🍷) he does. She says, where were his friends then? He didn’t have any. The poor little rich kid was all alone until she came along. Then when he returned to Port Charles, and threw that big welcome home party, who wrote up the guest list? Who made sure every single person on it would fly in? Does he think they came all this way because they liked him? Please. They used him because his last name is Cassadine. All of them, except for her, because she saw the real him; his heart, his mind, his potential. True, he was just a boy, but she fell for him, knowing one day he’d be a man. Maybe she was wrong. Maybe she was fooling herself this entire time.

Carly says, let’s be practical about this. He knows what tarot cards work on him, right? and he says, The Chariot puts him under; The Tower brings him out. She says, and he knows what words need to be used? and he says, you’re active, and stand down. She says, besides the two of them, who knows the whole sequence at this point? and he says he thinks a lot of people know it involves tarot cards, but only Jason and Britt knew the actual sequence. She says she’s had her mixed feelings about Britt in the past, but Britt would never use it against him, and she almost certainly wouldn’t. He says, almost certainly? and she says, now that she thinks about it, she should invest in a tarot deck just in case. You never know when it could come in handy. Like when Nina’s really driving her crazy… He says, oh my God, and she says she doesn’t want to wipe Nina off the map or anything, but maybe there’s a fire at the Crimson printing facility. No one’s hurt or anything like that, but the magazine fails, and Nina has to leave town… She doesn’t want him to make the mistake that she’s above that, because she’s not. He says, she is. She might despise Nina, but not for one second does he think she would take away his free will just to mess with her. She says, no, she woudn’t.

Dante tells Sam, he was wrong. They should have called Spinelli instead of letting his… She says, ego, and he cringes, and says, ego get in the way, and maybe they wouldn’t be in this position. She says, as much as she likes to be right, he’s wrong. He says, that’s what he was telling her, but she says she’s talking about being in this position. It has nothing to do with him or who put the microphone on Drew, and everything to do with Carly. The plan went sideways, but it wasn’t his fault. He’s actually doing a really great job. He asks her to say it again, she does, and they kiss.

Carly says, when Drew talked about taking away his free will, it made her think. He asks, what about? and she says, the worst mistakes she’s made in her entire life was when she went along with someone else’s choice, not her own. She loved Jason for a million reasons, but one that stands out to her is, Jason never did anything he didn’t choose to do. He did a ton of things he didn’t want to do, but Jason was the ultimate proponent of free will. She guesses that makes it easier sometimes when she’s so angry she wants to scream at the universe. No one made Jason go to that island. He chose it, just like he chose everything else. He says, that’s why she and Jason were so close. They were the same that way. In the end, she just does what she wants, and everyone else be damned. Jason apparently didn’t have a problem with it. She laughs, and says, sometimes he did… a lot of times. That’s why, as much as it hurt, she had to end things with Sonny. It got to the point where she was making herself small every day. She was lying every day; not just to the kids, but to him, the world, herself. She was swallowing so much resentment and anger, she was choking on it. He says, she made a choice, and she broke free, and she says, it’s going to take a while before she feels okay. She misses Avery so much it hurts, but she didn’t have a choice. Not one she could live with.

Esme says, this is what she gets for staying by Spencer’s side, when everyone, including his own father, was against him. She won’t be making that mistake again. She gets up, and he follows, saying, she knows what she means to him. He hasn’t forgotten all that she’s done for him. She says, it seems like it. It seems like he’s willing to believe everyone except her. He says he just wants to understand what happened. Someone made that video and sent it out to the entire school. Esme blames Trina – Esme squeals, because she did it – and everyone else blames Esme. They’re getting so loud, I’m surprised a guard hasn’t run in, and shouldn’t there be a guard in the room??? He says, so either everyone’s wrong and she’s right… who is he supposed to believe? She says, he’s supposed to believe her. Because that’s what love is, putting one person before everyone else. Either he can do that or he can’t.

Michael says, they do need to figure out Willow’s mom’s place in Wiley’s life, but can they do it on their way to the airport, on the plane, or at one of the amazing cafes they’re going to be eating at? He wants her to himself in the City of Lights. She says, they still have to figure out who’s going to watch Wiley, and he says he’ll call his grandmother, give her first choice… in the car. Willow says, let’s get out of here, and they walk to the elevator. Smalt appears, and says, Mr. Corinthos? Michael asks if he knows Smalt, and Smalt introduces himself, saying, Michael must have seen his work in The Invader. Does he have any comment on the video? Michael says they’re in a hurry; Smalt can contact his office. Smalt says, so Michael has no comment on his family’s latest brush with scandal? and Michael says, his family is well-versed in so-called scandals. The elevator doors open, and Michael and Willow get in. Smalt leans on the door, keeping it open, and says, even when it comes to Michael’s sister Josslyn? Michael says, what about Josslyn?

Alexis tells Shawn, sorry. He doesn’t want her to miss a deadline, does he? He says, always a master of deflection, and she says, the website called her. He says, even if they hadn’t, she’d find some other way of explaining why she’s covering for her friend. She says, they both know, this is not about Harmony. The last time they spoke, he said he was flying out to the west coast for some amazing job opportunity. He says, good memory, and she thanks him. He says, then she’d also remember him asking if he had a reason to come back in the next few weeks, and move the offices here. She says, the reason being her, and he says she’s been avoiding him ever since. She says, she hasn’t been avoiding him… Okay, maybe she’s been avoiding him. You want to talk about us. If there even is an us. He says, is there?

Spencer says he’s always put Esme first; ahead of his family, ahead of his friends, ahead of everyone. She says, then why are they fighting? She knows he likes Trina, and wants to believe she’s innocent, but maybe Trina did him a favor. He asks what she means, and she says, Trina returned that gift he got her. She picks up the book, and says, he can make a clean break and move on. She looks inside, and says, he wrote an inscription. We can tell she’s just seething, and he says, it’s nothing. She looks at it, and says, it’s not nothing. To Trina and our shared passion; Spencer. Isn’t that sweet? If she hadn’t come back when she did, would Spencer have kissed Trina to demonstrate all that shared passion?

Drew says, Carly makes a really good point. There is an upside to him coming back, having missed out on a couple years of his life. She says, there is? and he says, he has a completely clear slate. He’s free to set his own priorities, to trust his own instincts. To fill up his life in a way that feels best to him. Of course (🍷) he has obligations; Scout being number one. But it’s not like he’s in a situation where he made a promise he can’t keep, or he’s trapped emotionally and physically. She says, he’s free, and he says he’s grateful for that. He’s grateful to be home, but he’s been focused more on loss instead of freedom. She says she thinks he needs to shift his focus, and he says he thinks she’s right. Just let go of… whatever. The time he’s lost, the dreams he had; just put it down. It will free up so much space to move forward. Carly says, amen to that.

Nina tells Harmony, legally, grandparents are guaranteed access to their grandchildren, in the state of New York at least. Harmony says, even if she wanted to fight for those rights, she wouldn’t be able to afford a lawyer, but Nina says, she wouldn’t have to; Nina already has legal representation. But that’s not her point. They could come out swinging, and probably succeed, but a long contentious legal battle is not in Wiley’s best interest, or theirs. Harmony agrees, and asks, what’s the alternative to going to court? Nina says, separately, they’re in a weak position, but together they can represent a united front. Nina has Michael’s father in her corner, and Harmony has the woman Michael loves in hers. So she could put in a good word for Harmony, and Harmony can do the same for Nina on her end. It could work.

Michael comes back out of the elevator, and asks Smalt, what happened to Josslyn? Has she been admitted to GH? Smalt says, nothing like that, and Michael says, then start talking; his patience is running thin. Willow suggests they go home and figure it out there, but Michael says he’s not going anywhere until he finds out what’s going on. Smalt says, Michael really doesn’t know. Wow. He’d thought it spread like wildfire. Michael says, start talking, and Smalt says, there’s a video going around, and apparently his sister was caught in the act with her boyfriend. And by caught in the act, he means having sex. Michael says, Cameron and Josslyn? and Willow says, they have the general idea; let’s get out of here. Smalt says, and someone sent it to all the students at PCU. Michael asks, who was it? and Smalt says he was hoping Michael could tell him that. The video’s blown up on social media, but so far, no one has taken credit. It makes him wonder, was this their plan? Michael asks if Smalt is insinuating his sister purposely leaked the video, and Smalt says, maybe she wanted the whole world to rate her performance. She is quite the athlete. Michael punches Smalt in the face, and Smalt bounces off the wall and onto the floor. We see Jordan and TJ are standing there.

Alexis says, nothing has changed since Shawn decided to go to San Francisco, She loved when he was staying at the house, she loves working with him, He says, so does he, and she says, so he knows how much he means to her. He says he thinks so, and she says she doesn’t know if she would have survived Pentenville without him. She’s gainfully employed because of him. He says he’s not looking for gratitude, and she says she knows. He says he asked if she’s ready. If she wanted to give them another try, but he never got her answer. She takes his arm, and says, the answer is no. There are a hundred different reasons for that. They’re different people. She’s still mourning Neil, The timing is bad, but the most salient point is that they had their chance, and it didn’t work. To think they can go back, and there will be some magic redo is just… He deserves better than that. They both do

Spencer says Esme is taking what he wrote out of context. He was referring to the passion he and Trina share for art history, but to take it and twist it into something else to justify what she’s done… She says, she’s turning it into something else? That’s what he’s done every time he’s chosen to believe Trina over her, trust Trina over her. He’s had his little stolen moments with Trina when he could have been spending time with her, and by the way, what makes him think he knows Trina so well anyway? He laughs, and she says, don’t tell her they… He says, no, of course (🍷) not. You know why? Because Trina’s not like that. Esme says, and she is, and he tells her, did he say that? Esme says she’s capable of anything, right? Nothing’s too low, but Trina, innocent Trina, can do no wrong. He says she’s overreacting, but she says, no. She’s finally calling him out with the truth. He wants boring and basic? She shoves the book at him, and says, he can have that.

Carly asks if Drew has talked to Monica, but he says, they’ve been ships passing; why? She says, Monica has decided to have Jason legally declared dead, and he says, it makes sense from a legal standpoint. She doesn’t think Monica is going to have a memorial, does she? Jason would absolutely hate that. She says, he would totally hate it. A bunch of people saying nice things about him? But he’d tolerate it because it’s Monica, and he’d want to make her happy. Drew says, she’s right, and she says he has to do her a favor. He says, name it, and she says, they have to make a pact. If there is a memorial, and they’re forced to sit there and listen to people talk about Jason, people who never really knew him, he has to catch her eye. If she’s about to stand up and say something and they’re sitting next to each other, he has to kick her. He says, what if they’re not? and she says, he’ll have to give her a signal of some kind; pull his ear, blink a couple of times, whatever. He just has to stop her. He says, how about this? and breaths in deeply, holding up ten fingers. She says, take a breath and count to ten, and he says, is that good? She says, perfect. He says, four days, and she says, four days what? He says, the amount time he was on Cassadine Island, and got to know Jason as his brother. It came down to four days. Now he’s left grieving all the things they’ll never get a chance to do. She says she’s so sorry, but he says, what is he even talking about? That’s nothing compared to what she’s going through. She says she has this big gaping hole in her life that will never be filled, but she has Jason in her heart. The way he was; the way she knew him. She has to realize, everyone has their own version of Jason, and she has to let them have it. He says, she will. It doesn’t matter what anyone’s version is, she knew who Jason was… for real. She says, what a gift.

Harmony says she’d love to be a part of Wiley’s life, and not just on birthdays and holidays. Nina says, Harmony just wants to be involved, and Harmony says, doesn’t Nina? Nina says, more than anything. Harmony is lucky for what she has with Willow. She never got that with her own daughter. Nina never even knew who she was until it was too late. Harmony says, that must have been crushing, and Nina says, it’s the kind of loss you don’t get over, but learn to live with. Harmony wishes there was something she could do, and Nina says, there is. Not that Harmony owes her anything. Just to be close to her daughter’s child would mean the world to her, and she truly believes it will make a difference to Wiley.

Michael tells Smalt, say another word about his sister; he dares him. Willow pushes him away from where Smalt is still on the floor, being tended to by TJ. Jordan says, that was a stupid thing to do, and Smalt wails, that was assault. TJ says, let him take a look, and Smalt says, this guy went all Corinthos on him and broke his face. Michael says, Smalt is lucky it wasn’t worse, and Jordan suggests he stop talking. Willow asks Michael, can they go home now? but Jordan says, Michael isn’t going anywhere. He’s under arrest.

Dante says he thinks what Sam is saying is, he’s got skills, and she asks if he has skills she’s not aware of. Are they current skills? He says, fairly current, and she tells him, if he says so. He says he does, and she says, care to share? He says, not here, and she says, they could see what’s happening at her place. He says, here’s a preview, and they kiss.

Drew asks if he can give Carly a ride back to the MetroCourt, but she says she’s not staying at the MetroCourt. The divorce papers were signed; she got the house. He asks how she feels about hat, and she says, conflicted. Of course (🍷), what else is new? The house is great; it’s a fortress. She doesn’t know if she should keep the guards, although she knows Sonny would be fine with it. She just doesn’t know if it makes them more of a target. She thinks she’ll have Spinelli set up a new state-of-the-art security system, and Drew says he could give her a full assessment if she wants. She says, really? and he says, ex-Navy SEAL over here. She says, that would be great, and he says, back to that ride, but she says she has her car; she’s all set. She’ll see him soon. He says she can count on it, he leaves, and she looks all happy, little hearts popping out of her eyes.

Jordan reads Michael his rights, and cuffs him, and Willow says, he was provoked. Did she hear what this man said about his sister? Michael says, it’s fine, but Willow says, it’s not, and Jordan asks if he understands his rights. He says he does, and Smalt says, this is an attack on the First Amendment. What happened to free speech? Jordan says, he spoke enough, and tells Michael, let’s go, leading him into the elevator. Michael tells Willow, Paris will have to wait, and she asks if he thinks she’s worrying about Paris right now. All that matters is that he and Josslyn are okay. Michael says, he’ll tell her this much, whoever did this to his sister is going to pay. Smalt repeats it into his recorder, and says, now there’s the quote.

Esme starts to storm out, but Spencer says, wait. She never answered his question. She says, he wants an answer, and he says, yes, he does. She says, well, we don’t always get what we what we want.

Alexis says she hopes Shawn’s trip to San Francisco is everything he deserves, and he deserves the best. He says she keeps talking about what he deserves, and she says, because she knows him, and she’s always liked what she’s known. He says, always? and she admits, not always. He laughs, and says he wants nothing but good things for her too. She tells him, good luck, and he says, back atcha, but something tells him she won’t need it. He heads for the door, and she says, hey. He turns back, and they hug/ He tells her, take care, and leaves.  

Harmony says she can’t give Nina her daughter back, and Nina says, unfortunately, no one do that. Harmony says, but maybe they can share Wiley. Nina is right. He can’t have too much love. Nina asks if Harmony is in this, when Phyllis comes over to the table. She says, Lorraine Miller, as I live and breathe.

Hyperventilating, Willow goes into an examining room and calls Carly. But by the time Carly answers, Willow is passed out on the floor. Carly asks if she’s there.

On Monday, Epiphany tells someone that they’re about to reach their limit; Michael asks what Jordan is doing to catch the bastard who ruined his sister’s life: Carly says, if Alexis means that, she won’t publish the story; and Sonny asks what someone wants from him.

🖼 Sweet Sorrow…

From the hospital to the university.

Sydney Mikayla Says Goodbye to GENERAL HOSPITAL

And on a more personal note.

GH’s Nicholas Alexander Chavez Says Goodbye to Sydney Mikayla

🧍🏻‍♂️ Ain’t Goin’ Nowhere…

No need to panic in the streets. Spencer will be sticking around.

Nicholas Alexander Chavez Promises He’s Not Leaving GENERAL HOSPITAL

💎 Skipping Out…

 Kim always looks like she’s just a step away from imploding. Or exploding. Or something.

https://pagesix.com/2022/03/16/why-kyle-kim-richards-skipped-kathy-hiltons-birthday-dinner/

🗽 Necessary Cast…

For all the whining about her being a schoolmarm, I thought she was a breath of fresh air.

https://pagesix.com/2022/03/16/eboni-k-williams-why-my-casting-on-rhony-was-necessary/

👰🏻 Always a Bride…

She’s right about the dress, and I don’t think she was kidding either.

https://people.com/tv/rhonj-melissa-gorga-responds-after-learning-shes-not-bridesmaid-in-teresa-giudice-wedding/

👠 Queen Trumps Countess…

Shaking my head at the irony.

https://pagesix.com/2022/03/17/drunk-luann-de-lesseps-kicked-out-of-gay-piano-bar/

🏍 Norman’s Noggin…

Are you sure he wasn’t bitten?

https://pagesix.com/2022/03/16/norman-reedus-suffers-head-injury-on-walking-dead-set/

🍸 Of Course He Is…

Let me count the ways. It started with him giving her a ring on a string, and his bromance with Sandoval always came first. Never mind the concentrated effort at lack of motivation.

https://pagesix.com/2022/03/18/tom-schwartz-says-hes-to-blame-for-failed-marriage-more/

💔 Nothing More Than Feelings…

Hint: No one was very original.

‘Vanderpump Rules’ Cast Members React to Katie Maloney, Tom Schwartz Split

🍳 What Came Next…

These kids will probably all have their own restaurants by the time they’re twenty.

https://ew.com/tv/masterchef-junior-champions-where-are-they-now/

🚣‍♂️ Streaming Together…

HBO Max and Discovery Plus join forces. Whether this is a good or bad thing is yet to be determined.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/hbo-max-discovery-plus-streaming-combined-plan-platform-warner-bros/

🏆 Choice Awards…

Critic’s Choice Awards winners.

https://ew.com/awards/2022-critics-choice-super-awards-winners-list/

And the more important fashion.

https://www.eonline.com/photos/34120/2022-critics-choice-awards-red-carpet

🥇 Quote of the Week

I no longer have patience for certain things, not because I’ve become arrogant, but simply because I reached a point in my life where I do not want to waste more time with what displeases me or hurts me. I have no patience for cynicism, excessive criticism and demands of any nature. I lost the will to please those who do not like me, to love those who do not love me and to smile at those who do not want to smile at me.

I no longer spend a single minute on those who lie or want to manipulate. I decided not to coexist anymore with pretense, hypocrisy, dishonesty and cheap praise. I do not tolerate selective erudition nor academic arrogance. I do not adjust either to popular gossiping. I hate conflict and comparisons. I believe in a world of opposites and that’s why I avoid people with rigid and inflexible personalities. In friendship I dislike the lack of loyalty and betrayal. I do not get along with those who do not know how to give a compliment or a word of encouragement. Exaggerations bore me and I have difficulty accepting those who do not like animals. And on top of everything I have no patience for anyone who does not deserve my patience. – José Micard Teixeira, author/life coach

🕶 Pulling Down the Shade…

It’s been a long week. Maybe for you too, so enjoy your time off, if you have it, and if not, know you’re not alone. See you when it’s Deadtime. Until then, stay safe, stay cautiously optimistic, and stay letting go of whatever. It will free up so much space to move forward.

Jun19

June 18, 2021 – Chase Gets His Dying Wish, Two Villains Exit, Summer Soaping, Chatty Kathy, Mixed-Up Ed, OC Off-Screen, Jersey Kid, Passing It Down, Love Is Blind, New Chefs, a Goodbye, 7+1 Quotes & Built

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

At Pozzulo’s Brick tells Jason, it’s bad news; really bad. Jason says, so it’s more than one lost shipment, and Brick says, it’s way more than that. Carly walks in, and hugs Brick, and tells him it’s great to see him, but not so great circumstances. Did he have to deal with much fallout for his part in Jason’s escape? He says, the lawyer ran interference, and the PCPD stopped calling. It would have gone a lot smoother if Jason had jumped into the car the first time, like they planned. Carly says, that’s what she told Jason, and Jason says he’s sorry he caused Brick extra trouble. Brick tells him not to worry about it. He gets it; Jason had to go back for Britt. He was just defending the original escape plan, which would have worked. Carly says, no question, but that’s not why Brick’s there. Any word on the missing shipment? He says, the shipment has been located, and she asks why it didn’t arrive on schedule. He says, one of her people sold her out.

Brook goes out on the terrace to talk on the phone, and asks Maxie, what’s going on? Has she heard from Peter? She says, no, thank God. Ellie and Spinelli just took Georgie and James to the pool, so she had a minute to call. How’s Louise? Brook says Maxie’s baby is doing great. She has a healthy appetite, and good lungs. Maxie doesn’t have to worry. Maxie says she’s coming over. She has to see her baby.

Sasha puts some flowers in the hospital chapel, when Willow walks in. Sasha says Willow looks beautiful, and Willow thanks her for decorating. It looks beautiful. Sasha says it’s the least she could do. How is Willow feeling? Willow says, nervous, but she knows she’s doing the right thing by marrying Chase. Sasha says, even though her heart belongs to Michael?

Michael brings Anna into the living room, and tells Valentin that he has a visitor. Anna tells Michael that he doesn’t have to stay. It looks like he’s going somewhere. He says, Willow and Chase’s wedding in the GH chapel, and Anna asks how Chase is. Michael says, he didn’t respond to treatment, and doesn’t have much time left. This might be his last day.

Jackie says she can’t believe her son is getting married, and Chase says, marrying Willow is a dream come true. Where it is, not so much. She says, he deserves a long and happy life, and he says he’s sorry. He hates that he’s causing so much pain for everyone. She tells him, stop that right now. Being his mother has been the greatest gift of her life. He brought her a joy she never even knew existed. She says she loves him, and he says he loves her too. She gave him a good life, and he’s sorry to leave it. He just wishes there was a way to beat this thing. Even Finn can’t figure it out.

Finn is running down the hall, and sees Elizabeth. He says he’s been looking for her. Tell him he’s not fooling himself. She says, about what? and he says, about why his cure for Chase didn’t work. Cyrus Renault.

At Austin’s cabin, Dante is looking at a map, when Austin walks in. Austin says, hi; he didn’t knock. He doesn’t know what to do. Please help him manage this. Should he knock on a door of a house he owns? Dante says he didn’t expect to see Austin today, and Austin says he can’t rent the place out when it’s an active crime scene. He thought he’d come by and see if there was any progress with the investigation. He sits down and looks at the map, and Dante says he spoke to the property management. They were unaware there was a hidden camera. Austin says thanks for letting him know. They’re probably worried about a potential lawsuit. Dante should see how they manage some of their other properties. Dante says he knows how to do his job, and Austin says, clearly. If they’re done with all the unfounded suspicions, he’d like to volunteer for the search for Maxie’s baby. He brought Louise into this world, and promised Miss Maxie that he’d do everything he could to help bring her home. Does that sound like something a kidnapper would say? Dante says, actually, it does.

Elizabeth asks if Finn thinks Cyrus had someone tamper with the paternity tests to get back at Jackie. Never mind. Of course (🍷) he would. Finn says he thinks the cure lies in the DNA of Chase’s biological parents. If he’s not Chase’s father, his DNA wouldn’t work. That’s why the treatment failed. She says if Finn prepares another dose with Jackie and Gregory’s DNA, Chase’s body won’t reject it. He says, yes. Is that a reasonable hypothesis, or is he just seeing what he wants to see because he wants to save Chase’s life? She says she thinks Cyrus is petty enough to change paternity test results, and spiteful enough to gloat in Finn’s face while he’s being dragged off to prison. She thinks he might have just given Finn the key to saving Chase. Gregory walks up, and asks if Finn has any news on the… tests. Finn says they can talk in front of Elizabeth. He trusts her, and she knows everything. He hasn’t heard yet. Gregory says they’re running out of time, and Finn says he has a new dose ready to go. He just needs confirmation from the lab. In the meantime, Chase has the wedding to focus on and keep him positive. Gregory says, Chase asked him to perform the ceremony. He said there was a simple way for Gregory to get certified online. Is there a computer he can use? Elizabeth says she’ll help him with that, and Finn says he’s going to check on Chase. Gregory prays the DNA results come back soon.

Brook says she understands Maxie wanting to see her baby, but they have to be strategic about Maxie’s visit. They’re not friends. Maxie says she told Nina that she and Brook bonded during Lamaze class, and thinks she bought it. Brook says, that’s great for Nina, but how are they going to explain it to the rest of the world? Maxie’s baby supposedly got kidnapped by a psycho nurse, and now she’s coming to see someone she can barely stand. Maxie says she doesn’t care. She’s literally aching for her child. She needs to see her. Brook asks if she isn’t worried about Peter. She doesn’t believe he’s given up for a second. What if he’s hiding, waiting for her to lead him to Louise, and Maxie comes there to visit someone she can’t stand, who coincidently just had a baby the same age? He will figure it out, and everything they did will be for nothing. Maxie says Brook is right. The priority is keeping Louise away from Peter. There’s a knock at Maxie’s door, and she says she has to go; she’ll call later. She opens the door to Sam, and asks what Sam is doing there. Sam says she came by because she has a few questions about Louise.

Brick says, the driver made a deal to deliver the shipment to the Novak family. Mr. Novak has offered to pay double for any Corinthos shipments. Carly asks who the driver is, and Jason says, Don Knotts Metz. She says she doesn’t know him, and Jason says he’s only been working for them about a year. Carly asks if he really thought he’d get away with it, and Brick says, that’s the problem. Mr. Novak has been telling people the Corinthos organization is weak now that Sonny’s gone.

Sasha asks Willow what the chair is for, and Willow says, Chase isn’t strong enough to stand during the wedding, so he’ll be in a wheelchair. She didn’t want him to feel self-conscious, so she’s going to sit across from him, and they’ll have the same eyeline. Sasha says, it’s really thoughtful. She’s sorry she brought up Michael. She’s there to support Willow. Willow says she doesn’t have to apologize. If Finn’s treatment had worked, and Chase was recovering, they wouldn’t be getting married, but she still loves Chase. It wasn’t that long ago, she thought she’d be spending her life with him. It’s the last gift she can give him in return for all he’s given her. Sasha says that’s all she needed to hear, and picks up a box, saying, it’s for Willow. Willow opens the box and sees a blue butterfly brooch. Sasha says she thought Willow wouldn’t have had time for the traditions. This covers old, new, borrowed, and blue wrapped up into one. Her grandmother gave it to her on her 16th birthday. She’s had it for years, but it’s new to Willow. She wants it back, and it’s blue. Willow can either wear it or pin it to her skirt.

Finn asks if Chase is sure he’s up for this, and Chase says, hell yeah. Just thinking about promising his life to Willow makes him stronger. If Finn wants to help, he can get Chase dressed. Finn says Chase is a good man. He definitely made Finn a better man. He’ll always regret how horrible he was to Chase when Chase first came to town. Chase says, it’s all part of Finn’s charm, and Finn says, that’s what Chase has always done; accept people for who they are. He makes them want to be better, and Chase deserves better. Do him a favor, hang in there. Keep fighting, and he may get his miracle. Chase says he’s marrying Willow. That is his miracle.

Anna says, it’s devastating that Chase can slip away so quickly, and Valentin says, it’s senseless. Brook comes in, and notes that Michael is all ready for the ceremony. Michael says he knows she wanted to be there, and Brook says, more room for the family and she has her hands full with Bailey. Just give Chase and Willow her congratulations and love. Michael leaves, and Brook says, excuse me, super spies. What are they going to do to find the guy who caused all this suffering? Anna says she thinks she has a lead on Peter.

Dante tells Austin, it’s not uncommon for criminals to insert themselves into investigations. They get a kick out of watching cops try to figure out what they’ve done. Austin says he’s grateful he doesn’t live in Dante’s world, when Dante’s phone rings. Dante crosses something off the map, and Austin says, this map is wrong.

Carly tells Brick, she doesn’t understand. Between her and Jason, they kept things going without a beat. She had a meeting with the Five Families cheese calzones, and they accepted her. Brick says, because there was no alternative; Jason seemed to be out of the picture. Carly says, of all he misogynistic, backward ways of thinking. She was handling things because Jason was unavailable. She’s weak because she’s a woman? Jason says, it’s not because she’s a woman; it’s because she’s an outsider. She says she’s not an outsider. She’s Sonny’s widow. Jason says she hasn’t been involved in the business until now, and Brick says, Jason’s right. They know she has no experience; Jason does. They’re just waiting for him to make his move. She asks, what kind of move? (I’ve never been in the mob, but I have the feeling this isn’t how it works.)

