Category Archives: Halloween

September 25, 2024 – Sidwell Makes It More Interesting, On Call, Salty Talk, Returning Sisters, She Had Input, Squid Nouveau, Films To Scare You, Double Launch & Blame

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Carly tells Lulu to hang in there. Jason is going to bring Lucky home and get her what she needs. She sees Sam in the hallway, and says, Dante just left. Sam says, Dante told her that Carly was here, and Carly asks, what’s up? Sam says she needs Carly’s help. Help her save her mother.  

Martin says he doesn’t think Alexis is taking this seriously, and she says, if she gave him that impression, she apologizes. He needs to keep Kristina out of this. He tells her, if that’s what she wants, let him do the next best thing, and she says, point them in the direction of another suspect. He says, the perfect suspect – Sonny Corinthos.

Sonny goes to Kristina’s apartment and tells her that Diane said she needed help. She said Chase was here. Did he force her to answer any questions? Kristina says, no, but she may have screwed up anyway, and he asks if she said she had the gun. She says she knows better than that, but he asked her how she got around that night and she thinks she might have said too much. He says, that’s why you can’t talk to the police without an attorney, and Kristina says, all that matters is that he knows the truth. All of it.

Jordan brings Isaiah a donut for breakfast, and says she expects a five-star review. He says she and the staff are taking good care of him, and she says, when he’s allowed to leave, there’s a lot more of Port Charles for him to explore. Has he been given a discharge date? He says, not yet. He’s getting stronger every day, but her son might have a different assessment. Her phone rings, and she steps away to take the call. She asks if they’ve double checked that it’s the correct spelling… She’ll make pickup arrangements. She thanks them, and Isaiah says, important package? She says, it is, and he asks if she wants to talk, but she says, talking won’t help.

Holly says she hopes Anna and Jason are comfortable, and Anna says, when Sidwell and Holly invited them back to their camp… Sidwell asks if she thought they’d sit by the fire in the dirt drinking boiled water out of animal skins, and she says she guesses this is a step up. Holly asks if she should order drinks or something to eat while they prepare for their game, but Sidwell says, it’s not necessary. First, they have to find out why Anna and Jason are really here.

While Lucky is picking the lock, he hears someone and hides the penknife he’s using.

Alexis says, going with the-other-guy-did-it defense sounds like Martin wants to take it to trial, and he says, he wants the prosecution looking at Sonny. He’ll use every arrow in his quiver to exonerate her. She says, he can’t take it to trial. Kristina is going to be in the courtroom. He asks what’s wrong with her? Her license was just reinstated. The jury wants to see family in the courtroom. She says, it’s another chance for Kristina to incriminate herself and she will. If she sees it’s going badly, she’ll stand up and do what it takes to protect her mother at her own peril. He says, unless Alexis is willing to take a deal, which won’t be generous, their only option is going to trial and pointing the suspicion in Sonny’s direction.

Carly asks what she can do, and Sam says, tell the truth. She said she was Sonny’s alibi when Cates was killed. Carly says she gave her statement, but Sam says, there’s no way in hell she and Sonny slept together in Tracy’s bed. Carly says, we all have moments were not proud of, and Sam says, if it wasn’t so ludicrous, it would be funny. There’s no way she and Sonny are getting back together. She’s begging Carly to come clean and clear her mom.

Kristina says she didn’t tell Sonny everything. She went to the Quartermaines that night. He asks, why? and she says, to kill John Cates.  

Isaiah says, Jordan helped him, and he’d like to return the favor. She says she wishes talking would help, and he asks if she can think of a time it didn’t help a situation. He understands if she can’t discuss work. She says, it’s not work, and he says he doesn’t want to overstep, but he’s not used to not doing anything. She says, he’s healing, and he says, doctors make the worst patients, but they’re great listeners. She says, her son and his partner were having a baby by a surrogate. There was an altercation, and the surrogate fell out a hotel window. The baby didn’t survive. He asks, how far along was she? and Jordan says, a week away. It was a girl. He says, her granddaughter was stillborn. He’s so sorry. She says, the call was about the headstone. It’s ready. He says, is she ready? and she says, TJ and Molly are suffering. She’s just helping them pick up the pieces. She’s only the grandmother. This is their loss. He says, that’s not true. It’s hers too.

A guard brings Lucky some food, and Lucky wonders if it’s steak, lobster, or surf and turf. He asks if the guard wants to join him. The food and beatings are pretty good here. The guard says, Lucky deserved it, and Lucky says he usually does. Should he psych himself up for another all-night card game? If the answer is yes, he wants to start praying now. The guard says, his prayers were answered tonight. Sidwell came back with some fancy guests. Lucky says, fancier than you and me? He asks if the guard can smuggle him a scotch and a few canapés, but the guard walks away. Lucky says he knows they’re friends, but he can’t read the guard’s silences yet. Fancy guests means there’s one vehicle on the site at least, and he only needs one to get out. He gets the knife that came with his food, and picks at the lock. (Kind of strange that they gave him a knife, but okay.)

Sidwell asks if Anna and Jason are in the habit of accepting invitations from strangers, and Anna says, the company is nice, and although it wasn’t her preferred mode of transport, any good business transaction requires a certain degree of sacrifice. He asks what business she’s in, and she says, platinum, gold, diamonds. They have that in common. He says, possibly, and she says, good. She wants in.

Alexis tells Martin, it’s not as simple as pointing a finger at Sonny. If he targets Sonny, Kristina will defend him too. He says, Kristina only has one parent in prison. He’s trying to do his job, but she’s tying his hands. She says she’s sorry. She knows she’s making it a challenge, but Kristina will defend both of her parents, and she’ll do it in a way that will ruin her life. He says, Kristina is an adult, and she can’t control herself or be controlled in a courtroom? and Alexis says, yeah. He asks if she has any plans for a defense, and she says, trust the system. She’s innocent. The truth will prevail. He says, the whole truth or half of it? If she doesn’t come forward and say what Kristina was doing the night of the murder, it’s not an arrow in their quiver. She says, how about the fact that John Cates was hated by everyone? His list of enemies is impressive. Find one and point his finger. It’s not that hard.  

Sonny says he knows where Kristina’s head was at. John Cates was harassing her and tormenting her for weeks. Her feelings were all over the place. She probably felt like the only way to stop the pain was to end Jagger’s life. She was going through a mental health crisis. Not a lot of people understand, but he does.

Sam and Carly go to Lulu’s room, and Carly says she’s sorry for Sam and Alexis. She knows Sam’s family is going through hell, but Alexis tossed the gun. Alexis made a choice and got herself in this situation. She and Sonny didn’t. She gets that it’s easy to blame Sonny, but this time it’s not Sonny’s fault. Sam says she doesn’t believe that, and Carly says she believes Alexis is a good lawyer and can get herself out of this. Sam says, Alexis loves and wants to protect her children at all costs. Carly would do the same for her kids. Carly says, absolutely, and Sam says, then show some empathy. It won’t clear Alexis, but the truth will. Sonny is a professional with resources. His people will get him out. She knows he and Carly share history. So much, that protecting him is like breathing to her. She gets it, but the alibi isn’t only keeping Sonny out of prison. It’s keeping her mother in.

Jordan tells Isaiah that she was most excited about seeing her son with her granddaughter. He’d be an amazing father, and she wanted to see that. Isaiah asks if she’s talked to anyone, and she says she’s talking to him. He says he’s flattered, but she’s dealing with something so big, it can be hard to find her way through it. She says, and find closure? and he says, if it exists. She says, maybe she should try, and thanks him.

Holly asks if the evening is going to descend into business chatter. It was supposed to be fun. Sidwell gave her his word. Sidwell says, they’ll return to the fun, and Holly says, while he hammers out whatever, she’s going to freshen up. She leaves, and Sidwell says, assuming they have business interests in common, what does Anna know about that? She says she knows he sells his materials in Dubai, but the market there for precious metals and jewels is inundated. He tells her to make her pitch, and she says she’s in a position to help him move his materials through Switzerland, where he’ll get a substantially higher return on his investment. He asks what Jason moves, and Jason says, her. Anna says, he’s her security, and Sidwell asks about the cuddling at the club. Anna says, there’s always perks. He can secure a profit in a Swiss bank, which has more flexible and transactional speed than a bank in the Caymans. He says, this might be his lucky day… or maybe something else entirely. Give him a reference.

Anna gives Sidwell a number to call and give her information, and says, then maybe they can get back to the evening as planned. A guard makes the call, and Sidwell says, Jason is quieter than he was at the poker table. Would Jason like to have a drink to accidently soak him with? Jason says he’ll have what Anna is having, when the guard comes back and whispers something to Sidwell. Sidwell says, Anna’s references checked out. He thinks doing business with her would be both profitable and interesting. She asks if he would have preferred the alternative, and he says, no. He would have preferred something less convenient.  

Lucky hears the lock click, and says, baby, we are out of here. He runs into Holly outside the cell, and she says, perfect timing. She’s come to rescue him.

Kristina says she spoke to Felicia who referred her to a counselor and a support group, and Sonny says he’s extremely proud of her. A lot of people are afraid and ashamed of what people think, but you gotta do what you need to do to take care of business. She says she knows. Someone she respects, admires, and loves very much gave her an example to follow. He puts his arm around her, and she puts her head on his shoulder.

Carly says she can’t give Sam what she wants, and Sam asks if Carly is going to let her mother go to prison, maybe for the rest of her life, for a crime she didn’t commit. She’s that loyal to Sonny. She can warn Sonny and let him and Diane get their ducks in a row, as long as she comes clean. Carly says her cousin is fighting for her life. That’s the only thing she cares about, saving Lulu’s life. Sam says she’s not sure what Carly is doing to save Lulu, and Carly says, Sam needs to leave. Sam says, Carly is doing what she always does. Nothing. Jason is the one saving Lulu, risking his life going to Africa to find Lucky, but Carly already knew that, right? Because she asked him to.

Jordan goes to see Alexis, and Alexis asks if she’s visiting as Deputy Mayor. Jordan says she’s here as a grandmother, and Alexis says, anything new? Jordan says, Irene’s headstone is finished, and they’ll be placing it soon, and Alexis says, maybe it will be some closure for TJ and Molly. Jordan says, and them, and Alexis says, they were going to spoil their grandchild together until everything happened. Jordan says, that covers a lot. They both haven’t had much time to deal with the loss. Alexis says, Kristina has been in crisis since she went out that window, and Molly isn’t far behind. Her feelings are inconsequential. Jordan might be the only one who knows how she feels. Jordan says, TJ told her that Kristina was going to sue for custody and was planning to take Irene away from him. Was Alexis going to help?

Martin meets Molly in an unidentified restaurant, and she says she saw him listed as her mother’s attorney and thought they should meet. He says he doesn’t think they can ignore the obvious potential for a conflict of interest, but she says she’s not here as an ADA. She’s here as a concerned daughter. He says he’s not sure the court will see the difference, but she says, only he needs to see it. She was wondering who hired him. He says he can’t give her that information, and she says she’s guessing it was Uncle Sonny. She already knew before they he sat down. He says, then why ask to meet with him? and she says, his misgivings about Sonny’s involvement in this case, and Sonny hiring him proves she was right to worry.

Sonny says, no matter what you’re dealing with, killing someone is never the answer, and Kristina says, never? He says, when you make the decision to kill someone, even if it’s a piece of garbage like John Cates, it marks you and you carry that burden for the rest of your life. He doesn’t want that for her. She says, what about for him? Is he carrying that burden?

Carly says, Lucky is their best chance at saving Lulu, so yes, she asked Jason to find him and bring him home. She’s not apologizing. Sam says she doesn’t expect Carly to apologize for anything. She’s just asking Carly to think about somebody else’s family besides her own. Danny couldn’t be prouder that his father went to find lucky. Carly asks if Sam is proud, and Sam says she’s terrified for Jason. She prays he comes home safe, and she doesn’t have to tell her son for the second time that his father is dead. She prays Jason is as invincible as Danny thinks. Carly says, what happened to Lulu is killing Dante and Rocco, but Sam says, that’s not the point. Carly asked her son’s father to risk his life again, so she’s asking for something in return. Please recant her statement. She’s not asking Carly to lie or frame anyone. She’s just asking her to tell the truth. Carly says she knows the right thing to do, and leaves.

Holly tells Lucky that the guests can’t stall Sidwell for long, and he asks if those are the fancy guests. She says, come on, and he asks if it’s the WSB. Do they have a vehicle? He won’t even need keys. She says, they have to grab the guests. They can’t let them twist, but Lucky says he doesn’t care who twists. Holly says, trust her, and grabs his hand, but Sidwell and a guard arrive. (I literally gasp out loud.) He says, oh my darling English, how you’ve disappointed me.

Alexis says, when Kristina drew up the petition, she told Kristina to keep her out of it. She didn’t want to be in a position to choose. Jordan says, there are no winners there, and Alexis says, Kristina still came to her for advice. Jordan asks if Alexis gave it to her, but Alexis says, no. She took the petition and hung onto it. That’s how Molly found it. Jordan asks, why hold on to it? and Alexis says she believed when the hormones and emotions calmed down and Kristina saw how happy TJ and Molly were… Jordan says, she was hoping Kristina would change her mind, and Alexis says she never thought Kristina would go through with it. Jordan says, what if she had? but Alexis says she can’t answer that now. All she knows is they had a granddaughter who is now gone. Jordan says she was looking forward to meeting her, and Alexis says, her too. She was looking forward to being a grandmother with Jordan.

Molly says, the best way to free her mom is to turn the indictment on Sonny, and Martin says, hypothetically, one could see the merits of it, but hypothetically, it could be a conflict of interest that Sonny paid to retain him. He’s going to give her mother the best possible legal defense. Molly says, the best chance he has at defending her mother is to point the finger at Sonny and prove he killed Cates.

Sonny says, Jagger would have continued to punish Kristina to get to him. That’s no longer a problem. Kristina says, because of him, and he says, she knows how much she means to him. She says, yes, and he says, that’s all that matters. She says, what about mom? and he says, let him worry about that. She’s going to be okay. Kristina has got to trust him.

Carly asks if Isaiah is up for some good news, and he asks if Lucky was freed. She says, if everything goes as planned, it could happen any minute, but he says, Sidwell has a way of making things go wrong. She says she believes Lucky is coming home, and if anyone can do that, Jason can. Isaiah says, when she told him Lucky was being rescued, he thought she meant by a SEAL team or the WSB. One guy can’t bring Lucky home.  

Holly is brought into the game room where Anna and Jason are handcuffed. She says, the handcuffs are chafing her and he promised her a diamond bracelet. Sidwell asks how she knows them and what’s her connection to Lucky? She says she was bringing him to the game. She knows Sidwell loves a challenge. Sidwell says, it was going so well. All she had to do was amuse him. She says, it’s a simple misunderstanding, but he says, don’t insult him. They were all made at the club in Nairobi. How is she connected to Anna? Holly says, Anna is a horrible woman. She’s the ex-wife of Holly’s ex-husband. She was happily married to a handsome man – she clearly has a type – and Anna did what she could to ruin her marriage and her life. Anna says she’s horrible, yet Holly is the ex, and Holly says she saw Sidwell catch Anna’s eye and thought Anna was doing it again, that it was history repeating itself. Sidwell asks why she didn’t say something, and she says she presumed he knew who she was and he was trying to make her jealous. He vets anyone and everyone around him. She didn’t think she knew something he didn’t. He asks what her connection to Lucky is, and she says she already told him. He says, tell him again or they’ll beat it out of her. Lucky says, she was just being nice. All he wanted was to work for Sidwell, and Sidwell threw him in a cell. He didn’t do anything and neither did Holly. Sidwell says, that remains to be seen. Does Lucky know what’s going on with Jason and Anna? Lucky says, they’re trying to take hm for everything he’s got.  

Jordan says, some days, she’s almost okay. She has a lot of sadness, but doesn’t want to show it, especially in front of TJ and Molly. They’re grief isn’t bringing them closer. If they break up, it’s another tragedy. Alexis says, they’ve grown up loving each other, and Jordan says, they could lose that. Alexis says, or get to the other side together and be better for it, and Jordan says, no matter what, TJ and Molly will always have them. Alexis says, always. She’s loved TJ forever. Jordan says, when they got together, she knew TJ was happy, and he has been, and Alexis says, so has Molly. If something does happen, and she prays it doesn’t, know that she’ll always love TJ. He’ll always be a son to her. Jordan says, and Molly will always be a daughter to her.

Sonny says, Kristina’s mom will be fine. Concentrate on her treatment and don’t worry. She asks if he can make her a promise, and he says, anything. She says, promise mom won’t go to prison for a crime she didn’t commit. He says he gives her his word as her father. Her mom is going to get out of this. They all will.

Molly says, there’s got to be a weak link around Sonny. Martin has to find it and exploit it. Martin asks if she has any idea where to start… hypothetically. She says, he can cross Jason and Michael off the list, and Kristina obviously. But Carly could be something. If Sonny is guilty and she’s been lying about his alibi… Martin says, target the alibi, and Molly says, target Carly.

Carly tells Isaiah that Anna is with Jason. She’s a former WSB agent and Police Commissioner. He says, it’s crazy. Two people against an army of security. She says, the WSB can’t assist in an official capacity, but they have eyes on the ground and are helping unofficially. As it turns out, Anna and Jason didn’t have to infiltrate Sidwell’s compound. They were invited in. He says he’s not sure that matters. Her friends had better be as capable as Carly is saying. If they’re not, they’re going end up dead, right beside Lucky.

Sidwell says, it would be so easy to kill all of them, but it would be more interesting to give them a chance to keep breathing. Jason asks, what’s the game? and Sidwell says, three plays. If Jason wins, he and Anna get to live another day. If Lucky’s name proves to be accurate, he and Holly live. If he wins, they all die. Lucky looks at Holly.

Tomorrow, Tracy says, if Stella doesn’t agree, they might have to rethink their arrangement; from behind bars, Anna says she needs to ask a favor of someone; Willow says she needs creeper Drew to leave her alone; and Jason says lucky has to get home as soon as possible.

⚾️ Put Him In, Coach…

As much as I like him, I once dated somebody who wanted to be NYC’s baseball commissioner (whatever the hell that is), and I’ve had enough of baseball to last me a lifetime. We went to every single home game of the Mets and Yankees that year, including an endless Mets game where every inning was the same and I swear we were the last people in the stands.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ghs-adam-huss-shares-a-sneak-peek-at-his-new-series

🧂 Passing the Salt…

A lot of the episode was focused on newbie Bronwyn making a remark about Whitney, and Heather waiting until a group dinner to call her out. I was more interested in Bronwyn, Heather, and Lisa going to Wendy’s. Apparently, Lisa has a partnership with them, and they were also featured in this season’s first episode. I love Wendy’s burgers, but their buns are the worst. They’re cheap and fall apart easily. Can I call Lisa about this? And why was weird Omen music playing in the background when Lisa went to meet Angie? What I was more interested in was Whitney hosting a drag night at Trixie Mattel’s bar in Milwaukee. She invited (I think) everyone, and they’re going by private jet. I’d give my bouffant and heels for an invite like that. But I suppose the closest I’ll get is next week’s episode.

https://www.thedailybeast.com/obsessed/rhoslc-episode-2-recap-everyones-fighting-with-lisa-barlow

👯‍♂️ More To Lose…

Kudos and more kudos to Tammy for her 500 pound weight loss. I’m struggling with 15. While I don’t clear my schedule to watch it, I’m kind of fascinated with this show. More with the family dynamic than anything else, but I’m always down for a massive weight loss tale. I’m also a fan of My 600-lb Life. I love Dr. Nowzaradan. He’s so cranky, yet quirky funny. The new season of Sisters premieres October 8th.

https://people.com/tammy-slaton-skin-removal-surgery-new-season-1000-lb-sisters-exclusive-8707174

It’s amazing how many times she’s been knocked down, and has gotten back up again.

https://parade.com/news/1000-lb-sisters-tammy-slaton-inspiring-message-mental-battle-instagram

⚰️ Let’s Hear It For the Girl…

There was never any question in my mind that both co-stars had a lot of say. After all, it is their show.

https://ew.com/melissa-mcbride-input-walking-dead-daryl-dixon-book-of-carol-8716833

🐙 Ready For the Game…

The basics.

https://blackstarnews.com/squid-game-season-2-release-date/

The poster.

https://gizmodo.com/squid-game-season-2-new-poster-netflix-release-date-2000500294

A tease.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/squid-game-season-2-trailer-lee-jung-jae-1236007425/

The director speaks.

https://ew.com/squid-game-season-2-details-director-hwang-dong-hyuk-star-lee-jung-jae-exclusive-8714251

🎃 Movies To Get You In the Mood…

Not a bad list of scary movies to stream. My take on their list: Nightmare on Elm Street – a classic; The Amityville Horror – good, but a lot of lost opportunities to be better; American Werewolf in London – I love, love, love this movie; Arsenic and Old Lace – old films aren’t usually my jam, but this one is funny; The Babadook – I am the only person on earth who was disappointed, but you do you; Beetlejuice – the detail is amazing and how can you not love him; Bell, Book and Candle – love the 50s NYC vibe; Bodies Bodies Bodies – very funny with an unexpected ending; The Cabin in the Woods – one of the best horror films ever made and I was astonished at the special effects; The Conjuring – maybe I’m jaded, but meh; The Craft – great female ensemble film, like Jawbreaker, but with magic; Death Becomes Her – two great actresses and broad comedy; Evil Dead 2 – love Bruce Campbell, but all of the Evil Dead films have run together in my mind at this point; Frankenweenie – kind of precious; Halloween – another classic; Halloweentown – surprisingly, I never saw it; Hocus Pocus – more fun than a barrel of newts, and nothing is better than Bette Midler singing I Put a Spell on You; Kiki’s Delivery Service – never saw it, but not so surprising since I’m not that into animated films; Late Night With the Devil – I loved the premise, but wasn’t thrilled with the ending; The Night of the Living Dead – hail to the beginning of zombie greatness; The Nightmare Before Christmas – absolutely magnificent and I love Zero so much; The Return of the Living Dead – a helluva lot better than you’d think from the title; Scary Stories to Tell in the Dark – I haven’t seen it, but it looks intriguing; Scream – so much fun; Tigers Are Not Afraid – I haven’t seen it, but if it’s going to make me cry, I’m not sure I want to; Us – Jordan Peele is a genius master of horror; The Wailing – haven’t seen it, but putting it on my short list; and The Witch – I loved it as a period piece, but wanted something more. I’m not sure what, but something.

https://ew.com/best-halloween-movies-streaming-now-8718114

🐕 Clydeo To the Rescue…

She’s a woman of many talents. I love her motivation for writing her book series too.

https://people.com/jennifer-aniston-launches-fund-to-help-animals-exclusive-8717723

🍂 Falling Into a New Season…

Join me tomorrow for soap and some OC shade. Until then, stay safe, stay savoring seasonal flavors (like those Trader Joe’s roasted vegetables they dole out like methadone during the autumn months); and stay doing what you need to do to take care of business, and don’t be afraid or ashamed of what people think.

October 31, 2023 – Halloween Begins In Port Charles, Celebrities In Costume, Vintage Creepy, The Best, Fear Explained, Dead Coming Up, The Cost Of Scary, Halloween Pets (!) & Double Feature

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Trina is in the gallery, when Cyrus walks in. She tells him stay away from her, but she turns and he’s there. He grabs her, and she tells him to let her go. Spencer walks in, and she asks him to help, but Cyrus says, no need to intervene. He needs a hostage. Spencer says, Trina’s his girlfriend, and Cyrus asks if he doesn’t love Esme. He drags Trina across the room, and Spencer says he’s sorry, but his uncle is right. Trina wakes up screaming. (Told you so.)

Esme cuddles Ace and tells him that he’s the cutest card in the deck. She says she has to take him to daycare and needs to find her purse, but there’s a knock at the door. She opens it to Cyrus and asks if she can help him. He says, nice to see her again. They met at Pentenville. He’s Laura’s brother, Cyrus. This must be little Ace. He moves forward, but she backs up.

At Pozzulo’s, Sonny says, Laura is always a good start to his morning, and she thanks him. She says, this way, she gets to congratulate him in person on his wedding, and he says, she already congratulated him on the phone. She says, this way, she gets the free coffee, and he says, she can have coffee anytime she wants. She says, to tell him the truth, there’s something she wanted to talk to him about, and he says he knows what it’s about, and wants her to know he’s sticking to the deal they made on the phone. He’s been keeping an eye on Cyrus, from a distance. He promised he wouldn’t take any action, and he’s not, but if Cyrus makes a move, he’s going to be all over him. She says she appreciates he has respect for her wishes, but it’s not what she wanted to talk about actually. It’s another family member. It’s Spencer.

Maxie runs into Kelly’s and says, to say she’s thrilled about Carly having a Halloween party is an understatement. Carly asks if she’s that excited about carving pumpkins, but Maxie says, not at all. It means she doesn’t have to go trick-or-treating. James is thrilled to come here, which means she doesn’t have to walk miles with him, since that kid insists on stopping at every single door. She’s not kidding. The kid spends ten minutes at every single house. She thinks he has a future as a traveling salesman.

Anna meets Felicia at Kelly’s, and says, caffeine now. Felicia says, good morning to her too, and Anna says she’s sorry. She’s very tired and not able to function right now. Felicia asks if she slept badly, but Anna says, that would imply she slept, which she didn’t. Not a wink. She’s still at the MetroCourt and has Sonny’s bodyguard, which should give her peace of mind, but it doesn’t. Felicia says, that break-in would rattle anyone. Maybe she would feel better someplace else. Anna says she’s been thinking about that, but the timing isn’t right for her to move in with Valentin. She thinks he and Charlotte need some space. She’s wondering if she should find a place of her own, and Felicia says she has a brilliant idea.

At the bistro, Charlotte tells Valentin that she’s old enough to go trick-or-treating on her own. She’s 15 (which is when most of us stop), and he’s still watching her. He says he knows she’s disappointed, and she says she’s not disappointed; she’s embarrassed. The next thing he’s going to tell her is that she has to wear a coat over her costume, so she doesn’t get cold. She’s not a baby. He says, she’s been through a lot lately and he’s not okay with her going out alone. End of story. She says she’s not going to be alone; she’ll be with her friends. He says, and with him. He’s joining the group. The more, the merrier, right?

Finn wakes up and sees Elizabeth painting at an easel. He says, there’s a sight worth waking up to, and she says, look at his cute little bedhead. He says he thought the haircut might fix that, but he guesses he was wrong. She asks how he slept, and he says, never better. Her? She says, so well, thank you, and he says, it must have been the maple syrup. (Seriously, what did they do with that?)

