(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Cameron’s graduation celebration at Charlie’s has begun, and Laura asks how it feels to be graduating. He says it’s awesome, and Portia says they’re so proud of all the kids have accomplished. Laura says, they persevered, even thrived. It’s truly admirable. Trina asks if they can believe they’re headed for college. Soon she’ll be in a dorm. Portia asks if she can please enjoy the last few months with Trina, and Trina says she’s not moving to another state. She’s not even moving to another city. Besides, she knows her mom, and Portia will be getting into all kinds of trouble with her out of the house. Freedom! She and Cameron high-five, and Curtis walks in.
Doc tells Nikolas, it was very nice of Ava to close Charlie’s for this. He’s just sorry she can’t be there. Nikolas says he is too, and Doc says Laura filled him in; he’s sorry to hear about the divorce. Nikolas says, there’s not going to be a divorce. He’s doing everything in his power to make sure Ava and Avery come home to him.
Nina walks into the gallery, and asks Ava if she’s ready for their long overdue catching up. She knows they said martinis, but she reconsidered, and brought wine for the occasion. Ava says, thank you, no. She’s mainlining water right now. Did they set something up? Not that she’s not happy to see Nina; she is. Nina says Ava doesn’t remember because they didn’t set anything up, but she saw Ava’s post from last night. Throwing her wedding rings at Nikolas’s foot? Ava says, one of her finest moments, to be sure, and Nina pulls up a chair, saying, Ava has to spill. When Ava mentioned divorce, she thought Ava was exaggerating. She and Nikolas were in love. What happened?
Bobbie says Josslyn got the biggest cheer when she went up to get her diploma, and Josslyn says, because they were so loud. Carly says, even Jason piped in, and Jason says, it doesn’t happen often, but when it’s something as important as Josslyn graduating high school… Josslyn says she’s glad he was there, and he says, him too. Michael says, his little sister, all grown up, and Josslyn says, college bound. He says, it seems like only yesterday he was teaching her to dive a speedboat, and she says, now he eats her wake. He asks if he can have a hug, or is she too cool for that now? but she says she’s never too cool for a hug, so they do.
Carly tells Jax that he doesn’t have to worry. Whatever he did to Michael, he doesn’t have to worry. Michael would never tell Josslyn. He would never do that to his sister.
Jason’s phone rings. It’s Britt, who says, she was thinking, since they got interrupted last night, how would he like to have dinner with her on Friday?
Jax tells Michael, what a day, and Michael agrees. Jax says he’s really happy for Josslyn, and Michael asks if they can not do this small talk thing. Jax says, he’ll get straight to the point then; thank you. Michael says, for what? and Jax says, for not telling Josslyn about what happened between them. Michael says, what happened? That’s a nice way of putting Jax blackmailed him. He’s not going to tell Josslyn because Jax is her father, and it would break her heart, but to be clear, he might be smiling in photos with Jax, but he hasn’t forgotten or forgiven him. Jax broke something, and the worst part is, he didn’t even have to. Jax made his choice, now he has to live with the consequences. Michael walks away, and Josslyn comes by. Jax says, there’s his graduate, and she asks if everything is okay. He says, everything is fine, but more important, how is she doing? She says she’s good, and he says, she just graduated high school with honors and she’s just good? She says she’s on the fence about going to Cameron’s party, and he asks if things are still tense between them. She says, it’s not so much tense, but distant. They’re headed in different directions, so she doesn’t know. Now that Cameron is going to PCU, she guesses all that could change. He says, if they’re drifting apart, and Cameron is no longer going to be a part of her life, would she miss him? and she says, yes, a lot. He says he thinks that says it all, doesn’t she?
Jason asks if Britt can meet him tonight, and she says, absolutely. What time? He asks if now is good, and she hesitates, but says, now is great. She’s in her room at the MetroCourt. He says he’ll see her soon, and she looks around her mess of a room. She says, crap, jumps up, and heads for the bathroom.
In the MetroCourt restaurant, Obrecht says she’s glad Scotty could join her for coffee, but he says he can’t really stay. He’s late. She asks if he’s meeting with a client, but he says, no. Cameron’s graduation party. Just like that – he snaps his fingers – Cameron is off to college. She says she sees; a family only affair. He says, Trina’s coming, and Trina’s mother, Josslyn… He doesn’t really know. She asks if he could bring a date.
Ava says she and Nikolas can’t be together, and Nina says, that sounds very different that not wanting to be together. Ava says, it’s not really what she wants, and puts her hand to her head. She says she has this headache, and really needs it to go away before Trina’s party. Nina says she’s so sorry. Curtis invited her. Ava asks if she’s going, and Nina says she doesn’t know. She has a gift for Josslyn, but thought it would be weird to just show up on Carly’s doorstep. Ava says, it would; that’s good thinking. Nina says she doesn’t mean to be rude, but Ava doesn’t exactly look party ready. Ava laughs, and says to tell her the truth, it’s the last thing she feels like doing, but she told Trina she’d be there, so she’ll be there. Nina asks if Ava has eaten, and Ava says, no. Nina suggests they grab a bite, and then go to the Savoy, and Ava says, okay. Nina says, great. Let’s go. Ava can tell her what’s really going on with her and Nikolas. She grabs Ava’s hand and pulls her up.
Curtis congratulates Portia on her day, and Portia thanks him. She says she didn’t realize he’d be there. Doesn’t he have to get ready for tonight? He says, please. He has people for that. Being the boss means you get to show up when the party starts. I dunno about that. It is the soft opening. He says, she looks beautiful. Is she ready to party, or what? She says she has to make a call to check on one of her patients, excuses herself, and walks off.
Trina and Cameron see Jake, and Trina asks, who won, him or Aiden? He says, won what? and she asks who gets Cameron’s room when Cameron goes to the dorm, and who stays in the one they share now? Cameron asks who says, he’s giving up his room? They’ll have to fight for it. Jake says, no battle. Aiden can have it. He likes the room he has. Cameron says, Jake is the older brother, and his room is bigger; Jake should have it. Jake says, his has better lighting, and Aiden doesn’t care. He spends most of his time in the kitchen. He’d rather keep the room he has. He tells them that he’s going to say hi to his grandma, and leaves. Trina says she guesses Jake is still mad at Cameron for accusing his father of killing Franco, and Cameron says he wishes Jake would get mad. He wishes they could have a huge, screaming fight, where Jake could unload all his anger, but it’s not like that; it’s just… polite. Josslyn warned him this could happen. That by the time he realized he was wrong and was ready to apologize, it would be too late. She says, it’s never too late. He’s Jake’s older brother, and Jake wants to forgive him. He’s just got to give Jake a chance. He says he’s apologized, and she says, keep apologizing until Jake knows he means it. Deep down, Jake misses Cameron as much as Cameron misses Jake.
Nikolas sits down with Doc, and says, whoever’s sending these threats, has Ava afraid for Avery’s life. Doc says he’s been keeping an eye on Ryan’s condition, and hasn’t changed at all, but Nikolas says he doesn’t think Ryan is the stalker. Doc says, Ava does, and Nikolas says, or someone equally as dangerous. He has to prove to her whoever is doing this is just playing head games, and there’s no reason for them to be apart. Doc says, it would help if they knew who the stalker was, and Nikolas says, it just so happens, he may find out tonight. Doc asks, how? and Nikolas says, he set a trap.
Jason tells Josslyn that he has to go, and she says, that’s okay. She thinks she’s going to go to Cameron’s party now… unless that’s weird. He says, for him? He doesn’t have a grudge against Cameron. She says, really? and he says he appreciates her having his back, but she never has to be the one who fights for him. He doesn’t ever want something he did to cost her a friendship or anything else. She thanks him, but says, she stood up for him because he was innocent. As much as she hated fighting with Cameron, she couldn’t pretend to believe something that she just didn’t. Yes, Cameron was grieving, and probably not thinking clearly, which is why she chose to forgive him, but defending Jason was as much for her as it was for him. He says he’s so proud of her; he loves her. She says she loves him too, and they hug. Jason goes over to Carly, and says, Britt called. He’s going to go see her. She says, okay, and he leaves.
Scotty says, so Obrecht wants to go to Cameron’s party? and she says, why not? He says he just didn’t give it any thought, and she says, he doesn’t want her there? He says he didn’t know she’d be interested, and she says, well, she is. He says, let’s go, and she says, yeah? He says, yah, and they get up. Nina and Ava walk in, and Obrecht hugs Nina, saying she didn’t know Nina was back in town. Nina says, surprise, and Scotty tells Ava that he has a little legal business to discuss. Nina and Obrecht step away to chat, and Scotty tells Ava that he talked to Nikolas’s lawyer about what they discussed. Ava says, and? and Scotty says, he knows nothing. She says, he knew nothing about how to proceed? but Scotty says, he knew nothin’ about nothin’. Nikolas never called him about the divorce.
Nikolas asks Doc, the stalker is focused on Ava, and where does she go every day? Doc says, the gallery, and Nikolas says, he added some extra security and connected it to his phone. If the stalker trips the silent alarm, he’ll know about it. Doc asks if the gallery doesn’t already have security, and Nikolas says, so does Windymere. It didn’t stop them from getting around it. He added a motion sensor at the entrance that only he knows about. Doc says Nikolas isn’t thinking of confronting this person on his own, is he?
Laura asks if Elizabeth has heard from Scotty, and Elizabeth says, he just texted and he’s running late. And he’s bringing a friend. Any idea who that is? Laura says she thinks she might.
Trina asks Cameron where Josslyn is, but he says he doesn’t know. She never gave him a formal yes or no. Trina says, she’ll be there. Josslyn and Cameron are back to being friends, right? He says he hopes so.
Britt straightens up her room like a madwoman, and gets dressed. Jason knocks at the door, and she tells him, come in. She took the liberty of ordering dinner since they have to eat, but the night is totally flexible. We can eat before…or after, or…What’s wrong? He says he has something to tell her, and really needs her to hear him out.
Scotty says hi to Elizabeth, who says she didn’t realize Obrecht was his mystery guest. Obrecht says she’s thrilled to be part of their family gathering, and Scotty says he’ll get them a couple of stiff drinks. Elizabeth says she’s glad Obrecht could join them, and Obrecht says she thinks Franco would be too, doesn’t Elizabeth? Laura tells Scotty, bringing Obrecht to a family celebration. Wow. Big step. She laughs, and asks if she’s reading too much into it.
Nikolas tells Cameron to enjoy his moment; he’s proud of him. He hugs Cameron, and goes to the bar. Cameron asks if Trina heard that Nikolas and Ava are getting a divorce. Trina says she did. Ava tried to hide it, but she looked miserable at the ceremony.
Ava tells Nina, she’s been getting threats. Nothing violent yet. Just a creepy little gifts and notes. Whoever is doing this obviously doesn’t want her and Nikolas together. Nina says, so that’s it? Some whacko is fixated on breaking them up, and Ava goes immediately to divorce? Ava says, not immediately, but everything changed once the whacko made it clear they could get to Avery.
Josslyn asks Carly if she’s sure it’s okay if she goes, and Carly says, it’s her graduation night. She can do what she wants… within reason. She hugs Josslyn, and says she’s proud of her. Jax says he thinks she speaks for them all, and Bobbie says, he definitely speaks for her. She hugs Josslyn, and tells her, have a good time. Carly says Milo is going to be with Josslyn all night. Don’t go anywhere without him. Josslyn says, copy that, and Michael says he loves her. You did good, little sis. She says, so sentimental, and he says, just this once. She asks him to give Wiley a kiss for her, and he says, of course (🍷). Jax says he’ll walk her out, and on their way to the door, she says she wishes Lady Jane could have been there. Jax says, him too, but she was with them in spirit, and so were Morgan and Sonny. She says, and Grandpa Mike, and he says, right. Everyone who loved her. Now go paint the town red, or whatever the PCU colors are. She hugs him, and says she’ll call him tomorrow. She leaves, and Jax tells Carly that he’s thinking of heading out, but she asks him to wait a minute. There’s something he should hear. They go back to the living room, where Bobbie and Michael are, and Carly says she knows they have lives to get back to, but bear with her minute. She has something important to tell them.
Britt says Jason sounds ominous, and he tells her, what he’s going to say changes things… a lot. She says, don’t make her stand there and dread it; spit it out. He says he and Carly are getting married. She laughs, and says that might possibly be the last thing she expected to come out of his mouth. She would think he was joking, but he doesn’t do that. He says, it’s not a joke, and she says, when did… How long have you been.. engaged? He says, it just happened, and she says, like right before he got there? He says, yeah, more or less. They realized it’s what’s best for the family and each other for them get married, so that’s what they’re going to do. She says, okay. Thanks for the update.You can go now. She heard him; he’s getting married. She opens the door, and says, get the hell out of her room. I hate Carly even more now, and hope Jason never sleeps through another night.
Laura says, so? and Curtis says, so… She says he and Portia seem to be enjoying each other’s company a lot. Has he asked her out yet? He asks if they’re in junior high, and she laughs and says, yes. He says, they’re just friends, but she says, not from where she’s standing. Friends don’t generate those kind of sparks.
Josslyn comes in, and Trina says, told you. Cameron says Josslyn made it, and Josslyn says she did. He hands her something to drink, and she says, they’ve been friends for a long time; nothing can change that. Trina says, finally, they can celebrate properly. She doesn’t know what else to say except, they did it. Cameron says, they did it, and Josslyn says, this is huge. They clink Solo cups.
Nina says, the teddy bear with Ryan’s voice is beyond creepy. Ava says, it’s disturbing. Luckily, Avery thought it was just a toy, but she got the message loud and clear. She even sent Avery to stay with Carly, just in case. Nina says, that must have been hard, and Ava says, it broke her heart, but she knew it was the right thing to do, like she knows she and Nikolas must divorce. Nina says, Nikolas doesn’t feel the same way, and Ava says, no, but despite how much they love each other, she and Nikolas are coming from different places. Kiki was murdered, and it’s not something she’s just going to get over. Nina says, she shouldn’t, and Ava says, Nikolas doesn’t have a memory like that, but she does. She simply can’t take any chances. If she ignored this, and stayed with Nikolas, and something happened to Avery, she wouldn’t survive; she just wouldn’t.
Carly says she and Jason are getting married, and Bobbie says, Jason who? Carly says, what does she mean, Jason who? Their Jason. Jason Morgan. Bobbie says, it’s a little sudden, and Carly says, it is, and it isn’t. They’ve both been struggling since Sonny died, and left a big hole in their lives. She knows they’re not unique to that; everyone has their own grief and loss. But after their friendship, and all the years they’ve known each other… Sonny wasn’t just her husband; he was Jason’s best friend. The three of them were a team, and the central person is now gone, and Jason’s the only person who really knows what she’s going through. And not just that. They need each other, and Sonny would want them to take care of each other. They’re not just doing this for themselves, but they’re doing it for their family, and she’s asking them to accept it. I hate Carly.
Jason goes to the door, but closes it. He says, yes, he’s marrying Carly and he can’t be with Britt the way they were, but he understands what she’s facing. He said he’d be there for her, and he will. She says, wow, unbelievable. Thanks but no thanks. She doesn’t need his pity, and definitely doesn’t need his support. She doesn’t know why she’s so surprised. It was obvious from the day they met, Carly comes first. They have a commitment between them that can’t be broken. She witnessed it the night Carly literally opened a vein for him, and gave him her blood. That’s great. Good for them, but she’s not going to stand in line waiting got a few minutes of his time, like some charity case, because he happened to be with her when she found out she was dying. He says, that’s not the way he sees her… but she says, it’s good. Trust her. He did her a solid. Even she can admit that, with his whole, if it suffocates you rather than frees you thing. He’s right; now she knows. She has her whole life ahead of her, but you know what? He will not be there for her. He will not show up for her. He will not lend her a hand, or anything. Because he’s now otherwise engaged, pun intended.
Ava tells Nina, she has to admit Avery is happy at Carly’s. The next thing on her list is finding a place to live. She can’t camp out at this hotel forever. Nina says she has an idea. Why doesn’t Ava camp out in her newly decorated guest room? She’ll be the first to stay in it. Ava says she couldn’t impose, but Nina says, she’s not. Besides, it used to be Ava’s apartment. Ava says Nina paid fair market price, and Nina says, thanks for the not discount. That doesn’t mean she can’t offer a really good friend a room. Besides, Ava would be doing her a favor; she’s hardly ever there, and her future plans are up in the air. Ava asks if it’s got anything to do with Nina’s new friend, and Nina says, she and Mike/Sonny have a connection; at least it feels that way. It has none of the disfunction of her past relationships. Ava says, so no lying, no deception, like with Valentin, and Nina says, no. Mike is an open book. Ava asks, what’s this guy do? and Nina says, he’s a bartender. She met him through her friend Phyllis. They have a lot of fun together. Ava asks, how much fun? and Nina tells her to get her mind out of the gutter. They haven’t even had a real date. She’s just happy to be around him. Ava says, it sounds so nice, like it has real potential. Nina says, could be, and Ava asks, when Nina isn’t in Port Charles, is she thinking about being with Mike.
Michael congratulates Carly, and Bobbie says, yeah. If any two people know what they’re getting into, it’s Carly and Jason. They trust each other implicitly. Carly says, they do, and Bobbie says, if it feels right, she’s all for it. Michael says he is too, and Carly says, so soon after his dad passed? He tells her, like she said, dad would want this. For her, for Jason, for all of them. He believes Sonny would understand better than anyone. Carly says Jax is awful quiet over there, and he says no one ever stopped her and Jason from doing what they wanted to. He wouldn’t dream of trying now. She says she’d appreciate it if he kept it quiet. She’d like to tell Josslyn herself; she knows Josslyn is going to have a lot of questions. He says, ya think? and she asks if that’s a yes. He says he thinks he’s going to do what he thinks is best for their daughter, and walks out. Bobbie says she guesses not everyone is thrilled with this development.
Britt asks why Jason is still there, and he says, because she matters to him. Not just because she saved his life. He cares about her. Britt wipes her tears away, and says he has an interesting way of showing it. He says he’s not the kind of person who spends a lot of time thinking about if things were different, but if things were different, they’d be at dinner on Friday; they’d be in that bed right now. She says, remember when he told her, he’s not good at what ifs? She really liked that about him. Don’t lose it now; just get out. She turns her back to him, and he reluctantly leaves. She cries, and I hate Carly.
Someone dressed like a ninja walks into the gallery with a tool bag. We see their eyes, and it looks like it might be a woman. Hmm… I wonder if it’s Hayden.
Laura asks Portia, where’s Trina? and Portia says, she went to the gallery to talk to Ava. She wanted to let Ava know that she doesn’t have to feel pressured to come tonight. Laura says, always thinking of others, her little girl, and Portia says, not so little anymore. Laura guesses not, and Portia says she’s so sorry to hear about Ava and Nikolas, but Laura says, relationships don’t happen in a vacuum. Sometimes outside forces can pull a couple apart. Portia looks at Curtis.
Cameron tells Josslyn, this is going to be the summer of the lake, doesn’t she think? Before things get crazy? She says, it sounds great, but she doesn’t know how much time she’ll be able to spend there. The PCU volleyball team starts training in a couple of weeks, and their schedule is intense. He says he totally understands. She’s going to be pretty busy. She says, looks like it.
The ninja hears someone, and grabs their tool bag. Trina walks in, and call out, asking if Ava is there.
Nikolas’s phone chirps, and Doc asks if that’s what he’s been waiting for. Nikolas says, yeah. He has to go. Doc says he’ll come; Nikolas shouldn’t go alone. Nikolas says he’ll call the police on his way there, which we all know he has no intention of doing.
Nina tells Ava that she’s thought of relocating, and it’s not just Mike. She’s fallen in love with the town. She loves the people, and loves who she is when she’s there. Of course (🍷) this was before Michael changed his mind about Wiley. Now she’s just trying to figure out what to do about Mike. Ava says, that’s not a big deal. Get to know him some more, figure out what he means to her, and if she can’t live without him, maybe he could come there. Nina says, no, that can’t happen, but Ava says, he’s a bartender; he can work anywhere. Nina says they should get going. Trina’s party is probably starting… Ava asks why Nina has to choose between having Mike or Wiley in her life. She can have both, can’t she? Nina says, trust her. If she knows one thing, it’s that there’s no future for her and Mike in Port Charles.
Bobbie says she doesn’t know how Carly is going to tell Monica, but she would proceed with extreme caution. She is not going to be happy. Michael says, actually… No. Bobbie is right. She’s going to hate this. Carly says she and Jason have weathered worse than Monica. They’ll be fine. Jason comes in, and Bobbie tells him, congratulations, and hugs him. She says, welcome to the family, not that he hasn’t always been a part of it. She says she has to go, and tells Carly they’ll talk soon. Jason says, so Michael’s mom told them the news? and Michael says, she told them that they’re getting married, and she explained why, but she didn’t explain everything, did she? He looks at Carly.
Curtis tells Portia and Laura, he’s about to get ready for the next party. Laura says, have a good time, and Portia says she’ll see him there, and he leaves.
Scotty says he’s so glad Obrecht came with him, and she says he’s welcome for the suggestion. He asks if that’s a smile he sees on that pretty face of hers, and she says she’s just happy. She’s with a nice man, and Britt is with a nice, if somewhat dangerous man. All is right with the world.
Britt shoves the cart with dinner on it into the hallway, leans on the door, and cries. She pulls herself together, and says, to hell with him. She gets her bag and jacket, and leaves.
Josslyn follows Cameron outside, and says, even with volleyball, she’ll always make time for him and Trina. Save her a chair at the lake for her. He says, it’s going to be a great summer, and she says, yeah, but they start with tonight. He says, they do. Shall we? He gives her his arm, and she takes it, and says, we shall. Scotty and Elizabeth watch them from the window.
Trina goes back into the main gallery room, and runs into someone. I think it’s Nikolas, but we don’t see a face, and he and the ninja are both dressed in black.
Tomorrow, Curtis tells Portia that he thinks it’s intentional, Doc believes the trap has been sprung, and Michael doubts that’s the reason why Carly and Jason have to get married.
👑 🥀 Good Night, Sweet Prince…
I was remiss in not posting this yesterday. Stuart Damon was truly a treasure. I actually stopped watching GH for a while after they killed Alan off. Realizing their mistake, and bringing him back as a ghost did not make it any better. I still miss him reading the Christmas story at the hospital party every year, and no one will ever be as charming of a prince.
I’m not exactly a Nene fan, but I wouldn’t wish this on anyone, and give her credit for being so supportive. God help me though, I couldn’t help noticing her amazing cheekbones. Did she have implants? Is she on the Keto diet? What’s going on there?
Michael has possibly one of the best jobs on earth. While he obviously works hard, I’m sure he will never lack for anything. I love these two, and wish they had their own spin-off show. Whitney could make cameo appearances.
Calling it an early night. Tune in tomorrow, for soap, a pot ‘o tea, and only the best quotes. Until then, stay safe, stay being proud of whoever you are, and stay always making time for old friends.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Scotty says, so Finn needs some legal advice. What are they talking about? Malpractice? Finn and Elizabeth look at each other, and Scotty points to his watch, and tells them, time and elevators wait for no one. Finn says, it’s about Peter August.
Valentin asks if he’s on Anna’s list of friends, and she says, of course (🍷) he is. He’s been a wonderful friend. She couldn’t have gotten through the last few months without him. He says, nor he without her. He strokes her hair, and they come pretty close to kissing.
The bartender at the MetroCourt asks what Austin will have, and Austin says his father used to order a Manhattan, and gives the bartender specifics on the rye. The bartender says he’s got it, and leaves. Sam approaches Austin, and says, that’s interesting. A simple country doctor who’s pretty particular in his choice of whiskey. He says she’s questioning his choice of drinks. Is there anything she’s not suspicious of? She says, no.
Ava comes in, and sees Nikolas at a table having a beer, but keeps walking to the bar. She says Austin’s drink looks positively sinful. She’ll have whatever this handsome stranger is having. She sits and says hi to Sam.
Diane joins Spinelli at Charlie’s, and he thanks her for meeting him. She says she’s always happy to assist him. First of all, does he anticipate this situation becoming litigious? He says, heaven forbid. The last thing he wants to do is go to court with Ellie. She asks what the situation is. Tell her he didn’t cheat on Ellie. He says, no, never, and she says she had to ask, doing her due diligence. He says Ellie is concerned about his exposure to potentially dangerous, and allegedly criminal activity. To wit, Sonny’s organization is under pressure from potentially dangerous entities like the Novak family. She asks if he’s told Jason any of this, but he says he doesn’t want to burden Jason. He just came home from being a fugitive. He and Carly have plenty of troubles of their own.
Carly tells Josslyn that she’s sorry. She’s just really distracted right now. She has a lot on her plate. Josslyn asks if she wants to talk about it, but Carly says it’s nothing Josslyn should be worried about. Josslyn says she’s not worried. Whatever it is Carly is worried about, Josslyn knows she can always talk to Jason.
Britt is standing in her office, when Jason comes in and says her name. She turns around, and smiles, asking what brings him to her door. He says he just wanted to see her, and she says, what a coincidence. She wanted to see him too. He flashes back to Carly saying she keeps thinking about what Ava told them about it being theater; a performance that demonstrates a binding contract. Does he see where she’s going? Is she wrong? He says she’s not wrong. The lightbulb goes on over my head, and I think, they’re going to get married, aren’t they? and I hate Carly for ruining my plans. Britt asks where Jason went, and he says he’s sorry; he was just thinking about business. She asks if he came to her office to think about business, but he says he came to ask her if she wanted to grab a beer. She says, a beer sounds really great, and takes his arm. She says, just so he knows, he’s buying.
Josslyn tells Carly, it must be great to have Jason as a best friend. Don’t get her wrong. Trina is all kinds of awesome, and she’d be lost without her, but Jason is on a whole other level. When Carly tells him something, he keeps it in the vault; he can physically protect her; and he’s patient when she totally melts down. Carly asks who says she melts down on Jason? and Josslyn says, wild guess. Carly says, enough about her and Jason. Right now it’s about Josslyn. It’s a very important time for her. She has her team building trip for volleyball, where she gets to meet all the new girls, she has her classes for PCU, and best of all, she has graduation and Trina’s party afterwards. Josslyn says Carly just hit the one area where Trina beats Jason; she’s social and actually wants to party. Carly says Jason doesn’t really like social events, and Josslyn says that’s why Carly is Jason’s best friend. They balance each other out. She hugs Josslyn, and asks if Josslyn can do her a favor. She just put Donna down, and she’d like Josslyn to hang out with Avery. She’s missed Josslyn. Josslyn says she missed Avery too, and goes upstairs. Carly looks pained.
Spinelli tells Diane, it’s no use giving Ellie assurances about Jason and Carly, that alas, he’s in no position to give. Diane’s phone rings, and she looks at it, saying, this might be serendipitous. She steps away, and Carly says she needs to talk to her. Is she free? Diane asks if she’s home, and Carly says, yes. Diane says she’s on her way. She tells Spinelli, her best advice to him is just talk to Ellie. Tell her why he’s so loyal to Jason, and everything Jason has done for him. She’s sure they can come to some kind of compromise. They’re both incredibly smart people, and they love each other. She has no doubt they can work this out. She leaves, and a man approaches Spinelli. He says, Spinelli, right? and sits down. Spinelli says, and he is…? He says, Joseph Novak, but his buddies call him Joey. He holds out his hand.
Scotty says, Peter August? If he ever showed his face in this town again, Scotty would make him pay for every tear he caused Elizabeth and the boys. Not to mention the fact that every time he picks up the phone to call his son, he knows his son isn’t there because he was murdered in cold blood by Peter August. Elizabeth says, no one wants to add to Scotty’s pain, and Scotty says, Franco’s not the only kid he buried; first there was Karen, then Logan. He would give anything to have that time back, to spend it with his kids again. Finn says he’s sorry; he had no idea. Elizabeth says, it’s awful. Every moment a parent gets with their child is a gift. She pointedly looks at Finn, and Scotty says he’s sorry he’s ranting like this. It’s just that at the mention of Peter, he goes berserk. He’s sorry. What can he do for Finn?
Anna and Valentin put their hands together, palm to palm, and link fingers. Her phone rings, and he says, as far as bad timing goes, that was exquisite. He asks if she’s going to take it, and she does. Dante asks if it’s a good time to talk, and Anna asks what he’s got. He says Jordan just sent him the Medical Examiner’s report on nurse Chloe Jennings. He forwarded it to her. She asks him to give her the bullet points, and he says, the cause of death was a broken neck she sustained when she fell into the abandoned mine shaft. They also ran a DNA test. Take a look, and let him know if she has any questions.
Ava asks if Sam is going to introduce her to this very handsome man, and Austin says, this is fun. Stuff like this doesn’t happen in Pawtuck. Ava says, Pawtuck? How charming. Is he some kind of outdoorsman? Sam asks if Ava isn’t going to order a drink for Nikolas – her husband. Remember him? Austin says, her husband. How didn’t he see that? He could see that rock from space.
Dante sits with Nikolas, and says Nikolas wanted an update on the stalker investigation. Nikolas asks if he traced the bear that was left for Avery in the hotel, and Dante asks if they shouldn’t wait for Ava. She was the one who seemed most upset. Nikolas says, Ava is learning how to get over it, and they both look at the bar.
Ava tells Austin, don’t worry about that. She has an open marriage. Sam says, since when? and Ava says, since recent events changed things. In fact, her marriage is about to be blown wide open. Sam points, and tells Austin, see that guy in the grey suit? That’s Nikolas, Ava’s husband. He’s sitting with Dante. Austin remembers Dante, doesn’t he? Austin says, sure do. He thinks Dante had enough of him in Pawtuck, and the last thing he needs is a jealous husband, so if they’ll excuse him… Ava says, please don’t go. She doesn’t even know his name. Sam says, his name is Austin, like the city in Texas. Ava says, that man is her husband, but truth be told, they’re getting a divorce. Sam says, excuse me?… Excuse me. She leaves, and Austin says he’s sorry to hear that; it sounds very difficult. Ava tells him, come sit, and orders another round for her and her new friend. The bartender says he’ll be right with them. He goes in the hallway, and makes a call. He says they wanted him to let them know if something was going on. They should stop by and see for themselves.
Finn tells Scotty that he’s going to need legal representation, and Scotty says he doesn’t understand. Finn just pulled off a miracle cure, and saved Chase’s life. Why would he need legal advice about Peter? Elizabeth says, what Finn is talking about is hypothetical, right? and Finn says, there’s nothing hypothetical about his feelings for Peter. He made no secret about the fact he hated Peter, and they almost came to blows every time Peter came into the hospital. Scotty says that makes Finn like everyone else in this town who wanted to punch Peter in the nose. That is no crime. Elizabeth tells Finn that he has nothing to worry about, but Finn says, there might be.Peter vanished, and the police are looking for him. Won’t they start looking at his known enemies? Elizabeth tries to intervene, but Scotty tells her to hold on. Finn is making himself perfectly clear. Does he know something about Peter’s whereabouts?
Valentin comes in with more wood for the fire, and sees Anna working. He asks, what’s with the laptop? and she says, it’s amazing what you can find in a Pawtuck rental. He says, room service? and she says she wishes. He asks what Dante said, and she says he sent the Medical Examiner’s report, and they managed to ID the woman posing as Chloe Jennings. Her real name is Marie Hopkins. He says, that’s a helluva break. What do they know about her? She says, next to nothing. She managed to pass herself off as a competent nurse, but she didn’t hesitate to drug Maxie, and try to kidnap Maxie and the baby, which to her, doesn’t sound like somebody operating under duress. He says, sounds like a pro, and she says, but a pro with no history. Could it be someone Peter’s father knew? He says, someone the PCPD doesn’t know? and she says, but the WSB might.
Outside, Josslyn instructs Avery on the importance of putting holes in the jar lid so the fireflies can breathe. One day, she and Avery are going to teach Donna how to catch fireflies, and how you gently cradle them in your hand before putting them in the jar, and then watch them light up. Avery says, and then they set them free, and Josslyn says, a girl after her own heart. Look! There’s more. Avery jumps to catch one.
Carly gives Diane a drink, and hopes she didn’t take her away from something important. Diane says, Spinelli sends his regards, and Carly asks if everything is okay, but Diane says, it was more of an informal conversation; a catch-up between friends. They did touch on a legal question, so she can’t say much more. How can she help Carly? Is she there as a friend or attorney? Carly says, this definitely needs to be covered under attorney/client privilege, and Diane says, understood. Carly says, Jason is getting pressure from the other families, specifically about her involvement in the business, because she went to a meeting when Jason was incapacitated. Diane says she thinks the phrase Carly is looking for is, shot while trying to escape, and Carly says, the point is, Jason couldn’t be there, so she went in his place. Diane says, leading to a perception problem, correct? Because when a family appears vulnerable, even if they’re not, it can lead to chaos, which leads to violence, and violence tends to rattle everybody. So the question becomes, how do you change the narrative? Carly flashes back to Jason saying, if they take this step, it will send a message that Carly supports him, and there’s no possibility of divide and conquer. She says, it makes sense from a business perspective, and he says, besides complete destruction, it’s the best option he’s heard so far. Carly tells Diane, she and Jason might have come up with something.
Spinelli says, look, Mr. Novak, but Novak says he told Spinelli, his friends call him Joey. Spinelli says, Joey. He’s unable to pursue an acquaintance right now. He’s late for an appointment. He starts to get up, but Joey stops him, saying, he should be flattered. Spinelli’s special talents have been noticed by Joey’s family. They could use a man like him. Spinelli says, with all due respect, he’s not available to be used by Joey’s family. Joey says Spinelli is acting like he has a choice. Let him be clear; Spinelli doesn’t. When the Novak family sees something they want, they take it, and they want him. Britt and Jason walk in, and Jason asks Britt to wait at the bar. He won’t take long. Joey asks how Spinelli is going to play this. Is he going to be smart and volunteer, or do they have to draft him? Jason’s hand comes down on Joey’s shoulder, and he asks if there’s a problem here.
Jason wants to speak to Joey privately, and says, let’s go. They leave, and Britt sits down with Spinelli and puts a bottle in front of him. She says she took the liberty of ordering him a beer, and he says, gracious thanks. She asks if they ran into him by accident, or did Jason know he’d be there? He says, it’s a most fortuitous coincidence. Fortuitous for him, maybe not so much for his unwelcome companion. She says, who was that guy? and Spinelli tells her, he said his name was Joey Novak. She asks if that’s supposed to mean something to her, and he says, the Novaks are an alleged crime family of some significance. The boss is Vincent Novak, and he believes Joey is his favorite nephew. Britt wonders if that’s what Jason was talking about; he said he had a business problem. Spinelli says, that’s not like him, and she asks what he means. He says, Jason rarely refers to business unless it’s to those directly involved. Britt says, they were fugitives together. It’s a little late for him to be keeping secrets from her.
Carly tells Diane, she and Jason are considering a strategy that will strengthen their position with the other families. Diane asks her to be more specific. Unless it involves murder. In which case, don’t be specific. Carly says, they need to send a clear message to the competition that Jason is in charge and has her full support. There’s no division in the ranks; no way to split the Corinthos organization in faction. Diane says, it’s a sensible solution in theory, but how do they intend on putting it into practice?
Sam sits with Nikolas and Dante, and asks Nikolas if he’d care to explain what’s going on with him and Ava. He tells her, let’s just say, his marriage has been under a lot of stress lately.
Ava orders another round, but Austin says, none for him. He knows they just met, but maybe it’s time to slow down. She says, what’s the matter Pawtuck? Small town fella can’t take the big city fast lane? He says, that’s not really the problem, when Nikolas joins them, and tells Ava, that’s enough. She says, on the contrary. She’s just getting started.
Finn tells Scotty, he was reluctant to come forward because someone else is involved. Elizabeth suggests he tell Scotty about Chase. Chase was so sick because Peter poisoned him. Scotty asks if that’s true, and Finn says Peter was targeting him as a way to hurt Anna. There was a mix-up, and Chase got poisoned instead. So Scotty can see he has plenty of motive to hurt the guy. Which is why… He looks at a picture of him and Violet on his desk, and Scotty says, why what? Finn says, why the police might want to question him about Peter’s disappearance. He doesn’t want Violet visiting him in Pentenville. Scotty says, if Finn were to bump Peter off, they’d give him the keys to the city. Finn doesn’t have to worry about his kid visiting him in prison. If Mac brings Finn in for questioning, Scotty will be there, ready to spring into action. Finn thanks him, and Scotty says, anything else? Finn says, one more thing. He wants to make certain if something happens to him, Elizabeth will be Violet’s legal guardian. Scotty says he’ll take care of it, and leaves. Finn closes the door, and tells Elizabeth, sorry. He should have asked first. Are you kidding? She’d probably love having a girl in the house.