Michael goes to Chase’s room, where Chase sits in a wheelchair, wearing a suit and an oxygen tube. He asks what Michael thinks. It’s the latest in trendy wedding accessories. Michael says he looks great, and Chase says he hopes Willow thinks so too. She deserves so much better than a hospital chapel. (God help me, I almost wrote chat room.) Michael says Chase knows Willow doesn’t care about things like that, and Chase says he does, but he wishes he could give her the world. Michael says he doesn’t blame Chase, and Chase thanks him for coming. Michael says, of course (🍷). Brook sends her love. She’s at home with the baby. She said she wanted to make more room for the family, but Michael thinks she might be jealous. Chase says if he wasn’t so in love with Willow, he’d be flattered, and Michael says, the point is, this is Chase’s big day, and they’re all there for him and Willow. Chase says he’s just glad he didn’t completely throw their friendship away when he and Sasha lied to Michael about the affair. Michael says they’re way past that. Chase is a great man, and he’s honored to be his friend. Chase says Michael is a good man too. He’s happy Michael is going to be there for Willow after he’s gone. Gregory and Finn join them, and Gregory says they should get things started. Michael says he’ll make sure things are ready in the chapel, and Gregory says, shall we? Chase says he can’t get married yet. Someone’s missing.

Anna tells Valentin, there’s a heliport on the roof of GH. On the night Peter disappeared, a helicopter approached the hospital airspace, but didn’t identify itself. Valentin says, and the call sign? and Brook says, the call what? Valentin says, the registration number on the side of the helicopter, and Anna says, they were covered up. Valentin says, that sounds like Peter. Maybe if they can find the pilot, he can tell them where Peter was planning on taking Maxie and the baby. That might be where he is now. Anna’s phone rings, and she says it’s Finn. Finn says he needs her help, and she says of course (🍷). Anything.

Maxie tells Sam, the nurse knocked out Austin, and took her baby like she said she would. Sam says that matches what Maxie said the night Louise was taken, and Maxie says, of course (🍷) it does, but why is Sam making her relive this again? Sam says the police uncovered a hidden camera at the cabin where the nurse was holding her. She and Dante were able to watch it. She just has a few more questions.

Austin points to something on the map, and says it’s reasonably close to where he found Maxie. Dante says he was told the entire area was inaccessible because the drop to the water is too high. Austin says he doesn’t know who told Dante that. They had a winter storm, and lost a bunch of trees, roots and all. They lost the riverbed, and you can cross the creek now. Is Dante telling him no one has looked there yet? Dante says, let’s go.

In the chapel, Willow prays she’s making the right decision. She’ll do anything to make Chase’s final days happy, but God knows what’s in her heart. It belongs to someone else. Michael walks in, and they gaze at each other.

Violet runs in to see Chase, and says he’s supposed to be in bed because he’s sick. He says they’re letting him up for a special occasion. Anna says Violet’s Uncle Chase asked her to bring Violet there because he and Willow are getting married. Violet jumps up and down, saying, a wedding? and Chase says he couldn’t get married without his bestest favorite niece. She says she’s his only niece, and he says that’s all he needs. She says her daddy is going to make him all better now, and Finn thanks Anna for bringing her. She says, of course (🍷), and Chase says he appreciates it and hopes she stays for the wedding. He wouldn’t feel right if she wasn’t there. She says she’d be glad to stay, and Chase asks if Violet will do him a big favor. Would she be his flower girl? She says, yes, yes, yes. She knows what to do; she’s done it before. He wants her to know that he’s loved being her uncle, and Violet tells him not to be sad. He’s getting married; he’s so lucky. He tries not to cry, and says he’s very lucky. He breaks down, and Anna and Finn put their hands on his shoulders.

Michael says Willow looks beautiful, and she thanks him, saying, Sasha helped her get ready. Was he looking for her? He says he was making sure the chapel was ready. He doesn’t have much of a purpose today. She says he has a very important purpose; Chase wants him to be there. He says she’s right. The chapel looks good. She says, again, all Sasha’s doing. He asks if she’s okay, and she says she is. Him? He says he saw Chase earlier, and he’s really excited to marry her. She says, that’s what’s important, when Jackie and Sasha walk in. Jackie thanks Michael for being there. It means the world to Harry/Chase. He says, of course (🍷), and she says it looks like they’re ready. She going to get the groom. She hands Willow a bouquet, and Michael says he’ll join her. Sasha puts her arm around Willow.

Valentin finds Brook on the terrace, and says, if she wants to be alone, just say the word, but she doesn’t have to hide anything from him. He knows how much Chase has meant to her. She thanks him, and says, it’s funny how life changes things up on you without warning. She and Chase had a horrible start; he kept arresting her. He says, it was for assault, wasn’t it? and she says, that’s not the point. After a rocky start, her dad kicked her out of the house, and Chase took her in. He was supportive and accepting. He’s a bit of a neat freak, but nobody’s perfect. Chase became somebody she could trust, and now he’s dying. Valentin says, it’s difficult to lose a friend like that, and she asks when he became a friend expert. He says she’s right. He doesn’t have any friends. At least ones that aren’t on the payroll. She says, first of all, she took a cheap shot when he was just trying to be kind. She apologizes. And second, what is he talking about? He doesn’t consider Anna a friend?

Maxie asks if Sam isn’t on her side, and Sam says, of course (🍷) she is. When she watched the footage, and saw what that phony nurse did to Maxie, she’s sorry Maxie had to suffer through that ordeal. Maxie says she doesn’t know what else Sam wants her to say, but that psycho nurse wanted to force her into labor and steal her child. Sam says she watched the whole video, and it was very clear that nurse was working for Peter, and acting on his orders. How could Maxie be so sure the nurse wanted Louise for herself?

Austin and Dante walk through the woods, and Austin says he walks through these woods all the time. Dante will have to let him know if he wants him to slow down to a city slicker pace. Dante says, it’s cool. Austin’s family owns a lot of property around here? Austin says, it’s not top-of-the-line, but it’s home. It allows them to preserve the woods, and keep the developers out. Dante says, Austin doesn’t like people much, does he? and Austin says he likes people. Let him amend that. He loves some people, he likes most people, he tolerates a lot of people, but in his job as a doctor, he has to deal with a lot of people. He does have preferences, but it’s okay. The Buddhists say it’s okay to have some preferences, and he prefers to avoid people who are jaded and cynical. He gestures for Dante to go ahead, and Dante hopes Austin’s bedside manner is better than his social graces. They continue to walk, and suddenly, Austin shoves Dante to the ground.

Violet tosses rose petals, as she walks past a seated Chase and Willow. Gregory says, let’s begin. Chase takes Willow’s hand.

Brick says, the expectation is that Jason is going to return, and take over the Corinthos organization, and Carly says, that’s exactly what’s happening. Brick says, Mr. Novak doesn’t think so. He’s asking if Jason is in charge or she is. Carly says she was handling things while Jason was unavailable. She’s in the process of handing everything over. Brick tells her, listen to him. The people are used to one boss, not two. They’re expecting one of them, probably Jason, to push the other out. Carly says that’s never going to happen, and Brick says, forgive him for saying it, but it makes Jason look weak. Mr. Novak sees an opening, so others would. Jason says, the perception of weakness will lead to being challenged, which will escalate. Brick says they just ended a war with Renault. Is she ready for another one?

Gregory says he was honored when Chase asked him to perform the ceremony, but he has to admit, this is the first time he’s officiated at a wedding, so he’s out of his element. He thinks the best thing he can do is just speak from the heart. They’re here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony. To witness the love between Chase and Willow, and to vow to support their love wholeheartedly. And do they, as witnesses to this day, support and encourage this union? They all say they do.

Maxie tells Sam, her baby is missing and that woman took her. That much she knows for sure. Sam tells her, she’s just saying, isn’t it possible that the nurse met up with Peter after all? Right now, everyone is looking for the nurse and the baby. Maybe they should be looking for Peter and Louise. Maxie says, no. Peter does not have her child.

Dante is like, what the hell? and Austin says, sometimes these boards, they rot, and Dante was about to step on one, so… Dante asks why Austin didn’t just tell him to stop, and Austin says because he didn’t think Dante would listen to him. He’s sorry. Is Dante hurt? Dante says he’s fine. Austin says, there used to be a lot of mining here, and there are abandoned shafts. He moves a tree branch off of the opening, and seeing missing boards, says, from the looks of these broken boards, it’s possible an animal, or even a person could have fallen through. Dante says it’s a long way down there, and Austin takes some rope out of his backpack.

Gregory asks if Chase takes this woman to be his wife, to live together in matrimony, to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold from this day forward, as long as they both shall live? Chase says he does, and Violet says, yay! Gregory asks the same of Willow, and she says she does. I just have to mention, Chase is the healthiest looking terminal patient I’ve ever seen. Other than the circles under his eyes, his coloring is better than mine on a good day. Gregory says, now for the exchanging of the rings. Chase drops the ring, and says he might need some help. His hands don’t work so good. He asks if Michael will put the ring on Willow, and Michael says he’d be glad to. Gregory asks Chase to repeat after him, with this ring, I thee wed, and Chase does. Michael puts the ring on Willow, and Chase thanks him. Gregory asks Willow to repeat after him, with this ring, I thee wed. She does, and Chase says he loves her. She says she loves him too. Gregory pronounces them husband and wife, and says Chase may kiss his bride. They kiss, and Michael looks at the floor. Violet says, yay! and throws petals up in the air. Chase isn’t looking so good, and Willow says she thinks he needs Finn. Chase says his wife worries too much, and Finn suggests they get Chase back to his room. Sasha congratulates them, and Violet asks if she can hug Chase before he goes. Finn gives the okay, and she hugs Chase. Chase says he loves her, and Violet tells him not to worry. Her daddy is going to make him all better. They all leave, except for Michael and Sasha. Sasha says she can stay if he wants, but he says he thinks he needs to be alone for a little while. Sasha leaves, and Michael sits in the chapel by himself.

Sam tells Maxie, she doesn’t understand. Obviously, the nurse was willing to break a lot of laws to get Peter what he wanted. What makes Maxie so sure she wouldn’t hand the baby off to him? Maxie says, the nurse didn’t say anything about taking the baby when they were in the house because she was still following Peter’s rules. Then Maxie hit her with the poker, and ran into the woods. She was angry, and said Maxie didn’t deserve Louise. She could take better care of Louise than Maxie could. Sam believes her, right?

On the phone, Dante says, that’s right. He sees Austin preparing to go into the shaft, and tells him, no. Austin says he’s a doctor. If there’s somebody down there, it’s probably someone who’s hurt. Dante says, it could be a crime scene, which means he has to go down there. One end of the rope is tied to a tree, and Dante tosses the other end down in the shaft.

Valentin supposes Brook is right, and he and Anna are friends of a fashion. She says, please. It’s clear to anyone with eyes, with their secret looks, and coded language that only the two of them can understand, they’re friends. At least. He says he and Anna are working together to bring Peter to justice, because they’re equally responsible for Peter building a home in Port Charles, and for convincing Maxie that she can trust him, when he was nowhere near worthy of that trust.

Jackie and Gregory look into Chase’s room through the window, while Willow paces. Jackie says, at least Harry/Chase got his final wish to marry Willow. Willow says she did make him happy, didn’t she? Finn jets out of Chase’s room, and tells Gregory, the test results just came in, and he dashes off. Gregory says he’s going with Finn, and starts to follow. Jackie says, but this is for Chase, and Gregory says, trust him, this is for Chase. He runs after Finn.

Jason says he appreciates Brick for the update, and looking into the theft. Brick says he has no doubt Jason and Carly will come up with a solution. Until then, if they need him for anything, don’t hesitate. Carly says they appreciate him, and he’s right. She and Jason will come up with a solution. Brick says he knows, and leaves. Carly asks, is Brick right? Does Jason look weak because he’s not pushing her out? Jason says, from Novak’s point of view, yeah. She says she went to the hospital to visit Cyrus before the Feds took him to prison. He said it would be a cakewalk for Jason to eliminate her and take over the Corinthos organization. When she told him that was never going to happen, he said Jason was either devoid of ambition or in her thrall. Neither of which are good for the Corinthos family, right? He says, no, it’s not good, and she says they’re going to have to get ahead of this. They’re going to have to show Novak, and anyone else, the Corinthos family is still the formidable organization it always has been. He says, it’s going to take a little time, but eventually, they’re going to see it. Carly asks, how much time?

Brook thanks Valentin for coming to her today. She knows she’s not the easiest person to get along with. He says she could just as easily be talking about him, and she says she knows he’s here for Bailey, not her. He says, they’re both raising a child. They’re both trying to provide a happy home for their daughter. It would be nice if they could be friends. She says she thinks maybe they already are.

Sam says, of course (🍷) she believes Maxie, and Maxie thanks her, and says she really would do anything to have Louise in her arms again, but she has to face reality. That nurse could be halfway around the world by now.

Austin asks Dante how it’s going. Did he find anything? Dante says, yeah. He’s at the bottom now, and thinks he found their kidnapper.

Anna thanks Sasha for taking Violet home; she feels like she should stay. Sasha says, no worries; it’s her pleasure. Violet says Roxie misses Anna, and she’ll tell her that Anna says hi. Anna says she misses Roxie too, and she misses Violet. She hugs Violet, and Sasha and Violet go down in the elevator.  

Finn, Gregory, and Elizabeth gather around the computer, and Elizabeth asks what the DNA results say. Who is Chase’s biological father? Finn looks at Gregory, and says, you are. You’re Chase’s father. Everyone stands there smiling at each other, when they should really be moving to get that serum into Chase. I yell at the TV.

Jackie smooths Chase’s hair, while Willow holds his hand, and he says he’s not scared. He has his mom and his wife. It feels good. Jackie says she loves him so much, and Willow says she loves him too. Jackie kisses his cheek, and he says, lucky me. And flatlines. Once again, no one makes any quick move to do something.

Seriously, never let me check into GH. There’s no security, and they’re slow to react.

On Monday, Dante tells Maxie that he’s found something that could lead them to Louise, Ava prefers to err on the side of caution, Cameron wants to know the truth, and Finn finally gets to Chase.

💣 Gone But Not Forgotten…

Jeff Kober raised the bar on a show where the bar was already pretty high.

Jeff Kober Says Goodbye to GENERAL HOSPITAL

👋 Buh-bye, Peter…

Just in case you hadn’t guessed when his body was stuffed in a cooler. Then again, who knows?

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/wes-ramsey-out-at-general-hospital

🧼 Soapy Summer…

What’s to come in the daytime.

2021 Summer Preview

🛴 Come Out and Play…

Kathy gives the skinny on Kris. ‘Kay?

https://extratv.com/2021/06/02/kathy-hilton-talks-rhobh-and-whether-kris-jenner-will-come-and-play/

🎾 Confused Countess…

Not so ed-ucated after all.

https://pagesix.com/2021/06/16/luann-de-lesseps-confuses-special-ed-for-phys-ed/

🎭 Drama In the OC…

Apparently, they don’t have to be on camera to start drama.

https://pagesix.com/2021/06/18/golnesa-kelly-dodd-feud-continues-over-racism-claims/

https://pagesix.com/2021/06/17/kelly-dodd-blames-rhoc-exit-on-braunwyn-in-explosive-texts/

https://pagesix.com/2021/06/18/kelly-dodd-rick-leventhal-happy-despite-rhoc-fox-exits/

🌱 Growing Faster Than Weeds…

It seems like just yesterday, the RHONJ kids were babies.

https://extratv.com/2021/06/04/so-grown-up-teresa-and-joe-giudice-s-daughter-gabriella-heads-to-prom-see-the-pic/

👗 Speaking Of Prom…

Now this is my kind of hand-me-down.

https://extratv.com/2021/06/07/brooke-shields-daughter-wears-her-1998-golden-globes-dress-to-prom-see-the-pics/

🍹 Did He See the Show…?

Apparently, Ashley has snagged a live one.

https://people.com/parents/southern-charm-alum-ashley-jacobs-announces-pregnancy-marriage-exclusive/

🥩 Master This…

Master Chef’s new top 15.

https://parade.com/1223970/paulettecohn/master-chef-top-15-photos-season-11/

😢 Farewell, Otis…

Another legend has left us.

https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/13/us/ned-beatty-actor-superman-dies/index.html

🎺 Quotes of the Week

Don’t cry over someone who wouldn’t cry over you. – Lauren Conrad (I can’t say I ever thought I’d be using a quote from her.)

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

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

Sometimes you make the right decision, and sometimes you have to make the decision right. – Dr. Phil

To be inspired is great, but to inspire is an honor. – Stacey T. Hunt

You can’t eat beauty, it doesn’t sustain you. What is fundamentally beautiful is compassion for yourself and those around you. That kind of beauty inflames the heart and enchants the soul. – Lupita Nyong’o

No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. – Nelson Mandela

On this day, June 19, 1865, Black people’s complete personhood was acknowledged on a systemic level for the very first time. It dates the moment African-Americans, Caribbean-Americans, and Afro-immigrants alike could begin to, on some level, participate in and see themselves as part of a whole society. Since the passage of the 13th amendment, Black Americans like Shirley Chisolm have trail-blazed the socio-political world, creating a place for women like me to feel empowered in sharing my voice and stories with the world.  As a woman of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and a member of the Divine 9, Juneteenth is also a time for me to acknowledge the ancestry of my founders and the experiences that led them to create our beloved sorority and to fight for the inclusion of black women in every space. I am humbled to share in the legacy of Juneteenth and understand that this becomes my fight to continue. – Brianna Taylor

🎈 Joy Comes In the Morning…

Another weekend is upon us, unless you’re just calling every day of the week day now. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. No Dead right now, so see you on Monday or whatever you’re calling it, for soap and a Sailing reunion. Until then, stay safe, stay inspiring and inspired, and stay not being jaded and cynical, or Austin will avoid you.

Mar19

March 18, 2021 – Jordan Has an Eyewitness, Something In the Water, Really, New Chefs, a Thought & Proud

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Apparently, I’m doomed to repeat history, and missed the beginning. What happened was, Jordan brought Jason into the station in cuffs, Carly railing and ranting that she couldn’t arrest him based on what Elizabeth had said. Diane arrived shortly afterward. At Kelly’s, Sam told Peter that he wouldn’t see Jason coming, but Peter said he thought Jason had bigger problems. Valentin went to the hospital to check on Maxie, and Britt said he should worry about himself, and Peter coming after him. The nanny brought Violet to the hospital to see Finn, and Olivia was surprised to find a pregnant Brook lying on the couch. Brook practically lunged for the take-out bags in Olivia’s hands. Chase went to the gatehouse, and told Willow about Finn being his dad, and told her the whole, sad story. Brando and Gladys met at the bistro, and Jax showed up at Franco’s memorial. Then…

Chase says Willow must be tired of talking about this, but she says, of course (🍷) not. She asks if he wants to sit, and hands him a plush frog. She says, it’s not Wiley’s favorite, but he left it there for when he needs comfort during anxious moments. Wiley wouldn’t mind if Chase borrows it for a while. He says he might, and she says it’s nice to see him smile. He says he can’t help thinking about the talk show segment that’s been his life, and she says, coming from a mundane background, she can’t tell how he’s feeling. She imagines Finn is thinking the same things, but Chase says he doesn’t know. He hasn’t talked to him. She says, maybe it’s time to change that.

Violet tells Finn that she misses her dollhouse and her bed, and he says she’s due a proper tea party. He’ll phone Trish at the MetroCourt, and they can do it after he gets home. She says, tea is at four, and he says, then they’re on for four tomorrow at the hotel. It will be like Eloise at the Plaza. She asks if they can invite Anna, and miraculously, Anna appears. She asks if someone is planning a tea party, and Violet runs to her. She says she misses Anna, and  Anna says she misses Violet too. Violet asks if they can go home together now, and get married.

Gladys says her heart broke when she heard Brando was shot. It must have been hard dealing with Sonny’s family with Carly in the mix. Sonny could have done better. Carly is selfish to the core, but she’s going to reap what she’s sown. He says, how so? What does she think Carly deserves?

Carly says, every moment Jordan focuses on Jason, Franco’s killer has time to cover his tracks. Jordan asks if Carly is worried about getting justice for Franco, but Carly says she’s worried about Jason going down for a crime he didn’t commit. Diane says she’s there to address any potential injustice. Jordan leaves, and Diane asks why Carly is there. Carly says she was with Jason when Jordan brought him in, and Diane says, as distressing as it was, Carly should have stayed home. Jason asks, what’s going on? and Diane says Jordan doesn’t make an arrest if she doesn’t think it’s going to stick. She’s got something on Jason. Carly says, impossible, and Jason wonders what Jordan has. Diane says she doesn’t know yet. Is there anything he hasn’t told her? He says he didn’t do it, and she says she has to find out what Jordan has. As it stands, it looks like he’s in serious trouble.

Anna tells Violet, she knows it was unfair that her big night got interrupted, and Violet suggests they do it again. This time with no interruptions. Anna says, sounds like a good idea. She wishes she’d thought of it. She came to talk to Violet’s daddy about that very subject, but she’ll let them continue to plan their tea party. Violet says, how about scones and hot chocolate? and Anna says those are her absolute favorites. How did Violet know? Finn says he’ll get hot chocolate and scones from Kelly’s, and hugs Violet. Violet hugs Anna, and goes off with the nanny. Finn says, sorry. He thinks Violet still expects them to be a family, like everything is okay. He should have prepared her better. Violet blows him a kiss from the elevator, and he catches it, and blows one back.   

Brook tells Olivia, it smells amazing; it’s good to see Olivia too. Olivia looks at Brook’s belly, and says, this certainly is a surprise. Brook says it was a surprise to her too. In the words of her mother, you can take all the precautions you want, but nothing avoids pregnancy like good choices. Olivia asks if Brook’s father knows. The last time she saw Brook, she and Ned were mending fences after the brouhaha with Valentin… Is Valentin the father? Brook says, he doesn’t know yet, and Olivia says, no. He should never know about this.

Valentin says he’s touched by Britt’s concern, but Peter isn’t coming after him. Britt wonders if that’s humor talking or insanity. Valentin set the course for Peter’s entire miserable life, and in Peter’s mind, Valentin double-crossed him. Valentin says he thought she was single-minded when it came to Peter, but she says, just because she knows who Peter is, doesn’t mean the man who made him that way gets a pass. Now she gets to watch her remaining sibling follow in their father’s footsteps. He tells her not to let it cloud her judgement. Maxie and her child come first. She says, without them, what does Peter have left? and he says, Peter is a lost cause. She says, because his mother was Alex Marick and his father was Cesar Faison? Her father was Faison and her mother is Obrecht. Does that make her a lost cause too? Her hand begins to shake uncontrollably, and she slams it on the desk. Valentin is concerned, and says he wants to make sure she’s taken care of.

Dante meets Obrecht at the cemetery, where she tells him that the WSB wants a permanent solution to Peter. Peter is still a clear and present danger. They have no idea what he’s going to do next. Dante says he’ll keep cultivating leads. Something has to shake out. She says, it’s been decided, and he asks what she means by a permanent solution. She clicks her pen, and says Dante must complete the mission. He must assassinate Peter.

Sam asks what Peter thinks he knows about Jason, and Peter says he wouldn’t spread any information that hasn’t been completely vetted yet, and doesn’t want to put a strain on Sam and Jason’s relationship. She says Peter killed the father of her child, and he says, unfounded allegations. He gets it. The anxiety with Jason, her mother’s drinking; she’s got a lot on her plate. Her family is practically falling apart. He’s sorry about her difficulties, but it’s good that she created distance between herself and Jason. She doesn’t want to be dragged down with him. She asks, for what? and he says, the murder of Franco Baldwin.

Gladys asks why Brando cares. What has Carly done for him except be ungrateful for him saving her life? Carly should be down on her knees thanking him, but treats him like a poor relation. She knows Carly was the one who told Sonny to boot him out of the family because he got a better offer than working in a garage. He suggests she drive back in the car Sonny gave her, and he’ll deal with the mess she’ll leave behind. She says she’s the one who’s been cleaning up messes, and he asks what she did. She says, her civic duty.

Diane tells Jason, Jordan will be back to question him. What is he going to say? He says, I don’t know or I don’t recall, and Diane tells Carly, for the record, that’s how it’s done. Jordan is going to want to gather information, and so will she. What evidence does Jordan have that’s so compelling, she had the confidence to arrest him? Word has it, Jordan is fast tracking Jason’s arraignment. Carly says, good. They want Jason out as soon as possible, and Jason says he has no time to be sitting in a cell. Diane says she’ll do what she can, but they have to prepare for the possibility that Jason will be held without bail, especially with his extensive rap sheet. Carly says, that’s why they have Diane on retainer, and Diane says she’ll do her utmost, but she needs to hear what the evidence is before she can refute it. Jordan comes in with a gun in an evidence bag, and says, it’s the gun that was used to kill Franco. Does Jason recognize it? Jason says he’s never seen it before, and Jordan says, interesting. An eyewitness saw it in his hand.

Nina says she didn’t expect to see Jax. Is he paying his respects to Franco? He says, to be honest, he was hoping to find her there, but it’s an impressive display. If someone had told him ten years ago what Franco would accomplish… She says, he never would have believed it. Franco turned his life around. Jax says Nina turned her life around, and she says she has her moments, but what she did at the graveside wasn’t one of them. He says he doesn’t blame her, and she says she’s not asking his forgiveness. He says he understands, but actually, he’s asking for hers.

Chase tells Willow that he doesn’t see the point in going to Finn. He doesn’t know what to say. Willow asks what makes it his responsibility? She’s guessing Finn has lot to say to him, and Chase asks if she’s met Finn. She says, Finn is a great guy and a great dad. He’s done right by Violet, and she bets anything Finn wants to do right by him too.

Finn asks how Maxie is, and Anna says she hasn’t seen Maxie, but thinks she’s good. Maxie and the baby are doing well, all things considered. He says, good, and she says he sounds professional. Can’t they just talk like them? He says, sure, and she asks how he is. He says, managing, and her? She says she feels a bit beaten up… lonely. She keeps looking behind her at the house, thinking he’s there, and hearing little footsteps upstairs, thinking it’s Violet. She misses them both so much. She loves him. Finn says, we feel the same way, and she asks if that isn’t what’s important. That they love each other. Isn’t it enough to bridge the distance? Why doesn’t he come home, and they can work it out? Unless he doesn’t want to.

Obrecht says Dante has procured Maxie’s phone. He’s going to use it to lure Peter with a text message. Then he’s going to use this to kill him. She gives Dante a gun, and says, when Peter is dead, walk away. Leave him, and throw the gun into the harbor. If he’s questioned by the authorities, remember he’s to say he was under the orders of Dr. Kirk, who dictated Dante’s course of action before he left the doctor’s care in Switzerland. Does he understand his directives? He says he does, and she says they have to protect Maxie, her child, and countless others. Dante won’t be troubled by Peter’s death. He must complete the mission. He repeats, must complete the mission, and she leaves. He looks around, and looks at the gun and the phone in his hands.

Sam tells Peter, Jason didn’t kill Franco, and he asks if she doesn’t think Jason is capable of it. It was no secret that Franco’s mental health was unstable, and his condition was volatile. She says, and Peter made sure everyone found out. She doesn’t need a recap. He says he thinks she dodged a bullet, but she says she thinks he has. He looks at his phone, and says he has to go. Maxie wants to meet him. She says he’s lying, and he tells her, see for herself, showing her Maxie’s message to meet her at Nathan’s grave. They have to talk. Sam wonders why Maxie would want to meet at Nathan’s grave, and he says Nathan was his brother, and Maxie’s husband. Another way they’re connected. Excuse him. He has other pressing priorities.   

Britt tells Valentin, she knows she has nurses on staff who are waiting to justify their salaries, and he says he just wants to help. She says she’s fine, and he says he’s read about people who can take excruciating pain, but she says, he’s the one who’s going to be hurting. Peter is going to want payback, and he’s going to take a page from Faison’s playbook. He’s going to hurt the people Valentin cares about. If Valentin wants to protect Anna, Maxie, and Maxie’s child, he has to stop Peter.