Esme asks what Cyrus wants, and he says he’s here to see his sister of course (🍷). He closes the door, but then Spencer comes in. Cyrus says, great to see him. He was just about to get acquainted with his other great-nephew. Spencer asks what he’s doing here, and Esme tells him, he says he’s here to see Spencer’s grandmother, but she was just about to tell him that Laura’s not here. Spencer says he’ll tell Laura that Cyrus dropped by, but Cyrus says, he came all this way. He might as well take the opportunity to get to know this little guy, and he and Spencer barely talked the other day. They should maybe catch up? Okay?

Josslyn asks if Trina is okay, and Trina says, sorry if she woke Josslyn. Josslyn tells her, don’t apologize, but what happened? and Trina says she just had the worst nightmare. Adam knocks at the door and asks if everything is all right, and Josslyn opens the door. He asks, what’s going on? and she says, nothing. Everything’s fine. Trina had a nightmare. He says he’s had his share of them, and Trina says, sorry if she woke him, but he says, that’s okay. He’s been up for hours studying for midterms. He was about to head out on a coffee run. Does Josslyn want anything from Perks? She says, no, she’s okay, and he says, maybe he’ll see her later? She says, yeah, bye, and closes the door. She asks Trina to tell her about this dream.

Sonny asks if Laura has proof Nikolas is alive, and she says, irrefutable. Not only has Nikolas been in Geneva, his banker said his employees saw Nikolas there and he showed her withdrawals for a significant amount of money that Nikolas has taken from his accounts. Sonny asks if she gave this information to Spencer, and she says, yeah. He didn’t react the way she thought he would. She thought it was just going to be more anger, but he was so sad and so disappointed. She thinks it was like a final confirmation that his father has abandoned his life here, and his two sons. She knows Spencer would probably never admit it, but she thinks he was holding out hope that his father wasn’t missing by his own choice. He says, just when you think Nikolas couldn’t sink any lower. He’s sorry. He knows Nikolas is Laura’s son. It’s just that he feels for Spencer. She says she does too, but as a mother, she feels there’s more to this story. There’s probably some extenuating circumstances they don’t know about, some real reason he had to leave. But she knows, at this point, he’s really forfeited his right to be a father to Ace, and she doesn’t think Spencer would even want him back. Sonny says, Nikolas doesn’t realize the damage he’s doing to Spencer. Sonny was abandoned as a kid, and he was bitter and resented his father for a long time. He knows what Spencer is going through. She says, that’s exactly why she’s here. Can he please help Spencer?

Elizabeth thanks Finn, and he says, for what? She says, for this trip. She feels so relaxed, like she’s a million miles away from Port Charles. He says, that was kind of the idea, right? Just getting away and leaving everything behind for a few days. She says, he needed this more than he realized. He’s been so consumed with his dad and his illness, he really needed to take a break and get out of his mind, even if it was just for a day or two. He says, she’s the one who told him to enjoy every moment in life. That’s what he’s doing. He looks at her painting and says, this is really good, and she says she hopes it’s okay she used paint she found in the closet. She couldn’t resist. He says, of course (🍷) it is. Maybe she should get back into painting when she gets home. She says she’d like that. It used to be such a passion of hers. Then kids and life took over… He says, she’s really talented – we see it’s a painting of a tree-lined path – and she says, waking up to the beauty that surrounds them inspired her. She wanted to capture it. It’ll remind her of what a special weekend this is. He says he loves it… He loves her. He has for the longest time.

Maxie says, Georgie is at the age where she wants to go trick-or-treating unsupervised, and Carly says, that’s a tough one. She remembers when she and Josslyn went through that. It was quite the battle. She’s just happy Donna has a few more years before she reaches that stage. (What’s up with these parents? We were going out by ourselves by 6th grade. Although no mob bosses lived in my neighborhood… I don’t think.) Maxie says she doesn’t want to smother Georgie. She remembers what it was like at that age, but she did get into a lot of trouble. You know what they say about the apple and the tree. Carly says she does, but listen to her gut. How many kids does she want to go with? Maxie says, three, and two of them are boys, so that’s a plus, and Carly says, or a minus, depending on how you look at it.

Felicia asks what Anna thinks of a sublet. It might be better until she figures out her long-term plans. Anna says, ideally, she would move in with Valentin and Charlotte, but the truth is, this person, whoever’s after her, she doesn’t know when they’re going to make their next move. She doesn’t want Charlotte anywhere near that. So she has to keep her distance. Felicia says, makes sense, but a furnished place would be convenient, right? and Anna says, of course (🍷). Felicia says, a furnished place in a nice neighborhood, a secure building with lots of families, but Anna says she doesn’t think a place like that exists. Felicia says, that’s where she’s wrong, and calls Maxie over.

Charlotte tells Valentin that she’ll be the only one with a chaperone. Jake, Danny, and Georgie are all going in a safe neighborhood. They’re going to Harbor Vista. He says he’s a highly trained agent. She won’t even know he’s there. She says, this isn’t funny. The whole point of the night is to be on their own. She doesn’t need him holding her hand like a little kid with a pumpkin flashlight. He says he’s not changing his mind and she asks if he doesn’t trust her.

Maxie says, so Anna wants to sublet her old place, and Anna says, it wasn’t her idea; it was Maxie’s mother’s brilliant idea. What does she think? Maxie says she thinks it’s a great idea. She tried to sublet it already, but the woman go transferred out of town at the last minute, so it’s just been sitting there empty. Not empty exactly; her old furniture’s still in there. She bought all new stuff for her house. Anna says she needs furniture; she doesn’t have any. Maxie says, okay. Then Felicia’s a genius. Felicia agrees that she is.

They go to Maxie’s old apartment, and Felicia tells Anna, welcome to her new home.

Trina says, the dream was definitely triggered by Cyrus showing up at the gallery yesterday, and Josslyn says, she must have been so shocked to see him there. Trina says, her mom warned her that Cyrus was released, but she didn’t expect him to track her down. Josslyn asks if Cyrus threatened her. She can talk to Sonny; he can handle it. Trina asks, what happened to her grudge against Sonny? A few weeks ago, Josslyn wanted nothing to do with him, and now she’s willing to reach out to him? Josslyn says she thinks Trina’s safety is more important than any issues she has with Sonny, and he’s well-equipped to handle Cyrus and he will. She just doesn’t want Trina to worry. Trina says she’d appreciates that, but Cyrus didn’t threaten her. It was the opposite. He apologized.

Esme thanks Spencer for getting diapers, and he says, not a problem. He thinks she should get to work. She knows how Alexis is when she’s late. Cyrus says, so she works for Miss Davis? and Esme says, Miss Davis was nice enough to offer her a job even though she has no experience. Cyrus says he doesn’t know her well, but she seems like a formidable woman. She runs that paper… Spencer says, The Invader, and if Esme doesn’t get going now, she’s not going to have that job very much longer. He walks Esme to the door and gives Ace to her. He closes the door and asks if Cyrus wants to tell him what he’s really doing here. What does he want?

Sonny says, Laura knows he’d do anything for her. It’s just that he’s had so many difficulties with Nikolas in the past, he can’t be neutral on this subject. Even if he talks to Spencer, he doesn’t really want to trash his father. That wouldn’t be healthy for them, and it wouldn’t be fair to her. She says, he doesn’t have to justify his feelings about Spencer’s dad. She just wants Sonny to be there for him in case he comes to her for advice. It would ease her mind. He says he’ll always be here for Spencer, and she thanks him. Spencer really admires and respects him, and he can get through to Spencer in a way she and Doc can’t. She has to be honest, she’s kind of worried about him right now. She’s afraid he might do something rash, something he might regret in the future. He says he’ll do whatever he can to make sure that doesn’t happen. She takes his hand and says, thank you.

Walking through the woods with Elizabeth, Finn says, this is the best apple he’s ever had. She says, it’s his second one. If he has any more, Aiden won’t have enough for his pies. (Highly unlikely, since they’re both carrying full baskets.) He says, Aiden’s got enough for ten pies, and she says she has to account for multiple attempts. He says, Aiden’s a wiz in the kitchen, and she says, he is, but baking is very precise. It’s a science. Finn says, it is, although he doesn’t remember seeing a single pie in organic chemistry class (what about a pie chart?), and she says, following the recipe is key. It’s not like any barbecue. He says, excuse me? and she says she’s not knocking his culinary skills. It’s just seeing him at the grill, there were spices and sauces flying everywhere. He says he guesses that’s a fair assessment. It still tastes pretty good, right? She says, it does. She guesses they should get back. She didn’t know how far this orchard was. He says, if they’re tired when they get back to the cabin, they can just take a nap.

Sonny asks how Spencer is doing with Ace, and she says she’s so proud of the way he’s stepped up. He’s really trying to be a surrogate father to that little boy. He even took parenting classes with Esme. Sonny says, that’s impressive, and she says, the only thing is, it causes a little bit of friction between him and Trina, and he’s very much in love with Trina. She’s worried his devotion to Ace and the time he spends with Esme could hurt his relationship. Sonny says, he’s in a tough spot, because if he backs away from Ace, he’s going to feel miserable, and if he doesn’t put Trina first, he could end up losing her. She says, exactly. It’s a lot for someone his age. He didn’t ask to be a father, but he’s doing his very best to fill the role. Anyway, she just wanted Sonny to know what’s going on in Spencer’s life in case Spencer does come to him for guidance. His phone chimes, and Sonny says he thinks she’d better get home. She has a visitor.

Cyrus asks if Spencer is implying that he has an ulterior motive, but Spencer says he’s not implying anything; he’s stating it outright. Cyrus must want something. Cyrus assures Spencer that his motives are purely altruistic. He wanted to see his dear sister and thought he’d save her the embarrassment of a newly released convict showing up at the mayor’s office. Spencer says, she’d be far more concerned knowing he came here where Esme and Ace were vulnerable, but Cyrus says he had no intention of intimidating Esme or Spencer’s brother. Quite the contrary. He was pleasantly surprised to find them home, and he enjoyed the little time he had with them. He meant them no harm. Spencer says, Esme may have met him before, but she has no idea how dangerous Cyrus truly is, and Cyrus says, like the Lord Himself, he comes in peace, and he’s very disheartened to find Spencer so unwelcoming. He thought they’d come to an understanding in Pentenville.

Josslyn says, she did not, but Trina says she sure did. Josslyn says, she screamed at Cyrus, told him to take his apology and shove it? and Trina says, yeah. Josslyn says, good for her, and Trina says she surprised herself. She wasn’t sure she had it in her. It was such a release to unload on him. She was terrified the night he held her and her mom hostage, and she’s not going to be a victim again. Josslyn says, clearly, she’s stronger than she thinks. Trina says, maybe, but Cyrus is free. If he sees her again, he might not apologize. Josslyn says, it’s no wonder she’s having nightmares, and Trina says she thinks the scariest part of the dream wasn’t Cyrus. It was Spencer. Renault was holding her, and she was screaming for Spencer to help her, but he just stood there. Josslyn says, let’s hope that never becomes a reality, but Trina says, it won’t because Spencer was so protective of her when Cyrus came to the gallery. He stood up to Cyrus and told him to leave, so it’s not a thing. Josslyn says, good. That makes her feel better. Trina says, just one thing though. Spencer told her that Cyrus protected him at Pentenville, and it’s unnerving to think he must be grateful to Cyrus.

Elizabeth rinses the apples, and telsl Finn that she didn’t know how much work went into all this. It was a long walk. The baskets were heavy, and they have to wash them all. Finn wonders if he can help, and stands behind her, washing the apples like they washed their hands together. I guess this is supposed to be reminiscent of Ghost? She says she doesn’t know about him, but all this washing has worn her out. He thinks they should take a nap, and she says, totally, and they kiss.

Valentin says he trusts Charlotte, but she says, it doesn’t seem like he does. He says, she’s been through a lot these past few years, her mother’s condition, boarding school. She says, but boarding school taught her to be independent. He’s the one who always says, independence is a good thing. He says, stability’s a good thing. She was on her own for a while. She came back and was bounced back and forth for a while between her grandma’s and Sam and Dante. She needs a stable home life. She says, but that’s not a problem anymore. They finally have a house of their own, just the two of them, the way it should be. He says he knows she loves the house, but it doesn’t change anything she’s been through. And he’s worried for her. He thinks she’s putting on a brave face because she thinks he’ll be disappointed if she’s unhappy. He wants her to tell him the truth, not what she thinks he wants to hear.

Maxie says, Anna doesn’t even need to buy a bed. Everything she needs is already here. All right. Full disclosure, there are a few quirks. The bedroom floor is a bit uneven, the doors in the kitchen kind of stick, and the oven… uh… the oven is broken. Anna says she barely cooks. The microwave works though, right? Maxie says, yes, and Felicia says, they should be pointing out the positive features. Maxie says, the microwave works, and Felicia says, the clawfoot tub is amazing, the hot water never runs out. The walls are fully insolated, so you can barely hear your neighbors… Anna says she’ll take it, and Maxie says, what? Anna says, this is really perfect, and Maxie says, Anna’s not just saying that so she can help Maxie out, but Anna says, Maxie is helping her out. This is exactly what she needs.

Trina walks into Kelly’s and Carly asks if Joss sent her over. Trina says, no, why? and Carly says, because she needed Josslyn to come help her decorate for the kids’ Halloween party, so she assumed she enlisted Trina for back-up. Trina says, no. Josslyn didn’t mention anything to her, but please put her to work. She needs the distraction. Carly asks, what’s going on? and Trina says she’s sure Carly heard Cyrus Renault was released. Carly says she was visiting Drew in the hospital, and he walked right into Drew’s room. She couldn’t believe it. Trina says she’s pretty freaked out that he’s back on the streets, and Carly says she doesn’t blame Trina, but she does know they’re watching him carefully, so hopefully, he doesn’t try anything.

Maxie hands Anna the keys and says, the place is all hers. Anna asks if she shouldn’t fill out some paperwork or something or give her a security deposit? but Maxie says, minor details. They’ll get to that at some point. Anna should just enjoy the apartment. Anna hugs her and thanks them both. She asks if she can move in right away, and Maxie says, whatever she wants. Felicia says she can help Anna pack up her things at the MetroCourt, but Anna says she doesn’t have anything really. It will just take her a second to move. Felicia says she’s really glad this worked out, and Anna says, this feels like the first positive thing that’s happened since her house burned down. It feels like a new beginning. Only good things from now on.

Charlotte says, Valentin wants to know how she really feels? She feels like she needs to go out with her friends tonight – no supervision. He says, okay. She wants to go out with her friends alone, then she has to do something for him. She says, anything, and he says he wants her to see Kevin Collins (who Lucy and I call Doc). He wants her to tell Doc everything she’s going through. She asks why she has to talk to Doc. She’s perfectly happy. He says he feels like there’s something going on; something she doesn’t want to tell him. She says she tells him everything… If he really wants her to do this, she will. He thanks her and says he’ll drive her and her friends, and he’ll drop them off and let them trick-or-treat alone. She says, thank you, and hugs him.

Spencer says, Cyrus looked out for him while he was in Pentenville and it would have been a lot tougher without his protection. Cyrus says, so Spencer sees his motives are only for the good of their family. And as he warned Spencer, the only person he needed protection from was Victor Cassadine and not him. No need to be so suspicious of his visit today. Spencer says, Cyrus turned out to be right about Victor, and he did turn out to be who Cyrus said he’d be; ruthless, sadistic… Cyrus says he’ll take that as a thank you, and Spencer says he knows he owes Cyrus for the way he was looked out for in Pentenville, but he still knows Cyrus is a very, very dangerous person. He held Trina Robinson and her mother at gunpoint. He shot Curtis Ashford, and he wants to know why Spencer is leery when he comes around? It’s because he’s a threat, and he doesn’t want Cyrus anywhere near his little brother. Cyrus says he’s not going to deny his past deeds were heinous, but those were acts of a desperate man, a caged animal, and that man no longer exists. He has seen the Light, and that Light is their Lord and Savior, and He has forgiven Cyrus’s sins, and his life is now devoted to helping others. Spencer asks if Cyrus expects him to believe he’s repentant because he can spout some rhetoric about finding God, and getting louder, Cyrus says, Spencer can believe whatever he wants – Spencer says, calm down – but don’t forget, people gave Spencer a second chance after he got out of prison. He’s only asking for the same courtesy. Laura comes in and asks if Spencer will give her a moment alone with her brother.

In bed, Elizabeth and Finn kiss, and she says she thought the purpose of a nap is to actually sleep. He says, she’s right. No more napping. She tells him that she was only making an observation that they’re not very good at it, and he says, they’ll just have to continue practicing until they get it right. They get busy.

Cyrus says he’s sorry, and Laura says, coming over here unannounced and uninvited, but he says, it wasn’t a calculated move. He was released a few days ago. He thought it would be nice to pay her a visit. She says she doesn’t appreciate it, and he says, then she’s certainly not going to appreciate that not only did he spend time with Spencer, he had the pleasure of meeting his great-nephew Ace. He and Esme crossed paths at Pentenville, but this is the first time he saw Ace. What a delightful baby. She says, he has no business being around children, and he says, but he does when they’re related to him. Like it or not, dear sister, they’re my family too.

Spencer goes to Kelly’s and asks Trina if everything is okay. She says, it will be once they start decorating, and he says, that’s what this is about? This is a decorating emergency? She says, yes. They have to decorate for the kids’ Halloween party. He says he thinks Ace still might be a little too young for it. He cried when he saw a jack-o-lantern. She says, the concept of Halloween doesn’t sink in until they understand they get free candy, and Carly says, that’s right. And Trina volunteered his help because they need someone tall. He says he’s happy to help. Where would she like him to start? She hands him a box and tells him to spread these in all the corners. Trina laughs.

Josslyn opens the door to Adam, and he asks if she wants to head over to the library or stay here. She says, stay here. She’s got to cut today short. She has to head over to Kelly’s and help her mom decorate for a Halloween party. He says he’ll just head over to the library, and she asks what he’s talking about. It’s Halloween. Isn’t he doing anything? There must be lots of parties on campus. He says, it’s the perfect time; the library will be empty. She says, he could study tomorrow, but he says he’s taking four extra credits this semester and it’s a lot. And he’s not really big on dressing up. She says he doesn’t have to dress up to decorate. Why doesn’t he come to Kelly’s with her?

Sonny’s phone rings, and he asks how Anna is holding up. She says, pretty good. First of all, she wants to say, congratulations on his wedding. Is he a happy groom? He says he is, and she says she can almost hear him smiling over the phone. She wants to wish him and Nina all the best. They really deserve it. He thanks her and says, it means a lot to him. So what can he do for her? She closes the door so the bodyguard can’t hear and says she’d like to return her gift. He asks if she bought him something for the wedding, but she says, he was kind enough to give her a bodyguard, and now she’s sending him back. He says he’s not sure that’s a good thing, but she says, her circumstances have changed. She says she feels like she has the key – she picks up the keys Maxie gave her – to a new beginning. She’s taken an apartment. Before he says anything, it’s very safe. It’s small, a doorman building, 24-hour security. It’s mostly families, and she doesn’t need a bodyguard. The biggest threat she’s facing is maybe being caught in the elevator door while trying to dodge all the strollers. He says, it sounds great, but she shouldn’t let her guard down. She should maybe keep Trey until everything is settled. She says she really appreciates his concern, but she doesn’t want a bodyguard. She needs her privacy. She feels like she just really wants to get her life back, and this is the first step.

Finn puts the book he’s reading down and watches Elizabeth paint. She asks if he isn’t supposed to be reading, but he says, she’s much more interesting. She says, this, coming from the man who wanted to listen to a dengue fever podcast on the way here. He says, to be fair, the doctor on the podcast has a very soothing voice – he goes over to her – but still, he’d rather watch her paint. She asks him to thank Dan for her, not just for the cabin, but for all of this. They have to send him something. He says, let’s do that, and she says, it’s so beautiful here. The view is amazing. He says, yes, it is, looking at her, and she says, he’s not even looking out the window. He says he knows.

On the phone, Carly asks if Willow is still bringing the kids to Kelly’s Halloween party… Okay. They’re starting early so the little ones don’t crash… Okay. She can’t wait to see Wiley and Amelia’s costumes… No. Don’t tell her what it is. She wants to be surprised. See her soon.

Trina says, Spencer still has a lot of webs, calling him Spiderman, and he says, he’s sorry, what? She asks if he’s all right, and he says, yeah. He was just thinking about Pentenville. She says, that’s a dark thought, but he says, not really. He was just thinking about the day he was released. They were so far apart then. Now they’re a lot closer and she loves him, and he feels like the luckiest guy in the world. She says, he is the luckiest guy in the world, and he kisses her.

Charlotte asks if she can get a scone, and Valentin says he loves her so much. She’s the most important person in the world to him. She knows that, right? She says she feels the same way about him. It was hard at boarding school. She missed him so much, he has no idea, but none of that matters now. She’s back where she belongs, with him, and nothing’s going to change that. he says he has so many regrets. He would change so much, but he’s going to fix everything. She just has to keep her end of the deal and meet with Doc, okay? She says she will, she promises. She leaves to get her scone, and he looks worried.

Cyrus says, like it or not, and it’s quite clear she doesn’t, he and Laura are siblings. She laughs and says, what’s that saying? You can’t choose your family. He says he prefers the words of the great Bishop Desmond Tutu. He said, you don’t choose your family; they’re God’s gift to you, as you are to them. She says, spare her the sermon, and he says, they are connected by blood, and he cares about her. just as he cares about Spencer and Ace. He treasures all of them. He used to be obsessed with money and power, but they pale in comparison. She says she’s just not buying that, and he asks how he can prove it to her. He protected Spencer when he was in Pentenville. he will continue to keep all of them out of harm’s way. She needs to give him a chance. Is she willing to do that? She says, if they’re going to do this, they’re going to do it with ground rules, and that means he’s going to respect her boundaries when he wants to see her and those boys. That means he doesn’t come here unless she calls him and invites him. Is that clear? He holds up his hands, and she says, this visit is over. She opens the door, and he says he’ll wait for her call, handing her his number, but he hopes it’s soon. She closes the door, and the phone rings. She asks Valentin if everything is okay, and he says he hopes so. Charlotte’s finally agreed to talk to Doc. He’d like to set something up for this afternoon. Could she talk to him? He thinks it’s probably better if it comes from her. She says, of course (🍷). She would do anything for her granddaughter. He says he’s very worried about Charlotte. He thinks she really needs help. Charlotte is on her way back and hears him.

Tomorrow, Lois tells Eddie/Ned, the same fire that got him there will also see him through; Tracy tells Brook, it would be foolish to think otherwise; Charlotte sees Anna; and Carly tells Cyrus that he’s not welcome at Kelly’s.

🦚 Celebrity Treats…

The celebrities turn it out.

https://ew.com/celebrity/best-celebrity-halloween-costumes-2023-photos/

The Queen of Halloween. The worm is actually 2022. Shame on them for getting that wrong.

https://ew.com/celebrity/heidi-klum-halloween-costume-2023/

https://people.com/heidi-klum-looks-back-at-her-iconic-halloween-costumes-exclusive-8348154

👽 It’s Not Halloween Without…

Seriously, what the blip?

🪦 Best Of All Hallows TV…

A matter of opinion, but still, a good list.

https://ew.com/gallery/best-halloween-episodes/

⚰️ About That Fear…

Spoilers if you haven’t seen it.

https://ew.com/tv/fear-the-walking-dead-showrunners-explain-shocking-death/

🎊 Next Up…

All about the Day of the Dead.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/latino/dia-de-los-muertos-what-it-means-honors-dead-mexico-tradition-rcna122749

https://theconversation.com/day-of-the-dead-is-taking-on-halloween-traditions-but-the-sacred-holiday-is-far-more-than-a-mexican-halloween-212686

https://artsandculture.google.com/project/dia-de-muertos

💸 Halloween Ain’t Free…

What we spent this year.

https://www.npr.org/2023/10/31/1209521178/halloween-spending-candy-pet-costumes

🦄 Last But Never Least…

All the pets.

https://big1059.iheart.com/featured/doc-reno/content/2023-10-31-best-pet-halloween-costumes/

https://www.buzzfeed.com/celinadejesus/21-dogs-who-already-won-best-costume-for-halloween

https://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/lifestyle-buzz/celebrity-pets-best-halloween-costumes-over-the-years/ss-AA1jb9C6

Get ahead for next year.

https://www.foxnews.com/lifestyle/pet-halloween-costumes-ideas

Hannah Barbie sez: Happy Halloween!

👻 Tricking and Treating…

Hang up your costume and join me tomorrow for soap and Beverly Hills talk. Until then, stay safe, stay being anything you want to be every day, not just on Halloween, and stay believing, only good things from now on.

October 24, 2023 – Cyrus Gives Mason a Reprimand, A Doubly Awful House, Real Gripes, Deep Dig, That Movie, Furry Halloween & This

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

At the MetroCourt with Scotty, Lucy says she’s about to sign over 51% of her company to Tracy Quartermaine, and he says, sign it. Otherwise, things are only going to get worse. She says she really doesn’t know how they could get worse, when Laura comes in and says, Scott. Lucy says she didn’t know Laura was back in town, and they greet each other. Laura says she needs to talk to Scotty now, and marches out. He follows, and asks, how was her trip? She says, what was he thinking? but he says he’s not following. She says, what compelled him to help her brother get out of prison?

Cyrus is still lingering around the hospital, and Austin pulls him into a supply closet, holding a scalpel to Cyrus’s face. He says he knew Cyrus would come back here. He did everything Cyrus asked him to do. Cyrus is walking around a free man because of him, and still, he tries to kill Ava?

Portia walks in the door, and Curtis says he thought she was working late. Is everything okay?

Lois and Brook go into the solarium, and Yuri asks if there’s anything else he can get them, and Brook says, thanks, but they just had lunch. Lois says she’d love a plate of those little cookies and a pitcher of lemonade, and Yuri leaves to get it. Lois says, he’s cute (he is!). She can’t believe Monica lets him work here. Brook says, she’s the one who hired him. And what’s with the little cookies? Lois just said she was stuffed from lunch. Now she wants little cookies? Lois says, no, but maybe Chase does.

At the penthouse, Sonny kisses Nina, and she says she knows he’s super busy, but she wanted to show him this. She takes a frame out of a bag and says, she bought this frame and put in some pictures. Wiley from the wedding for Michael and Willow, and Donna for Carly. She thinks they’re going to love it. Right? He says, yeah, and she says, Carly too.

