(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.
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.
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.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
At the PC Grill with Nina, Sonny tells someone on the phone to keep looking. Nina suggests they just go home, but he asks what she’s talking about. They haven’t even ordered yet. She says, they can do this another night. She wants him to focus his attention on finding Lucy. He says he has his people on it; that’s the best he can do. Besides, there’s only one thing he wants to focus on – her.
Rory tells Trina, this might not be the fanciest hotel in the city, but it’s got rave reviews for its cleanliness and bedding. He hopes two queen beds work for her, and she says, in the dorms, she sleeps in an extra-long twin, so a queen bed to herself sounds fantastic. He opens the door, but there’s only one bed. Big surprise, right?
Josslyn asks if Cameron is ready to do this, and he says, is she? She says she is if he is, and he says, it’s been a while. She says, it may be awkward at first, but it’s not like they’re building a connection from scratch. Besides, she thinks he’s probably much more into this reunion than they are. The guard lets Spencer in to the visiting room.
At the MetroCourt Gardens, Chase asks what Brook would like to start with, but she’s busy looking at the email from Dante about Chase’s reinstatement. Chase says, earth to Brook Lynn. What’s got her so focused? She asks if he’s checked out the singer Linc wants him to sing with. Her social media engagement is amazing. He says, remind him what they’re doing here, and she says, they’re doing date night, aren’t they? He says, he is, but she’s not.
Having drinks at the Savoy, Felicia asks how Mac is feeling, and he says, like he never appreciated the value of a mixologist before. She says, he’s been on a boat all night looking for Lucy, and he saw Anna get arrested. They know Anna was set up, and now he’s waiting for the results of a DNA test which could change his life. He says, helluva day, right? and she says, talk to her, but he says, nothing can be resolved tonight. Search efforts for Lucy are ongoing; he’s been ordered not to interfere with ADA Arden’s case against Anna; and Cody is either his son or he isn’t. Dante and Sam come by, and Mac asks how much of that they heard. Sam says, enough to know Cody’s been holding out on them.
Britt says she thought Cody left the hospital an hour ago, but he says he thought he’d hang out and wait for her. She asks how the DNA test went, and he says, excruciating, but she says, it’s only a cheek slap. He says, the test was painless. The torture was having to fake how he really feels.
Nina says she’d love to be the object of Sonny’s focus, but it’s natural to be distracted with so much affecting their friends and the ones they love. There’s Lucy, Sasha, Ava… He asks, how’s Ava? and she says, physically, Ava is recuperating just fine, but she’s got her mind on a few things. Sonny says, if she means Nikolas, that’s a problem of Ava’s own making, but she says, Nikolas is not the only Cassadine problem. Her point is, they’re very caring people, and it’s understandable that their friends’ troubles are going to seep into their time together. He says, then let’s not let it, and she says, they can try. He kisses her, and says, they can do more than try.
Sam says, Cody might be Mac’s biological son? They saw him yesterday, and he didn’t say a word. Dante says, Cody told him earlier. He was going to tell her, but then they came here. Mac says, he and Cody had a DNA test, and should get the results in a couple of days. He doubts Cody was hiding it. Sam says, it wouldn’t be the first time, and Felicia insists they join her and Mac. She asks Sam to go to the bar with her, and Dante says he’ll have a beer. Mac says he’s still working on his, and Felicia says, they’ll be right back. Dante sits down, and Mac says, Dante and Cody are friends, right? Dante says, they went to camp together when they were kids. They lost touch over the years, but picked up pretty much where they left off. Mac says he doesn’t know Cody very well; he seems spirited. Dante says, that’s a good word for him. He’s got lots of spirit and lots of heart, like his horses.
At the bar, Sam asks what Felicia wants to talk about, and Felicia says she gets the distinct impression that Sam’s suspicious where Cody is concerned. Sam says, once a P.I., always a P.I., and Felicia asks if Sam is referring to herself or her. Sam says, both, and Felicia says, if something is troubling Sam about Cody, please tell her now before Mac and her family get any closer.
Cody tells Britt that Mac, Felicia, and Maxie all seemed so happy that they were taking the test. The agony was having to pretend he felt the same way. She says, agony, excruciating; he’s really had a rough day. He says, you try making small talk with that family, and she asks, what’s wrong with Mac’s family? He says, nothing. They’re all smiles and laughs, and cute kids, and apple pie. He bets they even have cute pets. She says, let her get this straight. His biggest beef with Mac’s family is that they’re too nice. He says, people like him don’t fit into the Norman Rockwell portrait. So when the DNA test comes back and proves he’s Leopold Taub’s kid, Mac will be thankful he got off easy. She says, every time they speak, he has a new reason he’s resistant to being a Scorpio. What is going on here? He waited an hour for her. Clearly he wants to talk. He suggests they get out of here, and she asks where he wants to go. He says, anywhere but here, and they leave.
Spencer says, when they told him that he had visitors, he didn’t expect to see them, and Josslyn asks if he doesn’t want them here. He says he didn’t think they’d want to be here, and Cameron says, a lot has gone down, but Spencer needs to know, they’re still his friends. Spencer says, he really made a mess of things, and Josslyn says, he did. He says, yet they still came, and Cameron says, yeah, dude. Of course (🍷) we did.
On the phone in the room, Rory says he specifically booked a double with two queen beds… He appreciates the discount, but he’d appreciate an extra bed more… They’d better make it right. He tells Trina, they acknowledge their mistake, and he’ll be credited for the single, but unfortunately, there are no other rooms available because of the convention. She says, what about the extra bed? and he says, they’re going to send up a cot. She needs her rest, so he’ll wait for it. She says she’s not sleepy. Let’s wait together.
Brook puts her phone in her bag, and tells Chase, no phone. No shop talk either. She pledges her undivided attention; not that it’s a hardship or anything. He tells her that she looks gorgeous, and she tells him that he doesn’t have to say that. He asks if she can learn to accept a compliment, and she says, challenge accepted. And while they’re on the topic of self-improvement, his daily diet isn’t conducive to crooning. He says he still doesn’t understand what she has against pickles, but he went to the farmer’s market, and bought only BLQ approved foods. She says, it’s the best thing he can do for his voice, but he says he did it for her. There’s nothing he wouldn’t do to make her happy.
Felicia asks if there’s something specific about Cody that makes Sam feel uneasy about him. Something she and Mac need to know. Sam says, Cody’s charming and… charming, and Felicia says, but? Britt and Cody walk in, and Sam says, and here. Britt tells Cody, it looks like there’s more small talk in his future.
Josslyn says, this is weird, and Spencer says, because she’s never visited anyone in Pentenville before, right? She says, you know what I mean, jackass, and Spencer says, and just like that, they’re back to normal. Cameron says, they were worried this place would break Spencer’s spirit, but Spencer says, he’s cool. He’s practically a professional now. Josslyn says she hates seeing him here, and Spencer says he appreciates that; he hates being here. But it was worth it to try and save Trina. Even if she’s never going to know he believed in her the entire time. Trina doesn’t know, right?
In the room, Trina tells Rory, it was so cool, seeing all those families dressed up together, like The Incredibles. He says he knows it’s not as sophisticated as the art scene, but she says, it’s art, right? That’s why she loves it. The beauty of any art form is that it speaks to us; touches our souls. The mystical magical roles resonate with him the way paint on canvas does for her. It’s all good, right? He loves that she gets that, and they kiss. He asks how he got so lucky, and kisses her again.
Brook says, Chase is in danger. He has no idea the effect he has on her. He asks if she’s sure it isn’t the aftereffects of Nona’s Sicilian Thunderbolt, and she says, maybe that helped things along, but for so long, she dreamed about this. Of them together. In a way, it still feels like a dream. He says, what’s happening between them is as real as it gets.
Sonny kisses Nina, and says, for one night, can they just be the only two people on this world? She says, if he thinks they can shut out the world, she’s game, and he says, the way she looks tonight, he can’t think of anything else. She says, he’s pretty distracting himself, and he asks if she wants to skip dinner and go straight to dessert. She asks, what happened to going slowly? and he says he has no idea what she’s saying. His phone rings, and he says, he has to take it, but they’ll continue with this. He leaves, and Nina checks her makeup. Victor says, dining alone? but she says, dining with Sonny. He says, enjoy her meal, and she tells him, wait. Actually, she’s glad they ran into each other. She needs to know something. She gets up, and says, what’s going on with Charlotte? He says he doesn’t know what she means. Is there something going on with his granddaughter? She says, why doesn’t he tell her? She sent something to Charlotte that was recently returned to her, and she called Valentin to check the address of the school. He hasn’t responded, and she’s never had a problem contacting Valentin abroad before. He says he’s sure Valentin is having a lovely time with his daughter, and he doubts Valentin feels obligated to be at the beck and call of his ex-wife. She says, ex-wife and current friend. Why is Victor acting so cagey? He asks, why is she so invested in his family? Could it be perhaps because she doesn’t have one of her own?
Selina watches, and Mac tells Britt and Cody to pull up a couple of chairs and join them. Dante says, the more, the merrier, and Cody and Britt sit down. Sam and Felicia come back, and Dante says he saved Sam a spot, indicating his lap. Britt asks if Sam’s had any progress on the case, and Felicia says, Sam’s working on a case? Care to share? Britt says she found a necklace in a safety deposit box that belonged to Peter, and Mac says he guarantees that necklace won’t have a clean title. Felicia agrees, and Britt says she had the same feeling. That’s why she hired Sam to look into its provenance. Cody says, she did what now? and Sam asks if it’s a problem for him. He says, of course (🍷) not. He just didn’t realize Britt was going down that route. Dante says, if anyone is going to find out the origin of that necklace, it’s Sam, and Cody says, no doubt. Cody sees Selina looking at him, and says he’s going to grab a beer. Britt says she’ll have a Cosmo, but he’s already gone.
Brook says, she knows they spend a lot of time talking about Chase’s career, but there’s one major reason she wants this life for him. He says, it’s the leather pants, isn’t it? and she says, two reasons. She loves all the time they get to spend together; as his manager, his friend… He says, his girlfriend? His baby? His boo-thing? She tells him, never say boo-thing again, but yes, all of that. He says he loves it too. He misses policing, but he doesn’t miss a lot of his life being on hold to be a good detective. This is nice; the evening, the company, knowing he’s not on call. She says, but is it enough for him, being with her instead of chasing crime? He says, it’s more than enough, and kisses her hand.
Spencer says, Trina knows he was playing Esme to prove her innocent? and Josslyn says, she found out the day he checked into Pentenville. He says, so she doesn’t care? and Josslyn says, she was all kinds of hurt. He says he gets it, but Trina told him that she didn’t want to be friends anymore. Has she changed her mind? Cameron says, it hasn’t come up, but they haven’t really seen her. She’s been busy catching up with her PCU work since she’s been reinstated. Josslyn says, and she got offered this internship at The Chuck. So she’s finally experiencing what it’s like to work in a real museum. Cameron says, plus her mom is planning that wedding… Spencer says he gets it. He did this to himself. He’s glad Trina is living a happy life, and he’s glad she got the internship; she deserves it. And if she’s happy with that cop too, great. So be it.
Rory kisses Trina, and says he can stop, but Trina says, don’t stop. They lie back on the bed, and I get focused on the fact she’s still wearing her shoes. As Rory kisses her, Trina hears Spencer’s voice ask if she wants him as much as he wants her. She sees Spencer look at her instead of Rory, and he asks if she feels the same way. She moves away from Rory, and he asks if she’s okay. She says, she’s fine. She’s just… He says, it’s not the right time. There’s a knock at the door, and he says, that would be his bed for the evening.
Spencer says he’s hurt so many people. Josslyn and Cameron, Trina, his grandmother, Britt. And being in here doesn’t wash all of that away. He also knows he’s not the person inside these walls, but he still can’t help but hate himself for everything he’s done. Cameron asks if Spencer remembers when they were kids, and he accidentally started a fire at Spencer’s birthday party. Spencer says, of course (🍷); he’s got the skin grafts to show for it. Cameron says, despite that, why does Spencer think Cameron is on his visitor list? and Spencer says, Cameron owes him big time? Cameron says, maybe. Or maybe despite the fights they’ve been in, and all the conflicts, and no matter how they’ve hurt each other, there’s still a bond that still holds up. Spencer says, because they’re family? and Cameron says, true. He’s stuck with Spencer as a cousin, but he chooses Spencer as a friend. Spencer says, Cameron must be hard up, and Cameron says, that’s what friendship is; loving someone, knowing it’s inevitable that they’ll let you down. Spencer says, Cameron is such a sap, and Cameron says he can be that sometimes. But please, keep his head down in here. He wants Spencer to be okay and safe, so when he gets out, he’ll know he has friends waiting for him. Josslyn says, he does, and takes both their hands. The guard comes in, and says, time’s up.
Chase says, he could get back into cooking, but he’d give Brook input into the menu, the cooking, and ingredients, so she can steer him away from anything that could harm his vocals. Her phone chirps, and he says, this is killing her, isn’t it? Go ahead. She takes it out, and says, it’s his interview with the DJ at KZPC. It’s about to livestream in fifteen minutes. He says he forgot, but they can listen to it later; it just won’t be live. (I fail to see how it’s live now, but go on.) She says, sure, putting the phone back, and he says, or they could listen to it now. She thanks him, and takes it back out. He says, so much for pledges, and she says, she pledged to focus on him, and that’s what they’re going to do now.
Felicia asks if Britt thinks Faison stole the necklace, and Sam says, or did Peter steal the necklace from Faison? Britt says, she wouldn’t be surprised if the answer was yes to both. Her father was ruthless, and took whatever he wanted. And Peter was obsessed with taking their father down. If he went to the trouble of getting a special safety deposit box, there must been a reason.
Selina says, it seems like Cody is having a good time tonight, but he says, things are not always what they seem. He orders two IPAs, and Selina says, they have another game coming up; very high stakes. She needs a ringer, and he’s proven he’s the best. Can she count on him again? Mac watches them.
Nina tells Victor, her friendship with Valentin and Charlotte is one she’ll treasure for the rest of her life, but he wouldn’t understand that. He knew Valentin was his son for years, and couldn’t be bothered to send a birthday card, let alone initiate a relationship with him. Victor says, he kept tabs on his son, and she says, keeping tabs is something you do with a distant friend on social media, not with your own child. He says, it’s certainly more than she did with her own daughter. Sonny walks up, and says, Victor isn’t just rude, he’s wrong. Victor says, look, the muscle’s arrived, and Sonny tells him to apologize to Nina. Victor says, withdrawn, and Sonny says, Victor didn’t just insult Nina. Lucy is a friend of his. Victor says, then he understands Sonny’s agitation. He too is bereft about Lucy. Sonny asks if that’s why Victor was supposed to meet her before she went missing? He also heard Anna just got arrested. Victor’s fingerprints are all over this. Victor says he doesn’t know what Sonny is implying, and Sonny says, if he finds out Victor had anything to do with framing Anna, that will be the last stunt Victor pulls in this town. Victor asks what Sonny is going to do; take him out back and put two behind the ear? Sonny says he only needs one. It’s at these moments I love Sonny.
Selina asks Cody if something’s come up, when Mac joins them. She tells them to have a good evening, and moves along. Mac asks if Cody knows who she is, and Cody says, Selina Wu. He met her through Britt and Brad. She’s Brad’s aunt, right? Mac says, she’s also a notorious organized crime figure. Stay away from her. Cody asks if that’s an order, and Mac says, just advice from a friend, or a father. Cody says, good to know, and Mac says, if the DNA test comes back, and says he’s Cody’s father, they can decide what they relationship means for them. He has no expectations. It doesn’t have to be traditional, or even paternal. They’ll just take it as it comes. Sam tells Mac, Felicia’s ready to go, and Mac says, he and Cody will talk later. Mac leaves, and Sam says, Cody left so fast, he didn’t even get Britt’s drink order. She wanted a Cosmo. He asks N’neka to add a Cosmo to the beer order. He asks if Sam wants anything, and she says, the truth. He says, what now? and she asks why he doesn’t want her investigating Peter’s necklace. He asks when he said that, and she says she can read it all over him. He says, she has every right not to trust him, but he genuinely likes Britt, and he loves Dante. He’s not out to hurt anybody. She says, okay, but it had better be the truth.
Dante says he wants to talk to Britt about their last conversation, and she says, the one where he told her not to jerk Cody around? He says, yeah, that one. He might have misread the situation a little. She says, a lot. She likes Cody, and despite Dante’s best efforts, Cody likes her back. He says he guesses they both care about the guy, and she says, seems that way. He says he doesn’t know if they’ll ever be friends, but for Cody’s sake, why don’t they call a truce? She says, he’d better be worth it, and Dante says, amen.
Cameron tells Josslyn, sorry for the mess, as he quickly tries to tidy his room, but she says she’s seen it much worse. She asks if Jake and Aiden are in bed, and he says, they conveniently fell asleep before they had to pick up their leftover pizza. She says she should have grabbed a slice, and he says he can grab them some stuff, but she says she wants to tell him something. What he said to Spencer was incredible. He says he meant it, and she says she knows. He’d never say something he didn’t mean. He’s the most genuine person she’s ever met, and such a good friend to all of them, even when they don’t deserve it. He says, she does deserve it, and she says she should have told him about confronting Sonny about Dex. He says, she can be honest about anything with him, and she says, she knows, and she’ll be better. She can’t imagine her life without him. He says, she doesn’t have to, and they hug.
Chase and Brook listen to Falling Into Place, and the DJ says, the listeners just heard their guest singing his breakthrough single. She asks Chase, how is it going? and he says, all good. She says, his set at The Savoy has generated a lot of buzz, and asks how he describes his sound. He says, adult contemporary? A mix of acoustic pop and balladry? His manager is so much better at this than him. The DJ says, so she earns that 15%, and he says, that and more. He owes her so much. She’s the kind of person who elevates those around her through sheer will alone. The DJ says, good representation is hard to find. It sounds like he hit the jackpot. He says, she has no idea. His manager Brook Lynn Quartermaine is a talented singer/songwriter in her own right. She’s gifted and giving, and her passion inspires him daily. The DJ says, she sounds like more than manager, and he says, she’s his muse. He asks Brook if he blew the interview, and she asks if she’s really his muse. He says, how could she doubt it? and she kisses him.
Victor says, he gave Sonny a lot of leeway when Sonny threatened him about Spencer, but now he’s out of patience. Sonny says, there was a time he would have disappeared Victor in a New York minute, but he’s a changed man. Victor says, made over by love, are we? He wishes his son could have been reshaped by Nina’s transformative powers. Sonny tells him, don’t talk to Nina, directly or indirectly, or Victor will have to answer to him. Victor says, that threat carries a lot less gravitas now that Sonny admitted love has turned him into a pacifist, and Sonny says, some people slip up. If he finds proof Victor has anything to do with Anna, he’ll come after Victor. Trust him. I’m reminded of Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah, and Victor says, excuse him; he really is ravenous. He goes to his table, and Sonny says he’s sorry, but Nina says, he doesn’t have to apologize for defending her and Anna. He says, he just didn’t want to make a scene, and she says, it would have been worse if he’d handled it the way he used to. She’s in awe of his newfound restraint. He says, she finds pacifism sexy? but she says, she finds him sexy. He made it very clear to Victor that he could nail Victor to the wall without resorting to violence. Victor needs to hear that; she needs to hear that. He says he’s done with this place, and thinks it’s time to go home. He wants to go home with her. She says, definitely, let’s do it, and they leave.
Sam and Cody come back to the table, and Sam asks Dante if everything’s okay. Dante says, they’re working on it, and Cody says, that’s what he likes to hear; everyone getting along. In fact, he’d like to propose a toast. To new beginnings. They clink glasses/bottles, and Cody smiles at Britt, while Sam gives him the side-eye.
Trina asks if Rory is sure he’s comfortable, and he says, totally. She should see where they slept at the police academy. She thanks him for letting her have the bed. She’s having a good time, and appreciates him inviting her. He says, there’s no one else he’d rather be with, and she says, well… goodnight, probably not what he wanted to hear. He says, goodnight, and she turns out the light. We see an incoming call on her phone from the New York State Department of Corrections.
Spencer gets Trina’s voicemail, and hangs up. So they still have pay phones in prisons?
Cameron says, it’s getting late. He should walk Josslyn back to her dorm. Josslyn says, or she could stay over. Cameron sighs, and she says, or not. He says he really wants her to, but his mom said she can’t. He knows it sounds lame, but his brothers… She says, it’s house rules. She doesn’t want him to get in trouble for her. She sits on the bed, and he says, on the other hand, he’s not sure his mom would want him to leave his brothers home alone while he walked her back. She says, especially with all the attacks, and he says, safety first. He starts kissing her, and says, he could take the sofa, and she can stay in the bed. She says, they can both stay in the bed, and he says, for cuddling? She says, for afterward, and they get busy.
So do Brook and Chase. He asks if she’s sure this is what she wants, and she says she can’t remember a time when she didn’t want this. He says, that makes two of them, and there’s a song part. She stops for a moment, and says she’s just making sure she’s not dreaming. He puts her hands on his chest, and she says, he’s real.
Felicia and Mac are also getting busy. He says he thought she said she was tired, and she says, some detective he is.
Last, but not least, Sonny and Nina join the ranks of those getting busy. Nina thanks him for today, and he says he loves her. Does she know that? She says she does, and she loves him too.
Tomorrow, Willow asks TJ what Britt is concerned about; Elizabeth says, there’s no way she can turn back now; and Ned asks Michael if it’s something he orchestrated, or Drew?
❄️ On Winter House – the show with the worst people in reality TV, which is a real achievement – it turns out Luke was the one who left, and landed in a hotel. Newbie Jess told Paige that Luke had made her uncomfortable by not understanding her body language, but Craig’s tirade wasn’t what she wanted. I don’t understand, if that was the case, she didn’t just say, back off, nature boy, but that’s just me. Jess appreciated Craig standing up for her, but it just created drama. Paige said, Craig wasn’t wrong, but his delivery was crazy. When he gets in one of his righteous moments, there’s no calming him or changing his mind. Craig said if Luke talked to Paige again, he was going to kill Luke, and here’s where I’m confused. It seemed less about Jess than Paige, and Paige has been friends with Luke for years. Craig’s delivery is not only crazy, it’s backward.
Austin arrived, and talked about Olivia, who he was apparently still dating at the time, and who met this group. Ciara suggested a speed dating type activity so they could get to know each other, since some were old friends, but others practically strangers. One of the few good ideas anybody has come up with on this show. Kyle and Craig called Tom Schwartz, and tried to entice him to come. Despite his divorce from Katie, I think Schwartz is a decent guy. He’s just wishy-washy and unmotivated AF, which is why I think Katie wanted out. This is a long way of saying: Run, Schwartz, run! Luke was invited back into the fold, and in Craig’s interview, he said he didn’t hate Luke. He got mad at something Luke did, and it was nothing personal. Jess finally talked to Luke, who looked dazed and confused, and wondering why she didn’t tell him all this yesterday. At that evening’s outdoor drink-a-thon, Craig made a point of wearing a jersey he’d been gifted with when spending the 4th of July with Luke, saying, it was a symbol. He told Luke, things happen when we drink and explode. As my father would say, is that the royal we, or are you pregnant? In one funny moment. Luke said, we’re all on the same page, and Craig said, as long as no one is on Paige. BA-DUM-CHH! Austen came up with the idea for a sinners party, where everyone had to say something they repented about. They dressed either devilish or angelic, and Austen came as a bishop. So, they just happened to come with these clothes? I have to add, they do make some fabulous meals. Many of the reality shows have a little food porn in them for me, but on this show, the food is probably the only enticing thing.
Next time, Schwartz and Sandoval arrive; Craig continues to be an a-hole; and Paige says, Craig is exhausting.
My head is full of Halloween, but take a break with me tomorrow for some soap, a spot of tea, haunting quotes & an appropriate tune. Until then, stay safe, stay strong in both your body and mind, and stay understanding that friendship is loving someone, even though you know it’s inevitable that they’ll let you down.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
On the phone at Kelly’s, Josslyn leaves a message for Trina, saying, she hopes Trina and Rory are having fun. She’s sure they’re having more fun than her. Cam is working and she’s trying to work on a paper at Kelly’s. Please call or text her back. Dex approaches her table.
At the hospital, Elizabeth tells Cameron to make sure his brothers do their homework right after school. She appreciates him taking care of them, especially on such short notice, and she’s sorry in advance for them giving him a hard time. He asks if they’re too cool to have their older brother taking care of them, and she says, too cool, too old, too responsible, you name it, but she’s going to feel better knowing he’s with them. Which reminds her – she takes her phone out of her pocket – Doc and Scotty are on call in case he needs them, and she’s sending him the contact info of where she and Terry will be staying. He looks at his phone, and says, got it. He looks at it, and says, she’s going to Monterey? She can’t go there.
Finn asks if Terry is excited about the big trip, and she says she is. Not a bad location for a medical conference, right? He says it’s good of her to bring along Elizabeth as her plus one, and she says she’s looking forward to getting time with Elizabeth, and of course (🍷) learning new stuff from their colleagues. He says she doesn’t have to pretend with him. He knows the real reason she and Elizabeth are going away.
At the bank or whatever it is, Mr. Lowell looks at Britt’s ID, and says he’ll be right out with her safe deposit box. She says, it’s not hers; her late brother left it to her. Cody says, it would be under Peter August, and Britt says, or Henrik Faison. Cody says, he was into names, and Lowell says, good to know, and leaves. Britt says, he was into names? and Cody says, it just came out. How is she doing? She says, she’s filled with dread, anxiety, and more dread, and he says, maybe it won’t be so bad. The place seems legit so far. She says, things were never what they seemed with Peter. He was nothing if not surprising.
Ava is shaking a martini, when Nina comes home, and says, it’s a little early, doesn’t she think? And don’t say it’s 5 o’clock somewhere. Ava tells Nina that she wasn’t going to say that. It’s true though. She made herself a double, but she’s feeling generous. Care to join her? Nina says, maybe… Yeah. What’s the occasion? Are they toasting a celebration or drowning their sorrows? Ava says she’ll give Nina one guess.
Walking into the MetroCourt on the phone, Victor says, keep him apprised of the Anna Devane situation. He wants to be updated on any developments. He sees Nikolas sitting at a table, and says, in the meantime, he’ll be focusing his attention on family.
Cody asks, what happens if the box is totally empty? and Britt says, it will be an hour of her life she can’t get back. He says, she’d be free, and never have to think about Peter again, and she says, that would be nice, but let’s be real. That box probably has Jimmy Hoffa in it. Cody and I laugh, and he says, or the location of Amelia Earhart’s plane. She says, or a bar of stolen gold from Fort Knox. Whatever it is, the odds are high or very high that it will complicate her life. He says, not necessarily for the worse, and she asks if that isn’t the definition of a complication. He says, within a complication is an obstacle, and she doesn’t strike him as the kind of person to run from a challenge. She says, not her M.O., and he says, there must be a part of her that thinks whatever’s in there is worth it. or she woudn’t have come here.
Nikolas tells Victor that he hopes it’s important; he doesn’t have much time. Victor can’t imagine what’s more pressing than family, and Nikolas says, it’s on par. Victor says, then he’ll get straight to the point. He ran into Nikolas’s wife yesterday. Nikolas says, he’s aware. Ava came storming into Wyndemere, demanding to know why Victor implied he wanted a divorce. Victor had no right to go behind his back. Victor says he didn’t know he was speaking out of turn. Nikolas assured him that his divorce was being handled. Nikolas says, if Victor is going to force him to divorce the woman he loves, Victor can at least let him do it on his timetable. Victor says, Nikolas seems to be under the misapprehension that he has some semblance of control here. Nothing could be further from the truth.
Ava and Nina clink glasses, and take a sip of their martinis. Ava says, this is nice, and Nina says, very nice. It’s been quite a day, and it’s not even over with. Ava asks, what happened? and Nina says, Olivia let her have it this morning, again. It’s painfully clear Olivia is never going to accept Nina as her partner. Ava says, who cares? Nina and Sonny are going strong, and Nina’s kicking ass at the MetroCourt. Life is good. Nina says, she and Sonny had to meet with Martin this morning about Sasha. The courts were going to appoint a stranger to be Sasha’s guardian, until Gladys stepped in. Ava asks if that’s fortunate, and Nina says, it’s the best possible outcome right now. Gladys isn’t an easy person, but she genuinely cares for Sasha, and she was Brando’s mother. And Sasha was happy that it was Gladys, and not some court appointed stranger, and that’s all that matters. Ava downs her drink, and says, how about another one? Nina takes the glass out of Ava’s hand, and says, how long is this roommate situation going to last?