Olivia tells Brook, she’s so sorry. She swears she’s not judging, and Brook says Olivia isn’t in a position to judge. Olivia says, that’s her point exactly. She didn’t want Julian to be part of Leo’s life, but the truth came out, and it might come out for Brook too. Brook has to play it close to the vest right now. Valentin is smarter and more duplicitous than Julian. Brook saw Valentin’s ELQ takeover, and how he played her. Her advice is to look to Charlotte, and take her cues from that. Brook says all she did was ask for some food, and now she’s getting extremely premature parenting advice from someone who has no business doing it. Olivia says it’s because she loves Brook. Brook says, and Olivia loves her father. Michael told her Olivia and Ned were having hard times. Is Ned there? Olivia says Ned isn’t living there right now, and Brook says, don’t tell her father. He has enough to be miserable about.

Finn tells Anna that he thinks about Violet, and what’s best for her. He tried to come up with an arrangement where he can deal with being involved with a WSB agent… She says she’ll quit. She doesn’t need the job, and they don’t need her anymore. She gave her life to the Bureau, and they’ve taken more than enough in return. She doesn’t care about it anymore; he and Violet are all that matters. He says he appreciates the gesture, but they’ve had this conversation before. He’d thought their future was secure, but then she left for six months to find her sister. She says, Alex is dead, but he says, it’s not about Alex; it’s about her. She’ll always have her own priorities and the need to do things on her own, and that’s good, but he’s old-fashioned and thinks marriage should be a  partnership. Any time the past comes up, she shuts him out. It was hard for him to deal with before Violet, but now, he can’t tear her life apart on a moment’s notice. He has to know they’ll be honest with each other, and next time there’s a crisis, they’ll face it together. Anna says it’s the least he should expect, but she can’t guarantee she won’t have to deal with something from her past. He says he doesn’t know what kind of relationship he can have with someone who only reveals part of themselves, and keeps another part hidden. She says, she doesn’t mean to keep anything hidden, but it’s like a reflex; it kind of just happens without her thinking about it. He says he gets it, but it’s working against them and their life together. If she could learn to tell the truth and be honest, maybe they could find a way to move forward with this. If they can do that, maybe they could have a tea party.

Chase tells Willow that Gregory will always be his dad. If he takes steps toward Finn, it will hurt Gregory like hell. She asks if he thinks his dad will feel like Chase is leaving him behind, and Chase says Gregory wouldn’t want to, but you can’t help how you feel. She suggests he talk to Gregory. They were always close; maybe it can help their bond. Things might change, but Gregory will be there for him if they confront it together. Chase says, okay. In the meantime, he’ll let Finn come to him. He can’t even look Finn in the eye, much less talk to him. She says, what if Finn is thinking the same thing, and waiting for Chase? If they’re waiting for the same signal, and never get it, they’ll never get anywhere. He’s definitely the wronged party, but the longer he waits to deal with it, the harder it will be. Chase asks why he has to be the one, and she says, maybe because he’s better at handling it than Finn. Finn cut himself off from the family, and there were years of silence and distance. The longer Chase waits, the more likely it is they won’t be able to repair this mistake.

Finn tells Anna, when he was watching Violet sleeping, he didn’t think there was a path back. Maybe he still doesn’t. Anna says, no, and he says, the lies have to stop. Promise him that, and maybe there’s a chance to make it work. She says she wishes she could make that promise, but there are things that are too dangerous for him to know, that could put him, and God forbid, Violet at risk. There might be times when she has to deal with a situation on her own, or turn to someone trained to provide cover. He says, like Robert or Cassadine, and she says she’s not choosing them or trusting them over Finn. She’s taking action to keep him and Violet safe. He says, including lying to his face, and she says, in her line of work, sometimes it’s necessary to lie. He says, like the ones she was telling herself. It’s not the first time he and Violet moved out. He suspected Peter was dangerous, but she convinced him otherwise. She knew Violet was a priority, and knew if she told him the truth about what Alex and Peter were capable of, he and Violet would leave. Anna says, he’s right. She did, and she’s sorry. It was really selfish, but she loves them so much. He says he doesn’t blame her. He knows what it’s like. Thinking you’re doing something right has a way of clouding your judgement. Secrets and lies keep you sick. He understands from his disease. His life was turned upside down, like now. He doesn’t need much justification to reach for an injection or a pill, but he can’t jeopardize his sobriety. It’s not just for himself anymore. He has people who need him. She asks if there’s no other way, and he says he’s looking, but he can’t see it. The only way forward is to be apart.

Jax says he tried calling Nina a few times, but she says she wasn’t up to talking. He says he understands; he just wanted to make sure she was okay… and apologize. He desperately regrets how things turned out, but he’ll never regret loving her. She says she can’t listen to this, and starts to walk out. He says, if there’s a chance that things can work out between them, he wants to take it, because they’re worth fighting for.

Carly says, this is crazy. It’s one thing for Elizabeth to make things up – she’s hysterical – but to believe them? Diane says she reviewed Elizabeth’s statement, and nowhere did she read that Elizabeth saw her client with a gun. Jason wasn’t there when Franco got shot, and when Elizabeth arrived, she and Jason were in each other’s presence until the medics arrived. Jordan asks Jason if it’s true that he was always in Elizabeth’s sight, but Diane says, he can’t attest to someone else’s observation. Jordan asks if he didn’t step into the corridor when he called 911. Carly says, when he called for help. That proves he was trying to assist with the situation. Jordan says, it proves that he can’t account for his whereabouts for a brief time. Diane says, emphasis on brief, but Jordan says, it was enough time to drop the gun down the laundry shoot, which is where they found it. Diane asks if Jason’s fingerprints were on it, and Jordan doesn’t say anything. Diane says she didn’t think so, and Carly says Elizabeth was with Franco the whole time. She couldn’t have possibly witnessed anything that corroborates Jason getting rid of the gun. Jordan tells them, she didn’t say Elizabeth was the eyewitness.

Brando says, Gladys did her civic duty? She doesn’t have a civic-minded bone in her body. She says she did Port Charles a service at great risk to her personal safety. Gladys remembers telling Jordan that she was standing in a loft on Talmage Street, a short term rental. She heard a noise, and looked out the door. She saw the studio door open, and he came out with a gun. He dropped it in the laundry shoot, and went back inside. Jordan asks if she’s certain, and Gladys says she’s sure. She’s seen him plenty of times, and would know those cold eyes anywhere. She looks at a picture of Jason, and says, it was him, Sonny’s guy. Jason killed that man, she swears it on Mike’s grave. Huh. Nice little twist.

Finn tells Anna, it’s okay. They’ll make arrangements to come by and get Roxie. She says, whatever he wants is fine. She’ll make arrangements to get Violet’s tea set over to the hotel. She knows Violet wants it. She was thinking, if he wants her to talk to Violet, she can explain or reassure her. Unless he prefers she stay out of it. He thanks her for the offer, but he doesn’t know how Violet is going to react. He’s going to do his best to explain. He wants Anna to know that he’s not going to take Violet away from her, or her away from Violet, and she says she’ll be there anytime he asks. She tells him, it seems like she’s resigned to walking away, but she’s not. Finn says, him neither, and smiles. He says, it’s good to know they went down fighting, and she says, yeah. When she fell in love with him, she told herself it was for the last time. She cries a little, and says, it felt like a fresh start for her. He did change her. He takes her hand, and says she changed him too. They just didn’t change enough. She guesses not, and they hug. She leaves, and he says, goodbye, Anna.

Willow asks Olivia if that was Brook, but Olivia is on the phone. She tells Ned that she’s at the house, and asks if he can come over. She needs to speak with him right away.

Finn is looking at his tablet, when Chase comes in.

Britt calls to confirm her appointment, and asks what they mean, reschedule? She can’t do that. She needs to see the doctor now. Her hand shakes even more.  

Brando says, Jason shot Franco? He finds it hard to believe, and Gladys asks if he’s calling her a liar. She’s been working up the nerve to see him. She already went to the police. She says she thought he’d be grateful. Jason is a menace, and the streets are safer without him. She thanks him for lunch, and says she’ll see him at dinner.

Diane asks Jordan who the unnamed eyewitness is, and Jordan says Diane will get the information during discovery. In the meantime, she’ll see them in court. She leaves, and Carly asks, what happens now? Diane says, now, they have a problem.   

Valentin meets Nina outside Kelly’s, and asks if she’s been waiting long. He came as soon as he could. She thanks him for meeting her, and he says, it sounded urgent. She gives him an envelope, and asks him to give it to Charlotte. She’d give it to Charlotte herself, but she’s leaving. She needs to get away from Port Charles. He asks, what happened? and she tells him not to make it harder than it is. Just tell Charlotte that she loves her. He says he tells Charlotte that every night, and she says he’s a great father. She touches his face, and walks away. He starts to leave, and comes face to face with Brook.   

Obrecht sees Jax, and says, Heir Jax. He says he heard she was out, and she says she understands he’s been busy breaking her niece’s heart. He says she’s probably not too happy with him, but she says, not at all. He did what he thought necessary for the greater good; she knows the feeling. It’s a shame Franco, who truly turned his life around, is gone, while those who are evil and pretend to be good are walking free. Jax leaves, and she says, but not for much longer, and smiles.

Sam tries calling Maxie, and says, pick up. Don’t do this to her.

Dante puts Maxie’s phone in his pocket. Peter arrives, and asks, where’s Maxie? She texted him to meet her there. Dante says, Maxie didn’t text Peter. He did.

Tomorrow, Olivia wants to talk to Ned about his daughter, Finn wants to run another paternity test, Carly asks why Elizabeth is sure Jason is guilty, and Dante has to complete the mission.

🏖 On Horror Summer House, Lindsay claimed Stephen did nothing terrible, but he wasn’t giving her what she wanted in the relationship. Kyle – possibly the most humongous baby of a man I’ve ever seen – whined that he’d literally lost sleep over his clashes with Hannah, and Amanda told him to decide which battles were worth the fight. He questioned whether Hannah believed in his and Amanda’s relationship, and I failed to see why he should even care. He and Hannah had yet another argument where Hannah compared Kyle to her father, then screeched at him not to bring her family into it. I’m telling you, there’s something in the water there that makes people unreasonable and immature. Hannah told Ciara that she’d wanted to have fun this summer, so why did she have to be attacked by a little blonde leprechaun? In Hannah’s interview, she said having to win at tennis to get her dad’s love as a child caused her to fear not being good enough, and she couldn’t handle it when men were aggressive. Luke did the first smart thing since he got there, and stayed out of it, playing his guitar on the back porch. Carl was quarantined in his room, after having made a trip home after his brother died, which was probably a blessing in disguise. Later, Hannah said she’d reflected, and was sorry for the negativity. She said she looked up to Kyle, and in her interview, Lindsay said she was no actress, but was calling bullsh*t. Everyone was friends again.

Hannah started talking up Des, and in Luke’s interview, he called Des a backup plan for Hannah. The group had a beach picnic, and Lindsay broke up with Stephen over the phone, saying she thought they should go their separate ways, even though she acknowledged he’d been trying. This one is so spoiled, I don’t think she knows what she wants. He kept doing what she told him to, and then the terms would change. He most likely dodged a bullet. Ciara thought it was weird that Lindsay seemed to feel unbothered, and said she would have been bawling. The other girls predicted a Luke and Lindsay hook-up by the end of the summer. Amanda told Kyle that she wanted to start a family right away (God no), but Kyle said, although Loverboy was doing well, he wasn’t ready for responsibilities like a house and mortgage. Hannah’s psychic told her that Luke and Lindsay were POS, and she was better off without Luke. The girls speculated as to whether Lindsay and Luke had already hooked up, and Amanda insisted they had to get to the bottom of it. For whatever reason, Paige was recruited to question Luke, and she said she was so chicken, she was going to throw up. I guess it must get boring after a while, sipping margaritas on a swan floatie in the pool, and eating barbecue.

Best exchange of the night:

Ciara: Welcome to the single girls club. Lindsay: Well, I’m thirty-four and you’re twenty-four. Ciara: A welcome is a welcome.

Next time, sexual tension is in the air, Lindsay asks if they know who she is, Luke says he doesn’t like Kyle, and a possible fistfight. Yay.  

📺 For Real: The Story of Reality TV, hosted by Andy Cohen, will air on E! Thursday, March 25th at 9 pm.

https://variety.com/2021/tv/news/andy-cohen-e-tv-news-roundup-1234907438/

🔪 Bravo’s Top Chef Portland will begin on April 1st at 8 pm. No foolin’.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/top-chef-season-18-cast-premiere-date-trailer

💭 Just a thought. People who remove messages all the time on social media or messenger should have their phones taken away. Maybe people would start thinking more about what they write before they write it. It’s so annoying. I want to see what you wrote when you were drunk/pissed off/just being an idiot.

🍵 Tea You Tomorrow…

It got late while I wasn’t looking, but there will be time for tea and GH tomorrow. In the meantime, stay safe, stay buckling your seatbelt, and stay appreciating any welcome you get.

Sep10

September 9, 2020 – Ava Sounds the Alarm, Brandi’s Not Here, After the Dreck, Salt Lake Date, Graceful Exit, Dead News & Creeping

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

At the MetroCourt, Carly tells Bobbie, she should sue. Diane would gladly take the case. Bobbie says, another lawsuit would only hurt the hospital, and Carly says the hospital fired her. Bobbie says, Cyrus fired her, but Carly says, they both know he had help. They look over to see Valentin sitting with Martin.

Valentin thinks Martin should have a shot. After the antics of his last client, he could use one. Martin says he’s sure he doesn’t know what Valentin means, and Valentin wonders if Nelle’s latest disappearing act is for real.

Sam tells Jason, her actions caused Bobbie and Monica to be fired, but Jason thinks it’s reaching just a little bit. She says, is it? She gave Valentin consent to vote Danny and Scout’s proxy. He says, and she was assigned a new parole officer. She says, so he was able to move back in, and that’s great, but it left the hospital open for Cyrus’s control. He thinks it’s her fault, doesn’t he?

Alexis looks at the syringe, now sitting in a plastic bag. Julian says, the police are on their way to pick up the evidence. She says she’s not sure why, since it was accidental. He says, maybe he should take it, and reaches for it, but Alexis snatches it up. He says because of the prevalence of opioid deaths, the police are treating all drug induced OD’s as homicides.

Jordan asks why Cyrus murdered Neil, and he says, I beg your pardon? She says, it’s a simple question, and she’s not wearing a wire. He can speak freely. Why did he kill Neil? He says, all right; he’ll play along. Who’s Neil? She says he died of an OD, with no prior history of drug use, and he says, by definition, addicts are good at hiding their addiction. She says, like Bob and Mark? and he says, how hypocritical of them. They planted the evidence that framed him for being a drug lord, when they were sampling the wares. He can’t thank her enough for exposing their corruption. She says she doesn’t know what game he’s playing, but what’s the connection between him and Neil?

Josslyn, Cameron, and Trina go to Charlie’s. Trina goes over to say hello to Ava at the bar, and Josslyn says she’s been meaning to tell Cameron that she knows. He says, okay… She says now that she knows, they don’t have to be weird. She and Trina talked through everything, and she’s totally cool with it.

Alexis asks Julian if she’s supposed to believe Neil was a user all this time, when she had no idea. Not when he was her therapist, not when they were stumbling through their relationship, not even when he was in her own bed, but apparently, he was. There was the bloodwork, a puncture wound, and now Julian found the syringe under her bed. Julian suggests he hang on to it until the police get there, and Alexis says she was so certain that she was making a better choice. It turns out she was just falling for a better liar.

Valentin doesn’t suppose part of Martin’s service was to hustle Nelle off to an undisclosed location. Martin says, no, and Valentin wonders if he’s not saying anything because of professional ethics, or because Nelle owes him money.

Carly says, when Valentin took over, his first act was to bail on the hospital, opening the door to Cyrus. His second act was to fire Michael. Bobbie says, and now he’s having a drink in Carly’s restaurant. She doesn’t think so. Bobbie stomps over to Valentin’s table, and says she had the misfortune to marry his brother Stephan. He was bad, but Valentin is infinitely worse, handing the hospital over to the likes of Cyrus. He says, sorry, and she says she wants to smack the smirk off his face. Carly says she’s right behind Bobbie, and Brick walks in. He says, no doubt. It looks like he got there just in time.

Alexis tells Julian, she didn’t know Neil was an addict, but she’s good at spotting other addicts, since she is one. It’s like a funhouse, with everyone distorted in their own unique way. Julian says she doesn’t know for sure Neil was an addict. He could have been a recreational user; those people exist. Or he could have been a high-functioning addict. Plenty of successful people are. Alexis says she doesn’t know anything right now. She’s going to drive herself crazy, going over every detail of what Neil did or didn’t do. Julian says, from what he’s seen, Neil was a complicated guy dealing with a lot, including his emotions and feelings for her. Alexis gives him a look.

Ava says Trina has been holding out on her. She’s so talented. Her performance with her friends at the Nurses Ball was spectacular. Trina asks if Ava and Nikolas had a good time, and Ava says she knows what Trina is doing. Trina doesn’t have to look out for her. She and Nikolas know where they stand with each other.

Cameron asks Josslyn what everything she’s talking about, and Josslyn says, don’t worry. Trina says it’s not a big deal. He says, good to know, and she says she doesn’t want him to feel he has to keep it secret. Portia walks in, and Trina tells Ava that her counselor said she could get additional credit for working at the gallery, so she can give Ava ten extra hours. Ava appreciates her enthusiasm, but thinks Trina should speak to her mother. She might have other plans. Portia asks, does Trina mind if she and Ava take a moment to catch up? Trina asks if Portia promises to be nice, and Portia asks if Trina promises to be nice to Curtis. Train tells her, try not to break anything too expensive. Ava tells Portia, if this is about Trina asking for more hours, she said Trina needed to clear it with her first. Portia says she’ll bring that up later, but first, they need to talk.

Cyrus tells Jordan, he’s not aware of any connection between him and Neil. The first time he’s heard Neil’s name is when she said it just now. She says his innocent act is wasted on her, since he kidnapped her son, and made her turn a blind eye to his drug shipment getting through. He says he’s never kidnapped anyone in his life, and no one can make her do anything. She’s always had the power to make her own choices. She says, Neil died under similar circumstances to Mark and Bob; the same pattern. Cyrus says, people die all the time. That doesn’t mean he had a hand in it. She says, unless they were his drugs. Then he’s legally responsible. He says she exonerated him. Although now, she comes to him late at night, hurling accusations and innuendos, reviving a vendetta against an innocent man.

Jason says it sounds like Sam wants him to be angry with her, but she says she wants him to tell the truth. He asks when he’s lied to her, and she says, never. He doesn’t say anything, and she says, ELQ was supposed to bail out the hospital. She should have known Valentin was up to something. All she cared about was getting a new parole officer, and getting to spend time with him. He says she’s only responsible for the proxy she signed over to Valentin. Valentin took control of the majority, and it was his decision not to help GH. Those were his actions, not hers. She says, it was selfish. She got what she wanted, and because of her actions, people she cares about are paying for it.

Julian tells Alexis, he knows more than most people that it’s complicated to lead a double life. Neil was confused, and he may have been confused about a number of things, but he knows that Neil genuinely cared for her. She says, dying in her bed was a funny way to show it, and he tells her, she has no idea how many secrets Neil might have been keeping, but anyone could tell his feelings for her were genuine. She says he should go. She appreciates him coming by, but can’t have him there to turn to. He says, that’s different. If she needs anything, let him know. For what it’s worth, he’s sorry it happened. It was nice to see her happy again.

Trina sits back down, and Josslyn says she told Cameron what they talked about, so they’re all on the same page. No more secrets. Trina says she’s glad to hear it, and Cameron says, excellent.

Ava tells Portia, with all due respect, she’s already apologized for overstepping with Trina. Portia says, she did, and Ava says she’s not sure what more she can do. Portia says she realized she came on strong, and made assumptions about Ava’s motivations. Ava says, as a mother, in protecting one’s child, you can never be too careful; she understands. Portia says, whatever Ava’s motivation in helping Trina, she realizes it came from a genuine place, and thanks her. Trina’s work at the gallery is grounding, and she realizes it’s even more important now, in the wake of her father’s death. She believes Ava when she says her intentions were honorable. Ava says she appreciates that, and Portia says, but she doesn’t believe Ava has led an honorable life. She won’t prevent Trina from working at the gallery, but won’t be taking her eyes off Trina either.

Cyrus says Jordan exonerating him doesn’t seem that long ago He doesn’t think he dreamed it or imagined it. She says he threatened to kill her son unless she did what he wanted, and he says, what imagination she has. He’s making a fresh start, and exploring the possibilities available to a free man. He tells her, thank you, waits, then says, say you’re welcome. She says he’s made himself welcome enough. He doesn’t need to hear her say it. Since he’s an innocent man leading an innocent life, he doesn’t require the police commissioner. She’s met the terms of their extremely one-sided agreement, and they’re done. He tells her, don’t be so sure.

Sam asks if Jason is telling her that he’s okay with what she did. Jason says he hates that Monica and Bobbie lost their jobs; it’s awful and unfortunate, but it’s not permanent. She asks how he’s so sure, and he says, Cyrus is testing the truce already. When he breaks it, he’s gone. She says, what about Valentin? and he says, the Quartermaines have lost control of ELQ before. They’ll get it back. Michael is smart, with a cool head, and he’s not distracted by the custody case anymore. She says, it really doesn’t bother him that her actions are what set things in motion?

Jason says, it’s not like Valentin gave Sam a choice. He knows she acted in good faith. It’s done. It’s over. She can’t change it. Let’s just move on. Her phone rings, and she says, it’s Julian. He has the worst timing. She tells Julian that she’s in the middle of something. What does he want? He says he was at her mother’s. He just left, and Neil’s OD is hitting her hard. He found a syringe under her bed. They both know he’s not the right person to be with her mother, but Alexis shouldn’t be alone. Sam says she’ll be right over, and thanks him. She tells Jason what happened, and he says he’ll go with her.

Officer Gonzalez comes downstairs, and tells Alexis, there was no other paraphernalia, but forensics wants to look around. Alexis says she’s not going to be sleeping up there anytime soon, and Officer Gonzalez says if they have any more questions, they’ll contact her. Alexis says she’s fresh out of answers.

Cyrus says he appreciates Jordan’s faith in him adjusting to life outside, but it takes time, especially after such a long stretch. She tells him not to sell himself short. Clearly her services are no longer required. He says she’s gone from callous pessimist to wide-eyed optimist. She needs to split the difference, and become a pragmatist. An old friend might come in handy. Isn’t that what she was thinking when she invited Taggert back to town, or did she feel it was a mistake? Another hasty decision. Look at the damage that was done to that poor man.

Martin says, amusing as it might be to watch them deck his client, he’d be compelled to call the cops. Carly tells Bobbie, they’ll leave Valentin alone, and invites Brick to have a drink. Valentin says, good idea, and she says no one asked him. Bobbie tells Carly that Scotty is taking her out to dinner, and leaves. Martin tells Valentin, let it go, but Valentin says Bobbie is wrong. He’s nothing like Stephan, who was consumed with ghosts. Martin asks if Valentin’s ghosts are under control, and Valentin says he doesn’t believe in ghosts. Martin says he’d like to know why Julian was looking for him; does he miss his wife? Valentin says, Julian is looking to get out of a marriage of crippling inconvenience, which leads him to wonder what leverage Nelle had to get Julian to marry her in the first place. He had the impression the leverage was in Martin’s possession. Is it?

Ava says, normally if someone spoke to her like that, she’d tell them to go to hell. She’d say they don’t know about her, or what been through in her dishonorable life. Portia asks if that’s what Ava is telling her, but Ava says, on the contrary. If she was in Portia’s shoes, and her daughter was working for a woman with her… colorful past, she’d be… Portia says, cautious? and Ava says, livid. She’d never take her eyes off her daughter. As a mother, there’s nothing more important than a child’s safety or happiness. Trina is determined to work extra hours, but Portia should feel free to say no. Portia wonders if Ava is asking her to turn Trina down, but Ava says, no, but don’t feel obligated. Portia says, seven days is a big ask, and Ava says, if they start to drive each other crazy, she’ll send Trina on an errand. Portia says, when Trina returns with coffee in five minutes, what then? and Ava says she’ll send Trina to Tokyo to pick up on what’s trendy. That will take longer. Portia says, Ava is kidding, right? She does have a couple of requests. She asks Ava to keep an eye on Trina, and if she’s there to work, make her work. Ava says, of course (🍷). As if she could stop Trina. The gallery might seem like a placid boutique, but there’s a lot to do. She tells Portia, feel free to pop in and check up on Trina. Portia is sure it won’t be necessary, and Ava says, yet she has the feeling Portia will. Portia says, at least once a week. Maybe more. Ava says she’s always welcome, and Portia thanks her. Trina asks if everything is okay, and Portia says she’s giving Trina permission to work extra hours.

Julian comes in, and Ava says she hears congratulations are in order. He asks, for what? and she says she heard his wife – who makes her look like Mother Teresa – is gone. Why is he in a foul mood? He should be celebrating the end of his hellish marriage. He says his hellish marriage is far from being over. She asks what Nelle did now, and he says she claimed to have left a letter detailing his role in Wiley’s kidnapping with her lawyer. Until he gets the letter, he’s on borrowed time. She says Julian should have let her kill Nelle when she offered.

Sam says she thought Alexis was going to stay at their place, but Alexis says she couldn’t. Sam says Julian called her; she’s so sorry, Alexis wonders how she couldn’t know, and Sam tells her, don’t blame herself. Alexis asks how someone who presents themselves as a decent, wonderful person could do something like that? How could he?  

Martin says his hypothetical sometimes client – he’s not naming names… Valentin says, Nelle, and Martin says, it’s hypothetical. Valentin suggests Medea, and Martin says, Medea it is. Medea has left some loose ends, providing actual proof of her departure is permanent. Martin doesn’t know what Valentin’s interest is, so why should he share secrets? Valentin says, Nelle is currently a friendless fugitive wanted for murder and attempted kidnapping, and wonders if Martin’s ability to keep secrets is based on the size of the retainer. Martin says he’ll take care Nelle’s affairs in any way he pleases, and Valentin says, just make sure his take precedence.

Carly asks if Sonny called Brick, but Brick says he was on his way to another assignment. He had time to stop by and say hello to Sonny. She asks if Sonny knows he’s in town, and he says he was at Turning Woods earlier. She says then he knows what’s going on with Mike, and he says, sadly, he does.

Julian tells Ava that Nelle left the letter with her attorney Martin, and Ava says, ugh. That man is a reptile in a linen suit. If Nelle left the letter with him, and it incriminates Julian, Martin will absolutely use it for his own gain. He says that’s why she’s going with him to help find it.

Trian asks Portia if she can stay longer, and Josslyn says her driver will drop Trina off. Portia tells Trina to text when she’s on her way, and not after Curfew. Trina says, definitely.

Cyrus says Jordan saw how Taggert’s poor family suffered. First, by his violent death, and then when she revealed how honorable Taggert was anything but. The shame rained down on that man’s family… But fortunately, families are resilient. Take hers for instance. She tells him, stay away from her family, and he says, or what? She says she doesn’t know. Neither of them know what she might be capable of. She doesn’t want to find out; does he? He says he’s sure it won’t come to that. Isn’t the motto of every police force to serve and protect? That’s what’s going to happen between them. She says, in serving, she’ll also protect him? and he says, that’s everybody’s job on the force, right? He tells her, goodnight. Oh, and if she ever decides to drop by for another late night chat, ask herself if it’s worth his trouble. She walks out.

Jordan runs into Portia outside of Charlie’s, and asks how Trina is. Portia says, fine. She’s loving her job, her friends, and school, so Portia can’t complain. Nothing will take away losing her father, but it does give her the structure she needs to heal and work through it. Jordan asks if there’s anything she can do, but Portia says nothing short of clearing Taggert’s name will satisfy Trina. Jordan wishes that were possible, and Portia says, there is one thing she’d like to clear the air about. She knows Curtis told Jordan about their conversation. Jordan says he did, and Portia says she wanted Jordan to know, woman to woman, she shouldn’t have brought up something that was clearly in the past. She has no designs on Jordan’s husband. Jordan laughs, and says she appreciates Portia making that clear.

Julian messes with the lock on Martin’s office door, and says Ava knows what to do, right? She says, if she sees something, text something, and tells him to make sure he notices. She asks if he has a secret spy code, and he says he doesn’t think that would make him look more innocent. She asks if he’s sure there’s no alarm, he says he’s not. He gets the door open, and she says, hurry up. He goes into the office.

