Category Archives: real housewives

September 6, 2022 – An Anniversary Brings a Surprise, Backstage, Primetime Gig, Could Happen, a Message, Evil Woman, Filming, a Goodbye, Tales Talk, New Dragon & Gurls

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Marshall tells Sonny, this here is a celebration. They don’t want no trouble. Sonny says he doesn’t want any trouble either. He’s there to celebrate Trina, just like everyone else. He just wants to have a minute with Curtis. Curtis says, now is not a good time, and Marshall says, Sonny heard his son. He thinks it’s best Sonny leave now. Taggert tells Portia, nothing’s going to happen, and she asks if he’s sure about that. He says, 95% sure, and she says, he likes those odds? He says, whatever happens, Sonny and Curtis can work it out, and she says she hopes he’s right. She just wanted Trina to have a lovely party to celebrate, and… it looks like she’s got some drama of her own.

Trina says, the envelope has her name on it. Did Spencer find it somewhere? He says, no. Can she give it back please? She says, why should she? It’s hers. He says, no. Actually, it’s his. He was going to give it to her… She says, now she has it, so why does he want it back?

Willow wakes, and reaches for Michael, but he’s not there. She hears Wiley giggle, and Nelle’s voice says, say bye-bye, grandma; bye-bye, daddy. She goes downstairs and sees Carly and Michael lying dead in the living room. Nelle is there, holding Wiley’s hand, and she tells Willow, it’s no use. She’s too late. Willow says, give her her son, but Nelle says, she doesn’t have Willow’s son. Oh, Willow means her son. Willow says, Nelle is nothing to Wiley, and Nelle says, guess again. Now that the obstacles have been removed, she and her son can be together. Willow asks what she did to Michael and Carly, and Nelle says, she didn’t do anything; Willow did. Willow looks down to see her hands covered in blood, and says, no. Nelle says she’s so glad karma is finally paying Willow back for taking her son from her. Now there’s no more Michael, no more Carly… Thanks for that by the way. Willow says, no, no, no, and Nelle says, and when she disappears with her son, Willow won’t have anybody anymore. Say bye-bye. Wiley says, bye-bye, mommy, and Willow moves toward them, but they disappear. Willow looks at Michael and Carly, and screams. She wakes up, and sees Michael isn’t there. She says, oh my God, and jumps out of bed.

Downstairs, Carly thanks Temp Michael for letting her help put Wiley to bed. She’s going to miss that little guy when she’s on her trip. He says, Wiley loves spending time with her, and he appreciates the reinforcement, because Willow has been going to bed really early lately. Carly says, of course (🍷). She’s working and pregnant. He says he knows. He’s starting to realize how big a deal that is. Willow comes in, and says, thank God, throwing her arms around Michael. He asks, what’s wrong? and she says, Nelle.

Spencer says, it doesn’t matter why he didn’t give Trina the letter. They’re his words, and he no longer wishes Trina to read them. Give it back. She says, no, and he says, please. That letter is his property. She says, possession is nine tenths of the law, so if he wants it back he’s going to have to do more than say please. Follow her. She leads him outside.

Sonny says, he means no disrespect, but this doesn’t involve Marshall. Curtis says, regardless, he decides who he wants to have a conversation with in his own club, and Nina comes by. She asks if Sonny minds if she steals him away for a second, and Sonny goes with her. Marshall says, he’s gone. Now tell him what the hell is going on. Curtis says, thanks. He knows what Marshall is doing, but he and Sonny go back aways. Whatever issues they have, they can resolve them on their own. Marshall says, he’s been in the music business a long time, and he’s seen Sonny’s type and how they behave in establishments like Curtis’s. Once they get their hooks in, there’s no getting them out. Curtis says, Marshall has warned him about this before. Trust him. He gets it. Marshall says, he’s not meddling, but Curtis has great back-up with Police Commissioner Ashford. All Curtis has to do is call it in, but hey, he’s not meddling.

Jordan tells TJ that she’s working on a case involving one of those genealogy companies, and it reminded her of when Stella took her test. She’d almost forgotten that’s how Stella found her cousin in London. TJ says, it was, and it’s been a whirlwind adventure ever since. She says, at the time, they all thought her long-lost relative was here in Port Charles, and he says, and they said it was a closer match than a cousin. She guesses they were wrong, but he says he doesn’t know. When she found her cousin, they let it go, but honestly, the whole thing never set right with him. They chalked it up to a technical glitch, but it seems unlikely a reputable company would make that mistake. Stella arrives, and tells TJ to give her a hug.

Josslyn asks if Cameron has some place else to be, but he says he has another surprise. She says, another secret, and he says, a surprise, not a secret. She says, close enough, and he says, she’s the one keeping all the secrets. HE didn’t know his girlfriend was a pro dumpster diver. Is she still mad at him? She asks, what for? and he says, not telling her about Spencer’s plan to save Trina. She says, no. Of course (🍷) she wasn’t thrilled, but she gets it. Spencer put him in an impossible situation.

Spencer says, until he gives it to Trina, the letter is his property, and he’s not giving it to her. This is totally unfair. She says, he’s really going to complain to her about what is and isn’t fair? She’ll give him the letter back – he says, thank you – but first she has to tell him why he’s being so weird about it… Fine. She’ll open it. He says, it’s not for her, but she says, it has her name on it. He says, that’s because it’s addressed to Trina his friend, and according to her, they’re not friends anymore.

Cameron tells Josslyn, in the interest of not keeping secrets, Spencer wrote Trina a letter. In it, he explains everything; how he always believed Trina, and was only pretending to back Esme. She says, wow. She’s almost proud of him. Does Cameron think that’s what they’re talking about? He says he hopes so. All these secrets haven’t been doing anyone any good. It’s time for everything to be out in the open.

Trina says she set a boundary, and Spencer says, he’s just trying to respect it. She says she didn’t mean to hurt him when she said they couldn’t be friends anymore, but he says, we Cassadines have ice in our veins. She didn’t hurt him, but thank you. He appreciates it, and knows she wasn’t trying to hurt him. She says, he has to admit, their relationship got pretty toxic, and he says, toxic or not, their relationship meant a lot to him, and it always will. She says, it’s meant a lot to her too, but their friendship wasn’t good for her. She felt like she kept compromising herself over and over again. She hopes he understands, and he says he does. And since they’re sharing, there’s something he’d like to tell her too.

Jordan and Stella hug, and Stella asks, where’s that nephew of hers? Jordan gestures to Marshall and Curtis talking, and Stella says, those two look like they could use a minute. Now what’s going on with TJ? Starting with how thin he’s getting. Is Molly feeding him enough?… She says she’s sorry. They’re a modern couple and they feed themselves. TJ says, between Molly’s schedule and his, they manage to grab the occasional meal, and he promises he’s taking care of himself. She says, okay. What’s going on with Jordan? She’s kind of quiet. Is everything all right? Portia runs up, and says she’s sorry to interrupt, but it’s so good to see Stella. They hug, and Stella sees Portia’s ring. She says, wait a minute. What is this?

Curtis says he knows Marshall doesn’t like Sonny, but he’s got it covered. Marshall says, don’t get it twisted; this isn’t personal. He barely knows Sonny, but he knows Sonny’s type; the type that can cause trouble. Curtis sees Selina, and Marshall says, if Sonny is trying to rope Curtis or The Savoy into something shady, they got to deal with that. Curtis says he hears Marshall, but he and Sonny don’t have that kind of relationship.  

Willow says, Nelle had Wiley by the hand. She tried to take him from Nelle, and they disappeared. She was standing there with Michael and Carly, and they were both dead. Then she woke up. Michael says, it was just a dream, and Carly says, she got intense dreams when she was pregnant; she gets it. Willow says she hopes she doesn’t have them until she delivers. She’s tired enough as it is. She’s cutting back her hours at GH. Carly says, that’s smart, and she’s sure GH is understanding. Michael says, and she has him to take care of her, and Carly says, and her entire family. Willow says she appreciates that, and Michael promises there will be no stress during this pregnancy.

Nina goes to Nelle’s grave with a bouquet of flowers, and says she’s sorry she wasn’t here earlier. It’s been a long, exhausting day, but Nelle is never far from her thoughts. She can’t believe it’s been two years since she lost Nelle. It’s been an interesting two years. She never even visited last year. Nelle says, no big deal, and Nina looks up to see her. Nelle says, she’s literally living rent free in Nina’s head. Hi mom.