Terry says, don’t be mad at Elizabeth, and Finn asks why he would be mad. Violet runs in, and over to Finn, yelling, daddy! Gregory follows her in, and Finn picks Violet up. She asks if he’s ready to go buy her Halloween costume. Gregory says, welcome to his life for the past hour. He says hello to Terry, and Violet asks if Finn is ready. He says, she’s really, really early, and Gregory says he tried his best. Violet says she was too excited to wait, and Finn asks her to let him finish his conversation with Dr. Randolph, and he’ll meet them in his office. She asks if she can watch the video of Uncle Chase singing, and Finn gives her his phone, telling her, knock herself out. Violet and Gregory leave, and Finn tells Terry, he’s not mad. She realized Elizabeth could use a few days away, and found a way to make that happen, and he’s grateful. If he’d suggested the same thing, it would not have gone over as well. Terry says she doubts that, but she’s hoping this will be good for Elizabeth. Give her a chance to think, and with any luck, get her the answers she’s looking for.
Cameron says, Monterey is where Grandpa Jeff and Grandma Caroline live. Isn’t she worried about running into them? Elizabeth says, the thought didn’t cross her mind, but she doesn’t want him to worry. She went grocery shopping, but if they want to order pizza, go for it. And she knows he’s going to roll his eyes, but while she doesn’t mind Josslyn coming over, she doesn’t want her spending the night. He says, that’s definitely not going to happen anyway, and she asks if things aren’t going well between the two of them.
Dex says hi to Josslyn, and she says, hello, barely acknowledging him. He asks if this is how it’s going to be, and she asks if he still works for Sonny. He says he does, and she tells him, then yes, this is how it’s going to be. He sits down, and says, he knows they have differing opinions when it comes to Sonny. She says, the man who had him hung up on a meat hook, and he says he hasn’t forgotten. She says, so he’s just choosing to ignore it, or worse, make excuses for Sonny. He says, regardless of what she thinks of him, he’ll always be grateful to her for saving his life. She says, the life he doesn’t give a damn about. He says, that’s not true, and she says, prove it; quit his job. He says he can’t, and she says, he loves the mob so much? He says, that’s not it. It’s complicated. She tells him to please enlighten her.
Cameron says, things are fine between him and Joss, and Elizabeth asks what he meant. He says he doesn’t want to talk about it, and she says she respects his privacy, but if he wants to talk, she’s here. He says, things have been difficult since he and Joss were videotaped. They’ve been struggling to find their footing. She says, because of Esme. She hates what that girl did to them. He says, at least she’s gone now, and Elizabeth says, she should be in prison. She’s sorry for not making things easier during that time; she was dealing with her own issues… He tells her, don’t. He’s so happy she’s feeling better, and doing something for herself. She says she’s going to miss them, and he says, he’s going to miss her too. She says, when she gets back, they’ll do something fun as a family. He says he thought Aiden and Jake were too cool for something like that, and she says, probably, but she’s still the mom. He says, fair enough, and the elevator comes. They hug, and Cameron gets on, saying, he’ll see her soon.
Josslyn tells Dex to explain what she’s not getting, and he flashes back to telling Michael, Sonny had this coming. He tells Josslyn that he needs this job, and she says, because there’s not one other thing he can do for a living, other than running errands for the man who almost killed him. He asks what she expected Sonny to do, and she says, not that. He says, Sonny thought he stabbed Avery’s mom and his lawyer, and killed his cousin. Of course (🍷) Sonny took action against him. But Sonny didn’t put two bullets in his head, and bury him in the woods. Sonny didn’t kill him first, and ask questions later. He’s not happy about what happened, but Sonny apologized, and he’s choosing to accept that, because Sonny’s an honorable man. She says, Sonny has never been an honorable man. Just look at what happened to Jason.
Cody says he hopes what they find doesn’t change things between him and Britt. She says, why would it? and he says he knows how jumpy she is about her family. He hopes whatever it is doesn’t mess up the peace they’ve found in the last couple days. She says she can’t make any promises, and he laughs. He says, she can’t even agree they’ve found peace, and she says, how about this? His support has been shockingly helpful throughout this whole thing. Better? He says he’ll take it.
Ava asks if Nina is kicking her out, and Nina says, of course (🍷) not. She’s surprised at how much she loves having Ava here. Ava says, they’ve certainly come a long way, and Nina says, she loved giving Ava a place to stay while she recovered, but she’s better now. And even though Nina has plenty of space, it’s feeling less like a temporary stay, and more and more like a place to hide. Why is Ava avoiding problems with her husband?
Victor says, this outrage over the woman Nikolas loves is laughable. Do they even bother to keep score anymore? They go back and forth ad nauseum, between breaking up and some over-the-top declaration their devotion to each other. And that’s only while he’s been here. Nikolas asks why he cares, and Victor says, because it’s becoming tedious to those around them. Nikolas says he’s sorry his marital woes are rough on Victor, and Victor says, a marriage that will soon be over. He and Nikolas have an understanding. Nikolas says, things have changed since then, and Victor asks, how so? Nikolas says, he’ll learn in time, but Victor says he won’t allow Nikolas to put the rest of the family at risk with his obsession over Ave. He’s gone to great lengths to insure the future of the Cassadines. Nikolas says, so has he. Victor needs him. The Cassadine legacy is in Nikolas’s hands.
Dex says, Jason Morgan,Sonny’s former enforcer, and right hand man? and Josslyn says, and now he’s dead. That’s what’s going to happen if Dex stays in this position. He says he understands Jason didn’t die doing anything for Sonny, and she says, he died in Greece, trying to help a friend. But Jason worked for Sonny since he was younger than Dex. Over the years, Jason was shot more times than she can count. He was arrested more times than she can count. He was sent to prison. He never had anything of his own. Whenever he tried to do something for himself, he failed, because his loyalties were always with Sonny. Dex says, maybe that’s how he wanted it, and she says, of course (🍷) that’s how he wanted it. Jason never did anything he didn’t want to do. What gets her is, Jason’s justification was always how great a man Sonny was; this noble guy who loved his family, and would always take care of her mom. She and Jason were best friends; beyond. Sonny knew that. Jason would literally do anything for her mom, and not two months after Jason was gone, Sonny betrayed her mother, his family, and everything he was supposed to stand for. Really think about that. Sonny was able to betray a man who devoted his entire life to him. Who would have, and did, take a bullet for him. Sonny considered him a brother. How long before Sonny betrays Dex?
Terry asks if Elizabeth is ready, and Elizabeth says she appreciates Terry doing this with her. Terry says she’d do anything for Elizabeth, and Elizabeth says, accompanying her to find answers to long buried secrets goes above and beyond. Terry says, there is one thing… and Elizabeth says, it’s too much to ask. Terry says, not at all, but she’d be a bad friend if she didn’t say she thinks Elizabeth is making a mistake.
Finn says, sorry he’s late, but Gregory says, Halloween costume shopping can wait while Finn saves lives. Finn thanks Gregory for looking after Violet, but Gregory says, after all the time he missed out on, he values every moment with his granddaughter. Finn says, he might change his mind after this afternoon, but Gregory says, a little shopping doesn’t scare him, and Finn laughs. Gregory asks if everything is okay with Terry, and Finn says, she’s taking Elizabeth to a medical conference in Monterey. It’s a spa, so it should be nice after everything Elizabeth’s been through. Violet runs over with Finn’s phone, and asks who’s this? showing him a picture of Finn and Reiko.
Victor asks, what the hell is Nikolas talking about? and Nikolas says he can’t tell Victor yet. Victor turns away, and Nikolas says, Victor doesn’t like being left out of the loop on mysterious plans; imagine that. Victor says, Nikolas has to earn the necessary trust, and Nikolas says, why should he fill Victor in, when Victor hasn’t given him a single clue as to what he’s been up to since he’s been back? Victor says, so Nikolas wants a simple exchange; information for information. Nikolas wonders if it’s too much to ask, and Victor says, as a matter-of-fact, yes.
Ava says, Nina knows how complicated her relationship with Nikolas is. She’s not even sure she wants him as her husband anymore. Nina says, then Ava must be planning his demise, and Ava laughs, saying, all options are on the table. Nina says, she’s Ava Jerome; there are only two options. Ava is either ripping his clothes off, or ripping his heart out. Ava says, she can’t decide. She’s never been in this situation before. Nina says, Ava will get no judgement from her, and Ava says, that’s not what she’s worried about. Nina says, then what’s the problem?
Cody says he should explain something to Britt, but Lowell comes back with the safe deposit box. He asks for Britt’s key, and asks if she’s okay. She says, seeing it… now it’s real. Cody says, there’s no law that says she has to open it, but she says she does. She gives Lowell her key, and he opens the box. He says he’ll give her some privacy, and leaves. Britt tells Cody, here goes nothing. I guess this isn’t a bank, since that’s not how it’s done there.
Josslyn says, when she met Dex, she definitely judged the kind of person she thought he was. Then he kept surprising her, and doing the right thing when she least expected it. He says, now he’s disappointed her, and she says she’d be lying if she said no. He says he’s sorry, and she says, her too. Not for herself, but for him. Her mom and Jason are incredible people. They gave everything they had to Sonny, trusting he’d do right by them. Instead, he screwed them over. She doesn’t want him to be one of those people. Cameron comes in, and asks, what’s going on here? Is everything all right? Dex says he’s sorry. It’s his fault. He said something about Josslyn’s stepfather that upset her. He leaves, and Cameron asks, is that really what happened? Josslyn says, yeah, it’s fine, and he asks if she’s sure; it didn’t seem fine. Does she want him to talk to Dex or Sonny? She says, no. The truth is, she knows Dex a little better than she’s been letting on. She rescued him from Sonny. Cameron asks, how? and she says, Sonny decided to go after whoever killed Brando, and he thought it was Dex. Obviously, they know that’s not the case now, so basically, she intervened before anything bad could happen. He says, Dex was lucky she was there, and she says, for all the good it did. He says, she seems more upset about Dex than Sonny. What is it about this guy that’s got her so worked up?
Nina says, Ava doesn’t have to tell her anything she doesn’t want to, but she can see Ava’s struggling, and she’d love to help Ava if she can. Ava says, there’s a significant part of her that wants to cut Nikolas out of her life, and Nina asks why she hasn’t. Ava says, things have happened that made her reconsider, and Nina says, that’s not vague at all. Ava says, in his desperation to prove himself, Nikolas made a gesture to show she can trust him, and Nina says, it must have been a grand gesture to have Ava so conflicted. Ava says, it was inspired; she’ll give him that. He essentially gave her control over her life. Nina says, now she’s officially intrigued, and Ava says, he wrote out a confession. Nina says, to what, a crime? What did Nikolas do? Ava says, that’s just it. He didn’t do anything. She did.
Victor says, Nikolas and his son Valentin are very much alike. They both profess a desire to be kept in the loop, yet their actions exclude them from that privilege. They’re more focused on their selfish desires than the greater good. Nikolas asks how controlling his life is for the greater good, and Victor says, Ava has clouded his judgement. He’s handed her the means to his own destruction. Nikolas says, because he loves her, and Victor says, apparently more than he loves his own son.
Elizabeth tells Terry, she needs to know why she’s having these fragments of memories of Reiko. Her parents kept records of the time they spent on the Mariana Islands. There must be photographs, diaries, something to give her a clue as to what actually happened. Terry says, and there’s no chance Elizabeth can’t just ask them? but Elizabeth says, no. She needs to be in their house, alone, searching. Terry says, she doesn’t have to do it alone. Finn spent time in the islands with Reiko; it could be useful to have him with her. Elizabeth says, not until she knows what she’s dealing with. Terry says, it’s Elizabeth’s relationship, and she can do what she wants, but she was talking to Finn… Elizabeth asks if he suspects, but Terry says, no. It’s just so clear he’s all in with her, and he’s a good guy. Elizabeth says she knows. That’s why she can’t tell him. She’s afraid if she says something before she has all the information, it will ruin things between them. Terry says, or bring them closer.
Violet says she’s never seen this lady before, and Finn says, her name was Reiko. Many years ago, they were married. Violet asks if they got divorced, but he says, not exactly. It’s kind of a sad story about why they’re not together anymore. She says she wants to hear it, and he says, Reiko passed away. She asks how? and he says, she got very sick. Violet says, and he couldn’t save her that time? He says he tried, but he couldn’t save her, and Gregory says, sometimes people get so sick no matter what the doctors do, they can’t get well again. Violet says she’s sorry, and hugs Finn. Finn says he’s sorry too.
Britt picks up a velvet box, and says, it’s heavy. She opens it, and takes out a beautiful necklace that looks like something a Victorian queen would wear. She says, holy… She was kidding when she said, it might be diamonds and rubies. He says, maybe she knew Peter better than she thought, and she says she’s never seen anything like this. Does he think it’s real? He says he knows how to find out. Hand it over. She hesitates, and he asks if she has a compact. She says, why? Does he need to fix his makeup? He says, trust him; he knows what he’s doing. She gives him the compact, he opens it, and takes the necklace from her, dragging one of the gems against the mirror. The mirror is scratched, and she says, he just ruined her mirror. He says, diamonds scratch glass. It’s real, and he’s fairly certain she can buy every mirror on the planet. She wonders where it came from, and he says, he doesn’t know, but it looks like millions of dollars’ worth of jewels. He watches a lot of Antique Roadshow. She wonders where Peter would get a necklace like that, and Cody says, Peter never told her anything about it? She says, she’d remember, and he says, could he have told Maxie? but she says, no way Maxie could keep it to herself. How did Peter get his hands on this? She starts to take it, but Cody holds on, and she asks what he’s doing.
Josslyn tells Cameron, it feels like the world is upside down lately. Trina gets arrested. Brando is killed, Diane attacked, and people like Esme and Sonny get a free pass? He says, it doesn’t seem fair, and she says she wants so badly to believe in justice and doing the right thing, but it’s like the rest of the world’s not on board. He says, for what it’s worth (🍷), he’s on board, and she says, it’s worth a lot. He says, her moral compass is one of the top ten reasons he loves her, and she says, only ten? He tells her, he said top ten. If he listed all the reasons he loved her, he doesn’t think the numbers would go that high. Speaking of doing the right thing, he knew about her rescuing Dex. She asks, how? and he says, Michael told him. He’s wondering why she didn’t. She says she didn’t want to involve him in Sonny’s shady dealings, and he says he gets that, but Sonny aside, he has to agree that recently, they haven’t been on the same page. Or maybe he’s off base. She says, no. He’s spot on.
Elizabeth walks into Finn’s office, and sees Violet hugging Finn. She asks if everything is okay, and Violet says, she made daddy sad. Finn says, no. She could never make him sad; just the opposite. Gregory says, they’ll meet him at the car, and leaves with Violet. Elizabeth asks Finn, what happened, and he says, Violet found an old picture of Reiko on his phone, and wanted to know who she was, and what happened. Trying to explain it to her, brought it back. She says, it made him sad, and he says, it was a sad time in his life. Reiko died in a very tragic way. She says, he did everything he could to save her, and made an amazing discovery that’s helped a lot of people. He says, it’s been a long time. He doesn’t think he was prepared for explaining it to Violet. She wanted to tell him something? She says she wanted to ask if he’d check on the boys while she’s gone. Cameron is in charge, but she’d feel better knowing he had eyes on them as well. He says, absolutely. Don’t worry about anything except enjoying her trip. They hug, and she says she’ll try.
Nina asks if this has anything to do with when Ava said she and Nikolas needed each other. She’s dying to know what Nikolas confessed to, but she’s guessing they’re all better off if she doesn’t? Ava says, it’s a wise choice, and Nina says, but obviously it’s really serious. Ava says, if it got out, that would be it for Nikolas, and Nina says, it sounds like that would be it for Ava too. Ava says, Nikolas thought protecting her would be enough to restore her faith in him, and Nina says, he’s not just protecting Ava. He gave Ava the means to ruin him. Ava says, without a second thought, and Nina says, but Ava didn’t take him back. Ava says, he had sex with Esme. How does one make up for that? Nina asks, then why doesn’t Ava deploy his confession and make him pay? but Ava says, regardless of what he did, he’d clearly lay down his life for her. She’s not ready to forgive him, but she’s not ready to give up on him either. Nina’s phone rings, and she says she has to take it, but they’ll figure this out together.
Victor says, Nikolas allowed Ava to destroy his relationship with his son, but Nikolas says, Spencer was angry at him before Ava was in the mix. Victor says, of course (🍷) Spencer was hurt and angry at Nikolas for feigning his own death, but it was the Ava component that’s really alienated him. Nikolas has essentially orphaned his own son. Nikolas says, that’s not true, and Victor asks how their last visit went at Pentenville. That’s right,of course (🍷). Nikolas never visited Spencer in prison, not once, because he’s been too busy fawning over Ava. How can he respect that? Spencer is Nikolas’s son, a Cassadine heir, but Nikolas is consumed with that woman. Don’t get him wrong. Ava is a delightful human being, but Nikolas seems confused as to what really matters – family. The kind he has blood ties with, and what clearly does not. He can help Nikolas with building bridges with his son. He has influence with Spencer, and can use it to Nikolas’s advantage, if Nikolas gets rid of Ava. Or he can use it to push them apart. Nikolas says, classic; using his son and his relationship as a bargaining chip. Victor says, trust him. It doesn’t end there
Terry says, the train is leaving, and Elizabeth says she’ll miss Finn. He says he’ll miss her too. Have a good time. She and Terry leave, Elizabeth giving Finn a last smile before they go.
Josslyn says, so they’ve been a little out of sync, and Cameron says, more than a little, but she says, it’s no wonder. Ever since the sex tape got posted, they’ve barely had a chance to come up for air. He says he knows. It’s a miracle they’re still together. She says, anyone else would have cracked. He’s her best friend. He says, and she’s his, but he misses his girlfriend. She says, she misses him too, and he asks what they’re going to do about it. She says, they’re going to plan something. Just them as a couple. He says he’s in, and they kiss.
Cody tells Britt, sorry about the whole freezing up thing. He’s never held something so expensive before. She says, Peter probably stole this; it could be evidence in a crime. He says, that’s a big assumption, and she says, most likely an accurate one. He asks if she’s going to get it appraised, but she says, thanks to him, she doesn’t have to. She calls to Mr. Lowell, and tells Cody, besides, it will be safer here until she figures out what to do with it. Lowell comes back, and she thanks him. He says, of course (🍷). They’re open 7 days a week for any future needs. Definitely not a bank. Britt asks if Cody is coming, and he says, is she sure she doesn’t want to take it with her. What if she loses the key? She says, she’ll put it in a safe place, and sticks in her bra, telling him, what? Her mother taught her
Ava looks at the envelope, and flashes to Nikolas giving it to her. She takes the paper out, and opens it. All it says is, Missing Something???
Nikolas says he’s done with this conversation, but Victor grabs his arm, and says he’ll decide when they’re done. Nikolas asks, what else can Victor possibly say to him? Victor takes Nikolas’s written confession out of his jacket, and says he’s been keeping this close. He thought it might be useful if Nikolas needed some added incentive to do right by his family. Nikolas will do exactly as he says, and divorce Ava, or one way or another, he’ll take Nikolas out.
Tomorrow, Ava tells Nina that she and Nikolas aren’t done until she says so; Victor is moving into Windymere; Anna tells Robert to look out for Charlotte’s safety; and Holly says she’s just getting started.
No clue why I thought the God-awful Winter House was on tonight, especially since it’s on Thursday. No doubt, I have Beverly Hills avoidance. Tomorrow, the rest of that mess, along with the usual soap. Until then, stay safe, stay more concerned about what’s on the inside than the outside, and stay believing in justice and doing the right thing, even when it seems like the rest of the world’s not on board.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Sasha, Maxie, and Lucy dash into the Home & Heart studio. Sasha says, they’re finally here. It looks smaller than it does on TV. (It almost always does.) Lucy asks someone to pinch her so she knows she isn’t dreaming, and Maxie obliges, but Lucy yells, ow! That’s kinda hard. Maxie says, now Lucy knows she’s not dreaming, and Lucy tells her, admit it. She’s just as excited about this, and Maxie says, is Lucy kidding? Getting to show their products on Home & Heart? This show is like the holy grail of makeup sales. Lucy says, that’s why Enchanted Cosmetics makes a killing every time they nab a time slot. Sasha sees Felty, who holds up his press pass, and Maxie wonders if they’ll see Erica Kane. Lucy says she’d just die; she’d keel over. Maxie says, not before they make a killing and count their profits, which will be huge. Lucy says, of course (🍷). That is if their beautiful face of Deception is up to the task. Maxie asks Sasha if she’s got this, and Sasha says, absolutely; let’s do this. Felty lurks around.
Brook and Chase grab a table by the pool, and she says, they need to talk. He says, lately, every time they talk, his life goes sideways, and she says, she’s sorry. But not anymore. Drumroll please… Today is the day she changes his life.
Josslyn asks Cameron, what’s wrong with him? but he says, wrong? There’s nothing wrong. Why would there be anything wrong? Trina says, maybe because he keeps saying the word wrong, and Josslyn says, it’s his whole vibe. Trina says, look at his face, and he says, that’s just the way his face is. Josslyn says, it’s not his usual open and honest Cam face, and she wonders why.
Spencer tells Esme, what is he doing here? He’s looking for her, of course (🍷). He takes her hands, and she says, well, he found her. Now what is he going to do with her?
At the MetroCourt bar, Britt watches Dante, Cody, and Rocco balance spoons on their noses at a table. Spinelli comes in, and says, how serendipitous. He was hoping to avail himself of her counsel. She asks if he’s pregnant, and he laughs, saying, he never noticed how humorous she is. No, his problem’s not physical. It is in fact… roman…tical.
Cody says he gets another shot, and balances his spoon, but Dante says he’s not giving Cody the crown. Cody tells Rocco that his dad is afraid they’re making a scene, and Dante says, they are, and it is kind of a classy restaurant. Cody says, Rocco’s dad wasn’t always so classy. He used to be a hell raiser. Rocco asks if Cody is sure, and Cody says he taught Dante everything he knows, but Dante says, nah.
Nina walks into her office, and someone is sitting in her chair. She says, her assistant didn’t tell her that she had a visitor, and the chair swivels around. She sees it’s Drew, and asks if she can help him. He says he doesn’t think that’s going to be necessary, but he can help her.
Olivia says she understands Carly not wanting to take money from the Quartermaines, but what about her ex-husband? She’d say Sonny owes Carly a favor or 500. Carly sees that Sonny has come in, and tells Olivia, don’t say a word, but Olivia says, he’s going to find out. Carly says, okay, let him find out, but not now. Sonny walks over to them, and Olivia says, she’s going to go take care of that… thing, and jets. Sonny says, Olivia beat it out of here quick. She didn’t want to get caught in the crossfire? Carly says, the crossfire? and he says, or whatever bad news she’s going to tell him.
Chase tells Brook, his life doesn’t need changing; he just wants it back. The life he had when he was a police detective. She says she gets it. Things look bad now, but being temporarily barred from the PCPD is just that – it’s temporary. He will get his badge back. Until then, there are other ways to be productive. He says, like what? and she says, like a career change.
Felty comes up behind Sasha as she’s looking in the mirror, and takes a picture. She stomps off, and goes to the display table. She tells Lucy and Maxie, the selection looks great, but it needs to be rearranged. They’ll segue from lipstick to their cutting edge lip plumper to the lash lift, and they’ll probably go eyeshadow after that. Morgan Fairchild Haven De Haviland walks in with her assistant, and says, it’s not going to work. Can she have her 5 o’clock changed to 6 o’clock? She thanks her assistant, and Lucy says, Haven De Haviland. Okay, deep breath. She has to tell Haven that Haven is absolutely her idol. She curtseys, and Maxie says she never misses a chance to watch Haven. Haven thanks them, and says she’s a big fan of Deception, and the sales they’re about to rack up. And here’s the Face of Deception herself. She shakes Sasha’s hand and says, it’s an honor, but Sasha says, the honor is all hers. Felty suggests they take some photos for the fans, and as he snaps away, Maxie tells Lucy, Sasha told her that she hired some publicity for Deception. Felty says, how about one with just Sasha and Haven? and takes a couple of photos. Sasha tells him, that’s enough for now. They’ll take more later. She leaves, and Felty says, how about some of the queen on her throne? and Haven says she likes the way he thinks. Lucy asks Maxie, is it just her, or is something just a little bit off with Sasha?
Britt says, Spinelli would get better romantic advice from an amoeba, and he asks if he can draw on her experience then, specifically her experience with Society Set-Ups. She asks if the sermon at the pool didn’t tell him all he needed to know, and he says, Maxie told him she received six months of free service after her incident with the skydiver. She’s had no success since then? She says she’s been busy washing her hair, and he asks, why she doesn’t partake. She says, Society’s match-ups are either duds or no-shows, and he says, that’s unfortunate. He’d hoped if things had turned around for her, they’d bode well for him. She says, if he’s thinking of joining, don’t, and he says, it’s too late. He’s already scheduled date number three with match number one. He shows her a picture of a beautiful woman on his phone, and says, here she is; Brandi. Yeah… no.
Olivia comes into the restaurant, and Dante introduces her to Cody. She says, the Cody? Cody Bell from camp? Cody says, the one and only, and hugs her, picking her up off the floor. He says, Mama Falconari, and she asks Rocco if he has any idea how many calls she got from their camp counselors about all the mischief these knuckleheads got themselves into. Dante says, this guy’s apparently turned over a new leaf, and Cody says, trying to at least.
Cameron says, his mom is sick, he has to take care of his brothers, he’s working two jobs, and he’s still getting creepy texts from randos about his sex life. So stop overthinking his Cam face. Josslyn says she’s sorry, but he says, no, he’s sorry. It could be worse, right? He’ll quit complaining. Josslyn says, he wasn’t complaining, and Trina says, he was just describing what’s going on with him. Josslyn says she wishes he’d do more of that instead of bottling it up, but he says, trust him. She has no idea how much he’d like to unload, and she says, why doesn’t he?
Spencer says he was thinking of going on a picnic, but Esme says she hates ants, and suggests they go back to the pool. Spencer flashes back to Cameron telling him, go to the pool first, sit with Joss, and don’t leave him hanging. He tells Esme, the pool scene is so bougie, and she says, or they could fly to Manhattan, get a suite, and go out, or… stay in. He says, tempting, but let’s enjoy what’s left of the sun, and she says, the pool it is.
Carly says, Donna’s fine, and Sonny says, and everything else in her life is irrelevant to him? She says, those were the terms they agreed on in their divorce, and he says, all right. If she reconsiders, she knows how to reach him. He leaves, and she seems puzzled that he gave up so easy. Because she always wants it both ways.
Nina says she doesn’t see Drew in these offices much since he took over for Jax (who?), and he says, she runs a tight ship; profitable, and he doesn’t like to micromanage when business is going well. She thanks him, and says, yet he’s here to offer her some help? He says she makes his help sound like a different four-letter word, and she says, he made it clear what he thinks of her, so it’s making her wonder if his help would be beneficial. He suggests they leave Sonny and Carly out of this. It’s not personal; this is just business. She says, but she’s hearing his business isn’t booming these days, after the Aurora/ELQ merger that didn’t happen, and he says, Valentin did get ahead of him and Michael. She asks what that means for his future, and he says, the stock is going to recover eventually; so will Aurora. Maybe even faster with a change at the top. She asks if he’s stepping down from Aurora, but he says, no. The shareholders aren’t very happy with him, so he does have to make some moves to placate them. She asks if his first move is to replace her at Crimson, but he says he has no intention of replacing her. He does intend to off-load Crimson. The shareholders will respond very positively to the sudden cash infusion from selling the magazine. She tells him, good luck to him, but please communicate to the future purchasers that her contract indicates she has independence; she can run the magazine how she sees fit. He says, they can avoid that issue altogether if she buys Crimson herself.
Sasha walks backstage, when Felty ambushes her. He says, no worries; he’s not going to take her picture. It wouldn’t be the most flattering. She asks what he wants, and he says he was about to ask her the same questions. Does she need more pills? She says she’s good, and walks away. He asks if she’s sure. It’s going to be a long day.
Haven sees Sasha, and says she assumes Sasha got her script notes. Sasha says, start with lipstick… and Haven says, keep it personal. Give their viewers a confidential glimpse into her life; make them feel like they’re in the know. Maxie and Lucy join them, and Haven says, but don’t get so specific she loses her appeal. Keep it warm, but not too effusive. Sasha has to maintain her credibility. Give the viewers something to aspire to, but don’t come off as conceited. Lucy says, their Sasha is never conceited, and Maxie says, Sasha’s got this, right? Sasha says, of course (🍷), and Haven tells them, just remember what Erica Kane always says… Lucy says, remember to have fun, and Maxie adds, and sell, sell, sell. She and Lucy high-five, and Haven tells Sasha, they’re on in 15, so just take deep breaths and don’t smear her lipstick. She asks Lucy to go over the products with her one final time, and they leave. Maxie asks how Sasha is doing, and Sasha says she’s good; maybe a little dry. Maxie says she’ll go find Sasha some water, and when she’s gone, Sasha goes in her bag, digging out the pills. Brando comes up behind her, and says, need a boost?
Josslyn asks why Cameron can’t unload like he wants. He knows she’s not going to judge. He sees Spencer come in with Esme, Spencer giving him a little shrug. He tells Josslyn, some people have it harder than him, and Trina says, like her? Don’t go there. She doesn’t have a monopoly on problems. He doesn’t have to strong or silent on her account. He asks if just strong is okay, and Josslyn says she’s fine with that, kissing him. Trina sees Spencer and Esme heading their way, and says, incoming. Esme says, isn’t that sweet. One last hurrah before the trial of the century?