Michael listens to the recording of Martin outing Nina for turning Drew and Carly in to the SEC, and he says, time to let his father know exactly the kind of woman he married. Martin comes in and says, he’d think twice before doing that if he were Michael.

Scotty says, it’s not like he broke Cyrus out of Pentenville, and Laura says, he may as well have, because Cyrus is out walking the streets right now. Scotty says he knows. He just saw Cyrus in the dining room. He made it clear to Cyrus that he’s not on retainer; it was a one-shot deal. But Cyrus was very pleased with his work. She says she bets he was, and he says, believe him. He just got an earful from Mac Scorpio. She asks if he can blame Mac. He’s the Police Commissioner, and on top of everything else, he has to worry about Cyrus Renault being free. Scotty says, he’s Laura’s brother, and she says she knows that. She doesn’t need to be reminded. When Cyrus was in the hospital, he told Martin to give away all his money and Martin did, so tell her something. How did Scotty get paid?

Cyrus tells Austin that he’s very impressed. He never would have thought that little boy he watched grow up had this in him. Austin says, it’s no big deal really. It’s not difficult to overpower a man that’s – now he’s quoting – weak and incapable of hurting other people. Cyrus says, Austin got his moment, and he’s going to forgive this clumsy transgression, because it’s clear Austin has very strong feelings for Ava Jerome. First Austin will take his hands off him, and then Austin will find a way to get him into that room with his cousin Mason.

Mason jerks his arm, trying to get free of the handcuffs holding him to the bed, when TJ comes in. Mason says, what now? and TJ says he just wanted Mason to know that all his tests and bloodwork look good after his surgery. His vitals are stable. There’s no reason he shouldn’t make a full recovery. Mason says, whoopee, and TJ says he’s glad it makes Mason happy. Mason says he’s thrilled. He won’t be cuffed to this damn bed anymore. TJ says, no. He’ll likely be behind bars. Mason says, don’t count your chickens, doc. He’s gotten out of worse spots many times before. TJ leaves without another word.

Portia tells Curtis, everything’s fine. She just took a late lunch and decided she’d come home and spend it with her baby. It looks like he’s going over the books. He says he was, but it’s such a beautiful day outside, he wanted to take advantage of it. So he spent some time looking at the trees and the leaves. Then he spent some time looking at the pictures of Trina’s trip to New York, and there’s a lot of pictures of her with Spencer. She says, awesome. Let her see. He asks if she’s sure, and she says, of course (🍷) she’s sure. Let her look at the pictures. He hands her his phone, and she says, they really got around, huh? He says, she seems to be okay with that. Does she want to tell him what’s going on? She says, Trina cares about Spencer, and it seems Spencer genuinely cares about Trina. She’s old enough to make her own decisions without her mom possibly butting in.

Nina tells Sonny that she already wrapped one for Michael and Willow, and one for Carly, and he thanks her. She says she wishes she had one of Avery at the wedding, and he says, they’re going to make it up to her big time. She says she’s just glad Avery and Ava are okay, and he says he’s going to make sure they stay that way. Nina says, good, and he says he just can’t stop staring at Wiley. She says she’s thinking, and h asks if she’s thinking about the time she lied, and she says she plans on making that up. It’s nobody’s fault. He says, some of it was Carly’s.

Michael says, Martin has already done his part, but Martin tells him not to go patting himself on the back. If Michael thinks he’s surprised at the recording, he’s sadly mistaken. Even if that was admissible in a court of law, which it isn’t, this isn’t about court. It’s about Michael, trying to destroy Nina Reeves. Michael says, she’s done that herself, and Martin says, Michael sees it that way; Nina won’t. Michael says he doesn’t give a damn how she sees it. She destroyed his mom’s life and got Drew sent to prison. Now if Martin will excuse him, he has work to do. He goes to his desk, and Martin says he always makes it a point to do extensive research on the life of anybody who asks him to represent them. In his line of work, it’s kind of important. He knows he doesn’t have to remind Michael of the kind of things Nina has done in the past. Michael says he’s not concerned about her past. He’s concerned about what she’s done lately and the future. Martin says, that’s the rub, isn’t it? Because the future is exactly what Michael should be concerned about. Since he knows what kind of things she’s done, what she’s capable of, and the kind of things she will do when he takes away what matters to her.

Scotty says, Cyrus did mention some kind of a fund that helps prisoners reform… Laura says, that’s the fund? Leave it to Cyrus to find a way to use that money to help himself. Scotty says, he is pretty resourceful, and she says, he is nothing if not resourceful. Did Scotty ever believe her brother actually deserved to be released, or was it just a payday for him? He asks what kind of lawyer she thinks he is, and she says, does he want her to answer that? He says he knows Lee would probably be disappointed in him like she is, but it was a high-profile case and he’s trying to keep his practice going. Does she want him to be chasing ambulances for the rest of his life? She says she’s heard enough. She’s just asking him, when he was at the hearing and saw her brother there, did Scotty believe he deserved to be released? He says, he did seem like a different guy, and the doctor spoke on his behalf, and the warden. And eventually, the judge signed off for his release. When he saw Cyrus earlier, in his suede jacket and everything, he did look pretty healthy. She tells him, that’s exactly what she said when she saw him in the prison, and her phone dings. She looks at it and says she’s got to go.

Laura walks out, and Scotty goes back to the table. Lucy isn’t there, but he sees the contract and says, she didn’t sign.

Austin brings Cyrus to Mason’s room, and closes the door and blinds. Cyrus sits next to the bed and says, hello, Mason.

Lois says she thought they were coming back here and going over Brook’s plans for Blaze, and Chase might want to join them. It turns out he has a couple of hours off, and he said he’d love to spend time with them… With Brook, because he’s been working such long hours. Brook says, Lois is not going to do this, and Lois says, do what? Arrange for her daughter to spend time with her gorgeous boyfriend? Brook says she knows exactly how Lois thinks. She thinks she’s going to bring Chase over here, and Tracy’s offer is just going to happen to come up in the conversation, and he’s going to help Lois change her mind. Lois says, how dare Brook accuse her of such a thing? And if Tracy’s offer happened to come up in conversation, then maybe… Brook says she swears, if Tracy’s offer does come up, Lois will regret it. She’s going to put Lois in the same box she put Tracy, and she will never talk to Lois again. Does she understand? Yuri comes back with the little cookies and lemonade, and says, Mr. Chase is here to see them. Brook turns around smiling, and Lois waves her fingers at Chase.

Nina says, she and Carly both made a lot of mistakes, and Sonny says he supposes, but Carly and Drew are both paying big time for the one they made. She asks if Drew is back in Pentenville, and Sonny says, yeah. The doctor says he’s healthy enough to go back. He’s doing everything he can to keep Drew protected in there, and Carly is trying to get him out. She says she hopes Carly does, and he says, she amazes him. She says, the feeling is mutual, husband. She likes that word. He says he likes wifey too. She can’t get rid of him. They kiss, and Nina says, they both have a lot of work to do, so she’s going to go. She loves him. He says he loves her too, and thanks her for the photos. She says, he’s welcome, and leaves.

Michael says, let’s be honest. Martin is concerned about what Nina will do to him. She’s not going to be happy when she finds out Martin broke her confidence and told him that she’s the reason Drew’s in prison. Martin says, absolutely true. See how he’s scared to death of what Nina could do to him? And he’s not the only person with skin in this game, is he? He’s talking about the woman who induced Ava’s labor just so she could kidnap Michael’s baby sister. The same woman that made them all think Sonny was dead. Now she owns the MetroCourt and a very powerful intellectual magazine. Michael could be right. Given the circumstances and Nina’s feelings for Michael’s father, she might be a shrinking violet. She might just take her medicine and walk away. But Michael lets that genie out of the lamp, and she’s a wounded animal. She’s going to take that power and that influence, and she’s going to make it her mission to make Michael’s life hell, and the life of anybody he cares about. That is something to think about before he pulls the trigger. Just make sure he digs two graves. He walks out, and Michael goes to his desk to ponder this.

In the hallway on the phone, Scotty says, all right. That makes sense. He might make a lot of money off of this… No, he’s not getting too excited, so just calm down. He’ll call them back when he gets the chance. Goodbye. He gets to the table and sees that Lucy and all her belongings are gone. He says, she took my pen.

Lois says she’s so glad Chase could make it, and he says he’s kind of surprised they wanted to meet here. Brook says, Tracy is spending the day in New York City, and Lois says, speaking of Tracy… Brook stomps on her foot, and Lois yells, ow! Brook says she’s so sorry, and Lois says she knows Brook is, but accidents, they happen. Brook says, no, really. Does Lois understand just how sorry she is? Lois says she does, and she knows it will never happen again. Brook says, no, it won’t, and Lois tells Chase that Brook wanted to show her some of the music she picked out for Blaze. He says he’d love to see it, and Lois says, Brook told her that Chase and Blaze used to work together, and he might know best what would fit her voice. He says, Brook’s really the expert on that, but Brook says she doesn’t know… Lois says, Brook has musical genius running through her veins, thank you very much, but seeing a song on paper is totally different than hearing it out loud. Would Brook mind playing the song for them? Brook says, sure, and takes the sheet music to the piano. Lois asks if Chase would mind singing along with it, but Brook says, he doesn’t have to do that. He doesn’t sing anymore; he’s a detective. He says, yeah, but he’ll always sing for her.

On the patio, Curtis asks how Portia enjoyed her lunch, and she says, it was delicious. It was just what she needed. The new Co-Chief of Staff needs to keep her energy up. She flips her hair, and they laugh. Her phone dings, and he says he guesses she has to get back. She says, yeah, sorry, and he says, no problem. She says, but she’s glad they had this time together. She’ll be late tonight. He says he understands, and she hugs him from behind, kissing his cheek. She says she loves him, and he says he loves her too.

Portia leaves, when Laura comes up on the porch. She thanks Portia, but Portia says, no, thank you. She knows Laura has been wanting to see Curtis, and she thinks now is a really good time. He’s right outside on the patio. Laura says, just in case Portia didn’t know already, her brother Cyrus is out of prison, and Portia says she did know that. Could Laura do her a favor and not mention it to Curtis just yet? He’s got a lot on his plate. Laura says, of course (🍷), and Portia says, he’s going to be really happy to see Laura. She leaves, and Laura goes inside. She sees Curtis on the patio, looking out to the trees, and she looks like she might cry.

Cyrus tells Mason, don’t try to move. Those handcuffs will dig into his wrists. How is he feeling? Mason says, pain, a lot of pain, and Cyrus says he can only imagine. Does Mason see his cousin Austin is with him? He arranged this visit. That was very nice of him, wasn’t it? Mason says, yeah, and Cyrus says, when he got here, Austin let it be known that he was extremely upset with him. Does Mason know why? It’s kind of amusing actually. Austin was under the impression he gave Mason the order to kill Ava Jerome, a woman he cares very deeply about. He made a deal with Austin. He gave Austin his word, so to speak, that if Austin helped him get out of prison, he would see to it Miss Jerome was brought home safely. As Mason can see, he is out of prison, and has Mason ever known him to go back on his word? Mason says, no, and Cyrus says, exactly, looking at Austin. Cyrus says, Mason has worked for him for a very long time, hasn’t he? and Mason says, yes. Cyrus says he wants Mason to tell his cousin precisely the exact words he said to Mason on the night he was with Ava. Mason says, take her home, and Cyrus says, and Mason disobeyed him, didn’t he?

Michael goes to Sonny’s office at Pozzulo’s, and Sonny is on the phone. He says, it’s got to be special, for the perfect woman… He laughs and says, yeah. He’s the happiest he’s ever been in his life. He thanks them and sends best wishes to them and their family. Michael walks in, and Sonny says he hasn’t seen Michael since the wedding. He just kind of lied to Sal. It was a kind of a white lie, because the best time he’s had was getting married to Nina and they were all there to watch it. Michael says, there’s something he needs to talk to Sonny about.

Brook plays piano, and Chase sings. Yuri peeks in, then leaves.

Portia says hi to TJ, but he walks past her. She tries to get his attention, and he says he’s sorry. What? She asks if everything’s fine, and he says, everything’s good. She says, something else is going on, so… He insists everything’s fine, but she says she knows him. It’s okay; he can talk to her. He says, there’s this patient. There’s just something about him. She says, okay, which patient? and he says, his name is Mason Gatlin. She says, the one who tried to kill Ava.

Cyrus says he asked Mason a simple question. He wants an answer. Mason says, he disobeyed Cyrus, and Cyrus laughs and says he’s so glad they cleared that up. He’s not happy at all that Mason disobeyed him, but Miss Jerome is safe at home, so he dodged a bullet there. At least he dodged a fatal one. And they’ve already established Mason thinks he’s a man of his word, yeah? Mason says, yes, and Cyrus says he gives Mason his word in front of Almighty God and Mason’s cousin, that the pain Mason felt when he was shot, any pain he’s felt during his entire life, will pale in comparison to the pain He will feel during his long, excruciating journey to death if Mason ever betrays him again. Does he understand and believe that? Mason hesitates, and Cyrus yells, say it! making Mason and Austin jump. Mason says he understands and believes it, and Cyrus says he thinks Mason does. He slams his hand down on Mason and says, Godspeed. He asks if he and Austin understand each other now? and Austin says, they do. Cyrus says, good, and Austin leaves. Cyrus stares at Mason. I love Cyrus even though he’s the worst. There’s no story without a good villain.

Laura tells Curtis, hello. She hopes it’s all right that she came. He says he’s so glad she did, and takes her hands.

Martin sees Scotty at the bar and says he’s supposed to meet Lucy here today. Has he seen her? Scotty says, she was here, but she left like a thief in the night. Now he’s got other fish to fry. Martin says he’s sure, and Scotty says, if Martin does see her, tell her to give him back his pen.

Sonny says, Michael seems upset. Are Willow and the kids okay? Michael says, they’re fine, and Sonny says, Carly? Michael says, yeah, and Sonny says, before they get into it, can he just show Michael one thing? Michael says, but dad… and Sonny says he knows Michael is going to like this a lot. He hands Michael the picture frame and says, Nina came by this morning, and he knows he’s spoiling the surprise, but she’s going to give the one of Wiley to him and Willow. Isn’t that great? Michael can’t have too many pictures of his son. He used to do the same thing with Michael and Morgan around that age. Nina has one of Donna that she’s going to give to Carly. Michael’s not going to say anything, right? Michael says he promises, handing the frame back, and Sonny says, it is very thoughtful, right? Michael says, yeah, and Sonny says he knows Michael knows what that means. He and Willow haven’t been married that long, but Michael knows what it’s like to love somebody so much that it hurts. Nina has changed his life. Nothing against Michael’s mother. She’s happy in her own way now with Drew, especially once he gets out of that hellhole. Michael says, that’s kind of what he came to talk to Sonny about.

Laura says she’s sorry she was away so long, but Curtis says he knows she was looking for her son. Any luck? She says, they just missed him. He doesn’t want to be found, but really it made her feel relieved to know he’s okay. Curtis says he’s sure. It’s kind of ironic. They were just in Greenland, dodging bullets, only for him to come back to good old Port Charles and be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Laura says she wants him to know that Mac and Dante are doing absolutely everything in their power to find the shooter. And she’s making sure they have all the resources to do so. She also knows that’s little solace to him now. He says he’s just trying to focus on the future. It’s quite possible he could be in this chair for the rest of his life. So if that’s the case, he’ll damn well make the best of it.

Chase finishes singing, and Lois says, that was absolutely perfect. Chase says he doesn’t know about that, but Brook says, for once her mom is right. It was perfect. He says, Blaze will sound great singing that song, and Lois says she wishes she could have heard the two of them singing together. She really likes this song too. Would he sing it as well? She hands Brook another piece of music, when Lucy storms in saying, where is she? with Yuri following her. She sees Brook and says, oh, you. Where is she? Where is the Wicked Witch of the West, the East, the North, and the South?

Martin leaves Lucy a message that he hopes she’ll be there soon. Nina comes in on the phone and says she doesn’t understand how this could have happened. If they would just let her… She hangs up and goes over to Martin. She says, Trish told her that he was here. What has he done?

Sonny asks if there’s any news on Drew’s appeal, but Michael says, no. He says, Sonny knows how happy Drew and his mom were, and Sonny says, yeah. Michael says, when Drew got sent to Pentenville, it destroyed his mom. She thought it was her fault. Sonny says, Carly always thinks it’s her fault. Drew doesn’t blame her, so he’s good for her. Michael says, he would be if he wasn’t in Pentenville, and Sonny says, then let’s get him out. Michael says, they might not be able to make that happen, but… Sonny says, wait, wait, wait. Nina made it a point when she was here to say she was happy for Carly and Drew. She wanted them to be happy, and that she wanted Drew out of Pentenville. Crimson is a very important magazine. She owns it. She can use the magazine to help. Michael says he doesn’t think… and Sonny says, Michael doesn’t understand. Nina can be strong, and she can put the heat on. He’s going to call her right now. Michael says, no, dad, wait.

Portia asks TJ if there’s something he sensed about this guy when he met him before, and TJ says, nothing specific, but it didn’t seem like Austin liked him coming around much. She says she thinks the best thing for TJ to do is just steer clear of him altogether, and he says, yeah. Mason probably just reminds him of some other creep. TJ goes back to work.

Cyrus comes out of the elevator and sees Portia. However, this time he has a clue, and doesn’t bother her. He walks out of the hospital.  

Laura says she thought about calling Curtis so many times, and he says he knows. Portia told him Laura reached out to her to check on him. She says, it’s just that she didn’t think she could adequately express on a phone call how much he means to her, and he says, they’ve been through some tough times, huh? She says, he’s a hero, but he says, no, and she says, just accept it. It’s not just because he’s saved so many lives, two of them being her grandsons, but she has a special place in her heart for him from a long time ago. He says, it’s funny how that works. Sometimes you just make a connection with someone; it’s unexplainable. She says, and it’s unbreakable, and he wheels closer. They join hands, and Laura says, and nothing will ever change that.

Lois says, hiya, Lucy, and Lucy waves to her and says, hi. Don’t change the subject. Where is she? Where’s Tracy? Brook says, she went to New York City for the day, and Lucy says, of course (🍷) she did. She went out of town because she didn’t want to be here for the dirty deed to get done. But Brook’s here, isn’t she? And she’s just as responsible for all of this as Tracy is. Chase says, now wait a minute, and Lois asks why Yuri didn’t stop Lucy. He says he doesn’t touch women… He means, like that, and Brook says, just let Lucy talk. Lucy says she has plenty to talk about Chase’s girlfriend and Lois’s daughter. How about her insincere camaraderie? How about her unending lying and the fact that she actually outright stole from them? Chase starts to move forward, but Brook stops him and says, she has every right to be furious. Lucy says she is furious. She’s so furious, but you know what? She really wanted Brook’s evil grandmother to be here to witness the spoils of her vicious attack. She looks for somewhere to sign the contract, and tells Yuri, come over here, big man. She turns him around and signs it, using his back as a desk. She throws it at them, and says, there. Are you happy? She hopes Brook is so satisfied, and please tell her grandmother she can kiss… Nope. She’s too much of a lady. She walks out. Yuri asks if he should lock the door, but Lois says, it’s a little late for that.

Martin says he’s so desperately sorry. Nina has to believe him. Nothing like this ever happened before. His clients are his first priority. That’s why he’s so ashamed of letting her down like that. He just hopes she can find it in her heart to… Nina says, it’s not the end of the world. It’s just, she wanted those contracts with Estron to be filed before they could change their mind and pull their ads. He says, Estron, and she says, he was supposed to file them by end of business yesterday. Martin says he knows, which is why he’s so utterly ashamed to have let her down like he has. He knows he can make it right. He has a great relationship with the CEO, so he promises no damage will come to Crimson. She says, see that there isn’t, and leaves. He knocks back his drink.

Sonny says he really believes Nina can help, and Michael says, that’s not a good idea. Sonny asks, why? What does he mean? Michael stammers and says, Sonny just got married. He should be celebrating. Don’t put this on her plate right now. Sonny says, he’s right. They did just get married. He doesn’t want to spring this on her, although he knows she’d probably be fine with it because that’s who she is. He’s so happy Michael got to be at the wedding. He fell for her and wants this to last forever, like Michael and Willow. Michael says, yeah. He should get to work. Sonny says he’s sorry. Michael had to tell him something? Michael says he realized it’s something he can handle on his own. He appreciates that, and thanks Sonny. Sonny says, Michael knows he can come to him for anything, right? He loves Michael; Michael is his son. Michael hugs Sonny, and says he loves him too. Michael leaves, looking pretty miserable. In the hallway, he takes out his phone and makes a call. He asks if Nina Reeves is in… No. No message. Are they expecting her back soon?… Good. He’ll speak to her when he sees her. He leaves Pozzulo’s.

Tomorrow, Dante says he doesn’t want Mac to find out Cody is his kid; Carly would like to speak to the warden; and Nina wonders where someone got something. I know that’s vague, but that’s what they gave me to work with.

☃️ Winter Trainwreck…

This season, there are even more awful people than ever before, with crossovers from Vanderpump Rules and Below Deck Med. And more examples of the wrong people having the money. Reality TV, where awful people get well-paying jobs.

Old news, but a refresher on what you’ll be up against.

https://people.com/winter-house-season-3-trailer-7969301

You know it’s bad when the already awful old cast members want to distance themselves.

https://people.com/winter-house-season-3-premire-danielle-olivera-doesnt-want-tom-schwartz-scandoval-drama-exclusive-8364821

What happened in the premiere.

When awful people nearly collide. Did they really expect it to be a happy reunion?

The one they wanted to get away.

👄 Forces Of Reality Nature…

It was bound to happen. Now that they’ve made their money, sour grapes arise.

👠 Investigation Housewife…

This might be worth reading. Vanity Fair isn’t a slouch when it comes to writing.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-12651523/Vanity-Fair-release-investigation-Bravo-Housewives-stars.html

🎃 Spawning a Thousand Sequels…

A Halloween movie so definitive, it’s called Halloween.

https://halloweenmovies.com/

👻 Gone To the Dogs… and Cats…

Halloween movies with pets in them.

Halloween movies to watch with your dog.

🐺 Howling At the Moon…

Join me tomorrow for soap and whatever I can stomach of RHOBH. Until then, stay safe, stay out of the candy bowl until trick-or-treating is over (unless you are a trick-or-treater), and stay not stealing anyone’s pen.

October 20, 2023 – Alexis Blindsides Judge Kim, Mr. Christmas, Salt Shaking, Villainous, VanderSecrets, About Fear, Mary Deleted, Reasons Why, All Dressed Up, Seven Quotes Plus a Tagline & Everybody

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Anna tells her bodyguard that she’s not used to having one, and she really appreciates everything he’s doing. He says, not a problem, Miss Devane, and she asks him to call her Anna. She asks if he saw anything suspicious when she was with her friends, but he says, there was nothing out of the ordinary. She says, nobody paid special attention to her or… He says he watched the surrounding area the whole time and saw nothing that was a threat to her.

As they approach the house, Charlotte asks why Valentin insisted on picking her up early from school. He says, because he has a surprise for her, and opens the door. Laura is there and Charlotte runs to her, hugging her, and saying she missed Laura so much.

Esme brings Ace into the hospital and Spencer runs up to him, saying, Ace has a doctor’s appointment today. That’s so cool. He asks why Esme didn’t tell him that Ace had a doctor’s appointment today.

Robert sees Diane at the fitness studio and says, it’s Killer Miller. What’s she doing here at this time of day? Hold on. Does her infamous client Mr. Corinthos know she’s here doing yoga, and not sitting around clutching her cellphone, waiting for his beck and call?

Elizabeth goes into Drew’s room, and he says, she’s not his regular nurse. She says, he’s not her regular patient. She asks how he’s feeling, and he says, good. Maybe a little too good.

Gregory says he’s read Judge Kim’s opinions, and he considers himself an originalist. Correct? The judge says, yes. He believes the meaning of our Constitution doesn’t change over time. Alexis says she was just reading an article about Ascher Alexander, and he shares that view. Gregory asks if that isn’t the millionaire investment banker? and Alexis says, mm-hmm. Kim says he’s certainly heard of him, but he wouldn’t know if Alexander would agree with any of his judicial opinions. He’s never met the man. Alexis says, really. Interesting. So he flew to St. Thomas on this man’s private jet to go deep sea fishing, and yet he’s never met him? Visibly uncomfortable, Kim says, with all due respect to her sources, he believes she’s been misinformed, but Alexis says, on the contrary. She can provide dates, records, flight manifests, or anything else she needs to prove he did fly to the Caribbean with Ascher Alexander. It seems to be a major conflict of interest. Would he care to comment?

Meeting Dante at the Bistro, Cody asks what he’s got there, and Dante says, just some paperwork he has to file for administrative leave. Cody says, Sam told him about that. Does this mean he gets to just hang around the house in his PJs and still get paid? Dante says, no, not quite. The PCPD is going to do an investigation to see if his reasons for shooting the perp were justified. Cody says, he’s a great cop. Just doing his job, right? Nothing’s simple. Everything’s so damn complicated. It’s pretty frustrating. Dante asks what he’s talking about, and Cody says, it seems like you do the right thing and get the wrong outcome.

Elizabeth says, once Drew’s made a full recovery and is cleared by the doctors, he’ll be sent back to Pentenville. It’s got to be tough. Drew says, in the meantime, he gets the pleasure of her company, and she says, nice deflection. He says, she’s got to fill him in on the boys; how’s Cameron doing? She takes his blood pressure and says, the boys are actually really well. Cameron is loving being at Stanford. Academically, he’s doing well, and as for soccer, he’s not a starter yet – he hasn’t played enough games – but he’s proven himself to be a very valuable player. Drew says, that’s fantastic. What about Aiden? She says, he’s still baking. He made a pie the other day; it was so delicious. Drew says, when she talks about Aiden’s baking, his mouth starts watering, and she says, he’s very talented, and he’s determined. He plans on going to the most prestigious pastry academy in Paris. And he wants to pay for it himself. Drew says, wow. How’s he going to manage that? She says, he started his own little business. He has a website and everything. He’s selling fancy cupcakes. He ships them out or delivers them if they’re local. She keeps telling him to talk to Carly and see if she can sell them at Kelly’s. Drew says, that’s a good idea. He’ll put in a good word for him with Carly. She says, he would love that, and he asks, how’s Jake? She says, Jake has a girlfriend.