Selina says, always a pleasure, and Sonny says he didn’t expect to see her here tonight. She says, Curtis is a valued partner of hers. She came to express her congratulations for Trina’s good fortune. He says, that’s very generous, and she says, sit with her and have a drink. Unless he’s waiting on Miss Reeves. He says, Miss Reeves isn’t with him tonight. She says, then they’re both unescorted, since Curtis is occupied with family matters. They should have a chat. Sonny says, about what? and she says, there’s always business to discuss.

Spencer tells Trina that he’s sorry he made their friendship confusing. That’s all on him. He should have been upfront about Esme, and he should have told Esme about his feelings for her. Maybe if he’d done that, he could have saved them from the path of destruction they were on. She says, that would have been preferable, and he says, maybe they could have… The point is, everyone deserved better, and that’s essentially what he wrote in the letter. He just wanted an opportunity to come clean, and let her know he would have done everything differently. She says she appreciates that, and he says he understands why they can’t be friends anymore. He messed up her life, and he’ll always regret that.

Stella says, that looks like an engagement ring, and Portia says, Curtis proposed. They’re engaged.

Willow says, Wiley is safe and sound, sleeping like the angel he is, and Carly says, it doesn’t hurt to make sure. Michael says, she got dressed. Is she going out? Willow says she’s just getting some air, and he says he’ll go with her, but she says, one of them needs to stay with Wiley. He says, his mom can do that, or that can take Wiley to the main house. Willow says, Michael wants to wake Wiley so he can babysit her? and Carly says she actually needs to go over some things with Michael before her trip. Willow says she’ll be fine, and leaves. Michael asks what Carly wants to talk about, and she says, nothing. She gets that his heart is in the right place, but she thinks Willow needs time alone. He says he doesn’t want to hover, but Willow’s been acting so off lately, he can’t shake the feeling there’s something she’s not telling him.

Nelle says, normally, she’s not a fan of being forgotten, and Nina says, she didn’t forget Nelle. Nelle says she knows. Nina was doing the Lord’s work in Nixon Falls. Thanks for that, by the way. She knows Nina didn’t do it for her, but Nina did it because of her, so that’s good enough. Nina says she was upset with Carly. She let Nelle slip, and even after she knew what she did, she didn’t tell Nina that Nelle was her daughter. She just left Nelle out there alone. Nina cries, and says she didn’t mean to let things go as far as they did, but Nelle says, didn’t she? It doesn’t matter. What’s important is that it paid off beautifully. Nina broke up Sonny and Carly, and kept Sonny for herself. Nina says she’s not going to apologize for her relationship with Sonny, but she did hurt a lot of people, including Wiley. Nelle says, Wiley’s a baby. He’s not going to remember any of it anyway. Nina says, Wiley’s not a baby anymore. He’s old enough to have things affect him. Nelle says, if Michael and Carly, and that baby-stealing insufferable Willow, want to tell him things about her or Nina that might be hurtful, that’s on them. They’re in the clear. Nina says she doesn’t want anyone to hurt Wiley, but Nelle says, he’ll get over it. It’s not like anyone’s stealing his kidney for cash, like Frank Benson. Nina says, her greatest regret is that she couldn’t protect Nelle growing up from that horrible, neglectful person. Nelle says, Nina’s mom did put her in a coma, and shrugs. Nina says, she would have been a good mother. Nelle’s life would have been so different. Nelle says, it would. Nina would have given her so much love, everything she ever wanted or needed. They hug, and Nelle says, she could have followed in Nina’s footsteps. Maybe become Editor-in-Chief of Crimson magazine. Nina says she wishes she could have given Nelle that life, and Nelle says, it’s a shame they didn’t know who they were to each other. She could have learned from the best. Together, they really could have made Michael and Carly suffer. They could have made sure Carly stayed in the nuthouse for the rest of her life. They could have hidden her son away from Michael. Working together, they really could have done a lot of damage.

Carly tells Michel, being pregnant is like being on a roller coaster. One minute, you’re glowing and happy, and the next minute, you’re just miserable. He says he knows he’s being over-protective, but how random is it that Willow dreamed about Nelle? She says, Nelle died two years ago today, and he says he didn’t realize. She says she tries not to think about it, but sometimes it just hits her. Reaching out, trying to grab Nelle and help her, and she just falls. It was awful. Then she felt relief. Nelle’s gone. Her friends and family are safe. Then she was terrified she was going to be blamed for Nelle’s death – and she was, once Nina found out the truth. Michael says he’s going to just call and check on Willow, and Carly says, it’s been five minutes; come on. He calls, but gets voicemail, and says, Carly doesn’t think she’d go to Nelle’s grave, does she? Carly says, he knows Willow best. What does he think? He says he thinks it’s a possibility, and since it’s the anniversary of Nelle’s death, he thinks there’s a chance she’ll run into Nina. Carly flashes back to finding out Nina is Willow’s mother, and he says, what happens if Willow runs into Nina? She says she thinks it will be unpleasant, but she doesn’t think Nina would hurt Willow. He says he’s going to check on her, and asks if Carly would mind watching Wiley. She says, yes, of course (🍷), when Wiley runs in, and asks where Michael is going. Michael says he’s going to pick up mommy, but Wiley hugs him, and says, no. Michael asks, what’s wrong? He loves Grandma Carly. Wiley says he had a bad dream, and doesn’t want Michael to go. Carly says, she’ll check on Willow, and Michael can stay with his son. She won’t let anything happen to Willow. He thanks her, and she leaves.

Nelle says, if Nina’s mother hadn’t pawned her off on Frank Benson, and Carly hadn’t let her plummet to her death, and if she and Nina had known who they were to each other, she could have had the most beautiful life. They could have punished them all. Nina says, that’s not what she wanted for Nelle. Everything she did, all the mistakes she made, were because she was in pain. Nelle is her baby, and Nina misses her, but she’s going to have to spend the rest of her life making up for her mistakes. Nelle says, what’s the point in whining about that? If Madeline hadn’t done what she did to Nina, and if Frank hadn’t done what he did to her, it’s the best get-out-of-jail-free card ever. Nina says, just because they got hurt doesn’t absolve them, and Nelle says, they got hurt, and hurt the world around them. Face it. They’re exactly the same. They had a connection, but Nina couldn’t let herself recognize that Nelle was her own flesh and blood. Not while Nelle was working for her, not while Nelle was standing in front of her, not when Nina testified against her, when they were trying to take her baby away from her. Nina had every opportunity to be the mother she always wanted to be, and she pushed Nelle away. Nina says she didn’t know, and cries, her face in her hands. When she looks up, Willow is there instead of Nelle.

Trina tells Spencer, she doesn’t know what to say, and he tells her, she doesn’t have to say anything. He just wanted her to know he’s sorry. She says she wishes things were different, and he says, him too. Rory comes out, and says he’s sorry to interrupt, but she’s been gone a while. He just wanted to make sure she was okay. Spencer says, he’s kept her from her party long enough. They’re done here anyway, aren’t they? She hands him the letter, and he leaves. Rory asks if she’s okay, and she says, yeah… She doesn’t know what just happened. He asks if she wants to get out of here, but she says, no. This is her party, and she wants to enjoy it with her date.

Sonny says, it’s a little late for business, and Selina says, friendship then. Let her buy him a drink. He says he doesn’t want to intrude any longer, and she says, it’s hardly intrusion. He’s welcome here. Or has he been made to feel otherwise?

Taggert asks if that thing Trina had to take care of had anything to do with Spencer, and she says, they just cleared the air. She told him they couldn’t be friends anymore. He says, smart decision. He knows it wasn’t easy, but that kid, he’s no good.

