Category Archives: horror

Sep19

September 18, 2020 – Sonny Gets His Bike, Two To Know, Goodbye Chuck, Not Cast, Kenya’s Gain, Runway Shocks, an Ending, South Special, Your Choice, Season Two, Six Quotes, a Poem & Race

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Ned brings Alexis to the hospital, and Portia asks what she can do for them. Alexis says she can reassure Ned there’s nothing wrong with her. Portia says she’ll need a few more details, and Alexis says she fell at the gym and aggravated an old injury. Ned says it was weeks ago, and Alexis is still in pain. Portia says she can examine Alexis and Ned can come if Alexis is okay with it. Alexis says she wants Ned to be there when Portia tells her there’s nothing wrong.

Outside Kelly’s, TJ tells Brando he’s being too hard on himself. He just got out of the hospital, maybe it was too early for him to get out on the field. Brando says, from now on, they stick to basketball, and TJ says he should have said that earlier. Moving forward, they’ll stick to the court. Molly sees them together and looks horrified.

New York City. Nina asks Jax, how is it this woman who paid to have her necklace divided became her nurse twenty years later? He says, it would be quite the coincidence, and she says, there has to be a connection. She knows what happened to Nina’s child.

Josslyn tells Jason, it might sound crazy, but she wanted to feel her lungs fill up with air. He says it doesn’t sound crazy, and she wonders how long it’s been since Mike ran until he was out of breath. Little by little, everything was taken away from him until there was nothing left. She cries, and says she doesn’t even know what she’s saying anymore. He was a great grandpa. She’s going to miss him. Jason says he’ll miss Mike too, and she says Mike dies, and all she wants is to feel alive. He says, that’s what Mike would have wanted. Mike made some big mistakes, but he lived his life. He didn’t stand on the sidelines, watching and criticizing. Mike made sure he lived. He took chances and had to live with the consequences. There are people who run the race, and people who stand by and do nothing but watch. He knows she’s going to be someone who runs the race. She’s won’t know who’s going to win, but those are lessons she’ll learn. She’s going to live her life to the fullest, and it’s all Mike would have asked for.

Sonny looks at the picture of the boy on the bike, and shows it to Carly, asking if she saw this picture that Avery drew. His dad loved it, and said it looked like Sonny when he was a kid, but he doesn’t think it looks like him. They laugh, and Sonny says his dad never gave him the bike he wanted when he was a kid. He nursed that broken promise for years, and thought it was proof Mike wasn’t a good father. He didn’t know it haunted Mike. Even when his mind was gone, he needed to get Sonny the bike, and keep his word. Carly says Mike knew Sonny loved him, and Sonny says he knows. He asks if she can imagine them riding bikes together after all these years. The laugh some more, and Sonny says, it hurts.

Winston tells Ethan and Robert to keep their hands where he can see them. He says, this must be Ethan Lovett. He was afraid the calvary would come riding to the rescue when Holly placed the call. Robert says Winston knew Holly was alive.

Winston says, he takes their lack of professional detachment to mean there’s a personal interest. Robert calls Winston a smarmy bastard, and says, tell him where Holly is, or he’ll rip Winton’s throat out with his bare hands. Winston says Robert showed up for a gunfight with no gun, and tells his henchmen to restrain them, without shooting if possible. He tells Robert, Holly was investigating their less than reputable businesses that were being run from the casino. When he learned of her interest, he arranged for her ship to sink, but brought her there to manage her. They wanted to know just how much the Bureau had. Ethan tells him to take them to Holly, but Winston says she managed to distract a guard, and appropriate his phone. By the time they knew what was going on, it was too late. Robert says he knew it was her voice. Where is she? Winston says she had to be dealt with, and Robert asks what that means. Winston says, he’ll demonstrate. He raises his gun, but Olivia comes up behind him, and hits him over the head with an automatic weapon that she got from who knows where.

Nikolas tells Ava, he squandered his son’s chance at being close with this grandfather, and having a connection to his own mother. Mike knew Courtney better than he did; the things could Mike could have shared. It goes to show how messed up his priorities are. Ava says they’ve all been there, but he says, not as much as he has. The truth is, he keeps making the same mistakes. He doesn’t see how valuable something is until he lets it go.

Chase brings Brook to Turning Woods, and Brook thanks Michael for letting her know. She asks if Sonny is in Mike’s room, and Michael says he is, so she goes to  find him. Chase tells Michael that he gave Brook a ride. He’s sorry about Mike. Michael thanks him for bringing Brook. He thinks it will do his dad good to see her. He knows she had a big fight with Ned, and she’s too prideful to accept help. He’s worried about her being by herself. She didn’t say anything about a plan, and he wonders if she has a place to stay. Chase says he thinks she’s going to crash with him.

Nina tells Jax, after all the years of unanswered questions, she has an actual fact. He tells her, be prepared; she might not like what Phyllis has to say. She says she knows, and thanks him. Because of his connections, she’s closer than ever before to knowing what happened to her child. It would mean the world to her. He says he’d give her the world if he could, and she says she knows he would.

Molly joins TJ and Brando, and TJ says he believes Molly is a couple of minutes late; she’s obnoxious about being on time. Brando says he’s guilty of it too; it was drilled into him in the military. Molly says she didn’t know Brando was joining them, and TJ says they’re having a drink after their game. He’s buying; a consolation prize for beating Brando in all 8 innings. Brando asks if they don’t have plans, and Molly says, just studying medicine and law. TJ says they can take one night off, but Molly says, maybe Brando has someplace to be.

Portia presses on Alexis’s wrist, and asks if it hurts. Alexis says, ow! and Portia says, it’s definitely swollen. It might be more than a sprain. Ned says Alexis got an injury last summer, and Alexis says she thinks Portia was speaking to her. He says, sorry, and she says she slipped on the porch steps, and when she tried to steady herself, jammed her wrist. It ached for a week or two, then it felt better, until she fell at the gym. Portia asks if there was any weakness, and Alexis says, some in between incidents. Portia asks if it was continuous, and Alexis says not that she can recall. Portia asks, what about this time? and Alexis says this time, it’s been aching since she fell at the gym. She’s left-handed, and trying not do things with her left hand, and icing it. Portia asks if she’s done anything besides icing it, and Alexis says, nothing stronger than taking over the counter medication. She’s a recovering addict, and also highly sensitive after Neil’s death. Portia says she can prescribe a non-narcotic pain medication. They can take x-rays, and take it from there. She’s sorry to hear about Neil. She didn’t work with him very long, but he was a good man. Portia leaves, and Ned says, it’s okay to cry. He won’t judge.

Olivia says, a little help here? and Robert and Ethan deck the guards. Robert takes the gun from Olivia, and Ethan punches a guard one more time, saying, that one was for his mother. Robert gets on the phone, and says, it’s former field agent Robert Scorpio, and he’d like a direct line to the field office for District 3. He has a prisoner of interest.

Alexis cries, and says, the last place she expected to be was an examining room. Ned says he’s sorry, and suggests she get checked out; not just her wrist, everything. She says Neil was only in her life for two years, but changed it so much. He got her to dig inside for answers, and believe she’s worth being loved without conditions, secrets, or pain. If she hadn’t met him, she wouldn’t have risked her career for happiness. Now he’s just gone, and she’s in there getting a check-up for her aching wrist, like it’s any other day. Life just goes on, but it doesn’t. It’s not fair. Ned holds her, and says he’s so sorry.

Molly says Brando doesn’t want to hang out with a couple of studyholics. He might have someone to see. TJ says, the ladies are probably lining up, but Brando says he’s going through a dry spell. TJ says Molly can hook him up with one of her friends from law school. Ashley and CJ are smart and fun. Molly says she’ll see what she can do, and TJ says he’ll grab some ice teas, and Molly can arrange something with her friends. Molly says, no pressure, and TJ goes inside Kelly’s. She says TJ and Brando are bonding all over the place, and Brando says TJ is a good guy, but he’ll start making himself scarce.

Ava comes running in, and tells Nikolas, Avery is gone. The sliding door was open, and she’s gone. He says, she couldn’t have gone far.

Looking in the phone directory, Nina says she told Jax that she just wanted a trail to follow, and this is it. The woman she remembered, and will recognize when she sees, but she still has to find her. Who knew there were so many Phillis Caulfield in NYC? He says, there’s more than one? and she says, a lot more. Jax gets a call from Josslyn, and asks if everything is okay. Josslyn says, actually, no, and he says, Mike? Josslyn says, he’s gone. She knows it’s a good thing. It was time, and he doesn’t have to suffer now, but she just wanted to call and hear his voice, and know he’s still there to talk to. He says, always.

Sonny thanks Brook for everything she did for his dad. When she would visit and sing, Mike lit up like a kid. She says she’s glad Mike liked her singing and company, but the person he lit up for was Sonny. He loved Sonny so much, and Sonny was with him to the end. He did good. So, so good.

Avery walks through the woods with a flashlight.

Molly says, so Brando is just going to take off and leave her to explain? He says, isn’t that what she wants? She says she’s asking him not to be rude. When TJ challenges him to a basketball game or whatever, he can be busy. He tells her not to worry; he’s not getting in her business. She says she and TJ are in a great place; she’s not worried. There’s not going to be a repeat them. He says, no offense, but he’s not looking for one. She says, no offense, but she’s clear about what she wants in life, and it’s TJ. He says he likes hanging out with TJ; he’s a cool guy. TJ likes hanging out with him and wants to be friends, but he doesn’t lie to friends. She says neither does she, and he says maybe they should tell TJ the truth.

Ned waits in the hallway, and Portia says she wanted to give Alexis privacy, since Ned isn’t a family member. The orthopedic specialist confirmed it’s a fracture, which explains her limited movement and pain. Alexis says it’s not like when she fell in the spring, and it healed on its own. Portia says women lose bone density rapidly after menopause, and can get a fracture easily. They’re going to put her wrist in a cast. They stay on six to eight weeks, sometimes longer, but that only addresses the immediate injury. She suggests Alexis consult with the specialist, and have more tests to see if bone loss is the reason for the break. A fall shouldn’t result in a fracture, and there could be an underlying condition.

Jax tells Josslyn that he’ll be home first thing in the morning. In between, if she needs to, what should she do? She says, call him, and he says, that’s right. He loves her. She says she loves him too.

Avery finds Nelle’s half of the heart necklace, and hears Ava calling to her. Avery says, ooh, pretty. Ava calls again, and she says, coming, mom.

A WSB agent tells Robert his people are doing a sweep of the casino. There’s a laundry list of illegal activities there, enough to put Winston and his cronies in Steinmaur until they’re old and grey. Ethan asks if they found his mother, but the agent says, there’s no sign of Holly. She’s not there, if she ever was. Robert grabs Winston by his lapels, picks him up and shoves him against the wall, saying, you bastard, where is she?

Josslyn says, it must be strange for Willow. She joined the family five minutes ago, then has to jump into this experience. Willow says it’s sad, and she’s sorry about their grandfather, but what she’s experiencing is really how close they are, and how much they love each other. She was never part of a family in that way. To see them help sustain each other makes her more grateful than before.

Winston says, Holly is gone, and Robert says, son of a bitch. The agent says, let him go, and Robert drops him. Robert says, he’s lying, but the agent says it’s out of Robert’s hands. The Bureau is taking over. Ethan says, hell, the Bureau sent her there, and kicks Winston, asking, where is my mother? Winston says, gone. Disparue. What’s Mandarin for gone? The agent tells Ethan, don’t make them arrest him. They’ll search the grounds. The WSB is grateful for their help, so they avoided running Ethan’s name and finding out he has outstanding warrants. He’d like to see Ethan walk out a free man, so don’t kick Winston again. He tells another agent to help him load the prisoner for transport, and they take Winston out. Ethan says, Winston is lying. He has to be.

Molly says she thinks about telling TJ every day, and Brando says he thinks if she tells him the actual reason – that she thought he was ghosting her – he’ll realize there’s nothing to forgive. She says, except for keeping the truth from him. He says he’ll keep his distance, and she says she doesn’t want that; obviously TJ doesn’t want that. He says TJ can’t force him to shoot hoops; he has a garage to run. And if she keeps driving her hybrid like a tank, she’s going to severely damage it. TJ comes back with the drinks, and says, sorry. He was phoning a guy in his study group. He asks if Molly gave Brando contact with CJ and Ashley.

Willow asks if Michael is going to wait for his parents, but he says he thinks his dad would like to be alone with his mom for a bit. He and Willow leave.

Carly tells Sonny that she spoke with administration, and he can have all the time he wants with Mike. Sonny asks if they’re ready to take him, and she says if he’s ready. He says, let’s do this. He goes over to Mike, and picks up the drawing. He says he got his bicycle. He loves this bike; he loves this picture. And I’ll always love you, dad. He cries a little, and joins Carly.

Back at the cabin, Ava tells Avery, no more woods. Promise her. Avery promises.

Portia tells Alexis, a nurse practitioner will come in to cast her, and she can consult with the orthopedic specialist. They might be able to run more tests tonight. Alexis says, it’s kind of her to offer, but she’d like to get home. She’s dealing with a lot, and just wants to take a moment to catch her breath. She promises to make an appointment. Portia says, obviously, it’s her call, but she doesn’t advise putting it off, since any underlying condition needs to be addressed. Alexis asks what tests the specialist will want to run, and Portia says a big term that means bone density scan. Alexis asks what condition Portia thinks she has, and Portia says, the specialist will explain in depth. Alexis says the specialist isn’t there, Portia is. What does Portia thinks she’s dealing with? Portia says, based on her symptoms, Alexis might have osteoporosis.

Brando tells TJ, the garage needs his attention; he has no time for a social life. TJ says he’s said the same thing a million times. If not for Molly, he’d have no social life. Brando says, there’s only one Molly, but TJ says, her friends are really cool. What if the set up a meeting while supporting a righteous cause? They have a group who’s standing with GH. Brando says, against what? and Molly says, not what; who. Cyrus Renault, the Chairman of the Board.

Ethan tells Robert, the agent told them they have enough on Winston to send him to Steinmaur. They can use it as a bargaining chip, and trade Holly’s whereabouts for a lighter sentence. Robert says, Holly wasn’t an agent; she did contract work. They’re not going to bargain for her return. Ethan says, they have to. They said she was investigating the casino. She risked her life for the Bureau; they have to find her. The agent comes back, and says, they did find her. They found a shallow grave, containing a woman’s body burned beyond recognition. Ethan says, it could be anyone, and the agent says, they’ll find out when they do an autopsy, but the body matches Holly’s height and build. And they found this. He gives Robert something, and says, it was on the body. Ethan asks, what is it? and Robert shows him a ring.

We see Holly and Robert back when we were all so much younger. He says she should have a ring. He bought it a while back, and after tonight, he realized she might want it for appearances sake. He puts it in her hand, and she thanks him.

Robert tells Ethan, it’s Holly’s wedding ring.

Outside Turning Woods, a staff member says they have something for Sonny. It came several weeks ago, and they put it in the back for safe keeping. Sorry no one told him. They bring out a bicycle with a big bow on it, and my heart sings. Carly says, how… and he says, who cares? He hands her the picture, and opens the card. Sonny reads, Sonny, this is late, but I hope it’s not too late. I love you. Dad. She says, it’s a beauty, and he says, it’s perfect.

Nikolas asks Ava if Avery is all right, and she says, Avery is snug as a bug in a rug. She thanks him for helping her look, and being wonderful with her. She thinks he’s got himself a fan in her daughter. He says Ava must be relieved they found her. She’s quite an adventurous girl. He wonders where she gets it from. Ava asks if he’s leaving, and he says, yeah. He thinks there’s been enough excitement for one night. He asks if she’s returning to Windymere tomorrow, and she says she is. It’s her home. He tells her, goodnight, and she says, drive safe.

Jax says he hates to bail on Nina, but she says, is he out of his mind? Of course (🍷) he has to be with his daughter. This can wait. He says she could continue without him, and she says she could, but she wants him to be with her, no matter how it ends, if he wants to be. He says he does, and she asks if he’d mind company on the flight back. He says he’d love that. We see the necklace around her neck.

Avery takes the necklace out from under her pillow, and puts it in her backpack. She gets back in bed.

Brando says he understands why the hospital isn’t thrilled by Cyrus being on the board – Molly says, Chairman of the Boar – but maybe they could volunteer for another cause. TJ says, GH is the heart of Port Charles. They can’t let Cyrus corrupt it. He’s signing up staff members, and Molly is pulling some people from law school. Brando says, Cyrus could bring them a lot of trouble, and TJ says, let him bring it. The hospital is worth fighting for. Brando asks if Molly agrees, and she says she backs TJ all the way. Brando says, okay; he’s in. TJ says he knew it. Brando might be a sorry softball player, but he’s a man with principles. Brando hopes Molly’s friends are worth the trouble.

Alexis asks if osteoporosis isn’t common in women older than she is, but Portia says, that’s a misconception. Post-menopausal women over 50 are at risk. She can’t say for certain that’s it though, until the test results come back. Alexis says she’ll make arrangements. Ned pops in, and asks if everything is okay. Alexis says she’s waiting to get a cast, and tells him, go ahead and say it – I told you so. He says he’s just thankful she’s being treated. He tells her, he’ll wait outside, but Alexis says, they’d like to run more tests; it could take time. She’ll grab a Ride Share. He says, nice try. He’s not going anywhere. For once, stop arguing and say thank you. She says, thank you, and he says he’ll be outside.

Ned calls Olivia, and says, come on. Call him back.

Olivia gives Robert a drink, saying she thinks he could use this. Ethan says Holly was wearing the ring the last time he saw her. They met in Singapore to run game on a billionaire. Robert says he gave it to her when they got married. One thing after another happened, and it wound up in a safety deposit box in Switzerland. He gave it back to her after a two-year separation, saying, while they were separated, they were never going to be done with each other. He says he never should have given Ethan false hope that she was alive, but Ethan says now they know the truth, and who’s responsible. Robert says he should have gotten there sooner, and Olivia says he did what he could, but he says, it doesn’t feel like it. The agent comes in, and says the Bureau sent for a plane to take them home; it’s waiting on the tarmac in Nice. Robert wonders why the Bureau is so accommodating, and the agent says they’ve wanted the casino shut down, and now they were given a way to do it. Olivia says, as a girl from Kansas said, there’s no place like home. Robert asks Ethan if he’s going somewhere, and Ethan says, any continent but this one. When they leave, a man comes out and makes a call.

We see a woman’s hand pick a phone up. The man says, they’re gone. Scorpio and Ethan were given proof she’s dead. The casino was shut down, but the Bureau might be able to link the place to her. Winston knows to keep his mouth shut about what she really did with Holly. On one of the screens, we see a room with a woman sitting on the floor, leaning against a bed. She gets up, and starts yelling, open the door. Holly looks at the camera, and says, you bastard, let me out of here.

On Monday, Lulu asks Curtis what his fascination with her mother is; Curtis tells Jordan that she should have skipped this visit; and Jason tells Brando, he told Sonny they need a plan, but it will take both of them.

🏥 In Case You Haven’t Met…

All about Winston.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/winston-rudge-david-s-lee

All about Courtney.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/general-hospital-courtney-matthews-alicia-leigh-willis-168882

🎸 The Boys In the Band…

Think it was creative differences?

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/steve-burton-says-goodbye-to-port-chuck

💎 Anything’s Better Than Brandi…

I don’t even know who they are and wish they’d been cast.

https://extratv.com/2020/09/14/jana-kramer-and-mike-caussin-on-auditioning-for-rhobh-and-fighting-through-the-tough-times/

🍕 She’s Not Going Out Anyway…

The quarantine twenty-five’s got nothing on Kenya.

https://people.com/health/rhoas-kenya-moore-doesnt-mind-25-pound-quarantine-weight-gain/

👠 It’s An Outrage…

Fashion scandals should be our worst problem.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1187374/relive-16-of-the-biggest-fashion-week-scandals-on-and-off-the-runway

⚰️ Explaining the Dead…

But will it line up with the show?

https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/the-walking-dead-comic-ending-explained/

🤡 Laughing In the Face Of Pandemonia…

Think they’ll kill Kenny?

https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/south-park-season-24-release-date-pandemic-special/

✉️ Almost Time To Vote…

For the People’s Choice Awards.

https://pca.eonline.com/window

🛸 Break It Down…

Because, Baby Yoda.

https://www.denofgeek.com/tv/star-wars-the-mandalorian-season-2-trailer-breakdown-analysis-spoilers/

🧾 Quotes of the Week

The problem with doing nothing is not knowing when you are finished. – Nelson De Mille

It has become appallingly obvious that our technology has exceeded our humanity. – Albert Einstein

Technology without morality is barbarous; morality without technology is impotent. – Freeman Dyson

You don’t develop courage by being happy in your relationships every day. You develop it by surviving difficult times and challenging adversity. – Epicurus

Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life, but define yourself. – Harvey Fierstein

Maturity is achieved when a person accepts life as full of tension. – Joshua L. Liebman (Hmm… Apparently I’ve been mature since I was 5.)

I Call You Dog

Author Unknown

When God had made the earth and sky,

The flowers and the trees,

He then made all the animals,

The fish, the birds and bees.

And when at last He’d finished,

Not one was quite the same,

God said, “I’ll walk this earth of mine,

And give each one a name.”

And so He traveled far and wide,

And everywhere He went,

A little creature followed Him,

Until its strength was spent.

When all were named upon the earth,

And in the sky and sea,

The little creature said, “Dear Lord,

There’s not one left for me.”

Kindly the Father said to him,

“I’ve left you to the end,

I’ve turned my own name back to front,

And called you DOG, my friend.”

🍂 A New Season…

We made it to autumn, and another weekend. Or whatever name you’ve made up for what used to be your weekend. No matter the term, stay safe, stay discriminating, and stay running the race instead of watching from the sidelines.

Sep12

September 11, 2020 – Josslyn Says Goodbye To Mike, Chief Britt, All About Alex, Returning Morgan, Kris Cross, Goodbye Mrs. Peel, Another Stand, Upcoming Story, So Ratched, It’s Over, Quotes Of Ten & Trixie’s Malibu

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

The doctor tells Sonny, Carly, and Josslyn, he’s seen a lot of patients in hospice. The oxygen should keep him comfortable, and they’ll monitor him for any discomfort or pain. Josslyn asks if they can see him, and the doctor says, absolutely. He encourages it

Ava and Franco kiss. Someone takes a picture. Ava says she’s sorry, and he says he’s sorry. They can’t do that. They did do that, but they shouldn’t. Ava says it brought her back to their time in the city, before their lives went haywire. He says, before they were married to other people, and she says, yeah, before that.

Nikolas kisses Elizabeth. Someone takes a picture. Elizabeth backs up, and he says he forgot how good this felt; how they just fit. Does she remember? She say she can’t do this to Franco, and he says, why not? She just told him that she thinks Franco is interested in Ava. She deserves better, and she knows it. She says she doesn’t know anything for sure, and he says he doesn’t believe that. He thinks she’s looking for a way out of her marriage.

Trina comes to the hospital, and Portia asks, to what does she owe this surprise visit? Trina says she wants to thank Portia for clearing the air with Ava, and also letting her work the extra hours. She’s excited. Portia says if it makes Trina happy, she’s all in.

Dev asks if Cameron’s problem is that he can’t choose between Josslyn and Trina? Cameron says he doesn’t know how he got in this mess, and Dev says, come on. He doesn’t want to pump Cameron’s ego, but Cameron is an athlete, he’s popular, and he’s kind of smart. He’s not surprised girls are into him. Cameron says he doesn’t know if Josslyn and Trina are into him. Maybe they just want to stay friends. Either way, the whole thing is a mess.

Sonny, Carly, and Josslyn go in to see Mike. Sonny says, all right, dad. The doctor says he’s ready to leave, so they just want him to know they’re here for him; all of them. He’s not doing this alone. Sonny smiles at his father.

Elizabeth tells Nikolas, she’s not looking for a way out of her marriage. She loves Franco. She’s trying to save her relationship, not ruin it. He tells her, explain the kiss, and she says, it was a mistake. She was feeling insecure, and it was stupid and impulsive. It shouldn’t have happened. She apologizes if she gave him the wrong idea, and he says he’s sorry for giving in to temptation. He’s missed human contact. She’s right; it can’t happen. She asks if he’s being noble, and he says he wishes. She’s not the only one with a lot to lose. She says don’t tell her that he’s comparing their marriages. There’s no contest.

Ava tells Franco, she misses that kind closeness. If anyone finds out… Franco asks why she cares. Her marriage is a  sham, right? She says, true, but his isn’t. Despite their recent closeness, she knows he loves Elizabeth and the boys, and knows he would never want that for Elizabeth. She would never want that for Elizabeth. He asks if this is her version of altruism; her effort to preserve his marriage. She shrugs, and he asks if she has feelings for Nikolas.

Portia asks if going to homecoming as a group is a thing, and Trina says, it’s their thing. Portia asks if it’s like they’re each other’s dates, and Trina says, they’re each other’s friends, without the drama of who’s into who. Portia asks if she’s good with that, and Trina says, why not? Portia says Cameron took her last time, but Trina says, as a friend. Portia asks, if Cameron ends up with Josslyn at the end of the night, will she be okay with that?

Cameron tells Dev, the three of them, and now Dev, are a package deal. He doesn’t want to do anything to mess that up. They’re better off if it’s left the way things are. Dev tells Cameron, he said himself, it’s a confusing mess. Dev thinks it’s best if Cameron makes up his mind. Pick one, go for it, and set the other free. Cameron says, it’s that easy? and Dev says, kind of. Cameron asks what Dev would know, since he’s asexual.

Sonny tells Mike, they don’t know how long it will be – that’s between him and God – but Sonny will be right there with him. Carly says, her too, and Josslyn says, and her. Carly says they love him so much. She’s going to let Michael know, and promises she’ll be right back. Sonny asks if Josslyn is okay, and she says she should be asking him that. Sonny says she went through the same thing with Oscar, and she says now she sees how lucky she was. She was able to say everything she wanted to. Sonny says, it is lucky, and she says, if it’s all right with him, she’d like to be able to do that with Mike. He says, of course (🍷), and steps aside. He asks her to do him a favor, and let him know if anything changes. She says she will. She’ll be quick. He tells her, take her time, and he leaves. She says, hey, grandpa. First off, she wants to thank him for always treating her like his own. Technically she’s not, but he’s the only grandfather she’s ever known. She can’t picture a future without him, and doesn’t want to.

Epiphany asks Trina how she is, and Trina says, it’s still hard, but she’s moving forward day by day. Epiphany says she’s glad Trina has direction. She tells Portia the new Chief of Staff will be there today, and Portia says, Cyrus’s right hand. Trina looks at her phone, and says, Josslyn’s grandfather is in hospice, and it’s not looking too good.

Carly sees Sonny in the hallway, and asks why he’s out there. He says Josslyn wanted time with Mike, and she thanks him for giving it to her. He’s says he’s grateful Mike had time to know her. Alzheimer’s is difficult for anybody, but especially for a teenager whose not blood related… Carly says, it didn’t seem to matter to Mike or Josslyn, and Sonny says, it’s just… The fact that she loved him and welcomed him…  Carly puts her head on his shoulder, and says, the best part is, it went both ways.

Josslyn says she’s so thankful for the time she got with Mike; real time. All of them living under the same roof. She finally got to know what it was like to have a grandfather, and she loved it. Does he know what else she loved? She laughs, and says it might sound weird, but the one time he thought she was his childhood friend Mary, and asked her to come play stickball with him. Of course (🍷) part of her was sad that he didn’t know who she was, but the other part thought it was so cool she got meet him when he was a kid, and got to be his friend. She starts to cry, and says, it felt special to her. How many people get to do that? Know the person someone was when they were younger. Him living with them made her think about her future in a different way, and now she’ll make sure all the milestones she has, he’s right there with her.

