Category Archives: movies

Jun18

June 17, 2018 – What’s Not on TV, a Visit from the 70s, NOLA Split, Father’s Day & My Dad

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What I Watched Today

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

 

There was no Fear the Walking Dead tonight, and how will they ever top last week anyway? I was able to watch 90 Day Fiancé: Happily, Ever After? fresh (dissection of it coming soon), and Westworld on the first rerun encore performance. I also checked out The Real Housewives of Potomac, but I’m just not feeling these girls. I’m not sure I ever did. I think if you look up the definition of boushetto in the urban dictionary, their pictures are there. Although Karen did give up a good quote – You don’t know me to be a liar, but we do know you to be a fool.

And of course there’s the elephant in the room, Talking with Chris Hardwick, that was supposed to premiere tonight, but didn’t. That whole thing has bummed me out. I find it sad that, as beautiful a thing as the internet can be, it seems to create an easy judge and jury for just about everything. Maybe it’s just me, but I like getting all the facts first. The only fact I have so far is that he was possibly a d-bag and took advantage in a previous relationship. If people start losing their jobs over that, there will be precious few people working. Especially in the entertainment business where egos are humongous. In other words, I fail to see how this situation is anything close to that of a Harvey Weinstein or Bill Cosby, or even a Louis C.K. Yet this guy has already been hung out to dry. And the internet makes it way too easy. The Wicked Witch of the West said it best – what a world… what a world.

That being said, moving on…

🚀 Recommendations from the Wayback Machine…

Last week, I stepped back to the 70s with The Warriors, a surprisingly well-crafted film for its time, 1979. The scene symmetry and use of place are sophisticated, and the costumes alone make it worth watching, although the dialogue is often unintentionally funny. While completely unbelievable, the plot is simple. All the gangs in NYC are called to a meeting. One of the leaders suggests all the gangs band together, making them a force to be reckoned with. He’s shot and killed at the big rally, and the wrong gang, the Warriors, are blamed. They have to make it from Coney Island to the Bronx, various gangs coming after them along the way. One of my favorites were the Furies, who wore baseball uniforms and Kiss/Rocky Horror-ish make-up. It was also fun seeing Deborah Van Valkanburgh (Too Close for Comfort) acting like she was in a high school production of Grease. I’m endlessly glad they did not remake this film.

Check out the costumes: http://mentalfloss.com/article/55223/21-street-gangs-featured-warriors

Sadly, The Hills Have Eyes – the 1977 gem I followed The Warriors with – did get remade. It was horrifying all right, but not in a good way. And as far as I’m concerned, it’s just not the same without Michael Berryman. Forget Hills Have Eyes II, which is basically clips from the first film, strung together in a barely cohesive way. Stick with the original. Another straightforward plot. A family from Cleveland (which has never ceased to amuse me, since I’m originally from the area) get lost in the desert, and become the unfortunate victims of a feral family living in a cave. A true B-picture, a lot of it is over-the-top fake, but there are a few chills, a few laughs, and like I said, Michael Berryman.

🍹 I was sad to hear that Reagan and Jeff from Southern Charm New Orleans were splitting up. Who gets the little dogs??? http://extratv.com/2018/06/07/reality-stars-reagan-and-jeff-charleston-split/?adid=extra_eme_26606_2018-06-07_rightnow1

👔 Last But Not Least…

A heartfelt, albeit late, Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers out there. No matter who or what you are the father of, be it blood relation or a chosen role. Here are some quotes for you:

https://parade.com/303081/viannguyen/fathers-day-2018-50-funny-and-inspiring-quotes-about-dads/?utm_source=paradenewsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=homepage_newsletter_June%2017,%202018_08_44_15

🏆 It Takes Someone Special…

Anyone can be a father, but it takes someone special to be a dad, and that’s why I call you dad, because you are so special to me. You taught me the game and you taught me how to play it right. – Wade Boggs

I was raised by my father most of my life. I’m part sailor, part farmer, part craftsman. I was taught I could be anything I wanted to be, but that I needed to work for it. Although he worked an eight to ten hour a day job, he never missed an awards ceremony or a school assembly where parents were invited. He always took time to listen, and was never less than fair. As he said about his own father, the older I got, the smarter my father got. I also realized that, even though it embarrassed me how we opened the refrigerator door with a screwdriver, everyone loved to gather at my house. They knew that no matter who they were, if they were my friends, they’d be welcomed with open arms and an open heart. He passed away shortly before I got married, and I’ll miss him until we meet again.

👑 My Dad…

 

Jun9

June 8, 2018 – Jason Wants Carly to Fire Diane, a Trick, a Shock, PentaQuotal & Enter You

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Griff takes the stand and swears to tell the truth. Diane says he’s their star witness, but if Jason doesn’t show, it’s going to be difficult. Sonny asks, how so?

Curtis and Jordan meet for a drink. He takes it things didn’t go well with the mayor. She says there’s rumbling that she might be asked to step down. He asks how long she’s been given to find Peter, and she says, not long enough.

Alexis goes to Monica’s office. She tells Monica that she knows Kiki made accusations about a senior doctor on the staff. Monica can’t discuss it, but Alexis says Kiki is going public. So she can wait, and discuss it with the press, or avoid a lawsuit, and discuss it with her right now.

There’s a knock at Anna’s hotel room door. It’s Finn. He senses things didn’t go well. She says Robin is the last person to judge, but things have changed. Finn asks how, and she says, how could they not?

Diane asks how Griff knows Carly, and he says he treated her husband for paralysis. He also treated Carly last April. Diane asks why she sought him out, and he says she was having hallucinations. Jason walks in.

In the hallway, Michael brings Nelle some water, and asks how she’s feeling. She says, better, and thinks they should go back inside. He doesn’t think it’s a good idea; it seems too stressful for her. He insists she go home, but she wants to be there for him. He says he’ll be fine; he’s not putting it on her. She says the truth is, she doesn’t want to go home alone. The first thing she sees us the stairs. She asks him to please come with her, and he says, sure.

Diane asks how Carly described the hallucinations. He says she never described them as hallucinations. She believed they were real. She received several calls; in one, she heard a young man, and in another, she heard an explosion. She asks what it indicated to him, and he explains that her son, Morgan, was killed in an auto explosion.

Anna tells Finn that Robin was horrified to find out she had a child with Faison. She didn’t judge or criticize; she had empathy for the young woman Anna was, and the choices she made. Robin was fair, but Anna can’t help feeling that something between them is irrevocably lost. Finn thinks that’s harsh, but Anna says Robin didn’t know who she was. She guesses no one did.

Monica asks Alexis what Kiki hopes to get; is it the money? Alexis says she doesn’t care about that. She wants justice. Frankly, she’d like to know why such a progressive hospital has such antiquated policies on sexual harassment. Monica admits they’re skewed in favor of the accused. David has a sterling reputation and an unblemished record, and he was cleared. Alexis says, and Kiki gets to go back to work with her harasser after he demoralized her.

Jordan tells Curtis that no one spotted Peter leaving Port Charles, and there hasn’t been one sign of him. Curtis asks if she thinks he’s still there. She says, of course. It’s not the first time he’d be hiding in plain sight. No one wants to find him more than she does, and she’s not losing her job over Peter.

Griff talks about the break-in, and how Carly found the picture. She told him she felt a presence, and Diane asks if he means like a spiritual presence. The DA objects, asking if Diane expects the court to believe in ghosts. Diane says Griff can speak to the state of her client’s mind. She asks if Carly believed she was haunted. He says the thought came to her. He gave her a thorough exam, and ran tests. There was nothing indicating trauma, injury, or disease of the brain, so he referred her to Doc.

Doc takes the stand. He says when Carly came to him, he saw she had a history of psychiatric disorders, and was hospitalized twice. Diane asks if he prescribed anything, and he says anti-anxiety medication. She asks about side effects, and he says in rare instances, there’s erratic behavior. Diane asks if it could have possible exacerbated the symptoms of whatever disorder she’s suffering from. He says, possibly, and she asks if Carly is suffering from mental illness. He hasn’t been treating her long enough to diagnose her, but thinks she has an anxiety disorder that alters her perception of reality. Diane asks if it could cause her to take physical action without understanding the consequences.

Anna tells Finn in every relationship in her adult life, even Robin, she’s been keeping a secret; holding back part of her soul. No one could know her. She didn’t want to know herself. Finn says she did the best she could at the time. She was young, and void of the perspective she has now. She thinks Robin understands intellectually, but emotionally… She tells him about how Robin said the tears in her eyes while holding Robin’s children, might have been for the child she gave up. The secret she kept colored every memory and moment.

The DA says Carly has been institutionalized twice. She asks Doc if Carly mentioned shooting Tony Jones in the courtroom. Diane objects, but the judge allows it. The DA says she was found not guilty by reason of insanity. Doc says she was, and the DA asks what happened as a result. He says she was institutionalized, and the DA says, barring a prison term. Diane objects again. Doc says the second time, it was voluntary, and the judge asks the DA to move on. She says Doc testified that he hadn’t seen her long enough to diagnose her; why? He says she canceled her follow-up, and didn’t return. She asks if he didn’t think she needed therapy or didn’t think it was serious. Diane’s objection is sustained, and the DA has no further questions. Jason tells Carly to stop this right now.

Monica tells Alexis that she’d like to see Kiki vindicated, and Alexis says it’s going to take some time. Monica thinks until then, there’s something she can do to help her.

Nelle walks in on Michael struggling to put a crib together. He says he was hoping to surprise her, but he has his work cut out for him. They do an impromptu ad and some serious product placement for Snoo. She says she can help, but he says she’s still exhausted, and should treat herself to a nap. He’ll be done when wakes up – hopefully. As soon as she’s gone, he calls Spinelli. He says Nelle just buried his mom in court. He needs proof that Nelle set her up.

Sonny tells Jason that he hates it too, but there’s no choice. Jason insists there is. Chase is on the stand, and Diane asks if he found any evidence of a break-in. He says there was no sign of forced entry or anything suspicious. Carly was agitated, saying the lights had been flickering, and she heard strange noises. He explained the picture probably fell in the earthquake, and chalked it up to an overactive imagination. Diane asks about his second encounter with Carly. He says he found her at Morgan’s grave. Diane says, besides being a lone woman in the cemetery at night, was there anything unusual about her behavior? He says she was emotional. She said she received a message for Morgan to meet her at the cemetery; more specifically, where she left him. She said the message was on the back of a flyer for a noodle house, but when she showed it to him, it was blank. Diane asks if there was anything else, and Chase says Carly referenced her son’s cologne. Diane asks if he can remember her exact words, and he says she asked if Chase could smell his cologne like she could. On cross-examination, the DA says, as a detective, he’s trained to recognize signs of emotional trauma, did she exhibit any? He says yes, and the DA asks if he transferred her to a hospital, but he thought she didn’t require hospitalization. The defense calls Michael Corinthos Jr. to the stand, and I get confused when Sonny gets up, forgetting that’s his real name.

Anna tells Finn that Robin is definitely full of compassion, but it’s a question of trust. She broke it. The look in Robin’s eyes was painful to see. She said she loved Anna, but it felt like she was saying goodbye. Finn says, she wasn’t; she’s just getting her bearings. She says she knows how toxic secrets can be. She didn’t want to be judged, and pushed him away; she underestimated him. Finn says he’s not that noble. He hasn’t been entirely forthcoming about his family or past. She asks if he wants to talk.

Sonny says after Morgan was killed, it shook the family to the core. It took a year, but they were finally stable. Then his father was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s and moved in. He got caught up with that, and didn’t see Carly sliding. Diane asks what he means, and he says he found out she’d been imagining their son was trying to reach out to her. She asks if he’s referring to the incidents already referenced, and he says, yes, but he hadn’t known they’d occurred. She believed it was Morgan, and there’s nothing more he’d want than see their son, but he never expected what happened. Diane asks what he attributes her hallucinations to, and the DA objects, but the judge allows Sonny to continue. He says, in her sorrow, she hasn’t come to the realization that her son is gone. Diane asks if he was afraid of what she might do. He says, not afraid, but worried at times. Diane asks if one of those times was before Nelle’s shower.

Monica tells Alexis that she can’t overturn the investigation without cause, but she can still do everything in her power to keep Kiki out of David’s orbit. Alexis appreciates the effort, but it’s not enough for Kiki.

Spinelli gives Michael instructions on how to log on to Nelle’s laptop. As he’s messing with it, Nelle appears, and asks what he’s doing.

Diane asks Sonny what Carly’s demeanor was like before the incident. He makes it clear that he doesn’t trust Nelle, but Carly saw a double meaning in everything Nelle said, and took it as a threat to her family, especially her son Michael. Diane asks what could happen because of her antipathy toward Nelle, and he says she didn’t want to lose another child. She didn’t want to push it, or… Diane says, what? She’d lose control? That’s exactly what happened. Sonny agrees. It’s the DA’s turn, and she says he has ties to organized crime. Diane objects, and Sonny tells the judge that he’s a coffee importer. I literally lol, and the objection is sustained. The judge says the DA knows better. The DA asks if Sonny felt guilty when he allowed Nelle to come between him and his wife, and he says they sorted it out. Nelle lied, nothing happened; it’s not a crime. The DA says, it’s the cover up, and rephrases. She asks if he didn’t lie to cover it up. He says his wife was already at the breaking point. He didn’t want to push her over the edge. The DA says he lied to help his wife. Is that what he’s doing now? Diane objects, saying it’s argumentative. The judge asks them to approach the bench for a refresher course in proper procedure. Jason tells Carly to fire Diane. The judge will declare a mistrial, and they can buy some time.

Finn says, while Anna was with Robin, he ran into his father. She asks if he lives there, and if they arranged to meet, and Finn says, yes and hell no. He hasn’t seen his father in twenty years. He took his mom’s maiden name after his father remarried. He’s a fast worked. Finn was still cleaning out his mom’s things when his brother was born. It was hard, and he just wanted to get away from everything. Him, her, and his brother.

Jordan tells Curtis, when the search for Peter is over, she’s going to revamp the PCPD. It’s time to sharpen her police force. He says, if anyone can do it, she can, but what about in the meantime?

Michael says, wish us luck, on the phone, and tells Nelle that he was getting coaching on the Snoo assembly. She asks why he’s on her computer. He says he was trying to access the website, and couldn’t log in. That explains it; the computer isn’t his. He was about to call IT. Please don’t tell me that she’s not smart enough to see the panic on his face. He asks why she’s not napping, and she says she forgot her key. Maybe he should be doing the resting. He says he’s feeling the pressure a little. It’s the baby’s first bed, and he wants it to be perfect.

Alexis stops by Doc’s office. She knows she needs to make an appointment, but was there for a meeting. She says it turns out, the thing with her father was getting to her more than she thought it would.

Carly is surprised at Jason wanting her to fire Diane. He says she’s strong enough to stay in Pentonville until he can find proof. Diane will understand. Diane appears, and says, no, she won’t understand. He’s bordering on witness tampering. Carly needs to decide in five seconds. Does she want to go back for a new trial, that could take months, or see this through?

Finn tells Anna that his father was a middle-aged cliché. None of it was Chase’s fault. Burying his wife one month, and marrying a younger wife the next; he wanted to block it out. Chase seems like a decent guy, but he wants something Finn can’t give him. They’re brothers in name only; they’re more like strangers. Anna says Chase seems like more than a stranger, or is there something she’s missing?

Alexis explains to Doc that Valentin found the artifacts. He asks why she hasn’t opened it. Does she not trust Valentin? She says she thinks she doesn’t want to know after all. Doc says Mikkos is dead. He has no control over her unless she gives it to him. She’s acting out of fear. She asks if he thinks she should open it; it might bring a wave of chaos. He says, maybe not. They’ll deal with it together.

Sonny thinks Mike’s arrest might never have happened if Carly was in her right mind. The DA asks why Carly neglected him, and Sonny says she didn’t neglect anything. She was following the note. No one else could see her grief; it broke her. She doesn’t need prison; she needs help. Diane calls Jason to the stand. Sonny looks at him as they walk past each other, changing places.

Curtis tells Jordan if her usual search channels aren’t panning out, try something unusual. She says, he’s hired. He says, we’re hired. He has a new partner – Sam.

Monica comes home, and asks Nelle how court was. She says, rough, having to relive the events. Michael says he hopes his mom gets the help he needs, but his main focus is Nelle and the baby. Monica looks at the bed he’s trying to put together. She says she’s a surgeon, and has put together more complicated things.

Jason says Carly described the phone calls to him, and how she heard an explosion. Diane asks if she seemed upset, and he says, no, worried.  Dante traced the calls to a pay phone on Angel’s Bluff, near where Morgan was killed. They went to the pay phone, accompanied by Detective Falconari. Diane asks if there was any evidence of a recent explosion, and Jason says, no. She asks if Carly reconsidered, thinking maybe she’d heard something else. He says, no; she was sure it was an explosion. Moving on to the scarf, Diane asks if Jason saw it. He didn’t, and she asks if there was an attempt to find it and if it was recovered, and it wasn’t, although he looked. She asks if Carly was upset, and Jason says, yeah; she said it brought back the pain of losing Morgan. Diane asks if Carly was hopeful that Morgan was still alive, and would come back someday. He says she was, and Diane moves on to the break-in. She asks if Jason has experience with security systems, and he says he does. Diane ask if when he checked the house, there was any evidence of a break-in or intruder, and he says, no. She asks if Carly showed him the broken picture, and when he says she did, Diane asks if he was there when she found it. He says, no, and she confirms that he only had Carly’s word. No further questions.

The DA wants to make sure she understands. Carly told Jason about the calls before she told her husband. Jason says, yes, and the DA says, and the scarf? She asks when Carly told her husband, and Jason says the night of the break-in. The DA says, in all that time, her husband never noticed anything wrong, or expressed concern that something was bothering her? Jason says, at the same time, his father had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, and she says, so he was distracted. Did Jason think something was wrong with Carly?

Finn tells Anna, enough sordid family history for one afternoon. She thanks him for sharing what he did. She likes getting to know him better. He says, likewise. He’s been meaning to apologize about something. When he said she was one step away from a bathrobe and a cat, he didn’t mean it. He’s about to leave, and she asks him to wait.

In the hospital corridor, Alexis looks at the envelope some more. She tells herself she’s being ridiculous, and opens it. There’s a watch inside, and she looks surprised.

The Snoo has been built, and Monica says, they psyched themselves out; it’s actually easy to assemble. Drew comes in with his luggage. Monica asks if that means what she thinks it does. He says, if the offer still stands, and she says, welcome home, son.

Jordan tells Curtis that he’s on the clock. Find Henrik.

Jason says he could see Carly was in a lot of pain and hurting. The DA says, other than her husband, is he Carly’s closest friend; does he know her better than anyone? He says, yes, and she ask if he can swear his best friend was insane when she assaulted Nelle.

On Monday, Anna asks Finn to stay, Nelle tells Michael his bitch mother got what she deserves, and Jason can’t answer the question.

🌈 Let Your Flag Fly…

My film recommendation for Pride month is Trick. I stumbled upon Trick by accident, when it aired on the Logo network. The title is somewhat misleading. It makes the movie sound like Cruising, but it’s really a sweet comedy. Gabriel (Christian Campbell) is trying to get his musical off the ground, and he’s also trying to get some alone time with his date, Mark (John Paul Pitoc). Gabe’s best friend is Katherine, played by Tori Spelling, who is surprisingly good, gives one of the funniest monologues in a diner ever. The title song to Gabe’s musical, Enter, You, might be stuck in your head for a while, but it’s not a bad thing. It’s rarely on television, but it’s on DVD and possibly On Demand. Whatever way you can find it, it’s worth watching. It will put a smile on your face and a song in your heart.

Trick‘s stats: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0162710/

😲 Filing This Under, Oh Hell No!

