Category Archives: musical

July 3, 2018 – Nelle Visits Carly, David Pimp Slaps Veronica, Tales from Bravoland & Independence Day Fun

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Michael says he told his mom that he’d look out for his family and protect them. Sonny says his mom is his family, and she’s in Ferncliff, thanks to Nelle setting her up. Sonny wants to tell her about the impending marriage before someone else does. Michael says there’s something else she needs to know.

Julian and Kim go to The Floating Rib, and see Brad and Lucas there. Sam asks Lucas why he’s so serious, and he says he needs Sam’s help.

Terry and Elizabeth go down Memory Lane. Cameron, who’s aged quite a lot in a very short time, comes downstairs, and Elizabeth introduces him to Terry. He leaves for the fireworks, and Elizabeth tells Terry that he’s a pretty responsible kid. Terry says, so he’s nothing like they were. Franco comes home, and Elizabeth introduces her childhood friend. Franco says Elizabeth told him that Terry was her first kiss. Terry says she’s proud of it, but she went by he at the time.

Oscar unpacks a picnic at the park. Josslyn asks if there’s room for one more. He says he wasn’t sure she would show, and she apologizes for ripping his head off the last time they were together.

Rupert tells Carly that she has a visitor. Nelle says, hi, grandma, explaining to Rupert that Carly is her baby’s grandma, not hers. Rupert asks if Carly wants him to escort Nelle out. She says, no, but wait outside; she won’t be long. Nelle says the place is worse than she imagined. Carly tells her maybe one day she’ll find out for herself. Nelle says, someone is in a bad mood, but she has news to make Carly’s day. She’s been thinking long and hard about the damage that’s been done, and has one way to make better. Nelle says she forgives Carly.

Michael tells Jason and Sonny that his mom warned him about Nelle, and he has to pay for his mistakes.  paying for his mistakes. Sonny doesn’t see it that way, and wants to protect Michael. Michael says Sonny has; now it’s his turn. He’s going into the marriage with his eyes wide open. Sonny says, it’s a losing battle. Michael says to tell Carly it’s going to be okay. Even if he’s lying, say he believes in Michael.

Terry doesn’t want to intrude, but Elizabeth and Franco ask her to stay. Terry asks if Franco is weirded out, but he says he’s relieved. He had been a little jealous. Terry appreciates the candor, and Franco says Elizabeth could have clued him in to… Terry explains it’s called gender transition, and that Elizabeth didn’t know. They drink to surprises.

Lucas and Brad talk about including everyone in family gatherings, and ask Sam if she’ll be there. She says Danny loves being a big brother, and will take on a new cousin like a champ. Brad says this is really happening.

Kim asks if Julian wants to talk about it. He wonders what there is to talk about. She says his son and daughter are there, and not even looking in his direction. He’s glad they’re spending time together. He’d like to be a part of it, but thinks it’s too late to be a father to them. Kim disagrees, at least with Lucas. Maybe he can’t be a full-fledged father, but he can have a relationship. She saw them at the hospital, and it’s not lost on Lucas how hard he’s tried. She thinks he has a chance.

Josslyn says Oscar seems bummed. He tells her that he hates his mom being with Julian. He knows things are hard for Josslyn with her family right now, but Josslyn says they can’t do anything about their moms tonight, so they should enjoy what they can control. They have an awesome spot for the fireworks. They kiss, and Cameron appears, asking if he’s interrupting.

Carly can’t believe Nelle came all that way just to say she forgives her. Nelle says it’s an important part of healing. Carly says making peace means so much to her. Being in there isn’t ideal, but she sees how much she needed it, and is going to do whatever work it takes to get back to her family. Nelle says, ever growing family, and Carly asks how she’s feeling. Nelle says, wonderful. Michael is waiting on her hand and foot. The pregnancy went by quickly, and there’s been a lot going on. Carly says Nelle has been busy, but Nelle says, never too busy for her.

Sonny tells Michael that he does believe in him, and to take care of himself. Jason tells Michael these are not normal circumstance. Nelle will do anything to get what she wants. Michael says, she wants him. Sonny says they don’t know what she’ll do now. He and Jason explain about the flyer, and how Nelle was trying to make Carly believe his brother was still alive. There’s no line Nelle won’t cross. Michael says he’s smart enough to call for help if he needs it. Sonny has to go, and tells Michael to be careful. After he leaves, Jason asks Michael why the hell he’s marrying Nelle.

Brad thinks it’s the perfect time, and Sam asks, for what? Lucas says they would be grateful if she’d be their baby’s godmother. She’s an amazing mom, and they know if it came to it, she’d go to the ends of the earth for their kid. She’s in, and they make a toast to the godmother. Julian approaches the table, and hopes the baby arrives safely, healthy, and happy. They thank him, and he says he wants it for both their families. Lucas says they’ll let him know when the baby arrives. He goes back to his table, and Sam says her first order of business as godmother is to advise they don’t let Julian in the baby’s life.

Terry says she wasn’t brave; she was scared to death. Elizabeth says that’s why she’s so brave. Franco asks if there was a turning point, and Terry says the older she got, the more trapped she felt, until she couldn’t stand it. Elizabeth can’t believe Terry didn’t tell her. Terry says back then, she just felt like something was off, but she was comfortable and could be herself with Elizabeth. Elizabeth wishes she’d been there to offer support, and Terry says she didn’t know. Elizabeth asks about her parents. Terry tells her, at first, they didn’t know what was happening. Terry acted out with negative behaviors, and they just wanted her to get better, but when it meant that they had to acknowledge she was a girl, no one wanted it. Least of all her brother.

Josslyn explains to Oscar that she and Cameron grew up together. Cameran tells him how they got married in elementary school, and Josslyn ate the licorice ring. Cameron asks how Oscar likes Port Charles, and Oscar says Josslyn has been showing him the ropes. Cameron tells them he’s life-guarding this summer. Josslyn says Oscar has an internship with his dad, and she’ll be reporting for duty as a camp counselor. Cameron says they can hang out.

Nelle gets Carly some water. She says she’s been spending time with Josslyn; they have special bond. Josslyn is excited about becoming aunt. Carly says Josslyn is growing up, and Nelle says, in more ways than one. Carly asks what that means. Nelle says Josslyn confided in her about her relationship with Oscar. It sounds like things are heating up. She hopes Carly doesn’t mind, but she took Josslyn to buy some lingerie; nothing trashy, but age appropriate. Whatever that means at age fourteen. Carly says she trusts Nelle implicitly, and Nelle says then she won’t mind that she asked Josslyn to be her maid of honor. Michael proposed. She asks if she can call Carly mom. Carly says she’s speechless. Nelle says she couldn’t believe it either. The alone time brought them closer with no interference. Carly asks when, and Nelle says, as soon as possible. They’re going to be a true family from the start. Carly thinks it’s amazing. Getting married for the sake of baby is great, although those marriages don’t always last. She married AJ for Michael’s sake. Nelle asks if Carly doesn’t think Michael will love her, and Carly says he put a ring on it, but just because a couple can make a baby doesn’t mean they should be married. Nelle says, not her and Michael, and Carly tells Nelle that she’s right. Rupert tells Carly she has another visitor. Sonny asks what the hell Nelle doing there.

Michael tells Jason to let Nelle think her plan worked, and that he’s in love with her. Over-confident people make mistakes. Jason says she killed her last fiancé; he’s risking his life. Michael says he gets it. Nelle is dangerous and evil and all those things. He’s not pretending she isn’t, but she’s carrying his child. She put his mother, and Jason’s best friend, in an institution. There’s no limit to what she’ll do, but she’s not playing him again. It’s his turn, and he guarantees he’ll win.

Sam tells Lucas he has an I-feel-bad-for-dad face. Lucas says Julian did what he wanted, and respected the boundaries. Sam needs to stand down. Sam says, not when it comes to Julian. She strongly suggests he do the same.

Kim tells Julian that wasn’t so bad, but he says he can feel the arctic chill. He doesn’t expect things to change. He’s concerned about Lucas not knowing anything about the birth mother though. She can snatch the baby back at any minute, and he doesn’t want Lucas robbed of the chance to be a father.

Terry tells Elizabeth that her brother hasn’t spoken to her since her transition. Elizabeth says she must have felt betrayed. Terry says he thinks she just decided she was over being a boy, and would rather be a girl, but she was finally reconciling her physical and emotional sides. Franco says she was freed to be seen for who she really is. He gets it. He knows the pain of rejection. They agree it stinks.

Carly tells Sonny that Nelle came to tell her that she and Michael are getting married. Sonny thought she was getting her ring sized. Nelle says the jeweler is close by. Sonny says he can’t stop the marriage, but he’s not letting her get in his wife’s face. Nelle says she’s glad to brighten Carly’s day. Carly tells her to give Michael a hug, and when she’s gone, tells Sonny, this is not happening.

Michael tells Jason the mistakes his parents have made were because they let emotions get in the way. The baby is 100% innocent, and he’s going to protect it at all costs. He needs to make Nelle feel comfortable, secure, and loved as long as it takes to exonerate his mom. Right now, he needs to focus on the baby. Jason says he couldn’t do it, and respects him for that. He tells Michael that every time he lies, it will cost him. Michael says he knows it, and Jason tells him not to give up his soul for her. Make sure he can live with his choices. Michael says he can live with anything, as long as his mom and the baby are safe.

Kim realizes that’s why Julian wanted to know about the records. He says he wants to know the deal with the birth mother – and father. Does the father even know? He doesn’t want anyone hurt in this scenario, especially his son. Kim tells him that he’s not a party. As much as it stinks, it’s out of his control. She asks, given his experience, if it’s hard to be with her because of what she did to Drew.

Lucas tells Sam that he loves and is grateful to her. They drink to the baby.

Jason goes to the footbridge.

Elizabeth wishes she’d been there, and Terry asks if she thinks she could have talked sense into her brother Sean. Elizabeth says she could have been a friend and listened. Terry says she’s doing that now, but Elisabeth wonders why Terry didn’t confide in her sooner. Terry says for one thing, she was gone, and Elizabeth was her Biz. She couldn’t stand the thought of rejection. Elizabeth realizes Terry thought she wouldn’t accept her.

Cameron has camp training early, and leaves. Oscar says he seems like an okay guy, but he’s not going to lie. He likes it being just the two of them. Josslyn says, her too.

Carly tells Sonny that Nelle is dangerous. He says Michael knows, but she says Nelle is psychotic dangerous. She’s a sociopath who killed her last fiancé. Does Sonny want Michael to go next? Carly tells him that he has to do whatever it takes to stop it.

Julian says he doesn’t judge Kim’s choices about Oscar. The situation is different. She wasn’t trying to keep Drew from his son. She says she could have worked harder. He says she did the best she could. She did what was necessary, and he respects her decisions. She says, then instead of jumping to the worst case scenario with the biological parents, he should think that they’re doing what’s in the best interest of their child; giving them to a good home. Julian says he wasn’t able to protect Lucas growing up, and doesn’t want him to get hurt. Kim says, getting hurt is part of the job. He thanks her for listening. He appreciates her solid advice – and her.

Terry tells Elizabeth that she’s knocked on a few doors, and not many have been as warm and welcoming. Elizabeth says Terry is her friend. She loves her, and nothing will change that. She asks if Terry would like to stay with them, but she has a consult in morning. Elizabeth is excited that she’ll be working at GH, and says she has to come to the wedding. Terry is her oldest friend. Terry agrees, as long as Elizabeth stops calling her old. She’s happy Elizabeth found Franco. She tells Franco that Elizabeth has a huge, compassionate heart that was meant to be shared with someone like him. He says he’s a lucky guy, and grateful. Terry leaves, and Franco hugs Elizabeth.

Sonny says Michael is doing this because he feels guilty. He’s been beating himself up for getting involved with Nelle, and her ending up in Ferncliff. Carly says they’ve already lost Morgan; they can’t lose Michael. Sonny tells her that Michael is a grown man. He trusts Michael, and she needs to trust him. She says it’s Nelle who she doesn’t trust. She might kill him out of spite. He says Michael’s got it, and she asks if he’s got Michael. He says, always. Sonny has some good news about the flyer on her car. He says, invisible ink, and laughs. Carly calls Nelle a bitch, and asks if he can prove it. He says not that Nelle is behind it, but they’re trying. Until then, everything has to stay as it is. Carly says, so she stays in there, and Michael marries Nelle.

Michael asks how the sizing went, and Nelle says, actually, she went to visit his mom instead. She wanted to tell her about the engagement personally. She thought if she could explain how much she loves him and the baby, it would make it easier, but no such luck. Michael doesn’t think it’s a good time to reach out. Carly is still in recovery, and needs space. Nelle apologizes, saying she was so happy, she wanted to share it, and give Carly a piece of joy to hold on to. She asks Michael what if Carly never accepts her, and he says, then so be it. He loves her, and him, her, and the baby are all that matters; they’re a family. He doesn’t think his mom will shut her out forever. Things change, and eventually she’ll give in; she has to. Nelle hopes he’s right as long as motivated by good intentions everything will be fine

Sam brings Danny to the footbridge. Jason asks if Danny is there to watch the fireworks. Danny tells him that his mom says it’s the best view ever. Sam says she was telling him about how Jason built the bridge. Jason says he wasn’t out there with a hammer, but he paid for it. The old one had been special to a friend of his, and over time, to him too. Danny asks if Jason will watch fireworks with them, and Jason says he’d like that. Sam smiles.

Elizabeth and Franco sit on the couch, talking about the visit from Terry. Cameron comes in home early. He tells them that he saw Josslyn, and she’ll be being working at camp. It should be cool. He stomps upstairs, and Franco says, teenagers. The fireworks start, and they stand outside. Franco says it must have been hard for Terry, not being herself. He forgives Elizabeth for making out with Terry. They kiss.

Everyone goes outside at The Floating Rib. Oscar and Josslyn watch from their blanket. Oscar tells Josslyn that he tried the cologne and really likes it.

Nelle tells Michael, next year, they will be a family. He says, perfect.

Sonny has to go. He tells Carly, the next time, the celebration will be hers; he promises. They kiss.

On the footbridge, Danny sits on Jason’s shoulders. Jason and Sam smile at each other.

Tomorrow the show from January 17, 2018 will be aired. Why that one? Who knows? On Thursday, Stella tells Griff not to impose, Oscar tells Kim to stop wasting time with Julian, and Drew tells Sam they’re divorced.

The Haves and the Have Nots

RJ asks David, what the hell, and David says get out of his face. Veronica can’t believe David really hit her. He says after all he’s done for her, and all the sacrifices he made for her. The new house was supposed to be hers after she burned the other one down. She starts freaking out, and hopping up and down. David says she’s made his life hell. RJ tells David to go, but David tells him to mind his own business. Veronica says she has this. She’s going to show him how bad it can get. David tells her to give it her best shot. She says when they got married, she had two rules. One, that he not cheat on her, and two, that he never lay a hand on her; now he’s done both, and he’s with that heifer. He says he never cheated on her, but he had to see her with Benny in the paper. He gave up on her ass. She says he doesn’t know what cheating is, and he calls her insane, telling her not to go near his son or Erica. Stay out of his life. She says, you’ll regret it, and repeats it in a singsong way.

RJ asks if she’s all right. She screams at him to get out, and keeps singsonging, you’ll regret it. After RJ leaves, she repeats, he hit me, over and over. She gets her phone and sits on the couch. She calls Derek, who tells her it’s the middle of the night, but she doesn’t give a damn; she needs some help. She needs some numbers for a partner in crime. He says he’s not doing this, and she says, don’t tell her what he’s not going to do. She wants the numbers at her house by the morning. He says he’s not in that life anymore, but again, she doesn’t give a damn.