Alexis says when she was lying next to Neil, and they were planning their future, he was waiting for her to fall asleep so he could shoot up. Jason says she doesn’t know what Neil was thinking, and Sam says, Jason is right. She doesn’t know what was going through Neil’s mind at the time. Alexis agrees, and says, Neil was a multitasker. He could have been planning his life and thinking about shooting up at the same time. Sam says Alexis sounds morbid, and she doesn’t want Alexis to be by herself. She suggests Alexis come home with them, but Alexis doesn’t think it’s a good idea. Jason says, Danny and Scout love having her there, and she’d be close to Sam, but Alexis says she has a lot of feelings right now, and they’re not pretty. She doesn’t want to have them in front of her grandchildren. Sam says she’ll stay there, but Alexis says, no. Jason just got home, and Sam should be home with her family. Sam doesn’t feel good leaving Alexis, but Alexis says she needs privacy. Sam says if she starts feeling depressed, or more depressed, call. Or call if she feels like drinking. Alexis says, yes to all of it, and thanks them for coming by. She and Sam hug.

While Josslyn is away from the table, Cameron says he can’t believe Trina told Josslyn about… you know. She says she didn’t want it to be a deep, dark secret. Now that it’s out in the open, it’s no big deal. He says he doesn’t want everyone talking, and she says, Josslyn isn’t everyone, and only three people know. He says, you know what they say about three people keeping a secret. In order for them to do it, two of them have to be… She says, what? and he says, never mind. Josslyn comes back, and says she has the best idea about the three of them.

Julian rifles through Martin’s files. Ava hears Martin telling Valentin that he is billing him for this. She texts, GET OUT NOW!!! three times. They get close to the door, and Ava tries to send another message, but it says communication failure. Martin puts his key in the lock, and Julian realizes they’re coming in.

Carly tells Brick, Sonny gave Mike one last afternoon at the track. It was good for him to be around the horses, and it was special to Sonny. Brick says he always admired Sonny, but seeing him care for Mike, being there for him, he admires Sonny even more. Carly says Brick was the one who helped Sonny step up for Mike. It was like using a Lamborghini as a golf cart. He says he was honored to help, but if he looks better to her, that’s even better. She says, it’s not fair. He comes there, flirts with her, and takes off on another mission. He asks if she’s telling him to stop, and she says, not a chance. They clink glasses.

Julian hides, and the fire alarm goes off. We see Ava has pulled it, like we didn’t guess that. Martin says, what the hell…?

Josslyn says, it’s almost homecoming, and suggests they all go together. Cameron says, the three of them? and Josslyn says, the four of them. They can’t forget Dev. Cameron and Trina say, sure they can, and Josslyn says they can still dress up and have fun, but no romantic drama. And they won’t have to worry about who they’ll kiss at the end of the night. Trina says, good idea, and Cameron says, he’s in.

Jordan tells Portia, forget she brought up the past. It’s better for them to move on with no tiptoeing around things. Their only worry is that Trina is still blaming Curtis for Tagger’s death. Portia says she keeps telling Trina that she’s dishonoring her father’s wishes, but does she listen? Jordan says, she’s more stubborn than Taggert is. Portia says, was. She still does that too; talk like he’s still there. Trina is young and headstrong, but one day she’ll realize there are few men with as much integrity as Curtis. Jordan says that’s kind of her to say, and Portia says, of course (🍷) Jordan and Curtis are lucky to have found each other.

Julian asks Ava, what happened? She says she had no reception, so she pulled the alarm. Why should he be the only one committing a felony? Julian says, if Martin has the letter, it’s not in his office.

In Martin’s office, Valentin says, someone was looking for something, and Martin says, obviously. The lookout probably pulled the fire alarm. In any case – he pulls the ELQ folder out of a drawer, and takes another from his briefcase – here’s everything Valentin needs to sign. Just put his John Hancock there. Valentin says Martin had it right there? and Martin says, except the final revision of the offer in question. He would have brought that too, but he didn’t know he’d be seeing Valentin. He makes a practice never to be apart from his most sensitive documents. We see Nelle’s letter in his briefcase.

On the phone, Cyrus asks Walker where they are on the new Chief of Staff. He can’t wait to meet them in person. He tells Walker that Neil OD’d, and wonders where he got the drugs that killed him. I wouldn’t be surprised if Neil had been Cyrus’s therapist, since Cyrus is so au currant.

Alexis looks at a glass of water, but sees a shot. She says, one day at a time, and takes a sip.

Sam tells Jason that she thought she was doing the right thing. To her, there was nothing more important than them being together. She was wrong, and she’s sorry for what it cost. Jason tells her, like he said, it’s over.

Tomorrow, Ava tells Franco that they should cut their losses, Elizabeth tells Nikolas that his fake screwed up marriage is screwing up her real one, and Nina speaks to the jewelry designer.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills – The Reunion – Part Two (Home Edition)

Ugh. Even in the preview I hate the stupid faces they make. Denise eats chips. I get my vanilla wafers ready.

Andy says, this season Kyle was under attack for calling the women a group of fake-ass bitches. It made the group wonder if it takes one to know one. We flash back to Kyle being insulting, interrupting everyone, and being a moron in general. In one clip, she says she’s not friends with a-holes. I beg to differ. Andy asks why she thinks everyone came after her, and she says when she left L.A. to do her clothing line, then went to North Carolina for Halloween, she’d been going back and forth, and was tired. She felt like everyone was coming at her, and not being honest. Which answered the question not at all. Adam from Baltimore asks Dorit why she told everyone she had a life when she was late for Teddi’s retreat. It sounded self-centered and condescending, and she pissed Erika off. Erika admits to being pretty drunk, and we flash back to that. Yep. She was. Erika says they all have busy lives, and Dorit says Teddi claimed it made no difference what time they got there, yet she was attacked. Kyle says that’s extreme, but Dorit says she didn’t feel welcome, and had to defend herself. She didn’t mean the rest of them didn’t have lives. Kyle says she felt like Dorit was showing up to show off her outfit more than to support Teddi. Dorit says beforehand, she was taking pictures to promote her business. Teddi says everyone else keeps bringing it up; she had nothing to do with it. She didn’t think Kyle was defending her, just pointing out the obvious. A viewer asks how Teddi felt when Erika said she didn’t feel like being there. Teddi says she had to move on from it, and while they’re on the Teddi subject, Dorit doesn’t know why Kyle can’t acknowledge her friendship with Teddi is different from her friendship with the rest of them. Maybe it’s true. She says this like it’s tabloid fodder, and none of us have ever had a friend we’re closer to than our other friends. Kyle says, of course it is. Teddi is a better friend to her. It makes sense; they have more in common. Dorit is glad Kyle is finally admitting it. Seriously, are these women that bored? Kyle says Dorit acts like it’s a crime. She’s slept in the same bed with her friends and sisters her whole life; it’s not weird. Stirring the pot, even though there isn’t much to stir, Andy points out that Kyle insulted Erika by suggesting Erika didn’t have close friends. Kyle tries to cover her ass by saying she meant friends close enough to sleep in the same bed. Just an aside, while I wouldn’t mind sharing if necessary, being an adult, I’d rather have my own bed if it’s an option. Erika says they have different lives, and not everyone has that type of relationship. Just because they don’t have the same experience doesn’t make it wrong or bad.

Dorit wants to address the astrology party, where Kyle said she wasn’t as good a friend as she’d thought. Kyle says she was just frustrated and apologizes, but Dorit doesn’t listen and asks Kyle to justify telling her that. Kyle repeats that she apologized and explained, but Dorit says she hasn’t explained. Kyle says Dorit wanted to take credit for her fashion show, and her hiring Wilson Philips for her party. No surprise, Kyle won’t let Dorit respond, and just keeps babbling. Kyle says she never spoke against Dorit, yet Dorit threw her business under the bus, saying Kyle didn’t know what she was doing. There’s a break, and I realize I’m holding my breath.

Kyle says she was shocked, and we revisit Kyle freaking out when she checked out her line before the fashion show. We see Dorit’s interview, where she wondered how Kyle couldn’t have seen the pieces beforehand, and if she just woke up and said she’d throw a show together and be a success. No need for experience or know-how. Kyle says, of course she was freaking out; Dorit said she didn’t know what she was doing. Kyle once again refuses to let Dorit talk, and says Dorit came to her house and she felt like they were friends for life. Then Dorit made fun of her in her interview. She thought they were better friends than that. Dorit says she never slammed Kyle’s designs. She poked fun at Kyle for not being prepared, and she thought Kyle should have been. Garcelle says Kyle got more upset at her saying she’d felt glazed over than she did over Dorit hurting her business. She didn’t seem that mad. Dorit says Kyle just blamed her, but never spoke to her directly. Instead she went to Twitter and the press. Kyle says she was upset, thinking Dorit had slammed her business. Dorit says Kyle told everyone her fashion show was in a warehouse, and Kyle says she had to fight back. She wasn’t going to sit there like a moron. No comment. Too easy. Dorit asks why Kyle didn’t text her, and Kyle asks why Dorit said it in the first place. Andy wants to move forward, and Dorit says she’s very sorry, and wishes Kyle success. She adds she’s always there if Kyle needs anything, and Kyle says she appreciates it. I see why they had to focus on the whole Denise/Brandi thing this season. Apparently, they didn’t have a show without it. Wake me when it’s over.

Andy says, moving on. He asks why Kyle thinks Denise is a fake-ass bitch, and Kyle says Denise claims she doesn’t care about the glam thing, but then defended Dorit. She felt like everyone was putting on an act, and not being genuine, but she was singled out. Bob in Syosset says Denise is the sexiest women alive, and asks how she felt when Kyle called her a ragamuffin. Denise says she was surprised, but wondered if could trademark it somehow, like Ragamuffin Clothing. I actually like that idea. Kyle says, when she was a kid, if she left the house looking messy, her mom said, don’t run around like a ragamuffin. Andy asks if Denise was offended, but Denise says she didn’t care. No pot stirring for you there, Andy. Kyle says she apologized, and Denise says, after the backlash on social media. Denise says she was defending Dorit about being glam when Kyle got upset. It was like, how dare Denise defend her when she looks like a ragamuffin? Either they’re not glam enough or too glam. Andy asks, where’s the middle ground?  

Dorit’s phone keeps repeating low battery over and over, and everyone is like WTF? Andy says Caleb in Topeka asks how Lois is, and LisaR says she misses Lois. She hasn’t seen her in five months. Lois is in assisted living though, and doing great. Andy says LisaR loves the spotlight, like this is news. Her daughter opened up about her anxiety on social media, and she was judged as a mother. He supposes it was attention she could do without. We flash back to everything Amelia, and Andy asks if LisaR thought about what she does on Instagram. She says, as a mother, she’s always aware. Garcelle tells LisaR, what she said wasn’t about shaming; it was just a reality check. Andy asks Teddi if she relates to the issue, and Teddi says as parents, they’re already coping with the struggle, and already feel guilty, so it shouldn’t be made part of a light conversation. Garcelle says she wasn’t being flippant, but Teddi says she said it in front of all of them; it was a low blow. Garcelle has no response. I’m not surprised, since this is stupid even for Teddi. Andy says, Sutton said LisaR’s dancing on Instagram was weird, and Sutton says, that’s not a bad thing. Dorit says, it had a negative connotation. I see she’s been reading again, and is using big words. Sutton says Dorit is making it into something bigger than it is, and LisaR says, it is weird. Dorit says if her daughter didn’t like her doing it, would LisaR continue, and LisaR says, of course not. She’d never do anything to hurt her kids. Andy asks if there’s an update on Amelia’s $6000 a month apartment, and LisaR says, $5700, but who’s counting,? and explains it’s all Amelia’s money from modeling. She’s doing well (apparently), and some days aren’t as much of a struggle, but she’ll always have issues. Charlotte from Birmingham says Denise looked horrified when LisaR said she’d taught her daughters the right way to do a BJ in her book. Did she think LisaR went too far? Denise says she doesn’t think they should judge each other (mic drop). Erika says, it was a lovely bomb LisaR’s daughters dropped on her in Tokyo, and we flash back to that. LisaR says her daughters could care less about reading any book, but one of their friends brought it out. Andy mentions LisaR’s latest nakey picture, and LisaR admits that she loves attention and pushes boundaries, like we didn’t know, and Kyle says, nobody owns it better. I choke on a cookie.

Garcelle asks if anyone is drinking yet. Jordan from Austin asks how Teddi’s baby is, and Teddi explains about how the baby’s head wasn’t formed right in utero, and she needs neurosurgery. She says, everyone says she’ll be fine, but Teddi is obviously distressed about it. Not that I blame her. I might not like Teddi, but wouldn’t wish that on anyone. FYI, baby Dove had the surgery since then, and everything turned out fine. Andy says Teddi’s pregnancy seemed to be an afterthought to the women. We flash back to Teddi’s interview where she says, apparently, she’s proceeding in this friend group as though she’s not pregnant. They talk about the name Dove, which Teddi wanted, but Edwin wouldn’t agree, until she pitched it by telling him that it was an emoji. Erika says, while Teddi ate a lot of Tums, she never used her pregnancy as an excuse for anything. Erika was freaked out more than Teddi was. Andy points out that the bunny is behind him, having made the trip to the Hamptons. Kyle says, it went to Bravocon and Watch What Happens Live in L.A. The bunny gets around. Andy says, the bunny is legendary, and asks if it’s LisaR’s go-to baby gift. LisaR says it is, and even though she acts like she’s not still upset about Kim giving it back to her, I think she is. She says the company went out of business though, so now she’ll have to get a different bunny. Zzzzzzz… What I said before about Denise. They talk about Teddi’s daughter Slate, and how she severed the tip of her finger when a door closed on it. Teddi says she put it on ice, and when she called 911, the first thing they told her was not to put it on ice. Good to know. She says she took it off, wrapped it in gauze, and put it in a Ziplock bag. She called several people, and Dr. Nassif met her at the ER. Andy asks if Teddi was as boring as Sutton thought she’d be, but Sutton doesn’t take the bait, and says she doesn’t think Teddi is boring.

Here it comes, in 3… 2… 1…

Andy says, Brandi dropped a bombshell that was like throwing a glass of wine at Denise. I guess he couldn’t come up with anything more clever, having pandemic brain. He says, the truth is everybody and anybody’s guess, and we flash back to all the Brandi bullsh*t. I shove cookies in my mouth. My husband decides to sit down and watch for a moment, and I tell him not to talk, and expect me to yell at the TV. Denise doesn’t even flinch as we stroll down Brandi’s Memory Lane. Andy says Denise claimed she barely knows Brandi, but Brandi showed the women a year’s worth of texts. There seemed to be a deeper connection. He asks if she has an explanation, and she says for every ten texts Brandi sent, she had one response. He asks if Denise has contacted Brandi, but Denise says she never did. Brandi was an acquaintance, and Denise was always nice to her. LisaR asks why Denise didn’t call Brandi from Rome, and Denise says Brandi isn’t a friend of hers. LisaR says Denise can’t keep lying, and Denise says LisaR can’t keep playing the same card in this game. She’s not friends with Brandi. Kyle says, not now. Andy says when Denise was asked about Brandi at Bravocon, she’d said they were friendly. We see a clip of Denise saying just that, and Denise says she had no reason to say anything negative. Andy is trying to discredit this, and it’s not cool. Andy says Denise called Brandi a friend. Will someone get that man a dictionary? Being friendly toward someone and being their friend are two different things. Denise says she didn’t, and they never socialized. With the exception of Garcelle, every single one of these twats twits asks, where is Brandi? and LisaR says, this is bullsh*t. Yes, it certainly is, and she heads the bull herd.

LisaR says Denise isn’t being upfront, and runs from the truth. Garcelle says LisaR didn’t like that Denise didn’t give her a satisfactory answer. Erika asks if Denise stopped Brandi from being at the reunion, and I say, she’s not on the show. Denise says, Brandi’s not on their show, and my husband marvels at my ESP abilities. Andy says there was a meeting, and they didn’t feel Brandi had anything else to add. After Brandi said she licked bleepity-bleep-bleep, there was nowhere else to go. They’d heard enough. What more was there to add? Denise says, they don’t know about the stuff Brandi sent her; it was so inappropriate. It was harassment. Dorit says if she was in this situation, she wouldn’t want to be around Brandi, and LisaR says Denise shouldn’t have done it. Denise says, done what? and LisaR says what she did with Brandi. Dorit says she believes Denise, but the problem is Denise giving them little bits, like when she said Brandi claimed to have slept with someone in the group. We flash back to that, and Kyle says it wasn’t her. I wonder why Kyle keeps assuming it was her, and again think if it’s anyone, it’s Kim. Andy asks why Denise wouldn’t say who it was, and Denise says, it’s not just one person. Brandi said there was one in the group, but also someone on the outside, who the group knows. She’s not saying who it is, and everyone – again minus Garcelle, since she’s actually a decent human – goes, say it! say it! like they’re five. Denise says it has nothing to do with her, and she doesn’t care what people think. She doesn’t give a sh*t. Kyle says, you can’t have a friendship without honesty. Andy asks, what about Denise talking sh*t about the women? and Denise says Brandi called her after she did Teddi’s podcast, and Denise said she thought Teddi was a sh*t stirrer. She never called Erika a cold bitch, but said Erika was condescending. She brought up LisaR, and Brandi asked why Denise’s friend had turned on her, and that was pretty much all she said. Teddi brings up how, in Denise’s interview, she said she’d called Teddi way worse things. Either say it and own up to it, or lie. Denise says, likewise, and beating a dead horse until it’s dead a second time, Andy asks what’s the worst thing Denise said about Teddi? Denise repeats, that Teddi is a sh*t stirrer, and LisaR says, after Rome, she said she didn’t like Teddi. Denise says the women are vicious, and LisaR says she thinks the cover-up is worse than the crime. Like this is some kind of high espionage and not a load of nonsense.

Next time, more rubbish. The cease and desist is discussed, Denise says don’t ask her husband questions they don’t want the answers to, and Denise is asked if she’s willing to show the text messages.

🎃 After this show, I had to watch Tyler Perry’s Boo! A Medea Halloween just to cleanse my mind. I was surprised to see the dude who played Brady in Too Close to Home in a blink-and-you-miss-him part.

👠 The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City debuts on November 11th. It looks promising, and I hope it’s not just another mean girl fest.

🙋🏻 She’s Gone, Girl…

Apparently, Denise has had enough. Will Garcelle honor her end of the pact?

https://people.com/tv/denise-richards-is-leaving-rhobh/

https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/rhobh-denise-richards-leaving-housewives-beverly-hills.html/

The wise and powerful LVP wants to give Denise an audience.

https://www.cheatsheet.com/entertainment/rhobh-lisa-vanderpump-wants-to-talk-denise-richards-rough-time.html/

⚰️ Let’s Talk About Dead, Baby…

Releasing the Dead.

https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/the-walking-dead-season-11-finale-end-release-date/

Spinning the Dead off. Please, they picked the two people who have the least dialogue? If anyone deserves a spin-off, it’s Ezekiel, Eugene, and Princess.

https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/the-walking-dead-daryl-and-carol-spinoff/

The text heard round the graveyard.

https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/the-walking-dead-origin-of-the-zombie-outbreak/

✂️ Cutting Out…

For the first time in what feels like forever, I’m getting a haircut tomorrow. I haven’t been this excited about something since I got my last haircut, and thought someone would actually see it. Until RHONY reunites, stay safe, stay bold, and stay owning it better than LisaR.

Jun19

June 18, 2020 – A Best Of Flashback, Top Chef Crowned, Fan Fave, Juneteenth Ideas, Is She Or Not, Thirsty, Watching Stars, Coming Up, a Mansion, Gordon’s Back, Say It Three Times & Dad

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

And the GH Flashback roulette wheel says… October 15th, 2015. I heard on an ad that this week is the best of Sonny and Carly, which brings cohesion to the randomness. Sonny surprised Carly with a wedding in the hospital chapel, that Maxie jumped through hoops to put together in record time. Josslyn and Kristina looked like babies, Sabrina attended with Michael, and Josslyn played the Wedding March on the flute. I assumed it was actually her playing, and was impressed, since the flute is very difficult to master.

Paul showed up at the gallery, while trying to set up Anna via text using the name Sloane. Paul told Ava to be prepared for the dismantling of the Corinthos organization. His plan was about to come to fruition. He told Ava that Carrrlos’s fate and Anna’s were going to dovetail (who uses that word, except in reference to carpentry?). Ava asked if it was a coincidence, but Paul said it was careful planning. He wanted Ava to launder some money via art collectors he was going to send, but Ava wasn’t keen on the idea. Paul asked if she wanted to go to prison for Connie’s murder, since he had her confession on tape. Ava said she was afraid of losing Avery, and Paul relented, saying he wasn’t heartless, and Ava would be of no use to him if her mind was elsewhere. He told her to deal with the custody case first.

Old Jordan wanted to talk to Anna about Carrrlos’s disappearance, since Anna was the last one to see him. Jordan said her leads had gone cold, and Mayor Lomax was breathing down her neck.

While talking to Dillon at the pier, Maxie saw a body in the water, and Dillon called the police. Jordan determined it was Carrrlos, which wasn’t hard since he’d had his wallet on him. When Paul showed up, she said Carrrlos had been shot at close range. That explained why he avoided detection for so long – he was dead. Yep. That will do it. Paul suggested Sonny had gotten his revenge.

Sonny and Carly said their vows. Sonny told Carly that she saved his life every day, and he was blessed that she chose him. Carly said she’d had a taste of life without him, and promised that neither one of them was going anywhere without the other. Dante’s phone rang during the vows, and he stepped aside to take it. Bobbie suggested Sonny make a change, so no one else would get hurt. Dante told them that Carrrlos had been pulled from the harbor, and he was dead. Sabrina freaked, and Dante went to the station. Morgan told Sonny and Carly that Carrrlos had gotten what he deserved, and Sonny said he didn’t ask for retaliation. Morgan said they were looking at him like they thought he did it, and told them they could think what they wanted to; it was his wedding gift to them, and enjoy it while it lasted. When he left, Sonny told Carly that he thought Morgan wished he had shot Carrrlos, but he would have heard about it if Morgan had done it. He explained that Ava had let the Five Families (not a restaurant) that Carrrlos had shot Sonny and acted alone. The only one who could dispute it was Carrrlos, and he wasn’t talking. Carly said that was convenient for Ava, and Sonny said she was up to her lying neck in it. Sabrina told Michael that she’d known Carrrlos most of his life, and Carrrlos had done awful things, but didn’t deserve to get shot.

Anna went to the gallery, and told Ava that she knew it wasn’t Carrrlos who shot Sonny, since he was on the run for killing Duke. Why would he escape Port Charles, then come back to shoot Sonny? She said Ava claiming that’s what happened implied she had something to hide, and asked who Ava was covering for. Paul called Anna, and told her to meet him at Pier 54.

Nathan assumed that Valerie was pregnant after Maxie found a positive pregnancy test in the trash, and Valerie gave him the business about jumping to conclusions. Valerie saw Maxie in the interrogation room after she gave her statement, and Maxie told her it was like a scene from a scary movie, and kept playing in her head. She told Valerie that she knew Valerie and Dillon were having sex, and Valerie said Dillon was a great guy, but that was a no, and had never happened.  Maxie asked whose baby Valerie was worried about carrying. Valerie said she didn’t know what Maxie was  talking about, and didn’t think Maxie did either. Maxie said Valerie had thrown a positive pregnancy test in the trash, and Valerie said Maxie had assumed because she was near the trash can, it must be hers. She suggested the next time Maxie decided to go snooping, get her facts straight. In the meantime, Dante told Dillon to stay the hell away from his wife.

Sonny joked that he and Carly were going to Iowa for their honeymoon, and Lulu told Bobbie that she and Dante were in discussion about expanding their family.

Ava told Paul that Sonny knew she’d lied about Carrrlos, and was asking inconvenient questions, but Paul said he had everything under control.

Carly cuddled with Sonny in his hospital room, and Sonny said it wasn’t the way he’d pictured their honeymoon, but it did feel like Des Moines. She thought it was more like Cedar Rapids.

Top Chef – Finale

The chefs were challenged with cooking the meal of their lives. The final three were Bryan, who the crown had eluded for more than a decade; Melissa, who had more wins than anyone; and Stephanie, the private chef underdog, who had proven she had skills to be feared. The prize was a feature in Food and Wine magazine, an appearance at the Food and Wine festival in Aspen, and $250K. Not bad. I love that magazine, and that’s a nice chunk of change. Bryan said he’d slap them in the face with heart and soul, and we flashed back to the Italian chefs saying there was no soul in his food. Padma tasked them with making the best progressive four-course meal of their lives – no twists. They would be serving it to the best chefs from all over world. Kevin, Lee Anne, and Brian full of Malarkey came out to give their support as sous chefs. Gregory would have been there instead of Brian, but he was still battling back issues. The chefs drew knives for picking order, and Stephanie was first, choosing Brian full of Malarkey, for his enthusiasm and skills. Stephanie also admitted that during Restaurant Wars she fell in love with him. Not literally. Brian chose Kevin, who said, let’s get the band back together, which left Melissa with Lee Anne. Melissa said they’d never worked together, but Lee Ann knew Asian flavors, and was a beast in the kitchen. She thought they’d do well. Padma told them they’d be shopping in the food hub of Florence, and would have five hours to prep and cook back at the Renaissance Tuscany. They were to make the meal as cohesive as possible, and Tom said the judges expected nothing but the best.

Melissa said her mission was to marry Asian flavor with what she’d learned in Italy, bringing Italy to her heritage, so it would portray her adventure. While this isn’t Project Runway, I have to mention that Lee Anne was wearing the coolest fried-egg-and-bacon crocheted scarf. If I was crafty that way, I’d be making one starting tonight. Bryan said he and Stephanie were yin and yang; their minds were one. In the evening, the judges turned the tables, and Tom, Padma, and Gail did the cooking. The chefs were met outside by Tom, who was doing some rustic farmhouse cooking on the grill, which gave Melissa an idea for her main course. They all sat down to eat together, and Padma wished them luck, telling them to cook their hearts out. After dinner, Stephanie called best friend Kristen, who was also the Season 10 winner. Stephanie said she thought her chances of winning were one in three. Melissa called her mom, and Bryan called his brother Michael.

After three hours in the kitchen, the judges were served the first two courses. You knew it was good by the way they were shoveling it in, especially one guy who reminded me of the drive-in guy Joe Bob Briggs and was wearing a shirt with steer on it. Later, I found out he was an Italian butcher named Dario. Gail said Bryan was a great technician, but this time showed soul and love in his food as well. Drive-in Bob Dario said, mama mia! and the main course came out. Melissa made grilled squab; Bryan went with blackened monkfish; and Stephanie made a veal dish. Padma said the food was universally wonderful, and food editor Nilou Motamed said she didn’t like squab, but was now a convert. At this point, I was pretty sure Melissa was going to win. Then, OMG THE DESSERTS CAME OUT. They were all to die for, and I’m not sure which one I wanted more; Bryan’s dark chocolate and ice cream thing, to which Dario responded, mmm… cardamom; Stephanie’s sticky toffee pudding (I don’t know what the hell that is, but give me two servings); or Melissa’s tea-infused tiramisu with a crunchy topping. When the dinner was done, the chefs applauded themselves, and then the judges applauded them when they were called back out. During the final discussion, Dario teared up over how Melissa respected the Italian traditions with her dessert. He said, a butcher who cries, how embarrassing, prompting one of the other guest judges to come over and give him a hug.

When the chefs were brought out to meet with the usual judges, plus Nilou, for the final time, Tom said he thought they all cooked the best meal of their lives, and Padma said she saw the story of their lives on the plates. She relayed that Hunter Lewis from Food and Wine found Bryan’s beets beguiling. Say that three times real fast. Tom said Bryan had erased the impression that he couldn’t cook with soul and heart. Gail said that Melissa had joined the Asian and Italian cultures, and told her about Dario getting emo over her tiramisu. Melissa said they were all artists who loved hearing that their journeys were understood. Stephanie joked that she was going for fan favorite. She had done damage to people who loved her by being sad, and this showed them that she was okay. Tom said, sometimes the voyage is more important than the destination, because you find out what you’re made of. You have to go deeper, and what comes out is who you are. They all made that journey, but there could only be one Top Chef. Arriving for the announcement were Melissa’s mom, Bryan’s brother, and Stephanie’s husband.