Brittany and Jax are engaged. It’s like vermin mating with angels. No offense to vermin.

http://extratv.com/2018/06/08/reality-stars-jax-taylor-and-brittany-cartwright-engaged-see-her-huge-diamond-ring/?adid=extra_eme_26608_2018-06-08_rightnow2

🎤 Quotes of the Week

If you ask me what I came into this life to do, I will tell you: I came to live out loud. – Emile Zola

Mason jars with a handle or wine stem cause me to lose faith in humanity. – Elon Musk

Watching the desperate relationship-challenged compete on The Bachelor and The Bachelorette is like watching Hunger Games set in a sunny Hallmark version of a high school prom. — From the new Kareem Abdul-Jabber column on reality TV.

Imagination is more important than knowledge. Knowledge is limited. Imagination encircles the world. — Albert Einstein

If you’re as honest and fair as you can be, not only in business but in life, things will work out. – Kate Spade

🌞 For Your Weekend Viewing Pleasure…

 

May18

May 17, 2018 – The Ball Begins, An All-Male Dinner Party, a Thought, a Film & Feel It Still

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Lulu tells Peter that Anna is helping her find Henrik.

Emma promises it will be the best show ever.

Julian tells Kim she looks spectacular, and she does, in a black sleeveless gown with gold sequined flowers, and blue tassel earrings. I love a tassel. He tells her pretty much anything can happen at the Nurses’ Ball.

Lucy is introduced. She says, while the glitz and glamour has its place, the real star quality is the desire to help each other. The nurses sing Everyday People, with Epiphany starting the song. Nurse Deanna also makes her debut. The choreography is pretty good. Confetti falls at the end.

Lucy thanks their sponsor Olay, and says 100% of the donations will be going to HIV/AIDS research and support. She tells everyone to mingle and get out their checkbooks. Jordan greets Chase, and he says he’s taking one for the team, even if the team doesn’t want to rehearse together. Curtis sees Stella, and says he didn’t expect her to be there. She says she got an offer she couldn’t refuse; Mike invited her. Curtis asks if she’s sticking around all night. She tells him that she’s not giving any thought to him and Jordan, and to just go on and have a good time.

Mike tells Sonny it’s great to have a date. Too bad Carly couldn’t be there. He asks where she is again, but Bobbie comes by, and asks if she can borrow Sonny. Mike says he’ll mingle; he doesn’t want his date getting jealous. Bobbie tells Sonny she can’t believe Carly is spending a second night in jail. Nelle baited her all afternoon, and Carly pushed back, but no way did she push her down the stairs. Sonny says he didn’t want to be there tonight, but his dad wanted to come. Bobbie has one of the best looks of the evening; a body-hugging royal blue gown, with a mermaid hem, open-shoulders, and bell sleeves. Along with the required tassel earrings in silver.

Emma asks if she’s going to have to confiscate Anna’s phone. Anna claims she’s trying to contact Robert, but Robin doesn’t buy it. She says either Anna is waiting to hear from Finn, or looking for Henrik.

Maxie tells Sam that she’s surprised Jason isn’t there. He doesn’t like formal events, but always makes an exception for the Nurses’ Ball. Nina says it’s a great turnout. Maxie says Nina should kick back and relax, but Nina says she’s performing later. Afterwards, Valentin is whisking her and Charlotte away for a mini vacation. She wonders if anyone has a cigarette. Peter tells her nobody smokes anymore; thank God he never did. She thanks him for saving her from herself. Peter steps away to make a call. Sam needs a drink.

Valentin is talking on the phone in French, when Peter interrupts, telling him to hang up now. Valentin finishes his call, and tells Peter that he’s rude. He’s planning a trip, and making the final arrangements. Peter says that Anna set him up, and Valentin knew about it. Valentin tells him to get a grip. Peter says she’s going to expose him, and Valentin is leaving him high and dry. It’s his fault. Sam watches them.

Alexis startles Sam, who says she’s nervous for her. Alexis says she’s nervous enough for herself. If it’s any consolation, Finn is introducing her. Sam asks how that happened, and Alexis thinks it was his idea. Sam is glad things are going well between them. Alexis is too.

Finn looks at Anna, and thinks about the will again. He goes to her table, and Emma asks why he doesn’t text; she needs to know what her grandma is up to. Anna says she can text just fine. Finn asks if Anna is performing, and she says she performed at last one.

Chase sits with Lulu. He asks if Dante is nervous, or is he used to performing? She’s like, um… and Lucy grabs Chase, saying she’s trying to keep the show moving. Dante brings Lulu a drink, and she says Chase thinks Dante is performing with him. Dante wonders where he got that idea.

Valentin knows Peter is rattled, but tells him not to do anything rash. He has too much at stake. Peter says Anna is making a fool out of Valentin, and he’s too infatuated to notice. He’s going to deal with Anna himself.

In the dressing room, Chase asks Dante why he’s not dressed, and where the other guys are. If he didn’t know better, he’d think he had to do this on his own. Dante says he’s sorry, and Chase asks if Dante is saying he is on his own.

Lucy introduces Chase. Dante tells him that whatever happens, it’s for a worthy cause. He sings Feel It Still, with a Dick Tracy motif. At least he has back-up singers/dancers. It’s a great number, and Finn actually smiles.

Sam sneaks around, and goes to Peter’s office. She thinks about Curtis saying what’s missing from dude’s background is his background.

Alexis tells Finn his brother is a hit, and asks if he can sing like that. He says not if his life depended on it. (Not since he was vampire Caleb on Port Charles anyway.)

Jordan tells Chase that she’s sorry he got set up, but he clearly turned the tables; he did the department proud. She tells Dante that he needs to take a page out of his partner’s book. Dante says, next year, and Chase tells him, no hard feelings. They shake hands. Curtis blows past Jordan, and Nina says she has to take care of something. Valentin says he’ll miss her, but after the Ball, she’s all his. She says, always, and he tells her he doesn’t think he could live without her and Charlotte. Nina says good thing he’ll never have to find out. She leaves, and he glares at Peter, who is looking at Anna.

Maxie tells Peter that she wants to say hi to Kim, and he says he has email to check. She tells him not to be a workaholic. He looks at the last email from Anna.

Sam looks through Peter’s stuff. Faison’s lighter is on his desk.

Lucy says the next performer is going to dazzle and delight them. She introduces Obstacle Illusion, and his assistant, Mirage. Nina comes out. She creates a puff of smoke, and Curtis appears. He asks, who’s ready for some magic? He turns his black scarf into rainbow colors, and then makes a bouquet of flowers appear. He asks, what good is a magic act without a card trick, and asks an audience member to pick a card before revealing that the cards are all attached. He tells Nina Mirage the stage is messy, and picks up some scraps of paper, turning them into a newspaper. He says he needs a volunteer, and Nina picks Jordan. Curtis claims they’ve never met before, but his mental skills tell him that she’s the police commissioner. Stella is hoping maybe he’ll saw her in half. Curtis quietly tells Jordan to just go with him. He and Nina put her in a large box, and he says he’s going to change her life. They twirl the box around, and Jordan comes back out. She says she feels the same, but has a silver dollar in her hand. Curtis says he’s been looking for that. If he rubs it, he can make whatever he wants. He turns it into a ring, and says the magic is already happening. They came back into each other’s lives, and found something miraculous. He doesn’t want to take the miracle for granted. He gets down on one knee, and asks her to believe in their magic and marry him. Stella is obviously disgruntled. Jordan says yes, and there’s applause and confetti. They kiss. There’s no applause from Stella, who tells Mike this is full of complications. He asks if she’s one of them, but she says it’s too much to go into. He tells her the graveyard is full of people who hold grudges. Take it from him, none of it matters.

Kim asks Maxie if she’s okay. Maxie says she’s trying not to be a nervous mom-to-be; the baby has been more active than usual. Kim tells her that’s normal, and the baby probably just wants to party. If Maxie needs to talk, come see her. Maxie says she’ll be fine.

Anna is back to staring at her phone, and Robin is like, mom… Anna says Emma isn’t there, so she’s not setting a bad example. Robin tells her to knock herself out; she’s going to mingle. Anna reads a message from Henrik: Midnight – Pier 55 – Come alone.

Maxie tells Peter the baby is fine; her, not so much. The proposal was beautiful, and she’s happy for them. Nathan would be too, if he was there, but he’s not. He’s gone, and sometimes it hits her. She leaves and Peter follows.

Sam totally misses seeing the lighter. Someone starts to open the door. The cleaning guy comes in, asking if anyone is there. Sam says just her. He asks where Peter is at, and she says, at the Ball. He asks, why isn’t she?

Sonny hugs Robin, who says she always feels Stone’s presence on this night. Sonny does too. He’s glad she could make it; it wouldn’t be the same without her. he wants to thank her for recognizing that his father was off. She wishes she’d been mistaken. Sonny says it scared the hell out of him. He didn’t want to come tonight because of Carly, but she insisted he come for his dad’s sake and his memories. Really? When was that? It was Stella who told him to do go.

Mike tells Stella that even if she doesn’t approve, she should give points to Curtis for style. She says style has never been his problem. He’s all flash and dazzle, and can charm birds from the trees. She bets Mike knows about that, but he says, according to his son, he’s an amateur.

Lulu tells Sonny that his son has egg on his face. Dante says he played a joke on Chase, but the joke was on him. He’d told Chase it was a group act. Lulu says, it’s karmic justice; he’s super talented. Dante says maybe not super, and Sonny asks if he’s jealous.

Finn slips out.

Lucy says there’s a slight change in the lineup. The next act can’t perform. Mac & Mr. Marvel are stranded out of town, so they’re going to make the award presentation. She needs Finn.

Backstage, Anna looks at the text from Henrik. Finn startles her. He says they can’t keep doing this.

Alexis says Finn must have stepped out, but Lucy needs to keep the show rolling. Molly says she can step in.

Peter asks Maxie if she’d be more comfortable in his office, and gives her a hanky. She says she’s fine; she has to stop this. He tells her not to be hard on herself. It’s been a tough night. He asks if he said something wrong, and she tells him that Nathan gave her his hanky the first night they met. She almost gave it away, but is glad Sam intervened. I’m surprised she can’t guess Peter and Nathan are related. What men carry hankies anymore?

Sam tells the cleaning guy that when you’re a boss, you never have the night off. She needs to pick up a file, and asks if he can come back later. She sees the lighter, and thinks about Peter saying no one smokes anymore, and thank God he never did.

Molly introduces Alexis. She says she’s watched and admired Alexis her whole life. As a lawyer, activist, and mom, she’s overcome personal and professional adversity.

Finn tells Anna now he knows why she’s been pushing him away. She asks how he found out. He says, so she admits it, and she tells him that she was afraid of what he’d think. He says all the time they wasted. She asks what he’s talking about, and he says if she can’t say it, he will. He knows she’s dying. Alexis overhears.

Molly wants to introduce her hero, role model, and mom; and the first recipient of the Port Charles Pioneer award. There’s applause, but no Alexis.

Finn tells Anna that they need to stop playing games with one another. She wonders why he’s carrying on, and he tells her that he still cares; he never stopped. He wouldn’t want anything to happen without her knowing how much he cares.

Valentin tells Nina they have to leave. They need to pick up Charlotte. She asks why they can’t go tomorrow, but he says he doesn’t want to. There’s nothing worth delaying the vacation of a lifetime.

Maxie promises to wash Peter’s hanky. She thinks she wants to go back in. She has to move around. The baby is being active, but the doctor says it’s a good thing. They go back in.

Sam picks up the lighter, and sees the initials CF. She says, Cesar Faison.

Tomorrow, Maxie asks Peter to take her home, Finn is sorry it took so long, and Sonny tells Stella it’s not good to show the world how you feel.

Southern Charm

Cameran calls mom Bonnie. She’s getting stuff together to go to the hospital. She has her last OB appointment and they might induce labor. Bonnie thinks she might be having contractions. Cameran feels tunnel-visioned and focused. She doesn’t want Bonnie being anxious and crazy, and Bonnie promises to be calm. It’s the last time Cameran is going to be in her house without a kid, and it’s something she never thought would happen.

Kathryn meets Chelsea and her roommate/trainer at the gym. Kathryn says her body has changed since having kids. The do some kettle bell work, and I approve. I love kettle bells. After the workout, Kathryn tells Chelsea that she’s feeling lonely. She has to learn how to get herself out there again. She tells Chelsea about Thomas flirting with her in front of Ashley. She says he likes making two girls jealous of one another. In her interview, she says she has Thomas where she wants him; it’s almost like a formula. You gotta do what you gotta do.

Craig meets Austen at the park, and they go for a run. Austen says Victoria texted him after a party and said she wanted to come over. He’d been dating her and everything was fine until he realized he still had feelings for Chelsea. When they’re together, there’s flirtation that builds, but then plateaus. He thinks she’s not interested. Craig says they don’t have the same lifestyle; that’s why he and Naomie broke up. Austen says he wants to keep the friendship with Chelsea, but he and Victoria mesh. Craig thinks they both need to man up and move on.

Naomie’s roommate, Wilson, helps her fold sheets. She’s glad Craig wasn’t at the Nico opening, since she could concentrate on herself instead of them fighting. She went to business school, since she wanted to run her own company one day, and it’s time to prove herself.

Shep calls his dad, Rip. Shep and Rip. No words. Shep’s brother is having a child, and Shep says Rip must be relieved the Rose name will live on. He thinks it’s obvious he won’t have a traditional life, but thinks he might have anxiety about it as he gets older. His investment in bars was unhealthy, so now he’s renovating his house on the beach for rental. He calls it mailbox money – setting things up so you can do what you want and still get income.

Patricia meets with stylist Madison at Gwynn’s for Ashley’s make-over. Patricia doesn’t usually do personal styling, but is making an exception. Otherwise, Thomas will be on Medicare before he gets married. Ashley arrives. She sees Patricia’s ring, and asks her to go ring shopping with her when the time comes. Ashley models some outfits. The stylist puts her in Chanel with Jimmy Choo shoes. Ashley says she feels like a Barbie doll, and Patricia tells her to never refer to herself that way. Champagne is popped. With another outfit, Ashley feels like Pretty Woman, and that reference gets a no as well. Patricia asks if she and Thomas have talked about making it permanent. Ashley says she didn’t move across the country for no reason. Patricia says if and when it goes on too long, if you have to give an ultimatum, so be it. She asks if Ashley is going to start her career there, but Ashley makes some excuse about getting her license. Patricia tells her not to make the mistake of playing house and quitting her job; she thinks it’s burdensome to men. In her interview, Patricia says she knows how to close the deal, and dated her current fiancé four months before he asked her to marry him. She tells Ashley that it makes women more attractive to have a life. It tips the scale, and he’ll want her on a permanent basis. In her interview, Patricia says, she’s had successes, and the proof is in the pudding. The bill comes to over ten grand, and Patricia says, thank you, Thomas.

Chelsea calls brother Kyle who invites her to join him the tiki bar. She’s waiting for a call or text about Cameran’s baby. In her interview, she says when she lived with Cameran, Kyle was their third roommate. She’d been secretly hoping Cameran would date him. She’s going to Hilton Head in a couple of days with Shep and the gang, and wants to see their old house nearby. He asks if she’s going to introduce Shep to their family. She asks if a certain aunt still has all the cats. He says she has twenty raccoons now.

Shep meets Whitney and Thomas for drinks. Thomas says he’s happy with what he’s got. Whitney hasn’t seen any drawbacks. Thomas says they’re the same with all women – you can’t date. Shep says she can withstand the madness, and Thomas says she can handle Kathryn. They’ve been getting along better than they ever have, and he says when they were together, the pressure was on them from day one. He talks about them spontaneously hooking up on occasion. In his interview, Shep thinks Thomas is still drawn to Kathryn. She’s hot and witty, but there’s something vulnerable about her that makes you want to make sure she’s okay. He asks if Thomas was walking the razor’s edge flirting with her at the party.

Kathryn wasn’t expecting to get any sort of job at Gwynn’s, but was offered an internship. They start off with a styling exercise. Madison gives Kathryn a customer profile, and tells her what the customer wants. She’s a solid ten nervous. The only store she’s worked in is an ice cream shop. There was no pattern or reasoning to the jobs she’s had; she just picked a job and went with it. She loves clothes and fashion, and knows she has potential. She just has to find the right fit. She shows Madison what she’s picked out and why. Madison tells her to think outside the box, and suggests more color and accessories. She loves where Kathryn’s head is at, and it’s a good start.

Austen meets Victoria for dinner. They order ceviche. Victoria talks about her job and suggests coming over on her two-hour lunch break. She asks what Austen wants, and he says he wants to be with her. She asks when he realized this. He sees them giving it a shot, but she wants to make sure he won’t freak out again. She wants his loyalty and to be able to trust him. He says he doesn’t think Chelsea as feelings for him, and Victoria says they’re either together or not. He says they are, and apologizes for his indecision. She accepts, but says it won’t be accepted again. My mind wanders to how these people eat outside a lot of the time, and that leads me to the thought that I’d love to live there, but it’s too damn hot.

Patricia gets ready for an Asian-themed dinner. Whitney puts the fortunes in the cookies. It’s an all-male dinner, and we flash back to others she’s had. She asks if her kimono makes her butt look big.

Thomas arrives first. He and Whitney discuss their suits, and Patricia calls them two vanity prone males. Austen is next, followed by JD (bleh). Thomas says he and Ashley had a quarrel. They were at a piano bar, and she wanted to leave, but he was having a good time. He told her he’s not putting up with this crap. He’s fifty-five, and doesn’t want her hovering over him. Patricia says she’s just looking out for him, but he says he doesn’t want to be controlled. Shep comes in, and Patricia asks where Craig is. Shep says he’s probably sewing her an excuse.

Craig walks in, and says it looks like the Oxford Club. When Shep asks what’s going on, he says he’s just living life. He wants a dog, but travels too much, and Naomie got the cat. Thomas asks if he has visitation rights. Austen says he has a date with Victoria, and Patricia asks what happened to Chelsea. He tells Patricia that he’s moved on.

Dinner is served. Whitney says it’s vegan, and most beneficial for healthfulness and mindfulness. The chef explains the dishes. Shep thought tempeh was a city in Arizona. Everyone declares the food delicious. Patricia hopes every year that the guys get over their Peter Pan Syndrome, but thinks it goes into perpetuity. She says woman ruined their possibilities of getting married because they act like wives with no commitment. In her era, you were a spinster after thirty, admitting they do get worried about the biological clock. Thomas why they can’t have as many wives as they can afford, because he’s an idiot. Patricia tells them about the shopping trip with Ashely. Thomas says it went to five figures, and Patricia says she didn’t ask the price of anything because it’s tacky. Rich people problems. JD’s fortune cookie says his prescription for Adderall is running low. Ha-ha! How about giving him something to knock him out? Thomas opens his, and it says, every exit is an entrance to new experiences. Craig says if that was the case, he’d have fewer kids. Thomas tells them that Ashley wants a child, and Craig asks if she’s using birth control. Thomas says, no, and I wonder why him using it isn’t an option. Patricia says Ashley loved her ring, and Thomas says they’d have to go to the Smithsonian to get one. While he’s talking, Thomas slips, and says Kathryn instead of Ashley.

Kathryn leaves a message for Thomas, asking if he wants to have dinner.

Cameran is back home. The doctor put her on a drip to have contractions, but her body wasn’t having it. Her cervix is like a steel trap. She did a walk of shame out of the hospital with no baby. The doctor told her to wait, and she’ll come when she’s ready. In her interview, Cameran says she’s been pregnant too long, and needs this baby out of her.