Olivia says, Sam told her that Cody might be sticking around, and he says he might be. Her son has a couch with his name on it, just until he gets some gainful employment. Dante says, Cody can stay as long as he wants; they’ve got plenty of room. Olivia says, Dante told her that Cody has a way with horses, and Dante says, this guy wants to own his own ranch. She says, really? Her family happens to be looking for a new overseer for their stables. Cody says he’d love to hear more, he promises. He’s not trying to be rude, but he has to check on something real quick. Excuse him.
Britt says, this is Brandi, and Spinelli found her on Society Set-Ups? He says, Society Set-Ups found them. It’s probably too good to be true. If Society Set-Ups can’t find a match for someone as eligible as Britt, what success can he hope to achieve? Cody grabs Spinelli by the shoulders, and says, take heart. There’s hope for all of us, even the hardest of hard luck cases.
Chase tells Brook, he burned through his savings during his last suspension. He thought he aged out of ramen when he turned 25. She says, there’s an age limit for ramen? (Never!) He says he guesses he could go into private security, and she says, he would look hot in an all-black suit, but she can’t see him turning the other way when his billionaire boss does something shady. He says, then what? Should he become a P.I. and drive around PCU in a golfcart, busting underage drinkers? She tells him, she didn’t say job change; she said career change. He’s qualified for way more than cop without a badge work. He has assets. He says he’s not doing a Magic Milo act, but she says she’s not referring to his body; she’s referring to his voice.
Carly orders a glass of house white from the pool bar, and Cameron says, let him get Josslyn a fresh drink. Anyone want anything? No? Good. No trouble while he’s gone. People don’t come here for drama, but for diversion. He pats Spencer on the shoulder, and Spencer says, I hear you. Cameron leaves, and Esme says, if it will make Josslyn and Trina happy, she’ll move to the other side of the pool, and take a break from Trina’s constant puppy dog eyes at Spencer. Trina says, no drama, and Josslyn says, Trina sees right through Esme’s boyfriend as if he’s not even there. Meanwhile, Esme can’t seem to keep her hands to herself. Did she tell Spencer how she was all over Officer Cabrera the other day? Spencer asks what she’s talking about, and Esme says, Joss is just making up stories because it’s Trina who’s into Officer Cabrera, managing to contradict herself in less than a minute. The thing is, he’s just another guy who wants nothing to do with Trina. Trina laughs, and moves toward Esme, but Josslyn stops her. Cameron goes to the bar, and Carly asks how he’s doing. He says he’s doing okay, and she asks, how’s his mom? Has he been to Shadybrook to visit her? He says, a couple of times, yeah. Actually, he noticed she has lipstick on her teeth, and she says, we can’t have that, and thanks him, wiping her teeth with a napkin. Cameron looks at Spencer, and Josslyn says, Spencer needs to get his girlfriend under control. Spencer tells her, back off. The porno queen of PCU is in no position to judge anyone. Josslyn asks what he just called her, and Esme says, he called her the porno queen of PCU. Josslyn pushes Spencer into the pool, and Carly says, dammit. Josslyn tells Esme, she heard him the first time, and Esme says, hear this, you bitch, pushing Josslyn in. Trina says, the only bitch is Esme, and pushes Esme in. They splash water at each other, and it actually looks like a lot of fun.
Nina says, Drew wants to sell Crimson, and he wants to sell it to her, and Drew says, she has the institutional knowledge, and she has a great track record. She can take her chances with a new boss, or she could be her own boss. She says, how generous, and thanks him for coming to her first. He says, there is a deal to be made here, and she says, a deal that may just be too good to be true. Why does she have the feeling there’s another angle?
Spencer says, Josslyn pushed him in the pool again, and Josslyn says, please. He and Esme both deserve it. Carly walks over to the pool, and Cameron eyes the napkin she used.
Britt says she doesn’t recall asking Cody to weigh in on her love life, but he says, actually, he was referring to his love life, or lack thereof. She says, but he’s such a great catch; accident prone, uncouth, poor… He says, what’s not to love? and tells Spinelli that he’s free if Spinelli wants to talk riding lessons. Britt asks, since when does Spinelli ride? and Spinelli says, since Brandi suggested it for their third date. Britt asks if Cody wasn’t planning on riding out of town, but he says, not anymore. He’s sticking around. Yippee-ki-a.
Sonny walks into the restaurant, and Rocco goes over to hug him. Sonny messes up Rocco’s hair, and says, now he likes it a lot better. He asks, what’s going on with Olivia’s business partner, and Olivia says, that’s none of his business. He asks if she’s looking out for Carly, but she tells him to worry about his own life, not his ex-wife’s. Dante asks if Sonny wants to join them, and Sonny says, he’d love to, but he’s got a meeting. He tells Rocco to remember their rematch with the video game. Rocco ain’t beating him. Sonny leaves, and Dante says he thinks Rocco will beat him.
Brook says, listen… and Chase says, when she starts making sense, he’ll listen. She says, but he’s a good singer, and he says, for charity events and Nurses Balls, maybe, but he can’t support himself. Does she know how long professional singers train before they sing in front of a paying audience? They’re entire lives. Does she know how much training he has? Zero, zilch, nada. She asks if he knows how many audiences pay to hear autotuning and lip syncing, and he asks which one he is; Chris Martin or Milli Vanilli? She says, he’s Harrison Chase, and he has what it takes… mostly. He says, mostly? and she says, it takes more than pure talent. It takes personality, charisma, tight clothes, not to mention the B Factor. He says, the B Factor? and she says, B is for Brook Lynn. She’ll be his manager.
Sasha says, Brando surprised her, and he says, good surprise or bad surprise? She says, good surprise of course (🍷). She thought he was backed up at the garage. He says, he was, but he ran into Michael, who told him about Willow going to the hospital, and he realized he couldn’t be away from her on her big day. Any day really. Sasha asks if Michael said how Willow was, and he says he’s guessing much better because Michael was in a damn good mood. Sasha flashes back to overhearing Deanna order an OB consult for Willow, and she says, of course (🍷) he was. Brando asks what she means, and she tells him to wish her luck. He says he’ll do her one better, and kisses her. He says, good luck, and leaves. She says, one minute, takes the pills out of her purse, and pops one.
Haven tells the television audience, good afternoon. She introduces herself, and says she’s the host of A Little Bit of Haven. Today she has a wonderful guest; Sasha Gilmore, better known as the Face of Deception. She welcomes Sasha, and says she’s so excited to hear about the amazing products from Deception. Where would Sasha like to start? Sasha just looks around like she’s not sure where she is, and Haven says, Sasha?
Cody asks, is it done? and Spinelli says, everything is prepared as he required. Cody pats Spinelli on the back, causing him to spill his drink, and says, good man. Spinelli says, hardly, and Cody says, come on. Don’t be sad.When all is said and done, the payoff is going to be Powerball sized. He just needs to be real cautious… Spinelli says, stop. He need hear no more. Their business is concluded. Cody says his feelings are hurt. Hasn’t he been taking good care of Spinelli, keeping his secret? Spinelli says, it’s called extortion, and Cody says, extortion is more impactful when the party being extorted is innocent, which Spinelli is anything but. Sonny joins them, and says he’s sorry he’s late. Who’s Spinelli’s friend?
Brook tells Chase to take his best shot. Tell her all the ways she’d be a horrible manager; how it would never work, blah-blah-blah. He says, actually, it’s the first sensible thing she’s said. If anyone can make him a star, it’s her. Reality though? Picture him on a stage at some sleezy bar where peanuts stick to the ground, for a paycheck that doesn’t pay his rent. She says, that’s the beauty of her plan. If this thing works, he’ll make bank quick, or at least enough to cover his expenses until he finds out when he can get his badge back. He asks how they’re going to pull that off, and she says, he’ll never have to set foot on a real stage. All they have to do is present an aura of success, enough to attract a real manger; one who will pay through the roof for his contract. A manager like Linc.
Now out of the pool, Josslyn says, Esme ripped her hair out. Esme says, come closer and she’ll rip out some more, but Carly gets in between them, and says she doesn’t think so. She tells Spencer that she wants him and his girlfriend to get the hell out of here. They’re banned from her hotel. Out. They leave, and she looks at Josslyn.
Drew says he took the liberty of drawing up buyout if Nina is interested. Obviously, it’s just a bunch of legal jargon, but if she buys Crimson, she takes control of the magazine, and her destiny for that matter. But the only way this happens is fast. Have her lawyers take a look at it, but don’t take too long. He holds it out, and she doesn’t take it, so he tosses it on the desk. He leaves, and she picks it up.
Drew is about to go into the elevator, when Olivia comes out of it. She asks if Nina is in her office, and he says he just left her. She asks him to hold on one second. Carly told Olivia about her situation regarding her stake in the hotel. She’s been wracking her brain trying to figure out a way to keep Carly in business, and can’t think of anything. She offered to float Carly a loan, but she can’t finance it without help from Ned. He says, Carly probably wouldn’t allow that anyway, and she says she learned that the hard way. Any ideas he’d care to share? He says he has one, but it’s not a sure thing yet, and he doesn’t care to share. She says, remind her never to play the market with her half of the MetroCourt. This place is like a second home to her. It kept her sane even with all the craziness with the Quartermaines. She can’t imagine losing it, and she’s sure Carly feels the same way. Nina comes out, and says, Drew forgot his briefcase.
Sasha tells Haven, yes, the products; the Deception products she means. She knows she saw them here somewhere. Haven says, before she tells them about the products, why doesn’t she tell them how she got involved in Deception? Maxie gives Sasha two thumbs up, and Brando mouths, I love you. Sasha takes a breath, and says, beneath the Face of Deception is someone who’s incredibly nervous. She can handle a photo shoot, no problem, but being here live, in front of millions of viewers has thrown her. Haven says she remembers her first day on the set. She couldn’t stop clearing her throat. They laugh, and Haven says, they have their first caller. Please, rescue us from ourselves. Gladys asks if they can hear her, and Haven says, they can. What would she like to say to Sasha? Is she familiar with Deception’s products? Gladys says, is she? She’s seen Miss Gilmore’s face in magazine ads, and now, watching her on TV, she is gorgeous. She’d pay anything to look like Sasha. Haven says, that’s nice of her to say, and Gladys tells Sasha, she’s not getting any younger. Can Sasha tell her how the lip plumper works? Sasha says she sure can, and gets up, going to the display table. She picks up the product, and says, Deception’s lip plumper was designed by makeup specialists who understand the needs of a maturing woman.It’s state of the art; there’s nothing even close to it on the market. This color, pink rose, is her personal favorite.
Spinelli introduces Cody to his close, dear, very personal friend, Sonny Corinthos. Perhaps Cody has heard of him. Cody says, as in Corinthos Coffee? and Sonny says, the one and only. Cody says he’s actually friends with Dante. They went to summer camp way back when. Sonny says, no kidding, and Cody says he’s got some old photos if Sonny ever wants to take a look. Sonny says, maybe one night Cody and Dante could come to dinner, and they can go through the album. Cody says he looks forward to it. Dante knows how to get in touch with him. He grabs Spinelli in a bro hug, and says, well played. You got game, kid. He leaves, and Sonny asks what kind of trouble is Spinelli in with Cody. Spinelli says, there’s no trouble with Cody, and Sonny says, he’s got nothing to do with this wardrobe upgrade, the fact that Spinelli is spreading money around, that he’s hinting he’s doing things, but doesn’t say what. Spinelli says, he’s the skydiver that fell into Britt Westbourne at the pool… and Sonny says, just answer the question. Spinelli called him here for drinks, and introduced him to this guy. Spinelli didn’t want him to know they were close? How bad is it? Spinelli says, it’s handled; there’s nothing to worry about. Sonny says, if Spinelli doesn’t want to tell him, it’s none of his business, but his business is his name, and when Spinelli drops it, he needs to explain why. He’s going to take a raincheck on those drinks. Think about it. Sonny leaves, and Britt comes back in. Her phone rings, and she sees it’s Zelda. She asks, what’s up?
Dante tells Cody that he’s got the tab, and Cody says he’ll pay Dante back. Dante says, if Cody wants to pay him back… and Cody says he knows; get off his couch. Dante tells him, he was going to say, if Cody wants to pay him back, hook Rocco up with a horse riding lesson. Cody says, maybe he can do better than just one lesson. Did the job Dante’s mom mentioned include room and board?
Chase says, Linc owns Brook’s songs. He punched Linc in the face. Linc isn’t going to want anything to do with them. Now Brook wants Linc to manage him? What’s that about? She says, Linc is dirty. Once he buys out Chase’s contract, Chase will be in the perfect position to get the goods on him. Chase says, so the PCPD can arrest him, and she says, don’t be so conventional. Then they can really blackmail him into relinquishing her songs. She sees Chase’s face, and says, not really. She means… He says he knows what she means. She doesn’t want to help him at all; she wants to help herself.
Sasha thanks Gladys for her purchases, and hopes she enjoys them. Gladys says she knows she will. That’s why she bought two of everything. Haven says, and Gladys isn’t the only one buying Deception’s products. They’re in danger of running out, so the viewers need to make those purchases while they’re still in stock. Brando gives Sasha two thumbs up, and Maxie says, Gladys will be excited; she’s finally getting a raise. Haven says, they have a surprise guest. Please welcome their star seller, Flora Gardens. Flora runs onto the set, and Maxie says, this wasn’t in the script, and Lucy says, let’s see what Sasha does with this. Flora says, with Deception products on sale, she couldn’t resist showing up early, and Sasha asks if she’s up for a makeover. Flora says she couldn’t… except she really wants to, and Sasha says, they should always start with a fresh canvas, which means Fresh Glow for the face. It’s a mild cleanser that softens the skin and makes it receptive to all the natural ingredients… Maxie tells Haven’s assistant that if they need more Deception products, they’re in the stockroom, and the assistant thanks her, but says she’s getting ready for Flora’s segment next. Maxie asks what she sells, and the assistant says, a whole range of products. This one’s really sweet. Maxie looks in the box, and gets an uh-oh look.
Nina says she wasn’t aware she and Olivia had an appointment, but Olivia says she came to see Nina’s assistant. Nina says, her assistant isn’t here; she’s at lunch. Can she help Olivia with something? Olivia says, from now on Nina’s invoices for rent and business lunches will be coming from her office, not Carly’s, so all payments should go to her. Nina says, anything for Carly, and Olivia says, thanks. She gets in the elevator, and Drew holds out his hand for his briefcase. Nina says, so now she knows why Drew is selling Crimson, and he says, she’s got him. Why is he selling Crimson? She says she thinks he wants to cover Carly’s bad bet on the merger. She stands to lose her half of the MetroCourt? Why didn’t Drew just tell her? He says, because he knew she would have rejected him if he did. Unless… She says, unless what? and he says, unless saving Carly is an opportunity Nina just can’t pass up. What does she say?
Josslyn thanks Carly for backing her, but Carly says she wishes she didn’t have to. Things are going to get worse now that she’s banned them from the hotel. Josslyn says, it’s not about them. There’s something else going on. What is Carly so stressed about? Carly says, life is stressful. Just go home and cool down. That would make her happy. Josslyn says, but… and Carly says, but nothing. Go. Carly leaves, and Trina tells Josslyn, let’s go before someone pushes me in the pool. On their way out, Josslyn says, wait. What happened to Cam?
Outside, Cameron asks Spencer if he got it, and he says, when Esme wasn’t looking. Please tell him that stealing Josslyn’s hair was worth making a lifelong enemy of his oldest friend. Cameron takes out a plastic bag with the napkin in it, and says, he’s not proud of it, but he told Josslyn’s mother she had lipstick on her teeth. So now they use her saliva as a DNA sample. Spencer says he hopes Cameron is right. This needs to fool Esme into thinking he knows who her biological mother is. Cameron says, so they can save Trina from prison. Esme comes out, and Spencer hides the samples behind his back. She says she’s so wet. She needs to get back to Spoon Island for some dry clothes and a hot shower. She asks if Spencer is coming, and Spencer says, she leads, he follows.
Brook asks why Chase doesn’t understand that she’s trying to help him, and he says, getting her songs back from Linc is just an added bonus? She says, actually, it just occurred to her right now, and he says, that’s because it takes a detective to connect the dots. Too bad he may never be one again. He walks off.
Britt tells Zelda, sure; send her the profiles… Yes. She promises to look them over. No promises beyond that though. Spinelli joins her, and she says she just told Zelda that she’d give it one more chance… One. He says he has a strong sense her luck is going to change, and she asks if he’s psychic now. He says he’s not jesting. He thinks this go-around with Society Set-Ups will be the charm. Olivia walks up with Cody and Dante, and tells Cody that he’s going to love the stables. The Quartermaines take excellent care of their horses. Britt asks if Cody’s found a new home, bedding with horses, and Dante says, Cody is going to run the Quartermaine stables. Cody says, and get a penny to his name, but Britt says, still accident prone and uncouth. He says, but not broke; one improvement at a time.
Sasha asks if the viewers are ready for the final results of Flora’s makeover, and Haven says, oh yes. Sasha says, ta-da! and Flora turns around. She looks in the mirror, obviously pleased, and Haven says, how marvelous. Maxie tells Lucy, they may have a problem, and Flora wonders how she can repay Sasha for making her look so beautiful. Haven says she’s sure Flora has a token of her appreciation handy, and maybe a sneak peek at her upcoming sale. She just happens to have it right here. Flora says she has a must have gift for all the ladies out there who are expecting. A one-of-a-kind baby papoose. She takes it out, and she and Haven gush over it, while Sasha looks troubled, and Maxie, Lucy, and Brando quietly freak out.
Sonny goes to Nina’s office, and says, sorry he’s late. Spinelli invited him to have drinks, and he ran into Carly. Nina says she can’t imagine how that went. She really did it this time, didn’t she? He says, what did she do?
Drew finds Carly with her feet in the pool, and she tells him, take off his shoes; the water’s fine. He sits on a chaise, and she asks, what’s wrong? He says he did something, and… she’s not going to like it.
Tomorrow, Cody thinks he has the perfect way to repay someone; Nina says, those are her reasons for saying no; and Brando says he has to stop this.
👨👩👧👦 It’s a Family Affair…
All I have to say is, he’d better get his sister an invite to the set.
Tomorrow, we’re back to our regularly scheduled programming… I think. So join me for soap and the lowdown on Beverly Hills. Until then, stay safe, stay unplugging once in a while, and stay always making improvements, even if it’s just one at a time.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
VALENTINE’S DAY PART 1
Terry says she has something to tell Elizabeth, and Elizabeth says she’s listening. Terry says she has her first date with the guy she’s been messaging from the dating app, and Elizabeth says, on Valentine’s Day? Terry says, she knows; aggressive. Elizabeth says, or extremely romantic. She wants to know everything about him, and Terry says, later. Elizabeth says, Terry is going to leave her hanging, and Terry says she has a patient. Elizabeth says she’s excited for Terry, and Terry says she is too. Terry leaves, and Elizabeth puts her head in her hands. Finn comes in, and tells her that she has no business being tired. He’s the one who slept on the bench… he means, couch. That is a couch, isn’t it? Elizabeth says, not up to his standards? and he tells her, he’s just saying she might want to think about an upgrade. Just a suggestion. She says, lucky for him, there’s no need for another sleepover. They checked all the ships leaving Port Charles last night, and no sign of Peter. Looks like he found his way out of town. He says, with that guy, anything is possible, and she says, careful. It almost sounds like he wants to crash on her couch again. He asks if that would be so bad.
Taggert meets Portia at the MetroCourt, and she thanks him for coming. He says, anything for Trina, and they hug. She says, maybe it’s nothing, and she’s overreacting. She’s been acting fine… He says, but Portia’s mom radar is going off? and she says, it is, big time. Trina went on this trip with all of her friends, and ever since she’s been back, Trina hasn’t said a word to her. That’s not normal for her, right? He says, dinner tonight was a good idea. They’ll figure out what’s going on with Trina, and get their girl back on track.
Sonny walks into Charlie’s with a bouquet of flowers, and sets them on the bar. Phyllis says, for her? and he says he just wanted to see how she was her first Valentine’s without Lenny, but – he looks around, seeing the decorations and crowd for the Anti-Valentine’s Day party – it looks like she’s doing pretty good. She says, Lenny hated Valentine’s Day. Every year, she got chocolate, flowers, and a rant about how he didn’t need some greeting card company telling him how and when to express his love. He says, sounds like Lenny, and she says, doesn’t it? She thought this could be her way of honoring him; not to mention, it makes good business sense. So many people feel left out on this holiday. Lonely hearts need a place to go too.
Nina visits Ava at Windymere, and says, Ava looks incredible. Hot date? Ava says, with her hot husband, and Nina asks why Ava didn’t say she had plans. Ava says she sounded kind of upset when she called. Besides, she figured Nina would know she had plans for tonight. Nina asks, what’s tonight? and Ava makes a heart with her hands, and says, it’s February 14th. Nina says, it’s Valentine’s Day, and Ava says, oh boy. Nina doesn’t even know what day it is. Something big must have gone down, huh?
Carly tells her assistant JoAnn, sorry for keeping her so late, and JoAnn says, Valentine’s Day is always busy here. Carly flashes back to telling Sonny that they’re over and it’s on him. JoAnn says, if Carly needs her, she’ll be in the office, but Carly asks her to wait. One more thing.
Nina tells Ava, she’s so sorry. She forgot there are some people who still celebrate Valentine’s Day. She’ll just go. Ava says, she’ll do no such thing, and invites her in. She says she did hear about Maxie. Nina must be so worried. Unless there’s something else going on. Nina says, no. Maxie and Peter’s trail has gone cold, and she’s losing her mind wondering where they could be. The only consolation, thank God, is that Maxie’s daughter was found safe. Ava asks if Peter had her this entire time, and Nina says, Ava remembers. Peter showed up in Nixon Falls, and tried to blackmail her into helping him find Louise. Ava says, right, and he threatened to tell the truth about Sonny, and Nina says, there’s more to that story – a lot more.
Finn says he’ll get Elizabeth a cup of coffee, and she says she doesn’t know what’s wrong with her; she can’t snap out of it today. He says, that’s understandable. She’s worried about Maxie; they all are. It’s Valentine’s Day, and also her anniversary with Franco. She thanks him for remembering; it means a lot. He tells her to go easy on herself, and she says she’ll try. Amy and brother Chet walk in (wow. we haven’t seen Chet in years), and Finn says, it’s been a while. How’s everything going? Amy says, things are terrible.
Trina joins Portia and Taggert, and Portia thanks her for making time for her parents. Trina asks if Portia shouldn’t be on a date right now, and Portia says, she will, a little bit later. She had to spend some time with her original Valentine. Taggert asks why Trina isn’t asking if he has any plans, and she says, does he? He says, no, and she says, that’s why she wasn’t asking. Portia says, sit, and Trina says, they’re acting weird, but she’s hungry, so… They sit down, and Taggert says he’d like to propose a toast. To Trina. She’s strong, intelligent, and kind. Portia says, beautiful, not that it matters, and Taggert says, it’s true. She’s kicking ass at PCU, and she just organized her very first gallery exhibition. Portia says, which was a huge success, and Taggert says, if this Spencer Cassadine can’t see her for the star that she is, it’s his loss. Portia tells him, that’s real smooth, and he says, what? Trina asks if that’s what tonight is about, Spencer, and Portia says, it’s really not. Not completely. It just seems like Trina is having kind of a rough time dealing with this young man. Trina says she can’t believe this. Her own parents think she’s pathetic.
Carly picks up a paper heart from the bar, and rips it in pieces. Sam comes in, and says she sees Carly’s not a fan of Valentine’s Day. She sits at the bar, and Carly asks if she’s meeting Dante here. Sam says she wishes. He’s searching for Maxie and Peter. Carly says she heard he took Maxie hostage; that’s awful. Sam says, that sums Peter up in a nutshell. Carly hopes they find that guy, and Sam says, her too, then says, so? and Carly says, what? Sam says she didn’t think she’d have to ask, but how did things go with Sonny? Carly says she walked in on him in bed with Nina.
Phyllis says, the flowers are beautiful, and thanks Sonny. He says, if he’d known about the chocolates, he would have brought them too, and she says, don’t think she didn’t buy some for herself. She swears she could feel Lenny’s spirit when she paid for them. Sonny says he misses Lenny, and she says, she misses him too. So how’s he doing? Still on his meds? He says, yes, ma’am, and she laughs. She asks how things are going with Carly. Last night seemed so hopeful. He drains his glass and puts it on the bar, saying, yep. She says she’s guessing things didn’t go as planned, and he says, he and Carly are as far apart as they’ve ever been.
Ava tells Nina, good for Maxie. That plan took smarts and guts. And good for Nina, playing along with Peter to keep him away from Port Charles. To be able to tell people she had motivation, other than hiding the truth about Sonny, is a vindication of sorts. Nina says, she’d hardly call herself vindicated, and they sit down with martinis. Ava says, any updates on that front? Her and Sonny? Nina asks what she’s heard, and Ava says, nothing, but obviously there’s something. Nina’s acting like she doesn’t want to talk about it, but Ava thinks she does want to talk about it, or she wouldn’t have come all the way out here. Nina says, they’re friends and she wanted company. Is that so hard to believe? Ava says it is, and Nina says, she and Sonny slept together, and Carly walked in on them. Ava asks, how was it? and Nina says, which part? Ava says she’s sorry; never mind. Carly walked in on Nina and her husband in bed together. That is… Nina says, horrible; 100% fully and completely horrible. Ava says she’s sure it was excruciating at the time, and Nina says, it’s still pretty excruciating, but Ava suggests Nina look to the future. Doesn’t this mean she and Sonny can be together?
Chet says, as Finn and Elizabeth can imagine, they’re pretty worried about Maxie, and Amy says, it’s all she can think about; where she is, how she is, when is she coming home? Elizabeth says she knows. It makes her grateful for work; she needs the distraction. Amy says, her too, and Chet says, he came in with Amy so she could help with the clothing drive. They just loaded up the donations. He can’t believe how many there are. Elizabeth asks if Finn’s seen the bins all over the hospital, to benefit veterans in need, and he says, of course (🍷). He didn’t know it was Chet’s doing. Chet says, after the explosion at The Floating Rib, he was down to one job, and Amy says, the best manager Beradino’s ever had. Chet says, with all that free time, he thought he’d volunteer for a non-profit that helps veterans with physical and mental injuries; make sure they have clothing, food, shelter, and medicine. Finn says, sounds like an amazing charity, and Chet says he credits Amy for getting the hospital involved. Amy says, the clothing drive has been a big hit, and Elizabeth says, that reminds her. She has a box of stuff she left home this morning, but her son is bringing it by any minute. Chet says, getting the whole family involved; he likes it. Elizabeth says she has a patient she needs to see, and leaves, and Amy asks Finn how it’s going with him and Elizabeth.
Carly tells Sam, Sonny gave excuse after excuse as to why they fell in bed together, and Sam says, as if there’s any plausible way that would be okay. Carly says, Sonny’s still in love with Nina, and is clearly compelled to act on those feelings, and Sam says she’s so sorry. Carly says, she’s not. Seeing them together gave her the clarity she needed. She’s been wrestling for months about moving forward, and if it was even possible. Now she has her answer. It’s no. Sam says she figured, and Carly says she’s not going to sit around while Sonny prioritizes the woman who destroyed their family. She’s moving forward. Her assistant is calling a divorce attorney as they speak. Sam says, divorce?That’s… Carly says, necessary, and Sam tells her, she was going to say, more like fast. Is Carly sure she’s making the right move?
Sonny says he doesn’t want to burden Phyllis with this, so he’s going to sit down. She follows him to the table, and says, it’s no burden unless he doesn’t want to talk about it. He says he wants his wife, and that’s not going to happen. She says, why not? and he says, because Carly made it clear they’re done. She says, maybe it seems that way now… and he says, that’s the way it is.Nothing’s going to change it. He sits, and she says, something must have happened; what was it? He says, he’ll tell her what happened. He made his grand gesture because he need a signal that Carly was willing to fight for their marriage. Phyllis says, she didn’t show up? and he says, she did, but it was very late, and he’d done some thinking. Carly would say he’s defending Nina because he had feelings for her, and he guesses it’s true, but he can’t shut it down. She says, and as long as they’re there, Carly refuses to be with him, and he says, no matter what. He told her he loved her, that he didn’t want to lose her, but it doesn’t matter. He guesses he should just accept that his marriage is over. She says, bull. He hasn’t done everything he can for his marriage and he knows it. She loves him and she loves Nina, but she’s afraid she hasn’t been a very good friend to either one of them. He asks what she’s talking about, and she says she hasn’t been very forthright. He says, she’s not responsible for his actions any more than she is for Nina’s, and she says she knows that, but part of being a friend, is saying the hard truths. He tells her, say it, and she says, he claims he’s tried everything to fix his marriage. Does that include telling Carly that he went off his meds, and Nina was there to get him help? He says, no, and she says, so he’s still not being honest with his wife. He rationalizes, just like he rationalized not telling Carly that he and Nina fell in love in Nixon Falls. Relationships need trust. If he keeps repeating the same mistakes, how is he going to rebuild the trust he lost? He says, how can he rebuild anything if Carly refuses to hear him?