With that, Padma told Melissa, she was Top Chef. In Melissa’s interview, she said it had been a wild adventure, but this time she’d done it for herself, and wasn’t trying to earn her father’s approval. She wanted to prove to herself that she could achieve a goal that she’d set. In Stephanie’s interview, she said she accomplished what she’d wanted to do. She hadn’t felt good about the mental space she was in since her brother died. This would give everyone something else to talk about for a while. In Bryan’s interview, he said he’d learned a lot about himself. There were sixteen Top Chefs, but he was the only one who’d done what he did. He’d been runner-up three times, but was never doing this again. Melissa said, once you believe in yourself, nothing can stop you. She knew it sounded cliché, but the world was her oyster. She could do anything now.

👓 On Watch What Happens Live (@home in the Hamptons – @must be nice), Padma and Tom were guests, and Melissa made an appearance. Padma announced Melissa was also the fan favorite, netting her another $10K. Melissa donated that win to Black Visions Collective, the Trevor Project, and Asian Americans for Equality. And for that, Andy gave the night’s mazel.

🥧 Baking For the Teenth…

An idea to celebrate Juneteenth.

https://thechalkboardmag.com/juneteenth-bake-sale

📺 Watchlist…

Some Juneteenth suggestions for your viewing pleasure.

https://www.tvguide.com/news/shows-and-movies-to-watch-for-juneteenth/?ftag=NLS-04-10aaa2i

📚 For the Bookworm In You…

A Juneteenth reading list.

https://www.essence.com/entertainment/juneteenth-books/#546891

🍑 Pour the Nene Tea…

A Twitter user suggested her ego has become bigger than her entertainment value. I think they might be right.

https://www.essence.com/entertainment/nene-leakes-fired-real-housewives-atlanta/

https://people.com/tv/nene-leakes-denies-shes-not-returning-to-rhoa/

🥃 Give That Lady a Drink…

Like not every single one of them is thirsty. It’s not like they’re on the show to educate people about… anything.

https://hollywoodlife.com/2020/06/17/kelly-dodd-slams-tamra-judge-thirsty-firing-comments-rhoc-feud/

🛸 Where No Man Has Gone…

But you can go for free.

https://www.tvguide.com/news/star-trek-movies-streaming-free-imdb-tv/?ftag=NLS-04-10aaa2i

📑 Head Start…

A list of what’s coming to the small screen, and not.

https://www.tvguide.com/news/features/abc-2020-2021-fall-tv-lineup/?ftag=NLS-04-10aaa2i

👠 Sometimes She’s All Of Us…

While probably none of us will ever have her closet, or will even be able to afford one of her shoes, Sutton sometimes reminds me of how the audience feels. Kind of horrified.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1162587/rhobh-s-sutton-stracke-lists-bel-air-mansion-for-almost-9-million-tour-inside-the-estate?source=email&medium=daily

🛶 Unchart This…

You can catch Gordon in Uncharted on the National Geographic (NatGeo) channel on Sundays at 10 pm. It’s also free on YouTube.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1162499/watch-jason-kennedy-go-crawfishing-with-gordon-ramsay-try-not-to-laugh

📽 Who Can Take a Sunrise…

Candyman returns in a spiritual sequel. Tony Todd and Vanessa Williams will be making return appearances, and Jordan Peele wrote the screenplay, so that’s enough for me.

https://www.essence.com/entertainment/candyman-nia-dacosta-new-teaser/

🤸‍♀️ Is It Friday Again Yet…?

Father’s Day is coming up this weekend, and here’s hoping you have/had a good relationship with yours. My dad was the best. He had a wonderful sense of humor, was ahead of his time, and the fairest person I’ve ever known. Stay safe, stay celebratory, and stay in touch with your family, be they blood relatives or chosen.

Jun12

June 11, 2020 – Finn Proposes Again, Tinsley Gets Her Wish, the Chefs Go To Parma, a Michelin Star, Funkey Pasta, Gone Not Forgotten, Conning Online & All Yours

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Today’s GH Flashback, from May 21st, 2019, continued with the 2019 Nurse’s Ball. After Finn’s ring went rolling out from the wings to Anna’s feet, Robert told Finn, don’t just stand there; go pick it up. Finn got the ring, then got down on one knee. He told Anna it wasn’t how he wanted to do this, and asked her to marry him. She said yes, and the crowd cheered. Cameron told Josslyn that Oscar had him record a message for her that he wanted her see tonight. He left the recording there, saying it had been Oscar’s last chance to talk to Josslyn. Since he’d recorded it, he already knew what it said, and thought Oscar would want her to hear it alone. My bad, Doc was Doc, and they were on to Ryan by this time, who had blown up a house in Canada, sending Laura and Curtis flying. (It’s all coming back now. Ava and Doc got together to try and draw Ryan out of hiding after he was discovered to be alive and well and killing again.) Doc agreed with Ava to stick to the plan. Kristina told Sam not to get too close to Shiloh, telling Sam that he was a cult leader, and more than a liar.

Josslyn watched Oscar’s recording, and he said he knew if she was watching this, he was gone. He wanted her to live life to the fullest, starting with tonight, and wanted her to sing their song for both of them. Obrecht sang Guilty, and Franco joined her on stage. Every time I hear this song, it makes me want to work out. It’s used in the background on one of my workout videos, and I’m like a trained pony. Josslyn got dressed, and went to the Ball, saying she was doing it for Oscar. Shiloh tried to smooth talk Kristina, and told her to come home, holding out his hand. In perfect timing, Sonny showed up at just that moment, and told Shiloh to stay away from his daughter. Shiloh told Kristina that she couldn’t let her father control her forever, and his door was always open. Sonny said Shiloh’s door was going to be permanently closed. He’d messed with the wrong family, and it was going to cost him everything. Alexis took Kristina away, and Kristina wondered why no one was doing anything about Sam falling under Shiloh’s spell. Without missing a beat, Shiloh moved on to Lucas, and tried to talk him into taking classes at Dawn of Day like Brad was.

Willow literally ran into Nina, spilling her drink, and Nina got pissed off. Willow said the one good thing about losing her job was that she didn’t have to take Nina’s crap anymore. Shiloh kept an eye on Willow, while Cameron practiced backstage, and thought about all the people not there tonight. Josslyn arrived, and told Jax and Carly about the message she’d gotten from Oscar. She said she didn’t know if she was there yet, but one step at a time. Cameron sang a song that may or may not have been called You’re My Star. Afterwards, Josslyn thanked him for bringing her Oscar’s message and being someone Oscar could trust. Kristina wouldn’t leave without talking to Sam, but Neil said that wouldn’t be wise. Since Kristina was still vulnerable, she couldn’t help Sam. She said she’d leave on the condition that Sonny stay and keep an eye on Shiloh, but Sonny said she didn’t even have to ask.

Lucy told Doc that two dozen roses had arrived, and he needed to sign for them. He said he’d gotten them as a tribute for Ava, but Lucy thought the only tribute Ava deserved was poison ivy. In Canada, Laura requested a helicopter, and told the Canadian cops to alert the New York state police about Ryan. Curtis called Chase, and let him know Ryan was on his way back to Port Charles. Finn and Anna celebrated with sparkling cider, and Finn told Anna the ring was a rare Monaco blue sapphire, He’d chosen it because Monaco was where Anna first blackmailed him, and changed his life. He said it wasn’t his perfect moment, but she didn’t care, and they got busy.

Nina eavesdropped on Willow’s conversation about the child she gave up for adoption. Willow said Nina had been making her life miserable since the day they met, and no wonder Charlotte was the way she is. Nina didn’t appreciate Willow’s judgement of her parenting, and said Willow couldn’t even take care of her own child. Nina left, and Willow discovered Shiloh had eavesdropped on her and Nina. Chase alerted the PCPD and the Canadian authorities about Ryan, and Laura tried to alert Doc, but he was already knocked out in the dressing room, as Ryan took a single rose from the bouquet. The episode ended with Ava singing You’re Just Too Good To Be True.

The Real Housewives of New York City

Dorinda visits a Halloween store, and tells the clerk that her Halloween theme is voodoo. The clerk helps her get into a corset. Ben and assistant Roger meet with meet with LuAnn. In her interview, LuAnn says they’re looking for comedians. Her act is a variety show, and variety shows need comedy. They’re waiting for Sonja, and LuAnn says, she probably lost her dress on the way over. Sonja comes in wearing jumpsuit, so she probably had to go to the bathroom. In her interview, Sonja says, LuAnn is so high on life, everything is funny. She wonders if she’s getting paid, and LuAnn says she was paid the last time. In Sonja’s interview, she says LuAnn paid for half of her hair and makeup, so she did her hair herself. The comics audition, and in LuAnn’s interview, she says they’re all good, but for Marry-Eff-Kill, they have to be specific about sex and relationships. Sonja says she’s glad LuAnn included her, and in her interview, she says she’s proud of what LuAnn has built, and excited to be involved, even if she’s not getting paid. Sonja and LuAnn go over their material for the show.

Tinsley calls Leah, who asks, what the hell is going on with her and Scott? Tinsley says, it was so good. In Tinsley’s interview, she says, even though everyone was saying, just get on a plane, she wanted to be cool. But when Scott said, get on a plane with Strawberry and Shortcake, she was all in. It sounds cheesy, but felt like home; like it was real. Leah says Dorinda is putting together an evening of going to a haunted house – Blood Manor – and then out to dinner. She said Tinsley can come if she wants, and Leah wants her to come. Tinsley says she wants to go. She loves stuff like that.

Tinsley and Leah arrive at Blood Manor first, where they’re accosted outside by a zombie and a clown. In Tinsley’s interview, she says she was expecting to be attacked by Dorinda at dinner, not by a zombie on the sidewalk. Elyse shows up next, followed by Dorinda. In Dorinda’s interview, she says she’s been trying to get the group to go to Blood Manor for two years. It’s an institution. It’s scary, and she doesn’t scare easy. She’s the scarer [sic]. She puts her arm around the zombie, and says she’s finally found the man of her dreams. Elyse says, the blondes always die in the horror films. If you’re blonde, and show your boobs, you’re dead. Speaking of which, when met by the zombie and clown, Ramona freaks out, and drops her shopping bag. In her interview, she says, if that’s what it’s like outside, what is it like inside? LuAnn joins them, dressed as a cougar. In her interview, Leah says she’s aspiring to be a cougar. Sonja gets there last. No surprise. In her interview, she says this isn’t for her. She’s already high anxiety, and they’ve had nothing to drink. They go inside, and Leah doesn’t think the clown is an actor. She thinks that’s really how he is.

They inch down a darkened hallway, and the clown opens a door. It’s a typical, albeit well done, haunted house – horror film type sets, lightening flashing, loud noises, and various horror characters jumping out at them. In Tinsley’s interview, she thinks the cackling twins are Sonja and Ramona. We flash back to the two of them at the banya massage, and Tinsley might be right. In Dorinda’s interview, she says, they drop from the ceiling, and come through the walls. They’re everywhere. Outside, Ramona says she’s exhausted and almost peed her pants. They head to dinner. In Sonja’s interview, she says she could use some tequila. Something she’s familiar with; not a haunted house.

The women sit down to dinner, and Ramona says Tinsley posted on Instagram about Scott. In Sonja’s interview, she says Tinsley posted to the world, then they find out. Leah suggests they toast to Tinsley and Scott, and Tinsley says they’re back together; wooo! Leah said Tinsley told her that she and Scott were getting married. We see a clip of Tinsley and Leah in the limo, and Tinsley saying, there’s no ring yet, but she just knows it. For whatever reason, Dorinda decides they should all ignore Tinsley, and in Tinsley’s interview, she says she expected Dorinda not to ask questions, but she’s disappointed that Sonja, Ramona, and LuAnn fell under Dorinda’s spell. Elyse thinks they’ve been hard on Tinsley, and it’s unwarranted. LuAnn asks Dorinda if the conversation is registering, but Dorinda says Tinsley is running game. She’s making asses of them. In Dorinda’s interview, she says she’s not judgmental (I choke on my coffee), but don’t pull the wool over their eyes. She tells LuAnn, don’t bring life to it. In Ramona’s interview, she says Dorinda is telling her not to listen to Tinsley, and she’s in a good place with Dorinda, so she’s sticking with her. What a tool. LuAnn asks where the ring is, and Dorinda says Tinsley will love Chicago. Since she’s living in a hotel, she can pack up and go tomorrow. Tinsley says she’s happy for herself and her dogs, and Dorinda says she’s got a turkey baster. Maybe Tinsley can have a baby. Honest to God, I don’t know how this woman hasn’t been punched in the face by now. Tinsley says Dorinda is mean, and in LuAnn’s interview, she justifies Dorinda’s remarks by saying it’s been overkill about Tinsley and Scott. Wait a second. Tinsley is the one who didn’t want to talk about it, and Dorinda kept hammering at her. W… T… F…?  Elyse says she believes this is it for Tinsley, and she’s going to live happily ever after. In Leah’s interview, she says, the behavior is de classé. They should give Tinsley this one moment, but they can’t. I can tell Tinsley has had it.

Sonja goes with intern Lulu to meet with Michael and Heather from Century 21. In Sonja’s interview, she says, it’s only been phone calls up until now, but the last show blew them away. Now they want to sell her collection. She sent the pieces ahead, and Heather tells her, the quality is incredible. I’ve looked at her site, and the clothes are not only beautiful, they’re reasonably priced. In her interview, Sonja says she wants to pinch herself. Century 21 is known for luxury for less, and designers at a discount, which is what she’s all about. She says she’s so excited, and Michael says their flagship store downtown is going to make a space front and center for her collection. They also want to sell it at their Herald Square store. (For those unfamiliar with NYC, that’s where the big Macy’s is you see on the Thanksgiving parade.) In Sonja’s interview, she says she’s trying to be serious, but inside, she’s dying. This struck a chord with her, and has made her feel confident. Michael says, in the long term, they want to roll her collection out all their stores. It’s a huge opportunity for both of them. In her interview, Sonja says she needs to stay calm. Michael says they’re moving fast, and their buying team has been in touch with her people. They’ll be placing an order in the next couple of weeks. Sonja says she’s ready to start the next chapter.

Dorinda, Sonja, and Ramona share a limo. Ramona tells them that they’re looking at a warehouse, and meeting event planner Larry Scott. In her interview, Ramona says she’s having a birthday party to celebrate herself, and inviting all her girlfriends. Dorinda and Sonja realize they’re going to Long Island, when they thought they were staying in Manhattan. They go to the warehouse of Lawrence Scott Events, and in Ramona’s interview, she says he’s the premier party planner in NYC, Long Island, and the Hamptons. She tells Larry, last year, a friend made the invite list and excluded some of her girlfriends. We flash back to Ramona telling the list maker not to include Sonja. She tells him that she has 60 girlfriends to invite, and he’s shocked she has that many at her age. I’m surprised when she doesn’t react. In Sonja’s interview, she says, if Ramona mentions that she has 60 girlfriends one more time, she’s going to vomit. Larry asks what Ramona’s vision is, and she says, sophisticated jungle, or tropical. It’s her coming out party; she’s single. I guess three people in the world don’t already know that. Sonja says it’s her birthday, as well as Dorinda’s, and suggests they have a joint party, but Ramona immediately shoots that down. In Dorinda’s interview, she wonders why not a joint party? Sonja is Ramona’s real friend, and Sonja needs this. It’s an opportunity to be kind. (I choke on my coffee a second time, since that’s rich coming from Dorinda.) Ramona says she loves them, but it’s her party. In Sonja’s interview, she says, for the last couple of years, Ramona has  wanted the whole spotlight to herself. How hard is it to share a party? Ramona says she’s giving back to the girlfriends she’s known for thirty years, and it’s costing a lot of money, but Larry is giving her a good price. In her interview, Dorinda says, Ramona likes to do let’s make a deal. Dorinda doesn’t do that. She just gives them a credit card. Dorinda says, it’s Ramona’s coming out party? The next thing she’ll be having is an I-got-my-first-period party. In Ramona’s interview, she says she’s chalking it up to jealousy, because they don’t have as many girlfriends as she does. Yeah. That must be it. They sit and go over ideas while stuffing their faces with cookies, and Dorinda suggests a woman covered in sushi. Both Ramona and Larry are like, eww! Ramona says there’s no formal theme, and she wants everyone to sit where they want, and mingle. Larry says people can sometimes get cliquey, and they want to make sure the attention is on Ramona. Like this would ever be a problem. He draws a diagram, and shows her where she’ll hold court. Ramona will be the chandelier. In Dorinda’s interview, she says, it’s always the Ramona show. Dorinda barely celebrates Jesus that much. She feels like she’s been kidnapped. How did this happen? They’re in a warehouse in Long Island, being ignored, and overdosing on sugar. Larry asks them to pose for a social media picture, and in her interview, Dorinda says, and now, they have to do a promo piece for Larry’s business. This has taken up a full day, and now they have to do a promo piece. Save the bullsh*t for your Hamptons friends. You’ve got the wrong audience here.

Rob brings Kier to Leah’s apartment. Leah says she’s testing recipes, and Kier makes a face. In Leah’s interview, she says, being the mom of a teen means you’re reminded every day of how you’re not cool. That’s basically what it’s like. She makes a green juice, and tries it. She says, it’s really healthy, and Rob takes a sip. He says it’s the first time he’s ever had one, and it’s not bad. In her interview, Leah says, it’s hard for a lot of people to understand their relationship. They’re like an amazing married couple, but they don’t live at the same address, and they don’t have sex. Leah asks Rob to throw out a giant plant that’s on its last legs, and Kier says she’s a waster. In Leah’s interview, she says Rob is good to have around to co-parent, but also do the man thing she doesn’t want to do. Except that one man thing. She has batteries for that. He leaves with the plant.

Ramona meets Tinsley for drinks, and says she wants Tinsley to be happy. In Ramona’s interview, she says she felt badly ignoring Tinsley at the restaurant. She suggested they meet for drinks at T Bar, and toast to her being back with Scott. Tinsley says, a lot happened really fast. She’s loved Scott for a long time, and they’ve been on this road before. LuAnn joins them, and in her interview, Tinsley says, it means a lot that Ramona and LuAnn reached out to her after their mean girls episode. If they want to talk about her happiness, she’s more than willing. Ramona’s friend Ron shows up, and in Tinsley’s interview, she says, typical Ramona, but at least she cares this much. Ramona says she’s happy for Tinsley, but it happened fast. Now she’s leaving New York. LuAnn asks if Tinsley is coming to her Halloween party, but Tinsley thinks she’ll be in Chicago; she’s moving tomorrow. In her interview, LuAnn says, it feels like it’s moving fast. She’s happy for Tinsley, but wishes she’d stay for a few days. The Halloween party she’s planning is over the top, and they could include celebrating Tinsley and Scott. Ha-ha-ha! Like that would happen. Nice of LuAnn to make it about her. Tinsley says Scott is building her a closet, and also a glam room, and Ramona says, that’s commitment. They clink glasses, and in Ramona’s interview, she says, when a man builds you a closet, that says a lot. She knows a woman who’s been dating a guy for seven years, and she still doesn’t have closet space in his house. This is real now. She hugs Tinsley, and LuAnn says she couldn’t be happier. They all want the best for Tinsley, and will miss her. They have a three-way hug, and LuAnn says they’ll want to see the ring. They toast, and Ramona says, to Tinsley’s happiness. May all your wishes and rainbows come true.

Tinsley packs, and Dale helps. She tells Dale that some things are going to Palm Beach, some to Newport storage, and some are going to Chicago. Dale looks at Tinsley’s baby cup, and starts to cry. She says Tinsley has always been on the east coast, and Tinsley says, it’s happy. She loves Chicago, and she loves Scott. Dale says, everything is changing. In Tinsley’s interview, she says, so much happened so fast. We flash back to her meeting Scott (and immediately making out with him), Scott bringing her a giant heart of flowers, break-ups, and make-ups. Tinsley says she knows if she doesn’t take this moment, she’ll regret it for the rest of her life. She’s going to listen to herself and what she wants, and nobody else. Leah come by, and says, oh my God, when she sees the dogs in tiny ruffled dresses. She opens some champagne. In Leah’s interview, she says, as sad as she is, she’s happy for Tinsley. She thought Tinsley was crazy for wanting to be the fairytale, and not the legend, but now she wishes she had ten percent of Tinsley’s optimism and belief in love. Sonja arrives, and Dale says, her favorite girl in the world. She hugs Sonja, who almost knocks over a lamp. In her interview, Sonja says she’s had her doubts in the past, but Tinsley is happy, and she only wants the best for her. Get ready, Chi-town. The Tins is on her way. Dale says Sonja took in her girl. She didn’t want Tinsley being by herself when she moved back to NYC, and Sonja said come and stay. We flash back to Tinsley living with Sonja, and Dale says she’s thankful. Sonja is generous and kind, and Dale loves her. Sonja says she loves Dale too. She only wanted Tinsley to be safe, get her own dog, and develop her brand again. Now she’s doing her charities and been in fashion shows, and a man has been thrown in the mix. In Tinsley’s interview, she says she’s glad for the pat on the back. Sonja says she loves that Tinsley’s fairytale is coming true. Leah toasts to Tinsley. In her interview, Tinsley says she’s changed so much since moving back to New York. She thought moving there would trigger her back to the old Tinsley from when she lived there before. It took time, but she feels like herself again, and she’s confident. We flash back to Tinsley performing in the Big Apple Circus, Tinsley dancing on a table, and the fashion show. She says she doesn’t think it would have happened without all the bumps in the way. Thank you, mug shot; thank you, Sonja’s townhouse; thank you, everyone she’s met along the way. It’s been a great ride, and she’s happy where she is. We read that Tinsley got her dream ring when Scott romantically proposed in front of Christmas carolers – with Dale’s approval. She’s in the process of planning her closet.

Coming up this season, Ramona terrorizes Sonja with a lobster, a tropical vacation, Ramona plunges a toilet, LuAnn gets back on a camel, LuAnn and Dorinda have it out, Ramona tells Dorinda to look in the mirror, Sonja tells Ramona STFU, Sonja tells Leah that she cheapens the group of friends, and Ramona tells the cameraman, we’re done.

🍽 We’re down to four on Top Chef, and tonight, Padma said they had one last journey. They were going to Parma, home of Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma ham. Tom – who should be on Jeopardy, he’s so full of facts – said that the town is protected by the Italian government, who make sure those products are legit and only come from Parma. Their tour guide was going to be Lorenzo Cogo, the youngest Michelin star chef in Italy. The challenge was to create two dishes – a primi and secondi course – featuring the two ingredients, and they would be serving them to sixteen of the most esteemed chefs in Italy.

The chefs went to the home of a billion cheese wheels, where we learned that with Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, age is the most important factor, and only salt is added by immersion. The cheese is tapped with a hammer to see if it’s good. In her interview, Melissa said she grew up with that nasty grated parmesan cheese. Yep. You know the one. It tastes like childhood. Moving on to where prosciutto is born, we learned to never cook it. Lorenzo seemed like a super cool guy, and the grocery store was phenomenal, with an abundance of fresh produce. Stephanie said Parma was very meat forward, but she wanted her dish to be vegetable forward, so the judges would have nothing else to compare it to. Their last stop was a cured ham place that was like something out of Texas Chain Saw Massacre. Afterwards, the chefs reminisced about the season. In Melissa’s interview, she talked about mending her relationship with her father, and said she thought it affected her cooking; her confidence is better. He’d finally said he was proud of her. They stayed overnight at a farm, where Stephanie said she never felt more happy, and when you’re happy, your food tastes better. She was ready to crush it.

Raft: a combination of ingredients that are added to clarify broth by trapping the impurities and then rising to the surface in a floating mass (from RecipeTips.com). I looked this up because Melissa said she broke her raft, and would have to go through the process again. At first, I thought she was talking about a piece of kitchen equipment, but then when I read that, it made sense. She said it was a total rookie move, and she didn’t have time for that.

Padma told introduced guest judge, author and chef Evan Funke. Apparently, he has a huge hand in how pasta is made in the US. Evan thought the challenge was incredibly difficult, because both ingredients have strong flavors and are salty. Tom said he thought the chefs all did well, and Padma told them that Melissa and Stephanie stood out. Stephanie seemed totally shocked, and said earning her place there was humbling and a proud moment. Evan said they were all extraordinary chefs, but the shining star was Melissa. Padma pointed out it was Melissa’s third win in a row. In her interview, Melissa said she couldn’t explain what it felt like, but she had one more big challenge to conquer. Kevin and Bryan looked pretty sad.

Evan said Bryan’s pasta was cooked the best, but he screwed up with the cheese (my words – Evan was much more eloquent). Padma said there was no heart soul in the dish, which seemed to offend Bryan, who said he tried to push the envelope and try something new. Gail said Kevin was too heavy-handed with the cheese, it was agreed the pork in his pork and apple dish was too tough. (During the tasting, one chef had said the pork didn’t welcome you.) Kevin said it was the most soulful of all the food he’d made, and that’s all he cared about at this point in his life. Gail said both of them didn’t execute the challenge when it came to the ingredients.

Tom said he had a lot of empathy for them. Coming back showed what they were made of – as chefs, but more important, as people. Kevin had to pack his knives, which sounded like it was painful for Padma to say. In his interview, said he’d learned to be a fighter, and fight for what he wanted in life. He told Bryan to have a good time, and everyone applauded as he bid farewell. In his exit interview, he said he’d had a lot of hard times, but fought back and won. He wanted people who were struggling to have hope that there were great things on the other side. Bravo, Kevin!

Next time – the finale – the chefs are challenged to make the best four-course meal of their lives, get help from former contestants, and the judges take a turn at cooking.

👨🏽‍🍳 The Young One…

Read more about Chef Lorenzo. He’s quite impressive.

https://www.greatitalianchefs.com/chefs/lorenzo-cogo#:~:text=At%20just%20thirty%2Done%20years,figures%20in%20modern%20Italian%20cuisine.

🍜 Bring In Da Funke…

Learn what rules Evan goes by.

https://www.bonappetit.com/gallery/evan-funke-pasta-rules

💃🏽 Beyond the Franchise…

What happens when a Housewife is put out to pasture.

https://www.vice.com/en_us/article/8x4q9z/divorcing-reality-tv-what-happens-after-you-leave-the-real-housewives

🧙🏽 An Unconventional Convention…

At least you don’t have to stand in line for autographs.

https://www.tvguide.com/news/san-diego-comic-con-2020-announces-virtual-convention-dates/?ftag=NLS-04-10aaa2i

🚶🏽‍♀️ Limping Along…

It’s been another one of them there long weeks. My dog Trinket (somewhat misnamed, since she’s kind of tank shaped) came through surgery fine, but is still out of it. I’ll have what she’s having. I don’t think she’s thrilled with the fashionable leopard neck pillow she now has to wear either. I got 99 problems, and at least that one is crossed off the list. Go forth and stay safe, stay moving forward, and stay curiouser and curiouser.

Jun5

June 4, 2020 – Memorial Preempt, GH Gets Involved, Jake’s History, Newport Cougars, Chefs In Tuscany, BH Special, Heather’s Wise Words, Secret Wives, a Dad’s Review & Roar

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Today’s GH flashback would have been from May 25th, 2017, a continuation of the 2017 Nurse’s Ball. However, GH was preempted for the George Floyd’s Memorial Service, which even I have to admit, is important for everyone to see. You can easily find it on YouTube, but here are some highlights:

https://www.cnn.com/2020/06/04/us/gallery/george-floyd-memorial-services/index.html

🙌🏽 Soap Rep…

How some GH cast members got involved.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/stars-join-peaceful-protests

🚴🏾‍♂️ Catching You Up…

If you missed it, or like me, just plain forgot, find out how Jake got involved with Helena in the first place.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/jake-general-hospital-history-131708

The Real Housewives of New York City

Leah asks if anyone is freaking out over her behavior, and LuAnn says they didn’t like the Tasmanian Devil. In LuAnn’s interview, she says, they’re not perfect. They all do crazy things, but this is a new crazy. They need to get used to it. Elyse says she wasn’t freaking out, but to be honest, she’s never seen someone so off the rails. Leah says she needed to get it out. She’s been with her kid, holding it together. Tinsley hugs Leah, who adds, it was totally cathartic. In Leah’s interview, she says she’s not in the best place mentally. She had a huge falling out with the guy she was dating. She drank to forget, and drank too much. Elyse says she’s never been with a woman, but if she did, it would be Leah. We flash back to Elyse saying she wanted to sleep with Ramona, after Ramona bragged about a three-condom night. Elyse says after seeing Leah so crazy, she wants that experience in bed. Sarah arrives, and Leah introduces her around. In Ramona’s interview, she says she’s glad Leah’s sister is there to keep her company. They’ll see how it goes. Sarah says it’s her first 24-hours away from the baby. Sarah misses her, but she doesn’t have to wake up suddenly, and do something for someone. Dorinda says she and Leah look like each other (they do), and asks where Sarah lives. Sarah says, Williamsburg, Brooklyn, and Dorinda tells her about seeing a special about Williamsburg, and how they have the best macaroons. She was ready to pack her bags and go there.