Kathryn meets Thomas at a restaurant for dinner. Outside. He points out that they both wore green. She fixes his hair. Sometimes, they really are like an old married couple. They decide to split the fish special. What did I just say? Kathryn wants to be honest, and says Thomas posted a photo of him, Ashley, and the kids on social media, and it hurt her feelings. She was brokenhearted, and just lying on the couch, numb. It looked like a family photo. Thomas sincerely gets it, and apologizes. He realizes it’s hard for her, and will be more respectful.

They discuss Saint’s birthday. It’s on a Thursday, and Kathryn asks if he’d be interested in helping her plan something for Sunday. She wants to show the kids they can be friends. He tells her about Kensie asking why they’re not together. Kathryn starts to say, she wishes, and Thomas interrupts, saying, they could get back together? She says, no. She means it when she says she wants them to be friends and get along. They shake on it. She fixes his hair again.

Next time, Naomie brings kitty Gizmo to Craig as a peace offering, Ashley doesn’t want to be excluded from Saint’s birthday, Victoria asks if Austen has talked to Chelsea about them, and the trip to Hilton Head happens.

🐎 Thought on Westworld. How come no one is like, hey, you don’t look like you belong here?

🎬 Bryan Cranston is a never-ending font of talent. I watched Trumbo last weekend, and he blew me away again. The film centers around Dalton Trumbo, Hollywood’s greatest screenwriter, until he was blacklisted by the House Un-American Activities committee during the McCarthy era. An excellent depiction of a paranoia that cost people their livelihoods, but also of the man himself. I was riveted.

😎 Cooler Than Cool…

 

Apr23

April 22, 2018 – Madison Meets New People, Quite the Hat, Film Talk & More Than One Random Thought

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What I Watched Today

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

 

Fear the Walking Dead

Before

Everyone is sleeping like things are normal; like it used to be. Luci makes coffee for Nick, and everybody gets dressed, and ready for the day. All kinds of activities are going on.

Madison asks a little girl about her family, but she doesn’t want to talk. She asks the girl about some of her favorite things instead. Madison says it takes getting used to, but this is home now. She’ll do what she can to make it happen, but needs help. The girl nods. Madison asks where the girl was coming from, and she points. Madison looks out to see zombies wandering around outside the baseball stadium they call home.

Over a loudspeaker, we hear it’s been 365 days. Victor says they’re celebrating, and pours maple syrup over everyone’s breakfast. Madison hammers away at something, and Alicia brings her some food. She tells Madison that they’re leaving in twenty minutes.

The girl talks to Nick about a story that sounds like Faust; a guy selling his soul to the devil. The turnip crop isn’t doing so great, and the girl, whose name is Charlie, asks about food running out. Nick says they’re almost growing enough not to need scavenging.

Madison tells the others where she thinks Charlie is from, but it’s outside the range. Madison says they have to look for her family anyway.

The group gets ready to leave. Nick asks Luci to find Charlie a new book. If she’s reading Faust, hopefully Luci understands to bring back something at a higher reading level than My Little Pony. Luci says Nick should come, but he has a turnip situation. He asks her to make sure Madison comes back this time. Luci tells Madison that Nick has to come out at some point. Madison says he needs to feel safe right now, but he will. Nick finds out it’s weevils causing the crops to fail, and radios the car. They get out of range before he can finish the conversation.

Madison parks, and tells them eyes open, stay close, keep talking. Victor and Luci go through a building that’s been picked clean; even the lightbulbs are gone. Alicia and Madison find a mess and a burned-out car. Madison says it’s lucky Charlie got out alive. Victor realizes the place isn’t just void of survivors, but also the dead. It’s a ghost town without ghosts. (I said that, not him.) Madison sees half-eaten food, and tells Victor that they’ll be there in a minute.

Luci says Madison won’t stop until she looks under every rock. Victor says she wouldn’t stop until she found him. He still hasn’t asked why she helped him after what he did. Luci suggests he does.

Charlie messes with the radio, and Nick tells her it’s okay, they haven’t been gone that long. Charlie knows it’s not a regular run. Nick says if her family is out there, they’ll find them. He asks if she’ll help with the turnips. What is it with turnips? They grow them on The Walking Dead too. Considering my gardening skills lean more toward enthusiasm than actual talent, maybe I should try growing them.

Madison and Alicia look around, but there’s nothing. A woman comes up behind Madison with a gun, and asks for her keys. Madison tells her that she doesn’t have to do this, but the woman keeps a bead on her. Madison signals Victor on the radio. He says, sh*t! and takes off. Madison tells the woman about the settlement. She says they have strong walls, plenty of food, and good people. She says they took in a little girl named Charlie, and asks if the woman knows her, but she says she doesn’t have a kid, and tells Madison to stop. She takes the keys from Madison’s pouch, but runs up against Alicia, with Victor and Luci now behind her. The woman dashes past them. Madison follows.

The woman runs up some steps leading to an oil tank. Alicia asks her to put the gun down, and puts her own down. Alicia tells her to trust them; they’ll give her the car. The woman backs up, and falls into the tank. Lots of falling through roofs going around. It’s dark, and full of oily water. Zombies pop up everywhere. Madison tells Victor to get the hatch open, and jumps down. Victor and Alicia struggle to get it open, but finally do, and oil, water, and zombies flow out. They kill the zombies, and Alicia gets Madison out.

Luci finds a copy of The Little Prince. Well, it’s no Dostoevsky, but better than My Little Pony. Victor wonders why they’re bothering, and Madison says, no one is gone until they’re gone. The woman introduces herself as Naomie. She says she’s sorry; she wasn’t going to hurt her. Madison asks if she has any idea who let the zombies into the tank, but she just got there. Madison asks where she’s from, and Naomie says it’s been a long time since she’s been from anywhere. We hear zombie noises, and Luci says they should leave – now.

Nick burns the turnip crop. A zombie sticks its dead fingers through the fence. Suddenly, music is playing, then fades. Nick wonders if it’s a signal, and he and the others wait to hear it again. There’s just silence, and Nick asks Charlie to open the gate. He gets in a car, takes a deep breath, and rolls out.

Nick remembers being behind a fence, and blowing up the reservoir. Zombies grapple at the car, and Nick runs into something, hitting his head on the dashboard. A sniper from the settlement shoots at the zombies, and radios him to get back. He gets out, and starts walking toward the gate. A zombie starts to come up on him from behind, and in perfect timing, Madison returns and creams it with her car. Luci asks what happened, and Nick says he was out for a stroll. She tells him get in.

Madison wants to talk to Charlie. Charlie says it’s okay; she knows Madison didn’t find them. Madison  tells Charlie that she has to ask another question; not an easy one. What happened at the camp? Who did that? Charlie says nothing, and Madison says they’ll talk later.

Nick gets his wounds dressed by Naomie, who was a nurse, at the ER, then the ICU. Madison doesn’t think it was a surprise to Charlie that they didn’t find her family. Nick leaves, and Naomie says Madison didn’t tell her it was a baseball stadium. Madison says Naomie didn’t believe she had a camp. Naomie asks how many, and Madison says forty-seven; forty-eight if she decides to stay. Naomie says she pulled a gun, but Madison says they’ve all done worse. She thought she’d lost her kids, but found them and found this place. They built it up together. They are who they are because of it. Naomie says they don’t know her. Madison says she doesn’t know them. They’re both taking a chance. She suggests Naomie take a shower, and Naomie is astounded they have one – with hot water.

Victor pushes the car Nick was driving, while another guy steers. Luci radios them to get inside now; ditch the car. They look behind them, where there’s a convoy of large vehicles driving in. They run in, and lock the gate. This doesn’t look good.

A dude rides around on a bicycle, music coming from the boombox on the handlebars. Another guy opens a boxcar, and takes out a ramp. Biking dude leads the zombies up the ramp, and goes out the other side, while the ramp guy locks the zombies in. He puts a flag up that says 12. (In last week’s episode, Al found a flag that said 51, and said she’d seen a lot of those.) A third guy gets out a lawn chair, sits in it, and cracks a beer. Everyone watches. Okay, they have me. I have no clue what’s going on, but obviously these numbers mean something.

Madison walks over to guy sitting down, and asks what he’s doing. He says, having a drink. She asks if there’s a problem, and he says, we’re good, and asks if she wants a drink. She says they have people inside with guns, and he says, that’s a helluva welcome. She tells him that she saw the camp, and the tanks. He asks if she thinks they did that, and she says she saw their flag. He tells her that they had to clean up the mess. The people never thought of what would happen if the bleeder valve got jammed. He warned them, but they didn’t listen. Madison asks what he wants. He wants them to listen. They have a mess of their own. He knows they had a bad batch of turnips, and says to tell Nick to check the other crops; weevils are a bitch to get rid of. Madison asks how he knows Nick’s name. He calls out for Chito, and Charlie walks over.

He tells Charlie, sorry he’s late, but he got her some new records. She smiles, and he tells her to get in the bus. He tells Madison that she’s a good kid. They found her a while back; she has a knack for finding good stuff, and they hit the jackpot here. Madison says they’re not taking anything. He tells her people often say that. They don’t take anything from anyone; not anyone alive anyway. He knows they’re good people, and how many guns they have. He says there’s a natural cycle to a place like this, and they’re due for something to go wrong. They can either give them their stuff and live, or join them. Become one of them, or they wait for them to die, trying to make things work. Either way, he ends up with what he wants. It’s not a threat; it’s the way it goes. He tells Madison that his name is Mel, and holds out his hand. She doesn’t reciprocate, and says they’re not going anywhere. Mel says he’s heard that too. She says they’ve been like them, moving from place to place, and they’re not going back to that life; they’ve found a better way. Mel says they just haven’t been tested yet, but they’re about to be. If she changes her mind, they’ll be waiting. I’m wondering where the women are in this merry band.

Nick toils in the fields. Mel and his friends play more music, country this time. The weevils still rule the turnips. Madison continues to hammer. The others put down their guns, and join her. Takeaway point: Country music makes people do carpentry.

Luci goes out to the bus. Charlie watches from the window as she leaves the book outside. Luci goes back, and joins in on the hammering. Nick remembers working on Jeremiah’s house.

Now

Morgan and John are on their knees, with Madison and her group around them. Morgan says, we’re not who you think we are. Nick rifles through Morgan’s knapsack, and Morgan tells him to help himself. Luci says they must be with them, and holds up the numbered flag. Al asks, who? Victor says, the Vultures. Al has no idea what he’s talking about, and says, if you a-holes would put your guns down, we can help each other. Madison asks who put the flag up, and Al asks what is it to them? Alicia tells Al that she’s going to answer their questions. Al says they found it, and Alicia says show them where.

They get into Al’s truck, and move out.

Next time, Morgan and Nick tussle, Alicia fights zombies, and Morgan says it’s not going to work out how they think. And in case you didn’t know, Naomie is being played by Jenna Elfman.

😸 Ha-Ha!

On Talking Dead, when they say goodbye to those we’ve lost this week, they included Nick’s crop, calling them tur-nopes.

🍸 I barely glanced at The Real Housewives of Potomac, but I did see Robyn trying to have some serious words with Ashley about respect. Ashley was wearing a hat – a fascinator no less – the size of Potomac, and I wondered how Robyn could even keep a straight face, much less discuss anything important. This was during a garden party Gizelle had for a book she was writing (via ghostwriter) about pastor’s wives in the Black church, who are called First Ladies. It’s fiction, but loosely based on her own experiences. I’d definitely read that.

🏯 I was watching a mini-marathon of Abandoned episodes on Viceland this morning (I love that show!), and it led to my leaving the TV on when the original 1980 film of The Shining followed. I’ve never thought it was as good as the book, and thought Jack Nicholson seemed crazy from the jump. I would never let him babysit my hotel over the winter. And Shelley Duvall… well, she was Shelley Duvall. The remake (1997) had more of a sporting chance, since it was a mini-series and had more hours to tell the story. Sadly, although I finally got the topiary animals I wanted to see (Stanley Kubrick couldn’t get them to look right on film in the original, so they were scrapped for the maze), it was somewhat tepid, and lacked the intensity of the original Danny (Danny Lloyd) and Dick Halloran (Scatman Crothers). Which brings me to my point. It was pretty much background noise until Scatman was on the screen. While I love looking at the hotel – sometimes the setting can be one of the stars of the film for me – my favorite scene is when Dick connects telepathically with Danny in the pantry, then explains the shining to him. They just seem so real. That it still captivates me after all these years is a testament to their acting skills. SPOILER – if you’re the one person who hasn’t seen this film. That’s what made it even worse that they killed him off, totally changing the end of the story, where he saves the day. I heard there was supposed to be a third time, again for the big screen. Whether that’s the charm or not, remains to be seen.

🎷🚬 The second episode of Southern Charm New Orleans was on tonight. While Charleston is your upscale country cousin, NOLA is your sultry, mysterious maiden aunt, who never ages, but has a portrait upstairs.

🔌 I saw a commercial for Amazon Echo, and it was a father telling Alexa to announce “ready or not” to his kids during a game of hide-and-seek. How lazy can you get????  Unplug now. Save yourself.

🔮 Danny Learns About His Gift…

🌎 Happy Earth Day! 🌍

Mar30

March 29, 2018 – Griff Knows All & From Charm to Comfort

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

At Charlie’s, Lulu sees Spinelli, and asks how Maxie is. She tells him that the last time she inquired herself, Maxie threatened her with a restraining order.

At another table, Nina tells Valentin that Peter is always around; at the office and the hospital, being supportive. Valentin says he and Maxie survived a terrible ordeal together, but Nina asks what Peter lost; dinner reservations? Valentin says they left together last night, but he doesn’t think Maxie is moving on from Nathan. Nina isn’t worried about Maxie, but as far as she’s concerned, Peter has an agenda.

Maxie sees Peter asleep on the couch. He apologizes, and she asks if he was out there listening to her cry. He says she’s making him sound less like a concerned friend than a stalker. Since he’s her boss, this would make a spectacular lawsuit. She tells him not to be silly. She was dreading spending the night, but she got through it. Maybe because she wasn’t alone.

Griff asks Ava if he smells coffee, and she comes out drinking from yet another empty cup. She says she’ll get him some. He doesn’t want her to wait on him, but she says she enjoys it. There’s a knock at the door, and it’s the test results Griff has been waiting for. The messenger says it must be important, and Griff says he’s about to find out.

Sonny, Mike, Dante, and Michael have breakfast at the MetroCourt. Sonny says all the Corinthos men at one table; it’s a special occasion. Mike asks where Morgan is, but Sonny says he couldn’t make it. Mike says he must be out raising hell; they should drink to him. And they do.

Jason meets with Anna. She tells him that she didn’t bring the manuscript, and asks if she can keep it for a while. It was just as she thought; Henrik left a trail of clues.

Lulu tells Spinelli that she thought about just leaving Maxie alone, but she’s hoping Maxie realizes she misses her and will reach out. She’s too afraid to take that risk and alienate her further. She accepts that Maxie may never forgive her, but if there’s anything he can do to open up communication, she’d appreciate it. They need each other. He says he’ll do his best.

Nina tells Valentin that she gave Peter the benefit of the doubt, but she’s not wearing blinders, and her instincts tell her something is going on. She wants Valentin to back her up, and he says he always will, but he’s observed when it comes to Maxie and the baby, she’s looking for problems where there aren’t any. She admits maybe she’s over-protective, and he says, just a tad. She tells him until she’s 100% certain Peter is harmless, she’s not taking her eyes off of him.

Maxie feels better, telling Peter that going to the apartment had made her feel like she was losing Nathan over and over. He wishes he could make it easier. She says he has. Thanks to him, she’s back home, and managed to get a whole night’s sleep. He asks if she’s saying he put her to sleep. She calls it a gift, and he says it sounds like a power a super villain would have. She tells him that Spinelli is the nerdapedia, not her. Right now, she feels brave enough to spend another night – without him on the sofa.

Ava asks Griff who it was. He says a messenger from the hospital with test results he needed asap. She asks if it’s confidential, and he says he just needs a moment. She has to send some texts, and goes into the kitchen. He opens the envelope, and looks at the results. He says, Peter August is Caesar Faison’s son.

Anna tells Jason the protagonist is Henrik, and he must have spent time in boarding school. She can use the description to narrow the field, and cross-reference the school records with his birthdate. Jason says Henrik’s birthdate wasn’t in the manuscript.

Sonny has had a special breakfast prepared, and Michael says he’s waited his whole life for this breakfast. It does look good, but I don’t know if it’s life-waiting worthy. Sonny tells them to dig in. Dante says it’s better than his mom’s cooking, but don’t tell her he said that. Sonny says he had them prepare it like Tony’s on Fulton. Mike has no idea who Tony is, but he sure can cook.

Dante asks how Sonny got the recipe, and Sonny says his dad was the man at Tony’s. Sonny used to sneak in; they knew him because he was Mike’s kid. When his dad took him there, he always had espresso. Mike doesn’t remember, but Sonny takes his hand and tells him it’s okay. He asks if Mike is ready to go, and Mike tells Dante to keep Michael out of trouble. Dante says he doesn’t get in much trouble, and Mike tells Michael to get in some and keep them on their toes. He says it was a great breakfast, and to tell Morgan that he missed him. Sonny and Mike leave. Dante feels badly for Mike, but worse for Sonny. Michael says once he loses Mike, Sonny won’t have anyone else to remember his life with.

Jason repeats that there was no reference to Henrik’s birthday, and asks how Anna knew. She says Obrecht told her, but there’s no birth certificate and no official record.

Peter tells Maxie that she’s too hard on herself. Up until now, all she could do is get the mail, and she just spent the entire night there. She’s brave. Every day she has to face all she’s lost. She gets out of bed and goes to work, making something substantial and beautiful. She says she doesn’t do it alone, and he says, but she does it in the face of tremendous loss. She gets through the day in spite of it. She’s a hero.

Griff remembers talking to Anna, and then Peter, about Huntington’s disease. He flashes back to telling Peter that he’ll respect his privacy, no matter what. Ava asks if she can come back in. She can tell he’s worried, and asks if the test results were discouraging. He says they aren’t what he’d hoped for, but what he expected. She asks if he wants to talk about it. He tells her what he suspected about a patient proved to be true, and he doesn’t know what to do with the information. It’s not as simple as just telling them, and it’s not just the patient who needs the information. To make matters worse, what he did was unethical and illegal, and he did it anyway.

Lulu asks Nina if she has a moment, and asks how Maxie is doing. Nina says, not speaking to you, and Nina doesn’t want to either. Lulu says they both care about Maxie. Nina tells her that Maxie is devastated, but unbroken; fragile, but fierce. She comes to work every day, which proves she’s unstoppable. Lulu says she always has been. She’s relentless and remarkable, and Lulu wishes she could tell her. Nina says she’s not giving Maxie a message. Lulu accepts that her friendship with Maxie may be beyond saving, but she’s going to tie up the loose ends with Faison, no matter what. Nina tells her to knock herself out, but she never wants to hear her name again. Lulu says she understands, and Nina walks out.

Ava says Griff just wanted to help, and broke the rules. He says, not just the rules, the law. She tells him without naming names, would they be better off not knowing? Griff says, no, and she asks if the information – however he got it – help. He tells her it might even save a life. He went out on a limb to get an answer. He found it, and now has to decide what to do with what he’s learned.

Jason tells Anna that Spinelli plans to pass himself off as Henrik to gain access to Faison’s safe deposit boxes. Anna says he’ll end up in a foreign prison. She asks if they’ve thought this through, and suggests it might be a mind game thought up by Faison. Jason says they can find Henrik’s alias and last known whereabouts. She asks how he’s going to approach Henrik, and he says, with a gun. Anna tells him that he has to think it through, about how Henrik grew up; under the thumb of an oppressive tyrant. He was an unwilling participant turned traitor; he switched sides. Jason should be trying to find a way to undo that, and not jump to conclusions. Jason thinks he might not be an innocent victim. He could be like his father. She says he’s not, and Jason asks how she knows that. Anna says Faison was unique. Jason asks how she doesn’t know there isn’t some woman in the same position as she was, and Henrik isn’t targeting her as they speak? How would she feel if he allowed that to happen?