Alexis says, since Judge Kim is claiming not to know Ascher Alexander, she’s assuming he neglected to report this deep-sea fishing trip on his tax filings or any other gifts or accommodations he received from this very influential friend. Is she right in that assumption? The judge gets up and says he agreed to be interviewed on his judicial philosophy, not to answer questions about where or with whom he chooses to vacation. Although he shouldn’t be surprised by this blatant ambush. He remembers her reputation as an attorney. That is, when she could still practice law. Cheap tricks and judicial violations. No wonder she was disbarred. Gregory says, so far, they haven’t heard a denial.

Diane says, for Robert’s information, she’s often here at this time of day. It’s the only time the studio offers this particular class. And might she remind him, she works for herself, unlike him. So no matter how demanding her clients are, her life is her own to schedule. But him, a public servant taking a three-hour lunch break to pump some iron? She wonders what The Invader would have to say about that.

Doc joins Esme, and Spencer says, it just that the first he heard about Ace’s appointment with his pediatrician was this morning when he got a confirmation text from the doctor’s office, so a heads up would have been nice. Esme says, it’s really not a big deal. The pediatrician had a cancellation this morning and offered the spot to Ace, so she took it. Doc was nice enough to offer them a ride to the hospital. Spencer says he appreciates Doc doing that; he’s sorry that Doc had to. Doc says, it was no trouble, and Spencer says he would have taken them himself had he known. Esme says, it’s just as well. Spencer was with Trina, and she didn’t want to interrupt that. Spencer says, they’ve talked about this multiple times, including in that parenting class she suggested they take with one another. He wants to be at all of Ace’s medical appointments, even the small ones. She says, and what for? and he says he’s Ace’s older brother. She tells him, and she’s his mother and she’s perfectly capable of looking after her own son.

Charlotte says she’s missed Laura so much, and Laura says she missed Charlotte too. And she’s sorry she was away so long. Charlotte asks if she found Uncle Nikolas, and Laura says she didn’t actually see Uncle Nikolas. Charlotte says, that’s too bad, but Laura says, that’s okay. She does know he’s all right. She thinks he’s traveling right now. He needs a little time to himself. Charlotte asks if she knows when he’ll be back in Port Charles, and Laura says she’s not sure, but she didn’t want to wait to see Charlotte any longer. She wants to hear everything about Charlotte’s life. She wants to hear about school and her friends and her classes. Valentin says, this third wheel is going to let them catch up. He has some errands to run. He’ll be back later. He kisses the top of Charlotte’s head and leaves. Charlotte watches him go, and Laura asks if she’s worried about her father.

Gregory tells Judge Kim, with all due respect, a simple denial of this fishing trip would clear up any misunderstanding. He denies he took the trip; he denies he was a passenger on Alexander’s jet? Kim says, this interview is over, but Alexis says, he agreed to this interview on the record, which means she’s free to publish anything and everything that was said here today, which in the end, could prove very embarrassing to him. It might also stall his rise to the Federal Circuit. Kim says, she lured him here under false pretenses, and she says, all he has to do is commute the sentence, the unfair, harsh sentence he imposed on Drew Cain, to time served and set him free. Then this interview will never see the light of day. Kim says, so that’s what this is all about. Blackmail? She belongs in a prison cell next to Drew Cain. He walks out. Um… That didn’t go well. Maybe she played that hand too quickly.

Robert asks if Diane is questioning his work ethic, and she says, he’s questioning hers. He says he’s just happy to see her, and she says, that’s how he shows it? He says, yeah, and she laughs. She says she thinks they’re so used to sparring with each other in court, that’s become their default M.O. He says he’s thinking maybe they should change that, and she says, then what would they do for fun?

Dante tells Cody, Sasha went through a pretty big ordeal. Maybe her leaving town isn’t a bad idea. Cody says, it’s a terrible idea and he told her so. Sasha wouldn’t listen to him. Dante asks what he said to her, and Cody says, he told her, moving to Austin without a job or friends or family would be a mistake. Dante says, and? and Cody says, and what? Dante asks what else he said to her, and Cody says, nothing. Dante says, he didn’t tell Sasha that he wanted her to stay? and Cody says, no. Dante asks, why not?

A nurse tells Esme that the doctor is ready to see Ace now, and Spencer picks up the diaper bag, but Esme says she’s got it, taking it from him. She says she’d prefer to speak to the pediatrician alone, and follows the nurse. Spencer says, what the hell was that about? and Doc says, that was Esme exerting her parental rights, which Spencer does not share.

Charlotte say she thinks papa is worried about her, and Laura says, most parents do worry about their kids. Is there something specific she thinks her dad’s worried about? Charlotte says, he’s never pulled her out of school early to see Laura. She knows Laura was gone, but she could have just seen her tonight, so why did he pick her up early from school? Laura says she thinks she can solve this mystery. She requested this special meeting because Charlotte is her number one priority ahead of everything else, and she wanted to have this time together before she had to go back and assume her mayoral duties. Charlotte says, now that Laura’s back, she doesn’t feel so alone now, and they hug.

Valentin asks if Anna has been sitting alone in the dining room since her meeting with Jordan, and she says she has. He asks, why? and kisses her. He could have just as easily met her in her room. She says she doesn’t like being alone in her suite, but he says, she’s not alone, is she? She has Sonny’s bodyguard watching over her. She says she just feels trapped… vulnerable, and isolated from the rest of the world. Like a sitting duck, waiting for whoever’s after her to strike again.

Cody tells Dante that he didn’t let Sasha know he wanted her to stay in Port Charles because he did what he always does; he made it about himself. Dante asks, how so? and Cody says he doesn’t even know how it happened. He started talking about people making mistakes and how everyone does it, and the next thing he knows, he’s confessing to her that Mac Scorpio is his biological father and he lied to Mac about it. Dante asks what he was thinking, and Cody says he wasn’t. Dante says, he really did make it all about himself, and Cody says he knows. He was desperate. He really doesn’t want her to go.

Valentin says, Anna doesn’t have to stay here alone if she doesn’t feel safe. She has other alternatives. She says she’s not staying with him, because he has Charlotte to consider, and she’s not about to bring whatever danger is after her down on Charlotte. He says she’s right. He’s going to have to get along with his daughter right now and it’s not a good time, but he did buy that house for the two of them. She says, regardless of what she just said, she is fine here, but he says he disagrees. She doesn’t have to stay here alone. She has plenty of friends In Port Charles she can turn to.

Robert says, you want to have fun with moi? and Diane says, if it hasn’t been made clear, she does. She enjoys spending time with him. What she doesn’t enjoy is being made to think she’s an afterthought or a default friend. He says, wait a minute. He’d like them not to be just friends, and she says, meaning? He says, why don’t they pick up where they left off? She says, absolutely not.

Alexis tells Gregory, what difference does it make? She just let that guy leave with the upper hand. What was she thinking? That she was going to hammer him so hard, he would admit he’s corrupt in taking gifts from special interests? Gregory says, she doesn’t know what he was thinking when he left, and she says, that guy is scum, but he has an excellent legal mind, and he did what he should have done. He walked out. And her? She’s left with half an interview where he didn’t admit to doing anything wrong and zero leverage to help Drew.

Drew asks, who’s the lucky girl? and Elizabeth says, Charlotte Cassadine. He says, good for them. He loves hearing all this good news. She says, Charlotte wasn’t her favorite person when she was little, but she’s grown up a lot. She thinks Charlotte might actually be good for Jake. He says, in what ways? and she says, her boy is so shy and reserved, and Charlotte is very confident, and it seems to be rubbing off on him. It’s the first time since Franco’s death that Jake doesn’t seem down all the time. He says he’s really glad to hear that, and she says, and Charlotte is the most popular girl in the class, so dating her has really boosted his self-esteem. He says, that’s great. He loves Jake like Jake was his own son. She says she knows. Jake loves Drew too. Drew means a lot to all of them. A guard comes in and says, the transfer paperwork’s been approved. He’ll be taking Drew to Pentenville.

Laura says she knows Charlotte doesn’t know very much about her or her childhood, but to tell her the truth, she was very alone as a kid. And it was really painful. She guesses she just wanted Charlotte to know that she’s not alone because Charlotte has her, and she also has her dad. Charlotte says, Laura is right. She does have her and papa, but that’s it. She doesn’t have any friends at school. Laura says she’s so sorry and asks if Charlotte is having trouble making friends. Charlotte says, yes and no. She thinks she’s just been away from Port Charles for too long. All her old friends are into different things now. They just keep their distance from her. (I’m confused. Didn’t Elizabeth just say she was the most popular girl in class?) Laura says, Elizabeth told her that Charlotte and Jake have become friends. Sometimes all you need is one good friend. Charlotte says she and Jake are friends, and he’s really nice, but he’s a boy. That’s a lot different when you don’t have another girl to talk about things with. Laura says, Charlotte’s got her, and Charlotte says, yeah, but Laura’s her grandma. It’s not the same. She just doesn’t have someone to hang out with. And papa’s never around; he’s always busy. Laura says, yeah. He spends an awful lot of time with Anna, doesn’t he?

Anna tells Valentin that she’s not going to impose herself on Jordan like that. Or Mac and Felicia. That’s just too much to ask. He says he doesn’t think any of them would feel like it was an imposition. Mac and Jordan have law enforcement training, so if whoever’s targeting her is… She says, the solution is not for her to hole up with her friends and bring danger to their door. The solution is for her to go after whoever’s trying to dismantle her life and shut them down.

Spencer tells Doc, there’s really no need for people to keep reminding him that he’s not Ace’s father. He gets that. But Ace’s father, who is also his father, is missing in action because he doesn’t care that he has  two sons. Doc says, Spencer doesn’t know what’s going on in Nikolas’s head any more than he does. Benefit of the doubt is always the healthiest approach until you know the facts. (Not according to Dr. Phil.) Spencer says, his grandmother, who is the kindest, sweetest, most determined person on the planet, has finally had to admit to herself that his father isn’t coming back. And someone needs to fill that void. Someone needs to be there for him. Someone who’s not Esme. To be honest, Spencer doesn’t much care what the official title is, be it father or brother, he’s going to step up and take care of his baby brother. He’s going to do it. Doc says, he should care. His love and commitment to Ace is commendable, but he doesn’t have any actual parental rights where Ace is concerned. He understands that, yeah? Spencer says he understands that, and he’d really like to stop hearing that from people like Doc and everybody else. Doc says, he’s heard this before? and Spencer says, yes. He gets it. From a legal standpoint, Esme has the final say. Doc says, that’s right, and Spencer says, fortunately, with the exception of this… he guesses they’ll chalk it up to a miscommunication, he and Esme have been able to work together to take care of Ace, and he’s not expecting that’s going to change any time soon.

Robert tells Diane that he’s a little confused. He thinks he’s getting mixed signals. She says, nope. She doesn’t send mixed signals. Picking up where they left off would leave such a bad taste in her mouth. It would just remind her of how she was used for Holly’s agenda and how she was treated when Holly was around. He says he’s sorry, and she thanks him, but asks him to let her finish. She’s been back and forth in her head about him. The moment she starts to think, even for a second, about what a great guy he is – funny, charming – she’s blindsided again by yet another revelation about something, anything in his past. So he wants to know where she is right now with this? He says, definitely, and she says, good. She’ll tell him.

Cody says he’s been going on and on about his troubles when Dante, his best friend, is under investigation at work for shooting someone. Dante says, it’s nothing. This is just police procedure. It’s easier than doing math homework with Rocco. Dante sucks at math. Cody thanks him, and Dante says, for what? Cody says, for everything he’s done. Not just for him since he got here to Port Charles, but for Sasha too. He doesn’t know if they could have pulled this off without Dante and Sam. He’s a good friend. So is Sam. Dante says, she came around, huh? and Cody says he knew that was going to happen; he’s irresistible. Dante says he doesn’t know if Sasha thinks so. He’s sorry all this stuff is happening with Sasha. He knows she’s come to mean a lot to Cody.

Laura says, when Charlotte first got back from camp, she went to live with Dante and Sam, and her dad lived with Anna. What did she think about that? Charlotte says, that was just temporary while papa was buying this house for them, so she didn’t try to think about it. She asks what Laura thinks about the house papa bought for her, and Laura says her opinion isn’t as important as Charlotte’s is, so what does she think about the house? Charlotte flashes back to Valentin telling Anna that he bought the house for them, so they could move in with Charlotte and start a life together. She tells Laura, it’s all she wanted, and Laura says, a house like this? but Charlotte says, a home for her and papa. All to themselves.

Valentin says he’s sorry this is happening to Anna. She doesn’t deserve this at all. Anna says she disagrees, because they both know she brought this down on herself. She was a double agent. She betrayed the WSB and betrayed her country. And she has to accept the fallout from that. She wipes some tears away, and he says, no. Nothing could be further from the truth. She’s being targeted. She’s having her entire life dismantled by someone’s twisted idea of vengeance. She asks why he’d say that. Why does he think it’s revenge instead of justice?

Cody says he’s just being selfish, and Dante asks, how so? Cody says, wanting Sasha to stay here in Port Charles, but Dante says he doesn’t think it’s selfish. Cody likes her and wants what’s best for her. Cody says, if he does, maybe he needs to realize this is going to be really hard for her. These reminders of Brando and Liam, and that nightmare Gladys. Dante says, they’re never going to have to worry about Gladys again. She’s not going to show up in Port Charles. Cody says, Sam told him that Dante’s dad made sure of that, and Dante says, Sonny can be persuasive. Cody laughs and says he bets.

Robert asks why he feels he’s about to get hit by the infamous Killer Miller atom bomb, and Diane says, buck up, soldier. She has the feeling Robert Scorpio can handle what she’s about to say. Besides, this a golden opportunity for someone, who shall remain nameless, but who is him, to become a better human being. He says, okay. Lay it on him. She says, no. They’re not going to pick up where they left off. There’s too much hurt and confusion and betrayal and dishonesty down that road. He asks what she’s suggesting, and she says, they wipe the slate clean. They clear the chessboard as it were. And this is great. He gets to put his paw in anywhere he wants to, because he’s starting at square one.

Alexis tells Gregory, that might have been their only chance to get Drew released and she fumbled it. He says, she didn’t fumble it. She got to him. She says she should have approached this like in negotiations where each party gets what they want. A subtle warning to Judge Kim about a potentially embarrassing career decision and then he gets a chance to clean it up before the dam breaks, and then an early, quiet release for Drew. Nothing said overtly, only implied. This is how deals are done every day, but she had to go for the jugular. She had to grandstand. Does he know why she did that? He says he thinks she’s about to tell him, and she says, because that’s what lawyers do and she’s a lawyer. Or she wants to be one and she misses it. She wanted to win and she lost big; not for her, but for Drew.

Elizabeth tells Drew, maybe they can delay this. Dr. Ashford is on duty. She could speak to him, and he could say there are more tests that need to be done tomorrow, and he can stay here an extra night. Drew says, there’s not point in delaying the inevitable. Honestly, it would probably make it more torturous. They both know he’s going to end up in prison eventually. She says, then let her call Carly for him, but he says, no. She says, why not? and he says, because he doesn’t want her to see him literally hauled out of here in chains. It would be better if she just finds out about it once he’s gone.

Dante gets up, and Cody says, he’s leaving? He thought Dante could sit around all day and listen to him sulk. Dante says, that sounds like a lot of fun, but he has to get this stuff to Mac. Seeing that Cody’s told Sasha that Mac is his father, doesn’t Cody think he should tell Mac the truth too? He thinks Mac deserves to know he’s got a son. Cody says, no way. He lied to Mac’s face about being his son. There’s no way he could look at Mac’s face and see the disappointment and hurt when he found out. Dante says he’s not going to push it, but think about what he’s keeping from Mac. This isn’t a minor thing. Cody not telling Mac that he’s his son, makes his life a lot more complicated. Dante leaves.

Robert says, as an ex-spy, he’s strategic and an excellent chess player, and Diane asks what he’s saying. He says he accepts the challenge and the conditions, and she says, excellent. She’s just going to give him a warning. He says, wait a minute. A warning. A strategic advantage to him. She says, sometimes a warning is just a warning. This is a game between her and him. If he invites anyone else to play, or even watch, then she’s going to take her queen and go home. He says, just her and him. and she says, those are her terms. He says he’s liking how this sounds already. Just them; Robert and Diane. She says, more like Diane and Robert, but here’s one more thing. Not only will she take her queen and go home, she will take the entire chessboard, and there won’t be a rematch. She leaves, and he half-smiles.

Doc says he gets it. Ace is Spencer’s little brother, and Spencer wants only the best for him. But he really doesn’t help Ace if he denies the reality of the situation. Spencer says, the reality is that he’s going to do what he can for Ace, but Doc says, the reality is, Spencer and Esme no longer have anything in common except Ace. And as their lives diverge, and they will, Spencer may have to accept a reduced role in Ace’s life. Spencer says, no. He doesn’t accept that. Esme comes back with Ace, and Spencer asks, how’d it go? Esme says, Ace is once again in the 99 percentile, and Spencer tells Ace, way to go. That’s what he’s talking about. This calls for a celebration. Why don’t they go to Kelly’s and celebrate? He thanks Doc for his help, and says he appreciates it. He’ll take it from here. He leaves with Esme, who tells Ace, a cup of hot cocoa from Kelly’s does sound good, doesn’t it?

Laura say she knows how close Charlotte is with her father, but as much as he loves her, he was never a teenage girl. But Laura was and she remembers what it felt like. And it was really, really hard sometimes, just to be yourself. She felt like no one understood her. She never knew how she fit in, in her family. She didn’t feel like she fit in at school at all, or with her friends. And she had two really successful doctor parents and that was kind of hard. She didn’t always believe everything they told her. Did she take the advice they gave her? No, she didn’t. It was a very hard time. Painful. Confusing. Can Charlotte keep a secret? Charlotte says, sure, and Laura says, when she was Charlotte’s age, she made some really big mistakes. Charlotte says, really? and Laura says, yes, she did. She takes Charlotte’s hand and says, and it was Charlotte’s great-grandmother Leslie who saved her really. She was like Laura’s rock, and Laura wants to be there for Charlotte now, the way Leslie was there for her. She wants that more than anything and wouldn’t have it any other way. So if there’s something Charlotte needs to say to someone, something that maybe she needs to share, she’s here to listen to Charlotte. Charlotte says, grandma… Laura says, yes, dear? and Charlotte says she’s really glad Laura is back. She missed her. Laura says she missed Charlotte too, and they hug.  

Valentin says, this all started at the reading of Victor’s will and Anna’s WSB file being released to the press. She says, his father’s final act of revenge on her, and he says, no doubt. He thinks there’s someone else targeting her on Victor’s behalf.

Gregory asks if Alexis has always been this hard on herself, and she says, yes, especially when she screws up like she did today, and the screw up affects somebody she cares about. He says he’s sorry. He doesn’t see it that way. He was here, and saw and heard her in action. She was great. And if anything significant happened today, it was that she made a sacrifice. She says, what sacrifice? and he says, every instinct she had was, is still, screaming to publish an exposé on Kim’s corruption, barbecue him in The Invader. But she pulled back for Drew’s sake and offered him a deal. Alexis says she came on too strong, but Gregory says, there’s no guarantee that a softer approach would have been any more effective. She says, the point is, she went after Judge Kim because she wanted to, and it was stupid and unprofessional. Alexis’s phone rings, and she thanks them for letting her know. Keep her posted. She tells Gregory, that was a friend of hers from the Federal building. She said that Judge Kim asked his clerk to pull Drew Cain’s file. Gregory says, and? and she says, apparently, he may be reconsidering Drew’s sentence. Gregory says, see? Nice work, counselor.

Elizabeth watches as Drew is wheeled out wearing leg irons, since he might make a sprint from the wheelchair. They lock eyes for a moment, and she watches as he’s wheeled into the elevator. She stands in front of the elevator, and they look at each other with sad faces as the elevator doors close.

On Monday, Brook asks, since when does granny’s opinion hold any weight with Lois; Cody says he had his chance and threw it away; and Sonny tells someone, the next thing they say could have lasting repercussions.

🎄 Nathan Rushes the Season…

I swear this guy is in every other holiday movie.

🧂 Salting the Lake…

This week’s shenanigans.

It says something about you when your own son wants to hide his marriage.

https://people.com/rhoslc-recap-mary-cosby-son-robert-jr-was-secretly-married-for-a-year-8362974

🗽 Gorgeous Is Gonna Devour Cute…

Tiffany is awful, but I like her, and God help me, I might have to take Jax off the awful list. I’m surprised at how good this show is.

https://www.bustle.com/entertainment/tiffany-pollard-a-hero-in-the-villain-house

🍸 SURish Secrets…

It’s not really all that interesting, mostly about Bravo being cheap, but keeping the Pump rolling until the new season begins.

⚰️ One Fear Coming Up…

Sunday, October 22nd, 9 pm EST. Be dead or be there. Of course the finale is in two parts. It’s a thing now.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/fear-the-walking-dead-series-finale/

https://screenrant.com/fear-walking-dead-season-8-two-part-finale/

🧹 Extra Extra…

Wow. It’s all pretty tame by today’s standards.

https://ew.com/movies/hocus-pocus-deleted-scene-grocery-store-mary-steals-child/

🎃 Today’s Lesson…

More Halloween lore.

https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/a40250/heres-why-we-really-celebrate-halloween/

🐶 Will Do a Trick a Treat…

I love this dog.

https://paradepets.com/pet-news/pug-latte-costume

Come on. You know you want to dress your dogs up. You probably want to dress up your cats too, but we all know how that can go.

https://people.com/best-dog-halloween-costumes-8362521

https://www.etonline.com/the-best-last-minute-dog-halloween-costume-ideas-to-put-a-spell-on-everyone-hocus-pocus-baby-yoda

🐝 Quotes of the Week

Whatever we believe about ourselves and our ability comes true for us.Susan L. Taylor

The purpose of life is to discover your gift. The work of life is to develop it. The meaning of life is to give your gift away. – David Viscott

One man alone can be pretty dumb sometimes, but for real bona fide stupidity, there ain’t nothin’ can beat teamwork.Edward Abbey

Our most significant opportunities will be found in times of greatest difficulty.Thomas S. Monson

To improve is to change, so to be perfect is to change often. – Winston Churchill

Once you start recognizing the truth of your story, finish the story. It happened but you’re still here, you’re still capable, powerful, you’re not your circumstance. It happened and you made it through. You’re still fully equipped with every single tool you need to fulfill your purpose. – Steve Maraboli (Or as Sweet Pea said in Sucker Punch: You’ve got your weapons. Now fight.)

For better or worse, Beanies were like crack. – Rich Kelley, The Beanie Bubble

🫦 My Real Housewives tagline: Sometimes going commando really does mean you’re carrying a machine gun. Holla!

🕸 Being Altogether Ooky…

Meet me here on Sunday for a Fear quickie. Until then, stay safe, stay bringing the appropriate hostess gift to a Halloween party – you know, like a coffin – and stay remembering, sometimes all you need is one good friend.

October 13, 2023 – The Wedding Is On, Thought, Back, Fitting, MIA, A Goodbye, Salty Talk, Postscript, Hard Times, Back To the 80s, Dead Stuff, Costumed Pets (!), Totally Ten Quotes & Monster

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Curtis lifts weights, when there’s a knock at the door. He wheels himself over to open it, and Stella asks if it’s a bad time. He says, not at all, if she doesn’t mind waiting for him to finish another set. She says, not at all, and comes in. She asks if somebody else is here, but he says, no, just him, picking up one of the weights. He asks if she thinks they shouldn’t have left him alone, and she asks if she said that. He says, no, and she says, he’s been on his own for a while now, and he’s doing just fine. He works with the weight, and says, she’s been tracking him, huh? She says she always has; she’s not going to change now. He’s working hard; very impressive. He says he’s just trying to keep it all together, and she says, he’s doing more than keeping it together. She’s very proud of him. He thanks her and says, all these exercises, in fact everything he does, is for Trina and Portia and Marshall. She says, how’s that? and he says, every morning there’s a part of him that doesn’t want to get out of bed. Then he thinks about his family. They need him, and he will not let them down. There’s a knock at the door, and Stella says she’ll get it. She opens it to Selina and says, what do you want?

TJ tells Portia he heard a rumor going around. The buzz is totally positive. She says she has no idea what he’s talking about, but he says, spill. She says she doesn’t want to talk about it yet. Not until she gets a chance to tell Curtis, and she wants to tell him in person. He’s going to be so hurt if he finds out everyone at GH knew before he did. She’s trying to sneak out of here so she can see him. TJ says, he’s going to be thrilled.

Josslyn knocks on the door at Windymere, and Giles answers. He asks if he can help her, and she says, he probably doesn’t remember her, but she’s Josslyn Jax, Avery’s older sister. He says, of course (🍷). What can he do for her? She says she’s looking for Ava. She never picked Avery up from the nanny last night. Giles invites her in.

A guard walks Cyrus to the visiting room, and Cyrus says, another visitor during off hours? He sees Laura, and she says, hello, Cyrus.

Austin sits at his desk and flashes back to him telling the judge that Cyrus is weak because of his heart attack, and no longer a physical threat to anybody. He says, yeah, weak like a great white shark is weak. He remembers telling Mason that he did what was asked and to let Ava go, and Mason saying, neither one of them call the shots. There’s a knock at the door, and Dex says, sorry to bother him, but has he seen Ava Jerome?

Puerto Rico. Here Comes the Bride plays as Nina walks to Sonny, and everyone looks all happy. The priest welcomes everyone and says, they’ve been blessed with a beautiful day to witness the joining in matrimony of Michael Sonny Corinthos and Nina Reeves. This is a joyful occasion, and a solemn one. Marriage as a traditional ceremony is an honorable one, not to be entered into lightly, but a pledge between two people to honor, support, and love one another for the rest of your lives. Is that the pledge they’re willing to make? Nina says, we are, and Sonny says, yeah, we are.

Selina says she’s here to see her friend, but Stella says, she doesn’t have any friends here. And no way she’s buying any with that gift basket. Stella looks at the bodyguard holding a basket of fruit behind Selina, and Curtis says, it’s okay. Selina’s a business associate. Stella says, uh-huh, and Selina walks in. (Oooh. The bodyguard has a bakery box too.) Selina says, his aunt is very protective. She admires that in a family. Stella excuses herself, and Curtis asks what Selina is doing here. She says, he’s been back home for a while now. She thought she’d give him some time to get accustomed to his new life. He says, that was considerate, and she says she hopes now he’s come to his senses and is ready to sell her The Savoy.