Josslyn walks into the living room, wearing a formal gown. Mike sees her and says he always knew she was a stunner, but wow. She should be declared homecoming queen right now. She thanks him, but says she decided not put her name in. There are other girls who want it more. He says she’s the queen for him, and tells her to look around. There’s something there for her somewhere. She goes to the bookcase, and says, a corsage. He says, of course (🍷). That’s what grandfathers do. She says, it’s gorgeous, and thanks him. He puts it on her wrist, and she says, how beautiful, and thanks him again. She says he’s always watching out for her, and he says, he always will be.

Josslyn tells Mike, she was going to have a good time at homecoming. She still will, because she knows that’s what he’d want her to do, but she’s going to miss him so much. He looks at her, and smiles a little.

Elizabeth tells Nikolas, there’s no comparison. She and Franco are in love. He says he and Ava are definitely not, and she says, the ridiculous post-nup trapped him in a marriage he doesn’t want to be in. All because he wants to hang on to his money. How can they be so mutually destructive? What’s wrong with him?

Ava tells Franco, she doesn’t have feelings for Nikolas. She despises the air he breathes. Franco says, so it’s a match made in heaven. She should find another outlet; somebody to take care of what she needs. She says, like a gigolo? and he says Nikolas would probably be grateful for something to keep her occupied. She says, he’d love it, but not because it kept her occupied. If she gets caught cheating, he gets everything; all the money, all the property, and she gets nothing. Franco asks how she signed off on something like that, and she says, it goes both ways. Whoever gets caught cheating loses it all. He tells her, that’s one crazy situation she got herself into, and she says, ain’t it though? He says so she can’t be with another human being; not at all? She says, until Nikolas screws up. Franco says, but what if he doesn’t?

Dev tells Cameron, what the hell’s with the asexual comment? and Cameron says Dev never talks about being interested in anyone. But now that they’re talking, is there a girl, or… someone he’s into? Dev says Cameron seems to have his hands pretty full with Josslyn and Trina. If he were Cameron, he’d stay focused on them. Dev walks away, and Cameron says he’s welcome for the soda. Dev yells back, thanks.

Finn asks if Epiphany is okay. He knows she’s tight with Sonny and his family. She says, Mike Corbin is a beautiful human being. Finn says he knows. It puts the fear of their new Chief of Staff in perspective. Britt appears, and says, she’s glad to hear it. Because she’s looking forward to working with him again.

Elizabeth says, wild guess, but she supposes Ava and Nikolas aren’t sleeping together. He says, God no, and she says, neither of them have had sex all this time? He asks if she thinks he wanted this. It was the only way to ensure Ava didn’t get his fortune. She says, it’s so twisted and dark. No sex or love until one of them cracks. She knows him, and he won’t be able to do it. He says he’s had practice. He was alone when he was recovering in Greece, and can do this. Ava will be first. She says, what if it doesn’t work? and he says, it has to. Do him a favor. Ava can never find out they kissed, and Elizabeth says Ava’s not going to hear it from her. She can’t risk Ava telling Franco. She says, Nikolas needs to fix this. He can’t keep living like this; he just can’t. She walks off, leaving him to ponder.

Ava tells Franco, she doesn’t know how she’s going to keep this up. Their kiss was a stark reminder of what she’s missing. She says, Nikolas can’t hear about it, and Franco says, Nikolas won’t hear it from him. She says, it will be their little secret, and Franco says she should reconsider the marriage. Find a way to fall in love with Nikolas, or make him fall in love with her. Franco leaves the gallery.

Carly tells Sonny how wonderful Josslyn has been with Mike, but it’s also been rewarding for her. To think back when Mike moved in, the man with the twinkle in his eye, and his amazing ability to enjoy life; Josslyn got to be around that. Even when Mike started to deteriorate. It was something else she had to go through with him, and learn from. Mike never disappointed Josslyn. She just got to enjoy and love him. Sonny says, what an incredible gift.

Josslyn tells Mike, after Oscar died, she let her grades slip. Everybody told her it was normal and she shouldn’t worry, but he knows her; she was worried. She’s been working at every extra credit project, and she’s almost at the top of her class again. If she continues – which she will – she’ll graduate with honors. If only he could be there to see it.

Josslyn walks into the living room wearing a cap and gown. Mike says, there’s their valedictorian. Is her speech ready? She says, of course (🍷), and he asks how he got such brave and brilliant granddaughter. She says he got lucky, and he says he sure did. He says there’s something for her somewhere in the room, and she sees a jewelry box in a bowl on the coffee table. She takes out a watch, and says, it’s beautiful; she loves it. He says, it belonged to Sonny’s mother. She says, Adela? Maybe he should give it to Donna or Avery. He asks, why? She’s every bit as much his as any of the grandkids. He doesn’t want her to ever think she’s different. He puts the watch on her wrist, and says he wants her to wear it to remember how fast time flies, and make the best of it, always.

Josslyn tells Mike that she wants to make him proud. She takes his hand and promises she will. She doesn’t know yet what she wants to do when she’s older, but she thinks that’s a good  thing. It weirds her out when kids her age have their whole careers planned out, when they haven’t even left the house yet. She does know this. Whatever work she ends up doing, she’ll always make room for love in her life, just like he did, even toward the end.

Mike waits in a lounge area of the MetroCourt, when Josslyn comes out in a wedding dress. She says, the party is in the ballroom, but he says, it’s too crowded. He wanted to have her all to himself for a minute. She says he can have more than a minute. He says she’s the most beautiful bride ever, and she’s sure he says that to all the ladies. He says, not today. Today he only has eyes for her. He had a talk with that husband of hers. She looks a little panicked, and he says, nothing bad. He just let him know how important she is to him, and told him to take care of her heart for the precious cargo it is. She asks what she’d do without him, and he says she’d be fine. Fortunately, they don’t have to find out for a long time. Give him a twirl. She does, and he says, that’s my girl.

She tells Mike, whatever she does, however life turns out, she’ll always be his girl.

Carly tells Sonny, in the time since Mike came to live with them, he’s experienced love and joy, and given it right back. He’s got to know in his soul that he made his family’s life better just by being there.

Finn says Britt is the new Chief of Staff? and she says, yes, indeed. She congratulates Portia on being new Chief of Internal Medicine; she knew Portia had what it takes when they worked together. Epiphany says, when she ghosted the hospital a few months back? and Britt suggests Epiphany might want to rethink her attitude. Epiphany says Britt sounds like her mother, but Britt says, she’s nothing like her mother. The only thing they have in common is that she too, runs a tight ship. It’s a whole new day at General Hospital. Finn says, is it? Elizabeth joins them, and says she didn’t know Britt was back. Britt says, Dr. Westbourne to her. Epiphany tells Elizabeth that Britt was about to tell them about this new day she has planned for the hospital. Elizabeth says, she has plans? and Britt says, as the new Chief of Staff, it’s her job is to get the hospital whipped into shape.

Trina comes into the gallery, and Ava says she wasn’t scheduled, but Trina says she could use a distraction. She thought it was also a good time to start her extra hours, if it’s okay with Ava. Ava says, of course (🍷), and asks if Trina wants to tell her why she needs a distraction. Trina says homecoming is coming up, and it’s hard not to think about the last dance she went to. Ava says she knows it’s not going to happen again, right? and Trina says, it’s going to be different. All four of them are going – her, Josslyn, Cameron, and Dev – as friends. Ava says, so she and Cameron never kissed again? Is that a good thing or a bad thing?

Franco sees Nikolas sitting on a bench in the park, and says it looks like he had a rough day. Nikolas says he could say that. What’s up with Franco? Franco says, not much. He was supposed to meet Elizabeth for lunch. Has Nikolas seen her?

Britt says, everyone seems shocked that she’s the new Chief of Staff. She’s almost offended. Epiphany says, let her guess. Cyrus appointed her. Britt says, yes. He reached out to her in person. Elizabeth says, Britt knows he’s an accused drug lord, right? and Britt says she does. She kept up with the news, and remembers reading that he was framed by the Commissioner’s former colleague. Some cop named… Portia says, Taggert, and Britt says, Cyrus lost years of his life, and now he’s trying to do good. Finn says, tell them how she’s going to whip GH into shape, and she says she’s been studying the state of affairs there, and was horrified at how mismanaged the hospital has been since she’s been gone. As a former employee, she takes it personally. Finn says their reputation was good until Cyrus bulldozed his way in. Britt says, the way she sees it, the unethical actions of Monica and Bobbie put the hospital at risk. Elizabeth says, the surgery was successful, and Finn says, not to mention necessary. Britt asks if they’re both willing to go on record to condone the circumventing of law and parental rights. Epiphany tells Britt to let them know when she’s ready. She and Elizabeth have patients to attend to. She tells Elizabeth, they should go before they say something they’ll regret, and Britt says they might want to check their schedules. There’s been some reassignment, and Epiphany says, by whom? Britt says, the new head nurse.

Elizabeth tells Britt, Epiphany has been head nurse since 2006, and Finn says, the hospital won’t last eight minutes without her. Portia says she’s really new there, but Epiphany is the heart of the hospital. Britt says she has no intention of stripping Epiphany of her unofficial title, and Epiphany says, just her official one. Britt says, the Chairman thought it was time to make some changes. Elizabeth wonders if it has anything to do with Britt’s past history with Epiphany, but Britt says she’s not as petty as some people. The Chairman makes the decisions. It’s not her place to intervene, unless she disagrees, which she doesn’t. Finn says he has a long history of substance abuse, and asks if it’s going to be a problem with the Chairman. Britt says she’s not interested in personal issues; she’s interested in how he runs his department. She’d like to set up a meeting, but he says he’s booked solid. She tells him to make an appointment, and come prepared. Portia asks if her job is on the line too. Epiphany and Elizabeth look at the bulletin board, and Elizabeth says Epiphany has been bumped to an administrative position. Epiphany says, no patients? and Elizabeth says, just paperwork. Epiphany says, not for long. She’ll fight it. Elizabeth says, she’s no longer full time. She’s on the satellite crew, and has a whopping two shifts a week.

Nikolas tells Franco, he hasn’t seen Elizabeth. Franco says they were supposed to have lunch. Weird, since Elizabeth texted him that she ran into Nikolas. Nikolas says, strange, and Franco says, it is. Nikolas suggests Franco call her and sort it out, and Franco says he’s embarrassed to say it, but it’s his bad. It’s later than he thought. They probably just missed each other. The time does seem to get away when he’s hanging out with Ava.

Trina tells Ava that she doesn’t want to mess up her friendship with Cameron, and Josslyn needs them now. Her grandfather is in hospice, and probably won’t be with them much longer. Ava asks if Trina can hold down the fort. There’s something she needs to do. Call if she needs anything. Ava runs out.

Carly tells Sonny, she knows it doesn’t feel like it right now, but all the memories they’ve made with Mike are there with him. Sonny says he knows. She says, his dad is thinking how lucky he is he got be a part of the family, and Sonny gave that to him. He says, they did it together, and they hug.

Josslyn says she knows it sounds silly, but she wanted Mike there for all of it.

Mike and Josslyn play checkers, and she says he should really take it easy on someone in her condition. He says, you don’t mean… and she says she had a doctor’s appointment this morning. Guess who’s going to be a great-grandfather again? He hugs her, and says she’s having a baby. Boy or girl? She says they don’t know yet. She doesn’t think they’re going to find out. He says, it’s the best surprise there is. He can’t wait. She says she can’t wait for Mike to meet him or her. He tells her, congratulations. She’s going to be a great mom. What a blessing. Josslyn says, it really is.

Josslyn tells Mike, he’s the blessing.

Portia asks Britt, so what’s her fate? Britt says she has no ill will toward Portia. She doesn’t believe Portia was involved in the Monica and Bobbie shenanigans. She has every faith that Portia will do right by General Hospital. So does Cyrus. Elizabeth tells Finn, she’s been demoted, and Epiphany says, two whole shifts a week. He says, that’s insane. Why? Elizabeth says Britt is carrying out Cyrus’s orders. He’s trying to marginalize anyone who’s been there a long time. Finn says, anyone who knows the history of the hospital. Epiphany says, what that indicates to her, is that Cyrus is going to be messing with stuff he shouldn’t be messing with, and putting everyone, especially their patients, at risk.

Nikolas says Franco is going to be late because he was hanging out with Ava? Franco says they had a little disagreement about the portrait, but they sorted it out. Franco starts to leave, and Nikolas says, good luck. Franco asks why he would need luck, and Nikolas says he just means he hopes Franco finds Elizabeth. Franco says he’ll find her.

Trina flashes back to telling Cameron that she researched PTSD, and that’s what happened. Things got scrambled. It’s fine, but what’s not fine is making the kiss something it’s not. Nothing has changed between them. She sits down.

Sonny tells Carly, he couldn’t have done it without her, and she says he’s always got her. She’s going to grab coffee, and asks if she can get him anything. He says he’s fine. She says she loves him, and he says he loves her too. She leaves, and Ava comes along. She says she hopes she’s not intruding, and Sonny asks what she wants. She says she heard about Mike. Sonny wipes tears away, and she asks if there’s anything she can do to help.

Josslyn asks Mike if he wants to know a secret. She’s super competitive. She tells him, okay, it’s the opposite of a secret. It’s the challenge of making mistakes and trying to make up for them, like him trying to make up for leaving Sonny and his mom. She hopes she never has to do that, but if she does, she prays she can deal with it the way he showed her, and learn from the lessons he taught her. More than anything, she hopes he can hear her right now. She says, thank you, grandpa, for everything. I love you so much. His hands move, and he gives Josslyn two thumbs up.

We all cry like babies.

On Monday, Britt asks if she gets no welcome back from Felix, Olivia tells Robert that she’s going with him, Ava asks Sonny to trust her, and Jason says someone has his word.

🩺 Hail To the Chief…

The Britch is back in a big way.

https://soaps.sheknows.com/general-hospital/recaps/577812/britt-westbourne-named-chief-of-staff-general-hospital/

👭🏻 Two Times the Spy…

All about Anna’s twin.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/general-hospital-alex-devane-128961

🧩 If There’s No Body…

I never thought he was dead anyway.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/bryan-craig-is-ready-to-return

👠 From Momager To Wife…

It remains to be seen if RHOBH will inherit a Kardashian.

https://extratv.com/2020/09/09/would-kris-jenner-ever-join-rhobh-andy-cohen-weighs-in/

🥀 Farewell Queen Of Thorns…

And the best Avenger ever.

https://extratv.com/2020/09/10/diana-rigg-of-the-avengers-game-of-thrones-dead-at-82/

🎡 Standing Again…

I wasn’t sure if we needed another one, but this looks like a great cast.

https://www.ihorror.com/premiere-date-is-set-for-the-stand-on-cbs-all-access/

https://www.ihorror.com/the-stand-receives-first-teaser-trailer/

🩸 New Horror Coming…

I don’t know if anything will top 1984 for me though.

https://www.ihorror.com/american-horror-story-shares-a-tease-and-begins-filming-season-10/

💉 Ratch This…

Speaking of Sarah Paulson.

https://www.ihorror.com/watch-final-lobotomy-filled-trailer-for-netflixs-ratched-is-epic/

📍 It’s Official…

And it was only a matter of time.

https://pagesix.com/2020/09/02/teresa-and-joe-giudice-finalize-divorce-after-20-years-of-marriage/

📝 Quotes of the Week

What you’re thinking is what you’re becoming. – Muhammad Ali

It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. – e.e. cummings

He got distracted by a clapping ass; it happens. – Cynthia Decker, Pillow Talk: 90 Day Fiancé

I’m gonna give you a prostate exam with this foot. – Medea (Tyler Perry), Boo! A Medea Halloween

Never put off till tomorrow what may be done day after tomorrow just as well. – Mark Twain

A room without books is like a body without a soul. – Marcus Tullius Cicero

Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever. – Mahatma Gandhi

A day without sunshine is like, you know, night. – Steve Martin

Make a pact with yourself today to not be defined by your past. Sometimes the greatest thing to come out of all your hard work isn’t what you get for it, but what you become for it. Shake things up today! Be You…Be Free…Share. – Steve Maraboli

Even the smallest act of service, the simplest act of kindness, is a way to honor those we lost, a way to reclaim that spirit of unity that followed 9/11. – Barack Obama

🗑 There Goes Another One…

Crossing another week off the calendar, and hoping we’re closer to a pandemical solution. Or even just some bars opening. Regardless, venture out into the world, but stay safe, stay observant, and stay making room for love in your life.

Sep5

September 4, 2020 – Anna Teams Up With Valentin, a Pot Of RHOBH Tea, About Dorinda, Townhouse Not For Sale, Upstate Is Not a Cabaret, the Next Squad, Upcoming Fear, New Generation, More Beasts, The Rock Speaks, Out & In, Double the Horror, Two Treats, Triple Quint Quotes & Working

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Finn gives Alexis some water, and says, drink this. Doctor’s orders. She asks if he has some rubbing alcohol to chase it with, but he says, the bar’s closed. He tells her to talk to him about Neil, and she says when she went to sleep, he was alive, and when she woke up, he wasn’t. He asks how she found out, and she says she brought coffee to him in bed.

Molly goes to the hospital, and asks TJ if he’s all ready to go. He says he is; today was a train wreck. She says she sees beers with their name on them at The Floating Rib, and he asks if she’d be okay with take-out. He’s going to have batting practice before work, and see what Brando is made of.

Not much right now. Cyrus’s two thugs beat the snot out of him. They start to leave, and one grabs a wrench to finish Brando off, but the other one stops him, and they jet.

Jordan walks toward her office while on the phone with Taggert. She tells him, stay out of Port Charles until they’re done with Cyrus. It’s hard enough without him coming back from the dead. She’s handling it. She opens her office door, and Curtis is waiting by a beautifully set table, wearing a chef’s hat and glasses. He says her table awaits, and she sits. I have to add, he looks super cute.

On the phone with Trina, Portia says sorry she’s going to be late, and tells Trina to order out healthy. She asks who Trina is hanging out with, and says, of course (🍷) she trusts Trina. It’s other people she doesn’t trust.

At the MetroCourt, Anna looks at the sonogram picture, and Maxie says she can’t stop staring at it either. Peter tells her it was too early to tell the sex, and I wish they’d stop saying that, since it looks like it’s practically ready for kindergarten. Maxie says James is neutral on the subject, but she thinks he’s too young to understand. She wants a sister for Georgie though. Valentin comes by, and says, be careful what you wish for. Sisters can be a handful. Like Anna’s sister, right?   

Jason runs into the garage, gun drawn, and looks around. Sam and Spinelli come in, and Sam runs to Brando. Jason checks his pulse, and she asks if he’s alive. Jason says, for now. They worked him over pretty good. He tells Spinelli to call an ambulance, but Sam says they can take him themselves. Jason tells Spinelli to help get him to the car, then come back and get the camera. They take Brando out, and Sam closes the door.

Curtis lights the candles on the table, and Jordan says, what is all this? Did he think she’d be raiding the vending machine for dinner? He says they can’t have that, and welcomes her to Chez Cop, where they pride themselves on fine dining. Would she like sparkling water, or still water from the great state of New York? She says, sparkling, and he says, like her eyes. She laughs, and he says, tonight, the chef has insisted on picking out her entrée himself. She says, what a welcome surprise, and he says he just works there. She can take it up with her dinner companion. He excuses himself.

Molly asks if TJ and Brando are hanging out, and he says he thought he’d take a break and they could visit the batting cages. He can take out his obsession on someone else. She likes Brando, right? She flashes back to sleeping with Brando, and says she doesn’t know him well enough to like or dislike him; he seems like a good guy. TJ says she told him that he should widen his circle outside if the hospital. She thinks he should be a little careful, and he says, of who? Brando? Why? She tells him, Sam said he was recovering from an injury. He doesn’t want Brando to get hurt. She’s seen TJ transform into a relentless and dirty player as soon as he steps on the field. He says he’ll take it easy, but not too much. You never know when you’ll get blindsided. She says he should discuss it with Monica, but he says she’s no longer there. She and Bobbie were fired. Molly says, impossible, but he says the board fired them under orders from their new benefactor.

Curtis comes back in, after changing clothes, and tells Jordan, sorry he’s late. He hopes she hasn’t been waiting long. She says, no, but she might run off with the hot waiter. She’s going to give him a big tip. (I sit hard on a joke here.) He says he heard the cuisine is great, and lifts the cover on her plate. She says, lake trout, and he says, and sweet tea, straight from Baltimore. Like old times. She says, it’s not their anniversary or her birthday. What gives? He says he doesn’t need an excuse pamper his wife, but she says she was just wondering if he has one.

Finn tells Alexis that he’s sorry for her loss, and she says she is too. She’s sorry she doesn’t know what to say or how to feel. The worst part is… never mind. He says he’s calling a meeting here and now, but she says, that’s against the rules. You can’t have a meeting with two people. He says, it’s an exclusive club, and pulls out a chair. She sits, and he says she has a safe space. What’s the worst part? She says she and Neil finally decided to go forward together, and he died in her bed. She takes it very personally.

Valentin hopes he’s not interrupting, and Anna says she’s sure she’s held on to these lovely people way too long. Maxie says she has a meeting with Lucy, and Valentin asks if it’s about Deception. She says, it’s more of a concept meeting, but she’ll let him know what comes of it. Anna tells them, you two take care, or should she say three? They leave, and Valentin asks if he can join her. She says, please, and he says she’s happy to see him. She’s only happy to see him when she needs something. Does she need something? She says she’s going after Alex, and needs him as back-up.

Spinelli tries to reach camera, but can’t, so he gets a toolbox to stand on. He hears Peter and Maxie coming, and runs to sit in a chair. They walk in, and he says, Maxinista… and companion. Maxie asks why he’s there, and he says, car trouble. His van is increasingly temperamental. She says she thought he used his electric bike in warmer weather, but he says he didn’t want the van to suffer from lack of use. Peter says he needs a new crankshaft. The dealer said it would take two weeks to install, so he thought he’d try his luck with the local mechanic. Maxie sees the mess, and says, if this is the way he keeps his shop, she’s not sure Peter wants him working on the car. Peter says he can call the other company tomorrow, but Spinelli assures him, it’s worth the wait. He’s sure Brando just stepped out for a few minutes. In the meantime, they can chat; catch up, as it were. Peter looks like, huh?

Valentin says Anna is going after Alex? and she says she thought that would get his attention. He says Alex betrayed him. She exploited his infatuation with Anna, and performed a treasonous act, leaving him holding the bag. If not for her, he might have spent his career with the WSB. Anna says Alex wasn’t solely responsible for his fall from grace. He says she’ll never see him as a victim, and she says he may very well have been set up, but he crossed the line on his own. He says this is no way to ask him a favor, but she says she’ll be doing him a favor; he can bring Alex to justice. The waitress brings the drinks, and Anna wonders where to start. Valentin says he thought she lost Alex’s trail last year. She says she found it again, and he asks, why him? She says, it’s a two person job, but he says there are plenty of other agents. She says they would get in her way. She needs his talent. She needs his special brand of selective ethics. He asks how old the lead is, and she says, less than an hour old. Alex wants to meet her in Berlin. Alex claims she wants to stop running. He asks, why now? but Anna tells him, she didn’t say. Anna wants to find out, and she’s going to Berlin. She wasn’t sure about it, but then she saw him, and it all clicked. She wants him to come with her, and they can both bring Alex in together. Valentin doesn’t know who the greater fool is; her for going, or him, for going along with her.

Alexis tells Finn, before he met her, Neil had a career and a life. Now he has no career and no life. She can’t help but think she sent him to an early grave. Finn says she didn’t; she can’t bring on someone’s death by loving them. She says she cared about Neil. They had something. Finn tells her, then honor that.

Curtis wonders if all wives are this suspicious, or is it a hazard of the job? She says she should know better than to question a romantic gesture, and Curtis says he figured she was due for an interlude, given all the hours she’s been putting in, and the pressure. She says the main priority has been to find Nelle, and make sure she’s not out there plotting. Curtis says, and she has Cyrus to contend with. Does she have any idea what he’s up to? She says she knows he seized GH for the sole purpose of upping his PR, but she needs to uncover his plan, and put him away for good. He says, sounds obvious, but Cyrus is never far behind her – or him. No matter how hard he tries, he just can’t let it go. Every time he sees Trina, he asks himself, if he had made a different call, would her father still be alive? She takes it Trina is still giving him a hard time, and he says, only when she sees him. She says she knows him, and he needs to stop tiptoeing around. He says he tried confronting Trina. He tried talking things through, and tried to apologize, but no matter what he does, he just makes it worse. She thinks Portia might be able to help. If anyone can bring him and Trina together, it’s her mother.

Portia sees Brando in the ER, and asks what they have. Sam says they found him like this, and brought him in. She asks if he’s spoken, and Jason says, he has, but he’s not making sense. Portia tells them to get out, and Sam says, but… Portia says now. Outside, Sam says, this is Cyrus. Cyrus had to have done it.

Cyrus messes with his phone, and Molly tells TJ, you’d think someone who was a benefactor for the hospital would have asked Monica and Bobbie for guidance instead of firing them. They’re pillars of the hospital. If her mom was still practicing, she’d file a wrongful termination suit. TJ says, there’s always Diane, and Molly says, if Monica and Bobbie want to fight, it’s their choice. She’s going to mind her business, and behave. TJ says, she can if she wants, but he won’t. Cyrus approaches and tries to introduce himself, holding out his hand. TJ says he knows who Cyrus is, and don’t offer his hand unless he wants TJ to spit on it.

Finn tells Alexis, if she needs anything, she can call anytime. She says she knows that, and thanks him. He suggests she go to a meeting. She doesn’t have to share. She says she is going to go to a meeting – later. He says, later is the first step toward never, but she says she’s not avoiding it. She’s meeting the medical examiner. They owe her a favor, and she’s getting the preliminary report on Neil’s autopsy. Finn asks if Neil ever mentioned an underlying condition or family history, but she says, nothing. He asks if she and Neil had regular contact, and she says they’d been actively avoiding each other. Finn says it would have given Neil time to develop something, and she says, something she would have picked up on if she’d acted on her feelings sooner.

Cyrus says he has no idea what he’s done to merit TJ’s hostility. TJ says Monica and Bobbie deserved better than what Cyrus gave them. Cyrus says they opened the hospital up to a massive lawsuit, and were fired for cause. TJ asks if he considered the lives they’ve saved, their work in the community, and inspiration to others to work in the medical profession, like him. Cyrus says he had no idea they’d had such an impact on TJ, using his name. TJ says, Cyrus knows him? and Cyrus says he would recognize his mother’s fire anywhere.

Jordan tells Curtis, it doesn’t do any good for Trina to misdirect her grief about what happened to Taggert. She thinks Portia can help. Curtis says he didn’t want to confuse things, and Jordan says she thought everything was in the past. He says, it is, but he ran into Portia at Kelly’s after the Nurses Ball. They had a good talk, and he’d rather leave it there. They have enough going on with Cyrus. Why add one more burden? Jordan flashes back to being with Jason on the pier, and telling him that Curtis doesn’t know about Taggert. So much time has passed, if she tells him now, it could destroy her marriage. She tells Curtis, she and Taggert worked together on a difficult assignment, and he trusted her to have his back. She wants the gift of peace for Trina, and Curtis. Her desk phone rings, and he says, might as well get it. It will drive her crazy if she doesn’t. She answers, and says she’s on her way. She tells Curtis, sorry, and he says, don’t tell him; Cyrus.

Sam asks if they should call Sonny, but Jason says, he’s focused on Mike, and it’s more important. Sam says, maybe they should get the footage, and Jason says, it’s got to be Cyrus. It’s his way of pushing the boundaries of the truce without openly breaking it. Portia comes out, and Sam asks how Brando is. Jason asks if he’s going to be all right.

Valentin tells Anna, he has a daughter now. He has to consider things differently. He also just acquired ELQ, and the Quartermaines have the resources to take it back. He has to be there. She says, what if Alex is a threat to Peter? Peter’s grasp on happiness is fragile at best. He remade himself into a good man; he’s expecting his first child. If Alex undermines that, it could hurt Peter, Maxie, and the baby. You’d think Valentin would want to help Peter, given the way he messed up Peter’s life.