Valentin tells Anna, there must be something in Marie’s past; a high school, a hometown, a poodle. She says, a poodle? and he says he likes poodles. They’re hypoallergenic. She’s not the only one who does research. She says, good to know, but they’re talking about Marie Hopkins. She has a brother. He says, don’t tell him the brother is dead too, and she says she hopes not, but he is in a high risk profession. He’s a helicopter pilot.
Here’s where they interrupted for – wait for it – Bill Cosby. Are you kidding me? His release was all over the internet all morning, and we needed to interrupt for this? Ugh. Using the internet to move on.
Britt says she thinks she owes Spinelli a thank you, and he says, in what regard? She says, the Canadian passports they used north of the border. They were flawless. When they used them at the hospital, no one even blinked. He says he was unaware Jason needed further medical attention, and she says, he didn’t. They visited a clinic out of an abundance of caution. He says, impressive. He can’t think of many who could convince Jason to go. She must exert significant influence. She says she thinks Jason just wanted to put her mind at rest. She was getting neurotic; hiding out with nothing else to think about. Jason comes back, and Britt says she got him a beer, sliding a bottle over. He thanks her, and Spinelli asks if everything is okay. Jason says, it’s fine. He sent Joey home with a message for his uncle. Britt asks if that’s blood on his hand, and we see his bloody knuckles.
Elizabeth says she’d be happy to look after Violet, but they’ve been careful. She doesn’t see how their secret can get out. He says, Peter is just a few floors below them in a hospital freezer. As long as he’s there, there’s a good chance they’ll find him. Elizabeth asks what he’s saying, and he says, Peter’s got to go.
Valentin reads that Marie’s brother David was a former Black Hawk pilot who served in Iraq, left with an honorable discharge, and flew various charters from Hawaii to Maine before striking out on his own. She says, a helicopter pilot for hire; that’s no coincidence, is it? She picks up her phone, and he asks what she’s doing. She says, notifying the WSB, but he asks if she isn’t worried about alerting Peter. She says he’s right. If Peter is anything like his father, he has eyes and ears all over the agency. Valentin says, the helicopter pilot will end up as dead as his sister. They started this on their own, and he suggests they keep it that way.
Austin says he doesn’t want any trouble, but Ava grabs his arm, and says they’re not done. Although she’s definitely done with her soon-to-be ex-husband. Nikolas says she’s still his wife, and he won’t let her make a fool of herself in public. She says, he’d rather she make a fool of herself in the privacy of their own home. He wants her resigned to the fact that she’s some kind of kept woman. Let her remind him of something – nobody owns Ava Jerome. Sam comes over and suggests they keep their voices down before they all get thrown out. Dante tells the security guy that he’s a cop; he’s got this. He says maybe it’s best if Austin goes, and Austin says he’d love to leave, but Ava’s not letting go. Ava says, if don’t want her business in this establishment, she’ll go someplace else. She tells Austin, come on, and he says, thanks, but no thanks. Nikolas says, Ava doesn’t take another step to self-destruction as long as they’re man and wife. Ava says that’s something she can fix. She takes off her rings, and drops them on the floor.
Diane tells Carly, from a legal standpoint, it would just be formalizing a preexisting arrangement. She and Jason already have each other’s power of attorney, they’re trustees of each other’s estates, the guardian’s for each other’s children, and co-owner’s of Corinthos Coffee. She can’t see any reason this won’t work. Carly says, she can.
Jason says Joey won’t be bothering Spinelli again, and Spinelli says he’s grateful for the intercede, but it’s not going to stop the Novak family; it might even inflame them. Jason says, it’s been handled, and Spinelli says he believes Jason. Ellie won’t. Jason asks if something happened, and Spinelli says Ellie threatened him with separation unless he distances himself from Jason and Carly. He’s run out of assurances. Jason says he can speak to Ellie, and Britt says, let him try. For a guy who has seemingly zero communications skills, he can be incredibly convincing. Spinelli says Jason has already done everything in his power to insure his safety, and Ellie knows that, but he fears it’s not enough. She wants stability and peace. Frankly, he can’t blame her. If they’ll excuse him, he’s expected at home, where he’ll have to explain how Joey Novak approached him tonight. Britt says Spinelli doesn’t have to tell her, but Spinelli says, yes, he does. Goodnight. He leaves, and Britt says, there goes a man who doesn’t understand the adage, discretion is the better part of valor. You can have honesty in a relationship without blurting out every detail. Jason says he’s sorry, and she says, about? He says he needs to take her home, and she says, business? He says, yes, and she says, okay, no worries. But since she got the beers tonight, next time, he’s definitely buying.
Carly tells Diane, she just lost Sonny. If this goes wrong, and she loses Jason, she loses the way they are to each other, the way they know each other, the way they never fail each other… Diane says, stop. It’s perfectly reasonable to worry about Jason dying; the man takes unconscionable risks on a regular basis. But it’s absurd and self-indulgent to worry about losing him. If he hasn’t turned his back on her by now, he never will. Josslyn and Avery come in, and Avery asks if Diane will read her a bedtime story. Diane says she’d love too. What is Avery in the mood for? Avery says, her book about the stars. She and Josslyn saw the Big Dipper. Diane says, that constellation has another name, Ursa Major, which means big bear in Latin. Avery and Diane go upstairs, and Carly laughs. Josslyn asks if everything is all right, and Carly says, yeah. Diane was going over some legal technicalities with her, and everything she said makes sense.
Elizabeth says she knows what accidentally happened to Peter is weighing on Finn, but thinks it’s best they leave things the way they are. He says, just leave him in the freezer like a rack of lamb, and she says, it’s weighing on her too. She swore to heal like he did, but she’s not going to pretend she’s sorry Peter is gone. Not after what he did to Franco and Chase. And think about Maxie. She prays every day that Maxie gets her baby back, and when she does, the baby will be better off without Peter in her life. Finn says, Elizabeth is involved too, and he can’t let her take the risk, and she says, they started this together; they’re going to finish this together. Let’s go; it’s late. Violet needs her dad to tuck her in. They leave the office, and Scotty is standing outside. He says they think they have him fooled.
Nikolas picks up the rings, and says, Ava lost these. She says she didn’t lose them. She’s done with them. Sam says, that’s kind of cold, isn’t it? and Ava shrugs. Austin says he’s a big fan of Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolfe? but he can’t stick around. Ava grabs his arm again, and says she knows plenty of places they can go for a nightcap. Sam says she thinks Ava should call it a night, and Dante agrees. Someone watches from another room. I wonder how many people will get the literary reference.
Anna asks if Valentin hears that, and he says he doesn’t hear a thing. She says, the rain stopped, and he gets up and looks outside. He says, it looks like the storm has blown over, and she says, the weather advisory has been lifted. The roads should be open in an hour or so. He says maybe he should call Brook and asks her to leave a light on… if they’re not spending the night. She says they should probably put out the fire, and he says he’ll do that. Didn’t they just drink the good part of a bottle of whiskey? Have they learned nothing from Alexis? While Anna is putting the laptop away, she sees a photo, and brings it out. He asks what she’s found, and she says, a family photo, she thinks. He asks if it means the mystery is solved, and she says, no, but she thinks it’s the beginning of another one.
Diane comes back down, and tells Carly that Avery is asleep. Carly thanks her for reading to Avery, and Diane says it’s her pleasure. Avery is one of her favorite people. She’s bright, curious, and she misses her dad. Carly wonders if she asked about Sonny, and Diane says she asked if he could visit her from heaven. Diane said he absolutely could. Carly says she told Avery the same thing, but she’s sure it’s reassuring to hear it from Diane too. Diane says she’s glad someone around there respects her opinion, and Carly says she respects Diane’s opinion too. She wouldn’t have asked her over if she didn’t. Diane says, let her reassure Carly that, from a legal standpoint, this is a sound and effective strategy. It makes perfect sense. Whether or not they choose to pursue it is up to her and Jason. She leaves, and Carly sighs, having caught that from Jason.
Anna asks if Valentin recognizes the little boy in the photo, and he says, it looks a little like Austin. She says, it is. Remember she said she had the feeling he was familiar to her? Now that she sees him with his parents in the photo… He asks if she’s saying she knew Austin as a child, and she says, no, but she knew his father.
Austin tells Nikolas that he’s sorry. He didn’t mean to cause trouble between Nikolas and his wife. He’s just there for a quiet drink. Sam says, maybe it would be better if he went back to the woods, and he says he thinks she’s right. Bears and wildcats, he understands them better than he understands people sometimes. Ava calls him a coward, and Sam leads her away. Austin tells Nikolas, if it’s any consolation, he thinks she’s trying a little too hard to forget all about him. He leaves, and Dante asks if Nikolas is okay. Nikolas says, no, but he will be, and we see someone is still watching them. Nikolas says he doesn’t care what Ava says. They’re not done.
Scotty tells Elizabeth, just because he was Franco’s father doesn’t mean he expects her to wear black for the rest of her life. Elizabeth says, oh, no, and Finn says, they’re just friends. Scotty says, it’s none of his business. They all lost a lot this year. If they can find a friend in each other, so be it. He walks off, and they look each other.
Carly finishes her drink, and says, a sound and effective strategy. Right. Jason walks in, and says he’s been thinking. She say,s her too.
Tomorrow, Trina asks Cameron if he and Josslyn are friends again, Ava asks if Nina is thinking about being with Mike, Michael tells Jax that he has to live with the consequences, and Jason tells Britt that what he has to say changes things.
The Real Housewives of New York City
In Eboni’s interview, she said, some of the women are in their Upper East Side bubble, and she wants to show them something different with her Harlem Night dinner. In Sonja’s interview, she said, if she can’t walk, someone has to drag her there, or send a car service. A woman after my own heart. In LuAnn’s interview, she said, the UES wasn’t that far from Harlem, and she used to go dancing and to Sylvia’s (restaurant) with Jack. I waxed nostalgic, thinking of Sylvia’s. Ramona invited new (Black) friend Bershan to come along, and in her interview, Ramona said that New Yorkers stay within their region, which is kinda sorta true. Eboni told us that she was coming off a massive dose of their world, and wanted to show them Black culture and black excellence, so she was hosting A Harlem Night with Eboni K. Williams. She also invited a friend Natalie the party. The venue was B’Harlem, which had been a real speakeasy back in the day. I love anything NYC historical, and old time Harlem is the best. It was downstairs, with the staircase outside, and the women all had a hard time navigating in their heels. Sonja said she might have to spend the night, but it wouldn’t be the first time. No surprise, everyone dressed up, and in Sonja’s interview, she said Eboni usually dressed like a lawyer, and the fact that she took the girls out, meant something. A mixologist who could have moonlighted as a stand-up comic showed them how to mix a few drinks. In Ramona’s interview, she took note of the fact that the Black girls were on one side of the bar, and the white girls on the other. It didn’t make a difference, but since they were doing a cultural infusion (sounds like a cooking class), they should go with that. In Leah’s interview, she wondered how Ramona suddenly turned into the anti-integration police. She was making strides. Ramona took a picture, instructing them how to pose in a way that looked best on Instagram. In her interview, Eboni said maybe Sonja was on to something, and Ramona was all about the Gram.
Everyone sat down for dinner, and Eboni said that her love language was gifts. She gave everyone a candle with a scent that was inspired by something Harlem-ish. They all had names like Savoy, James Baldwin, Speakeasy, and Brownstone. She explained that she’d assigned each of the women an icon from the Harlem Renaissance. My favorite was Natalie’s candle, inspired by W.B. Du Bois, the first Black person to get a PhD from Harvard. He’d said, the pleasure was all Harvard’s. Eboni explained who various figures were and what they’d accomplished, and in her interview, Ramona said she liked learning new things, but she wished they’d been given an agenda. In Leah’s interview, she said Eboni was losing some of her students. Bershan announced they were all the same, but Eboni disagreed. In her interview, she said, these bitches already thought they were all the same. They needed understand their exceptionalness and uniqueness. She felt undermined. Ramona started squawking about being tired, and saying her vertigo was bothering her. Surprisingly, no one knew what that was. A lot of people have it – I have it – and it’s an inner ear thing that can cause you to lose your balance. Ramona did a demonstration, but I wasn’t sure if she was actually suffering from this, or it was just an excuse to bounce. Ramona said it was from stress, and made her exit. Since she bent down to kiss Sonja goodbye, and got up just fine, so I leaned on the side of this being a get-out-of-the-party-free card. It was agreed it was probably best that Ramona left, since they then discussed small weenies, and I don’t mean hot dogs. Eboni said she thought Harlem was a magical part NYC, and a part of black excellence in America.
Eboni met Leah at the Brooklyn Chop House, which FYI, isn’t in Brooklyn. Eboni asked if Leah thought her Harlem night resonated with everyone, and Leah said she thought it did, but Ramona had a disconnect. Eboni thought LuAnn was quiet, but not everyone could be on all the time. Leah said she thought white people were scared to get it wrong, and in Leah’s interview, she said the women had been walking on eggshells after the Hamptons. They didn’t know how offensive they were sometimes. We flashed back to Ramona and the help thing. Leah is spot-on about them being clueless, but that’s actually one of the things that makes this Housewives show better. When there’s a blow-up, it’s almost always because someone was clueless or being self-centered. With some others in the franchise – I’m talking to you RHOBH – it’s a ploy for screen time. Eboni said that education was her life’s work, and Leah said she didn’t think Eboni was always aware of her power. She was knowledgeable and powerful, and it could be intimidating. In Eboni’s interview, she said she made no apologies for who she was. I’m a a lot, and you bitches are too. Leah said Eboni shouldn’t feel like it was her job, but Eboni said, if not her, then who? In her interview, Leah said she thought Eboni just getting to know the women, and being their friend would teach them. Victoria visited LuAnn, and we found out Victoria has been sober for a year. LuAnn said she’d like to see Sonja reel it in, but Victoria told her to just be an example. In LuAnn’s interview, she said, being present is a gift you give to people, and she and Victoria got a little weepy. LuAnn said she was connecting the dots, and realized her father was a river that ran through her life. She was realizing how it had effected everyone. Victoria said she’d wanted LuAnn to acknowledge the insanity and apologize, and the two of them had a moment.
Leah and Kier met with admissions consultant Whitney to talk about Kier’s applications to private high school. Leah apologized to Whitney for Bunny calling her, and in Leah’s interview, she said her mother was trying to get involved in the decision. She was obsessed with any decisions made about Kier, and Leah thought it was because Bunny believed Kier could be what Leah wasn’t. Leah had gone to an all-girl Catholic school, and Bunny wanted Kier to go, but Bunny was meeting resistance. Leah wanted Kier to have a great high school experience. She didn’t want her daughter to end up in a therapeutic community run by nuns. My sister actually talked my parents out of sending me to an all-girls Catholic school. Thank you, Linda. Whitney said she wanted Kier to own this process, and then had a one-on-one with Leah, which seemed contradictory. Leah wondered how Kier could adjust to the change from public to private school, and didn’t want her in a school with elitists. Whitney said it was a hard balance, and my thoughts went to the short-lived NYC Prep. I loved that show, but man, they were snobby. Leah thought Rob was going to awkward in interviews, and wondered if he had to be there. She was going to tell him that he’d be playing the role of a mute.
Eboni paid a visit to Ramona, who said in her interview that she wanted to get to the meat and potatoes of Eboni. She thought Eboni could be preachy, but liked her. Ramona told Eboni that she was blown away by Eboni’s attention to detail; she took the party to another level. Eboni asked about the election, and how Ramona thought it would be in the city. She was happy that her daughters might see a female VP. Ramona said she didn’t want to talk politics. She just wanted to have a nice evening. In Eboni’s interview, she said she was shocked. She thought they could have a middle ground as women with daughters. In Ramona’s interview, she said she wanted to know more about what she and Eboni had in common. She wanted to peel back the onion. Ramona said Eboni had opened her eyes in the Hamptons. She’d looked up white girl aggression, and we saw a clip of Ramona explaining the term and triggering words to LuAnn. Eboni said they had a divided country, and that they didn’t know who had won yet was indicative of that. Ramona insisted it was all about the mail-in ballots. She said Eboni was preaching and teaching, and she had to walk away for a minute. In her interview, Ramona said that she felt like Eboni was shoving something down her throat, and she was sounding a little preachy. She interacted with Coco, asking the dog why Eboni couldn’t back off. In her interview, Eboni said she was trying to connect and understand Ramona’s values, so they could have a real friendship.
Ramona came back, and toasted to being in a happy place. Eboni said she wanted to be in an authentic place, but Ramona insisted a happy place was where she wanted to be. Eboni said it was her white fragility talking, and Ramona said she didn’t want to talk race, religion, or creed, and Eboni was lecturing. We saw a clip of LuAnn saying, it was like being back in school, and Sonja saying, she thought Eboni should talk about a different subject sometimes. Eboni told Ramona, they were all big girls, and everyone should say how they feel. Ramona said this was too heavy for her right now; she wanted to enjoy life. Eboni said she didn’t have the privilege of being that way. Did Ramona have a coat closet for her Blackness? Ramona said she felt like she was being attacked. She’d wanted to talk about T.J. Walker, the first Black woman millionaire. Eboni corrected Ramona, saying, it was C.J. Walker, and Ramona said, whatever. Eboni said it wasn’t whatever, and Ramona said she felt like she was with a teacher. Well, that may be, but I thought Eboni was saving Ramona from future embarrassment should she share that information. I’d want someone to correct me privately if I got it wrong, but in Ramona’s interview, she said that she was shocked Eboni was picking on her for no reason. Ramona told Eboni that she was leaving. I think what she meant to do was tell Eboni to leave, but she got confused. Eboni told Ramona about Sonja bringing up the pictures Ramona posted –and Eboni reposted – of her new Black friends, and perhaps it was for show. Ramona said Sonja was just jealous and resentful because she gave Eboni some attention. They ended up hugging it out, and Eboni said she wasn’t going to treat Ramona with kid gloves; Ramona was a strong white woman. Ramona said Eboni was a strong Black bitch, and Eboni agreed. In Eboni’s interview, she said, it was a sh*t show, but one they survived. She thought it ended up bringing them closer in a weird way. She said she wasn’t going to let Ramona kick her out, and said it was pretty funny that Ramona was going to leave her own house. She told Ramona she was wondering what to do, since she didn’t even know how to lock up.
Next time, Eboni brings Sonja to her dating coach, a trip to Salem, and Leah says Ramona is what’s wrong in the world.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Sutton took Erika for a ride in her mid-life crisis divorcee car. In Erika’s interview, she said, based on Tom’s last two divorces, he was a fighter to the end. If she got a Bentley, she’d be lucky. Sutton rented a spa for the two of them, so they could be mask-free, and brought along a divorce care package, consisting of Pop chips, some kind of toffee, and Dom Perignon. In her interview, Sutton said she’d been through a divorce, and a divorce could take a long time, especially if it was complicated, and it was a rich people divorce. Friends were crucial to the process. Erika said they had chips, candy, and champagne; what more could she want? She told Sutton one moment she was good, and the next, she was lost. Sutton said they’d been married to powerful men, and Erika said they could be sadistic. Tom wouldn’t be rolling over to give her anything. In her interview, Erika said she knew how mean and overly dismissive was, and we flashed back to Tom snapping at Erika when they were at dinner with Ken and LVP.
Crystal had a session with kickboxing instructor Rashad, and in her interview, she said she started kickboxing to get the baby weight off. She always struggled with body image, and had stopped working out, but discovered a regular routine helped her. This is possibly the only time she and I will agree. I work out almost every day, and I love to incorporate kickboxing into it. Toward the end of Crystal’s workout, daughter Zoey had a meltdown, and in Crystal’s interview, she said she wasn’t an instigator <choke> or a fighter, but she would defend herself when she knew she was right. Her high energy house was sometimes too much.
Erika and Sutton did some cryotherapy, Erika saying she was an ice queen anyway. Afterwards, they hit the sauna, and Sutton asked if Erika was mad that Tom never came to see her in Chicago. Erika said it hurt. She’d gotten there because of his support, so why wasn’t he there for the payoff? In her interview, she said she was the wife he’d supported and funded, and became a lead in a Broadway show, yet he didn’t come. Then she had to defend him. We saw a clip from Watch What Happens Live, when she said he’d planned on coming when covid happened. Erika said her marriage was different from the rest of the women, and that was the hardest part. She told Sutton that she spent four months in NYC, and realized she was literally on own and okay. She thanked Sutton for the spa day, and said Sutton was one of the most kind-hearted people in her life.
In Garcelle’s interview, she said talk show host was on her bucket list, but she’d never imagined she’d be doing it from home. Sadly, the Kyle goldfish had died, but Garcelle said, for a goldfish, he’d lived a long life – 2020-2020. Once she’d gotten The Real, things had gotten really busy, and housekeeper Glenda was hired when it became too much. You know with a name like Glenda, I would expect her to arrive in a giant pink bubble every day. Garcelle asked the boys how they’d feel if she got married again, and son Jax wondered why she’d want marry someone. In her interview, Garcelle said she sometimes wondered how the divorce had shaped them. She had to be sensitive, but they also needed to see what a happy, healthy relationship was; she wanted to model how it should be.
Erika picked LisaR up in her Range Rover to go Christmas decoration shopping, and LisaR brought Santa hats for the occasion. They talked about various rumors, and Erika said there were headlines that she’d been seen with a couple of guys she hadn’t seen in years. We saw a clip of Garcelle and Erika discussing it, and Garcelle saying that an acquaintance had said she’d seen Tom out with someone who wasn’t Erika. In Erika’s interview, she said it wasn’t the first time she’d heard something like that. If at 81½ he was still out there getting p*ssy, hats off to you, player. I guess I’d feel the same way. He’s no <insert your favorite handsome actor here>. Erika said, you can’t even acknowledge this sh*t, and LisaR told her that the rumors of her daughter being with Scott Disick were true. Amelia had told her that they were just friends, then sent a video of them on the beach. LisaR said, Amelia was 19, and Scott was 37 with three kids. Erika said there was nothing she could do, and LisaR was thinking, maybe it was a phase. She wondered if she should text Kris, but she didn’t want to bring attention to it. They put their Santa hats and masks on, and went into the store. In her interview, Erika said she could have taken a lot of things, but she didn’t. It just brought back memories, and she couldn’t compete with her tiny house. Mind you, she means tiny according to her standards, which is probably big to us regular folks. In LisaR’s interview, she said she’d seen Lois every year at Christmas, and it was hard. Kyle called while they were in the store, and told them that she was inviting everyone over for drinks tomorrow, since they thought there was going to be another shutdown. She suggested sending Scott to Erika’s house, but Erika said she’d be too old for him.
In Kyle’s interview, she said when children were little, you were their favorite person, and they wanted to spend every waking minute with you. Then, they wanted nothing to do with you. You were not cool. It had been hard for Portia when Sofia went to college, since they were each other’s favorite people. She said when they’d left Sofia in D.C., Portia cried the entire way home. Portia was also having a different experience from the others, since she was going to a new school, but hadn’t gone to an actual campus, and she wasn’t meeting other kids. Kyle was worried for her, and had set up a surprise. When the family sat down to dinner, Sofia showed up. She had come directly from her campus, and said she’d tested negative, but was still being careful. So they couldn’t hug, but they touched toes. In her interview, Kyle said they loved each other so much. She hoped they would never lose it.
Everyone got ready for Kyle’s cocktail party, and Crystal said, growing up, she had been a tomboy; she was lucky there were stylists, since she had to go to events with her husband. Sutton put a giant black bow at the neck of her white blouse. Later, on WWHL, Andy would call it a tarantula bow, which was pretty accurate. I wouldn’t wear it, but I support her right to. Sutton always makes interesting fashion choices. She rode with Kyle to the party, and said that Crystal needed to get a sense of humor. The women met at the Huntley Hotel, where they modeled their attire for each other. In Garcelle’s interview, she said, Dorit commits to her brand, head to toe, and Sutton looked like a big old gift. There was an appetizer buffet, and Erika ordered another hot toddy. I wondered if she had a thing for them now. They do sound good, but only if it’s like, thirty degrees Fahrenheit out. LisaR wondered if she needed to call Scott Lord, and Kathy said she had to curtsey, which I assume was a joke? Kyle got loud, saying, he was too damn old, and had three kids. They all gave a hard no to their daughters dating older men, but in Erika’s interview, she said she was the girl dating the older man. In Kathy’s interview, she said from her experience, it could be worse. Dorit walked in during the discussion, and asked if it was mazel tov or no. Kathy thought mazel tov could mean good luck or merry Christmas. Garcelle said her oldest son Oliver had been lost, and then he met Sam, a woman who had an eight, six, and two-year-old. And she became pregnant with Oliver’s child. In her interview, Garcelle said Oliver had been lost for a long time, and we flashed back to a reunion where Garcelle talked about his addiction. She said she did what she could for him, from being supportive to giving tough love, but Oliver had a rough time for a long time. She told the women that Sam had been the best thing that ever happened to him, and all of them were her grandchildren. You couldn’t judge a book by its cover, and LisaR could be the grandmother of three.
In Garcelle’s interview, she said that her dating coach had gotten her on Bumble. She’d had to verify her photo five times because men thought she was catfishing. They sat down to eat, and Erika told the women, when she found out she had to get online to date, she was like, whaaat? She wanted to go over their financials first. Kathy called Sutton Thomasina, as in peeping Tom, and Sutton was not amused. Kyle said she’d explained to Kathy what happened in Tahoe. Crystal said Sutton had violated her, which gave the implication it was sexual. Crystal said she was naked, and felt uncomfortable. In Kyle’s interview, she said, embarrassed, awkward, or rude would have been more appropriate words, not violated. They kicked around definitions, and in Sutton’s interview, she said Kathy walked in on her when she was half-naked on the phone. She thought it was a normal girls trip occurrence, but maybe Crystal didn’t really have girlfriends. Garcelle said violation sounded like something intentional, and that wasn’t the case. In Erika’s interview, she said Sutton was a good Southern girl; thoughtful and generous. A word could get twisted around, making something small become bigger, and getting everyone involved. In Dorit’s interview, she said she thought the issue was insignificant, and they needed to move on. Sutton said she’d thought it was okay to come in, and there was nothing freaky going on. She was getting angry, and Crystal didn’t want her getting angry. I wondered if she turned into the Hulk or something, and she said she wasn’t in a bad place emotionally now. She’d been in a vulnerable in Tahoe, and apologized for it. She wasn’t letting Crystal make it sound like she was a weirdo. Crystal needed to tell everyone that nothing weird happened, and everyone had to agree on it. It was about her reputation. She wasn’t Mr. Poppins. This caused a lively side discussion about who Mr. Poppins might be, and in Garcelle’s interview, she asked if Mary Poppins had a man and she didn’t. Crystal said she didn’t believe Sutton came in to do anything weird, and she’d said that. It suddenly becoming more significant, Dorit said that wasn’t the case, and Crystal’s conversation about it was different than what she was saying now. In her interview, Dorit said when Crystal first talked about it, she made it sound like Sutton had set out to hurt or harm her, or make her uncomfortable. We flashed back to Crystal telling some of the others about it, and saying it was creepy, and Sutton had been shaming her. Dorit said, now Crystal was saying Sutton had no bad intentions, Now it was a different story. Kathy said everyone had been under pressure, and both Sutton and Crystal had a lot going on. Crystal hadn’t been away from her husband and kids. The night before the trip, Kathy had been excited, but scared. Kathy then called Dorit her English girl, and Erika said Dorit was from Connecticut. Dorit said her husband was English, but Kathy waved all that away, saying she’d never heard anything shady about Sutton. It was a game of telephone. Sutton said it was a dangerous game, and in Garcelle’s interview, she said nowadays, with cancel culture going on, it wasn’t the time to be throwing around strong words. Crystal said she wasn’t going to stop being an a-hole backing down on the word. It was done. Sutton said, no, it wasn’t.
Next time, Erika plays tennis badly, Harry Hamlin cooks for the women, and Crystal calls Sutton jealous.
🥂 Tomorrow Is Another Day…
We’ve almost made it to Friday, or the fifth day for those no longer caring. The Shahs are moving to Thursdays starting July 11th, but in the meantime, it looks like soap and a wild card. As always, stay safe, stay doing you, and stay avoiding perception problems that lead to chaos and violence. It tends to rattle everybody.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Elizabeth knocks on Finn’s office door, and says she has the lab results he wanted. He thanks her, going back to his desk, and she says, don’t. He cured Chase, and Chase’s health is getting better by the day. With physical therapy, he should be able to walk again, especially with Willow by his side. Finn should be happy for that. Don’t dwell on Peter. The world is a better place without him. Finn says Peter’s body is still in the subbasement, and it’s only a matter of time before the police find it. She tells him that Anna already almost figured it out.
Valentin and Anna run into Austin’s cabin, as rain pours down outside. She says she hopes there’s a hot shower. She thinks the rain will destroy any possibility, and Valentin says, of finding the baby? Maybe they should go home. She asks if he’s saying he’s giving up. Does he think Maxie’s baby is gone for good?
Maxie says, Sasha is pregnant. She didn’t realize. They haven’t talked, and their paths haven’t crossed. She congratulates Sasha, and they hug.
Brook walks into the MetroCourt, and asks Michael if he has a second. He says, not really, but she says he’s been hard to catch at the mansion, and she’d like some one-on-one time to talk about him and Willow. When are they getting back together? He says, Chase has had another setback; he can’t walk. She says, oh my God. Hasn’t Chase suffered enough? She hopes it’s not permanent, and he says, Finn doesn’t know; no one does. Willow can’t tell Chase that they’re together while he’s going through this. Brook says, they can’t be together for a long time, when Josslyn joins them. She asks what’s going on between Michael and Willow?
Scotty sees Obrecht, and pats the stool next to him, pulling it out for her. She sits, and he says, guess what? He landed a client with deep pockets. What say they fly first class from there to Honolulu? She says, it sounds lovely. Britt walks in, but waits by the entrance, and Obrecht says, perhaps a vacation with him will help her forget the sorrow in her head. He asks, what is it?Maxie’s baby? Franco? What’s making her so sad?
Carly gives Jason a beer, and says she just keeps thinking about what Ava said. How it’s theater; a performance demonstrating a binding contract. Jason says, Ava doesn’t know their situation, and Carly asks if he sees where she’s going. Is she wrong? He shakes his head, and says, no. She’s not wrong.
Josslyn asks if Michael and Willow are together together, and Brook says she has an important meeting, and she’s late per usual. Good luck. She leaves, and Michael says he got him and Josslyn a table. They walk over, and he tells her, have a seat. She sits, and says, not so fast. Mom told her that Michael and Sasha broke up. Is that the reason why? Michael says, no, and she says, from what Brooke said, it sounded like he and Willow wanted to be together, but can’t. Is she getting warm?
Sasha says she’s so sorry about Maxie’s baby, and Lucy says, that’s why she didn’t want Maxie to be part of the meeting. Maxie asks if Lucy thinks she can’t be happy for Sasha, and Nina says, congratulations. She didn’t realize. Is Sasha in a relationship? Sasha says, it’s complicated, and she’s sorry. This isn’t the way she wanted either of them to find out. Nina says, don’t be silly, and don’t feel bad at all. Celebrate the life she’s carrying. Nina and Sasha hug, and Sasha thanks her, especially after Sasha lied. Nina says she’s not thinking about the past; she’s tired of the past. Brook flies in, saying, sorry she’s late. Is it her imagination or… She sees Maxie and stops.
Anna suggests she and Valentin look at what they know. The nurse sent a PIN, and hands off the baby to someone before she falls. Peter vanishes without a trace, and the nurse conveniently falls to her death in an abandoned mine shaft. It’s vintage Peter. If Peter has the baby, he’s going to make certain he’s not found again. Valentin says, Peter’s not infallible, like Faison wasn’t infallible. They’re going to find Maxie’s daughter. Anna asks why he’s doing this. Why is he there when he could be warm and dry with Charlotte and her baby sister? Valentin says he won’t rest until they find Maxie’s daughter.
Finn asks if Anna was checking the subbasement, but Elizabeth says, Anna was on the roof, and found the elevator. She thought that might be how Peter got away, but she convinced Anna that wasn’t possible. Anna figured out that Peter was going to take a helicopter, and now she’s determined to find out the identity of the pilot. Finn says, that’s not going to help, but Anna won’t stop digging until she finds out. Sorry. She says he has nothing to apologize for, and he says, he’d interrupted her before. How close was she to telling Jason about Peter? She says, Jason is an expert at this kind of thing, in making sure inconvenient people aren’t found. She was tempted to tell him. Finn says, and he stopped her. As much as she trusts Jason, he doesn’t know Jason, and doesn’t want him involved. She says she hears him, but it’s only a matter of time before the police investigation leads them back to the hospital, where Peter was last seen. They’re going to check the sealed off areas, and discover the body. What can they do to not make this worse?
Scotty says he wants to take Obrecht’s problems away, and she says he’s so kind. Britt joins them, and Obrecht says Scotty was trying to cheer her up. Scotty suggests taking the girls out for a couple of T-bones, but Obrecht says, perhaps another time. Britt invited her for a drink. Scotty says he’d never try to shoehorn in on mother/daughter business; it’s important. He and Obrecht will talk later. He leaves, and Britt says, congratulations. Obrecht had nothing to worry about. She and Scotty are a couple. Obrecht says, they are, like Britt and Jason.
Carly tells Jason she needs a favor. Be honest, and tell her straight out, what do the Novaks and other families expect? How do they demonstrate Jason is in charge? He says he makes her disappear, and she asks if he means kill her? He nods, and says, or if she wants to move, that might be enough. What does she think? She says, Port Charles is her home. Her business is here, her home is here, the home she shared with Sonny. But she doesn’t want to risk her or her kids’ lives to save face.
Jason says Carly and her kids are well protected. The best way to keep them safe is to show they’re too strong to make a move on again. They have no weaknesses to expect. Carly says, no power struggle? No question about who’s in charge? and he says, that’s exactly what Ava’s solution would do.
Britt says, Jason told her that Obrecht spoke to him about her having the genetic marker for Huntington’s disease, and Obrecht asks if that’s why Britt invited her for a drink, to discuss that. Britt says, Jason said Obrecht needed someone to talk to, and Obrecht says she’s afraid she lost control of her emotions. Looking into those blue eyes, she couldn’t help herself. Britt says she doesn’t want the disease to define who she is, and Obrecht asks, who else does she have to talk to? Britt says, how about no one? and Obrecht says, Britt and her brother were the only good things to come out of her misguided obsession with Faison, and he killed Nathan. Now Huntington’s will… Britt says, kill her? and Obrecht asks how she’s supposed to stay strong for Britt, even as the disease takes hold of the daughter of her heart?
Josslyn says she heard Brook telling Michael that he and Willow had to take time apart for a while. To her, that sounds like some people who are together. He says just because she aced her psych class doesn’t mean there’s a deep, dark secret. He invited her there to talk about getting into PCU, not talk about him. Scotty comes by, and says, hello, Michael Corinthos III and Josslyn. He understands there’s an ELQ board meeting coming up, and Michael says, there is, but what does that have to do with Scotty?
Maxie wonders what Brook is doing there, and Brook says she’s there for a collaboration between Crimson and Deception. Lucy says, Brook came up with the idea for a social media campaign, and Brook says she already has tens of thousands of followers on Insta. Lucy says she’s dying to know what the campaign is, and Maxie says, what about Bailey? Did Brook leave her with the nanny? Nina says, the nanny’s name is Valentin, but Brook says, Valentin is away on business, but Olivia is taking care of Bailey. Lucy says Brook enlisted Valentin to go to bat for her, and face it, the guy with the purse strings gets a say. Maxie says she needs to talk to Brook alone, grabs Brook, and jets out the door with her.