They go back to where they’re staying, and Tinsley, Leah, and Sarah take a selfie on the terrace. The women get ready for dinner. Sonja tells Ramona that she’s not doing her hair and makeup; she’s just changing her clothes and underwear. Dorinda goes to LuAnn’s room, and says she started without them. In LuAnn’s interview, she says she loves Dorinda, but when she says she’s been drinking all day, and they’re going out to dinner, it’s all kinds of red flags. Dorinda says she talked to John, and LuAnn asks if she’s okay. Dorinda tears up, and LuAnn says, talk to her. Dorinda says she just wants to be left alone for a little while, and LuAnn says just tell John that she needs time. He’ll  understand. She feels like Dorinda is feeling bad for John, and that’s not the way to make a decision. Dorinda says she doesn’t want to be a downer, but she’s sad. LuAnn says, of course; they were together a long time. In Dorinda’s interview, she says when she’s not talking to John, she can get through it, but when she talks to him, she realizes they’ve broken up, and he’s not part of her life anymore. She’s sad and emotional. She’s alone again. LuAnn says, let him go, and see what happens. Dorinda says, let the birdcage free, which doesn’t seem quite right, but okay. LuAnn tells her not to worry. She always lands on her feet. In LuAnn’s interview, she says she’s been there, and it’s not easy. Dorinda and John have been together a long time. If you don’t deal with your emotions, it creates negative energy. Dorinda thinks she’s not in a good place, and they drink some wine. LuAnn says now they have to go out with these crazy chicks.

The women meet at restaurant. I wonder what the hell Sonja is wearing; sparkly silver leggings with sneakers or some kind of flats. It’s not a good look. For anyone. Ramona, Sonja, and LuAnn immediately gravitate to the bar, even though their table is ready. In Tinsley’s interview, when the table isn’t ready, you go to the bar, but if it’s ready, you sit at the table. Ramona flirts with some guys, while Elyse sits alone, waiting. In her interview, Tinsley says Ramona is always getting up to talk to men to show she can get attention. She acts like she’s a goddess, but she’s not. She blows off one on one personal time with friends just to prove she’s still got it. It’s not right. In Elyse’s interview, she says, hi, I’m Ramona. Can I feel your muscles? Ramona finds out that the guy she’s been chatting up is engaged, and in Tinsley’s interview, she says, he’s spoken for. Can we now get to the table? She sits, and says, she’s embarrassed. Ramona, Sonja, and LuAnn are still at the bar, when waiter Sean comes by, and Dorinda tells him to come back. In Ramona’s interview, she says, Leah is out of sight, out of mind. The seat at the bar is better than the seat at the table. Tinsley says, they’re cougaring out, and it’s rude. Leah suggests she tell them that their behavior is embarrassing. In her interview, she says she loves Tinsley, but doesn’t think her delivery and communication skills with these women is productive. They need to be communicated with in a special way. She says this like she’s been a real winner in that department. Tinsley goes to the bar, and tells Sonja there’s a nice spot at the table, but Sonja ignores her and talks to another guy. Tinsley tries to get the women to sit, and engaged guy looks annoyed, although I’m not sure who he’s annoyed with, Tinsley, the others, or both. In Sonja’s interview, she says she can’t believe Tinsley is trying to drag them back to the table. She thinks checking the hot guys out is a great alternative. I might think so too, if there were any hot guys there. Tinsley tells the engaged guy to quit talking to them, then decides she’d rather have dinner without them. Sonja and LuAnn eat something Lady and the Tramp spaghetti style. Bleh. Tinsley tells Ramona that she’s rude; Ramona isn’t even looking at her. She asks them to please come to the table. LuAnn goes to the table, and tells Dorinda that Ramona isn’t a good wingwoman. Tinsley sits down, and says they’re rude; they look like cougars. Dorinda babbles to Elyse, and in Leah’s interview, she says she’s thinking the guy will take one look at her and her sister and forget the others. She and Sarah go to the bar, and she tells the guy that they’re trying to get their friends over to the table. He says they’re talking, and Sarah says she doesn’t think his fiancé would like it. Not-so-hot guy says the situation is their effing problem, and walks away. In her interview, Leah says, this is the prize. That tells her everything she needs to know, but mission accomplished. He’s gone. In Ramona’s interview, she says the last thing Tinsley should do is take her away from the man she’s talking to. Man, is this woman some kind of insecure.

Dorinda babbles about having a Black Card to Elyse. In Elyse’s interview, she says Dorinda is over-the-top drunk. Tinsley is escalating, and the ones at the bar are a geriatric version of Girls Gone Wild. Ramona and Sonja join them, and LuAnn suggests bringing it down a notch. Tinsley tells Ramona that if she’d set up the dinner, she’d want them to be respectful. Dorinda wonders what’s going on, and LuAnn says they need to find kindness. Sonja starts yelling, and in Leah’s interview, she says she’s flabbergasted. She knows she was acting like a maniac yesterday, but at least she’s a fun maniac. LuAnn thinks it’s nasty, and Ramona says talk to Leah’s sister, who’s guilty by association. Dorinda gets up, and Leah says Ramona should take a note from her sister, and learn how to behave. Dorinda says she’s going home, and in her interview, she says she should have stayed home. She had Ghost Hunters geared up, and room service, and was going to sleep at 6:30. Sonja burps, Ramona acts like she’s being choked by the decorative flint corn on the table, and Sonja trumps that with using some squash from the same centerpiece to block her ears. LuAnn asks if anybody would like a shrimp, and Leah says she can’t. Ramona and Sonja trash Leah’s sister; Ramona calling her a demon, and Sonja saying she’s a weirdo. LuAnn says she’s made an executive decision; they’re going back to the hotel. In Leah’s interview, she says, go ahead and f*** with her, but not with her family. She sits across from Ramona, throws a ravioli at Ramona’s face, and leaves. In Elyse’s interview, she says Ramona didn’t even flinch. She tells Ramona that it’s all over her face. Outside, Leah tells Tinsley what she did, and Tinsley says, sometimes you just have to throw a ravioli. Truth! Ramona says she doesn’t need people like this in her life. They’re not invited to her birthday party. In Ramona’s interview, she says she’s disappointed in Leah. Disappointment is worse than anger because… it just is. LuAnn comes back in, and says this was upsetting. Tinsley, Sarah, and Leah head back, and Leah says she’s done. She’s over it. LuAnn sets the stalk end of the corn on fire, for the energy. In her interview, Leah says she feels bad, but not bad enough to change who she is. She kisses Tinsley, and they both fall on the ground.

What’s sad is, I’m wondering if I’ll end up hating this show as much as Beverly Hills just because of Ramona. NYC was always my jam, but she’s become an embarrassing snake, who will toss aside her friends for any man or friends higher on the social ladder. She’s always been an embarrassment of some sort, and occasionally the voice of reason, but she’s so worried about dying alone, she’s become the worst kind of friend ever. Some of the others, like Leah, exhibit bad behavior, but Ramona is beyond self-centered.

Dorinda goes to LuAnn’s room, and LuAnn asks if she had breakfast. Dorinda says she had a hamburger from room service; she likes lunch for breakfast. Sarah tells Leah that she’s annoyed. She came so far to have a relaxing 24-hours, but it’s not relaxing; it’s upsetting. Leah says the women treating Sarah like that because of her. It’s not okay, and she feels bad that she invited Sarah and this sh*t happened. In Leah’s interview, she says she doesn’t feel happy. She’s not proud losing her temper to the point where she threw food. She’s also feeling bad that her sister had a sh*tty time. She’s not sure how to move forward with this group, and doesn’t even know if that can happen.

Dorinda tells LuAnn that she likes Leah. She thinks Leah is young and lost. LuAnn says, it’s sad, but it’s one thing to upset someone, and another to be all out aggressive. She threw ravioli at Ramona. (It’s not about the pasta.) Dorinda wishes she’d stayed for that one. LuAnn says, when you push that far, it’s hard to go back. In Ramona’s interview, she says it’s not that Leah can’t be who she is, but if that’s who she is, it’s unacceptable. She needs to act nutty around her other girlfriends. Elyse says, not that it’s justified, but she’s known Ramona a long time, and when they’re in a group, even she finds it hard to break in sometimes. Leah takes things to heart, like what Sonja said about people with tattoos being dirty and diseased. Sonja says Leah is a loose cannon (which is rich, coming from the biggest cannon there). She was arrested, and thrown out of school. Sonja adds that she’s trying to be sensitive.

Sarah tells Leah, all of these women have had a night where they threw ravioli in someone’s face. They’re passive, and it’s hard to get an apology from someone who’s passive/aggressive. They’ll just say they didn’t mean it. Leah says her problem isn’t being passive/aggressive; she’s just in your face. It makes her crazy when she’s told to act in a different way. Sarah says Leah doesn’t understand the game of dealing with people. LuAnn asks Dorinda how they’re going to fix this. Dorinda says they can’t, and LuAnn says, no, the girls have to fix it, but how can they help facilitate it? They can’t let this continue; it’s a nightmare. She thinks, if it can swing that far to the right, it can swing back that far to the left. Elyse asks Ramona and Sonja how can they move forward from this. She promises if they give Leah a chance… Sonja says they don’t know when she’s going to go off; she’s like a timebomb. Ramona says there’s a certain demeanor and caliber; a way of acting with the group. Would that be selfishly? Egotistically? She’s not being specific. In Ramona’s interview, she says, it puts a damper in their dynamic. If Leah can’t act properly, no way Jose. Sarah tells Leah, it’s a pit in the ocean. Dorinda tells LuAnn, they’ll hope for the best, and prepare for the worst.

Back in the city, LuAnn meets with cabaret producer Ben for lunch. He thinks it would be a good idea for her to open with Life is a Cabaret, by which I assume he means Cabaret. He tells her that she put cabaret on the map, and made it popular. I nearly choke on my coffee. Ben is a real ass kisser, and the Countess is just lapping it up. In her interview, LuAnn says, it’s an all new Lu. She wants to do an expansion on Marry-Eff-Kill. Who doesn’t love sex, and who doesn’t want to see her being naughty? Ben says she should include the audience, build on the theme, but include traditional songs. Barbara Streisand always has to sing People. I have no words. LuAnn says they need to include Sonja. In LuAnn’s interview, she says, Sonja loves to be on stage, and was in her original shows. We flash back to when Sonja had a wardrobe malfunction, and her dress pretty much came off of her. LuAnn says Sonja needs to get on stage with her – now. She suggests Sonja sing Jovani with her. Ben wonders if they could get a breakaway outfit for Sonja, and LuAnn says, Sonja loves to lose her skirt. They could reveal one fabulous dress after another.

Leah’s meets her parents, Bryan and Bunny, for lunch. These two could pass for Billy Crystal and Carol Kane in The Princess Bride, albeit better looking. I kid you not. In Leah’s interview, she says things are not resolved with her mother since she’s been trying moderate drinking. Wow. If that’s moderate, I’d hate to see her on a real bender. She wants to get to the point where her mom accepts things, and wants Leah to be happy with the decisions she makes, but she’ll never get that. Bryan orders an old fashioned, and tells Leah that he needs to stay away from anything acidic. The lining between his esophagus and stomach is wearing out. In her interview, Leah says she has the qualities of both of her parents, but she’s more her father’s daughter. Leah asks if Sarah said anything about Newport, and Bully says Leah spills her guts, but Sarah is quieter. Leah says she thought she could blow off some steam with the women. She didn’t do anything different from them – they’re not the ladies who lunch; they’re wild – but then they turned it around, saying they were scared of her. Bunny asks if she got nasty, and Leah says not until the next day, when she was pushed. Bunny thinks alcohol is a slippery slope. In her interview, Leah says she can agree, but she thinks when her mom hears about her drinking, it’s a trigger. It’s like she has PTSD from Leah’s early years. Leah tells Bunny, she likes an escape once in a while, but Bunny says if she has the addiction genes, it’s a slippery slope. Bryan makes a joke about genes/jeans, and Bunny says Leah shouldn’t trade her health and sobriety for stupid reasons.

In the swank space on the rooftop of Dorinda’s building, she wonders where her co-host LuAnn is. We see a clip of LuAnn asking what they’re going to do about the situation. Dorinda suggests a tea party where they can relax and relate, and says the rooftop of her building is perfect. In Dorinda’s interview, she says she came out of the Newport weekend feeling exhausted. They’re gathering, but not connecting. They can have tea, but no alcohol will be involved, which is always a good thing with this group. Dorinda tells Leah to think before she speaks, and Leah says she’ll feel it out. In Leah’s interview, she says she knows if she doesn’t take the high road, there will be no reconciliation, and she was wrong to throw ravioli at Ramona. Everyone is dressed up, with hats or fascinators. In Dorinda’s interview, she says, she doesn’t know what co-host means to LuAnn. Dorinda seats everyone, and in Ramona’s interview, she says, it’s ironic that Dorinda and LuAnn are throwing a tea party with crumpets and scones. Maybe they’re trying to teach Leah a few things. Maybe someone should teach Ramona the meaning of the word ironic. Sonja and Tinsley are (no surprise) late, and LuAnn asks if they should start without them. Ramona says, if you have three or more, it’s allowed. I immediately make a mental note of this, just in case I need to know. Leah says she owes Ramona an apology. She didn’t want it to get to that point. Ramona says Leah disrupted the weekend, but she’s sorry, so it’s okay. She walked away from the weekend emotionally upset, but if Leah is willing, they can put it behind them and reset. Leah says she’s not apologizing for who she is, but for what she did. Ramona says if that’s Leah’s normal behavior, it scares her. Leah asks if Ramona has ever seen her act like that before, and LuAnn says, at Ramona’s house in the Hamptons. Leah says she won’t turn up any more. Ramona says she was exhausted, and Dorinda tells her, don’t get carried away. They’ve all had moments. We flash back to Dorinda in loud drunk mode, Sonja falling on the floor after saying she’d knock Bethenny out, LuAnn in custody, and Ramona throwing a glass at Kristen’s face. I met Kristen once. She was a very nice person, which explains why she’s no longer on the show. Ramona and Leah hug, and Leah says she feels bad, and Ramona says she’s a good girl. They’ve had some great moments, and they can have more. In Ramona’s interview, she says the apology isn’t what she wanted, but has a soft spot for Leah. She doesn’t know why. They both get weepy, and Leah says she’s a cry baby. Dorinda says Ramona is a big softie. In her interview, Leah says she doesn’t know why she’s so emotional. She’s projecting her mommy issues onto this relationship. It’s really weird. Ramona says they’ll get through this; it will be okay. Sonja comes in, with Tinsley not far behind. Dorinda wishes they had clotted cream, and Ramona says they don’t need potted cream. Leah says Tinsley literally looks like Barbie. In Tinsley’s interview, she says, going to a tea party, dressed up, in puffy sleeves. It’s the most exciting thing ever. She loves it. Dorinda has everyone change seats, and Ramona hugs Leah again. She says Leah touches a special place in her. I sit on any and all jokes. Dorinda says she wants to talk to Tinsley privately.

Dorinda tells Tinsley that she doesn’t want to be aggressive in her approach. She knows for a fact that Tinsley was in Niagara Falls with Scott, and Tinsley needs to tell them that she’s seeing him. I just don’t get why this is such a huge issue for Dorinda, especially since no one else seems to care. Tinsley says she’s not seeing him. She ran into him in Toronto, and they flew to Niagara Falls. It was a two day thing. Dorinda says she doesn’t care; it’s deceptive. In Dorinda’s interview, she says she knows someone who knows someone who sent her a picture, and said Tinsley and Scott were spending the weekend together. Why is Tinsley lying about it? Tinsley asks if Dorinda wants every detail of her life, and Dorinda says she’s not after details, but Tinsley claims they’re not together. Tinsley says, they’re not, but she’s hopeful it will turn into something. Dorinda says Tinsley needs to tell them. She tells Tinsley, she’ll leave it to her, and goes back to the table. In Tinsley’s interview, she says she’s a person, and has a life. She doesn’t share every detail; neither does Dorinda. Don’t put her on blast for not being open. She’s very open and honest. She doesn’t think she needs to say it.

Tinsley goes back to the table, and says she didn’t think she needed to tell anybody if she happened to see her ex on the weekend. Ramona asks if she’s back with Scott. It’s a huge move, and Tinsley needs to share it. Elyse says she understands why Tinsley didn’t want to say anything. She doesn’t need their comments. In Ramona’s interview, she says, she understands it’s Tinsley’s private business. She saw Scott for the first time in a long time, and she didn’t want to share it. She doesn’t want to hear their opinions, especially Dorinda. Dorinda acts like she’s a detective, finding out things about Tinsley. Is she really so concerned about what Tinsley does? LuAnn asks if they can know how it went, and Tinsley says, it went well. Dorinda asks why she’s crying then, and Tinsley says she thinks it won’t end up well. Like always. In her interview, Tinsley says she and Scott always break up, but you need to do what you need to do to get what you want. And she wants to be with Scott. She tells the women that she loves him. She tried being away from him, but she can’t. Leah says, just be with him, and Sonja – who wakes up for a second – agrees. LuAnn says Tinsley needs to call the shots, and Leah says, tell him, put a ring on it, impregnate me right TF now, or it’s a wrap. Ramona says Dorinda and LuAnn know how to throw a tea party.

Next time, Ramona whines about her birthday, Dale tells Tinsley that everything is changing, a Haunted House, Dorinda finds the man of her dreams, and Leah makes a toast.

🍜 Top Chef began with Tom talking about Italy, and how Covid-19 had affected things since they’d been there. He sent his good wishes, and hoped things would be back to normal soon, and they could return.

The Quickfire challenge had the chefs making an aperitivo for 30 locals from the town of Lucca; something that paired with Peroni beer. The station they picked would determine the region their ingredients came from, and the winner would receive $10K courtesy of Peroni.

The chefs flew business class to Italy, and it looked beyond fabulous. I would love to be able to fly first class before I die. It just looks like the epitome of luxury. Business class would be okay too. In his interview, Kevin said learned to fight every day like it’s his last, and he was ready. Bryan said he’d studied the Russian language, which was not going to help him here. Padma introduced guest chef Filippo Saporito, who tasted the dishes along with the locals. He told Padma that Melissa’s mussel offering opened your heart and your stomach, which I assume is fairly high praise. Melissa was close, but Kevin won with his polenta.

For the elimination challenge, the chefs would be hunting white truffles for use in a dish for a Tuscan food festival. In Stephanie’s interview, she said it was a chef’s dream to go truffle hunting in Tuscany. They would be guided by employees of the Savini family, who are apparently top-of-the-line procurers of truffles. The only requirement of the dish was that it showcase the truffle. The chefs would have three hours to prep and cook, and be serving 100 diners, including million Michelin star chef Cristiano Tomei. The chefs got together with two guys and two dogs, and the hunt was on. They were surprised to find tons of truffles, and it reminded me of the day it seemed like a truckload of beach glass was dumped on our nearby beach. One of food’s most precious treasures, the white truffle goes for nearly $3K per pound, so I won’t be cooking with that any time soon. The chefs had 45 minutes and 400 euros to shop in Italy’s version of Whole Foods. Gregory was having back problems, and it was seriously interfering with his concentration. I felt badly for him, and totally identified.

Stephanie, whose first anniversary fell on the day of the challenge, was surprised to find Italian radicchio had a stronger flavor than that in the U.S., and thought it was too much for her dish. Rather than take it off the menu, which she’d already established, she did her best to tone it down. When it came time for the judging, Tom said, for the most part, the dishes were good, but not every dish was good with truffles. Melissa had wanted to do some Asian/Italian fusion, and her congee was a unanimous hit. Gail said she might start a congee revolution, and Chef Tomei said she had the courage to do the necessary thing. Whatever that meant. She was the winner, with her dish being declared intelligent, fresh, and harmonious. Bryan was in as well, Gail saying his veal and potato dish was a beautiful way to use a truffle. It was simple and let the truffle do its job.

On the downside, Gregory’s wild boar hid the truffle flavor. Tom said Gregory made a great stew, but it wasn’t good for truffles. Chef Tomei said black truffles would have made a difference, but the white truffles had too delicate a flavor. Kevin also had too much going on with his meatball effort, and the truffles were overwhelmed. Padma said it was courageous of Stephanie to make pasta, but the radicchio obliterated the taste of the truffle filling. Stephanie admitted she had been afraid to take it off the menu when she’d already chosen to include it. Padma said they might have thought the radicchio should have been included, but would have respected her decision.

In the end, Padma said they bottom three had good dishes, but didn’t use the truffle properly, and Gail said they all essentially made the same mistake. Tom said that chefs understand traditions so they can break them, but one dish went to far. Gregory had to pack his knives and go. In his exit interview, he said he’d really wanted to win, but the life lesson he learned was that he can’t always control what happens. It was the wrong dish to serve with truffles. He gave the competition 110%, and had a few regrets, but knew he’d done everything physically and mentally that he could. It was a great start for his next chapter.

Next time, the chefs go to Parma, the home of Parmesan cheese. The chefs will be making their own interpretation of traditional dishes for sixteen Michelin star chefs.

⏰ On Wednesday, June 10th, at 9 pm, Bravo will be airing a special episode of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills where Garcelle and Dorit will be giving commentary on one of the recent episodes. While I might have picked someone other than Dorit, count me in. The only thing better than watching TV, is watching other people watch TV.

🐱 Lord Tubbington’s Mom Speaks Out…

Fondue For Two was my favorite thing on Glee, and it sounds like Heather Morris has the same good heart that her character did.

https://pagesix.com/2020/06/03/heather-morris-agrees-glee-co-star-lea-michele-was-unpleasant-on-set/

👠 Real Housewives Of What…?

Apparently, like the cat of the same name, they’re invisible.

https://tvdeets.com/itvbe-real-housewives-of-cheshire-virtual-reunion/

👩🏾‍🍳 Sweet Review…

We could all use some positive news, and it doesn’t get much better than this.

https://people.com/food/dads-review-of-daughters-play-restaurant-provides-candid-message-about-advocating-for-black-businesses/

🪂 Sliding Into the Weekend Like…

You made it to another Friday, which hopefully is gaining more meaning again. See you for tea and words of wisdom tomorrow. Until then, stay safe, stay current, and stay open to learning something new, while respecting the old.

May29

May 28, 2020 – Nurse’s Ball 2015, Look Out Newport, New Interpretations, a Hiatus, a Break-Up, Gordon Speaks & Keep Going

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Today’s GH Nurse’s Ball flashback was from May 1st, 2015. Britt and Brad watched the red carpet from home while eating ice cream out of the container. Patrick was with Sam, Hayden showed up with Drew (at the time, Jake Doe), and Michael was with Sabrina. Duke was back from the dead, and Anna showed up with who-the-hell-is-that-guy? Felix arrived with Lucas, but told the interviewer that it wasn’t a love match; he was still single and Lucas was very much in love with someone else. Spinelli accompanied Maxie, and Nathan came with adorkable Ellie. Spinelli accidently tripped Maxie, causing a near nip slip, which Brad and Britt put on heavy replay. Old Nikolas, old Jordan with Shawn, and Dante were there, Nikolas bringing Valerie.

Burned in a fire accidentally started by Cameron, Spencer also spent the night at home, wearing a Phantom mask. Seeing Emma with Cameron on the red carpet, Spencer said, what the fudge? but Britt showed up like a fairy godmother to take him to the Ball to claim his ladylove. Carly had a plan to get Ric run out of town, but told Ric she wanted to put their differences aside, wishing him all the happiness he deserved. This time Aveeno got the plugs, and Obrecht crashed the end of the opening number with 99 Luftballons. After Carly outed Ric and Elizabeth for lying to Jake Doe about who he really was, Brad bailed out the ball with, I Want to Marry You, and a proposal to Lucas. Ending the episode, Elizabeth finally told Jake Doe that he was really Jason. Which he ended up not being, but we didn’t know that then.

The Real Housewives of New York City

We ended last week with a three-way hug between Ramona, Dorinda, and Sonja. We’ll see how long that lasts.

Everyone packs for Newport, Rhode Island. Sonja packs her hormones, telling assistant Matthew that they keep her nice and friendly. In Ramona’s interview, she says, Newport is a chichi place with a lot of atmosphere; like South Hampton, but tinier. Dorinda supervises the work on Bluestone Manor, as they’ve starting doing external stuff like painting.

The women – minus Dorinda who’s going separately – meet at the limo, and LuAnn calls Tinsley a child for bringing her own pillow. I think a lot of people bring their own pillows on trips. In Tinsley’s interview, she says the Newport she knows is Palm Beach as well. Whatever that means. Her mom has a place there, and the people from Palm Beach go to Newport in the summer. Leah tells Ramona that she looks twenty-five, and LuAnn tells her, compliments will get her everywhere. Ramona says they’ll have lunch when they get there, and tonight she’s having a lobster clambake. Wouldn’t that be a lobsterbake? She says, Dorinda has been edgy, and LuAnn says it was the anniversary of Richard’s death, and then it was his birthday. She’s been bitchy to everyone. Ramona says they have to show they care for her. She’s probably there already.

Yes she is. Dorinda checks into the Castle Hill Inn, telling the woman at the desk, she used to stay there with her late husband. In the limo, Leah whines, are we there yet? but it’s another two hours. Elyse says she had a humbling moment. She was passing some construction workers, who started yelling that she was beautiful. She turned around, and realized they weren’t talking to her. There was a six-foot tall blond walking behind her. Leah talks about Pita Guy, and says they had their first intimate moment. There was heavy petting, clothed, and the next day he didn’t even text. She told him she didn’t appreciate his aloof and irreverent attitude toward her time. In her interview, she says, even after seven years of therapy, and trying to hide it, the psycho bitch came out, and he saw it. She tells the women that her sister is a new mom with a seven-month old baby, and she’d like to invite Sarah along. Ramona is like, no, and Leah suggests she relax and think about it. In Ramona’s interview, she says she knows who works off who, and it’s a tenuous rope. Bringing a new personality into an already turbulent group might be a mistake.

They reach the inn, receiving welcome drinks at the desk. Dorinda is waiting for them in what looks like an empty restaurant, and they all go out onto the terrace. The waitstaff brings out trays of food, and Ramona asks for two dozen oysters. In her interview, Tinsley says she doesn’t like fighting. She’ll be happy to get a hello, but Dorinda seems approachable. Leah insists she’s not hungry, and I’m guessing she’s in what I call drinking mode, where the last thing you want is people shoving food at you. In Leah’s interview, she says she doesn’t feel good about herself, but here we go. She says she thinks Ramona would love her sister, and Ramona agrees to including Sarah in their dinner tomorrow. Ramona tells Sonja that she doesn’t want Sarah to come, but Leah talked her into it. Ramona decides they should take a vote, but Leah tells her, she already said yes. Plus, Ramona invited Elyse. Elyse says, don’t even talk to her, and in her interview, says she’s known the women for twenty years. Sonja says, guests can’t invite guests, reminding me of Jessie from NYC Prep giving one of the best quotes ever – guests of guests don’t bring guests. Leah says she’d already asked. In Sonja’s interview, she says the trip was meant for their clique of girls, and it should have been discussed among them. Ramona says she doesn’t want Sarah to come, and Leah says she’s being rude. In Dorinda’s interview, she says she thinks it’s important. Leah is in a new group, and she’s a single mom. Maybe she wants to hang around with her sister. Who cares? Leah tells Ramona, Dorinda and Tinsley said yes. What about LuAnn? LuAnn asks what do they care? and Leah says, it’s agreed. She appreciates it. Ramona says she looks forward to meeting Sarah.