On the phone, Maxie tells Lucy, don’t sign anything until she gets there. They’re not risking Deception’s reputation on an untested product. She’ll be right there. She tells Peter, sorry she has to go. Peter says he’ll wait. If Brando doesn’t show up, he’ll go the other route. Maxie leaves, and Peter hopes it’s worth the wait, and Spinelli says, Brando should be back imminently. He tells Peter, it’s too bad Maxie had to leave, and Peter says, is it? He got the distinct impression Spinelli wanted to talk to him. Spinelli says, at the Nurses Ball, a little birdie whispered something disconcerting in his ear about Peter. He and Shiloh apparently go way back and far away, overseas even.

Cyrus tells TJ, he’s privileged to meet Jordan’s son at last. He sees they share passion. He’s grateful for her keen sense of justice. She freed him when he was wrongly sent to prison. TJ says where’s the justice in him firing Monica and Bobbie? but Cyrus says they were a liability, and had to go to preserve the hospital’s integrity. He wants to see the hospital survive and thrive. He hopes someday TJ can appreciate that, even to the point of shaking his hand. TJ holds out his hand, but fakes Cyrus out, and says, don’t hold your breath. I wonder how many times they had to do that without laughing. TJ and Molly walk off, and Cyrus goes to the elevator. Curtis is there, and says, bad strategy, when Curtis knows what he knows. Cyrus says, TJ works for him now. Sooner all later, everyone does. Cyrus goes into the elevator, and when the doors close, Curtis says Cyrus is going to find out he’s wrong about that, and a whole lot more.

Finn says he thinks Alexis is trying to make sense of something that happened to someone important to her, someone she cared about. She asks if he has any suggestion on how not to do that. He says, breathe, talk to someone, practice self-care. The verbiage is obnoxious (thank you, Finn! I think so too), but the concept is good. There’s a knock at the door, and it’s Jordan. She says she was told Alexis was with him, and asks if she can speak to Alexis alone. Alexis asks, what about? and Jordan says, Neil’s death.

Portia says Brando has multiple contusions and lacerations, and possibly fractured ribs. He’s going to get x-rays and a CT scan. Jason asks if he’s speaking, and Portia says he’s alert, and gave her permission to talk to them. Jason asks what the prognosis is, and she says, he has some healing to do, but he’ll recover. They’re keeping him for a few days for observation. Sam asks when they can speak to him, and Portia says, as soon as the nurse is finished. She leaves, and Sam says, that was convincing. Jason asks if she thinks it was staged, and Sam says, if Brando has thrown in with Cyrus, it’s what he’d want Sonny to see. Jason says no one knew Brando was being watched. His guess is that Brando is collateral damage, and they’re sending a message to Sonny. Sam says, or maybe Brando was going to come clean, and it was a way of discouraging him. Oh, come on. Brando could kill Cyrus and all of his associates, and burn down all of Cyrus’s warehouses, and Sam would still be like, I don’t know…  Jason says, Brando’s story hasn’t changed. Jason believes him. Sam says, Brando admitted to Cyrus being in the garage, and Jason asks how hard would it be to tamper with his bike while Brando was distracted? Cyrus approaches, and asks how the patient is.

Molly tells TJ, that just now, was a thing of beauty. Cyrus isn’t used to someone speaking truth to power. TJ says he had no idea how Cyrus would respond. He didn’t know Cyrus would bring up his mom; it threw him off. Molly says, it didn’t work. He just kept hammering at Cyrus. Curtis joins them, and says he hopes they’re hungry. He doesn’t want the lake trout to go to waste. Molly says Curtis should have been there. TJ handed Cyrus’s ass to him, metaphorically speaking. TJ says, he doesn’t want to brag, but he was stoked. Curtis should have been there. Curtis says, yeah – to stop him.

Cyrus tells Jason and Sam, he heard Brando was in the ER. Jason asks where he heard that, and Cyrus says he takes an interest in every patient who comes through the doors of GH. He’s particularly interested with anyone who has ties to Sonny. Which reminds him. He understands Jason checked out against doctor’s orders. Jason says he’s fine, and Cyrus says, that’s more than can be said about Sonny’s father. Such a shame. So many tragedies on so many fronts. It’s all Sonny can do to keep his head above water. Jason says, that’s why Sonny has him.

Sam goes in to see Brando and asks how he feels. He says, like he should have gone back to Chicago. She tells him, the doctor says he’ll recover, which is good news. Does he remember anything? He says, besides waking up there, he remembers he got jumped. She asks if he knew the guys and if they said anything. He says, it’s fuzzy. One minute, he was fighting for his life, and the next thing he knew, he was there, with a doctor shining a light in his eyes. She says, if it makes him feel any better. She and Jason found him and brought him in. He says, great timing.

Alexis says she doesn’t know what she can tell Jordan that she didn’t tell Detective Spencer. Jordan asks if they can use Finn’s office, but he’s hesitant, so she says they can talk outside.

Valentin says Anna knows Alex is setting her up, and Anna says, of course (🍷), but she’ll never suspect Anna being with him. He asks what she’s going to do when she finds Alex. The WSB won’t prosecute; they’d rather pretend Alex doesn’t exist. They’re happier with her on the lam. Is Anna willing to arrange an untimely accident? He says Anna is hesitant and desperate; he notices her voice wavering. Alex will be waiting for her to make a mistake, and she can’t slip. Professional rule number one, objectively access the situation. Two, find the subject’s weaknesses, and three… She says, seize the initiative, and finish them. She’s going to play Alex’s game. She wants to set a trap, and wants Valentin to help her.

Peter tells Spinelli, unfounded rumors, and Spinelli says, as Georgie’s father, it’s his duty to make sure Georgie and Maxie are protected. Peter says his constant intrusion reads more like jealousy. Spinelli assures Peter that he’s content with Ellie. Peter wonders if Ellie would say the same. Spinelli says his personal life is none of Peter’s business, and Peter says Spinelli isn’t endearing himself to Maxie or him. He’s tried to get along, but Spinelli is making it hard, like he wants Peter as an enemy rather than a friend. Spinelli asks if Peter didn’t arrange for Drew’s kidnapping. Then, Shiloh used the information to make Peter help him escape. Peter asks, who’s spreading these lies? and Drew says Shiloh’s widow confided in him. Nelle is a known liar, but perhaps Peter will shed more light on it. In the meantime, sorry to trouble him. Spinelli says, good luck with his crankshaft, and leaves.

Alexis says she’s been through this with the detective, but Jordan says she wants to hear it directly. Alexis says, Neil came over, Sam was there, and Sam left. They talked. Jordan says, about anything in particular? and Alexis says they talked about their love for each other, and how they were looking forward to a happy future together. They went upstairs, made love, and went to sleep. Jordan says, Neil was happy, and asks if there was anything unusual about his behavior. Alexis says, he wasn’t hopping and skipping around. He was his usual self. Intelligent, articulate, and with a dry wit. What is this about? Jordan says she got the preliminary autopsy results, and Alexis asks how Neil died.

Jordan tells Alexis, the preliminary report says Neil died from respiratory failure of the heart and lungs. Alexis wonders what would make him stop breathing, and Jordan says, drugs. He died from an OD.

Molly tells Curtis, he doesn’t understand. Cyrus just fired Monica and Bobbie. TJ was standing up for them. Curtis says he applauds TJ’s integrity, but not his instinct. Do not pick a fight with Cyrus. TJ asks, what’s the worst Cyrus can do? Drop him from the medical program? Cyrus was exonerated. Curtis says, he’s still dangerous to a lot of people, but TJ says he refuses to be silenced. Curtis says, let it go. Nothing TJ says is going to affect Cyrus. TJ says, maybe he should take action, but Curtis says it could cost him a lot. TJ says, so he’ll be thrown out and not get a reference. He’ll transfer to Mercy Hospital.

Brando tells Sam, he had a run in with Cyrus’s lieutenant. He stopped by to ask if Brando needed help, and his implication had been clear. Sam asks what he said, and Brando tells her that he said no thank you. She can draw her own conclusions. Jason says he already has, and knows Brando had nothing to do with his accident. It was all Cyrus.

Anna comes into the hospital, and sees Finn. He says he wasn’t sure when he’d hear from her again. She says she wanted to let him know that she’s made the decision not to go to Berlin. She’ll figure out another way to deal with her sister. I’m guessing this is Alex, who is sending Anna on another wild goose chase while she wreaks havoc in Port Charles. Again.

Maxie calls Peter, who says he’s still at the garage. She asks if the mechanic ever showed, and he says, not yet. What happened with Lucy? Maxie says she got there just in time, before Lucy put them in dept to a Korean conglomerate for the next 13 years. She asks when he’s coming home, and he says he’s going to wait a little while for the mythical mechanic. He’ll let her know when he’s on his way. He hangs up, and calls Valentin. He says, Nelle Benson Jerome. He’s dealing with her. Valentin says, can he ask why? and Peter says, because she’s been running her mouth, and it could blow up his life. Spinelli watches on the laptop, and says, gotcha.

On Monday, GH will be a repeat. On Tuesday, Valentin talks to Julian, Brando thinks there’s something else behind Jason’s change of heart, and Olivia arrives at he WSB facility.

💎 More RHOBH Than You Can Handle…

Garcelle isn’t having it.

https://theblast.com/141556/rhobh-star-garcelle-beauvais-claps-back-at-claims-of-stiffing-ky

https://realityblurb.com/2020/09/04/rhobh-garcelle-beauvais-says-kyle-richards-is-full-of-s-t-after-kyle-claims-she-reached-out-to-garcelle-multiple-times-to-collect-charity-donation-and-suggests-she-ma/

https://realityblurb.com/2020/08/28/garcelle-beauvais-implies-lisa-rinna-vilified-her-after-deleted-rhobh-scene-sheds-a-new-light-on-her-comments-about-amelia-see-the-deleted-scene-which-she-wishes-had-been-aired/

Denise 10, LisaR minus 100.

https://people.com/tv/rhobh-season-10-why-everyone-is-mad-at-denise-richards-explained/

https://www.inquisitr.com/6251019/brandi-glanville-denise-richards-fake-text-messages/

https://realityblurb.com/2020/09/03/rhobh-fans-upset-over-denise-richards-being-attacked-at-reunion-by-lisa-rinna-and-costars-as-denise-says-she-was-a-punching-bag-for-the-cast-plus-she-claims-producers-didnt-show-how-daughter-sa/

It’s sad that the best Brandi can do is talk about Denise, since she has nothing going on in her own life. No one ever said Denise was an angel. Brandi also needs to make up her mind about why she blabbed.

https://realityblurb.com/2020/08/26/brandi-glanville-admits-she-first-told-a-rhobh-costar-off-camera-about-affair-claim-before-sharing-allegation-on-camera-brings-up-denise-richards-relationship-with-her-ex-bff-heather-locklea/

Even Kate is Team Denise.

https://realityblurb.com/2020/09/04/below-decks-kate-chastain-dishes-on-bad-experiences-with-luann-de-lesseps-and-stassi-schroeder-as-she-disses-pump-rules-plus-she-talks-dorindas-exit-from-rhony-and-shades-brandi-for-wantin/

🗽 Making It Not So Nice…

How things ended.

https://people.com/tv/rhony-dorinda-medley-calls-out-tinsley-mortimer-for-breaking-her-contract-in-explosive-season-finale/

Leah spills the tea, and loves Dorinda anyway.

https://realityblurb.com/2020/09/03/leah-mcsweeney-says-dorinda-medley-wasnt-thrilled-about-rhony-exit-and-reacts-to-her-departure-shares-how-sonja-is-most-difficult-costar-dating-rhony-live-viewing/

💧 But What About That Leak…?

The listing for Sonja’s townhouse, albeit late, since she ended up taking it off the market.

https://www.cottagesgardens.com/rhony-star-sonja-morgans-upper-east-side-townhouse-wants-10-75m/

🎉 I Was At a Party Here…

Oh wait. That was on TV.

https://www.cottagesgardens.com/rhony-star-luann-de-lesseps-just-listed-her-waterfront-hudson-valley-home/

🦈 King Shark Do-Do-Do-Do-Do-Do…

A new Suicide Squad is coming.

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/suicide-squad-fans-freaking-out-dc-fandome-reveals/#10

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/the-suicide-squad-movie-spoilers-cast-michael-rooker-character-fandome/

⚰️ Fear This…

Scott Gimple has teased that the series will be playing around with time in Fear the Walking Dead’s new season. Why, Lord? Why?

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/fear-the-walking-dead-season-6-photos-group-divided-anthology/

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/fear-the-walking-dead-season-6-promo-spoilers-morgan-jones-is-dead/#2

🎸 Most Excellent…

A great offset for the heaviness of real life.

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/bill-ted-face-the-music-is-exactly-the-summer-movie-2020-needs/#4

🐉 More Fantastic…

I can’t wait. I’m a real sucker for CGI animals.

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/fantastic-beasts-3-resuming-production-in-september/

🥘 Smell What the Rock Is Cookin’…

Duane Johnson has some words of wisdom.

https://people.com/movies/dwayne-johnson-family-test-positive-covid-19/

📺 Endings & Beginnings…

Shows we’ll say goodbye to this year.

https://www.tvguide.com/galleries/shows-ending-in-2020/

And shows to say hello to.

https://www.tvguide.com/news/the-best-new-tv-shows-to-watch-this-fall/

🛤 My Kind Of Country…

A double-layer of horror.

https://www.tvguide.com/news/lovecraft-country-review-hbo-horror-jordan-peele/

🎏 Two Amusing Things…

A look back on Miss America and controversy.

https://nypost.com/2020/08/22/the-biggest-controversies-from-the-miss-america-pageant/

The inspiration for one of my favorite comedies.

https://pagesix.com/2020/08/22/drew-barrymore-confirms-weekend-at-bernies-rumor-about-grandfather/

🦜 Quotes of the Week

Do you think that’s a cultural thing?  ** It’s a bullsh*t thing. – Alexi and Loren Brovarnik, respectively, Pillow Talk: 90 Day Fiancé

We shall not be here forever. One day the kind old nurse will come and rock us all to sleep. Let us help one another while we may. – Unknown

Rest is not idleness, and to lie sometimes on the grass under trees on a summer’s day, listening to the murmur of the water, or watching the clouds float across the sky, is by no means a waste of time. – John Lubbock

You are beautiful. Your beauty, just like your capacity for life, happiness, and success, is immeasurable. – Steve Maraboli

Develop success from failures. Discouragement and failure are two of the surest stepping stones to success. – Dale Carnegie

You have to learn the rules of the game. And then you have to play better than anyone else. – Albert Einstein (The first guy to figure out Survivor.)

If this bitch was any dumber, you’d have to water her. – Joan (Regina Hall), About Last Night

There is so much wealth and so much misery at the same time, that it seems incredible that people can endure such class difference, and accept such a form of hunger while on the other hand, the millionaires throw away millions on stupidities. – Frida Kahlo

It is one of the blessings of old friends that you can afford to be stupid with them. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them. – Ida B. Wells

Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. – Dennis P. Kimbro

Defining myself, as opposed to being defined by others, is one of the most difficult challenges I face. – Carol Moseley-Braun

Well-behaved women seldom make history. – Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not. – Andre Gide

You may be disappointed if you fail, but you are doomed if you don’t try. – Beverly Sills

🥁 In Conclusion…

It’s here. A three-day weekend. Otherwise known as three consecutive days, if you work all the time or not at all. Whatever it is to you, stay safe, stay composed, and stay making hay while the sun shines. Or even when it rains.

Sep1

August 31, 2020 – Michael Gets Closer To Willow, a Repeat Guest On Deck, Bravo Wavers, Who Won an Award, Who Wore It Well, Gaga Masked, Another Season Of Darkness, Farewell Black Panther, and Gil’s Moon

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Valentin sees Nina outside Kelly’s, and asks if she’s all right. He asks what he can do.

Valerie says if Carly is up for it, she has questions. Carly says she is, and Valerie says she tore out after Nelle. What happened? Did she find Nelle? Carly points to the scratches on her face, and says she got them from Nelle, so yeah, she found Nelle. Valerie says she’s lucky she wasn’t hurt worse; they know how dangerous Nelle gets when she feels cornered. Carly says, she was vicious, and flashes back to telling Jax that Nelle was begging and pleading, and could barely hang on. She grabbed Nelle’s hand, but Nelle slipped. Valerie asks, what happened next?

At Turning Woods, Sonny hesitates before going into Mike’s room. Mike lies in bed with his earbuds in. Sonny says he took a chance that Mike would be awake, and he’s glad he did. He asks if he can turn off the music, and takes out Mike’s earbuds. He listens, and says, Ella. It’s one of the songs Brook sang when she came to visit him. It was nice of her to come and visit; she’s a good kid. She’s going to be fine. When she’s feeling better, she’ll come and sing some more songs.

On the phone, Michael tells Ned, if Brook wakes up, tell her Wiley is home safe because of her. He and Willow owe Brook forever. They’re just a call away if she needs anything. Willow asks why Michael is thanking Brook, and he says, Brook told him how to find Wiley.

Jason calls Sam, and says he’s sorry it took him so long to check in. She asks if he feels okay, and if he has a headache, but he says he’s fine. She says she’s not surprised that he checked out of the hospital without telling her. She’s not happy about it, but she knows why he had to. She’s glad Wiley is safe. He says, according to Sonny, Nelle was hiding with Wiley in the cabin. She says she thought he was there, but he says, no. He got sidetracked.

Neil tells Alexis, she’d said they couldn’t be friends. He wants to know if she still feels that way, or does she want to see him as much as he wants to see her?

Sonny tells Mike that Wiley is with Michael, and doing great. That’s why he came. Michael is a great dad, and he wanted to see his dad. He takes Mike’s hand. I’m like, oh no. I don’t have time to cry today.

Neil says he tried to respect Alexis’s wishes, but it was too hard to see after what they’d lost. He’s sorry he had a hand in making her feel that way. He was even grateful that she’d lied, so he understands why she didn’t want to tell him that she was disbarred. She says she didn’t tell him because of her pride. She couldn’t bear it. Neil says, as much as he regrets how it turned out, he misses her, and hopes she misses him.

Sam asks Jason what could possibly be more important than getting Wiley away from Nelle? He says he’ll explain later at home, and she says he’s coming home? He says, if she wants him, and she asks if that’s a trick question. Of course (🍷) she does. Danny and Scout will be over the moon. He says he’ll grab some things from his apartment, and be right over. She say she can’t wait, and he says, him too.

Valentin asks what brings Nina out so late, and she says she’s waiting for news, and didn’t want to be home. He asks if she’s thinking about her child, and she says she’s always thinking about her child. She thought she’d had a daughter because of Sasha, but she really doesn’t know. She doesn’t even know if her child is alive. It’s the thing that hurts the most. He says he hates what he did to add to her pain. Sam comes out of Kelly’s, and says she has a few things she needs to say to Valentin. He suggests she call his office, and have his assistant make an appointment. Nina says be her guest, and Sam says Valentin left out some details when he bargained for her children’s ELQ proxies. He didn’t tell her that he’d refuse to help the hospital, and leave them wide open to a drug trafficker.

Sonny tells Mike that his kids are the best part of his life. He hasn’t been perfect. He wishes he was, but he’s lucky they don’t judge him like he judged Mike. He knows he was very unfair. They didn’t spend a lot of time together when he was young, and that’s on Mike, but as Sonny got older, the time not spent together is on him. He hopes Mike knows that he’s happier than words can say about the time they’ve spent together. He knows it’s coming to an end… Mike squeezes his hand, and Sonny asks him to squeeze it again. Mike looks at him sadly, and looks away, a tear on his cheek.

Michael tells Willow, Nelle had a GPS tracker on Wiley, and Willow asks, how? When did she have a chance? Michael says, it was in Mr. Hopsicle. They heard the fuss Nelle was making about the toy when she was last there. Willow says, and they told her Wiley never went anywhere without it. He says, Nelle had an app on her phone, and the police confiscated the phone when she transferred cars. Chase let him try and unlock it. It took a few tries, but he wouldn’t have known about it at all without Brook. She couldn’t talk, but she was able to tell him about the tracker, and he followed Nelle to the cabin where she was hiding out. If not for Brook, he couldn’t have stopped Nelle, and Wiley wouldn’t be home. Wiley and Nelle would be long gone. Willow says she always liked Brook. Now she likes Brook so much more. Michael says they owe everything to Brook, but Willow says, not quite. He rescued Wiley.

Carly tells Valerie, when she caught up to Nelle, she tried to talk Nelle into turning herself in. Nelle refused, and Carly grabbed her. They had a fight, and Nelle got the better of her. Valerie asks, how? and Carly says, Nelle threw her off balance, and she fell hard. By the time she looked up, Nelle was gone.

Valentin tells Sam, the terms were clear, and he kept his part of the bargain. She says he didn’t tell her that he was going to fire Michael as CEO. He says she wanted a sympathetic parole officer, and he got her one. She says he told her it was a good business move, but it was also about punishing Michael for protecting Sasha. Nina asks how Michael protected Sasha, and Sam says, when Sasha was posing as Nina’s real daughter, she talked about pressing fraud charges. Didn’t she think it was strange that Valentin talked her out of it? Michael knew Valentin had recruited Sasha to pose as her daughter, and told Valentin that he’d come forward with the information. So Valentin took over ELQ to punish Michael. His goal was revenge. Valentin says his goal was always to make ELQ more of a success, and more profitable, and Sam says, then he should left it under Michael’s leadership. Valentin says, Michael has his mind on other things. His son Wiley is safe, and they’ll all be happy. Nina says their prayers have been answered, and Sam says, exactly, and walks away. Nina asks how Valentin arranged for Sam to get a sympathetic parole officer, and he says he got lucky; someone owed him a favor. Now Sam can see who she wants, including Jason, without the threat of going back to Pentenville. Nina says she understands why Sam would take the deal, and he says, most people do what they have to, to be with the person they love.

Neil asks if Alexis thinks they can be friends again. He’d like it very much. She says she doesn’t think that’s what she’d like, and he says he appreciates her honesty. He starts to leave, and she says, let her finish. She’s spent a lot of time thinking; actually, it’s all she’s been doing. Taking stock of where she’s been and where she wants to go. She misses him. They made a crucial error in judgment, focusing on what they’d lost, and not what they’d found with each other. She doesn’t want to be friends. She wants to be a whole lot more.

Willow and Michael come downstairs, and Willow wonders how long they’ll keep checking Wiley every twenty minutes. Michael says maybe they should try every hour, then twice a night, like training for a marathon. Start small, and work their way up. Willow says she knows he’s safe, but she’s not sure her body knows the danger is over. Michael says he knows the feeling. I’ll bet. He tells her that he could use a distraction. Does she want to watch the movie? She has a different idea, and suggests they talk. He says it sounds like she wants to talk about something specific, and she says she does.

Valerie asks, by gone, does Carly mean Nelle ran away? Carly says, it happened so fast, and Valerie says, it’s all right; take her time. Jax asks if Carly wants a  drink, but she says, no. Nelle shoved her to the ground, and she fell hard. When she got back up, Nelle was nowhere to be found. She must have run. Valerie asks if Carly saw what direction Nelle went in, but Carly says, no. She was so turned around… Jax says, when he found Carly, she was in the clearing, trying to get her bearings. Valerie says she’s Carly’s cousin. They’re family, and she knows how relentless Nelle has been trying to wreck Carly’s life, but she’s also a cop, and has to ask. When Carly fought with Nelle, did Carly hurt her?

Willow tells Michael that she made a big mistake that she doesn’t want to make again. When she decided to stay home, and not go to the PCPD, she should have been with him. Waiting and fearing the worst was torture. He says he’s sorry she had to go through that, and she says, other people felt the same way. She had a string of visitors; Nina, Jax, Lulu, even Sasha came by. There was some underlying tension, but it was a kind gesture. They used to be close. Sasha saw Nina, and made a graceful exit. Michael is glad it didn’t add any stress, but Willow says she made her own stress. Her point is that she never wants to split up again. He’s the only person who knew what she was going through. He says, and vice versa, and she says she wishes she’d been there. Despite the strange circumstances of them becoming husband and wife, she realized they’re stronger together.

Sonny says when Mike squeezed his hand, and looked at him, Mike knew he was his son, right? Can Mike stay with him a little longer? They had a moment, and that’s enough for him.

Jax tells Valerie, Carly already told her that Nelle knocked her down and was gone. An injured person wouldn’t have run off. Valerie asks if Nelle had a black eye or cut lip. Any information, however small, will help. Carly says Nelle might have some scratches, but no black eye or split lip that she recalls. Jax asks if he can take Carly home now, and Valerie says he can. She’ll need Carly’s official statement, but can get it tomorrow. It’s not just another case. The thought of Nelle looming constantly over them, being a never ending threat to Michael, Willow, and Carly, is something they don’t deserve, especially Wiley. Carly’s family needs closure, and she promises she won’t stop until she finds Nelle, and brings her to justice. Carly and Jax leave, and outside, Carly leans against the side of the cabin.

Willow says when she and Michael got married, they agreed to raise and protect Wiley as a team. She should have been with him. Michael says he agrees they’re a team, but 100% disagrees that Willow should have been there. Willow asks, why not? and he says Nelle already knocked her out once, and slashed Brook’s throat. If Nelle had hit Willow with that vase… She asks, why is she just hearing this now?

Nina says she’d thought Valentin was remorseful, and that’s why he helped Sasha. But the only reason was because Michael was blackmailing him. He says he wanted to protect their relationship and love, and she knows he goes to extremes. He went the extra measure to get her child back. Would Jax do the same thing?

Alexis says it’s clear she and Neil mean something to each other, but were too stupid to move forward like normal people. They did have professional issues and boundaries, but right now there’s no excuse to keep their distance. If he still wants to see where this can go… He says he wants that very much, and she says, so does she, very much. Neil says now that they’ve agreed, they don’t have to rush. They can take it as slow as she wants. She tells him, who said anything about slow?

Sonny says Mike looks like he lost a little weight, and that’s fine, but he doesn’t want Mike to be uncomfortable. He wants Mike to stay around forever, but if Mike wants to rest, if he wants to go, that’s up to him. He doesn’t want Mike sticking around for him. He’ll be fine, and the family will be fine. Mike needs to do what he needs to do. He deserves that.

Neil says, define not slow, and Alexis says she has all the free time in the world, and nothing but options. He says he knows the feeling. When he dropped off his patient files to Doc, he head a voice in his head saying, Bye, Doctor Bern. He started thinking that the last time he felt good about anything, was when he was with her. That’s why he ended up at her front door. He’d been thinking about their night together; it was amazing. She says, it was. One brief moment was all they got, then all hell broke loose. He says they can have a lot of moments, and should enjoy them. A carpe diem kind of thing. She says she loves when he speaks Latin. He should probably kiss her.

Jax tells Carly, she did the right thing. There was no need to volunteer that Nelle went over the cliff. She says she wanted to explain why she hesitated, and why she didn’t save Nelle, but Jax says Nelle might have pulled her over, and they would have both died. Knowing that, Carly still tried to save her. Carly says, too little too late, and he says, an ambitious DA would love the chance to try Sonny’s wife for murder. She says he doesn’t have to convince her again; she made up her mind. He says she can’t tell Michael and Willow either, but she says they’ll always be looking over their shoulders. He says if it’s found out, they’ll be accessories after the fact, and she says she can’t keep something that big from her husband.

Nina tells Valentin that Jax didn’t go behind her back looking for her child. They’re looking together. He says he thought she gave up to save herself further disappointment, but she says she changed her mind. Jax has a new lead. Valentin says, impossible,

Jason arrives home, and tells Sam that he was mentally prepared not to live there, and now reality has to sink in. She says Danny and Scout are sleeping, or she would get them. She has a question. What’s more important than finding Wiley? He says, right now, nothing. He had Spinelli track Nelle’s cell phone to Pier 55, but there was no sign of them. It was a dead end, but he walked into another situation. She asks what he means by situation, and he says, Taggert is alive.

Willow examines Michael head, and puts ice on it, saying, she didn’t break the skin. She asks him to let her see his eyes, and he asks if she’s okay. She says it was one of the worst nights of their lives, but it’s over. Wiley is safe; they all are. If anything bad had happened…  He says, it didn’t. He’s okay. He smooths her hair, and then kisses her.