Jeffrey sits in the middle of the trashed condo. David comes in, and asks if he’s okay. Jeffrey keeps saying he’s sorry, and David tells him to stop that; his mother is a mess. Jeffrey says she didn’t do this, and David asks who did. Jeffrey tells him, Officer Justin, and David asks if it was before or after they had sex; Veronica told him. Jeffrey says, after, and he knows David is going to tell him to end it. David didn’t know there was something to end, and Jeffrey says, he doesn’t know there is. He likes Justin, and he needs help. David says, so does Jeffrey’s mother, but she won’t change. He says, this kind of behavior leads to bodily harm, and asks if Justin has been abusive. Jeffrey says he has, both physically and verbally. David wonders if Jeffrey didn’t study this in psyche class.

Justin comes out, and says he’s sorry. David says he didn’t know Justin was there, and Jeffrey says, that makes two of them. Justin says he’ll pay for it, but David asks if he can afford a $16,000 couch. Justin says, no, but he’ll try. David says Jeffrey is an adult. If he chooses to be involved with someone like Justin, there’s not much he can do, but Justin needs to get help. Justin says he knows, and David says he’ll be watching. Jeffrey’s mother is nothing compared to what he’ll do to protect the well-being of his son. He asks Jeffrey if he’s sure this is what he wants, but Jeffrey doesn’t know. David tells him when he figures it out, let him know. He has to leave before he gets sick. He tells Justin the misusing of his son makes him want to throw Justin off the balcony, and tells Jeffrey that he’ll have new furniture sent over. He leaves and Jeffrey tells Justin that he’s serious, and asks why he came back. Justin says to beg forgiveness. Jeffrey tells him that he says that a lot, but he’s forgiven. Justin says there’s a program at the department where he can talk to a psychologist, and Jeffrey says he needs to. Justin asks if it works and he gets better, will Jeffrey move in with him? Jeffrey tells him to just focus on getting better. Justin says he will, and Jeffrey says, get out. Justin says he loves Jeffrey, and wants him to say the same. Jeffrey says, I love you; bye. Justin leaves.

DA George is told they have footage from across the street from the bar. An officer asks what’s the hold-up with the Cryer case, and George says the family is strong. They’re connected, and he needs every bit of ammo he can get. The officer asks, what about the son, and George says, he’s a drug addict; not a good character witness. They look at the footage that’s focused on the bar. George wonders what Wyatt is doing there, and then sees Jim, and wonders what the hell he’s doing there. The officer says the witness didn’t see them, but recognized this guy, pointing to Benny coming out the door. The witness said he was the assailant. George says, it’s Benjamin Young. He was hit with a car by Wyatt, and the family covered it up; what’s going on? The officer says the witness claims he’s the guy, and George tells them to bring Benny in.

Sarah asks for evidence to check against a case. The deputy, who obviously thinks she’s hot, lets her into the evidence room. He tells her a shift change is coming, and to hurry, because he doesn’t want anyone to know he let her in. She takes out a box, and puts something in her purse, presumably the bullets. She thanks him, and leaves.

Hanna calls Kathryn. Neither one of them slept well. Kathryn tells Hanna that she called the attorney. Hanna thanks her, saying she thinks the police will be breaking down her door any minute. Kathryn tells her to calm down, and not to worry about the cost. After the call ends, Hanna takes out her laptop, saying she has $32.00 in her account. Not anymore. It’s $8 million now. What bank is that? The interest rate is phenomenal. She calls Kathryn back, and gets voicemail. She leaves a message saying she can’t accept it, and to call her back.

Jeffrey visits Wyatt, who’s still in a straitjacket. Wyatt says he’s been in restraints all night. Jeffrey tells him that he looks better, and will get what he needs. Wyatt wonders if it isn’t illegal to keep him there, but Jeffrey says he said he was going to kill himself. Wyatt says he was kidding, and Jeffrey says they don’t know that. He tells Wyatt that his mother will be coming, and he’ll be fine. Wyatt says they’re going to kill him, and tells Jeffrey to go. He leaves, and Wyatt lies down.

On the phone, Sarah tells Jim, it’s done. He asks where it is, and she says she’s getting rid of it. He asks how he’ll know, and she says, when the case is dropped. He wants proof, but she says she’s not sending him proof. He tells her that he wants it brought personally. Do it, and they’re through. She asks how she knows he’s telling the truth, and Jim says she’ll have to trust him. Sarah says that will never happen. He knows how dangerous this is. He says, bring it. He’ll text the address, and make sure she’s not followed. She says, no sh*t.

There’s a knock at Veronica’s door, and she says, there’s a doorbell, boy. Derek comes in, and she asks if he got her numbers. He puts a paper on the end table, and starts to leave, but she tells him, not so fast. When she calls, she needs for him to come. She doesn’t care what he’s doing. Unless he wants her to call his parole officer. He says, some things are worth going back to jail for. Why not leave him alone? He’s living a clean, honest life. She doesn’t give a damn. He owes her, and she always collects. He asks how much is enough? and she says when she decides it is. He wonders if she knows what he was in for, and she asks if he’s threatening her. He says call him again, and yes. She laughs at him, and says she can’t wait to need something else. She says, they better be good numbers. When he leaves, she can’t believe a damn convict is threatening her.

Benny is surprised to find Hanna at home, and she says she’s not going to work with this thing hanging over their heads. Benny says it will be fine, and she says, she knows; she got a lawyer. She doesn’t want to use Veronica, and they can afford it. She checked the account, but her boss put too much in. Benny wonders why Kathryn is being so nice, and asks, how much? She says she’s going to use it to pay for the lawyer, and give the rest back. Kathryn calls back, and Hanna asks if she’s lost her mind. She put over $8 million in Hanna’s account, and she can’t accept it. Kathryn says she didn’t put it in there, and Hanna asks, who did? Kathryn has an idea, but can’t talk right now. She’ll call Hanna back. Hanna tells Benny it’s a mistake, and starts to call the bank. He says, it’s not a mistake.

Candace’s phone rings. It’s Benny, who asks how much money she put into the account. When Hanna hears the money came from Candace, she freaks. Benny insists he told Candace it was a joint account, and she says they have to move the money. He asks where it came from, and she tells him, it’s legit. She’ll explain when she gets there, and don’t let Hanna touch it. Benny tells Hanna that they should hear what Candace has to say, but Hanna says they’re not keeping it. He says they don’t know where it came from, and Candace says, it came from the devil.

Charles practices a speech, and Landon tells him it’s perfect. He’s going to knock the ladies dead again. He leaves to check on their departure times. Another member of Charles’s staff is there (another guy who has no name), and tells Charles to be careful of Landon. He doesn’t see it, the way Landon caters to him. Charles says Landon is a good guy. Dude says, he’s gay. Charles says, no, but dude says, yes. Now Charles feels stupid, having talked to Landon about women. Dude says Landon is smitten with him, but Charles can’t believe it. He says Landon is a professional and won’t cross lines, and he’s not so sure Landon is gay. Even if he is, so what? Dude says, just be careful. Charles says, they’re adults. Landon can’t do anything to him. Dude says that’s not what he means. Some of the staff are whispering about them. Charles says, ridiculous. Dude says Landon is territorial. All the nights in Charles’s room, the staff is wondering if there’s more to the relationship. Charles says he’s done with the conversation. He doesn’t want to hear it again. Landon comes back, and tells him the car is ready.

Erica looks at an ovulation test. She calls Rocky, and he tells her about Candace beating him with the golf club. He tells her be careful, but she says she still has to work a john. He asks how it’s going, and she says, better. Today, she’s ovulating. He tells her to be careful, but she says, this one is worth it. She needs him to apologize to Candace, and he says, hell no. She says he’s on the inside, and she needs it to happen; just apologize. She needs to know what Candace is up to, and he’s the only one who knows her. She’ll pay him when payday comes. He asks how much, and she says they only deal in millions. He tells her to let him get out, and he’ll think about it.

David goes to Kathryn’s house. He needs Jim to talk him down. Veronica made him come out of himself; he had to pimp slap her. Jim laughs, and David says it’s not funny; he feels terrible. Jim says, about a bitch who tried to burn him alive in his own house? David knows it sounds crazy. Jim asks how hard it is when you pimp slap someone, and David says she flew across the room. Jim can barely keep it together, and says he gave that bitch some wings. David says it was a lot of rage, especially for him. Jim thinks David should have let him take her out when he had the opportunity. David asks where Kathryn is, but Jim doesn’t know and doesn’t care. David says Veronica is going to retaliate, and it will be brutal. He thinks she’ll go after Erica first. Jim asks if she’s the girl living with him, and says David is smitten. David admits he is, and Jim asks what he knows about her. David says he’s not marrying her. He had Oscar check her out, and Jim snarks that’s a real confidence builder. Oscar had better get his money back. Candace put it in Benny’s name. David calls her a clever fox, but Jim says he’s a clever fox watcher, and he’s not playing in the trash anymore. Sarah comes up the walk, and Jim says, here comes his get-out-of-jail-free card. David should leave – plausible deniability.

Sarah gives Jim the evidence envelope, and says, we’re done. Jim says, not quite, but she means it. He repeats, not quite. He wants to show her something upstairs. She says it’s his wife’s house, and she’s not doing that. She’s done, and she means it. She walks out, and Jim smiles.

Candace goes to Hanna’s house. Benny asks where she got the money, and she says she blackmailed someone powerful. Hanna says, first Jim, now the man running for President. Candace says she’s talking to Benny, and she’s not telling who. He needs to open an account, and move the money. She’ll give him a million dollars. It’s for the tow yard and house; she wants to make it right. Hanna asks how can she make right what she’s got wrong? Candace says she was talking to Benny, but Hanna says, it’s her house. Candace asks, is it? Candace tells Benny that she’ll leave the money in the account for him, and that thing. Benny tells her to watch her mouth. She asks if he doesn’t want a fresh start. Benny says someone is going to be after her; they always are. Hanna tells her that everything she does, comes back around; it already has. Candace says she’s heard that before. Hanna is like a broken record or an R&B song – or is it an old Negro spiritual? Hanna says this is the kind of mess that her baby got killed over; is she crazy? Candace says she needs the money. Hanna calls it death money, and shows her a picture of Quincy Jr. She asks if Benny is going to be a criminal too, and why can’t Candace look at the picture? She tells Candace, it takes two signatures, and Benny says, she’s right. Candace wants to know why Hanna is like this; so self-righteous. She tells Benny that she needs this, but he says he can’t do it without Hanna. Candace tells Hanna that the money is hers. Hanna says it’s blackmail money, not her money. She won’t give it to Candace, but she will give it back. Candace asks, to who? Hanna says, the FBI. They must be looking for it.

The doorbell rings. It’s the police with a warrant for Benny, and they arrest him.

Next time, Candace wants her money and says, don’t make her show how evil she can be; Justin visits Wyatt, and suggests he hang himself; and Candace calls RJ for some muscle against her mother. Who will get revenge first?

😵 Apparently, Jill Kargman Isn’t the Only One…

Lisa Edelstein (Girlfriend’s Guide to Divorce) doesn’t remember the 80s.

https://pagesix.com/video/lisa-edelstein-doesnt-remember-the-80s/?utm_source=maropost&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pagesixdaily&utm_content=20180626&mpweb=755-7082245-711673032

🍹 Because I Just Can’t Get Enough…

#hiashley is a thing now.

https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2018/06/southern-charm-recap-thomas-ravenel-ashley-jacobs-split/?utm_source=email&em_hash=72048a93bc8188334dc1071a32fe8f3b

🍹🍹 Ditto…

T-Rav is a problem.

https://pagesix.com/2018/06/29/bravo-has-a-thomas-ravenel-problem/?utm_source=maropost&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pagesixdaily&utm_content=20180630&mpweb=755-7093492-711673032

🌀 A Twirling Tide No Moore…

Kenya is no longer bringing the drama.

https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2018/06/rhoa-kenya-moore-fired-no-filming-single-episode-bravo-confirms/?utm_source=email&em_hash=72048a93bc8188334dc1071a32fe8f3b

AmericanFlagHeart  Have a Fabulous Fourth!

Keep your pets inside, and enjoy your holiday! I’ll be partaking in my annual viewing of 1776. I probably learned more about the Declaration from that film than history class in high school. While flawed, our forefathers did their best, as we all do.

🗽 QUOTES ON LIBERTY & FREEDOM

https://www.forbes.com/sites/jeffreydorfman/2014/07/04/20-quotes-on-liberty-and-freedom-in-honor-of-independence-day/

🐣 Waiting for the Chirp, Chirp, Chirp…

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_GLig7clK8

 

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

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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…

 

 

 

August 22, 2017 – Sam Spills the Beans, War Brings On a War, Professor Perry & Never Say No

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

 

General Hospital

The diamond dude asks Anna why she wants to know about the stone, and she tells him that it’s an unofficial inquiry. He can’t help her, and says he could get arrested just for touching it. The diamond is stolen property.

Elizabeth calls Franco, and leaves a message saying she’s going to meet him at the studio.

Franco tells Ava that he has a proposal. She proposes this, and closes the door in his face.

Valerie chats with Kristina at Perks while she’s waiting for her blind date.

Curtis wants to know why Stella insisted that he wear a sportscoat for coffee. He asks what she’s up to, and she says she just wants him to meet a new friend. She could tell they’d hit it off. And there she is now – Valerie.

At the MetroCourt, Josslyn tells Carly she can ground her until school starts, and rope her into mother/daughter lunches, but she can’t make her enjoy it. Carly wants her to know how serious it is. Josslyn says if it hadn’t been for her and Oscar wandering around, Sonny would have died. Carly asks what if something would have happened.  Josslyn wonders why Carly won’t believe they’ll never do something like that again. Carly says she does believe it, because Josslyn is never seeing Oscar again. Wow. That’s a little harsh.

Alexis visits Sonny, and tells him that the Garvemeister almost caused the loss of Kristina’s father. Even if he leaves the business, no matter how hard they try, there will always be someone in the shadows to wreak havoc in their lives.

Sam wants to talk to Carly, but Jason wants her to wait. He leaves to find out about getting her discharged, and Andre pops in. He says he heard they were sending her home, and wonders if she needs to talk about what she did while she was sick before she leaves.

Sonny asks Alexis if she wants to talk about the trial. She doesn’t, but says it was stressful, and she’s not sure she did the right thing. If Julian had told her about Olivia-J, Sam wouldn’t have gotten sick. She says it will be hard for Sam, but Sonny says they’ll get through it. She says it’s exhausting wondering if your daughter is all right. Kristina comes in, and assumes that they’re talking about her (because everything is always about her), and that Alexis told Sonny about Parker.

Stella realizes that Curtis and Valerie know each other. Curtis says it didn’t end well, and Stella tells them to think of it as an opportunity to work out their differences. Valerie doesn’t think so. Curtis used her to gain access to a file, and it almost cost her career; then he dated her boss. Stella says that her favorite former in-law strikes again. Curtis says Jordan had nothing to do with it, and it was all his fault.

Ava tells Franco that she’s had her fill of offers from deranged men. He asks how many she knows. She says that she has no interest in some harebrained scheme. Franco says that technically, it’s her daughter’s scheme. He tells her about getting his dark paintings back, and that he wants to get rid of them. She says it sounds good on paper, but she’s never setting foot in the gallery again.

Elizabeth tells Jason about Franco moving in. She says it’s her life and her decision. After what they went through with Jake, she was hoping he’d accept it. It’s one thing they all have in common – their love for Jake. Jason makes noises about what Franco did to Sam a million years ago, and Elizabeth says he wasn’t well when he did those unforgivable things. I guess Jason doesn’t see any parallels here.

Andre says he knows about Sam’s hallucinations, and that it can be distressing, so he’s offering his services. Sam says at this point it doesn’t matter. He says hallucinations are like dreams; sometimes they’re random like pink elephants, but sometimes they have a subconscious element. She asks if he thinks she wanted this to happen.