Carly tells Sam, the sooner she puts this mess behind her, the better. She really needs to get on with her life. Sam says, that is a natural reaction, healthy even. When something hurts, you want to get as far away from it as possible. Carly says, hurts? The image of Sonny and Nina in bed is torture. Sam says, either way, the place Carly is in is not the place she should be making decisions from. Take a second, a minute, days even, to process what this means for her and her family before she puts something in motion she can’t take back. JoAnn returns, and Sam says she’ll give Carly some privacy. She leaves, and JoAnn says, the attorney does have one appointment open tomorrow, but it’s in the morning, right after Carly’s visit with Donna and Avery. Carly says, that doesn’t give her much time, and JoAnn asks what she wants to do.
Finn asks how they knew about him and Elizabeth, and Amy says, they work in a hospital. Everyone knows. He says, everyone? and she says, everyone. So is he going to give her the scoop or not? He says he’s thinking not actually, and Chet says, excuse his sister. She’s got a Valentine’s bug. Amy says, if she can’t have her own romance, she might as well help other people with theirs. Finn says, he’s good, and she says, he sounds just like Chet, refusing to let her set him up. Chet says he doesn’t need to be set up, and she says, tells that to his gaming console. Ever since he and his last girlfriend broke up, he’s been in a total rut. Chet says, thanks for that. By the way, he gets out plenty. She says, casual dates, sure, but she could find his soulmate. Finn tells Chet, good luck with all that. He’ll see Chet around. He leaves, and Amy says, Chet knows she only meddles because she loves him, right?
Portia tells Trina, after everything she and Trina’s father just said, how does she come away with them thinking she’s pathetic? Trina says, they thought she’d be spending tonight pining over some guy, and Portia says, no. It’s just that she’s been so quiet lately, ever since she came back from the trip. Taggert says, her mom is worried something happened on that trip, and Trina says, so they didn’t just ask? Portia says, they don’t want to pry, and Trina says, this is better. Portia says, she’s right. A manufactured sneak attack was not the way to go. They just want her to know they’re here for her and love her. Taggert says, if Trina has anything to get off her chest, they’re listening, and Trina says, it all started with Spencer’s girlfriend. Taggert says, that punk has a girlfriend? and Portia pokes him. He says, please go on, and Trina says, Esme pulled a mean girl stunt at the cabin, and she got upset, but she’s fine now. Portia says, of course (🍷) she’s fine now, but it’s no fun to deal with Esme’s nonsense all the time, and Taggert says, what’s this girl’s name now? Portia says, Esme, and he says, again? She says, Esme, and Trina says, it’s French. Portia says, that girl is jealous of Trina and threatened by her, and Trina says, Portia thinks so? Portia says she knows so.
Nina tells Ava, she doesn’t know where she and Sonny stand. She doesn’t know where Sonny and Carly stand for that matter. Ava says, surely they’re over now, but Nina says she doesn’t know. She doesn’t even know if she’s rooting for that. The only reason she and Sonny slept together is, they both believed his marriage was over. He was, and is, in so much pain, she doesn’t want to see him hurt like that again. Ava asks why Sonny thought his marriage was over, and Nina says, Carly was supposed to meet him as some sort of sign she was willing to work things out, and Sonny got the impression she wasn’t coming, then Nina showed up, and things just… progressed. Ava says, they sure did, and asks if Nina thinks it was revenge sex. Nina says, no. Say what you want, but she and Sonny have real feelings for each other. It was more like they were repressing these feelings and couldn’t deny it anymore. Ava says, Nina’s wanted this; she got it. Now what is she going to do with it?
Elizabeth brings a box into the locker room, and sees Terry fixing her makeup at the sink. She asks if Terry is heading out, and Terry says she sure is. Elizabeth says, wow. She looks gorgeous. (She does.) Terry asks if Elizabeth is sure it’s not too much, but Elizabeth says, definitely not. Her date is going to be blown away. Terry says, whoever he is, and Elizabeth says, about that. If the dating app doesn’t allow them to exchange photos, how is she going to know who he is? Terry tells her, he said he’d be waiting at the bar, wearing a teal shirt, and Elizabeth says, mysterious. Terry says she’s trying not to get her hopes up. Blind dates are statistically disastrous. I’ve contributed to that statistic. The one I went on was definitely disastrous. That’s why I never did it again. Elizabeth says, but it’s no pressure, right? Just drinks? Terry says, at Charlie’s Anti-Valentine’s party. They’ve been messaging for weeks. She knows everything about him, and he knows everything about her. They just don’t know what each other looks like. Elizabeth says she has the feeling it’s going to go really well, and Terry says, from her lips. Terry says, for the clothing drive? and starts looking through the box, and Elizabeth asks if she’s a veteran. Terry says she’s making sure there’s nothing in there that she gave Elizabeth, and pulls out a garment bag. She says, nice job, donating the fancy stuff, and takes out a dress that has rips in it. She says, or not. Yikes. What happened to this? Elizabeth says, that’s the dress she wore when she got married to Franco.
Nina says, she wants to go to Sonny, but she can’t, and Ava says, why not? Nina says, his marriage just exploded, and Ava says, so? Nina says she doesn’t want to be one of those women who says, what about me? That’s kind of tacky, isn’t it? Ava says, she slept with a married man, and Nina says, she told Ava; she slept with him because she thought his marriage was over… Okay, point taken. Ava says, forget morality and go for it, but Nina says, she’s not doing that. She’s going to stop and think about what’s best for Sonny. Ava says, if it were anybody else, she’d tell Nina to give him space, but Sonny and Carly have survived a lot, and with enough time, they could survive this. So do not give them time.
Carly asks JoAnn to set the meeting, and thanks her. Sam comes back, and Carly says, meeting set. Sam says, okay, and Carly says, that’s it; okay? Sam says Carly might as well hear all her options. That doesn’t mean she has to act right away. She is known for her impulsiveness. Carly says, that’s always worked out like a charm for her, hasn’t it? and Sam says she hopes Carly doesn’t think she’s trying to tell her what to do. Carly says she doesn’t. She thinks Sam’s trying to be a friend. Sam says, good. And as a friend, she thinks she should warn Carly that if Sonny finds out she’s taking the divorce route so quickly, he’s going to be hurt. So hurt, it might be the end for the two of them. Is she prepared for that?
Sonny tells Phyllis, he wanted Carly to meet him halfway, so he’d know she was willing to fight for the marriage. Phyllis says she doesn’t know Carly well, but it’s clear she loves him. Is he sure there’s no way to salvage things? He says, he’s pretty sure, and she says, if he’s waiting for her permission to give up on his marriage, he’s wasting his time. He says, not everyone is as perfect as her and Lenny, and she says, she and Lenny didn’t have some magical romance. Some days were easy, some days were hard, but they worked on it. When you’re committed to someone, that’s what you do. You don’t just throw in the towel when things get difficult. He says he’s glad she decided to stay in Port Charles. He doesn’t know what he could have done without this tough love. His phone dings, he looks at it, and tosses it on the table. Phyllis asks, what’s wrong? and he says, Carly is meeting with a divorce lawyer tomorrow.
Nina tells Ava, she never meant for any of this to happen. If she would have just stopped for a second and considered the ramifications. Ava says, it’s a little late for that now, and Nina says, ya think? She’s in love with a man she’s caused nothing but trouble for, but she doesn’t want to do that anymore. Ava says, she doesn’t have to. If she knows Sonny, he’s off somewhere, nursing his wounds, and spiraling out. Nina could be the one to steady him. Nina says, she’s not going to take advantage of his pain, and Ava says she’s not suggesting Nina seduce the man; just be there for him. Nina loves Sonny, she wants a future with him. Be somebody he can count on. Nina says, she’s caused too much damage by being impulsive. If she cares about Sonny, and she really does, she’s got to stop that destructive behavior. Ava takes it that’s a no; Nina’s not going to go to him then. Nina says, it’s no. For once, she’s going to do the right thing. She’s not going to seek out Sonny. However things land, she’s going to accept it. Ava says, suit herself, but she thinks Nina is making a big mistake.
Terry hands Elizabeth the dress, and asks if it looked like this when she put it in the box. Elizabeth says she doesn’t know. It’s been in the garment bag for months. She hasn’t looked at it. Terry says, donating this is a big step, and Elizabeth says, in the moment, it felt important in helping her move on. Terry says, when she last saw it, months ago, it was still intact? and Elizabeth says she doesn’t know how this could have happened. Terry wonders if razer toothed moths are a thing, but Elizabeth says, there are no holes in the garment bag. Somebody shredded this, but who would have done something like that? Terry says, maybe it fell apart when she had it dry-cleaned, and Elizabeth says she thinks she’s looked at it since then. She guesses it’s a possibility… Terry tells her, say it, and Elizabeth says, today is Franco and her anniversary, and having the dress torn up like this seems like some kind of an omen. She doesn’t even know what she’s saying. Terry takes the dress, and says, let’s get a drink. She’ll reschedule her date. Elizabeth says, absolutely not, but Terry says, it’s no big deal. Elizabeth says, my God, and Terry says, what? Elizabeth says she remembers. She did look at the dress when it came back from the cleaners. There was a tear, but she just didn’t realize the extent. She’s sorry. She’s really tired and her brain is like mush. Mystery solved. Go on her date; have fun. She can’t wait to hear the details. Terry says she loves Elizabeth, and Elizabeth says she loves her too. Terry leaves, and Elizabeth looks at the dress again.
Trina says, she’ll be right back, and leaves the table. Portia sees Taggert staring at her, and asks, what is that look? He says he’s taking it all in, and she says, taking what in? He says she used to be on this singular track, focused on balancing motherhood and her career. She says, and now? and he says, now she’s just different. She hopes in a good way, and he says, in a great way. He’s not saying she wasn’t happy before, but she seems lighter. She says she thinks it has to do with her seeing Curtis. Is that terribly awkward? He says, no. She deserves joy after everything he put her through. She says she did her share of hurting him too, and he says, look at them now. Coming together when it counts for their little girl. She says, not so little anymore. Taggert needs to get out there. He says, he is out, and she says, with his ex-wife and daughter. Come on. He should start dating. He says, here we go. She’s all happy and coupled up, so she wants to see everybody else couple up. She says, maybe. Life does seem full of possibilities right now; brighter and more vibrant… She sounds like a complete idiot. He says, no. She sounds like a woman in love. Her phone dings, and she says, there go her Valentine’s plans. He says, patient emergency? and she says, yeah. Tell Trina that she had to go to the hospital, and give her this. She hands Taggert a card, and says, along with a big hug. He says, of course (🍷). Good luck with her patient. By the elevator, she calls Curtis, and says, she’s so sorry… Yeah. It’s a patient emergency, and she’s going to be at the hospital all night. She promises to make it up to him.
Sam tells Carly, she’s not defending Sonny, nor does she care if the two of them stay together, but as Carly’s friend, she’s just asking if Carly is sure. Carly says, Sonny isn’t going to know she met with a lawyer. Sam says, if Carly decides to pull the trigger, and he finds out, Carly needs to know there’s no going back. Carly says, this needs to be over. She’s done with this situation, and feels this is the only way to do it. She needs to reclaim her life. Sam says, okay, but promise her one thing. Carly says, maybe, and Sam says, go in with an open mind. Listen to what the lawyer has to say, and decide if now is the time to talk divorce. Carly says, what if it is?
Sonny tells Phyllis, it hasn’t even been 24 hours, and she’s already calling a divorce attorney. And not just any attorney. He knows this woman; she’s ruthless. Phyllis says, slow down. He doesn’t know what’s going on in Carly’s head. Don’t jump to conclusions. He says, what other conclusion can there be? Carly didn’t tell him anything. He just got a notification. He looks at his phone, and says, it’s on the calendar with Donna and Avery. Carly probably made a mistake. Talk about honesty. She says she’s not excusing Carly, however, she was deeply hurt be the revelation that he and Nina lied. And whatever happened last night must have compounded that. So don’t write them off yet. He says, Carly is writing them off, and Phyllis says, she may reconsider once she’s had a chance to cool off. He says, listen to him. Carly is calling the shots, and he ain’t having it.
Taggert tells Trina, her mom feels badly about the change in plans, and Trina says, the good news is, it brought the parental pep talk to an early close. He says, Trina does know they mean well, right? and she says she does, and she loves them for it, but they don’t have to go overboard. The waitress puts a dessert in front of Trina, and she says, like bringing her chocolate to cheer her up. He says, it’s the Valentine’s Day special. Can he help it if he wants to celebrate how proud he is of her? She takes everything life throws at her with courage and grace, and he wants her to know, if she ever needs it, he has her back, always. He has a lot of friends in the police department. She says, got it, and takes a bite. He says, good? and she says, so good. She thanks him, and he says, anytime, and they share the dessert.
Elizabeth is looking at the dress, when Finn comes in. He says, Amy’s not in here, is she? She says, no; why? He says, no reason. What’s she got there? She says, it’s just for the clothing drive, and he says he just wanted to say goodbye. He’ll call her tomorrow. Happy Valentine’s Day. He starts to leave, and she says, wait. She knows they didn’t make plans for tonight; this day isn’t easy for her. He says, he knows it’s not, and she says, she thinks a nice mellow family dinner with him, Violet, and the boys is exactly what she needs. They can just order a pizza, and watch a movie. He says, that sounds perfect. He’ll see her later. He leaves, and she looks at the dress again, and we see how very slashed it is.
Terry is sitting at Charlie’s bar, when Chet comes in. He asks if she minds if he sits here, and she says, not at all. He takes off his coat, and she says, teal shirt. He sits, and they smile at each other.
Carly tells Sam, it’s on her, and thanks Sam for her advice. Sam says, sound advice or crappy advice? Carly says, Sam’s right. It’s best to hear what the lawyer has to say before taking action. Sam says, options are a good thing, and Carly says she’s keeping hers open.
Phyllis says, Sonny knows as well as she does, marriage is complicated. He’ll see there’s more than one way to resolve things. Or as Lenny would put it, it ain’t over until it’s over. (I think Yogi Berra said that, but okay.) She goes back to the bar, and Sonny looks at the entry on the family calendar that says Carly added an appointment with a divorce lawyer. Nina walks in, and they lock eyes.
To Be Continued….
On Monday, TJ tells Molly that someone may be coming home sooner than planned, Terry says she’s not disappointed at all, Brad tells Britt that it will be worth it, and Nina tells Sonny that they both know she has a vested interest.
☎️ A Wanted Woman…
She may no longer be running the PCPD, but Vinessa Antoine isn’t lacking for work.
Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction. – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Think before you speak. Read before you think. – Fran Lebowitz
If you retain nothing else, always remember the most important rule of beauty, which is: who cares? – Tina Fey
Every piece of the universe, even the tiniest little snow crystal, matters somehow. I have a place in the pattern, and so do you. – T. A. Barron (So don’t step on any butterflies.)
Love is something sent from heaven to worry the hell out of you. – Dolly Parton
Prejudice is a burden that confuses the past, threatens the future, and renders the present inaccessible. – Maya Angelou
I guess Walmart had other plans. – a woman, who ordered ice cream on Instacart, but got sausage, egg, and cheese breakfast rolls as a substitute
Never love anyone who treats you like you’re ordinary. – Oscar Wilde
🏈 Out Of Bounds…
Whether you watch a Bowl, go bowling, or just consider a bowl something to eat ice cream out of, enjoy the weekend; or the next two sunrises for those off the work grid. See you on the Valentine’s flipside. Until then, stay safe, stay keeping your heart and mind open, and stay knowing, it ain’t over until it’s over. No matter who said it.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
At the Deception office, Chase asks if Brook is working late. She says he didn’t have to come himself. She would have called the baby nurse to pick up Bailey. He says, now that Peter’s awake, he doesn’t want to take any chances. If it were up to him, he’d never take his eyes off this little angel. (Bailey is really cute, and one of those very aware babies who seems to know what’s expected in a scene.) Brook says she appreciates that. Unfortunately, Peter isn’t their only problem now that her grandmother is back in town. He says, her grandmother Tracy? and she says, yes. If he sees her anywhere in the house, steer clear. He doesn’t want anything to do with her. He says, so she doesn’t want him to take Bailey back to the house? and she says, kind of like at the last possible moment. He tells Bailey, it looks like it’s just you and me, kid.
Trina and Ava are seated at the MetroCourt, and Ava asks for another place setting. Trina asks if someone is joining them, and Ava says, yes. This is a working dinner with their new employee. Spencer walks in, and Ava says, he’s right on time.
At Charlie’s, Cameron tells Josslyn, there’s a lull right now, so if she wants to vent about her mom and Sonny, now would be the time. Josslyn says she’s so pissed at Sonny, and he says, keep going. She says, he totally protected Nina in court. She’ll never have to pay for what she did.He doesn’t even view it as a crime. He’s completely betrayed his family, especially her mom. Cameron asks if her mom has said anything, but she says, not directly. He should have seen her on New Year’s; she was hurting so bad. He takes her hand, and says he’s sorry her family has to go through this, but he thinks everything will be okay. How many times have her mom and Sonny been married? She says, one more time than they’ve been divorced, and he says, exactly. He thinks they’ll get through this. She says, this time, she’s not so sure. She really thinks her mom and Sonny may have broken up for real. Esme walks in, and says, oh my God. That’s terrible. Josslyn says, it is, and thanks her. Esme asks if that means they can’t use the cabin.
Phyllis knocks at Nina’s office door, and asks if she’s interrupting. Nina says, is she kidding? Of course (🍷) not. She’s exactly the person Nina needed to see. She takes Phyllis’s hands, and says, as a matter-of-fact, she was going to drop by Charlie’s when she got off work. Phyllis is glad she saved Nina a trip, and Nina says she bets Phyllis can guess what she needed to talk about. Phyllis says, the hearing? and Nina says, it was crazy. She won’t believe what happened. Phyllis says she knows exactly what happened. It finally came out that Nina and Sonny fell in love. Nina says, it was a disaster, and Phyllis says, she’s right. So what is she going to do about it?
Olivia says, Sonny told Carly how he felt about Nina, and she was honest with him about how she felt about Jason on her wedding day, but has she been honest with Sonny about how she feels about Jason still? Sonny walks in, and Carly asks what he’s doing here. He says, he lives here, and doesn’t want to leave until they settle things. He asks Olivia if he can have time with his wife, and Olivia says, of course (🍷). She was just on her way out. She tells Carly that she’s rooting for her; don’t let her down. She leaves, and Sonny asks how Donna and Avery are. She says, they miss him. She told them that he was away on business. He says he doesn’t want them to think he’s gone, and she says, unlike Nina, she has no desire to keep him away from his family. He says, good, because he wants to come home. They’ve been apart too long. He knows he made a mistake, and he should have told her from the beginning, despite his reasons. She asks, what reasons? and he says he told her, Jason died. She says, then Sasha and Brando lost their baby, and he didn’t want to cause any more pain. He says, Sasha and Brando went through a terrible tragedy, and it broke his heart. Then they lost Jason, and Carly was able to express her hurt and grief. He lost his best friend, his brother, and he had to stuff all that inside. He had to be tough for her. He didn’t want to lose her, and didn’t want this thing with Nina to come between them. He didn’t say anything, and he should have, and it made it worse. But now, he’s been apart from her for nine months, and one night. He doesn’t want to spend one more minute without her.
Elizabeth sees Finn in the hospital locker room, and he asks if they’re still on for tonight. She asks, why wouldn’t they be? and he says he doesn’t know. Emergency? Family? Friends? The weather? She laughs, and he says, maybe she’s having second thoughts? She says, no, never. There’s no way she’s missing their first official date. She even brought a dress for the occasion. Don’t tell her that he changed his mind. He says, him? No. He’s just – he takes her hand – he’s just really happy if she feels like she can move on with him. She flashes back to putting her ring away, and says she thinks Franco would want her to be happy, and she is happy, with him. He kisses her.
Josslyn says, that’s nice. Her mother’s marriage is falling apart, and Esme is worried about a weekend getaway. Esme says she’s right; it was insensitive of her, and she’s truly sorry. Josslyn says, apology accepted, and Esme says, it’s just that all she can think about is Spence. He’s with Ava right now to discuss restitution. It’s torture. Not only this business with Ava, but the whole going to prison thing. She sits down, and says, the only thing Spence was looking forward to was their time in the cabin. Josslyn says she’s really sorry, but the last thing she wants is to ask Sonny for anything, and Esme says she understands. She doesn’t know how she’s going to tell Spence the weekend is off. On top of everything else, how can she take this from him too?
Spencer says he didn’t know Trina was going to be there, and Trina says, same here. She’ll leave if they’re going to be discussing… He says, please don’t leave on his account. He never minds seeing her. Ava on the other hand… He sits down, and Ava says, there’s no need to flatter Trina; he already has the job. He says, a job is usually paid for; this seems like indentured servitude. Ava says, court mandated indentured servitude. He owes her. The fake blood did damage to her gallery, not to mention the art itself. She opens the menu, and suggests they have a little something to eat before they talk business. Surf, turf, or both? Spencer says, he can’t afford to eat anything there. Ava has a stranglehold on his trust fund. Ava asks who he thinks is paying for this meal? She tells Trina to order whatever she likes. It’s on Spence.
Brook asks if Chase has heard anything about his suspension, but he says, not a peep. Which is fine. Not having to work means having more time to look after this little troublemaker, and when he’s not watching her, he fills his time with working out, and looking up brand new facts. Did she know the severed head of a sea slug can grow its whole body back? She says she doesn’t find that fascinating; she finds it repulsive. He says, why can’t it be both? and she asks if he’s really okay. He says, he was just so eager to get out of the wheelchair, and now that he’s able-bodied, he’s still kept from doing what he loves. It’s beyond frustrating. She says she’s so sorry, and he says, he told her, it’s not her fault. She says she can’t help but feel responsible. He was suspended for punching Valentin in her honor. He says he would do it all over again. Olivia comes by, and says, thank God Brook’s here. Brook asks if anyone is hurt, but Olivia says, not yet, but if Brook doesn’t talk her down, she’s going to Crimson, and rearranging Nina’s lying face.
Nina says, Phyllis knows what happened at the hearing? She was under the weather, so Nina assumed she was out of the loop. Phyllis says, one thing she’ll never take for granted again, in Nixon Falls, when she and Lenny had problems with their marriage, they never ended up on the news. Nina says, what? Phyllis found out about this on the news? Phyllis says, yes, and Kristina also filled her in on what happened at the hearing. Nina is sure Kristina had a mouthful to say about her, and Phyllis says, she did, but she’s hurt and confused, like Phyllis imagines Nina is. Nina says Phyllis has to believe her. She never wanted anyone to know about her and Sonny. No one, especially not like this. Now Sonny and Carly’s marriage was in trouble, and he was a wreck on New Year’s Eve. Phyllis says, she saw Sonny on New Year’s Eve? Alone? She’s asking for trouble.
Olivia says, then Willow testified that she heard Nina and Sonny talking about falling in love in Nixon Falls, which then Sonny confirmed, also on the stand. Chase says, poor Willow, and Brook asks, how’d Carly react? Chase says he has to meet his brother at GH, so he’ll take Bailey, and leave them to talk. Brook says, he’s introducing the baby to his brother? and he says, yeah. It’s going to be fine. He hands her a paper bag, saying, he almost forgot. He thought she might be working late, so he got her turkey on rye, her favorite. He added a banana because she always seems to steal his. Brook thanks him, but says, don’t think for a second her banana stealing days are over. He says he wouldn’t have it any other way, and says, goodbye, wheeling Bailey’s carriage out. When he’s gone, Olivia asks Brook to tell her every single detail. Brook says, about what? and Olivia says, her and Chase obviously.
Ava says, she and Trina came up with a list of projects Spencer can tackle at the gallery after he serves his sentence. Spencer says, if he’d thought this plea deal meant working for her, he’d have asked for more prison time, and Ava says, that’s gratitude for you. Luckily, she has good news. He won’t be working for her. He’ll be working for Trina.
Cameron tells Esme that he’ll break the news to Spence once he finds out what’s going on with Sonny, but Josslyn says, that’s okay. Esme’s right. They promised Spencer a fun time at the cabin, and considering it’s the last fun he’ll have in a long time… Esme says, that’s so decent of her. She knows it will mean the world to Spence. Josslyn says, the way she sees it, after what he did to her mom, Sonny owes her, and she could use some time away. Esme says she knows the feeling. Before they died, her parents were in the process of splitting up. It was brutal. Cameron says, it’s never easy; he’s sorry. What happened? Esme says, what didn’t? They both know the drill. He betrayed her, and they blamed each other. It was devastating. Josslyn says she’s sorry, and Esme thanks her, but says, she’s not. She may have been just a kid, but it taught her a valuable lesson. There’s a circle in hell reserved for people who tear families apart.
Nina says, nothing happened with Sonny, but Phyllis says, trust her. When the two of them are together, something happens. They have unresolved feelings for each other, and whether they act on those feelings or not is beside the point. Right now, being together, even casually, is inappropriate. Nina says, Phyllis is probably right, but Sonny has unresolved feelings for her. Phyllis asks what point Nina is making, and Nina says, she was chatting with her friend Ava, and it got her thinking. They all deserve happiness in life, right? She knows it sounds crazy, but right or wrong and not now, what if Sonny’s happiness lies with her?
Carly says, that’s the man she married, and Sonny says he thinks that’s who he is. She says, Sonny told her that he has reasons for keeping the truth about him and Nina from her. What reasons? He says, it doesn’t matter; it doesn’t exist. She says, that’s not the truth, and he asks what she means. She says, the reason he didn’t tell her was because he knew she’d ask the inevitable question. He asks if they have to do this now, and she says, yes, they do. She says she asked him last night, and she’s going to ask it again, and if he can’t answer it this time, he can turn around and leave. Does he have feelings for Nina? He doesn’t say anything, so she shouts, does he have feelings for Nina? and he says, yeah.
Trina says, Spencer’s working for her? But it’s Ava’s gallery. Ava says she won’t be there very much in the coming months. She and Nikolas are going to renew their vows. Their first wedding was last minute, so they want to plan something elegant, and in her absence, Trina will supervise. Spencer says, that’s no better. No offense, Trina. Trina asks if he thinks she wants this. Excuse her. She jets, and Spencer says, wait. Ava tells him, sit down. They’re not finished here yet.
Cameron says he knows how it feels. His family was torn apart when Franco was killed. He almost let his anger get the best of him. Esme says, sometimes anger can be fuel, and Josslyn’s phone rings. She excuses herself, and steps away. Outside, she asks Trina, what’s up? and Trina says she’s at the MetroCourt with Ava and Spencer, and things just went totally sideways.
Esme apologizes for getting intense, but Cameron says, she’s entitled. She thanks him, and says, it’s just that she didn’t grow up with her biological family, and the family that chose her imploded. That’s probably why she’s so devoted to Spence. He’s her family now. Cameron says, makes sense, but as far as anger… She says, he doesn’t agree? and he says, he’s sure she’s right. Anger can be fuel. But they can’t let it overrun them. Wasn’t it anger that drove her and Spencer to stalk Ava?
Sonny tells Carly, it’s complicated. He has feelings for Nina, but he’s getting over it. She says, you don’t just get over that, and he asks if she’s speaking from experience. She says, don’t do that. When he asked her about Jason, she was honest. He says, but she didn’t tell him right away, and she says, she told him within days. Didn’t she answer every question he asked? And she’s been asking for months for him to tell her what happened in Nixon Falls, and he was consciously keeping it from her. He says, that wasn’t him, but when she was with Jason, that was her. She says she doesn’t blame him for what he did as Mike, but he owes her the truth. He says they’re not going to be able to get through this if they’re not under the same roof, and she tells him, he said he wasn’t Nina’s victim. Now she realizes how true that was. Sonny was Nina’s accomplice.
Nina asks how many times Phyllis has told her, she and Sonny shouldn’t ignore their feelings for each other, but Phyllis says, she advised Nina to come to terms with her feelings. That’s very different. Nina says, if Sonny and Carly separate – if – does Phyllis think it’s possible for her and Sonny to be together? Phyllis says, first, she’ll answer the question Nina asked. Yes, it’s possible. Now she’ll answer the question Nina didn’t ask. If it’s possible, does she think Nina should act on her feelings? Hell no.
Josslyn says, basically,Spencer would be working as a handyman? Has he ever even held a hammer? Trina says she doesn’t think it’s just about the work. Ava isn’t making this easy on him. Josslyn says, he and Esme stalked Ava for months. They made implied threats to Avery, and, oh yeah, set Ava’s car on fire. She knows Spencer’s their friend, but after what he’s done, he’s getting off easy.