Maxie tells Peter to go home and change his clothes, so they can avoid horrible office rumors. He tells her to be kind to herself; it’s tough enough. She says, the best way out is through it – Robert Frost. He’s impressed, but she says, don’t be. She thought it was Winston Churchill until Spinelli corrected her. There’s a knock at the door, and Spinelli brings Georgie in. Maxie introduces her to Peter. Georgie tells Maxie they came to make her feel better. Maxie says she’s sad because Nathan went away, but it’s working already. Spinelli tells Georgie that Maxie might not want to talk about it, but Maxie says, it’s okay. She loved him so much, and misses him a lot, but it’s a funny thing about feelings; you can have so many at one time. Even though she’s sad because Nathan is gone, she’s still so happy to see Georgie. Peter smiles.

Michael tells Dante that he spoke to Doc, and there are different approaches the medical community is taking with dementia. Dante asks if Michael thinks something can help, and Michael tells him Doc had an idea.

Mike says Sonny is quiet. Sonny says he’s just working. Mike says he didn’t mean to bother him, but Sonny says he has to take break and would rather talk to him. Mike asks what’s going on; is it the business? Sonny says the business is fine. Mike says he knows he’s not a kingpin, and Sonny says, lucky him, but he’s been through tight spots. If Sonny needs advice, just ask. Sonny says he might take him up on it. He asks if Mike remembers Richie. He ran numbers in the back of a bodega. Mike says he’s sorry; it’s not ringing any bells. He used to remember everything, like the guy who made breakfast – Tony. How could he forget? Sonny tells him, don’t worry; it was a long time ago. Mike says something about Tony is important.

Griff asks Ava what she’d do in his position. Ava can’t believe he’s asking her to figure out the right thing to do. She’s going to approach his question in two ways. What she would have done before she fell in love with him, is whatever would have benefited her the most, consequences be damned, and keep her mouth shut. He asks what she’d do now, and she says she’d ask the advice of the kindest, most compassionate person she knows – him. Even if it’s unethical, illegal, or a mistake of gargantuan proportions, one thing she knows for certain, is that he acts in the best interest of others. He doesn’t need her to tell him. He already knows.

Anna asks Jason if he read the manuscript. If he had, then he would have seen a deeper, complex humanity than Faison had. Looking at the character, she saw he has introspection, a capacity for empathy alien to Faison. Jason thinks he could be even more dangerous, and she says he’s forgetting Henrik kept him alive. He says, drugged and restrained, and she says, alive and breathing. He wouldn’t be here – Jason finishes, if he hadn’t escaped. He says he was kept there for years, and followed back from Russia. They drugged and kidnapped Sam on Henrik’s orders. Why is she defending this guy? Why is Jason assuming Henrik gave those orders?

Mike tells Sonny that he took a date to Tony’s. He was really nervous, and wanted to impress her, so he went all out. She was beautiful, with a wicked smile. She must have been something for him to remember. He struggles with her name, and Sonny asks if it was Adela. Mike says, yeah; she was really something.

Maxie tells Georgie to check out the nursery. There might be a present for her in there. Spinelli says it’s joyful beyond description to see them together. She thanks him, saying it’s already starting feel like home again. He wishes he could do more. Maxie says she can bear the unbearable. Even if Nathan isn’t coming back, the baby will have a big sister. Spinelli says she’ll have him too, and he’ll provide help to the best of his ability. Maxie says she has great friends, and he says, her chosen family. She has so many people willing to step up for her already. She says, already? She says what he means, is that she already has people close to her as opposed to Peter. She accuses Spinelli of not liking him, and Spinelli says he barely knows him, but he’s curious as to why she’s leaning on him so much. She says when she sees Nina or Obrecht, they’re just as devastated. Her mom and Mac love her, but they’re worried about her, and she can’t bear their pain on top of hers. Maybe she’s being selfish, but on the other hand, Peter barely knew Nathan. He was there when Nathan got shot, but he’s not grieving. She doesn’t have to make him feel better. Spinelli says there’s someone else, and she says, don’t you dare bring up Lulu.

Valentin goes over to Lulu’s table, and says, she’s tying up loose ends with Faison? She tells him, it’s called integrity; he should try it. He asks if she has a lead on Henrik, and she asks why he’s interested. He says Faison killed his wife’s brother, and he has considerable resources. She asks if he’s suggesting they be partners. He says, not in a quest for justice, but revenge.

Anna doesn’t condone what Henrik did, but thinks it’s important that Jason understand. He says Henrik could be an ongoing threat. She says he was trapped in a prison of his father’s making; forced to do things against his nature. He’s already paid a steep price for being Faison’s son.

At the MetroCourt, Peter takes out the new PK Sinclair book. He says, a new book, a clean bill of health, and best of all, his father is dead. Nina – who is getting to be like a freaking wizard – suddenly appears, and asks where that came from.

Sonny gives Mike some coffee. Mike says Sonny should meet his son. He thinks they’d like each other. Another stab in my heart.

Dante asks if Michael thinks it will work; it sounds out there. Michael says it’s worth a shot. He’s willing to do anything to give Sonny more time with Mike before he slips away. Dante says, let’s do it. I’m hoping it’s an ’80s cruise.

Spinelli knows the wound with Lulu is fresh, and Maxie says she understands Lulu didn’t shoot him, but she knew the risk. Nathan took risks to protect them. He put his life at risk for his family, but Lulu put his life at risk for her own career. It’s like a huge joke. She did it for the greater glory of being Lulu Spencer. She thinks being a Spencer makes her special, and she regrets nothing. She’s never wrong. Spinelli says as angry as she is, and blames and hates Lulu, he knows she loves and needs her. Maxie says she needs Nathan, and he’s dead because of Lulu. Spinelli says with all her flaws and failings, Lulu is her oldest and dearest friend. Oldest friends know us best, and above anyone, are the truest.

Valentin tells Lulu that Henrik could be anywhere, and he has contacts all over the world. Why not use them? She asks why he doesn’t find Henrik himself, but he says he’s busy. She wonders what makes him sure Henrik isn’t there. Maybe he knew everyone assumed he’d leave Port Charles, so he stayed behind. Faison hid on Spoon Island for quite some time. Valentin asks if she’s suggesting Henrik is hiding in his basement, and Lulu says, for all they know, he’s still in Port Charles, right under their noses.

Nina asks Peter how he got an advance copy of the new book. Peter says he’s in publishing, being polite in not adding that was a stupid question. She gives him some paperwork, saying he saved her a trip to his office.

Ava sees Griff’s folder, and thinks about opening it, but she doesn’t. She puts it in a cupboard. Probably to be opened later.

Unaware Griff is listening, Jason tells Anna that if Henrik took over where Faison left off, he’s dangerous. Anna thinks they should try to help him. Jason says, not help. They need to stop him, and eliminate him, whatever it takes.

Tomorrow, Sonny tells Dante he’s grateful, Bobbie tells Scotty that his secret is safe with her, and Sonny has a surprise for Mike.

💭 Bravo is having another Ice Cube/Friday takeover, along with the three-part Married to Medicine Reunion – even scarier than the show – but soon we will have more Housewives than we can handle. I also can’t wait for Southern Charm, which I consistently want to call Southern Comfort, a 1981 film that’s well worth watching. I’ll let it speak for itself.

🐍 👀 It’s the land of hospitality. Unless you don’t belong there.

Mar6

March 5, 2018 – Port Charles Feels the Earth Move, the Toms Do Business in Vegas, a Few Opinions & a Little Steampunk

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

General Hospital

Oscar and Josslyn go to the freezer so they can be alone. Everything starts to shake. The party is rocking, and not in a good way. The Quartermaine mansion is shaking, Jim’s office is shaking, the church is shaking, and Sonny’s place is shaking. Everyone ducks and runs for cover.

Sonny finds Michael knocked out. Things are flying and falling everywhere. What did Jim hit during his excavation?

Elizabeth asks if everyone is all right at the church. Ava calls for Kiki. She’s fine, but Ava is bleeding. Griff looks for a portable radio.

The lights go on at Jim’s site. He’s like, omg. Franco has been knocked out by a metal cabinet, and is trapped beneath it.

Funny, the station looks just fine, except for the lights being out. The phones are down, and an officer says Charles Street was the hardest hit. Curtis looks grim.

Sonny asks if Michael can hear him. Michael starts to come to, but fades.

Jason and Sam look around. She runs upstairs to check on the kids.

At the party, Drew asks if everyone is okay. Kim can’t find Josslyn and Oscar, and wonders where they can be. Check the freezer, which is where all of us go to make out.

Oscar and Josslyn come out from under the table. Josslyn thinks it was an earthquake. She was in one once, but it wasn’t this big. Oscar tries to open the door, but it’s jammed.

Sam says the kids slept through the whole thing. I identify, having slept through the worst of Hurricane Sandy right in the middle of it. Jason says there’s no cell phone service. Ned and Olivia come in. Ned says they’re lucky. Jason says the mansion was built on bedrock, rather than the sediment landfill closer to town.

Lulu calls for help. Transgender kid Dakota has been hurt. Trina says Dakota saved her by running interference. Kim says she’s a doctor, and they have to pop Dakota’s dislocated shoulder back. I cringe, and Dakota screams.

Josslyn and Oscar yell for help. Oscar doesn’t think anyone can hear. Josslyn says they can’t do nothing, but Oscar tells her his parents will notice they’re gone. Josslyn says, unless they’re hurt. Oscar is sure someone will find them.

Jordan gives everyone instructions. Curtis starts to leave, but she says he’s still in custody. Just because it’s an emergency, it doesn’t mean the charges were dropped. She tells him to sit down and let her deal with this.

Jim asks if Franco can hear him, but Franco is out cold. Don’t move the cabinet or anything, Jim. Jim runs out. Hopefully to get help, but who knows; he’s such a jerk.

On the radio, there’s an announcement of a massive earthquake. Residents are told to stay indoors. Griff looks at Ava’s wound, and says it should be fine. Ava asks if anyone was hurt, but he doesn’t think so. The radio says the epicenter is where the main damage is, and it’s minimal in the outside neighborhoods. Residents are advised to stay off the roads. Doc sees Scotty knocked out.

Ned says he needs to be downtown. Olivia-Q says she owns a hotel, and should be checking on the guests. Jason tells them the roads need to be kept clear for first responders to get through. Sam asks if Jason can take her to town on his bike.

Kim makes a sling for Dakota. Drew can’t find Oscar and Josslyn. He says it’s bad out there. Two buildings have collapsed, and the construction across the street is a sinkhole. He asks if the kids have any idea where Josslyn and Oscar might have been before the earthquake. Trina says she saw them headed to the back room, probably to be alone. Kim and Drew go to look for them.

Oscar says there’s still no phone service, like this would change in two minutes. It’s still freezing, and he says there must be a backup generator to keep it cool even if the power goes out. Josslyn says it’s working, and Oscar gives her his coat, saying her goosebumps have goosebumps. She says they wanted to be alone; they got their wish. He asks if she’s played Never Have I Ever, and explains if you’ve done something, you take a sip. They both have cans of… soda? I can’t imagine it would be anything else, since Oscar has the fear of Sonny and Carly in him. He says never have I ever broken curfew, and they both drink. Josslyn says, never have I ever cheated on a test, and neither drink. Oscar says never have I ever fallen in love, and they both drink again, making googly eyes at each other.

Jordan sends out units to evacuate the area. There’s a broken gas main, and a fire spreading. She wants a mandatory evacuation. Curtis says he’s going to check on TJ, Molly, and Stella, but Jordan calls Officer Tucker over. She tells him to go to the 300 block and look for them. She describes Stella, but Tucker remembers her from almost being arrested. Curtis says if he finds her, be polite. His auntie has no patience for bad manners. Jordan asks Curtis to show his gratitude by not trying to escape custody.

Michael comes to again. Sonny helps him sit up. He wants to check on Avery, but Sonny says Ava took her for a sleepover. The generator kicks in, and Max asks if everyone is okay. He checks Michael, and asks him questions about things like what month it is. Michael says the one after February, and Max thinks Michael has a concussion. He has to be kept awake until they get some help. Michael insists he’s fine. He asks about his mom, but Max says there’s no sign of Carly or Mike.

Scotty starts to get up, and Elizabeth sees that his leg has been impaled by something. She calls Griff over, and he tells Scotty not to mess with it. Scotty wonders if he’s going to have to live with something sticking out of his leg, but Griff tells him that he doesn’t want to bleed out; right now, it’s keeping that from happening. Scotty says, no, he doesn’t. He tells Elizabeth that Franco loves her, and mumbles something about a secret. Elizabeth asks, what secret? 

Franco opens his eyes, and tries to get the cabinet off of himself. It won’t budge, and he yells for help. Someone comes in. It’s Mike. Wth? Was he wandering around and is totally unhurt? Franco asks for a hand. Mike asks if he’s all right, and Franco says, does he look all right? Mike asks if this is Post Street, and wonders where the apartments went. Franco says they were demolished for construction, since they didn’t know an earthquake was going to get them out of the way. He says if Mike doesn’t mind, he has somewhere to be, and could he give him a hand? Mike tries to lift the cabinet.

Scotty passes out. Griff says the longer he’s there, the more opportunity there is for infection. Ava says the radio is out, but they’d said there was minimal damage west of Broadway. They decide to take Scotty to the hospital. Kiki says she’s coming too, but Ava thinks they should stay together. Kiki says she’s needed at the hospital, and Ava tells her to be careful. Griff asks for help with the tourniquet.

Jordan wonders how she’s supposed to manage the crisis and Curtis at the same time. She tells him if he leaves, he’s a fugitive, and if she lets him leave, it’s corruption. He tells her that he can do work she can’t. There hasn’t been an earthquake since 1991. Then Jim arrived. What if his excavation caused the condition for the quake? She says he can investigate when she’s legally able to release him. Curtis says if Jim is involved, his ass should be in a jail cell. Suddenly, his leg gives out from under him.

Sonny asks Max to check the grounds. Max tells Michael not to fall asleep. Michael tells them to find Mike and his mom. He’s not going anywhere until he knows they’re safe.

Sam needs to know Drew is okay, but Jason says he can take care of himself. Ned agrees, like he gets a vote (no pun intended). Sam begs, and Jason says he’ll take her.

Oscar starts to kiss Josslyn, but she seems really groggy, and loses her balance. Drew and Kim call out, asking if they’re back there. Oscar yells, telling them they’re in the freezer and need help. Josslyn says they’re not hurt, but really cold. Drew can’t get the door open, and looks around for something to pry it with. Kim tells the kids to hang on.

Elizabeth tells Doc she’s going to stay and wait for Franco. Doc asks if she’s sure. Elizabeth says unless Doc knows something she doesn’t, he’s coming. She doesn’t know why he’s not there, but her instinct says he loves her and will come for her. The cheese Elizabeth stands alone in the church.

Mike tells Franco the cabinet is too heavy. Franco tells him to find a board or something for a lever, or find someone else to help. Mike says, can do, and leaves. Great. He’ll forget two seconds out the door.

Jordan takes Curtis to the hospital, telling Amy that his leg went out from under him. Amy asks Dr. Park to check him. The doctor asks if he was hit by any debris. Curtis says nothing terrible, but Jordan adds that he was thrown to the ground and something fell on him, so there’s that. Jordan’s phone rings. It’s Ned. Jordan asks how everybody is, and says she’s waiting for a unit update. She finds out that Ned has talked to the governor, and she says they can use all the resources state can provide. She shows Amy a picture of TJ and Molly, but Amy hasn’t seen them.

Lulu finishes up Dakota’s sling. Trina thanks Dakota for saving her life. Dakota thinks that’s a slight exaggeration, but Trina says either way, Dakota was brave. She wishes bigoted Troy would stop being an idiot. Besides being the paintball dude, Troy must be the bully Oscar fought with. Dakota says Troy thinks freaks like him are sinful, and should be punished. Troy probably thinks the earthquake was the wrath of God. Lulu says Dakota is a hero, and as a mom, she’d be proud if her kids showed the same courage. Everyone smiles.

Josslyn starts to feel tired. She takes off Oscar’s coat, but he’s afraid she’ll get frostbite, and insists she wear his shirt. They sit, and get under the coat. Josslyn is glad she’s with him, and he says, him too.

Jason tells Sam the roads are blocked, and they’ll have to walk from where they are. Mike sees Jason. He’s confused. Wonderful.

Sonny asks if Michael is seeing double, and Michael says he’s better. Max tells them there’s no sign of Mike. Sonny wants all of his guys looking. He needs to get Michael to the hospital.

Jordan visits Curtis, who’s lying in a hospital bed. She tells him there’s still no word on TJ, Stella, or Molly, and he hopes no news is good news, Jordan asks if he’s going to live. He says he’s got a bandaged leg, a saline drip, and the hottest law enforcement official with him. Who could be luckier? She cuffs him to the bed, and says he’s still under arrest.

Elizabeth hears the sirens. She picks up a bouquet of flowers, and goes down Memory Lane about Franco. We flash back to them becoming friends, their first kiss, and their developing relationship. She remembers him telling her that he’d never intentionally hurt her, and her telling him that they’ll face things together or not at all. We flash back to them deciding to get married, and Franco’s proposal. She says Franco will be there. She knows it.

Kim tells Oscar and Josslyn to hang in there. Drew tries a crowbar, but has no luck. How about taking the hinges off the door?

Franco says he’s got to get to Elizabeth.

Mike asks who Sam is. When she reintroduces herself, he says she’s Jason’s wife. Sam asks if he hit his head, and Jason asks if he needs to rest. Mike thinks he’s okay, but tells them he was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Jason asks why he’s there, and he says he came for a reason. He just can’t remember it.

Drew gets the door partway open, but something is blocking it. He and Kim see Josslyn and Oscar, who look like they’re sleeping.

Tomorrow, Jason asks Mike who is trapped and where, Michael needs to find out about Nelle and the baby, Nelle feels a contraction, and Oscar and Josslyn aren’t okay.

Vanderpump Rules

The SUR staff is back at work. Scheana thinks it’s amazing how fast Lisa gets things done. She says all SUR needed was a little Botox, just like everyone else in West Hollywood. Lisa talks to Tom about the designs for TomTom. He asks how early the appointments are, and she says he’s going to learn what it’s like to have a day in the life of the Vanderpump regime. Jax tells Lisa that he’s coming to supervise the girls. She asks if they had fun in Big Bear, and Jax thinks James still likes Lala. Tom says it was awkward. Lisa says she’ll see Tom in Vegas, and will be avoiding Jax.

Lala brings Scheana to the recording studio. Scheana says she used to bring Shay there when she recorded, but thinks this will be a better experience. Lala wants to start taking music seriously, since it’s therapeutic for her. She wrote the song For You for her man. She put her own money in, because she doesn’t want her man coming to collect when she hits the Billboard number one spot. I advise her not to hold her breath.

Scheana tells Lala that Jax has been talking about Rob. She says maybe she is more in love than Rob, but Lala says even if he said that, why is it a big deal? He’s a man. She says this is called dating, and welcome to adult life. In her interview, Lala thinks Scheana needs to slow it down, and wait on the marriage and baby talk. Men get spooked. You need to ease them in.

Katie and Schwartz pack. Schwartz feels like he has a lot to prove. It’s his first real business trip.

Brittany tells Jax he’d better behave. He says they’ll probably party the whole time. The priorities are drinking, then business.

Tom says he and Schwartz are walking toward their future and can’t screw it up.