Curtis explains to Stella about how he took pictures of a file that Valerie had, and almost got her in major trouble. Valerie says it all worked out, and Curtis says he’ll take Stella home. When Valerie is out of earshot, Stella asks how he could use her like that. He says that his investigation was going nowhere, and that he thought he could get away with it, but he was wrong. And it’s not the first time.

Ava tells Franco that Kiki means well. He says that Kiki thinks it would be a great idea for Ava to have a project. She says her inventory is gone; literally up in flames like her dignity and face. She asks why she would go back to the gallery, and be reminded about what she lost. He says all he sees in his art is proof of the damage he’s done and can’t atone for. He wanted to destroy it, but Kiki reminded him there’s a lot of money to be made. Ava says plus the added bonus of a good deed. Franco tells her that is work is still in demand, and it could be used for a lot of good things, like helping Elizabeth’s boys. He says he’ll up her commission, and she says not about the money. He says there must be some extravagance her heart desires. She looks at Valentin’s card on the table. Didn’t she rip that up???

Diamond dude tells Anna that the diamond wasn’t part of the Berlin necklace. There’s a code embedded in stones like that, and they’re all on record, but this isn’t one of them. She asks if he can identify it, and he tells her it’s from a high-profile jewelry heist.

Carly says that Josslyn hasn’t been honest, and Josslyn says like Carly was a saint at her age. She accuses Carly of trying to control her life. She says she has to go to the bathroom, unless Carly thinks she needs a chaperone.

Sonny tells Kristina that they were talking about Sam, but since she brought it up, what’s going on? Kristina explains that Parker is teaching at PCU. She says she’s an adult, and can take care of herself, and Alexis admits to having words with Parker. Sonny says they were probably nicer than the words he’d have with her. Kristina says she talked with Parker after Alexis left. Alexis wonders why she’d want to get involved, since she’s just getting her life back. Kristina says it’s her decision, and to stop obsessing about her love life, especially when they’re still dealing with the aftermath of Alexis’s. Alexis says good luck dealing with her recovery, it’s all good, and she walks out.

Andre tells Sam that hallucinations might be meaningless, or manufactured by the mind from something in the subconscious. Sam says they were mostly about Jason. She never felt need to protect him, and Andre asks if that’s no longer the case. She says it’s as if ever since he came back, it’s been different.

Jason tells Elizabeth that he gets it. She asks if he’s going to hold a grudge forever. Jordan comes along, and he says they’ll finish the conversation later. Jordan wants Jason to answer some questions about the evidence that disappeared the day he was at the station.

Ava tells Franco that the only thing she wants costs too much; the price is too high. He says she has a talent for speaking specifically, yet vaguely. She says it’s a gift, and he tells her that she has a lot of gifts. She says that the gallery is closed, and she’s let the staff go. Franco says even she admitted that scarcity drives up the price, and she asks why he wants to do this. He says that someone he loves, loves her, and he has a hard time saying no. He asks if she can say no to Kiki, and leaves.

Alexis sees Carly, and says it looks like they’re having the same day. Carly asks if Alexis’s daughter stormed out on her, and Alexis says she stormed out on her daughter. Carly says that she and Josslyn used to be close, and now they’re miles apart. Alexis tells her that she’s the mother of teenager, and Carly says it happened overnight. Alexis says she should take a step back, and Carly asks what if Josslyn gets hurt? Alexis says they have to learn lessons that lead to being better people. Carly asks how it’s working for her, like Dr. Phil.

Sonny tells Kristina that Parker took advantage of her, and it upset them. Kristina says that Sonny doesn’t talk to her the same way that Alexis does. It didn’t work out, but she discovered herself. How can she hate the person who helped her realize who she is? Sonny understands, but says when you’re a parent and you see child in pain, you want to stop it and don’t want it to happen again. Kristina says what about learning to fall and get back up? Sonny of all people should know about that.

Sam tells Andre that Jason is different, and maybe she is too. She used to think he was indestructible, and never worried he could die, but now she does. The more he invests in their life, the worse she gets. Andre thinks she should talk to someone. Not necessarily him, but someone she trusts enough to confide in. She says he’s right. She has to talk to someone.

Jason tells Jordan that he was at the station to ask about Julian’s trial, but found out he wasn’t needed. Jordan says there’s a gun missing, and asks if he would he know anything about it. He says there are cameras all over the place. She asks why he would want to protect who shot Sonny. She thinks he and Sonny want to go after shooter themselves, but he says that he left that life a long time ago. Jordan hopes that’s true, but says that she’s watching him and will get to the bottom of it. Sam has been listening from around the corner.

Diamond dude tells Anna that the stone is part of a set from a high profile smash and grab. She asks who carried it out?

Elizabeth is in the studio. Franco walks in, and she asks what happened, showing him one of the paintings he messed up. He tells her that he destroyed the painting because it’s ugly – the actions and impulses behind it were ugly. He’s separate from them now because he’s someone else. It’s still on him. but he was sick. How can he move beyond his past if he can’t acknowledge it? He wants to grow and evolve, not just for himself, but for her, the boys, and their future. Elizabeth says do it, and Franco tells her that he’s scared of losing her if he stops pretending the man he used to be didn’t exist. She tells him that the past is the past, and the future is theirs. They kiss, and I assume they get busy, but instead of a song part, we look at a painting.

Jordan sees Curtis at the hospital, and asks if Stella is okay. He says that he’s working on a case with Finn. She asks if he’s undercover somewhere fancy, and he says that Stella set him up on blind date. Jordan says it’s good that he’s getting out there, but he says it didn’t go very well. Among other things, it’s who she set him up with.

Kristina asks Valerie if she was stood up. Valerie says it was worse; the date was Curtis. Kristina hesitates to give any advice, since she just laid into her mom for giving it to her.

Alexis tells Carly that she knows every time she intervenes, Kristina will say she’s interfering. Carly asks what the answer is, and she says to let them make their own mistakes, within reason. If you tell anyone not to do something, they’ll want to.

Jason finds Sam’s room empty.

That’s because she went to Sonny’s place. She tells him that they need to talk.

Alexis tells Carly that things will get better when they’re older… she thinks. Josslyn comes back and Alexis tells them to enjoy lunch. Carly and Josslyn apologize to each other for being unkind. Carly says she realizes she can’t keep Josslyn a kid forever. She won’t stop her from seeing Oscar, but she’s still in restriction until school starts. If she wants to date Oscar, she has permission. Josslyn says they’re just friends for right now. Carly says she has errand to run. Josslyn thanks her and they hug.

Curtis tells Jordan about Valerie revealing to Stella how he broke her trust. He says Stella was disappointed, but he thinks he convinced her not to set him up again. Jordan says that she just set him up with the wrong person, and Curtis says she did. It wasn’t Jordan.

Valerie tells Kristina that her mom is just being parent. Kristina says more like a control freak. Valerie says she didn’t have prefect relationship with her mom, but that didn’t mean that they didn’t love each other. She’d give anything to see her mother again, even if it was for one more argument. She tells Kristina that time is precious, and not to waste a chance to make it right.

Jason asks if Andre has seen Sam, and he tells Jason she was discharged. Jason says she was supposed to wait for him. Andre tells him that there was someone she wanted to talk to.

Sonny tells Sam that Jason had told him she was being discharged, but he thought she’d be with him. Sam says that she appreciates everything he’s done, but she can’t lie anymore. Carly deserves truth. In one of those perfect soap moments, Carly walks in and says she couldn’t agree more. Sonny wants to explain. Carly says they should never promise each other they won’t keep secrets, because the promise is always broken. She asks wth is going on?

Alexis comes by Perks, and Valerie steps away to make a call. Alexis says she didn’t like how she and Kristina left things. They might not see eye to eye, but she’ll make an effort to respect Kristina’s choices. The important thing is that she loves Kristina. Kristina says that she loves Alexis too, and they hug. Valerie sees them, and smiles.

Curtis tells Jordan that he shouldn’t have said that; they agreed to end things. She says it’s the right thing. It’s who he wants to be for Stella, and that man does the right thing. Curtis hates the right thing. Jordan says it sucks, but don’t blame Stella. He should find someone who makes him happy. She goes down in the elevator, and he says she should too.

Ava transfers some funds into the gallery account.

Franco asks Elizabeth what brought that on. She says him. He doesn’t see what she does. He tells her that means a lot to him. She wonders what happened to him in New York. He gets a call, and takes it in the other room. She looks around and pulls out a painting.

Diamond dude says it’s up to the authorities to figure it out, and Anna says he’s right about that, and thanks him. When he’s gone, she scrutinizes the diamond. Andre walks in, and she puts it behind her back. He says she seems distracted, and she tells him that she’s thinking about her next case.

Carly asks if Sam is okay. Sam says that this is difficult to say. Jason walks in, and Sam says that she can’t do this anymore; she needs to be honest. She’s sorry, and Carly asks sorry for what? She tells Carly that she’s the one who shot Sonny.

Barring any eclipses, tomorrow, Ned is in the market for Alexis’s legal services, the prosecutor has a surprise witness at Julian’s trial, and Sam isn’t staying silent anymore.

The Haves and the Have Nots

Veronica and Kathryn watch as the Cryer mansion burns. Jim and David come running up, and they’re like, WTH? Jim asks what Kathryn is doing, and she says watching the house burn. He asks why she did it, and she says that she was hoping he’d be in it. Veronica tells Jim that she told Kathryn to do it, and asks him to explain about Jennifer’s body. Jim wonders how they’re going to explain this, and Kathryn says, very carefully. Veronica tells Jim that if they have the body, they have DNA. Jim says he had it taken care of, and had the house cleaned. Veronica says he took care of it all right; that’s why the body showed up in front of the news station.

David and Veronica banter. David tells Veronica to save it for the divorce hearing. She likes him getting all bold, and says it’s hot. Not as hot as Benny, but he might be on to something. Kathryn walks away, and Jim says they have to figure out what her story is going to be. David calls the fire department as the house continues to blaze.

The cops are combing the hotel for Candace. Landon asks Charles if everything is okay, and Charles says they have to talk. He asks if Landon likes his job. He’s not happy that Landon called the police, when he made it clear that he was to help Candace. Charles wants her. Landon asks why, and Charles is like, what? Landon rephrases it, and asks why she’s special. Charles says women aren’t his thing, so why does he care? Landon says that Charles is going to be president, and he’s dealing with a street level criminal. Charles says he and Candace aren’t that different. Landon thinks they are, and Charles says that would be a fatal mistake. He says he’s telling Landon one more time to help her, and that’s all. Landon apologizes and jets. Charles tells him to send in Vincent.

Charles asks Vincent what’s going on, and he says they’re looking for the young lady. He told the police that floor was covered, and if she returns, he’ll let them know. He asks if Charles wants to see her when she gets back, and he says he does.

Candace goes to the fleabag motel, where there’s still crime scene tape all over. She starts to cry. I don’t think we’ve ever seen her cry, and it’s quite heart wrenching. She asks where God is.

George wants to see Wyatt and find out if he knows anything about Jennifer’s murder. Justin asks to come along with Detective Hines, and Hines says he can follow.

In the hotel lobby, Jeffrey tells Landon to stay away from him. Landon asks if he knew Justin was going to be in his room, and when Jeffrey says no, Landon asks why. Jeffrey says he’s been showing up places. Landon says it sounds like stalking, but Jeffrey says Justin is merely crazy about him. Landon says or just crazy; the guy has problems. He identifies as straight, but Jeffrey is the object of his affections? Jeffrey says that his mom made sure he won’t be back, and on cure, Veronica joins them. She tells Jeffery she’s sick of him and “these girls.” She tells him that he’s coming home. She asks Landon if he has to check his lipstick, and he says he’s sure it’s better than her foundation. She tells him in his dreams. Landon leaves, and she reminds Jeffrey that she goes before the judge tomorrow to keep Quincy’s body out of evidence. He still refuses to come. He says Melissa tried to kill herself, and Veronica says she needs him to make sure she doesn’t bleed on her good sheets. Jeffrey says that Melissa is depressed, and Veronica says she’s just looking for attention. She’s carrying Veronica’s grandchild, and she wants Jeffrey to pick her up and take her back to the house. Candace walks by, and he says she must have found out her son died. Veronica says sorry, but apparently, her son wants the same thing. She tells him she’ll see him at home, and to stay away from the boys.

Candace waits at the elevator. Jeffrey asks if she’s okay, but she doesn’t say anything. She gets into the elevator, and the doors close.

There’s a knock at Wyatt’s door. It’s George, followed by Hines and Justin. Wyatt introduces Anna, and Justin asks if she’s his girlfriend. She says no, and Wyatt asks if Justin has to be there. George asks about his relationship with Jennifer, and he tells George about the deal they had. He asks if it’s still going to be honored, and if Jeffrey is still included, and George says yes. He tells Wyatt that he’s not here to talk about that; he’s here to talk about Jennifer’s murder. Wyatt says he knew she was dead, but didn’t know she’d been murdered. George tells him about the note saying that she was murdered by a Cryer. He asks how her relationship was with his parents. He says they hated her, but he didn’t know why. After she got his inheritance released, they got really pissed off. George asks how much it was, and Wyatt says $12 million. George asks how much Wyatt’s parents are worth, and Kathryn is worth $120 million, but Jim is worth nothing without her. He asks if they’re going to jail, and George says they’re building a case. Wyatt says they’re not good people, and George wants to hear about it. Wyatt wants Justin to leave first. Justin asks why, and he says he doesn’t like the way Justin treats his friends. Justin acts like he doesn’t know what Wyatt means, but George tells him to step outside. George asks Wyatt what he can tell him about his parents.

Candace goes to Charles’s room, shrugging Vincent off. She asks Charles for her phones, and he tells Vincent to get them. She calls Benny, and gets voicemail. She asks him to call her. Charles asks if she’s okay, and that he’s sorry. She asks what happened, and if he did this. He says of course not. All he knows is that Quincy Jr. was caught in a crossfire, but he’ll find out the details. She goes into her room, and closes the door. Is that a Birkin on the couch? She calls Erica, and says she needs her, telling her to come to the room. Erica says she’ll be right there, but of course calls War. She tells him where Candace is. She says she’ll try to keep her there, and to hurry. Boy, are they in for a surprise.

Candace calls Hanna. She asks if it’s true, and Hanna says it is. She asks what happened. Hanna tells her that War busted in looking for her. Mitch and Benny got into it, and War started shooting. Candace finishes for her, saying, and he shot her son. She asks where Quincy Jr. was, and Hanna says in the bathroom; she ran in there with him. Candace asks why Hanna didn’t protect him; he wouldn’t have gotten shot. Hanna says she was on top of him, and Candace asks why she didn’t get shot. Hanna doesn’t know. Candace calls her a liar, and says she’s the one who should be dead.

Next, Candace calls Mitch. He asks if she’s okay, and she asks if he would be. He says he’s sorry. She says she can’t believe it. She asks if they’re sure it was him, meaning War, and he says they all saw him. He shot the place up. He asks what she wants to do. She wants him dead. Mitch says okay. She asks what the plan is. He says just get him to his grandmother’s restaurant. She says she will.

Mitch calls the restaurant and says he’s coming – and he’s bringing War. The bartender laughs, and says finally Mitch is coming into the family. He says they’ll be ready – all of them – and he’ll let Mama Rose know.