Portia says, they were going to tell Stella tonight. This is not how they wanted her to find out. She’s so sorry. Curtis comes over, and says, sorry for what? Stella says, it seems that he’s been keeping some things from her, and Portia says, she saw the ring, so… He says, they were going to tell her together in person tonight, and Stella says, oh, independent corroboration. Jordan says, she and TJ will give them some privacy, and they move on. Portia says she’s so sorry, but Stella says, Portia doesn’t owe her an apology; Curtis does. But first, allow her to welcome Portia to the family. They hug, and Portia thanks her. Stella says, Curtis finally takes her suggestion, and proposes, and she’s the last to know. He says, it wasn’t on purpose, and she asks if they’ve started making plans yet. Curtis says, slow down just a bit; they just got engaged. Stella says, like that’s an excuse, and Portia says, there is one thing they did, that they definitely agree on. Curtis says, that’s part of the reason they were waiting for tonight to tell her, and Stella says she’s dying to know. Curtis says, they’d like to know if she would marry them, and she says she’s never officiated at a wedding before. He says, it’s easy. You just go online, fill out some paperwork, and register with the clerk. Portia says, and you can just drop it in the mail, and Stella flashes back to never mailing the divorce papers. Portia asks if she would do them the honor, and Curtis takes Stella’s hand, saying, because there’s really no one better to marry them. She says, marrying the two of them would be the honor of her life, and Marshall says, and he’ll handle the music. Portia thanks them, and says, that’s one thing down. Now all they have to do is pick a date, a venue, the guest list, and apply for a marriage license. Stella says, for that, they have to supply proof of their divorces, and Curtis says, come to think of it, he doesn’t remember getting that. Stella says, he’d better look into it.

Willow asks who Nina was talking to, and Nina says she was talking to herself. Willow says, sorry for intruding. She knows how hard this day must be for her. Nina says, it is hard. She didn’t know Nelle was her daughter when she was alive, but she carried her. Nelle was her baby. Willow is probably wondering why she’s grieving when Nelle did such horrible things. Willow says, Nelle was still Nina’s child, and a mother’s love is unconditional. Feeling sadness over what could have been, that’s just human. Nina thanks her, and says she’s guessing Willow is here for Jonah, but Willow says she’s here for Nelle.

Selina asks if Curtis is giving Sonny any trouble, but Sonny says, it’s just a misunderstanding. He ran into a singer, Harrison Chase. Does she know of him? She says, the detective on suspension, and he says, he’s a good singer, and a good guy. He thought Chase would be a good fit for The Savoy. She says she appreciates Sonny making the connection. She’s sure Curtis will too.

Curtis asks if Jordan’s got a minute, and she says, what’s up? He says, this is going to sound strange, but did she ever receive notification that their divorce was finalized? She says, now that he mentions it, she’s not sure. She remembers filing the papers, but… He says, maybe it’s because he moved, his got lost in the mail, but she’s sure she got hers? She says she doesn’t remember seeing it, but she did get a lot of mail while she was away at the clinic. She could double-check; maybe she misplaced it. He says he hates to ask, but he needs it to apply for a marriage license. She says, of course (🍷). In order to get married again, you need to be divorced.

Stella congratulates Trina, and hugs her, saying, she had faith that Trina would be exonerated. Trina thanks her and thanks her for coming. Stella says, absolutely, and Curtis asks if he can steal Stella away for a minute. They leave, and Taggert tells Trina that he’s going to bounce. Have fun, stay late with her friends, and enjoy being young while she can. She says she supposes she can, as long as he promises to get lattes with her at the Haven Bistro soon. He says, twist his arm, and hugs Trina, saying, he has such a good daughter. He tells Jordan, see ya, and leaves. Jordan asks where Rory is, and Trina says, he went to get drinks. Jordan says she wanted to tell him about a break in a case, but shop talk can wait. Trina says, he’d love to hear about it. He loves his work. Jordan says, it’s pretty interesting. One of those DNA genealogy sites gave them some important evidence. Trina says, that’s so cool, and Jordan says, it make her glad those tests have become mainstream. Has Trina ever done one?

Willow tells Nina, Nelle was Wiley’s birth mother. She felt she should pay her respects, for Wiley’s sake. Nina says, Willow came out of respect for Nelle; that’s nice. She must be conflicted, since she and Michael are trying to erase Nelle from Wiley’s life. Willow says, they’re not trying to erase Nelle; they’re protecting Wiley. Even Nina admitted Nelle did terrible things. Nina says, and that’s what they want to do, lie to Wiley. Tell him people don’t have flaws. Willow says, Nelle was beyond flawed. If she’d had her way, Michael would have never known Wiley was his son, and Nina would have never known Wiley was her grandson. Every time she thinks she’s making headway with Nina, there’s no reasoning with her. She only sees what she wants to see. Nina tells Willow to get off her damn high horse. She’s sorry Nelle did horrible things, but it’s made Willow so self-righteous, she can’t acknowledge anyone’s pain but her own. Carly walks into the cemetery, and says, enough. If anyone needs perspective, it’s Nina. No matter how hard she tries to rewrite history, no matter how much she wishes Nelle had been redeemed, it doesn’t change the facts. Nelle was a kidnapper and a murderer, and the only reason they’re safe is because she’s dead.

Sonny says he can handle his business with Curtis, and Selina says, she and Sonny go back many years and many favors. Sonny agrees they do, and she says, anything she can do to strengthen their ties, don’t hesitate to ask. He says he’ll keep that in mind. She and Curtis have been doing business; how’s that working out? She says, splendidly. She found Curtis to be quite accommodating. Sonny says he’s going to let Curtis get back to his family, and thinks Selina should do the same. You know what they say about a good man. He whispers, they have their limits, and she whispers back, thank you for the advice. But she knows exactly where she and Curtis stand.

Trina tells Jordan that she took a DNA genealogy test for a project in high school. Why does she ask? Curtis gets on stage, and says, good evening. He thanks everyone for coming to The Savoy for Trina. Everyone yells, and he says, when he first met Trina, it’s safe to say she was profoundly unimpressed. But he on the other hand, immediately noticed what a strong, smart, resilient young lady she is. It’s impossible not to. So in honor of Trina, please help him welcome tonight’s entertainment, Cameron Webber. Cameron comes out with an electric guitar, and apparently has a band we never knew about. He asks how everyone is feeling tonight, and they whoop and holler. He says, his first song is dedicated to Trina. In fact, they’re all dedicated to Trina, since this is her party. This song is about a person they both know. She’ll get what it means. There’s a lot of da-da-da stuff, and something about someone being messed up in the head, but they don’t give a damn. I’m actually not positive, but I assume it’s about Esme? Cameron finishes the song to cheers and applause.  

Spencer sets the letter on fire, and watches it burn.  

Carly suggests Willow go home, and take care of herself and the baby. Michael and Wiley are waiting. Willow says, Carly’s right. It was a mistake to come here. She leaves, and Nina says, this is precious. She comes here to have a private moment with her daughter, the two of them show up, uninvited, and she’s the villain. Carly says, Nina and Nelle are alike. Nothing was ever Nelle’s fault, and nothing is ever Nina’s fault. Nina says, she’s taken responsibility for her actions, and she’s paid the consequences, and Carly says, but she doesn’t believe she deserves them. She and Nelle sing the same tune; that they’re a product of their circumstances, and that excuses their actions. Nina says, Carly of all people should sympathize. Not with her, but with Nelle. Because it was Carly’s adoptive father who neglected Nelle, abused her, and sold her for parts. Carly says she had compassion for Nelle, and in return, she was sent to Ferncliff for months, Michael was left to burn in a car, and Nelle switched Wiley for Willow’s dead baby. Does Nina get that? Nelle used someone’s dead infant as a prop. How proud Nina must be. Carly walks out, and Nina says, it didn’t have to be like this.

Tomorrow, Felicia tells Maxie, that would be a bad idea; Anna tells Robert, she doesn’t know whether to find that funny or disturbing; Victor tells Lucy, it will be their little secret; and Sonny wants to get something straight with Cody.

🍺 Behind the Bar…

That was a fun scene.

👮🏽‍♂️ Not So Invisible…

A lot of side gigs going on at GH.

🎼 Like Mother, Like Daughter…

This would be the perfect time for Lois to make an appearance.

📜 For the Fans…

This was just one of the saddest things ever.

😈 I’m With Her…

I’ll say it again. I think Sutton is clueless and can be inappropriate AF, but Diana is vindictive and creepy.

💗 Making Heart Sign…

A match made in Housewives heaven.

🥀 We Barely Knew Ye…

Even though I don’t think we ever saw him, Marge sure seemed to have a lot of respect for her ex. I know she must be devastated.

https://people.com/tv/real-housewives-of-new-jersey-margaret-josephs-ex-husband-jan-josephs-dead-at-75/

⚰️ Tales To Be Told…

Is it science or sentiment? What I like about this show is the different story each week.  