Valentin pours some whiskey into Anna’s coffee cup, and toasts to finding Maxie’s baby. Anna adds, and bringing her home. He asks if she changed her mind about giving up, and she says, actually, he changed it for her. He says they could start a fire. He saw a shed, and he’s sure firewood must be in it. She says he’s changed so much. When he first came to Port Charles he had a chip on his shoulder, and hated her. He says, I barely tolerate you now, darling, and Anna and I laugh. He says she was kind to him in their WSB days, then she rejected him. She gave him the greatest night of his life, or so he thought. She says her sister never did things by halves. She derives great pleasure in hurting the people who care for Anna. He says he was a fool as a kid, but she says, he was kind; so kind and smart, and a great sparring partner. He says, so is she, and she says she hated that he got sent away to school so young. It was like he was abandoned. He says, is she kidding him? He’ll go check on the firewood. He leaves, and Anna leans back on the couch, and shakes her head.
Finn says if Elizabeth is suggesting they move Peter’s body, He thinks it’s a bad idea. She asks if he had a better one, and he says, something needs to be done, but she’s not the one to do it. She says he can’t do it alone, but he says he can and he will. He’s going to the PCPD and confessing to killing Peter.
Jason tells Carly that he wants to be clear. It’s not a magic bullet. Taking this step won’t guarantee peace but… She says, it won’t prevent it, and he says, it will send a message that she supports him as head of the Corinthos Organization, and it’s not possible to divide and conquer. She says, it makes sense from a business perspective, and he says, besides complete destruction, it’s the best option he’s heard so far. She says, but they’re not a business; they’re people. What would this mean for their lives?
Scotty says, the ELQ shareholder’s meeting is no secret. He’s done his research. Michael asks why Scotty is interested. He doesn’t have anything to do with ELQ. Scotty says, everyone needs a hobby, like birdwatching. Some are more interesting than others. He’ll see Michael later. He leaves, and Josslyn asks what that was about. Michael says her guess is as good as his, but he doesn’t want to think about Scotty tonight. When does volleyball practice start? She says, soon. There’s a team building trip coming up, and she’ll get to meet the players. Michael says that must be exciting for her… isn’t it?
Maxie asks what Brook is thinking. She doesn’t even like to work. Brook says, that’s not true. Valentin said she’d make a dynamic businesswoman, and she found a way to build her resumé, and for Maxie to see her daughter. Maxie asks how Brook is going to make that happen, and Brook says, both Crimson and Deception are socially conscious organizations. Maxie asks how that’s going to help her, and Brook says, there’s a childcare center next door. She’ll bring Bailey/Louise to work, and since she can’t have the baby in the office, Maxie will be able to see her daughter away from the busybody Q’s wondering why she’s there.
Elizabeth says she and Finn talked about going to the police, and decided it was a bad idea. Finn says, that was when Chase was sick. He found an antidote. He promises not to implicated her, and she says, if he confesses, his life is over. He says, so is hers if they find her DNA on the body. If he confesses, they’ll have no reason to check. She says he needs to think about this, but he says that’s all he’s done. If he’s going to do this right, he needs to have lawyer. He called Franco’s father.
Valentin gets a fire going, and says, a fire and a bottle of whiskey; what more could they want? She says she’d like his full attention. He couldn’t get out fast enough when she brought up his childhood. She didn’t pity him; she admired him. She admired his courage. He’s very strong, and still is. He pours some more whiskey into his cup, and says, the rain’s not stopping. She asks if he thinks they’re stuck, and he says, stuck in what way?
Britt tells Obrecht that she’s not getting sick tomorrow. Or next week, or even, hopefully, next year. Huntington’s strikes most people older than she is. Obrecht says, she understands that Britt doesn’t want the disease dominating her life, and Britt says, especially since she has to fight to keep her Chief of Staff position. Obrecht says she heard Monica was back in charge, and Britt says, and another doctor wants her job. She suggests they make a deal. No more breakdowns in front of Jason, and instead, Obrecht can confide her worries to Scotty. Obrecht says Britt wants her to tell Scotty the truth about her? and Britt says, have at it, waterworks and all. Obrecht thanks her, and promises Scotty won’t tell a soul, or he’ll have her to answer to. Nor will he look at Britt any different. Britt says Obrecht doesn’t have to make that promise. Scotty won’t be able to help it; no one can. Obrecht ask if Jason sees Britt any differently.
Carly says, once upon a time, Michael was a toddler, and she didn’t want anything more. She sabotaged everything, and threw him away with both hands. Jason says, he came back, and he thinks it’s better. Before, Carly couldn’t have anything good, because if she got what she wanted, she would test it until it broke. That’s why he worked for Sonny. She and Sonny could test and break each other, and still come back together. She says, Sonny is gone, and no one else understands how empty she feels. No one else has the same hole in their heart except him. She sighs.
Josslyn says Michael doesn’t need to worry about her; she’s got this. He says, okay, but it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed going to college. She says, Trina is going to PCU, and they already have housing there. He says, Cameron is going there too, right? and she says, that’s what he posted. He asks if they haven’t gotten over their disagreement, but she says, it was more than a disagreement. He says, they’ve been friends since kindergarten, and she says, Cameron almost shot Jason; he’s family. Michael says, people make mistakes, and they forgive them, and she asks if that’s why he let Nina back in Wiley’s life. What changed his mind and made him decide to forgive Nina?
Lucy says, Maxie is devastated about her baby’s disappearance, as she should be, and Nina didn’t know her daughter until after she was dead. Nina says, Nelle was taken from her a long time ago, but she’s right to worry about Maxie. That’s fresh, and Peter put her through so much pain. Maxie’s daughter is out there. Sasha says her idea combines their campaign with a way to help find Maxie’s baby, and Lucy says she’s all ears. Spill.
Maxie asks if she’s hearing what she thinks she is. Brook deliberately took a job so she could see her baby? Brook asks why she looks so surprised. The whole point was to keep the baby safe from Peter, not keep Maxie and her baby apart. Maxie says she doesn’t know what to think, and Brook says when she saw Maxie holding her daughter, she saw the love Maxie has for her, and the pain in letting her go. She has complete faith that Maxie made the right decision. The best place for Louise is with her and Valentin, but she wants to do everything she can to make it easy for Maxie to see her baby as much as possible. Maxie hugs her.
Finn tells Elizabeth that Scotty is on his way, but she says there’s still time for him to change his mind. Don’t throw away his life for Peter. As far as she’s concerned, Peter got just what he deserved. He says, Maxie still thinks Peter is out there, and he’s going to find her baby and disappear. Or target her and her children. At the very least, he can put her fears to rest. Elizabeth says, it’s good to be noble, but don’t turn himself in to protect her. He says her sons need her. They just lost their stepfather, and she’ll do them no good in prison. If he’s going to do this, he needs to do it alone. There’s a knock at the door, and it’s the nanny with Violet. Finn asks if Violet is okay, and the nanny says, Violet couldn’t sleep; she missed him. Finn picks up Violet and holds her, and Elizabeth smiles. Guess he forgot about Violet.
Jason tells Carly, this is a big step. If they take it, there’s no going back, so they have to be sure. They have to weigh what they can gain against what they could lose. They could lose everything. She asks if he’s really thinking of doing this? and he says he thinks they have to. She says she needs time alone to think about this, and he says, him too. She says she knows he’s oblivious to things like this, but everyone will think she planned this. They think she ran off every woman he’s loved in case she needed him, and now she needs him… He says, it they do this, they know why, and that’s all that matters. He leaves, and Carly does some thinking.
Britt tells Obrecht that she doesn’t think Jason looks at her any differently. He accepts her as she is, before and after. Obrecht asks if they made love after she revealed her diagnosis. Isn’t that significant? Britt says she’s not discussing her sex life with Obrecht, and Obrecht apologizes for overstepping. Britt must stop avoiding her feelings, and tell Jason the truth, that she cares for him. Britt asks, who says she cares for him? and Obrecht says, Britt does. It’s in her eyes, and the tone of her voice when his name comes up. Whatever time she has left, live it passionately with the man she knows she’s growing to love. Something else tells her that he loves Britt too.
Michael tells Josslyn that he had time to think, and maybe giving Nina a second chance isn’t a bad idea. She asks if he discussed it with their mom. He knows how she feels about Nina. He says Carly isn’t afraid of sharing her opinion, but he can’t worry about that right now. She says, because of the Willow thing, and he says, there is no thing. Willow is married to Chase; there’s no story. She says she wants him to be happy, and he says, like her? She says she’s fine. She has college stuff to look forward to. He suggests they have dessert to celebrate, but she says she can’t. She should get home. He congratulates her again, and makes her promise to get together with him soon. She says she loves him, and thanks him for dinner. He says he loves her too, and she’s welcome.
Brook and Maxie come back in, and Lucy says, it looks like they worked things out. Maxie says they had a good talk, and she realized she can miss her daughter without drowning in it. Lucy says Maxie is amazing, and they need to support her. Maxie says she could bask in their compliments forever, but they need to move on. She asks Lucy to show her concept, and Lucy says, great. When Sasha came to her, and told her that she was pregnant, she wondered how they could include new moms – Sasha says, and mothers-to-be – in their product line, and in the pages of Crimson. This is what she came up with. She unveils a photo of a pregnant Sasha that says, The Face of Conception. Nina says, very cool, and Lucy says, there’s another part to the launch, but it was Sasha’s idea, so she’s going to let Sasha tell them. Sasha says she thought, to keep the search for Maxie’s baby in the forefront, everyone could hold a midnight candlelight vigil across the country, and alert the nation to the kidnapping of Maxie’s baby. Brook says, that’s a terrible idea.
Anna looks at Bailey/Louise’s picture, and says, she’s gorgeous. Valentin says she’s right. Objectively, she is a beautiful baby. She lights up the room. Anna asks, what’s going on with him and Brook? and he says, she’s candid and outrageous, and surprisingly kind. He likes her. She amuses him. Anna says, cozy? and he says he doesn’t know how cozy it is, but they’re getting along. She says, that’s a good thing, and he asks if there’s anyone in Anna’s life to ease the pain of her losing Finn.
Finn says he misses Violet too, but it’s past her bedtime. She says, his too; he works too hard. Elizabeth asks if Violet had fun being a flower girl, and Violet says her daddy made Uncle Chase better, like he said he would. Why can’t Finn be with her more? Finn says he wants that more than anything in the world, and Violet says, when Uncle Chase leaves the hospital, they can have a tea party, with him, Willow, and Roxie. Finn says, Uncle Chase will love that, and so will Willow. Violet asks, won’t Finn be there?
Lucy asks how holding a vigil for a missing child be a bad thing? and Brook says, it will remind Maxie of her own baby. Nina says, they’re trying to help Maxie, not hurt her, and Sasha says, she agrees. She thought as many people as possible should be made aware that Maxie’s baby was stolen, and Lucy says, if Peter has a light shone on him, the more people might look for him. Nina says, they might call the police, and Lucy says, it’s for Maxie. Sasha says, they’re right. It’s a great idea, and Maxie says, who knows? Maybe they’re right.
Anna tells Valentin that she has plenty of people in her life who make her feel better; Robin, her grandchildren, Violet, Maxie, her friends. Friends and family, but she doesn’t get to see them all that often. He says he can think of someone she sees quite often, and she says, Robert? He nods, and she says Robert just recently forgave her. When she went back for Sean’s memorial, they talked. He asks, how about him? Is he her friend? Is he on her list of friends? She says, see what he did? Of course (🍷) he is. He’s wonderful. She couldn’t have gotten through the past few months without him. He says, nor him without her.
Finn says he loves seeing Violet, but it’s late, and time for bed. He tells her, goodnight, and Violet says goodnight to him and her Aunt Elizabeth. At the door, Finn tells Violet he loves her, and blows her a kiss. Elizabeth says, now he knows why he can’t confess. She’s not the only one with children who need her. Scotty arrives, and says the nanny gets prettier every day. She’s like a gift of sunshine. Finn said he needed legal advice. What are they talking about? Malpractice?
Josslyn walks in, and says she can’t figure out what’s going on with Michael, but stops when she sees Carly. She asks if Carly is okay, and Carly says, sorry. What’s going on with Michael? Josslyn says, nothing. What about her? She has that look on her face. Carly says, what look? and Josslyn says, like she’s thinking about something important.
Britt goes to her office. She remembers what Obrecht said about living passionately with man she’s grown to love, and flashes back to her and Jason getting busy. Jason comes to the door, and says her name. She turns and smiles. He doesn’t smile, but it’s hard to tell if it’s not just his normal look, or if there’s a problem.
Tomorrow, Austin asks if there’s anything Sam isn’t suspicious of, Finn says he needs legal representation, Ava wonders if she can fix something, and Jason asks if there’s a problem.
The Haves and The Have Nots
When we last left, Jim accused Celine of killing his daughter Amanda.
Celine asks what Jim is talking about, and he says Celine was the last person to see his daughter alive. She asks again what he’s talking about, and he says he knows she did it. She asks why he’s saying these things, and he says Veronica knows what he’s talking about. Celine asks why he’s saying this; she never hurt Amanda. He says her lawyer should be the one to tell her what’s going on, and Celine says, one of them tell her. Veronica says, Jim is going to try and frame her. Celine says, with what? and Jim says, the DA made it clear that he wasn’t certain it was a suicide. Celine says Jim would use his daughter’s death to destroy her? and he says he’d use the devil herself. Celine says, he is the devil, but he says, the devil is this beautiful bitch standing by Celine’s side. Celine says Jim has done a lot to her, but she can’t believe this, and he tells her to be a good little girl. Drop this, or he’ll make her life a living hell. She says, it’s already hell, and she’s not dropping it. He suggests she drop in the hole he’s already dug for Veronica, and Veronica asks if he’s threatening to hurt her, but he says, it’s not a threat. Consider it something he’d like to check off his bucket list. Just wait and see. Veronica says she’s waiting, and he tells her, get off his property. She says he’s been served. She wants the money in 24 hours, or he’ll go to jail. He says they’ll see about that. Since she served him, she might as well leave the papers. She hands him the envelope, and says, he’s been served. He thanks her, and says, he’s used to it. He goes inside.
Hanna goes into Wyatt’s dark apartment, and walks into the bedroom. She says she’s not trying to see this, and bangs on something, rousing Roderick and two women. He asks who the hell she is, and she says her name is Hanna Young. She works for Kathryn. He says he doesn’t need anything, thanks, and starts to lie back down. She says, no, and he says, what? She says, ladies, and slams a pillow repeatedly on the bed. They need to get up, get their clothes and their things, and get out. Roderick asks who the hell she is, and she says they need to go. She doesn’t think her boss would be too pleased to find out there were ladies in her house. Roderick says, fine, and tells the women, get up, hustling them out of the bed. Hanna says, let’s move, and seeing they’re not wearing much except thongs, she says, my God Jesus. She tells Roderick that Kathryn also wants him to answer his phone. He says, okay. Hanna isn’t going to tell her… Hanna says, oh yes she is, and he says, she’ll ask him to leave. Hanna asks what Kathryn is to him, and he asks if Kathryn didn’t tell her. Hanna says she wants him to tell her, and he says Kathryn is a really good friend; she takes care of him. They take care of each other. Hanna says, okay, and starts to leave, but Roderick grabs her arm. She says, hands off, please, and he says, don’t tell Kathryn. He knows a beautiful woman like Hanna knows what it’s like to do what you have to. She says she knows damn well he’s not trying to flirt with her. Does he know how much money he’d have to pay her? Boy, bye. She walks out.
Okay, here’s how I’m going to do this. The thug Jim hired to take care of Veronica will be Thug 1. The French thug Veronica hired to take care of Thug 1 will be Thug 2. Kind of like Thing 1 and Thing 2. Hey, I’m doing the best I can. A car pulls into a parking garage. Thug 2 holds a gun on Thug 1, and tells him, get out of the car. Thug 1’s phone rings, and Thug 2 tells him, answer it. He does, and Jim says, the bitch just left house. He wants it done now. Thug 1 hangs up, and puts the phone on the ground. He asks if Thug 2 is going to kill him, and Thug 2 says, sorry, man. He knows how it goes. Thug 1 says, you live by the sword, you die by the sword, and Thug 2 says, that’s right. Turn around. Thug 1 grabs the hand holding the gun, and knocks it away. They fight, using a lot of kicks, which I always like. They fight for a while, and Thug 1, who looks like he might have gotten the worst of it, asks Thug 2 if he gives up.
Benny calls Rianna, who says he can move in tomorrow. She needs to drop off the keys, and he suggests they meet at the house. She agrees, and he says he’ll be there shortly, but she says, no, tomorrow. He thanks her, and she says she’ll see him then. He sits on the bed, and she calls back. She says she wanted to tell him how sorry she was about what happened. No one ever stood up for her before. He says he wasn’t letting that happen, and she says she’s had to move four times. He says he’s sorry to hear that. What about killing Sandy’s…. She says she had an abortion. He was so abusive, she didn’t want a baby to be part of it. She’s regretted it every day, and thinks it’s God punishing her. He tells her, don’t feel that way, and she says she doesn’t know why she put that on him. She poured a drink… He says she shouldn’t drink alone, and she says she has no one else to drink with. He says he’ll come over, but she says, she’s alone and vulnerable. No. He tells her to send the address. She shouldn’t be alone. She says, okay; she’ll text him. He says he’ll clean up, and be over. Rianna texts Benny the address, and Candace walks into the hotel room. She tells Benny that he’s not going anywhere. That kid is serious. He says Sandy doesn’t know where he is; he’ll be fine. She says he just doesn’t listen, and he says he’ll be back, and leaves.
Mitch walks into the Iron Bone, and sees Vinnie sitting in a booth. He sits across from Vinnie, and asks where Mama Rose is. Vinnie says she put him in charge, and Mitch says, she did? Vinnie asks if Mitch doubts him; never doubt him. Mama Rose is getting older. Mitch says, so Vinnie is the new Mama Rose? and Vinnie says, that’s right. Mitch says Vinnie wanted to talk to him, and Vinnie says, yeah. Come on. Let’s go to the office.
In the office, Vinnie hands Mitch the phone, and says, talk to her. Mama Rose tells Mitch that she’s in Florida, and Vinnie is in charge. She’s tired. She’s not happy about what he did. Mitch asks, what did he do? and she says, Vinnie knows how to handle it. Talk to him. Mitch says, Mama…? and Vinnie asks if she hung up. Mitch says, yeah, and gives the phone back to Vinnie. Mitch says, so Vinnie is the new Mama Rose. Congratulations. Vinnie thanks him, and asks how he’s doing. Good? Mitch says he’s okay, and Vinnie wonders when was the last time Mitch had some real food, Italian food. Mitch says he’s good, and Vinnie sees he’s got a new phone. What’s with him? How did he get it? Mitch says, it was a gift from a friend, and Vinnie asks if it was Candace. Mitch is friends with her and her brother? Mitch says he is, and Vinnie says it’s good Mitch went to bat for them. Mitch told Jim that the family was protecting them. Does Mitch know how much Candace took from Jim? Mitch says he knows, but they’re good people. Vinnie asks if Mitch knows how many times Jim and David saved the family; Mitch’s uncle, his grandfather, Sandy, Sammy, his mom. Mitch says he didn’t know, and Vinnie says, they made evidence disappear. He’s in deep with Jim, and Mitch says, he didn’t know. Vinnie asks why Mitch lied to the family, and Mitch says he was just trying to protect his friend. Vinnie says Mitch shouldn’t have done that, and Mitch says he’s sorry. Vinnie says, him too. Now he has to punish Mitch for lying to the family, and Mitch says, all right. Whatever punishment Vinnie has is fine; he’ll take it. Vinnie says, it’s a delicate balance, and Mitch says, Candace brought them War, but Vinnie says they would have gotten War anyway. He’s already done her a lot of favors; she’s out. Mitch says, okay. He’ll go take his punch. Vinnie calls in Sal, who is pretty big, and Sal says, come on. Mitch goes with him.
Outside the Iron Bone (I just like putting in Iron Bone as much as possible) Sal says, sorry, and Mitch says he’s got to do what he has to. Sal says, it is what it is, and Mitch says, just not the face. Give him a break. Sal says, sorry, bitch, and, along with two other guys, punches the sh*t out of Mitch’s stomach. Sal says, sorry, kid, and gives Mitch a punch in the face. The other two guys continue pummeling him.
Hanna is lying on the couch, and gets a collect call from Kathryn. She asks if Kathryn is doing all right, and Kathryn says she’d like a steak and a drink. Hanna says she can’t have that in there, and Kathryn says, apparently not. Did Hanna see Roderick? He’s still not answering his phone. Hanna says, mmm, and Kathryn asks what mmm means. Hanna hesitates, and Kathryn says tell her. She really likes him. What did Hanna see? Hanna says, he wasn’t by himself; he had a couple of women in there. Kathryn says, what? Dammit! Hanna says, sorry, and Kathryn says, put him out. Go with the Sheriff, and have him put out right now. Hanna says she’ll try tonight, but if not, first thing in the morning. Kathryn says, that’s the reason he’s not answering his phone; that bastard. How many? Hanna says, two, and Kathryn says, what?
Kathryn says, two in the bed, and Hanna says, yeah. Kathryn says, son of a bitch, and Hanna says she’s sorry. Kathryn says, not as sorry as he’s going to be. Hanna says Kathryn is really still married, and Kathryn says, don’t judge. Hanna say she’s not judging, and Kathryn asks if it’s too much to want be loved and love. Hanna says, no; it’s a wonderful thing. It just depends on how you get it. Kathryn says she knows Hanna’s not interested in the details, but it felt good to be held and feel loved, even if she was lying to herself. Life hasn’t been easy for her. Hanna says he can understand why Kathryn is saying that, and believes her, but she started off with more than most. Kathryn says, money doesn’t stop the pain, and Hanna says, she knows. Kathryn laughs, and asks what the hell is she doing? Hanna says Kathryn has too much on her mind to be thinking about all this, and Kathryn says she still wants Roderick’s ass out. Hanna says, okay, and Kathryn suggests Hanna call him now, and let her speak to him. Hanna puts Kathryn on hold, and calls Roderick. When Roderick answers, Hanna patches Kathryn through, and Kathryn says, get the hell out, you son of a bitch. He says, let him explain, but she says, there’s nothing to explain. He had women in her house. He says he didn’t; Hanna is lying. Kathryn says, is she? and he says his sister was there. The look Hanna gives the phone is priceless, and Kathryn says, his sister was in the bed with him. He says, she was on the couch. He knew Hanna was going to lie. He loves Kathryn. Kathryn says, does he now? and he says he does. He knew Hanna would lie, and he hates a liar. Kathryn says, so does she, and he asks if she’s out. She says, no, and he says he’s worried about her, and wants to see her. He asks if they allow conjugal visits, and again, Hanna’s face. Kathryn says, what she hates are liars, and he says, so does he, but she says he lied to her. A recording comes on, saying, there’s one minute remaining. Roderick asks how Kathryn is calling him, and she says she has a friend on the line. He asks, who? and Hanna says, the liar who told Kathryn he was in her house with two other women. Roderick does a face palm, and Kathryn tells him, get your sh*t and get out of my house, or the Sheriff will be there to throw you out. Wyatt tells Roderick, get the hell off the phone, and Kathryn asks if that’s Wyatt. Is that her son? She asks Hanna if Roderick hung up, and Hanna says he did. Kathryn asks if that was Wyatt, and Hanna says, it sounded like him. Kathryn wonders what the hell Wyatt is doing there, and asks Hanna to find out for her. Hanna says, okay, and Kathryn says, he’s supposed to be in the hospital. What’s going on? Hanna says she doesn’t know, and Kathryn says she’ll call back in a few hours. She owes Hanna so much. They hang up, and Hanna drags her ass back up off the couch. I know how she feels.
Thug 1 asks if Thug 2 gives up, but Thug 2 shakes his head. Thug 1 says, go, man, and Thug 2 says he’s going to die, but Thug 1 says, it will be no easy win. Thug 2 says he sees that. Military? Thug 1 says, Marines. Him? Thug 2 says he was in the French Navy. Respect. He wishes he was on Thug 1’s team. (I am not making this up; this scene is too funny.) Thug 1 says, that can be arranged, and Thug 2 says, how so? Thug 1 asks how much Veronica is paying him, and Thug 2 says, fifteen. What did he get? Thug 1 says, he got thirty, and Thug 2 says, he’s got to do this. He needs the money. Thug 1 says, unless Thug 2 takes the money, and just says he took care of it. Then he’ll take care of Veronica. It’s a win-win. Thug 2 says he likes it. What say they shake on it? He holds out his hand, but Thug 1 says, no. He doesn’t trust Thug 2 as far as he can kick him. Thug 2 says, smart man. So deal? Thug 1 says, deal, and Thug 2 tells him to get his gun, which ended up on the parking lot floor, along with Thug 2’s gun. Thug 1 picks up both guns, hands Thug 2 his gun, and they both get in the car.
Veronica walks into a gay dance club, and approaches the drag queen hostess. The hostess touches her arm, and Veronica says, don’t touch me. The queen says, I love your shoes, honey, and Veronica says, you’d never fit in them, honey. The queen asks if she can help Veronica, and Veronica says she wants a drink. Does she think they’ll have anything she can drink in there? The queen says, they’re dripping in divas. What does Veronica want? Veronica says she wants to see someone, but the queen says, no one is looking for bitches here. Veronica asks if they’re looking for pink unicorns, and the queen says, it’s gay pride every day here. She asks what Veronica wants, and Veronica says she’s looking for the owner. The queen says, he’s not here, and Veronica asks when he’ll be back. The queen says she doesn’t know, and Veronica says she’s not coming back. The queen says, good, and they both laugh. Veronica says, tell him to call her, and the queen says she’ll think about it. Veronica says, think, darling, and she needs to do something about those toes. Her, of all people, should wear closed toe shoes. The queen says, bitch, get the hell out, and Veronica says the queen doesn’t scare her. She can drag as good as the queen can. Veronica decides to go in, and the queen says, it’s ten dollars. Veronica says, honey, please, and keeps walking. The queen yells, there’s a homophobe bitch in the club. That bitch with the short hair. She calls for security, and Veronica walks up to a guy at the bar. He asks what Veronica wants, and she says she’s there to see him. Relax. It’s time. He says, for what? and she says she has something to tell him. He says he’s sorry he didn’t tell her that he was gay, but she says she doesn’t care about that. It was a long time ago. He says she made sure to ruin his life, and she says he did okay. He owns this place of debauchery. He says, that’s not how they see it, and she says she doesn’t care how they see it. Tell Miss Thing to make her drink… in a plastic cup, please. Forget it. Just open a new bottle, and give her the bottle. He says, okay. What do they need to talk about? She says she’ll give it to the queens. They sure can dance. He asks if she came to see them dance, and she wonders why anyone would look at them otherwise. She came to tell him something, but now she wants to dance. Where’s her drink? Someone brings her a bottle of what looks like vodka, and she slugs some back. He says he thought she wanted to talk, and she tells him, hold her pocketbook. He says, no, and she asks if he knows how expensive it is. He knows he wants to own it. She puts it on his arm, and he says it looks better on him. She says he looks all right, and yells, work it, bitch! Work it! She tells him that she can’t stand their gay asses, but they sure can dance. She works around the dance floor, and grabs him, dancing around him, as he stands there. The hostess queen, says, come on, sugar, and she and Veronica dance in the middle of the floor like it’s a gay Footloose. I wonder how the hell we got here, and if Veronica is a closet reverse drag queen. Veronica sashays out, and the hostess queen asks, who was that ignorant bitch? He says, it’s a long story. I’ll bet, and I wonder if somehow he’s Jeffrey’s father…
There’s a knock at the hotel room door, and Candace asks who it is. A voice says, maintenance, but Candace says she didn’t call for maintenance. Surprisingly, she opens the door, and it’s Conley. She asks who he is, and he says, Senator Westley. She says she told him that she didn’t want talk, but he says he only needs a minute. Please. She lets him in, and he thanks her. She asks what he wants, and he says Charles loves her (using the usual he instead of Charles). She says she’s heard that. First he sent Landon, now Conley. Conley says Charles didn’t send him, and she repeats that she doesn’t want to talk. Conley says Charles loves her; he’s sick without her. She says she doesn’t care, but Conley says he knows Charles really loves her, and with the turning tide of the press, he thinks she should reach out. She asks if he’s done, and he says he’s just started. He’s begging her. He came there hoping to change her mind. She says he won’t. Charles humiliated her. He put her in the trunk of a car, and smuggled her out of town. Conley says Charles was advised to. He knows Charles, and he’s a scared kid, trying to figure it out. Conley did research on her, and likes what he found. She’s a shark, and Charles needs a shark. She says, Charles is a shark. She’s seen how dangerous and cold he is. Conley says, only to protect himself; he’s a fighter. She says, let him fight for someone else, and Conley says he needs to share something. Charles’s wife didn’t die of natural causes. She committed suicide when Charles was at work. The kids found her; they were really young. He can’t imagine how difficult it must have been, and then Charles found Candace. She’s a girl with issues, but she won his heart. It’s been a long time since Conley has seen him like this. She woke him up. He asks her to please not tell anyone what he told her about his wife’s death. No one knows. He knows she lost a son, and understands grief. He wanted to tell her that she’s woken Charles up inside, and he cares way too much about it to let it die on the vine. He thanks her for listening, and tells her, have a good night. She says, him too, and he leaves. She sits on the bed, and ponders all of this.
Wyatt has lines of God-knows-what lined up to snort, along with a bottle of (I think) whiskey. Roderick says, hey, and Wyatt says, don’t bug him. Roderick asks if Wyatt wants to die. Does he know what that stuff is? Wyatt says he doesn’t care. Don’t say anything to him. Roderick says, that stuff will kill him, and Wyatt says, he’ll die a happy man. Roderick says, fine, and Wyatt says, go clean his kitchen. He starts to snort a line, and Roderick says, Mr. Cryer… Wyatt says, get out of his face, and Roderick tells him, his mother said he was angry. Wyatt asks why his mother was talking about him to Roderick. Shut up, and clean the kitchen. He pours more liquor into his glass, and Roderick asks if he’s doing downers and uppers at the same time. Wyatt says, it looks like it, and snorts a line. Roderick’s phone rings, and Wyatt says, don’t answer it. Roderick says Wyatt’s mom heard him, and Wyatt asks if she knows he’s there. Roderick says he guesses so, and Wyatt says he doesn’t give a damn. Roderick says Wyatt has problems, and Wyatt tells him to get more blow. Roderick asks if Wyatt has any idea how much he’s had, and Wyatt says he doesn’t give a damn. Roderick says, he’s going to die, and Wyatt says, go. Roderick says he has no more money, and Wyatt asks if his mother isn’t taking care of Roderick. Roderick says she wants him out; he has to leave. Wyatt says he knows where he can get money – his parents’ place. His mom has jewelry, and his dad has watches. They can sell them. Roderick says he’s not doing that, and Wyatt asks if he’s an honest whore now. Roderick repeats he’s not doing that, and Wyatt says he’ll do it himself. Roderick says, whatever, dude. He’s got to get out of there. Wyatt asks for his car keys back, and Roderick hands them over, saying, he can’t get far without… Wyatt says, get out, and Roderick says Wyatt is going to die. Wyatt says, a happy man is he, and Roderick leaves. Wyatt talks nonsense to himself.
Back at the Iron Bone, Sandy walks into Vinnie’s office, holding an ice pack or something against his head. Vinnie asks, what the hell happened? and Sandy says, Mitch didn’t tell him? Vinnie says, no, and Sandy says, that kid Mitch has been protecting. Vinnie says, Benny? What about him? Sandy says, they got into it. Mitch’s boy did this. Vinnie says, Benny did that? He should whip Sandy’s ass for that. Sandy asks what he did, and Vinnie says, for coming in there looking like that. He knows what happened. Word gets around. Sandy says he wants Benny dead, and Vinnie says, so why doesn’t he do it? Sandy says he came to ask permission, and Vinnie says he’s got it. The two of them. Sandy says, okay, and Vinnie says, or is Sandy scared he can’t do it alone? Sandy says he’s not scared, and Vinnie says, okay, then do it. Kill them. He gives Sandy a gun, and says, do it. Sandy picks up the gun, and says, he’s dead. Vinnie says, don’t come back until he is. He wants him dead. Sandy nods, and leaves.
Next time, David tells Jim that Vinnie is now running things, Kathryn calls Jim to tell him about Wyatt, and Wyatt shows up at David. And Oscar returns! Only two more episodes before the finale.
🤬 I have to mention, I think since it’s their last season, they’re trying to squeeze in as many curse words as possible. I counted like 5700 bitches in this episode. Slight exaggeration, but there were a lot.
🗽 Postponement…
Unfortunately, my weekly Zoom meeting is at the same time Real Housewives of New York City is on. I DVR’d it, but don’t really want to see the sun come up as I go to sleep, so it’s something to look forward to for tomorrow, along with Beverly Hills. So until then, be safe, be pragmatic when necessary, and stay not testing things so much that they break, especially relationships.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Nikolas punches the heavy bag, and flashes back to Ava telling him that he knows her better than anyone, and must know if anything happened to Avery, it would kill her, so they’re done. He punches harder. Lucy comes in, and throws him a towel. She says, trouble? With Ava Jerome? Good luck. Ta! She leaves him standing there with the towel in his hands.
On the phone, Nina says she thought it would be nice to hear Mike/Sonny’s voice again. She’ll call again soon. She misses him. She looks at the picture of them together on her phone. Ava says, she knows that look. That is the face of a woman in love. They hug, and Nina says, it’s good to see Ava. Ava says, it’s good to see Nina too. Clearly, they have some catching up to do.
At the hospital, Sasha runs into Brando, who asks if they didn’t just have breakfast. She says she has a vague recollection, and he says if he’d known she was coming there, they could have walked over together. She knew he was going to see his mother, and didn’t say anything. Is everything okay? She says, everything is fine. It’s just a routine OB appointment. He asks if there’s a reason she didn’t want him to know.
Valentin, Austin, and Anna are in the woods, and Valentin asks Anna if she wants to walk the area again. She says she does. She knows he’s thinking it’s a waste of time, but she can’t help thinking Dante might have missed something. That one little clue that will lead them to finding Peter and Maxie’s baby.
Laura sees Maxie at the MetroCourt, and apologizes for not coming by, but Maxie says, it’s fine. Laura has been busy, and she’s been lousy company anyway. That’s one of the reasons she couldn’t stand being alone with herself in the apartment anymore. Laura says she must be crazy with worry. There is nothing is worse than not knowing where your child is. She has the feeling they’ll find Maxie’s baby soon, and Maxie says she prays Laura is right.
In the hallowed halls of the moss bowl, Carly asks if Brick would like coffee or something stronger. He says he’ll stick with Corinthos’s finest, and says she’s sorry to call him back so soon. Not that it’s not a pleasure to see him. He says he’s always there to help any way he can, and Carly says, be honest. How much trouble are she and Jason in? He says, that depends on their next move, and Jason comes in. Jason thanks Brick for coming, and Brick says he was on his way to L.A., but Sonny’s business is always a priority; Jason knows that. Carly asks what the damage is, and Jason says, most of the shipment was saved, but the warehouse is a complete loss. She asks if he’s sure it was Novak, and Brick says, it was definitely the Novaks. His sources say this is going to amp up the pressure. Jason and Carly are running out of time to push back.
Nina apologizes for not calling Ava, and says, it was a surprise trip back. Michael invited her to see Wiley. Ava says, wonderful, and asks how it went. Nina says, wonderful; it was really great. She promised not to mention Nelle’s name, which she gets. Ava asks if she’s sure, and Nina says, does she like it? No. Does she understand? Of course (🍷). Ava asks, how long before Carly showed up? and Nina swears Carly teleported there. Ava says she’s happy Michael and Willow came to their senses. She hopes Nina will be able to see more of Wiley now that she’s home. Nina says she thinks the door’s open for her to be more in Wiley’s life, but as far as home is concerned, she honestly doesn’t know where home is anymore.
Brando and Sasha sit down, and he says he knows she’s not ready to make plans, and they’ve done this upside down. Most people don’t have their first date this far into the pregnancy. Sasha says, true. They haven’t taken the conventional route. Brando says he has every intention of being there when she needs him. He’ll also do his best to respect her privacy and need for space, but when it comes to baby’s health, and hers, he prefers to be kept in the loop, not on the sidelines. She says she appreciates that, but it’s not the reason she didn’t tell him about the appointment. It just didn’t occur to her. She’s so used to taking care of herself, it never crossed her mind. Brando says, she forgot about him? but she says she wouldn’t put it that way. He says, that’s kind of what happened, and she says, that’s exactly what happened, but she wouldn’t put it that way. It’s embarrassing. He says, maybe next time, and she promises to let him know. Definitely next time; she’s going to have lot of appointments. Brando says, now that he’s not working for a drug lord, his time will be more flexible, and she says she’s glad he’s standing by her. There’s so much she doesn’t want to get wrong. Every day there’s some new lesson, and the books only tell you so much; it can be overwhelming. He says, next time, let him know if there’s something he can do, but she says, the next item on her agenda isn’t something he can help with. He tells her, try me, and she says, okay. How does she tell Nina that she’s pregnant?