Ava says she admits she had a little fun at Spencer’s expense, and he says, she means, kicked him when he was down. That’s low, even for her. She says, still not quite as low as leaving a teddy bear teddy with a murderer’s voice for her child to find. He asks, why involve Trina? and she says, besides paying for what he did to her, his true task is to make restitution to Trina. Does he think she needs the money him doing odd jobs at the gallery will save her? Restitution isn’t only about money. It’s about righting wrongs. Repairing what’s broken. Restoring what’s been stolen. He says he never took anything from Trina, and she asks if he can honestly say he didn’t hurt Trina. He says, one of his greatest regrets is how he treated Trina. He should have been honest. He should have told her that he already had a girlfriend. He shouldn’t asked her to cover for him, when she didn’t realize he was actually going after Ava. He doesn’t think he’ll be able to make that up to Trina, but Ava says, he can try. Him framing a few pictures with Trina at the gallery isn’t going to fix the trust that’s broken, but trying to make Trina’s job easier could go a long way.
On the phone, Trina says she thinks they calmed down a bit. It was looking pretty intense for a while. She thanks Josslyn for letting her vent, and Josslyn says, anytime. Trina knows Josslyn’s got her back.
Esme says, Cameron is right; about the anger thing, and what she and Spence did to Ava. She’s a work in progress. He says, they all are. Trust him, he’s not judging. If she knew what anger drove him to do when Franco was killed… She says, do tell, and he tells her, all he’ll say is, he was impulsive, and he was reckless. He’s very grateful he had people around him who were patient and forgiving. She says, angry Cameron sounds quite intriguing, and he says, she’ll never meet him, not if he can help it. Josslyn comes back in, and says, that was Trina. Sounds like Spencer’s super unhappy over whatever Ava cooked up for his restitution. Esme says, Trina’s there? Spence didn’t mention she’d be at the meeting. Cameron says, maybe he didn’t know, and Josslyn says, even if she is, what’s the big deal? They’re all friends here, right?
Chase brings Bailey/Louise to the hospital, carrying her in a baby sling, and Elizabeth says it’s so nice to see her. Is she all snuggly and comfortable with her daddy? Finn says, it’s about time he got to meet his niece, and Elizabeth says, she’s beautiful. Chase says, that’s all her mother, and Finn says, definitely, but Elizabeth says she thinks Chase has something to do with it. She has to get back to work, and tells Chase, congratulations. She tells Finn that she’ll see him later, and leaves. Finn says he can’t believe his little brother is a father, and Chase says, Bailey’s not the only good news in the family. Is he imagining things, or do Finn and Elizabeth seem… closer? Finn says, he thinks he and Elizabeth have decided to see where this can go, and Chase asks, what finally changed? Finn says, she did; mostly. She’s been through a lot, and he thinks she’s ready now. Chase says, it’s been a tough year for both of them. He’s glad they can look forward to a future together. Finn suggests they not get ahead of themselves. And what about Chase? What does his future hold?
Brook tells Olivia that she and Chase are friends; there’s nothing going on with them. Olivia says she saw the energy between them, and don’t argue with her. She has a nose for these things. Brook says, that’s not why Olivia came there. How’s Carly taking the news about Sonny? Olivia says, that’s why she’s so steamed. Carly is so angry at Sonny right now, and rightfully so, but she’s also torn. She desperately wants to forgive Sonny, but it’s a massive betrayal to get past. Brook says, if Olivia can forgive her dad… Olivia says she’s forgiven him for many things, and Brook says, then Carly can forgive Uncle Sonny, can’t she?
Phyllis says, sorry she was so blunt, but Nina says, that’s okay. She just doesn’t want Phyllis to get worked up when she’s recovering. Phyllis says, some of the responsibility of this situation lies with her, and Nina says, no. What did Phyllis do? Phyllis says, if she’d been completely honest with Nina after Sonny regained his memory, Nina might not still be fantasizing about a future with him. As Lenny would say, it’s never too late for settin’ straight. So is Nina ready to get real?
Sonny says, Nina’s accomplice? and Carly says, he’s Nina’s protector. He told Carly to lay off Nina. He says, he didn’t want a war, and she says, look where that got them. He promised Nina would stay away from their family, but that didn’t stop the two of them from reminiscing in the hospital chapel. Is he kidding her? Is he going to stand in her way now, and asks her not to go after Nina, after she fired the first shot at the hearing? Is he? He says he doesn’t know what that’s going to accomplish; just forget about Nina. She says, like he has? and he says, she doesn’t want to trust him, and doesn’t want to forgive him. Is he wasting his time? Is she saying there’s no hope for their marriage?
Chase tells Finn, fatherhood has been great, so far, but without his job, he feels useless. Like he doesn’t have a purpose. And he gets the feeling he’s starting to bug Brook. Finn says, first things first. Being a dad is the greatest job there is. There’s nothing useless about spending time with his little girl. That being said, he understands Chase’s suspension has made him feel restless, but it’s not going to last forever. Chase says, here’s hoping, and Finn says, he thought Chase and Brook were good friends. Chase says, they usually are, but lately, their vibe has been off. Hanging out with Brook is effortless, but lately, it’s just awkward. He’s not sure what’s come between them. Finn laughs, and says, you’re wearing her, bro. Co-parenting Bailey with Brook has brought a new dynamic into their friendship. There’s bound to be some bumps in the road, but they’ll figure it out. Chase says, that makes sense, and Finn says, it’s going to all fall into place. Chase asks how Finn can be so sure, and Finn says, it comes from frequently being right. Just think of all the things Chase overcame this year, and he’s still standing, literally. Chase says, thanks to him, and Finn says, and Chase’s own resilience. He knows he’ll never have Chase’s optimism, but he hopes he can learn to embrace life like Chase does. Elizabeth goes by, whispers, hi, and Chase says, it looks like he already has.
Trina comes back to find Spencer heading for the reception area, and she asks where he’s going. He says he’s going to find a waitress. He can’t stand being here one more second. So he’s going to get his dinner to go. After all, he did pay for it. Trina says, Ava ambushed both of them. She didn’t know Ava was going to have her supervise him. She’ll decline. He says, no. He’s grateful to have the opportunity to work for her, if she’ll have him. She says, why not? Good help is hard to find.
Esme gets some coffee, and asks what she owes Cameron, but he says it’s on the house. She thanks him, and says he’s a life saver. She tells Josslyn that she hopes her mom and stepdad weather the storm, and if they can’t, Josslyn emerges strong anyway. She thanks Cameron for the caffeine, and Josslyn for the cabin, and says, she knows what it’s costing Josslyn. Esme leaves, and Josslyn says, is she crazy, or did Esme almost seem sincere?
Nina says, Phyllis has always been real with her. That’s why she values their friendship so much. Phyllis says she hopes they continue to be friends after she says this. Sonny may not see himself as a victim, but what Nina did, pretend not to know who he was, and keeping him from his family, including the grandson they shared, allowing Sonny to fall in love with her, that was a violation. And the only way to make this right is to leave Sonny alone. Nina says, what if he doesn’t want to be left alone? and Phyllis says, let Sonny and Carly figure this out. Whatever the next step is, it’s not hers to take. Phyllis gets her coat, and leaves.
Carly says, if there’s any chance for them, Sonny needs to be honest with her. He says, he’s already admitted he has feelings for Nina. It’s confusing and complicated, and he doesn’t want to have these feelings. That’s as honest as he can be. She tells him, he said they didn’t have sex; did he kiss her? Did he touch her? He says, it doesn’t matter, but she says, it does to her. He asks why she wants to hurt herself; she’s already hurt. She says, she can’t forgive him if she doesn’t know what she’s forgiving. He says, it’s not going to help, and she says, it can’t be worse than what she’s imagining in her head. Tell her. He says, to move forward, you have to forget, but she says, for her to move forward, she has to know every last detail. He says, that was Mike; he’s Sonny. She points at a plate, and says, his daughter wanted him to have that cookie, and walks out of the house.
Trina goes back to the table, and says, Ava knows she’ll do anything Ava asks, but when she asked if Trina was comfortable having Spencer work at the gallery, Ava never mentioned she’d be supervising him. Ava says, she doesn’t want to supervise him, and Spencer’s the one being punished, not her. Trina asks why she’s being punished, but Ava says, she’s not; she’s being rewarded. Doesn’t Trina think it would be a little satisfying, bossing Spencer around after everything he’s done to her? Trina says, honestly, no, and Ava says she doesn’t know why she’s surprised. Trina is cut from a much kinder cloth than she is. Now she feels bad that she sprang this on Trina. Can Trina forgive her? Trina says, of course (🍷), and Ava says, good. Because Trina is going to run her own gallery one day, and she’s going to need this experience, boss’s orders. Trina says, when Ava puts it that way… They see Spencer, carrying a to-go bag, and waiting for the elevator. Trina catches his eye.
Cameron says, it was sincere for Esme, and Josslyn says, it certainly was a surprise, Esme confiding in them about her childhood. Cameron wonders if it was a good surprise or a bad surprise, and Josslyn says, that depends on whether Esme was lying or not. He says, it seemed like she was telling the truth, and she says, it did. She hates to admit this, but there may be an outside chance that there’s more to Esme than she’s given her credit for. He says, if Spencer likes her, how bad can she be?… Gotcha. He asks if they should give Esme the benefit of the doubt, just this one time, and Josslyn says, she gets an A for effort, but they’ll see if she passes the class.
A nurse hands Esme a bag at the hospital pharmacy, and asks if it’s a new prescription. Esme says, it is, and the nurse says Esme needs to speak to the pharmacist. Esme says, that won’t be necessary, but the nurse says, the dosage is strong. She advises a consultation to go over proper usage. Esme says, no need. She knows exactly how to use this.
Olivia says, thanks for the chat, and Brook says, anytime, walking her to the door. Brook says, huh, she actually meant that, and Olivia says, no one is more surprised than she is. Brook says, don’t tell everybody they’re getting along; she has a reputation. Olivia says, Brook definitely has a reputation, and thanks Brook for keeping her from punching Nina in the nose. Brook says, what Nina did was truly messed up, and Olivia says, but? Brook says, but she’s made choices she knew would hurt people. Sometimes for reasons people think are right in the moment, and dig holes that are just too big to climb out of. Olivia says, Brook’s made mistakes, and Brook says, one or two. Olivia says, but beneath all of Brook’s barbs and bluster, she’s got a beautiful heart. She loves without reservation, and Olivia thinks Brook just wants to be loved in return. Brook says, the heart is a muscle; it will atrophy without use. Olivia says, start using it, and Brook says, easier said than done. Olivia says she doesn’t know about that. Sometimes the very thing we’re looking for is right in front of us.
Finn thanks Chase for introducing him to his niece. He tells Bailey that he’s so glad to finally meet her, and Chase says he wants to get her home. Finn says he should probably go find a cure for a disease or two, and Chase says, only if he has the time. He’s thrilled for Finn. He was starting to enjoy curmudgeon Finn, but thinks he can learn to like nice Finn too. Finn tells him, don’t get carried away. He knows he and Elizabeth took their time getting here… Chase says, it took them forever. They were the last two people to realize there was a spark between them. Finn says, sometimes it works that way, right? There were some obstacles, but now it seems like nothing is standing in their way.
In the locker room, Elizabeth takes out her dress. Something falls out of the locker, and she picks up her wedding ring.
Sonny is all alone in the kitchen, without even the moss bowl 🎍 for comfort. He flashes back to when he was in the Nixon Falls clinic after the fire at the Tan-O. He remembers Nina saying, what they have is real. If he leaves, she wants him to know something. She honestly loves him. He takes a swig of his drink, then smashes the glass.
On the phone, Nina says she’s sorry. Her meeting ran late. She’s on her way. She’ll be in the conference room in five minutes. Carly comes in, and slams the door. She tells Nina, you’re gonna miss that meeting.
On Monday, Trina says she saw the Ava that Josslyn warned her about, Victor tells Spencer that it’s time he lived up to being a Cassadine heir, Sonny says he really screwed up, and Nina says there’s something else Sonny didn’t tell Carly about.
The moment we choose to love, we begin to move towards freedom, to act in ways that liberate ourselves and others. – Bell Hooks
The question is whether any civilization can wage relentless war on life without destroying itself, and without losing the right to be called civilized. – Rachel Carson
There are two ways to be fooled. One is to believe what isn’t true; the other is to refuse to believe what is true. – Soren Kierkegaard
You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins. – Jim Stovall
A good education is not so much one which prepares a man to succeed in the world, as one which enables him to sustain a failure. – Bernard Iddings Bell
Art is not what you see but what you make others see. – Edgar Degas
We may encounter many defeats but we must not be defeated. – Maya Angelou
Cry. Forgive. Learn. Move on. Let your tears water the seeds of your future happiness. – Steve Maraboli
If I didn’t define myself for myself, I would be crunched into other people’s fantasies for me and eaten alive. – Audre Lorde
The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing. – John Powell
Sometimes you make the right decision, and sometimes you have to make the decision right. – Dr. Phil
Our dead are never dead to us until we have forgotten them. – George Eliot
🌃 Into the Night…
It’s the second weekend of the new year. That two-day break from work if you’re still doing that, and if you’re on the resignation bandwagon, call it whatever you like. But whatever you call it, enjoy a change of scenery, even if it means moving your computer to another room. You’ve got an open invite to join me on Monday for soap and Deck adventures. Until then, stay safe, stay leaving them wanting more, and stay leaving it alone, if the next step is not yours to take.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Today’s drinking game will include extra words because, New Year’sEve (🍷).
Portia comes into The Savoy, and Curtis says she looks stunning. She tells him that he cleans up pretty nicely himself. He says, it’s a big occasion, and she says, happy New Year (🍷). He says, not just New Year (🍷); new beginnings. Right here with her, where it all started. He kisses her. Martin comes in with Lucy, and says, good evening and happy New Year (🍷), to Nika, who’s playing hostess. He asks if Valentin has a reservation this evening, and Lucy wonders why he needs to know.
At Kelly’s, Valentin sees Anna, and asks if the seat across from her is taken. He sits, and she asks if this is when he asks her about the conversation with his purported father. He says he couldn’t care less about anything Victor says or does, and she says, her either, but she thought he’d want to hear what was said. He says, not really. He and Anna have been tiptoeing around each other for far too long. He’s over it, and thinks she is too. So why doesn’t she let him take her out tonight? They can kick this wretched year to the curb, and start 2022 (🍷) fresh, the best way he can think of starting it – with each other.
Holding a gift bag, Drew knocks on Sam’s door, and when she answers, he says, surprise.
On the phone, Josslyn says she was really looking forward to them having her dad’s house to themselves, and Cameron asks if she’s sure she can’t get away. She says, unfortunately, something major happened with her mom, and she’s sorry, but she can’t leave. She’s really going to miss being with him tonight. He says, him too; she has no idea. She says she thinks she does. She’ll call him at midnight.
Michael tells Willow that Dante just texted him. He found Sonny. Willow hopes he’s okay, and Michael says, he’ll be fine, but he thinks it’s best if Sonny keeps his distance for a little while after he hurt mom. She says she’s so sorry. She can’t believe the mess she made. He says, she did nothing wrong. She told the truth about his father, which is something his father should have done a long time ago.
Carly takes down Sonny’s stocking from the fireplace, and looks at it. Then she looks at a picture of the two of them. Michael comes in, and says, mom? Carly says, excuse her, but he says, just talk to them. Willow says she’s so sorry about what happened in court, and Carly says, when Willow testified that she’d known for weeks about Sonny and Nina, did it ever occur to Willow to let her know her husband had fallen in love with someone else?
Maxie and Nina sit down at the Savoy, and Maxie asks, what’s wrong with Nina?. She gets to ring in 2022 (🍷) free as a bird; she should be celebrating. Nina says she should, but she’s not exactly in the mood. Scotty’s legal maneuvering kept her out of jail, but he blew up her life. And possibly Sonny and Carly’s.
Sonny knocks back drinks at Charlie’s, a stack of crumpled bills on the bar, when Dante walks in. Sonny asks what he’s doing there, and Dante says, Michael called him. He was looking for Sonny. Sonny says, congratulations. Dante found him. Dante says he can see that. Michael also told him about the hearing, that Willow took the stand and testified that Sonny and Nina fell in love in Nixon Falls. Sonny says he did not fall in love with Nina. That was Mike. He didn’t know who the hell he was, but he can’t get Carly to see that. She kicked him out. What if he never gets her to understand? What if he’s lost her forever? He slugs back another drink.
Drew apologizes for not calling first, and tells Sam, he promised Scout that he’d drop by with something special for New Year’s Eve (🍷). She says, it’s fine. Scout will be happy to see him. He says, here’s hoping, and she says, enough with the false modesty. Their daughter adores him.
Martin says, Valentin is his most lucrative client, and Lucy says, so the more the merrier. He says, no, far from it. As a matter-of-fact, Valentin made it clear that his and Lucy’s association is a bit of a conflict of interest. So much so, he issued an ultimatum; either his business or her. She says, obviously he chose her, but he says he doesn’t see why he should have to make a choice at all. He’s not here, and he’s not going to be here. The way Martin sees it, if they don’t make a scene, he can have his hummingbird cake and eat it too. How does that sound?
Maxie says, so Willow said Nina and Sonny fell in love. In court. On the stand. Nina says, yep, and Maxie says, wow. That is so dramatic. How did she even know? Nina says, Willow overheard her and Sonny talking in private, and she convinced Willow to keep it a secret, but Scotty pried it out of Willow. Maxie asks how Scotty found out, and Nina says she has no idea. Obrecht joins them, telling them, happy New Year (🍷). She sees Nina’s face, and says, what?
Scotty gives Cameron and Aiden what look like cassette tapes, and says he’s sorry he didn’t get these to them before Christmas. He tells Elizabeth that he has one for Jake too, but she says, he’s at a sleepover. She’ll make sure he gets it. He says he didn’t know Violet was going to be there, but Finn says, it’s okay. Scotty says, who doesn’t need five bucks? and Cameron says, Franco used to say that. Finn says, okay, and Violet takes the money, thanking Scotty. Scotty says he bets Franco did; he was always bumming five bucks from him. Aiden wonders what the gift is, and Cameron says, they’re old school tapes of sorts. Scotty says, it’s Franco’s music. He thought they could listen to it and keep Franco’s memory alive on New Year’s (🍷). Franco always liked this really crazy music. What do they think? Elizabeth looks sad.
Michael says, Willow came to apologize, and Willow says she’s so sorry. She never wanted to say what she had to at that hearing, but she had no choice. Carly says, she had a choice before. She chose to keep it to herself. Willow says, was she supposed to tell Carly that she overheard Sonny and Nina talking about how he fell in love in Nixon Falls, when he didn’t know who he was? It was over. Sonny is back, and Carly is the one he loves, not Nina. She didn’t want to hurt their marriage. She didn’t want to hurt Carly. Carly whirls around and says, but you did, Blanche! Oh wait, wrong drama. Carly asks if Willow didn’t want to hurt her, or did Nina ask her not to?
Dante says, Sonny has to give Carly some time. She’s got to remember that Sonny is Sonny. He’s not that guy who fell for Nina in Nixon Falls. Mike is gone; he doesn’t exist. Sonny says he told her, and it doesn’t matter, but Dante says, eventually, it will. How many times have they broken up? Sooner or later – hopefully sooner – Carly will come around and realize there’s nothing left between him and Nina. That’s right, isn’t it? There’s nothing left? Sonny asks if Dante shouldn’t be with Sam, but Dante says he’s got to get Sonny squared away first. Sonny says he just wants to be with his wife. There’s nothing Dante can do about that. Dante says, just like there’s nothing Sonny can do about falling for Nina when he thought he was someone else. That’s love. It’s like chemical stuff. There’s nothing you can do to control that. Nina is the guilty party here. Sonny didn’t do anything wrong, and Carly’s going to see that. Sonny says, that’s not the problem; not the whole problem anyway. He should have told Carly what happened in Nixon Falls before it came out in that courtroom. Dante asks why he didn’t.
Michael tells Carly, attacking Willow isn’t going to make this any better, and Josslyn says, Michael’s right. The blame is not on Willow; it’s on Nina. She’s the one who let Sonny keep thinking he was Mike. Michael says, and when they fell in love, Nina kept this whole sorry charade going. Carly asks Willow if Nina asked her to keep her and Sonny’s secret, and Willow says, yes, she did. Carly asks if Michael knew, but he says, no, not until the hearing. She says, and he’s okay with that; that Willow chose Nina over him. Over the family who welcomed her with open arms.
Nina says, it was Obrecht who told Scotty about her and Sonny, and Obrecht says, gerne geschehen (you’re welcome). Nina says, Scotty figured out that Willow knew something. How could she? Obrecht says Nina is free; that’s all that matters. Nina says, at what cost? She and Scotty might have wrecked Carly and Sonny’s marriage. Obrecht says, pity, and calls for more champagne. She asks why they’re not drinking yet, and Nina says, and destroyed her life. Obrecht says, all the more reason she should be drinking, and she didn’t destroy Nina’s life. On the contrary. She saved it.
Curtis tells Portia, he’s allowed this club and his father to monopolize his attention when he should have been giving her his time and energy. She thanks him, but says, all the time and energy he’s put into this club has been totally worth it. The Savoy is a success. And so is he. He thanks her, and says he didn’t think he needed to hear that, but he did. She says, as far as his father goes… He says, he doesn’t really want to talk about that man when he’s trying to have a special evening with his lady. She says, that’s always nice to hear, and he says, in fact, he’d like for them to be closer. She says, what a coincidence, because she wants that too, and he kisses her.
Scotty says, they’ve got to remember all the times with Franco, but they’ve also got to live their lives; he would want that. He tells Elizabeth that he’s sorry, and asks if he stuck his foot in it again. She says, no. Cameron just said something to her like that, and Scotty tells Finn that he’s got to watch his step. This is his family. They’re his heart. Finn says, his too, and Scotty says, but don’t tell anybody he has a heart. Finn asks who’d believe him? and Scotty says, nobody. He tells them, happy New Year (🍷), and leaves, and Finn asks if Elizabeth is okay. She says she’s just glad he’s here to help her bring in a brand new year.
In the kitchen, Elizabeth tells Aiden to bring the cake in, and she’ll clean up in here. Finn says, he’ll do it, and she says, she’ll wash; he’ll dry? He says, deal, and she puts her wedding ring on the shelf above the sink.
Sam brings Scout downstairs, and Drew says she looks adorable. Does she remember he said he’d bring something special by for New Year’s Eve (🍷)? She nods, and he says he hopes she likes them. He takes a pair of gold 2022 (🍷) sunglasses out of the bag, and asks if he can put them on her. She says, yes, and he does. He and Sam rave about how she looks, and Drew says, 2022 (🍷) coming. He has noisemakers too, and Sam tells Scout not to make too much noise for mommy, but Drew suggests she make noise all night. He thought Sam would look good in a pair of them too, and gives her a silver pair. She says he knows she loves a good pair of sunglasses, and Scout asks if Drew will stay until midnight.
Willow says she saw that Carly and Sonny were happy together. Why change that? Carly says, because Willow knew Sonny was in love with someone else. Michael says, he’s not defending dad, far from it, but Sonny doesn’t love Nina, and Mike from Nixon Falls doesn’t even exist anymore. Carly says, last night, she asked Sonny point blank if he still had feelings for Nina, and he couldn’t answer her. Josslyn asks if Sonny’s been cheating on Carly, and Carly tells her, he says not. Josslyn asks if Carly believes him, but Carly says she doesn’t know. She doesn’t know what to believe. Sonny says he still loves her, but she doesn’t know how he could, when a part of him is still in Nixon Falls with Nina. She says she doesn’t know what the hell to believe, and storms out.
Sonny tells Dante, when he got his memories back, when he knew who he was, he lashed out at Nina, like she was a stranger and enemy. Dante says, when it came to filing charges, it was Michael’s call, not Sonny’s; why? Sonny says, he wanted it to be over. He didn’t want to relive it in a courtroom. He was going to tell Carly privately, then Jason died. They were grieving, then Sasha and Brando’s baby died, and he thought it would be cruel to tell Carly then. He wanted some distance from all the loss, and he waited too long. He asks for another drink, and Dante says, so when it came to Sonny’s testimony, he said what Nina did to him was not a crime, right? Sonny says, she lashed out. She was hurt. That’s what people do when they’re hurt. Dante says, so is he saying he feels sorry for Nina, after she kept him from the people who love him? Sonny tells him, he didn’t say he felt sorry for her, and Dante says, but he felt something? Sonny says, yeah, and Dante asks if he still feels something. Sonny says, yeah, and Dante wonders what that something could be. Sonny says, here’s the problem. It’s like Mike is still in him. He didn’t leave all of Mike behind in Nixon Falls. He still carries a small piece of Mike’s heart, and God help him, that small piece of Mike’s heart belongs in some way to Nina.
Carly goes out on the terrace, and says, Jason, where are you? Why aren’t you here?
The kids bring their dishes into the kitchen, and Violet tells Aiden, that cake was super delicious. Cameron says he agrees, and says, it was top-notch. Aiden says he can’t take all the credit; it was Franco’s idea. Cameron says, Aiden baked it, and Elizabeth says, the fireworks are about to start. She tells them to get ready, and they go upstairs. Elizabeth tells Finn, she’s sorry if Franco’s presence… They just really miss him. He says, it’s okay. It’s nice they can share their memories. Franco obviously did a lot of good for the family, and her. She feels around the shelf, and looks around the sink, and says, her ring; it’s gone. It must have fallen down the drain.
Drew says, he’d absolutely love to stay, but something tells him, midnight past Scout’s bedtime. Sam asks Scout if she remembers that she wanted to wait until her brother got home to celebrate, but Scout says, that was before they got these glasses. Drew says he has to get home, but how about if he gives her an airplane ride all the way upstairs and tucks her in? Sam says, sounds like fun, and Drew says, one… two… takeoff! He picks Scout up and spins her around, then takes her upstairs.
Dante says, he doesn’t entirely understand what Sonny went through, but Sonny can’t just forget what happened while he was Mike. Those feelings and experiences were real. It’s a real part of him; it doesn’t just vanish. Sonny says, a shadow, an echo; Mike is still in here. Don’t get him wrong, it’s not like the feelings he has for Nina have anything to do with the love he feels for Carly. Nina’s like an ex. He laughs, and says, she’s just going to fade away. Dante says, it might not happen while Sonny is drinking himself into oblivion though, and Sonny says, it needs to start fading tomorrow. Tomorrow is New Year’s Day (🍷). It’s a good time to hit the… Dante says, reset? True enough. Sonny laughs, and says, the last thing he wants is to have Dante sitting with him at a bar, when he could be ringing in the New Year with Sam. Dante says, okay, he’ll go, and asks Sonny where he’s staying; he’ll drop Sonny off. Sonny says, he’s fine, and Dante asks if he’s is sure he’s okay? Sonny says he’s a big boy; he can take care of himself. They hug, and Sonny thanks Dante for being him, and a great son. Dante slips Sonny’s keys in his pocket, and says he wants Sonny to know that everything he said stays between them. Sonny thanks him, and Dante tells him, be good, and leaves.
Josslyn says she can’t believe Sonny did this, and Michael says he gets that Sonny was protecting Carly by keeping it a secret, but that doesn’t excuse it or make it right. Josslyn says, what’s that saying? It’s not the crime, it’s the cover-up. Willow says, sometimes the worst things happen when we try to shield our loved ones from knowing the truth, when Carly comes back in. She says she’s sorry. She knows they’re here for her, and she loves them for that. All of them. She takes Willow’s hand.
Scotty walks over to Obrecht’s table, and asks, where’s the champagne?Life’s a ball, and we’ve got a lot of living to do here. Obrecht says she’s afraid Nina doesn’t see it that way, and Scotty asks if Nina is still upset. Nina says, the last thing she wanted was for her and Sonny’s feelings for each other in Nixon Falls to be used as a weapon. He says, funny. He didn’t think she’d want to rot in a prison in Pennsylvania. If he blindsided Willow, he had to; they would have lost. Nina says, she would have taken the risk. Now, Sonny and Carly are hurt; the whole family is devastated. He says he didn’t know the Corinthos family morale was of such importance to her. Maybe Nina should have told them Sonny was alive a year ago instead of keeping it a little secret. Nina says she’s so sorry. She can’t stay here. She tells Maxie that she’s sorry; happy New Year (🍷); she loves her. She’s mad at Obrecht, but happy New Year (🍷). She leaves, and Maxie says, unbelievable. Scotty is as tactless as he is rumpled. She follows Nina, and Scotty asks, what’s this rumpled business? Obrecht just looks at him, and he asks what he did. She tells him that he said too much that wasn’t necessary, and he says, he got the charges dropped. She says, he didn’t have to rub Nina’s nose in her mistake, and he asks if they’re having a little love spat.
Martin says, as much as he loves showing Lucy off for this crowd, how would she feel about coming back to his place? She says she kind of knows exactly what he’s doing, and kisses him. She says, okay, and they get up. He sees Valentin come in with Anna, and leads Lucy out the back door. He says, this is not an exit, and she says, it’s kind of like they’re hiding out. He wonders how they’re going to get out of there, and she says, it would be very simple if he’d just fire Valentin as a client and pick her.