Cyrus says, what an unexpected and wonderful surprise. He didn’t know Laura was back from her trip. She says, they just got back, and he says, and she chose to come and see him. He’s touched. She says, he cut his hair, and shaved, and… He says, since he found his true calling, he didn’t find the need to hide behind appearances, and she says, he looks great. So tell her, how is he feeling? He says, their brother told her about his little medical problem, and she says she doesn’t know that she’d call a heart attack a little medical problem, and she’s glad Marty told her. He asks if Martin also told her that it was her aura that pulled him through in his darkest hour, but she says, it was Drew Cain who saved his life. He says, without the will to live, his CPR might not have been effective, but he is a good man. She says, he’s a very good man. That’s why it’s such a shame he’s in here with… Cyrus says, with men like me. He gets the feeling checking on his health isn’t the only reason she’s here. She says she heard about his application for early release, and he asks if she’s here as his sister or the mayor.

Giles says he’s also concerned about Miss Jerome’s whereabouts, and Josslyn says, so she hasn’t been here? He says, she was home when he left. That was night before last. She didn’t mention any plans to be away, but when he came to work yesterday, she wasn’t here. She never came home. Josslyn says, so no maid or no housekeeper has seen her, and he says, no one on the staff has seen or heard from her, but he did find a broken martini glass on the floor here. He points near the fireplace, and says, it could have been an accident. Perhaps she’s staying with her friend Miss Reeves? Josslyn says, no. Nina’s in Puerto Rico getting married. He says, Dr. Gatlin-Holt’s been a frequent guest recently. He was under the impression the doctor and Miss Jerome might be close.

Austin says, recently, no, he hasn’t seen Ava, and Dex asks if he remembers the last time he saw or heard from her. Austen says, two or three days ago. Why is Dex asking him this? Dex says, she hasn’t been to her art gallery, and no one has seen or heard from her, and Austin says, Dex works for Sonny Corinthos; is he right about that? Dex says, yeah, and Austin says, a couple of days ago, Ava mentioned she was thinking of maybe taking a trip to New York. She said there was an artist she was interested in signing. Dex says, that could be very helpful, and thanks Austin for his time. Austin says, no problem, and as he walks past Dex, Dex punches him in the stomach and gets him in a headlock. As Austin struggles to breathe, Dex says, Sonny has a daughter with Ava Jerome, so he cares about her. If he finds out Austin has something to do with her disappearance, he’ll be back, and he won’t be asking questions. He lets Austin go and walks out.

In the hallway, Dex’s phone rings, and Josslyn tells him that she thinks she might have found something.

The priest says, it’s his understanding Sonny and Nina have elected to say their own vows, and Nina hands her bouquet to Willow. Sonny says he guesses Nina wants him to go, and she says, yeah. They join hands, and Sonny says he spent all morning writing his vows. They’re in his pocket, but when he looked in Nina’s eyes, he felt like he didn’t need to write his vows because he can always speak from his heart to her. He thanks her for trusting and loving him, and for seeing the better man in him than he ever saw in himself. He appreciates her kindness and her strength and her willingness to fight for their love, even though everybody was against them. When they doubted they should be together, they did everything they could to get through it, and here they are. He’s convinced more now that they belong together, because of how he feels right now in the moment. How he always does; she makes him secure. He knows she loves him and he loves her that much more, and he always will.

Selina asks Curtis to just hear her out. She’ll keep the entire staff at The Savoy – Stella walks back in – and the entire name of the club will remain. He and his entire family will have VIP memberships for life, and she’ll increase her original offer to twice what he paid for the club. He says, that’s an extremely generous offer, and she says she agrees. So what does he say? He thinks a moment and asks why she’s determined to buy his club. Why doesn’t she start her own and find a location that’s half the price? Stella says, good question.

Cyrus says, in case Laura is wondering, he has no idea how the judge is going to rule. He hasn’t heard anything yet. Now that she’s back, will she oppose his release? She says, he looks as strong and healthy as the day he got in here, but that said, she’s not a doctor. And as the mayor, she doesn’t interfere with judicial decisions. He says he supposes putting in a good word for her brother is out of the question, and she says, yes. He asks if Marty also told her that he gave away all of his money.

Dex arrives at Windymere, and Giles lets him in. Josslyn introduces Giles, and says, Giles told her that Ava hasn’t been home since night before last, and nobody on the staff has seen or heard from her. Dex says, she told him that she found something, and she says, this cellphone and this lollypop. The cellphone was under the coffee table, and the lollypop was just kind of sticking out of the couch. And Giles found a broken martini glass on the floor. Giles says, Miss Avery must have dropped the lollypop last time she was here, but Josslyn says, this isn’t Avery’s. Dex asks how she knows, and she says, because it’s grape and Avery hates grape. So somebody else had to have been here. And Ava would have never left her cellphone in case Avery needed to get in touch with her. Dex says he saw cameras everywhere as he walked up to the house. There have to be more, right? Giles says, yes, and Dex says he needs to see the footage from the minute Giles left Ava.

Nina says, to be honest, she never imagined she’d be here right now with Sonny. It’s actually the last thing she ever expected or wanted, and she fought it for a very long time. She kept telling herself that they would never work, and as she kept saying that, her heart kept falling deeper and deeper in love with him. And she couldn’t fight her heart anymore, could she? Or him. His charm, his humor, his compassion, his courage, his loyalty… his dance moves. What more could a person ask for in someone they love? Then she saw him parent his children, who he fiercely loves, and how he’s willing to fight for them, for their protection. She’s always wanted that family, since she was a little girl. Her daughter is now a part of her life – she looks at Willow – and the two of them are part of his family. He’s given her so much. He’s given her a family. And she wants to give him something. She’s going to surround him with love for his entire life; she promises him that. And they can leave all their mistakes behind them. She’ll walk with him, hand in hand, right beside him, loving him, for the rest of his life.

Selina tells Curtis that she doesn’t have the time or the inclination to open a new club. It’s too much work and she has a busy schedule. The Savoy is already established; that’s why she’ll be paying him top dollar for it. Stella asks if he heard how Selina made it sound like it’s a done deal, when Portia walks in. Selina tells her, good afternoon, and Stella says, she got here just in time. Miss Wu brought them a basket filled with treats. Why doesn’t Portia have a seat and she’ll make them some tea so they can all get to know each other better. She asks what kind of tea Selina would like, and Selina says, that’s kind of her, but she has another appointment. Stella says, that’s just too bad. Maybe another time then. She opens the front door, and Selina nods to her bodyguard. She tells Curtis that she’ll be in touch, and he thanks her for the basket. I want to know what’s in the bakery box. Selina leaves with the guard, and Stella closes the door, putting her back against it, and says, amen.

Dex looks at a tablet, and Giles says, he can see the front entrance is well-covered by several cameras. Dex says, there Giles is, leaving. This is the night before last. Ava was alone when he left? Giles says, yes. Feel free to examine the rest of the footage. He must check on a delivery. Please help Miss Jerome. He leaves, and Dex points at the tablet, saying, there. Someone’s coming in. Josslyn says she sees him, but she can’t see his face; he’s wearing a hood. They keep watching, and Dex says, they’re at about twenty minutes later. Josslyn says, there’s Ava. She’s with him, but Josslyn can’t tell if her hands are tied or if she’s just walking super close to him. Dex suggests they check the dock camera around that time… They didn’t use the launch. Josslyn says, he would still have to go back to Port Charles, no? and Dex says, right there. He has his own boat. That’s what they left on. If he and Josslyn want to see where they came ashore, they need to see the harbor security cameras and the traffic cameras from that time. They can’t do that without going to the cops. Josslyn says, there’s another way.

Josslyn knocks at an apartment door, and a voice asks, who knocks? She looks up at a camera and says, Spinelli, it’s Josslyn. You’re watching us through the security camera. Spinelli opens the door and says, greetings, clever girl. What brings them to his door?

Austin gives TJ a folder and says, the prognosis was very impressive. He coughs and drinks some water, and TJ asks if he’s all right. Austin says he’s fine. He went to a concert last night and he was very enthusiastic. TJ asks, who was the band? when Mason walks in. He says he’s sorry. His cousin here wanted to see him.

Cyrus tells Laura that he’s seen so much suffering in here, he thought his money could do more good trying to help these poor souls. She says, Marty did mention to her that he’d given some of his money to a recidivism organization, but he says, not some of his money, every dime. He says, she doesn’t believe that, and she says she guesses they’ll see, won’t they, if he’s granted his early release. He says, how little faith she has in her brother. They were ill-gotten gains. He’s come to realize and appreciate that. She says she hopes so, and he says, she doesn’t seem to doubt the generosity of her friend Sonny Corinthos when he gives away his dirty money. He’s not wrong.

The priest says, Sonny and Nina’s vows were so clearly from the heart. Now please repeat after him. They say the traditional vows; in sickness and health, forsaking all others until death do us part. The rings are exchanged, and the priest says, in the presence of God and these witnesses, they’re now husband and wife. What God has joined, let no one put asunder. He thinks they know what happens next. They laugh and Donna says, you’re supposed to kiss. They do, and everyone smiles.

Portia asks what that was about, and Stella says, that woman was trying… Curtis says, Selina came to talk business, but what is Portia doing here in the middle of the day? She says she wanted to tell him something in person, but she wanted it to be official. Stella says, for what to be official? and Portia says she’s been named Co-Chief of Staff at General Hospital. Curtis says, congratulations, and she says, it’s going to be a lot more administrative work and a lot of emails, but… Stella says, Portia knows she can handle all of that, and Curtis says, she’ll be great. Portia says, and it’s going to be a little extra money. Stella says, as it should be for all that extra work, and Curtis says, they’ll be very lucky to have her. He couldn’t be more proud of his intelligent, accomplished, and very gorgeous wife. She kisses him and says, thank you.

Dex tells Spinelli that they couldn’t download the video from the system at Windymere, so all they have is the footage he had access to. Josslyn says, they also found Ava’s cellphone at Windymere, but she doesn’t know how to get in. Can he break in? He says, he can, but it will take time Ava doesn’t have, and Dex says, let’s get back to what we’ve got. The butler departed the house at 10:57 that night. At 11:18, an unidentified figure, likely male, entered the house. There’s no footage from the interior, so we don’t know what happened inside, but at 11:59, the hooded figure left by the front door with Ava. They were close together. He appears to be leading her, and from her posture, it’s likely her hands were tied. They arrived at the docks at 12:03 am and left in a single engine outboard. That’s what we have. Spinelli says, well done, and Josslyn says, what they really need to know is where they docked the boat in Port Charles. Does he think he can get access to the harbor security and traffic cameras?

Austin tells TJ that the apologizes. His cousin is unaware of hospital protocol. Mason could have just interrupted a consultation with a patient. Mason says he’s sorry. He’s just a truck driver and doesn’t know anything about hospital protocols. So he hopes TJ can forgive him. TJ says, no problem. They’re finished. He thanks Austin and is about to leave, when he says, so Mason is a truck driver? and Mason says, used to be. Now he kind of does a little bit of everything. TJ says, it was good to see him again, Mason says, him too, and TJ leaves. He pauses for a moment outside the door, then walks on. Mason tells Austin, do not get high and mighty with him about manners. Austin said he needed to see him right away, so what’s going on? Austin says, Sonny Corinthos knows.

Laura says, Sonny has nothing to do with the way she views Cyrus, but he says he’s well-aware of that. He and Sonny were in the same kind of business for years, and he ever thought much about Sonny. But then he’d see Sonny treated with such reverence, an honored member of the Port Charles community with a respected family when he’s no better than Cyrus is. Again he’s not wrong.

Kristina congratulates Nina and welcomes her to the family, hugging her. Donna goes over to Sonny and says, her turn. He says, come here, girl. Give me a hug. He wants her to know something. Daddy always loves her. She knows that, right? She says she loves him, and they hug again. These two are too cute together. Donna asks Nina if she can call her Mama Nina now, and Nina says she would love nothing more. She hugs Donna.

Willow tells Sonny, congratulations, and hugs him. He says, her mother is the best thing that ever happened to him. He just wants her to know that she means everything to Nina. Willow smiles at him, and tells Nina, congratulations. Nina thanks her, and says, it means so much that she’s here. Willow hugs her, and I feel sick thinking about this all falling apart. Michael hugs Sonny and tells Nina, congratulations. Welcome to the family. He kisses her on the cheek.  

Stella says, this is definitely cause for a celebration, and Portia agrees. Stella says she’s taking the two of them out for dinner tonight to celebrate. Marshall and Trina too. Portia says, they can actually have dinner in here tonight, have some champagne. It’ll be a little bit more relaxing, right? Curtis says, no. Auntie’s right. This is a big deal and they should celebrate it, right? Stella tells him, you said it, baby.

Laura tells Cyrus that she supposes she and Sonny have the sort of friendship that surprises some people, but she had no idea it upset him that much. He says he’s sorry. He’s not upset at Sonny. He supposes he just envies Sonny’s life, and how Sonny seems to have a closer relationship with his sister than he does. She says she’s known Sonny for a very long time, and he says, he knows it’s unlikely, but if he does get his release, perhaps he and Laura can build a bond that’s even stronger than the one she has with Sonny. She kind of shrugs and smiles, and the guard says, time’s up. Cyrus says, wish me luck, and she tells him, good luck. He laughs and pats her hand. He thanks her so much for coming. He hopes to see her again very soon. He leaves with the guard.

Just for the record, I’m aware they spell the prison Pentonville on the show, but I think Pentenville looks more like penitentiary, so, artistic license. Like with Windymere.

Dex says, there. That was the boat. Josslyn is surprised he can see it, and Spinelli says, keen powers of observation. Here they are. Dex says, Pier 17, and Spinelli, the abductor, if that’s what he is, chose his spot well. See what’s around the pier? It’s all warehouses. They’d be deserted at that hour, so even if Ava were to call for help, he doesn’t think she’d be heard. Josslyn says, wait. He took off his hood. Dex asks if Spinelli can tighten it, and Spinelli says, yes, of course (🍷), but the cameras are not high res; it might be grainy. Dex says he knows that guy. That’s Austin Gatlin-Holt’s cousin… Mason.

Austin says, one of Sonny’s guys was here asking about Ava, and Mason says, so? Austin says, what does he mean, so? No one’s heard from her in a couple of days. Mason says, because she’s locked in a basement somewhere. Who cares? Austin says he cares. He cares very much. Mason says, that’s sweet. His cousin is in love. Austin says he’s not joking around here. Don’t you hurt her. Mason says, Austin knows better than to threaten him, and Austin asks if it isn’t enough that Ava spent all this time thinking she killed Nikolas, and Nikolas is alive and well. He’s fine; he’s in Europe. Mason says he didn’t tell the guy to take off. He and Cyrus were the ones who kept him alive in the first place. Austin says, Nikolas is Cyrus’s nephew, and Mason says, forgive him. Cyrus has never struck him as the sentimental type about family, but Austin says, maybe they’re wrong about that. Mason needs to convince Cyrus to leave Ava alone. If that guy comes back for him… Mason says, put him off, but Austin says, no. He thought he already had. He punched Austin in the gut and grabbed him in a chokehold. He said, if anything happens to Ava, he’s coming back for Austin. Mason says, looks like you’ve got a problem, cuz.

Sonny and Nina, and Michael and Willow slow dance, while Kristina dances with the kids. Michael’s phone dings, and he says he has to take this real quick. He’ll be back. Willow calls Wiley over to dance with her, and Sonny asks if he can dance with his little girl. Donna says, yeah, and much cuteness happens. Willow suggests Wiley ask his grandmother to dance, and Wiley asks Nina if she wants to dance. She says, does she? Yeah. They dance as much as you can dance with a three-foot height difference. On the side, Michael says he’s at a family function. He can’t talk long. So, they have the name of the person who turned Drew Cain in to the SEC?

We don’t see his face, but a man tells Michael, the SEC was contacted by a lawyer named Martin Grey, acting on behalf of a client. Michael says, Grey was just a go-between. He needs the name of the person who pointed the SEC to his mom and Drew… He turns around and looks at Nina having a grand old time with Wiley. Ugh. I mean, I get it. She did wrong, but I still feel badly about it since it all finally came together, and everyone is so happy.

Curtis reaches for his water, and Portia tries to help, but he says he’s got it. Doesn’t she have to go back to the hospital, Co-Chief of Staff? She laughs and says she does actually, and he says he’s going to take a shower and he’ll see her tonight. She says she can’t wait, and he wheels himself out of the room. Stella suggests Portia take the basket over to the hospital for the nurses to enjoy, and Portia says, okay. When she gets closer, Stella lowers her voice and says, Portia doesn’t have to do everything. She just got a wonderful well-deserved job and she’ll be making more money. Portia says, right, and The Savoy is making money, and Stella says, but Curtis isn’t there. In his mind, he’s not making a dime. Curtis needs her, he needs all of them, to live out their lives as normally as possible and not walk on eggshells around him. He can go out the restaurant and have a fine time. Portia says she was just thinking he’ll be more comfortable here, that’s all, but Stella says, if something is making Curtis uncomfortable, he’s a grown man and he can tell them himself. Believe her. She knows Curtis and he will. Portia says, okay, and thanks her. They hug, and Stella hands Portia the basket. Portia asks if she’s sure, and Stella says, absolutely. They don’t want nothing that woman has to offer, but she will be keeping the baked goods. Portia takes the basket and leaves.

Josslyn asks if Dex is sure that’s the same guy, and Dex says, positive. Maybe Mason has ties to someone working against Sonny; he’s not sure who yet. Josslyn asks how he can tell from this picture, and Dex says, when he was following Mason, he always had a lollypop in his mouth. Josslyn says, that would explain the grape lollypop at Ava’s, and Spinelli says, here we go. The vehicle that Ava and Mason got in is registered to a Pautuck Trucking Company, Pautuck, New York. Dex says he’s going to need a list of all the employees employed by the trucking company and their addresses, as well as any properties owned or leased by the trucking company. He tells Josslyn, that’s where they’ll find Ava.

Austin says, Mason’s right. He has a problem. Because for some reason, Cyrus hates Sonny Corinthos. Can Mason please explain that to him, because he doesn’t understand. Isn’t there enough to go around for everybody? There’s plenty there. At least there used to be. Mason says he doesn’t get it either. Honestly, he thinks the whole thing started when the boss found out Mayor Collins was his sister. Austin asks, what’s that got to do with anything? and Mason says he doesn’t know. He’s just telling Austin, that’s when Cyrus started mentioning Sonny more and more. He would rant on and on about Corinthos and the life he had. Austin says, what life? They both have the same life. They’re mob bosses. Mason says, he called Sonny respectable. It’s almost as if it’s something he wanted for himself and doesn’t have. Austin says, so his life is in danger because Cyrus is jealous of Sonny Corinthos, but Mason says he thinks it goes deeper than that. Austin says, if that guy comes back, Sonny’s guy, he’s going to spill his guts. And they’re next move is to come after Mason, and then Mason will be as dead as him. Mason tells him, don’t do anything stupid. Austin’s only protection from Sonny is the boss, so just do as he’s told. Let the boss handle Sonny. He leaves.

Wiley and Donna chant, cake, cake, cake, and pound on the table. Sonny and Nina get ready to cut the cake, and Michael watches from the sidelines.

The guard says, this is it, opening the door, and Cyrus goes out into the sunshine wearing civilian clothes. He takes an envelope of the possessions he came with from the guard, and the guard says, he knows his way out. Cyrus says he certainly does, and tosses the envelope into a trashcan on his way to the gate.

Sonny and Nina cut the cake, and Sonny feeds Nina a piece. Michael watches.

Before going through the gate, Cyrus takes a deep breath and smiles.

Sonny and Nina wipe icing off of Donna and Wiley’s faces. Michael glares at Nina. This is bad.

The prison gate opens, and Cyrus walks out. He turns to look back at the prison.

Sonny and Nina kiss and drink champagne. Michael glares some more.

Cyrus gets in a car, and it drives away.

On Monday, Cody wonders if Sasha is going to walk away from her life after just getting it back; Willow says, Michael never told her who he was talking to; and Kristina asks what someone is doing here.

💭 A thought: Interesting that Nina and Cyrus have parallel goals of wanting a family and are both going about it all wrong.

🩺 The Doctor Was Out…

This is embarrassing. He’s my absolute favorite soap actor and I didn’t even realize he’d been gone for so long. Well, nice to have him back.

🧳In Sonny’s Defense…

The punishment fit the crime; being exiled to Bridgeport. And one of the funniest interactions ever, starting with her opening the door to give Sam the boot and him standing there.

🕵🏾 The Latest in Waldos…

It’s time to put him back on the canvas. Taggert is definitely underused.

🥀 Ringing Down the Curtain…

He had a wonderful run.

🗽 Her Face Is Irrelevant…

Doubtful she was joking considering her ego. Tribecca does not need her endorsement.

🧂 Four Teaspoons Of Salt…

This week in RHOSLC.

The slam.

The non-clap back.

To be filed under don’t care.

https://people.com/jen-shah-husband-sharrieff-shah-sends-50th-birthday-well-wishes-prison-exclusive-8303004

🍊 Orange You Done Yet…?

Fancy Pants Heather’s hint.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-orange-county/style-living/rhoc-season-17-reunion-recap-heather-dubrows-new-house

It was pretty bold for one just released from banishment.

Apparently not too bold though, since the status quo stays the same.

💎 Possible Final Word…

So, they’re separated, but not divorcing, and it’s no one’s fault.

👠 Those 80s Ladies…

Normally, this wouldn’t be my type of film, but I do like an 80s flashback.

https://ew.com/tv/ladies-of-the-80s-lifetime-movie-first-look-photos/

https://people.com/ladies-of-the-80s-a-divas-christmas-lifetime-first-look-photos-8305219

⚰️ News Of the Departed…

Reddest herring in the world.

https://ew.com/tv/walking-dead-daryl-dixon-melissa-mcbride-season-2/

It makes sense since Jadis was a huge part of the Rick story.

https://ew.com/tv/walking-dead-the-ones-who-live-adds-terry-o-quinn-pollyanna-mcintosh-teaser-photos/

There better be some good explanation of why Victor went from antihero to antichrist.

https://bleedingcool.com/tv/fear-the-walking-dead-season-8-scene-madison-victor-reunite-kinda/

Dead at the con.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/new-york-comic-con-2023-recap-the-walking-dead-universe-rick-michonne-daryl-dixon-carol-fear/#1

🐩 Best In Costume…

I could look at this stuff all day.

https://www.thelist.com/646383/the-best-celebrity-pet-halloween-costumes-ever/

https://www.hola.com/us/lifestyle/20211022325485/celebrity-halloween-costumes-pets-roundup-gallery-1/

📣 Quotes of the Week

The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, and wiser people so full of doubts. – Bertrand Russell

If you look for perfection, you’ll never be content. – Leo Tolstoy

I could not tread these perilous paths in safety, if I did not keep a saving sense of humor. – Horatio Nelson

Compassion for animals is intimately connected with goodness of character; and it may be confidently asserted that he who is cruel to animals cannot be a good man. – Schopenhauer

Maturity is achieved when a person accepts life as full of tension. – Joshua L. Liebman

Our experiences don’t define us. It’s what we’ve learned from them that matters. – Monkey D. Garp (Vincent Regan), One Piece

A coward is incapable of exhibiting love; it is the prerogative of the brave. – Mahatma Gandhi,

Pursue some path, however narrow and crooked, in which you can walk with love and reverence. – Henry David Thoreau

Few things will make you feel better than a job brilliantly done. – Robin S. Sharma

Whoever said money can’t buy happiness simply didn’t know where to go shopping. – Gertrude Stein

🪄 Putting a Spell On You…

Visit again on Monday really Tuesday for soap and what’s happening in the Med. Until then, stay safe, stay never blowing out a Jack O’Lantern before midnight on Halloween, and stay being aware of hospital protocol before you barge into a doctor’s office.

October 10, 2023 – Took Me a Minute, About Lois, Celebration, Sobering, Sharing, In NYC, Daryl’s Week, Reunion Talk, VanderDogs, AKC’s Finest & Watching

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

There was no GH today because maybe, kinda, sorta we might have breaking news. I thought I was losing my mind when I put it on, and Carly and Josslyn were talking about Trina getting back into PCU. I thought, wasn’t she just making a big deal about a paper for class? Then the lightbulb came on…

🎧 History Brush Up…

It’s been a while since Lois was in town.

How the stars aligned for her return.

🎉 Not Quite Italian…

Not quite Benard either.

☕️ Una Amiga Sobrio…

Not to be discouraging, but I think part of it is the company you keep. We’ll see how this goes with her palling around with Vicki and Tamra.

🍹 Watch What’s Not Charming…

For someone who wasn’t upset, he sure seemed upset. And his cheating is nuanced? What does that even mean?

🗽 Living the Dream…

What happened on RHONY this week.

⚰️ This Week In Daryl…

This is such a great show. It’s everything The Walking Dead should have been and Fear tried to be.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-walking-dead-daryl-dixon-recap-episode-5-deux-amours/

The surprise guest… sort of.

https://ew.com/tv/walking-dead-daryl-dixon-carol-cameo-melissa-mcbride/

I don’t know about this theory. I figured she was talking about Rick and it was more of a set-up for The Ones Who Live.

https://screenrant.com/daryl-dixon-carol-cameo-walking-dead-season-12-setup/

👢 Could Happen…

People laugh at me, but I loved their music and they put on a great show. Back in the day, their concert was one of the few things I ever watched using pay-per-view.

https://extratv.com/2023/10/03/geri-halliwell-talks-spice-girls-reunion-and-reacts-to-mel-b-message-exclusive/

🐶 Pros and Controversies…

That whole thing with Dorit still annoys me. Knowing how rescue works, Dorit was in the wrong. Period. And the constant chatter about it wasn’t coming from Her Majesty. If anyone could single-handedly end the dog meat trade, it would be LVP.

👻 A Whole Lotta Treat…

These are some of the cutest costumes I’ve ever seen.

☎️ Hanging Up If the 90s Calls…

Take a break tomorrow for some soap (I think) and what I hope is the end of OC season. Until then, stay safe, stay not raining on anyone’s Halloween parade, and stay not hanging out with Vicki and Tamra if you want to curb your drinking.

October 4, 2023 – No Soap Or Radio, Sprina’s First, Not Leaving, Surprise, Memories, Reunited Doesn’t Feel Good, Beverly Hills Peek, Back To the 80s, History Lesson, Frightful Décor & Yeah

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

There was no GH today because, baseball, but here’s a little news to keep you going until tomorrow.

😍 Feels Like the Very First Time…

IMO very nicely done.

👠 Not Going Anywhere…

News to me, but I’m not exactly lurking in the soap social circles.

🌌 It Was Just a Dream…

It’s really too bad they killed her off, but if you’ve got to go, you might as well leave a trail of murder and mayhem in your wake.