Laura tells Maxie that Mac said they’d found the kidnapper’s body, but there was no sign Louise had ever been with her. Maxie says, it was kind of a good news/bad news situation. She kept thinking, if the kidnapper has the baby, the baby isn’t with Peter. Laura asks if Maxie thinks Louise is with Peter, but Maxie says she has to tell herself that Louise isn’t. That’s another reason she wanted to get out. She kept waiting for someone to call her, and say Peter was caught, but it never happened. It’s agonizing. Laura says it’s good she got out; even an hour or two can help. Maxie says, Georgie and James were so excited to have a baby sister. She wanted to give her kids a happy, safe life. So what did she do? She opened the door, and let a monster walk in.
Anna says, there’s no sign of a struggle around the mine shaft within a 50 foot radius, and Austin says, would there be signs of struggle in a forest? Valentin says, if you know what you’re looking for, and Austin says he’s a little lost. What is Anna getting at? Anna wonders if it’s possible the kidnapper simply fell, and Austin says, when the sun goes down, it gets very dark in the forest. She might not have known there was a mine shaft there, and the wood had rotted. Anna says, obviously, she handed off the baby before she fell, or she possibly was pushed. Whoever took the baby… Valentin says, took care of the kidnapper, and Anna asks if Austin had any sense that there had been another person there when he woke up. He says he was pretty out of it, but he was focused on Maxie and the baby. Anna says, something feels off.
Brick says, right now the Novaks are playing downhill; all the momentum is on their side. Jason says, not after tonight. The Novaks are going to experience a major setback in their territory, which will make them think twice about expanding into Sonny’s. The moss bowl is suddenly gone from the kitchen island, and I desperately look for it. Brick asks if Jason needs help, but Jason says he just needs intel; the mechanics are taken care of. Carly says he can’t. When Sonny was alive, Jason was the one who handled the mechanics. Now that Sonny is gone, Jason and Brick made it clear to the Five Families focaccia that Jason is running the show. Not her and Jason together. Jason says, that’s why he’s sending the Novaks a message, and she says, he can’t be the one to send it. Brick says, Carly’s got a good point.
Sasha tells Brando that she was hoping to tell Nina in private, but Nina has been out town. Now Lucy set up a business meeting for the three of them and, given her and Nina’s history, it seems cruel to spring her pregnancy on Nina in front of other people. He takes it a text won’t cut it, and she says, the only way to do this is in private, face-to-face. He suggests she get there early, and talk to Nina before she goes in. He saw how concerned Nina was when she was in the hospital. Maybe Nina will be happy for her. She says, one of the things that makes her relationship with Nina so special, is that it’s also so fragile. After everything that happened, everything Sasha did, they reached a good place. The last thing she wants is for her pregnancy to bring back the pain she caused, and remind Nina of the person she used to be. Gladys rolls up, and says, perfect soap timing. Continue. She’s dying to hear about the person Sasha used to be.
Laura says Maxie opened up her heart, and it’s a very brave thing to do. Unfortunately, it turned out that Peter… Maxie says, was just as bad as his father? and Laura says, Peter is a very a bad man, but he fooled a lot of people. With a little luck, Maxie and her kids will never see Peter again, and when her kids see Maxie again, they’ll see what strength and resilience looks like, and that’s what they’ll remember. Nina comes in, and signals to Maxie, who says she has to go. She thanks Laura for saying that; she needed to hear it. Laura says she’s welcome, and she’s there for Maxie anytime. Maxie says she might take Laura up on that, and Laura says, good.
Maxie goes over to Nina, and says, thanks for getting her out of the apartment. Nina says, it’s her pleasure. Maxie looks beautiful. Maxie says, all things considered, and Nina says, all things considered, she looks beautiful. Maxie says, it’s amazing how makeup can hide the look of fear, anxiety, dread… Nina says, and deception.
Austin says he hates to abandon them in the middle of search, and Valentin says, he has somewhere else to be? Austin says he does. He has another engagement out of town. He gives Anna the keys, telling them, make themselves at home, straighten up before they leave, and leave the keys in the drop box. They have his number. Anna thanks him, and Valentin says he’s been a big help. Austin says, it’s been a pleasure. Let him know if there’s anything else he can do. He leaves, and Valentin asks Anna, what is it? She says, there’s something familiar about him. Is Valentin getting a déjà vu vibe. (So this is how we’re dealing with Austin looking exactly like Franco?) He says, no, and she says she forgets that their histories don’t line up as much as she thinks they do. He says she has excellent instincts, and she says, when her judgement isn’t compromised. He says her instincts were spot-on; she just didn’t trust them. He’ll always trust her instincts. She says, that’s nice of him to say, all things considered. He asks what her instincts are telling her about Austin. Did he have something to do with the kidnapping? She says, no, not that. She’s not sure. It’ll come to her.
Brick says, Jason was respected as Sonny’s enforcer, but as the person in charge, he can’t get his hands dirty. Jason suggests he get the Novaks to back off, then they can reevaluate, but Carly says, what if Jason gets shot, or arrested, or he dies? Then she’s in a worse position than she was before. He says nothing is going to happen to him, and she says when she was planning his escape, and saw him in prison, he told her that she had to consider how the plan would work, and how it would fail. What if he fails? Is it worth the risk of doing it in person? Jason tells Brick, the logistics are in place. Does Brick have a team to do the work? Brick says, just a phone call away, and Jason says, make the arrangements. Brick says, consider it done, and Carly thanks him. Brick says he’s happy to help, but with all due respect, the Novaks are just a symptom. The two of them are the problem. They still haven’t sent a message saying one of them is in charge, and the other one is out. Until they do, the competition will come right on coming. Jason sighs, and I wonder if he, too, is fretting over the moss bowl’s absence.
Scotty tells Laura that he’s looking for Ava, and asks if Laura has seen her. Laura says, no, but her head was down in her work. Scotty says he hates squeezing in emergency marital issues into his busy schedule. Ava comes up behind him, and says she’s there. Unlike her attorney/client privilege, which – from the look on Laura’s face – went out the window. Scotty says, Laura asked, but Laura says she specifically chose not to. He says, that’s how she gets him to talk. For cryin’ out loud, he assumed Ava’s soon-to-be ex-mother-in-law knew about this. When Ava called him, she said she wanted a quick, public divorce. She’s got it. Thank you. Laura asks what Ava is doing.
Ava apologizes if the news blindsided Laura. She should have known not to expect discretion from Scotty. Scotty says, the way he sees it, he did her a favor. She wanted it out there, and – he snaps his fingers – now it’s out there. Laura asks if she can have a minute alone with Ava, and Scotty tells Ava, he’s billing Ava for this. He drew up what she wanted him to. He shows her a manila envelope, and says, irreconcilable differences. Laura says he’s violating attorney/client privilege again, and he says, so sue him. As if Laura’s son wasn’t going to tell his mother. As Ava’s attorney, he’s wondering how many zeros they’re looking at. He’s looking at nine. Ava says, zero zeros. She doesn’t want to take anything from Nikolas. He asks where Ava has gone, when his phone rings. He says he has to take this, but before he does, he wants to tell her that he thinks she’s a fool. When you have a Cassadine on the hook, you take them to the cleaners. (Nothing like a mixed metaphor.) His phone rings again, and he looks at it, saying he has to call back. See what she made him do? He stomps off, and Laura says, things were going so well between Ava and Nikolas. What happened? Ava says, the first thing Laura needs to know is that she never loved anyone more than she loves Laura’s son, with the exception of her children. It’s too late for her to save Kiki, but she’s damn well going to save Avery. That’s why she and Nikolas are through.
Carly thanks Brick for his help, and he says, always. They hug, and Brick leaves. Carly asks if Jason is mad, and he says, yeah. She asks if he thinks she’s wrong about delegating, but he says, no. Brick has a team. It’s fine. Let him handle the Novaks, but it’s not always going to be like that. There are some things he’ll have handle in person. She says, some, but not all, and he agrees, but adds, Brick is right. The real problem is that they look weak. She asks how they prove they’re strong, and he says, they can’t. The Five Families fettucine are going to expect him to push her out. If he doesn’t, they’ll increase the pressure, and test them for weakness. They’re going to hope Sonny’s organization splits, then they’re going to walk in, carve up the territory, and take it. She asks what they’re supposed to do, and he says, they make it expensive. You make a takeover expensive, so the families don’t want to pay. When they’re hit, they hit back harder. She says, so peace is not an option? and he says, no.
Nina asks if Maxie is sure this isn’t not too much too fast, but Maxie says, no. She’s desperate to keep busy, and keep her mind off Louise. She would do anything to lose herself in one of those powerhouse workdays they used to have. Nina says, like everything and everyone you don’t want to face, they’re not in these pages – she pulls the magazine out of her bag – they’re not in the office; those things will just have to wait. Maxie says, it’s like having a moat, and Nina agrees. Maxie says she could really use a moat right now, and Nina says, okay. In that case, the next thing she has in her busy schedule is a meeting with Lucy and Sasha. Maxie says, ouch, and Nina says, they’re not excluding Maxie, they’re just… Maxie says, excluding her, but Nina says, no. They know how much Maxie has on her mind, and they decided not to burden her with it. If they knew how Maxie felt, they’d be really glad to have their brilliant partner back with them. So why doesn’t Maxie join her and surprise them? Maxie asks if Nina means just jump right back in, and Nina says, yes, but if it’s too much… Maxie says, it’s not. Does Nina know how wonderful a business meeting sounds right now?
Gladys says, don’t let her interrupt. She’d love to hear about Sasha’s life before. After all, Sasha is carrying her grandchild. Sasha says she doesn’t want to get into it now, but Gladys says, why not? She’s sure Sasha has come up enough in the world, that her sordid past isn’t an obstacle. Sasha says she definitely has, but she told Jackie Templeton everything – her and the rest of America. She’ll send Gladys the link. Gladys says she thinks it’s still on her DVR. When the baby is old enough, she looks forward to watching it with them. Sasha says, if Gladys is still living… in Port Charles. That sounded awful. Gladys says, good thing Sasha is the face of Deception, and not the voice. Sasha says she’s also a partner in the company, and has other responsibilities. The price of success she supposes. Gladys says Sasha must be under a lot of pressure. It must be difficult to stay on the wagon. Brando says, okay. Is Gladys ready to go? Gladys says Brando that papers need to be signed at the desk first, and he says he’ll be right back. Play nice. Gladys says it’s good to see Sasha, and Sasha says, likewise. She’s missed their chats. Gladys says, now that it’s just us girls, she wants to know what kind game Sasha is playing at.
Ava tells Laura, if it was just her and Nikolas, she’d dare the stalker to come after them. But Ryan killed Kiki, and she can’t risk losing Avery; she won’t. Laura says, of course (🍷) not. She completely understands. She just wishes there was another way. Nikolas has been so happy, the happiest she’s ever seen him. Ava says she was happy too, but she has to do what needs to be done. She should go; she shouldn’t keep Scotty waiting. Laura tells her to take good care of herself. Ava goes over to Scotty, and asks if he’s done playing phone tag. He hands her the envelope, and says he’d go over the document with her, but since she has no intention of going after money, property, or assets, he has no interest. She’s killing him. She says, not yet, but it’s on her to-do list, and he says, if she has any changes, give him a call. He has a meeting to get to. She says she’s touched by his compassion, and he says he’ll see her later. He leaves, and Nikolas comes out of the elevator. He starts to say something, but Ava says, don’t. Please don’t. He says he’s not giving up on them, and she says, that’s his mistake; they’re finished. If he can’t see that, she’ll have to make him see it. She gets in the elevator and the doors close.
Valentin tells Anna, he thinks it’s safe to say they’ve reached the point of diminishing returns. It’s an exposed crime scene, and they’ve been over it multiple times. It’s deteriorating with every moment that passes, plus it’s been 72-hours since the baby disappeared. He doesn’t have to tell her what that means. Anna says, the longer she’s out there, the less chance they have of finding her.
Lucy goes into Nina’s office, and says it’s so very good to see her. Nina says it’s nice to see Lucy too; it’s been too long. Lucy says, it’s been way too long, but it gave her the opportunity to work on the proposal and marketing for a brilliant idea she can’t wait for Nina to see. Nina says she can’t wait to see it, and Lucy says she’ll have to wait a tiny bit longer, because they have to wait for Sasha, but teaser; it’s an idea, a concept they kind of worked on a while ago. Maxie walks in, and says she’s glad Lucy is there. She had to step out for a second… Lucy says Maxie can’t be there. She simply can’t. She needs to leave immediately.
Sasha says Gladys asked what she’s playing at? She was going to use the baby to rope Brando in. She missed her shot at Michael, but Brando is Michael’s cousin, the next best thing to give her access to the Corinthos money. How does that sound? Gladys calls Sasha a little gold-digger, and says if Sasha thinks she’s not going to tell Brando… Sasha starts laughing, and says, oh my God. Gladys’s face. It was totally worth it. She and Brando are figuring things out, and whatever Brando wants to tell Gladys about the baby is up to him. Brando returns, and says, no one is bleeding, broken, or dead, and Sasha says, not yet. He says, great. Is Gladys ready to go? Gladys says she has an idea. How about the three of them going for coffee, her treat, and they can talk about living arrangements after the baby is born? She’s looking forward to being a babysitter. Sasha says she has to take a raincheck; she has a meeting to go to. Gladys asks if it’s an AA meeting, and Sasha says she goes to NA, not AA, but it’s a Deception meeting. She thanks Gladys for the offer, and Brando says he’ll see her later. She leaves, and Brando tells Gladys that she has to let up on Sasha. Gladys says she’s been nothing but cordial. Sasha was the one talking through her fangs. It’s not her fault Sasha is keeping him at arm’s length from the baby.
Laura tells Nikolas that she couldn’t help but notice what was going on with him and Ava. Is he all right? Ava told her about the divorce. He says, Scotty? and she says she thinks Scotty is the one doing the paperwork. Nikolas says, that was fast, and she says, Ava is terrified. Ava told her about the note with the knife in it, and the bear with Ryan’s voice, and how both times there was no sign of forced entry. Nikolas says, it’s all very unnerving, and Laura says, especially for Ava; she’s been traumatized. Ryan murdered her daughter, and Ava doesn’t want to leave him, but she has to.
Scotty is about to sip his martini, when Austin joins him. Scotty says, it’s nice to meet Austin, but he didn’t get Austin’s last name. Austin says, just Austin is good for now, and Scotty says Austin can call him Mr. Baldwin, Esq. He guesses this is some sort of legal matter, and Austin says, it is. He understands Scotty is familiar with the families in Port Charles. Scotty says, if he is, why would that be of interest to Austin?
Jason tells Carly that the move against the Novaks should slow them down, and she says, what If it doesn’t? He says, then they have to keep escalating. The more the Novaks lose, maybe the other families will realize their best strategy is to accept that he’s taking Sonny’s place. Carly says, taking Sonny’s place. She never thought she’d hear him say those words. He tells her that he never thought he’d say those words, and she sits. Jason says he never wanted this, and she says she knows. He says she’s probably the only person who truly understands that, but if he steps back, the Five Families bruschetta will rip the city apart fighting for control, and the people they love will get hurt. Since she went to that meeting, their first target will be her. He’s not going to let that happen.
Scotty tells Austin, let’s narrow this down a little bit. What families is he interested in? Austin says he’ll be happy to tell Scotty as soon as he knows he can trust him. Scotty says, no; he’s a lawyer, and Austin says, thank you for your honesty, and gets up. Scotty says he’s just kidding. He holds a client’s secrets very sacred. He doesn’t hold much sacred, but that he does. What can he do for Austin? Austin asks what Scotty knows about Jason Morgan, and Scotty says, find someone else to deal with Jason. He’s not interested. Austin suggests he tell Scotty specifically what he’s looking for, and then he can decide if he’s interested.
Nikolas tells Laura, Dante has a theory that it’s all for show; empty threats designed to scare them. Laura says, clearly, Ava doesn’t feel that way, and he says, in all fairness, seeing Avery hold the bear with Ryan’s voice made the hair on the back of his neck stand up. Laura says she doesn’t believe it’s possible that it’s Ryan, and he says, copycat? She says, maybe, or some disciple of Ryan’s. Whoever it is, if they’re cruel enough to do this, who knows what else they’re capable of? He says he’s been asking himself that constantly, and she says she knows how much he loves Ava, and sees how much Ava loves him, but he has to see the toll this is taking on Ava. He says he sees it. Watching Ava suffer like this is excruciating. Filing for divorce is the one thing she can do that gives her peace of mind. She asks what he thinks about that, and he says he’s going to do everything in his power to avoid it.
Ava arrives at Carly’s, and says she hopes she’s not interrupting. Carly says she told Avery that Ava was coming, and Ava says she misses Avery so much. Carly says, Avery was telling her about her room at Windymere. It sounds like they’ve made her happy there. Ava says, they try, and thanks Carly for keeping Avery’s room how she likes it. She knows it will be a comfort when she tells Avery that they’re not going back to Windymere. Carly asks if Ava and Nikolas are finally moving out of that drafty castle, but Ava says, just her and Avery. Nikolas is no longer in the picture. Carly asks, why? She thought they were crazy about each other. Ava says, they are, and Carly asks if it’s because of what happened the other night. Jason has come downstairs, and asks, what happened the other night? and Ava says, long story short, she and Nikolas have been getting threats from a stalker. Now the staler has proved they can get to Avery. Jason says, if it happens again, let him know, but Ava says she’s already taken steps to address the situation.
Scotty says, well, well; a lifetime opportunity, and Austin says, it is. Scotty says, call him Scotty, and Austin says, okay, Scotty. He thought Scotty would be intrigued. Scotty says, very intrigued. They’re going to ride this all the way.
Brando tells Gladys, he and Sasha are new to this baby thing, and figuring things out. She says if he asks her, Sasha should be grateful he’s not running for the hills, which is what he should have done before he hopped into bed with her. He says, it’s a good thing he didn’t ask her. If Sasha needs time to figure things out, he’s going to respect that. She says, one of the most precious lessons she’s learned is, there are people who are private and people who keep secrets. Lucky for him, she can sniff out one from the other. He says, really? Because she didn’t sniff out Cyrus. She says, that’s her point. Cyrus was a hard lesson. One he should learn. The sooner he figures out the differences, the better. Let’s get out of here.
Lucy says, it’s not that she doesn’t want Maxie there; she simply can’t be there. It’s good to see Maxie, and Lucy thanks her for coming, and she says this with a lot of love – she makes a heart with her hands – ta! Nina tells Lucy, calm down. This is Maxie’s company too. Maxie says, no, it’s okay. She knows what’s going on. Lucy is planning a surprise party for her to cheer her up. Lucy says Maxie is absolutely right. It’s a great big… Sasha walks in, and Lucy says, surprise?
Anna tells Valentin to go home to his daughters. She’ll look around some more. He says, no. Absolutely not. She says she’ll be fine, but he says she’s not fine now. She’s blaming herself for what happened to Maxie’s daughter. He’s not leaving her alone out in the woods with only her guilt for comfort.
Laura asks what Nikolas’s plan is, and he says, it’s shockingly simple. He’s going to give Ava the peace of mind she needs right now, and let the stalker believe what he wants. Laura says, then what? and he says, then, when this Ryan knockoff is basking in the glory of their false victory, he’ll be laying a trap. And he will catch them.
Ava tells Carly, Dante is investigating, but he has no solid leads. She can’t take any chances, so she has to divorce Nikolas… Don’t both of them offer her sympathy at once. Carly says she’s sorry Ava is being stalked, and Ava says, she’s sorry it’s costing her the man she loves. It would be nice if marriage was really just a romantic pact that didn’t matter to anybody else. Just two people making a promise, a vow. It’s a sort of theater, a performance to demonstrate a legally binding contract, two people becoming one. If an enemy strikes at one, they strike at both. She used to find it comforting until a stalker got to Avery. She’d like to see her daughter if it’s okay. Carly says, of course (🍷), and Ava goes upstairs. Carly asks Jason, is he thinking what she’s thinking?
Tomorrow, Maxie asks Brook if she heard what she thought she did, Josslyn asks what changed Michael’s mind about Nina, Britt wants to make a deal with Obrecht, and Jason says it’s the best option he’s heard so far.
Below Deck Mediterranean
It’s a new crew, so bear with me. Chief stew Katie is the first to arrive, and meets Captain Sandy. In Katie’s interview, she says she’s not a typical chief stew. On her last boat, she had seven girls under her, and thinks if you’re in a higher role, you should show you can work as hard as the others can. You get more if you keep a good vibe, than by being a psycho bitch, telling them what to do. Then it’s like, f*** you. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, last season was the hardest. Everyone looks back and has regrets, but she was ready not to do this anymore. It’s the stuff that defines your character. She decided to come back because she loves mentoring people, and loves leading a team. Returning bosun Malia shows up next and meets Katie. Chef Mathew arrives, and in his interview, he says he’s worked for a lot of prominent families, as well as Hugh Jackman. He’s nervous about it being a new job, and wants to make people happy. Malia says hello to Captain Sandy, and tells her that she’s just off of a Mediterranean charter. In her interview, she says, it’s a crazy feeling being back in Croatia. The first time she was there, she was a green deckie. Captain Sandy’s guidance made her want to stick with yachting. Mathew sets up the galley.
Stew Lexi informs us in her interview that she was Miss Bahamas in 2013, but doesn’t tell other crew members or they act like the boss of her. In Malia’s interview, she says, the break-up with Tom took a toll on her. She just wants to put her head down and work. Deckhand Mzi – call me Zee – is next, and in his interview, he says he’s the youngest of five siblings, and calls himself the black sheep of the family. A joke because he’s the only Black kid in the family. The oldest has been in yachting for 20 years, and is a captain. It’s a jump for him, having never worked on this big of a boat, and he’s nervous. Malia says they’re starting washdowns, and Zee says he’s going to take notes. In her interview, Malia says she loves the notebook. That means she can teach him like Captain Sandy taught her. She’s come full circle, and that’s special to her.
The captain asks the crew to meet in the main salon. She tells them, it’s the beginning of the season, and she loves their energy. If they want a career in yachting, she’s there to help make it happen. She wants to go over the guidelines and protocol, and tells them if anyone – them or a guest – is injured, she wants to be the first to know. If they’re on prescription medication, they need to log it, and no drinking on charter. In her interview, she says, the Lady Michelle was designed for charters. There are so many stairs, the crew can go to each deck without being seen. She tells them, let’s get the boat turned around, and get ready for tomorrow. The deckhands get to cleaning, and provisions come in. It’s a literal truckload, and Captain Sandy says she’s never seen that before. In Mathew’s interview, he says he thought it would be a sh*t show before the provisions arrived. He overordered, and now he’s stressed. He tells Captain Sandy that he wanted to impress the guests. In Courtney’s interview, we find out that she became queen of laundry on yachts, but before that worked at Disneyland Paris, as a promo girl, a nanny, and a bartender. She gets bored easy. It’s the same with men. Katie meets the other stews, and Malia. In Malia’s interview, she says she learned a lesson last season in choosing a lead deckhand based off of CDs. Katie says she’s not a crazy chief stew, and in Lexi’s interview, she says she has a love/hate relationship with chief stews. When they get to that level, they can get a lazy bitch mentality.
Mathew says he has to get two floors down on a winding staircase. He’s thinking about the guests arriving in 24 hours, and has to put everything away. He makes a misstep, and hurts his knee. The captain calls Malia, Katie, and Mathew to the crew mess for a preference sheet meeting. Terez is a marketing professional, and husband Lee is in real estate. Primaries Clint and Karry had to cancel their original wedding plans, and want to have a beautiful, intimate ceremony with their closest friends in attendance. They also want to have a 40th birthday party for guest Jordan, and a neon dance party afterward. They want a bachelor and bachelorette party, and want the captain to officiate at the wedding on day three. In Mathew’s interview, he says he loves weddings, but it will be the first one he’s done alone. His parents married, divorced, and married again. He was conceived during the divorce, and they call him their bastard child.
We find out Katie’s ex is Jack from season whatever, and he got a tattoo of her face on his ass when he was drunk in Thailand after knowing her a few days. In her interview, she says, they were young and passionate, and it was never going to work out, but they spent a year and a half together, so it was worth it. Right? Mathew hopes the guests aren’t a-holes. He asks a lot. He gets up 3:30 am, and in his interview, he says he’s nervous. He couldn’t sleep since he was thinking menus, wedding, everything. He’s not prepped at all. He calls Captain Sandy, and asks her to meet him in the galley. He tells her that he feels like he can’t do this properly since he hurt his knee. She asks if he needs help, but he says it won’t be the same, and he’s freaking out. He doesn’t know what to do, and wants to get an x-ray and an MRI. Malia joins them, and the captain sends her to call the doctor.
Deckhand David shows Z what do, and in David’s interview, he says he was born in Italy, and didn’t meet his dad until he was 17. His mentors were captains, and he wants to help as many people as he can. Malia tells Katie about Mathew, and Courtney volunteers to help. In Katie’s interview, she says they have no time to be angry or upset. She doesn’t want to let her third stew go, but they have no choice. Malia says, and it’s only day one. She asks if anyone has experience in cooking, but no one does. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says she’s ready to vomit, and it’s just the first day. She can’t determine if someone has an injury or not, and has to follow protocol. She can’t get a new chef because of covid, since they’d have to quarantine for seven days. Courtney goes to the galley, and helps Mathew prep for the meal. Sandy makes a call to get Mathew an MRI.
It’s 30 minutes until the guests arrive, and in her interview, Katie says, every chief stew has their own ways. She can’t stand wet towels on the floor. Dudes not using bathmats drives her insane. The captain explains to the crew that the chef injured himself, and they’re going to leave him at the dock so he can get an MRI. He’s prepared lunch, and should be coming back for dinner. David says he’s never been on a chefless boar, and Sandy tells them, don’t give up. Malia tells the deckhands, once the luggage is on board, their soul attention is on getting the boat off the dock.
Captain Sandy welcomes the guests, and introduces Katie. She says Katie will show them around, and then they’ll take off. In deckhand Lloyd’s interview, he says he has a lot of apprehension. He’s sure the guests are going to be more demanding than what he’s used to. Katie gives the tour, and tells the guests that Croatia is amazing. This is seriously one big boat. Mathew whines, and Malia curses her life. When the guests get to the bridge, Captain Sandy tells them about the chef’s injury, and says he’s getting an MRI. He did prepare lunch, and they’re going to try and make it happen. The guests are all, oh my God, and the captain says their hands are tied because of covid. Terez says she’ll have to tip them, and in her interview, the captain says this has never happened in her entire career. They could be f***ed. She tells the guests, they’ll make it happen.
In her interview, Malia says, it’s nerve-wracking docking with a new team. One little mistake can cause a big problem. The stern lines are on deck, and they move out. The guests rave over lunch, which they describe as perfect; light but filling. In Lexi’s interview, she says there’s good money in yachting, but she prefers someone handing her champagne. Malia asks Lloyd to help with the anchor, and in Captain Sandy’s interview, she says this coastline is more nature, country, and small villages. She loves it. In Katie’s interview, she says she’s a laid back kiwi, but sometimes turns into a stressed out bitch. She’s not perfect. Courtney says she put some of Terez’s clothes in the laundry, and Terez has a mild freak out, saying nothing should be washed. Courtney takes the clothes back out. Katie makes espresso martinis, and Terez gives Courtney glow sticks and sundries for the neon party. The dreaded slide is brought out, and the captain checks on Mathew, but so far, he’s gotten no results.
Captain Sandy asks if she can borrow a sous chef from a neighboring boat in quarantine. In her interview, she says, it’s not a chef, but they can figure this out together. She has a crew meeting in the crew mess, and tells them that she has the feeling Mathew isn’t coming back. They have a sous chef to help in the galley, but they’ll need to make dinner. Everyone looks dazed, and she says, it’s surf and turf. In Malia’s interview, she says, they’re f***ed. Captain Sandy helps with the oysters, and tells David to google lobsters. She cringes hearing how they’re prepared, and in David’s interview, he says he’s not the hunting type. The captain asks Siri how to kindly kill a lobster.
The guests get into the hot tub, and sous chef Duska arrives. She knows nothing about lobsters. In David’s interview, he says a chef that can’t cook lobsters after he murdered them? and laughs. Duska gets to work, and Malia asks, are we loving charter? Captain Sandy says, it’s not fair, and Duska says, life is unfair. You got that right, sister. The table is set, and in Lexi’s interview, she says she doesn’t do tacky. The neon theme hurts her soul. Courtney says, this is not okay, and in her interview, says the best she’s done is cook for the family she nannied for. Duska doesn’t seem to know what’s going on, and in the captain’s interview, she says, what’s happening in the galley is a disaster. In the worst case, they’ll make paninis. Lloyd puts on a red cap, and Malia says he looks like Mario. We see Mario and Lloyd side by side, and by God, he does. They try grilling the lobster.
The guests toast to Jordan’s birthday, and Duska says, meat! The guests begin to eat, and do not look thrilled. Courtney tries the lobster in the galley, and thinks it’s chewy. The guests say things like, sucks, dry, and disgusting. In Katie’s interview, she says, it’s not yachting; it’s surviving. Someone asks if there’s a Domino’s anywhere, and everyone agrees it’s horrible. In her interview, Katie says, it’s not acceptable, but in terms of the situation right now, it’s all they can offer. Sandy tells Duska that she appreciates the help, but she can go now. In her interview, the captain says, dinner was a sh*t show. She prays the chef comes back. Terez says she wants to talk to Sandy, since apparently she didn’t pay attention when Sandy talked to her earlier.
Lexi tells the captain that the primary is looking for her. Heads up; she doesn’t look too happy. Sandy goes to Terez’s room, and Terez says, girl, this not acceptable. Did she taste dinner? The steak, ‘kay, but not good. Oysters not okay. She gave the chief stew lights and stuff, but they didn’t get the party they wanted. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, it’s not easy to hear criticism, but she failed them. Terez screeches, it’s a mega yacht. A mega yacht!
I need sleep tonight to store up for Temptation Tuesday, along with those wacky Wives from NYC, and the usual soap. So until then, stay safe, stay making your point clear, and stay trusting your instincts, but not compromising your judgement.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
There was no new GH anywhere today. Those who had it, got a rerun from when Josslyn and Trina went back in time, and saw their foremothers as Suffragettes. That was a great episode, and I would have watching it again, but it was not on in my area. So I watched People’s Court, which I only see, like, once a year anymore.
Speaking of which, People’s Court won a Daytime Emmy, and as a preempt consolation prize, so did GH, Sonny, and Mike. Read on for the scoop.
I can’t say I’m surprised. It’s very obvious that LisaR wants screen time, and is the mean girl ring leader, even though Kyle – who bores the pants off me – thinks she’s queen. Now we have Crystal, who’s chosen to sit at their lunch table, stirring the pot.
Most of our obstacles would melt away if, instead of cowering before them, we should make up our minds to walk boldly through them. – Orison Swett Marden (Or smack them out of the way.)
The commonality of who we are is not what we believe, but how we love. – Jackie Griffin
The courage to admit when you’re wrong doesn’t show weakness. It shows your strength. Your integrity speaks volumes about you as a person. – Blaque Diamond
You have the need and the right to spend part of your life caring for your soul. It is not easy…To be a soulful person means to go against all the pervasive, prove-yourself values of our culture and instead treasure what is unique and internal and valuable in yourself and your own personal evolution. – Jean Shinoda Bolen (Getting off social media once in a while won’t hurt either.)
Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight. – Phyllis Diller
We can throw stones, complain about them, stumble on them, climb over them, or build with them. – William Arthur Ward
I did not attend his funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it. – Mark Twain
When life gives you lemons, squirt someone in the eye. – Cathy Guisewite
Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring. – Marilyn Monroe (I was going to say, she’s a genius, but I’m not sure if I should…)
Nothing is more sad than the death of an illusion. – Arthur Koestler
Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world. – Albert Einstein
If you’re going to die in your sleep and get all growly and sh*t, you got to let a brother know. – Braithwaite (BechirSylvain), Black Summer
🤸🏽♀️ Got No Strings To Tie Me Down…
It’s here, that thing more people are calling the weekend again. Except some of them want to call it that from home now. There’s no Dead on tap, so see you next week with I don’t even know what. And whatever your weekend vantage point, stay safe, stay grounded, and stay walking boldly through your obstacles, or giving them a good swift kick out of the way.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Nina puts flowers on Nelle’s grave, and says, hello, daughter of mine. It’s been a long time since she visited and she’s so sorry. She just needed a little breather from this town and these people. From life, she guesses, but never from Nelle. She hopes that much is clear. Clear hasn’t been her forte these past few months. She doesn’t know what she’s doing anymore. She flashes back to dancing with Sonny at the Tan-O, and says, she’s been on this mission to find herself for months, and instead, she found someone else. Michael rudely interrupts her.
Willow goes to Chase’s room, and sees Chase and Finn looking grim. She asks, what’s wrong? and Chase says, it’s his legs. He can’t walk. She says she doesn’t understand, and Finn says Chase’s legs had atrophied from being in bed these post few weeks. She says, that’s to be expected, right? and he says, yes, but the toxin may have caused some nerve damage. Coupled with the atrophy, Chase is unable to move his legs. She asks what this means, and Chase says, right now, he can’t feel anything below his waist. Willow asks if Chase is paralyzed.
Alexis tells Shawn, she’s worried if they go public with what they’ve learned, there could be retaliation. He says if Carson wants to come at him, bring it, but she says, it’s not just them, but their loved ones on the outside. They just need to be prepared. He says they’re talking about a bunch of state employees, and bureaucratic red tape; how serious of a break does she think this could be?
A woman comes by Molly and TJ’s table at Kelly’s, and stops. She asks if Molly is Alexis’s daughter, and Molly says the woman is the judge who presided over her mother’s case. Judge… The woman says, Carson, and Molly introduces TJ, her partner and an intern at General Hospital. Carson says, impressive. Nice to meet him. She understands Molly is going to be working as an ADA at Robert’s office. She guesses they’ll be bumping into each other more often.
The hospital employees gather in the breakroom, and Elizabeth sees Terry. She says, it’s been forever, and Terry says, it’s been two days. Elizabeth tells her, like she said, forever. Oncology must be keeping Terry busy. Terry says there’s a position open there, and they’ve been pressuring her to make it official. Elizabeth says, that’s fantastic… isn’t it? Terry says, normally yes. She loves it in Port Charles, but the hospital’s future is still in question. And face it, she doesn’t exactly get along with the Chief of Staff. Elizabeth says she’s not exactly alone, although does Elizabeth have a story for her. Portia joins them, and Elizabeth tells her a meeting was called with all the department heads; it’s got to be about Cyrus’s replacement. Portia asks if they have any idea who it is, and they both say, no. Terry tells Portia that she has an idea of who might, when Laura walks in.
Britt asks if Jason remembers what a good time is, and he says, vaguely. She says, top down, the wind in her hair… and he says, it’s a convertible? She says, obviously. Maybe she’ll take him for a ride if he’s not too scared. He says, speed doesn’t scare him, and she says, even with her behind the wheel? He tells her, he said she was an awful driver; he never said she wasn’t safe. She says she’s definitely unsafe, and they almost kiss, when annoying Carly walks in, and says she and Jason have to talk about the Novak situation. She looks at them a moment, and says she’ll be at the MetroCourt. She’ll take care of it. She starts to walk out, but Jason says, wait. Is it important? Is it time sensitive? Carly looks at Britt, and Britt says, message received. This is clearly not something they can talk about in front of her.
Chase asks Finn if he doesn’t have that meeting, but Finn says he can skip it. Chase gives him a look, and Finn says, but he shouldn’t. He tells Chase to text if he needs him. He leaves, and Willow sits next to Chase’s bed. She says, talk to her, and he says, the nerve damage should repair itself over time. she says, so it’s not permanent, and he says, hopefully not, but time is of the essence apparently. She asks what that means, and he says if he has any shot of walking again, he has to relearn how to do it in the next few months.