Nina asks Valentin why it’s impossible. They both know Valentin has lied over and over and over again. He says he exhausted every avenue and got nowhere. The most likely scenario is that her child died at birth. He’s sorry. She says, don’t be. Maybe he didn’t think of everything. Jax has a lead with the jeweler who separated the necklace for her mother. His associate is looking into it. Valentin says she’s hanging on to hope, and she says, it’s better than hanging onto them. Time and again he’s proven she can’t trust him. How does she know he hasn’t already found her child and hasn’t told her?

Jason explains to Sam that he brought Taggert to a safe house where Epiphany patched him up. She asks if Taggert is going to kill Cyrus, but Jason says, Taggert knew the only chance he had of reuniting with his daughter was to leave town, and let other people handle Cyrus. Danny stands at the top of the stairs, and asks if his dad is home. Jason says, sure am, and Danny asks if it’s just a visit or… Jason says he’s home to stay, and they hug.

Alexis lotions up for bed, and Neil asks how her wrist is. She tells him to stop worrying about her, but he says he enjoys worrying. She admits she doesn’t like a fuss, but when he does it, it’s sexy. She asks if he’s spending the night, and he says, absolutely. Tomorrow morning, they start new lives. He thinks he’d like to be a chef. She says she’s always wanted a personal chef, and asks if he has any specialties, but he says he’s pretty basic. He’s upping his game now. Does she have a secret fantasy job? She says, professional poker player, and he says he didn’t see that coming. She says, there’s a lot of overlap with attorney. She has to read people and look for tells, and crush people without breaking a sweat. Another dream dies. She doesn’t know about the future, but she’s glad he’s there. He says, him too.

Michael says, Willow… The doorbell rings, and he goes to the door. Valerie apologizes that it’s so late, but she wanted ask about Wiley. Willow says, he’s fine; he’s upstairs. Michael says the didn’t expect to see her tonight, and she says she has an update on Nelle.

Danny tells Jason about his video game, and suggests Jason see it now, but Jason suggests they wait until tomorrow. Danny needs to wind down, and not wake up his sister. Danny says, there’s no way he’ll fall asleep, and Sam says, it’s a special night. Danny can be up a little longer. Danny says he missed Jason, and Scout missed him like crazy. It will be better when they wake up with him there. Right, mom? Sam says, right, and they have a three-way hug.

Sonny looks out the window, and Carly comes in. She asks if Mike is just sleeping. Is he okay? Sonny says he’s asking her the same question. Why did she go after Nelle? She says she’s fine, and asks if Mike has been asleep the whole time. Sonny says Mike woke up and looked him. Mike squeezed his hand; it was amazing. She says she’s so happy he had that, and Sonny says, then Mike went back again. Carly says they had that moment, and he says he doesn’t think his dad will last much longer, so he told Mike to do what he’s got to do. If he needs to rest, they’ll be fine. Carly knows how hard it was, and she’s so proud of him. Sonny asks, what happened to Nelle? Is she in jail? Carly says, she got away.

Valentin swears he’d never keep Nina from her child, and asks why she’s continuing the search, when she doesn’t want to be disappointed again. She says, maybe she won’t be. Maybe Jax succeeded where the great Valentin Cassadine failed. Jax comes along, and tells them, Wiley is fine at home. Nina asks, what happened with Nelle? and he says, unfortunately, she got away. Valentin says he’s going to go, and tells Nina, be careful. When he’s gone, Jax asks what that was about, and Nina says, nothing. He tried to discourage her from searching for her child, but she didn’t listen. She knows the necklace is the key to finding her child.

The cops look through the woods. We see the other half of the necklace on the ground.

Valerie says, the search is ongoing. Nelle is on foot, so she expects it will end soon. Willow says she’s going to check on Wiley, and Valerie says she sent a PCPD squad car to watch the house, on the slim chance Nelle tries to come back. She asks if Sonny’s people are also on the lookout, and Michael says, they are. She says she’ll get out of his way, and he thanks her for the update. He’s glad she’s working the case. She says, her too, and tells him, goodnight. Willow comes down, and they gaze at each other. Michael smiles.

It’s dawn, and Alexis brings coffee into the bedroom. She says, take it in, take it in; she’s so happy. She tells Neil, she made coffee, but doesn’t know if he likes it first thing in the morning, or if he likes a shower, or if he’d like another foot rub. She touches his foot, and says, it’s cold. I say, nooo! She tries to wake him, but nothing. No, no, no. They cannot do this to me. I mean, Alexis.

Tomorrow, Nina says she has the key meant to unlock a secret, Willow says she didn’t know how easy it would be to kiss Michael, Jax asks if Carly was hoping Nelle survived, and Sonny asks if that’s what his dad wants.

Below Deck Mediterranean

Aesha is back. She hugs Captain Sandy and snakeface Malia, and meets the rest of the crew. In her interview, she says she wants to get praise from Captain Sandy this season. We flash back to the captain saying she did a fabulous job. Aesha is her same bubbly self, and in her interview, she says, it’s awkward. Hannah isn’t there, and no one wants to tell her what’s actually going on. They pull out when it’s still dark, and head for Ibiza. Captain Sandy says, at 7 am, it’s smooth sailing. She couldn’t ask for a better time to go. Bugs shows Aesha around, and tells her about going to Ibiza. In Aesha’s interview, she says she was there a month ago. It’s known as the party capital of the Mediterranean. She’s so excited. She says she remembers the Damons, and they were super down to earth; Michelle is fun. We flash back, and yeah, I was right. Michelle is the one who caused trouble with the yacht parked next door. Aesha says, they’re not like snobby rich people at all. The crew gets ready.

Malia asks Rob if he’s all right. In his interview, he says he’d die happy not going to Ibiza. It’s a trigger. When he was younger, he knew if he went there, he wouldn’t come back. He decides he’s over-thinking it. Aesha asks Bugs, what’s going on? and Bugs says, the second stew left, so she came in to help. The chef left, and by an amazing coincidence Tom, who’s dating Malia, was visiting at the time. She’s vague about Hannah, just saying she left, so they had to run the last charter with just two interior crew members. In Aesha’s interview, she says she and Hannah are close, and she knows Hannah’s history with Bugs. But so far, Bugs has treated her with kindness, so there’s no reason to be bitch. Aesha tells Bugs that she wants to bring some energy, and Bugs says that’s what they need.

In Tom’s interview, he says Johnny being a baseball player makes him nervous. He’s got no idea what baseball is about, but thinks it’s like fast paced cricket. Aesha asks if Jess and Rob are romantically intertwined. She thinks it’s cute. We flash back to Aesha and Jack. In Jess’s interview, she says Rob and his ex were supposed to see each other in London when they got back. She found out by seeing the ex’s Instagram stories. She was like, get f***ed. Aesha suggests they have a cheeky pound before the guests arrive. She has their backs.

Bugs has a meeting with the stews, and says she’s excited to have Aesha. She has a ton of experience, and she’s very helpful. Bugs says Jess has gone through a couple of second stews. In her interview, Jess thinks Aesha is great, but why wasn’t she moved up? Bugs tells Jess that she’s on laundry. Bugs says, let’s show Captain Sandy how well it can be done, and says she’ll be up with Jess to set the table, since Jess is creative with table settings. Aesha thinks they’re a good team.

Balearic islands, Ibiza, Spain. In Malia’s interview, she says they’re docking in a tight spot, and have quite the audience. A crowd forms on the dock, and Captain Sandy says she feels like she needs a rearview mirror. Isn’t that supposed to be Malia? The captain curses the boat, or something, saying, this effing thing. Malia tells Rob that he’s on the lines, and they need to be quick. They dock, and the captain says, well done; nice work. Alex says, it was a tight squeeze, but they made it work. Tom says Malia killed it, and Aesha has a good feeling about the team. Tom says he has to google baseball. Bugs pours the champagne, and the crew lines up. Captain Sandy welcomes Johnny and Michelle back. In Alex’s interview, he says Johnny is their man from Boston. He hated Johnny when he went to the Yankees and got a haircut, but Johnny will always have a place in his heart. The captain says she’s glad they came back, so they can make it right, especially in the food department. Bugs does the tour, and Malia says, all crew on deck. The stern lines are released.

Aesha realizes she had Michelle mixed up with the Queen of Versailles, and we flash back to that. Guest Adena falls, and smashes her champagne glass. Bugs flies over to pick up the shards, and Aesha tells Malia they need the first aid kit; there’s a lot of blood. Adena wonders if it’s going to hurt, and Malia say she doesn’t think Adena can feel anything. Adena whines that it hurts. In Malia’s interview, she says as soon as they were off the dock, a guest was drunk, fell, and cut herself. This is Ibiza; she’s not going to last. In Bugs’s interview, she says, Aesha is ticking the boxes that a good stew should check off. She doesn’t want to jinx it, but it seems to be working. Aesha asks if Adena wants a plastic glass, and Johnny says she broke two at their wedding. Tom makes lobster on skewers, and I shove a vanilla wafer in my mouth. Anchor is dropped. In Tom’s interview, he says if a guest didn’t have a good previous experience, he has to be perfect.

Bugs sets a baseball themed table, while Alex and Rob set up the slide. Jess does laundry, and I wonder how many times I’ve typed that. Johnny says, the food is so much better this time, and we flash back to last time. Bugs tells Alex she’s an umpire, and he asks if that’s because he strikes out. Johnny says, it’s the best food they’ve had since they came to Spain. Tom tells Bugs, he learned it’s a white ball, so he’s doing a white chocolate parfait. It looks like a baseball, and the guests are all, oooh. Johnny tells Aesha to let the chef know they love it. Aesha tells Tom, and says, it’s so exciting. The slide is set up, but Malia tells the guests there are jellyfish in the water. Johnny says the slide is there, so they have to use it. Malia says she’ll put some of the crew in the water to watch, and Alex says he’ll protect them. Rob is on his phone, frowning, and Jess asks, what’s wrong? In his interview, he says his ex reached out, and she’s going through a lot, but he doesn’t know how to explain it to Jess. Alex gets in the water, and Johnny says, at least there’s one real man on the boat. Malia goes in, and Michelle and the other women screech that they see jellyfish.

Malia says Alex’s balls are about to get lit up, and he says, that’s okay; he’s already peeing on himself. FYI, that is not a real solution to a jellyfish sting. The guests use the slide, and paddleboards. Adena snores on deck. In Jess’s interview, she says she didn’t want to admit it, but since Bugs took over, they’ve had direction, and she thinks everything is running smoother. Some of the guests get in the hot tub, and Adena wakes up, asking where they are. She toddles out, asking, what happened? and says she just woke up. It was the best sleep she ever had. Mine was when I was under anesthesia. Aesha takes a picture of the group, and says they’re like a weird Brady Bunch. In Bugs’s interview, she says give her a theme, and she’ll run with it. She, Jess, and Aesha put on brightly colored tutus, and she says, it’s a funky neon party. What better way to add to it, than have the people who are serving be in funky neon too? A theme is a dream. Ron comes into the crew mess, and the captain asks if he’s okay. He says he’s checked out, and in Captain Sandy’s interview, she says she’s never seen anyone not even fake it in front of their captain. Rob seems out of it.

Malia tells Tom that Rob told her and the captain that he checked out. Captain Sandy is honestly worried for him to be on tonight. The guests dress in neon, and Bugs puts neon paint on their faces. I could think of a better theme than this. Seriously, WTH? Michelle says, the table is festive, and they toast to nothing in particular. Malia helps plate the food, and Michelle asks, who’s getting pregnant tonight? Dinner is served, and Captain Sandy questions Johnny about how hot his food is. He thinks it’s not super hot, but more warm. She says she wants it hot, and tells Tom that it was warm. He’s got to figure it out. Tom says, effing hell, and she suggests he put a bowl over Johnny’s plate. Malia brings it upstairs, and Bugs takes it from her. In Tom’s interview, he says if they say it’s warm and not hot, and it comes back, he’s going to lose his sh*t. Bugs drops the bowl, and half the food lands in it. Malia says, Tom is going to freak, and I laugh.

Malia tells Tom, but he says he’s not stressing out. The whole thing is crazy; it’s lucky he’s prepared. He makes a fresh plate in five seconds, and Bugs asks if Johnny is happy. The guests all say it’s delicious and amazing. Bugs tells Tom, they’re loving it, and the captain says, good recovery; Johnny said it was hot. Aesha brings up fireball and Jameson shots, and the guests repair to the cigar room. Guest Shanna suggests Michelle is wearing Spanx, and Michelle denies it, showing off her thong. Aesha tells Bugs, Michelle and the other girl are having a fight. When they get drunk, the claws come out. Michelle tells Shanna that her voice is annoying. Shanna stomps off, and Michelle tells Johnny that she called Shanna out, and now she’s having a hissy fit. Whatever dude Shanna is with, informs her, saying a woman is wearing Spanx is not a compliment. Bugs says, good times… Shanna approaches Michelle, and says she’s sorry. She made an a-hole comment. She loves Michelle. I think, especially since they’re paying for the trip. Michelle says she loves Shanna too. Alex tells Bugs that she’s killing it.

Formentera, Spain; second day of charter. Jess asks who’s on Rob’s phone, and he says it might sound strange, but his ex reached out, and he’s communicating with her. He asks if Jess is mad, and she says she’s not okay with it. He says, it’s not a personal thing, and she says, okay, and starts to leave. He says, don’t disappear, and in Jess’s interview, she says, she’s trusting him, but there are red flags as to why she shouldn’t. The boat gets to Cap Blanc, Alicante, and Bugs calls to confirm a VIP table at 3 pm. Anchor is dropped, and Malia radios the deckhands that there’s an end of season party, and to have the tender ready to go at 2 o’clock. Rob tells Alex that Jess is blowing things out of proportion, and he asked her not to make it about herself, because he’s an absolute moron. Alex says he should ask, what if he hadn’t told her? Tell her to be a grown up, and not give him sh*t. Rob says he has no control over who texts him, but it’s his choice to reply. She shouldn’t make him feel like he did something wrong. He just changed his flight, but maybe he needs to take a step back and see if he’s ready to spend time in Bali. Alex tells Jess not to let sh*t bother her. He sees both sides. Jess says the ex is invading both sides of their space. Alex suggests she be more understanding, and she says she gets it, but in her head gives him the finger. In her interview, she says, this is negative sh*t she has to deal with. Block the bitch.

Johnny asks Bugs if she’ll put makeup on them, and she says they need flair. Bugs says she’s sending Aesha to shore for the closing party. Rob says he’s going to take a nap, and asks how Jess feels. Jess says she has questions, and he says he can’t control his ex reaching out. I don’t know if I want to smack him more for saying reaching out every other sentence, or for allowing his ex to manipulate him at Jess’s expense. He says, she caught feelings, and thinks they should try to keep going. She’s pushing to create drama. Jess says she thinks so too, and can’t pretend it’s normal. He tells her that he feels empathetic, and she says, the old Jess would beat the sh*t out of her. In Jess’s interview, she says, demon Jess will emerge if pushed. She and her ex got in a fight, and she kind of destroyed his house. Bugs asks why Jess is rubbing her tummy, because we’re five, and Jess says, it hurts. Michelle and Bugs put makeup on everyone. WTF?

The guests are taken to shore, and it looks like a combination of Mardi Gras and the old MTV beach house in the 90s. In Aesha’s interview, she says, it’s like a real life acid trip; a real life drunken circus in a dream. It’s amazing. Captain Sandy tells the crew left on board to play on the water toys, and they use the slide, jet skis, and paddleboat. Alex takes Bugs on a jet ski, and says he can’t get her off of his mind. He’s happy on board; the dynamic has changed. He likes being around her. She’s the sh*t. She thanks him.

The party on shore looks way too crowded to be fun, but Aesha says, it’s the best trip ever. It reminds me of Times Square on New Year’s Eve. I had a roommate who went, and she hated it. When the crowd moved you moved, and she got beer spilled on her, as well as peed on. I never had the desire to go, and desired it even less once she told me that. Jess comes out of the water, clutching her chest, and says she needs to sit. Alex goes to get her water. In Malia’s interview she says, seeing Jess grab her heart is terrifying. She tells Jess to breathe.

Next time, Johnny acts like an a-hole, Rob makes the same mistake a third time, Jess calls Rob out for flirting in a bar, and Alex kisses Bugs and says, bye-bye friend zone.

🪀 Bravo Yo-Yo…

Oh, so now Bravo is open to bringing Dorinda back? Blowback anyone?

https://pagesix.com/2020/08/29/bravo-is-open-to-bringing-dorinda-medley-back-to-rhony/

👨🏽‍🚀 Winning…

This year’s Moonman recipients

http://www.mtv.com/news/3169506/vmas-winners-list-2020/

👗 WTF Indeed…

The winners and losers of fashion.

https://guestofaguest.com/new-york/fashion/the-best-worst-and-most-wtf-looks-at-the-2018-vmas

👠 The Real Winner…

Lady Gaga gives us mask goals. Did we expect any less from Her Royal Coolness?

https://guestofaguest.com/new-york/fashion/lady-gaga-served-up-all-the-mask-goals-at-the-vmas-last-night

🌪 Darkness To Come…

I hope that monkey comes to a nasty end. I hate that monkey.

https://www.broadway.com/buzz/199877/odds-ends-see-lin-manuel-miranda-in-the-trailer-for-season-two-of-his-dark-materials-more/

😥 Gone Too Soon…

Farewell to a talent, an inspiration, and a man with integrity.

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/movies/story/2020-08-28/chadwick-boseman-dies-reactions-tributes

I’m a huge fan of Denzel. I used to cash his check when I was a teller back in the day. FYI, he’s not only a beautiful person, he has beautiful handwriting.

https://www.latimes.com/entertainment-arts/story/2020-08-31/chadwick-boseman-death-denzel-washington-tribute

🦑 And In Closing…

I caught Lovecraft Country a couple of weekends ago, and highly recommend it. It’s a story with many levels, dealing with both traditional and real life horror. The acting is phenomenal, the sets and effects are incredible, and even the soundtrack is brilliant. It’s on its third episode on HBO and HBO Max, and also On Demand. Whether you’re a fan of horror and/or despise social injustice, this is a genre-shattering series for you. Until next time, stay safe, stay staunch, and stay away from the Cthulhu.

Aug22

August 21, 2020 – Julian Pushes Back, 3rd Time’s the Charm, Volunteer Carpet, Sam Returns, Parker’s Lifetime, Snake Talk, Bryan’s Next Move, Peeking At Charlie, Teddi’s Mansion, Virally Filmed, 29th Dance, Lilly’s Latest, Dead News, Three For the Show, 12+1 Quotes & Roll

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

😳 Oops. My bad. After the insane week I’ve had, I had a hard time reading my own shorthand yesterday and attributed Nelle and Brook’s final words backward. Sorry about that. I did question myself at the time, and should have known Brook would never back down to Nelle. The correct version is in today’s post. Moving forward…

Lucy welcomes us back, and says, once again, the 2020 General Hospital Nurses Ball telethon, a spectacular event to raise money for frontline workers’ special safety equipment. It’s a great honor to introduce everyone’s favorite nurse at GH, Epiphany Johnson. Epiphany comes out, and explains that hospitals are a collaboration. They aren’t made up of just doctors and nurses, but orderlies, lab technicians, cleaners and other workers. Together they provide essential services. These are incredibly stressful jobs, and take their toll on service providers and their families. The viewer donations let them know that the community they support, supports them back. Lucy says the telethon is a way to say thank you to all the medical personnel and first responders, who are heroes, along with their families, and who do so much for them. While the viewers are making donations, they’ll be entertained with amazing acts still to come.

In the bathroom, Ava tells Nina, the Cassadine men do have a way of getting under their skin. Nina says, which brings her back to Nikolas. Is he trying to make Ava jealous by making a fuss over Elizabeth? Even if they’re married in name only, flirting, especially with a married woman, is just tacky. Ava says, and also profitable. If Nikolas sleeps with another woman, he’ll break the infidelity clause, and she’ll wind up with 90% of the Cassadine estate. Nikolas can shower tributes on Elizabeth to his heart’s content, and if he woos her into bed, Ava gets the payoff she deserves. Inside one of the stalls, Elizabeth listens.

Carly tells Jax that Josslyn called. He wonders if there’s something wrong, but she says she thinks Josslyn was just checking in. She might be looking for a congratulatory present. Jax asks if Carly knows Josslyn has been angling for a car, and Carly says she does. She’ll let him handle that. Before he leaves, Jax tells Nikolas, the scholarship for the nursing students in Elizabeth’s name was generous, but maybe he should have thought about it a little more. Franco says, Jax has a point. Next time a wave of generosity washes over him, he may want to shower it onto his wife.

Michael explains the Quartermaine relationships to Willow, telling her, Tracy married Luke. Michael thought it was a fraudulent marriage, but he can’t keep track. They definitely turned out to be life partners though. She asks if unconventional marriages are a thing for the Quartermaines, and he says they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Monica sits back down on the couch, and says, still sleeping; disaster averted. Julian comes up behind her, and chloroforms her, knocking her out. Wiley sleeps peacefully with Mr. Hopsicle.

Brook tells Nelle that she can’t wait until Nelle is hauled off in handcuffs in front of everyone there, and all the people viewing at home. Nelle says the police won’t believe Brook; they’ll say she’s harassing Nelle. Brook says, she’ll call Michael, and he can call the police, but Nelle smacks the phone out of Brook’s hand. Brook says, no worries. Mac is there; he can arrest her himself. Brook heads for the door, and Nelle says she’s sorry. She picks up the shears, and asks Brook to pretend that she didn’t see or hear anything. Brook turns around, and stupidly walks back to Nelle, and says she messed with her last Quartermaine. Nelle slashes at Brook, and we see blood on the shears. Why? Why do they always do that? Like Tuco said in The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, if you’re going to shoot, shoot; don’t talk.

Michael sees that Brook called, but didn’t leave a message. Willow says maybe Brook wanted to make peace with him, but he say she doesn’t need to. He didn’t like the idea that she sold her shares, but so did other members of his family. At least she didn’t know she sold them to Valentin. She says he’s less worried than Ned seems to be, and he says he hates the idea of Valentin being in charge, and intends to force him out eventually, but in the short term, Valentin is a smart businessman. He doesn’t think ELQ will suffer. Willow says he doesn’t think of it as a betrayal, so maybe he should tell Brook. He tries calling.

Nelle stands over an unconscious Brook, and says she should have been nicer, more sympathetic. Her mistake. Now Nelle’s plan to have Wiley vanish has gone south. She needs to go. Brook lies on the floor in a pool of blood, next to her ringing phone. Nelle slips out.

Monica is knocked out, and Julian says, sorry. He turns off the TV, and his phone dings. He sees a text from Nelle that says, the timetable has been moved up. We need to move now. Is it done? He closes the doors to the living room, and trots up the stairs.

Michael gives Willow a bottle of water, and raises his own, saying, to Wiley, and his amazing new life. He’s safe from Nelle because of her. Willow says, because of us, and Diane. He says, to Wiley and Diane. Carly watches, and smiles. Michael smiles at Willow, and little hearts start to pop out of his eyes.

Lucy asks Amy if she’s found Jordan. Maybe she’s warming up, since she’s the next act. Amy says she couldn’t find Jordan, so she asked Curtis, who said she was called away on a case. Lucy says, no; that doesn’t work. Jordan is the Police Commissioner. She doesn’t have to solve every case. She can delegate to other police people. Lucy can’t delegate an act. Amy says she called the PCPD and the hospital, but no one has seen her. Lucy will have to cut her number. Lucy says it can’t just be her out there; she needs acts. Acts and asking for money. They need alternate activities. It’s like the NFL draft, but she doesn’t have an act to draft. Amy tells Lucy not to panic; she can panic later. She asks if Lucy wants to shut the Ball down, and Lucy asks if Amy is losing her mind. She tells Amy to find Epiphany and Deanna, and warm up. She’ll stall. She’ll do a tap dance. She doesn’t know how to tap dance. She hates tap dancing. She’ll just stall.

Anna tells Valentin that his song was beautiful, and he says, at least someone appreciates it. She says false modesty doesn’t look good on him. It was wonderful, and he knows it, as was his pledge. He asks if she’s going to chastise him for burnishing his public image. She says, isn’t he? and he says, that’s part of it. He hears congratulations are in order. She must be thrilled for Peter and Maxie. Being a parent changes everything. It makes you better. It did with him and Charlotte, and her and Robin. Maybe it will with Peter. She says, of course (🍷) it will. He hopes so, and says, some mistakes are impossible to fix.

Nina tells Ava, Franco is her friend. She hopes Ava isn’t playing with his marriage. Ava says she’s doing no such thing. She’s heard rumors that under that angelic façade, Elizabeth is chronically unfaithful. If she chooses to break her vows to her husband, Franco should know the truth. Nina sees one flaw in Ava’s big plan. The way she and Nikolas were looking at each other, either she’s getting good at pretending to love him, or something changed in the last few days. Ava says Nina is projecting her issues with Valentin onto her. They leave, and Elizabeth comes out.

Michael tells Willow, they’re supposed to take a tally, and give Lucy the paperwork. What if after that, they sneak out? She says, abandon their post? He says they’ve done more than enough. They can go home, and check on Wiley. She says he’s making her an offer she can’t refuse. She glances at Sonny, and says, did she really just say that? They leave to finish up.

Lucy says hello to all their gorgeous, generous, amazing donors. They’re doing a great job, and she hopes they realize how important it is to the frontline workers who help them every day. When they work together, they do something more than raising money. They’re building a community, and showing the medical personnel and first responders that they support them. Any amount is great. Keep pitching in, and they’ll keep entertaining. They’re in for a special treat.

Nelle dashes through the corridors in the MetroCourt, and around runs outside. Julian sends a text that says, it’s done.

As Monica sleeps, Julian comes downstairs with Wiley, and leaves with him.

Michael and Willow arrive home, and Michael says, sorry the evening crashed and burned. She says, it didn’t. She had a good time. He says, until Chase and Sasha. She says, they were fantastic (I guess we don’t get to see that), and he says, someday it won’t hurt so much. Until then, they can make some popcorn, and watch the funniest movie ever made. She says he doesn’t have to cheer her up, and he says he’s cheering himself up. They sit on the stairs.

Sonny says, Michael and Willow aren’t coming back? and Carly says, they probably went to check on Wiley; they’re such good parents. Sonny says he’s glad it wasn’t her idea; Chase and Sasha pretending to be involved so Michael and Willow would get married. Face it. It’s exactly the kind of plan that’s up her alley. She says, back in the day, 100%. She’d be seeing all of their hearts breaking and feel guilty. Instead, she’s grateful Michael and Willow got custody of Wiley, and Wiley got the best stepmother on the planet. Sonny says he knows there’s too much going on, and Carly asks if he wants to check in with Turning Woods, but he says, no. They’ll call if there’s any change. The best thing he can do for his dad is to stay and support the people who have given him such amazing care.

Olivia tells Ned, she’s trying to call Brook, but there’s no answer. He says, his problem daughter? No surprise. He tells Olivia to save the lecture for now, but she says she’s just expressing her opinion. He says, on this topic, they’re one and the same, and she says he’s scaring the hell of her. She’s heard stories about his grandfather, and his intentions were good, but his methods were toxic. She says this with love, but he’s turning more into Edward every day. He says, that’s not true, and she says, prove it. Find his daughter, and talk to her.

We see Brook lying on the floor, unconscious.

Ned asks if Dustin and Lulu have seen Brook, but Dusting says, not for a while. She might be warming up. They’ll go check. Ned thanks them.

Robert asks Olivia if she’s got a minute, and she asks if he’s okay. He says he has good news. The commissioner at the Bureau said he can get her in to see Dante. Olivia gets super excited, and asks, when? Where is he? Robert says, he’s at a facility in Geneva. No civilians are allowed, so he’ll go with her. The supervisor is waiting for his boss to return, and there’s a narrow window. They have to hurry. He’d like to leave now if they could. She throws her arms around him, and thanks him. Ned watches.