🧛🏻‍♂️ Light the Corners of My Mind…

It’s such a shame the canceled this. Michael Easton was great as a vampire.

The Real Nauseating Housewives of Orange County

Reunion – Part 1

Oh good God, this has been on for 17 seasons. Andy wants to take us somewhere, and we hit the virtual beach. He asks Tamra how it feels to be unpaused, and she says, great. She was a little nervous. That’s why she drank so much. Already the excuses start. We find out Emily lost 40 pounds, and Andy points out that Heather Fancy Pants is wearing all black. Now an official realtor, Gina says she has two homes in escrow. Jen doesn’t think she did enough meditation to prepare, and when Andy wonders how many pounds of hair Shannon has on her head, she says, not as many as Teresa did at her wedding. I don’t think I like this look on her. It’s like she’s trying to be a teenager from the 1970s. Andy says, Tamra came in hot and burning rubber, literally on a motorcycle, and she wasn’t afraid to burn a few bridges. We flash back, and the first clip is Tamra claiming she’s back with a different perspective. She doesn’t have to call everybody out. Funny how she did nothing but call people out. Andy asks where she and Shannon are and she says, great. They have their ups and downs and are definitely like sisters. He asks, how’s Eddie? and she says he started a supplement company that’s going to be launching soon. I will never be able to reconcile how shrew Tamra landed Eddie, who seems to be a decent guy, but then again, I only see bits and pieces of him. Maybe he’s a freak or a weirdo or both. A viewer asks how Fancy Pants feels about a friendship with Tamra, and Fancy Pants says, Tamra talked against her, and it makes her feel sad. Tamra says, she never did it on purpose, and Fancy Pants says, there wasn’t one episode where Tamra didn’t say something unkind about her. Tamra accuses Fancy Pants of running to Andy with that, but Fancy Pants says she did no such thing. She’s just a tiny cog in the Andy Cohen machine. When she does get a precious minute with him, they’re not talking about Tamra. Andy says, Fancy Pants never brought it up, and Tamra whines that Fancy Pants had said there was no place for her on the show. It’s time to move on, and Andy says, Tamra and Jenn had a friendship so messy, even a flying napkin couldn’t clean it up. We flash back to Tamra being absolutely abusive to Jenn, ending with her screeching that Jenn ruined her whole family, and it annoys me all over again. Andy says he thinks it’s admirable that Jenn has fostered kids, and Jenn says, it fulfilled her. Ever twisting even good things around, Tamra wonders if Jenn was a foster mom because she was lacking love. Gina says, Jenn didn’t destroy her family. Gina had the same situation in her life, and it’s okay to shift family dynamics. Andy says, they invited Ryan to the show, but he declined. Geez, I wonder why. Jenn says, he has a history with Tamra and Eddie, and felt if Tamra goes at him, he’d look like an a-hole going after a woman. It was a no win for him. Agreed. Andy asks if she thinks there’s a proposal in the future, and Emily asks if Jenn thinks he was ring shopping for the show? We flash back to Ryan’s shopping trip, and Jenn says, they’ve talked about marriage a lot. He’s ready, but waiting on her. She knows they all think she was doing all kinds of things she wasn’t, and they rehash the whole Ryan and Jenn thing. Tamra says she wants better for Jenn, and Jenn says, it’s none of her business. She thought Tamra was her friend. Tamra says she was until she found out Jenn cheated. Jenn says, no, you, and they call each other POS cheaters. It didn’t take long for me to hate Tamra all over again. Andy takes a break because I beg him to with a brain wave.

Jenn says, Tamra’s a cheater, and Tamra says she and Eddie have been married 13 years, like this means anything. Jenn says, Tamra is a sh*tty friend, and Andy says, the perception was, the minute Tamra came on, she went for Jenn. Tamra says she gave Jenn advice beforehand to be honest. Tamra rehashes Ryan texting whatever-her-name-was, and Jenn says, for the millionth time, that she’s seen all the texts. Andy asks if Jenn thinks whatshername and Ryan were messing around when they were together, but Jenn says, it was only the one time when they were on a break. Tamra squeals that Ryan texted her for three months, and when asked if she was in a committed relationship. Then later she sent him risqué pic. Jenn says she saw the pic and told him that she wanted this be done. Shannon says she told Tamra that it was too much, and Tamra shoots back that when they were at the pool party, Shannon asked if they could dig up more. Emily agrees Shannon wanted to dig. She said it was so juicy, they had to get it on camera. Shannon insists she didn’t, and Gina suggests they look at Shannon’s track record. Shannon says, no, you, and then the d*ck pic gets rehashed. Jenn wonders why they’re all still talking about it (thank you). It was a personal moment and no one’s business. Gina says, Jenn chose to forgive him, move on, and give it a go, and Jenn says she loves him and she’s happy with him. Gina says she feels like Jenn is being the bigger person. She’s the scapegoat in her own story, and doesn’t chuck anyone under the bus. Tamra says she’s sorry she upset Jenn, but she knew Jenn would protect him and make her out to be a liar. She says sorry again, but that doesn’t sound like an apology. Jenn says, they’ll have to agree to disagree, and Tamra says, Jenn deserves happiness. She’s an amazing person. I guess Tamra ran out of steam.

Taylor comes out, and Fancy Pants whispers to Gina that Taylor’s been sh*tting on her all over the place. Andy says, Taylor is now fighting hard from a different zip code, and asks how it feels to be the first Housewife to cross over? She says, it feels like home and she’s finding friendships. Andy doesn’t spend much time here before he tells us that Fancy Pants has the perfect cure for empty nest syndrome; trade in the nest for 55 million. We flash back to all that, and Andy asks about Terry having a stroke. Fancy Pants says, in front of her, but he didn’t realize it happened, and argued with her about going to the hospital. She literally chased him down with them both in Ubers. She finally got him to go, and the doctor confirmed he’d had a stroke. Andy asks about Taylor being in her first movie, and she says, because of the strike, they haven’t been able to finish. A viewer agrees that Fancy Pants sounds condescending and asks if Taylor thinks she’s unaware of it. Taylor says she thinks it’s just how Fancy Pants talks, and she is unaware. She told Fancy Pants they were filming in Oklahoma, and she asked, where’s Oklahoma? Fancy Pants says she’s not Magellan, and if she offended Taylor, she apologizes. I’m no Magellan either, but I know approximately where Oklahoma is. Fancy Pants says she felt terrible that’s what Taylor thought during the season, but she wasn’t trying to be condescending. Since the pot isn’t stirred enough, Andy points out that Tamra was the one who said Fancy Pants hadn’t worked since the 1900s. Tamra says she wasn’t making fun; she just got her years mixed up. Fancy Pants says, when Tamra and Eddie closed the gym, what if she’d said, they were only in business nine years; it’s not the Equinox. Andy says, Gina warned Taylor that Tamra was two-faced, and Taylor says, Tamra likes to stir the pot. If she had something to say to Fancy Pants about her, she should have said it in front of her. Tamra says she literally followed Fancy Pants to the bathroom while she was talking. Fancy Pants reapplies her lipgloss, and Taylor says, Fancy Pants said she was anti-female, but she works tirelessly for women and children of domestic violence. Heather says, then don’t put down another woman’s career, but Taylor says she thought she was supporting it by suggesting Fancy Pants go for a role in the film. Tamra says, Fancy Pants is the one who ran into a producer and said, get her off this f***ing show. Shannon pipes up that she was there, and Andy asks if Fancy Pants thinks she’s better than them. Shannon says, sometimes, and Fancy says, it was the producer of That’s Life, the series where she was most recently a regular. She wondered if it was a sign, since they’d been trashing her career. She didn’t mean she wanted off the show or was putting it down. She’s grateful for the platform and came back because of it. Emily says, Fancy Pants doesn’t put her down, but she didn’t stick up for Emily when Tamra said she wasn’t an attorney. Tamra says she meant Emily reached out to her as a party planner, but Fancy Pants says, Tamra said, Emily was a party planner, not a real lawyer. We flash back to that, and she kinda, sorta did. Tamra tells her that she said Emily wasn’t a practicing attorney, and Emily says she’s tired of hearing she’s not a real attorney. Gina suggests Fancy Pants is tired of hearing she’s not a real actress, and Emily says she understands. She feels the same way and wishes Fancy Pants either told her at the time or defended her. A viewer says, Fancy Pants said she didn’t want to tell the group about the sale of her home because she was afraid the press would find out. Then she said it was because no one would be happy for her. Which was it? Shannon says, nobody wasn’t happy for her, and Tamra says, they did find out about it from the press. Heather says she didn’t want that to happen. She wanted to tell them in Mexico. Tamra says, they were all happy for her, and Fancy Pants admits that’s true and looks like she’s going to cry. Andy says, Fancy Pants claimed she got picked on because the others are jealous, and wonders if she still feels that way. Fancy Pants says she does think she self-actualizes, and wants to be a better person, human, mom, wife, friend. Shannon says she needs to go to the bathroom badly, and Fancy Pants tells Andy that she doesn’t know; she’s sad. Resident psychologist Emily says she thinks Fancy Pants feel isolated because she’s offended all the time about everything that everyone does. Fancy Pants says she does not, but Emily says she thinks the problem is that Fancy Pants needs to laugh at herself more. Andy asks who thinks Fancy Pants has a sense of humor, and it doesn’t look good, but Gina and Tamra both say she does. Taylor says she’d hoped they’d moved past everything in Tulum, and she’s here for Fancy Pants. Fancy Pants says she thought they’d had a nice conversation, but everything Taylor says about her is punitive. She would like Taylor to stop doing that. Taylor says she’d like to review what things those are in a separate conversation from this one. Andy tells us that it’s time to say goodbye to Taylor, probably because she showed some smarts instead of saying, let’s discuss this right now in an inappropriate venue, and broke Housewife Rule #1. We take a break. Not like Ryan and Jenn’s break though.

To his credit, Andy says, we’re back, instead of welcoming us back like we were the ones who left. He says, Gina’s life was in an upswing, but she had some friendships in need of renovation. We flash back, and when the clip is shown where Shannon brings up Gina’s DUI, I think, they’re going to get mad about this all over again. That’s what I hate about these Reunions. They stir it all up again when I’m over it. Gina says, Matt’s infidelity hurt worse than the domestic violence, and Emily says she thinks it’s because that was an isolated event. Gina says, it wasn’t Matt that night, and she doesn’t look at him like that person. A viewer asks why Fancy Pants had a problem with Gina sharing her problems with Travis, and Fancy Pants says she’s had no boyfriend for almost 30 years. In her day, you didn’t talk about your ex. She wasn’t talking negatively against Travis. Emily says, blended families are different, and Gina says she knew Fancy Pants meant well. She still has to process something that changed the course of her entire life. Andy says, Shannon promised not to talk about Gina’s DUI again, so why did she? Shannon says – wait for it – she didn’t realize she said it. When she made the statement, she wasn’t saying Gina’s kids would be taken away, but if she had been arrested and another adult not there, they wouldn’t have been left alone. Gina asks Shannon what the names of her kids are, and Shannon is hard pressed to get it right. Gina says, never talk about her children. She’s known Shannon for six years, and Shannon doesn’t even know her kids’ names. What she said was completely inaccurate, out of bounds, and wrong. She shouldn’t have anything other than I’m sorry. Shannon tells Gina, yes, what she said was unkind, and Gina says, Shannon is worried about people talking about the same things she’s saying about other people. Shannon is talking about her children. My children! Shannon tells her to keep screaming, and Gina says she will. My children.

Andy asks Shannon what her reaction was to the seeing herself, and she says she was horrified, and she spoke to Gina. Emily says, when she knew she said it, that was an opportunity to say she was wrong, and Shannon says, it was established at the table she’d said it. I don’t know if Shannon is being deliberately dense or she’s stupid, and Gina explains that it would have been an opportunity to be a kind person. Shannon says she could present a list of things she’s done for Gina, and Gina says, Shannon gave her a phone number four and a half years ago. Andy asks if Shannon doesn’t think she’s beaten that one to death, but Shannon repeats she has a list of things she’s done for Gina. Gina says, of course Shannon makes a list, and Shannon says, before Gina met Travis, she invited Gina out, then Gina kept painting her out to be a horrible person. Andy reminds Shannon that she said Gina had been talking about her and John, yet she talked about Travis. We flash back to Shannon’s remark about Travis’s teeny penis, and Shannon says she was repeating something she’d heard three years ago. Emily asks, why bring it up now? and Shannon says, Gina was saying horrible things. Gina says, so instead of coming to her and asking if she’d said those things, Shannon chucked her and Travis under the bus. Shannon only worried about herself. Shannon says she apologized for the Travis comment, and Emily says, there’s nothing more detrimental as mom to hear someone say you’re a bad mom. It feels like Shannon is being defensive instead of saying she was completely wrong and crossed the line. Gina says, she and Shannon went out and had a little fun years ago. Her kids are close to being on social media, and for them to see that about being taken away would hurt them and scare them, and Shannon doesn’t even know names. This wound will stay with her, and she doesn’t know if she can continue to do this. It’s unclear whether she means her friendship with Shannon, the Reunion, or the show.

Next time, the Reunion concludes, Fancy Pants confronts Shannon; Emily says, Fancy Pants has no sense of humor; Fancy Pants says she hasn’t gone against Tamra because she’s scared of her; and Tamra says, Fancy Pants should be scared of her. I guess that baptism just plain wore off.

💎 Trailing the Hills…

The vault has been opened for the new season of RHOBH. I think I’d handle the trips they go on the way my BFF and I handled CYO trips in high school. Take the bus there with everyone, “get lost” somehow, and then conveniently find the bus again when it’s time to go home.

https://ew.com/tv/real-housewives-of-beverly-hills-season-13-trailer/

🛼 Having a Flashback…

I’ll have whatever Donna Mills is having.

https://ew.com/tv/ladies-of-the-80s-lifetime-movie-first-look-photos/

👻 Scary Truth…

Great article on Halloween.

https://www.fatherly.com/entertainment/the-real-history-halloween-in-the-us

🎃 Scaredy Dog…

I had a Golden that was literally scared of his shadow.

https://people.com/golden-retriever-gets-scared-halloween-decorations-watch-8285818

🧋 Pumpkin Spice Up Your Life…

Set a spell tomorrow for soap and questionable Charm. Until then, stay safe, stay taking a mint if someone offers it, and stay not being defensive when you are completely wrong and crossed the line.

While this isn’t exactly a Halloween themed song, the video is pretty weird.

November 4, 2022 – Joss Sneaks Out To Warn Cam, New Donna, Blaze, Finding Love, Back Together, Spotted, Reaction, Cancelled, Even More Costumes (Plus Pets!), Month Number Of Quotes & Time

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Willow and Michael are at Charlie’s, and they kiss. Michael says, this is nice; date night. She says, it’s perfect. Just them. He says he loves spending evenings with Wiley at home, but when Wiley said he wanted to spend the night at Leo’s, he couldn’t complain. Once the baby comes, these nights are going to be few and far between. He’s sorry. Things got crazy at Aurora, and he couldn’t make her GH appointment. She says, that’s okay; it was routine. She flashes back to asking TJ what Britt is concerned about, and Michael says, nothing is routine when it comes to her and their child.

Dex hangs around outside Kelly’s, while inside, Sonny shares an ice cream sundae with Nina. She says, who’d have thought big bad Sonny Corinthos, who loves fine dining, his guilty pleasure is an old fashioned ice cream sundae. He says he’s just excited they don’t have to pretend anymore. They’re out in public; no more apologies. She says she knew that was true when Sonny stood up for her with Carly. She’ll never forget him saying that he’s a part of her life, so that makes her part of his kids’ lives. He tells her, he didn’t even have to say it, the way Donna and Avery responded to her, it made him realize she’s already part of the family.

Austin tells Mason, he’s done. Done with Mason. Done with his boss. He’s a different person now. Mason says, sure he is, but tell him, why is that exactly? Maxie walks in, and says, sorry. She didn’t realize Austin was in the middle of something. Is everything okay? Mason asks if Austin wants to tell her, or should he?

Standing on a terrace at the MetroCourt on the phone, Spinelli says he doesn’t have to offer any explanation. Society Set-Ups is his business, and he needs to know how long it will take to shut it all down… Yes, he’s aware revenues are up, but that’s not the point. Trust him. He has his reasons for shutting it all down.

Curtis tells Jordan, he didn’t want to say this in front of Trina, because she’s already freaked out enough as it is; but if the police department believes Josslyn was the real target the night Brando was attacked, he’s almost certain that killer isn’t going to stop until they zero in on Trina. Portia says, they can’t let that happen, and Jordan promises them both, the PCPD is going to do everything in their power to keep Trina safe. Curtis says, they’ll all have to pull together. Someone should call Taggert. Trina’s father should know what’s going on.

Josslyn tells Carly, she’d just hoped this year would be normal. That she and Trina could go to college and be regular college students, hanging out with their friends – on campus. And now someone’s targeting them? Carly hugs her, and says, she’ll never let anyone hurt Josslyn. Josslyn says she’s glad Jordan was here, and that Trina got home safe… Oh my God. She takes out her phone, and says, if Trina and everyone who stood by her at the trial are targets, that could be Cam too. She has to tell him. She gets voicemail, and says, if he gets this, call her immediately. He could be in serious danger.

Cameron walks on the footbridge, and looks at the locks on the handrail. He flashes back to being with Josslyn in his room, about to get busy. He hears something, and says, is anyone there?

Austin tells Maxie, Mason was saying that he’s having a few problems with the GH Insurance and Billing Department, and asked him to make a few calls on his behalf, but – he looks at Mason – he’s not comfortable crossing any ethical lines. Mason says, is that so? and Austin says he supposes he could make a few calls. He’ll see what he can do. Mason says, that’s all he’s asking, and thanks him. He says, lovely to see Maxie again, and leaves. Maxie says, wow. Having a family that’s constantly asking for favors, that’s got to be exhausting. Insurance and Billing is not Austin’s specialty. He says, it’s not. Why is she here? She says she tried to call his cell, but he didn’t answer, and he says he’s had his hands full. What was she calling about? She says she knows she cancelled their date, but she thought they could grab a quick bite before she goes back to the office. He says he’d love to, but he has some things to take care of here, and she says she totally understands. She should probably just grab something from the MetroCourt and eat at her desk. She’ll see him later though. Austin says, yeah, and she leaves. His desk phone rings, and he answers. He says, yes, he did. The patient who’s been requesting him in the ER, please let everybody know he’s on his way.

Curtis says he’s going to beef up the security, both inside and outside the house, and Jordan says she’ll make sure a police car patrols their block. Portia says, Trina is not going to want to go into hiding, or put her life on hold, and Jordan says, she has the right idea. Even with the threats hanging over her head, Trina needs to live as normal a life as possible. Curtis says, how are they supposed to do that when they’re planning a wedding? and everyone looks uncomfortable.

Carly says she’s sure Jordan’s been in touch with Cam, and Josslyn sends Cameron a text: Call me back!! Important! She grabs her coat, and Carly asks where she thinks she’s going. Josslyn says, Cam is working; she has to go warn him. Carly says, Josslyn left a voicemail and sent him a text. When he calls her back, she can warm him. Josslyn says, what if the killer is scoping out the restaurant or Elizabeth’s house just waiting for him to be alone?

Cameron asks, who’s there? and Drew says, Cameron? Cameron says, Drew, and Drew asks if Cameron was expecting someone else. Cameron says, it’s just that people are getting murdered by The Hook. He’s a little jumpy. Drew says he gets it, but what is Cameron doing out here by himself? and Cameron says, it’s Oscar’s birthday. He can’t help thinking about how much he misses him. Out here, he feels closer to Oscar. Drew says, him too. Oscar’s in his thoughts on a daily basis, but when he’s out here, he misses Oscar a little bit less.

Carly grabs Josslyn’s arm, and says, if Cameron’s at Kelly’s, that means he’s in a public place. There’s lots of people around. Josslyn says she needs to see him. She can’t let anything happen to him. Carly says, Josslyn texted and called him. Why does she need to see him in person? Josslyn says, Cam is her boyfriend. She needs to make sure he’s okay.

Dex buttons up his coat, and flashes back to Josslyn saying she’d be lying if she said he hadn’t disappointed her. In Kelly’s, Nina asks Sonny if Dex can’t protect them inside; it looks pretty cold out there. Sonny says, the cold keeps him alert, and she says, Sonny is tough. She can’t get used to having a bodyguard. Sonny says, she’d better. He’s not going to let anything happen to her. She says she knows, and they kiss

Willow says, according to Dr. Westbourne, everything with the baby is fine, and Michael says he just wishes he’d been there. She says, her too. She went through her first pregnancy totally alone, and it’s a bonus that she gets to share this pregnancy with him. He says, maybe with most couples routine checkups are mundane, but he treasures them as much as she does. So believe him when he says he’ll be right there with her. She says, promise? and he says, the way he sees it, she’s stuck with him forever. She says, forever, that has such a nice ring to it. They kiss, and Michael says he’ll be right back.

Jordan says, they’ve set a wedding date. Congratulations. Portia thanks her, and says, they’re shooting for Valentine’s Day. Jordan says, that’s less than six months away; that’s not much time to plan. But since her and Curtis’s divorce is now official, there’s nothing to stand in their way.

Josslyn tells Carly, she and Trina know Jordan’s theory; Cam doesn’t. She needs to warn him. Carly asks if she’s sure that’s all it is, and Josslyn says, isn’t that enough? but Carly says she’s Josslyn’s mother. She knows when Josslyn’s keeping something from her. Josslyn says, fine. She’ll call Kelly’s then. Carly asks if something happened between Josslyn and Cameron, and Josslyn flashes back to buttoning Dex’s shirt. She tells Carly, things between them are fine, except they’re both potential targets for a killer. Carly says she understands Josslyn is concerned, so she’ll take care of it, and she walks out of the room.

Drew tells Cameron, when he made the decision to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, it was meant to be a grand farewell; to spread his son’s ashes in a majestic vista worthy of Oscar’s forever home. Cameron says he’s sure Oscar would love that, and Drew says, it’s such a magical place. When you’re at the peak, you’re so close clouds, you feel like you could reach out and touch them. Cameron says, that’s officially on the list of things he needs to do, and Drew says, when he got to the top, he just sat there for a few minutes. It felt like he was holding Oscar’s hand, and he knows it might sound crazy, but it felt like Oscar was touching his. Cameron says, it doesn’t sound crazy. If it makes Drew feel any better, he talks to Franco almost every day. Drew says, he should. They should never forget them. Drew’s phone rings, and he asks Carly, what’s up? She asks if he can do her a huge favor. Josslyn is worried about Cameron, and he’s not picking up. Could he swing by Kelly’s and make sure Cameron is okay? Drew says, no need. He’s here with Cam right now. She asks if he’s at Kelly’s, but he says, no, he’s at the footbridge. Is something wrong? She tells him, everything is okay. Just both of them get home safe.

Nina and Sonny kiss, and she says she’s not complaining, but what was that for? He says, ice cream isn’t his only guilty pleasure, and she says he’s going to spoil her. He says, that’s the plan, and she says, to think she was so concerned what other people think. He says he doesn’t care what other people think; he just cares what she thinks. She says, that’s not true; he cares what other people think. Dante, Kristina, the two little sweet ones, they’ve pretty much accepted her, but Michael and Josslyn, not so much. He says, that’s a work in progress, and he’s not giving up. She says, of course (🍷) not. That’s not his style. She thinks she loves him. He says, she thinks? She’s not sure? She says, all right. He deserves better than a half-declaration. She’s sure. He says, about what? and she says she loves him. He leans in for a kiss, but she puts a spoonful of ice cream in his mouth.

Michael says, Willow barely touched anything, and she says she’s nervous waiting for her test results. He says he thought Dr. Westbourne said the baby was fine, and Willow says, she did. The tests were just a precaution. He says, she had him worried for a second. So she knows, even if the tests are just precautionary, they’re in this together.

Spinelli says he doesn’t care about the economic ramifications. He just needs to shut it all down… Maxie walks out behind him, and he says, trust him. He has his reasons… No, that’s not soon enough. Please, just see what they can do. He turns around, and asks what Maxie is doing here, and she says she placed a to-go order; she’s having dinner at her desk. She’s got a long night ahead at Deception. It sounds like he has a long night ahead too. He says, juggling Society Set-Ups has proved more difficult than he expected. This business isn’t what he’d hoped for when he started. She says, let’s stop dancing around the issue. She knows the real story behind Society Set-Ups, remember?

Curtis says he’s going to call Taggert, and keep him in the loop. Unless Portia wants to make the call. After all, they’re both Trina’s parents. Portia says she’s fine with him calling, and he goes upstairs, which is kind of weird, but okay. Portia says she appreciates Jordan’s well wishes on the wedding. She knows this can’t be easy for Jordan. Jordan says, her marriage to Curtis is legally ended. They’re no longer in limbo. Portia thanks her, and says she owes Jordan one. Jordan says, Portia doesn’t owe her anything, but she does owe Curtis the truth.

Nina brings Dex some hot chocolate to keep warm, and he says that’s very thoughtful, but he’s working. She says, just take it, and Sonny joins her, saying, the lady insists. Dex says, she brings out the best in his boss, and Nina asks if Sonny heard that. Sonny says, Dex doesn’t need to tell him that, and Nina asks Dex if Sonny is always so tough on him, but Dex says, he’s a big softie. She says, he is, and they go back in.

Drew knocks at Carly’s door, and she asks what he’s doing here. He says, she sounded tense on the phone, he wanted to see how she was doing. She says, he can’t be here. He has to leave.

Josslyn sees Dex outside Kelly’s, and asks what he’s doing here. He says, working. The boss is inside with Miss Reeves. Josslyn says, oh crap, and looks in the window, seeing Sonny and Nina. Dex asks if she’s looking for someone, and she says, Cameron, but she guesses he’s not in yet. He says, she’s not going inside? and she says she tries to avoid Dex’s boss and his girlfriend whenever she can. It’s nice of Sonny to leave him out here to freeze after almost killing him. He says he’d like to think she’s concerned about him, but it’s just another excuse for her to hate on Sonny. She says she doesn’t need an excuse, and it’s just a waste of energy to tell him anything different when this is what he wants to do. He says, she has no idea what he wants, and she says, why doesn’t he tell her? Cameron walks up, and says, what’s going on?

Willow takes Michael’s hands, and says, they share everything, right? Good times and bad, sickness and health. He says, that sounds an awful lot like wedding vows, and she says, it does. He says, there’s are any number of late night judges who owe the Quartermaines a favor. Does she want him to call one up? They can say those words and make it official. She says, what if she did? and he asks if she’s serious. Is she saying she wants to get married, this time for keeps? She says, she’s saying she never wants to leave him, Wiley, or this new baby.