Curtis says he’s been thinking about the first time he and Portia were together. It was so wrong, but so much was so right, because it brought him here tonight, making memories with a caring, kind, intelligent, beautiful woman. Portia asks if he’s saying he’s feeling her, and he says he’s feeling her. He’s fallen for her.
Valentin tells Anna, oh look, Martin’s here. That means Lucy Coe can’t be far behind. She asks why that matters, when Martin approaches their table. He says, if it isn’t his favorite client, and his favorite operative. Happy New Year (🍷). He tells Anna that she looks exquisite. As a matter-of-fact, they’re a matched set. Come to think of it, it’s kind of sad. Valentin asks, what’s sad? and Martin says, he looks as good as they do, but he has no one to dance with. He’s alone; bereft of company, on the busiest date night of the year.
In the back, Lucy puts on a New Year’s hat and glasses. She sees Maxie, and says she needs Maxie’s help desperately. If she doesn’t get out of here without Valentin seeing her, Martin is going to lose his most lucrative client. Please, please, please. Maxie relents, and Lucy thanks her. They go inside, and Maxie says, stick with me. She’s got Lucy’s back.
Finn messes around under the sink, and Elizabeth asks if he’s sure he knows what he’s doing under there. He doesn’t strike her as the handy type. He says, really? He’ll have her know, he put himself through two years of medical school working at a plumbing company. She says, really? and he says, really. He drops the wrench, and we hear water splash. He comes out, and she asks if he’s okay, handing him a towel. He wipes his face, and stands up, saying, refreshing. He holds out her ring on his pinkie, and she thanks him. She starts to put it on, but stops, and looks at Finn.
Sam lets Dante in, and he says, nice sunglasses. She says, Drew got them for her and Scout. It was a surprise. Drew comes downstairs, thanking Sam for letting him tuck Scout in. He sees Dante, and Dante holds out his hand, saying, happy New Year (🍷). They shake hands, and Drew says, happy 2022 (🍷) to the both of them. Have a good night; he’ll see them around. He starts to leave, but Sam says, Drew. He turns around, and she hugs him, saying, any time, while Dante pretends to look at something on the desk. Drew leaves, and Sam says, he only stopped by to see Scout. He says she doesn’t have to explain anything to him. He gets it. Sam says, okay, and he says, it’s all good. He takes her hand, leading her to the couch, and says, the countdown’s about to begin. In the hallway, Drew puts on his coat, and leaves for real.
Carly makes a beeline for the door, and Josslyn asks where she’s going. Carly says she needs to get out of the house and unthink. Michael asks if she’s okay to drive, and she says she is. It’s a lot to take in. She needs to deal with her thoughts. He tells her, just be careful, and she says she will. She leaves, and Josslyn says, she’s going to be okay, right? Michael says she knows mom. When things are tough, she puts her guard up. That’s how she deals. Josslyn says she’s going out for a bit, and Willow asks if she’s going to follow her mom. Josslyn says, no. The way she drives, she’s halfway to wherever she’s going by now. Josslyn leaves, and Michael says, it must be almost midnight, and Willow says, pretty close. He says he’s not in the mood to celebrate, and Willow says, yeah. He takes her hand, and pulls her into a hug.
The guests at The Savoy count down, and yell, happy New Year (🍷)! Maxie brings Lucy through the club. Scotty and Obrecht kiss. Valentin and Anna kiss. Martin slips out after Lucy and Maxie, and he and Lucy leave together, Maxie giving them a thumbs up. Curtis and Portia kiss, and there’s lots of horn blowing, but no confetti. I’m guessing Curtis doesn’t want to clean that mess up.
Sonny looks around, and sees Nina come into Charlie’s.
Curtis and Portia go back to one of their places – a bedroom with a lot of lit candles – and get busy, while a female vocal of Auld Lang Syne plays. Fireworks go off, both figuratively and literally. The song continues to play in the background for the rest of the show.
Anna and Valentin kiss some more. He says, they should do this more often. I concur.
Nina tells Sonny, she just stopped by to say hello to Phyllis, but he says, Phyllis isn’t there. He has to go. She says she doesn’t think he should drive, but he says he’s fine. He wonders where his keys are, and she says if he needs a ride, she’ll drive him home. He says he’s not going home, and she says, then she’ll drive him wherever he wants to go. He grabs a glass of champagne going by on a tray, and drains it. he says, let’s go, and follows her out.
Carly goes to the footbridge, and watches the fireworks. She says, Jason.
Dante and Sam kiss, and Sam asks, what took him so long? He says he was with his dad, and Sam asks if Sonny is okay. Dante says, yeah. He’s going through some things right now, but he’ll be fine. At least he got his dad to open up to him; they talked a little. She says, if Dante feels like he needs to be with Sonny, she’s not kicking him out, but… He says, no. He offered, but… She asks if Sonny is drinking, and Dante says, he took Sonny’s keys. He needed some space, which evidently leaves them here alone. He kisses her.
Elizabeth looks at her ring, and puts it in the drawer of the kitchen island. She turns to Finn, and he holds her.
Cameron watches the fireworks with Avery and Aiden. Josslyn arrives, and he says, she’s here. She says, of course (🍷). She couldn’t let 2022 (🍷) start without this. She kisses him, and the little kids smile.
Willow looks out the window at the fireworks. Michael comes up behind her, and puts his arms around her.
Carly hears something on the footbridge, and turns to see Drew.
Tomorrow, a rerum from February 24th. Next week, Britt says Victor certainly has a lot to celebrate, Drew asks if it’s possible that Carly blames herself, and Nina tells Sonny to sleep it off.
No matter how hard the past, you can always begin again. – Buddha
Your present circumstances don’t determine where you can go. They merely determine where you start. – Nido Qubein
Don’t live the same year 75 times and call it a life. – Robin Sharma
Packaged inside of every mistake there lays a great lesson. And while I don’t want to take the mistake into the New Year, I most certainly want to take the lesson that’s packaged inside of it. – Craig D. Lounsbrough
You are never too old to reinvent yourself. – Steve Harvey
You don’t have to see the whole staircase, just take the first step. – Martin Luther King
Be so busy loving your life that you have no time for hate, regret or fear. – Unknown
For last year’s words belong to last year’s language. And next year’s words await another voice. – T.S. Eliot
You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream. C.S. Lewis
Every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end. – Seneca
An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves. – William E. Vaughan
You do not find the happy life. You make it. – Camilla Eyring Kimball
Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors, and let every new year find you a better man. – Benjamin Franklin
If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude. – Maya Angelou
Listen. I wish I could tell you it gets better. But, it doesn’t get better. You get better. – Joan Rivers
The most important thing to remember is this: To be ready at any moment to give up what you are for what you might become. – W.E.B. Du Bois
Year’s end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on. – Hal Borland
It always seems impossible until it’s done. – Nelson Mandela
It is never too late to be what you might have been. – George Eliot
The first step towards getting somewhere is to decide you’re not going to stay where you are. – J.P. Morgan
On New Year’s Eve the whole world celebrates the fact that a date changes. Let us celebrate the dates on which we change the world. – Akilnathan Logeswaran
Learn from yesterday, live for today, hope for tomorrow. – Albert Einstein
🗓 See You Next Year…
We’re back on Deck January 3rd of the New Year. A bit about that. If you’re a resolution maker, start early, and make one not to pressure yourself about resolutions. And resolutions or not, don’t pressure yourself about New Year’s Eve. It doesn’t matter who you spend it with, even if it’s only yourself. I’ve spent it more ways than I can count. On a cruise around Manhattan, in a lavish restaurant, a hot club, and a dive bar. I’ve seen Barry Manilow sing It’s Just Another New Year’s Eve at Radio City when the clock struck twelve, and I’ve stood in the middle of Madison Square Park watching the clock strike twelve. I’ve spent it with a lot of people, a handful of people, as part of a couple, and alone. The only thing I’ve never done (and never will) is Times Square. Back in my single days, my roommate went. She said someone spilled beer on her, somebody else peed on her, and when the crowd moved, you moved. It was a first and last for her, and a never for me. But my point is, one thing for sure, January 1st came and another year began, no matter what I did the night before. In the eloquent words of Bill Murray in Meatballs, it just doesn’t matter.
So no matter what New Year’s Eve path you choose, stay safe in all ways, stay being moderate in all things, and stay having a Happy New Year, no matter where you’re at. Or at least a Tolerable New Year.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Spencer sees Josslyn in a classroom at PCU, and asks what she’s doing there. She says she’s taking a seminar; is he? He says he’s trying to withdraw from the classes he scheduled for next semester. He doubts PCU has a remote learning platform for students in Spring Ridge.
Stella goes to Portia’s office, and asks if she’s busy. Portia says she’s never too busy for Stella, and invites her in. Portia asks if Stella is okay, and Stella says she’s fine. She’s there about Curtis. Portia gets up, and asks if something happened with Curtis, but Stella says, no. She’s sorry. It’s really about Marshall.
Marshall says, it’s good to see Curtis; it’s a surprise. Did Curtis use his P.I. skills to track him down? Curtis says, Aunt Stella told him where to find Marshall, and Marshall says, it’s not very fancy, but it will do until he finds a place of his own. Curtis asks if Marshall is looking for an apartment in town, and Marshall says he thought he’d stay and get to know his family… TJ and Curtis. Does Curtis coming there mean it’s a possibility?
Alexis walks into the seminar, and Spencer asks if she’s looking for someone. Alexis says, Professor Kahn. She signed up for the Sociology of Crime seminar. Josslyn says, her too, and Spencer asks why Alexis signed up. Alexis says she’s interested in the sociology aspect, and since she can’t practice law anymore, she thought she’d look into mediation or conflict resolution; something law adjacent. Josslyn says Alexis can sit with her, and Alexis says, cool.
Willow asks if Nina used her, but Nina says she had no idea Scotty was going to put Willow on the stand, or that he even knew that Willow knew something. Willow has to believe her. Michael says, he believes this is what Nina wanted, and Nina says, this is what she wanted? For the whole world to know about her relationship with Mike in Nixon Falls? Is he crazy? She begged Willow not to say anything. Michael says, Scotty blindsided his father and the DA to inflict maximum damage by calling Willow. Nina managed to evade the law, and hurt his family at the same time. Nina says, Michael is the one bent on revenge. If he hadn’t pressed the Llantano DA to arrest her, then none of this would have come up. Her relationship with So… Mike would have stayed a secret.
Sonny calls to Carly, saying, wait. She stops, and he asks her to let him explain. Will she listen to him? She says, listen to who? Sonny? Mike? Or someone else entirely different? He says, her husband, and she says, tell her that he’s not still sleeping with Nina. He says he didn’t sleep with Nina, and she says, he remembered his family before he could? Is that it? He says, he remembered his family and came home to her, where he belongs, and she says, he fell in love with someone else. (Pot, meet kettle.) Where does that leave her?
Curtis says, so Marshall thinks he can just show up there and plant roots? and Marshall says, he just started looking. He’s not sure how long it’s going to take. Curtis says, so Marshall intends to play house in Port Charles, after all this time? Where has he been? Marshall says, everywhere and nowhere. He never stayed in one place very long. Curtis says, that’s it? That’s all Marshall’s got for him? Marshall says, they keep going over this thing. He can’t give Curtis an explanation that will satisfy him. All he can say is how ashamed he is for all the time he lost with Curtis. That’s why he’s here; that’s why he’s staying. He wants them to get to know each other. Curtis says, Marshall wants to get to know him now. Well, guess what? It works both ways. All those years he and Tommy grew up without a father, where was he?
Spencer asks if Alexis has to go back to school to be a mediator, and she says, that’s what she’s trying to figure out. She thought if she just took a three-week seminar during winter break, it might help her decide if she’s ready to be a student again. He says, that’s valid, and asks why Josslyn is taking classes on her winter break. Josslyn says, they’re reading Professor Kahn’s book in her Introduction to Sociology class, and it’s pretty great. When she saw the professor was giving a seminar, she thought it was a great opportunity. He asks if she’s ever explored this concept he calls leisure. He was good at it until his dad fell under Ava’s spell, and his life became a complete dumpster fire. The professor comes in, and asks everyone to take their seats. They have a lot to cover in very little time. She introduces herself, and says she’s passing around a sign-in sheet. If they don’t sign it, they won’t get credit for this lesson. She hands it to Spencer, who just stands there, and she asks if there’s a problem. Josslyn says, no problem, and grabs Spencer, pulling him into the seat next to her, and telling him to be quiet. He might actually learn something.
Willow tells Nina, don’t you dare try to turn this back on us. Michael didn’t come after Nina for revenge; he wanted justice. What Nina did to his father was criminal. What’s worse is, Nina came and went in and out of their lives the whole time. She stood by, and watched Sonny’s family grieve for months. It’s not just criminal; it’s cruel and selfish. Nina says she realizes what she did to Sonny and his family was horrible. She’s said it a million times. That’s why she stayed quiet. She realized Sonny wasn’t telling anyone one about their… her and Mike’s relationship. It was over. The only reason it came out was because Willow overheard a private conversation, and she’s not going to apologize for that. Nina stomps back to the courtroom, nearly running down Scotty on his way out, and telling him, not now. Willow follows Nina, and Michael says Scotty miscalculated, using Willow like that, threatening her and badgering her on the stand the way he did. He won’t forget that. Scotty says he was defending his client, and Michael says, they both know there’s no legal defense for the hell Nina put his family through. Scotty says, Michael must have missed the part where the judge called his father back to the stand, and he testified that he was not Nina’s victim. So don’t blame him if dada was having a good time in Nixon Falls, and didn’t want to come home to his family. Michael punches him in the face.
Sonny says, he and Carly belong together; she knows that. She says, he fell in love with Nina, and he tells her, that was in Nixon Falls. He had amnesia; he wasn’t himself. She asks if he forgot his life as Mike when he remembered he was Sonny? and he says, no. She asks why he didn’t tell her, and he says he was going to, but Jason died, and he didn’t think it was the right time. She says she knew something was wrong, but she thought it was her. She blamed herself because of everything that happened with Jason, but Sonny was lying to her. When she found out Nina knew he was alive – not from him, but from Maxie – what did he say to her? He said, let it go. Now she knows why. He was protecting Nina. He says, he didn’t want to lose her in a war with Nina. He didn’t want to waste any more time with Nina. Nixon Falls is done; it’s over. She asks how he can stand there and say that to her, and he says, because it’s the truth. She says, he’s not just lying to her. He’s lying to himself.
Professor Kahn says, you can track the changes in society by seeing how the laws change in that society while it develops. Take for instance the United States versus Porter. In that case, Arthur Porter was charged with assault when a man broke into his home. Despite putting that man in the hospital, he was found not guilty because he was defending his property. Alexis says, well… and the professor says, excuse me? Alexis says, nothing. Carry on. Professor Kahn thanks her, and says, this is an example of property being valued over people. Alexis says, not really, and the professor asks if she knows the case. Alexis says, actually, she does. Porter was defending his wife and child, so she could argue that Porter was concerned with their well-being and safety, which was the deciding factor. The professor says, oh, she could.
Portia asks if Stella is telling her that Marshall has an ulterior motive for getting back into Curtis’s life, but Stella says she doesn’t know. She hasn’t seen Marshall in years, and has no idea what kind of man he is now. Portia asks, what kind was he? Was Stella unhappy he married her sister? Stella says, no. Irene and Marshall loved each other; that much she does know. But Marshall wasn’t always the easiest person deal with. Portia says, running off from his family, and letting them believe he was dead for decades certainly fits with that description. Stella says, what concerns her, is how Curtis is dealing with it. Earlier, Curtis told her something she never knew; how he and Tommy would make up stories about their heroic dad when they were kids. Portia says, so they painted their father as a hero; it’s not uncommon.And now that childhood fantasy is back from the dead. She gets the sense, that even with all Curtis’s misgivings, he really does want to know his father. Stella says she knows, and she’s worried the reality is going to crush Curtis.
Marshall says Curtis thinks everything he’s saying is lip service, but he’s truly sorry his sons had to grow up without him. If he’d had a choice, it wouldn’t have happened. Curtis says, he keeps alluding to this choice, or lack thereof, whatever that means. As far as he knows, Marshall left and pretended to be dead. Marshall says, it was the hardest thing he’s ever done in his life, and Curtis says, then why did he do it? Marshall says, he thought what he was doing was best for his family, and Curtis says, leaving his mother to raise two boys on her own was best? Marshall says he knew their Aunt Stella would be there to help, and Curtis says, and she did, thank God, but it wasn’t her job. She’s not their father. That’s what they needed – their father. It’s been so long, Curtis barely remembers Marshall. Marshall says he remembers Curtis. He has fond memories of Curtis and Tommy. Giving them piggyback rides up and down the stairs. They used to wear superhero PJs, and drape a towel around their neck like a cape. Marshall tears up, and says, Curtis’s smile was the greatest part of his life. Curtis says, if they meant that much to Marshall, why did he leave? He didn’t care to see them grow up? Marshall says, more than Curtis knows, and Curtis asks, then why did he leave?
Scotty says, that is assault, but Michael says he doesn’t care. He tells Scotty, arrest him, and walks out.
Willow approaches Nina back in the courtroom, and asks if she was wrong this whole time. She gave Nina the benefit of the doubt, and said nothing to Michael or his family, and Nina used her to hurt the people she loves. Nina says, she didn’t do that. For the last time, she didn’t tells Scotty about her and Mike, let alone that Willow knew about them. She’s not responsible for Willow’s choices. Willow says she had no choice, but Nina says, she could have lied.
Carly asks Sonny to tell her the truth. She wants to know every single thing that happened in Nixon Falls. Sonny says, he had no past; he had no ties. He only had a watch with a message engraved on it, to Mike, so that’s what he called himself. Then Phyllis and Lenny took him in and they were great to him. Then Nina showed up; she was Phyllis’s friend. Carly says, Nina knew exactly who he was, but Sonny says he didn’t know that she was lying to him. Then this con man Elijah Crow was trying to take the Tan-O from Lenny and Phyllis, and Nina helped Mike stop him. Carly says, and he fell in love with Nina, but Sonny says, he didn’t remember Carly. She says, maybe he didn’t want to. (I know I wouldn’t.)
Stella says, she’s sure Portia thinks she’s a busybody, but she can’t sit back and wait for Curtis to admit he needs support. Portia says, Curtis needs to work it out in his own way, but Stella says, not if it means leaving him on his own. This isn’t the time for Portia to give Curtis space. It’s the time for her to step up, and show him that he’s not alone.
Marshall tells Curtis, it’s not easy for him to talk about his past. He had some really bad years. Sometimes, he didn’t know if he was going to make it through, but he turned things around. Now he’s finally in a place where he can give Curtis the support a father should. Curtis says, he’s a grown-ass man. He doesn’t need Marshall’s support now. What he needs are answers, but Marshall doesn’t seem to be in a place to give them. He could have used this fatherly support when he was growing up. He and Tommy were teased by the kids. They didn’t believe Marshall had died. They said he was probably in jail. He can’t remember the number of fights he got into defending Marshall’s name, and it was all a lie. Marshall says he’s sorry if he hurt Curtis, and he’s sorry if he hurt Tommy. TJ told him that Tommy had PTSD when he died. He never knew. Curtis says, how would he know that, and what does it matter? Marshall says, everything matters to him about Curtis and Tommy, and Curtis says, then he should have stuck around.
Nina says, when Scotty asked Willow if she knew another reason Sonny wasn’t coming after her, Willow could have said no. Willow says, she was under oath. Scotty was threatening to have her charged with perjury. Nina asks, who would contradict Willow? Who would have stood up and said Willow was lying? Not her. Not Sonny. No one. She hurt Sonny in so many ways, and this was her one chance to do something good for him, and Willow took that away. She starts to walk away, but Willow tells her to get over herself. Not everything is about her. She grabs Nina’s arm, but Nina jerks away, saying, don’t. Willow says, she kept Nina’s secret, but she wasn’t going to lie on the stand for Nina, or put herself at risk to cover up Nina’s mess. Nina says she already told Willow, she wasn’t at risk, and Willow tells her, she also said she didn’t tell Scotty that Willow overheard her, but unless he’s psychic, Nina must have let something slip. Once she was on the stand and under oath, she had to tell what she knew. Nina says, all right. God forbid Willow should get down in the mud with the rest of them. Congratulations. She told the truth, and devastated the family she claims to love in the process.
Sonny says, Carly can’t possibly think he chose not to remember her, but she says she doesn’t know. She didn’t know he and Nina had a secret. He says, that’s not the way it was, and she says, how many times has she found him and Nina together? She was so stupid. He says, there is no him and Nina, and she asks what Willow overheard then. He says, something she didn’t understand, and Carly asks how many times he’s met with Nina. He says, he only met her the one time, to get her to understand the way things were, and that once he remembered Carly and his family, she was nothing. Carly says, before that did she make him happy? He says, he had dreams about Carly when he didn’t know what his name was. The deepest part of him remembered her. He’d have dreams of a blonde woman, and he’d try to touch her, but he couldn’t do it. He couldn’t see her face, but somehow he knew she was his and he was hers, and he’s still hers. Can’t she see that? She says, not after what she heard in that courtroom.
Curtis says, this was a mistake, but Marshall says, don’t go. Curtis says, he doesn’t like carrying around this anger any more than he liked growing up without a father. Marshall just doesn’t get it. He grew up lost. He didn’t have a man to show him how to be a man, the man he wanted to be. Marshall says, yet here he is, and Curtis says, through a lot of hard knocks and stumbles along the way. By the grace of God, he’s here. No thanks to Marshall. Curtis open the door, and Marshall says, please. He can’t change the past, but give him a chance to make things up to him now. Curtis says, not unless Marshall tells him where he’s been. What’s more important than family? Marshall sighs, and Curtis says, all he’s asking for are answers; clear answers, with facts and dates. If Marshall can’t give that to him, don’t bother staying in Port Charles.
Willow asks if Michael is all right. Scotty’s threatening to file a complaint for assault. Did he really punch Scotty? Michael says, right in the face. He knows it was wildly inappropriate. He let Scotty get under his skin, and he lost it. He talked to Diane, and she already cut a deal citing harassment and provocation. Willow says, that’s one less thing to worry about, and he says, he’s sorry DA Sheridan opened the door for Scotty, and put her on the stand. She says, she’s the one who kept Nina’s secret. If she’d told him, none of this would have happened. He says, it’s not her fault. Nina manipulated her. She says, she was trying to protect his parents’ marriage. She didn’t want to be the one to mess things up, and now she did anyway. He tells her not to blame herself. This is all on Scotty and Nina. He just hopes the judge didn’t buy their tactics. He asks if his parents came back, but she says, no. She doesn’t know where they are. Sheridan comes by, and says, this is it. The judge has made his decision.
After class, Spencer wonders if Alexis is going to write an addendum to the professor’s book; Alexis really schooled her. Alexis says, she just takes exception when people don’t state all the facts; she likes facts. Josslyn says, she definitely made the lecture more interactive. It was more like a debate, and Josslyn liked it. Professor Kahn calls to Alexis, and Alexis says, rut-roh. The professor says she’d like a word, and Spencer and Josslyn make themselves scarce. Alexis says, she realizes she overstepped. She gets passionate. She’s sorry she disrupted the lecture. The professor says she recognizes Alexis’s name; she’s the defense attorney. Alexis says, she used to be a defense attorney, and Professor Kahn says, she read Alexis’s article in the Law Review on jury bias; she made some very interesting points. Alexis thanks her, and she asks how Alexis has time to take the seminar, and why would she want to? Alexis says she’s looking at a career change. Her days in the courtroom are over. The professor says, then she’ll cut to the chase. Alexis is wasting their time being here. Alexis doesn’t belong in her class.
Sonny says, he didn’t know who Carly was in his dreams, and she says, she used to see him. She see him, and talk to him when times were bad. He says, that’s because they belong together; she knows that. She says, he kept a part of himself from her. Was he ever going to tell her about Nina in Nixon Falls? He says, yeah. He wanted to so many times, but Jason died; then Brando and Sasha’s baby was in crisis. He wanted to tell her, but he’d get interrupted. She says she thinks he believes he was going to tell her the truth, but she doesn’t. She thinks it was a story he told himself to justify the secret. Meanwhile, he locked away his time with Nina somewhere in his heart, and kept telling her there was nothing wrong; there was nothing between them. He says she keeps putting Nina between them. She’s going to have to let that go. She says, he’s dodged every time she’s asked him. Just now, she asked if he fell in love with Nina, but instead of answering, he said he couldn’t remember Carly. That’s not an answer. He says, it is. He wouldn’t have looked at Nina if that blonde woman in his dream had turned around, and he’d seen her beautiful face. He loves her. She tells him, he said that. What he hasn’t said is how he feels about Nina. Right here, right now, today.
Alexis says, if Professor Kahn is worried she’ll interrupt, she promises to try and control herself, but the professor says, that’s not what she’s talking about. Alexis should be teaching. The students could benefit from her passion for the law, and it’s clear she’s not shy about public speaking. Alexis says, really? and the professor says, she happens to know about a professor who’s retiring. There might be an opening at PCU. Maybe Alexis could start off as an adjunct, and work her way up. Alexis says she never thought about teaching, and Professor Kahn tells her, think about it. It could be just what she’s looking for.
At Portia’s office, Curtis says he hopes Stella wasn’t telling Portia an embarrassing story, like when he lost a tooth trying to ride his bike off their front stoop. Portia says, no, but she’d definitely like to hear that story another day. What brings him by? He says he just left from talking with Marshall, and needed to see her beautiful face. She asks how it went, but he says that’s not why he’s here, and kisses her.
Judge Milford says, this court is here to interpret and uphold the law, not mediate personal disputes. In reviewing all documents and evidence, it is the court’s determination that the Commonwealth has failed to prove Miss Reeves’s actions meet the legal definition of fraud. He’s dismissing all charges against Nina Reeves, and this case is hereby dismissed. This court stands adjourned. The bailiff says, all rise, and the judge leaves. Willow tells Michael, she’s so sorry, but he says, this isn’t over. Sheridan says he’s sorry. He’s also stunned by Judge Milford’s ruling. He wouldn’t have brought the charges if he didn’t think they had a strong case for fraud. Michael says Sheridan made a strong argument, and assures him ELQ will continue to support his campaign. Sheridan says he appreciates that, and apologizes to Willow for calling her to the stand. If he’d had any idea Scotty was going to ambush her, he’d have left her in peace. Willow says she’s just sorry Scotty was able to use her testimony to his advantage, but Sheridan says, actually, Mr. Corinthos’s testimony was the deciding factor. Michael asks what he’s talking about, and Sheridan says, once Mr. Corinthos said he didn’t consider himself a victim, in his mind at least, no crime was committed. Michael says he wasn’t in the courtroom for that, and Sheridan says, it’s an interesting question of law. He wishes he’d done better with it. They leave, and Nina sits at the defense table, looking dejected. Scotty asks what’s with all this business? She’s free as a bird. She asks how he knew about her relationship with Sonny, and he says, that’s what she pays him for, but she says, this is not what she wanted.
Sonny asks if Carly doesn’t think he’s angry at Nina for letting Scotty pull that stunt. She says, and? She asked him how he felt about Nina. Sonny rubs his head, and she says, Sonny. He says, okay, okay, hold on. She has to understand what it felt like to wake up in the woods, not knowing who he was, alone, scared. Phyllis and Lenny took him in. They gave him a job, an anchor. Then Nina… when he sees her, he sees her as Mike’s friend, his confident. But he also sees what she did to Carly and to his kids. It’s really all jumbled up in here, he indicates his heart. She says, Nina let her believe he was dead, and he still has feelings for her after everything she did. Sonny says, let’s go home, but she says she needs time to think. He asks what that means, and she says, she needs some time apart.
Spencer finds Josslyn on a bench in the hallway, looking at her phone, and says, success. The dean’s office was still open; he’s enrolled. She says, see? It worked out. He asks, what’s going on? and she says, Nina’s preliminary hearing was today, but she still hasn’t heard a word from anyone. He says, no news is good news, and she asks when that’s ever been true. Fingers crossed, the judge will throw the book at Nina Reeves, bind her over for trial, and revoke her bail. He says, Josslyn’s not vengeful or anything, and she says she hates Nina. She’s the worst kind of hypocrite. She acts all sweet and sympathetic, when all she really cares about is herself and what she wants. He asks why she doesn’t hate Ava that way, and she says, she does hate Ava that way. She’ll never forgive Ava for what she’s done to Morgan. However, she is Avery’s mom and Trina’s mentor, so she has to suck it up and has to coexist. However, she will never buy into Ava’s BS, and she’ll never think Ava is a gracious lady, but she chooses to keep the peace. If he’d come to her before he went on his stalking kick, she’d have told him the same thing. He says he wishes he had. Josslyn would have shot his stalking idea down in flames, and he wouldn’t be looking at 30 days in Spring Ridge. She says, he’ll be okay; he’s stronger than he thinks he is. He says, he hopes so. In the meantime, while his freedom lasts, this trip should erase any traces of lingering tension between her, him, Cameron, Trina, and Esme. They’ll get to know each other better. Josslyn says, she certainly hopes so.