Willow says, popcorn and the funniest movie ever? and Michael says, if only to cheer him up. Feel free not be cheered, since it’s only about him. He asks what she’d like to see, and she asks him, promise not to laugh, but he says, that’s the point. She says it’s a kid movie, with silly humor, and he tells her, cue it up, and he’ll check on Wiley. They go into the living room, and see Monica asleep. Michael tries to wake her, but she stays out.

Julian waits at the pier, and says, sorry, Wiley; you deserve better than this. Unfortunately, your crazy birth mother has other plans. Why is he going along with it? He’s the world’s biggest coward. He should have told Sonny that he knew all along, but Sonny can kill someone. He’s run out of options. He flashes back to telling Ava, go ahead. Tell him what an idiot he is for getting mixed up with Nelle. Ava asks what on earth was he thinking, and why hasn’t he killed her yet? He says he wouldn’t be there if she didn’t have him over a barrel. Ava says if he thinks Nelle will release him when it’s over, he’s a damn fool. On the pier, Julian says, maybe not.

Lulu says, if she’s not backstage, Brook probably bailed, but Dustin says, she might have stage fright, but she wouldn’t run away. They go into the makeshift dressing room, and see Brook on the floor. Dustin runs to check her pulse, and Lulu says, oh my God. Dustin tells her, call 911, and tells Brook to wake up.

Lucy tells the viewers that the Nurses Ball is still so passionately committed to HIV and AIDS. Sonny and Nikolas’s generous donations will be going to those charities. She wants to introduce a woman committed to both causes, and welcomes Anna. Anna thanks the viewers for their donations. She’s been answering the phones, and got to speak to some of them; they’ve been lovely. She’s grateful for their generosity. The Nurses Ball has a special place in her heart, and not just because she received a lovely marriage proposal on this very stage a year ago from Dr. Hamilton Finn (I always forget he has a first name). She says, it’s special because so many lives have been touched by HIV and AIDS. She’s the mother of an HIV survivor. She was diagnosed at a time when the prognosis wasn’t as optimistic; a time when prejudice and fear were more rampant. Her daughter Robin, and countless others, are alive today because of medical research. Perhaps that’s why Robin became a doctor herself. This leads her to tell them how important the telethon is. She served as Police Commissioner, and saw how closely first responders and medical staff work together. Their work is vitally important. The police, doctors, the ambulance crew, the hospital cleaners; no one does their job alone. They need each other, and we desperately need them. So give what you can. Any donation, whatever size. I have a friend who was diagnosed with HIV many years ago, like Robin, and he’s doing fine today.

Elizabeth tells Franco, Nikolas isn’t the problem, Ava is. She’s playing emotional chess with Nikolas, and they’re the pawns.

Robert tells Olivia he has to go back inside. Anna is going to have a fit because he wasn’t there during her speech. Olivia says, tell her the truth. He found a way for her to see her son; Anna will understand. He says he’ll be waiting, and she says she doesn’t know how  to thank him. He leaves, and Ned comes out. He says, amazing. They have a fight and she runs to Robert because he says the right things. Olivia says it has nothing to do with their marriage. Robert found a way for her to see Dante. Ned says, that’s great news, and Olivia says, he’s at a facility in Geneva. Robert knows the guy in charge. Ned says he’ll change his schedule, and they’ll go, but Olivia says Robert has to sneak her in as it is. Only one person can go. Ned says, okay, and Lulu comes running in. She says, Brook has been attacked.  

Michael begs Monica to please wake up. Monica opens her eyes, and asks if everything is all right. He says she scared him half to death. Is she okay? She says she must have dozed off, and Michael says she was sleeping pretty heavily. Where’s Wiley? She says she doesn’t remember. The phone rang, and she’d left it in the foyer. She came back in, and heard Wiley. Michael asks if Wiley was downstairs or did she hear him on the monitor? Willow says she’ll check the nursery.

Nelle goes to meet Julian, and asks where Wiley is. He says Wiley is safe in his car, and she asks if he’s saying he’s giving her a set of wheels. That’s totally nice, but unnecessary. Just put Wiley in her car, and they can get going.

Elizabeth tells Franco, Ava is encouraging Nikolas to cheat, so she can get the Cassadine fortune. Franco says she has it backward. Nikolas is the one who’s playing them.

Lucy thanks everyone, saying the Nurses Ball was a resounding success; just amazing. She’d like to thank the volunteers who jumped in at the last minute, and gave generously of their time, and  the amazing performers backstage who pitched in and made this happen. She thanks her rack of gowns on stage with her, and goes behind the rack, coming out in a volunteer T-shirt and jeans. She says the most deserving of all is their amazing audience. It’s her great pleasure to introduce the intrepid nurses of GH. Epiphany, Amy, Deanna, and an unidentified flying nurse sing. I’ve had zero luck with finding the titles of songs I don’t recognize, but if I can find a list, I’ll post them. They sing in front of a grid with candles everywhere on it, and I think, that’s impressive for something done on the fly.

Backstage, Lucy smiles at her success.

Brook is taken out on a stretcher, while Mac gathers evidence. He asks if Dustin and Lulu saw anybody. Did anyone look like they were fleeing the scene? Lulu says, they didn’t see anyone. Ned tells Brook to hang in there. He won’t leave her side. He’ll be right there. They leave, and Finn goes with them. Mac tells Lulu and Dustin, if they remember any detail, no matter how small, call him.

Michael asks what Monica was doing before she fell sleep. Was Wiley downstairs, or in the nursery? She says she doesn’t remember, and Willow runs down the stairs. She tells them, Wiley’s not in his room, and Monica says, what?

Nelle says, all right, hubby; it’s been fun, but it’s time go. Julian says, sorry, but she’s not going anywhere. She asks what he’s talking about, and he says she pushed him too far. Now he’s pushing back. He takes out a gun.

To be continued…

On Monday, Portia has an update on Brook, Nina tells Jax not to hate her for what she’s going to say, Julian tells Nelle that someone has to stop her, and Sonny says someone is going to tell him right now.

🚔 Even He Was Surprised…

The skinny on Taggert’s return from the dead.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/real-andrews-reveals-secrets-of-taggert-return

👕 Hey, You’re Wearing My Shirt…

Not too much diversity in Nurses Ball fashion this year.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/nurses-ball-2020-red-carpet-photos

👢 Back and Badass As Ever…

That was quick. I barely noticed she was gone.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/kelly-monaco-opens-up-about-her-return-to-general-hospital

📺 Gig Of a Lifetime…

GH’s Parker returns to the small screen.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/ashley-jones-alicia-leigh-willis-star-in-double-kidnapped

🛥 The Deck You Say…

Hannah has the final word. And a prescription.

https://people.com/tv/below-deck-med-hannah-ferrier-speaks-out-fired-over-valium/

🦍 Breaking Ivan…

Bryan Cranston does it all.

https://film.avclub.com/bryan-cranston-on-working-with-a-cgi-gorilla-and-20-yea-1844756037

🧛🏻 Chrismasland Be Damned…

A sneak peek at what’s next for Charlie Manx.

https://www.bbcamerica.com/shows/nos4a2/video-extras/nos4a2-finale-sneak-peek-christmasland-is-crumbling

🛕 Stepping Out From Daddy’s Shadow…

Apparently cushy jobs accountability coaching pays off.

https://realityblurb.com/2020/08/17/photos-rhobhs-teddi-mellencamp-buys-6-49-million-home-in-encino-see-inside-the-massive-mansion-plus-its-over-the-top-movie-theater-and-backyard-oasis/

https://realityblurb.com/2020/08/20/photos-teddi-mellencamp-enlists-mauricio-umansky-to-sell-her-5-9-million-hollywood-hills-home-see-inside-the-rhobh-stars-modern-estate/

🖥 Pandemically Filming…

Andy talks about the new Housewife normal.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1179839/andy-cohen-reveals-what-its-like-filming-real-housewives-amid-coronavirus

💃🏾 Dancing Into Season 29…

All you need to know about DWTS.

https://people.com/tv/dancing-with-the-stars-reveals-season-29-premiere-date-and-competing-pro-dancers/

💋 Remember Her…?

I tried to forget.

https://extratv.com/2020/08/11/lilly-ghalichi-and-dara-mir-headed-for-divorce-again-after-reconciliation/

⚰️ Beyond Dead…

Sunday August 30th, starting at 6 pm, AMC will also be showing the first episode of each season of The Walking Dead. I still think the very first episode was the best one. Rick’s WTF? face can’t be topped.

https://www.nme.com/blogs/tv-blogs/walking-dead-world-beyond-release-date-cast-everything-know-far-2540839

🏩 Throupling…

I’ll bet she talked through the whole thing.

https://extratv.com/2020/08/21/scheana-shay-says-she-was-in-a-throuple-with-john-mayer-and-another-reality-star/

📯 Quotes of the Week

I didn’t know you could scream that loud after smoking cigarettes. – Cynthia Decker, Pillow Talk: 90 Day Fiancé, referring to Angela screaming at Michael

Tough times never last. Tough people do. – Robert Schuller

Remember to be gentle with yourself and others. We are all children of chance and none can say why some fields will blossom while others lay brown beneath the August sun. – Kent Nerburn

How to sell books in 2020: Put them near the toilet paper. – NY Times

An invisible thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break. May you be open to each thread that comes into your life – the golden ones and the coarse ones – and may you weave them into a brilliant and beautiful life. – Unknown

We are all ordinary. We are all boring. We are all spectacular. We are all shy. We are all bold. We are all heroes. We are all helpless. It just depends on the day. – Brad Meltzer

Do one thing every day that scares you. – Eleanor Roosevelt

The noisiest thing in the world is someone trying to be quiet. – me

People tend to be generous when sharing their nonsense, fear, and ignorance. And while they seem quite eager to feed you their negativity, please remember that sometimes the diet we need to be on is a spiritual and emotional one. Be cautious with what you feed your mind and soul. Fuel yourself with positivity and let that fuel propel you into positive action. – Steve Maraboli

Luckily for me, I have all my best ideas drunk. – Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Birds of Prey

It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. – Confucius

Immature love says: ‘I love you because I need you.’ Mature love says ‘I need you because I love you.’ – Erich Fromm

Do not fear failure but rather fear not trying. – Roy T. Bennett

🏍 Moving Forward…

Next week has to be better, right? Right? Enjoy your weekend, or pretend it’s the weekend, depending. Until Monday, stay safe, stay supportive of the front line, and stay away from psychopaths with fabric shears.

Aug15

August 14, 2020 – Ava’s Portrait Unveiled, Ball Rolling Soon, Lotsa GH News, Clare’s Roses, Quit It, Lu’s Hopes, Whining Again, Still Sad, Not Now, Dark Return, Bad Endings, All About the Dead, Catch Up, Learn Something New, Almost 10 Quotes & Hooray

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Ava calls to Nikolas, telling him, the guests are starting to arrive. She’s wearing a black sequined number and he says, quite the outfit. He’s only wearing a towel, and she says, him too, trying not to look. She tells him, you should probably get chest… dressed. He says, don’t worry, and she says they need to sizzle tonight. If he ruins the night for her, he’ll regret it for a looooong time.

Franco thinks about Elizabeth saying he’s about money like everyone else. He took Ava’s commission for it, and he’s playing into her hands. Scotty comes in and says, the man of the hour, and Franco thanks him for coming. Scotty says he wouldn’t take the ferry if not for Franco. He’s sure Franco would like to see some nice friendly faces for his big comeback. Franco says, Ava calls it a revival, and Scotty says, a lucrative reboot. Franco’s got to get work, make money, and pay the bills. Where’s his wife?

At the hospital, Terry sees Elizabeth, and says, just the person she needs. Enlighten her; rumors are flying. Elizabeth says, the rumors are true. Unfortunately, Cyrus is on the board. Terry asks why it’s unfortunate. Now they have enough money to run the hospital. Elizabeth says, money is all they care about. Cyrus is involved in the drug trade, and now he’s right in the heart of the hospital.

Lucy walks up to the door at Windymere with Maxie and Peter, but says she’s afraid she’s not up for a party. The Nurses Ball is tomorrow, and she has a million things to do. Maxie says she thought Lucy would want to  be there for Deception. They need to see and be seen, and talk up the company. Lucy says Maxie is more than capable of doing that by herself. Go schmooze. She’ll see Maxie later. Ta-ta! Maxie grabs her arm, and says she’s staying. They go inside, and Lucy says she’ll be right there, and pretends to look at the artwork in another room. Maxie tells Peter that she thinks Lucy is hiding something, and Peter thinks she’s right. Maxie hopes it’s not too terrible.

Lulu thanks Dustin for letting her drag him there, and he tells her to stop acting like he’s doing her a favor. Talent is talent, despite the subject matter.

Franco tells Scotty that Elizabeth isn’t coming. She’s upset that Ava is dredging up his past. It’s the ten year anniversary of Francophenia. Scotty says he can see why she’d be upset, but there’s no such thing as bad publicity. Franco says he tried to explain that, and Scotty says, but she’s not buying it? Franco says, not at all. Even worse, he thinks Elizabeth would prefer to pretend his past never happened at all.

Anna and Finn go over their wedding list at The Floating Rib. Anna says, Chase and Sasha? but Finn isn’t sure of their status. Anna says, just Chase then. He suggests she add Robin and Patrick, but she says they’re not finished with his family yet. He says, Violet? and she asks if he isn’t going to invite his father.

Peter goes to get drinks, and Lulu says, Maxie didn’t tell him she was pregnant? Maxie says, shhh. Nina comes in with Jax, and he says, it can’t be easy, being back. She says this big, drafty house is part of the gloomy past that she’s glad to forget. She’d rather focus on her bright, handsome future.

Ava says, shall we, darling? And tells Nikolas to smile. It’s going to be a night to remember. I think, so was the sinking of the Titanic.

Lucy tells Ava, some people would think it was tasteless to have a private function just before the biggest, brightest charity event of the year. Ava says, you’d think Lucy would be at home before the one night of the year when she’s actually socially relevant.

Nina tells Franco that she’s glad he’s painting again. She’ll make sure he and Ava are in their Out and About page. He thanks her for her support. Lulu tells Maxie, she hates to point out the obvious, but Peter is the dad, and the longer she keeps the secret, the worse it will be. Maxie says, it’s not a secret. She just hasn’t found the time to tell him. Lulu says, really? and Maxie amends that to, the right time. Lulu asks what time will be right, but Maxie says she doesn’t know. Like she said, she and Peter have never even discussed having a child; not once. She’s not sure how Peter feels about it. Lulu says she knows how to find out, and Maxie says, how? Lulu says, by telling him.

Terry tells Elizabeth that Lucy almost single-handedly organizes the Nurses Ball. You’d think she’d vote with the Quartermaines. Elizabeth says, apparently Valentin backed the relaunch of Deception, and Lucy couldn’t jeopardize it. Terry asks if there was no one except the Quartermaines who could help, and Elizabeth tells her, Nikolas stepped up, but it was too late. At least he was willing to do it. It’s too bad he won’t get rid of Ava. He’s going to be at her side when her portrait is unveiled. Ava made tonight about resurrecting the old Franco, who couldn’t tell the difference between good and evil, because he had a brain tumor. He became famous for the wrong reasons, and that’s not her husband. She’s not supporting or celebrating him.

Ava tells Franco, sorry. He deserves better, especially from his wife. Nikolas says Ava is all about being a supportive spouse, and she tells him, not now. Nikolas says, sorry. He’s out of sorts since Spencer said he wants nothing to do with him unless he has the Cassadine money. Franco says, it’s got to be rough, being rejected by a kid he lied to for three years. Ava says she’s sorry Spencer took a hard line with Nikolas, and Nikolas says, they both lost a child. As much as they’d love to be celebrating with Kiki and Spencer, it’s not meant to be. Ava says they’ve all made their choices, haven’t they? She says she needs some air, and leaves. Franco says, what the hell? Spencer thinks Nikolas is an ass, but Kiki is dead. There’s no comparison. Nikolas says, Ava barely bated an eyelash, but Franco says, she finds any mention of Kiki devastating. Anyone who cares about her knows that.  

Lulu and Maxie go outside, and Lulu asks if that’s the only reason Maxie hasn’t told Peter. Or is she on the fence about having a baby? Maxie says, the timing is all wrong. She thinks about how incredible it would be, having a child with Peter, but she’s not sure Peter feels the same way. Lulu asks if they don’t get along, and Maxie says, growing up with Faison caused Peter to doubt himself. What if he’s made the choice not to be a father? Well, I’m guessing Peter knows how babies are made, so wouldn’t he have thought about that before?

Finn says he hasn’t seen his father since he diagnosed him with Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome, and Anna asks if Finn isn’t happy about that. He says, he is, but they mostly communicate through Chase. She says, what about Violet? Doesn’t she deserve to have a relationship with her grandfather?

Nina asks how well Jax knows Lucy, and he says, not that well, but he’s known her forever. She asks if he has any idea why she voted for Valentin  to be in charge of ELQ. He says, of course (🍷) he does, and so does she. He bought into Lucy’s company to have leverage. He has no respect for Valentin, but admits it was a good business move. Elizabeth shows up, and Nikolas says he thought she wasn’t coming. She says she changed her mind, and needs to find Franco. He thinks Franco is out on the parapet, and says he’ll take her.

Franco finds Ava in the stables, and tells her that Nikolas is out of line, but she says he can’t get to her. He asks what she’s doing out there then, and she tells him, like she said, she just needed some air. Franco says, if she was looking for fresh air, it’s probably better in the stables, and she laughs. She sits, and wonders if she’ll ever be able to hear Kiki’s name without it breaking her heart. Franco says Nikolas was deliberately trying to wound her, and she says, maybe with cause. She thinks she’s gone too far.

Lulu says Maxie has to figure out what to do. Peter is a father, and needs to know. Nikolas and Elizabeth come out, looking for Franco, and Maxie grabs Lulu, saying they’re going to start their own search party. Nikolas tells Elizabeth, sorry. He thought Franco was there, but since they are, they might as well enjoy the view. He can have a nice moment where he can pretend his life is fantastic. She says, Spencer will come around, and he says he hopes so. He tells him that he did the right thing, offering to help the hospital financially. He says, if only Cyrus hadn’t gotten there first. He can’t believe the hospital is taking money from him. She says, it gets better. Cyrus is the new chairman.

Dustin shows Peter a little toy car that Rocco gave him as a present. He wanted to come, but Dustin asked if he really wanted to listen to grown-up conversation while looking at a painting, and Rocco decided video games and pizza were better. Peter says, kids never stop surprising you. James and Georgie keep him on his toes. Dustin asks if Peter didn’t ever want kids, and Peter says he’d never thought about it until Maxie came into his life. Maxie and Lulu come out, and he says, there she is; the love of his life.

Scotty tells Lucy, with all the problems Monica has caused, maybe the family can finally earn some money now. Lucy says, the most important thing is that GH was saved, no matter where the money came from. He says, that’s crazy talk. They don’t want a new benefactor coming in, and changing the policies and the staff. They could change what makes the hospital special. Lucy says, no more hospital talk, and suggests they focus on Deception. It was no walk in the park, reviving a company from the 90s, but she did it. She had help, but it was her vision and inspiration that made it happen. Finances don’t fall from the sky. Entrepreneurs make compromises sometimes. He says, Lucy… What have you done?

Nikolas tells Elizabeth, sorry he was too late, but she says, at least he was willing to provide the funding. That’s the Nikolas she remembers. He says he’s trying to get back to who he was. She tells him, hurry up; she misses him. He says he misses her too. He hates the distance between them. She says she needs to find Franco. There are some things between them she needs to clear up.

Lucy tells Scotty, Valentin was adamant about ELQ not bailing out the hospital, and she voted with him. Scotty says, what? She repeats that she voted with Valentin. She knew there was someone else who was going to help. He says, that Cyrus guy. He’s a threat to the community. Lucy tells him, the Commissioner said he’d been framed, wrongly jailed, and was focused on doing good for the community. So she voted with Valentin. Scotty says, she owed him, and knew the day would come when he’d need her tie-breaking vote. She says, it’s not her fault he got controlling interest. It’s on the shoulders of the family members who sold him their shares. The hospital will be fine. ELQ couldn’t do it, so Cyrus did. He says, you can’t trust him; especially since he’s a guy with a ponytail, for cryin’ out loud. She says she doesn’t know anything about that, and Maxie asks for a word with her. Scotty leaves, and Lucy says she knew this would happen, and one day she’d be the town pariah again. Maxie asks if that’s why she didn’t want to come, and Lucy wonders why no one can understand why she did it. She had no choice. She knew if she didn’t, Valentin would pull his money out. There would be no Deception, no launch; they’d have nothing. Jax asks if Lucy minds if he talks to her for a second. She says, that depends. Is he going to harp on her betraying the Quartermaines too?

Anna says she knows for a fact Chase told Finn’s father about Violet. He asks if his father has made any effort to get to know Violet, and Anna says he’s respecting Finn’s boundaries, and waiting for an invitation. Finn says he’s uncomfortable with his father and his father’s wife, and thinks Violet will pick up on it. Say he does let his father in, they don’t get past it, and it gets more uncomfortable. It’s the last thing Violet needs; someone being there, and suddenly gone. Anna thinks there’s another obstacle, and it’s not just because his father remarried.

Ava tells Franco that she’s ashamed to admit it, but she turned Spencer against his father. He says, if there’s anyone to blame, it’s Nikolas, but she says Spencer sees her as a traitor, and gave Nikolas an ultimatum. He’ll be in Nikolas’s life if she’s out. He says, then why not walk away? and she says, money. According to their post-nup, if Nikolas divorces her, she gets 90% of everything. Franco asks if she’s serious, and she says, the remaining 10% would be put in a trust for Spencer, but the kid wants to inherit the entire estate. So if she stays married to Nikolas, Spencer stays on the other side of the world. Franco says, it’s not her responsibility. The person to blame is Nikolas. Ava says she contributed to the problem and can solve it. If she ends the marriage, and doesn’t take the money, Spencer will take his father back. He asks if she can do it, and she says, just imagine if Kiki was still out there. If there was a possibility of Ava seeing her face again, it would be worth anything. What if she could do that? Give Spencer and Nikolas the healing and closure she and Kiki never had. Elizabeth listens in.

Elizabeth says hi to Ava, who says they weren’t expecting her. Elizabeth says, surprise, surprise, and Ava says, it’s good to see her. She has to get back to her guests, but she’s glad Elizabeth made it. She goes inside, and Franco thanks Elizabeth for changing her mind. She says she came to stand by her man and see his masterpiece unveiled. He says she’s made him happy. She’s made his whole night.

Anna says Finn’s father has been married for a decade. She understands, but thinks Finn’s estrangement from his father is going to affect Violet. Finn disagrees. He thinks Violet should know her grandfather, but he lives in California. It’s not like he has a presence in her life. Anna says she lives the same distance from Robin, but they stay in touch. Kids live half their lives on a screen, and it’s made long distance relationships easier. Although she does wish she lived closer. There’s nothing she loves more than giving her grandchildren a hug.

Maxie stumbles, and Peter asks if she’s okay. She says she just slipped on her heel.

Lucy thanks Jax for being a gentleman, and not berating her. He says he’s a businessman, and understands the deal she made, but Cyrus is another story. She says, that’s not her fault, and he says, that may be true, but she defended him earlier. She needs to understand, Jax’s daughter was almost caught in the crossfire when Cyrus went after Sonny’s family. She could have been killed; Laura too. She says, that was Cyrus? and he says, there’s no official proof, but Sonny is convinced, and on this subject, he trusts Sonny. Lucy tells him, but Jordan said… and he says he doesn’t pretend to understand why Jordan did that, but technically, it’s true. Cyrus was wrongfully imprisoned, but he’s still a dangerous criminal. If he were her, he’d be careful.

Ava sees Nina on the parapet, and asks if Nina was looking for her. Nina says she wondered where Ava disappeared to, but came out for a breath of fresh air. She loved coming out there when she lived at Windymere. Ava asks if she misses it, and Nina says, parts of it. She misses family time with Charlotte, but she’s accepted the fact that a relationship based on lies and secrets can’t last. Ava says she’s starting to think a relationship based on extortion can’t last. They laugh, and Ava says, trapping Nikolas into a loveless marriage seemed like a good idea at the time, but now she sees it’s not only hurting Nikolas, but Spencer too.

Lulu tells Nikolas, she wanted to check in with him about Spencer. Nikolas hopes their relationship is improving, and Lulu asks, how? He says Spencer told him that he wanted to be his son again if he divorced Ava. She says, clearly, that’s not happening, and he says he’d rather not go into detail. She asks, why? He’s her brother, and she knows he loves his son. It makes zero sense, accepting what’s going on. He says he’s not accepting it, and she asks if keeping one secret is more important than their relationship. Is it more important than regaining her trust? He says, no; it isn’t.

Maxie says she takes full responsibility for dragging Lucy there, but she neglected to inform Maxie that she totally sold out the Quartermaines. Lucy says she did it to save Deception, their bread and butter. Maxie says, no judgement, but Lucy needs to leave. She’s not the best brand ambassador right now. Lucy says, sorry, and Maxie says, this too shall pass. Go rest, so she can be her dazzling self at the Nurses Ball. Lucy suggests Maxie also call it an early night; she’s looking peaked. They need to knock them dead, and be on point tomorrow. Scotty says he got a new convertible; let’s go. Lucy leaves with Scotty, and Peter says, Lucy is right. Maxie looks pale. Is she sure she’s okay? Maxie says she just wants to schmooze the artist, and get it over with. She asks Franco, how long until the great unveiling? How much did Ava pay him to glorify her, and make himself relevant again? Franco says, hostile, and she says she remembers him, but he proved he’s a changed man. He convinced a judge he was a changed man, and now he’s free to be living his best life. Instead, he’s reliving his bad boy genius. The whole thing makes her nauseous. Elizabeth says Maxie has a point. He says the only important thing is, he’s the guy who gets to be married to her, but she wonders where that guy is. The only important things seem to be about everything except the man she loves.

Lulu says Nikolas recruited Spencer to be involved in his power struggle with Ava, but Nikolas says, Spencer jumped at the chance. She says he’s not understanding. He needs to have faith in Spencer that he’ll choose his father over money, not recruit him to be his accomplice. Nikolas says, Spencer is fighting for his inheritance, but Lulu says he’s bonding with Spencer by making his son his partner in crime.

Ava tells Nina, she never had the opportunity to see Spencer and Nikolas together, but she did see how Spencer mourned his father. They had a special bond, and seeing how upset Spencer was when he found out Nikolas was alive spoke volumes. She sees how Nikolas is taking their estrangement. Nina says, it’s one thing to help them reconcile, but the question is, can Ava give up her revenge? Ava doesn’t know. Nikolas made her think she was crazy, and that she saw his ghost. He used Kiki against her, and said they were in hell together. Although she wasn’t much better. The only thing stopping a reconciliation is the stupid post-nup she forced Nikolas to sign. Nina says, revenge is not all it’s cracked up to be. At least for her it wasn’t. Even if you hurt the person, it just ties you more closely to them. She exposed Valentin’s lies at the altar, and got zero satisfaction. It was only when she turned away from the bitterness and ugliness that she found peace. Ava knows what she has to do.

Franco says he thought Elizabeth was there to support him. She says she was, but she’s not comfortable with any of it. She can’t stay. He says he’ll try not to be late, then wonders if she wants him to come with her.

Maxie tells Peter, Franco and Ava are in there all smug and satisfied. She couldn’t help herself. Franco was dishonest. Elizabeth married him and brought him in as a stepfather, but he’s loving his first chance in the spotlight. Franco isn’t like Peter. Peter put in hard work to turn his life around. He says he hopes he never disappoints her, and she says he won’t, as long as he’s honest. She thinks her water smells weird, and he asks, what’s going on with her? She says this is working her last nerve, and he says she’s been dizzy and lightheaded recently. He’s seen her navigate a playground in stilettos. Is she okay?

Jax asks if Nina found Ava. She says she did, and dared to give Ava advice. He says, giving advice can be tricky, but she says she was willing to risk it. It was because of him. He’s proof she can make smart life decisions. Ava comes out wondering where her husband disappeared to.