Austin walks into his office to find Mason in his chair, his feet propped on the desk. Austin says, no. Get the hell out of his office. Mason asks why Austin’s in a bad mood. He’s just here for a progress report on his friend. Austin says, there will be no phone calls or any paperwork for Mason’s boss to worry about, and Mason says, that’s very good to hear. And Austin? Austin says, crazy. He’s not going to alert the authorities and let them know he just did a completely illegally did a medical procedure on somebody with a gunshot wound. But Mason is never going to speak to Maxie again. Mason laughs, and says, so this virtuous man thing’s not an act? Who is Austin trying to be some kind of good guy for? Austin says, who does he think? and Mason says he gets it. Austin is acting out a country song. The love of a good woman is making me turn over a new leaf. Come on. He knows the real Austin. Austin can’t possibly think he and Maxie are meant to be. The lady works for a fancy cosmetics company, and Austin is more down and dirty than anyone here knows. If Maxie knew the compromises and deals with the devil Austin’s made, she’d be running for the hills. Austin says he chooses to believe Maxie cares about him enough to accept him. And if she accepts him, she’ll accept all of his mistakes. Mason says, right, because they’re meant to be. He’d love to test that theory. He says he’ll see Austin around, and leaves.

Maxie says, she may not be a computer whiz like Spinelli is, but it doesn’t take rocket science to see he went into the business of matchmaking after Ellie left him. She thinks deep down, he believes if he can help other people find love, it will mend his broken heart. He says, she’s very astute, and she says she knows he’s been in a sad place for a while, but she has faith he’ll find love again; that the right person is out there for him.

Portia comes downstairs, and tells Jordan that Curtis left a message for Taggert, and he’s talking to Trina. It’s just the two of them, and just so Jordan knows, Curtis hasn’t got the results back from his genetic counselor. So until she has confirmation that Curtis has the genetic markers for schizophrenia, there’s no reason to worry Trina about any of this. Jordan asks, what if Curtis has the DNA markers? If he’s Trina’s father, he could have passed them on to her. Portia says, if he has the markers, then she’ll be the one to figure out what to do next. Jordan says she probably should go, and Portia says she’s sorry. She does want to thank Jordan for taking care of them. She brought Trina home. Portia appreciates that, and thanks Jordan for expediting the divorce papers. Jordan says, it’s the least she could do after she lost the first set. Portia says, there’s so much Jordan doesn’t know. With everything that’s been going on – the good, the bad – can’t Jordan see she’s right in not turning everyone’s life upside down that she cares about? Not until she knows for sure.

Drew tells Carly that he doesn’t understand. He just got here. Carly says, he’s the one who said Ned could turn them in to the SEC for insider trading. He’s the one who said they should keep their relationship a secret. He says, the longer he stands out here, the better the chance of someone seeing them together, and she says, come in. He does, and she says, he was so serious about this earlier, and now he’s joking about it. He was clear they were to stay under the radar. He says, she’s right. He just wants her to know, he walked Cameron to his car. He said he was on his way to Kelly’s; he’s probably there by now. She says, can he please tell Josslyn? She’s worried sick. They go into the living room, but it’s empty. Carly calls for Josslyn, but there’s no answer. She tells Drew that she knows Josslyn left to check on Cam.

Josslyn says she’s so glad Cameron is okay, and throws her arms around him. Isn’t he getting her calls or texts? He says he was with Drew. He was going to call her when he got here. What’s going on? She says, Commissioner Ashford told her and Trina that when Brando got attacked outside of Charlie’s, he wasn’t the intended victim; she was. Cameron says, oh my God, and Dex says, the cops think she was the target? Based on what? Josslyn says, all of the victims are linked to Trina’s trial. Ava was her mentor; Diane, her attorney; and Oz Haggerty was the witness who got Trina exonerated. Cameron says, Josslyn testified that Trina was innocent, and she says, yes, she did, but so did he. So he could be a target too. Dex says, Sonny needs to hear about this, but Josslyn grabs his arm and says, no, he doesn’t. Dex says, she just told him that she and Cam are targets for the killer. Isn’t that more important than her pride?

Sonny says, it’s getting late, and Nina says, time for bed? He says, wha-a-at? and they get up. Dex comes in, followed by Josslyn and Cameron, and says he’s sorry to interrupt, but Sonny needs to hear this. Sonny asks, what’s going on? and Josslyn says, someone is out to kill her and Cam.

In an ironic twist, Michael and Willow also get ice cream sundaes. Willow says, Michael knows how much she loves him; how much she loves their family. He says, of course (🍷) he does, and he loves her just as much. He had a full life before he met her. He’d been in love, and knew what it was like to be happy. At least he thought he did. With her, his whole life has changed. She and their children are everything he wants. Til death do us part. Her phone rings, and it’s Terry. She says, it’s the hospital, and he says, it must be Britt with her test results. She answers.  

Jordan says, Trina is a sophomore in college. Portia has had nearly two decades to determine who her father is. Yet in all that time, Portia chose not to pursue it. She can’t support that. Portia says she’s not asking Jordan to support what she’s done over the years, but now is what she’s talking about. Marshall being diagnosed with schizophrenia; Curtis being tested for genetic markers. This is all about what’s happening now, and all she’s asking Jordan is for a little bit of time. Jordan says, it’s much more important than ever that Portia tell Curtis everything now. Jordan’s divorce to him is is final, and Portia and Curtis set a wedding date. Why go into this marriage with this big secret hanging over her head? Curtis is willing to put his life on the line for Portia’s daughter. Doesn’t he have the right to know if she’s actually his daughter too? Curtis c comes back downstairs, and says he spoke to Taggert, and he’s down to do whatever it takes to protect his daughter. He even mentioned rejoining the PCPD. Portia says, wow, but Curtis says, it’s not really a surprise, is it? He can’t think of a father who wouldn’t do absolutely anything to protect his child.

Carly calls Josslyn, but gets voicemail, and she says, dammit. She tells Drew, Josslyn’s not picking up because Josslyn knows she’s furious with her. The police stood here and told Josslyn to stay put. Drew says, Carly told him that Josslyn was concerned about Cameron. When Carly was her age, what would she have done? Carly says, she would have driven straight to Kelly’s, but that’s not the point. Josslyn is supposed to be smarter than she was. She’s going to Kelly’s. Drew says, they’ll take his car, but she says, he can’t take her; they can’t be seen together. He says, this is about Joss. The hell with the SEC. Carly opens the door, and Josslyn is on the porch with Sonny.

On the phone, Willow says, she’ll see them then. Michael asks what Britt said, and Willow says, Britt wants to see her tomorrow to discuss the test results. He says, that means there’s something to discuss, and Willow says, that was her impression. He says he’s coming with her, and please don’t say it’s not necessary. She says she’s not saying that. She wants him there. He says, they have a big day tomorrow, and he wants to get her home.

Maxie says she knows the way Spinelli’s mind works. It makes sense that he’d want to quantify love; make an algorithm of it, so it removes the uncertainty. But in the end, you’re still taking a risk. Austin almost comes out on the terrace, but hangs back. She says, you can trust the algorithm first, but you still have to trust your heart. Austin comes out, and asks how it’s going. He got done at GH, and Maxie said she was getting takeout here, so he took a chance. Maxie says, she and Spinelli just got wrapped up in his Society Set-Ups issues, and Spinelli says, Maxie… but she says, it’s okay. She told Austin that Society Set-Ups is his baby. Spinelli can trust him. Spinelli says, he’s not exactly comfortable with more people knowing about his level of involvement, although he’s grateful for Austin’s silence thus far. Austin says, no problem, and asks if Maxie can have dinner with him. Maxie says, sure, and goes inside to cancel her to-go order. Spinelli says he should get going, but Austin says, not so fast. He needs to ask a favor. Spinelli says, that was quick. What favor? Austin reminds Spinelli that he just said Austin kept quiet about his Society Set-Ups endeavor, so he figures Spinelli kind of owes him one. He needs Spinelli to do something for him on the downlow. Spinelli needs to run his algorithm on Austin and Maxie.

Jordan says, it’s been a long day. She’ll make sure a patrol car comes around the house. Portia and Curtis thank her, and she leaves. Curtis tells Portia, it’s not too late to change the date. They don’t have to get married on Valentine’s Day, especially with this threat hanging over Trina and her friends. She says, Trina would want them to be happy, and he says, then what Trina wants, Trina gets. They kiss, then sit on the couch, cuddled. Portia says, promise her everything is going to be all right, and Curtis says he promises to never let anything or anyone come between their family.

Cameron flips the sign to Closed, and Dex asks if Nina is ready to go. She says she is, and Dex says he can drop Cameron off, but Cameron says he’ll pass. Dex says, the boss wants him to make sure Cameron gets home safe, but Cameron says he doesn’t work for Sonny, so he’ll make his way home himself. Dex says, it’s his call, and Nina asks if Cameron is sure he’ll be okay by himself. Cameron says he’ll be just fine, and Nina and Dex leave. Cameron looks at his phone, and sees Josslyn’s text: Call me back!! Important! He flashes back to her hugging him, and smiles.

Carly asks if Josslyn is okay, and Josslyn says, she’s fine. She tells Sonny, the only reason she let him take her home was because Cameron is a potential target. Make sure he’s safe. She doesn’t want any protection… Carly pulls her inside, saying, get in the house. Sonny says, he ran into Josslyn at Kelly’s, after he heard Jordan’s theory the Brando’s death was a mistake, and the intended victim was Josslyn. So he brought her here, and had his guy Dex take Cam home. Carly thanks him, and Sonny says he guesses it’s all good here, so he’s going. He leaves, and Carly says, Drew has to go so Sonny sees him leave. He says, but first, and kisses her. He leaves, and unbeknownst to them, Josslyn has been watching, and her expression goes through a few changes.

Tomorrow, Valentin tells Anna that he has a plan; Holly asks if Robert has any details he can share with her; Nina tells Sonny, if she needs to step back, that’s what she’s going to do; and Heather says, speak now, Dr. Dreamboat, or forever hold your peace.

👧🏻 Pumpkin, Is That You…?

I have to admit, little Donna is pretty cute.

🔥 Trail Blazing…

I’m guessing Linc figures it wouldn’t hurt if she sabotaged Brook’s relationship with Chase too.

💖 The Charm…

She sounds like she’s doing well, despite the long covid.

🎞 Reunited…

This film sounds kind of interesting. Something different, yet timely.

🍊 Seen In the Wilds…

She probably stowed away.

🗽 Loser’s Club…

All I can say is, ugh. Ramona.

🐎 Not a Surprise…

It was a good show, but it was no longer Westworld after the first few seasons.

https://people.com/tv/westworld-canceled-by-hbo-after-four-seasons/

🦸🏽 More Masquerade…

👨‍👩‍👦‍👦 Family time. I’m so stupid. I thought, how is that kid looking out of that mask with no holes? and it was a graphic put there to block his face.

https://parade.com/news/best-celebrity-family-halloween-costumes-instagram-photos-2022

🎯 Random celebrities.

🎭 Celebrities dressed as celebrities.

https://www.buzzfeed.com/ryanschocket2/people-dressed-as-celebs-costume

🥇 Another category that’s debatable.

https://www.tmz.com/2022/10/31/halloween-costumes-best-2022-celebrity/

🐩 And no way I’d forget.

https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/top-dog-hallowen-costumes-2022-37174276

🐓 Quotes of the Week

The cow didn’t even help me. – Kimberly Menzies, when her boyfriend’s mother did not bless their union even after gifted with a cow, 90 Day Fiancé: Happily Ever After?

The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot. – Michael Altshuler

In law a man is guilty when he violates the rights of others. In ethics he is guilty if he only thinks of doing so. – Immanuel Kant

Focus on the journey, not on arriving at a certain destination. – Chris Hadfield

Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of human freedoms – to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way.  – Viktor Frankl

If you hear a voice within you saying, you cannot paint, then by all means paint and that voice will be silenced. – Vincent Van Gogh

Our thoughts and actions should express our mind of compassion, even if the other person says and does things that are not easy to accept. We must practice this way until we see clearly that our love is not contingent upon the other person being lovable. – Thich Nhat Hanh

Do not let your fire go out, spark by irreplaceable spark in the hopeless swamps of the not-quite, the not-yet, and the not-at-all. Do not let the hero in your soul perish in lonely frustration for the life you deserved and have never been able to reach. The world you desire can be won. It exists… it is real… it is possible… it’s yours.Ayn Rand

Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.Albert Einstein

If having a soul means being able to feel love and loyalty and gratitude, then animals are better off than a lot of humans. – James Herriot

The secret of life is honesty and fair dealing. If you can fake that, you’ve got it made. – Groucho Marx

Falling Back…

Don’t forget, you gain an hour’s sleep this weekend. I’ll be back when the Dead Walk. Until then, stay safe, stay being grateful for at least one thing every day, and stay never going into a serious relationship with a big secret hanging over your head.

November 2, 2022 – Sam Enlists Spinelli To Get the Goods On Cody, Soap Celebrations, Lots Of Costumes (Including Pets!), Why & Grey

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Carolyn tells Jeff, she’s remembering. It’s time she knows the truth. He says he’ll do it. He was the one there; he should be the one to tell her. Elizabeth says, he didn’t push Reiko? and he says, he didn’t. It was you, Elizabeth. You caused Reiko to fall down the stairs. Elizabeth says she doesn’t believe it, because there’s no pleasing her, and Carolyn says, it’s a lot to process. Elizabeth says she doesn’t believe a word that comes out of either one of their mouths. Coming here was the biggest mistake.

Carly says, since Sam asked, there’s something she should know. Drew comes by, and Carly says, when she and Drew were in Jacksonville, they realized something important… Drew jets over, and asks why she let him say it.

At Carly’s place, Josslyn brings out a bowl of popcorn, lightly buttered with Cajun seasoning, and Trina says, bring it to her. Josslyn asks if Trina is ever going to tell her about the weekend with Rory. Trina was clearly ignoring her texts. Trina says, there’s no way she could hear her text alerts at the convention center, and she was busy. Josslyn asks, what about in the hotel room? Was Trina busy there? Trina’s making her pry it out. Trina says, if Josslyn tells her about her weekend, Trina will tell about hers. Did Joss and Cam do anything special?

Obrecht, Britt, and Scotty are at Charlie’s, and Obrecht tells Britt, anything connected to Peter August is toxic by association. She’s opening Pandora’s box. Britt says, it was just a garden variety safe deposit box, and Scotty asks what she found. Britt says, just a necklace, and Obrecht asks, what kind? Is it valuable? Britt says, worth millions maybe, and Obrecht asks if she’s sure it’s genuine. Cody joins them, and says, it looks genuine to him, and Obrecht says something in German that I don’t think is a compliment. He says, nice to see her as well. Sorry he’s late. Scotty says, who invited him? and Britt says she did, and Scotty will play nice if it kills him.

Alexis takes a letter out of a stack of mail, seeing it was originally delivered to the wrong address. She looks at it, and makes a call. She asks them to get her Jordan Ashford right away please… Tell the Commissioner she just  got a letter from the hook killer.

Josslyn says, she and Cam did do something special, and Trina says, did she and Cam… Josslyn says, they slept together, and Trina squeals, saying, she’s happy for them. Josslyn says, being close to Cam is always nice, and he’s one of her favorite people… Trina says, but? and Josslyn says, but she thought sleeping together would reconnect them, and act as some kind of magic fix for what she hasn’t been feeling.

Drew says, in Jacksonville, he and Carly realized they make a damn good team. They went toe-to-toe with the press, and political and prominent people. Sam says, Carly mentioned it, and he says, they didn’t accomplish their mission, but came back with a renewed sense of purpose. Wouldn’t Carly say that? Carly says she thinks he said it perfectly, when Spinelli comes along, telling them, gracious greetings. Isn’t this a merry event? Drew says, Scout’s enjoying the puppet show right now, and Spinelli says, she’s sitting with Georgie. They’re both enrapt by the production. Drew asks if he can run something by Carly real quick, and they step away. Spinelli asks if something is on Sam’s mind, and she says, she’s just waiting for someone to tell her something she already knows.

Drew asks if Carly was just about to tell Sam about them, and Carly says, she just wants to be honest with Sam, and face this head on, but he says, that is something she cannot do.

Obrecht asks to have a word with Britt, and tells Cody to keep his fists to himself. Obrecht and Britt walk over to the bar, and Cody tells Scotty, he just wants to say… Scotty says, save it. He might have Britt and Mac fooled, but he knows trouble when he looks it in the eye.

Britt asks Obrecht to just give Cody a chance. Remember when Obrecht wanted her to like him? Obrecht (now looking fab as a blonde) says, that was before he punched her Scotty in the face, and Britt says, Cody regrets doing what he did; he was acting out of emotion. Obrecht asks why Britt is excusing this man, but Britt says she’s not. But she can relate to being overly sensitive about one’s parents. Cody is going through a lot, and there’s more to him than what Obrecht sees. If they were judged by their mistakes, where would that leave them?

Jordan and Dante come to Alexis’s office, and she thanks them for getting here so soon. Jordan says, no problem. Where’s the letter? Alexis says, it’s on the desk. She’s sorry she touched it; she didn’t know what it was. Jordan says, not a problem. She’s assuming it was in a stack on Alexis’s desk. Was it hand delivered or mailed? Alexis says, mailed; there’s a postmark. Dante picks it up, and says, Dear Editor Davis, you’ve got my attention. Want to be next or are you just curious? Who am I? I’ll tell you who I’m not. I’m not hungry for fame, and I’m no deranged lunatic, striking at random. Only those who wronged me and mine will meet with my venom. Alexis says, leave me be, and you’ll have no cause for alarm. I’m off to see the wizard, which is a reference to Oz Haggerty, who was stabbed the day after this was posted. It’s her.

Jeff tries to comfort Elizabeth, but she tells him not to touch her. She always knew they were neglectful and disloyal, and will do anything to cover for themselves, even throw her under the bus. Carolyn says, they didn’t expect to come home and find Elizabeth here after all these years, and of course (🍷) they’re happy to see her, but these accusations hurt. Elizabeth says, you know what hurts? Having a mother who gaslights her child to protect a man. Maybe it was best they weren’t around while she was raising her children. This is why she didn’t want to see them; because they have a knack of making her feel like she’s always to blame. Jeff says, she saw him and Reiko together. They didn’t realize she was there. When he left, she confronted Reiko. She followed Reiko to the stairs. Elizabeth tells him, stop talking, and flashes back to telling Reiko, stay away from her father. Carolyn says, it’s all coming back now, isn’t it?

Josslyn tells Trina, Cam is still this sweet, loving, generous guy he always has been, but something is lost between them, and she’s not sure he’s aware of it. Trina suggests Josslyn try talking to him about it, and Josslyn says, it’s just going to make him feel bad, and make the distance between them worse. Trina says, but if she doesn’t talk to him, how are they going to figure this out? Josslyn says, that’s what she has Trina for, but Trina says she’s hardly the one to be giving Josslyn advice about being confused. Josslyn asks what Trina is confused about, but Trina says, they’re still talking about Josslyn and Cam. Josslyn says, maybe it’s because she barely got a chance to really enjoy being with Cam before it all fell apart, and Trina says, Josslyn was violated in an intensely personal way. And that trauma got derailed by Trina’s legal drama. She thinks Josslyn just needs time to keep healing, and Josslyn says, maybe she’s right. That bitch Esme stole so much from them. Trina says, Josslyn can’t let Esme destroy what she and Cam have.

Alexis wonders if Oz Haggerty’s death is her fault. Do they think her letter prodded the person into killing again? Jordan says, provocation never helps, but this person seems to have a predetermined plan. This letter was postmarked two weeks ago. When did Alexis get it? Alexis says, just today, and Dante says, she must have used an old typewriter; all the letters are misaligned, especially the O’s. Jordan says, hopefully forensics can narrow down the make and model of the typewriter. Have them dust for prints, and run it through the database. Dante says, he’ll also need the names of anyone who might have touched the letter, and Alexis asks if they’re sure this isn’t someone just seeking attention, but Jordan says, there are details in the letter that haven’t been made public.

Elizabeth says she followed Reiko to the stairs and grabbed her. She flashes back to telling Reiko, stay away from her father, and Reiko saying, stay out of it; her father wouldn’t want her involved. Elizabeth says, don’t talk about her father. See what happens if she does. How dare Reiko do this to her mother? Reiko says, Elizabeth is young. She woudn’t expect her to understand. She tries to break Elizabeth’s grasp, but Elizabeth won’t let go, calling Reiko a homewrecking whore. In the present, Elizabeth says she doesn’t want to remember, but Carolyn says, it’s time. Now that she’s here, they’ll do this together.  

Obrecht tells Britt, that was a passionate defense from someone who was turning up her nose a few months ago. Just what is the nature of Britt’s relationship with Cody these days? Britt says, getting to know one another better, and Obrecht asks, how well? Has Britt shared her diagnosis with him like she did Jason? Britt says, they don’t know each other that well. She’s entitled to her privacy, just like he is to his.

Cody says he gets why Scotty thinks he’s trouble; sucker punching him was indefensible. Scotty says, the sucker punch is not a good calling card, and Cody says he’s grateful Scotty didn’t press charges. He owes Scotty big time. Scotty says, Cody almost sounds sincere, and Cody says, 100%, but Scotty says, of course (🍷) that could just be the art of the master con. Cody laughs, and asks what Scotty thinks he’s after if it’s not Scotty’s forgiveness. Scotty says he doesn’t know. Flimflam men got the long term they’re working on. Cody says, all he wants is a do-over, and Scotty says, because… Cody says, because Scotty is important to Britt’s mother, and Britt is important to him. And he’s learned how much Scotty loved his biological mother, and she loved him. Scotty says, it was a long time ago, and Cody says he’s sorry Scotty lost her. He’s sorry they both did.

Spinelli asks if Dante is joining Sam for the Halloween festivities, and Sam says, he was planning on it, but he got called away on a case. Spinelli says, there’s no rest for the weary, and she asks, what about him? Has he decided to press delete on Society Set-Ups before the Feds catch him, and he winds up in jail?

Carly says she doesn’t understand. Drew doesn’t want her to tell Sam about them? He says, they can tell Sam eventually, but she says, she and Sam are good friends. She wants Sam to hear it from her, not the grapevine. He says, the grapevine is what he’s worried about, and she asks if he wants to tell Sam. She understands, given their history. He says he doesn’t think either of them should tell Sam. In fact, they can’t tell anyone. He leads her to where there are no people, and she says she doesn’t get it. Did something happen to change his mind about them? He says, absolutely not. He and Ned had a conversation, and it wasn’t good. It started bad, and got worse as it went on. Ned said some stuff, and he said some stuff, and the bottom line is, Ned made a threat. He and Carly could be guilty of insider trading. She says, that’s ridiculous, but he says, it’s not. He had a legal consultant go over this. Carly was aware of the possible merger between Aurora and ELQ. Her subsequent purchase of stocks makes her an inside trader. She could be looking at serious fines or worse. She says she was just trying to help him and Michael not lose ELQ; it’s not like she made a killing. He says, it doesn’t matter. She bought the stock based on information that hadn’t been made public yet. By definition, that’s insider trading. He’s sorry. He shouldn’t have told her anything about it. She says, he didn’t want her investing; she insisted. They sit on a bench, and she says, first, she loses the MetroCourt, now she could be dealing with SEC violations. Would Ned really do this? He says, Michael thinks Ned’s bluffing, but he’s not willing to take that chance. It’s dicey for both of them. She asks what they do, and he says, that’s why he didn’t want her telling Sam about them. Talking publicly about their personal relationship could add weight to the allegations. They’ll have to create distance between them and the speculation, and let this blow over.

Spinelli says he’s still weighing his options as far as his business is concerned, and Sam tells him, keep that in mind when he sees Georgie behind plexiglass in Pentenville. He says, point vividly made, and she says she hope it terrifies him. He’s her friend. She doesn’t want to see him lose everything because of Society Set-Ups. Has he ever thought about what Maxie would think if she learned the truth? He says he dreads what Maxinista would think about his crimes of moral turpitude, but silver lining; most of the matches have been successful. She says she’s not so sure.

Britt says, how often does she ask Obrecht a favor? and Obrecht says, not often enough. The interior of Britt’s car is in constant disarray, as are her cuticles. Britt likes him? Britt says, God help her, she does.

Scotty says, Dominique was a good woman, and Cody says he’d like to learn more about her. Scotty says, that could be arranged, and Cody says he hears his sister makes the world a better place. Scotty says, Serena’s a crusader; she got it from both her mothers. Right now, she’s worried sick about Lucy. Cody asks if there’s anything he can do to help, and Obrecht says, the waters are still being scoured, but Scotty says, she’s a tough cookie. She’ll be fine. Cody says he’s dive certified also. Say the word, and he’ll join the search.

Trina tells Josslyn, Ava told her not to let Esme change her life, which is why she went on the trip with Rory, but she still can’t sleep at night. Trusting her judgement is just…. That girl put them through a lot. Josslyn says, tell her about it. Then she takes off without paying for any of it. But if they’re being honest, she doesn’t think she can blame Esme for everything that’s gone on between her and Cam. They kept things from each other and it did its damage. Trina says, like when Cam didn’t tell her about Spencer’s plan? and Josslyn says, and when she didn’t tell Cam that she rescued Dex. Trina says, what is done is done; it’s time to move on. Josslyn says she wants to move on, but doesn’t know how, and Trina says, maybe she should stop trying to get back to where she and Cam were, and be where they are now. Josslyn says, that’s excellent advice, and Trina tells her to stop putting so much pressure on herself. Trina doesn’t see Cam giving up on her. Josslyn says, Trina still hasn’t told her about the weekend, and Trina says, she’s heard about this convention forever, but it was her first time going, and it was surprisingly fun. She gives Josslyn a shopping bag, saying, and this is for Donna and Avery. Josslyn says, it was sweet of Trina to think of them, but she’s not actually asking about the convention. Trina says, she and Rory did get closer this weekend… physically, and Josslyn says, details.

Jordan says she appreciates Alexis bringing this to their attention. It’s valuable information. However, she can’t discuss the details of an ongoing investigation, especially with a journalist. Alexis says, even if said journalist is the one who brought them the information? and Jordan says, procedure is procedure, and Alexis says, just tell her if she believes the killer’s claim that the killings aren’t random. She was threatened. Doesn’t she have a right to know? Jordan says, it tracks with what they suspected, and Dante says, they believe she might have a possible hit list of people she feels wronged her. Alexis says, what if she just wants them to think that? but Jordan says, they’re looking at every possibility. They’re cross-checking victims on the hit list, seeing if there’s a connection to each other, and potentially the killer. Alexis says, what if she publishes the letter in the next edition of The Invader? and Jordan says, Alexis will do no such thing.