There’s a knock at Candace’s door. It’s Erica. Candace tells her to sit. She eyeballs Erica for a while, and asks if Erica is with her. She asks why Erica’s dress smelled like War. She says that Erica doesn’t deal with that level of thug, so how did she pick up that fragrance? Erica says she’s scared to death of War. Candace asks again if she’s with her. She says War killed her son. Erica is shocked, and says she’s sorry. Candace says that War shot him. Erica asks why, and Candace says it’s okay. Erica says it’s not okay; it’s so wrong. Candace calls War. He says he’s looking for her, and she says she knows. He says that she lied to him, and she says she knows. War says she knows she’s got to die, right? He asks where she is and she gives him the room number, but says he knows it, while she looks pointedly at Erica. War tells her not to move, but she says she is. She says he shot her son. He tells her that it was an accident, and she says okay. He says he’s on his way. She says no, and hangs up. She’s been staring at Erica throughout the conversation, and Erica asks why she called him. Candace asks for Erica’s phone. Erica tries to skate, but Candace isn’t having it, and she hands it over. It rings. It says unknown caller. Candace hands the phone back and tells her to answer it – on speaker phone. She waits for about a thousand rings, and it’s David. Oh man, that was a moment for real.

David says he can’t make it back tonight. He and Erica go blah-blah-blah, and Erica says she’s on the other line with a friend who’s having trust issues. She says she’s a good friend, and is going to screw up the only good thing in her life because of trust. Erica says that she’ll call him. They hang up, and Erica tells Candace that she’s her girl, she always has been, and not to doubt that. Candace just keeps staring at her stone-faced, and she starts begging. Candace says don’t touch her. She tells Erica to come with her. They’re going to dinner.

Candace brings Erica to Malone’s Restaurant. Erica goes to the bathroom. Mitch greets Candace. He says their table is almost ready. He quietly tells her that when it goes down, stay low. His guys are good, and don’t worry. She says that she’s not, and Mitch says that he’s looking out for her. He asks if War is on the way, and Candace says Erica is probably calling him now. Mitch is surprised about Erica, and tells Candace again that he’s looking out for her and to stay low. Candace tells him to just kill that a-hole. Mitch leads her to the table. Mitch is just super-hot and has a super-hot personality.

Benny sits in the interrogation room. An officer comes in, and he asks if he can go or not. The officer says he’s free to go, and gives Benny his phone. Fastest. Exit. Ever. In the parking lot, Benny calls Hanna. She asks what they said, and he still doesn’t know what happened. He asks her to pick him up, and she says she’ll be right there.

Charles is at some press conference where a guy is making a big fuss over him, saying what a wonderful senator he is, and how amazing he is at so young an age. The guy says he’s good for the state of Georgia, and he’s good for the entire United States. He introduces Charles as the next President of the United States. Everybody cheers.

At the restaurant, Erica peruses the menu, while Candaces stares daggers at her. War walks in. Candace gives him a half-smile, and he sits next to Erica.

Charles asks for moment of silence for Quincy Jr. Hanna is watching on the TV, and he says he knows members of the family personally.

War’s guys start to gather in the restaurant, standing in front of the door. Candace flashes back to him abusing her, raping her, and killing her son, even though she wasn’t there for that one. A massive shootout happens, with people diving for cover or pulling out guns. Apparently, Mitch’s guys are most of the restaurant patrons. And they are good.

Charles has his moment of silence.

Mitch gets up off of Candace. Everything is busted up, and quite – WAR IS DEAD. Now I forgot what I was going to say. Erica is still alive, although probably not for long. She’d ducked underneath a table.

Charles thanks everyone, and says the family would appreciate it. Hanna is like WTH???

Next time, Veronica makes Melissa clean up the mess she left (she is just the worst – I love it), Mama Rose asks if Erica should live, and Jim insists that Kathryn still loves him.

🎓 If you get a chance, check out Oprah’s Master Class with Tyler Perry. He talks about his beyond rough childhood, how he was compelled to write, and how his faith continues to see him through. He seems like a rare really good guy, and gives a lot of wise life advice. I’m not a huge fan of Oprah‘s, but I love me some Tyler Perry, and he did not disappoint. It was a very fast hour.

🎭 Never Say No

Alexis and Carly commiserating about teenage angst reminded me of this song from The Fantasticks. I once studied with Word Baker, the director of the original play, and thought this version was the closest to what he’d do. Unfortunately, YouTube had neither the original nor the entire song from the film with Joel Grey, which is well worth checking out. The song itself begins around the first minute. There’s a bit of dialogue first. Oh yeah, I’m sure my father would be very proud that all the money paid for my classes was well spent, now that I do karaoke. 🎤

 

May 15, 2017 – Valentin is a Step Ahead, a Southern Quail Hunt & Some Tidbits

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

General Hospital

The DA tells Julian that he has an offer. If Julian plays his cards right, he can be a free man and be out within the hour.

Scotty sees Alexis at the courthouse, and asks if she’s there for Julian’s arraignment.

Jason gets home. He tells Sam that he was worried about Scout because of her texts, but Sam says it’s all good. She asks what happened on Cassadine Island, and he says Franco followed him.

Franco finds Elizabeth at the park with the kids. She asks where he’s been and what happened to his face. He says it’s the thanks he got for helping Jason. She asks if he went to the island, and he says he was pivotal in the trip’s success. He asks where Jake is. He’s busy playing with the Chimera Project. Don’t touch that, kid! You’ll blow us all up…or something.

“Anna” and Valentin go to her house. She breaks out the liquor. She says she’s glad he changed his mind about seeing her. He opens a bottle of wine. She says he’s a study in contradiction, and he says after all these years, she’s still a mystery, and it’s like he doesn’t know her. I’ll bet he does, and I’ll bet I do too. You know who she really is, right? Think, people!

In London, the real Anna wakes up. The nurse asks if she knows where she is.

Alexis tells Scotty she’s there to meet with the bar association. He says good luck with that; they probably aren’t happy with her going off with Julian of her own volition. She says all she did was tell the truth. Scotty says that Julian is still on the hook for Olivia-J’s crimes, and no one is going to get him off.

The DA tells Julian that he’s looking at quite a few life terms unless he chooses not to prosecute. He has a proposal.

Jason tells Sam tjay Franco is fine, but he had to hire a local to unshackle him – it’s a long story. He says Franco was helpful though. It turned out the scarecrow is Jason.

Franco explains to Elizabeth how he beat on Jason, so Jason could get his memory back. He says Jake witnessed Jason being shackled to a wall and beaten, and must have heard about Jason killing people. He asks how Jake is. Elizabeth says he seems fine, and was excited to get a birthday gift from Spencer. Elizabeth calls to Jake, and he closes the magician’s box quickly. She asks why he doesn’t want to play with his brother, and he says he doesn’t like soccer. Franco wants to take a look at the box, but Jake won’t let him.

“Anna” tells Valentin that there’s no mystery anymore. She knows what she did to him, and regrets it. She wants to reverse the events she set in motion. He says she might have wanted to discuss the Chimera Project, but he wanted to see her for other reasons. Nina left him because of her.

The nurse tells Anna that she’s Sister Caroline, and they’ve been caring for her at the clinic. Anna remembers herself saying that her name isn’t Alex; she’s Anna Devane.

Scotty wonders if Alexis thinks that she can get Julian a better defense than him. She says she doesn’t have time for this. He tells her that the state’s case is very strong. Olivia-J is locked away and can’t testify, so they’ll use the evidence against Julian.

The DA tells Julian that he can secure conviction, but Julian is just an accessory, and Olivia-J isn’t fit to stand trial. He says a conviction against Julian is nothing, but a conviction against Sonny is a feather in his cap. He didn’t actually use that term, but I like it. He says they’ll keep him under surveillance while he goads Sonny. When Sonny comes after him, they arrest Sonny. Everybody wins.

Jake tells Franco that the box is for magician’s eyes only. Franco says he’s right; a magician never reveals is tricks. Elizabeth suggests they get some food, and then Jake can practice his magic. Jake leaves the box behind.

Jason tells Sam about his memory of being beaten. Helena said something about how now he kills for her. Then she was talking to someone outside of his sightline. He thinks it was Jake, and that Jake overheard Helena’s plan for him. Sam thinks he must have been scared. Well, yeah. Jason says he looked so different then, and it must be hard for him to differentiate. Sam says it’s a lot to process, and she can’t imagine Jake doing it. Jason makes a call to Elizabeth. He says he needs to see Jake. She says she heard about his trip, and tells him where they are. She tells Jake that his dad is coming by to see him. Now they can celebrate his birthday and open his presents. Jake asks about Jason being different, and Elizabeth says Jason is still his dad. Jake says that he never wants to talk about it – ever.

Valentin tells “Anna” that he loves Nina, and took his vows seriously. If he thought about Anna at all, it was as an adversary, but now he can’t blame Nina for leaving him.

Real Anna can’t talk, and seems terrified. Caroline says she knows it’s frightening, but she’s in good hands. She explains that a Dr. Lancaster found her in her flat and brought her there.

The DA says Julian’s freedom in exchange for evidence against Sonny. Julian says no deal. The DA says it’s a onetime offer, not to be repeated. Julian says it’s not for him. The DA says suit yourself. Sonny is notoriously hard to convict, and there’s no guarantee of success anyway. Julian’s conviction is a sure thing. Scotty comes in, and on his way out, the DA says the arraignment has been postponed. Scotty asks Julian what happened. Julian says the DA thought he had an offer that Julian couldn’t refuse, but he did.

Caroline asks Anna if she can say something, but Anna passes out before she can form actual words. Caroline runs to get the doctor.

Valentin tells “Anna” that he still feels something for her, just as strong today as years ago. Anna says she does too, but she tried to fight it out of respect for his marriage. She wants things clean between them, and no wreckage left behind, like the Chimera Project. Whoever this is (if I’m not right, I’ll be surprised) must think Valentin is an idiot.

Jason comes to the park. He says he has to talk to Jake about what he remembers. Elizabeth says he was concerned about Jason, and Franco adds that he doesn’t want the conversation. Jason says he needs to talk to him alone. He asks Jake if they can go for a walk. Franco says he hopes that Jason knows what he’s doing. Sam says at least he didn’t lie about his intentions like Franco did. I like Sam, but she frequently annoys me when I think she should be smarter than she’s acting.

Jason tells Jake that they need to have a father/son serious talk. He says before the birthday blast, he needs Jake to understand that he shouldn’t worry about him – or the scarecrow.

Scotty tells Julian that the DA should be dealing with his attorney for a plea deal. Julian says the DA wanted him to provoke Sonny to get evidence against him. He says the DA never mentioned immunity, and there’s no statute of limitations for murder, so the DA could have nailed him again in the future. Scotty says his sister was sloppy, and when they find Julian guilty, to remember that he screwed up Scotty’s winning streak.

Scotty sees Alexis in the hallway, and asks if her meeting was postponed too. She says it was brief, and Scotty says he has an idiot for client, and Julian is going to prison. Alexis says maybe she can talk sense into him. She goes in to see Julian.

Caroline tells the doctor that Anna was responsive, and then passed out. She says that Anna was trying to speak.

Valentin tells “Anna” that it’s been decades since he sold the Chimera Project. She says it’s her fault it’s out there, and it should be locked in a WSB lab. Valentin says they can’t be trusted, since they created it. He tells Anna again that the buyer is dead, and all the years it was in their possession, it was never deployed. He says there’s nothing to worry about, and asks if it’s the only reason she wanted to see him. She tells him that she tried to respect his marriage, but now that Nina is gone, they can talk about what they can be together.

Franco tells Sam that in a perfect world, they wouldn’t have to see each other. Sam is pissed off because he got involved, but he says he recreated the activity to spark Jason’s sense memory, and it worked. Elizabeth says what matters is Jake.

Jake doesn’t want to talk about when Jason looked different. Jason says he’s Jake’s dad, and it’s his job to help him get through difficulties; sometimes it’s best to face it straight on and talk about it. He says there’s nothing Jake can’t discuss with him because he loves him so much. If there’s a problem, there’s a fix. Jake says it’s not about what he did, but what he didn’t do. Jason asks if that’s what he’s been drawing. Jake says, if you see something bad, you tell someone, but there was no one to tell – just “her” and the guard. They were beating Jason up, and Jake couldn’t stop them. Jason says nothing that happened was his fault; he was stuck in a very bad situation. Jake says he knew he liked Jason right away, and calls him the guy with the motorcycle. Jason says the fact that he wanted to help him means everything, and he’s very brave. Jake tells Jason that he didn’t feel brave. Jason says it was one of the worst things anyone could go through, and he survived. He wants Jake to know he loves him, and that woman is gone and can never hurt any of them again. He’ll always be there to protect Jake. Jake looks at the box, and says there’s something else; something he doesn’t know.

Alexis says Julian should think it over, but he says that he doesn’t want to perpetuate the cycle of violence that he started. She asks if that’s the only reason, and he says no.

Jason repeats that Jake can tell him everything, and there’s always a fix for a problem. Jake says he loves Jason and doesn’t care what he looks like; he’s the best dad ever. Jake tells him about the magic set, and says he’s working on his first trick and needs to practice. Jason says Jake can stay and practice, and he’ll keep Aiden busy. They hug. Jason goes back to the picnic.

Jason tells them that Jake is practicing his magic trick. He says Jake told him what he saw on the island, and was mostly upset that he couldn’t do anything about it. He explained to Jake that Helena is gone, and that he was brave for his situation survival. Elizabeth thinks Jake still needs to see Andre, but he’s turned a corner. Jason doesn’t remember any more yet, but tells them about the tree with chimera carved in it, and thinks that’s where Jake got the image.

Jake fingers the Chimera Project. Aiden approaches, and Jake tells him to stay away. He says Aiden can’t tell anyone.

Anna moans. The doctor asks for sedative. The nurse thinks it’s too soon, but he says she’s his patient.

Valentin tells “Anna” to be careful. She talks about how beautiful he is inside. She says he’s strong and handsome and her equal in every way. She doesn’t think they should have any secrets. They kiss.

Julian tells Alexis that the only way he can start over is immunity, and it wasn’t part of the offer. He says he’ll have to pay for what Olivia-J forced him to do. Alexis tells him not to worry yet. He asks about his chances. He gets silence, and says that’s what he thought. Alexis says despite everything that’s happened, she doesn’t want him to go to prison, but has no idea how to stop it

Elizabeth says now they can deal with what Jake saw and experienced. Franco says he owes Jason an apology. Sam asks if he’s talking about the shackles and whacking him around, but Franco says that helped. He’s sorry that he assumed Jake was afraid of Jason instead of afraid for him. Jason says he thought the same thing. He says that he never would have known what was going on without Franco, and thanks him. Elizabeth says they all agree to be careful moving forward, but thinks worst is over.

Jake says, if you see something bad, tell someone, but he can’t tell anyone about this.

Anna mumbles unintelligibly. She sees the doctor and grabs his arm.

“Anna” asks Valentin to make love to her. He asks if it’s really what she wants. His hand hovers around her throat as he caresses her face. He suddenly yanks the chimera necklace off of her, and says for once, he’s a step ahead.

Tomorrow, real Anna says it’s a mistake, Griff wants to join Charlotte for dinner, and Michael finds Nelle unconscious.

Also, the Nurses Ball begins on Monday, with Mario Lopez working the red carpet.

Southern Charm

Omg, Craig’s cat is too cute! Kathryn visits JD (bleh) and Elizabeth. Why? Elizabeth says they’ve missed her. Kathryn wonders why she wasn’t invited to some event, and JD says until they know she’s settled, it’s iffy because they don’t want to go back to the same old with her and Thomas creating drama. Kathryn says she got a text message from Thomas asking if she wants a conversation. She’s concerned he has another motive, since it’s the first time he’s communicated with her in nine months. JD says that he told Thomas there needs to be a resolution. In his interview, JD says it’s complicated, since their dynamic keeps changing. JD tells Kathryn they have to learn to be in the same room. Kathryn says she doesn’t know how to navigate the relationship. Elizabeth says to remove the emotions, and Kathryn says like a business deal. In her interview, Kathryn says she’s worked hard, and maybe it is time for them to communicate. JD thinks she shouldn’t leave things up to the courts.