Finn walks down the hall, and flashes back to his argument with Peter on the roof, and Peter launching the antidote over the side. He remembers throwing Peter down the stairs, and Elizabeth confirming Peter was dead. He gets in the elevator, hearing Gregory say that he’s the only one who can save Chase’s life.
Michael tells Nina that he’s sorry to interrupt – hint: if you think you’ll be sorry, don’t interrupt – but he saw her in the parking lot when he came in. She says, he’s here to visit… and he says, his dad. She thanks him for the visit with Wiley, and says she had a really good time. He says, Wiley did too, and she says she was surprised at his sudden about-face. He says they’d talked about it, and she says she knows, but she also spoke with Jax, and knows he’s been an advocate of her having more access to Wiley. But exactly how hard did Jax push Michael?
Carly tells Jason, there’s a time element in play, yes, and Britt says, it just so happens that she has a meeting at the hospital, so they’re in luck. But for future reference, she’d rather be told, you can’t hear this, than be talked around. She thanks Jason for the boxing lesson, and says she’ll let him know when the car comes in. She leaves, and Carly says, for future reference?
Elizabeth says she’s going to talk to Laura. Heading for Laura, she nearly collides with Finn. She says she didn’t think he was coming there, and he says, neither did he. Terry says they would have saved him a spot, and he thanks her, but says he’s more comfortable in the back of the room. No one will call on him there. There’s obviously a subtext going on, and he tells Elizabeth that he’ll see her around. When he’s gone, Terry asks Elizabeth, what was that all about? and Elizabeth says, Finn’s brother is still recovering… Terry says, everyone at the hospital knows what’s going on with that. She means, what’s going on between Elizabeth and Dr. Finn?
Portia, who’s beat Elizabeth to Laura, asks if Laura has any intel on who will be Cyrus’s replacement, and Laura says she does. Her mother gave her the scoop. Portia asks if she’s popping champagne or updating her resumé, and Laura tells her, let’s just say, it’s going to be interesting.
TJ asks Carson if she wants to sit, but she says she’s just grabbing some coffee. She asks if Molly took the bar in February, but Molly says she’s scheduled for July. She just finished law school. TJ says, talk about impressive. A job with the DA before she even graduated. If Molly won’t brag about it, he will. Carson says she commends Molly for taking a job at the DA’s office even after her mother was sent to prison. No one would have blamed her if she’d lost faith in the system.
Shawn tells Alexis, they’re not talking about gun-toting mobsters, and she says, they’re talking about people in power. He says, who want to stay in power, and she says, by any means necessary. There was an incident she heard of where a judge was being called into question by a defense attorney. The next thing you know, the defense attorney’s family is being harassed by local authorities, friends and family were denied permits, and that’s the least of it. So she thinks they should just alert Molly and TJ to all of this. What does he think? Quiet route or loud route? He says, neither. They just let his whole thing drop. If there’s any chance someone could get to TJ, they don’t do anything at all. She says please tell her he’s joking, and he asks if he looks like he’s joking. Even if they backchannel this, they can’t keep Carson from finding out. She’s well-respected and well-connected, right? Alexis says, right, but… He says, why give TJ another reason to be harassed? He can maintain in there. He only has a few years left on his sentence. She says, a sentence he shouldn’t be serving, for a crime he didn’t commit, and he asks if she thinks it’s the first time this happened to someone who looks like him. No. And it won’t be the last.
Carson says she’ll leave TJ and Molly to their coffee; it was nice to meet them. She tells TJ, good luck at the hospital, and Molly, good luck with the bar. If Molly ever has any questions or needs any pointers on case law, look her up. She’ll be happy to help. Molly thanks her, and says, it’s very generous. Carson goes to the counter, and TJ says, wow. A judge offering to take Molly under her wing; it’s awesome. Molly says, is it?
Elizabeth says, it was really intense helping Finn save Chase, and Terry says, intense how? Elizabeth says, they had disagreements, and Finn requested she be taken off the case… Terry says, that obviously didn’t last long, and Elizabeth says, no, and they ended up making a pretty good team. Terry says, that kind of experience must have really bonded them, and Elizabeth flashes back to Finn touching her face. She says, yeah, you could say that, and looks across the room at Finn, who’s obliviously drinking his coffee.
Willow says, it’s like one setback after another, and Chase says, easy. He’s the one who should be worrying, not her, and he’s not. Because he’s got this. He’s going to walk again. For her.
Michael says, Jax definitely advocated for Nina seeing Wiley, but there were other factors that went into that decision. The main one being, he and Willow chose to trust her. Trust that she’d follow the guidelines and the rules when it came to Wiley. The reason he approached her is that they need to talk about Nelle. He knows they did a little, but there’s more to say. She says, of course (🍷). By all means. He says she knows what Nelle did to him, Willow, Wiley, his mom, and Brook; the list goes on. How Nina chooses to feel about Nelle, and make sense of the things she did, that’s up to Nina to figure out in her own time, but he can’t have her putting any of that on Wiley. Nina asks if she can be so bold as to ask him to do the same.
Carly says she doesn’t want to pry into Jason’s personal business, and he says, great; he appreciates that. (Like he’s going to get off that easy.) He gets out of the ring, and she says this isn’t her first rodeo. She gets it. He saved Britt’s life, he got shot, Britt saved his life… He says she saved his life, and she says he knows what she means; she’s not blind. Something’s going on. He says they’ve been over this, but if she needs to hear it again, yes. Something is going on with him and Britt, and it has nothing to do with her. Carly suddenly turns into her true form, a fire-breathing dragon, and burns the gym to a crisp. Not really. She says she’s sorry, but she disagrees. Anything that affects him, affects her.
TJ says, Carson is nice, isn’t she? and Molly says, yeah. She meant what she said. It was extremely generous of her to offer her guidance. He asks what the problem is, and she says, it feels kind of weird, considering she’s the judge who sentenced her mom. She knows her mom pled guilty, and she should consider herself lucky her mom got only three years… He says, it was a lenient sentence, and she says, still, her mother is in prison because of Judge Carson. Isn’t that a conflict of interest?
Shawn says, a man of color falsely convicted for a crime against a white woman. This isn’t new. Alexis says, which is why she wants to help, and he asks if she can single-handedly fix centuries of institutional racism. She says, no, but she can try, and he asks where all this righteous indignation was before she was in there with him, and before it affected someone she knew? He’s telling her to back off because he doesn’t think the risk is worth it for his son, or her daughter by the way, but she refuses. Does she even care what he wants? Or is this just all a savior complex? She says, that’s not what this is. She can help him. She’s a lawyer, for God’s sake. He says she’s not. She’s an inmate, just like him.
Nina says she’s hoping Michael and Willow will extend her the same courtesy, and not speak ill of Nelle to Wiley, and he says, Wiley doesn’t need to know who Nelle is. She says, eventually, he will, and Michael says she’s right. They’re preparing for that. It’s going to be a long and careful process to do it in a way that Wiley understands who his biological mother was, a troubled woman who did some terrible things, and not take it on himself. They’ve actually been meeting with Doc. He helped them find a child psychologist, someone they have lined up. The goal is to do this in the best, gentlest way possible, so it’s not some horrible secret that devastates Wiley when it comes out, and he won’t carry the burden of what Nelle did. Nina says she doesn’t want that for him either. She just hopes one day, at some point, she gets a chance to tell Wiley who she thought Nelle could have been. He says, when Wiley is 22 years old (kind of random, but okay), and his psychiatrist tells him it’s okay, he’ll be fine with that. Right now, Wiley is too young to understand anything other than Willow is his mom and he loves her. That’s where he is, and that’s where he’s going to stay until they collectively decide otherwise. She says she agrees 100%. She’s not there to rock the boat; just the opposite. He’s glad they’re on the same page. He tells her, take care, and leaves. Nina turns back to Nelle’s grave.
Chase asks if Willow remembers the rock climbing wall they never got to, and she says, the rock climbing wall he was going to drag her to, kicking and screaming? He says, they’re going as soon as he’s back on his feet. When Finn gets out of that meeting, he’ll have Finn set up physical therapy sessions. It’s going to take a while, so he wants to get started right away. She says he’s still recovering from the nerve damage. He needs to be careful of pushing himself too hard too fast. He says he’s going to push himself just right. Anything to get near his goal. She says, rock climbing? and he says, marrying her again, in the Quartermaine rose garden, with a ceremony and reception, in front of all the people who care about them. And he’s not going to be wheeling himself down the aisle. No way. They’re going to be walking hand in hand.
Carly says, whether or not it was the right move to force Jason to escape, she did it because they’re in this together. She knows they’ve always been in this together, but since Sonny died, things are different. Is she wrong? He says, no, and she says, and this isn’t a normal business. Hell, it’s not even a business; it’s a family, and everything that means. The protection, the planning, the danger. She had no idea how hard that was, but they’re in this together. So can he see how concerning it might be when he comes back from being on the run with Britt… He says he came back because she called him for help, which is exactly what she should have done. He said he would handle it, and he handled it. She says, he did. He came in guns a-blazing on the pier, and saved them like always. Except this time, he’s connected to someone she barely knows, and she really seems important to him. Is she? He says, yes, she is.
Britt dashes into the breakroom, and Terry tells Elizabeth, she made it. For a second, she thought maybe they would be the ones who got to write her up. Elizabeth says, believe her, she has a laundry list of complaints about Britt, but Britt believed in Jason when Elizabeth didn’t. She stood by Jake’s father when Elizabeth didn’t. So what is she supposed to do with that? Terry says she thinks it’s impressive the way Britt stood by Jason, but Elizabeth can be grateful to Britt and still not like the way she runs the hospital. Two things can be true. A woman comes in, and tells them, good morning. She knows they’re all curious about what was decided by the Board this morning. The revelations about Mr. Renault were troubling, to say the least, and they took swift action in removing him and finding a replacement that will make this Board, this hospital, and this city proud. A potential candidate was suggested by none other than Lesley Webber, and it’s with great pride that she shares this candidate was elected unanimously. Someone who has a long tenured history with the hospital, who they know will embrace this role with gusto, not to mention professionalism and competency. Please welcome their new Chairperson of the Hospital Board, Monica Quartermaine. Everyone applauds, and Monica takes a little bow.
Laura tells Monica, congratulations; no one is more deserving. Monica thanks Laura, and thanks all of them for the warm reception. She can’t tell them how honored she is to be back working at General Hospital. She’s missed walking around these halls so much in the last few months. She wants them to know, as Chairperson, she’ll remain as dedicated and devoted as ever. She’ll spend every day proving to them that she’s worthy of taking General Hospital into the future by also honoring its past. Everyone applauds again. Only Britt doesn’t look thrilled.
Carly says, Britt is important to Jason how? What does that mean? He says, it means he can’t tell her any more than yes, and she says, she just went over all the reasons they need to be a team, and he says, they are a team. She says she needs to know what’s going on, and he says she asked if Britt was important to him, and he told her yes. He can’t tell her why or how; it’s something he can’t talk about. She says she gets privacy, and they can have all the privacy they want. She just needs to know what she’s dealing with here. She looks like she might cry, and Jason says, nothing is going to change between them. Like she said, they’re a team. No matter what, it’s going to stay that way. Good Lord. Carly is acting like a jealous high schooler.
Molly asks TJ something I can’t hear about taking the job with Robert, and he says she knows where he stands on that. She asks him to go through it with her again, and he says, first and foremost, he supports her, but does he think it will be hard changing the system from within? Yeah. She says, it has to be possible, right? and he says if anyone can do it, it’s her. She says, and his mother. She walks that line every day. He says, she tries to. Remember when he was accused of shoplifting? She says, wrongly accused, and he says, his mom had to navigate being both a mother and the Commissioner, and she’d be the first to tell Molly, she didn’t succeed at either. It wasn’t her cross to bear. Molly says, when you put yourself on the front lines, it ends up that way.
Alexis says she’s sorry, and Shawn says he is too. She says sometimes she gets so caught up in the rightness and wrongness of something, she forgets there are actual people involved. It’s a blind spot, and not the first time someone has pointed it out, but she’ll try to make it the last. And he’s right. In there, she’s not a lawyer. He apologizes for saying that, but she says, it’s true. As the person advising him, she has to respect his wishes. If he wants to hit the pause button for a while, they will. Two guards come in, and Guard #1 tells Shawn to get back to his cell. Shawn says he has permission to be there for a few more hours, but the guard says, not anymore. His library privileges have been revoked. Alexis asks, why? and the guard tells Shawn, say goodbye to Ms. Davis. They’re not going to be seeing each other much anymore.
Monica says she’s 100% committed to bringing General Hospital back to its former glory. Part of that is reversing some of the questionable decisions her predecessor made, so effective immediately, Bobbie and Epiphany are returning to their positions. There’s more applause, and Laura asks if Monica told Bobbie and Epiphany the good news. Monica says she did, and Bobbie has already gotten her clipboard out of storage. They all laugh, and Monica says, Epiphany accepted graciously, but she’s not about to cut her Cabo vacation short. She’ll be joining them when she gets back. That’s about it. Everybody get back to work. People congratulate Monica as they leave, and Finn says he really missed Monica. She says she missed him too. Now go tend to his brother. He says, yes, ma’am, and leaves. Portia says she knows she and Monica didn’t overlap for very long, but she’s heard nothing but wonderful things about Monica’s leadership. Laura says, they’re all in excellent hands. Monica is the best at what she does. Monica says now she’s on the business side, so watch their budget overruns. Britt says she guesses it’s time to face facts, and Monica asks, what facts are those? Britt says she was the one who replaced Monica when she was fired. She sacked Epiphany, per Cyrus’s request. Payback’s a bitch, right? She guesses Monica is going to replace her as Chief of Staff. Everyone gives each other soap looks.
Nina tells Nelle’s headstone, even though it stings, and she didn’t love everything Michael said, she does believe Michael is right. She’s so thankful. The way she’s been acting lately, not a lot of people would have given her a second chance, but he did. If feels good that Wiley has a father that is so devoted to him. Wiley feels loved and cared for and safe. This really delicate place of trust that they’re in, is going to be blown to hell if Michael ever finds out she knew Sonny was alive, and didn’t tell anyone for months. She doesn’t know what she’s going to do. She isn’t going to be able to see her grandson, who is the only piece she has left of Nelle, ever again.
Jason tells Carly, the situation with Britt is a reality. He’s not going to lie about it. He’s not going to say there might not be an overlap, and when Carly calls because she needs his help, he might not be with Britt. She says he’s allowed to have relationships, and he says he doesn’t know what this is; where it’s going or if it’s going. She says, but it’s something, and he says, yeah. It’s personal with Britt and it’s personal with him. She says, and he can’t talk to her about it, and he says he’s not trying to shut her out. He just can’t go there, but she knows him. He’ll honor his commitment to her, always. Nothing’s going to change on his end. He can’t speak for her… She says, what? How can he say that to her? Honestly, if she doesn’t calm down, she’s going to have a heart attack.
Willow tells Chase not to do it for her. He should focus on getting better for himself. He says, can’t it be both? She’s everything to him. Finn walks in, and says he really needs to work on his timing. Actually, there’s a meeting he can go to… Willow says, he has work to do. Chase is all his. She starts to leave, and Chase says he loves her. She says she loves him too, but hesitates for so long and makes so many faces, I’m surprised Chase doesn’t ask if she’s sick. Michael comes out of the elevator while she’s hyperventilating in the hallway, and she runs to him. He holds her, and she cries.
Molly guesses her assumption that she could just swoop in and make the justice system fair for everyone was a little naïve, but TJ says she won’t know until she tries. She thanks him for being her biggest champion, and he says, always. She says she’s his too; he knows that, right? He says, if this mug doesn’t say it all, he doesn’t know what does, and they kiss.
Shawn says he was granted permission to use the library weeks ago, and hasn’t had an incident since. Guard #1 says he doesn’t have to tell Shawn, but the orders came from the warden himself. Alexis asks, on what grounds were Shawn’s privileges revoked? and the guard says, the same as they were granted, at the discretion of the warden. Alexis tells Shawn that he needs a lawyer. She’ll get him one by the end of the day. Guard #1 gets close to Alexis and tells her that she’s walking a fine line. Shawn puts his hand on the guard, and the guard pushes him back. Alexis tries to intervene, and Guard #2 pulls her away. Alexis falls to the floor, as Shawn struggles to go to her.
Nina says, Sonny has embraced his life in Nixon Falls. She kneels down by Nelle’s grave, and says, she didn’t really know him well when he was in Port Charles, but you could tell that he was tortured. He was burdened by his power, and haunted by all these tragedies. But the Mike she knows doesn’t have any of those things. She knows from Carly and Michael’s perspective, what she’s doing is wrong, but when she looks in Mike’s eyes, he doesn’t have any of that pain. He’s happy, so maybe she’s not wrong. It’s not because she feels drawn to Sonny, or she likes this version better. It’s because this man has been through hell, and now all that is washed away. And he’s happy. He’s truly happy. She puts her hand on the gravestone and says, that’s something she never had a chance to give to Nelle.
Guard #1 tells a random guard to take Shawn to his cell, while Guard #2 helps Alexis up. Guard #1 tells Alexis that she just instigated an altercation with a guard from the Department of Corrections in New York. He hopes she enjoys solitary confinement. Guard #2 takes her away.
Britt tells Monica, don’t worry. She won’t hold it against her. Monica says she hasn’t made any decision about the Chief of Staff, but assures Britt that when she does, there won’t be any prejudice involved. It’s a personal decision, and her ability to get along with that person is paramount. Terry says, if the matter isn’t settled, consider her as well. She’s sorry, but she’d like to throw her hat in the ring for Chief of Staff. It annoys me that she felt the need to apologize. As women, we often feel the need to apologize when we shouldn’t.
Finn is surprised Chase’s spirits are high. He just got a pretty serious diagnosis. Chase says he’s staying strong for Willow. He can beat this. He has to.
Willow tells Michael, Chase said their wedding is the thing that will get him through this; that he’s going to walk for her. How is she supposed to tell Chase the truth about her and Michael now?
A building blows up on the pier. It looks pretty impressive.
Carly says nothing will ever change for her when it comes to Jason. She’s just tired of being the selfish one all the time. Hint #2: stop being selfish then. He asks what she’s talking about, and she says, people are always saying she’s the one who makes impossible demands on him; asking him to do everything. He asks why she cares about what the rest of the world thinks. She’s loved him, she’s supported him, she’s fought for him. She’s been there for him since the day they met, and they both know, it goes both ways. Yes, he does a lot for her, but he wouldn’t be standing there with the life that he has if it wasn’t for her. They’re both up against it right now for a lot of reasons, but they look weak, and if they don’t deal with it, it’s game over. So they’re going to deal with it because they’re in this together. She nods, saying, she really needed to hear that, and he hugs her. His phone rings, and he says, yeah?… When?… He heaves the huge sigh he’s now become famous for, and says, he’ll let them know the next steps. Carly asks, what happened? and he says, the docks have been hit. Somebody is making a move against them.
Tomorrow, Valentin asks what Anna’s instincts tell her about Austin, Lucy tells someone they’ve got to leave, Sasha doesn’t know how she’s going to tell Nina that she’s pregnant, Nina doesn’t know where home is anymore, and Brick tells Carly and Jason, they’re running out of time to push back.
Million Dollar Listing New York
Tyler said he was busier than ever. He was meeting the owners of a 3000 square foot, 4 bedroom, 3.5 bath apartment in Morningside Hts., located between parks and near Columbia, on 110th Street in Harlem. (I used to go to a great pizza place up there. Good times…) Tyler had convinced the owners into sinking $30K on staging before he started showing the apartment, and prayed they loved the results. He told owner Jeannine that it was no longer a family home, but a product. He explained the concentration was on neutral colors, and low key furniture, so potential buyers would take in the amount of space. Jeannine said it no longer looked like a home where kids had been throwing footballs around. In Tyler’s interview, he said he could tell there was going to be an emotional connection to the lives that had been lived there, but he wanted to get it marketed because of the upcoming election. He said, whichever way it went, a pause would be put on real estate. Whether or not people came back to NYC would depend on how the virus was being handled. He was selling both memories and somebody else’s future.
KJ met with fitness instructor/guru Megan Roup at a park. They’d connected virtually, but it was the first time they were meeting in person. She told Megan about the 2 bedroom, 2 bath apartment on 14th Street that she was trying to sell. Seller and friend, Stephanie was moving to Miami, and not happy with how long it was taking. Since brokers weren’t having events in the conventional way, KJ thought she’d have a workout event in the outside space of the apartment, which had more square footage than the inside. Since it was a walk-up, the attendees could warm up by taking the stairs. Megan would teach a class, then KJ would take groups to see the apartment. We learned that KJ had been the National Champion in race walking, and she did a demonstration.
Ryan said since he’d opened his brokerage, things were going really well, but before he built a new sales force, he had a handful of listings to take care of from Nest Seekers. He met team member Talia at the 84th Street property to brainstorm about promoting it. Talia said people were coming back to NYC, and in Ryan’s interview, he said the city was slowly picking up. They discussed the neighborhood, and Ryan said one of the things he loved about NYC was that it was the most culturally and racially diverse city in the world. Talia said it was upsetting seeing what was happening in the world, but she felt a silver lining. It was opening up opportunities for people to talk about injustice. It was nice to see people coming together, and becoming more educated. They talked about real estate terms no longer used, like master bedroom. She said change was happening, and in his interview, Ryan said he couldn’t experience what Talia did, but he could listen, hear, and help as much as possible. Talia said the problem with showing the apartment was that people didn’t want to travel there, with public transport still being iffy. Ryan said since they weren’t spending money on events, they could put it into transportation.
KJ set up with the workout/showing with her assistant, putting out tons of juices, water, and eco-friendly glass straws, and completely opening the NanaWall. In KJ’s interview, she said it took some thinking outside the box, but she knew people were missing in-person exercise classes. So she’d invited brokers to work out with a celebrity fitness guru. Her hope was, they’d be so sore, they’d remember the apartment.
Tyler was having a brokers showing for the apartment on 110th Street, and told Kemba to play up the fact it was near three major parks, one of them being Central Park. People were looking for outdoor space. He’d invited Alana, an intuitive psychic, to do an entrepreneur workshop, at Jeannine’s suggestion, and his life coach Vivace, who would coach female entrepreneurs and businesswomen to feel inspired about future. He felt people were losing confidence, and they could be socially distant while getting affirmation and career advice. In Tyler’s interview, he said, usually, it was about the agents getting excited about the property, but this one would be all about the agents. He told the brokers that the apartment was his anti-suburb listing, for people who wanted space, but didn’t want to leave the city. In his interview, he said it was hard to be an agent right now, and it felt good to have an event that empowered other agents. They had to keep their heads in the game. The pandemic wasn’t going to last forever.
Steve talked to Cornelia Guest, owner of the 456-acre Artemis Farm. He told her people were interested in having their own space, but being within driving distance of the city. He thought upstate New York was a hidden gem, more discreet than the Hamptons. He thought a price tag of $3.995 million felt good, and she said she trusted him, and knew he had her best interest at heart. Steve said he loved the city, his life there, and his job, but selling upstate was a damn good way to spend a Saturday. The farm felt like a country manor; modern, but not too modern. It was the perfect combination of shabby and chic. Before he went full throttle, he wanted to do pre-showings with people he thought could help get it sold. His secret weapon was Dorinda Medley (Real Housewives of New York City), who was Berkshires royalty. Bluestone Manor was famous, and he thought she was the perfect person to spread the word. Among others, he’d also invited publicist Greg, who was also a marketing guru, hoping that this showing would get a lot of people interested. He kept property manager Tim on hand to answer any questions, and in Steve’s interview, he said, a good broker knows where their expertise ends and someone else’s begins. The land was protected so that no one could build on it, but the upside was, no taxes had to be paid on it, and it could be rented out for events. Steve said one event could pay for the mortgage. It really is a gorgeous, magical property, and if I had a spare $5 million, I’d buy it in a heartbeat. Dorinda said it would be a safe purchase in the long term, and Steve suggested selling Bluestone Manor for her. Dorinda said he might as well sell her soul; she was Queen of the Manor. Steve said the best way to show a large property was to show how much fun you could have with the space, and took his guests all around the place in an ATV. When they left, he wanted them to tell their friends what a joyride the property was.
In Ryan’s interview, he told us that he was now the most followed real estate company in world. For the showing on 84th Street, he got what he called his covid-19mobile, a Lamborghini SUV with all the trimmings, including Plexiglas between the passengers, air filters, and Yuri in a Hazmat suit. He said a mixture of people were coming for the showings; some had reached out to him, some were his personal clientele, and there were even people he’d talked to on the street. He decided he could talk to them about the neighborhood, and 5200 square foot, 5 bedroom, 5.5 bath property, during the drive. He presented Yuri as fully protected and sanitized, and in his interview, he said, from crisis comes opportunity. This is why he’s so successful.
Once again I laughed at KJ trying to work and take care of her kids, who were like, mommy! mommy! mommy! She said she had a fabulous nanny, who was also student, and there was no back up childcare right now. KJ admitted she was not a WFH person, but her team had stepped up, and were doing showings at 14th Street, and doing a great job. Stephanie was in the process of moving, and putting pressure on her. The asking price was $2.625 million, and KJ got an offer of $2.3 million. In her interview, she said the covid discount seemed to go from 10-15% to 30%. There was nothing worse than getting a seller to drop aggressively, then getting a lowball bid. Stephanie was surprisingly understanding, saying, given the times, it wasn’t horrible. Everyone agreed $2.375 was a pretty fair number, but the buyer wanted to some of the furniture thrown in for that price. Stephanie said that hadn’t even been in the conversation, and when KJ could get her to budge by reminding her that she wouldn’t have to move it, KJ offered to lower her commission by $10K for the furniture gap. It was deal, but I didn’t cry for KJ, whose commission was still $61,250. In KJ’s interview, she said it felt like a win considering the uncertainty in the market.
Next time, Fredrik deals with an unhappy seller, KJ looks at property in her home town, and Ryan takes on the most luxurious development project in Brooklyn.
Ryan’s Renovation
At the end of the last episode, Ryan and Emelia faced another delay, and it would be another three months before they could move in. They weren’t going to be in by Christmas as planned, and were a million dollars over budget. The goal was now Greek Easter.
In March, they had the completion reveal. It had been almost two years, and Ryan said it had been like Build-A-Bear. He and Emelia met with the interior designers. In April, they moved in some personal items, but were starting fresh with the design team working at the house. Emelia said it was exciting to be packing, but bittersweet. Ryan said their Soho apartment had seemed extravagant when they moved in. It was hard to believe how far they’d come. When they met, he’d just started in the business, and Emelia had just gotten out of law school. We flashed back to their wedding, and he said they’d expanded in all ways. They even had a tiny human they made together, and had outgrown the home that seemed perfect for them. The movers came, and Ryan had to go to work, leaving Emelia and her mom to deal with Zena. When move-in day arrived, Ryan said he couldn’t believe they were actually moving into the house, and that it was done and furnished. He wasn’t ready. He told Emelia, after everything they’d been through, he thought this moment would never come. The designers met them at the door.
Emelia thought their styles had been married well – hers being moody and dark, and his light and airy. Ryan said it was completely insane. They’d designed it on paper, and now it was real. We saw some before and after photos, and the whole place was beyond fabulous. Ryan said they’d do the landscaping when Emelia was in Greece during the summer. Emelia’s mom liked her downstairs suite, but said it was too far; the issue being the reception of the baby monitor. I suddenly wondered why they didn’t get a TV monitor like you’d have for your front door. I’m sure it’s expensive, but they just spent a skabillion dollars, so what’s a couple hundred more? Ryan said the closet was 250 square feet, the same as his first apartment. Emelia said she felt very blessed, but humbling as it was, she was proud that after so many years, they were there.
In an amusing moment, Ryan showed Zena Andy Cohen’s picture on his phone. She wasn’t impressed. Zena was deposited with Emelia’s brother Stratos, while Ryan had a virtual meeting with his team. A bunch of family members came over for champagne and tons of food. Ryan thanked them for coming and breaking the house in, and said they were welcome forever. We flashed back over the renovation, and Emelia said, in spite of the ups and downs, it was worth it. It feels like home. Ryan said he never thought he’d say it, but all their hard work paid off. Alone on the terrace, they toasted to a happy Easter, Ryan adding, and to never doing it again. Emelia said, except maybe in Greece.
I really enjoyed this show. I like Ryan and Emelia. They seem like genuinely nice people, who worked hard to get where they are, and deserve what they’ve worked for. Although I’m sure Ryan isn’t going to slow down any.
🕍 Renovation Of a Lifetime…
There aren’t many after photos, but take it from me, it’s one amazing house. With a lot of stairs. I thought the elevator installation was very wise.
Oh wow, it’s not daylight out yet. Join me tomorrow for soap, tea, and many a quote. Until then, stay safe, stay ignoring the haters, and stay finding opportunity in crisis.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Carly visits Sonny’s grave, and says, it’s so quiet there. She can finally hear herself think, but she’s not sure that’s a good thing. How did he do it, make running the business look seamless for all those years? She had no idea how hard it was. There’s no room for error. She and Jason are doing their best, but they’re not him. No one is. Elizabeth comes into the cemetery carrying flowers, and says she doesn’t mean to interrupt. Normally she wouldn’t, but she and Carly have something they need to settle.
Brando meets Sasha outside Kelly’s, and she says she’s starving. He says, then they’re in the right place. Order whatever she wants; it’s on him. She says, big spender. If she didn’t know better, she’d think this is a date. He says, then she doesn’t know better; that’s exactly what this is. It’s officially their first date.
Molly meets TJ inside Kelly’s, and he says he ordered her a latte. Mission accomplished? She says, yes. The records were delivered to Pentenville as her mom requested. He says, it must be too early for a visit, but she says she doesn’t care. She’s just happy knowing that her mother isn’t wasting away in prison. Alexis is 90 days sober, and has a new purpose. He asks if Alexis told her what it is, and she says, no. All she said was that she needed it for a friend. It might be all they need to get out of prison. He raises his coffee, and says, to Alexis and her friend, whatever they may be up to.
Alexis looks through a huge binder, when Shawn joins her in the library. He asks what she’s up to, and she says, research for a friend. Molly got the documents she requested. No one should be able to figure out what they’re doing. He says, exactly what are they doing?
Michael finds Brook on the terrace, and says she was up early this morning. She says she can thank little Miss Bailey for that one. He says, good thing she’s cute (ha-ha! I say that about my dogs), and Brook says, yeah, and she’s already on her first nap. He says he thought Valentin took the morning shift, and she says, he does, but he’s helping search for Maxie’s baby. Michael says, Maxie must be losing her mind, and Brook says she can only imagine. Willow comes out, and Brook says, in more uplifting news, Chase is alive. It’s good news for Chase and them. They can finally drop the charade, and get back together. Michael says, that’s the plan, and Brook asks, then why do they look so miserable?
Jackie tells Chase, good morning, and he says, it’s the best one in a long time. She says she got his favorite protein smoothie; he’s got to rebuild his strength. She’s grateful they made it through this nightmare, and Chase says he thought they said, no tears. She tells him, he said that; she said, no promises. She reaches to help him with the cup, but he says he’s gotten his feeling back. She says, that’s incredible, and Finn comes to the door. Chase says, check it out, and waves the cup around. Finn says, now Chase is just showing off, and Chase says, when he and Willow renew their vows, he’ll be able to put the ring on her himself.
Britt punches the heavy bag, when Jason walks into the gym. She says, let her guess. She’s doing it wrong. He says, that depends, and she says, on what? He says, on why she’s doing it.
Willow says, it’s been a lot to process, but what this means, what comes next… Brook says, what comes next is that Willow tells Chase the truth about her and Michael, and everyone goes back to living their lives. Michael says, that’s a little simplistic, doesn’t she think? and Brook says, maybe, but it’s what needs to happen. Michael says, Chase just crawled his way out of a death sentence. Brook says, that’s right, and the first thing he asked her was to throw him a wedding reception in that rose garden over there. So, no pun intended, they need to nip this lie in the bud as soon as possible.
Chase says he looks forward to a lifetime with Willow, and Finn says, a lifetime with him. Chase says, and he’s back, ladies and gentlemen. Jackie says she’s so sorry for keeping the secret for so many years, until it got to the breaking point that made their family vulnerable. Finn says she isn’t to blame, but she says she is. Peter might have done this to Chase, but if Cyrus hadn’t messed with the paternity test, Chase wouldn’t have almost died. Chase asks what that has to do with Jackie, and she says, there would have never been a test to mess with at this late date if not for her. She’s sorry.
Brando tells Sasha, he would have liked to make it a bigger deal, but his mom is getting released from GH. She asks if Brando is driving Gladys back to Bridgeport, but he says she’s staying with him. She says, doctor’s orders? and he says, mother’s orders. Sasha says, until she’s fully recuperated, and he says, and after. She’s going to stay in Port Charles indefinitely. Sasha says, wow; she had no idea. He says, neither did he, but she wants to stick around and help with the baby.
TJ says he wishes there was something Molly’s mom could do to help Shawn. He’s still being punished. She says, if her mom can help Shawn, she will. TJ asks if she thinks Shawn is her mom’s mystery friend, and she says she doesn’t know; he could be. If he is, then they have two things to celebrate tonight. She brings out a gift box, and tells TJ, happy anniversary. It’s been five months since they became domestic partners. She’s never been happier. He says, him neither.
Alexis says this might help get Shawn out of there. These are sentences handed down from 2015 to the present. He says he was sentenced in 2015, but why the other years? She says she has a hunch about Judge Carson, and he says, the judge who presided over his sentencing? She says, yes, and he asks, what kind of hunch?
Jason tells Britt, be careful, and she says, around him? He says, in the gym. Tempting as it is, don’t go all out on the heavy bag. She doesn’t want to injure herself. She says she’s been good, and he says he’s glad she’s taking care of herself. She says she’s wanted to learn boxing for years. It’s so strong, but beautiful at the same time; like a dance. Jason says, it can be if it’s done right. She asks if he does it right. She’s not putting it off one more day. He says, boxing? and she says, among other things. She moves closer to him.
Elizabeth tells Carly that she was on her way to Franco’s grave when she saw Carly was there. She hopes Carly doesn’t mind. Carly says, no. What’s going on? Elizabeth puts down the flowers, and says she’s sorry; truly, deeply sorry. Carly was right about Jason, and she was wrong. He didn’t kill Franco. Jason told her that, and she should have believed him, but she lost faith in someone who’s always been good to her, the father of her child. When Jason looked into Jake’s eyes and swore he was innocent, she should have known. Honestly, she did know, but instead of admitting it, she dug in and held on. Carly says she was furious with Elizabeth for that, but Jason wasn’t. He understood and still does.
Britt says, let’s do it, and Jason asks what she wants to do; the heavy bag or boxing? She asks if they’re not the same thing, but he says, not really. With the heavy bag, you’re concentrating on strength and endurance, and maybe getting some anger out.In the ring, you need strength and endurance, but it’s not the physical act; it’s the art of boxing. She says, you need a partner. She’s more partial to partner activities. It’s way more fun than doing it solo. He says, sometimes, and she asks if it’s one of those times. He asks if she wants him to teach her how to box, and she says, yes please. He says, okay. Get in the ring. He’ll show her the basics. He gets in, and she follows.
Alexis tells Shawn, last year, News.org did an exposé of hundreds of judges regarding prejudice. He asks if Judge Carson was one of them, but she says, no. There could be a lot of reasons; not enough complaints, the complaints were ignored, or bogged down. He says, so what are these? and she says, those are rulings and sentences that happened around the time he was sentenced. What they’re looking for are discrepancies in Judge Carson’s rulings between white defendants and defendants who are people of color. She hands him a highlighter, and he asks if this is legal. She says, it’s all pubic record, and he says, there are thousands of cases just like Carson’s. She says they have a lot of work to do.
TJ takes out a mug with a picture of him and Molly on it. He says, this is… awesome, and thanks her. Molly says, it has two functions; to remind him of how much she loves him, and to keep him caffeinated during his residency. He says, for someone so unconventional, she sure can be sentimental, and she says she’s a woman of many talents. He says he sees that. They kiss, when Brando and Sasha approach their table. Brando says, hi, and TJ asks, what’s up? Brando says he heard they made if official; congratulations. He says they know Sasha, right? and asks Sasha if he should tell them. Sasha says, why not? She’s pregnant. Brando says, and it’s his. Can they believe it? He’s going to be a dad.