Elizabeth says, Reiko got mad, so mad. She flashes back to telling Reiko that she needs to calm down. She thinks she’s so special. She’s not the first, and Elizabeth doubts she’ll be the last. Reiko says, someday Elizabeth will learn how complicated love can be. Elizabeth asks if that’s Reiko’s idea of wisdom, and suggests they put it to the test. She’s going to tell her mom, then she’s telling Reiko’s husband. What’s his name again? Reiko says, Elizabeth can’t say anything, and Elizabeth says, Reiko can’t stop her. They struggle and Reiko falls. In the present, Elizabeth says she did it. It was her.

Jordan says, this is an ongoing investigation. What if publishing the contents of the letter undermines the lead? Alexis says, what if it causes this lunatic to slip up? and Jordan says, does Alexis mean, what if it causes them to make good on their threat to go after her, instead of the next intended target? Let her remind Alexis, they don’t know who the killer is yet. They don’t know her motives, or her next intended victim. Alexis says she understands the risk, but what if a reader… Dante says, what if reader gets killed, or tips the killer off somehow? Jordan says, Alexis has already shown concern about causing Oz Haggerty’s death, and Alexis says, hitting below the belt. Jordan says she needs Alexis to understand. Let’s make a deal. If Alexis sits on this, she’ll grant Alexis an exclusive down the line with information that’s not yet available to the public. Alexis has her word. They need to get the letter and envelope to the lab. Not a word to anyone. They leave, and Alexis makes a call. She says she needs them to get over here right now.

Trina tells Josslyn, instead of two beds, they had one bed and a cot. They were both on the bed, and started kissing and making out. Josslyn says, and? and Trina says, then they stopped. Josslyn asks, why? but Trina says, she doesn’t know. She thought she was ready. Then one minute, she was kissing Rory, and the next minute, she was thinking about Spencer. She doesn’t know what came over her. It was probably because Spencer’s Uncle Victor asked her to visit him; the power of suggestion, right? Josslyn says, please. Trina started thinking about Spencer because obviously, she still has feelings for him.

Drew says he couldn’t stay away from Carly if he tried. This is just about him protecting her from possible legal issues that could include fines and jail time. For now they can’t be in a public relationship. They have to lie low. She says she’d lie with him anywhere.

Sam tells Spinelli that she finds it incredibly suspicious Cody was present when Britt opened Peter’s safe deposit box. He says he knew it. She, too, thinks Cody’s interest in Britt is less amorous and more opportunistic. That’s why Cody blackmailed him into the match-up on Society Set-Ups. She says, it makes sense. Cody’s not happy Britt hired her to investigate the necklace. He asks if she thinks Dante could help, but she says she doesn’t know. She’s afraid it would lead to uncomfortable questions about Spinelli, and he says, heard, acknowledged, and appreciated. He so regrets his endeavors could cause her peril in her relationship. She asks how much he regrets it, and he says, oh no. She says, he started this, and he’s going to help her get the goods on Cody.

Scotty says he appreciates Cody’s offer, but he thinks the divers have it covered, and Obrecht says, about the necklace? Cody said he thought it was genuine. How does he know? Cody says, he read somewhere that real diamonds scratch glass, and she says, so will cubic zirconia, quartz, and moissanite. He says, so much for impressing them with his gem spotting acumen, and Obrecht says, perhaps she should look into this necklace of Peter’s. The sooner it’s sold, the better. Britt says she hired Sam to investigate, so for now, the necklace is staying put, and Obrecht says, appraising gems, wrangling horses, diving, catapulting out of planes. Is there anything Cody can’t do? Cody says, he can’t get Britt on a horse, and Britt says, he’s got her there.

Elizabeth says, it was her fault; she’s responsible for all of this. Jeff says, it was an accident, and she asks how he knows. How much did he see? He says he heard her and Reiko arguing, but by the time he made it over to the stairs, Reiko was lying at the bottom, and Elizabeth was standing over her. She says, he doesn’t know it was an accident, but he says he knows she’d never push Reiko deliberately. None of this would have happened if he hadn’t betrayed his marriage and his family. Elizabeth asks, what did happen after Reiko fell? and he says, she suffered from a concussion and had internal bleeding. She asks when Carolyn found out, and Carolyn says, almost as soon as it happened. Elizabeth was in a state, and her father was so worried, he came to her and confessed everything. Elizabeth was still a minor and they didn’t want to get tangled up in the legal system, so they put in for a transfer and relocated. Elizabeth asks if Reiko just went back to Finn, and Jeff says, Reiko needed a blood transfusion. That’s how she contracted the disease that killed her. Elizabeth says, Reiko died because of her, but Carolyn says, that’s an oversimplification. Like her father said, it was an accident. Elizabeth says, an accident that led to Reiko’s death; why else would she block it out? Carolyn says, Elizabeth didn’t at first. She had horrible nightmares, and was sleepwalking. Jeff says, one night, Sarah found her perched at the top of the stairs, and Carolyn says, they were worried she would harm herself. Jeff says he prescribed her sedatives to help her sleep, and Carolyn says, she began coaching sessions with Elizabeth to discourage the memory. Elizabeth says, Carolyn brainwashed her to forget? and Jeff says, they were at their wits end. Nothing was working. Elizabeth asks if that’s why they sent her away, and Carolyn says, they didn’t send her away because they didn’t love her. They were  afraid the whole thing would come screaming back. They did it all for her.

Trina tells Josslyn that she has a lot of feelings about Spencer, but Rory is mature, responsible, and available. Spencer is none of those things. Josslyn says, she and Cam visited Spencer, and all he did was talk about Trina. He wanted to know how she was doing and if she was happy. And he knows Trina knows he believed in her. He’s hurt she hasn’t reached out. Trina says, now she knows why he called, and Josslyn asks what he said. Trina says, she doesn’t know; her phone was on do not disturb, and she didn’t see it until the next morning. A call from New York State Correctional Facility. Josslyn says, despite everything, she still believes Spencer has a good heart. She still doesn’t know if he deserves Trina though. Hearts can change. She’s seen them lead people astray, and break up entire families. Maybe it’s best to be more clear-eyed, and listen to their heads instead. Trina says she heard Josslyn, and she’s right. She should put all her efforts into this good guy who’s in front of her, like Josslyn has.

Drew tells Sam, the puppet show’s almost over. He’s going to say goodnight to Scout. She thanks him for taking Scout to see Alexis earlier, and Carly says she’s having a Zoom meeting with Mia; she’s got to go. Drew says, he’ll walk her out, and they leave. Sam says, the team is breaking up, and Spinelli says, what team? She says, never mind. What are they going to do about Cody? He says, any help he can give is limited. He could casually pump Cody for information. She says, all he needs is one thing he already has; a very special, very intrusive algorithm.

Obrecht says, Cody’s been a nomad. Does he plan to stick around? Cody says, yes. He likes it here. He likes his job, Port Charles, the people. He has no plans on leaving anytime soon. Scotty says, until the DNA test comes back. Mac told him. Obrecht asks, what it this about a DNA test? and Scotty says, Cody could be Mac’s son. Cody says he used to like the freedom of pulling up stakes, but now he has a compelling reason to stay. Scotty says, he can’t ride two horses with one behind, and Cody says, he’s a stable hand and he doesn’t know what that means. Britt laughs, and Obrecht says, it means you can’t go in conflicting directions. You must make up your mind.

Josslyn says she went to Oscar’s Meadow, and Trina says, that’s right; it was his birthday. Joss… Josslyn says, don’t. It was good to think of him and know she’ll always remember him, but it’s like everyone told her, life goes on. The doorbell rings, and it’s Jordan. Josslyn asks if Jordan is here to see her mom, but Jordan says, she’s here to see Josslyn and Trina.

There’s a knock at Alexis’s office door, and she says, come in. She asks what took them so long, and Gregory says, what’s going on? She says, remember that open letter they put in the paper? She responded. He asks if Alexis is sure it’s her, and she says, positive. Jordan was here, and confiscated the letter. He says, she sent Alexis a letter? Through USPS? How quaint. What did it say? Alexis says, nothing quaint; she threatened me. He tells her, stop being glib, and Alexis says, she told me to mind my own business, and she’s going after the people who wronged her. He asks what else she said, and Alexis pulls a paper out, and says, see for himself. He says, he thought she said they confiscated the letter, but she says, not before she made a copy, and he reads it.

Carolyn says, sending Elizabeth away was the only way to protect her, and Elizabeth says, and dad’s reputation, but Jeff says, it’s not about that. As a mother, she knows there’s nothing a parent won’t do to shield their child from pain. Carolyn says, they made mistakes. She knows Elizabeth thinks they abandoned her, but that’s not true. Jeff says, as much as it hurt to lose their connection to Elizabeth, it was better than losing her forever. Elizabeth says, instead, they drugged her, programmed her, then kicked her out to protect their precious reputations. She says she hopes it was worth it, and runs out.

Spinelli tells Sam, yes he has a very special algorithm that could land him in a very special Federal penitentiary. Didn’t she just discourage him from using his masterpiece in his business venture? She says, yeah, and she still stands by that, but since he currently has the power to access private information, why not use it to find out the truth about Cody? He could potentially be part of Maxie’s family, Georgie’s by default. Shouldn’t they know what he’s up to? Spinelli says, I am at your service, fair Samantha. Discrediting that charlatan is a worthy cause. She says, it’s not about discrediting him. It’s about making sure he’s here for the right reasons. And for Dante’s sake, they should find out.

In the middle of a story, Cody says, the rodeo clown hops up on the fence where he’s sitting, and he ends up face-to-face in front of a bull. Scotty says, holy cow, and Britt coughs. Cody asks if she’s okay. Probably just went down the wrong way, right? She says, it’s been happening a lot these days, and Obrecht says she’s curious if there’s a relationship between bull riding and bull fighting. They’re not dissimilar, and bull fighting is the last remains of Roman gladiatorial combat. Britt continues to cough, and Obrecht keeps one eye on her. Cody says, so by extension, a bull rider is a gladiator.

Gregory says, first thought, he’s impressed, and Alexis says, high praise. He says, that’s his first thought. What does she plan to do? She says, what Jordan told her to do. She’s going to sit on the story, and wait until Jordan gives her the exclusive. He says, the priority of the police is catching the killer, not her story. What if Jordan doesn’t deliver on her quid pro quo? She says, then the deal is off. What’s his second thought? He says, that if she’s not careful, this could blow back big time.

Drew walks Carly to her door, and says he guesses this is goodnight. She says, not goodbye, and he says he’s not going anywhere. They look around, then kiss. Carly goes inside, and sees Jordan. She asks, what’s going on? and Jordan says, the PCPD has evidence that Brando wasn’t the intended target of the attack that killed him; Josslyn was. Josslyn says, the attacker was going after her? Brando was collateral damage? Carly wonders why this psycho would be going after Josslyn, and Trina says, if Joss was the intended target… Josslyn says, then everyone attacked so far… and Jordan says, has a connection to Trina.

Tomorrow, Brook asks, what if Chase doesn’t retire; Sasha tells Gladys, what she and Maxie are doing is for the best; someone has news for Victor; and Josslyn asks Jordan what the new evidence is.

🛀🏽 Halloween Soap…

Soap stars, they’re just like us.

🧙🏽‍♀️ We’ve Got Costumes…

🗽 Local to me.

I have been there and done this many times, but there’s still nothing like it. My advice if you go, go to the arch in Washington Square Park where the parade ends, and watch them come in. If you walk with it, it’s boring AF, since you don’t see the rest of it, and being in the crowd can be a little scary, but not in a good way. Being a short person, I was once wedged in, and thought, if anything happens, this might not end well, and squiggled myself out of there.

https://patch.com/new-york/west-village/village-halloween-parade-2022-check-out-photos-spooky-affair

🎣 The Queen of Halloween.

https://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/entertainment/celebrities/2022/11/01/heidi-klum-halloween-2022-costumes-photos/10659150002/

🏊 Across the pond. You might not know some of them – I didn’t – but who cares?

https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/entry/best-celebrity-halloween-costumes-of-2022-photos-janelle-monae-lizzo_uk_635f8ac3e4b01c1b94e81955

This is interactive and kind of fun.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-11372959/Celebs-pull-opt-kooky-Halloween-costumes-guess-correctly.html

🕵🏾‍♂️ The (un)usual suspects.

https://www.insider.com/best-celebrity-halloween-costumes-photos-2022-10

🐕‍🦺 You didn’t think I’d forget, did you?

https://www.hellomagazine.com/healthandbeauty/mother-and-baby/20221101155756/spooky-celebrity-pet-halloween-costumes/

This might be debatable.

🎃 Origins…

In case you didn’t know.

https://www.countryliving.com/entertaining/a40250/heres-why-we-really-celebrate-halloween/

👭🏻 Come Play With Me…

Enter if you dare tomorrow for soap and throwing shade at the terrifying House of horrors, otherwise known as vacationing grown-up drunk toddlers. Until then, stay safe, stay making your own kind of music, and stay not pressuring yourself to get back to where you were, and be where you are now.

October 30, 2022 – Negan Asks Ezekiel To Work Together For Everyone, Tonight’s Vampire, Halloween Pet Safety, Yet More Costumes & Sympathy

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

The Walking Dead

In a voiceover, Judith says, the only way she’s known is to fight. They’ve done so much, but there’s so much more to do. She wants to believe there’s hope, but together there’s hope. Isn’t there?

Maggie struggles to get out of the zip tie on her wrists, as the guard snoozes. She frees herself, then Gabriel, who frees Rosita, but the guard wakes up. Gabriel and Rosita jump out, and Maggie gets the guard’s gun, shooting the two troopers in front, and tossing the guard out the back. The truck crashes, and Maggie gets out, ducking down as the rest of the caravan passes crash.

Gabriel and Rosita lie in the woods, as the one of the troopers reanimates. Gabriel leaps up, shoving the zombie away from Rosita, and she slices its head open from behind. Gabriel asks if she’s okay, and she says, she’s been better. Him? He says he’s been worse. He takes the trooper’s radio, and a call comes in. The caller says, there’s been no sign of 525 and the escapees, but they found a set of boot tracks that looks like they might be 525’s. Gabriel and Rosita jet.

On the bus, Ezekiel comes to, and takes his hood off. The others slowly do the same. They hear banging, and when it stops, Ezekiel asks if everyone is all right. Kelly asks how long they were out for, and he says he doesn’t know, but his neck is still sore from the injection. Negan says, no sign of Maggie, Gabriel, or Rosita, and Annie says, the trucks are being unleaded. They stopped for a few minutes, and there was a crash. Does he think it was them? A guy gets on the bus, and tells them, welcome. Today is the day of a new beginning. The world works when everybody knows their place. Their place is at the bottom. The resources they used bring old world back sustains the Commonwealth. Their labor will be appreciated, and is their redemption; their salvation. The children safe, and if they play by the rules, they’ll see them again. They must work as one. Here, nobody has a name. There’s no need for them. He’s not going to tell them his name, and they won’t address each other by theirs. If he points to them, they’re to stand up, and go to the rear. Some troopers open the back of the bus, and he picks people out. He points to Annie, but not Negan, and Negan tells her that he’s going to get them out of here, all three of them. The guy tells those left on the bus that the others are being transported to another site. The one on the bus are going to work until the tracks are clear. If they work hard, they’ll be protected by the Commonwealth. Although they’ve been delivered from the utopia of the Commonwealth, it’s better to be here than the wasteland. One of the troopers tells them, get to work.

Maggie wanders in the woods, and sees a child zombie. She flashes back to seeing him when he was alive, and picks up a rock, but walks past him.

Gabriel asks Rosita, what’s the plan? and she says, to follow the convoy. He says, then what? There’s only two of them. What are they going to do? Knock on the door and ask for their daughter? She says, if he has a better idea, she’s all ears. She suggests splitting up, but he says, no way, he’s not leaving her, and she says, then come on. A couple of zombies come out of the woods, and Gabriel kills them, but Rosita gets knocked down in the melee. She says, her arm is dislocated, and tells him what to do. He pops it back in, which is obviously painful, and she gets up. She starts walking, and he tells her that she needs to rest. What good is torturing herself? She asks, what she always says to him, and he says, quit bitching, and move forward. They hear a train, but Gabriel says, it can’t be a train.

Daryl looks through binoculars at the train, and tells Carol, there’s six of them. Carol wonders if they should follow the train, but Daryl says, if they hang back, they’ll be fine. He sees a trooper bring Connie over, and the trooper says, he received a call, and she’s not a worker, but a Designation Two. Get her there safely. Carol wonders what the designation is, but Daryl says, they can’t bust her out, so they’ll look for the kids. She says, they should follow the train, and get everyone out at once.

They drive to the nearest junction, and Carol suggests they sit tight until the train gets there. Daryl says he doesn’t think he can, but she says, when she saw Connie get on the train, she thought the same thing he did; the cave. Does he remember what Kelly said when her sister disappeared? He says, they can’t help anyone if they’re dead, and she says, if they go it alone, they might make the same mistakes again. He tells her, all right, and she takes his hand.

Maggie hears a motorcycle and hides. A trooper stops, and radios that the crossing is clear, and there’s no sign of the escapees. He’s moving to the next stop. The zombie kid toddles toward him, and he raises his gun, but Maggie jumps out, and gives him a sharp stick to the armpit. She gets him down, kills him, and grabs his gun. Since no good deed goes unpunished, the zombie kid grabs at her. She fends him off for a while, then puts him in a hold. She cradles him for a moment, then tells him, it’s all right, and stabs him in the head. Carol and Daryl drive up.

Maggie tells Carol that they just ripped Herschel away from her. She wasn’t strong enough. Carol says, she’s just one person, but Maggie says, it’s on her. The not knowing is worse. She cries, and Carol tells her again, she’s just one person. Maggie says, it doesn’t matter, and Carol holds her as she sobs. Carol says, she barely saw Daryl after she got her job at the Commonwealth. They were doing their own thing like in the old world. After the fall, they were forced to become a family. Pamela had to come at them when they were separated. What does that say? Maggie tells her, that they scared the sh*t out of them, and Carol says, they’re not alone anymore. Rosita and Gabriel come out of the woods, and Gabriel says, they heard a train. Rosita asks where Daryl is, and Carol says, inside

In the depot, a trooper sits against the wall, covered in blood. Daryl tells him that he’s running out of time. Do something good in the time he has left. Where is the train going? He has a friend on it, and she’s Designation Two. What does that mean? He was like the trooper once, and joined the force when his family needed money. He’s guessing that’s the trooper’s story too. They took his kids, and he wants them back. He kicks the trooper, and the others come in. Carol says, the train is going to be here soon, and Daryl asks if the trooper wants to die quick or screaming. Gabriel says he knows the trooper. Every Sunday in the back pew, closest to the door. He came in late, and left early. It seemed like he wanted to talk about something. The trooper asks if God forgives people like him, and Gabriel says he wishes he knew. The trooper says he has guilt and shame, and Gabriel says, that’s because he’s a coward. He’s trying not to be, but fear can cause us to do things that make us feel shame. Or he can push to the light, and die trying to do the right thing. The trooper says he’s trying to have peace, and Gabriel says he wishes he had peace too. People remember the last thing you do. The end of a story is important. How does he want his to end? The trooper says, they punish exiles by making them do hard labor. Their friends are on railway duty. Daryl asks, where? but the trooper says he doesn’t know. He got called when the three escaped. They have to follow the train. He’s heard rumors that those in Designation Two are taken far away and never seen again. Daryl and Maggie go back outside, and he asks Gabriel to pray with him while he goes. Gabriel asks Carol to give them a minute, and takes out his Bible.

Daryl wants to get Connie off the train, but Rosita says, they’ll radio ahead. The the best way to get everyone out is them not knowing they’re coming. He says, they can’t leave her, but Carol thinks there’s a way do both.

While working on the railroad all the livelong day, Kelly tells Ezekiel, there are three guards. They can run; the troopers can’t catch them all. Ezekiel says, don’t do anything, and a trooper tells them, stop talking, and keep working. Negan says, his wife is on the bus, and the trooper whacks him with a stick. He says, they stop to eat and sleep. Keep working. Some of the group make a break for it, and Kelly starts to go too, but Ezekiel grabs her. The troopers shoot the escapees, and Negan looks supremely pissed.

There’s a train delay – zombie on the tracks. A trooper gets out and kills it. He walks over to a lever, but it won’t budge. He radios the engineer, and says, there’s stuck junction switch. Another zombie comes along, and he stabs it through one of its nostrils. The engineer radios Outpost 22, while Maggie slips on the train. Another trooper comes outside, and asks, how hard can it be? The trooper on the tracks says, come over here and he’ll show him. Daryl and Carol crawl under the train to the other side, while the troopers deal with more zombies. Maggie ties up the engineer, and a trooper comes in, saying, the woods are cleared; he’s heading back. Maggie grabs his gun, and outside, the skeptical trooper tries to pull the switch, and the other one mocks him, saying, how hard can it be? The other trooper says, it’s bent; somebody jammed it. Everybody needs to get back here now. Carol shoots at them, and a gunfight ensues, bullets pinging off of everything metal. Maggie shoots at a trooper, and Daryl comes at him, but he brings out Connie, holding a gun to her head. He tells Daryl to drop his weapon, and asks if Daryl cut the wire or shut it off. Answer him. It’s the old if you’re gonna shoot, shoot don’t talk situation, and Connie knocks his gun out of his hand, then grabs it. Daryl checks Connie out, and puts her on the train. The trooper gets away on a motorcycle, and they shoot at him, but miss. Daryl gets another bike, and takes off after him. The trooper rides into the woods, and Daryl follows. The trooper gets off the bike, and goes under a huge fallen tree branch, but even though Daryl is knocked off his bike, he reaches under the branch. He knocks the trooper down, and kills him.

Daryl and Maggie bring the engineer inside the depot, and he says his family lives in a nearby outpost. If the warden finds out he helped them – he looks at the dead trooper – he’ll end up like his friend. Daryl says, they took his children. He has a family. The engineer tells them, there’s a map in the engine room. Daryl goes to get it, and signs to Connie that he thought he wasn’t going to see her again. She signs back, she’s not going anywhere. Outside, the engineer holds a sharp stick to his throat, and tells Carol and Maggie, if he helps them, his wife and kids will die. Carol says, they’ll injure him just enough make it look like he barely got away, but he says, they’ll know he lied, and kill his family. He can’t. He’s sorry. He stabs himself in the neck, and everyone is bummed.

Gruel is served to the railway laborers for dinner, and Negan sits near Ezekiel, telling him, don’t turn around. Ezekiel asks what Negan wants, and Negan says, to get on the same page. Ezekiel says, he stayed away from Negan for years for a reason, but Negan says, he’s going to have to shelve that sh*t. Ezekiel says, melting people’s faces with irons, coercing women into marrying him, slaughtering Ezekiel’s people. That sh*t he has not forgotten. Negan says, neither has he. He probably deserves to be in a place like this. But the others don’t, especially his wife and baby. Ezekiel asks where they were taken, but Negan doesn’t know. He needs to find her; he promised. He’s coming to Ezekiel as a soon-to-be father and a man who’s led people. He’s asking Ezekiel to put that sh*t aside, and work together for everyone, Ezekiel asks what he’s thinking, and Negan says, he knows the warden’s playbook, using fear as a weapon. Ezekiel asks if he’s going to scare them into an uprising, but Negan says, that only works if you’re the one with the gun. Fear doesn’t work, but hope does, That’s Ezekiel’s thing, not his. Ezekiel says, they thrive by separating people and breaking them down. They need a spark that reaches their hearts and wakes them up. He doesn’t know how to do that; they can barely talk to each other. Negan says he can get Ezekiel a spark, but when he does, Ezekiel ought to know, he doubts he’ll getting out with them. Ezekiel asks what he means, but a trooper says, back to work. Now. Negan asks if Ezekiel is with him, and Ezekiel says, he’s with Negan… for now.

Connie signs to Daryl, asking him which way the others went, but he signs, he doesn’t know. Connie signs, Kelly is with them. She can’t lose her. Daryl signs, they won’t. He promises they’ll get her out. Connie signs, how? and Rosita says, they’re going back to the train, and getting the radio back up.

The trooper tells the railway workers to pack it in and load up. A zombie comes out of the woods, and the trooper shoots it, then tells them, move it along.

Rosita radios outpost 22, saying, the train she was on was overtaken. She’s lost in the woods, and needs help. She waits, then radios again, and an operator asks, what’s her original setback and location? Rosita says, junction seven. She’s the last one left. She needs to get home. The woman says, damn. Don’t worry. They’ll get her home. Does she still have her compass? Rosita says she does, and the woman tells her, head north through the woods until she reaches a bridge. Cross it, and go to Packard Avenue, then head south to where is breaches to Highway 30. Eventually, she’ll reach a suburban neighborhood. There’s a section shored up with walls, and she’ll see friendly faces in the guard tower. Go to the northeast gate, and they’ll let her in. She’s sorry they don’t have a spare vehicle to pick her up, but they have a convoy coming for reprocessing. Governor’s orders. Rosita asks if she just said they have a convoy coming in for reprocessing, and the woman says, word is some of the processees used to live here before the Commonwealth took over the territory and turned it into an outpost back when it was still called Alexandria. Keep eye out for hostiles, but if she has to engage, shoot to kill. Watch her six, and Godspeed. There’s silence for a moment, and Maggie says, Milton has underestimated us since day one. We’re going to get our kids, take back our home, and make it right. And Pamela will never see it coming.

Next time – 3 episodes left – Negan tries to save Annie; Rosita says, they need to go in now; Eugene’s trial happens; and Ezekiel says, this world is broken, but they don’t have to be.

🧛🏽‍♂️ This Week In Vampire…

The latest episode of Interview with the Vampire.

🐶 Don’t Forget…

Have an amazing time, but don’t forget about your pets

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/petcare/halloween-pet-safety

🎃 The List Goes On…

Some of these are quite original. I was at Halloween karaoke last night, and the first place winner of the costume contest was a couple doing Barbie and Ken, complete with boxes. I thought they deserved it just for having to stand all night.

https://www.buzzfeed.com/chelseastewart/best-celebrity-halloween-costumes-2022

🐺 Howling At the Moon…

When you’re done trick or treating, drop by for some soap and what’s on Deck tomorrow. Until then, stay safe, stay doubly safe on Halloween, and stay not bitching, but moving forward.