Shep jogs to Whitney’s place. Whitney wonders if there’s frost in hell. In his interview, Shep says he hasn’t had a drink in five days and thinks he’s proved to himself that he can live without alcohol. No comment. Whitney tells him he should replace alcohol with smoking. Ha-ha!  Although I’m not crazy about Whitney, I do like his sense of humor. Shep thinks they should go on a quail hunt at a private club near Savannah. We see pictures of Shep hunting as he was growing up. He wonders if Craig and Naomie have resolved things. Whitney thinks Naomie is getting tired of Craig’s shtick.

Craig tells the cat that Naomie is going to be late. He wonders if they’re going to be okay, and says it’s scaring him. Naomie arrives home, and Craig concentrates on some paperwork. She asks if he wants to discuss last weekend, and he says he has work to do. She wants him to apologize, but he doesn’t think he was in the wrong. She was out of control, and complained about him being late when she left without him. She tells him to stop making excuses. He says she chose to air their dirty laundry, and she says she was embarrassed about the way he talked to her. She says she doesn’t disrespect him, but he begs to differ, saying she contributes to the problem. Naomie decides that she only wants to discuss the topic further if it’s with a counselor who will tell him he’s wrong. Um… that’s not how any of that works. In his interview, Craig is willing to do whatever it takes. Naomie says on a brighter note, she’s trying to get out of whatever she does on Friday, so she can go on the hunting trip with them. “Brighter” being a matter of perspective. Craig says he doesn’t want anyone getting in their business, and wants them to be on the same team.

Whitney goes shopping for hunting clothes, or what he calls an ensemble. Shep and Austen tag along. Shep explains how it works to Austen, who’s never gone hunting before, and isn’t even sure what quail is. Really? I’ve never gone hunting once, and I know what a quail is. Craig calls Shep from DSG, and asks if he should get snake proof boots. Shep tells him to treat himself, but that a snake is going to get him no matter what. They talk about who’s coming. He thinks Austen is getting cold feet about Chelsea, but in his interview, Austen says he just doesn’t want to discuss her with Shep. Shep has ideas about fixing Austen up with Landon, because he must hate Austen. Whitney picks out some fancy duds, and Shep tells him that it’s not a catwalk, it’s about catching supper. I can’t help thinking the irony is that many cats do catch their supper.

Landon visits Patricia. They sit by the pool, and ask Michael for bourbon slushies. No. Just no. And I like bourbon. Patricia says she called Landon because of how they were talking about love the other night. She thinks Landon and Thomas would make a good match. Michael brings a chewy stick for Chauncey the Pug, and serves it to him with tongs off of a silver plate. Landon says Thomas has a world of problems she can’t even fathom. Patricia says grown-ups do, and you need a mate who’s your equal or better, and that it takes money, honey. She always found older men attractive because they’re established. She has a soft spot for Thomas, who she thinks is an exemplary father.

Thomas gets the kids ready to go to Kathryn’s for the weekend. He says it’s emotional for all of them, and just tough.

Landon tells Patricia that she’ll be nervous until things are settled with Kathryn and Thomas. She says it was crazy when she wasn’t involved, so she can imagine if she was really dating him. Patricia says you have to take risks or you’ll end up leading a life of quiet desperation. That’s a good one.

Everyone gets ready for the hunting trip, double-checking their guns and wardrobes. Shep tells Cameran that he doesn’t think things are working out between Chelsea and Austen, because he wants to stir the pot. Funny, doesn’t sound like it in their car. Cameran asks if Shep gets a “tingle in his britches” over Chelsea. When he says yes, she thinks he’s jealous. Yep. They arrive at the hunting park or whatever it is. Whitney invites Thomas to come for dinner after the hunt, since guns won’t be involved. He’s not allowed around them, being a felon and all.

Cameran asks the manager about other activities, and finds out there’s fishing. She says fishing is safer for her. The last time she tried shooting a gun, she ended up with a scar from dinging herself in the forehead with the scope. They divvy up the rooms, and Austen and Chelsea take a two-bedroom cabin. Whitney looks ridiculous. JD (bleh) and Elizabeth arrive. The manager says the chef will prepare their quail for dinner. Please be an appetizer.

They drive to the hunting spot by a lake. The dogs get ready, and the guide explains how it works. I’m hoping none of the dogs get hurt. Doubly so when Craig shoots too low. Shep gets the first quail. Surprisingly, Austen does very well. In his interview, he says he was born for this. Chelsea is impressed.

Cameran goes fishing with Elizabeth. She prefers the leisurely pace. She catches something, but it’s gone when she lifts the line out of the water, and somehow, her line becomes a tangled, unusable mess. Naomie joins them.

JD (bleh) says Whitney is ready for a photo shoot. Yeah, for a British hunting magazine in the 1940s. Shep asks Craig if he patched things up with Naomie, and he says they did. He tells Shep that he’s a private person, and was annoyed about her opening her mouth.

Naomie tells the girls that she wasn’t okay with what Craig said. She doesn’t want it to turn into a Thomas and Kathryn situation. Well, unless she’s having his children, that’s highly unlikely.

The gang gathers for appetizers. Beef tartare is involved, and it looks awesome. Shep tries to call Austen, but gets voicemail. He leaves a message that dinner is fast approaching. Landon is an idiot who wears blinders, and asks if Austen and Chelsea are together. She talks about taking a picture of them, and when she suggested it for an engagement photo, neither one said no. Shep ends his personal prohibition, and has a drink. In her interview, Cameran doesn’t think a week is sufficient to get rid of the liver enzyme, but the heart wants what it wants.

They move to the main dining area for dinner. Chelsea and Austen finally show up. Chelsea calls Austen a badass, and he talks about his hunting success. In his interview, Shep says he thinks Austen is taking notes on what Chelsea likes because he wants to get laid. Cameran asks what they were doing, and Austen says “things.” She asks if they’re sharing a bed and Chelsea says that’s to be determined. In her interview, she thinks Shep has lost out with Chelsea. Ya think?

Thomas arrives. Landon wants to keep her distance, since Patricia is playing matchmaker, and she doesn’t want to give him the wrong idea. Shep tells Cameran that he thinks something is going on between Austen and Landon, because he just can’t stand losing. Landon’s website is discussed. She says she thinks if she keeps trying, she’ll turn into a diamond. No comment. Cameran wonders why Shep would even care if he didn’t have a thing for Chelsea.

Dinner arrives, and it’s another gorgeous presentation. Naomie asks Thomas about the kids, and he talks about making funny faces at them. Everyone wants to see because they’re also children. Thomas says he’d never thought about being a father, because he’s another child. Whitney asks if things are amicable with custody, and Thomas says he wants their mom to be happy and participate. JD and Elizabeth actually stick up for Kathryn, and say she should be given a second chance. Cameran wonders why anyone would believe Kathryn has changed. Thomas says he reached out to her. In her interview, Landon says Kathryn will never be out of the picture, and she’ll always be hesitant to be involved with Thomas. The group moves on to serious drinking. Shep falls on the floor, and Austen and Chelsea call it a night.

The next morning, it’s time to go, and Shep says he’s back on the wagon. Chelsea and Austen are still in bed. Chelsea says he should be a real man, and make breakfast. Shep says he was a real man, and hunted dinner. He wonders if they should let people know their relationship is on another level. She says they both like their independence, and she likes it the way it is. He talks about puppy love, and they declare their like for one another, but Chelsea says she’s weary of relationships. She says neither one of them want anything serious. In his interview, Austen is like, this is backward.

Next time, Landon rides some kind of motor scooter, Craig and Naomie go to counseling, and a stranger declares Thomas and Landon are soulmates. That word makes me cringe, but in this case it might be applicable, since neither of them have souls.

🍹 I’ve been half-watching Southern Charm: Savannah, but the jury is still out. This bunch comes from older money, and is possibly a bit more mature, although it’s really too early to tell. The city is definitely interesting to look at. I wouldn’t mind living there, or Charleston, if it wasn’t for the heat and humidity. Oh, and that I can’t afford it. Two of the cast members are getting married, the twist being that they’re an Episcopalian & Muslim. Needless to say, not all family members are on board. There was a game of strip golf, where the only female player insisted she was doing it for feminism and equality. She also said she wanted to “own” her body, stretch marks and all. We should all look so good. In our lace teddy. Best quote from next week’s preview: Ashley don’t play fair.

🎭 I had just been thinking recently that it would be cool for Andy Cohen to have Laura Linney and Cynthia Nixon on Watch What Happens Live. Mostly because a dear friend took me to see them in The Little Foxes on Broadway, and WWHL is filmed in NYC. The actresses alternate playing the lead roles of Regina and Birdie, and the night we saw it, Linney was playing Regina, and Nixon, Birdie. They’ve also just received Tony nominations for those same roles. Anyway, they were on the show tonight, and it was very engaging. We learned that the reason those particular roles were chosen for the Tonys, was because they were the roles played on opening night. They talked a lot about how interesting and challenging it is to be playing both roles, and called them savory (Regina) and sweet (Birdie). Both actresses were a class act and had great senses of humor.

savannah-georgia

May 7, 2017 – A Musical Fairy Tale Wedding, Mary, an Atlanta Mention & a Quote

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

Once Upon a Time – the Musical Episode

Young Emma sings into a tape recorder. Her sister makes fun of her. She says that Emma is just like everybody else – all alone.

Moving forward, Snow has found her old wedding gown, and asks Emma if she wants to wear it. Snow never thought they’d have a moment like this. Kelly Clarkson appears and…just kidding.

Back in the day, Snow says there’s no way they can stop the Evil Queen. Charming tells her that they will, and she needs some rest. On the balcony, she wishes for a happy ending, and a star glows brightly.

Bluebirds, well, really a parakeet, wake Snow. She’s surprised to find herself singing. Charming comes in, singing that someone has cast a spell or curse, because he can’t stop singing in verse. Snow sings that it’s because of her wish, and they’ll defeat the Evil Queen. They sing about love being the most powerful magic of all. This is pretty cool, and I’m already impressed with the sets and costumes. And the lyrics actually aren’t awful. Surprisingly, the cast can also sing. Although there is the magic that is autotune.

In Storybrooke, Snow brings her dress back from the cleaners, but it turns black when Emma holds it up. The Black Fairy pops in, poof! in a cloud of black smoke. She says she was never a fan of white weddings, and light and dark must have their reckonings. Unless Emma wants to give over her heart now. She says deep down, Emma is still the lonely little girl she always was, and the final battle is coming, whether they want it to or not.

The Black Fairy plans on separating the friends with a curse. When the clock strikes six – at the time Emma and Hook are to be married – it will be released. Regina says she ruined Snow’s wedding, the least she can do is help Emma have hers.

Way back when, the Evil Queen and her mirror sing a duet about the spell that’s been cast. The mirror tells her that her curse might not succeed. We see the Seven Dwarves, Pinocchio, and the others singing happily in every mirror the queen passes. It makes her go ballistic. The queen sings about love being a waste of time, how it can’t match her power, and doesn’t stand a chance. BTW, Lana Parrilla (Regina) has a great voice. I’d love to see her on Broadway. The Evil Queen breaks into everyone else’s happy scenes, dancing on the tables and kicking things over.

Right now, Hook looks at his white suit, and asks David if he thinks Emma would be disappointed if he doesn’t wear it. Emma comes in, and tells him about the Black Fairy’s curse. She says she has to fight the final battle alone. She tells him not to worry; she’ll be at the wedding on time. He says that’s not it; he knows she’s come to say good-by. She tells him she loves him, and jets.

Back in the day, Snow and Charming go to a tavern to find Hook. Charming wants him to take them to the Evil Queen. They’re prepared to pay handsomely. Hook sings about revenge, and how it’s worth more than anything else. When Snow asks revenge on who, he tells her to wait for the second verse. I’m liking these songs. Is the soundtrack available? Hook sings about how the crocodile ruined his life. He sings about the Dark One, and Charming says he’s in their dungeon. Snow tells him that if he can help them, he has himself a crocodile. Colin O’Donoghue (Hook) can definitely co-star in my Broadway show.

In the present, Hook goes to Gold’s shop. He says Gold betrayed all of them, but Gold says he did what he needed to do to keep his family together. Hook shoots him with a dart. He wants to knock him out long enough to get his mother. The Black Fairy appears, and says her son isn’t the only one looking out for his family.

Emma is in her office, gathering some pictures. Henry tells Emma that she’s doing the right thing. The final battle is what brought her there in the first place, and he knows she’ll win. He hits play on the cassette player on her desk, but Emma turns it off, saying it was nothing. She has to hurry, and hugs Henry good-by.

Regina can’t find anything, but Zelena says there must be something she used back then that she can use this time. Regina says the first curse stopped time, so maybe there is something.

The Evil Queen visits Rumpelstiltskin in his cell. She says Snow and Charming are using a singing spell to break her curse, and he’s going to help stop them. He says he didn’t teach her to come crying to him at the first sign of trouble. If she wants to prove that he chose the right one, fix it herself.

Zelena sings about Rumpel choosing the wrong witch. She thinks the future is looking more appealing now. She’s happy things aren’t working out for Regina. She sings about how wicked always wins, while terrorizing some stray Munchkins. She wonders why just revel in her demise, when she can use it to her advantage? When Regina wins, she’ll swoop in, and Rumpel will realize his mistake. She stirs her cauldron, singing that the happy ending will be hers.

Fast forwarding, Regina shows the group a vial. She says it’s the secret to stopping the curse. Regina wonders what their teacher would say. Rumpel appears, and says, how about thank you, and magically snatches the vial back.

Emma visits the Black Fairy. She asks if Emma is going to give up. The Black Fairy says she was going to separate Emma from her friends, but they did it for her. Some grey smoke clears, and everyone is standing there, frozen. The Black Fairy says she’s been watching Emma for a long time, and plays the tape Emma made as a child. The fairy says she went to sleep to sounds of misery like that every night in the mines. She tells Emma that she can’t do this alone.

At the office, Emma’s hand shakes, and Henry asks what the Black Fairy did. He tells Emma that even if she froze their family, she’s not alone. Emma says that the fairy reminded her of a time when she was on her own, and when something big came along, she ran. She says she wasn’t brave enough to keep him, but Henry says that was a long time ago, and she’s changed. Emma says that’s because he came into her life. He says she’s the Savior, and she can still beat the Black Fairy and save them. Emma thinks maybe she’s supposed to give the Black Fairy her heart. He says that’s not the way the story ends, but Emma says at least he’ll still have the family.

In the past, the Evil Queen appears, and Charming suggests she come with him and Snow. She makes a fireball, and is about to lob it at them, and they start singing. She misses them, and sings about her own magic and how love doesn’t stand a chance. They have a song duel. The Evil Queen sings that the spell will still be broken. She opens a box and sucks their singing into it. She tells them that she’s won. She didn’t just take their song; she took everyone’s. She says it proves love isn’t the strongest magic, and tells them to enjoy what time they have left. They disappear, poof! in a puff of purple smoke.

Snow and Charming stand on the balcony. The Blue Fairy appears. Snow says it was Blue who granted the wish. Charming tells Blue that the Evil Queen took the song. Blue says it’s still inside all of them, but it wasn’t meant to conquer the Evil Queen; it was for Emma. With everyone’s song in her heart, she’ll have a happy ending. One day she’ll face a battle that no one has faced before, and she’ll have to face it alone. Their songs will be inside her, and they have to hope they’’ll come out when she needs them the most.

In the here and now, Henry says there has to be a different ending to the story. He sees a page from the book he hasn’t seen before. It’s Blue, giving Snow the songs for Emma. Henry says that Emma’s not alone and never was.