Elizabeth says Carly was right about something else. Part of the reason Elizabeth lashed out, was because Jason wouldn’t say what she wanted to hear about Franco. He wouldn’t change the way he felt. Carly says, and it hurt Elizabeth, and Elizabeth says, yes. but she shouldn’t have believed the worst of him. She threw bombs in the middle of her family. Cameron and Jake used to be close, and now… Cameron knows he was wrong and apologized, but how is Jake supposed to forgive him? Carly says, he will. Jason has been exonerated, and the more time goes by, the more everyone will heal. She’ll see. Elizabeth says she saw Carly’s relationship with Jason, the hold she had over him, and how he’d be there for her at the expense of everything and everyone, but that’s why Carly would never doubt him, and would always come through for him. What she and Jason have is real and powerful, and she respects that. She’s grateful Carly stood by Jason, and thanks her. Carly says she appreciates Elizabeth apologizing to her. It’s really hard to admit when you’re wrong; she’s terrible at it. Jason’s not the only one who understands. Elizabeth is grieving the man she loved. Carly wishes she wasn’t, but she knows what it feels like.
Britt asks where they start, and Jason says, with her gloves. She asks what’s wrong with them? and he says, they just need a little attention. Is this some weird boxing foreplay? Or foreplay using boxing?
Jackie says her secret nearly killed Chase, and Finn tells her to give herself a break. Chase tells her, what he said, and Finn says, the worst is over. Peter and Cyrus are gone. Chase says, he’s still getting better, and his dad is his dad again. No offense. Finn says, none taken, and Chase says, and this hot shot doctor is back to being his annoying big brother. All is right in the world. Finn says, listen to the kid; no more guilt. There’s really only one thing left to say.
Alexis remembers Judge Carson saying, there are two charges against her. The intended victim, Franco Baldwin, was not injured, so she’s dismissing the attempted murder charge. However, there is still the matter of the assault on Dante Falconari. For that, she gives Alexis three years in Pentenville. Shawn asks if Alexis is okay, and she says she’s just remembering the details of her hearing. He says, good times, and she says, Diane was both surprised and pleased at how light her sentence was. Diane made a point of telling her that Judge Carson was all over the place with her rulings. She dismissed the attempted murder charge, but Alexis almost killed Dante. Shawn didn’t get the same treatment, did he? He says, no.
Molly asks if it could have been more awkward, and TJ says he could punch Brando in the face again. Molly says, TJ isn’t still hung up on that, and he says he made peace with it, but can do without being reminded. She says, fair enough. But look at them. They’ve moved on, and even have the mug to prove it.
Brando says he thought Sasha was done with morning sickness. She says she is, and he asks why she needed fresh air. She says she doesn’t, and he says, now he’s confused. She says, things seemed tense, and she thought he could use an out. He says, she thought right, and thanks her. He’s sorry for opening his big mouth about the baby. He knows he put her on the spot. She says, a little, and he says he was just excited. A little boy or girl they made together. If he could hire a skywriter, he would.
Britt tells Jason, when Cyrus’s men were about to shoot her up with drugs, she wishes she’d known how to box. It would have come in handy. He says she held her own, and she tells him, says the guy who rescued her and saved her life. He says, with a little help, and she asks if he can ever take a compliment. He tells her they’ll start with foot work, and she does a little dance. He says, not like that. He’s going to teach her step and drag. He puts her back to him, and says, now go; left, drag. She follows him, and laughs. He says, now go backward, drag. She’s got it. She says, gold star for her. He doesn’t have stickers? He says he left them at home, and she says, bummer. Go ahead and ask her. He says, what? and she says, what else she’s putting off that she wants to do.
Carly tells Elizabeth, for so long, your life is one thing, then all of a sudden, it’s something else. Elizabeth says, the before and after, and Carly says, your world is flipped on its head, but you have to keep going. You go to work, get groceries, make doctor’s appointments for the kids… Elizabeth says, everything you did before, except when you lie down at night, he’s not there. Carly says, nights are tough, but mornings are the worst for her. She hasn’t had a decent cup of coffee since Sonny died. He brewed the first pot and would leave it for her. Sometimes she wonders if she’ll ever make a cup for herself that tastes right, and if that’s part of letting go. Or for the rest of her life will the first sip bring immeasurable pain? She doesn’t know don’t know what the rest life looks like without Sonny. She doesn’t want to look. So she stays in the present, and looks straight ahead. Elizabeth says, it’s like a tightrope. You’ll be okay if you don’t look down, but if you do… Carly says, you can’t. You’ll fall, and they’re not allowed.
Shawn says he’s highlighting Carson’s cases, and Alexis asks if he found what she did. He says, Carson went easier on white people than people of color, and she says, there’s a pattern. He says, she has color bias. There’s got to be something they can do about this.
Finn says he realizes, the experience, as traumatic as it was, showed their true colors as a family. In a way, Chase getting sick brought them closer together. Chase says they’re welcome, and Finn says, Chase can joke all he wants, but it highlighted how much they mean to each other. They pulled together, and showed love and grace. They supported each other in a way they never have before. Jackie says, all of which Finn was very much a part of, and Finn says, he’s very proud. When Chase and Violet came into his life, he started to have an idea of what family means. Now after this, it’s not just an idea. Now he knows.
Willow asks what Michael thinks; they’re in this together? He says, absolutely. He doesn’t feel like he can say anything. Face it. He’s the big winner. They love each other, and he’s secure in that. He can’t tell her if or when to Chase, but he can tell her that he’ll wait for as long as it takes.
Elizabeth says she relates to Carly’s coffee thing; hers is desserts. Carly asks if Elizabeth has a sweet tooth, and she says, kind of, but not like Franco did. He was lucky they had a baker in the family. Aiden made whatever Franco wanted; cookies, cakes, flan, you name it. Carly says, flan, wow, and Elizabeth says, every night when she came home, there was always one left for her. Franco would save the last piece for her. It wasn’t some grand gesture… Carly says, like the coffee, and Elizabeth says, Aiden picked up on it. He’s been doing baking since Franco died; it’s therapy for him. Now when he bakes a batch of whatever, he sets aside one piece for her. It’s really sweet, but it makes her miss Franco so much. She does everything she can not to burst into tears. Carly says that’s why it’s good coming there alone. You can cry as hard and as long as you want, and tell them how you really feel. When she visits Sonny, she gives him an earful. Then you go home. Elizabeth says, and you keep your eyes up, and Carly nods. Elizabeth says, it’s good seeing her, and Carly says, her too. Elizabeth moves along, and Carly looks at Sonny’s grave.
Britt throws punches with Jason using the paddles. He says she seems lighter, and she says, in the face of her Huntington’s diagnosis? He says, in general, and she says, it’s not like she’s okay with what’s waiting for her; she’s horrified. But at the same time, maybe she’s in denial or shock, but all she sees possibilities. He asks, like what? and she says, her mom for instance. They have a terrible history, and that’s putting it lightly. Now they’re getting along better. They’re not the kind of people who say the words, and she’s not sure if her mother would have said them if Britt hadn’t gotten diagnosed. Jason says, but she did? and Britt says Obrecht isn’t the type of person to say things to be kind; she’s incapable of that. Come to think of it, she might be too. Jason tells her, that’s not necessarily a bad thing, and she says, having the genetic marker for Huntington’s is devastating, but also weirdly freeing. Like having your whole perspective shift about what you have time for, and what’s just not worth it. Like all this crap between her and her mom. He says, it’s definitely not worth it, and she says, the fact that she has a mom, as difficult as she is, who loves her and who she loves, is worth it. That’s what she wants to put her efforts into. And her career. It’s not the money or the prestige. She enjoys it. There might not be a medical solution for her, but there are other medical solutions for other people, and it feels good to give them that. Why is he looking at her like she’s transformed into some Pollyanna? She is not a Pollyanna. He says he knows she’s not, and she says, there are a lot of selfish things she wants to do with her new perspective. Things that make her happy. Things that make her feel really good.
Sasha asks Brando if he, TJ, and Molly are friends, and he says, they used to be. She says, not anymore? What happened? Feel free to tell her to mind her own business. Brando says he and Molly slept together. Molly thought she and TJ were done, but it kind of blew up. He hopes it doesn’t bother Sasha. She says she’s furious… She’s kidding. They both had lives before they… He laughs, and says, so they’re good? She says, better than good, and he says, even though his mom is staying in town? She seemed surprised. She guesses she is, but they haven’t talked about the future yet. He says, maybe they should now.
Shawn tells Alexis, they should talk to the people who did the exposé, tell them about Carson’s record, add it to the list. She says, that’s one way to look at it, and he asks if the publicity would be good. She says, maybe. Or she could get Diane to quietly put the squeeze on Carson. If she’s worried her bias might be exposed, maybe she’ll reduce his sentence on appeal. He says that’s great for him, but does nothing for the others in prison. Alexis says, true. That’s why they have to make a big decision.
Willow tells Michael, Chase is worthy of loving and having love in return. That’s why he deserves to know. She’s scared of hurting him, and seeing the look in his eyes when he realizes it wasn’t real. Michael says he wishes he could do it for her, or that they could do it together, but she says, he can’t. The longer she avoids it, she’s just going to make it worse, so… Brook tells her, good luck, and she leaves.
Chase asks if they should have a group hug or what, and Finn advises against Chase standing up. He’s been immobile for so long, his legs have atrophied. Chase says, his hands are back in action, but his legs are still crazy numb. Jackie says she’s going to check on Violet and Gregory, and asks if Chase needs anything. He says he’s good, and she says, he’s perfect. She kisses his head and leaves. Finn says, Chase’s legs are numb? He’ll do anything to avoid exercise. Finn brings a metal instrument over to the bed, and lifts the sheet off of Chase’s feet. He tells Chase to let him know when he feels cold on the bottom of his feet. He touches Chase with it along the bottom of one foot. Chase is looking at his phone, and says, whenever Finn is ready.
Britt asks if Jason has ever skydived, and he says, no. She says, her neither. She wants to do that, and go bungee jumping, and glamping. He says, glamping? and she tells him, it’s like camping without the gross, dirty stuff. You have electricity and heat and a bathroom. He says, so it’s not like camping at all. She says, and she wants to see the Andes, and he asks if she skis. She says, no, but she will. She’s heard about cool things, but never acted on them or done them. Now she will. She not only wants to, but she needs to. He says, then she should, and she says she’s also getting a Porsche. He says, that’s a terrible, terrible idea.
Sasha says she and Brando have plenty of time to make plans. Why don’t they order breakfast and enjoy the morning. Deal? He asks if she’s putting him off, but she says she’s a hungry pregnant woman who was told she could order whatever she wanted. Was it a lie? He says, no. He’ll get the waitress. He goes inside Kelly’s.
Molly tells TJ, it feels like the calm before the storm; before his crazy residency and her studying for the bar. He says, they’ve got this, and she says she knows. There’s nothing they can’t get through if they face it together. A woman come by their table, and stops. She asks if Alexis is Molly’s mother, and Molly says she is, and she’s the woman presided over her mother’s sentence. She’s Judge… The woman says, JudgeCarson.
Alexis tells Shawn, she hasn’t thought beyond the initial research. She has to figure out how to handle it without making it worse for him. He asks if she thinks Carson will believe it’s revenge, and she says, Carson may try to stop them before they start. Whatever they do, they have to do it quickly before she gets wind of it.
Willow goes to Chase’s room, and sees everyone not looking too happy. She says, what’s wrong? and Chase says, his legs. He can’t walk.
Elizabeth goes to Franco’s grave, and says she misses him, every day, all the time. There isn’t a time she doesn’t miss him. It’s not his fault, but she’s so angry. She tells herself it’s all about Peter, he’s a sick human being, but the grief and anger are so much bigger than that. She kneels next to the grave, and says, all the things they’ll never have, the moments they were looking forward to. She knows she has to turn it around, and be thankful for the things they had, the moments they shared, and the time they had together. Maybe someday she’ll get there, but she’s not there yet. She cries, and says, it hurts so much. She puts the flowers on his grave, and touches the stone.
Britt says, excuse her, and Jason says they’ve talked about this. She’s an awful driver. She says, that’s a little harsh, and he says, she’s always going too fast, being aggressive, beeping the horn, flashing the lights, changing lanes. Can she just pick a lane? She laughs, and he asks why she’s laughing. She says, he’s funny. He’s supposed to be a symbol of freedom, of rebellion. Jason Morgan, the man who answers to no one, but no one has more rules. He says, it’s different when you’re a fugitive, but she says, they’re not fugitives anymore. Is she going to be sad if she gets a ding in her fancy new car? Not at all. As long as the engine runs, she’s going to drive that baby as fast as she can. She wants to have a good time. Does he remember what that is? He says, vaguely, and she says, top down, the wind in her hair… He says, now it’s a convertible? and she says, obviously. Maybe she’ll take him for a ride if it’s not too scary. He says, speed doesn’t scare him, and she says, even with her behind the wheel? He tells her that he said she was an awful driver, not that she wasn’t safe. She says she’s definitely unsafe, and they almost kiss, but Carly walks in. She says she and Jason need to talk about the Novak situation.
Tomorrow, Chase says, time is of the essence; Nina confronts Michael about Jax; Laura says, it’s going to be interesting; and Britt asks if she’s being replaced as Chief of Staff.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Last week ended with Erika showing up at Sutton’s Parisian party, sans hostess gift. Sutton said Erika was the gift, but I was like, damn, girl. You couldn’t scare up a Yankee candle? In Kyle’s interview, she said they didn’t know if Erika wanted to be left alone or share. You didn’t always know with her. Erika asked what was going on, and in Garcelle’s interview, she said, Erika was getting divorced, hadn’t told any of them, and she came in asking what’s going on? Lunch was ready, so eating distracted everyone, or trying not to eat, depending. I wondered why Kathy doesn’t get contacts, since she’s constantly squinting at everything. Kyle decided that Mercury being in retrograde had something to do with her and Dorit’s altercation on the plane, and Kathy said Dorit was long-winded. Kyle said Kathy talked in shorthand, and in Kathy’s interview, she said it was better to allude to things, since you never knew who was listening. In LisaR’s interview, she said she didn’t know if Erika was going to open up, but they needed to allow her space to speak and share when she needed to. Sutton talked about buying her new car, and Erika said she’d just gotten a Range Rover, which segued into her saying, let’s discuss the elephant in the room. She told the women that her life had just drastically changed. She’d had to let go of her home, her Lamborghini, and her marriage. She’d made the decision she had to. In her interview, she said Tom had pushed her further and further out, and their conversations had been reduced to a sentence or two lately. She knew her marriage was headed down a sh*tty path, and had to make a choice to do what was right for her. She told them, no one knew, and she did it on purpose, so they wouldn’t be put in a bad position to hold information. It didn’t serve her to talk about what was happening legally, since she was married to a lawyer. In Erika’s interview, she said she’d struggled with it, but once she knew, she took 30 days, closing out parts of her life. We saw a clip of her going through her tons of clothes with Mikey and another assistant. She told the women that she cried every day. She was ending a massive part of her life, and stepping into a void. She’d tried to work it out, and talk to him, but was met with resistance. In her interview, Erika said she’d always been dismissed by Tom – everything was perfect. He didn’t know what she was complaining about. She filed on election day because she’d wanted it buried, and thought it would be a blip on the radar. We saw a bunch of headlines, and she said, not happening. She told everyone that she needed to get a handle on what was coming for her – and it would be. She didn’t see it coming this way. She’d intended on holding Tom’s hand until he died. She’d taken her own stuff, and a sofa and two chairs. Dessert was served, and it looked heavenly. Some kind of chocolate torte with sliced strawberries. Most of them left half of it.
Dorit and Kyle sat down for a talk, and Dorit said it wasn’t the first time Kyle had interrupted her. Kyle said even Kathy noticed Dorit was long-winded, and it was endearing, most of the time. She didn’t deserve to be snapped at, and she would snap back if she was hurt. She was now hyper-aware that not being interrupted was important to Dorit. Dorit said she’d have the same awareness not to dominate the conversation, and in Dorit’s interview, she said it seemed like their stuff wasn’t a big deal compared to what Erika was going through. Erika said leaving the house hadn’t bothered her, since it had never been hers. She was the third wife to live there. Dorit asked if Sutton and Crystal had resolved their issue, and we flashed back to Crystal telling Dorit that she’d felt shamed when Sutton walked in her and she was nakey. Kyle said Crystal had used the word violated, and made it sound worse than the conversation they’d had in Tahoe. She was implying that something was weird. In Kyle’s interview, she said, it sounded like an awkward moment, and there was nothing to be made of it.
Dating coach Damona visited Garcelle, and in Garcelle’s interview, she said, in the dating department, nothing was happening. Chocolate Michael wasn’t the right fit, and it felt like her picker had been off. How could she meet the soulmate? A dating coach would give her options, and help her figure out how to pick one. A matchmaker gave you fish, but a dating coach taught you how to fish. Damona told Garcelle to write the qualities she was looking for on a whiteboard, and they talked past patterns. Garcelle said she had to stop leading with her career, and Damona said it was all about authenticity. Garcelle said she’d left home at 17, and had been taking care of herself for a long time. In her interview, she said, letting someone have her back was relinquishing her power.
FYI, Erika’s new rental had a kitchen the size of my living room, and a pool with a cabana. Not too shabby. Mikey and the assistant came by with some art work to hang. In Erika’s interview, she said after she found a place, she dropped Tom off at work, and left. She felt the uncertainty and instability of being out on her own. She still had three bedrooms, and planned on turning one into a closet. In her interview, she said Tom’s house had been her home for over 21 years. We flashed back to various scenes there, and she said, she felt she should shut up and be grateful. There was pressure to show gratitude toward someone who provided for you. It was great having stuff, but at what human cost?
In her interview, Sutton said she’d never had mammogram, and it was a huge mistake to tell Kyle, who was annoying. Kyle dragged Sutton the doctor, and I thought it was kind of weird that the medical staff was wearing masks, and they weren’t, but maybe it was a vaccination thing. Afterwards, the doctors told Sutton that all was good, and Sutton said she’d been worried when she saw they had such serious faces. I wondered how she determined that, since their faces were half-covered. Kyle asked how Sutton and Crystal left things in Tahoe, and told Sutton that Crystal had brought the coat incident up to Dorit. Crystal said she was really upset, and had felt violated. Sutton said the whole thing was truly innocent, and when they’d talked before leaving Tahoe, Crystal said she wouldn’t bring it up with anyone else; it wasn’t a big deal. Kyle thought Sutton needed to nip it in the bud, and Sutton said she’d put the jam on an old stale piece of toast.
Erika and LisaR went out for a drink, and ordered hot toddies. The waiter asked if they liked whiskey, which I thought was a wee bit condescending. Like they didn’t know what was in the drink they ordered. Erika asked about Rinna Beauty, and LisaR said it was launching soon. In LisaR’s interview, she said it was a first for her; a direct to consumer business. It was both exciting and terrifying. She and Erika toasted to new beginnings. Erika said she’d never felt this vulnerable ever. Tom had left her no room; that was the only way she could say it. In her interview, LisaR said Tom had definitely been the boss, and we flashed back to a dinner with LVP and Ken, where Tom shut down both Erika and LVP (how dare he). Erika said she almost floated the idea of a trial separation, but she knew it would be either you’re in or you’re out, and when you’re out, you’re dead. She didn’t leave a note, and he got served the next morning. When she’d dropped him off, she said she loved him, and he said, thanks, hon, like she was an employee. It was the last she saw of him. He wouldn’t be playing games, and she expected nothing but the worst, since Tom had challenges ahead. I guess we all know what those were now, but at the time, nothing had come out about his business. I’m not a fan of Erika’s, but I will say, I felt for her. She seemed absolutely sincere in how she felt. You could tell she was miserable about the whole thing, and it wasn’t about losing the lifestyle.
Crystal’s cousins, Angie and Tiffany, helped her prepare for her dumpling cooking party, getting ingredients ready ahead of time. Erika came wearing Star Trek hair, and a micro-mini leopard dress. In Garcelle’s interview, she said when she went through her divorce, she didn’t even want to go out, but Erika walked in like sex in heels. She didn’t know what Erika was down for, but she was down for it. Erika talked about a THC oil that Kyle recommended, which is apparently a sexual lubricant/stimulant of some kind, and I’ll leave it at that. Crystal and Sutton had yet one more talk, saying people were talking about their… whatever it was. Sutton said she thought it was dangerous to talk behind people’s backs, and Crystal agreed, saying she’d promised not talk about it with anyone else. Sutton called her out, saying she hadn’t kept that promise, but Crystal said people kept bringing it up to her. We then saw a series of flashbacks of Crystal talking to the individual women, and it was like Crystal was playing Telephone with herself. Every time she told the story, she added something that made it sound worse. WTF with this woman? In Sutton’s interview, she said, if Crystal didn’t want to talk about it, she wouldn’t have. She told Crystal that it needed clarification, and then they should walk away from it. They went back to the group, and Sutton said they had something to share about an awkward moment. Crystal said she wanted the issue to be over with, and Sutton said it was a little defamatory for Crystal to say she’d been violated. Crystal said she’d felt her boundaries were crossed, or some such nonsense. Dorit said she tried to put herself in Crystal’s shoes, and Crystal’s entire experience with Sutton had been bad. Crystal said, it’s over, and Sutton said they’d had a conversation about Sutton’s father (who’d suffered from depression and committed suicide). Later, Crystal had used words like crazy and manic, and Sutton was none of those things. In Garcelle’s interview, she said, Sutton was harmless. Maybe she could be out there, but she wasn’t manic or crazy. In Sutton’s interview, she said, sorry, but Crystal was a mean high school girl. Crystal told Sutton that she was going to believe her, the choice of words not going unnoticed. I have to add, they again showed the clip of what happened from the viewpoint of the hallway. Sutton knocked, coat in hand, walked in, said, I don’t know what’s going on in here, but here’s your coat, and left. And it was that fast. Not only is Crystal being a mean high school girl, she’s trying to gaslight Sutton.
Angie and Tiffany joined in the cooking lesson, and the women got aprons that said Cute as a Dumpling, with a cute dumpling graphic and their name. Kyle said it felt like a lot of work, and in her interview, Garcelle said she and Kyle couldn’t stop stuffing their faces. The dumplings looked so good, I swear I could smell them. Garcelle said she knew Erika wasn’t ready, but Erika should meet her dating coach, and see what the new world was like. This got a hard no. There was a dessert table, laden with delicious looking confections, which I’m sure everyone took one bite of. Kyle said she thought Erika seemed lighter, and in her interview, Erika said she trusted them, and knew they wanted to be supportive, but she had so many challenges ahead. There was so much they didn’t know.
Next time, Garcelle asks her sons how they’d feel if she remarried, LisaR talks about Scott Disick dating Amelia, Crystal takes a kickboxing class, and Sutton says Crystal needs a sense of humor.
✍🏽 Very Truly Yours…
Will I ever get to bed at a halfway decent time? Tune in tomorrow, for soap and pricey places. Until then, stay safe, stay childlike, but not childish, and stay shifting your perspective on what you’ve got time for, and what’s just not worth it.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Jordan sees Anna coming toward her, and asks if it’s Chase. Anna says, no, he made it. Finn figured out a way to treat him. Jordan says, thank God. They just got word at the station he’d taken a turn for the worse. Anna says, he pulled through, and they hug. Jordan says she was so frightened, and Anna says her too. If Chase hadn’t recovered, she would have felt responsible because of her blindness where Peter is concerned. Jordan says, no more recriminations. She’ll call Dante and tell him the good news. He’s been busy. He’s found Peter’s accomplice; the one who kidnapped Maxie’s baby.
Maxie picks up Louise/Bailey, and says she gets more beautiful every day. They don’t have much time. Olivia could be back any minute, and Maxie will have to pretend Louise isn’t hers, but she is. She tells Louise to remember that Maxie loves her very much, and she’ll do anything and everything to protect her.
Curtis looks at the invite for Trina’s graduation party, and tells someone on the phone to email him a list of their non-alcoholic beverages and mocktails. He wants this celebration for Trina to rock. Taggert walks in, and says, don’t forget the chaperone, and Curtis asks, what’s up? Taggert says, the graduation party. Trina can’t stop talking about it. So this is the new place. Nice. Curtis says he’s glad Taggert likes it, but he’s sure Taggert didn’t come by to check it out. Maybe he came by to check out its new owner. Taggert says, that guy has a hero complex. He stops Taggert from rushing in to save his daughter and Portia, and ends up taking a bullet himself. Curtis asks what’s on Taggert’s mind? and Taggert says Curtis isn’t going to make this easy, is he? Curtis says, what? and Taggert says, thank you.
Ava loses the door, and tells Nikolas, she can’t do this. She can’t. Nikolas says, whatever this is, they can face it together, but she says she just watched Carly take her daughter and lead her away. A mob family is a safer option than they are. She’s sorry, but it’s not going to work.
Chase says he knew Finn would find the antidote; he never lost faith. Finn says he remembers a time or two, and Chase says, it’s already forgotten. How did Finn do it? How did Finn manage to save him? Finn says Chase just got stabilized. There’s plenty of time for explanations later. The important thing is for Chase to rest and get stronger. Chase says he’s not asking for a detailed medical explanations. He just wants a reason for his miracle cure. Finn says, it came down to DNA.
Jason asks what Elizabeth means by Peter won’t be a problem for anyone. She says she’s trying to tell him not to waste his time on Peter, and he asks, why not?
Maxie says she’s so proud of Louise; she’s being so brave. She knows Brook and Valentin will take good care of her, but she promises one day they’ll be together again, and nobody will ever be able to keep them apart. Brook and Valentin walk in.
Nikolas says he knows Ava is upset about Avery, and she says, of course (🍷) she’s upset. She has to do whatever she needs to do to keep Avery safe, no matter how difficult it is. He says he’s still not convinced it’s Ryan. He’s got an accomplice, or a wannabe, or a copycat, but what’s clear is, they want to split him and Ava apart. They won’t give them the satisfaction, and won’t give in to the fear. They’ll fight this together. Ava says, they were in Avery’s room. They want to show her that no one is untouchable, not even her little girl. He says, they overplayed their hand this time. Dante has that bear, and can trace it. She says, what if he can’t? What if next time, it’s not just a threat or a warning? What if Avery’s life is at risk? Maybe he can live with the possibility, but she can’t. She won’t.
Curtis says Taggert doesn’t have to thank him again, but Taggert says, if Curtis hadn’t acted when he did, Cyrus probably wouldn’t be rotting in a Federal facility. Curtis says, it couldn’t happen to a more deserving guy, and Taggert says he’ll drink to that. Curtis says, he will too. Scotch okay? Taggert says, excellent, and Curtis pours the drinks, saying, they can also add the government’s decision to drop the case against Taggert. Taggert says, amen, and they clink glasses. Taggert takes a drink. He says, smooth; the good stuff. Curtis asks how Portia and Trina are doing, and Taggert wonders why Curtis is asking him. Why not ask Portia?
Anna says, the nurse’s body was found in a mineshaft? and asks Jordan if there was there any sign of the baby. Jordan says, no. Her phone suggests she made contact with someone who took the baby before she fell or was pushed to her death. Anna asks if Jordan is thinking Peter. Does the nurse’s time of death correspond with when Peter was last seen at the hospital? Jordan says, they don’t know. The body is still in PA. Anna says, they’re wasting so much valuable time, and Jordan says she knows. The first 48 hours are crucial. Unfortunately, the authorities in Pawtuck don’t have the resources to launch a full investigation, so now the FBI is in catch-up mode. They see Portia, and Jordan asks if there’s an update on Chase. Portia says, he’s still responding to treatment, and Anna wonders if she can ask Portia about Finn. She saw him earlier, but is he okay? Jordan says, that’s a good question. He’s been working around the clock for days, weeks even, and he won the battle; he saved Chase’s life. But when she saw him earlier, he still looked like someone suffering a loss.
Chase says he knew the cure was based on DNA. What made it work this time? Finn says, the first antidote was right in theory, but wrong in practice. Chase asks if Gregory understands this, and Finn says, the first attempt not only failed, but it made things worse. Chase says, no one is happier about that than him, and Finn says, Chase’s job now is to rest. He needs to get back to the lab, and formalize some notes. Chase asks why Finn can’t tell him what the difference was, and Finn says, give him a break. He broke every rule in the book to find this cure. He was on the phone with the AMA and the FDA, and he’ll tell Chase later. Chase asks, what’s wrong with now? Finn still used Chase’s parents’ DNA to formulate the cure, right? Finn says, yes, and Chase asks, what changed?
Elizabeth tells Jason, it doesn’t only involve her, so she can’t get into details, but trust her when she says Peter won’t be an issue. Jason asks, what did she do?
Brook asks what Maxie is doing there, and Maxie says she thought Brook said it was okay. Brook says, sure it is, and Valentin says it’s good to see her. He suggests he put Bailey/Louise in her bassinette (so that’s what they’re calling the fancy crib), but Maxie says, that’s okay, and walks to the bassinette with Bailey. She says she brought Louise a present.
Anna tells Portia, this whole thing has taken such a toll on Finn. He worked so hard to come up with an antidote. Chalk one up to medical science, right? Portia say she’s got that one right. They were due for a win. Anna says maybe she can get another one. Jordan asks what Anna is doing, and Anna says, Chase is going to be all right, but as long as Peter is out there and Maxie’s baby is still missing, this isn’t over.
Curtis says he hasn’t talked to or seen Portia since he left the hospital, although he’s sure she’ll be on him about hit stitches any day now. Taggert says Curtis is a friend of the family now, and Curtis says, that’s right; a friend. Maybe not so much with Trina; they got off to a rocky start, but they’re pulling things together. Taggert says he knows how Trina blamed Curtis for his supposed death, and he’s sorry about that. He’s sorry about a lot of things that concern Cyrus. Curtis says, it’s over. Cyrus is out of their lives. They lift their glasses, and Taggert says, it’s a regret he’s adding to a long list. Curtis says they can’t change what happened. They can just remember it and not repeat it. He knows it’s difficult to do, but Taggert needs to give himself a break. Taggert says he’ll keep that in mind, and Curtis tells him, do it for his own good, and Trina’s. She loves her father, and she’s a good kid. Taggert says Curtis won’t get an argument there, but he can’t take credit for that. It’s all Portia; she did the heavy lifting. But he doesn’t have to tell Curtis that she’s an incredible woman, does he?
Nikolas says Ava had no one to help her with Ryan. He traumatized Ava, and targeted Kiki. He’s sure it was terrifying; it was devastating. But she’s not alone. She’s not without resources, and they can turn the tables on whoever it is who’s threatening them. He’ll hire a private army if he has to. Ava says, whoever is doing this, obviously has resources of their own. There’s no place they go, he can’t get to them. He says he’ll do whatever it takes to protect them, and she says she loves him, but she can’t be with him. Not if Avery is threatened because of it. She can’t lose anyone else she loves. He says he knows she’s terrified, but why does she think giving the stalker what they want will make Avery safer?
Finn tells Chase, nothing has changed; they’re all still family. Chase says he’s just trying to figure out why the cure Finn came up with didn’t work, and now it does. Finn says he thinks it’s better if Chase heard it from… dad. He thinks Gregory can explain it better than he can. He nods to Gregory and leaves.
Elizabeth says Jason has to trust her on this, and that means no more questions. What matters is, Peter is gone for good. Jason says he won’t ask her for any details or explanations, but if she needs him to show up somewhere and take care of something, he’ll handle it; no questions asked. Whatever is going on, he’ll be there if she needs help. Finn says, help with what?
Max tells Brook, did she say Louise? She meant to say Bailey. Such a sweet name for a sweet little girl. Brook says, and this sweet girl has got to go down. It’s past her bedtime. Brook takes Bailey/Louise and puts her in the bassinette, saying, sweet dreams. She asks Maxie, how about if they get some fresh air on the terrace? but Maxie says she’s fine. Brook says, the air on the terrace is really nice at night; you can smell the honeysuckle. She practically pushes Maxie out the door, and Valentin looks at the baby. He asks why she’s so perfect. He’s not surprised Maxie wanted to hold her. He’s sure her arms are very empty without her daughter. He’s so unfairly blessed, because he can watch her sleeping, while Maxie doesn’t know where her baby is. He set that in motion. He put Peter in Faison’s arms. He put him on a path to pain and destruction. He wishes he could undo the past, but he can’t. But he can promise to be a good father to her and Charlotte, and promise to be a much better man. Anna walks in, and say she believes him.
Jordan tells Portia, she feels for Anna. Of course (🍷) Anna is thrilled Chase has recovered, but she’s also painfully aware she’s not a part of Finn’s life anymore. Portia says, her grandmother used to tell her, every blessing is a mixed blessing, and Jordan says Portia’s grandmother never saw Cyrus carted off in handcuffs to a Federal penitentiary. Portia tells her, as Trina would say, facts, and Jordan says, speaking of, how is Trina doing? Portia says, eagerly anticipating graduation and getting ready for college. She has her dorm room all planned out and all her fall courses. She’s even grumbling about classes she can’t even take yet. Jordan says, in other words, Trina is carrying on as if nothing happened, and Portia says, don’t worry. She’s keeping an eye on Trina in case there’s a delayed reaction. Jordan says, who’s keeping an eye on her mom?
Nikolas says he and Ava have never played it safe. They risked it all by coming together. That’s what made it exciting and alive and transformational. Ava says she’s never been so loved and accepted, and Nikolas says he feels the same way, so why would they let anything come between them now? They have to fight this together. She says, it’s not just about them, and he says she’s let whoever is doing this get in her head. They know where to strike, where she’s the most vulnerable. Don’t let them win. She says, if it was just them, she would take her chances, but she lost Kiki to this kind of madness. He says, they’re exploiting that pain, and she says, it’s working. Kiki’s death was a nightmare; one she’ll never wake up from, that will last as long as she lives. She can’t do it. She can’t go through it again. Nothing is worth the risk of Avery’s life, not even loving him. He says she doesn’t mean that, but she says she does. He’s lovely, and has a lovely house, and a lovely island. He needs to go there tonight, and not come back.
Elizabeth tells Finn that she was offering Jason a long overdue apology. If she hadn’t accused him, then Peter wouldn’t have had a chance to hurt Chase, and Jason wouldn’t have had to risk his life to prove his innocence. Jason says she’s not responsible for what Peter did, and Finn agrees. He couldn’t have found a cure without Elizabeth’s help. Jason is glad to hear that, and Finn asks if Elizabeth minds if they talk about the results. Elizabeth says, sure, and tells Jason to take care of himself. Jason says, likewise, and remember, if she needs anything, he’ll be there. He leaves, and Finn asks, what was that all about?
Chase tells Gregory, Finn is the doctor. Why did Finn leave it up Gregory to explain the medical breakthrough? Gregory supposes Finn is exhausted, emotionally and physically. He wouldn’t rest until he found a cure. Chase says, something is going on. Whatever it is, dad, tell me. And don’t tell him not to call him that. Gregory will always be his father. Gregory says he’d never tell Chase not to call him dad, because that’s exactly what he is.
Portia tells Jordan, she doesn’t have time to worry about herself. Keeping up with a high school senior, her patients, running her department; that’s all she has the energy for. She’s still standing, so she guesses she’s okay. Jordan says, Trina is moving into a college dorm soon. Take it from an empty nester, work is not a cure-all. Portia needs something for her.
Elizabeth tells Finn, she had to own up to her mistake. For Jason, it’s over and done with, but she needed to say the words. How about him? How did Chase take it when Finn told him why the cure worked this time? Finn says he couldn’t tell Chase. He was about to, but couldn’t find the right words. So he left it to someone more wise, eloquent, and compassionate – their dad.
Gregory sits next to Chase’s bed, and says, Cyrus got into the GH lab to tamper with the DNA results. It was his way of getting revenge on Chase’s mother for embarrassing him in print. Chase says, so the original test was wrong, and Gregory says, it was a lie. Finn is Chase’s brother, and he’s Chase’s father. When Finn saw that possibility, he put everything aside, including his feelings, and got back to work using Gregory’s DNA. Chase says, Gregory saved him, and Gregory says, all of them saved him. Finn, Chase’s mom, Chase’s stubborn streak, refusing to give up. It took the whole family. Their family.
Nikolas tells Ava, if he walks out that door, they’re giving in to extortion and intimidation. The only way to fight this freak, is to give them the one thing they don’t want them to do; stay together. She says, not if means putting Avery’s life in danger; nothing is worth that. He says the bear wasn’t left to threaten Avery, but to threaten Ava, and she says, would he risk Spencer’s life? Does he think she doesn’t want to stay with him? Does he think this marriage doesn’t mean everything to her? She touches his face, and says she knows he loves her. He knows her better than anyone has ever known her. So he must know, if anything ever happened to Avery, it would kill her. It would absolutely kill her. She can’t let that happen. They’re done.