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/tales-of-the-walking-dead-season-1-episode-4-recap-amy-dr-everett-poppy-liu-anthony-edwards/

🐉 This Week’s Dragon…

What’s happening with the Targaryens.

https://ew.com/tv/recaps/house-of-the-dragon-season-1-episode-3/

👠 Walking My Own Red Carpet…

Speaking of evil, come by tomorrow for some soap and the Housewives who have the market on the devil’s work these days. Until then, stay safe, stay not shooting the messenger, and stay not crashing anyone’s private moments at the cemetery. No good can come of it.

September 2, 2022 – Ava Unburdens To Nina, She’s Back, Booked, On Or Not, Jersey Switch, Cockroach, VanderEww, House Hitch, Emmys, Dragons, Barely More Than a Dozen Quotes & Opportunities

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Chase and Brook walk into the pool area, and Brook thanks him for getting her away from the house. The place is swarming with cops and people cleaning up. He says he can’t believe someone stabbed Ava at a crowded event, and she says, the good news is, Ava is out of surgery and in stable condition. He says he’s sure the PCPD will find out what happened, and she says she hopes so. She asks if they can change the subject, and he says, absolutely. Can he just say how happy he is that they both finally got out of their own ways and are doing this. They’re going on a date. She says, at least they’re giving it the old college try, but he says, they can do much, much better than that, and kisses her.

Sam is sitting in a chaise lounge when Dante approaches. He asks if the seat next to her is taken, and she says she was saving it for someone. He’s like, fifteen minutes late. Dante sits, and says, damn. What’s with this dude? He’s late? That’s so rude. She tells him, she wouldn’t say that. He probably has good reason. He’s a cop, a detective. Dante asks if she’s saying he puts his work above his personal life, and she says, he’s just really dedicated to his job.

In the home of the moss bowl 🎍, Josslyn gives Cameron something to drink, and he says he’s sorry. He feels like he should be waiting on her after everything she just went through. Is she sure she’s okay? She says she is now, since the moss bowl is back 🎍 but when she first saw Ava, she just froze. There was so much blood. Then Ava opened her eyes, and Josslyn went to reach for her phone to dial 9-1-1, but she’d left it inside. She knew she had to get help, but Ava was so scared. Ava wouldn’t let Josslyn leave her. He says he’s sorry she had to go through that, and she says, eventually, she found a towel, something to apply pressure to the wound. By that time, Ava had passed out, and she didn’t know if she should run and get more help, or stay and keep applying the pressure. And that’s when Dex showed up.

At the hospital, Sonny tells Dex that he won’t need him for the rest of the night. Dex asks if he’s sure, when Temp Michael (who always confuses me for a moment) comes around the corner. Dex tells Sonny, he knows Selina Wu has a shipment coming in. He can go to the docks and make sure things go smoothly, and Sonny says, he wants to work that bad? Dex tells him, he’s said it before; he wants to prove Sonny can count on him. Sonny says, all right then, and Dex starts to leave, but Sonny says he has something else he wants Dex to do for him.

In a room at the MetroCourt, Spencer holds his head, and says he feels like crap. He needs to take a shower. He takes off his shoes and shirt, and sits down on the bed instead. He says, maybe a nap, and lies down.

Willow leans against the wall for a moment, and Terry asks if she’s all right. Willow says, it’s the end of her shift. She’s just a little tired. Terry says, Nurse Tate, my office. Now.

Nina goes in to see Ava, and sits next to the bed. She asks if Ava is in much pain, and Ava says, at the moment, she can’t feel much of anything. That’s probably good. She’s not looking forward to the painkillers wearing off. She asks if Avery was here, and Nina says, Sonny brought her by earlier. She needed to see for herself that her mommy was all right. She figured Ava might want some company, but if she’d rather sleep, Nina can go. Ava says, no. Stay. It’s better not to be alone. Nina says, speaking of being alone, why is she alone? Where’s her husband? Ava says she told Nikolas to stay away, and Nina says, when she saw him earlier, he seemed pretty worried about her. Ava sort of laughs, and says, she bets he did. Nina asks why she doesn’t want to see Nikolas, and Ava says, he hurt her. He betrayed her in the worst possible way.

Cameron says, Dex was there, Sonny’s guy, and Josslyn says, he helped her save Ava’s life. He really knew what he was doing. Cameron says, he bets Dex did, considering his line of work, and she says, Dex was a soldier. He served in Afghanistan. He says he didn’t know that. What he does know about Dex is that Josslyn saw him pestering one of the jurors at Trina’s trial. She says, yeah, and she still thinks he’s an idiot to work for Sonny. All she’s saying is, he has a few redeeming qualities. When he found her and Ava, he didn’t panic. He knew they had to get to the hospital right away. If they’d waited for that ambulance, Ava would be dead. So, yes, she helped, but Dex saved her life. Cameron wonders where Spencer was during all this, and Josslyn says she doesn’t know, but is he implying Spencer could have attacked Ava? He says, no, of course (🍷) not. Spencer did stalk Ava, but he doesn’t think Spencer is capable of that kind of violence. If Esme were still in town, maybe she could be the one, but he only asks because Ava is Spencer’s stepmom. This attack affects him. She says she didn’t see Spencer at the picnic, but apparently, he got totally wasted.

Spencer sleeps, and dreams he’s searching for Trina, Cam, and Joss in an empty Savoy. Esme says, they aren’t here, and he sees her sitting on the bar, holding a martini. She says, neither is Trina. It’s just you and me. He says, she’s come back, and she says she never left, not really. He doesn’t have to pretend with her. She knows he missed her. He says, the only thing he missed was the police arresting her for framing Trina. He’s disappointed she was able to skip town before the cops got her. She says, liar, and hops down from the bar. She asks if he isn’t really disappointed in himself; that all his plans were for nothing? He says, at least it got her out of his life. One call to Commissioner Ashford, and she’s done. He’ll have her sent to prison. She laughs, and he says, it makes her smile, prison? She says, she’s out of his life, but she took his father and Trina with her.

Nina says, don’t tell her Nikolas is the one who attacked her, and Ava says she doesn’t know who attacked her, but she doesn’t think it was Nikolas. Nina says, then how did he hurt her? and Ava says, he betrayed her in the most basic way. Nina says, he cheated on her. She’s so sorry. He’s such an idiot. Who was it? Not that it matters; cheating is cheating. Ava says, it matters, and Nina says, who was it? Ava says, Esme, and Nina says, Spencer’s girlfriend Esme? Nikolas slept with his son’s girlfriend? That’s disgusting. Ava says, Nikolas claims he thought their marriage was over, that he’d been drinking heavily, and that Esme came on to him. Nina asks if that’s why Esme left. Did Ava run her out of town? Ava says, something like that.

Dante slides Sam’s chaise closer to his, and says, sorry he’s late. He kisses her, and she says, he’s forgiven. Besides she had plenty to keep her occupied. She points to Brook and Chase, who are still kissing, and says, his former partner and BLQ can’t keep their hands off each other. She thinks it’s in the air. Actually, she thinks it’s pretty easy to get in your own way. Like her totally overthinking the moving in thing. He says, but she didn’t do that. She had her reasons, and as long as he knows she wants to move forward, he and Rocco will move in… someday. She says, how about tomorrow?

Michael watches from a distance, and Dex asks what Sonny wants him to do. Sonny says he wants Dex to go to the ICU, and stand guard by Ava’s room until Frank gets here. Dex says, that’s it? He can do a lot more than that. Sonny asks how many times he has to tell Dex; just do what he tells him to do. Does he have a problem with that? Michael comes over, and says he heard about Ava. He asks if Sonny has any idea who attacked her, and Sonny asks if there’s any reason he should know that. Michael says, it was a fundraiser for sick children – a picnic, barbecue, games on the Quartermaine grounds – and somehow, Ava got stabbed in the middle of it. Sonny asks what Michael is suggesting, and Michael says, they both know violence tends to follow Sonny around. Was he involved?

Brook tells Chase, they have to stay focused. They have a plan. Does he think it’s time? He looks at his watch, and says, just about. He stares at her, and she says, what? He says, she’s really beautiful, and she tells him, stop. She should have known he’d become a mushball after they got together. He asks if she thinks calling him a mushball is an insult; it’s not. After all these months of hiding his feelings, he gets to say them out loud. Guess what? He yells that he thinks she’s beautiful. She’s wicked smart, and impossibly funny, and what she did for Maxie and Bailey Lou, who has a bigger heart than Brook Lynn Quartermaine? Which is why she deserves an epic first date. She says, he doesn’t have anything planned? That is a letdown. He says, he has plans; lots and lots of plans. They kiss, and Linc walks in. He says, what the hell? Is this how Brook thinks a manager services her clients? It’s hardly professional.