Emma tells the Black Fairy she can have what she came for – Emma’s heart. The Black Fairy says it’s a deal. Emma tells the frozen Hook that she’s sorry, but it’s the only way. The Black Fairy says at least one of them is getting a happy ending, and takes Emma’s heart. She wonders why Emma won’t die. Henry walks in, saying that Emma’s heart is stronger than the Black Fairy thinks. He plays the song that Emma sang as a child, and says it’s been in her the whole time. It’s not her weakness; it’s her strength. Emma sings about once living in darkness. As she sings, her heart returns to her. She sings that the song in her heart is more powerful than the Black Fairy. She knows what she’s living for; all along the answer was inside her. As she sings, everyone comes back to life. She tells the Black Fairy she’s not alone any more. The Black Fairy says her curse is still coming, and the final battle will be worse than they can imagine. She disappears, poof! in a puff of slate smoke.

Emma says that Snow and David were always with her. Suddenly, we’re at the wedding.

Floral arches abound, and Archie is officiating. Hook wears black, and Emma looks like Grace Kelly, in a beautiful old-fashioned, high collared wedding gown, with lots of tiny buttons and lace. We go right to the vows. Hook says when they met he had a heart of revenge, but now it’s full of love. He says a captain’s heart belongs to his ship, but with this ring, it now belongs to her. She tells him that she spent so much of her life on her own, but Henry found her and helped her find the rest of them. She didn’t believe she’d ever find true love, but thanks to him, she has. They exchange rings and I dos. Archie pronounces them husband and wife. Much applause. Hook says they did it; a happy ending. Emma says it’s something else – a happy beginning.

They sing about happily ever after as they dance their first dance. The others join them, singing that if they stand strong together, there’s no way they can fall. They sing about happy beginnings, and there’s much dancing on the rooftop. Where’s Pongo?

They look to the sky. The clock in the tower explodes. The Black Fairy’s curse is here. Like humongous octopus tentacles, black smoke snakes out of the clocktower and envelops them.

Next time, the two-hour season finale. A final curse is cast, all the realms will be destroyed, and Snow tells Hook to make Emma believe again.

🐎 Tonight, on Return to Amish, we learned Mary’s story. I nearly went out of my mind when Abe and Mary went on a road trip, and she insisted on stopping at an abandoned amusement park. That’s one of my dream trips, visiting abandoned places. It turns out that Mary had a boyfriend who worked a Ferris wheel, and she told us about how she ran away with the carnival, and got pregnant the first time. She also has a secret car, and finally got her license. Mary is full of surprises. I think we could all learn a lot from Mary. Next time, she does some line and pole dancing.

🍑 I’ll be checking out part four of the Atlanta Housewives reunion later. It’s imperative that I see Kandi crying out about the lies! the lies! while Kenya looks on like the Cheshire Cat. I like Kenya. I think she’s made some poor choices due to her need for attention. but given her family life, that’s understandable. She certainly got more than she could handle with Matt this season. If anyone deserves to sit back and watch Phaedra and Porsha sink themselves, it’s Kenya.

🐦 🐝 Because I grew up Mennonite, the first time I learned about sex was when I had sex. – Sabrina, Return to Amish

OUAT-Hook&Emma

🎶 And yes, the soundtrack is already available:

https://www.bustle.com/p/the-once-upon-a-time-the-musical-episode-soundtrack-is-already-available-for-repeat-listening-55235

April 23, 2017 – N’once Upon a Time & the End of a Feud

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What I Watched Today

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

I didn’t see much TV today, and will have to go On Demand with Once Upon a Time, because I had the pleasure of going to a production of The Little Foxes by Lillian Hellman on Broadway with an old friend. (Thanks, Michael!) Stars Laura Linney and Cynthia Nixon alternated the female lead roles, and we saw Laura as Regina, and Cynthia as Birdie. I had wanted to see this having seen Laura on stage before in Les Liasons Dangereuses years ago. While I know she’s done a million films, I honestly couldn’t name one of them, but she blew me away on stage. She did not disappoint in this drama either – she took hold of the stage on commanded it. The rest of the cast was excellent as well, Richard Thomas especially surprised me. While I don’t dislike him, I’ve never been what I’d call a fan, but thought his portrayal of Horace was superb. The sets were incredibly impressive as well. If you’re interested, there’s more info here: https://www.manhattantheatreclub.com/2016-17-season/little-foxes/

LILLIAN HELLMAN’S THE LITTLE FOXES
Directed by Daniel Sullivan
With Laura Linney, Cynthia Nixon
Darren Goldstein, Michael McKean, Richard Thomas
David Alford, Michael Benz, Francesca Carpanini, Caroline Stefanie Clay, Charles Turner

This is also a good segue into the one thing I did watch. Bette Davis starred as Regina in the film version of The Little Foxes, and I got home just in time to catch the final chapter of Feud: Bette and Joan. The episode was titled, You mean all this time we could have been friends? referring to a line at the end of Whatever Happened to Baby Jane? The careers and health of both stars are going downhill, BD wants nothing to do with Bette, and Joan has been left pretty much alone. One of the saddest moments of the previous episode was Mamacita finally leaving her, having had enough of her abuse. After the film disaster that was Trog (I actually remember seeing that in the movie theater), Joan retires totally, and Mamacita returns part-time. There was a heart-breaking fantasy sequence, where Joan (Susan Sarandon), Bette (Jessica Lange), Jack Warner (Stanley Tucci), and Hedda Hopper (Judy Davis) are playing cards. When Joan calls Mamacita to pour the champagne, we see that it’s all in her head. The takeaway I got, was that despite her animosity, Joan craved Bette’s friendship, and while Bette did respect her as an actress, she couldn’t be the friend that Joan wanted. The entire cast was fantastic, but special kudos to Dominic Burgess for doing a spot on Victor Buono.

Victor: Give us this day, our daily slice, but cut it thin and toast it twice. (The Fat Man’s Prayer)

Joan: Stars are like Christmas trees. After the lights go out, you sit there and watch the needles drop.

Bette: My mother told me to never say anything ill about the dead. Only good. Joan Crawford is dead? Good.

FuedBette&Joan

January 11, 2017 – So that GH isn’t Lonely, a Coupla Quotes & Several Random Thoughts

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Maxie and Nathan get to the cabin they’ve rented in Canada, and Maxie is disconcerted by the moose head on the wall. They’ve struck out with the local precinct, but Nathan thinks Claudette’s mom is their best bet. Maxie suggests that going through Claudette’s stuff to see if there’s anything significant. Nathan tells Maxie she can keep Claudette’s mother busy while he goes through everything.

Nina and Charlotte wait for Valentin at the MetroCourt. Nina compliments Charlotte on her skating. Valentin arrives. He tells Charlotte that he and Nina have something very important to tell her.

Franco goes home, surprised to find Kiki there. Kiki tells him that she hopes he had a happy new year, and says there are leftovers from her takeout feast. He keeps looking at his phone, and she asks what’s going on.

Alexis tells Julian he’s not calming her, and he’s the reason she’s in this mess in the first place. He thinks she’s really upset because she wants a drink.

Sam thinks the fire was a closer call than Jason is saying. Jason wishes that they’d come up with more, but  the place was tossed before they got there. He shows Sam the picture he found of a young, blonde boy, and she says there’s something familiar about the face.

Nell asks Sonny what he means by “a new understanding.” He says they agreed not to say anything about what happened between them. He asks if she changed her mind, and why she told Carly she was dating a married man. Nell says she didn’t; she just said he was unavailable, and Carly made the assumption. She says she was trying to stop Carly from matchmaking and meant nothing by it, but Sonny tells her that she made Carly curious. Nell says if he wants her to say something else, she will, and asks what he wants her to do.

Valentin tells Charlotte that Nina has been spending a lot of time with them, and Charlotte says she likes Nina a lot. Valentin says they’ll be able to spend even more time together now, because he and Nina got married.

Has Maxie been watching a Kardashian marathon? She needs to tone the contour down. Nathan tells her that if it was up to him, they would go to Niagara Falls right now and get married. He’s thinking they should move into a house when they get back.

Kiki asks why Franco is jumpy, and he says he wasn’t expecting her to be there. She says he obviously didn’t see her note that says she’s moving to LA. He wonders why she wouldn’t say good-by in person, but she says it doesn’t matter, she turned around in Detroit. When Franco asks why, she says Dillon, confusing him. He thought that’s why she left, and Kiki says he’s also the reason she came back. She explains that Dillon was on the bus to get away from her, but now they’re together. She’s decided to stop fighting her feelings for him. Franco says he’s happy for her, and she should do everything to keep herself happy.

Julian suggests that Alexis is going through withdrawal. She says if he wants to talk, let’s do it. He asks if there’s anyone else who can place her at the bar, but she doesn’t remember. He asks if she talked to anyone. She says Gene, the owner, who I assume is also the bartender.

Jason tells Sam that he thinks the picture looks familiar too. Sam says it’s possible it could be Julian. Jason assumes the boss lady has a relationship with him, but adds that the picture is decades old. Sam tells him that she doesn’t think Ava has anything to do with it.

Charlotte asks if Nina is going to live with them, and Valentin tells her that now they can play whenever they want. Nina says Charlotte can come to her about anything. She’s still going to be Nina, but she’ll just be there all the time. Charlotte looks sad at first, but then says it sounds wonderful.

Nathan tells Maxie that they should get a three-bedroom house. Maxie says he’s really been thinking about it. He tells her that he’s wanted to build a life with her forever, and she asks when they can move in. He has one condition though.

Franco chows down on Chinese leftovers. He says Kiki seems happy. She says she is, and he says then Dillon is okay in his book. She says she’ll never stop missing Morgan, but has to move on with her life. She thinks Morgan would approve, and she’s learned to hold on tight to those she loves, because everything can change in an instant. She asks what’s up with Franco, and he asks if she remembers Tom, and tells her that Tom was murdered.

Alexis tells Julian that Gene remembered the night for her. Julian says obviously he didn’t go to the police with anything. Alexis doesn’t think he cared, but covered for her as a customer. He saw Tom follow her out, and she assumes he caught up with her. Julian says she’s not thinking like a lawyer, and asks if anyone else saw. Alexis sees Tom standing behind Julian. I wonder if he’s buddies with Carrrlos now, although Carrrlos has more honor than this dude.

Sonny asks Nell if she understands what it’s like to feel happy for just a moment, and says that she’s not to say anything else. She says that she was just trying to protect him and shut the conversation down. She didn’t expect Carly to deduce her boyfriend was married. She tells Sonny that none of it is her fault, and Sonny says it never is. Sam and Jason come in, and Sam says she hopes they’re not interrupting.

Nell tells them Carly asked her to check in on Sonny while she’s gone, and Sonny explains that Carly is in Australia. Nell says her work is done and jets. After asking how Sam is, Sonny asks Jason if he’s found out anything else. Jason tells him about the pawn shop burning down, and says they don’t think Julian is involved, but they’re close to finding out who is. Sonny asks if there’s a man behind it, but Jason says no.

Tom talks to Alexis, saying she’s the one who killed him. He tells her she should have a drink.

Franco tells Kiki he had nothing to do with it, but the police think he did. Kiki asks if he has an alibi, but he says his alibi would make things even worse. He tells her that he knows who killed Tom, but can’t go to the police.

Charlotte says she wishes she could have been at the wedding, but Nina says it was past her bedtime. Valentin tells her that it was at the stroke of midnight. Charlotte wonders if it was like Cinderella, and Nina says it was magical, but no one turned into a pumpkin. She says the only thing missing was Charlotte, but Valentin says there was one more thing.

Nathan tells Maxie he wants a moose head in their house, and explains how he always wanted to be one with nature. She tells him if they take the moose head, they’ll also need throw pillows and throws some pillows at him. They get silly, and there’s a knock at the door. It’s a police officer who has information about Claudette.

Kiki asks why Franco is hesitating, and he says it’s complicated. He says he might be innocent of this, but he’s committed other crimes. He says that he’s hurt members of the person’s family who killed Tom. Kiki tells him that knowing what Tom has done, it was probably self-defense. Franco says all he knows is he can’t turn her in, even if it means losing Elizabeth.

Alexis says she’s not going to drink, and Julian says he’ll help her through this. Tom says he’s never going to leave her alone. Alexis says she didn’t kill him; she couldn’t have. Julian tells her that she’s hallucinating. She asks if he doesn’t see Tom. Alexis sees a bloody knife in her own hand, but looks again to find it empty.

Sonny asks Jason if he really thinks a woman planted the bomb. Jason says yes, but any evidence has been burned up. Sonny says he’s glad they got out, and asks if there are any theories. Jason says not yet, but she must have a personal tie to Julian.

Valentin tells Charlotte about how they improvised with ribbon wedding rings. Valentin says when they were skating, he went to the jewelers. He asks Charlotte to help them exchange rings. She opens the box and Valentin tells her to give each of them the other’s ring. Valentin and Nina exchange rings, saying a few things, and then kiss. Charlotte is like, Yay!

The officer tells Nathan sorry it’s late. They found the body of a woman in the river who was an apparent suicide, and reran the prints after speaking with him. They were a match for Claudette’s.

Kiki asks if Elizabeth believes that Franco didn’t kill Tom. He says he thinks she does, but he’s done so many other things, it’s hard for her to trust him. He wanted them to start with a clean slate, and was going to find the real killer, but it looks like he’s remaining the prime suspect. He tells Kiki not to tell anyone, and says maybe they won’t have enough evidence to charge him. She says fine, his secret is safe. She tells him that Elizabeth stopped by.

After the officer leaves, Nathan tells Maxie that he doesn’t believe Claudette would kill herself, even though the prints were a match. Maxie says Claudette is gone, and the important thing is that they know what happened. He says she was a horrible person, and Maxie adds, but he loved her. He says for a few years, he really did.

Valentin gets a call and excuses himself. The officer from Canada says he did what Valentin told him. Valentin thanks him for his assistance.

Sonny thinks the woman is a cover hired by Julian as a smokescreen, and judging by the picture, they have long standing ties. Sam has to excuse herself, and when she goes upstairs, Jason tells Sonny things looked tense between him and Nell. He asks if everything is okay.

Alexis says she didn’t mean to kill him, and Julian tells her to calm down. Alexis tells Julian that if it hadn’t been for him, she would have never been in that bar and killed Tom. She still thinks she’s holding a knife, but there’s nothing in her hand.

Nathan wants to tell Claudette’s mom in person. He also has to call Griff, and someone has to let Charlotte know. Maxie suggests they get some sleep for now.

Valentin, Nina and Charlotte leave the MetroCourt. Carly calls Nell from the plane, and Nell says she’ll take care of everything. She says she’ll make sure to take care of Sonny. I’ll bet.

Sonny tells Jason that everything is fine, but Jason says it didn’t look that way. He says if Sonny is in trouble, he can tell him. Sonny says he’s pretty sure Nell isn’t as innocent as she appears to be.

Kiki tells Franco that Elizabeth told her not to say she came by, but she thought better of it after what he said. Kiki says whatever doubts Elizabeth has, they obviously don’t outweigh her feelings for him. She asks if he’s still going to keep his mouth shut. He says all he knows for sure is that he can’t go to prison.

Alexis stares at the non-knife in her hand,and finally realizes it’s not there. She tells Julian that he’s going to send her to prison and he doesn’t love her. He promises her that he does. He says he knows she’s in pain, and she starts to cry, begging for a drink. He says they’ll get through this. She cries in his arms, saying she needs help.

Tomorrow, Jordan questions Franco, Alexis wants to turn herself in, and Anna talks to Valentin.

Hump Day Quotes

I love cauliflower and I would agree that it’s incredibly versatile, but I’m starting to think that maybe everyone wouldn’t have felt quite as tragically disappointed and jaded by how 2016 shaped up as a year if we hadn’t put so much of our faith in cauliflower to be everything we needed.Darcy Lenz, 11 Food Trends That Need to Die in 2017

If you die when you’re fat, are you a fat ghost?Carrie Fisher, while working out on the treadmill.