Portia and Jordan sit on a bench, and Portia says, maybe they’re just adrenaline junkies maybe masquerading as public servants. Jordan says, every now and then, the real gets a little too real, like when Portia and Trina were taken hostage. Portia says, they’re back to that again, and Jordan says, anytime Portia wants to talk, or grab a drink, or go to a movie, she’s available. Portia says she’d like that, but Jordan doesn’t think it might be a little complicated? Jordan says, why? Because Portia’s ex-husband is sleeping in her guest room? Or was she thinking about Curtis?
Curtis asks if everything is good between Taggert and Portia. Are they on good terms these days? Taggert says, they do their best, for Trina’s sake. Why does he ask? Curtis says he was just wondering if Portia had someone to talk to about when Cyrus was holding her and Trina hostage. Taggert asks, what’s stopping Curtis from being that person? Bartenders are good listeners, right? Curtis says he’s the owner, not the bartender, when Jason walks in, and says he saw the light on; he was hoping to find the boss there. Curtis asks how Jason is doing, and Taggert says he didn’t know Curtis and Jason knew each other. Curtis says, small world, and Jason asks if Curtis is busy. Taggert says he was just leaving, and thanks Curtis for the drink. Curtis asks Jason what brings him there? Is it a personal or professional visit? Jason says he stopped by to thank Curtis for helping put Cyrus away.
Brook tells Maxie, Valentin is smart, and the story of Bailey’s birth won’t hold up to scrutiny. Maxie almost tipped him off, or worse, he could have thought she was too unstable to be around the baby. Maxie says she knows. She thought Brook would be at the hospital, saying goodbye to Chase. Brook says, Maxie doesn’t know. Chase is going to be okay. Finn found a cure. Maxie says, that’s wonderful news; she’s really glad. Brook says she is too, but they have to focus on their current situation. If Maxie wants to protect Louise, she can’t just show up. Maxie says she knows it was wrong, but it hurts, physically hurts to be away from her baby. She hates lying to everyone she loves. She just wants this to be over. Brook says she knows, and hugs Maxie.
Anna asks Valentin why he made that vow to his daughter, and Valentin says, Maxie is on the terrace with Brook. She stopped by with a gift, and when Olivia stepped away… Anna says, she picked up the baby. Of course (🍷) shedid; she’s missing her own. Anna feels terrible, and Valentin says he does too. She says that’s why she’s there. She’s going after Peter. She’s not going to stop until she finds him, especially if there’s a chance he has Maxie’s baby. He says she knows something. She found the helicopter pilot that helped Peter make his escape? She says, not yet, but there’s been a development in Pawtuck. They found the nurse who was working with Peter. He asks if she’s talking, and Anna says, not anymore.
Valentin asks if there’s been any trace of the baby, but Anna says, not yet. According to Dante, they were able to locate the nurse’s cell phone, and she made a call to someone earlier that night. He says, someone being Peter? and she says, perhaps. It’s impossible to know where Peter ended up after he left Maxie. It’s like he vanished into thin air. He could have gone there to meet the nurse, but Maxie is adamant that the nurse wanted to keep the baby for herself. She might have had an accomplice unknown to Peter, but either way, Jordan doesn’t think the local police have the expertise to follow up. He says, they do, and Anna says, she does. She has the WSB connections, she started the search, and she’s going on that trail, even if it takes her to Timbuktu. He has a new little baby that he has to think about. He says he is thinking about his new little baby. If Peter knows they’re after him, it makes them a target, and he won’t have Peter targeting Charlotte or the baby. Besides, he owes it to Maxie. He has to do everything he can to reunite Maxie with her daughter.
Brook says Maxie has to remember why they started this plan, and Maxie says so Brook could get her stocks back from Valentin. Brook says, yes, that was the original plan, but that first night Maxie told her it had to be about protecting the baby. And she was right. It’s not about the stocks. Brook will go in there and tell Valentin the truth, that Maxie is the baby’s mother, and he has to pretend to be the baby’s father to protect her from Peter. Maxie says Brook is bluffing. She wouldn’t tell Valentin. Brook says she absolutely would if it would get Maxie to stick with the plan. Valentin will tell Maxie the same thing. If Peter is having her followed, and she keeps coming there, he’ll figure it out. She knows how hard it is, but Maxie has to consider the alternative. Imagine Peter has her baby and is boarding a private jet to some country… Maxie says, stop. She knows Brook is right. They have to stick to the plan, the original one. The one where Valentin doesn’t know anything. If Peter is out there, then Louise is not safe. She just has to be stronger. A mother has to do whatever she can to protect her child, even if it means giving them up. Brook says, maybe, just maybe, there’s a way that Maxie won’t have to.
Finn tells Elizabeth, when the first DNA test came back, and it said Chase was his son, after the dust settled, he kind of liked it. He really likes being a dad. It took some getting used to with Chase, and now it’s just gone. She says, then he hasn’t lost anything. They’re still a family. He says he knows. He gets his annoying kid brother back. She says he’s a good dad. Every attribute he praises Gregory for, she sees in him. He’s just as compassionate and caring. He says, eloquent, not so much, and she says, in his own way. But wisdom comes with experience, right? Now that he knows what it’s like to lose a son, maybe he knows what Gregory felt like when Finn pushed him away. Now he can make things better. He says she’s trying to cheer him up, and she asks if it’s working. He says he thinks he’ll go check on his kid brother. He thanks her, and leaves.
Chase tells Gregory that he was finally getting used to the idea that Finn was… Gregory says he was coming around too. Finn has the makings of a great dad, just ask Violet. Chase says he’s glad to have the father he’s got. He sees that Finn has come in, and says, and the brother too.
Portia says she can tell Jordan that Curtis wouldn’t care if they went out for a drink, any more than Taggert would. Jordan is glad to hear that. She says she’d hate for the past to prevent them from being friends. Portia says she tries not to let the past define her future, and Jordan says she likes that (me too). She’ll have to keep that in mind. Portia says, please do, especially where Cyrus is involved. They’re finally free from him. They’re free; Jordan can let him go. Jordan asks if she wasn’t the one telling Portia to decompress. Now Portia is reminding her that she needs to do the same thing. That’s what she needs an insightful friend. Portia says she guesses that’s her. Maybe she could use one of those too. Taggert comes by, and says, what do we have here? Should his ears be burning? Portia says she doesn’t know. Is he on fire? He says, you know you all are talking about me, and they laugh, saying, you wish, at the same time.
Curtis says, this must be the night to be thanked; first Taggert, then Jason. He hands Jason a beer, and says, it’s really not necessary. Jason says Curtis did go into that house where Cyrus was holding Laura hostage. That took a lot of courage. Curtis says he wasn’t the only one willing to take a bullet that night, and Jason says, it was worth it to rid this town of Cyrus Renault. Curtis says, amen, and they clink beer bottles. After they each take a long sip, Jason says, owning a business comes with a lot of challenges. Let him know if there’s anything he can do to help. Curtis says he’s got this, and Jason says he has no doubt, but things change. Curtis asks if Jason knows something he doesn’t.
Nikolas tells Ava, he wants Avery to be safe just as much as she does, but if she thinks this is the end for them, she couldn’t be more wrong. She says, don’t do this. Don’t make himself somebody she has to fight. Did he hear a word she said? She said she couldn’t live if anything happened to Avery. So when he says they can face this together, that he’s not giving up on her, all she can hear is him saying he’s willing to bring danger to her child, and she will not have it. Nothing means more to her than Avery. Nothing. She will not risk Avery’s life. She will not risk provoking this madman. He wants them apart, he’s getting what he wants. Please leave while she still loves him, because if he tries to stay, she’ll do whatever it takes to be free of him. He picks up his bag, and walks to the door. He says, this is not forever, because he will never give up on her, on them, or on their family. She won’t look at him, and he leaves.
Portia tells Taggert to relax. She and Jordan have other things to talk about besides him. He says he finds it hard to believe, but if Portia is done, he’d like to take her out to dinner. She asks, who’s paying? and he says he is. He wants to talk to her about this. He shows her the invite to Trina’s graduation party, and she says, okay. Since he’s already invited – she takes the invitation out of his hand and gives it to Jordan – Jordan is more than welcome to come to Trina’s graduation party. Jordan thanks her, and Taggert says, be there or be square. Jordan says she thinks you have to be there to say that. Portia takes Taggert’s arm, and says, come on, dad. Walk her to her office, then take her to dinner because she’s starving. He asks if he said he was paying. Jordan’s phone dings, and it’s a text from Stella that says: So? You and Curtis?
Jason says he knows Curtis is going to make this place a success, but the more successful it is, it’s going to attract the best, and the worst of Port Charles. Curtis asks if Jason is offering protection, and Jason says he’s offering his friendship if Curtis ever needs it. Curtis thanks him, but says, as far as the business goes, he prefers to remain independent. Jason says, if his independence is ever threatened, Curtis knows where to find him. Curtis nods, Jason raises his empty bottle, puts it on the counter, and leaves.
Finn says, Chase’s vitals are strong, and he’s responding well. Thanks for making him look good. Chase says he made himself look good, show off. Finn says he’s just the guy who saved Chase’s butt so he could get back to his wife, but Chase says he’s more than that. Finn is his big brother, who he’s always going to love and respect. They shake hands bro style.
Gregory puts away his phone, and tells Elizabeth, Jackie says thatViolet is thrilled and wants to see her uncle. Elizabeth bets she does. Her dad will have to bring her by. Finn comes out, and Gregory asks how it went. Finn says better than he could have hoped. Gregory says he knows how hard this was for Finn, because he knows what Chase has come to mean to him. Finn says, yeah, and starts to walk away, but Gregory pulls him back into a hug.
Maxie says she thought Brook told her the only way to protect her daughter was to stay away from her. Now Brook is saying she doesn’t have to. Brook says she’s still working out the details; just trust her. Maxie asks if she has a choice, and Brook says, no, and drags her back into the house. Maxie asks what Anna is doing there, and Brook says, Maxie brought Bailey a present. Anna says, she’s beautiful, and congratulates Brook. She apologizes for the late intrusion, but needed to speak to Valentin. She’s on her way out now. Valentin says Yuri will take good care of Brook, Bailey, and Charlotte while they’re gone. Brook asks where he’s going, and he says he and Anna are going to Pawtuck. Brook says, why go there? and Anna says, evidence. Maxie says, why? The police already searched the house and the woods. Valentin says, there may be something they missed, and Anna says, something that could lead them to Peter. And Maxie’s baby. Maxie and Brook look at each other.
Tomorrow, Brando and Sasha have their official first date, Brook tells Willow and Michael that they need to nip these lies in the bud, Elizabeth says there’s something she and Carly need to settle, and Britt tells Jason that she’s not putting it off one more day.
The Haves and The Have Nots
At the restaurant, Benny breaks a beer bottle on the table, and whacks Sandy in the head. They fight, and Rianna keeps yelling for them to stop, but nobody moves. Everyone just watches as Benny beats the crap out of Sandy. Rianna grabs Benny, trying to pull him off, but Benny pushes her back, and she ends up on the floor. Benny goes to check on her, and Sandy breaks a chair over Benny’s back. He says Benny is a dead man, and tells Rianna, come on. She says she’s not going with him, but he keeps pulling at her. Benny tells Sandy to leave her alone, and Sandy asks if this is what she wants. Benny says she already told him, and Sandy says, then take her weasel ass out of there. Sandy walks off, and Rianna says Benny doesn’t know what he did. Benny says he knows he beat Sandy’s punk ass. Sandy takes his weasel ass out of there, and Benny asks if Rianna is okay. She says he shouldn’t have done that, but he says he wasn’t going to let Sandy hurt her. She says Benny doesn’t know her, and doesn’t know Sandy’s family. Benny says he knows Sandy’s family; he’s friends with Sandy’s brother Mitch. She insists Benny doesn’t know them. Mitch and Sandy almost killed the last guy she dated. He says he can take care of himself, and she says he’s a fool.
Benny asks again if Rianna is okay, and she says, no. He says he’s sorry, and she says she wishes he hadn’t done that. He suggests they go, but she says she’s not going anywhere with him. He says, Sandy might be out there waiting for her, but she says, Sandy could be waiting for Benny. Benny asks if she just lets Sandy talk to her like that; it ain’t right. She asks why he’s doing this, and he says he has a sister and a mother, and he loves them both. He’s not going to sit there, and let that go down. She says, it’s going to be bad, but he says he can handle it. She says he can’t, and he says he’s sorry. She says she’s sorry for him. She has to go. She grabs her bag, and jets, Benny calling after her.
Conley phones Candance, telling her that he’s a senator. She says she doesn’t know who he is or why he’s calling. He says he’s calling on behalf of Charles, and she says he has the wrong number. He says he’s willing to sit down and meet with her, and he says, about what? He says, Charles and how much he loves her. She asks if Charles put him up to it, but he says, no. He’s an old time friend. She tells him not to call her. She doesn’t want to talk to Charles or his friends. Conley says, please, just 15 minutes, but Candance says she doesn’t want to talk. He says he’ll meet her anywhere, and she says she’s going to ask one more time; did Charles put him up to this? He insists Charles didn’t, and says he believes it will be worth her while. He’s on his way. She says, goodbye, and hangs up.
Candace says Mitch is like a girl getting ready, and Mitch says he has to make his hair look right. She says if he hadn’t taken off his clothes… and he says he knows. But she knows how she is. Back in the day, she wanted him in bed, naked, and ready. She says, it’s not back in the day, and he says he realizes that; he’s sorry. Candace says, for what? and he says, wanting her. She says every guy does, and he says he knows she’s got that President dude acting crazy. She says she doesn’t want to talk about him, and Mitch tells her, he’s just saying it’s his loss. She asks if they can go. She’s hungry. Mitch’s phone rings, and he says it’s his brother. It’s the fourth time he’s called. It ain’t gonna be good. Sandy tells Mitch that Vinnie wants to see him, now, but Sandy’s got to talk to him. He’s going to kill that Black kid Benny. He went out with Rianna. Mitch says Sandy isn’t with her anymore, and Sandy says they got into a fight at a restaurant, and Benny hit him with a bottle. Mitch asks where he is, and Sandy says, the hospital. Mitch asks if he’s called Vinnie, but he says, not yet. Mitch says, don’t, but Sandy says, hell no; he’s calling. Mitch says, do not, and Sandy says he wants that son of a bitch dead. Mitch asks if Sandy is at St. Claude’s, and tells him not to do anything stupid. He’s coming there. Don’t call. Sandy says Mitch has 20 minutes, and Mitch says he’s on his way. Candace asks what that was about, and Mitch says he’ll be back. She asks if it’s bad, and he says, yeah. She says she’ll order delivery, and he says, okay, suggesting that she just stay in. And call Benny. Have him come home right now; tell him Mitch said to. Benny walks in, and asks, what’s going on? Mitch asks what the hell Benny has gotten himself into. Benny says he can explain, but Mitch doesn’t think Benny can explain this, and leaves. Candace asks, what’s going on? and Benny says, the realtor. Apparently, she’s Sandy’s girlfriend. She asks, what happened? and Benny says Sandy came at him, and he beat his bitch ass. Candace says, this is bad, and Benny says he knows, but Candace says he doesn’t. Benny tells her, everyone keeps saying that, but he knows the family. She says he doesn’t know them, and Benny says, sh*t.
The guard tells Kathryn that she has a visitor, and she goes with him. Don is in the visiting room, and she asks why he’s there. He says he wanted to speak to her, and she tells him, speak to Hanna. He says he hasn’t been able to reach Hanna, and he needs answers. Kathryn tells him to give her his phone, and calls Hanna. Hanna picks up, and Kathryn asks if Hanna has gotten any calls from her accountant Don. Hanna says, no, and she has no missed calls. Kathryn needs to talk to her husband. Kathryn asks what he did, and Hanna says, he’s not happy. Kathryn says she knows, and Hanna says she’s got go back to the house. She’s worried Jim is there. Kathryn tells her to work from her own house, and Hanna laughs, saying, Jim is mad as hell. Kathryn says she knew he would be. Hanna wonders if that’s why Kathryn put her in charge, but Kathryn says Hanna knows she doesn’t trust Jim, for good reason. Hanna says she’ll try to go over there, and do what she’s supposed to do, and Kathryn tells her, do what she doesn’t best. Hanna says, she’ll hurt that man, and Kathryn says, do it for her. Kathryn hands Don’s phone back to him, and says she reached Hanna… with his phone. He says he had to try, and she says he was lying his ass off. Why is he really there. He says, Jim wanted him to ask… and she says she’s not giving him power-of-attorney. He says, with all due respect, that woman knows nothing about banking, finance, and money, and her husband does. Kathryn says, then teach her. That’s what she’s paying him for. He says he can do that, but he can’t make the decisions. He wants her to reconsider giving him and Jim power-of-attorney. They could put in a third party. She says, so he wants her to give him, her accountant, and Jim, the bastard, power over her money. Does he think she’s stupid? He says, no, but giving power-of-attorney to… She says, a maid? He thinks that’s stupid? He says he doesn’t think it’s stupid, but he wants her to just reconsider. She says, why doesn’t he consider this? She had cancer, and her husband didn’t even know. Hanna nursed her back to health better than a mother. Hanna had the chance to take millions, but she didn’t. When she needed someone, Hann was there. When she lied to Hanna, Hanna forgave her. Now that she’s in this position, there’s no one else she trusts in her life other than Hanna. Not him, not her lawyer, and damn sure not her husband. Does he understand? He says he does, and she asks if they’re clear. He says, they are, and she says, so they’re not going to have this conversation again, are they? He says he’s got it, and Kathryn calls for the guard to take her back to her cell.
A dude who looks like he should be going to Princeton instead of guarding a house, tells Jeffrey that Tanner is there for him. Jeffrey says he’ll go out, and meets Tanner in the driveway. Tanner says Justin had something for Jeffrey and he should have brought it, but Jeffrey says, don’t. Tanner wonders if he can ask Jeffery something; what was Justin like? Jeffrey says Tanner was his brother, but Tanner says, what was he really like? There were things he knew, but nothing private. Jeffrey says Tanner told him Justin used to tell him a lot, but Tanner says he’s sure Justin told Jeffrey more. Jeffrey says he doesn’t know what Tanner wants to know, and Tanner says, the sex. What was it like? Did they like to dress up, or… Jeffrey says he thinks that’s something Justin should have told him, and Tanner says, sorry. Jeffrey knew Justin so well, and he didn’t know Justin at all. Jeffrey says, no, he didn’t. Justin didn’t have HIV. Tanner says, so he lied, and asks if Jeffrey has it. Jeffrey says he doesn’t, and Tanner says, sorry. He must have scared Jeffrey. Jeffrey says he didn’t, and Tanner asks if Jeffrey is coming to the service. Jeffrey says he doesn’t think so, and Tanner says he should. The family would love it. Jeffrey says Tanner’s mother wouldn’t, and I swear they had this same conversation before. Jeffrey says Tanner is a lot like his brother, and Tanner asks, how so? Jeffrey says Justin wouldn’t take no for answer either, and Tanner says, he’s sorry, but he’s not like his brother at all. He’s not into guys. Jeffrey says, Justin would have said the same thing, and Tanner asks if Jeffrey thinks he’s queer. Jeffrey says, interesting choice of words, and Tanner says he meant gay. Jeffrey says he thinks Tanner should make his brother the main priority, and be with his family. Tanner says he’ll bring the package by, but Jeffrey says there’s no need. David pulls up as Tanner drives away. He asks, who was that? and Jeffrey says, no one. They go inside.
Madison stitches Sandy up, and Sandy says he’s going to kill that son of a bitch. Madison says if Sandy keeps talking like that, he’ll have to report it to the police. Sandy says he doesn’t give a damn. That Black son of a bitch… Madison says, sir, and Sandy says, just fix his face. Madison says Sandy is working on a hate crime, and Sandy says, ouch! accusing Madison of hurting him on purpose. Madison says he needs more sutures, and Sandy says, if it leaves a scar… Madison says, it will be minor, but Sandy says, minor is too much. Madison says he’ll be back, and leaves. Mitch comes in, and Sandy says, don’t hate him. Look at what Benny did. He’s going to kill that son of a bitch. Mitch says he can’t do that, and Sandy says, why not? Mitch says because of his sister; he’s under Uncle Vinnie and Grandma Rose’s protection. Sandy says, not after Vinnie sees this. Vinnie is going to be pissed. Does Mitch think Benny will be protected? Mitch lied, and they want to see him. Mitch asks what Sandy is talking about, and Sandy says he’s going to the bar and telling them. The hell with Mitch. He wants that kid dead, and so will they. Mitch goes out into the hallway, and calls Benny. He asks where Benny is, and Benny says, the hotel room. Mitch tells him not to leave the hotel; he means it. Benny says he’s sorry, and Mitch tells him, save it right now.
Wyatt calls for a nurse, and messes with the sides of the bed, trying to figure out how to escape. Madison comes in, and tells Wyatt to stop pressing the button. Wyatt says he’s sorry, and Madison says, save that. Wyatt tells Madison, look at how they have him, and Madison says, that’s what he gets when he throws piss at someone. Wyatt says, it was water. At least loosen his wrists up. Madison says he’s not doing that, and Wyatt says Madison won’t give him pills and won’t untie him. What does he do there? Anything? How is he supposed to go to the bathroom? Madison says he has a cup, and Madison says, give it to him. When Madison gets close enough, Wyatt gets Madison in a headlock using his legs, and says, untie him. Madison undoes one wrist, and says he can’t breathe. Wyatt says if Madison struggles, he’ll make it harder. Untie the other one. Madison unties Wyatt’s other wrist, and Wyatt does the Vulcan death leg grip, saying, it’s okay, don’t fight it. Madison slides to the floor, unconscious, and I wonder where Wyatt learned this. Prison? Wyatt gets out of bed, and removes Madison’s uniform, saying, he’s a big son of a bitch (WOTD). He puts on Madison’s clothes, which seem to fit perfectly, so I guess Wyatt is a big SOB too. When Wyatt gets to Madison’s pants, he says, whoa. No underwear. He walks down the hall, checking rooms until he finds where the drug stash is. He unlocks the door, and shoves a bunch of bottles in his pockets, like this would be unobtrusive. He goes back out, and no one notices. They must use the same security company as General Hospital.
Don goes to see Jim, and Jim asks how it went. Don says Kathryn’s not budging. What does Jim want him to do? Jim says, nothing; go. Don leaves, and Jim takes out his phone. He calls a guy sitting in a car outside Veronica’s house. He says, do him a favor. There’s a girl named Diamond or Dallas or something. He needs her to scare his wife. Could Jim possibly be more vague? Dude says Jim’s wife is in jail, and Jim says he knows. Dude needs to find this girl, and have her arrested. He’ll arrange for her to be put in the same cell as his wife. He wants her to scare Kathryn. Scare, not hurt. Dude says he’ll let Jim know when he finds her; he’ll get the guys on it. I wonder if the guys are psychic, since Jim didn’t even pinpoint a name. Jim asks, how much more time for that Veronica bitch, and dude says he’s waiting for the right time. Jim says, don’t wait too long. Let him know when it’s done. Dude calls someone, and says he needs to have a woman found and brought to him. The rest will be taken care of. Veronica’s French thug, whose name I don’t remember, gets in the passenger side of the car. Dude asks, who the hell is he? and French thug says, it doesn’t matter. This is a dangerous game; drive. Dude starts the car.
French thug calls Veronica, and says she’s clear. She sees the car go by, and says, okay. Thank you. She calls to Laura, saying she’s going out for bit, and drives off.
There’s a knock at Veronica’s door, and Laura answers, letting Samuel in. He says she’s still wearing Veronica’s clothes, but she looks good. She says she’s got Veronica’s account numbers, but she’s looking for Veronica’s social security. Samuel asks if she’s forgetting the house on Astin, and she says, that old bitch was watching her every move. He says, she got busted, and she says, he got greedy. He asks if she thinks Veronica will check her background, and she says she checked Laura’s background, but not her real name. Three weeks ago, she tried to tell Veronica a story about her mom, and Veronica shut her down. He said he told Veronica their son was killed in a robbery. She asks if Veronica believed him, and he says, every moment. She says, maybe he should talk to Veronica, and he says Laura knows Veronica tried to get him into bed. Laura says, let her. Maybe she’ll feel better. He asks if he’s her prostitute now, and she says she’s his pimp. He says he’ll be in the bed waiting when Veronica gets home, and she says she’ll break his neck. He says, there she is, and she says he belongs to her. He says he’s got an idea. They’ll go upstairs, and do it in Veronica’s bed. She says she doesn’t think so. Veronica might come back, and she’s not going to risk losing the money. They exchange I love yous, and he leaves.
Wyatt goes to his old loft, and dumps all the drugs on the table. A girl walks in, and he asks if this is a free-for-all. She says she likes that. She obviously knows him, but I have no clue who she is. She says he has pills, but he says he’s not sharing. She says they always share, and holds out her hand. He gives her a pill, and she asks where he got them. He says, the hospital, and she says, it’s strong stuff. Can he get more? He asks if she’s got money, but she says she has something else. He says he doesn’t want anything else, and she says, just a few. He gives them to her, and she says, this is opium. He’s got to be careful. He asks what she knows, and she says she knows it’s deadly. He tells her to shut up. She asks if she can have some for Heather, and he asks if he looks like a dispensary. She says she heard he shot his father, and his father lived. He says, unfortunately, and she asks what it’s like. He says, what kind of a question is that? and she says she’s heard about it from people, but she never met anyone who shot someone. He tells her, shut the hell up. Does she have any drugs? She says she doesn’t, and he says, get the hell out. She’s useless to him. She calls him a d-bag, and leaves. Miraculously, a plate with lines of coke has appeared, and as Wyatt is about to do one, Roderick (I think that’s his name) walks in. He asks who the hell Wyatt is, and Wyatt asks who the hell Roderick is. Roderick says he’s the owner of this place, and he’s calling the police. Wyatt tells him, go ahead, and Roderick asks if she promised this place to him too. Wyatt asks who he’s talking about, and Roderick says, he knows she’s playing him. Wyatt asks again who he is, but Roderick says, it’s cool. He’ll just get his stuff and go. Hey. That’s his coke. Wyatt says, not anymore, and Roderick says Wyatt should go. Wyatt says he’s not playing, and Roderick asks who the hell he is. He say, Wyatt Cryer, and Roderick says, Cryer?
Roderick says, Wyatt is her son? Kathryn is his mother? Damn. Wyatt asks who Roderick is, and Roderick says he works at the hotel. Wyatt asks what he’s doing there, and Roderick says Kathryn told him that he could stay there while he’s in between places. Wyatt says, hold up. Is he the Latin lover she was talking to? Roderick says, sorry, what? and Wyatt says, it’s disgusting, and Roderick says he’ll just get this things and go. Wyatt says, hold on. His mother isn’t taking care of Roderick, is she? Roderick says Wyatt should talk to her, but Wyatt says he’s talk to him, and he’s lying. He doesn’t care. His parents hate each other. He asks where Roderick got the coke, and Roderick says, a friend. Wyatt asks if he can get more, and Roderick asks if Wyatt has money. Wyatt says, of course; look at this place. Roderick looks at the pill bottles, and says, Xanax, oxycontin, morphine; it’s good sh*t. What did Wyatt do? Rob a nurse? Wyatt says, something like that, and Roderick says, be careful with that stuff. Wyatt says he’ll let Roderick stay if he gets some blow, and Roderick agrees. He starts to leave, and Wyatt says, whoa. Are those his car keys? Roderick says, Kathryn told him that he could drive Wyatt’s car while he’s there. Wyatt says Roderick is screwing his mother, and she’s old. He guesses Roderick is just doing what he’s got to do. He tells Roderick, hurry back. They’ll get along just fine. Roderick leaves, and Wyatt shoves a load of pills in his mouth. I’m pretty sure the amount would kill him in real life, especially since he hasn’t had anything for ages.
Celine sits on the porch of Kathryn’s house, and hears Jim on the phone inside, saying, there’s got to be a way to get the damn thing done. He’ll call back. He comes out, and asks what the hell Celine is doing there. She says she’s waiting to talk to him, and he says, it’s private property; she’s trespassing. She says she knows, and he says he’ll call the police. She says, okay, do that, and he asks what the hell is the matter with her? She says she’s about to be put out of her apartment. She can’t pay their son’s tuition to private school. He says he doesn’t care, and she says he only cares about that junkie in the hospital. He says, that’s his junkie in the hospital, and she says these are his children too. He’s done nothing for them. Veronica pulls into the driveway, and he asks what the hell she wants. She walks to the porch, manila envelope in hand. She says, hello, Jimmy, and he asks what she wants. She says hello to Celine, and asks how she is. Are things any better? Celine says, no, they’re not, and Veronica says, they’re about to get better. Celine thanks her, and Jim asks what Veronica wants. Veronica takes a paper out of the envelope, and says, this is a court order. He has 24-hours to give Celine $50K in emergency funds. He snatches it from her, asking who the hell signed it. She says, Judge Nadine, and he says that judge hates him. She says that judge loves her, and Jim says that’s because she screwed him. Veronica says, a few times, and he says, whore. She thanks him, saying she appreciates that. He says now get off his property, and she says, this is Kathryn’s tacky-ass property, and he should be in there writing her a check. He says he’s not writing anything, and she says, then he’ll go to jail. He asks if she knows how close to death she is at this moment, and she says, as close as he is.
He asks Celine if she’s sure she wants to go through with this. She must realize it’s not in her best interest… Celine says she doesn’t care. She needs money. He says, people in hell need ice water. She should be in jail after what she did. Veronica asks what Celine did, and he says, she killed Amanda.
Celine calls Jim the devil, Kathryn accuses Roderick of having women over, Connolly says Candance is the shark Charles needs, and Sandy wants benny dead.
Below Deck Sailing Yacht – The Reunion – Part Two
We backtracked a little, with Andy saying a viewer wondered why Alli and Gary kept making out in front of Sydney. Gary said it was a weird situation since Sydney had feelings for him, he had feelings for Alli, and Alli didn’t return his feelings. Alli took issue with that, saying it hadn’t been easy for her, and it was awkward working with Gary every day. It wasn’t fair, and not true. Gary mumbled that he had more feelings for Alli than she did for him, and Alli said she was the only one doing the right thing. No one had respect for that. She’s a human being and has compassion. A viewer asked if Alli thought she broke girl code by getting together with Gary, and Alli said she had her reasons. Daisy laughed, and Alli suggested Andy ask Sydney. Sydney said she wasn’t sure what Alli was talking about, but a lot of things weren’t indicative of who she is. She was feeling rejected and jealous; everyone has insecurities. She felt bad, lashed out, and hates herself for it. Alli said that wasn’t it. Gary had a girlfriend when they came on board, and Sydney slept with him anyway. Alli was hurt by what she saw on the show, and had gotten no apology. Sydney hadn’t contacted her, and there was no one-on-one sorry, when Sydney had hurt her feelings. Sydney admitted she hadn’t reached out, and said she’d been dealing with personal trauma in her own way, realizing who she is and how to navigate herself. Alli thought Sydney had been insincere. She’d embarrassed Alli and herself. Alli said she wasn’t trying to rub it in, but if Sydney was sincere, she would have approached Alli one-on-one, not wait for the reunion. Andy asked Gary if he had a girlfriend, and Gary said he was in a complicated relationship (groan), and they hadn’t seen each other in 8 months. They’d grown apart, and it was his only regret. Daisy said they didn’t know his girlfriend’s perspective, and she might have seen their relationship differently. Gary said they hadn’t spoken in two weeks, and then he had to tell her about Sydney. He’d sent a message that he’d kissed his deckhand, hoping she thought it was a dude. Glenn said, nice try, and Andy said Gary could have saved a lot of drama if he’d hooked up with JL, but Gary said he had no stepladder on board. Andy asked if Sydney was seeing anyone, and she said she had a partner; they’d been together five months. Andy asked about his reaction to the show, and Sydney said he knew it was in the past, and that’s that. He’s the captain of the boat she’s on now. He’d been supportive, and cared about her. He had her back no matter what. Andy asked about Alli’s status, and she said she had a boyfriend. They were moving in together, and about to sign a lease on a house. She was going to be living the land life. He asked if she had any other updates, and she laughed, saying, they’re having a baby. Everyone applauded, but Gary looked sad, or mad, or both. Alli said it was scary, but exciting, and Andy said it was a fertile crew. He asked if Gary had known, and Gary said, no, but he was happy for her. She said her boyfriend treated her like a princess, and if she was happy, he was happy. Daisy looked kind of disgusted.
Andy asked if Alli and Gary rekindled things on the crossing, and Gary said they built their relationship, and became a couple until they got to Palma and Alli left for Australia. They’d known it was inevitable, and in the back of their minds, they knew never it could never seriously work, regardless of their great chemistry. Viewer Trisha P. asked if Colin’s opinion of Gary changed when he said he was going to have sex with Sydney to get Alli’s attention, but Colin said, no. They were good mates. Gary didn’t want to take his advice, but was still his boy. Viewer Lauran B. asked if Colin thought Gary would have been a better manager if he hadn’t been distracted by the love triangle, but Colin said he agreed with Glenn that Gary was exceptional. Andy asked if Alli and Sydney felt like they’d gotten closure, and Alli said, no. Sydney said she thought they’d never really have complete closure. A lot had happened to what could have been a beautiful friendship. She was sorry for what could have been. Gary started chewing on the cord to his earpiece, which was bizarre. Alli said she didn’t think Sydney was a bad person, and Andy said he was in agreement, so he was leaving it there. Gary said, everybody loves everybody, and Daisy said something unintelligible, prompting Andy to ask how many bottles of wine she’d had. She told him, stop being jealous.
Andy moved on to the MVPs of PDA, despite their differences in age and height, and an STD scare. We flashed back to JL and Dani’s boatmance. Dani looked sad and embarrassed. Andy told her congrats, and asked how she was feeling. She said, obviously, her pregnancy was unplanned, but she was happy. Andy asked what happened with her and JL after the season, and she said they hung out for a couple of days. She’d kept trying to tell him throughout the whole season that it wouldn’t work. She lived in Australia, and wasn’t moving, and she wasn’t going to ask him to move. She tried to convince him that it wouldn’t work, and he tried to convince her that it would. Andy asked her relationship status, and she said she was single. Viewer Ally W. asked if the crew was surprised at how things turned out for Dani, and Daisy said she was shocked; it took a few days to digest. Then Andy asked the question on everybody’s mind; was JL the father of Dani’s baby? She said, let her put it this way. She’d only slept with one guy during the season. Andy asked for JL’s reaction, and she said he thought it wasn’t his, and didn’t want to have anything to do with it. In the beginning, she found out when she was in quarantine. She’d just gotten back to Sydney (Australia, not the deckhand), and she was alone. When she told him, it was a big shock, but he seemed supportive, and said he’d support whatever she decided to do. Then things changed around December; he wasn’t interested anymore. On January 1st, she got a message not to go around telling people that he was the dad, and he wanted a DNA test. She has receipts. She told him that he’d have to pay for it, since it was expensive, then his mom made a horrible comment online. Someone said it was gross that JL would abandon the mother of his child, and his mother said what was gross was a woman who uses a man because she’s desperate to be a mom. She didn’t want his family involved in her child’s life. She was getting mean comments that she should have had an abortion. She said she’s very pro-choice, and felt every woman should do what’s best for her, but she wouldn’t be able to do that. She also wouldn’t move to have a child with a boy she barely knew. She was going with it now, and knew she was having a girl. (She’s since given birth. This was filmed a while ago.) She was sure her baby girl was going to be amazing, and she’d do her best to give her baby everything she needs. Andy said Dani was going to be an incredible mom. She was happy she was having a girl, since she wouldn’t know what to do with a boy. Andy asked Alli about her reaction, but she said she’d known for a while. Dani was working 12-hour days, and getting herself prepared. She thought it was disgusting and frustrating that JL wouldn’t acknowledge the baby. Her heart was breaking, but she thought Dani was strong and could do this without him. She’d actually be better off. Gary said JL had no spine. The little respect he’d had for JL was out the window. He knew Dani would be the best mom ever. His own dad chose not be there, and he learned not to be like that; JL was a prime example. Dani said she wished JL was there to defend himself or say what he thought. She didn’t think it was fair that he wasn’t able to give his side. Andy said, to be fair to Dani, she didn’t have an ax to grind or a bomb to drop; she was just answering questions.