Lulu says, so Nikolas and Spencer are working together, and he says he has his son back. She asks if she should be happy about him dragging Spencer into the game he’s playing with Ava. He asks, what’s the alternative? Let Ava walk away with 90%? It’s unacceptable to Spencer and him. She asks if it ever occurred to him that Spencer just wants to please him. Spencer isn’t going along for the money, but for his father. Nikolas is missing his moment to turn this around, and stop manipulating. Choose his son, and let Ava decide if she’s going to keep the money. He says he can’t take that risk. Ava has to give up before the marriage ends. She says, he’s pulling Spencer into a lie, and he says, Ava forced his hand. He has to get back out by manipulating the situation. Lulu says, wow. He’s as set on revenge as much as he was when he first came back, and refuses to see what it’s costing.

Anna says she and Finn have been telling Violet that the wedding is about family. Having his father there will show her that he’s part of the family. Finn says maybe he would like them to get to know each other, but that’s not the only problem. He’ll leave it at that. She says, she’s not leaving it at that; it’s about his stepmother. He says he can’t imagine her at their wedding. It will take away from the day – for him anyway. If he invites his father, he can’t exclude her. It’s too complicated. She says she hates to break it to him, but families are complicated. His father is still family, so can’t he put their differences aside for one day? For Violet’s sake?

Dustin says Lulu looks pissed, and she says, once again, her brother has gone below her worst expectations. Ava tells Nikolas, it’s showtime. Franco tells Elizabeth that Ava can take over after the unveiling, but she says she has to leave. Is he coming or not?

Ava tells her guests, on behalf of herself and Nikolas, she thanks them for coming to this celebration of revival and redemption. She teased the return of a talented artist for some time, and would like him to come join her next to her portrait. Franco looks at Elizabeth, but she doesn’t look at him. He goes up front, and Ava says she was going to make a speech, but she realized what she had planned doesn’t seem important anymore. So she’s just going to say she was so happy when Franco agreed to paint her portrait. She’s proud to share it with them tonight. So without further ado… Franco unveils the portrait, and everyone looks shocked. Elizabeth shakes her head, and Franco and Ava look at each other.

Is she naked maybe?

On Monday, Maxie says she has something to tell Peter, Elizabeth tells Nikolas that Ava will destroy what good is left in him if he’s not careful, and Ava says she plans to remedy the situation perfectly.

💝 Coming Soon To a TV Near You…

Welcome to the Nurses Ball.

https://www.tvinsider.com/945286/general-hospital-nurses-ball-2020-preview/

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/2020-general-hospital-nurses-ball-will-air-august

🕵🏽 Dante Tells All…

Get the skinny on Lulu’s absent ex.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/dominic-zamprogna-reveals-why-he-left-and-returned

🔌 Can’t Say I Blame Her…

Some people give Trolls a bad name.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/the-young-the-restless/michelle-stafford-is-taking-a-break-from-social-media

👯 Will the Real Sam Please Stand Up…?

Hopefully, Brook isn’t far behind.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/kelly-monaco-is-back-at-general-hospital

⚖️ From Cop To Corporate…

The original Jordan finds success as a lawyer.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/vanessa-antoines-series-diggstown-renewed

🌹 If You Must…

Every time I hear Clare Crawley, I think they’re talking about Downton Abbey. I’m not a huge fan of The Bachelor franchise, only because I can smell the desperation, and become embarrassed for the contestants, but no judgement.

MEN: Can she steal you for a sec? According to Glamour, Bachelorette Clare Crawley “will have extra men on hand, just in case” anyone gets coronavirus during taping. Meanwhile, we will have extra men on hand, just in case we can’t reach the Tate’s cookies we forgot were on the top shelf of the pantry… – Newsette

https://www.glamour.com/story/the-bachelorette-2020-everything-we-know-about-clare-crawleys-season

😭 Leave Denise Alone…

Denise and Garcelle should have their own spin-off. With a little Sutton on the side.

https://www.inquisitr.com/6186250/garcelle-beauvais-denise-richards-rhobh-reunion/?platform=hootsuite

🎤 The Countess Has All the Feels…

LuAnn’s hopes and dreams for the reunion.

https://hollywoodlife.com/2020/07/31/luann-de-lesseps-rhony-reunion-secrets-bethenny-frankel-interview/

🧀 Like Some Cheese With That Whine…?

NeNe comes up with a new reason she should be rewarded for bad behavior.

https://pagesix.com/2020/08/01/nene-leakes-alludes-to-mistreatment-from-bravo-amid-contract-negotiations/

👨🏽‍🍳 Poor Kiko…

He’s so sweet, but those nachos…

https://www.inquisitr.com/6197289/below-deck-mediterranean-chef-kiko-apologizes/

🐣 Not Yet…

For now, the unfreezing of Scheana’s eggs is on hold.

https://www.inquisitr.com/6199574/scheana-shay-pregnant-plans-miscarriage/?platform=hootsuite

🔮 Back In the Dark…

I loved this show. Except for that monkey. I hated the monkey.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/his-dark-materials-season-2-trailer-spoilers-hbo-comic-con-2020/

📺 Up For Debate…

Is it Lost? Game of Thrones? Dexter? A new time waster brought to you by social media.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/twitter-reacts-worst-ending-ever-television-debate/

⚰️ Spoiling the Dead…

Teases about the season 10 finale.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-walking-dead-season-10-finale-spoilers-father-gabriel-doomed-dies-seth-gilliam/

🚶🏼‍♂️ Keep Walking…

All you need to know about season 11.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/walking-dead-season-11-delayed-2021-1304283

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-walking-dead-season-11-maggie-negan-relationship-showrunner-angela-kang-comic-con-2020/

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-walking-dead-season-11-negan-hershel-maggie-glenn-son-jeffrey-dean-morgan/

🧛🏻 Get Your Full Episodes Here…

On Sunday night, it seems to be either feast or famine. If you’ve missed any of season 2 of NOS4A2, you can catch it here.

https://www.bbcamerica.com/shows/nos4a2/video-extras/nos4a2-season-2-comic-con-teaser

🦖 Just In Case…

You never know when you might need a prehistoric life skill.

https://www.wired.com/story/how-outrun-dinosaur/?utm_source=digg&utm_medium=email

Quote-Kindness

🦪 Quotes of the Week

We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars. – Oscar Wilde

It’s no use going back to yesterday, because I was a different person then. – Lewis Carroll

What you’re thinking is what you’re becoming. – Muhammad Ali

Life is 10% what happens to us and 90% how we react to it. – Dennis P. Kimbro

A lie can travel half way around the world while the truth is putting on its shoes. – Mark Twain

If you can’t laugh at yourself, at least let me do it. – Charlie (Charlie Sheen), Two and a Half Men

People will always have opinions about your decision because they’re not courageous enough to take action on their opinion. – Steve Maraboli

Love does not consist in gazing at each other, but in looking outward together in the same direction. – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

I’d rather regret the things I’ve done than regret the things I haven’t done. – Lucille Ball

🌃 Hey, It’s Still Dark Out…

Long story short, the new site editor causes difficulty for some links. So until I have a minute to figure out a way around it, I switched back to the classic version, an upscale word for the way it was done before. Thank God it’s Friday. We still call it that, right? Keep that weekend sacred, and change your environment for a moment. But while you’re doing that, stay safe, stay authentic, and stay like Bill Murray in Meatballs, telling yourself, it just doesn’t matter.

Jul25

July 24, 2020 – When Mike Had a Moment, As the Reunion Turns, New Kelly, Dead News, Two Different Cons, Apocalypse Watching, Empire Spin, Loving New York, a Lesson, an Artist, Two Big Fat Quotes & Another

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

As the gap continues to close, today’s GH Flashback is from May 13th, 2020. Enjoy a mind refresh here, or if you’re detail oriented, go to:

https://tvwiththeresa.wordpress.com/2020/05/14/may-13-2020-sonny-asks-what-mike-wants-blind-defense-vandernews-impressing-nema-free-happy-hour-upcoming-freedom/

Chase dreamed about Willow, but woke up alone. Willow woke up alone too, at the Quartermaine mansion. She saw her rings on the nightstand, and remembered getting married to Michael. Michael came downstairs for breakfast, and Brook asked if he’d gotten any sleep. He said he felt ready, and she said he’d done what he could for Wiley, and even gotten married. They’re not all so lucky. Michael said it would happen for her too, when she was old and grey. She threw a bagel at him, insisting she would never go grey. She said Willow was sweet, kind, and gorgeous; the perfect wife for him, and the perfect stepmom for Wiley. Ava brought Avery to visit Mike at Turning Woods. Sonny watched from the doorway as Avery showed Mike her drawings. Carly went to the MetroCourt, and told Olivia she was worried about the hearing, and figured she might as well come in. Olivia asked if there was anything she could do, and Carly suggested dropping a house on Nelle, but Olivia said she was fresh out of tornados. Carly said she could use some advice, and asked if Olivia had any words of wisdom regarding mother-in-law-hood. Olivia saw Lulu come in with Dustin, and said, bite your tongue, exercise patience, and slap on a smile. Robert woke up on Laura’s couch, wondering where he was. Laura asked if she should be offended that he didn’t remember.

Michael told Brook that he’d hit the jackpot with Willow, but she had to give up everything, and was in love with Chase. Brook said that was Chase’s fault, but Michael said Willow had to sacrifice a lot. He didn’t want her regretting it. Brook said Chase was a giant tool, but even if he walked on water, Willow was trading up. Michael being loaded was a plus, but he was an amazing guy, and Willow had enough sense to appreciate how fabulous he was. Seeing Willow in the doorway, Brook said, right? Still in bed, Chase scrolled through pictures on his phone of himself and Willow. Mac called and told Chase that he was late, and Chase jumped out of bed, saying he’d be there in ten minutes. Laura gave Robert some coffee, and asked if he wanted to pick up where they’d left off. He asked where that was, and she said, where you’d expect old friends with history and chemistry to be. He put his head in his hands, and she laughed. She said he came to her house drunk. She managed to get him on the couch, settled him in, and went to bed. He said she was a vision of true evilness, and she asked why he came to her doorstep. Carly asked if Olivia wasn’t a fan of Mr. Phillips; that’s how she knew him, since he was Josslyn’s teacher. Lulu and Dustin walked over to the bar, and Lulu said Dustin was there to meet Brook. Dustin said he and Brook were checking out the venue, since they were performing at the Nurses Ball, but he also wanted Olivia’s culinary expertise. Lulu said Rocco needed cupcakes for school, and Dustin volunteered to oversee the baking. Olivia asked what the occasion was, and Lulu said it was Take Your Dad to School Day. Avery continued to show Mike her artwork, and Ava told Sonny that she hoped bringing Avery there was okay. Sonny said Avery never needed permission to see her grandfather, and asked how Mike had been. Ava said it took him a while to warm up, but he’d been smiling ever since. He wasn’t talking much though. Sonny asked if Avery was scared, but Ava said she was fine. Avery had experience from when Ava was in Shadybrook. She didn’t understand, so it didn’t make her sad. She was just spending time with her grandfather, and loving him.

Carly asked to talk to Dustin about Josslyn’s curriculum. Lulu asked Olivia if something was wrong. Olivia said Lulu had barely known Dustin a year, and she was trying to erase Dante from Rocco’s life. Ava asked Sonny if Mike’s good days were becoming fewer and farther between, but Sonny said he’d stopped measuring. He was trying to stay in the moment. He wondered if Mike had coherent thoughts and couldn’t voice them, or if he had no coherent thoughts at all. He said, once in a while, Mike made a precise observation, and Ava said that showed Mike was still in there. She told Sonny that she owed him an apology. Robert said he couldn’t believe Holly was dead, and Laura said she was so sorry. Robert said he was sorry for dragging her out of bed. He knew she and Holly didn’t have the greatest relationship. She said, it was a long time ago, and people important to her cared about Holly, him topping the list. She asked, what happened? Was she ill? He said it would have been easier that way, but she was on a ship that went down in a storm, and it was no ordinary ship. Laura said, of course (🍷) not, and Robert said Holly did contract work for the WSB; another one of her secrets. On the phone with Anna, Mac looked at the report on Holly’s death, and said, there’s nothing here. Chase came in, apologizing for being late, and Mac asked if Chase needed a day off. Even though he was there, he wasn’t, and if he needed to take care of something, do it. Brook told Willow and Michael that she had a meeting, but good luck in court. She didn’t think they’d need it though. The judge would take one look at them, and know Wiley belonged with them. She left, and Michael said Brook had a flair for the dramatic. Willow said she hadn’t noticed, and Michael said everyone was talking them up to each other. Willow said you’d think they defied gravity, and Michael said he already knew she was incredible.

Carly didn’t think Dustin understood how fraught the situation was. It was hard on Olivia, seeing Lulu move forward, and not reserving room for Dante in Rocco’s life. She wasn’t judging; she thought it was the right decision in Lulu’s mind. It was great for Lulu, but she didn’t think Lulu understood how it was affecting Olivia. Maybe Dustin could see it from Olivia’s perspective. If Carly was in her position, her daughter-in-law would have been out on the street with half her hair ripped out. Rocco was bringing a new man to Take Your Dad to School Day, but it’s not like Dante was a deadbeat. He had severe PTSD, and it was hard for Olivia. Lulu told Olivia, no one was erasing Dante. She was sending Dustin in his place to make Rocco happy. He didn’t want to feel left out, and had asked for Dustin. They’d all decided together to make Dustin and honorary uncle, and he’d be wearing a Yankees hat to represent Dante. It’s what Rocco wanted, and what Dante would want too. Robert told Laura, when he and Holly saw each other, it wasn’t always under the friendliest of circumstances. Laura said Holly had broken Robert’s heart, and ran away with a piece of it. Part of him had thought he’d get it back, but now that would never happen. Michael told Willow that it was important they tell the truth to each other. He admitted that if he was going to court without her, he’d be nervous, but going with her, he knew he was going to win. Maybe not today, and it wouldn’t be easy, but he was going to get custody of Wiley. She said she’d heard what he’d said to Brook, and she regretted nothing. Ava apologized to Sonny for having Mike arrested for kidnapping Avery. Sonny said he appreciated it, and appreciated her bringing Avery. They went back in Mike’s room, and Avery showed them a drawing she and her grandpa made; he’d told her what to do, and she did it. Ava asked who the boy riding the bike was, and Mike said, his son. Ava asked if he’d taught his son to ride a bike, and Mike nodded. Avery said her daddy had taught her, and Ava said, all the best dads do that. She had to take Avery to school, and Sonny suggested they put the picture up on Mike’s wall. In the hallway, Avery asked if Ava would ever forget her like her grandpa forgot her daddy, and Ava said, no. Even if it did happen, by then Avery would be grown up with her own family. Avery asked if she’d ever forget Ava, and Ava said, just try.

Dustin thanked Carly for the advice. Brook came in, and Dustin headed back to the bar. Carly asked Brook how the newlyweds were, and Brook said, calm and focused. She couldn’t figure out Chase though; she’d never have pegged him as a cheater. He’d broken Willow’s heart, but was walking around with puppy dog eyes like he was the wronged one. Brook told Carly about Chase arresting her because she’d had the audacity to call him out, and accidentally bopped Sasha in the nose. She’d ripped up the ticket – like any sensible person would – and Chase hauled her to the station. Carly said she needed to go, and Brook wondered if it was something she’d said. Lulu told Olivia, the Dante she knew before everything happened, would want his son to feel safe with a man as good and kind as Dustin. Sonny gave Mike an iPad already loaded with his favorites, and put the earbuds on him. Mike said it was loud, and Sonny said they’d do it some other time. He asked what Mike thought of Avery, and Mike laughed, looking at her artwork. Sonny said he needed to know what Mike wanted; the next time he might not be able to say. Did he want help? Did he want to stay or go? The doctor asked if he could speak to Sonny, and it was back out to the hallway. Chase told Mac that he didn’t need time off, and Mac read from Brook’s police report. Chase said she was combative and belligerent, and Mac said all the Quartermaines were. Chase had arrested Brook three times in three months, and the Civilian Review Board might see it as an abuse of power. Robert told Laura he must have given the wrong address to the Ride Share guy, and she said if he didn’t want it straight, he wouldn’t have come there. He had to grieve Holly, and say goodbye.

Dustin told Olivia that he’d never try to take Dante’s place. He had respect for Dante putting himself on the line for justice. He said he was in a strange position, and Olivia said that’s the way it was. Lulu went to see Laura for advice and calming down. She thought she’d blown her relationship with Rocco’s other grandmother. The doctor told Sonny that Mike had stopped eating. They could give Mike a feeding tube, and keep him as comfortable as possible, but the greater challenge was that it might further disorient Mike. Sonny asked what he recommended, and the doctor said some patients made provision that they don’t want life extending measures, but Mike had left it to Sonny. Sonny said he needed time, and the doctor left Sonny with his thoughts. Michael showed up, and said he wanted to tell Mike that he got married. Sonny told him that they wanted to put a feeding tube in Mike, but he didn’t know what Mike wanted. Michael said he should ask Mike if he could, but Sonny said, what if he couldn’t? Michael said Sonny knew what his dad would want more than anyone, and to trust that. Sonny said he wasn’t ready for Mike to go, and didn’t think Mike was ready. What if he wanted to stick around and see his grandchildren? What if he didn’t want to die? Mac told Chase to make peace with Brook, and Chase told him, if you say so. Robert came into the station, and Mac said, interrogation room – now. He’d thought he put Robert in a Ride Share; what happened? Robert said he washed up on Laura couch. He’d thought work would get his mind off of things, but it didn’t. He was going to take the day off. Mac told him, take a look at this, handing him a folder, saying it was a heavily redacted report from the WSB on Holly’s death. Willow walked in, and went over to Chase’s desk.

Robert said it was black; there was nothing there. He told Mac that he had a headache, and asked what he was missing. Mac told Robert to look at it some more, and Robert would see what he and Anna had. There was more to Holly’s death, and they weren’t convinced the ship went down in an accident. Lulu asked Laura if she was supposed to run her parenting decisions by Olivia, and Laura said, absolutely not; but Olivia was Dante’s mother, and mothers didn’t move on the same way. Sadly, Olivia might be waiting the rest of her life for Dante to recover, and Lulu should have compassion. Olivia told Dustin that she wasn’t going to pretend it was easy. It was hard on Lulu too, but she was happy Lulu had found someone like him; a decent person. It meant a lot, but just so they were clear, she was never going to give up on Dante, and would be hoping, praying, and doing everything in her power to get him back home. He said Rocco and Lulu would never stop hoping either. Brook joined them, and Dustin left with her to look at the ballroom.

Michael asked Sonny how long Mike hadn’t been eating, and Sonny said, a few days. It wasn’t like he was starving on purpose; it was like he’d forgotten how to eat. Mike had been happy with Avery. Sometimes Sonny thought it would be easier to let it be over, but it wasn’t what he wanted. It was what his dad wanted. Mike had a moment with Avery, more like a connection. If keeping him alive for five more months gave him five more moments like that, who was he to say Mike couldn’t have that? Chase asked why Willow was there, and she said there was something she had to tell him that couldn’t wait. She and Michael had gotten married. She didn’t want him to hear elsewhere. She thought it would hurt less coming from her. He asked if it hurting him mattered to her, and she said she thought it always would. Goodbye. He told her, good luck in court. Carly watched their exchange.

🧼 Here Comes Another One…

The soap world has definitely kept fans busy with virtual reunions. This one’s for you, ATWT lovers.

https://www.soapoperadigest.com/content/new-as-the-world-turns-reunion-scheduled

🏝 Kelly 2.0 Is Here…

She’s come a long way from Scary Island.

https://www.cottagesgardens.com/get-to-know-broker-and-former-rhony-star-kelly-killoren-bensimon/

⚰️ Bring Out Your Dead…

Things are coming alive in the world of The Walking Dead. The premiere date of October 4th was announced:

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-walking-dead-season-10-finale-premiere-date-announced-comic-con-2020/

A clip from the finale. It looks very promising.

https://comicbook.com/thewalkingdead/news/walking-dead-season-10-finale-clip-comic-con-2020/

There will also be extra episodes to make up for all the hell we’ve been through.

https://comicbook.com/thewalkingdead/news/the-walking-dead-season-10-new-episodes-comic-con/

And Fear the Walking Dead will be returning October 11th.

https://comicbook.com/thewalkingdead/news/fear-the-walking-dead-season-6-comic-con-trailer/

🎟 Comic Conned…

It’s already started, but you can still get in on the virtual fun.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1172203/2020-comic-con-at-home-your-guide-to-getting-the-most-out-of-sdcc-s-first-virtual-event

🛸 Beam Me To My Favorite Chair…

Alien-Con virtually begins July 28th. Since you can enjoy this free event from the comfort of your home, there’s a lot less chance of your getting probed.

https://www.thealiencon.com/

🌋 If You Haven’t Had Enough IRL…

Freak yourself out more with apocalyptic entertainment.

https://www.tvguide.com/news/the-best-apocalypse-tv-shows-and-movies-to-watch/?ftag=NLS-04-10aaa2i

✈️ Cookie Spins Off…

It sounds good, but I’m still mad about Star being canceled.

https://pagesix.com/2020/07/23/taraji-p-henson-to-star-in-empire-spinoff-focused-on-cookie-lyon/

🗽 Only In New York…

Cindy Adams gives a bird’s eye view from the world’s greatest city in this year of upheaval.

https://pagesix.com/2020/07/20/cindy-adams-i-still-%E2%99%A5%E2%80%8Athis-helluva-town/

🤷🏼‍♀️ Who Knew…?

I actually did know about some of these, but you might be using words or phrases you don’t even realize are offensive.

https://redtri.com/racism-words-and-phrases/slide/1

👸🏽 A Pioneer For Princesses…

A woman ahead of her time, whose last pandemic was in 1918.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/disney-animation-pioneer-ruthie-tompson-turns-110-1303663

🎙 Quotes of the Week

It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat. – Teddy Roosevelt, speaking at the Sorbonne in 1910

You have a right to experiment with your life. You will make mistakes. And they are right too. No, I think there was too rigid a pattern. You came out of an education and are supposed to know your vocation. Your vocation is fixed, and maybe ten years later you find you are not a teacher anymore or you’re not a painter anymore. It may happen. It has happened. I mean Gauguin decided at a certain point he wasn’t a banker anymore; he was a painter. And so he walked away from banking. I think we have a right to change course. But society is the one that keeps demanding that we fit in and not disturb things. They would like you to fit in right away so that things work now. – Anaïs Nin

⚾️ Rounding It Out…

It’s Friday again, or another in a long line of when-is-this-pandemiconium-going-to-end? days, depending. But you know the world is still spinning when the Dead series are given premier dates, and the Shahs reunion finally rears its ugly head (part 2 on Sunday – July 26th). So stay safe, stay strong, and stay knowing one day you’ll be griping about your job again.

May7

May 6, 2020 – Robert Drowns His Sorrows, Two Hours of Dreck, Teddi’s Retreat, Returning, Jimmy’s Soap, the Latest On Erika, Atlanta Reunites, Non-Essential, NOS4A-Part 2, a New Gala & Balloons

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

I honestly don’t know wth happens. I think I have extra time, then I run late. I’m usually here by the time the opening credits roll, but still. So here’s the set-up. Robert is crying in his beer at The Floating Rib, and Anna arrives; it’s Dante’s birthday, and Sonny went to visit Mike; Brook and Michael spar at Sonny’s gym, and Jax catches up to Carly at the MetroCourt bar.

Sam tells Kristina, it’s no secret that Carly and Sonny are Jason’s closest friends. Jason knew them before she came along, and she’s fine with that. She supports it. Alexis asks Kristina, what’s going on? Why is she saying hurtful things to Sam? Kristina says she’s not trying to be hurtful. She’s trying to get Sam to see the truth. Molly says, it sounds like something Kristina learned from DoD, but Kristina says, just the opposite. She’s gained perspective since then, and is trying to be a better person. Molly says, so now Kristina is a relationship expert, despite never having had a healthy relationship herself? Is she jealous of Sam’s love for Jason?

At The Floating Rib, Mac thanks Anna for coming. Robert is sad, but okay. He’s been drinking a lot of beer. Robert says he can’t believe Holly is gone. He texted Luke, but he’s probably preoccupied with Ethan. Mac says, it’s horrible, losing a parent. Robert says, Holly could charm the pants off of you, steal your wallet, and you’d still be charmed. He really did love her. Anna asks how he is, and he says, lousy. Mac tells Anna, he didn’t lose a great love, but Holly was a great friend. Anna says she’s sorry, and Felicia says, Holly would want them to celebrate her life, not mourn her death. Anna says, champagne and caviar, everything first class. On someone else’s dime, of course (🍷). Maxie and Peter come in, and Maxie asks, what’s going on? Robert says, it’s a terrible time. He doesn’t need Peter around, so get out.

Sonny shows Mike Dante’s picture on his phone, and says it’s his grandson. Does Mike recognize him? Mike says, nice phone. Felix comes in, and asks if Mike needs anything. Mike asks if Felix wants to play checkers, but Sonny says he needs to talk to Felix. He’ll be right back. He leaves Mike his phone, and they go into the hallway. He tells Felix that his dad is struggling to eat, but Felix says, Mike had some applesauce when he woke up. Is it a problem? Sonny says, it’s not a problem. It’s just that Mike is eating the same thing his baby daughter is eating, and it’s strange for him. Sonny goes back into Mike’s room, where Mike is staring into space and smiling.

Jax tells Carly that Nina had a front row seat to the custody war between Lulu and Valentin, and they called a cease fire. Carly says, that’s great, but Charlotte’s case is nothing like Wiley’s. Nina said she wanted to protect Wiley, and that’s why she hired Nelle. He says, if there’s no smoking gun, Nina isn’t going to plant one, and Carly says, why not? Nelle has done it often enough. Turnabout is fair play. He says, Nina looks at Nelle and sees herself. She never got the love of a mother. She says, it’s the same sob story Nelle has given before. It’s an act. She’s a total manipulator, and Nina should know better.

Nina says Nelle misinterpreted the conversation. She wasn’t defending Nelle; she was just  trying to understand. Nelle says, that’s more than anyone else has done or tried to do. Nina says, if Nelle is honest, she’s given people reason to doubt her; even to fear her. Nelle says, she can’t deny that, but can’t people change? Learn from their mistakes, and become a better person? Like Nina. Nina says, it doesn’t matter what she thinks, what matters is what the judge thinks. Nelle says, the judge will listen to Nina, but Nina says she doesn’t know why she should get involved, since the custody hearing has nothing to do with her.

Brook tells Michael, he can hit harder; put some muscle into it. Get in touch with his anger. He needs to get his aggression out, or disaster will strike. He’ll see Nelle, and lose it, calling her out for the psycho bitch she is. Then Nelle will turn on the waterworks, and tell the judge he’s abusive and vindictive. Michael says, that’s why he’s going to be under control, but she says if he goes in cold and calculating looking to inflict maximum damage, he’ll regret it. That’s why he has to vent while he’s there. Pretend she’s Nelle, and let her have it. He punches harder, and she says, that’s it. Now pretend he’s that girlfriend stealing Chase, and give him what he deserves. Michael turns around, and sees Sasha and Chase standing behind him, outside the ring.

Anna tells Maxie and Peter, Charlie’s might be a better fit. Robert is hurting, and drowning in beer. Maxie explains to Peter that Holly was Robert’s ex-wife. He says, Robert was married to Anna, but Maxie says, you can have more than one great love; look at them. Anna says her relationship with Holly was complicated. Sometimes they were friends, sometimes enemies; they were frenemies. She feels bad, especially since Robert adored Holly. Peter says she’s right. They should go to Charlie’s. Maxie says she wants to give Robert her condolences first. It was so sudden. He must be devastated.