They go to where they’ll be staying; cottage type rooms with terraces and gorgeous views. Dorinda tells the attendant unless he wants to be privy to something scary, she suggests he leave. He wisely takes her advice. Sonja says, the sea air feels good, and tells LuAnn, maybe they’ll get their mojo back. Leah calls Sarah, and tells her that she can come. Ramona tells Sonja, if she likes Sarah, she’ll be happy to have her.

Ramona wonders how Leah got her to say okay, and Sonja says she felt pressured. No one gets a plus-one. In Sonja’s interview, she says Ramona should have thought first. This is what she does; she says yes, then rescinds the invite. Ramona says she’s going to tell Leah tonight that her sister can’t come. In her interview, Ramona grumbles that Leah pressured her like a little girl. The dynamic won’t be good. Drinking like a fish already, Leah goes to Tinsley’s room. In Tinsley’s interview, she says she thinks she’s in for a fun time with Leah, but hopes Leah doesn’t get her naked like in the Hamptons. Leah tells Tinsley, in Newport, they don’t burp, or even pee. They head out to meet the other women for dinner.

In her interview, Tinsley says she hopes Leah doesn’t go off the deep end. Dorinda asks what Leah’s been doing while she was taking a nap all afternoon, and Leah says she started early. Ramona directs them to her clambake, down a path lit with white lights, to a table flanked with sheer drapes. Lagging behind, Leah tells Tinsley, it’s a judgement free zone, and Ramona passes out crowns, saying, they’re all princesses. LuAnn says that reminds her of Feeling Jovani, where she sings about a crown, and everyone is like, all right already. LuAnn tells Ramona, she doesn’t understand. She’d thought the more the merrier, but after reflection, Leah should have asked beforehand. In LuAnn’s interview, she says, when she thought about it, it was kind of rude asking at the last minute. Leah should have given more of a heads up. Ramona tells her, she should have said she’d love to meet Sarah another time. Tinsley and Leah finally catch up, and Tinsley screeches over the crown.

There’s a bar and a small outdoor seating area where the women have a cocktail before dinner. Dorinda and Leah want more vodka in theirs, and Ramona tries to stop Leah. In Leah’s interview, she says Ramona barely knows her, and wants to monitor her in a way she doesn’t monitor herself. Dorinda tells Ramona to leave Leah alone, and Leah says it’s her vacation; she’ll do what she wants. Leah asks the bartender for two shots, while Ramona frets, and mumbles something about Leah being a recovering alcoholic. Tinsley says Leah chose not to drink, and there’s a difference. Leah’s not a recovering alcoholic. Dorinda says they’re in a safe environment, like anywhere around this bunch is a safe environment. She tells Ramona, don’t be quick to judge. In Ramona’s interview, she says, Leah is overconsuming too quickly. What? Leah asks what Ramona is saying behind her back, and Tinsley says she told Ramona that Leah isn’t an alcoholic. Ramona says Leah stopped drinking for seven years. Leah says, it was nine, and while Ramona is her surrogate mother, and she respects that, Ramona doesn’t have to worry. In her interview, Leah says she’s feeling suffocated, and she’s worried if she’s not in Ramona’s good graces, Ramona will blow up.

They sit at a beautiful table, white everything, with white flowers down the middle. Tinsley and Sonja talk on the side. Ramona tells Sonja that she doesn’t want to say anything about Leah’s sister. In Sonja’s interview, she says she understands that Leah’s drinking makes her feel more confident. She’s an unconventional girl in a conventional town. But the strategy isn’t working. Leah sits on Sonja’s lap, and asks Tinsley if she’s going to get thrown out of Rhode Island. She’s having more fun than she’s had in an effing month and a half. In Ramona’s interview, she says she thought Sonja would have her back, but now Sonja is frolicking around, playing with Leah, and encouraging her to act this way. Ramona tells Leah to sit in her seat, and Leah says she’s rude. Leah finally sits, and says, sorry. She didn’t mean to make Ramona uncomfortable. In LuAnn’s interview, she says Leah wants to hang with the girls, but it’s been a while, and she can’t drink as much as she used to. Leah apologizes, calling Ramona mom. LuAnn says, stop freaking her out. While this is going on, Tinsley apologizes to Dorinda. Then Sonja chases Leah around the table. Ramona decides she’s going to tell Leah, because now is definitely the time. Dorinda tells Tinsley that she has so much to give. Dorinda is tough, so she was just trying to toughen Tinsley up.

This is the weirdest scene ever. While Dorinda and Tinsley talk quietly, chaos goes on next to the table. Sonja has now grabbed Leah, who falls to the ground, yelling that she doesn’t want to go on the Morgan yacht. Leah rolls around, and has lost one shoe somewhere. Sonja says Ramona has something to tell her, and Leah says she doesn’t want to go on the yacht. Ramona says she’d love to meet Leah’s sister, but at another time. Leah says, don’t go there, and Ramona says, she’s not coming. I swear, I’d just walk off this show. The paycheck can’t possibly be worth it. Dorinda tells Tinsley, maybe she was wrong. It’s Tinsley’s life, not hers. Ramona says they’ll have a cocktails and conversations party and invite Sarah, and Leah says Sarah is already on her way. Tinsley hugs Dorinda, who suggests they have a reset. In Dorinda’s interview, she says she feels like she’s in Groundhog Day, and she just wants to watch Leah destroy the place. In LuAnn’s interview, she says, bad timing on Ramona’s part. Leah is already bonkers. In Ramona’s interview, she says she didn’t expect a reaction like this. No one was murdered. Leah says she wants to talk to Ramona, but Ramona won’t talk. She says Leah is a little out of control, and Leah says, like no one in the group has been before. Elyse tries hug Leah, but Leah says, get off me. She walks over to the drapes, and pulls at them, and I fully expect the whole thing to come down, but it’s barely disturbed. In Dorinda’s interview, she says she was known as the gangster with blue eyes, but Leah is out of control.

Ramona takes Leah, who has moved on to the crying phase, away from the group. Ramona tells her to pretend like it’s yoga. Breathe in and out. LuAnn thinks Leah was rude to ask if she could invite her sister, and Sonja says Ramona was put on the spot. In Elyse’s interview, she says Leah is taking it personally instead of taking the opportunity to get to know the girls on a deeper level. Asking to bring her sister was a bad idea. Tinsley says, Leah can handle herself, but LuAnn says, clearly she can’t. Dorinda says, Leah’s not used to drinking, and LuAnn says, neither is she. Have they ever seen her behave that way? Yes. We have, and we do again, flashing back to LuAnn falling in that bush, and another clip of her just falling. In her interview, Leah says she’s done crazy in the past. She’s new to the group, and they’re not used to her kind of crazy. Ramona tells Leah that she doesn’t want to change the dynamic. Leah says she’s not staying if her sister isn’t allowed to come. Sonja says she can’t invite someone at the last minute, and Leah says, too late. Ramona can’t say yes, then no. Sonja says, they’ve got her. Sonja joins Tinsley and Dorinda in a hug, and Leah cries some more. LuAnn tells her, these bitches aren’t worth crying for. Sonja tells Ramona, it’s making her upset to see Leah upset. Let her bring her sister. They’re going to push her over the brink. Ramona tells Leah, her sister is welcome, and she’s sorry. In her interview, Ramona says Leah is new to the group, and loves her sister; maybe she’s being ridiculous. She apologizes to Leah again, and hugs her, telling her to stop crying. Ramona says she can be a control freak, but realized it mean a lot to Leah. She had to overlook her own feelings and change her mind.

In the morning, LuAnn does stretches on the terrace. Dorinda goes down to the beach, saying, waves, speak to me. She calls Leah, and asks how it’s going. Leah says she’s alive. In Dorinda’s interview, she says she knows how Leah woke up; the guilt, fear, and embarrassment. All those wonderful things that happen after a night of drinking and losing your sh*t. She’s been there. The Inn hasn’t been burned down; she’s good. Leah says she feels great, and Dorinda says Leah is her kind of girl. She asks if Leah got clarity, and Leah says she found her own clarity; her sister is coming. In her interview, Leah says she didn’t come on the trip in the best state of mind. She doesn’t remember what happened, but she feels like she released a lot of energy. Whatever happened was therapeutic. I like Leah, but it’s pretty selfish to intrude on everyone else’s time with your therapeutic insanity. She really shouldn’t drink. It’s not a good look for her.

Sonja tells Ramona, she feels great. Ramona marvels at Sonja being able to drink up a storm, and wake up fresh as a daisy. Elyse comes by, and says, they’re not dressed yet. Ramona says they like to lounge in the morning. Elyse asks how Ramona is feeling, and Ramona says she knows Leah was a little out of control. Elyse says Leah needed an exorcism. She thought Leah was wrong to ask her sister to come; however, once Ramona said yes, she shouldn’t have rescinded it. In her interview, Ramona says, she likes Leah, but Leah has two sides. The crazy side, and the regular side. She likes the regular side. Save the crazy side for your other young friends. She says, maybe Leah’s sister will be a good influence on her. She tells Elyse that they’re going shopping in town. They can work off what they ate.

The women reconvene, and Elyse asks how Leah is feeling. Leah says, good, and Elyse asks if she’s not hungover. Leah says she’s not, and Elyse says, that’s weird; she’s assuming Leah was wasted. Leah says, that’s the way she is, although alcohol fueled it. That’s how she wants to be all the time. Elyse says, and she wonders why guys think she’s a crazy chick. Ouch. In her interview, Dorinda says, who cares? No one should be judged by one night. Look at the whole group. Ramona asks how Leah is feeling, and Leah says, great. That’s actually a theory I have. Many alcoholics don’t seem to get hangovers. Ramona asks if Leah remembers what happened, and Leah says, of course she does. Bring it on. In Leah’s interview, she says, she doesn’t really want to be like that all the time, but she saw how the women were at the orchard – we flash back to the lunacy at lunch and in the corn maze – and the Hamptons. She thought she was allowed to chug ten martinis and lose her mind.

Leah, Dorinda, and Tinsley take one limo; while Ramona, Elyse, and LuAnn take another. Leah asks if they can believe what Elyse said, and Dorinda says, Elyse isn’t the one who should be giving out relationship advice. Ramona wonders why Dorinda is defending Leah, and Elyse says, Dorinda will give out advice, but everyone else better not. She does an impression of Dorinda calling Tinsley a superficial slut, and then yelling at Ramona not to judge Tinsley. I have to admit, it’s pretty spot-on.

Leah says Elyse was hard on her, but Elyse says she’s Leah’s biggest fan when Leah does normal. Leah says she’d never do that in front of her child, and Elyse asks what if she ends up with a mini me? What kind of message is she sending her daughter? Leah says she can do and say whatever she wants, and effity-eff-eff-effs her way out the door. Outside, she tells Dorinda that she and Elyse haven’t had enough interaction to make it appropriate for Elyse to be in her business. Elyse comes out, and Leah says, her daughter is twelve, and Elyse is asking how she’d feel if her daughter gets wasted? Don’t bring up her kid. Elyse promises not to go there, and Leah says, don’t talk about her daughter. Elyse says, that’s fair, and Dorinda asks why Elyse is in Leah’s business so much.

Dorinda says Elyse thinks she’s some great psychiatrist, prowling around, waiting for someone to make a mistake. In Sonja’s interview, she says she knows Elyse was just trying to be helpful. She suggests instead of breaking bread, they all break Bloody Marys. Dorinda toasts to being judgement free. Ramona says she won’t be embarrassed in Newport, and Dorinda asks what about the rest of the states? In Dorinda’s interview, she says, Leah is twenty years younger; give her a break. They should be guiding, not chastising her. Dorinda says, be inclusive, and Ramona says Dorinda is enabling Leah. Sonja thinks Leah should apologize, and Leah says she’s the first person to say she’s sorry, and take accountability. She got drunk, and enjoyed herself, but she’s sorry. Ramona says it was atrocious behavior, and upsetting to her. In her interview, Leah says, going into Newport, she was angry at herself, but instead of getting support, she got jerked around about her sister coming. Anything she does is wrong to these women. Leah says she thinks she triggered something in Ramona about her past, and it kills her. She tears up. Ramona says she’s blocked it out, and in LuAnn’s interview, she says, that’s a crock of sh*t. Ramona has been coming down hard on Leah, when Ramona is no angel. LuAnn tells Ramon that she’s making Leah feel bad for no reason. Ramona says they don’t know how she feels. In her interview, she says Dorinda and LuAnn grew up in loving homes, while hers was a war zone. She read books, and blanked out her dad and brother’s alcoholic rages. She tells Leah that her intention isn’t to make Leah feel bad. She really likes Leah, and doesn’t want to not like her. Leah says she is who she is, but Ramona says she doesn’t like that behavior. Maybe Leah can curb it; they’ll see. To be continued…

Next time, Dorinda wants to be left alone, Leah throws ravioli at Ramona, and Dorinda and Tinsley are back to arguing.

👩🏼‍🍳 On Top Chef, Karen unpacked her knives to go against Kevin in Last Chance Kitchen. Winner Kevin picked three chefs to go head to head with, and won against Brian full of Malarkey, the other white Bryan, and Gregory. This put Kevin back into the game. Award winning chef, and pioneer of California cuisine, Jonathan Waxman was the guest judge, and for the Quickfire challenge, the chefs were to create a two-course business class dish for an airline. They had to use ingredients found year round, and make the meal to airline tray specifications. Everyone made fabulous meals, but Brian full of Malarkey forgot you don’t get a steak knife on an airplane, making his entrée difficult to eat. Melissa was the winner, for which she’d get an advantage in the elimination challenge. I don’t know if these advantages are some kind of secret or I keep missing them somehow, but I have no clue what it was. Five chefs would be continuing on to the finale in Tuscany, courtesy American Airlines. For the final elimination challenge, they were to produce a dish inspired by Michael’s in Santa Monica, a restaurant owned by another California cuisine pioneer, Michael McCarty. Jonathan was his first chef, and the restaurant was celebrating its 40th anniversary. The chefs were to meet with Michael, and taste his signature dishes, which would serve as an inspiration. They would literally be serving Mike, Jonathan, and alumni from the restaurant.

Melissa was allowed first choice, and picked quail. For Kevin, it was duck; Stephanie, scallops with angel hair pasta; Bryan, lamb; Gregory, monkfish; and Brian full of Malarkey, veal. The idea was to take the dish, modernize it, and give it their own spin, yet keep an homage to the original. The highlight was when half of Brian full of Malarkey’s dishes went to another table, totally throwing him off his game. He stumbled through the long, stupid story that went with his creation, and was annoyed because he’d wanted the food to be eaten in a certain order. When everything had been tasted, Mike said they all took his dishes up to the next level, and Padma thanked them for glorious meal.

Melissa had her best night ever, winning immunity as well. Gail said there was nothing any of them would have changed, which was high praise. Mike told Stephanie that she was right there, and the race was close. Bryan and Kevin were also in, leaving Gregory and Brian full of Malarkey on the bottom. Malarkey said he’d had a great ride, and Padma asked if he was quitting. In his interview, Gregory said, Top Chef messes with you, and thought it was getting to Malarkey. He wanted to win because he deserved it, not because the other chef quit. Gail assured Malarkey that their judgement had nothing to do with the screw-up of his food going to another table. Malarkey said he was upset with the process, since his dishes hadn’t been eaten right. Everyone was like, what? and Gail said he can’t control the food once it leaves his hands. Tom told him that the duo on the plate didn’t talk to each other; there was a distinct clash. Which basically meant the two things he made didn’t go together. Jonathan said it didn’t evoke what Malarkey had babbled talked about. He told Gregory he’d been expecting more, and Padma said there wasn’t enough richness in Gregory’s risotto. I told you that risotto is always trouble.

Tom said, in the end, it comes down to what’s on the plate, and Brian full of Malarkey was told to pack his knives and go. Yay! In his interview, he said he didn’t want go out that way. He had every intention of winning, but his mind melted. He was still proud of what accomplished.

Next time, Italy, a truffle hunt, and making pasta for Italians

📺 Since Andy Cohen is on another one of his numerous vacations, Watch What Happens Live will return on Monday, June 8th. Although after suffering through much of the RHOA Reunion myself – three parts of it, no less – I can’t say he doesn’t deserve this break.

💃🏼 She’s Movin’ On…

Dorinda dishes on getting rid of the old John and chain.

https://people.com/tv/rhony-dorinda-medley-opens-up-about-split-from-john-mahdessian/

🔥 Missed Hell…

While the 24 Hours to Hell and Back ship sailed without me, you can still watch Gordon discuss it, along with his life in quarantine.

https://extratv.com/videos/wms5ccziane/?adid=extra_eme_27501_2020-05-13_features2

🌥 Lifting the Fog…

We seem to be moving closer to a new yet old normalcy, and I’m moving closer to the end of what might possibly be the longest week of my life. See you tomorrow for tea and words of wisdom. Not from me. From other people. Until then, stay safe, stay out of fights (unless it’s the good fight), and stay mostly on the straight and narrow.

May22

May 21, 2020 – Nina Makes a Decision, Dorinda In Denial, a Japanese Tradition & Nice

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

On the phone, Laura tells someone that it’s important to the city and her personally. She needs the details of Nelle’s lawsuit against the hospital. She sees Robert at the bar, and says if he doesn’t mind her saying it, it doesn’t look like he’s gotten much rest. Is he throwing himself into work? He says, it seems that way. The reports of Holly’s death have been greatly exaggerated. She asks if he has any new information, and he says his gut instinct tells him Holly is very much alive.

Maxie says the shots of Sasha are spectacular. She shouldn’t have doubted that Sasha would find a way to rally. Sasha is glad she’s happy, and Maxie says Sasha was a true wreck, but found a way to see the blue skies. Valentin comes in and looks at the photos. He’s pleased they have a signature look they can capitalize on. Maxie says Lucy led her to believe Valentin was going to be a silent partner, and he says he’s not going to make a habit of it. The launch is soon, and he wanted to see the literal face of the product. He’s leaving the beauty promotion in Maxie’s capable hands while he focuses on other ventures.

Ned talks to Tracy on the phone, and says, a third party is after Dylan’s shares… He’s trying to trace them. Apparently they’re searching for other parties willing to sell. He’ll let her know if he finds anything further.

Also on the phone, Olivia says no one’s ever said anything to her like that before. Brook walks in, but Olivia doesn’t know she’s there. Olivia says, they see through to her soul like no one else can. Brook clears her throat, and Olivia says she’s got to go. Brook asks if Olivia is going to pretend she didn’t walk in on an emotional phone call, and Olivia says, it’s not what it looks like. Brook says, it sounds like Olivia is having an affair behind her dad’s back.

Jax goes to Nina’s office, and she wonders if he’s checking up on her. He asks if she’d be upset if he was. He knows it’s a big day, and she asks if he’s there to wish her good luck. She doesn’t know if she should stand up for Nelle, but if she doesn’t, who else will?

Nelle swears to tell the truth with her hand on the Bible. Willow grasps Michael’s hand, and Carly shakes her head.

Laura tells Robert, she doesn’t understand. Did the ship not sink? He tells her, that’s not what he’s saying. Mac and Anna didn’t give him the whole story. The Bureau has a theory about the ship. Laura asks if Mac and Anna believe Holly survived, and he says he didn’t say that. They don’t know his ex-wife the way he does, but until he gets information on the Bureau’s theory about who sunk the ship, he can’t find whoever’s holding her. Does Laura think he’s nuts?

Olivia says she’s not cheating on Brook’s dad; she loves Ned very much. Brook says, when she came in, she clearly heard Olivia tell someone no one has ever said that to her before. Atrocious song lyrics, but it sounds like an affair. Olivia says, this is her house, and she doesn’t need to explain herself. Brook says, it’s Monica’s house. Alan gave it to her. (I laugh.) Olivia says, so they’re both guests in Monica’s house, and Brook says, if Olivia doesn’t want to tell her, she’ll tell her dad what she heard and he can judge for himself. Olivia says Ned has enough on his plate, not to mention the trouble Brook’s caused. How many times has she been arrested? Does the PCPD have a cell with her name on it yet? Brook says, they were misunderstandings, and Olivia asks if that’s what Brook is calling assault and disturbing the peace. She’s not having an affair. She was talking to a psychic.

Valentin tells Maxie, he brings good news. Deception is going to be one of the main sponsors of the 2020 Nurses Ball. Maxie says, the exposure alone will be huge, but she also thought it would be months before their launch party. Valentin says he’s excited about the shots, and Maxie tells Sasha, whatever she did to get her head back in the game, it worked. Sasha flashes back to the being given the vial of cocaine; a little something to get her through the shoot.

Jax says Nina told him that she had second thought; he’d like her to lean into them. She asks if he thinks it’s a mistake. Doesn’t he think Nelle deserves a second chance? He says, it’s true people change, but if she’s wrong, Wiley will pay the price. She knows the risk. Not only will a child suffer, she’ll feel responsible, and he doesn’t wish that on her. She says if she doesn’t stand up for Nelle, if she treats Nelle like everyone else does, and Nelle loses, there will be virtually no chance for Nelle to turn her life around.

Martin asks Nelle to tell the court how she felt when her baby was horribly and shamefully stolen. Diane objects, saying Martin isn’t asking questions, just giving his Southern fried opinion. The judge sustains it, but tells her to please refrain from descriptive adjectives. Martin asks what Nelle’s reaction was when the son she previously thought was dead, was alive. She says she was confused at first, and so overwhelmed that her little boy was alive. But she was also incredibly hurt to think Brad orchestrated the entire thing. She thought he was her friend. He switched her baby with the boy he adopted, and watched her grieve for nearly two years. How could he be so cruel? And when he asked Michael to be Wiley’s godfather, it was untenable. (Apparently, Nelle reads.) Martin says she wasn’t the only person hurt by Brad’s actions. Her new husband believed he was Wiley’s grandfather. She says, Jules bonded with the boy he believed was his grandson. Once he found out, the pain brought them closer together. Sam and Carly look at each other. She says they were shocked, but it gave them a connection – and possibly something more.

Brook asks where Olivia found a psychic? Late night TV? She laughs, and Ned says, enough. Brook says who spends good money on someone sitting in a call center? Olivia says the psychic isn’t in a call center. She’s well-renowned, and comes highly recommended. She’s sure it’s totally legit, and how else can she find out about Dante? Brook says she’s so sorry. She didn’t stop to think. Olivia says she never does, does she? She walks away, and Ned follows. He says he knows how bad she wants to be reassured about Dante, and Olivia says she doesn’t know what to do. Her letters come back unopened, and she has no way of knowing if he’s okay, or if he’s getting better. He says he’s sorry he hasn’t been available. He’s been so busy with ELQ, obsessing over who’s trying to mount a hostile takeover of the family’s shares, he didn’t see she’s obviously in pain.

Sasha tells Maxie, it was important to Deception, and a chance to prove herself. If the company does well, so will she. She knows a lot of people don’t trust her after she deceived Nina, and wanted to use every trick in the book. Maxie says that’s why they’re lucky to have her. Maxie suddenly stumbles a little, and Peter asks if she’s okay. She says she’s just a little lightheaded; probably too much coffee. Peter says, executive decision. She needs to take a break. She says, a short one, and then back to work. They leave, and Valentin asks if Sasha is okay.

Martin asks if Nelle and Julian are in love. Nelle says she would never speak for her husband. She respects him too much for that, so she’ll let him answer. What she will say is that Julian loves Wiley deeply. She knows he’d do anything to protect and keep her son safe. They have that in common, and the way Julian talks, she knows he loves Wiley abundantly, and will make an excellent co-parent. Sam looks sick, and Nelle says, Julian loves Wiley as much as she does. She could never find anything more appealing than that.

Nina tells Jax, she knows what it’s like to have no one in your corner, and hope things work out; what it’s like to be lonely. Jax says there are a lot of words he’d use in relation to Nelle, but Nelle isn’t lonely. Nina says Nelle feels abandoned, and with no one there to back her up, she might lash out. She might go back to prison. He says, if she does, it will be her own fault. Nina isn’t responsible. Nina remembers asking Nelle if she’s blackmailing Julian, and Nelle says she had to resort to desperate measures. Nina understands what mothers do to keep their child safe, and no one should be able to take them away.

Martin asks why Nelle feels she deserves sole custody of Wiley, and Nelle says she’s already lost two years with him. Then Michael cruelly kept Wiley away from her. He’s selfish and entitled; not lessons she wants passed on to her child. She’s paid her debt to society, has an amazing job at Crimson, roots in the community, and a husband who loves her son as much she does. She wants to dedicate the rest of her life to making sure Wiley has the home family deserves. Martin tells her, well said. He has no more questions. Diane says Nelle stated she has roots in the community, and wants to dedicate the rest of her life to make sure Wiley has the best family possible. Nelle says, that’s exactly what she wants. Diane asks her to tell the court, why on the night she allegedly discovered her son was alive, she raced to the apartment where Willow was taking care of him, and assaulted Willow? And then attempted to abduct Wiley, and take him out of the country. Martin objects, saying it’s inflammatory. Diane is clearly badgering the witness with pointless verbal assaults and unfounded accusations.

Laura tells Robert, they all believed Nikolas was dead, and were proven wrong. She’s the last person to give up hope of survival. She asks if Robert has any proof other than his gut feeling? Is there evidence? I have to interject, there’s about the same amount of evidence as there was with Nikolas – no body. Robert says the evidence is there, but he needs to find it. He could use a partner. He tried Luke, but his line has been disconnected. He asks if she has Luke’s current contact, but she says, sorry; she doesn’t. She thinks his best bet is to go through Tracy.

Olivia says, since when is someone is making a play for ELQ? and Ned says he’s had his suspicions for a while. Nelle sold her shares to an anonymous third party, and Tracy has rejected several offers for Dylan’s shares. He asks if they can talk about it later, and she says, of course (🍷). He tells her, Brook had no business eavesdropping, much less criticizing, but he’s not sure it’s the best way for Olivia to get help. Olivia says she feels helpless. Rocco had a Take Your Dad to School Day. He says, and Rocco didn’t have Dante. She says, even worse. Rocco could have taken Ned or Sonny, but he took Dustin. She confronted Lulu about why she was pushing Dustin on Rocco, and Lulu said it was Rocco’s idea. She’s only been seeing Dustin a couple of months, and Rocco is already looking at Dustin like a father figure. It’s like her son is being erased. If that happens, what motivation will Dante have to get better or come home? She feels like she’s running out of time. She gets that people think psychics are stupid or silly, but the psychic is the only person telling her it’s going to be okay. He says, if what’s happening to Dante happened to Brook, he’d go crazy, but doesn’t she think it’s possible the psychic is just telling her what she wants to hear?

Brook calls Linc, and says she saw his social media. She knows he’s staying in Port Charles, and needs a face to face with him.

Valentin says, he gathers Michael married Willow, but Sasha doesn’t reply. She picks up her bag, and he says, sorry about that. She says her personal life is personal. Their break-up had nothing to do with Deception, and doesn’t affect her role as the face of the brand or as a partner. Valentin says he genuinely wanted to check on her. He’s been where she is, and knows what it’s like to lose somebody based on something you’ve done. Nothing is ever as black and white as it looks on the surface.

Jax says Nina’s impulse to stand up for Nelle is admirable, but he doesn’t think Nelle is capable of accepting kindness; she’s too damaged. The worst outcome would be if she raised Wiley to follow in her footsteps, and he turns vindictive, and incapable of love. Nina’s phone makes noise, and she says she had an alert on it. If she’s going to testify, she needs to leave now.

Martin says there’s no evidence that his client was trying to flee the country; the charges were dismissed. Diane says, they were dismissed without prejudice, meaning they can be filed again, like with Nelle’s attack on Willow. She asks if Nelle loves her husband, and Nelle says, with every fiber in her being. Diane says, as of this morning, it would seem. She has no further questions. Michael asks what about sticking to the plan, and Diane tells him it never hurts to remind the court of the plaintiff’s alleged kidnapping charges. Martin calls Julian to the stand. Julian tells Nelle, he thought he wasn’t supposed to testify, and she says, buck up. Plans change, and it’s showtime. She doesn’t have to remind him what’s at stake. He sighs, and gets up.