Andy asked if Glenn had any final thoughts, and Glenn said he’d had a great time with them. There had been conflict and indecision going on, but their positive energy was amazing. He wasn’t disappointed. And with that, Andy said, goodbye to the crew.
Five days after the reunion recorded, JL found time out of his busy schedule to talk to Andy.
Andy said they’d tracked JL down, and he was there now. He asked why JL couldn’t join them for the reunion, and he said he’d wanted to be there, but he’d been on charter. It was the primary’s daughter’s birthday, and the biggest day, so he couldn’t take the time off. Andy asked what the biggest professional lesson was JL learned, and JL said, do not get intimate with any of the crew. Andy asked what the status of his and Dani’s relationship was today, and he said it was uncertain. They’d definitely talked a little, but not as much as they should have. There were things to be questioned, and they had questions for each other. (Huh?) He said they were trying to be adults, and Andy said, a lot of viewers were asking if JL was the father of Dani’s baby. What did he have to say to that? JL acted like he didn’t know this was coming, and said Andy was going to make him do this now? He’d asked for a paternity test, and had gotten backlash. He thought it was understandable, but he was 24, and didn’t have much relationship experience. Dani took it poorly, but he understood why. He said he apologized, but the paternity test was just for his peace of mind. If the child was his, he abso-effing-lutely wanted to be a part of its life. He didn’t know where him saying he didn’t want to came from, and people were telling him they’d heard he wanted nothing to do with the baby. It was tearing him up, since he wanted everything to do with it if it was his. Andy said he was happy to hear it, but why not take the DNA test. JL said money wasn’t the issue, and he’d even reached out to Dani’s doctor’s office. He didn’t want to go the lawyer route, and wanted them to work together. It all sounded a little vague. Andy told him the baby was a girl, and JL said he wanted to be there for the birth. He’d been told a date, but wasn’t sharing it because Dani hadn’t. Andy rolled the video, of the crew’s reactions, and JL acted all hurt and upset, but who knows? Andy asked for JL’s reaction, but he said he was lost for words. Andy asked if he felt misrepresented, but JL told him, most of what Dani said was correct. Andy asked about his family’s reaction, and JL said his mother was initially excited, but confused, since she’d always told him to wear protection. She wants him to be happy, but she’s trying to protect him. He told her that she needed to realize what she was saying, and that it might not be true. Andy asked if he thought Dani used him, and he told Andy that his mother said that out of anger. He didn’t agree, and told her to delete it. He said she can’t be doing that; it puts him in a bad light. Andy said it seemed like his mom should help out to facilitate test, and JL said they’d know as soon as the baby was born. Yeah. If the baby is like three feet tall at birth, it’s definitely his.
Andy asked if JL was still in touch with any of the crew. Their reaction to his behavior had been damning. JL said none of them liked him, but he was cool with that. Everyone has an opinion, and they’d only seen one side. Now everyone thought he was a POS; he saw their faces, and they were judging him. He wished them the best, but didn’t care what they thought. Andy asked if there was anything JL wanted to tell them, since he hadn’t been at the Reunion, and JL asked to see the clip again. Andy ran it, and asked if it was worse the second time. JL said he’d paid more attention, and yeah, the looks on people’s faces. Andy said he’d been doing this a long time, and talked to a lot of people about uncomfortable situations, and it’s notable that Dani said she’d wished he was there to give his side. She hadn’t come to attack him, and Andy thought JL should take that to heart, especially since he said pretty much everything Dani told them was true.
Andy told JL that now was the time for him and Dani to communicate and figure it out. He might regret if he didn’t. He asked if there was anything else JL wanted to say, and JL said, don’t judge a book by its cover. He understood how he was being perceived, and wanted them to know that if this is his child, he wants everything to do with it. He even thought about moving to Australia. A lot of scenarios were running through his mind; every possible avenue to Dani. What they’d had on the show was real. He was sorry they were where they are now, and most of it was his fault. Maybe because he’s the boy Dani said he was, but he wants to be there for her. He’ll understand if she doesn’t want to have anything to do with him because he wanted the tests. He’ll get over that, but he’d never get over not being there if this is his child. He needed her to know that he supported her decisions, and still does. He hoped they could co-parent, and have respect for one another. He was sorry things happened the way they did.
Andy told JL to remember what he’d said, write it down, and send it to Dani, so they could resolve this. She needed to hear it directly from him. Andy said he appreciated JL talk to him. He was happy to hear what JL had to say.
The end text said Dani’s daughter Lilly, was born on May 26th, 2021. Dani and JL had yet to speak with each other.
🧯 It Could Be Worse…
If I hurry, I can make it to bed before daylight. So until we meet for soap and diamonds, stay safe, stay assiduous, and stay keeping your mother from making comments about your possible baby mama on social media. At least until you know the test results.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Maxie makes a phone call.
Olivia tells Valentin that she doesn’t know if Bailey looks more like Brook or him, but he says, she looks like herself. Olivia says, whoever she looks like, she’s just gorgeous. Brook sees a call come in from Maxie, and goes out on the terrace. She says Maxie can’t keep calling her. What about keeping her distance to keep her baby safe from Peter, doesn’t she understand? Maxie says, easier said than done. She needs to see her baby. She needs to hold her. Brook says she wants to make that happen, but has to figure out the right way to do it so it looks natural. Maxie suggests they meet in the park in 20 minutes, but Brook says she was on her way to the hospital to see Chase. He’s in a bad way. Maxie says she knew Chase was sick; she’s so sorry. Brook says she knows Maxie misses her baby, but hold on a little longer. She’ll call Maxie as soon as she can. Maxie says, dammit, and Sam overhears.
In the hall at the MetroCourt, Avery asks Ava if she can have sprinkles on her ice cream, and Ava says, chocolate or rainbow? Avery says, both, and Nikolas tells her, see? Staying at the MetroCourt is fun. They have great ice cream sundaes and they even have their own personal bodyguard. The guard unlocks the door to their room, and pushes the door open. It bangs against the wall, and Ava jumps.
Josslyn goes into the kitchen, where the moss bowl has gravitated away from the kitchen island, which is being used for baking purposes. Josslyn says she thought she smelled cookies, and Carly says it’s the only thing she bakes. She wanted to celebrate Josslyn going to college. On a scale of one to ten, how excited is she? Josslyn says, maybe six, and Carly says she thought Josslyn would say a ten or fifteen. She asks if Josslyn is having second thoughts about going to PCU, but Josslyn says, no. She can’t wait to join the team. She’s going to work as hard as she can to elevate their program, and make Southern Coastal regret not taking her. Carly says, forget Southern Coastal; their loss is PCU’s gain. Josslyn has so much to focus on, and be excited about. She has activities, she gets to go to class, she gets to live in the dorm. Josslyn says she was thinking, instead of living in the dorm, she should stay there with Carly and Donna.
On the phone, Jason says he wants a guard to accompany every shipment to discourage the Novaks from further interference. He thanks them, and Cameron walks into Pozzulo’s. Jason asks if everything is okay, but Cameron says, no. That’s on me.
Brook asks how Bailey is doing, and Valentin says, sleeping like an angel. Brook says, lucky her, and Valentin says Brook seems upset. Brook says, her friend is dying; she’s upset. Olivia says she’s so sorry to hear about Chase. He’s a wonderful man, and he’s been a good friend to Brook. Brook says, Chase is a good guy – the best. She’s really going to miss him.
Finn says, Gregory’s DNA makes the new antidote viable, and Elizabeth says, so they have the cure to save Chase? Finn says, yeah, and Gregory asks what Finn is waiting for, when they hear the alarm from Chase’s room, and the three of them run. Michael tells Anna, that’s Chase’s room, and she wonders what it means. Elizabeth hustles Jackie and Willow out of Chase’s room, while Finn does chest compression, yelling, code blue; get a crash cart! He tells Chase, breathe, dammit. Breathe.
The guard tells Ava and Nikolas that it’s all clear, and he’ll be outside if they need him. Ava says PJ time for Avery. Avery goes to change, and Nikolas says he saw Ava jump when the door slammed open. She asks if he thinks she was overreacting, and he says, if he did, he wouldn’t have moved them out of Windymere, and gotten a bodyguard. Avery comes out with a stuffed bear, and shows Ava, who asks if Avery thinks the bear can help her get ready for bed. Avery says, yes, and runs off. Nikolas asks if Ava is feeling better, and she says she thinks she is.
Carly asks why Josslyn would want to live at home when she can live in the dorm? She should experience all of college life, not just classes and volleyball. Josslyn says, if she moves into the dorm, that means Carly and Donna will be living there all alone. She knows Carly still misses Sonny, and has been working hard trying to hold his businesses together. Carly says Josslyn needs her own life and needs to experience college. Jason is back, and the whole situation with the business will settle down. If she’s busy, it will be with the MetroCourt, and that she can handle. Josslyn says she doesn’t think her dad believes Carly is going to let Jason handle the business. At least not totally.
Cameron asks how Jason is feeling. He knows Jason was shot. Jason says he’s almost healed, and Cameron says he’s glad. He knows he said some awful things to Jason when he was at the hospital; he thought he wanted Jason dead. Now the truth is out about Peter, and he’s sorry. He was wrong about Jason killing Franco, and he was wrong to be angry. People tried to tell him, of course (🍷) Jason wouldn’t kill Franco because of Jake, but he wouldn’t listen to them. Jason says he knows Franco’s death was really hard on Cameron, and Cameron had every right to want to bring his killer to justice. Cameron says, but it wasn’t Jason.
Sam asks if Maxie is okay, but Maxie says, nothing is okay. She misses her daughter. Sam says she knows it’s been hard on Maxie, and Maxie says Sam has no idea. There’s a knock at the door, and Sam lets Dante in. Maxie asks if there’s any news on Peter, and Dante says, not yet, but he can’t hide forever. He promises they’ll find him. Sam says, Dante must have some kind of update and Dante says he just came from the house in Pawtuck where the nurse took Maxie. The owner is the same guy who delivered her baby. Maxie says, Austin? and Dante says, yeah. He knows the area, and took Dante around a little bit. Maxie says, and? and Dante says they found the nurse who was calling herself Chloe Jennings. Sam asks if she had the baby with her, and Dante says, no, but that’s a good thing, because they found her at the bottom of an abandoned mine shaft; she was dead. Maxie says, oh God, and Sam tells her, it’s okay; take it easy. Maxie says, it’s just that this is so horrible. Was there any sign of what happened to Louise?
Finn continues to work on Chase, and says medical stuff. Brooke comes into the hospital, and asks Anna and Michael how Chase’s wedding was. She bets he’s over the moon. Anna says, Chase isn’t… and Brooke says, no. Michael hugs her and says he’s sorry. Finn uses the defibrillator on Chase, and Elizabeth says they have a reading, but it’s still weak. Finn tells Willow, talk to him, and she tells Chase that she’s still there. She’s not going anywhere, so he has to come back to her. Finn puts the serum into Chase’s IV bag, and Willow asks what Finn gave him. He says, a last chance.
Willow says she thought Finn said there were no more options, and Finn says he took a look at the antidote, and there was an error in how it was formulated. He reformulated it, using new parameters. Willow asks if Finn is saying Chase could recover, and Finn says, that’s the hope. Elizabeth says, Chase is stabilizing, and his vitals are improving. Willow hugs Finn and thanks him, and Elizabeth suggests they go tell the others. They leave, and Finn sits next to Chase’s bed, watching.
Cameron asks why Jason didn’t tell him the truth that Peter killed his stepdad, and Jason says, because Cameron would have gone straight to Peter, and confronted him like he did Jason. Cameron says, and Peter would have killed him. Jason says, it was a possibility, and Cameron says, Jason was protecting him. Just like the time he and Trina got kidnapped. Jason saved his life, and he gave Jason zero credit for it. He’s so sorry. Jason says, apology accepted, and Cameron says, that’s it? That’s all it took? Jason says, as far as he’s concerned, Cameron made a mistake, he took responsibility, and apologized. That’s it; it’s over. Cameron thanks him, and asks, what about his mom? She trashed Jason too. Does Jason forgive her?
Dante tells Maxie, there was no sign of Louise. Maybe the nurse handed her off to somebody. Sam says, like maybe somebody Peter sent. Dante says, maybe. It’s too early. They don’t have enough information to speculate. Maxie says she just wants to hold her daughter, and he says, it’s not hopeless. They did find something that could lead them to Louise.
Avery tells Ava and Nikolas that her bear can talk. Ava asks if he’s saying he wants honey, but Avery tells her to listen. She squeezes the bear and Ryan’s voice says, I can’t wait to be a family.
Carly says, Josslyn’s dad has a head for his business, but not so much when it comes to Sonny’s. Jason’s back, and anything that comes up, Jason will be able to handle. Josslyn says, so it’s just Jason. Carly isn’t involved. Her dad was totally wrong about that. Carly says she’ll smooth things over with Josslyn’s father. If she does that, will it make Josslyn feel better about moving into the dorm? Josslyn asks why she gets the feeling Carly would drag her out of her bedroom and into the dorm, whether she wanted to go or not? and Carly says, because Josslyn is a thoughtful, intelligent, caring young girl, who needs to have a life of her own away from her and Donna. Besides, she’s coming home to visit, right? Josslyn says, yeah, for Carly’s cookies, and picks one up. Carly says she wouldn’t have it any other way, and hugs Josslyn.
Ava asks Avery if she’s got this right. Avery went into her room after she had her ice cream, and found the bear: she’d never seen it before? Avery shakes her head, and the guard says he searched Avery’s room, top to bottom, and there are no signs of forced entry. Nikolas squeezes the bear, and it says, we were meant to be together. Ava tells him, turn that thing off, but Avery says she likes it when the bear talks; he’s funny. Nikolas says, he’s a very funny bear, and Ava says, a regular laugh riot.
Maxie says, Dante found Chloe’s cell phone? and Dante says, there were calls to Peter going back weeks. The last call was made on the day she kidnapped Maxie and Louise. Sam says, to Peter? but Dante says, to someone else. She also dropped a PIN to the location where Maxie gave birth. Maxie flashes back to calling Brook on fake Chloe’s cell phone, and telling Brook she’s sending the PIN. Sam says, maybe the nurse had an accomplice, and had someone meet her, and handed the baby off before she fell. Dante says, that makes sense. It also means Louise is alive and well, and the person Chloe called has the baby. His phone rings, and he tells them, he’ll be right there. Maxie asks if they found Peter, but he says it’s another case he’s working on; he has to go. Maxie says, of course (🍷), and he says, the lead could be a real thing. He’ll let her know if he finds something. He leaves, and Sam tells Maxie to hold on a little while longer. She’ll be holding her baby soon. They hug, and Sam says they’ll get the bastard who took her.
Willow comes out, and tells everyone, it’s not what you think. Chase is hanging on. Finn thinks he may be starting to improve. Brook asks if she means Chase is getting better, and Michael says, that’s incredible, but how? They heard the alarm. Elizabeth says, Chase’s heart stopped, but Finn was able to bring him back, and managed to get a heartbeat, which made it possible for him to inject Chase with a modified antidote. Anna asks what that means, and Elizabeth says, it means Chase may live after all. Willow says, Finn gave us a miracle.
Jackie tells Gregory, the antidote didn’t work because the DNA wasn’t a match, but it was a combination of Finn’s and hers, and they’re Chase’s parents. Gregory says, it turns out he’s Chase’s father after all, and she says, but the DNA tests… He says, were most likely tampered with on Cyrus Renault’s orders. She says she and Finn ran into Cyrus, and he said something about Chase’s paternity, like he was glad it came out before Chase got sick. Gregory says, it was enough to make Finn suspicious, so he ran a second test that proved Chase is his son. Finn reworked the antidote combining her DNA with his. Jackie says, if Finn is right… Gregory says, then there’s a shot he could save their son’s life, and they hug.
Elizabeth goes to Chase’s room, and says, oh wow.Chase’s blood pressure is rising, his heart rate is rising. The antidote is working. Finn says Chase’s bloodwork will tell them for sure, and Elizabeth says she’ll take it to the lab. She’ll tell them to put a rush on it. Finn thanks her, and goes to Chase’s bedside. He says Chase has a real cheering section out there. He’s waiting to hear some good news. Chase being an eternal optimist, always believing things work out for the best, now’s his chance. Prove it. Wake up, Chase. Wake up.
Finn tells Chase, hang on, kid, you’ve got to get through this. Going to his softball games, having to watch that dumb change-up Chase is always talking about – and it is dumb. Bragging about it doesn’t make it any better. Chase does realize he’s married now, and Finn is very impressed, given his own history of wedding days. Willow is waiting for him out there, and he has a chance to have a long, happy life with her. A chance at happiness that few people get in this lifetime. Does he want to blow that by dying? If he does that, he’s even stupider than Finn thought. Chase opens his eyes, and asks if Finn just called him stupid.
Dante bags up the bear, and Nikolas says, whoever it was, they bypassed security. Ava says, it’s Ryan. Of course (🍷) he bypassed security. That’s what he does; he’s proud of it. Dante says she still thinks it’s Ryan behind this? and she asks if he didn’t hear the voice in the bear. He says, deepfakes can be pretty convincing, and she says she prefers to err on the side of caution. She leaves the room, and as Dante is finishing up, Carly walks in. She says her head of security briefed her on the break-in, and they have access to her hotel staff, as well as all security footage. Nikolas says, whoever did this, broke in without being noticed. Does she really think talking to staff or looking at footage is going to help? Dante says they won’t know until they try, and asks Carly, who else besides the keyholders has access to the rooms? She says, housekeeping, anyone cleared to do maintenance, and management, and Nikolas says her lack of safety precautions is unacceptable. She says they have state of the art security equipment, but no, it’s not perfect. Dante asks if there’s a record of everyone who has access to the room, and Carly says there is. He’ll have full access to those records. Ava comes back, and Nikolas says he was just about to ask Carly to leave, but Ava says she’s the one who called Carly.
Cameron tells Josslyn that he apologized to Jason. He was great. He literally said, apology accepted, and that was it. She says, that’s not really surprising. Jason’s a very fair person. Cameron says, unlike him, and she says Cameron wasn’t exactly fair to Jason. He says he wasn’t, but Jason still forgave him. Can she?
Jackie and Gregory go to Chase’s room, and Finn says he’s all theirs, but go easy on him. Jackie runs to Chase’s bedside, and says she missed him. He says, thank Finn. Finn brought him back. She says she knows, and she’s so grateful for that. Gregory and Finn hug.
Sam asks if Maxie is sure she doesn’t want her to stay, but Maxie says, all she wants is a long, hot bath right now. She’ll be fine. Sam tells her to remember what Dante said; the phone is a good lead. Her daughter could be closer than she thinks. Sam leaves, and Maxie gets a wrapped box from the desk. She opens it, and takes out a pink onesie. She puts it back in the box, picks up her keys and bag, and leaves with the box.
Gregory says Finn will give Chase the details. Let it suffice to say he was never more terrified in his life. He thought it was too late, and was never so grateful to be wrong. Finn is listening outside the door, when Elizabeth brings him the test results. He looks through the folder, and says, it’s great; it’s working. The antidote is bringing the toxin out of Chase’s body, and he’s going to live. Elizabeth says, he did it, but Finn says, they did it, and they hug.
Chase asks, what’s the verdict? and Finn says, the verdict is the softball team is going to be putting up with Chase’s change-up for years to come. Everyone smiles.
Elizabeth tells Willow, Finn got the results from Chase’s bloodwork. He’s responding the antidote. He’s going to be okay. Willow hugs Michael, and Elizabeth says she thought the bride should know she can look forward to a wonderful future with her husband. D’oh! Willow thanks her.
On the phone, Valentin thanks Olivia, and tells her to take care of their girl. Anna tells Brook that she’s given Valentin such a beautiful gift. It’s brought out another side of him. Brook says he does baths, feeding, even changing her. It’s a side of Valentin she never thought she’d see. Elizabeth tells them, Finn’s antidote worked; Chase is going to recover. Brook asks when she can see him, and Elizabeth says she’ll let Brook know. Elizabeth walks by the elevator, and Jason comes out. She asks what he’s doing there, and he asks if she has time to talk. It’s about Peter.
Olivia says she’s sorry Maxie missed Brook; she just went back to the hospital. She leads Maxie to the crib, and says here’s our precious Bailey. Isn’t she the sweetest? Maxie hands Olivia the gift box, saying, she brought this for Bailey. She asks if Olivia could take a picture of her wearing it, and send it to her, and Olivia says, sure. She has little Louise in her prayers every day, and knows in her heart that God is going to bring Louise back to Maxie real soon.
Elizabeth asks what Jason knows about Peter, and Jason says they haven’t found him yet, but his people are on it. She thanks him for the heads up, and he says, Cameron came to see him. He apologized for believing Jason killed Franco. Elizabeth says it’s her fault Cameron blamed him in the first place, and asks if he can forgive her for accusing him of killing her husband.
Willow goes to Chase’s room, and asks if she’s interrupting, but Jackie tells her to come in, and suggests they give the newlyweds a little time alone. She, Finn, and Gregory leave, and Willow says Chase looks pretty good, for a guy whose heart stopped. He asks if she was there. He knows it was Finn who brought him back, but he could swear he heard her voice telling him to come back. She puts her hand on his and says, she’s so glad she did.
Jackie wonders when they tell Chase that Gregory was his father all along, and Gregory says, it’s up to his brother, the doctor. Finn says they can tell Chase anytime, and Jackie thinks it should just be Gregory and Finn. Finn agrees, but says, this time, could she do him a favor? He’s going to be stuck there for a while, monitoring Chase. He wants to talk to Violet’s nanny, since Violet was upset and worried about her uncle. He was hoping Jackie could stop by and tell her that Chase is going to be okay. Jackie says she’d be honored, and Finn thanks her. She runs into Anna on her way out, and Anna says, it’s good news about Chase. Jackie says, thanks to Finn, she has her son back. She leaves, and Gregory says he’s going to get some really bad coffee. Does anyone want anything? Anna and Finn decline to have bad coffee, stale doughnuts, or any of the other horrible food the GH cafeteria has to offer, and Gregory leaves. Anna tells Finn that she’s so proud of what he did for his family, and he says he’s just glad to have Chase back. He wants Chase to have a happy life – he and Anna briefly join hands, then let go – with Willow, and frequent visits from him and Violet. Anna says, that sounds really good. And you know what’s perfect? Chase survived without Peter’s antidote, thanks to Finn. Peter has no more hold over Finn. Finn says, Peter has taken so much away from him already, he doesn’t think he’ll ever be free of him.
Chase says he can’t wait to meet Bailey Lois Quartermaine, and Brook says, if he can pry her away from Valentin. The man’s ga-ga over her. Michael says, Valentin barely lets the rest of them hold her, and Chase says, he has an idea. Remember when Brook volunteered to help him and Willow with their wedding? Brook says she thinks there was a mention of the rose garden, and Chase suggests a do-over, at the rose garden. Everyone dressed in their best, including Bailey, and they’re going to have champagne, flowers, and a dance floor. He wants to give Willow the best wedding reception of all time. A lot of friends and family, everyone they love; a celebration to start off the rest of their lives together. Brook looks at Michael.
Nikolas tells Dante, they left Windymere because Dante said it wasn’t safe where they were, but Ryan, or whoever, followed them there to the MetroCourt. Dante says, Nikolas knows what else he said. They didn’t know who the target was; Nikolas or Ava. He also said the best case would be for them to separate. Nikolas asks if Dante still thinks it’s one of his exes, when it’s Ryan’s voice inside the bear. Dante says, it is Ryan’s voice, made through a program where the stalker can have him say whatever they want. Nikolas says, and Dante is sure it’s not really Ryan, and Dante says he’ll tell Nikolas what he told him at Windymere; what he knows to be true. Ryan Chamberlain is incapacitated. That means this is an ex, or they have a copycat on their hands. Nikolas asks if Dante proposes he tell Ava. Does he think it will make her stop worrying, because they’re past that point.
In the hotel room, Ava tells Carly, she had the bodyguard check both rooms. Aside from the bear, there wasn’t a hint that anyone was in there. Carly says she’ll move them to another suite, and Carly says, that’s why she called Carly. She’d like… She needs Carly to take Avery to her house. Carly says, for tonight, and Ava says, for the time being. Carly says, Ava wants Avery to live with her, and Ava says, it’s the best thing to do.
Josslyn says, of course (🍷) she forgives Cameron. She forgave him the night he came to her dad’s house. We see the moss bowl has magically transported itself back to the kitchen island where it’s most comfortable. Cameron says, they haven’t talked since then. Josslyn hasn’t responded to any of his texts. She says she’s been busy, and he says, which is kind of code for she’s been avoiding him. She says, she’s not… Okay, she has, and she’s sorry, but she’s still trying to wrap her head around him pointing a gun at Jason. She knows Cameron didn’t shoot Jason, and she knows he’s sorry, but she hates the fact that Cameron didn’t listen to her the first hundred times she told him that Jason didn’t kill his stepdad. She thought they could get through anything, and it was a shock to find out it has its limits. He asks if she’s just going to ignore him at PCU, and she says she’s not. She’s not ignoring him now, is she? He says, it kind of feels like it, and she says, the thing is, they can’t just go back to the way things were before. He says, maybe not, but can’t they still be friends in a different way? She says, it’s college. Everything is going to be different, in ways they can’t even imagine, but they’ll still be friends. They’ll figure it out. Good Lord, it’s not like they’re going to another planet. I’m sure they’ll be bringing their laundry home.
Carly tells Ava that she’ll protect Avery and keep her safe, and Ava says she knows. That’s why she asked Carly to take her… for the time being. Avery will be coming back to her. Carly says, of course (🍷), and Ava goes to get Avery. Nikolas comes back in with Dante, and Carly tells him, Ava just asked her to take Avery to live with her. Of course (🍷) she’s thrilled, but clearly he can see what this is costing Ava. Ava brings Avery out, and asks her if it won’t be exciting, having a sleepover with her sisters. Avery asks if her bear can come too, but Dante says, actually, he had a question. He wondered if he couldn’t borrow Avery’s bear for a little bit. The bear might be able to help him solve a case. She says, okay, and they high-five, Dante saying, thanks, little sister. Ava tells Avery to be on her best behavior, and she’ll come for her as soon as she can. She tells Avery that she loves her, and Avery says she loves Ava too, and they hug. Carly says Josslyn and Donna are going to be excited to see Avery, and Avery says goodbye to Nikolas. Dante says he’ll be in touch, and leaves with Carly and Avery. Ava closes the door, and tells Nikolas, she can’t do this anymore.
Outside, Sam calls someone, and says she thinks she knows how to find Maxie’s baby.
Alone with Bailey/Louise, Maxie says, it’s mommy. She’s missed Louise so much. She knows Brook and Valentin are going to take really good care of her, and Peter won’t be able to find her there. She knows this is what’s best, but she needs Louise’s help. Louise has to promise she won’t forget Maxie, and she promises she’ll be back really soon.
Valentin sees Anna sitting on a bench in the hospital, and says, so Chase lives, Peter’s lost; why aren’t they celebrating? She says, it’s not over until Peter is stopped. He has to be found, so that he never hurts anyone else again in this town.
Jason says he’s sorry for Elizabeth’s loss; for what Peter took from her and her sons. She thanks him, and says, but it wasn’t enough that Peter murdered Franco; he framed Jason for it. The angrier she was at Jason, the more she accused him, and the more it helped Peter. He almost got away with it. Jason says, but he didn’t, and he’s going to find Peter, so she’ll never have to worry about him again. He starts to leave, but she calls him back. She says there’s something she needs to tell him… about Peter.
Willow tells Brook and Michael that she’s going to freshen up, and asks Michael to give Wiley a kiss for her. He says, will do, and Willow leaves. Brook says, it’s unreal how Chase is practically back to himself, and Michael says, thanks to Finn, it’s all worked out. They can go back to their lives. She says, that might be a problem, since Michael and Chase’s wife are in love with each other.
Finn tells Chase, Violet is sending him two kiss emojis, and wants to know when he’s going to teach her to play poker. Gregory asks if she’s talking to him or Chase, and Finn thinks both of them. Chase says, if it will get him out of the hospital, he’ll be happy to lose his shirt to that little girl. He knew Finn would find the antidote; he never lost faith. Finn says he can remember a time or two, and Chase says, it’s already forgotten. How did Finn do it? How did Finn manage to save him? Finn looks at Gregory.
Tomorrow, Chase wants to know the reason for his miracle cure, Taggert asks what’s stopping Curtis from ebing that person, and Ava tells Nikolas that he needs to go and not come back.
Below Deck Sailing Yacht – The Reunion – Part One
Andy welcomed us to the Reunion, which was attended virtually, since Glenn was in his apartment in Spain; Daisy and Sydney were also in Palma, next door to each other in a hotel; Gary was in Genoa, Italy, which he dubbed land of pesto; Natasha was on U.S. soil in Maryland; Colin was in Panama, and had to trek and hour and a half from the jungle to get decent WiFi; Alli was in Melbourne, Australia; and Dani was in Sydney. Australia, not the deckhand. Andy congratulated Dani on her new baby, segueing into saying that JL was on charter and couldn’t join them. He read a Facebook question from someone asking for a friend if Glenn was single. Glenn said he wasn’t married or celibate, and when Andy asked if Glenn’s DMs got hit up much, Glenn said he got interesting DMs; photos, videos, and invites. Take from that what you will. Andy asked Dani who the better kisser was, Alli or JL, and Dani said, Alli, so I’m guessing things did not end well with JL. And yes, the question on everyone’s mind was, is JL the father? but it wasn’t time for that yet. Andy said he thought Glenn had an excellent crew this season, and Glenn said he couldn’t have asked for better.
We watched clips of the breakdown between interior and exterior crew. Gary claimed it wasn’t that he didn’t want to help, but after a 17 hour day, it was hard to find the motivation. Daisy said she never thought Gary was lazy, but she didn’t like the not-my-problem, not-my-job attitude. Andy asked Colin if he thought Gary was overreacting, but Colin said it was easy to point fingers, and everyone had been busting their ass. Daisy said dinner service had been the biggest problem, and seemed to be when the deck crew took breaks. Andy asked Glenn if it was an obligation to help another department, and Glenn said it all had to be a team effort. It’s-not-my-department didn’t wash. He suggested they blame everything on JL since he wasn’t there. Gary insisted he’d been looking out for his deck department, and said Sydney caused drama by relaying the message. Daisy said, in watching the show, she could see miscommunications and misunderstandings. She wasn’t appreciative of Gary calling her a bitch either. It wasn’t easy to hear how Gary spoke about her in interviews. Gary pretended he didn’t know what she was talking about. Until Andy pulled out a video. Viewer Sophie B. said it had been the first of any Deck season where all the stews got along with the chief stew, and Alli said Daisy had been supportive, and taught her how things should be done. Another viewer wondered about the loose code of conduct as compared to other Decks, and Glenn said he thought his crew was professional, but agreed his style was more hands off. Colin said, because of covid, they’d had to socialize on the boat, and Andy asked if Glenn was irritated by anything when he saw the show. Glenn said he wasn’t thrilled about the guest cabin having a revolving door, but he wouldn’t fire someone over it.
We saw Natasha’s unpredictable moments, and her insistence that the wrong way to make eggs benedict was the right way to make them. A viewer asked if Natasha finally got that poached and over easy eggs weren’t the same as scrambled, and Natasha admitted she f***ed up sometimes. Andy asked who the worst guest had been, and Natasha said, Barry, to which everyone, including me, agreed. The argument about how many pita breads Natasha made continued, with Natasha pulling out a receipt photo an ex had sent her to prove she’d made twenty of them. The weird part was, it didn’t even look like twenty in the photo. Andy wondered if the photo made it worth Colin’s long drive to get WiFi. A viewer asked why Natasha couldn’t admit it when she made a mistake, and Natasha said, when she watched the show, she realized how defensive she’d been, and apologized to Daisy. Glenn said he saw most things after-the-fact, and loved Natasha’s food. He’d gained weight during the season. He said they all made mistakes (a running theme tonight), and thought Natasha had misinterpreted some orders. Andy asked if Daisy still blamed Natasha for Barry’s bad tip, but Daisy said she blamed Barry for Barry’s bad tip. Natasha said it reflected more on Barry than it did on her. Gary said Natasha’s food was amazing. She was a little bit stubborn, but that’s what made her good at her job, and he was still fat from the season.
Andy said, everything went sideways when the boat backed into a dock, and we flashed back to that, and Glenn saying it was the worst day of his career. Glenn joked that he wanted to discuss the pita issue some more. He said everybody he’d ever worked with would understand what happened, as it was a known issue with the propellor and high revs, and had he known, he wouldn’t have used them. I had no clue what he was talking about, but I don’t have to, since I don’t drive a boat. He said it just took a couple grand to fix, as the bricks in the dock acted as a shock absorber and saved them. The dock repair was five or six grand, but taken care of by insurance. Andy asked how Glenn thought the deck team performed, and Glenn said they were exemplary. It was another thing he didn’t see until afterward, since he’d been busy controlling the boat.
JL’s lack of work ethic was discussed, and Sydney said she thought he was very green. Colin said he and JL never clicked, but he felt like JL didn’t want to take instruction. Glenn said JL didn’t get the urgency of what was going on. Gary said he tried to teach JL, but sometimes JL wasn’t having it. Andy asked the deckhands if they thought Gary ran the department well, and Sydney said she had no problem with how Gary ran the deck. Andy asked Glenn if he thought Gary was a good example professionalism, and Glenn said he was. Andy said, because they worked and lived on the boat, the personal and professional often overlapped, and Glenn said he understood that. Daisy thought Glenn was very generous. She loved Gary, but he was head of his department, and knew the trouble he’d cause when he slept with, and subsequently dumped, Sydney. He should be held responsible, since he’d been in the field for 12 years, and it wasn’t his first rodeo. Gary said it was the first time he’d been in that situation, but Daisy held firm, saying he was the senior crew member, and therefore responsible. Sydney picking up JL’s slack was brought up, and Andy asked if Gary and Sydney were Glenn’s MVPs since he’d brought them on the crossing voyage. Glenn said they’d complicated things, since they were in the same department, but they’d both handled themselves professionally. They’d kept working together, and he was amazed.
Andy said, Gary had wasted no time in hooking up, and set in motion a treacherous undercurrent that would rock the boat all season – a love triangle between him, Sydney, and Alli. We flashed back to that, and Andy said there was a lot to unpack. A viewer asked why Gary hooked up with Sydney, when he’d been attracted to Alli from day one. Gary said he and Alli had a good vibe, but he couldn’t say why it happened. He didn’t want to say he regretted it, or that it was a mistake; it happened, and maybe it shouldn’t have. Eloquent as always. He said he would have preferred it if he’d never gotten into the situation in the first place. Well, yeah. Viewer Paula W. asked if Gary felt bad that he’d been a twat toward basically all women on the boat. Gary mumbled, yes, and added it was a stupid question. A show of hands indicated that the entire crew, except for Natasha, agreed he had been a twat to all the women, and Andy said, maybe the question wasn’t so stupid. Viewer Melanie J. asked via Facebook, why Alli and Gary kept making out in front of Sydney, and why they hadn’t taken it somewhere more private? Gary said he’d made it clear to Sydney that it was just a hook-up, and she’d said she didn’t care. He said Sydney had feelings for him, he had feelings for Alli, and Alli had no feelings for him. Alli was like, whoa Nellie Gary, that wasn’t fair and not true.
Tomorrow – The ReunionPart Two – Alli says Gary had a girlfriend all along; the big question, is JL the father of Dani’s baby; Andy tracks JL down; and JL claims if Dani’s child is his, he wants to be involved.
👶🏼 Who’s Your Baby Daddy…?
A preview or possible spoiler depending on how you look at it. My guess is, JL’s the daddy, he wanted a paternity test done, and she was insulted. Considering she seems like the settling down type, if she said it was his, I’d believe her, and I might be insulted too. Maybe we’ll get the real deets in Part Two; maybe not.
Meet you tomorrow for soap, Tyler, and a too-long discussion about Dani’s baby daddy. Until then stay safe, stay edifying others, and stay not making self-incriminating calls from your kidnapper’s phone.
(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.
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.
What I Watched - TV With Theresa 