💫 Speaking of which, if you haven’t seen Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds, you’re missing out. I love documentaries, and this immediately became one of my favorites. I’ve already watched it twice. I’d intended on watching it even before they both passed away, but that definitely added another dimension. Part Grey Gardens, part [fill in the name of your favorite Broadway musical here], with the comedic slant of The Office, this was the best thing I’ve seen in a long time. The mother and daughter team are brilliant and witty, and have given us a totally honest portrayal of themselves. This is what the reality genre ought to be. It’s my understanding that when they first saw the completed film, both Carrie and Debbie were not happy with so intimate of a portrait, but finally allowing its release. I’m sure there are no regrets here. It’s one of the most wonderful legacies ever left.

🌟 Geez, Star took a chance tonight. One of the girls had an accidental overdose, and they did a fantasy video sequence in the psyche ward, using staff and patient characters. I wouldn’t be surprised if some special snowflakes protest that. Maybe by burning some scrubs or kneeling during the opening music of an NPR program.

I have to add that Queen Latifah‘s aqua hair was everything. If I could pull that off, I would wear mine like that every day. I tried to find a picture, but stuff from The Wiz just kept popping up.

🍻 Girlfriends’ Guide to Divorce is also back. I forget how much I like it until there’s a new season again. (That’s when the network throws a dart at a two-year calendar to decide when a show is returning.) The characters in this show are much more realistic than the ones on Sex and the City. I also hadn’t known that Lisa Edelstein (Abby) was a Club Kid back in the day, until I saw her on Watch What Happens Live. As soon as they mentioned it, I was like, that’s where I know you from.

Bravo has done well so far with their scripted shows. I also love Odd Mom Out, which I assume will come around again after Girlfriends’ Guide is done. That one surprised me. Not being a mom (at least not to two-legged kids), I didn’t think I’d relate, but as someone who lived a lot of their life in NYC, I can totally relate. And it’s funny as hell. As if that wasn’t enough, both programs have fashion to die for. The soundtracks ain’t bad neither.

🗣 I heard the word “shenanigans” twice on TV tonight, from two completely unrelated and surprising sources. Let’s see if shenanigans ends up happening, or goes the route of “fetch.”

December 7, 2016 – Lulu Can’t Get Charlotte Off Her Mind & Hairspray Live! Can’t Stop the Beat

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What I Watched Today
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)

General Hospital

Maxie noses around on Nathan’s laptop, trying to find out what her wedding gift is, but he catches her. He tells her it’s not a surprise if she keeps snooping. She claims she was setting up something with a dance lesson, and says they need practice before the wedding. He says, let’s dance.

At Kelly’s, Jason tells Sam that Julian is the one who set up the bomb hoping that Sonny would get the blame. Curtis adds that it’s speculation, and they don’t have much in the way of proof. Pete was killed before they could talk to him. He thinks they should combine resources. Jason says they’ve already told him everything. Curtis thinks maybe they should go to the cops.

Jordan asks the mayor if she wants things fast or right. She says if anything unusual comes up, she’ll call. Another call comes in. She sees that it’s Andre.

Andre tries to call Jordan. Anna comes to his office asking for his help.

The doorbell rings at Windemere. Valentin answers. It’s Nina. Shouldn’t he have someone to answer the door for him? And aren’t there guards or bouncers or something? Valentin shows Nina the Christmas tree, which of course is fabulous. Charlotte is out at a movie, while Valentin and the staff decorate.

Lulu is in the hallway, pondering. She tells Dante she can’t stop thinking about Charlotte. She says when she looked at her, she felt a connection.

Curtis says the police have access to information and resources that they don’t. Jason is afraid they won’t admit they’re wrong, since they’ve been after Sonny for a long time. Sam agrees and doesn’t think they should trust the cops. Curtis wants to talk to Jordan, but Jason asks him to wait. Jason and Sam leave. I think they stuck Curtis with the check.

Andre thinks he should refer Anna to someone else, considering their history. She tells him that she’s not there as a patient; she wants to consult him on a case. She needs some insight into Valentin.

Valentin asks Nina if he’s missing anything as far as the decorations go. She asks if Charlotte has a stocking, but he says she puts it up on Christmas Eve. Nina says she did too, but it was in the playroom, so that it didn’t clash with her mother’s theme for the year. There was never anything under the tree either. It wasn’t a place of love and togetherness, but a place to conduct business. She got a lot of presents bought by assistants. It was extravagant and completely empty. Valentin says he had a gift one year from the cook at school. She knitted him a scarf. He had it for years until the airline lost his bag. They both can picture each other as children. He asks her to stay for dinner, but she has to go. She tells him to have Charlotte open the gift right away. It’s an Advent calendar.

One of the staff comes to the door. The launch has been grounded because of a storm. No one can leave Spoon Island.

Lulu tells Dante that when she saw Charlotte, she had a physical reaction and immediate need to protect her. She says she literally feels a pull toward her, like she feels toward Rocco. She asks Dante if he thinks it’s possible that Charlotte is her daughter.

Curtis goes to the station. He wants to talk to Jordan, but she wants him to leave. He says it’s purely professional, and she says he has 30 seconds. He tells her it’s about the Corrinthos case. He says they both have information that the other doesn’t, and you show me yours, and I’ll show you mine.

Jason goes with Sam to her doctor’s appointment. While they’re waiting, Sam asks what he thinks about Curtis’s idea. He says it’s a great idea, but highly doubtful it would work. He says Jordan seems honest, but he doesn’t think she’ll listen. He says at least they’re making progress, and thinks Sonny will eventually go free. They discuss moving away from Port Charles.

Lulu wonders why she’d feel so strongly about a child she’s never met. Dante says the embryo was destroyed. She says they don’t know for sure, and how do they know that Claudette is really Charlotte’s mom?

Valentin calls Charlotte who’s at the MetroCourt and going to spend the night there. I guess it’s a mall, and a hotel, and all the restaurants in town rolled into one – and there’s a movie theater! Nina says she’s leaving. She thinks Valentin is manipulating her, but he says he’s not in control of the weather. She leaves and he counts. He gets to one and she’s back inside, soaking wet.

Andre tells Anna that it isn’t a typical WSB profile, and she says she knows it’s slim. He asks what she’s looking for, and she wants to know what Valentin’s agenda is. Andre recognizes his alias, Theo Hart, as being involved in an international diamond ring. He says they were smart and connected, and just as the authorities were ready to make an arrest, they closed up shop and disappeared. Anna tells Andre what little she knows about Valentin. Andre says they can get the Bedlington transcripts, but Anna says after he left, the school burned down, and the files were lost. It was arson, and she’s sure it was him, and she intends to uncover whatever he’s hiding about his past.

Jordan asks why Curtis is still investigating. He says he wants to get to the truth. She says he’s not known for his altruism, so what’s the angle? He says if she wants Lomax off her back, he has what she needs. She gets a pair of handcuffs and cuffs him to the desk.

Nathan puts on some music. He and Maxie start to do a swing number. When Maxie goes to answer her phone, Nathan takes a spill.

Lulu thinks it’s possible that after things didn’t work out with Daphne, Helena hired Claudette instead. She says no one has investigated if she’s Charlotte’s mother. Dante says there’s proof Valentin is her father, so she’s not Stavros’s child.

Valentin gives Nina some clothing. He thinks it’s from Nicholas’s ex-fiance. He tells Nina to get dry and he’ll see about dinner.

Andre tells Anna it’s possible that it was a cover up, but Valentin could have been seeking closure and catharsis. He might have felt abandoned, and once empowered as an adult, went back to the source of his powerlessness and unhappiness. Andre thinks there’s definitely an inferiority complex going on. Anna talks about Valentin stammering when she asked about his father. She thinks there’s something missing. Andre asks what is it about Valentin and why is the case giving her so much trouble?

Anna says she’s unsettled that Valentin has researched her. She tells Andre about Valentin telling her “open your eyes,” and says he told her it was just a coincidence. Andre says it’s no secret she was with the WSB, but she says there’s more to it. Valentin seems familiar. Andre asks if she thinks she knows him, but she says it’s more like he knows her.

Valentin presents dinner to Nina. She says he makes her nervous. He asks if it’s because of what people say about him. Nina tells him that she’s been warned about him, but she’s spent more time with him than with the people who warned her. He makes her nervous because they’re eating in front of the fire and it feels like the start of something. He says maybe it is. I’m in. She says she’s only had two relationships. The first was cold and distant. She invested time and saw a future, but he didn’t see it. Valentin says the same thing happened to him, and she asks if he’s talking about Claudette.

Lulu says Stavros and Valentin were brothers, so maybe there was some kind of mistake. Dante wonders if there’s competition for the estate, but Lulu tells him that Mikkos left everything to Valentin, no question. Dante wonders if Valentin was just going after the other Cassadines for sport, and says maybe Charlotte is still alive because she’s no threat. Lulu admits that maybe she just wants Charlotte to be her daughter.

Jason is hesitant about moving away just now,  and Sam says they don’t have to make a decision yet. He thinks it’s not the right time to move, and she’s okay with that. The doctor comes in. She asks if they’re ready to meet their baby.

Curtis says that Jordan has no grounds to detain him, but she says he’s a person of interest, and she can legally keep him for 24 hours. He tells her that he can get out of the cuffs, and she asks if he can get out of an arrest warrant, or does he want to cooperate? He says he’s aware of the surveillance footage and that there was a van blocking the camera. He tells her that the van belongs to Julian’s company. She tells him he used the word “we,” and asks who he’s working with.

Jason and Sam look at the ultrasound. The doctor says the baby is looking good. She asks if they want to know the sex. I do! I do!

Curtis tells Jordan that he likes to work alone and misspoke. She doesn’t believe it, and he says she’s right, but he’s not telling her, and he’s given her all the information that he has. She let’s him loose. She says there’s something she thinks he should see. She takes him in the back, and brings out a laptop. She says she has the footage at a different angle from a red light camera, adding that technically it’s public record. She says he gave her something, and she’s returning the favor.

Jason says it’s up to Sam. Sam thinks a surprise is exciting. The doctor says she wrote it down, and they can open it or forget it exists. Jason says thanks for the temptation.

Nathan has hurt his back. Maxie suggests going to the doctor. She asks if he’s going to be okay to do the first dance at the wedding, and he says wild horses couldn’t pull him away; he’ll be there with his dancing shoes on. He has to get back to work, but promises only the desk and an ice pack. As soon as he’s out of the room, Maxie reaches for his laptop, and he tells her to stay off of it. I laugh.

Lulu tells Dante that she can accept that Charlotte isn’t hers. Dante suggests a mini-vacation, but she says they can’t just drop everything and leave; she still has to finalize things for Haunted Star New Year’s Eve party. Dante leaves. Lulu sees a Christmas bow on the floor and ponders again.

Nina tells Valentin that she was lucky. Those relationships weren’t going to last. She needed to live her own life and find out what made her happy. Valentin tells her she’s already learned the most important lesson – you have to get what you want for yourself. She says most people think she’s fragile and defined by her past, but she’s not fragile, and she’s an independent adult. He says they have that in common, being defined by their past. They kiss.

Lulu visits Maxie. She wants an honest opinion. She says she can’t let something go, even after talking to Dante. She thinks Valentin has her daughter, and wants Maxie to help her prove it.

At the station, Dante asks to talk to Nathan. He tells Nathan about Lulu’s theory on Charlotte.

Valentin tells Nina that he doesn’t want to take advantage. She says he’s not.

Andre asks if Anna thinks Valentin came to Port Charles purposely to follow her. She says she’s not that self-absorbed, but thinks she can find what she needs in the rubble at Bedlington.

Jordan tells Curtis that if he clears Sonny’s name, to make sure that Sonny doesn’t take the law into his own hands. She says she knows he’s working for Jason, but she’s trusting him. If he gets a lead as to who planted the bomb, he needs to come to her first, not Sonny. She tells him to just think about it. After she’s gone, he looks at the footage and says, what the hell…?

Sam asks Jason what he wants to do. His phone rings. It’s Curtis. Curtis tells him not to get mad, and Jason says he shouldn’t start a conversation that way. Curtis says he has something really big.

Tomorrow, Lulu and Maxie look at some files that could have the answer, Tom introduces himself to Kiki, and Dante wonders if Charlotte is Lulu’s daughter.

Hairspray Live!

🎶 I hope a lot of you watched this. Harvey Feirstien reprised his original role of Edna, and – sorry John Travolta – nobody does it better. I saw him on Broadway and I still get excited just thinking about it. But that’s not why I’m hoping a lot of people watched it. John Waters said more with his story about a fat, white girl wanting equality for all than anyone will ever say with the negative crap I see online. If you don’t like musicals, check out the original movie with Divine playing Edna (I was also blessed to see him on stage in Women Behind Bars). Same message without the songs. But if you watch this, be prepared for – horrors! – cultural appropriation, or what we used to call sharing our culture. Today, people can’t seem to make up their minds as to whether they want to be homogenized or smack your hand away from their hair-do. Personally, I prefer to call the USA not a melting pot – a term we were once described as, but never seemed to grasp – but a stew pot, where every ingredient is different, yet all of them work together.

Mini-lecture over. Hairspray Live! was everything. More than a play, it was an event, with live feeds on TV from various cities, a live audience for the show, behind-the-scenes footage, and the Facebook Live comments going so fast, it was hard to read them, much less reply to any. There were a few technical glitches, but the cast didn’t miss a beat, and you could tell they were enjoying the hell out of it. It was a wonderful way to bring people together. I’m sure I’m not alone in saying that I felt good afterward, and certainly better than I do after looking at my Facebook newsfeed.

And while my father can no longer build us a stage in the barn, we can still join together in singing and dancing to promote unity.

June 12, 2016 – No Shahs, Just a Throne Game

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What I Watched Today
(rambling, random thoughts & recaps from today’s real time TV watching)

Because I watched the Tonys – what a shame Hamilton was such a loser – hahaha! – just kidding – congratulations to them – I only saw the first half of Shahs of Sunset. No doubt I’ll catch up with them later, but the takeaway point I was left with was that Tommy is done with MJ. What? He took his clothes and everything. I thought they were making babies together, and now this? Quel disappointment. I also don’t want Vida to be right.

Game of Thrones

We’re back at that play about the Lannisters. Lady Crane has taken Arya’s advice and put more anger in her monologue. The crowd goes wild. And I keep thinking about that carrot cake in my refrigerator.

Lady Crane is about to have her usual apres-monologue booze, when she hears Arya backstage. Arya is practically bleeding to death. Lady Crane dresses her wounds and tells Arya how she came to learn nursing; she was always stitching up her bad boy boyfriends. Lady Crane asks Arya to come with the troupe, but Arya say she can’t. She says there’s someone with no name after her. They talk for a while and Lady Crane gives Arya something to help her sleep.

A bunch of guys sit by a fire in the forest, jackassing around. I guess they’re the guys who killed The Hound’s peeps because he strolls right up and slaughters them.

Cool! It’s the market in Meereen. I’d love to haggle there. A woman makes a speech to a small crowd about how they should support Dany and wait for her. Tyrion and Varys stroll through the market. Tyrion hopes that Varys is right about his mission. Varys says if he doesn’t come back Tyrion will know he was wrong. That’s the spirit! Tyrion says he’ll miss Varys, and they part company.

The High Sparrow sends messengers to ask for Cersei. She says he can come see her, but the head messenger insists. Cersei says the Sparrow promised she could stay in the Red Keep until her trial, but the messenger says, oh no he didn’t. The Mountain comes out in his armor. The messenger says if Cersei doesn’t come willingly, there will be violence. Cersei says she chooses violence and The Mountain makes quick work of one of the messengers. Cersei tells the pretty startled speaker of the group that the Sparrow can come visit her any time.

A bunch of soldiers approach Brienne and Pod. She says she’s there to talk to Jaime and says she has his sword. At the camp, Bron goofs on Pod and then wonders if Brienne and Jaime are doing the nasty in the tent. Bron offers to give Pod fighting lessons. He immediately smacks Pod and says lesson number one is to understand that everyone wants to hit you.