In Terry’s office, Willow drinks some water, and says she feels better already. Terry says she doesn’t have to tell Willow, nursing is a strenuous occupation. You spend most of the day on your feet, and it’s usually go, go, go. Willow says she knows that, but she still loves it. She’s proud of graduating, and proud of being a full-time nurse. Terry says, that’s quite an accomplishment. When she found Willow in the hallway just now, it looked like she was about to faint. Willow says, what nurse isn’t wiped out at the end of their shift? She can still do her job. Terry says, if Willow decided to take a medical leave, her job would still be waiting for her. Willow says, she’s not even out of her first trimester yet, and Terry wants her to take off the rest of her pregnancy? And maternity leave on top of that? She’d be gone almost a year. Terry says she’s not talking about Willow’s pregnancy. She’s talking about the time Willow will need to beat her leukemia. Willow says, pregnant women get tired even if they don’t have leukemia, and Terry says, and Willow is handling both, while keeping her diagnosis a secret from her partner. Willow says, it’s her choice and her mind is made up.

Michael asks if Sonny has considered that Ava was targeted because of her connection to him, and Dex tells Michael to shut his mouth. Sonny pushes Dex back, and tells him, stop that; stop jumping like that. Let him explain something to Michael. Ava is Avery’s mother, and that’s the only connection he has to what happened. The attack took place on Quartermaine property. Maybe Michael’s other family should have better security. Michael says he thinks the GH Board should reconsider their relationship with Sonny, and Sonny says, his donations built not one, but two wings to the hospital. Michael says, money can’t buy respectability, and leaves. Sonny says, what a shame, and Dex says, he has no right to speak to Sonny that way. Sonny says, when he tells Dex something, just do it. Go to the ICU now.

Spencer tells Esme, don’t talk to him about his father. He can’t believe she had sex with him. She sits at a table where a martini is waiting, and asks if he’s really that surprised. She was his first, but he was hardly her first. Deep down, he had to know he wasn’t experienced enough for her. How does she explain this in a way he’ll understand?… She knows. He just wasn’t man enough to keep her satisfied. He says, the thought of touching her physically repulsed him, and she says, it’s true she was never his top priority. He chose his friends over her, especially Trina. Is it any wonder she turned to someone else; a man of experience? He says she could have turned to anyone else, and he wouldn’t have cared, but she chose his father. How could she? How could he? She says, poor little rich boy. His father chose her over him, just like his beloved Trina chose rookie Rory over him. That makes him the biggest loser, doesn’t it? He lost his father and the girl. He says, that’s because Trina doesn’t know the truth. She doesn’t now he was on her side the entire time. Esme says, and if she did? What then? Does he think Trina is going to drop Officer Six-Pack and come running to him? Keep dreaming. He says he had to act like he didn’t believe Trina to trick Esme into admitting she’d set Trina up, and Esme says, but she was smarter. No way she’d incriminate herself. The only reason Trina got exonerated is because that rat of a bartender sold her out. Spencer’s plan didn’t accomplish anything. That’s not strictly true. Spencer played his role so well, Trina is never going to forgive him, and he knows that. So why hasn’t he told her? It’s not some noble gesture; he’s far from noble. It’s because he’s scared it still won’t make a difference. Trina still won’t want him. She made sure of that. He yells, shut up! and Esme disappears. She says, enjoy Pentenville. She’s sure he’ll make a ton of friends. He yells, shut up, Esme! as she laughs. He wakes up.

Cameron tells Josslyn, Spencer’s going to Pentenville tomorrow. He doesn’t blame him for cutting loose. She says she’d probably do the same thing if she was in his shoes. Does Cameron think they should check on him? He’s at the MetroCourt. Cameron says, he’s spending his last day of freedom at the pool? but she says, he’s staying there. She thinks he got into yet another argument with his dad. He said he was going there to shower and get some sleep. Her phone rings, she says, hey munchkin… Slow down… Where is she?… Is she sure?… Okay. She’s going to look for it. She’ll tell her if she finds it. Cameron asks what she’s off to look for, and she says, Avery’s charm bracelet. Her mom gave it to her, and she thinks she left it at GH, so Josslyn’s heading over there. She thinks she has enough time before Trina’s party. Cameron says he thinks he’ll check on Spencer. It might be the last time he can say goodbye before Spencer goes to Pentenville. He’ll see her at the party.

Dex stands guard outside, while inside Ava’s room, Nina says, so Ava’s husband slept with his son’s girlfriend, and Ava found out about it, and walked away? That doesn’t sound like the Ava Jerome she knows and loves. She would expect some epic Shakespearian payback. Ava says, believe her, she wanted to make Nikolas pay. She had to wait. Nina asks, why? and Ava flashes back to struggling with Esme on the parapet. Nina asks, where’d she go? and Ava says, it just wasn’t the right time. Nina says, it sounds like she’s talking about something specific. What is it? What made her wait?

In his room, Spencer writes, dear Trina. I want you to know the truth. I wasn’t going to tell you. I figured you were better off without me in your life, but I need you to know, from the moment I walked into that interrogation room after you’d been arrested, I knew you were innocent. Despite what I said, I believe in you. I always have.

Brook says she can’t believe a dirtbag like Linc is lecturing on professional behavior, and Linc says, didn’t he warn Chase? All Brook wants is to get Chase in bed. Chase says, actually, they’re dating. See that thing on his face? It’s a smile, because he’s happy. Linc says, a manager and a client are hooking up, and he’s calling it dating? Brook says she’s not surprised Linc doesn’t understand the concept. Dating is when a woman actually wants to spend time with you. Linc says, he and Chase have a meeting on the books. Chase is supposed to be with him right now, not Brook. They have to talk about studio musicians. Chase says, they had a meeting, but he’s canceling it. He doesn’t need 30 days to decide who his manager is going to be. He’s ready to sign with Brook. Linc says, what about the gig at The Savoy he just got for Chase? and Chase says, he’ll still do the gig, and Linc will get his cut, but Linc says, Chase thinks he’s going to promote someone else’s singer? Unless Chase signs with him, that gig is off. I’d bet dollars to donuts (I have no idea what that means, but it sounds good), Curtis would let him sing there anyway.

Sam asks why Dante is laughing, and he says he’s not laughing at her. It’s just when he brought it up, she seemed hesitant. Now she’s all gung-ho about it, which is great. He loves this change of pace, but he doesn’t want her to feel like they need to rush anything. She says she was just thinking it would be good for Rocco to move before the school year starts. Unless he’s too busy working. He says he’ll always make time for them, and they kiss.

Michael tells Nurse Andrea that he’s here to meet Willow. Has she seen her? Andrea says she saw Willow earlier, and believes she’s in Dr. Randolph’s office.

Ava tells Nina that she doesn’t know what she’s saying. She thinks it’s all the pain medication they have her on. She asks Nina to promise not to tell anyone about Nikolas and Esme. It would just be so humiliating if people knew Nikolas cheated on her with a girl young enough to be his daughter. Nina promises not to tell anyone, but says, Nikolas should be ashamed of what he did to Ava; of what he did to his own son. Ava didn’t do anything wrong. Ava says she’s not sure everybody would agree, and Nina says, Ava’s not to blame for this situation. Ava says she’s not a particularly popular person. Nikolas knows this. Even after she knew about him cheating, he tried to convince her that they still needed each other. A part of he actually believes him. Nina wonders why Nikolas is saying they need each other. What isn’t Ava telling her? What did she do? Ava looks past Nina, who turns around to see Sonny standing in the doorway.

Linc says, either Linc signs with him, and keeps his show at a first class venue, where he can guarantee Chase at least two promoters from Manhattan in the audience; or he can blow it all playing kiss-and-tell with the sequel to Clueless. Brook says, hey, who’s he calling clueless? and he asks if she’d prefer Dazed and Confused. Chase says he’s made up his mind. The Savoy gig would have been fun, but he’s sticking with Brook. Linc says, Chase is a fool. He would have made Chase a star. All Brook can do is keep his bed warm. Chase says, watch it, and moves closer to Linc. Linc tells him, enjoy his career as a wedding singer. Brush up on The Village People. People can’t get enough of YMCA at receptions. Linc leaves, and Brook says she didn’t love the insults, but they did it. Step one is complete. He says, now on to step two.