They check into Planet Hollywood. The Toms get VIP treatment. Jax claims not to be jealous, but…

Ariana says the suite is insanity, and if this is what it’s like working with Lisa, sign her up. The couch suspended from the ceiling is pretty cool. Schwartz says he’s been known to walk the line between business and pleasure. Sometimes it gets blurred, but they’re going to be on their best behavior. They toast to business, and move on to the pool where there’s an amazing water slide.

Back home, Lala, Scheana, and Billie order drinks. Billie says she’s an emotional mess. Her ex can’t commit. He can’t get over that she once had a penis, and she wishes he could look at her soul and spirit instead. Scheana says she used to feel lousy with Shay, and now that she’s with walking-on-water Rob, she knows he’s the right person. Lala tells them that she has a meeting with Stassi to help plan her showcase. In her interview, she says she wouldn’t have believed it a year ago, but Stassi’s events have been stellar. She’s nervous about working with James. Scheana thinks he should be as good of a friend to Lala as she is to him. Lala says he is, until he has one sip too many. She says she’d take a bullet for him, and gets emotional. Billie suggests he might have feelings for her or a crush on her. Isn’t that the same thing?

Ariana and Katie get ready to go out. In her interview, Ariana says Katie is different when she’s not with Stassi and Kristen, creating the three-headed monster.

The guys do some gambling and have shots. They toast again to business.

Brittany meets the girls, wearing almost nothing, and carrying a pregnancy test. She’s been throwing up, and doesn’t think there’s any way, but wants to know for sure. She’s not on birth control. Katie asks if they “pray and spray,” and Brittany says that’s best way to say it. In her interview, Katie doesn’t think they should be rolling the dice. I can barely understand a word, since my mind clouded over when she said they don’t use birth control. Are they insane??? And aren’t you supposed to do the test in the morning? Brittany goes to the bathroom. Ariana says she’s not ready for this. Neither am I. Brittany comes out, they wait for the results.

Tom declares the curfew to be one thirty-ish. The girls join them. Brittany tells Jax that she keeps getting sick, and he asks if she’s pregnant. In his interview, he says she can’t be. He’s very careful, and pulls out every time. Well, not every time, but a solid 75% of the time. I don’t even know what to say; I’m so stunned. Brittany takes out the test, and he says, are you really? She tells him to read it, and laughs. Schwartz is like, omg, and Brittany says Jax is lucky. If they lived in Kentucky, they’d have at least two kids by now. He’s living in Neverland. She’s not pregnant, and in his interview, Jax says he’s 10% disappointed. He thinks be a good father, and he’s almost forty. I’m sure he’d make a great father. Except for that leading by example part. I’m going to assume this was done for the show, since no one seemed to be having much of a reaction, except for laughing at the end, but I can only pray that they’re lying about not using birth control. Please. People can’t be this stupid and breed on top of it.

Stassi meets Lala at the bar. She hates sake, but Lala is a client, so she’s drinking it. I love sake, but it’s sneaky. It goes down smooth, and you think you’re good, then you get up to go home. Lala says even though they had issues, she’s always kind of liked Stassi. We flash back to earlier times when they were at each other’s throats. Stassi relates to Lala because she gets over-emotional and defensive, and reminds her of herself. Lala admires that Stassi is loyal, and stands up for what she believes in. Stassi thinks the venue should be somewhere that already has a bar. Lala says James is performing one song, but it’s her showcase. She’s been connected musically with him in the past, but this time, the showcase is all about Lala. In her interview, Lala says it’s time she spread her legs [sic], and be the person she’s meant to be musically. The producer points out that she said, “spread her legs.” She laughs, and says she meant, spread her wings. That was a good one, and seemed genuine.

Lala tells Stassi about James coming for her when they were at Big Bear. She wonders how they can make it so he has no alcohol until he’s done with his job. Stassi says she needs to decide if she’s okay with having him around in a professional manner.

The group goes to a robot bar. Jax says he would think it’s cool if he wasn’t a bartender. He thought it was a safe zone. They move on to gambling, which I know nothing about, so have no idea what game they’re playing. Schwartz says the rules are no shots after 6 a.m., water with each drink, and no going to the ATM. He also puts the vampire law into effect. Once the sun comes up, you run to your room.

The couples tumble into bed. Schwartz says he has a big day coming. Tom thinks they must be the only people up in Vegas, but Ariana says Jax is wide awake. A few hours later, Schwartz is impressed that he and Tom are ready on time. They’re not sitting at the kiddie table anymore.

Jax says Brittany freaked him out. Brittany thought he’d be mad, and at least he has the decency to ask why. In her interview, Brittany thinks Jax would be a good dad. He’d have fun playing with the kids, but it would be like the dog situation, and she’d have to take care of everything. I hear you, sister.

The Toms go to a showroom with Lisa and Ken to look at restaurant stuff. Lisa tells us that each restaurant has its own personality, And TomTom will be different than the others; she has a vision. It’s not going to be pretty, but industrial romantic. She wants wrought iron, chandeliers, Edison bulbs, and to be more architectural. Sounds kind of like Steampunk to me. She and Schwartz look at dishware. Lisa tells him that his opinion matters. She’ll never use it, but it matters. In her interview, she says she wants the restaurant to have a masculine edge – unlike Tom and Tom. The sales VP gives Lisa a BOGO deal. In his interview, Schwartz says shopping with Lisa is like playing one on one with LeBron James. Lisa says they were actually on time and looked pretty good. It’s nice to know they can listen and learn, and maybe it will work out after all. She tells them there’s a meeting at 10 a.m. tomorrow. Schwartz feels professional. He takes portable Jell-O shots out of his pocket at the store.

The group gathers around the suspended sofa. Jax gives Tom a guitar for his birthday, and everyone sings Happy Birthday. Tom says Jax does sh*tty things, but can also be a nice guy. There’s a kind heart buried underneath somewhere. Tom plays, and the girls get a birthday cake together. It has a penis drawn on it because Tom just turned fourteen.

Lisa has reserved a private dining room for the Toms and their ladies. They sip rosé, and Tom wonders if this is what it’s going to be like working with Lisa. Ariana says it feels like being a trophy wife. In her interview, Katie says it’s all she’s wanted for Schwartz. He’s finally excited about and committed to something. They agree that James would order a pizza.

James does a photo shoot with Lala and Raquel as an audience. His DJ gig is doing well, and he wants bigger and better things. Next, he’s throwing a party under a blimp. Lala tells them about going to the studio with Scheana. She says since Scheana had recorded before, she put her ass in a booth. We see a clip, and she stinks to high heaven. Lala says she loves Scheana with all her heart, but she’s tone deaf, and that part is getting cut. Lala’s boyfriend isn’t coming to the showcase because he has to work. James thinks if her man can’t take a night off to support his girl, it’s sad. Lala says it’s not James’s showcase, and he’s not allowed to drink until after the performance. He claims to be professional when comes to music, and they toast to no drinking.

Tom won’t stop making jokes involving the word quack, because they’re having duck. Schwartz asks what the curfew is, and Tom says 3 a.m. at the latest. In his interview, Tom says they’ve matured now, and are climbing the mountain to success. Nothing is getting in his way.

At eleven o’clock, they take a limo to Tao, and the others meet them there. In his interview, Tom says he only has so much restraint. A line of women come out with neon signs spelling out Tom’s name, and a giant cupcake with a candle in it. Many, many shots happen. Jax stops Schwartz from drinking directly out of the bottle. Schwartz says he’s letting Tom take the lead, and Tom says the same thing about Schwartz. Tom tells Schwartz another hour, but somehow, they get back in the limo shortly after three.

Lisa meets with the Caesar’s entertainment guy. Her rosé is going to be served there. Pandora is also at the meeting, and wonders where the Toms are. Lisa is getting concerned.

At 10:20, Ariana and Katie tell their significant others they’re late for the meeting. Schwartz says he’ll have to take an Adderall to focus. No judgement, but that makes two cast members openly using that not for its intended purpose. Lisa wonders where those two little twits are.

Lisa is getting worried, and only has so much patience. Schwartz says he’s sweating Fireball, and his hair smells like cigarettes. Lisa says it’s not looking so good. It’s the antithesis of what happened yesterday. She’s not impressed by their actions, or their odor; they smell like a brewery. Lisa doesn’t want them lagging behind. They go to the designer’s showroom.

Lisa calls him a genius, and says he’s more than a designer; he’s a craftsman. They look at some pieces, and I’m thinking definitely Steampunk. I love it. Lisa picks some things out. She says there’s a lot to think about in putting a restaurant together. It has an image. It’s not just about food, but a whole experience. She sketches some things for the designer, and he gives her some ideas. Lisa tells the Toms to settle down or do something else; they’re making her nervous. They tell her they’re just excited, but it’s that point in the hangover when you’re still a little drunk, and God knows what they took in the morning to wake up. In her interview, Lisa says that when someone knows more than you do, you have to understand when to zip it. This could be that time. Lisa talks to Ken in the other room, saying they’re driving her crazy. Tom interrupts, wanting to show them something, but Lisa tells him to wait. In his interview, Tom thinks he said too much because he drank too much. He hopes Lisa isn’t questioning their partnership. Schwartz tells Tom that his liver is pickled.

Next time, Jax wears a man romper, James’s dad comes to his gig, and Billie is going on a date with someone Stassi thinks is creepy.

🏊 The parents came for a visit on Summer House. The only thing sadder than people still being prepubescent in their thirties, are the parents encouraging that behavior. After they left, Kyle had a birthday party, with the theme being a protest to growing up. I can’t imagine someone like him being in my circle of friends when I was thirty-five. Or even twenty-five. The party was filled with guests in Colonial costume – an ode to the Boston Tea Party – and Stephen dressed like the queen. Stephen seems to be the voice of reason on this show. Probably because, being gay, he isn’t distracted and brain-addled by so many boobies living in the house.

🌌 I’d love to see A Wrinkle in Time. It was one of my favorite books as a kid. I must have read it at least ten times. However, I’ve vowed to avoid anything under an R rating after seeing Secret Window with Johnny Depp. He was in the movie; he wasn’t my date. I felt like I was in the middle of a field trip, surrounded by lit-up phone screens. Unfortunately, my peripheral vision is really good, and it was totally distracting.

😩 The latest in TV advertisement stupidity are the commercials for medicine, both prescription and OTC, warning us not to take it if we’re allergic to it. And while you’re at it, let me remind you, that plastic bag is not a toy.

🎩 A Little Steampunk…

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Jan30

January 29, 2018 – MetroCourt Aftermath, Jax is Cornered, Still Summering & a Bit of Film

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

General Hospital

Dante and Sonny go to Spoon Island. Sonny smells gas. Dante breaks down the door at the stables, but no Lulu or Obrecht. They see the gas can, and Sonny says it has to be Faison. Dante thinks a gas can in an empty room is odd, and wonders where he took Lulu.

Carly asks Jason, what if Faison dies? Jason says, at least he’ll be dead. He won’t get answers, but he saw how terrified Anna was, and says Faison has wreaked havoc in so many lives, it has to stop. Carly says she would want answers, but Jason says it wouldn’t change anything. It won’t return the time he lost. She asks if he doesn’t care, but he says if Faison dies before telling him, there’s someone else who knows.

Anna waits in the park for Henrik, saying she can help him. Peter arrives. She draws her gun. She asks who’s there, and if it’s Henrik.

Finn works on Faison. Griff tells Maxie the bullet is lodged against Nathan’s spinal column. She asks when they’re operating, and Griff says when he’s stabilized. Maxie freaks, and Bobbie tells her to let them do their work, and pray – it really does make a difference.

Amy says the blood bank is running low, and tells Nathan to stay with her. Both Nathan and Faison flatline. Griff does CPR on Nathan.

Valentin and Nina are back at Windemere. Valentin makes a fire. Just as they start to get cozy (or hygge, as we say now), there’s a knock at the door. Dante says, it’s the police. Nina says they’ve only been back ten minutes, and already they’re being harassed. Dante asks if Lulu is there. Nina says they just got back, and Valentin asks what’s going on? Dante says Lulu disappeared, and they think she was there looking for Faison.

Griff uses the defibrillator on Nathan. Both patients are revived. Griff tells Maxie they got him back, and they’ll operate as soon as he’s stable. Finn goes by, wheeling Faison on a gurney. Maxie wonders what’s up with that, and Finn says he needs surgery. Maxie wants to know why he’s going in first. Bobbie says there’s an OR room prepped and waiting for Nathan as soon as he’s stable. Griff tells her that if they want the best chance of Nathan’s survival and full mobility, they have to wait. Maxie insists he’ll be fine.

Anna says she doesn’t mean Henrik any harm. They share a common enemy – Faison. He’s hurt both of them, and she thinks she can help him. Jason shows up, and Peter jets without revealing himself. Anna tells Jason that someone was there, but they’re gone. She asks what happened at the MetroCourt, and Jason brings her up to speed. She asks if he killed Faison, but Jason says he’s still alive. He was taken to GH. She asks if he’s going to live, and Jason tells her that’s up to the doctors. I would say it’s up to God, or at the very least, the skill of the doctors, but I’ll let it pass.

At the hospital, Jordan asks if there’s any word. Maxie says whoever shot Faison did less damage than was done to Nathan. Jordan tells her that Jason shot him when he tried to hold Carly hostage. Maxie wants to know why Jason didn’t kill him. She has no compassion for Faison, the same way he had none for those he’s hurt. Nathan is wheeled past, and Maxie tells Griff to wait a second. She tells Nathan that she and the baby will be waiting when he pulls through, and to hang in for them. Griff says, gotta go, and she tells him she knows he and Nathan have their own history. I had to think about that for a minute. It was with Claudette, in case you forgot, and Nathan once shot Griff. She asks him to promise not to let it affect things, and to save Nathan. Griff promises he’ll do everything he can. I’m laughing because for someone who wanted Nathan in surgery so quickly, Maxie is the one holding it up.

Dante tells Nina and Valentin that Faison is in Port Charles, and they think he was hiding there. Valentin says they were on vacation. He could have moved in, and they would have had no idea. Sonny says they think Lulu was in the stables. They found an empty cannister, but no sign of her. Dante tells them that she was following a lead. Nina says Lulu has been a journalist all of two weeks, and now took it upon herself to search for the world’s most wanted criminal. Like what she did with Nathan, pulling him in to the interview. Sonny asks if any tunnels lead to the stables. Valentin opens a secret door (I love a secret door!), and Lulu runs to Dante. Obrecht walks past her, saying hello to Nina like nothing weird is happening. I love Obrecht.

Jordan asks Maxie what happened. Maxie says it’s blurry, and everything happened fast. There was a problem at Crimson, so she went to the office, taking Shane with her. They went to Nina’s office, and Peter was sitting there with a strange look on his face. She heard a thud, and turned around to find that Faison had knocked the officer out. When he asked Peter to move the body, Peter got Shane’s gun, but Faison shot him. Jordan is surprised Peter got shot. Maxie says she saw it, and thought he’d been hit, but he wasn’t. After Faison shot Nathan, Peter went after him. Jordan asks if Peter shot at Faison, but Maxie was focused on Nathan. Peter called 911, and helped her. Bobbie suggests they take a break.

Peter goes back to the MetroCourt. Carly tells him that the public areas and the offices are still sealed until the police get things figured out. Peter wants to get his iPad, and Carly is mystified that he wants to work. Maybe he wants to play Neopets. How does she know? She thinks he’s probably still in shock. Carly thanks him for the tip about Lulu, and he says he hopes they find her. Carly asks where he went, and his phone rings. It’s Jordan. She asks if he’s okay, and tells him she needs him to come to the station.

Anna asks Jason what happened with the cops, and he says they let him go, but he has to make a statement later. The security footage will back him up though. Anna wishes he’d killed Faison, and tells him not to tell Robin she said that. She’s tried to be honorable and principled for her, but hasn’t always been that way. It’s how Faison got to her in the first place. If she’d really wanted to be the good person she should be for Robin, she can’t put a bullet in his head the way she’s dreamt of doing. So she’s undertaken half-measures, like putting him in the pit, and he always comes back. Jason says, not this time. One way or the other, he has to die. Anna says she’ll pretend she didn’t hear that. The same way she’ll pretend to be surprised if he follows through. She’s going to the hospital in the hopes that maybe Faison is drugged up enough to tell the truth. Jason says there’s something she should know. Before he took Carly hostage, he shot Nathan. That was the disturbance at the MetroCourt. Anna says, his son?  

Dante asks Lulu how she got out. She tells him about finding the passageway, but by the time they made it to the tunnels, it was pitch black. Obrecht woke up enough to remember where the opening was. She tells Dante he was late, and she couldn’t just wait around. Sonny says the cannister seemed pretty old, and Lulu says Obrecht didn’t think the gas would be as potent after all this time. Faison left to go after Nathan, and Dante explains that Nathan was badly wounded. She asks if Carly is okay, and Sonny says she was just shaken up. Sonny leaves for the hotel, and Dante goes back to work. Nina says good thing they got home early. She wonders who’s watching Charlotte, and Lulu says she’s with Dante’s mother. Valentin says next time she decides to go on a tear, to let them know. Lulu thinks it was a good thing Charlotte was with Olivia with Faison lurking around. She says it’s interesting timing that they leave just as Faison needs a place to hide. Oh Lulu, drop it.

At the hospital, Anna finds out about Nathan and Faison. Jason leaves to talk to Maxie. Finn thought Anna might have been the one who shot Faison, but she says she was pursuing another angle. He tells her that she doesn’t have to act like it’s not difficult. She says it’s her job to deal with him, the same way his job is to treat him. Finn says, like it or not, and leaves to check on something.

Anna looks at Faison through the window of his room.

At the station, Peter isn’t sure what he can tell Jordan. He was dropping something off at Crimson, when Faison showed up. He didn’t seem interested in Peter, and told him to stay where he was. Then Maxie and her guard arrived. Jordan gets a call from Dante, who tells her that Obrecht and Lulu are safe. She tells him there’s something he needs to know about Nathan. Lulu sees Dante’s face, and asks, what is it?

Maxie wishes Jason had gotten to Faison before he got to Nathan. She tells Jason that Faison is out of surgery. He went in first, but she doesn’t think he was hurt as badly, and it’s not fair. He should be the one hurting, not Nathan. Jason says he’s sorry it happened this way, but at least he’s been stopped. Maxie asks if he’s sure, and Jason tells her that he’s going to make sure.

Anna stands over Faison. He opens his eyes. She says, oh good, he’s awake. She tells him they need to talk.

Sonny tells Carly about what happened on Spoon Island. He says it’s lucky Faison didn’t shoot her, like he did Nathan. She says if Lucas hadn’t been there, Nathan wouldn’t have made it; he’s in surgery now. Sonny asks about Maxie, and Carly says she’s trying to stay positive. Sonny wonders why Faison went to Crimson.

Maxie asks how many times Jason has been shot, and he says, a few. She wonders if it helps to have people who love you there. Can it be felt, or is that just something people in the waiting room tell themselves? He says he could feel it, and thinks Nathan can too. Maxie knows he wouldn’t say it out of politeness, so she’s sure he means it. He has Something to take care of, but tells her if there’s anything he can do, let him know. She asks him to make sure Faison never hurts anyone the way he hurt Nathan again.

Obrecht comes in to the hospital, and wants to assist in surgery. Bobbie says she can’t; she’s Nathan’s mother. Obrecht says no one cares more about him, but Nina tells her to let them do their jobs. Bobbie takes Obrecht to find out what’s going on, and Nina asks Maxie how she and the baby are doing. Maxie says, Nathan saved us; he’ll be fine.