Professor Kahn tells Alexis that she’ll send an introductory email to the chairman of the department. She knows it’s winter break, but she (the chairman) is a workaholic. Alexis says, maybe she’s just passionate about what she does, and the professor says, good. Use that approach. Alexis says she kind of likes this idea. She might like teaching at PCU, but hopes she has the proper qualifications. The professor says she’s certain Alexis does, especially as an adjunct. Who knows? They might want her full time with her credentials. All she needs to do is ace the interview, and pass the routine background check. Alexis says, background check. Of course (🍷).
Marshall lets Stella in, and says, Curtis came by to see him today. She says she figured he would. He had questions, so she told him to come talk to Marshall, but Marshall didn’t tell Curtis, did he? She saw Curtis a while ago, and he surely would have mentioned it. Marshall says, he left dissatisfied, and she says, Curtis is not going to stop until he gets answers. Marshall says, he’s not surprised. Is that why she’s here, to warn him? She says she’s worried about how it will affect her relationship with Curtis, but he says, don’t worry. He’ll never, ever tell Curtis that she knew he wasn’t dead. She’s like a hero to his sons, and he doesn’t want to take that away too.
Portia says, not that she’s objecting at all, but Curtis didn’t answer her question. He says, that’s because he doesn’t want to talk about Marshall. He wants to focus on her. She says, that’s fine with her, and he says he hopes she’s ready for tomorrow night, because he has big plans for them on New Year’s Eve.
Michael says his parents aren’t answering their phones, and Willow hopes they’re all right. He says, they’re really going through it right now. He wants to let them know, according to the judge, Nina’s actions aren’t criminal at all. Willow asks what he’s going to do, and he says he doesn’t know, but what he’s not going to do is sit back and let Nina get away with her crimes against his family.
Nina tells Scotty that he’s not going to stick around for the paperwork; she’s got to go. He says she can thank him, but not just with a check. He did his job. She’s not going to prison. So she’s welcome. She says she can’t think about that right now. She’s too worried about Sonny.
Sonny says, Carly doesn’t need time. He wants her; he wants their family together. She knows that. She says she knows Nina still has a hold on him, but he says, she doesn’t. She asks him to look her in the eye and tell her that Nina means nothing to him. He says he doesn’t know what she wants him to say. Listen… He reaches out to touch her, but she says, stop. He says, they can still work this out, but she says, they can’t. Don’t come home tonight. She walks off, leaving Sonny alone.
Tomorrow, Curtis says he’d like to be closer to Portia, Scout asks if Drew can stay until midnight, Valentin says he’s over it and thinks Anna is too, and Dante asks Sonny if he felt something.
Once again, tomorrow will be this week’s Friday, so join me for soap, tea, quotations, and a seasonally appropriate tune. Until then, stay safe, stay keeping your expectations realistic for both yourself and the new year, and stay not telling yourself a story to justify a secret.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Martin wakes up in bed, clutches his head, and says, Lord have mercy. He’s wearing a robe, and his Santa hat is lying on top of him. He pulls back the covers to see a pair of well-manicured feet. He moves to the other end of the bed, and uncovers Lucy, who asks if he’s ready for another round. He puts his Santa hat back on.
Alexis lets Shawn in, and he says he brought her a cup of Corinthos Coffee. She thanks him, and asks what she’s holding. She says, it’s a course catalog from PCU, and he asks if she’s going back to college. She says she is, and asks if it’s a ridiculous idea.
At Cameron’s house, Josslyn and Cameron kiss, and Josslyn asks what time his mom took his brothers ice skating. He says, they left about twenty minutes ago. They’ll be gone a couple of hours. Unless she wants to join them at the rink. She says, let her think, and he says, right, kissing her again. The doorbell rings, and he says he has no clue who that might be. He opens the door, and Esme says, thank God she found him. The absolute worst thing has happened. Josslyn walks up behind Cameron, and says, really? Do tell.
Trina walks into Kelly’s, and says, before Spencer gets a big head, she’s there to get two coffees; one for her, and one for Ava. He says, sure, when Victor walks in. He says, there’s his nephew. How does it feel to have his legal woes a thing of the past? Spencer says, in a word, terrifying.
At the MetroCourt, Laura kisses Doc, and says, what an amazing anniversary they had. She’d take trips more often if she knew she had that kind of homecoming waiting for her. He says he’s just trying to do his part to make sure they’re never separated that long again, and she says, not if she has anything to say about it. They kiss again, and Nikolas approaches their table. He says, clearly, they need more time. Should they reschedule? Laura says, she and Kevin have all the time in the world, but what she has to say to him can’t wait.
Scotty is about to walk into the Llantano County courtroom, when his phone rings. It’s Obrecht, who asks if he’s come up with a strategy to get Willow on the stand. She’s certain Willow knows about Nina and Sonny falling in love in Nixon Falls. He says he’s working on it, and she says, work harder. Michael and Willow walk in, and Michael asks how Willow is feeling. He knows she didn’t agree with him bringing charges against Nina. She says she just wants what’s best for everybody, and he says, what’s best is for Nina to pay for keeping his father hidden from his family for months. He can’t think of anything worse. Sonny and Carly come in, and Michael introduces Willow to DA Sheridan. Carly tells Sonny, Michael is confident the DA Is going to cement his case against Nina today, and Sonny says, that’s up to the judge. He’s sure if Scotty loses today, Nina is going to cop some kind of plea. She says, she hopes so for their family’s sake. She just wants this whole Nixon Falls saga to be over with, and wants Nina out of their lives. Nina walks in, and goes to the defense table. Willow approaches her, and Nina says she really appreciates Willow not saying anything about her and Mike. Willow says she’s not doing it for Nina; she’s doing it for Michael and Wiley. Nina says, for what it’s worth (🍷), she’s really sorry for everything. Willow goes back to Michael, who asks, what was that about? Willow flashes back to Nina asking if she wants to drive a wedge between Carly and Sonny, and tells Michael, family. Michael says, Nina may be biologically related to Wiley, but her actions made it clear she’s not part of their family.
Obrecht says she’s confident Scotty will find a way to protect her niece, and Scotty walks into the courtroom. Sheridan tells Michael, the hearing is basically a formality. It’s not a trial, but technically, Miss Reeves’s attorney can cross-examine anyone he calls. Scotty tells Obrecht that he thinks he just got a flash of inspiration.
Shawn tells Alexis, it’s only natural to feel adrift when you get out of prison. He struggled himself. She says, but now he’s found his direction. Using his non-profit to take over The Invader is a perfect path to his future. There’s a knock at the door, and Alexis opens it to Dante, who apologizes for the impromptu visit. Is Shawn there? This is his last address. She opens the door, and Dante sees Shawn. He says, this is official police business.
Laura tells Nikolas that Doc filled her in on everything about Spencer. She’s upset… She’s concerned. She was pleased to see the two of them managed to co-exist at Christmastime, but she’d hardly call it warm and fuzzy. She knows it’s a step in the right direction, but… He says, he and Spencer have had their setbacks; they both feel betrayed by the other. She says she was heartbroken when she found out it was Spencer who was stalking Ava. It doesn’t excuse Nikolas’s behavior at the party that night, but his instincts about his son were correct. He wonders if that’s why she asked him here, to apologize, and she says she is sorry. He was right about his son, but now she wants Nikolas to do right by him.
Victor says he doesn’t understand. What does Spencer have to be afraid of? Trina says, when her coffee’s ready, she’ll be at the counter, and Spencer introduces her to Victor. Victor says it’s nice to finally meet her. Did Spencer tell her that his plea deal was finalized this morning? She says they didn’t get a chance to talk about it, and Spencer says he signed the paperwork this morning. It’s official. He changed his plea to guilty, he’ll do 500 hours of community service, make restitution to Ava, and do 30 days in Spring Ridge. She says, so no trial, and Victor says, exactly. So what about this plea deal is troubling Spencer? Spencer says, Spring Ridge is minimum security, but it’s still prison. When Victor said he’d take care of Spencer’s situation, Spencer thought that meant he’d go free. Victor says, what Spencer got was a slap on the wrist. No one could have gotten him a better deal. Spencer says he’s truly grateful for everything Victor did. Forget he said anything. Victor supposes, even though it was a long time ago, he does remember being 18 years old, and supposes a month long confinement would have seemed like a death sentence to him. But Spencer is a Cassadine. He’ll keep a stiff upper lip, and when he gets out, he’ll have his whole family waiting for him. Spencer says, not his father, and Victor says, perhaps not, but Spencer will have him. Now why doesn’t he make Victor a cup of tea to go? A heady brew. No one likes a weak leaf. Spencer goes to make the tea, and Victor tells Trina that he’s glad to see his nephew chooses his companions so well.
Esme says she wasn’t expecting to see Josslyn, and Josslyn says, Esme is surprised to see her at her boyfriend’s house? What is Esme even doing here? Esme says she promises nothing nefarious. Spence took the plea deal; he signed the paperwork this morning. Yes, his sentence was lighter than it could have been, but he wasn’t expecting to go to prison at all, and he’s totally freaking out. Cameron says he can understand that. Spencer has to spend a month in prison, and after that, he’s going to have a criminal record for the rest of his life. Josslyn says, and worst of all, despite the fact that Esme is every bit as responsible for stalking Ava, Spencer has to take this whole punishment alone.
Scotty tells Obrecht, this is exactly what they need. He has to go, and Obrecht tells him, good luck, Liebchen. Victor comes out of Kelly’s, and says he remembers when she used to call him that.
Willow asks if Sheridan is still considering a run for Attorney General, and Sheridan says, after visiting their gorgeous home in October, he was concerned about low recognition outside of Llantano County. Scotty puts his briefcase on the table, and listens as Sheridan says, recently, his numbers seem to be going up. Scotty sits, and Nina asks why he looks so happy. He says her aunt has that effect on him.
Lucy says, that was unexpected, and Martin says, he’d call it a Christmas miracle. She hopes he means that in a good way, and he says he means that in the most flattering way possible. He asks, how about some breakfast? He doesn’t know about her, but he managed to work up a very healthy appetite. She asks if he’s serious. He wants to take her down to the MetroCourt for breakfast, and she’ll be wearing the holiday outfit she wore for Christmas that everybody saw her in. Just so he knows, folks will talk. He says he hopes so. He was raised in the South where gossip is sacred, right between Friday night football and Sunday morning service. She thinks he’s forgetting he’s an upstanding lawyer. Not to mention the fact he’s the brother of her ex-husband’s wife, the mayor of Port Charles. He says Lucy is a very accomplished woman, and she thanks him, and says she aims to please. He says her aim could put him in the hospital, but that’s not what he was talking about. Don’t get him wrong, she makes one Olympian Santa’s helper, but he was referring to her role as the co-owner of Deception. Not to mention everything she’s accomplished with the Nurses Ball. She says, he looked her up on the internet? and he tells her, let’s just say he’s noticed her. She tells him, let’s just say, she’s noticed him too, and they kiss. She says she’ll let him buy her breakfast. She hasn’t done that walk of shame in a long time. He says it will be his pleasure to take that walk with her.
Josslyn says, so much of the stalking was clearly Esme’s idea, not Spencer’s. Anyone can see that. She has no idea why Spencer is protecting Esme. Esme says she loves Spence, and as much as he might get on their nerves, she thinks they do too. Cameron was the one who got Spencer the job at Kelly’s when he needed it most. Cameron says she’s right; they care about Spencer. So what can they do to help? Esme says she plans to do what she can to keep Spencer’s spirits up when he’s in Spring Ridge, but if they could create some happy memories before he goes, it would really give Spencer some peace of mind. They already agreed to a weekend getaway, so can Josslyn ask her father if they can use his cabin as soon as possible? Before Spencer has to report to Spring Ridge for his sentence? He really needs this.
Nikolas tells Laura, he’ll be there for his son, but only when he fully owns up to what he’s done. She agrees completely. Spencer needs to take responsibility for his actions, but he’s already trying to do that. Doc says, not only is he working at Kelly’s, he’s started helping around the house. Spencer was mystified as to how to use a dishwasher, but once he showed Spencer how, he started pitching in without too much complaint. Nikolas says, it sounds like there’s progress, but it sounds like Spencer still resents him, and refuses to accept his help. Laura says, what his son needs more than ever is a loving father who can help him make up with Ava, who will set him on the right course. If not Nikolas, whose influence will step in to fill that void?
Obrecht says, the only name she can remember calling Victor is schwein, which is what he is. He says, there’s that fiery minx he fell in love with. He’s so glad the information he provided to the WSB led to her rescue. She says, he’s taking credit for her safe return? He’s the one who had her kidnapped in the first place. Then he tossed her beloved Scotty out of a plane. He says perhaps they could discuss it over dinner. Scotty is, after all, his attorney. She says she’d rather eat glass.
Nina asks Scotty to be honest with her. What are her chances of avoiding a trial? He says, better than she thinks, and she asks what he’s up to. The bailiff tells them, all rise. Court is in session, the honorable Judge Milford presiding. The judge calls the preliminary hearing to order, and tells them, please be seated.
Josslyn tells Esme, there’s been a lot going on, and she hasn’t asked Sonny about the cabin yet. Esme says, but she will, right? and Josslyn says she will, as long as Esme stops asking about how many bedrooms there are, and who’s sleeping where. Esme says she only wanted people to be comfortable, but what’s important now is that Spence has a great time. She’s sure his Uncle Sonny will be happy to support him. Why doesn’t Josslyn call Sonny now? Cameron says, he and Joss will talk it over and get back to her, and she thanks him. She says, it will mean the world to Spence, and to her. Who knows?Maybe we’ll have a great time. She leaves, and Josslyn says, she can’t. Cameron says, whatever they think about Esme, she’s not wrong here. Spencer is going to need all the support he can get before the reality of a month at Spring Ridge hits him. She says, fine. She’ll ask about the cabin, but she’s not changing her opinion about Esme. He says, that’s totally okay. He’d never want to change a single thing about her, especially her mind. She says, now he’s trying to butter her up, and he asks if it’s working. She kisses him.
Spencer brings Trina the coffee, and says, sorry about the wait. She says she knows he put on a brave face for his uncle, but there’s no shame in being nervous about going to Spring Ridge. He says, his uncle is right. He needs to man up. He took the action and needs to face the consequences. He knows he got a lighter sentence because of his privilege. Trina has made it more than clear she thinks he’s a spoiled, entitled baby. She says, true, but she also thinks he’s human, and it’s nice to see.
Doc tells Nikolas, in the new year, Spencer goes to Spring Ridge. Prison is rife with opportunities to make bad choices, align with the wrong people. He needs a strong foundation now. Laura agrees, and says she knows Spencer feels indebted to his Uncle Victor for getting that plea bargain for him. Nikolas says, Victor’s presence in Port Charles concerns him too, and Laura asks why Nikolas helped him in the first place.
Dante tells Shawn, they got an anonymous tip a while back about a body. They followed it up, and found human remains in the Pine Barrens. A John Doe was identified using dental records, and he was a known felon, a gun for hire. Shawn says, ahit man; who was it? Dante says, his last name was Giles, but he went by other aliases as well. They conducted ballistics on the gun that was buried with Giles, and they were conclusive. It was the same gun that shot Hayden Barnes.
Judge Milford tells the court to proceed, and Sheridan says he’d like to call his first witness; Sonny Corinthos.
Lucy and Martin come giggling out of the elevator, Martin looking disheveled with his Santa suit coat falling open. Lucy says she finds it exceptionally charming that he chose to leave his Santa suit on his body in solidarity with her walk of shame, but he needs to know something else. If he’d continued his research on the internet, he would have found she’s been a spectacle many times before. He says he’s delighted join her in causing a commotion, and they walk into the MetroCourt.
Laura says, Nikolas had to have known Victor was hiding out in the compound in Crete. Did he know Victor was working with Peter too? Nikolas promises he had no idea about Peter, and Laura says, so he was just offering Victor a hiding place, or does his involvement go deeper? Nikolas flashes back to Victor telling him that Hayden needed to be dealt with, along with those close to her. He suggests he and Laura talk about this in private, and she asks if he doesn’t think she’s going to tell Doc everything he tells her. Nikolas says, after Valentin shot him, and left him for dead, it was Victor who nursed him back to health. If not for Victor, he might not be here. He returned the favor, and let Victor use the compound in Crete. Martin comes up to their table with Lucy, and says, morning, family. Fine day. Laura says, what a surprise, and hostess Trish tells Lucy that her table is ready. Lucy says, excuse them, and they leave. Nikolas tells Doc and Laura, and they say Christmas only comes once a year, and they laugh. GH is quite naughty today.
Spencer tells Trina, humans are terrible; flawed, selfish, and indulgent. She can’t like seeing that in him. She says, humans are also vulnerable, worthy of love, capable of change. He says he wishes he could see himself through her eyes, and she says, he’s perfectly imperfect, but that doesn’t mean he’s not a person of value. She sees him. He just has to take responsibility for his actions, and give people a chance see him too. He takes her hand, and thanks her. She says, anytime, and Esme watches from the doorway.
Sheridan says, they all know the basic facts. Sonny was on a bridge that collapsed, and fell into an icy river. When he regained consciousness, he had no memory of who he was, or even what his name was. Sonny says, that’s correct. No license. He was wearing a watch that was engraved with the name Mike, so that was the name he used. Sheridan asks how long Sonny was away from his wife and children, who presumed he was dead, and Sonny says, nine months. Sheridan says, when did he finally get his memory back? Sonny says, there was a fire at the Tan-O, and Sheridan says, that was the bar owned by the late Lenny Caulfield and his wife Phyllis, right? and Sonny says, he didn’t know who he was or where he belonged, and they were kind enough to take him in, give him a job and a place to live. Sheridan says, when Sonny recovered his memory, was he aware that someone in Nixon Falls already knew he was Sonny Corinthos? and Sonny says, yeah. Sheridan asks, who was that individual? and Sonny says, it was Nina Reeves. Sheridan says, to Sonny’s knowledge, did Nina Reeves deliberately and intentionally conceal his identity? Sonny says, yeah, and Sheridan says he has no further questions. Scotty asks if Sonny ever alerted the authorities that Nina concealed his identity, and Sonny says, no. Scotty asks, why not? According to the DA, Nina kept him from his wife, his children, his grandchildren, his whole life. Why didn’t he press charges?
Nikolas says he has business to attend to, and Laura says she’s sorry if she came on too strong. She knows he and Spencer want to have a relationship with each other. Nikolas says he’ll think about it, and Laura says, his relationship with Ava is so solid, he can afford to spend some time with Spencer, and restore the bond he has with him. Please don’t do anything to undermine that. Nikolas half-smiles, and leaves.
Dante says, he’s there to officially notify Shawn that they found the person who committed the crime Shawn was wrongfully convicted of. Shawn says, the truth is out, finally, and Dante says, in the eyes of the PCPD, Shawn is in the clear. Alexis says, congratulations. She knows how important this is to Shawn. Dante says, the best to him, and Alexis thanks Dante. Dante leaves, and Alexis says, anonymous tip her posterior. Shawn says, nobody could ever accuse Nikolas of being sloppy, when his phone rings. He says, speak of the devil, and he means that literally. He steps away to take the call.
Steam comes out of Esme’s ears for a second, but then she slaps her fake smile on. She tells Spencer that when he hears what she has to tell him, he’s going to love her more than he already does. He asks, what’s up? and she says she was telling Joss and Cam that he has to report to Spring Ridge soon, which moves their time frame up for a couples weekend. He says, it’s not just for couples, right? They want Trina to feel included. Esme says she’s so sorry. She misspoke. Of course (🍷) they want to include Trina. Esme’s phone rings, and she answers, saying, Joss. They were just talking about their weekend getaway. Josslyn says she and Cameron agree. They should have their weekend getaway before Spencer goes away. Esme says, great. They won’t be sorry. Josslyn looks at Cameron.
Lucy says, tell me, Mr. Claus, are you regretting this now? Martin says, spending time with a beautiful, sophisticated woman? Not for one second. She says, uh-oh. Oh boy, incoming, and Doc and Laura approach their table. Laura asks if Lucy would mind if she had a word alone with her brother, and Lucy says, absolutely not. Mr. Claus is all yours. Martin leaves with Laura.
Martin asks Laura if everything is okay. Is everything all right with his nephew? She says she certainly hopes so. There’s something she didn’t tell him about her meeting with Cyrus. He says, apart from the bit where he finds religion? and she says, Cyrus was adamant that he didn’t put out the hit on them; that somebody else arranged for the killer to go to the safe house.
Lucy asks Doc if Laura sicced him on her because Laura hates the thought of her brother being seen in public with the likes of her. He tells her, don’t be silly. They’re talking about something entirely different. Her and Martin… She says, spit it out, and he says, how’d that happen? She says, Martin asked her what she wanted for Christmas.
Martin asks if Laura is saying she actually believes Cyrus, and Laura says she woudn’t go that far, but she thought she should tell Martin about it. Better to be safe than sorry, right? He says, message received and noted; he’ll be extra careful. Is there something else? She says, Doc has a great dry cleaner who’s a wiz with Santa suits.
Obrecht says, Victor’s presence can only mean Sturm und Drang, and he says, let’s not forget that he was the one who saved her life when Peter wanted her dead, even after she held a knife to his throat. She asks if he’s waiting for a show of gratitude, and he says, perhaps she should consider whether threatening him means it’s more or less likely for him to intervene next time. She says, there won’t be a next time, but he says, with you, mr dear Liesl, there’s always a next time. He brushes her hair back, but she jerks away. He says, he adores her, but just don’t get in his way.
Sheridan objects, saying, whether or not Mr. Corinthos chose to press charges has no bearing on the validity of the case. The judge says, this isn’t a trial, and tells Scotty to proceed. Scotty asks again why Sonny didn’t file charges against Nina. It’s a simple question. Sonny says, then let him answer it. Because he lost too much time already… and he wanted to spend time with his wife and his family. Scotty says, but his son Michael doesn’t share the same viewpoint. In fact, Michael and his ex-wife Willow Tate gave a sizable donation to the DA’s campaign just days before his client was arrested. Willow puts her hand on Michael’s arm, and Scotty says, maybe those two should be on trial for bribery.
On the phone, Nikolas tells Shawn to check the balance. The funds should have been transferred. Shawn says, he’ll do that, but Nikolas might want to know, he just got a visit from the PCPD. It seems they found Hayden’s shooter, or his dead body anyway. The crime has been removed from his record; his name has been restored. Nikolas takes it their business is concluded, and Shawn says, Nikolas fulfilled his part of their agreement, so yes. Nikolas says, great. Have a good day. They hang up, and Alexis asks if the money is all there. Shawn says, and then some. Her nephew thinks this all over. She says, isn’t it? and he says, not by a long shot.
Esme tells Josslyn that she’s with Spencer at Kelly’s. He’ll be so happy when she tells him the news. Josslyn says, that’s why they said yes, for Spencer. She’ll asks Sonny about the cabin today. Esme says, great. They’ll work out the details later. Spencer says, what’s the good news? and Esme says, Joss and Cam just committed. Once his Uncle Sonny signs off on the cabin, they’re good for a getaway. Spencer says, that’s amazing news! It’s incredible. He actually has something to look forward to now. He asks Trina if she’s going to come, and Esme says she’s sure Trina is much too busy with her job and college. Trina says she’s always busy, but she’ll make time for a friend. Count her in. She doesn’t want to pass up the chance to give Spencer the send-off he deserves. Spencer says, this is going to be monumental, and thanks Esme, who says, it’s going to be a send-off for the ages.
Martin goes back to the table, and says, ho-ho hello. Lucy says, let her guess. His sister warned him away from her, but he says, nothing of the sort. Lucy says, oh, it’s worse. She’s biting her tongue; the silent treatment. They had so much fun together. That’s enough. She gets up, but he stops her, and says, it was fun. It’s more than he’s had in a long, long time. He doesn’t know about her, but he doesn’t want the fun to end just yet.
Doc says, so, Laura’s brother and Lucy, and Laura says, she’s just as surprised as he is. Between Martin forging whatever this is with Lucy, and Spencer having to make restitution to Ava, and Nikolas getting tangled up with Victor, it’s going to be one helluva new year
Obrecht says, she’s not afraid of Victor, nor is she impressed. He didn’t compare to Faison in the past, and doesn’t compare with Scotty today. He asks if she really thinks Scotty is that powerful, and she says, stay away from her or he’ll find out. He has no idea what Scotty is capable of. She leaves, and Victor ponders that.
Sheridan says, opposing council’s accusation is outrageous, and Judge Milford asks if Scotty has evidence of a quid pro quo. Scotty says, campaign contributions are public record. They know Michael and Willow gave a huge chunk of money to the DA for his campaign. The timing seems a little fishy. The judge says, Mr. Corinthos doesn’t have to answer, since he’s not one of the parties named, and Scotty says, no further questions. Sheridan says, because Scotty tried to impugn his character, he asks permission to call an additional witness. The judge asks Scotty and Sheridan to approach, and Sheridan says, the defense council is making unfounded accusations against him, and he would like to answer them. The sooner they clear this up, the sooner they can focus on the charges against Miss Reeves. The judge asks Sonny to step down, and the prosecution calls Willow to the stand. Willow gets up, and Nina looks worried.
Christmas isn’t a season. It’s a feeling. – Edna Ferber
Christmas is the season for kindling the fire of hospitality. – Washington Irving
Christmas can’t be bought from a store. Maybe Christmas means a little bit more. – Dr. Seuss
Aren’t we forgetting the true meaning of Christmas? You know, the birth of Santa. – Bart Simpson
It’s not how much we give, but how much love we put into giving. – Mother Theresa
Christmas is a piece of one’s home that one carries in one’s heart. – Freya Stark
If you want to experience the true meaning of Christmas, give something to someone who can offer nothing in return. – Toni Sorenson
And it was always said of him, that he knew how to keep Christmas well, if any man alive possessed the knowledge. May that be truly said of us, and all of us! – Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol
⛷ And I Heard Him Exclaim As He Drove Out Of Sight…
Since GH is repeating tomorrow, I’ll see you for soap on Monday (nothing new on Deck). Have the merriest of Christmases if you celebrate the holiday, and if not, celebrate something and have a merry day! Until next we meet, stay safe, stay picking your battles wisely, and stay knowing that, even if you’re perfectly imperfect, you’re still a person of value.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Sam says, Drew? and he says he’s sorry to just show up like this, but in all fairness, she never returned his call. She says, oh my God, and they hug.
Chase stands at the Quartermaine door. Brook tells Ned, it’s Thanksgiving, and Ned says, the day we remember the Pilgrims for taking advantage of people they should have respected. She says she thought he wasn’t going to blame Chase, and he says, he’s not, but he’s allowed to be disappointed, at Chase, and at Brook. Chase says, maybe this was a bad idea, but Monica comes out, and asks where are Ned and Brook’s manners. Invite the man in; he’s a guest. Olivia comes in, and seeing the door open, asks if they live in a barn. Brook tells Monica, actually, Chase is more than a guest. Monica says, a friend, but Brook says, he’s more than a friend too. As a matter-of-fact, he’s family.
Portia leaves a voicemail for Curtis, saying, she knows he’s going through a lot right now, but maybe that’s all the more reason for him to come to her house for Thanksgiving. There’s going to be tons of food, good wine… At least she hopes it’s good wine; that’s what the guy told her. But most important, being around friends and family. So just think about it, and she hopes she sees him soon. Elizabeth says, first Portia comes in to check on a patient, and now she’s racing home to prepare dinner for all of them. What is she? Superwoman? Portia says, hardly. Does Elizabeth want to know her secret? Elizabeth says, please, and Portia says, she hired a caterer. Trust her; it’s worth it. Elizabeth says she can’t wait to celebrate with everyone and count their blessings. Elizabeth gets in the elevator, and Portia says, her too.
TJ says, it sounds like Marshall has already spoken to his uncle, and Marshall says he gathers Curtis didn’t tell TJ about their conversation. He certainly made it clear he wants nothing to do with Marshall. TJ asks if he should call Curtis to explain what’s going on, but Marshall says, don’t call Curtis. Maybe his not reaching out is a good thing. Maybe he’s thinking things over, and hasn’t completely rejected Marshall yet. TJ says, his uncle is one of the smartest men he knows. If he rejected Marshall, he has his reasons. He’s tried to keep an open mind, but it seems Marshall is running some kind of hustle. If that’s the case, Curtis spotted it a mile off. Marshall says, he’s not hustling TJ, Curtis, or anybody, and TJ says, Marshall could have fooled him. He came there with a fake pain in his side. Marshall says, sorry about that. He truly regrets the way he’s gone about this. He regrets it all. He really should have done everything differently.