Willow says, it’s like Terry’s pressuring her to tell Michael about her leukemia diagnosis, and Terry says she’s sorry. The last thing she wants to do is add stress to Willow’s life. The decision to share her diagnosis or not is hers alone, but as her as boss and her doctor, it’s Terry’s duty to point out that if the people around Willow don’t know she’s ill, they’ll expect her to maintain her busy schedule. So it’s going to fall on Willow to take care of herself. Willow says she’s sorry. She didn’t mean to jump down Terry’s throat. She’s not lying. She basically feels fine; she just lacks some energy. Her goal is to keep her life as normal as possible for as long as she can. She’s lucky. They caught it early, but her life is no longer normal. She has to face that. There’s a knock at the door, and Michael says he’s looking for Willow. Willow says she’s in here, and he asks if he’s interrupting something. Willow says, no. She’s glad he’s here. He needs to know what she’s decided.

There’s a knock at Spencer’s door, and Spencer asks who it is. Cameron says, it’s him, and Spencer puts his writing stuff under his pillow. He smooths his hair, and opens the door. He asks what Cameron is doing here, and Cameron says, nice to see him too. He came to check on Spencer. He heard Spencer got a little drunk at the Quartermaine picnic. What gives? Spencer says he’s going to Pentenville tomorrow; he thought he deserved a big send-off. Cameron asks if Spencer is sure that’s it, and Spencer says, yeah. Cameron says, in that case, why is Spencer spending his last night of freedom alone, and not with his family at Windymere?

Frank tells Dex that he’ll take over, and Dex says, the boss is inside. Josslyn joins them, and asks, how’s Ava? Dex says, Frank just got here; he’s been here a while. He walks with Josslyn to the waiting area, and says, it’s seemed quiet since he got here; no medical emergencies. What is she doing here? She says, Avery lost her bracelet. She thinks she might have left it in Ava’s room, or somewhere in the waiting area. He says he’s been here for a while, but he hasn’t seen anything like that. She looks under a couch, and says she’s going to keep looking. The bracelet is from Ava, so Avery is pretty upset. He says, a janitor took the trash not too long ago. Maybe he knows what happened to it.

Sonny says, it got quiet when he came in. Is everything okay? Ava says, for starters, some lunatic stabbed her with a hook, and the cops don’t know who it was. He asks if she has any idea who attacked her, but she says she didn’t see anything. Nina says, maybe she will when she recovers, and Ava says she hopes so. She asks if Avery is all right. It wasn’t too scary to see her like this? Sonny says, she was reassured that her mom was just sleeping, and she just wants her mommy to get better. Ava says she wants that too, but until the person who did this is caught, what’s to stop them from trying to finish the job?

Sonny comes out with Nina, and tells Frank to keep his eyes open. Frank says he’s on it, and Sonny asks what Josslyn is doing here. She says, Avery lost her charm bracelet, the one Ava gave her. She thinks she might have left it here. Dex comes back, and says he found the janitor, but it was too late. He already took the trash to the dumpster. Josslyn says, she’ll figure this out; they don’t have to wait. Sonny says he appreciates her looking out for her sister. She says she always will, and Sonny and Nina leave. Dex says he’s sorry her little sister lost her bracelet, but Josslyn says, this isn’t over. Does he know where the dumpsters are?

Willow tells Michael that she was so excited to get her nursing degree, she tried to do too much too soon. She was just talking to Dr. Randolph about cutting back her hours. He says he’s completely supportive of this. He’s been worried about Willow since she fainted. Once the baby comes, their lives will only get busier. He’s glad she’s getting her rest now while she can. Willow says she promises her goal is to be 100% when this is over.

Spencer tells Cameron, his Uncle Victor got him the room. Something about not wanting to haul his drunk ass back to Windymere. Since this is his last night of freedom, he figured he’d spend it there. He wanted some five-star luxury before his three months in maximum security. Cameron says, that makes sense. So is his dad at the hospital with Ava? Spencer says he assumes so, and Cameron asks if he’s scared to go to Pentenville. Spencer says, of course (🍷) he is; who wouldn’t be? His life is royally screwed up, and for nothing. Cameron says, it’s not for nothing. Spencer was helping his friend Trina; that matters. Spencer says, except that it turns out it was completely pointless. He didn’t do anything to help her. It was the bartender’s testimony that got the charges dropped. Cameron says, what’s important is that Spencer was helping a friend, and Spencer says, maybe, eyeing his pillow. Cameron says, if Spencer wants, he can stick around. They could play some video games. He can be a little late to Trina’s party. Trina is having a party to celebrate PCU dropping the Title IX charges; she’s going back to classes in the fall. Spencer says, that’s great; good for her. But Cameron doesn’t have to stick around. Cameron asks if he’s sure, and Spencer says he’ll see Cameron in a few months. Cameron asks if Spencer doesn’t think he’ll come visit, and Spencer says, he is? Cameron says, Spencer’s his friend, isn’t he? and they hug.

Sam asks how the investigation into Ava’s stabbing is going, and Dante says, slow. Whoever stabbed her took a big risk, doing it at a picnic with so many people around. She says, maybe it wasn’t about the risk. Maybe it was a crime of passion.

Brook says, she knew it was a good plan to make Linc want to sign Chase, then make a big deal about Chase signing with her. It’s just going to make Linc want to sign him more. He’s one of those guys who wants what he can’t have. Chase says, and on to step two. They have to find a way to make him some kind of success… as a singer. And step three, Linc will buy out his contract. She says, at a very good price, she might add, and he says, then he’ll abandon his singing career, and leave Linc in the lurch. She says, yes. That is the final step. He says, then the hard part. She’s got to make him a star. She says, easy peasy.

Dante helps Sam up, and says, let’s go for pizza, then to his place to start packing up. She asks if he’s sure Rocco will want to give up his backyard, and he says, there’s a beautiful park a block away from her penthouse. She says, what about living with two other kids? and he says, they’ve spent so much time together at the Quartermaines, they’re pretty much siblings already. They kiss, and she says, it’s a go. On their way out, the run into Brook and Chase. Dante says, look who they have here. He was going to say they should be enjoying each other more, but he doesn’t think that’s possible. Chase says, they’re that obvious? and Sam says, only in the best way possible. Dante tells them, have a good night, and leaves with Sam.

At the dumpster, Josslyn tells Dex, that smell; it’s so gross. He says, it’s garbage. What did she expect? She tells him, it says number ten, and the janitor said that’s trash, not medical waste. She brings a wooden crate over, and gets on it. He says, she’s not actually climbing in? It’s just a bracelet. Why doesn’t she buy her sister a new one? Josslyn says, no, and opens the dumpster. She says, her sister is going through enough right now. If there’s a chance the bracelet is in here, she’s going to look for it. Is he going to help her or what?

Dressed in a suit, Spencer signs the letter and puts it in an envelope. He leaves, taking it with him.

Willow thanks Terry for hearing her out, and Terry says she’s a great nurse. They want to support her any way they can. Her desk phone rings, and she says she has to take this. Willow and Michael leave, and in the hallway, Willow says, hang on. Michael asks if something is wrong, and she asks if he thinks they can skip the MetroCourt, and have a quiet dinner at home. He says, as long as they’re together, he doesn’t care where they go.

Frank comes into Ava’s room, and she asks if he’s going to be right outside her door all night. He says he will, and she says, he won’t let anyone in who isn’t approved? He says he has the list on his phone, and she asks if Nikolas Cassadine is on the list. Frank says, he is, and she says, he shouldn’t be. Take her husband’s name off.

Chase says, if it was that easy to make someone a star, wouldn’t every karaoke singer do it? She says, they’re not talking about karaoke singers. She has experiences; she has contacts. Chase is the total package. Every guy is going to want to be him, and every girl is going to have a poster of him on her wall. Anyone who hears him is going to become an instant fan. He says, is that all it’s going to take? and she says, he can be very charismatic. They kiss, and Chase says, and she can be very convincing. How are they going to get him in front of a crowd? She sees Nina and Sonny walk in, and says she has an idea. Trust her.