Peter tells Jordan that Faison knocked Shane out, and told him to get Shane out of the way. He grabbed Shane’s gun, but before he could fire, Faison took a shot at him. He dove to the ground, and thinks he must have hit his head. He doesn’t remember anything until hearing Maxie screaming. He took the gun and aimed, but Faison ran. Jordan asks if he fired, but he doesn’t remember; it happened so fast, he’s not sure. Jordan says they can check the gun, and asks what made him think to pick it up? which is about the stupidest question ever. Peter says Faison was talking about taking Maxie, since she was carrying his grandchild. Jordan thinks it was a miracle Peter wasn’t shot. Dante and Lulu walk in, and Dante tells Peter that if Nathan dies, his blood is on Peter’s hands. Huh?

Faison asks Anna how Nathan is, and she says, fighting for his life. Faison says, the wrong one, and Anna asks if he’s talking about Henrik. He asks what she knows about Henrik, and she says, nothing. She just found out about him, which is surprising, considering the number of years Faison has tormented her. She asks if he tortured Henrik too, and if Henrik turned on him. It’s what he does to everyone. He says it wasn’t like that. It was never his fault. She asks whose fault it was, and he says, the Cassadines.

Orderly Neil tells Maxie he’s sorry her husband was injured. She says he wasn’t injured; he was shot. He knows it’s a difficult time, but decisions have to be made. They don’t know if Nathan is an organ donor. Maxie says, yes, but it doesn’t matter; he’s going to be fine. Does Neil know something she doesn’t? He says they just need to be prepared, but Maxie says, no; he’ll get through it. He’ll be there when the baby is born, and they’ll live long and happy lives. Bobbie tells Neil she’ll take over from here. Neil hopes Nathan pulls through. Maxie says Nathan has been shot twice and pulled through. Nothing will be different this time. Bobbie asks if Maxie wants her to call her parents, and Maxie says that would be nice. Tell them it’s serious, but he’ll be fine.

Carly tells Sonny there will be a lot of comped hotel bills, and he says Faison is the gift that keeps on giving. Ha-ha! She says Lulu practically dared him to come after Nathan; he must have been after Maxie. They can’t think of anyone else at Crimson who would matter to him.

Dante says Peter put this in motion, and for what? Money? Peter doesn’t get how Dante is blaming him, but Dante says he wanted the interview. Lulu could have been killed because of him. Lulu says she knows he’s worried, but Peter didn’t make her do anything. If anyone is to blame, it’s her. Jordan says, it’s been a long night, and asks Peter to make himself available in case there are more questions. Peter tells Dante for what it’s worth, he hopes Nathan pulls through (the phrase of the day).

Anna asks what Faison is talking about; what Cassadine? How are they connected? Finn comes in, and asks Anna what she’s doing. She says Faison has answers, but Finn says he won’t be much use if he’s dead. Anna tells him that she was told he was stable. Finn says that doesn’t mean she can wrestle with him. As soon as he’s in a regular room, she can question him, but bring someone with her. She says she can handle him, but Finn says she’s not hearing him. The maximum damage was done without killing him, and she needs to bring a witness. If he dies while she’s questioning him, no one will say she did it.

Jason looks through the window at Faison, and goes into his room. Don’t you dare, Jason. Although no one ever really dies on this show. Helena has been dead for years, and she’s still on recurring status.

Sonny says if Faison was going after Maxie, why not go to her apartment? Why go to where it’s complicated to get out, there are cameras, and potential witnesses? Carly says he’s arrogant. Sonny says he might be arrogant, but he’s also a professional. Why take the risk when there’s an easier alternative? What else would he want? That’s what worries him. Neither one of them has any idea.

Dante asks what Nathan’s chances are, and Jordan says it’s too soon to tell. Maxie and the baby were unharmed, but Nathan was shot in front of her. She’s holding it together, and they got a pretty coherent account. She tells him there’s a stray bullet at the office that needs to be bagged. It missed Peter.

Peter goes to the park, and looks in a garbage can. He finds a bulletproof vest, with a bullet lodged in it. He takes out the bullet, puts the vest back in the can, and sets it on fire.

Finn asks Anna what Faison said. She tells him the missing son is connected to the Cassadines. Finn asks if she didn’t tell him that Faison worked with Helena.

Jason stands over Faison. They look at each other.

Maxie wonders what’s taking so long. Nina says it’s complex surgery, and will take a while. Obrecht says it’s all her fault. She shouldn’t have claimed him as her son. Maxie says, don’t. She’s his mother, and he loves her. He’ll want to see her when he wakes up. She takes Obrecht’s hand, and Obrecht says, thank you, daughter. Maxie takes Nina’s hand with her other one. Valentin looks at them sadly. Griff comes out. Maxie asks if Nathan is okay.

Tomorrow, Finn says let’s see where this goes, Peter tells Drew and Sam to own the story, and Jason questions Faison.

Vanderpump Rules

Jax tells Brittany’s mother it’s good to see her, but I doubt he really feels that way. In her interview, Kristen says Brittany is way too good for Jax, and wants to break them up. Jax ditches the room. Brittany tells her mom she’s doing okay, but she’s still heartbroken, and it’s not going to go away. Sherri isn’t sure he’s the right one for her. Brittany says she knows that. GO…NOW!

Katie meets Lala for lunch. In her interview, Katie says they don’t have the best track record, but they’ve squashed their beef, and are spending one-on-one time together. She tells Lala it’s 100% good on her end. Lala says she forgives and forgets, and she’s trying to find her place in the group. She tells Katie that Scheana is upset with her, and it’s sad seeing them in a bad place. Katie says she has no issues with Scheana, and she’s the one who keeps bringing up the Rob rumor. Lala is all about female empowerment, and wants them all to get along. Lala has certainly redeemed herself from the last season she was on. Lisa Vanderpump does another miracle. Only one more to go before sainthood.

Lisa arrives at SUR. She asks Peter for a shot of something I’ve never heard of. In his interview, he says in the nine years he’s worked for her, it’s been either rosé or pinot noir, and he’s stunned. He invites her to his birthday party, and gives her the shot. She hands it back to him, tells him happy birthday, and asks for a cup of tea.

Scheana asks Lala how lunch was. Lala says Katie was cool, didn’t say a bad word about Scheana, and swears she hasn’t been talking about Rob at all. In her interview, Lala says the feud started with her, but she feels like it’s their job as women to get past it and forgive. Scheana says she’s practically having panic attacks over it. Please.

It’s time for Peter’s birthday party. Ariana tells us that in the past, Peter has only had dudes at his birthday parties. This is a first for the chicks. Kristen says she has another surprise coming for Jax. I can’t wait. Jax tells James that Kristen is behind Brittany’s mother visiting. Her sister, Tiffany, walks in. I guess that’s Kristen’s other surprise. Jax wonders if her grandmother and father are showing up next. Brittany tells her sister what’s been happening. Tiffany says she likes Jax, but if he’s going to cheat on Brittany, he should go. We flash back to Tiffany and Jax not getting along very well in Kentucky. Brittany says it should be interesting.

Lisa graces everyone with her presence. Jax tries to be friendly. Everyone drinks continuous shots. Stassi says Patrick is in Amsterdam. He decided to take a trip without her because he’s an enormous jerk. Peter is the only ex she doesn’t fantasize about murdering, so she doesn’t mind doting on him tonight. He takes a bite of his cake directly from the cake.

Lisa sits with Brittany’s mom, who says she’s devastated. She doesn’t want Brittany with Jax anymore unless there’s a big change.

Brittany tells Jax it’s an amazing day. He needs to make it up to her mother and sister. If she matters at all, he’ll put in the effort to make them okay with her family. Their opinion means everything to her. If he can’t do that, he can’t be with her.

Lala is concerned about being the main source of what happened between Katie and Scheana. She tells Scheana how much she loves her, and James butts in. Scheana snarks at Kristen, and Lala screeches, enough! She’s over it. She tells Scheana that she’s done with everyone blaming each other. They need to have a united f-ing front as women. Stassi thinks it’s terrifying, but oddly beautiful, to watch Lala lose her sh*t. In her interview, Scheana says Katie has always been a bitch. Last year, she used her wedding as an excuse, and now she’s cozying up to Lala, and she won’t have it. She calls them fake, and Schwartz says she’s the fakest of the fake. Scheana says at least he’s being a man for once, and he calls her a bougie Kardashian, who’s fake from head to toe. All she cares about are selfies. She says all he cares about is making out with chicks in bars. Lisa tells Sherri that she feels like they’re in the cheap seats, making Sherri laugh. Scheana says that she wants to spare Lala her fate, and the girls “got in her head” last year. In her interview, Ariana thinks Scheana is being genuine, and that Katie is trying to redeem herself. If she gives Katie the benefit of the doubt. Which she doesn’t. Lala says Scheana may have PTSD – after finally getting the letters straight – but she’s stuck with her. I have no idea what these drunk people are even talking about at this point. What happened to just drinking and dancing?

James and Lala play tennis. She says her man likes to play tennis, and he’s good, so she’s taking lessons. James asks if she talked to Katie. Lala feels like a lot was going on. She asks if James thinks Scheana is being antagonized. She tried, and if they want to go to war, she’s washing her hands. She calls the whole thing a circus.

Jax comes bearing food for the women in his life. Brittany is making him work. Sherri says the butler needs to get them some better food. She wants to talk to Jax, but he stalls. In his interview, he’s thinking of going to Canada, but then realizes he has a felony.

Lala asks about Logan. She thinks he wishes James was gay; he has mad love for him. James slips, calling Logan his girlfriend. He thinks Logan needs to find a boyfriend, although he does admit, what’s not to love about himself? How long does he have?

Tiffany tells them that Logan told her that he’s sleeping with James, and called Raquel stupid. Jax thinks maybe it’s true. Brittany says James is going to freak when he finds out.

During downtime at SUR, Schwartz tells Lisa he was out of line and disrespectful to Scheana at Peter’s party. Lisa wonders why he’s telling her, and he thought she’d like that he stood up for Katie. He says Katie has changed and matured so much. Katie joins them, saying he’s being a good husband. Scheana doesn’t understand how she and Lala can be friends, and is giving her grief. In his interview, Schwarz says the hypocrisy was too much, with Scheana calling Katie fake. In her interview, Lisa says she’s not as much of a pushover as Sherri, but Jax will do anything to get over.

The guys join Guillermo at the gym. Tom says people sometimes challenge him to a jump rope off. He doesn’t know what that’s about, but he’s never lost. Jax punches the bag. They sit outside afterward. James says he heard about Kristen flying Brittany’s mother out. In his interview, James thinks Kristen is the same crazy bitch she always was. Jax tells him about Logan crying to Tiffany, saying he and James are hooking up. James doesn’t believe it, but Jax wonders why she’d say that if it wasn’t true. In his interview, Schwartz says there’s a 77% chance. James asks if he thinks there’s any truth to it, and Jax says it’s none of his business.

Stassi and Kristen go to SUR for dinner. Kristen feels like she’s on a date. Brittany thanks Kristen. She tells Lala about what Logan told her sister. Lala thanks Logan wants more, and James wants people to find him hot. Kristen doesn’t think he wants to date guys, but has definitely taken a dip in the penis pond. This isn’t of concern, but James cheating on his girlfriend is.

James and Raquel go to a wine making/tasting. James says he feels weird, and Raquel is uncomfortable. James says he lets a lot slide, but Logan can’t disrespect his girlfriend. He says it’s not true, but Raquel says that’s not the problem; it’s the girls she worries about. He says the whole world wants to have sex with him. Must be the whole world minus one, because I don’t.

Jax takes Tiffany and Sherri out to dinner. He hopes they’re enjoying their time. He was blindsided, but he’s happy Kristen brought them. In his interview, He says Kristen wants to burn his relationship to the ground, and has a weird obsession. Sherri asks if it was just a one-time thing, and he claims it was just the act; he doesn’t really care about anyone else. He tells her that he’s had a lot of issues, and gone down bad roads. He was frustrated with Brittany’s lack of motivation. Sherri thinks Brittany does a lot for him, and wonders what he does with his time. He’s like, details, details, skipping right over that question, and says he doesn’t do things to hurt people. He’s not happy with himself. He’s a selfish, terrible person. Well, he got that right. Sherri says she’s seen good things in him, like what he did for her son. We flash back to when he donated money toward the making-a-baby cause in Kentucky. Sherri says she’ll give him a second chance, and she loves him. She’s believing in him. In his interview, he tells Kristen to suck it. I’m so disappointed.

James is coming by Jax and Brittany’s place. Jax doesn’t want to get any more involved in James’s sex scandal with Logan, so he jets. Brittany asks her mother how dinner went. Sherri thinks Jax is dissatisfied with himself, and told them he’s a terrible person. She’s willing to give him a second chance, but they agree to support Brittany, whatever her decision. James arrives. Tiffany tells him about what Logan told her, and that he said Raquel is an idiot. James tells them not to say anything, and calls Logan. Logan tells James that he said it, but it’s a lie. It was just him being a bitch and in love with him. James wonders how they can be friends, calls him a piece of sh*t, and hangs up. James says he wasn’t a true friend, and starts crying. He leaves, and Tiffany says she feels badly for Logan, since he’s obviously in love with James.

Jax returns. In his interview, he says it sounds like James put on quite a performance. Although I’m no fan of James, I don’t think he’s insincere, just highly emotional. It’s time for Sherri and Tiffany to leave. Brittany is glad they came. It made her feel better about her decision to stay with Jax. All three of them are crazy. Jax packs Sherri and Tiffany into a car, and the two of them head to the airport. In his interview, he says everything is perfect. He has his girl and a cold case of beer in the fridge; the end. Brittany says she’s exhausted.

Next time, a fire at SUR, Schwartz’s triplet brothers visit, Katie cries to Lisa, and Jax meets with the Reiki instructor. That didn’t take long.

🌞 Re Summer House. This group’s idea of fun just boggles my mind. These are grown people with decent jobs who, no doubt, spent a bundle to rent a fabulous house in the Hamptons for the summer. They drink to the point of blacking out and making out with people they don’t even like, tear stuff up, have food fights, and immature, dramatic arguments over they don’t even know what. News flash: letting your freak flag fly doesn’t mean doing Jell=O shots and smushing a cake into someone’s face. After I started watching Vanderpump Rules, the difference in the behavior of my friends and I at that age was so vast, I thought maybe it was an East Coast/West Coast thing, but this is the East Coast (despite one of the girls sounding exactly like a Kardashian). So what the blip? It’s like Jersey Shore (which, I assure you, is nothing like the Jersey Shore) got plopped into Long Island. And why am I still watching it? That’s a good question. Horrible fascination? Speaking of East Coast/West Coast…

🎧 I watched All Eyez on Me over the weekend, and it wasn’t bad. I’ve been interested in rap and hip-hop since its inception (except don’t get me started about how Gilbert and Sullivan – two older gay white guys – were the ones who really invented rap with the patter song in the 1800s), so I love the music of that time period. The story was really nothing we didn’t know already, although I understand a few people weren’t too happy with it – namely, Jada Pinkett Smith – but I wasn’t there, so who knows? Danai Gurira (Michonne, The Walking Dead) did a nice turn as Tupac’s mother, even though she looked young enough to be his date. The main thing for me was the music, and it was on point. Also impressive was the casting. It was amazing how much these actors looked and sounded like the people they were portraying. I wonder if Demetrius Shipp Jr. is the reason the rumor of Tupac still being alive, is still alive.

🎥 I also watched A Cure for Wellness, which I’d like to rename What the Hell was That? and Rough Night, which is like Weekend at Bernie’s with chicks, and not as funny.

💭 Just Because…

AnimalHouseBluto

TuesdayJump

Nov3

November 2, 2017 – One Jason Too Many, You Need a Bit of Shock Treatment & Tidbits

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

General Hospital

Real Jason visits Sam’s room. She says, it’s you, and he says, yeah, it’s me.

On the docks, a very popular spot, Klein sees Valentin, who’s been ignoring his messages. He says Valentin owes him a debt, but Valentin says it’s been paid in full. Klein promises to do him a favor if Valentin gets him out of Port Charles.

Cassandra sees Finn at the MetroCourt. She tells him about being evacuated the night before, and he tells her he was at the hospital and missed the chaos at the party. She says it must be hard on him, tearing himself away from Anna.

Andre visits Anna. He’s come to say goodbye.

In Andre’s office, Franco takes the paper out of the printer. He says there are two Jasons out there with the same memories, and remembering how much they hate him. Elizabeth shows up, and asks what he’s doing there.

Real Jason asks how Sam is. She says she feels like she’s going crazy; she’s losing her mind. He tells her it’s okay, and sits by her bed, hesitantly taking her hand. He tells her again that it’s him. Sam says it doesn’t make any sense, and he says not for him either. He doesn’t know what’s going to happen, but wanted her to know she’s not crazy. He’s here, and he’s Jason. Danny comes bouncing in, and asks who he is.

Real Jason asks if he’s Danny, and tells him he’s his mom’s friend, and a friend of the uncle Danny was named after. Danny wonders why they’ve never met, and he says he’s been away since Danny was a baby. Danny asks why Sam is crying, and she tells him that she’s happy to see him. He shows her a card he made. Real Jason helps him up on the bed, and Other Jason is suddenly in the doorway. He tells Real Jason to let go of his son.

Valentin can’t believe how Klein screwed everything up, but Klein says it wasn’t his call. Valentin says his wife was at the party, and Klein says he had no idea what was going to happen. Valentin tells him their was a siege, and he couldn’t even get his wife home without running into one of Klein’s goons. He was shot and on the docks, throwing Klein’s name around, and Valentin wanted no part of it. Klein says he was fulfilling an obligation to a client, but never knew the price would be so steep. Hasn’t Valentin ever wished he could change the past? Valentin flashes back to Cassandra showing him the picture. I get a good look at it this time. It’s Claudette holding a newspaper toward the camera. Klein says Valentin is his only option. Valentin says he understands more than Klein knows.

Andre tells Anna that he’s leaving Port Charles today. She asks if there’s an explanation, and he says he came to town suddenly, so it makes sense to leave the same way. No, it doesn’t. She asks about his patients, and he says they’ll be in good hands. She says capable hands, but not his. He helped her when she thought she’d killed Carrrlos, and was having panic attacks. He tells her that he was happy to remind her of her inner strength. Anna tells him that he gave her back her life. She was lost in grief, and he showed her the way out. Andre says it’s nice to have a satisfied customer. He tells her no matter what she hears about him, he tried to help people. She asks what happened.

Franco tells Elizabeth to go back to her room, but she says she’s cleared. She wants to see the boys and sleep in her own bed. She tells Franco that she has a few days off, so while the boys are at school, they’ll have the house to themselves. He likes the sound of that, and asks how she knew he was there. She says she wasn’t looking for him, but thought she’d make an appointment for Jake while she was walking around. She saw him looking at the painting and knows why he’s there

Other Jason tells Real Jason to get out. Danny asks if he did something wrong, and Other Jason says Real Jason shouldn’t be there. Danny doesn’t understand, since he’s mommy’s friend. Other Jason asks if that’s what Real Jason told him. Carly shows up, and says they all had the same idea. She asks Sam how she is. Sam says she’s doing great, and shows her the card Danny made. Carly tells Danny there are some new, cool games in the playroom, and she’ll take him there. Other Jason acts like a cretin, saying he doesn’t know what’s going on and couldn’t care less, but he wants Real Jason out. He says Real Jason will be lucky if he doesn’t have him arrested. Real Jason says he doesn’t know what happened any more than Other Jason does, but he knows he’s Jason.

Cassandra tells Finn she’s more convinced than ever that he’ll put her on the road to health. She asks about the test findings, but Finn wants to discuss it in the proper setting at her appointment later. She says she’ll bow to his professional etiquette. Assuming the results aren’t dire, she’s inviting Finn and Anna to dinner tonight. Finn says there’s something she should know about his relationship.