Sonny tells Felix, it’s great having him there for his dad, and Felix says he’s glad to help. Sonny says he knows it’s tough, putting in the extra time, but Felix says he’s glad Sonny reached out. He’s always liked Mike, and if his being there makes Mike more comfortable, that’s the reason he became a nurse in the first place. Sonny says, he appreciates it, and goes back into Mike’s room. He tells Mike, he’s learning things about him all the time. He likes his pillows firm, but not too firm. Now he’s learned Mike likes applesauce. Who knew? He’s tired of thinking about what Mike wants, and needs Mike to tell him what he needs. How does he want to live the remaining time he has left? Does he want the doctors to take every measure they can to save his life, or does he want them to do nothing? Mike’s got to tell him something. What does he want? Mike motions him closer, and says, Yankees.

Carly tells Jax, she gets that Nina has unresolved issues about babies and motherhood, but Nina will be to blame if Nelle gets her hands on Wiley. Jax asks if that’s not a little unfair. Carly says she knows Jax is thinking about what she said regarding Nina not being a mother, but she thinks Nina paints a romantic picture of motherhood. Just because you carry and deliver a baby, doesn’t mean you become a good and selfless person. Look at Nelle; there’s been no maternal bonding. Jax says Carly admitted she wasn’t good or selfless until she had Michael. Isn’t that what changed her? Carly says it did, but it wasn’t like a magic wand. She didn’t go to bed a gold-digger, and wake up a Madonna. She had to make choices, and had to give up things she liked. She hated it, and had to learn to sacrifice things she loved when she realized it was the best thing for her kids. Nelle never learned that. That’s why she’s dangerous.

Nelle wishes she knew how to convince Nina she’s changed. Nina says, if she agreed to testify – and it’s a big if – the only thing she could say is, in the brief time Nelle has worked there, she’s been a good employee. She can’t vouch for Nelle’s motive or character, or how she’d be as a mother. Nelle says they’ve talked about it. She told Nina what she’s up against, and why she needed the job. She knows what happened with Sasha still hurts, and how badly Nina wanted it. That’s how she feels about Wiley. Don’t believe Brad. She didn’t give the baby away; she believed he died. Now she has an incredible second chance to hold her son. Nina says, Nelle is good; she’ll give her that. Nelle says, she’s not good. Everyone knows that, but she has a chance to do better for Wiley. It’s a start, and maybe one day, she’ll grow into someone people admire, like Nina, but she can’t unless somebody gives her a second chance.

Sasha says she had no idea Michael would be there, and tells Chase, let’s go. Brook says, don’t leave on their account. Not that they care. Chase says it doesn’t involve Brook, but Brook says Michael has a custody hearing tomorrow, and can’t risk beating up a cop. She’s in a different boat. Chase tells Sasha, let’s go, and Brook says she was willing to give Sasha the benefit of the doubt; a bad girl who turned her life around because of the love of a good man. It was a fairytale she was willing to buy into, but Sasha isn’t just bad. She’s rotten to the core. A liar and a user; one step above Nelle. Chase tells her to stop, and she says, and him. A cheating cheater who cheats. Willow found out her baby died, and he jumps into bed with her supposed friend. Sasha says if Brook’s got a problem, bring it to her. Brook says Sasha’s got it.

Kristina agrees with Molly. Her love life has been like the Titanic, where she’s reaching for a life preserver that isn’t there. But she doesn’t want to feel desperate. She wants a relationship like Molly and TJ have. Molly says, the one where she cheated on TJ, and Kristina tried to convince her not to tell him? Sam doesn’t want to talk about Jason, TJ, or anyone else. All she wants is a drink right now. She looks at Alexis, and says, sorry. Kristina says their mom has been sober for years, and Molly says she doesn’t think mentioning a drink will send Alexis to a bar. Alexis says, since they’re being brutally honest, she’ll tell them what she’s already told Sam. She’s only been sober for two weeks.

Maxie tells Robert, she’s so shocked. It doesn’t matter how long they were apart. She knows how much he cared. Peter tells Mac and Felicia, sorry for their loss, and Felicia says that’s kind of him. Robert says, the late Holly Sutton. How does that happen? It makes it better when you say late. She’s not really dead, just late. Anna says he’s not being fair to Peter, and Robert says Peter always means well. He laughs, and says, Henrik, how is it that such a remarkable woman like Holly’s got to die, and a completely unadulterated dirtbag like you gets to live?

Sonny and Mike watch a baseball game on TV, and Sonny says, Mike’s got a hit. Felix says, it’s a nice father and son moment. Sonny says he asked his father what he wanted. He was thinking about life and death, but Mike said, the Yankees. They all love baseball, especially Dante. They didn’t raise him, but it’s in his DNA. Even with everything Mike’s forgotten, he remembers baseball. He wishes Dante was here. He’d love it as much as Mike.

Jax tells Carly, he knows Nina seems to be wavering, but she cares more about Wiley’s welfare than Nelle’s. Trust her to do the right thing. Carly hopes he’s right. On top of the hearing in the morning, there’s a lot going on with Mike. Sonny has some difficult decisions to make. Jax says he’s sorry, and she says, that’s why she was hoping to uncover something that would lock up the case for Michael getting custody, and it would all be over with Nelle. He says he would help in any way he can with either situation. He’d drop everything, and hopes she knows that. She says she does, because Jax is the guy he is. He’s the good guy who wants to swoop in to save the day, but he can’t. He says, as far as the custody hearing goes, he’ll talk to Nina. She thanks him, and says, if Nina will listen to anyone, it’s him.

Brook steps out of the ring, and tells Sasha that they can go ten rounds, but Sasha says she’s not like Lulu, who will back off after a few insults. Chase tells Sasha not to stoop to Brook’s level; let’s go. Michael suggests they all cool down, and Brook says, what was Sasha thinking? She’s obviously too shallow to appreciate Michael’s loyalty and commitment, but he’s the shining star of the Quartermaine family. He’s got prestige and connections, and a bottomless bank account. Sasha could have been sitting pretty. Instead, she jumped into bed with Chase. Brook punches Sasha in the face, and is like, oops.

Molly says she’s sorry, and asks if Alexis is okay. Alexis says, she’s fine. She had one drink, and went straight to an AA meeting. Molly asks, what happened? and Alexis says, maybe her and Neil testifying at the hearing. Maybe there was too much pressure, and she took the easy way out. Sam says, that’s not what happened. She went off on Alexis, and said some things she shouldn’t have. Alexis says, Sam didn’t make her drink; she did. If she drank every time they exchanged words, she wouldn’t have a liver. She’s ready for whatever comes. Kristina asks if she means Neil, and Alexis says she’s not sure.

Felicia tells Robert, no more beer; coffee. Peter says he’s going to get out of everyone’s way, and steps outside. Maxie tells Robert, she loves him, and knows the pain he’s experiencing, but he doesn’t get to talk to Peter like that. Robert asks why Holly had to die. He knows in his heart that she wasn’t ready; it wasn’t her time. Mac says they’ve all lost people, and Felicia says, no one ever thinks it’s the right time. Out in the hallway, Peter sends a text: Need answers. NOW. Maxie comes out, and says, sorry. It’s the grief and a lot of beer talking. Peter asks if she’s telling him not to take it personally, and she says, with Robert, it’s always personal, but it’s not Peter’s fault Holly died.

Sonny says, are you kidding him? He was off by a mile. He sees Mike is asleep. Carly comes in, and says she can hear Sonny down the hall. He says his dad wanted to watch the Yankees.

Nina tells Nelle, before she even considers testifying on her behalf, Nelle has to do more than promise to be a better person. A child is at stake. A child who’s been taken away from the only parent he knows. Nelle says that’s why she needs Nina. Michael’s family is going to raise Wiley to think that she didn’t want or deserve him. He’ll wonder why his mom is a stranger. She needs him to know she didn’t turn her back on him. Will Nina give her a second chance? Help her out? There’s a knock at the door, and Jax asks if he’s interrupting.

Brook tells Chase, she’s calling a Ride Share. She’s going to check on Michael at the hospital, and make sure he doesn’t do something stupid, like forgive Sasha. He says she can’t go around punching people, and she says, it was an accident. He wonders why there are always accidents when she’s there, and she says, look around him. It’s a boxing gym. People are supposed to throw punches. Don’t blame her for his bad mood, and that he lost his girlfriend because he couldn’t keep it in his pants.

Felicia tells Robert that he can use some more coffee.  Robert says, fine, and Mac says, drink up. Robert tells Anna, it’s not like he said anything bad, and she says he told Peter that he should feel guilty for being alive. He says that’s not the way he meant to say it, and Mac asks if there’s a right way. Felicia says Robert owes Peter an apology. Holly would want that. Maxie comes back, and Anna asks where Peter is. Maxie says, he needed some air. She doesn’t blame him.

Outside, a guy approaches Peter. He says he got there as fast as he could. What’s the problem? Peter slams him up against the side of the building, and the guy asks, what’s wrong? Peter says he told him to distract Robert, not kill Holly. The guy says, they were monitoring her, but had nothing to do with the incident. Peter says, if he finds out the guy is lying… and they guy swears it’s the truth. Peter lets him go, and he asks if Peter still wants them to do something to distract Robert. Peter says, there’s no need now. Fate seems to have done it for him.

Carly and Sonny go into the hallway. Mike says, the Yankees were Mike’s idea. He told Mike it was Dante’s birthday, and Mike mentioned the Yankees. He connected the two things. Carly says, maybe Mike was telling Sonny what he wanted to hear, and Sonny says, could be, but at least his dad connected it. He wanted to talk about the DNR, and asked Mike if he wanted the doctors to let him go or take extra measures. That’s when he brought up the Yankees. That says his dad isn’t ready to give up.

Jax asks if Nina is done for the night, and she says she is. Nelle says, actually, they were in the middle of a conversation, but Nina says, Jax is right. Nelle has a big day tomorrow, and should get some sleep. Nelle thanks Nina for listening, and hopes Nina thinks about what she said. Jax says, goodnight, Nelle, and Nelle grabs her stuff and leaves. Jax asks what Nelle wanted, and Nina says Nelle wanted her to be a character witness. He says, wow; she’s shameless. Nina doesn’t respond, and he says, she isn’t seriously considering it, is she?

Chase tells Brook, she needs to clean up her own life before she points fingers at him. She asks if it makes him uncomfortable; her pointing out that he’s a lying, sleazy cheat who betrayed her cousin. It’s a funny thing about the Quartermaines. They talk about each other, but close ranks when an interloper like Sasha. Chase says, what they do behind closed doors is her business, but… He takes out his ticket book, and says, disturbing the peace is his. He’s citing her for public disturbance. Be grateful it’s not misdemeanor assault. She can pay online or in person. He hands her the ticket, and she rips it up, saying that’s what she thinks of his ticket.

Maxie tells Mac, she knows how much he loved Holly too. Peter joins them, and Mac asks if he’s feeling better. Peter says, very much so, and Mac asks him to overlook Robert’s words; it’s the grief talking. Peter says he understands. What happened is tragic. Felicia tells Anna, when the shock wears off, they need to have a proper memorial. Not too proper; Holly loved a good time. She asks Anna, what is it? She’s been quiet all night. Anna says she read the report from the WSB about the incident where Holly was killed. Felicia wonders why the WSB is involved, and Anna says, Holly did contract work for them. Felicia asks if Holly was killed while she was working, and Anna says, that’s classified, but let it suffice to say, she saw enough to believe there’s more to the story.

Sonny tells Carly, he’s not ready to make a decision on how Mike should live his final days. He’ll  try to talk to Mike tomorrow. Carly asks if he wants to turn off the TV, so Mike can sleep, but he says, leave it on, in case he wakes up. He looks in on Mike one more time, and they leave.

Brook calls Chase a glorified meter maid, and he tells her that she shouldn’t have done that. She asks if he’s going to write her another ticket for littering, and he says, no. He takes out his handcuffs, and says, she’s under arrest – again.

Nelle sits at the MetroCourt bar, and calls Martin. She says he’s going to be proud. She thinks she may have found a character witness that will make the case a slam dunk. Um… hardly. Not only does Nina have a past of her own, wasn’t she just bamboozled by Sasha? That doesn’t exactly speak to her credibility as a judge of character.

Nina tells Jax, she didn’t tell Nelle that she would testify for her. Jax says she didn’t tell Nelle that she wouldn’t. She says she has a lot think about between now and the morning. he says he admires her compassion, and respects her opinion, but if she gives Nelle the benefit of the doubt, Wiley will end up paying the price. Can she live with that?

Kristina says, Neil lost his license because he and Alexis were involved? Alexis’s phone rings, and she says, it’s Diane; she has to take it. She asks Diane if it’s good news or bad news. She can’t talk; she’s with the girls. They’ll talk tomorrow. Sam asks, what happened? and Alexis says she’s been disbarred.

Tomorrow, Trina tells Portia that she doesn’t trust Jordan, Sasha tells Michael to stop being so nice, and Sonny says the plan is already in motion.

🤽🏻‍♀️ Since Andy Cohen hates me, RHOBH was on at 8 pm with no rerun encore performance tonight. Instead, Summer House had a two-hour finale – a final episode, followed by a reunion at home, doubling as Watch What Happens Live. Why those awful people should be allowed a two-hour block of air time is beyond me. I wasn’t paying a lot of attention, but they had some huge party that I think was supposed to have a rave theme. Unfortunately, this stupidity is being stretched out, with a Secrets Revealed special next week. I don’t want to know.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

It was the weekend of Teddi’s retreat, and she said she wasn’t tolerating any bullsh*t. Sutton decided to apologize to Teddi and go to the retreat, but Teddi acted like the unappreciative jerk she is, and was annoyed. It’s not surprising that she didn’t understand why telling people she didn’t care if they came or not caused a negative reaction. Her own feelings take up so much space, she doesn’t have room to decipher anyone else’s. Dorit was late, which didn’t sit well with Kyle, especially when she saw Dorit’s Instagram. Apparently, her tardiness was due to getting hair and makeup done so she could squeeze in a Glam Barbie photo shoot. Dorit screeched that she had a life, as though no one else did and commitments don’t matter. Oh, wait. That’s right. They don’t to Dorit. To Teddi’s credit, she did explain that she’d been put on the defensive when LisaR asked what if someone came and caused sh*t (the sh*t being caused wasn’t specified). She said it shifted everything for her. Although I stand by my theory that she was breaking up with them before anyone broke up with her, because she’s so insecure and afraid of failure.

After a boxing exercise, where Sutton looked lost, there was I have no idea what, then lunch, and free time in the afternoon for spa treatments, journaling, or whatever. Yeah. Like any of these women are going to write about their feelings when they could be getting a massage. I wouldn’t either. And I like to write. In the evening, there was an hour of meditation, and in her interview, Dorit said that she’d rather go to the DMV for a month than do an hour of meditation. Wow. Either she has one easy time at the DMV, or she can’t sit quietly for an hour. I can’t clear my mind either, but there’s no time for a nap like at meditation. When Dorit said she was going to be leaving early, Kyle called her out, saying she’d been hours late, skipped meditation, and now wanted to leave early. Dorit again said she had a life, adding an effing in there for emphasis. In Kyle’s interview, she said Dorit was shallow and selfish. Erika said it best and simplest when, in her interview, she thought they should just admit no one wants to be there. Although there are two different camps here. The ones who don’t want to be there, but they’re actually being supportive, keeping that to themselves, and participating; and Dorit, who makes it clear she doesn’t want to be there, and pretends she’s being supportive. Actually, there was a third camp. The ones who were supportive from afar.

Amelia was back from NYC, and feeling happier for it. She wanted to get an evaluation. LisaR said, when she’d seen Amelia in the city, she thought Amelia was in trouble. Amelia said, when things get difficult, her decision making tactics shut down. LisaR told Amelia that she barely made it through three months of college, then proceeded to gesture wildly to the paparazzi. Amelia said she was a handful. That’s one word for it.

Garcelle took her sons out for dinner, one of whom informed her he wanted Gucci. She told him, get a job, and he said he was eleven. She was like, exactly. So you don’t need Gucci. So far, I like Garcelle. In her interview, she said she grew up in a strict family with a Black mama who was not playing. She told her sons that they weren’t getting Gucci anything. It’s obnoxious.

Denise was over living in Malibu. She had PTSD from the fire, but didn’t want to move and take the kids out of school. She was getting ready to have everyone over for a not typical Beverly Hills dinner party in the backyard. They were having pizza made in a pizza oven, and a sundae bar that sounded magical. An ice sculpture carved into a huge diamond, like the ones they hold in the opening, was delivered. This thing looked absolutely beautiful after it got dark, and there were lights on it.

Apparently, Dorit had been on repeat, talking about Kyle sharing a bed with Teddi, and Kyle wondered if Dorit was jealous of their friendship. Dorit might be jealous of their more well-behaved children, since Jagger wailed and whined when Dorit had to leave the house. If that’s here effing life, no thanks.

When the women sat down for dinner, sexual exploits were discussed, with Garcelle saying she kissed a girl and liked it when she was a model, and Erika saying she had been part of a threesome with a couple (before Tom). Denise was concerned about the kids overhearing, and in Erika’s interview, she wondered why pearls were being clutched. In Denise’s interview, she says she’s open sexually – we flashed back to last season’s happy ending conversation – but that didn’t mean she wanted her kids hearing it.

Dorit said it was a pattern that Kyle had blind defensiveness when it came to Teddi, and in her interview, said Kyle and Teddi were a package deal. If you had an issue with one, you had an issue with the other, and she was frustrated with it. Kyle was mad at her for being late, when it was Teddi’s event, and Teddi wasn’t mad. Kyle said she was late to do her Glam Barbie look for working out, when she wasn’t going to work out. In her interview, Dorit wondered why TF Kyle cared. Kyle said she didn’t think Dorit was genuine, and Denise asked them to cool it when the kids were around. Erika took up somewhat for Dorit, explaining that Dorit thought Kyle blindly rushed to Teddi’s defense. In Kyle’s interview, she said she lost one of her closest friends defending Dorit, and Dorit had a selective memory. LisaR said Kyle was the same way with her, and defending her sister. Although, that was a whole different thing. LisaR was talking real smack, and it was untrue. Kyle insisted that wasn’t the case, and the text said, to be continued…

Next time, Kyle walks, and Denise gets into it with Kyle. I’m starting to notice, I’m making this more of a personality analysis than a recap.

🛥 FYI, Below Deck Mediterranean will be back this summer.

🧫 In a Time Of Social Distancing…

A different kind of soap is born.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/soap-stars-in-jimmy-fallon-the-longest-days-of-our-lives

💌 Erika’s Update…

OLTL’s beloved Vicki shares what’s been going on.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/one-life-to-live/erika-slezak-shares-update-with-fans

💅🏿 You Can’t Keep a Good Housewife Down…

Even during quarantine, there are glam squads and short fuses.

https://pagesix.com/2020/05/06/atlantas-real-housewives-skirt-quarantine-rules-with-hair-makeup-teams/

https://pagesix.com/2020/05/02/tempers-flare-during-first-virtual-rhoa-reunion/

🤦‍♀️ Girl…

While at present, my hair is looking like a horror show, I’m not so sure my stylist is considered an essential worker.

https://pagesix.com/2020/04/22/vicki-gunvalson-wants-beauty-services-re-opened-amid-coronavirus-pandemic/

⚰️ Speaking Of Horror…

NOS4A2 is back for a second round.

https://sciencefiction.com/2020/05/06/nos4a2-season-2-trailer-and-posters-announce-its-june-return/

🐩 All Fashion and No Bite…

A gala attended by a different kind of bitch.

https://www.vogue.com/article/james-corden-pet-gala-video

And in case you’re interested in the actual Met Gala fashion.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1143411/get-ready-to-swoon-over-the-most-omg-met-gala-looks-of-all-time

🦋 Somewhere In the Distance…

Whether you’re working from home or hardly working, know that this too, has an end. Stay on track, stay imaginative, and stay away from those cookies. Here, have a balloon.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0fmHCpfAknE

Apr25

April 24, 2020 – Paulina’s Birthday Luau, Sonny Looks Back, Flashback Padding, Soap Story, Back With Vengeance, AMC Scares, a Goodbye, Open Secrets, Quarentinial Quotes & Sail

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

 

Shahs of Sunset

Reza tells us, when Persians are on vacation, and shelling out cash, they don’t like wasting a moment of time. Except Destiney. Everyone is in the kitchen early for breakfast, but Destiney is still sleeping. Mike asks who’s doing surfing and who’s doing the bees. He puts tattoos on everyone. In Mike’s interview, he says he thought Paulina might have a hard time, bringing the group along on her birthday trip, but they’ve been awesome. He’s helped by acting like a camp counselor. In MJ’s interview, she says she loves Mike, but he can be controlling, and the girls he’s with become subservient. We see a clip from the reunion where Mike didn’t want Jessica to come out, even though she wanted to speak her piece. MJ says, Mike is happy, but that doesn’t mean he doesn’t have the same tendencies to be the guy he’s been for the last 35 years. GG asks where Destiney is.

MJ video chats with Tommy, and looks at baby Shams. She tells him, yesterday was hard. She felt homesick. She asks if Shams has changed, and Tommy jokes that he’s smoking cigarettes now. MJ shows him a lizard on a nearby rock. She says she and Reza had a nice, long conversation. He said his intention was to drop everything. She asks if Reza’s attorney has communicated with Tommy’s, but he says, no. In MJ’s interview, she says she’s going to be there for the man she married, and has a family with. She wants Reza to realize he’s wrong, and drop the charges. She says she’s going to try and have one nice day.

GG wants to do rosé all day, and wonders how MJ is going to surf in her thong bathing suit. Paulina says she’s going surfing, rather than joining Mike on what I find out later is a trip to a bee farm. MJ says Paulina is finally thinking clearly. In GG’s interview, she says, it’s been a while, and she’s having floating thoughts. In the car on the way to the farm, she asks the guys – Nema, Reza, and Mike – questions about sex. In Nema’s interview, he says he and GG haven’t had anything physical, although they’ve had moments that were close. We flash back to the almost-kiss on the ski trip. GG allows him to kiss her, although it’s nothing passionate. In her interview, GG says, less teeth and more lips would have been helpful. Nema says, it was a preview.

Destiney explains that her sister was stung by a bee while doing a handstand in the pool, so she’d rather go surfing. Shervin, MJ, Paulina, and Sara are also in the surfing group. An instructor shows MJ how to stay on a surfboard. She says she has an aggressive thong, which sounds painful, but she masters the stance. Although since the surfboard is on land, it’s kind of meaningless, since the ground isn’t rolling around beneath her. Destiney and Paulina just hang out on their surfboards in the sun. In Destiney’s interview, she says it’s like how Persians go to a pool party, but they don’t go in the pool. It’s same with the beach. It might ruin your hair.

At the bee farm, bee guy Joe gives the other group lots of bee information. GG tells him about seeing a shaman who said her spirit animal was a bee. She used to sting people, but now she wants to stay alive, Reza gets the complete protection suit, but the rest wear variations of gear, and GG just wears the hat and gloves. Reza says, a bitch lost 50 pounds, but the suit is still snug. GG says she knows her homies won’t sting her. Want some honey, honey? True story. The only time I was ever stung by a bee was when I was around four, and I tried to pet it. I love bees. Bee guy Joe takes out the shelves from the hive that are covered with bees. Nema thinks he and GG are two bees who need to pollinate, and Mike says he’s sweating like a whore in church.

The surfing group gets back first, and MJ wants a shot of Patron, even though she doesn’t like Patron. I don’t like it either, but that’s why I don’t drink it. MJ tells Paulina, she knows how it feels to be under a strict regime. It takes her back to her Persian boyfriend. She’s glad she married a white boy. Shervin shakes his head.

Bee guy Joe demonstrates how to make a candle, and the group gets sheets of beeswax to make one. Reza says, they’re expensive; make three or four. Paulina texts Mike, MJ is effing foul. In Mike’s interview, he says, MJ thrives off antagonizing people. It’s like a drug for her to poke at people. It gets her high. Mike says he has to go. He has to see WTF is happening.

Mike stomps in, asking, what happened? and Paulina says, MJ told her that she and Mike remind her of when she used to date Persian men. He says, WTF? and Shervin says, it doesn’t end there. Reza tells MJ that Paulina is upset. Something MJ said hurt, offended, or disrespected Paulina. In her interview, MJ says she’s shellshocked. She thought they were bullsh*tting, having fun, and bonding over men. Paulina tells Mike that MJ said she was glad she married a white guy, and Mike was so controlling. He tells her that he’s sorry she had to go through this. In his interview, he says he vowed never to be like that again, and his prayers were answered with Paulina. He says, MJ needs to know not to f*ck with him and his girl. He tells MJ that there’s been a lot of sh*t talk behind people’s backs, and he doesn’t like his girlfriend being upset. MJ says she loves Paulina; why is she upset? He says MJ told her that she was sorry Paulina was dating a Persian guy. She says she didn’t say that, and Mike says Paulina heard it that way. MJ says the Persian relationship situation reminded her that she married an American, and it’s very different. She didn’t say anything insulting, but she’s sorry Paulina heard it that way. In GG’s interview, she says, MJ is being her authentic self, someone who damages people. GG wants no more to do with it. Mike asks MJ what she’s thinking. Does she not like Paulina? MJ says Paulina is like a breath of fresh air. In Reza’s interview, he wonders why MJ would say what she did when she’s in a huge group, mostly of Persian men. MJ says, it’s a fact that American men are different, and Mike said she was pointing out that things are better. Trying to flip it, MJ asks why it has to be a comparison, and Mike says, she’s effed up. She tells him, she didn’t say he was controlling, which is exactly what she said. GG doesn’t understand how anyone can insert themselves in someone else’s life. Mike says, stop engaging. GG leaves, while suggesting MJ get her own life. Mike admits he’s opinionated, but says he’s not controlling. MJ says if they don’t want her there, don’t invite her, and Mike says he wants her to act right. She asks what she’s doing wrong, and when he wants to apologize, hopefully she’ll be open to it. Destiney says Persian men are controlling, but she loves them. Shervin tells Reza, Adam called and asked if he could fart.

GG goes outside and sits with Paulina. She says she’s sorry she wasn’t there earlier. They thought Paulina was having a great time, then all of a sudden, Mike was raging, In GG’s interview, she says, it’s confusing, having a friend like MJ. They’ve had some amazing times – we flash back to some of those – but on the other side, MJ preyed on her vulnerability – we flash back to MJ and Reza blindsiding GG with Shalom’s ex-wife. GG says they’re talking about the woman who single-handedly sh*t on everyone.

MJ tells Reza, she said Mike was strict, and he still continues to pop off. Let her cool off. Reza says, it’s Paulina’s birthday; talk to her. MJ goes out, joining Paulina and GG. GG is telling Paulina, it doesn’t make sense, and it’s not right. What credibility does MJ have? MJ says she’s sorry if she upset Paulina when she said Mike was strict. They haven’t hung out that much, and Paulina seems easy-going, so MJ let her guard down and was talking sh*t. GG slips away, and MJ sits down. She tells Paulina, she says things that sound harsh, but her intention isn’t from a bad place. Paulina says, hearing that, she wondered what going on. She felt the drama between MJ and Reza, and wondered if she was next. In MJ’s interview, she says she’s realizing, before Paulina has a chance to get to know her, she’s been told bullsh*t. Paulina says it means a lot to her for MJ to explain herself.

Nema says Paulina is adjusting to the group, and how everyone is in everyone’s sh*t. He doesn’t consider it malicious, but just thoughtless. In Destiney’s interview, she says MJ is sh*tty with her comments sometimes, and always comes back with she didn’t mean it, and how much she cares. It makes you think you’re crazy. She’s not sorry; it’s a pattern. Mike says, it’s time for the luau dinner.

A conch is blown. It reminds me of Lord of the Flies, which isn’t far off. A pig has been roasted, and there are hula dancers with a three-piece accompaniment. They toast to a beautiful evening together. MJ hugs Paulina. In Mike’s interview, he says, even though he appreciates MJ’s apology – it’s big of her – it’s more of a concern what a persona says behind his back than in front of his face. In Reza’s interview, he wonders, WTF were they thinking? Who’s eating the pig? He’s half Muslim and half Jewish. He doesn’t screw with swine. I didn’t even think of that. GG says, the pig is scary. I was at an event that included a pig roast once, and they’re gross, but the smell is incredible. It tasted good too, but by the time I got there, almost nothing but the head was left, so all I got was a taste.