Sonny says he knows he interrupted something between Nina and Ava. When he walked into the room, it was tense. She says he doesn’t need to know about this. It’s just, Ava’s been through a lot, and she’s emotional right now. He says, he knows that’s not it. Tell him the truth. What were she and Ava talking about?  

On Monday, Brando says, Sasha is in trouble; Sasha asks Lucy, what’s the bottom line; and Sonny asks what favor someone needs.

🏋️‍♀️ They Never Die…

I still expect Faison to show up again, even though Doc has his brain in a jar. Or perhaps a good twin. Could happen.

📖 Sweet Side Hustle…

This looks like a beautiful book. Congrats to her! Apparently, both our Trinas are young women of varied accomplishments.

🛠 Who’s Laboring…

Hint: There will be a new episode of GH on Monday.

👠 New New Jersey…

I don’t get Jackie being demoted. At first I thought maybe she’d decided to take time off, but no. Bravo has made some bad decisions lately. They’re reducing the time of the person who had the most interesting, and real, storyline last season; yet they continue to keep Teresa, who has become a liability with her temper, in the forefront. Don’t even get me started on RHOBH.

https://screenrant.com/rhonj-season-13-finale-features-screaming-match-fighting/

💎 Can’t Quit Her…

I’m like a cockroach. You can’t get rid of me. I agree with half of this statement.

🍸 Just a Little Creepy…

The word incestuous comes to mind. I also don’t know why Raquel would want to go from one bad choice to another. At least the chances of Schwartz rage texting her are slim.

https://people.com/tv/vanderpump-rules-tom-schwartz-wrote-off-raquel-leviss-during-katie-maloney-marriage/

https://www.eonline.com/news/1344541/vanderpump-rules-scheana-shay-breaks-silence-on-tom-schwartz-and-raquel-leviss-rumors

💍 Engagement In the House…

I don’t even know what to make of this. I’d actually thought Carl was a sane person. And what about Austen?

https://people.com/tv/summer-house-stars-lindsay-hubbard-and-carl-radke-are-engaged-exclusive/

🏆 So They Say…

I don’t know if it’s everything you need to know, but it’s not until September 12th, so you have time.

https://ew.com/awards/emmys/2022-emmys-everything-to-know/

🐉 Hobbit This…

I don’t know how much of a competition it is though. It’s not like you can’t watch almost anything at any time now. I personally have at least three premieres on my viewing schedule this weekend.

https://www.avclub.com/house-of-dragon-game-of-thrones-youtube-premiere-free-1849492467

🌬 Quotes of the Week

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

Maybe this world is another planet’s hell. – Aldous Huxley

Man is least himself when he talks in his own person. Give him a mask, and he will tell you the truth. – Oscar Wilde

You can tell a lot about a fellow’s character by his way of eating jellybeans.Ronald Reagan

The only way to make sense out of change is to plunge into it, move with it, and join the dance. – Alan Watts

It’s the friends you can call up at 4 a.m. that matter. – Marlene Dietrich

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

Nothing can stop the man with the right mental attitude from achieving his goal; nothing on earth can help the man with the wrong mental attitude. – Thomas Jefferson

Progress is impossible without change, and those who cannot change their minds cannot change anything. – George Bernard Shaw

I think the only answer is to live life to the fullest while you can and collect memories like fools collect money. Because in the end, that’s all you have – happy memories.Sarah Strohmeyer

We do not remember days, we remember moments. The richness of life lies in memories we have forgotten. – Cesare Pavese

Basic cable; it’s like being in prison. – Charlie Harper (Charlie Sheen), Two and a Half Men

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

🍁 Unofficial Seasonal Change…

Soap and Deck will still be laboring on Monday, so join me for both. Until then, stay safe, stay laboring at whatever you want or not this weekend, and stay knowing that helping a friend is never for nothing. It always matters.

September 1, 2022 – Valentin Confesses To Anna, Austen Has Friendsgiving At Aunt Barbara’s & Wake Me

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Finn tells Elizabeth, something doesn’t add up. If Nikolas always knew he could vouch for her whereabouts, why didn’t he just say that? More to the point, why didn’t she? She says, because Nikolas is lying.

Trina tells Ava that she’s going to be okay. Her family is right outside, even Spencer, just waiting for her to wake up. The alarm on the machine starts going off, and Trina runs out, yelling for help.

In Valentin’s hotel room (um… what happened between the pool and here?), Valentin tells Anna, they’ve been keeping secrets from one another. She says, they have? and he says he thinks it’s time they stop doing that. Put their cards on the table. She asks if he’d like to go first, but he says he thinks they can both jump in as need be. She’s got Lucy Coe trying to get information on him. That’s clever. She says, given the players, she thought sequins might be a good camouflage because he’s been so opaque. He says he has his reasons. Actually, he has one very good reason. She says, his daughter. Charlotte’s in danger, isn’t she?

Curtis asks what brings Drew by to The Savoy, and Drew says, after everything that happened at the family manse yesterday, he needed a bit of a distraction. Curtis says he heard what happened to Ava. Is she going to be okay? Portia joins them, and Drew says, last he heard, she’s critical, but stable. Portia says, it’s so horrible. Do they have any idea who might have done this to her? Drew says, the PCPD is working on it, the boathouse is cordoned off as a crime scene, and he spent most of the morning answering questions. Portia says, no wonder he needed a distraction, and Curtis says, speaking of distractions, should he tell Drew or does she want to? Drew says, tell him what? and Portia shows him her ring. Curtis says, they got engaged.

Carly lovingly cleans around the moss bowl🎍, and flashes back to blowing off a relationship with Drew. There’s a knock at the door, and Bobbie comes in. She says, Carly was a million miles away just now, and Carly says she was thinking things out. Bobbie says, that’s why she’s here. Her daughter needs her, and she’s here for her. They hug.

Finn tells Elizabeth, Nikolas lied; what a shocker. But he did find them together. She says she wasn’t with Nikolas the whole time, and he asks why Nikolas told Jordan that she was. She says, he was being a friend and covering for her, and he asks, where was she then? She says she doesn’t know, and he says, the Quartermaine estate is a big place. Nobody could fault her for not knowing where she was. She says she hasn’t told him everything. It’s time she did.

Bobbie asks how Avery is taking it, and Carly says, she’s really upset and confused. She can’t go away to a seminar with Avery’s mother in the hospital. Bobbie says, mmm… and Carly says, if she wants to say something, just say it. Bobbie says, Carly is using Ava’s stabbing as an excuse not to go, and Carly asks why she’d need an excuse. Bobbie says, after the merger disaster, Carly picked herself up, and was so excited to get her life back on track. Now she’s looking for excuses not to take the next step. So what changed?

Drew congratulates Curtis and Portia, and says he’s so happy for them. Portia says, they’re pretty excited about it themselves, and Curtis says, they’re pretty lucky, aren’t they. She says, yeah, they are.

Dr. Valero comes out of Ava’s room, and Nikolas asks, what’s happening? Why did the alarms go off?

Valentin says, Victor has Charlotte, and Anna says she wanted to be wrong. How did he get to her? Valentin says he thought Charlotte was safe. Peter was gone, and he made the mistake of letting his guard down. She says she thinks they both underestimated Victor. Using your granddaughter as hostage is a new low. He says, that’s the thing about his father; he has no low to hit. Victor saved Charlotte from Peter. She wanted to see him in the clinic, and he thought it was okay for Victor to bring her to him. She says, and he took her? and he says, as soon as he left the clinic, Victor took her to her new school, a state-of-the-art security boarding school, a place where sheiks and oligarchs send their children. He can send texts and call, but neither the school nor Victor will allow him physical contact. She says, with Valentin’s daughter as leverage, Victor knows he has control over him, and Valentin says, that’s exactly right. Victor made it very clear that Valentin has do everything he says, or he’s going to hurt her.

Dr. Valero tells Nikolas, Ava’s blood pressure was dangerously low. They gave her medication to stabilize it. Nikolas says, but she’s stable, and the doctor says, with her vitals and the way she’s responding to medication, they expect her to regain consciousness soon. Nikolas asks if he can see her, and Dr. Valero says, of course (🎍).Trina says she’s going to the vending machine, and Spencer says he’ll go with her. They leave, and Victor asks how Nikolas is holding up. Nikolas says he’s concerned about his wife, and goes into Ava’s room. Jordan suggests Victor let Nikolas have some time alone with Ava. It’s his turn to answer questions.