Andre tells Anna that in both their professions, they see people at their best and worst. She says sometimes their work overlapped, and she’s grateful to have used his ability as a profiler. He says his ability to determine a person’s character. She says he turned his back on a WSB job to work at GH (apparently, I missed that conversation), and asks if he doesn’t want to settle anymore. He says he’s not going back to the spy game, but GH wasn’t settling. He loved his time there, helping all sorts of people, and will miss it. Anna says something is wrong, and asks him to tell her about it; she’s his friend and won’t judge. He thanks her. She proved he could trust her when they danced disco together. Anna says there’s no distrust on the dance floor. Andre gives her a mini disco ball to remember him at his best.

Franco tells Elizabeth he can explain. She says he never meant to sell the painting that Andre bought, and thinks he wants it back. He says it means a lot to him. She asks were Andre is, and Franco says he received life-changing news and split. He hasn’t just left the hospital, but left Port Charles altogether. He says he should be offended that Andre didn’t take the painting. Elizabeth is upset because Jake was having sessions with him, and they haven’t reconciled him seeing the man with Jason’s old face in the park. Franco puts his shirt tail over the paper sticking out of his back pocket. He’ll be happier when he gets her home, and says he’ll come back for the painting.

Other Jason tells Real Jason to let whoever set this up know it’s not going to work. Real Jason says he doesn’t know where he’s been for the last five years, but Other Jason doesn’t need to hear his lies, and says Sam doesn’t either. Real Jason says he needs to know one thing, but Other Jason says no, he doesn’t. Real Jason tells Sam that Danny looks like Jake. Sam says that Heather lied, and so did Franco. Danny is her son with Jason. Other Jason tells him to leave. He says Real Jason is a threat to his family, and he’s going to stop him. Carly returns, and says she got here just in time. Other Jason says this man refuses to leave, and to call security before things escalate. Carly says she can’t do that. She’s the one who told him that he needed to see Sam.

Anna asks Andre. please don’t leave; a good dance partner is hard to find. He wishes there was another way. A choice he made before coming there caught up with him. She asks if it’s about the WSB. He says it started out like all the devil’s work, with good intentions. He never told her, but he’d set out to conquer humanity’s great fear – the loss of one’s identify by loss of memory. He touches his briefcase, saying it’s his life’s work, so many pieces of paper. He’d hoped it would be his legacy, but it’s his curse. Anna says she’ll help, and he says he wants to tell her. She suggests making some tea, saying the ritual of pouring and drinking tea helps you focus. He says it sounds good, and I say, don’t leave him there alone! He looks at the disco ball.

Cassandra asks Finn if there’s anything wrong. She wouldn’t be surprised if there were problems. Her first impression was that Anna isn’t right for him. He’s so dedicated; practically married to his work. Anna is lovely, but she doesn’t get the sense Anna understands and appreciates his work. Finn says it was Anna who encouraged taking her on as a patient. She stands corrected. He tells her that Anna makes her own schedule, and it’s a bad idea for him to speak for her. He’ll see if she’s available, and let Cassandra know when he sees her at her appointment. When he’s gone, she asks herself what that was about.

Klein says there’s no need to involve Valentin’s family. He just needs safe passage out of Port Charles and a new identity. Valentin knows people who can make that happen, and he’ll help Valentin in the future like he has in the past. Valentin gets on the phone, saying he has a friend who needs the help they can provide. He’ll be waiting at Dock 55.

Carly says Real Jason and Sam need to talk, but Other Jason says Real Jason has nothing to say to his wife. Epiphany arrives, and when she sees Real Jason, says, I’ll be damned. He says hello, and she asks if he’s the cause of the disturbance. He tells her, pretty much, and she says he needs to go. The patient need to rest. Real Jason and Carly leave, and Epiphany tells Other Jason he has to go too. Sam was prescribed rest, and she’s going to rest. Other Jason tells Sam he’ll be right outside. Epiphany says it looks like Sam’s had a shock, and asks if she wants a sedative. Sam says she just needs time to think, and Epiphany says, I’ll bet.

Carly babbles at Real Jason about how it’s all her fault. She badgered him, and shouldn’t have told him to come, but it was important that he did. He tells her that he’s glad she made him do this. He got to see Sam and Danny, and found out Danny is his son. She says Danny looks just like him, and acts just like him. He’s a terror running around the Quartermaine mansion, driving everyone nuts. Real Jason sees Franco talking with Elizabeth. He strides over, and punches Franco out. Carly is like, uh-oh.

Epiphany calls security. Carly tells Real Jason it’s not worth it, and he asks why Franco is still alive.

Anna finds Andre gone, as I predicted. She grabs her phone and runs out.

Epiphany tells Real Jason he can’t be attacking anyone. She’s disappointed; he used to used to have better sense. Real Jason keeps going after Franco, even after security grabs him. Carly says it’s not his fault, but they take him away.

Klein tells Valentin that once he’s relocated, he’ll wire more than enough; name his price. Valentin says you can’t put a price on payback, and suddenly we see flashing lights. Klein says he heard Valentin on the phone, and Valentin says so did the PCPD. He asks if Klein thinks he would help after Klein almost got his wife killed. He tells the cops this is the man they’re looking for, and Klein calls him a treacherous bastard. He says what goes around, comes around, and someone will sell Valentin out the same way. Probably, but I don’t think this will be why.

Other Jason sees Carly and says, that’s it? She believes Real Jason? Carly knows it’s hard, and he says it’s impossible. He wouldn’t have known who he was if she hadn’t proved it. Now all that’s out the window? If that guy is Jason, what doesn’t that make him? She wishes she knew.

Elizabeth doesn’t understand. Carly called the guy Jason, and he looks like Jason used to look. She flashes back to everything Franco has told her about Jason having and not having a twin, ending with Monica saying the only way it’s possible, is if there are two Jasons. She says, omg, he’s alive, and Franco knew.

Valentin orders a drink at the bar. Cassandra says it’s early for happy hour, but then again, he doesn’t look very happy. He says he just severed a significant tie with his past, and would rather drink alone. She says not their past; they’re still bound together. He says she doesn’t need him, and she says she doesn’t need anyone, but wants him. No one else is able to meet her exacting standards. She tells him that he’s free to walk away, but there is the small issue of the woman who carried his baby, and it’s time to consider the next step. She has an appointment with Finn, and hopes he has an insight into her health issues. She bemoans that all the good ones are taken. Valentin says he isn’t positive, but he thinks Finn’s girlfriend dumped him.

Anna runs into GH, and tells Finn that Andre is leaving Port Charles. His office is empty, and she asks if Finn knows anything. Finn says Andre goes his own way, and asks if they’re friends. Anna says they were almost more than that, and Finn says he’ll be in good company with the rest of her exes. She says technically, Finn is one of them, but he says not yet. Cassandra invited them to dinner, and he hasn’t told her. Anna asks why not?

At the station, Carly babbles some more to Real Jason, who wonders why Franco isn’t in jail. Real Jason tells her to call Diane, and she says Diane can explain, since Franco is free because of her. He had a brain tumor, making him not accountable for his crimes, and the charges were dropped. Franco had thought Jason was his brother, but Heather lied; they’re not related. She asks Real Jason not to hate her, but she almost married Franco. He asks why, and she says that she thought he was Jason’s twin, and was desperate to hold on to him. She married Sonny instead. Real Jason is like, wtf? and she says she was a real mess. She needed him so much; she was a rolling disaster. He says he gets it, and he’s sorry she had to go through all that. Carly says everything is okay; he’s back. Klein is brought in.

Andre is at the docks. He takes his life’s work out of the briefcase, and puts it in a trash can. He sets it on fire. Nice going, Andre. Now you’ll never be able to reverse anything. You could have given that to Franco too. He watches it burn. Idiot.

Finn tells Anna that she has unfinished business with Cassandra, and he doesn’t want to screw it up. Anna thanks him, but says it wouldn’t be the end of the world, or the operation; couples break up all the time. He says unexpectedly too, and she’s like, oops, sorry. He tells her that he’s giving the test results to Cassandra, and she can finish the job. Finn tells Anna to be careful of Valentin. She says she can take care of herself, and he says he never doubted it.

Valentin tells Cassandra that he doesn’t know Finn, but he’s pretty sure his fiancé walked out on him. She says she didn’t know it had progressed that far with Anna. Valentin says, who? and Cassandra says, Anna Devane. She asks if he knows her.

Franco tells Elizabeth that he doesn’t know anything. She says Monica claimed to have seen Jason at the MetroCourt, and Jake saw him in the park. Franco knew there was more to the story, and knew Betsy was lying. There was a twin. Franco says yes.

Other Jason returns to Sam’s room, and Epiphany says she needs to rest. Anything else can wait. She leaves, and Other Jason tells Sam that he doesn’t know what’s going on, but everything is going to be okay. She knows who he is. She opens her eyes, but doesn’t look at him.

Real Jason tells Carly to tell Diane not to work too hard to get him out; not yet. He says Sam’s husband is right about one thing. This is a set up. Somebody did this to the both of them, and he has to find out who.

Tomorrow, Griff won’t take no for an answer, Franco tells Elizabeth everything, Curtis has Other Jason’s back, and Real Jason and Klein meet in jail.

💍 Still working on my 90 Day Fiancé diatribe thesis.

👯 Not a Sequel, an Equal

Once in a while, I recommend a film, and this is one of those times. Released in 1981, Richard O’Brien‘s Shock Treatment was billed as a sequel to The Rocky Horror Picture Show, no doubt contributing to its downfall. Due to Tim Curry not wanting to reprise his Frank-N-Furter role, among other obstacles, the script was revised until the only remaining ties were the main characters of Brad (Cliff De Young) and Janet (Jessica Harper), who are now married and living in Denton. There’s where all links to its predecessor end.

In a nutshell, Denton is a place much like Stepford, where everyone gets along, there’s “tolerance for the ethnic races,” and just about everything is a reality show. Any comparison to our world today is merely a coincidence. Brad and Janet, who is disappointed with her marriage, become contestants on a show called “Marriage Maze.” Brad sucks at the game, and ends up in “Dentonvale,” which is a hospital, insane asylum, and yet another reality show, while a little black dress is whipped up for Janet, and she’s groomed to be the next big star.

The brains behind the entire operation is TV executive, Farley Flavors (also Cliff De Young), who turns out to be Brad’s twin. They were separated at birth, and Farley grew up poor. Now that he’s wealthy and powerful, he’s on a mission to ruin Brad’s life, and seduce Janet. On national TV of course. His plan is foiled when Janet snaps out of her ego trip, reveals that she never signed any contracts, and Brad gets sprung.

While the characters are different, some of the RHPS actors returned – Richard O’Brien, Patricia Quinn, Little Nell, and Charles Gray. Two favorites of mine are also in the cast – Rik Mayall (BBC TV’s The Young Ones and Drop Dead Fred) and Barry Humphries (Dame Edna Everage). The music is an absolute treat, and Jessica Harper has a voice like honey. She also starred in Phantom of the Paradise (another film I highly recommend), and I could listen to her sing all day long. Funny story about Barry Humphries. Just after the earth cooled, and before Tickmaster was omnipotent, I worked for a place that took ticket orders for shows in NYC. We frequently got freebies, he was doing a Dame Edna show, and a bunch of us went. One of the girls was late, and naturally, her seat was right in front of the stage. Dame Edna stopped the show, had a spotlight follow her to her seat and stay there a while, and kept referring to her throughout the entire production, calling her “Lobes.” It had something to do with her earrings, maybe because they looked heavy. It was seriously a long time ago. I can still see her walking to her seat though. I’ll bet she remembers too.

The film also has an interesting development history, the script constantly evolving because of continuous wrenches being thrown in the works. Originally slated to be filmed in Denton, Texas, when an Screen Actor’s Guild strike happened, everything had to be rerouted to a studio in England. This also caused the story to now take place entirely in the DTV (Denton Television) studio. They were nothing if not resourceful.

Although not well-received at the time, I’ve always loved this film. Maybe even more than RHPS in some ways, and more so as time has gone on and I’ve watched as my world becomes more and more like Denton. Besides the suggestion that it was a sequel, there were also “floor show” screenings and audience participation, which I think worked against it. Having been one of the RHPS “pioneers” (a title bestowed on me in Sal Piro’s Creatures of the Night), take it from me, it can’t be forced. Go ahead and give it a look. A bit of Shock Treatment will get you jumpin’ like a real live wire.

👵 My mother used to say that there are no strangers, only friends you haven’t met yet. She’s now in a maximum security twilight home in Australia. – Barry Humphries/Dame Edna

😄 Never be afraid to laugh at yourself. After all, you could be missing out on the joke of the century. – Barry Humphries/Dame Edna

🌞 The sun never sets on those who ride into it. – Narrator, Shock Treatment

😎 I Will Forever Be Brad…

 

 

 

Sep9

September 8, 2017 – Maxie Wants a Job, Tarantino’s Dogs, Quotes to Ponder & It

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

General Hospital

Maxie and Nathan kiss, but she stops because of her makeup. She says her meeting is too important to arrive smudged. She asks if he’s told her the whole truth about Amy.

On the phone, Ava asks why Valentin can’t come to her. He says that he’s otherwise engaged. She sees that Griff is calling her, and makes arrangements to meet Valentin.

At The Floating Rib, Lulu tells Valentin that Nina isn’t a part of discussing Charlotte’s custody, but Nina tells Lulu that she and Valentin are back together.

Stella tells TJ he’s a hard-working young man like his father and brother. She says Curtis didn’t come home last night, and thinks he must have been on a stake out.

Nope, he’s in bed with Jordan. She wonders how they managed to stay away from each other.

Elizabeth comes downstairs, and Franco puts the photo under the couch. He tells her that the kids are on the bus. She says all three? and he goes, you mean we have three? Ha-ha! I love him. He called the hospital, and asked someone to cover for her. He tells her that she needs sleep. He says he was worried about her. She keeps thinking about Jason, and Franco says he does too. He says her son’s father is in a coma, and it’s as good a reason as any for a personal day. She asks what if Jason isn’t okay? She’ll always wonder if the time she stole from him would have made a difference. Franco is pretty sure everyone is going to blame themselves, but thinks that Elizabeth can make more productive use of her time than beating herself up. He suggests inviting Monica over. She says they’ll talk about it when she gets home from work.

Elizabeth runs into Scotty on her way out. Franco asks if he knows him. Scotty says it’s not his fault they haven’t seen each other in ages. Franco tells him about Jason, and says he’s the last person who’s qualified to give comfort. Scotty says he’s not going to make things better.

Stella asks if TJ needs help paying for school. He tells her not to worry; he’s good. She jokes that the wages must be considerable, and there’s no shame in talking help, but he wants to do it on his own. She says Curtis was the same way. They never needed much looking after. TJ says that doesn’t mean they don’t love her. She says it’s time she went back home and left them in peace.

Curtis tells Jordan that he stated his position clearly. Jordan repeats that he’s dangerously this close to falling in love with her. He asks if she has something to say, but she says the person she needs to talk to is Stella. They have to tell her they’re back together.

Nathan says he’s told Maxie everything. She says she knows; she’s just pulling his chain. She tells him it’s a rare opportunity, and she wants to enjoy someone else in the hot seat. Amy comes by. She fumbles trying to talk to Maxie, and Maxie says she understands. She would have done anything for her sister, but she’s hoping that’s all they have in common. She tells Nathan to wish her luck and jets. Amy tells Nathan that she doesn’t blame Maxie, especially since it’s not over between them.

Valentin tells Lulu that the hearing is a mere formality. Lulu says that she and Dante have custody, but Valentin reminds her that it’s temporary custody. The charges were dropped, and there’s no proof of criminal wrongdoing on his part. They’re just as fit to parent as Dante and Lulu. Lulu says the only reason he got back together with Nina was to score points in family court. Really nice, since Nina has been nothing but gracious. Nina says they got back together because they love each other, and Lulu tells her that she hopes Nina isn’t counting on Charlotte being included in their life. Valentin tells her he wants joint custody, because he wants to act in his daughter’s best interest; does she?Lulu says they have different ideas of what that means. Valentin suggests all four of them go with Charlotte for her first day of school. Lulu thinks that’s a good idea, but wishes they had even more family members to join them. She tells him her mom is still in Europe, taking care of Spencer –  remember him? Nina says it’s hard to forget false accusations, and Lulu says that Valentin killing Spencer’s father is hard to forget too.

Stella tells TJ that she’s cramping Curtis’s style. He never said it, but he’s been waiting for her to go since she got there. TJ says they’ll both miss her. She tells him that she wanted to make sure he had a good head on his shoulders, and that Curtis had his screwed on straight. Now that it’s confirmed, her work here is done.

Curtis tells Jordan that deep down Stella wants him to be happy, and Jordan makes him happy. He’ll do whatever it takes to convince her, but he can’t figure things out on an empty stomach. He suggests breakfast, but Jordan says she can wait. They get busy again.

Ava listens to Griff’s message. He feels terrible, and tells her that he doesn’t want it to get in the way of her recovery. He wants to fix things, but even if that’s not possible, he’s her friend. Ugh. Friend zone.

Elizabeth sees Griff in the chapel. She wants to say a quick prayer before her shift. He’s surprised that she’s working, but she says it’s good to keep busy. He hopes she isn’t doing it to avoid her feelings. Elizabeth says he sounds like Franco, and Griff says that’s a first. She says that Franco can be very perceptive, but can understand how he would seem.

Scotty tells Franco about Lee passing away. He says it’s not like Franco knew his grandfather, and didn’t want to bother him. Franco says he’s Scotty’s son, and hugs him.

Valentin meets Ava at The Floating Rib. She accuses him of picking a public place on purpose, to give her incentive to take the deal. He tells her that he was there already, and as for the deal, he just needs a yes or no.

Maxie walks into Nina’s office. She says Nina looks great, and Nina says that Maxie is probably sensing she’s back with Valentin. Maxie says she’s back in Port Charles for good. Nina says Nathan must be excited to be in the same time zone. She tells Maxie that she has to prepare for a meeting, and Maxie says it’s with her. Nina says of course – Max Jones – and asks if she was in Portland figuring out to catfish her old employer, Maxie says that she didn’t think Nina would see her otherwise. She wants to come back. Seriously? Nina didn’t give pause over that name?

Amy tells Nathan just one more time. and Nathan says she tells him that every time. She explains that Quinn has arranged for a book launch party, and Man Landers needs to be there. She talked to her lawyer, but the fine print states that if Man Landers doesn’t hold up his end of the bargain, the contract is null and void. He suggests finding someone else, but she says Quinn has already met him, and it would raise questions. She’ll have to give the advance money back, and won’t have anything to pay for her brother’s recovery.

Stella tells Tj that she’ll visit, or he can come to Baltimore and she’ll take him out for real crab cakes. She says med school is a serious undertaking, and as long as he keeps his eyes on the prize, it’s fine with her. She’ll be back sooner if Curtis can’t keep his act together. Curtis and Jordan walk in holding hands.

Scotty says Franco isn’t known for his affection, and Franco says he’s just being supportive. Scotty tells him that he misses Lee every day. He was kind, fair, and had unshakable integrity, none of which Scotty has ever lived up to, but he knows Lee loved him. Franco says he doesn’t know a whole lot about the family or his own life. Scotty asks if it’s something in particular, and Franco says his relationship with Jason, and shows him the photo.

Scotty says that it’s Franco and some blonde kid. Franco says Monica would say it’s Jason. Scotty says even he looked like that as a kid, and wonders where Franco is going with this. Franco tells Scotty that he spent most of his adult life obsessing about Jason, and this proves they knew each other. Scotty says it proves him and whoever it is, happened to cross paths. Franco points out that they’re dressed identically, and thinks it’s odd. Scotty says that doesn’t mean anything, and it’s just Franco and a friend. Franco says he didn’t have any friends; he made them up. He’s thinking his imaginary friend might not have been imaginary.

Jordan asks if Curtis wants to do this by himself. He tells her that from now on, they do everything together. Curtis tells Stella that he didn’t come to make trouble, but they have something to settle. Jordan and he are together, and staying together. They’ll have to figure out a way to live with that peacefully.