Paulina thanks everyone for coming on the trip her love planned for her. Nema says, in 2018, Mike was a pain in the ass, but the 2019 Mike is amazing. Reza says Paulina made someone they loved better, and they toast to her. A beautiful cake comes out, almost like a small wedding cake, decorated with real flowers. The group sings Happy Birthday in Persian. Mike hopes all her wishes come true. Fire dancers come out, and GG ducks behind the table. In her interview, she says she has Puff the Magic Dragon with her, and she doesn’t want to die. They drink some more.

Nema compliments GG, and Mike says they want to see a kiss. Nema says they saw that once today, and the guys all make fun of him. Mike asks GG to show them again, and she says she’s definitely drunk enough. Nema tells her, come on, and she says that’s probably why he’s still single; he has no swag. Mike asks if he ever smashed Erica, and Nema says, he has a major emotional attachment to her. He had no sense of family growing up, and has a hard time letting go. In Nema’s interview, he says, not having a key maternal figure, he doesn’t process relationships the same way, and that’s why it’s hard to let go of Erica. Nema says Erica saved him after his divorce, at his lowest point. He doesn’t like their disrespectful comments. He goes inside.

GG says, Nema needed a break from the conversation. It didn’t work out, and it’s sensitive for him. Why is it fair grounds [sic] to talk about it? She goes inside and sits with Nema, but sees a roach walking across the floor, and freaks out. MJ is on her way in, and GG tries to stop her, telling her about the bug. In his interview, Nema says he knows GG likes to get high, but she’s a little crazy. Who knows what she sees? He swipes the bug outside with his foot, and she sees another one on the ceiling. She’s worried his friend is going to come for her now.

Nema tells GG, any criticism of Erica is difficult for him. GG says he should marry Erica, and he says she wants and deserves tradition, but he can’t give her what she wants. GG asks, why? and he says, it’s awkward to say that he loves her, but he’s attracted to other women. GG says he needs someone who understands that he wants to have fun. If her brain could be put into Erica, it would be perfect. Nema says he would marry her, and GG says then he’d have his cake and eat it too. He asks which she is, the cake or what he’s eating? She says she’s always an option. Paulina interrupts, and says she has a ritual she wants them to do. Nema says, saved by the bell, and GG says, he was saved by the bell. She asks what flavor cake she’d be, and Nema says, red velvet. GG thinks she’d be devil’s food.

Back at the table, Paulina says, for her birthday, she wishes they could have deep friendships, but they’re afraid to be honest. She wants them to write down, anonymously, how they feel. In his interview, Reza says, bad idea, and Paulina tells them, write down what you’re scared to say. In Reza’s interview, he says, give them a slice of coconut cake, and be done with it. Where’s the hula dancer? Where’s Don Ho when you need him? This is a bad, bad idea. Paulina says they’re going to burn them afterward. They move to the fire, and Paulina reads, Nema is passive/aggressive. The next one says, Shervin is too buff. He needs to eat a salad some time. Shervin says, it’s in crayon. It’s Mike. Mike starts to laugh. Paulina reads another one that says, if I hadn’t been vulnerable, I wouldn’t have hurt the people I love. They all seem to know it’s Reza, and she reads, I don’t like to see people who thrive on people in pain. She picks up another, and says, Sara needs to clear out the skeletons in her closet. Sara says, wow, and Mike says, that’s been the chatter amongst the group behind her back. We flash back to Sara talking to Reza about her time with R. Kelly. Sara says, none of them would know what to expect; what it’s like seeing your ex on the news. It’s a ridiculous statement. Destiney says she didn’t write it, but she’s glad someone did. GG insists on switching seats, so Destiney and Sara can talk it out. In Destiney’s interview, she says, even though she and Sam are no longer dating, there’s been some tough sh*t with the R. Kelly situation. She’d never want to make another woman feel less than. They clasp hands. Sara says she feels like everyone is on the hunt. It’s the worst thing, exploiting the situation. MJ says the people they’re closest to, are the people they pick on. Something they need to flip the script on, and learn to be better. MJ says the person she wants to be isn’t hurtful, and she wishes she’d never hurt anyone or ever gotten hurt. She wishes it was different. Reza says the situation between him and MJ was hard for him. He needed to have conversations, and make apologies and promises. Mike says, it has to stop, for everyone’s piece of mind. He wants to move forward. No more sh*t talking or back stabbing. He needs Paulina to be okay. Reza says they need to act nicely, and let this sh*t stay in Hawaii. Burn the letters. Mike throws them in the fire, and says he doesn’t want to hear one more negative thing.

The next morning, GG asks if Nema has any memories of last night. He was pretty wasted. Nema says she was too, and she says she was beyond wasted. We see her clips of GG dancing around, and saying she’s so drunk. She says, mission aborted, and Nema says, between them. In Nema’s interview, he says, GG made it clear that she was open and willing to have sex. We see GG saying, Nema, now! He says, five minutes, and she says, okey dokey, artichokey. GG says, obviously, he was comfortable enough to have sex, or at least take it where it was. Nema says, there may have been a hot tub moment. They both use paper dolls to illustrate their narrative. They got in the hot tub, and Nema put his back against the jets. GG told Nema that he looked good, and he said she did too. GG was drinking and smoking weed, and pulled Nema closer. Nema says, she bit his lip; it hurt. Her hands were feeling around, wondering, what’s going on down there? GG suddenly tosses the paper dolls in the air. In his interview, Nema says, here’s a beautiful woman, who’s been drinking a lot. He doesn’t know if she’d feel the same way if she was sober. One  time GG told him that she could get any guy she wants. It’s nice to be the one. He smiles, blinding us with his teeth.

Reza and MJ sit outside on the lawn. Reza says, it took coming there to give them perspective in their lives. They have it so good, and have one another’s backs. He puts his head in MJ’s lap. He says he wants to tell her what’s been going on, and how rough sh*t has been. He can’t go through this again. MJ says they’re on the right track, but her worst fear is that he and Tommy aren’t on the right track. They’ve yet to hear what the status is on the restraining order. Reza had said he was lifting it, and not pressing charges. We flash back to MJ and Tommy talking with their lawyer. Reza says, when he gets home, he’s going to have a conversation with his attorney, and let him know that he doesn’t have an interest in pursuing it any more. MJ says when he finally follows through, it will be a big message to Tommy. In MJ’s interview, she says the judge will most likely dismiss the vandalism, and her husband won’t be a felon. Maybe there’s a chance in hell of healing this catastrophe in their relationship. MJ tells Reza, fingers crossed, they’re in the pool in 2020.

In Reza’s interview, he says, clearly, MJ wants him to drop the charges. He’s figuring out if their relationship will get better after he does. It feels like it will, but…

Next time, a Sip and See for Shams, and Mike isn’t going; Reza talks to Adam about Tommy, but Adam wants to stick by the order; and MJ tells Reza if there’s going to be future between them, please don’t do this.

🏥 On General Hospital’s Flashback Friday today – a flashback in a flashback – Sonny remembered his early days, and changed the past in his head – Dante was married to Sam, and working for the Jeromes, along with Jason; and Anna was police commissioner, but had given up on life after Robin died from AIDS. Sonny realized that whatever we choose, there’s a price to pay.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/flashback-friday-maurice-benard-anniversary-episode

🎞 And There’s Also the Moss…

While tedious, they do their job.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/why-showing-flashbacks

🧼 You Know You Love Them…

My husband always gets mad when I say The Sopranos is a soap, but it is. And so is Game of Thrones.

noun: soap opera; plural noun: soap operas

  1. a television or radio drama series dealing typically with daily events in the lives of the same group of characters.

I rest my case. This show, detailing a look into daytime’s history, is very promising. The Story of Soaps airs Tuesday, May 19 at 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC.

https://people.com/tv/story-of-soaps-first-look/

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc/dont-miss-the-exciting-new-abc-special-the-story-of-soaps

😱 I Can’t Look Away…

Seriously. It’s like a horrible accident.

https://betches.com/brandi-glanville-spills-the-tea-on-denise-richards-rhobh-season-10/

⚰️ And If You Like It Scary…

Some new stuff coming to AMC.

https://www.ihorror.com/amc-announces-changes-for-nos4a2-season-two-and-creepshow/

🎭 A Great Actor Gone…

I had the privilege of seeing Brian Dennehy in Inherit the Wind on Broadway (co-starring Christopher Plummer, no less). He was an amazing actor, who put the same amount of energy playing a neighborhood bully in a TV movie as he did in playing Matthew Harrison Brady.

https://extratv.com/2020/04/16/veteran-actor-brian-dennehy-dead-at-81/?adid=extra_eme_27468_2020-04-17_features1

🍪 In Case You’ve Had Too Many Quarantine Cookies…

Katie shares her secrets, which aren’t really very secret.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1143242/vanderpump-rules-katie-maloney-shares-her-20-pound-weight-loss-secrets

🥁 Quotes of the Week

Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none. – William Shakespeare (Who just got a birthday shout out on April 23rd. )

Be the change that you wish to see in the world. – Mahatma Gandhi

It is better to be hated for what you are than to be loved for what you are not. – Andre Gide

Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius, and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring. – Marilyn Monroe

Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to reform (or pause and reflect). – Mark Twain

I have not failed. I’ve just found 10,000 ways that won’t work. – Thomas A. Edison

A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it’s in hot water. – Eleanor Roosevelt

We are the forgers, the survivors, and our dance is fierce. – Patti Smith

If my answers frighten you, Vincent, then you should cease asking scary questions. – Jules Winnfield (Samuel L. Jackson), Pulp Fiction

🛫 Even If Just In Your Mind…

Do something different to make the weekend separate from the week. Take in an online Broadway show or concert, tour a museum, a zoo, or Venice. Just think, it’s not often you can just hit pause and go to the bathroom or get a sandwich in the middle of a gondola ride. Do a workout. The online or DVD choices are endless, and you can still go outside. Or read a book. Remember those? Stay safe, stay moving, and stay creative.

Apr6

April 5, 2020 – Beta Leads the Horde Forward, Fear Coming, Jill Says Thanks, Binging, Rudyard’s If & the Shadows

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What I Watched Today

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

 

The Walking Dead

Yumiko asks who the stranger is, and what she wants. The woman says, they’re the ones making a racket. She thought they needed help. She hasn’t seen real people in over a year, and now she meets a bunch of meanies. Ezekiel says they weren’t sure if she was going to attack, and she says, if she wanted to attack, she’d be pointing the gun at them. She demonstrates, and says, pointing it the other way means hello. Even though they can agree she wasn’t attacking, now she’s not so sure. Maybe it’s up to them. Are they going to hurt her? Yumiko says if she keeps pointing the gun at them, she’ll find out. Ezekiel says they have no intention of hurting her. They were just admiring her displays. Are they hers? She asks if they like them. She out them up as decorations. They were a pain in the ass to put together, but they make the place more alive. Now that she’s met actual live people… They are real, right? Yumiko asks if she’s joking, and the woman says she’s never hallucinated before, but there’s a first time for everything. She asks them, what’s the capital of Pennsylvania? Eugene says, Harrisburg, and she says she knew that. Maybe they are a hallucination. Maybe she’s been on own too long. It’s been over a year, and totally sucks. She should be nicer. Talking to real people is making her freak out, so she’s going to shut up. She covers mouth, and Ezekiel asks her name. She says she never liked Juanita, so call her Princess. He asks, why? and she says, queen makes her sound old and pretentious. Ezekiel says it’s a pleasure to meet her, and introduces his friends Eugene and Yumiko. Princess says she can show them around. There’s plenty of space. They can chill out and put their feet up. She asks if they need food. She’s also got a neat place to swim. Eugene says they appreciate the hospitality, but they can’t stay. They’re on an important mission. Princess asks, what’s the story? and Yumiko says, it’s their business. Princess says she can show them the best way through the city, but Yumiko says they don’t know her. Princess says, of course they do; she just introduced herself. A few zombies approach from behind the three, and Princess says, watch how helpful she can be. She wipes them out with her automatic weapon, and the horses jet. She says, damn. Sorry about that.

Ezekiel says, it’s not a total loss. They can find the horses tomorrow. Eugene hates to be the naysayer (even though I don’t notice, later, Chris Hardwick points this out to be a horse pun), but they should just travel by foot. An additional day spent searching will put them outside the window of the meeting time. Yumiko says, too many people are counting on them; they have to start off now. Ezekiel says Princess offered to help. Why not take her up on it? Yumiko says, absolutely not, and Ezekiel asks, what can it hurt? She says, plenty. Princess is selfish and crazy, and they can’t trust her. Ezekiel says he’s not suggesting they follow Princess blindly, but if they know she has transportation… Yumiko says, if she did, she wouldn’t be there alone; it’s a trap. Eugene agrees Princess is a few bananas short of a bunch, but at present, they have limited options. There’s a slim possibility that it will be worth the invitation, so his apologies, but his vote is with the king.

Ezekiel calls Princess over, and she thanks him. She says she feels bad about what happened. She can make it up to them. She has access to transportation; a garage full. She can take them there. Yumiko says if they’re going to follow her, she has to hand over her weapon. Princess says she wants to spend time with living people, but she’s not so sure she wants it to be them. She’s outnumbered. She doesn’t have a death wish, but she’s been living there alone for so long… Fine. They can have it. She gives her gun to Eugene, and says she knows where she can find more. Ezekiel says, she knows of a garage? and she says, all those in the market for a new set of wheels, follow her. Yumiko tells Ezekiel that Princess is selfish and crazy.

The horde follows Beta, who is asking Alpha’s spirit (I guess) where he should go. He stops at an abandoned Alexandria.

What’s left of the Alexandrians, Hilltoppers, Oceanside, and the Kingdom have gathered together at an abandoned hospital tower. They quietly get ready for whatever is coming. Gabriel tells Dianne, it’s her turn to watch. Luke is concerned that everyone is counting on him, but one of the women says he’ll come through. He says, she thinks so? He needs somebody to run an errand, and Carol says, she’ll go.

In the woods, Daryl is on the radio. He says they’re making a plan; there will never be another one like it. It reminds him of the old gang. He asks if Michonne can hear him, but only gets static.

Beta stands on the windmill balcony, observing the horde. A Whisperer says, there’s no sign of them. They left quickly. Another says they’ll search elsewhere, but Beta asks, where? Alden peeks out from a window above. He signs to Aaron, who writes something on his mechanical arm. They both watch Beta, and Alden peeks a little too far out. Beta turns, but the window is empty. Aaron and Alden sign to each other. Beta says they’re going to walk. Aaron mouths, come with me, and he and Alden look out the opposite window.

Lydia pets a cat, and Judith says, sorry about her mom. Lydia says she doesn’t have to be. Judith asks if Lydia misses her, but Lydia says, no. Not everyone gets to have a mom like Judith’s. Judith walks away looking sad. Negan watches, and sighs.

Carol and Kelly meet a guy watching the horses in the woods. He asks if everything is okay, and Carol says they’re running an errand for Luke, and getting some exercise.

Elsewhere in the woods, Judith stabs a zombie in the head. Daryl sees her, and asks what she’s doing. She says she’s fine, and he asks who she’s with. She says, no one, and he tells her, come on; he’ll take her back. She says she wants to stay, but he says, no; let’s go. She says she hates it there, and he asks what she wants to do. She says she wants to do what he does, in case something happens. He says he walks the perimeter, looking to see what’s wrong. If anything does happen, she’s to go somewhere safe, where there’s a radio. There’s no room for mistakes. She says she knows, and he tells her to do what he says, and stay next to him. She promises.

Beta tells a Whisperer, they expect them; the path isn’t clear. The Whisperer says they believe in his wisdom, and follow the Alpha… the Beta. She apologizes, and he takes out a huge knife, but then stops. He says, wait, and listens. He says, show me. Show me the path. He moves forward, and the horde follows. Tons of them. From a hilltop, Aaron and Alden radio Gabriel that the horde is heading toward them, as expected. Gabriel says one of them should stay, and if anything changes, send word.

Princess leads the group, and Eugene asks, how much longer? Princess says they’re almost there, and Yumiko says, it’s a waste of time. Princess says, it will be worth it. Stick close and watch their step. She goes through a gap in a metal fence, and counts in Spanish as she walks. Eugene tells Yumiko, he’s starting to wonder if she’s right, and Yumiko says she is, but she wants to figure out what Princess is up to first. Eugene asks Princess if this is her navigational technique method, or is she meandering about? They come across a dead horse, and Princess says she thinks it’s one of theirs. Yumiko says, walkers? but Princess says, probably stepped on a mine. Eugene asks what she means, and she says, the things you step on that go boom. Ezekiel asks if this is a mine field, and she says, yeah, but a small one. Yumiko asks why she kept that information from them, and Princess says she didn’t want to worry them. She walks there all the time; it’s no big deal. Ezekiel asks if she can get them out, but she says she kind of lost count. Yumiko says if Princess doesn’t get them out safely, she’ll kill Princess herself. Princess says, that’s fair. She drinks down the water in her canteen, and throws it, hitting a mine that explodes. Princess guesses no one has an extra canteen.

Carol tries to hotwire a car, and tells Kelly, she almost had it. Kelly takes over, and is successful. Carly thanks her for coming; she didn’t have to. Kelly says, it’s okay, but Carol says, no; it’s not. If she could go back… Kelly says Connie isn’t dead. Because she’s so tough, she can survive anything. Maybe a part of her won’t accept Connie is gone, and understands why Carol did it. When Kelly started losing her hearing, her sister told her it was her superpower. Now look. Everyone learning sign because of her. She asks if Carol thinks the way she is, is a weakness. She’s heard stories about her from the old days; they all have them. Carol would just go off, and do the thing only she can do. It’s her superpower. She can’t give up everything about herself because bad things happen. Carol has to believe that. Carol smiles.

Lydia pets Dog, and Negan says he doesn’t think she ate anything today. He holds out a bowl of food, but she says she’s good. He says he can’t tell. Is it one of those things, the craziness of moving to an abandoned tower, or is she avoiding him? She says she’s avoiding him, and he says, sh*t. That’s honest. She asks if he wants her to lie to make him feel better. He says, no, and she tells him to give someone else the rat. He says, it’s possum, which is basically a big rat, but he just wanted to say that he liked her mom. She did horrible sh*t, and there’s no excusing any of it, but he liked a lot about her. He wishes he didn’t have to do what he did. If there’s something she wants to say, she should say it. Lydia says, mostly, she wishes Alpha had died too, and leaves.

Princess thinks, then counts. Yumiko says this is exactly the kind of thing she was afraid of happening. Ezekiel says, he’s been afraid of many things, but this one is new. Eugene says, FYI, they’re running out of time on all fronts. A zombie comes out of the woods, and explodes. Eugene says they don’t want to be stuck there when the zombies start popping off, and Ezekiel says, maybe there’s something he can do. Princess says she kind of lost count. She didn’t mean to; she’s sorry. She says, eenie, meenie, no miney, mo, and walks. She stops, and says she’s still here. It should be good from there. They follow her.

Daryl leads Judith through the woods. He tells her, just spot things that don’t belong or don’t feel right. Take a look, and tell him what she sees. She looks around, and he says, living or dead? She says, walker, and he says, stay behind him. Several zombies come by, as they hide behind a tree. Daryl shoots one with an arrow, and it runs. Daryl stabs the others, and he and Judith take off after the other one.

Princess and company come to a street sign that says Fleetwood Drive. Eugene says they passed it earlier, but Princess says, there’s five of them; Street, Drive, Boulevard… – which I understand, having lived in Queens – but Eugene says he most certainly remembers it was Drive. Yumiko says Princess led them around when they could have walked straight there. Maybe she missed a turn? Princess says she was having fun, taking them by the scenic route, and Yumiko says, fun? Going through a mine field? Princess says it was bad, she knows. She’s been there a billion times, and never thought it was a problem – until it was. She wanted to show them the garage, and hoped they’d think it was amazing, and maybe they’d stay and be friends, but she screwed it up. When she was first there by herself, she figured someone would show up. She waited days and months, but it stayed empty. It really didn’t feel much different than before. Maybe it’s her, and she deserves it. All day she heard a voice in her head, saying it’s her. She knows she should have told them the truth, but she didn’t want the voice to be right, so she’s sorry. Eugene says, he has an all too familiar sense of how she feels. He puts a hand on her shoulder (his hand; I realized I have to be specific with this show), and says she made a poor decision to lie to them, because the alternative meant being left alone. No one wants that. Just to clarify, she does have access to wheels, correct?

Daryl sees the shot Whisperer, lying on the ground, and takes aim. The Whisperer takes off her mask, and takes out a knife, although I’m not sure why, since she’s at a total disadvantage. Daryl says, roll over now, and she says she can’t die like this. It ain’t natural. He tells her, drop the knife. She thinks about it for a millisecond, and does as he asks. He asks where her people are at, and she says, a few miles east; headed to the ocean. Daryl asks if they’re with the horde. Is she a scout? She says she was. She went out on own. He asks, why? and she says she had no choice. She loves them, but he’s… She’s not going to stay there. Daryl says, he’s what? and she says, he lost it after what they did to her. Daryl asks if she knows where they are, and she says she doesn’t know, but they’re going to keep coming for them. They’ve taken too much. Please. She wants to walk. He asks again if she knows where they are, and she say she doesn’t. She shoots her, finishing her off. Judith says he didn’t have to do that, and he says she had no information for them. She was going to die, so it’s better to be quick. Judith asks if they’re leaving her, and he says, come on. She says, maybe she has a family, and he says, they’re only a few miles away. They can spot them at the top of the tower. He urges her along, and she looks back as they’re walking. At first, I agreed that he didn’t have to kill her, but if she was going to die anyway, it was the better thing to do. They don’t need one more zombie hanging around.

Beta walks, and says, be my strength. He looks up, then sees a cat run across the road. A zombie gets up close and personal with him, and he laughs. Alden and Aaron walk parallel to the horde, without being seen. Alden says they always thought with Alpha dead, it would be easier, and Aaron says, they have to be sure they don’t lose again. Whatever it takes. He sees the horde is changing direction, and takes out the out the radio. He radios Gabriel, saying, it’s no good. They’ve got to leave now. He and Alden start to run, but they’re surrounded by Whisperers. One puts a gun in Aaron’s face.

Lydia comes back to Negan, and says he doesn’t get to tell her what to do. He says, she’s right. If she thinks hitting him will make her feel better… She says she feels fine, but he says she has to mourn; to say goodbye. Otherwise, it will eat her up inside. Trust him. Alpha was still her mom, and you only get one, so she should hit him. Just try it; let it out. Otherwise, she’ll drift further away from these people, and he knows she doesn’t want to. She asks how he knows what she wants. He’s a selfish a-hole. He killed Alpha so they’ll think he’s a hero, but nothing he does will make him that here. He cares about himself, and now he’s trying to get her to do this. Telling her how he liked her mother. She hated her, and wanted her dead. Screw him, telling her she can’t do that. He says, it’s okay, and she says, it’s not okay. She starts hitting him, and he stands there and takes it. Finally, she collapses, crying, into his arms, and he holds her. Wow. I absolutely love him at this moment.

A garage door opens. Ezekiel, Eugene, Yumiko, and Princess look into the garage, which contains bicycles. Yumiko says, they’re wheels, and Ezekiel says it wasn’t the ride he was picturing. Eugene says, fifteen miles per hour is a significant increase past walking speed. Ezekiel says, to be fair, Princess wasn’t lying. She came through with a garage. He laughs, and Yumiko approaches Princess. Princess says she’s not a bad person. They have every reason not to trust her. It’s hard to take a chance on people in this world, and when they lie… Yumiko knows; it sucks. Princess says she blew it; she knows. She’s sorry. She wishes she’d done better. Her people skills are rusty. Yumiko says, they’ll have to work on that. She came over to see if Princess wants to join them. Princess says, for real? and Yumiko says, as long as she doesn’t lie again. Princess hugs her, and says, yes, and Yumiko says Princess knows the area. Ezekiel laughs some more, and Princess says, if they’ve got time, she has food, clothes, a cool spear, and candy. Can she have her gun back?

Daryl asks Judith, what is it? Judith says she can’t believe Daryl left her in a ditch. What if he was lost, and no one could find him? He asks, where this is coming from? and she says she just wants them to be back together; at home again. Daryl says he radioed Judith’s mom, so she knows not to go home, and to let her know Judith is safe, and where to find them. Judith asks if he talked to Michonne, and he says, no, but he’s going to keep trying. Judith says she talked to her mom after the fire. Maybe she won’t come home. Daryl asks what Michonne said, and Judith tells him, she went to help people she met who needed her. She didn’t want to tell him. He asks, why is that? and she says she knew he’d be mad, but he says he won’t. He promises he can’t, and he can’t lie to her. He doesn’t know what’s going to happen; no one can. What he does know is that there are a whole bunch of people who would do anything for her, and when she’s older, she’ll do anything for them. She’s got a whole lot of family. Nothing can take the place of someone you love being gone, but it doesn’t mean everything that follows will break your heart. She hugs him, and wipes her tears away. He says they’ve got to go. The radio crackles, and Daryl says, Gabriel? Gabriel speaks, but there’s so much static, Daryl can’t understand what Gabriel is saying. Daryl says, he’s breaking up, and Gabriel says, come back… surrounded…

Beta continues to walk. He stops, and says, we walk. The Whisperers say, we walk, in unison. They stand in front of the hospital.

Next time, Daryl says they won’t all make it through, but it’s the only way; Eugene thinks he missed his rendezvous; Kelly puts on a Whisperer mask; Ezekiel says, they must try; Gabriel tells the kids, together, you’re a mighty weapon; and Maggie gets the news in a letter from Carol.

⚰️ Fear the Walking Dead will return this summer.

🩺 Good For Jill…

We should all support medical workers, and those on the new frontlines any way we can, even if it’s just a thank you for their service.

https://pagesix.com/2020/04/04/jill-zarin-supports-medical-workers-with-noshes-for-nurses-program/

👀 Well There’s That…

We finally have the time to binge watch all those shows we’ve been meaning to.

https://pagesix.com/2020/04/04/sean-mcvay-is-finally-watching-game-of-thrones-while-under-quarantine/

📖 Now For Something Completely Different…

Not Monty Python, but different for my blog. While the majority of people are being good about the world being in crisis mode, some aren’t handling it very well. It goes from those speculating that every cough must be the virus, or laying blame anywhere they can. (Hint: Now is not the time.) I can assure you, crystal balls do not really tell the future. No one expected this, everyone is flying by the seat of their pants, and surprisingly, most are doing the best they can. Today, this poem came to mind, so I thought I’d pass it along. If you follow the advice, you’ll not only be a man (or woman), but you’ll end up being a decent human being overall.

💆🏽 If by Rudyard Kipling

If you can keep your head when all about you

Are losing theirs and blaming it on you,

If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,

But make allowance for their doubting too;

If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,

Or being lied about, don’t deal in lies,

Or being hated, don’t give way to hating,

And yet don’t look too good, nor talk too wise:

 

If you can dream—and not make dreams your master;

If you can think—and not make thoughts your aim;

If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster

And treat those two impostors just the same;

If you can bear to hear the truth you’ve spoken

Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,

Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,

And stoop and build ’em up with worn-out tools:

 

If you can make one heap of all your winnings

And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,

And lose, and start again at your beginnings

And never breathe a word about your loss;

If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew

To serve your turn long after they are gone,

And so hold on when there is nothing in you

Except the Will which says to them: ‘Hold on!’

 

If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,

Or walk with Kings—nor lose the common touch,

If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,

If all men count with you, but none too much;

If you can fill the unforgiving minute

With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run,

Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,

And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son!

 

🦇 And Don’t Let the Bed Bugs Bite…

Or anything else. I had the pleasure of watching the first few episodes of What We Do In the Shadows this weekend on FX. I hadn’t seen it before, and thought it was a lot of fun. So stay safe out there, be it from human illness or something more otherworldly.