Jaime and Brienne talk in the tent. She tells him about Sansa and says she’s come for The Blackfish. She tells Jaime that Sansa intends to take back her seat at Winterfell. She says he’s a knight and she knows there’s honor in him. and that he should take Riverrun without bloodshed. She says she’ll help him if he helps her. Jaime tells her The Blackfish is more stubborn than she is, but all right. Brienne asks for his word that if she helps him take Riverrun, he’ll give them safe passage. He agrees.

Brienne gives Oathkeeper to Jaime, saying that he gave it to her for a purpose and she’s achieved the purpose. He says it’s hers and always will be. Brienne tells him that if The Blackfish doesn’t surrender, honor compels her to fight on his side. Jaime says he understands and hopes it doesn’t come to that.

The Blackfish tells Brienne that he hasn’t seen Sansa since she was a kid and he doesn’t care. She tells him that Jaime is the one who sent her to get Sansa and she’s sworn to protect Sansa until she dies. She shows him the letter. He says he doesn’t have enough men to help Sansa take Winterfell. Brienne says he still has more than Sansa does. The Blackfish says he has his own home to defend and if Jaime wants the castle, he’ll have to take it. Brienne tells Pod to send Sansa a message that she failed.

Cersei is told that there’s to be a royal announcement in the throne room, but her place is in the gallery. Ouch! Tommen speaks about the faith and the crown, and how the Father judges them all. He announces when Loras’s and Cersei’s trials will be, adding there will be no more trial by combat. Uh-oh, there goes Cersei’s plan. He says it isn’t fair and helps the defendant to escape judgment, which I have to agree is true.

A maester sidles up to Cersei. He says he’s investigated a rumor and it’s about to blow the lid off the place. I’m paraphrasing.

Tyrion tells Greyworm and Missandei that Meereen has been reborn. Neither one of them is a drinker, but he insists they have a drink with him. He toasts to Dany and says anyone not drinking is disrespectful to their queen. Greyworm isn’t impressed with fermentation. Tyrion says he’d like to have his own vineyard and call his wine The Imp’s Delight. He tells a three-guys-walk-into-a-bar joke, but neither one of them get it. Missandei is liking the wine and Tyrion asks her to tell a joke. After she does, Greyworm tells her it’s the worst joke he’s ever heard. They start to relax and laugh a little, and suddenly Greyworm jumps up and runs out.

A load of ships are coming in and Missandei says the masters are back for their property.

Jaime apologizes to Edmure for the way the Freys treated him. Edmure says his uncle will never surrender the castle, so Jaime is wasting his time. Jaime says The Blackfish is an old guy and Edmure has a son now. Edmure says he’s never seen his son. Jaime says going against the crown has consequences. They go back and forth with Edmure finally calling Jaime an evil man. He asks how Jaime lives with himself.

Jaime says Edmure’s sister once hit him in the head with a rock and they sort of laugh. Jaime says he admired Catelyn. Edmure tells Jaime not to talk about her. Jaime says she was a lot like Cersei and would do anything to protect her children. Edmure asks what he really wants. Jaime says he loves Cersei and she needs him. He says he’ll do whatever he can to take Riverrun and get back to her. He says none of them mean anything to him except her. He’ll kill all the Tullys if he has to.

Edmure approaches the castle, saying he’s the rightful Lord of Riverrun and demands entry. The Blackfish tells the gatekeeper not to let him in, but the gatekeeper says he’s sworn to serve the Lord of Riverrun. The Blackfish says he’s not obeying the Lord of Riverrun; he’s obeying Jaime Lannister. The Blackfish says he’ll have his head first and the gatekeeper says The Blackfish is not the Lord of Riverrun. The Blackfish puts his sword away, since he can’t argue with that, and the drawbridge is lowered.

Edmure goes inside, saying nothing to The Blackfish. He goes upstairs and is welcomed home. He tells the gatekeeper that everyone is to lay down their arms and to open the gates. Jaime looks at the Freys like, ah-ha (in Nelson voice), I was right. The soldiers enter Riverrun. Edmure says to hand The Blackfish over to the Freys for poetic justice.

Brienne and Pod are leaving. Brienne tells The Blackfish to come with them, but he says it’s his family home and he hasn’t had a proper sword fight in years. I give him props for his chutzpah.

Jaime is told The Blackfish died fighting. He looks out over the castle wall and sees Brienne and Pod leaving in a boat. He and Brienne wave to each other. I guess they’ll always be friends, eh?

Meanwhile, Meereen is being bombarded with fire bombs from the ships. Greyworm is arguing with Tyrion. Greyworm says the army needs to wait for the masters to come to them and not go to the beach. Suddenly, a bunch of Ninja type guys come in and bow down. Dany has arrived.

The Hound hears people in the forest. He sees some guys about to be hung. The hangmen are Beric and Thoros from the Brotherhood Without Banners. The Hound realizes the hangees are part of the gang who killed Brother Ray and the others, and finds out they were also part of the Brotherhood. He wants to deal with them, but compromises with taking out two. He wants to use his ax, but Beric says they only do hanging. Again there’s a compromise where The Hound can cut off some fingers or something. He also takes a pair of boots from one of the dead guys.

The Hound shares supper with his old friends. Beric asks him to join them. The Hound says he tried that and it didn’t work. Beric tells him they need good men to help them. The Hound says last time they met, Beric wanted him dead. Beric says that the Lord of Light spared The Hound for a reason. He tells The Hound he can still help more than he’s harmed and it’s not too late.

Arya is recovering at Lady Crane’s place. A guy stops by while Arya is sleeping and Lady Crane gets a vial from the top of a cabinet.

Arya is startled awake and finds Lady Crane totally butchered. The Waif appears and says if Arya had done her job, Lady Crane would have died painlessly. Arya jumps from the balcony and runs, The Waif behind her. She’s pretty freakin’ fast too. They run through Braavos. Finally Arya looses The Waif, but gets herself lost.

Arya walks through a steam-room into the market and there’s The Waif. Arya jumps over a wall and takes an amazing tumble down a whole lot of stairs, upsetting quite a few merchants. She’s hurt, but manages to crawl away, The Waif trailing her. Why, I don’t know, but Arya goes through an alleyway where there’s no way out. The Waif follows with a knife.

Arya is crouched in a dark room. The Waif closes the door and tells Arya it will be over soon. Arya has Needle, but the Waif says that won’t help her.

Jaqen sees a trail of blood leading to the pool. He goes downstairs to where the faces are. He sees The Waif’s face among them. Behind him, Arya says he told The Waif not to kill her. He says yes and that finally a girl is no one. She says the girl is Arya Stark of Winterfell and she’s going home. Jaqen smiles. Kind of.

Next time, Jon is ready for war, and war it is. Looks like a doozie.

June 10, 2016 – GH or Not to GH, No Shot at Hamilton & a Quote

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What I Watched Today
(rambling, random thoughts & recaps from today’s real time TV watching)

General Hospital – Thursday

A prayer service for Nicholas is being held at Windemere. Lulu and Dante arrive. Laura says she felt they could support each other. Spencer escorts Emma to the kitchen for cookies. Elizabeth tells Hayden she wants a truce.

Alexis tells Julian he’s holding the proof he killed somene, so how can he ask if there’s a chance for them? He says he still loves her and doesn’t want to lose her. Bleh. She asks if he loved her when he ripped the shirt out of her hand and grabbed her arm. He tells her he’s trying to protect them. She tries to get the shirt back again, and when he pulls it away, she says he’s the only one he’s trying to protect. He tries to turn it around, intimating that she took vows and she’s not standing by him. Boo-hoo. She says he’s not the only one who could get in trouble.

Griff tells Lucas that if God was testing him by putting Carrrlos in his path, he’s not sure if he passed the test. He says he’s on a leave of absence from his diocese. Lucas wonders how Griff feels about his gayness. Griff tells Lucas that he and his church don’t always see eye to eye, along with some kumbaya stuff, but says that has nothing to do with him keeping his being a priest a secret.

Spinelli shows up at Maxie and Nathan’s. They’re still arguing and he suggests coming back after they’ve kissed and made up. Maxie says that won’t be happening. Spinelli says statistics say arguments like these usually lead to a night of passion. He goes to make some tea and Nathan tells Maxie he’ll always regret his actions with Claudette. Maxie tells Nathan she needs time to process everything. He leaves and Spinelli asks Maxie what’s going on.

Sam wants to look for evidence during the gathering at Windemere, but Jason says the others might be wise to her. He’s going to take a boat to the other side of the island and sneak in. He says the cops are only looking for the obvious, but he’ll know what he’s looking for when he finds it. He says Nicholas was desperate, and desperate men make mistakes. He tells her to stick with the group and he’ll text her when he’s done.

Elizabeth tells Hayden that for tonight, they’re here for Nicholas. When that’s over, they can go back to hating each other.

Spencer asks if Emma knows what kind of party she’s at. Emma says they’re getting together to pray for his father’s return. Spencer says he knows for a fact that Nicholas isn’t coming back. Hayden goes to the door and Naomi is there. Naomi says she’s there for moral support and Hayden says Naomi is there to look for the diamonds. She blames Hayden for losing them and goes in to the drawing room.

Laura and Lulu are concerned about Spencer, but Lulu says Dante is doing his best to get through to him. Dante tells Spencer there’s no evidence to prove his father isn’t coming back. Spencer says it’s better to accept the obvious. He doesn’t want to grieve for his father twice.

Alexis tells Julian since he has the shirt, he wins. All he has to do is destroy it. Without evidence, the only thing she has is hearsay. He says he loves her. She tells him he can have her or get away with murder, but not both. He leaves with the shirt and she dissolves into tears.

Alexis calls Diane and tells her something came up and she can’t explain right now. She says the evidence is gone and she can’t get it back, but she’s not letting Julian get away with murder. Julian barbecues the shirt.

Spinelli says when he received Maxie’s call about her engagement, little did he know things would deteriorate so quickly. She says something about Nathan’s first wife. When Spinelli looks surprised, she says yeah, he forgot to mention it to her too, and explains how the details came out.

Nathan sees Griff at the hospital. He says Griff managed to save his life and ruin it at the same time.

Hayden introduces her mother to Laura. Laura says her hope is that Nicholas will return to them. When Laura steps away, Naomi asks Hayden if she thinks Nicholas is coming back. She says no, but she wishes he would. Laura thanks everyone for coming. She says they’re all missing Nicholas and hoping for answers and wishing for the best. Spencer says Nicholas is gone and the drawing room doors open.

Jason skulks around Nicholas’s bedroom. He checks the trash, like no one would have done that.

Sam enters the drawing room. Dante asks where Jason is and she says she wishes she knew. Like he’d be showing up there in the first place. Lulu thanks Laura for arranging everything. She says she wants to be drawing on her love for Nicholas, but her fear is overpowering her feelings. She says seeing all of them makes her feel less alone. Spencer asks to be excused and leaves with Emma.

Jason goes through drawers and finds a notepad.

Spinelli says it didn’t sound like happiest of unions and the green card thing is illegal. He says maybe Nathan didn’t want to relive it. Maxie says they got past it and started planning the wedding, but that was just the tip of the iceberg. She wants to tell him the rest, but Nathan made her swear not to. He asks for a hint. She says she can’t talk about it to anyone and suddenly spaces out for a moment. She says she has to go and she’ll talk to him later.

Nathan tells Griff that he said to be honest and now Maxie doesn’t want to be with him any more. Geez, isn’t Nathan a little old to be blaming the people he takes advice from when it backfires? Griff says he’s sorry to hear that, but he can’t get any more involved than he is already. He suggests they see a therapist or talk to family members, but whatever they decide, leave him out of it.

Lucas goes to Julian and Alexis’s place, and Alexis let’s him in. He thanks her for volunteering the house for his and Brad’s wedding and she has no idea what he’s talking about. He says Julian told them they could have the wedding there – tonight. Lucas can see how surprised she is and says he’ll change the date, but she says no, they should go ahead. He tells her he’s glad Julian found her. When he leaves, Alexis relives finding out that Julian killed Carrrlos. She’s about to get out the dagger when Julian walks in. What have I said about his timing? He asks if he shouldn’t have come back and she says where else should he be an hour before his son’s wedding that he didn’t bother telling her about.

Spencer gives Emma a handmade heart to remember him by and I wonder if he used the diamonds on it. Jason watches unbeknownst to them. Emma asks where Spencer is going and he says nowhere, but she’ll be going back to California. When they leave, Jason comes back out of his hiding place.

Hayden says if Nicholas could see all of them there, nothing would stop him from coming back to them. Laura asks for a moment of silence to pray for his safe return. Naomi whisper asks to Hayden who else knows about the diamonds.

Dante asks if there’s anything Sam can tell him about where Jason is. She says the only thing he said was for her not to go anywhere. Dante says Jason saved his life and he’s grateful. She says if she hears from him, she’ll tell him to contact Dante. When Dante leaves, Elizabeth tells Sam to tell Jason to be careful because something is very wrong.

Maxie runs into the hospital and asks Griff to put on his priest hat because she has to talk to someone about her fiance. He says he’s the last person she should talk to.

Spinelli is trying to get information about Claudette when Nathan comes back.

Naomi asks Elizabeth how long she’s lived in Port Charles. Laura goes to check on Spencer and sees him with Emma. Spencer tells her again he knows Nicholas isn’t coming back.

Jason texts Sam that he’s out. Dante goes into the hallway to make a call and asks for a tail on Sam who just left.

Julian asks Alexis if they can move past it. She asks how he could throw their future away. He says he never thought they’d be in this position; he thought they were a team and were still together.

Tomorrow, Hayden tells Naomi they’re having her arrested, Ava skips town, and Spinelli uncovers some dirt.

General Hospital – Friday

Today, GH was pre-empted and ABC showed a repeat because of the Mohammed Ali funeral in some areas.

So, in lieu of that, I have a little tirade.

Hamilton

Normally, I don’t write about theatre, but at one time I was on Broadway – okay, it was 103rd Street and Broadway, but technically, it was still Broadway – so I feel compelled to air my grievances about the discouraging way the tickets for this are being handled.

I keep praying I either wake up rich so I could afford to see it, or wake up stupid so that I no longer want to. While it’s not bad enough tickets are already astronomically priced and the show is sold out until January, in order to combat scalping, ticket prices are rising even higher for this particular show. That’s right, instead of punishing the people breaking the law, the audience is being penalized.(While it’s not a crime to resell a ticket, it is if you’re going to rob someone blind, not to mention the problem of fake tickets),  I guess they figure fewer scalpers will shell out the original price and don’t care if the people wanting to see the show have to suffer for that. Supposedly, as a consolation prize, they will be adding more tickets to the daily lottery. Oh yay! My odds will be a percentage of a percentage of a percent better now.

Part of the charm of this show is that it’s about a nobody’s rise from poverty to being a key figure in forming a new nation, as well as the casting being all inclusive. However, the rest of us nobodies are being excluded by our bank balances. I’m disappointed that Lin-Manuel Miranda isn’t being vocal about this. Especially since he’s spoken out about other forms of audience rip-offs.

Lest you think an actor has no say in the matter, I don’t buy that. As a matter-of-fact, I personally blame Matthew Broderick and Nathan Lane for the original exorbitant rise in ticket prices. It happened during their run in The Producers when they insisted on more money because they were now big stars, and apparently cared less about the work and those who would like to see it, than their wallets. There have certainly been musicians in the past who have stepped in and stopped such thievery of their fans, but Broadway actors seem to have ceased caring.

That’s sad, coming from a place where the work, and the enjoyment of the audience, should be first and foremost. And everyone should get a fair shot at tickets.

Quote of the Week

If you don’t try at anything, you can’t fail. April (Kate Winslet) in Revolutionary Road.