Nina says she offered Maxie her job back, and she declined. Maxie says circumstances have changed – to Nina’s benefit.  She shows Nina her portfolio. Nina tries not to act interested, but she is she. She tells Maxie that she’ll have no problem finding a job. She didn’t fire her because of her work, but because she didn’t trust her

Elizabeth says she knows something is bothering Griff. He doesn’t have to say anything, but she’ll listen. He says that he did something stupid, but he’s not sure he knew he was doing it. He treated someone that he cared about clumsily, which is a really strange word choice. Elizabeth suggests an apology, but Griff says he needs to do more. She asks what it would take, and he says figuring out how he feels.

Valentin is surprised that Ava agreed to meet. She says he’s not her favorite person, and he says she’s in no position to compare transgressions. She tells him that she thought she could piece together a life, but if there a chance to look normal. she wants it. He suggests they talk terms.

Scotty says he has no recollection of the picture, and Franco is creating a half-baked theory. He says they look like a million other blonde kids. Maybe it was a coincidence they had the same outfit on, met by chance, and his mom took the picture. Franco tells him that he’s grasping at straws, and Scotty asks why he wants to revisit the past. Franco says he wants to know what it means.

TJ wishes Curtis and Jordan well. Stella says so this is where Curtis was, and he says sorry to worry her, but he doesn’t know if she would have felt any better knowing where he really was. He knows how she feels, but they have to find a way to work together. He loves her, but he loves Jordan.

Nathan wants to do what he can. Amy says that he made huge difference in Chet’s life. He’s doing a lot better, but rehab is tough, and he isn’t always the happiest camper. She wants to move him to Port Charles, where he can be surrounded by familiar faces. Nathan says that Chet is lucky to have her; not everyone would do so much. Amy says he would. Look what he did for a complete stranger. He’s continued to come through over and over, but she doesn’t know any other way. He admits being Man Landers isn’t his favorite thing, but he doesn’t regret it, and won’t stop now. He has one condition – that he gets wardrobe approval. Amy hugs him.

Nina says she valued Maxie’s work, but relationships are based on trust, and Maxie went behind her back. Maxie says she’s right. Nina’s family is none of her business, and she has no right to insert herself in it, but was it the worst betrayal she ever suffered? If she can forgive others, why not Maxie?

Valentin has two contracts. The first is Ava’s agreement to have the surgery done. Ava gives him photo of a 16th century tapestry. She says she thought it would look good at Wyndemere, and add considerable value to his assets. He’s like, cool, and says the other contract is a retraction of her statement about Nikolas. She doesn’t want to sign it, but he says that’s the deal. She says the tapestry is the deal. He tells her if that’s the case, she’s wasting his time and her own.

Amy has no idea how to repay Nathan. She says she’ll dedicate her next book to him – the man behind the woman behind the man. He just wants his identity not to be revealed. He’s thinking about Chet too. She tells him she can name on one hand the people who know – her, Nathan, Nina, and Maxie – they’re totally in the clear. Nathan looks like he’s not too sure about that.

Nina tells Maxie that she might consider giving her a second chance, but needs more than a promise of loyalty. She wants something valuable, something Crimson needs that no one else has. She tells Maxie she has meeting to prepare for.

Curtis tells Stella that he hopes she understands, and they can be family. She says that she loves them too much to sacrifice a future with them now. She leaves, and Curtis is like, wow, he saw that going worse. TJ realizes that she left her phone, and follows her out.

Outside, Stella says she doesn’t know what she’d do without him. He says the way she handled that was pretty impressive. She says her illness has taught her to deal with adversity, and not let adversity deal with her. TJ suggests that they all have dinner before she leaves, but she says she’s reconsidered her plans. Port Charles suits her fine for now.

Griff asks Elizabeth if she has any words of wisdom. She tells him that she would go and talk it out, and make sure the last words spoken are how he really feels.

Lulu and Maxie are having lunch at The Floating Rib. Lulu stares at Ava. Maxie asks if they can put their lunch on hold.  She tells Lulu that the future of her career depends on something, and she’ll give her the details later.

Valentin tells Ava that Spencer has the mistaken belief that her statement will help in his wrongful death suit, but nothing could be further from the truth. She asks why he wants her to rescind it then. He says that he wants to spare Charlotte from the whole mess of a trial, and Spencer from hearing that Nikolas might have faked his death a second time. Valentin says there’s no proof he’s dead, and doesn’t want Spencer to wonder if his father abandoned him. Ava insists that she knows Valentin killed Nickolas. Valentin says she has two choices; she can look like that for the rest of her life, or sign.

Scotty says that he won’t stand in Franco’s way, and Franco says he was hoping that Scotty would volunteer to be an asset. Scotty tells him that he didn’t even know Franco was his son until a few years ago. Franco asks who he might talk to, and Scotty suggests Monica. Franco is hesitant, since Jason is in a coma. Scotty tells him to go to the one who set everything in motion. Heather Webber.

On Monday, Franco believes that he and Jason were always connected, Sam wonders if Jason has woken up, and Lulu wants to know what that was about.

🐶  I watched Reservoir Dogs last weekend, and now Stuck in the Middle with You is Stuck in my Head. If you’ve never seen Quentin Tarantino’s first effort, and don’t mind a lot of blood, you should do yourself a favor and check it out. A story about a heist gone wrong, it also has a killer cast. Steve Buscemi, Chris Penn, Tim Roth, Harvey Keitel, Michael Madsen and Tarantino himself, kick ass and get their asses kicked. It leaves no doubt that Tarantino found his true calling early on.

📌 Quotes of the Week

Learning starts with failure. The first failure is the beginning of education. – John Hersey

Wherever the truth is injured, defend it. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough; we must do. — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

If you fall, make it part of the dance.  – Luann de Lesseps

⛵ Because It

Take a look at the It Experience where there are a lot of clowns. I wondered if the somewhat accommodating clown was pissed off because he couldn’t find his nose. The lit up floor with the bugs is fantastic. It would be great for a Halloween party.

https://the-line-up.com/the-it-experience?utm_source=Sailthru&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=The%20Lineup%20Weekly%20Tuesday%20Newsletter%202017-08-29&utm_term=The%20Lineup

ItClowns

Battle of the It Clowns

Aug26

August 25, 2017 – Nina Says No, Finding Fantastic Beasts, Tossed Thoughts & Quotes

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

Holy! It’s been a long week.

General Hospital

Dante comes home to snacks on the table and Lulu dressed in a baseball outfit holding a bat. I wonder if Dante has ever seen The Warriors.

Kiki is trying to get to the bottom of organic chemistry, and Dillon tells her that he has something she can get to the bottom of – a margarita. She says if she’s going to get into the accelerated med school program, she can’t be sitting around drinking.

Ned closes the blinds, and looks like he has a headache. Michael comes in, and wants to talk about ELQ. He asks if there was a coup while he wasn’t looking.

Valentin has made dinner reservations. Nina says she’ll give him her answer then. She asks if he’s going to hang around her office all day, and that he’d told her he was a patient man. He says he is, and she tells him he’s being tested on that.

Scotty thinks it’s a good thing that the judge was quick, but I think just the opposite. Alexis tells Julian he was honest and compelling on the stand. He hopes his honesty was enough to save him. Ava and Griff show up at the courtroom. Ava asks if he’s there to see his father get justice, but he’s there to offer her support.

Court is back in session. The defendant rises. Conspiracy, guilty; hindering prosecution, guilty; criminal facilitation, guilty. Guess that honesty thing didn’t work. The judge has an opening in four weeks for a sentencing hearing. Scotty asks for Julian to remain free on bail in the meantime, but Julian wants immediate sentencing. He says every day is one more day that his family has to suffer. Prosecutor Will Smith is down with saving time and money.

Ned asks if he made a decision Michael isn’t happy with. Michael says that ELQ made a donation to Mayor Lomax, and Ned tells him that they need her to back their fracking whatever. Michael doesn’t want the company tied to Lomax or fracking. Ned says Michael should have briefed him. Michael says if Ned is setting the groundwork for a takeover, he’ll have a fight on his hands.

Nina tells Valentin that he’ll get her answer at dinner – take or leave it. Valentin takes it. Nina tells Nelle to come in as soon as she’s sure Valentin is gone. She wants Nelle to get ten of the best cocktail looks they have in her size – it’s a make or break for her marriage. Nelle thought they were divorced, but Nina says that’s just details. She needs to look better than she ever has tonight.

Lulu gives Dante beer and a pretzel. She says their quality time has taken a backset to their jobs and kids. He wonders where the kids are, and she’s locked them outside. Not really; they’re being looked after elsewhere. She tells him that he’d better be careful or he’ll strike out. He doesn’t though, and they start to get busy on the couch. I understand role-playing, but this is weird.

Nina tells Nelle, no, no, no, none of them are good. Nelle says that’s everything, and Nina says it can’t be. Nelle pulls one out, saying it’s beautiful. Nina says it has to be perfect. Nelle says she’s happy for Nina and Charlotte. Nina says she’s assuming they’re getting back together. Nelle doesn’t think she’d be going through all of this trouble if they weren’t. Me neither.

Lulu tells Dante that they have to make up for lost time, so of course the doorbell rings. It’s Valentin and Charlotte. He hopes they’re not interrupting. Figures.

Michael says that Ned wanted him to be CEO, and he was going to concentrate on his music. He asks if Ned’s focus has changed. He tells Ned that they’re investing in renewable energy, and fracking doesn’t go with the plan. Ned says he knows decisions have to be made quickly, he was in charge, and sorry. He tells Michael that he has no interest in taking over ELQ.

The judge asks if Julian wants to address the court. Scotty tells him to make it good; maybe he can shave time off the sentence. Julian says his crimes nearly cost the people he loves their lives, and destroyed their trust, which is worse than whatever the court can impose. He says they deserve a better life without him, and asks to be kept away from them. The judge says that his family suffered grievous harm, as did many of his fellow citizens, and he cast doubt on his character when he threatened a witness. Yeah, telling Winston he was going to kill him was probably a bad move. She agrees he’s a danger to his family, but no less to the community. She imposes a term in Pentonville for no more than twenty years and no less than fifteen. Court adjourned. I’m wondering how this is going to play out, since Julian just signed a new contract.

Dante asks Valentin to what do they owe this pleasure? Valentin tells Charlotte to put her PJs on, while they talk. Valentin tells them that something pressing came up. He says it’s a sacrifice not to spend time with Charlotte, but he’s hoping it pays off in the long run. His and Charlotte’s lives will be better if it pans out, and so will theirs.

Dillon tries to entice Kiki. She says he can parade around naked all he wants, but she won’t be distracted. He wishes she could find time for both her studies and their relationship. She suggests he quit Crimson. He says that’s his job, and she says studying is hers, and he needs to understand that. Nina calls, asking if Dillon’s passport is valid. He tells Kiki that he has to fly to Morocco tonight, and asks if she wants to come.

Michael tells Ned sorry for overreacting, but fracking doesn’t jive with ELQ’s long-term goals. He says that Ned has been supportive, but they should have communicated more. Michael tells Ned that he has valuable insights and experience, and asks if he’d be interested in working for him at ELQ.

Ava tells Julian that she’s sorry, and asks if she can do anything. He tells her to just take care of herself. Griff tells Ava how sorry he is. Ava says that Julian did it to himself, just like she did with her face. Julian tells Alexis that it could have been worse. He meant what he said, and his real sentence is knowing what he did to her and their family. He hopes she can move on and forget about him. She starts crying, and Julian is led away.

Michael thinks the more Quartermaines at ELQ, the better, and Ned says he doesn’t have a grasp of their history. Michael says the company will be stronger if they work together. Ned asks what he had in mind, but Michael says it just came to him, but he’s thinking VP of new business. He has to pick up Nelle, but asks Ned to think about it. He thinks it would be good for ELQ and the family.

Nina wants Dillon to fly to Morocco and do the shoot himself, since the photographer got too handsy with the models, and isn’t working out. He tells Kiki that he can have Nina make room for her. Kiki says if she misses the test, she’ll have to wait a year for the next one, and will miss the opportunity for the accelerated program.

Nina talks the model down on the phone, saying she’s on her way. She says that she’s shocked at the photographer’s behavior, and already has a replacement. Nelle purchases the tickets, and Nina tells her three tickets; Nelle is going too. Nelle gets all excited, but Nina says it’s not a vacation; they’re in full damage control mode. Nelle says they’re all set, and the flight leaves in two hours. Nina is like, oh no, remembering her dinner with Valentin.

Lulu wonders how anything coming from Valentin will benefit them. Valentin says they’ve probably wondered why he stays in Port Charles, when he has properties everywhere. Lulu says that she has custody of Charlotte, but he says only temporarily. Allegations can’t deny him custody. It’s just her opinion that he’s a horrible person. He’s been custodial parent since Charlotte was born, and Lulu could lose, but he has a third option where no one loses. If all goes well tonight, he’ll have every reason to stay. He and Lulu can present united front. He’s decided Charlotte’s life is better with both parents in it, and hopes they reach the same conclusion, for Charlotte’s sake. He leaves, smiling to himself.

Charlotte is asleep. Lulu talks to Dante about how much Charlotte loves ballet. She thinks Valentin can exploit Charlotte’s feelings to get what he wants, but Dante thinks he has a good point. (And really, if she likes ballet, why shouldn’t her father encourage that? I’m sure he was indulging her before Lulu came along.) Dante says that Valentin could end up with full custody. Lulu says obviously Charlotte loves him. She’s too young to know what he is, and he has two very different sides. He’d do anything for his little girl, but he’s also a monster. If she lets Charlotte have one, she has to accept the other.

Nina tells Valentin that she can’t do it.

Nelle forgot Michael was coming. He says he’ll try not to be offended, but knows how she can make it up. She explains that she has to go to Morocco. The shoot is falling apart. The photographer is hitting on the models, and they’re threatening to walk. He asks if he can come along, saying he can write it off as business. She asks what happens to ELQ while he’s gone. It’s going to totally fold. What does she think? Geez.

Ned tells Dillon about Michael’s proposition. Dillon thinks it’s great. Ned says it’s Michael’s ELQ. Dillon says that Ned told him Michael is a shark, and Ned says he’s a shark with a different vision. Dillon says if it’s about pride, he has to get over it. Michael admires and respects him. If he goes back to ELQ, he can carve out a new role, and draw the family closer together. Isn’t that why he took the name, to actually be a Quartermaine?

Griff asks if Ava is ready to go, but she tells him to go ahead. He has a life to get back to. The only person she had waiting for her is her brother, and he just got sent to prison. For all he’s done wrong and made her mad, he’s always been there for her. They’ve been there for each other, but there was nothing she could do to save him from himself. She thinks he wanted to impress Alexis, and got what he asked for – the next twenty years rotting in a cell, like she’ll rot in the penthouse. She knows what she did, but she says with him, it was just a gesture, and now he has to live with the reality.

A reporter comes busting into the empty courtroom with a camera, and sticks a mic in Ava’s face. Like this would happen. He asks if she’s glad he’s going to prison, and goes, oh wow, you are permanently disfigured. Griff goes after him, and smashes the camera. The reporter starts squawking that Griff assaulted them, but Griff says that they cornered and abused Ava. She threatens to sue them, and tells them what great lawyers she has, and they leave. She asks what Griff was thinking. He says he was defending her, but apparently he didn’t need to. He thinks he saw the real Ava Jerome, and tells her welcome back.

Scotty tells Alexis that he’s going to get a couple of martinis; he hates to lose. She says he was right; Julian shouldn’t have testified. He says it was Winston’s testimony and Julian threatening him that cooked his goose. He’s thinking appeal, but Alexis says the judge is good, and he shouldn’t give Julian false hope. Scotty thinks she should talk to Julian and give him some encouragement. She says that he doesn’t want her there, and told her to move on. Scotty says good luck with that.

Julian is shown to his cell. Fastest. Prisoner. Processing. Ever. Nina must be in Morocco by now.

Kiki tells Dillon that she wants to go, but she can’t. Dillon gets it, but thought it would be fun to get away together, and doesn’t like being without her. She says it’s only a few days. She’ll be there when he gets back, with no book in sight. They kiss.

Nelle says she’d love for Michael to come, but doesn’t want his job to suffer. Ned calls, and tells Michael that he thinks he gave the wrong impression about the offer. Michael says he did seem underwhelmed, and Ned says it’s a lot to process. Michael tells him that the more he thinks about it, the more he thinks it’s a good idea. Ned says that he’s intrigued, but Michael has to promise no scheming or back-stabbing. He’s had more than enough of the family’s machinations with ELQ. Michael says that he has to leave town to check on their South African holding (wink-wink), and he’d like Ned to sit in for him, and see how it feels. Ned swears he won’t steer the company off a cliff.

Lulu tells Dante it’s not exactly the romantic evening she’d planned. I don’t want to know. He says they managed to squeeze some romance in, until Valentin put the squeeze on them. Lulu wonders what the plan is, but Dante isn’t worried. He says Valentin isn’t going to change. He’s going to screw up one day, and they’ll be waiting.

Valentin asks Nina, so the answer is no? She says it’s not no, but no, she can’t give her answer right now. She has to leave for a fashion emergency, and will give her answer when she gets back. He’s like, why are you doing this? She tells him that he’s sexy when he’s frustrated, and she’ll see him soon.

On Monday, Griff tells Ava that he cares about her, Alexis talks to Sam about Julian, and Kristina brings Valerie to lesbian night at The Floating Rib. Sounds like fun!

🚑 I’m not into GH for the couples – I’m more interested in the spy stuff, the Quartermaines, and seeing what Roger Howarth will come up with – but I do like Valentin and Nina. I hope her answer is yes, and I wonder if he’s going to show up in Marrakesh. I also like Franco and anyone, for the reason I already mentioned. My pick wouldn’t be Elizabeth though. I don’t know who, but not her.

🦄 Occasionally, I recommend a movie, usually one that’s on cable, because the movie theater costs so much now, you have to take out a second mortgage on your house to pay for a ticket. God forbid you want to buy popcorn. Luckily, when I do get the chance to go, there’s a dollar store close by and I have a big purse. A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure to watch Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them on one of the movie channels (okay, I forgot which one – either HBO or SHO). In a nutshell, this guy has a bunch of fantastic beasts he keeps in a bag he carries, which also leads to another world, and he’s being chased by some people who want to steal them. A hapless stranger ends up along for the ride, so there’s also a fish-out-of-water element. It’s a spin-off of Harry Potter, but since I’m unfamiliar with those books/films, it obviously stands on its own. While the story was delightful, the beasts were truly fantastic, and it’s worth watching for that alone. CGI has come a long way from the days of Night of the Lepus. While the films I enjoy aren’t often the ones that leave you with a smile on your face, this left me with one, which is rare.

🦁 I did remember to watch Zoo this week. Patting my own back…

👀 I’m afraid to watch Game of Thrones on Sunday. It took me a good three days to recover from the last episode. I also want to cry, because it will be who-knows-when in 2018 until we get more. And even then, I think it’s only six episodes. Write faster, George R.R. Martin! I will need sustenance through this long hiatus.

Quotes of the Week

Sometimes you can do everything right and things will still go wrong. The key is to never stop doing right. – Angie Thomas

When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too. – Paulo Coelho

Fear nothing. Do what you want to do, but be educated and intelligent and confident about it. – Idris Elba

🐻 Whenever I hear Idris Elba’s name, I think of this poem: Algy met a bear. The bear met Algy. The bear was bulgy. The bulge was Algy. I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s the rhythm.

We are who we know ourselves to be, and we are what we love. – Laverne Cox   Great. This means I’m dogs and brownies.

You’re in charge of your own book. – Kevin Hart

Weekend-Decisions