At the hospital, Carly gives some guys to-go bags from the MetroCourt, and says, when they’re done, come back; she has more. Elizabeth says, it smells great. It’s thoughtful of Carly and Olivia to do this. Carly says, no one works harder than the GH staff, and if they’re working on Thanksgiving and away from their families, they should at least have sweet potatoes and turkey. Elizabeth says, and MetroCourt turkey, and Carly says, a step up from the cafeteria? Elizabeth says, just a little. How about their kids, volunteering to pass out dinners? Carly says there may have been a little prodding on her part, and Elizabeth says she’s pretty sure Cameron just wants to be with Josslyn, but they’re doing it. They have a lot to be grateful for. Carly says, they do, and Elizabeth says she’ll let Carly get back to work. She leaves, and Britt comes down the hall, doing an about-face when she sees Carly. Carly notices her, and follows. She calls to Britt, and asks when she got back. Did they find her mom? Britt says, they did, and Carly says, it must have been quite an adventure. She can’t wait for Jason to tell her all about it.
Sonny is cooking, when Anna comes to the kitchen, where we no longer have the moss bowl 🎍 to be thankful for. He says, long time, no see. What brings her by?
Olivia says, run that by them again, and Monica says, it would seem Valentin isn’t Bailey’s father, and Chase is. Brook says, correct, and Olivia says, but Brook didn’t tell Chase, and made him sleuth it out for himself. Ned says, also correct, and Brook says, she knows this comes as a shock to everyone, but Monica says, not to her. Nothing about this family shocks her anymore, especially on the last Thursday in November. Chase wants them to know that he’s not going anywhere, and plans on being the best father he can be. Ned says, he’d better, and Chase says, he brought a pie. It’s a cake and a pie; it’s a hybrid. Olivia says, it’s a start, and takes the box from him. She says, maybe change will be the theme this year, and they’ll all actually eat some turkey. Valentin comes in, and says, that didn’t take long. Out with the old, and in with the new, right?
TJ asks what Marshall’s name is again, and he says, TJ can call him Marshall for now. TJ says, they seem to be at an impasse. Clearly, he’s distressed about something, but can’t tell TJ what it is. Marshall says, he wants to, but he’s second guessing himself in real time; everything is coming out wrong. He tends to do that. Jump in headfirst, and suffer the consequences later. He doesn’t blame TJ for being suspicious. TJ says, subterfuge is not Marshall’s game. It bothered him so much when Marshall took off, TJ mentioned it to his uncle and another doctor. Marshall says, Dr. Robinson? and TJ asks how he knew. Marshall says, he guessed. He wishes he had gone about this differently, but what’s done is done. He just doesn’t want TJ to react like his uncle did. TJ says Marshall is still talking in circles, and he’s getting frustrated. What does Marshall want? Marshall says, to be part of the Ashford family, and TJ says, he gets it. Thanksgiving can be rough. People rushing around, going to nice warm gatherings with family and friends. If Marshall is feeling lonely, the holidays can exacerbate that, but Marshall says, the holidays and loneliness have nothing to do with this. He’s finally able to reach out to Curtis, after being unable to for a long, long time. Maybe too long, and he’s going about it all wrong. He’s not sure what to do about it, but it’s not TJ’s problem, and it’s not fair to enlist his help. This is something Marshall has to do on his own. TJ asks what Marshall is talking about; just tell him who Curtis is to him? Marshall says, Curtis is his son.
Elizabeth asks Portia if she should bring anything for dinner, but Portia says, just her crew. Finn comes in with Violet, and Portia says, unless Miss Violet is allergic to pumpkin pie. Violet says, no, but her daddy says she’s allergic to bedtime. Portia says she’ll see them later, and leaves. Finn asks if Elizabeth is ready to head out, and Violet says, there’s no rush. This day is already great. They’re together.
Phyllis sees Nina at the hospital, and Nina asks what she’s doing there. Phyllis says she volunteered to in there today, and just finished. It doesn’t hurt that staying busy keeps your mind off… everything. She asks if Nina has Thanksgiving plans, and Nina says she got an invitation to join her friend Curtis, but she doesn’t know. She’s having a tough time. Phyllis takes her hand, and says, you and me both.
Sam says she can’t believe Drew is standing there, and invites him in. He says, it’s surreal for him too, and she asks if he’s okay. He says he’s in one piece, so there’s that. She says, that’s a plus, and he says, he owes her a huge thank you. He heard she dropped everything and came looking for him with Dante. She says, but they didn’t find him. How did he get back? He says he had a lot of help.
Anna says, it smells incredible, and Sonny says she can come there any time she wants. She thanks him, and says he doesn’t think she came there to score an invitation. What’s going on?
Carly guesses the trip was a whirlwind, and asks Britt, how’s Liesl? Britt says, good. She’s actually here, getting her injuries looked at. Carly asks, what about Peter? and Britt says, he’s captured and in custody. Carly says, thank God that guy’s reign of terror is finally over. It’s long overdue, but it’s finally finished and everyone is safe… Everyone’s safe, right?
Brook thought Valentin moved out, and he says, don’t worry about it. He and Charlotte have vacated the premises. He’s there to pick up some things the movers overlooked. He pours himself a drink, and Monica says, she knows this has to be painful and shocking for him. Olivia says, all things aside, they know how much he loves Bailey. Valentin thanks her, and says, he’ll survive; he always does. He says, no Michael? and Ned says, he and Willow took Wiley to New York City for the holidays. Olivia says, they thought Wiley would get a kick out of the parade, and Valentin says, maybe they’ll be kind enough to fill Michael in. Ned says, on this, and Valentin says, yeah, be sure to detail the depths to which his daughter has sunk, but this is an ELQ matter. He’s filed a motion nullifying their agreement. Brook says, he can’t do that, but he says, he can and he did. She admitted Bailey wasn’t his daughter; that voided their contract. That makes her ELQ shares once again his ELQ shares. That gives him an insurmountable majority, and cements his position as CEO of ELQ. Happy Thanksgiving.
TJ asks if Marshall is really his uncle’s father, and his father’s father. Marshall says he is, and TJ says, that makes him… Marshall says, his grandfather. TJ asks if he’s telling the truth, but Marshall says, he wouldn’t lie about this, and TJ says, he supposedly died a long time ago. Marshall says, it’s a long story, and not a pretty one, but he’s not an imposter. He’s not playing TJ or Curtis. He’s TJ’s grandfather. It feels good to say that, and see this fine young man standing in front him. He hopes TJ accepts what he’s telling him; accepts him. He holds out his hand, and TJ takes it. Marshall laughs, and Curtis comes in, asking what the hell Marshall thinks he’s doing. Marshall says, Curtis needs to watch his language in the chapel, and Curtis says he was trying to get there first to prepare TJ, but TJ says, it’s all good. Now they can finally put a name to the face of the stranger they wondered about; he’s family. Curtis says TJ needs to do him a favor, and leave.
Sam says, Drew and Jason teaming up to take down Peter, that’s something she would love to have seen. Does Monica know he’s home yet? He says, not yet, but he’s heading over there, and Sam says, this is going to be the best Thanksgiving ever for her. Dante comes downstairs with Scout, and stops short seeing Drew. Drew says, Scout. Look at her. She’s all grown up. Sam says, she’s not all grown up, and Drew says he’s so happy to see her, but Scout clings to Dante.
Anna tells Sonny, she and Robert went to Greece. They got information that Peter was holed up on Cassadine Island. He says, Jason’s in Greece; he and Britt went looking for her mother. Anna says she knows, and asks if they can sit down.
Carly asks what Britt isn’t telling her, and Britt flashes back to the tunnel collapsing. She says she just wants Carly to know, if it wasn’t for Jason, she and her mom wouldn’t have made it home alive. Carly says, that’s great, but she’s more concerned about Jason. Where the hell is he? Britt starts to cry.
Ned says Valentin doesn’t honestly think this will work, and Valentin says he does actually. Detective Chase came forth and clamed Bailey as his own, which was very honorable of him. He tells Chase, a word to the wise; honor is in short supply in this house. He tells Olivia, brining the turkey was an inspired choice; very succulent. She says, he tasted it? and he says he got his before the dog descended on it. Annabelle II barks, and Valentin says, rave reviews all around. Brook says, really? and they all run out, except for Monica.
TJ says, obviously, he’s missing something, and Curtis says, Mr. Ashford and he need to talk alone. TJ says he’s sensing that’s not the best idea, but Marshall says, it’s okay. TJ’s uncle is right. They have some unfinished business. TJ starts to leave, and Marshall says, looking at TJ, who and what he’s become, his father would be proud. TJ leaves, and Marshall says, okay, it’s just us, son. Curtis says, stop calling him son. It’s a privilege that’s earned. Marshall got his chance and blew it. There’s no going back.
Phyllis says she wishes she had come magic words to explain why bad things happen to good people, and Nina says, they happen to bad people too. Phyllis says, Nina’s not bad. She’s had a wound inside her since her baby was taken from her; maybe before. Nina says, it doesn’t excuse what she did, and Phyllis says, no, but taking responsibility is the first step to redemption. Nina asks if that’s a quote, and Phyllis says it is. Nina asks who said it? and Phyllis tells her that she did. They laugh, and Nina says she’s putting her foot down. Phyllis isn’t spending Thanksgiving alone or at Charlie’s. She sees Portia, and asks if Portis thinks she has room for one more tonight. Portia says, absolutely. The more the merrier. Nina and Phyllis hug.
Elizabeth says she just needs to change out of her scrubs, but Violet says she looks pretty, and asks Finn, doesn’t she? Finn says she does, and Elizabeth says she won’t be long. Finn says, and then it’s turkey time, and Violet asks if she can have the wishbone. Finn thinks that can be arranged. Elizabeth asks if she has a special wish in mind, and Violet says it’s about Elizabeth and daddy. Finn says she has to keep it a secret, or it won’t come true.
Sam tells Scout, don’t worry; there’s nothing to be afraid of. Dante says, it’s her dad. Can she believe it? Sam says, he’s been gone for a while, but he’s back now, and Dante says, it’s amazing news. Drew says he knows she’s surprised; he is too. They don’t have to rush. They can take it slow, and get to know each other again. Scout nods, and he says, the good news is, they’ve got nothing but time.
Sonny says he heard talk that Drew survived the plane crash, and Anna says, there was no plane crash; it was staged. Drew was being held prisoner by Peter with Victor’s assistance. Peter is in custody, and Victor cut a deal. Sonny says, Drew’s coming home; two out of three ain’t bad. Anna says, while they were there, they learned Peter had Britt and Jason, and Sonny asks if they got them out. She says, actually, they got themselves out. They had Jason to help. Britt and Obrecht got home… He says, Jason didn’t? and she shakes her head.
Carly tells Britt to say it, but Britt says, she doesn’t want to. Carly tells her, say it, and I want to slap her. Britt says, Jason’s gone.
Monica says, Valentin is enjoying this, isn’t he? and he asks if she’d call him childish if said yes. She says, revenge can be sweet for the moment, but it’s not going to make Bailey his. Ned comes in, brandishing a turkey leg, and says he hopes Valentin is happy. This is all that’s left of a 25 pound turkey. Valentin says, what a shame, butthere’s always next year, and Brook says, he waltzes in there, taking back ELQ, and ruins her family’s Thanksgiving, and he talks about her depths? He says she took his child, and she says, Bailey isn’t his; get over it and move on. He says he thought he respected her, but he really just found her moderately attractive. Now he doesn’t have to stick around and watch looks go to ruin. Chase tells him, watch it, but he says he’s just getting started. Without her singing voice, she’s just the runt of Quartermaine litter. She has less class than the family dog. Chase says, that’s enough, and punches him.
TJ wants to talk to Portia about a patient; the one he treated a couple weeks ago who took off. He just saw him again, and she’ll never believe this. She tells him, he said he was TJ’s grandfather, and he asks how she knew. She says, Curtis told her. He was on his way to fill TJ in, but she guesses Marshall beat him to it. He says, they’re together in the chapel right now, and she asks if he thinks Curtis needs backup. He says, since he was ordered out of there, he’d say, leave them be. She asks how Curtis seemed, and TJ says, not good. He’s worried about Curtis. She says, so is she.
Marshall says, TJ is willing to give him a chance. Why won’t Curtis? Curtis says, Marshall doesn’t get to make him the bad guy, not after Marshall went behind his back to tell his nephew. Marshall says he thought Curtis already told him. If he overstepped his bounds… Curtis says, Marshall thought he’d already told TJ? Told him what? That they have the same DNA? That Marshall waited three years before he disappeared, and his family believed Marshall was dead? He grew up without a father, and grew up with a mother who was chronically ill because when Marshall left, it devastated her. Now Marshall marches boldly back into Curtis’s life, without a semblance of an explanation. Does that about sum it up? Marshall says, he told TJ the simple truth. He came back to reconnect with his family. Curtis says, they are not and never will be Marshall’s family, and Marshall says he doesn’t expect to be invited to dinner anytime soon. He knows he has a lot of work to do before he can earn Curtis’s trust, but TJ’s a grown, and unless Curtis is claiming to speak for him… Curtis says, TJ speaks for himself, and Marshall says, then they’ll keep the resentment there, between the two of them, where it belongs. You do you, and I’ll do everything in my power to prove myself, or die trying. He tells Curtis, happy Thanksgiving. He says, he doesn’t know about Curtis, but he’s feeling grateful, and leaves.
Drew says he bets Scout thought he forgot, and unwraps a glass unicorn. He hopes she still collects them, and Sam says, she does. Scout asks if she can take it, and Sam says, of course (🍷). Scout thanks Drew, and goes to show the boys upstairs. Sam tells Drew, she knows it doesn’t feel like it, but she thinks it went really well. Dante offers to leave, but Drew asks him to stay. There’s something the both of them need to know. It’s about Jason.
Sonny asks if Peter sabotaged the tunnel, but Anna says, no. He was trying to escape, using Britt and Obrecht as hostages. Jason and Drew were a formidable team, as she understands it, but there was a gun fight, and the tunnels were already unstable. He asks if they took Jason out, and she says, she had a rescue team within the hour. She promises him that they did everything they could.
Britt tells Carly, they did everything they could. If Jason had survived, they would have saved him. Carly says, no body was found? and Britt says, sometimes you don’t find a body. 50 tons of earth came down on him, and there was no sign of life detected. Carly says, no, not Jason. Jason has beaten the odds over and over again, and he’s going to beat the odds this time. She’s going to Greece. Britt says, listen to her. Jason is gone. Even saying the words makes her want to curl into a ball, but it’s true. Jason is gone and not coming back. Carly says, because of Britt, and now I want to slap and kick her.
Valentin tells the Quartermaines to enjoy what’s left of their dinner, and walks out. Monica says, this is why she has Luigi’s on speed dial.
TJ goes to the chapel, and asks if Curtis is okay. Curtis says he didn’t want TJ to find out from Marshall, but TJ says, it doesn’t matter. Curtis says, it does to him, and TJ says, at least they know who he is now, and why he’s been asking questions. God knows he has a ton of his own. Curtis says he understands why TJ wants to ask questions and find out more. Marshall is his grandfather; why wouldn’t he? TJ says, but Curtis doesn’t trust him? Curtis says he doesn’t, and doesn’t think TJ should either. Proceed with caution. TJ wonders if they can get out of there. Everyone is going to Dr. Robinson’s. Curtis says he doesn’t think he’d be good company, and asks TJ to send his regards. He’s heading to the club; he’s got some work he can do. TJ says Curtis can send his own regards. He’s coming. Curtis tells TJ to go hang with his colleagues and friends, but TJ says, not without Curtis. Curtis says TJ is as stubborn as a mule, and TJ tells him, they say it runs in the family.
Elizabeth meets Finn and Violet, and Violet says, that took forever. Finn says, it was worth the wait, and Elizabeth says, an upgrade from the scrubs? but he says she looks pretty amazing in those too. Portia comes by, saying, she’s glad she caught them. There’s been a change in plans. Nina and Phyllis join them, and Nina asks if dinner is off. Portia says, no. Same people, same food; just a different venue.
Sam says, so Drew is telling them that there’s no chance? and Drew says, not even Jason could have survived that cave-in. Sam looks at a photo of Jason and Danny, and says, it’s so unreal. Scout gets her father back, and Danny loses his. Drew says he’s sorry. If it eases the pain even a little bit, he owes his life to Jason. If Jason hadn’t shown up, he would be dead or still controlled by Peter. Jason is a hero. Dante says, that sounds about right, and Sam says, it means a lot, and thanks him. Drew says he’s got to go. He doesn’t want Monica hearing the news from someone else. He’ll leave his number, and if Sam needs anything, he’s only a phone call away. She doesn’t have to search for him this time. She says she’s glad he’s home, and he says, him too. He leaves, and she looks at the picture again. Dante says he’s so sorry, and she says, her too.
Anna tells Sonny, it’s so unfair. Jason worked hard to get back to his life, only to have it taken away again. Sonny says, this time for good. Carly… She says she thought they’d both be there, and she could tell them together, but he says he’s going to have to tell her. Did Anna tell Robin? Anna says she’s dreading this conversation, and he says he appreciates her coming by to tell him. He knows it’s hard for her too. She wipes some tears away, and says, she and Jason were often on different sides of the law, but she had respect for him as a person and a parent. Sonny says, it was mutual, and Anna asks if they can maybe just lean on each other about this. He hugs her, and she says he’s got this. She leaves and Sonny knocks some stuff around. At least the moss bowl 🎍 is out of harm’s way.
Carly says she gets that Peter set this whole thing in motion, and he’s going to pay, but Britt? Jason had feelings for her. Look what it cost him. Even when they ended things, Jason had this responsibility or guilt or whatever the hell she wants to call it. So much so, he went looking for her mom in Greece. So when Carly rewinds the tape, she wishes Jason never met Britt. The nasty bitch walks away, and Britt says she wishes that too. I gave she-devil Carly the benefit of the doubt for a long time, but she leaves herself out of every equation that she’s a part of. If not for Carly, Jason would be alive.
Anna calls Valentin, and says, guess who’s home? He says he looks forward to hearing all about Greece tomorrow, and she asks, what’s wrong with now? He says he’s in the middle of something, and she wonders if he’s all right. He says he’d rather tell her tomorrow, but welcome home, darling. He looks at a photo of Bailey on his phone, and his finger hovers over the delete button, but he doesn’t touch it. He takes a drink instead.
Britt goes to the reception desk, and flashes back on Jason saying there’s no way to predict anything. That’s not how life works. The future is an idea; it’s not a guarantee.
Sam asks if Dante is disappointed they bailed on Thanksgiving, but he says, no. He can have pizza anytime he wants. She says, what about the kids? but he says, the kids are fine. They spend plenty of time at the Quartermaines as it is. They’re right where they’re supposed to be. She says she knows Jason lived a crazy life. She had a feeling this was going to happen. She just didn’t think it would happen so soon. Dante holds her.
Carly comes back and sees Sonny through the window. She sits at the patio table, and cries. Sonny looks out the window, and watches her.
As they arrive at the club, Curtis tells TJ that he talks a good game, but he really didn’t want to spend Thanksgiving alone. TJ says, that’s a relief, and Curtis asks, why? They go inside, and turn on the light. Everyone is there, and they yell, surprise! Curtis asks, what’s going on? and Portia says, since he wasn’t up to joining the celebration, they brought the celebration to him. She tells everyone, dig in, but Curtis says, hang on. If his Aunt Stella were there, she’d say they’re forgetting the most important part. Violet says, thank you for the food. Thank you for my family. Curtis says, amen, and everyone starts to eat. Curtis kisses Portia.
Monica looks out the front window, and sees pizza boxes. She says, look at that. She didn’t even have to order this year. They just brought the pizza. She opens the door, and Drew is holding the boxes. He says he rolled the dice, and brought some with him.
Tomorrow, Scotty tells his schnitzel, welcome back; Monica tells Drew, don’t ever say anything like that again; Britt tells someone, if they tell anyone what they saw, she’ll have them fired; and Carly tells Sonny, Jason could still be alive.
Below Deck
Eddie tells the deckhands that the wind is too strong, and tells Jake not to give the go ahead until everything is secured. He never wants to see something blowing off the boat again. In Eddie’s interview, he says he needs the deck team to step up, so he can focus on his job as first officer, and his education in the wheelhouse. He tells the deckhands, he doesn’t want one more effing thing falling off the boat. Jake says he hates the effing cushions. Heather calls the provider for neon décor and balloons, specifically a seven and a five. The guests lounge around, and Rachel demonstrates 80s dance, the vacuum cleaner, in the galley. She brings Captain Lee breakfast, and Heather tells him that they’re having an 80s party for Primary Ronnie’s 75th. The captain says he already did the 80s once. In his interview, he says he met his wife Maryann in the 80s. It changed his life. So in the 80s, he was changing his life. He was also trying to look cool, but that didn’t work out. We see a picture of him back in the day, but IMO, he looked pretty good.
Heather tells Captain Lee about Jessica’s grandmother having a procedure. I love this vague word, which could mean pretty much anything from an ingrown toenail to cancer. In Heather’s interview, she says she notices the difference in Jessica from day one to now, and we flash back to when Jessica was peppy in the beginning. Heather says she understands what’s going on with Jessica, but at some point, she needs to leave it in the cabin, and show up to do her job. The guests do water sports. In Rachel’s interview, she says she’s making Mexican food for lunch, and Mexican is up her alley. It’s great going in, and interesting coming out. Fraser asks if Heather missies her partner, and she says, definitely, but it’s something they’re used to, since the priority was always yachting. Fraser says he’s craving male attention, and in his interview, he says his first relationship lasted two and a half years. His partner was ten years older, and they were in different stages of life, so it had to end, and he was shattered. It feels like he’d better get back into it. Lunch served, and primary Ronnie says, if Rachel wanted to start a restaurant, she definitely could. In Heather’s interview, she says she’s looking forward to the 80s party. She was in the womb in the 80s, and doesn’t know much about it, but she can channel it. Rachel is told by the guests that it was the best meal ever.
Jake thinks Wes and Jessica should hook up. In his interview, he says, Wes has no game whatsoever, but he’s going to try and help him. He tells Heather that they need a push. Jake tells a TMI story about twerking, and thinking pushing out a fart would be funny, and ending up pushing out something else. Sh*t happens… literally. The trampoline goes flying, and in Eddie’s interview, he says, WTF? Wes goes out to get it on a jet ski, and in his interview, he says, Baywatch in action. He’s a skinnier version of The Rock. Call him Pebble. In Captain Lee’s interview, he says, in 35 years, he’s never seen wind blow with such intensity for so long. It’s Mother Nature giving you a wakeup call. Jessica irons, and Heather passes out 80s stuff to the crew. Rachel says she loves the effing 80s, and the captain tells everyone to be in their blacks by six. Jake comes out in a neon yellow… I honestly don’t know what it is. A bodysuit with cut-outs? Fraser thinks Jake looks like a figure skater or exotic dancer; he’s effortlessly chic. I wonder if we’re looking at the same guy.
Heather tells Rachel that Rayna has a sh*t attitude, and the guests get dressed for dinner. The five balloon flies away, and the wind also takes a glass off a table, and it shatters on the deck. The guests are seated for dinner, and a lot of lobster goes out. Captain Lee joins the guests, but leaves any neon behind. Rayna is helping serve, and Heather explains that the food can’t go out without tongs to serve it. Rayna mumbles about Heather needing to do her own damn job. She’s helping; she works outside. All Fraser can come up with are ice tongs, and in her interview, Heather says she shouldn’t have to explain they need tongs. She hates the way it’s going, and how no one has the initiative to come up with a solution. Rayna tells Rachel that she’s killing it, and Ronnie picks up a gigantic steak bone, eating off of it like a caveman. Heather tells the crew to get in their 80s attire to sing Happy Birthday.
Jake tries to deal with his wedgie. Heather tells at least three crew members to let Rachel know she’s clearing the table, but ends up having to tell Rachel herself. The crew dances around in their neon, spandex whatevers, and wigs. In Eddie’s interview, he says he guesses this is what being first officer is about – leggings and a tank top that belongs to an eleven-year-old girl. Guest Stacie raves about the cake, and Captain Lee thanks them for dinner, making his getaway. Although these are relatively lowkey guests, and not like that horrifying last group. Everyone heads to bed (what I said – I’m kind of disappointed in this party), and Rayna tells Jessica that Heather is hard-headed and rude. Fraser tells Heather that he doesn’t want to put up with Jessica anymore, and in Heather’s interview, she says, it’s not a test. Either she wants to be here or she doesn’t.
Friend Issa calls Rayna, and in Rayna’s interview, she says, yachting and relationships are like oil and water. She likes the feeling of knowing someone genuinely wants to talk to you. She’s not trying to rush into anything, but reaches out for attention. Breakfast is served – lobster benedict and French toast. I don’t even like French toast that much, and I think it looks amazing. And big. Like Texas toast times four. Guest Todd sticks to scrambled egg whites, and in her interview, Rachel says scrambled egg whites are the bane of her existence, and gives two middle fingers. Eddie tells Jake that they’re dropping anchor, and to secure everything. In Eddie’s interview, he says, the last time was a complete failure, and he’s too old for this sh*t. He needs someone to take over the deck. Anchor is pulled.
Ronnie says, it’s the best three days of food he’s ever had. Rayna asks Wes to think about when dinosaurs swam in the water, and Wes bets they still are. Okay… In Fraser’s interview, he says, on a scale of one to ten, Jessica is an 8.2 in clueless. She’s neither working harder nor smarter. In Eddie’s interview, he says he’s had enough of getting yelled at for the deck team’s mistakes. This time, they didn’t even break a sweat.
The captain calls the crew to the aft deck to say goodbye. Primary Jeremy says it was awesome, and the food was spectacular. Child guest Alexander is relieved of his locked box, and Jeremy hands it to Captain Lee. When the guests are gone, the captain says, they know the drill. Fraser reveals that he has two closets; one just for uniforms. Heather is at a loss for words. It’s time for the tip meeting, and the captain says, it was a great charter. It was nice to see Jessica come out of her shell for the 80s. Jessica says, it was the purple hair, and in Fraser’s interview, he says, go Jess, less than enthusiastically. Captain Lee says, it’s almost like they all knew what they were doing. He opens the case, and says, 25 large ($25K). The crew responds with applause. He doesn’t say how much per crew member, and I try to count them fast, but they’re already gone. The captain tells them, well done. Have a good time; they earned it. Rachel makes it rain, while Heather twerks. Fraser asks Heather to put him on laundry. He’ll do nothing and not smile, and get a mention from Captain Lee. Heather tells him, who said you have to sleep your way to the top? The crew gets ready to go out, and head to a restaurant. Rachel tells Heather, curry with white pants; it’s a choice. Jake flirts with Heather, and in Heather’s interview, she says, Jake is coming on strong. If she didn’t have a boyfriend, he might stand a chance, but the ‘stache looks prettier every day. Fraser and Jake take a smoke break, and in Wes’s interview, he says, Jessica gives him butterflies. She reminds him of a big crush who broke his heart. He stopped taking chances after that. In Fraser’s interview, he says he finds Jake attractive, and might have a crush on him, but Jake is straight and he’s gay, not stupid. Jake takes off his pants at the bar, and then his underwear. It looks like they have the place to themselves, but still. There is a waitstaff. Rayna tells the bartender, the naked one is her boss.
Jake dances around, then jumps in the pool. Fraser follows, but thankfully, keeps his underwear on. They head back to the yacht, and Fraser says he’s getting naked in the hot tub. Rachel says she was okay until saw Jake’s flaccid penis flopping about. In the taxi, Jake and Fraser kiss, while Heather films on her phone. Jake says he’s not bisexual; he’s just sexually comfortable. Rachel says, nothing phases Jake, and she thinks everyone will get a ride on the mustache. Back on the boat, Eddie decides to use a blowtorch to light a cigar, and ends up setting his hair on fire. It’s put out quickly, but stinks up the place. Jake and Fraser get in hot tub. Eddie says he’s stressed because he has to work tomorrow, and asks Heather what happened with Jessica. Heather says she’s trying to keep her team intact. Captain Lee’s comment affected Fraser, and he said maybe he’d get praise if he stopped working so hard. Jake says, hummus and muffins… Everyone is so boring… A bagel for the boys… I guess he’s pretty drunk.
In the morning, Jake is still drunk, and says he’s effing trollied. The captain pumps iron, and Eddie asks if Jake remembers making out with Fraser. He doesn’t. Heather shows Fraser the video, and in his interview, Fraser says he’s mortified. Now Jake possibly thinks he’s into him, and he’s put his relationship with his best friend on the boat at risk. He’s crumbling. He says, stupid, a dozen times.
Next time, Jessica gets put on service; Heather tells Jessica, training day is over; and Eddie says he’s going to rip someone’s head off, but Captain Lee says that’s his job.
My favorite musical writer/composer. Being able to write musicals as diverse from one another as Follies and Sweeney Todd, there was no one like him. May all the other stage greats who’ve gone before you, sing you to your rest.
Even though Black Friday has come and gone, you’d think there had never been a sale before. I nearly had a heart attack when I saw how much email I had this morning. Whatever the status of your inbox, stay safe, stay unpressured by the holidays, and stay knowing there’s always next year, if the dog descends on your turkey.
What I Watched - TV With Theresa 