Martin says there are a lot of opinions on their marriage, but the only two that are relevant belong to Julian and Nelle. He asks if it’s true that they want to give Wiley a loving stable home, and that’s why they married, and Julian says, true. Martin asks if it’s also true that Julian was the nurturing figure in Wiley’s life when he’s son Lucas tragically ended up in a coma. Julian says, when Lucas was in a coma, his husband Brad was an emotional wreck, and he stepped in to fill the void. Martin asks if it’s fair to say he loves Wiley as much as Lucas, and Julian says, that’s exactly how he feels. Martin says the elephant in the room is Julian’s prison record. He was sent to Pentenville. How long since he was released? Julian says, three years, and Martin asks, in that time, has he had any brush with the law? Julian says, not so much as a speeding ticket, and Martin asks what he does for a living. He says own Charlie’s pub, and Martin says, it has historical significance in Port Charles. Julian supposes it does, and Martin asks if it’s fair to say he cleaned up his life. Julian says he has, and Martin says they all commend him for it. He has no further questions, and Diane says, yes, the elephant in the room. Drug trafficking, assault, extortion, attempted murder… Martin says, not all of those have been proven, and she says, there was enough evidence to convict Julian. She asks who Alexis is to Julian, and he says, his ex-wife. Diane says, whose throat he held a knife to, and threatened to kill, as well as helping his sister (the other) Olivia try to blow up Port Charles. Julian says he was forced to do those things, and Diane says, he’s perfect for Wiley. She’s done with the witness. Nelle tells Martin, do something.

Maxie picks at her food, and pushes the plate away. Peter says she barely ate, and she says she’s not hungry. He doesn’t want to tell her what to do, but if she’s under the weather, maybe she should see a doctor. She says she loves that he’s looking out for her, but she doesn’t need a doctor. It’s just… He says, what is it?

Olivia tells Ned, they’ll have to agree to disagree. Her opinion about psychics is just as valid as his. He says he’s not trying to change what she believes, but he doesn’t want to see anyone take advantage of her pain. She says it’s the only thing giving her comfort. The doorbell rings. It’s Robert, who apologizes for showing up unannounced. He promises it won’t take long. Olivia tells him, come in, and Ned asks, what’s going on? Robert says, it’s not public knowledge, but Holly was on a boat that sank, and is believed to be dead. Olivia says she’s sorry, and Ned asks what he can do to help. Robert says, there are certain discrepancies in the Bureau’s report that don’t add up. He’d like to ask Luke for help, but the only way to contact him is through Ned’s mother. Ned says he’s been down that road with Luke, and Luke gets scratchy if he gives out the number. He’ll call his mother, and let her know what’s up. Robert says he appreciates it, and Ned goes to make the call. Olivia asks how Robert is holding up, and he says he hates every minute. The only thing worse than accepting the fact Holly is lost is that he’ll never see her again. Why does he have the feeling he’s not the only one who’s been through the wringer today?

Linc and Brook meet at the MetroCourt. He says he’s surprised she wants to hook up with him, but she says the only thing she has in mind is business. He says their business was concluded when she bought herself out. She says he never wanted her shares. He was just a front for a third party, and she wants to know who.

Sasha says she wishes she could trust Valentin. He says, it’s not tough. Talk to Lulu. She says according to Lulu, he’s always wrong. She posed as Nina’s daughter for the money, but she also knew there was no girl being cheated out of an inheritance. She knew he truly loved Nina, and the more she got to know Nina, it was clear Nina loved him back. Even after all this, she still has sympathy for what he was trying to accomplish. Sometimes you have to do the wrong thing for the right reason. He says that’s why he hired her; she’s a good person, and he knew she’s be a good daughter for Nina. She asks if he’s not sorry, and he says he is, and he’s sorry she’s still paying the price. If it’s any consolation, the brand is going to be a massive success, and make her a very wealthy woman. She says, too bad money can’t buy happiness, and Valentin agrees. He leaves, and Sasha flashes back to Michael telling her that he loves her, and her saying she loves him too.

Julian finds Sam in the hallway messing with her phone. She turns to him, and he says, Sam, please… She hauls off and smacks him good. As we all want to.

Julian tells Sam, he understands why she slapped him, but let him explain. She says, and make a bunch of excuses? Don’t bother. He asks her to hear him out. She says she told Lucas about his new stepmom. He says he’d hoped to tell Lucas himself, but she says she saved him the time. Lucas’s exact words were, Julian is dead to him, and after listening to his ridiculous testimony, she feels the same way. He says, Sam, please… and she says, don’t Sam please her anything. The worst part is he used the most painful thing that ever happened to Lucas against him, and allowed Nelle to weaponize Wiley to use against Michael. If Nelle gets custody, she was going to say she’d never talk to him again, but been there, done that. He’s dead to her too. He says everything he’s done, he did for his kids, and she says she’s not on that list anymore. She and Lucas are better off without him in their lives, and if Leo eventually comes to the same conclusion, they’ll be there to support him.

Olivia gives Robert some coffee, and he asks if she wants to talk about it. She says Brook overheard her call a psychic, and one thing led to another. She told Ned, and he was nicer than Brook was, but ultimately, he thinks the same thing. Robert says, who’s to say she’s certifiable? Not him. He spent time in the outback, and the Aborigines are a very spiritual people. What we look upon as superstitious, they look at as a natural part of life. He asks what she hopes to find, and she says, Dante. She needs to have some hope that he’ll be okay, especially since the whole world is moving on without him. She has to keep fighting, and believing he’s okay. If the only person who gives her hope is a psychic, Robert must think she’s crazy. He says she doesn’t want to give up hope, and he doesn’t want to give up hope about Holly. There’s nothing crazy about that. Ned comes in, as Olivia takes Robert’s hand.

Brook tells Linc, it all makes sense. The way he stonewalled, then agreed to let her buy herself out. The shares weren’t for him. He’s the front man. Who’s pulling the strings? He says, whatever decision he made about the shares is none of her business. She asks who he sold them to. She’s not leaving until he gives her a name.

Valentin sees Laura at the MetroCourt, and she tells him that she’s curious. Did he get an invitation to Windymere for the unveiling of Ava’s portrait? He says he did. He thought it was a joke, but doesn’t know if it was Ava or Nikolas twisting the knife. She hopes he chooses not to go, for Charlotte’s sake. And Nikolas’s. He doesn’t need any more trouble, even though he’s asking for it. He says he threw it away. He doesn’t need to prove anything to anyone in Port Charles.

Julian goes back into the courtroom. Judge Lowe asks when they can expect Martin’s next witness, and Diane says, yes. How long are they supposed to wait for this mythical witness? Nina and Jax walk in, and Martin says, here she is now. Not so mythical after all. Quel disappointment.

Martin calls Nina to the stand. Jax sits next to Carly, who asks what the hell they’re doing. He says he has no idea.

Maxie looks at a calendar on her phone, while Peter takes a business call. When he comes back, he says she hasn’t taken another bite. Is she sure she’s okay? She says, she’s sure it’s stress from work, but maybe he’s right, and she should see a doctor.

Sasha digs in her bag, and the woman who gave her the coke appears with another vial. She says, for next time, but Sasha says, it was a one-time thing. The woman says, keep it. You never know when you’ll need another boost.

Laura calls Anna, and leaves a message to give her a call when Anna has a few minutes to talk. She ran into Robert, and to be honest, she’s worried about him.

Ned comes back, and gives Robert the number to Luke’s latest burner phone, and says Luke is expecting his call. Robert thanks him, and says he appreciates it. Olivia tells Robert to look out for himself, and he tells her to do the same. After he leaves, Ned says Olivia seems like she’s feeling better, and she says she is. She guesses you never know who will come up with the right words to say.

Linc tells Brook, it was a one-time deal, and he has zero obligation to tell her anything. The person wants to remain anonymous. She says she still hasn’t gone public with what he did to her. Powerful men have lost careers because of me-too. He asks if she’s threatening him, and Valentin comes by. He says let him take it from here, and Linc leaves. He tells Brook, he’s been looking forward to this moment. He’s heard a lot about her.

Nina is asked if she’ll tell the truth. She hesitates. She looks at Jax, then looks at Nelle. She swears to tell the truth. So help her God.

There was no preview for Monday, but tomorrow’s GH is from April 1, 2015, and contains scenes from the original first episode in 1963.

The Real Housewives of New York City

Leah meets LuAnn for lunch. Both of them aren’t feeling well, with some kind of respiratory ailments. Hmm… In Leah’s interview, she says, the orchard trip was bullsh*t. They wait for Tinsley, and order in the meantime. LuAnn says, poor Sonja, and Leah says she did it to herself. We see a clip of Sonja throwing up in the limo, way too close to Tinsley. Leah says she loves crazy, but this is bad crazy. Dorinda, Sonja, even Ramona. LuAnn says, they have their issues.

Ramona, Dorinda, and Sonja go for a workout with Ramona’s instructor Bergen. Ramona says Bergen transformed her body. Dorinda says, yesterday was a long day. Bergen puts  them through their paces. How any of them can work out after what they consumed the day before is mind boggling. It’s not like they’re eighteen.

Leah tells LuAnn that she’s sympathetic and empathetic. Dorinda is grieving and dealing with the break-up, but to say what she did to Tinsley… Leah wonders where it’s coming from. LuAnn says, there’s a lot of judgment on Dorinda’s part. They have to step in and help figure it out. Tinsley joins them, also coughing.

Sonja says, this is the worst punishment ever. In her interview, she says, workouts shouldn’t even be legal. Dorinda says she thought it was beautiful yesterday, and Ramona says it was a beautiful setting. Dorinda says she thinks Ramona is concerned about Sonja, and Sonja says when she sees them go off rails. Ramona was overly friendly and flirtatious. Ramona says Sonja wasn’t in control, and past the point. She wants Sonja healthy and happy. Sonja says she has to be careful out in public. Sonja asks what was with Dorinda yelling at Tinsley, and Dorinda says Tinsley has played the victim and little girl enough. They could all be victims.

LuAnn say she’s had issues with all the women in the past, and Tinsley’s reaction is defensive and yelling. In her interview, LuAnn says, Tinsley does the wrong thing. She screeches, and Dorinda reacts with aggression because she’s annoyed. Leah thinks the real issue is that Tinsley was born into a life that Dorinda puts on a pedestal. LuAnn says, that doesn’t mean she can judge and get away with it. Leah says Tinsley has to stop being defensive. In Leah’s interview, she says, if you let people walk all over you, and don’t make them respect you, it’s never going to happen. If Tinsley stood up to Dorinda, and said, bitch, mind your own business, Dorinda would back off.  She says, Tinsley needs to thug her out, and LuAnn says Tinsley screams like a child having a tantrum. Tinsley stamps her foot, and says that’s just her.

Ramona tells Dorinda, Tinsley is mentally and emotionally not her age. She feels sorry for Tinsley. Dorinda says, God helps those who help themselves (which, BTW, is found nowhere in the Bible). In Ramona’s interview, she says, Dorinda thinks Tinsley plays the victim, but Dorinda is victimizing Tinsley. She tells Dorinda, it’s challenging to be around them. Tinsley is psychologically co-dependent, and Dorinda is frustrated. Dorinda needs to take a step back. Someone didn’t give Tinsley the right tools.

Tinsley says Dorinda is doing, and she’s reacting. Leah suggests an intervention, which doesn’t get a positive reaction. LuAnn says maybe at a health spa could be cool, as long as nothing gets broken. It’s totally up to Tinsley. Leah tells Tinsley not to go Cardi B, but go Dalai Lama. Cardi Lama.

Dorinda goes to see life coach Daryl. She tells him that she recognizes where her anger is coming from; it’s frustration, and it comes out because she wants a person to be the best they can be. In her interview, she says she started with Dr. Daryl three months ago, to help her process what’s going on. It became too much, and she’s not good at asking for help. She tells Daryl that she and Tinsley are too different for her to tolerate Tinsley. Daryl says they can be respectful when they’re face to face. All we see is what’s on the surface, when underneath is a whole world we don’t know about. Dorinda says she handled it poorly because she’s going through something. In Dorinda’s interview, she says dealing with the house and the break-up is having an effect on her personality. She’s been going through the house thing for a year, and she’s not just throwing away part of her life. It’s under water, and too painful to go through, plus, it’s ruined. Daryl sees that it stirs up her emotions. Dorinda says, it’s making her angry toward people. She felt lost after Richard died, but instead of taking it on, and allowing herself to be in a sea of it, she pretended everything was okay. She didn’t acknowledge the tremendous loss, from motherhood down, that was making her angry. In her interview, Dorinda says, she never put a period on the life she once had. In the process of resurrecting the house, she had to let go of a lot of things that, without knowing it, kept her tied to the past. Daryl says, she feels stuck, and Dorinda thinks that’s what got her here. She was trying to explain it to John. She’s trying to be completely selfish, and mindful of herself about what’s going on. Daryl asks about John, but Dorinda says she hasn’t seen him. In her interview, she says her daughter said she and John met too quickly after Richard’s death, but you do what you’ve got to do. She doesn’t regret it, and she’ll always love John, but she’s in a different place than she was when she met him. Daryl tells her to focus on what she needs to do. She needs time and space. She says she’s sort of enjoying it; it’s a relief to just worry about herself. Her life is quieter, and she needed the noise to go away. She can’t take it right now. Daryl says she’s always been taking care of someone else. She can still do that, but put her own needs first. She says, it feels good.

In LuAnn’s interview, she says when she heard it would be a spa day, she didn’t think of a Russian bath house. We see a clip of Leah on the phone, saying she wants get the group to go to a place in the neighborhood. It’s an oasis of relaxation, and good for detoxing. Maybe they can get to a better place. They definitely need something to relax as a group. In her interview, Leah says, it’s a New York institution, and has more character than an East Side spa.

Tinsley wanders in, and the woman at the reception desk gives her a locked box to put her jewelry in. Tinsley tells her, thanks, but no thanks. Leah orders lunch for the women, and meets Tinsley at the vodka bar. It’s really cool. There are glass jars of fresh herbs and fruits that the vodka is strained through. Tinsley tries a ginger shot, and declares it delicious. The bartender tells her that Russians don’t sip; they down the shot. She says she’s American.

In the limo, Dorinda tells LuAnn that she doesn’t go downtown much, and LuAnn say she’s not thrilled. Dorinda says the only time she’s down there is for a legal certificate, jury duty, or jail. I actually had jury duty there once. In LuAnn’s interview, she says, past Canal Street, there’s a weather change; it gets greyer. Geez. Elitist much? LuAnn says she’s only been down there when she got a summons. LuAnn says she had lunch with Leah and Tinsley, and Dorinda says she’s sure she was the topic. LuAnn says they were trying to figure out how to approach her, so they can make things better. Leah thought gangster was the way to go. Dorinda says that’s why she and Leah get along. Leah is also a great mother, and Dorinda respects that. Leah has been through a lot, and Dorinda doesn’t want to live in a fantasy world like Tinsley.

Everyone – clients and employees – is given a Gilligan type hat to protect your head, but I’m not sure from what. In Ramona’s interview, she says the spa is rustic, and not what she’s used to. It reflects how Leah is; rough around the edges. Ramona tells Tinsley to let things go with Dorinda. She told Dorinda that she was being a bully. Leah says, positive vibes only.  

As Dorinda and LuAnn approach the spa, Dorinda mentions there’s a strip club down the road. Sonja wanders in after them, and says, oh Lord. Inside, Ramona looks in the mirror and says she would pick up herself. In Tinsley’s interview, she says she’s going to let things go. She and Dorinda can stay on opposite sides of the room; that’s how they’re going to play it. Sonja comes in and asks if this is where jury duty is. In her interview, Sonja says, there’s graffiti everywhere. She avoids areas like this uptown, and downtown, it’s everywhere. Leah says they’re doing the dry sauna first. Sonja says, it’s like a prison; very bare bones. As they sit in the sauna, Dorinda informs Leah that Richard never knew she had fake boobs, and insists Leah feel them. They move on to a massage called banya. One of the couples on 90 Day Fiancé did this too. A couple of dudes hit them with branches as they lie on the tables. Ramona says she’s getting beaten by weeds. LuAnn feels like she’s being attacked by a tree. There’s some sexual banter, and in Leah’s interview, she says she thought she was horny. These women are more desperate than she is. In LuAnn’s interview, she says if she’s going to be beaten by a bush, she wants two hot guys to do it. I’m shocked they didn’t take this opportunity to show the clip that keeps on giving – LuAnn drunkenly falling into a bush. She says she’s turning over a new leaf, and probably wondering how she can include this in her cabaret act. Ramona thinks it’s a little sensual, and Leah says it’s the most action had in a while. In Sonja’s interview, she says she doesn’t know what this does, but after this, she might try S&M. Tinsley doesn’t want to do it (no surprise), and Leah tells her that she’s not being a part of things. In Tinsley’s interview, she says how does she know she’s not allergic to the branches, and it looks weird. Next is a foot scrub, which gets a little more interest, and now I’m jealous. They’re told to lie face down for the foot scrub, but Dorinda says, the last time she did that, she ended up with Hannah.

They go to a room with a private hot tub, where lunch is laid out; a beautiful spread of upscale Russian food, with caviar of course. LuAnn says crazy parties must go on in this room. The women descend on the caviar, since it’s something they recognize. Leah makes a toast, saying, when they first met, she thought she wouldn’t fit in as a downtown girl. But as time has gone by, they’ve opened up to her, and she appreciates it. They clink glasses. LuAnn thanks Leah for bringing them down there. She’s never seen anything like it. Ramona says she’s been looking into the group going to Newport, Rhode Island. LuAnn says, it’s gorgeous (truth! I’ve been there), and Ramona says it’s about a three-hour tour drive. In Leah’s interview, she says, before they plan another trip, they have some leftover drama to handle from the last trip. Nobody is talking about what they should be talking about. Leah says she feels like there’s an elephant in the room. She tells them, she speaks from the heart. After the orchard trip, she cried, and they need to acknowledge their sh*t. She saw people attacking each other a lot, and she thinks they should acknowledge that. Dorinda says she acknowledges it, and LuAnn says, Tinsley felt ganged up on, and rightly so. Dorinda says it was Tinsley’s flip comment that started it. We flash back to Tinsley at the orchard, mumbling about Dorinda being judgmental. Ramona says they want to figure out a way for that not to happen again. She tells Dorinda, there’s a pattern when she’s upset. She goes for the jugular, and hits below the belt. Ramona doesn’t think Dorinda recognizes it. Dorinda says Ramona does it all the time, so she can recognize it easily. In Ramona’s interview, she says there Dorinda goes, flipping it around, and pointing fingers at someone else, because she doesn’t want to recognize it in herself. Dorinda throws in how Ramona asked what she’d do if she found John texting other women when they were in a group. We flash back to that, and Ramona counters with the time Dorinda made a snide remark about a mug shot to LuAnn, and we flash back to that. Ramona says Dorinda does it all the time, and Dorinda tells Ramona that you don’t say things like that in a group, and she should pull Dorinda aside. In Dorinda’s interview, she calls Ramona a living vampire. She sucks the life out of people, Ramona tells Dorinda not to make it about her, and LuAnn says she’s not being specific. Leah says she wasn’t trying to blow up the table. She wanted to have a dialogue. She adores and respects all of them, and has a special bond with Dorinda. But she’s terrified that if she does something wrong, she’ll be on the other side of it. Ramona says Dorinda is scary, and Dorinda says she’s scared of Ramona. In LuAnn’s interview, she says, Dorinda goes for someone else, so it’s not about her. Tinsley says she respects Dorinda, and doesn’t judge her, and Dorinda insists she doesn’t do that. Everyone clinks glasses, probably because they gave up, and Leah says, a judgement free zone. Dorinda wanders off, and LuAnn says, a cease fire is good.

Leah’s sister Sarah comes by Leah’s place. In Leah’s interview, she says her sister is basically her times 100. They’re like twins, and share a bit of the same soul. It gets intense, but at this point they’re both adults, moms, and best friends. Leah tells Sarah that she has a salad from Pita Chip Guy. In her interview, Leah explains that Pita Chip Guy is a guy she’s dating who owns a kosher restaurant and pita bakery. She loves Jews; she can’t help it. He’s quirky, funny, and intelligent, and she wants to see where it goes. She tells Sarah that she took a nude picture with pita chips in a strategic place, and Pita Chip Guy sent the picture to her, thinking he was sending it to someone else. Sarah thinks he just made a mistake, and it’s not big deal. In her interview, Leah says she likes weirdos. She likes intellectuals, who are smart and funny, and likes dating ugly guys. She wants to be a beauty, and needs a beast. She asks Sarah how their mom and dad are, and Sarah says she doesn’t want to make Leah upset. Their mom is upset about her. In Leah’s interview, she says she and her mother are on speaking terms again. We flash back to Ramona advising her to talk to her mom in person. She says there was lingering  tension, and now they’re just leaving it alone. She tells Sarah that she thinks their mom wants her to stop telling her everything. Sarah says Leah’s way to connect has always been bad behavior, and Leah says she needs to learn how to stop that dynamic. In her interview, she says she’s caught in an old dynamic with her mother, even though they’re different and the relationship is different now. Sarah suggests Leah engage in conversation that’s about their mother, not her. Its basic.

Ramona has a girls night at her place, including Elyse, Nicole, and a couple of other women we don’t know. In her interview, Ramona says it’s a great way to build relationships. She has different groups over, and plays matchmaker with her women friends. She tells Elyse that she’s feeling finally her new home. Elyse asks if Ramona has condoms in her nightstand, and when Ramona says no, Elyse wants to check for herself. In her interview, Elyse says that Ramona likes to play the innocent Catholic girl, but then talks about how horny she is, and how she’s never been hotter. Ramona says when she was in a relationship, she kept them for her boyfriend. Sometimes he needed extras. She says she’s embarrassing herself, like that’s possible. Elyse says she wants to sleep with Ramona if it’s that good.

Sonja arrives, bringing Ramona a dress to replace the one with the broken zipper. We see a picture of Ramona in it, and it’s very pretty – a lace overlay on a nude foundation. Dorinda comes in next, and in Ramona’s interview, she says it was a sh*t show with her and Dorinda yesterday, but she’d already invited her, so she hopes Dorinda is in a good mood, and being the old Dorinda. In Sonja’s interview, she says when they were in the locker room at the spa, Ramona said she should lose ten pounds because she’s beautiful. She’s beautiful with the ten pounds. Dorinda tells Elyse about the spa, and Elyse says she knows it from when she worked in the area, and businessmen would take strippers there. Ramona doesn’t want Dorinda thinking she doesn’t respect her, and Dorinda says that what Ramona did was wrong. Ramona says Dorinda takes people down all the time. Dorinda whips out her phone, and asks if Ramona knows what schadenfreude means. Elyse says, you don’t wish ill on people, but if something bad happens, you get pleasure out of it. Dorinda says Ramona will bring up something from years ago, when they’re supposed to be friends. She needs support. Ramona says Dorinda lashes out when she’s questioned.

Ramona tries to get Dorinda to talk in private, but Dorinda won’t have it. In Ramona’s interview, she says it’s ironic that Dorinda doesn’t want her to bring things up in front of other people, but when they’re in front of people Dorinda doesn’t know, she’s going off like a crazy woman. Dorinda claims Ramona fat shamed Sonja, who called her up crying. Ramona loves for them to do well, but not better than she is. Ramona says Dorinda is so angry, and Dorinda says Ramona likes people’s misfortune. She likes to make people feel bad, and she’s a coward. Does she think it’s nice to bring up something from two years ago? Ramona asks if Dorinda thinks what she did to Tinsley was nice. She’s sorry Dorinda is unhappy, and sorry Richard died. She’s sorry Dorinda’s anniversary is coming up. Dorinda says she’s sorry so many men have come and gone in Ramona’s life. Elyse tells them to stop, and Dorinda jets with Sonja. Elyse says they’re both nuts. Ramona tells her, Dorinda said if there’s something negative to say, it should be done in private. Why does she do what she doesn’t want done? In the hallway, Sonja says she wants to be herself, and if she wants to be fat, why is Ramona shaming her? I see she latched onto that now. Ramona hunts them down, and says she loves them both. Dorinda starts crying, and says she needed support yesterday, wagging her finger in Ramona’s face. She just left a seven and a half year relationship. In Dorinda’s interview, she says, it’s not an easy time; there’s a slight depression. She doesn’t need to be knocked down; she needs a soft place to land. Ramona isn’t a pillow; she’s a concrete block. Dorinda says Ramona is like a sister to her. Ramona takes Dorinda’s hand, and asks her to come back; she loves them both. As they head back in, Dorinda says she knows her delivery sucks. She’s been trying with a life coach. She doesn’t want to be alone again. Ramona says she’s afraid she’s going to be alone forever, and she, Dorinda, and Sonja have a three-way hug. Elyse says the three of them could drive Mother Teresa to drink. In Ramona’s interview, she says she loves Dorinda, but she won’t admit how mean-spirited she is. When Dorinda is like this, nothing will work. There’s nothing you can do. Just shut your mouth.

Next time, a trip to Newport, Sonja says maybe she’ll get her mojo back, Leah goes on another drunken rampage, and Ramona doesn’t like the behavior.

🍤  On Top Chef, Melissa was bummed because Restaurant Wars threw her off, and she’d been on the bottom in the challenges. She was in an emotional rut. Stephanie was also down, having lost her brother to addiction a year and a half ago. In her interview, she said she’d come out stronger, and that’s why she was there – it was her victory song. Padma introduced the guest judge, pastry chef and three time James Beard Award winner Sherry Yard. Padma told the chefs that the Quickfire challenge was going to be a piece of cake. Sherry said baking was all about time, temperature, taste, and methodology. The chefs would get the basic pantry staples – dairy, flour, sugar, and eggs – but the rest of their ingredients would come from a blindfold taste test. They had five minutes to guess twenty ingredients. Whichever ingredients they guessed right, they could use, although they didn’t have to use them all. The chef who guessed the highest number of ingredients would get an hour, the next two would get forty-five minutes, and the last two, a half hour. All Padma would say about the winner is that they’d get a huge advantage in the elimination challenge that would be worth fighting for. Stephanie guessed the most ingredients – fifteen, with twelve seconds to spare. Next, Gregory and Melissa tied with twelve, and at the bottom was the other white Bryan, guessing only seven correctly. The biggest stumbling block seemed to be almond butter, which most of them guessed to be peanut butter. I thought this was kind of odd, since I find almond butter to have a very distinctive taste. After the chefs presented their desserts, the judges loved Karen’s flavor, but thought it was too aggressive; Bryan’s components fought on the plate; but Melissa’s flavors sang, and she was the winner.

Next, Padma said, let the games begin, and introduced the chefs’ helpers and guest judges  Niki and Carole Nakayama, Michelin star chefs and co-owners of two Michelin star restaurants. In honor of the Tokyo Olympics, the chefs would be making food inspired by Japan – a kaiseki meal of six courses, the most formal way of dining in Japan, and similar to a tasting menu. They were told kaiseki is a celebration of nature, about protecting the integrity of the ingredient, and cooking with restraint, which made full of Malarkey quake in his shoes. Given two hours to cook, each chef would make one dish, and they would be cooking for a group of elite Olympic athletes. The Nakayama sisters treated the chefs to a kaiseki meal so they could get the vibe.

Before the dinner began, Padma said both sporting events and food bring people together. She was excited to be doing something joyous and traditionally Japanese. As usual, everything looked incredibly impressive, and sounded phenomenal, except for the piece of shell in Melissa’s crab dish.

Stephanie was the winner, with a balance of flavor and ingredients. She was quite shocked, and would also be going to the Tokyo Olympics. Unfortunately, we all know how that would eventually turn out. She joked that she was probably the least athletic of the group. Karen’s duck dish caused her to be told to pack her knives and go. In her interview, she said she’d been eliminated twice for a good dish, had done things she never thought she would try, learned tenacity, and cooked her ass off. It was on to Last Chance Kitchen for her, as she told us, never say die.

They never did reveal what the huge advantage was the elimination challenge winner would receive. I can’t imagine it was the trip to the Olympics. Next time, the finale goes to Europe, and a possible bail by Brian full of Malarkey.

🏖 Life’s a Beach Again…

It looks like the world is starting to open back up. As I’ve come to say every week, whatever happened to the Shahs reunion? All continues to be quiet on the Sunset front, and I have yet to see a ransom note. Regardless, see you tomorrow with some tea and words of wisdom. Until then, stay safe, stay exercising caution, and stay puffed.