Curtis tells Drew, now that the charges have been dropped, PCU expunged their Title IX ruling, and reinstated Trina. Drew says, that’s so great that they’re throwing Trina a party. She deserves to have a little bit of fun after everything she’s been through. Curtis says he just wishes she didn’t have to worry about Ava now, when Portia comes over, and says, she has to check on some patients before the party. She’ll see Curtis tonight. She tells Drew, it’s good to see him, and leaves. Curtis says, now that it’s just the two of them, does Drew want to tell him the real reason he stopped by?

Carly tells Bobbie that she can’t fly off to Aruba to take a leadership course when her personal life is complicated. Bobbie says, don’t tell her this is about Sonny, and Carly says, God no. This is about Jason. Bobbie asks how Jason can be causing her problems, and Carly says she thinks she has feelings for his brother. Bobbie says, oh, that, and Carly asks what she means. Bobbie says, everybody knows, and Carly asks what everybody thinks they know. Bobbie says she doesn’t know what the big deal is. They’re both heathy, single adults. Carly says, it’s not nearly that simple, and Bobbie says, tell her everything. Carly says, after Jason died, she and Drew were getting closer and becoming friends. Then they started what she thought was just harmless flirting. Now she realizes she has feelings for him. Bobbie asks if Drew returns the feelings, and Carly says, she thinks so… yes. Yesterday at the picnic, she asked him point blank what was going on. Bobbie says she knows that look. She takes it the conversation went pretty well. Carly says, after a while, there wasn’t a lot of talking going on, so… Bobbie says she loves those conversations, and Carly says, but before it got too hot, the fire stopped everything. Bobbie says, Carly lost her, and Carly says, they left the grill unattended, but it was fine because someone put the fire out, and it gave her and Drew a minute to think. He stopped by earlier because he wanted to talk about where she thought things should go between them. Bobbie asks what she told him, and Carly says, she told him, in the past year, she lost her marriage, her career, and her best friend, and that her life has gone from stable to uncharted, and it wouldn’t be fair for her to start anything with him when she wasn’t sure where her life was going. Bobbie says, so Carly is putting her life on hold to protect Drew. The last time she looked, Drew was perfectly capable of protecting himself.

Drew asks if Curtis is accusing him of ulterior motives in looking up a friend, and Curtis says, Drew looks like he’s got something on his mind. Drew says he just came from Carly’s and… Yesterday at the Quartermaine picnic, Carly accused him of flirting with her. Curtis says, was he? and Drew says, oh yeah. Curtis asks if she returned the vibe, and Drew says, yes… but when he went to talk to her today, and told her that he wanted to see where this would go, she said she needs to sort her own life out first. Curtis tells Drew, he hates to say it, but she might be right, and Drew says, probably. Curtis says, and while she’s getting her house in order, maybe Drew should do the same.

Elizabeth says, Nikolas needed to cover for her because she didn’t know where she was, and Finn asks if she thinks she lost time again. She says, yes, and he says, maybe she doesn’t remember because she hit her head, but she says she’s lost consciousness before. This was different. It was like when those pills were making her sleepwalk, which means she can’t explain her whereabouts when Ava was attacked. Nikolas knew it would make the police suspicious, and she can’t risk anything happening to her because her boys need her. She doesn’t know what to do. She needs help. He takes her hands, and tells her, start from the beginning. They’ll figure this out together.

Jordan says, DA Scorpio said Victor showed up at the boathouse after Ava was found, and Victor says, one of many. They were concerned when they saw the police there. She says, prior to that, can he tell her where he was and who he was with? and he says, when Ava was so viciously attacked, he was with Spencer; he’d been taken ill. She asks if he’s sure, because the Quartermaine staffer who confirmed Spencer was intoxicated at the time of the attack said he was alone. Another witness stated they saw Victor and Spencer at around 10:15 pm, after the attack. Nikolas already stated he was with Elizabeth Baldwin when Ava was assaulted. So can anyone confirm his whereabouts? He says he commends Jordan on her pursuit of justice, but right now, his family needs him. He trusts they’ll find the person responsible for this dreadful crime. She thanks him for his time, and says she will be following up.

Nikolas tells Ava, Dr. Valero thinks she’ll wake up soon. He wonders if she’ll be able to tell them what she saw. She opens her eyes, and whimpers, no… Stop… She sees him, and says, Nikolas.

Elizabeth says, after she and Finn fought about him calling Sarah, she stormed off, and then she blacked out. He says, maybe their fight triggered it? and she says, maybe. She was angry, and all she could hear was his voice telling her that her boys were probably aware that she has a problem. Then she was someplace else, and has no idea how she got there. That’s when Nikolas showed up. He says, that was around the time Ava was attacked, and she says she has zero recollection of where she was or what she was doing. He says, even if she doesn’t remember, there’s no way she did this. She asks how he can be sure, and he says, she had no reason to want to hurt Ava. She says she hurt Chase, and he says, that’s because whatever part of her subconscious is doing this, didn’t want him to discover what was going on. She says, what if she ran into Ava, and perceived her as a threat? Anything is possible. She doesn’t know what she was doing.

Drew asks what Curtis means by getting his own house in order, and Curtis asks what Drew’s done since he came back to town. First, he threw himself into investigating Victor Cassadine. Then it was helping the Quartermaines get ELQ back from Valentin. Drew says, those are important things, and Curtis says, they are, to other people. Drew asks if Curtis is saying he should be more selfish, and Curtis tells him, he’s saying Drew’s been so busy righting the wrongs from his past, he stopped himself from moving forward.

Carly says, maybe Bobbie is right. Maybe she’s not protecting Drew; maybe she’s protecting herself. Bobbie says, from what? and Carly says, you tell me. How could it not be a mistake, after everything that’s happened in her life, to get involved with Jason’s brother? Bobbie asks if she’s afraid she’s seeing Drew as a substitute, but Carly says, of course (🍷) not. Bobbie says, because nobody could take Jason’s place in her life, and Carly says, exactly. Bobbie says, Jason was her safety net. No matter what shenanigans Carly got up to, no matter how questionable her behavior, and believe her, she’s not judging… Carly asks if she’s sure, and Bobbie says, Jason woudn’t either. There was nothing Carly could ever do to drive Jason away. He might be hurt, angry, or bitterly disappointed, but Jason would never turn his back on Carly, even when she might have deserved it. But Drew might not be as forgiving of her impulses. Carly flashes back to finding out Nina is Willow’s mother, and Bobbie says, like whatever it is she’s thinking about right now.

Portia sees Spencer and Trina at the hospital, and Trina runs over to hug her. Portia asks how Trina’s holding up, and Trina says, she was in the room with Ava when the alarms started going off. Portia asks if Ava is okay, and Trina tells her, the doctor said she’s going to be fine, but she’s scared out of mind. Portia says she’s sorry Trina has to go through this right now, especially after everything else. Trina says, about that. She was thinking maybe tonight isn’t the best time for a party. Would Portia be upset if they canceled it?

Victor joins Spencer, and Spencer asks if there’s any change with Ava. Victor says, not that he’s aware of. He’s been held up by the Police Commissioner. That’s someone who could benefit from more professional detachment. Spencer says, meaning? and Victor says, meaning, if Commissioner Ashford continues to make these insinuations disguised as questions, she’s going to find out the hard way what it’s like to cross a Cassadine.

Anna says, for what it’s worth (🍷), she knows what he’s going through, and he says he knows she does. He wishes she could teach him how she handled it, because Charlotte’s not safe, and there’s nothing he can do about it. He’s close to tears, and says, he’s helpless. She asks why he didn’t tell her. Obviously not at first, since he couldn’t risk having a message intercepted, but when he came home, she was here. He says, please believe him; he had no choice. Protecting Charlotte is his only priority. If Victor even knew they were having this conversation, there’s no telling what he would do to her. He’s going insane. She hugs him, and says she understands. They’ll bring Charlotte home, she promises, but in order to do it, they have to take Victor down. Valentin’s been working for him since he left the clinic? Valentin says he has, and she asks if he’s done everything Victor asked. He says, just about, and she says, what has Victor asked him to do?

Finn tells Elizabeth, they have to rule out a few things out. Has she been taking any pills again? She says, not since she checked herself out of Shadybrook. This came on, on its own. She doesn’t know what’s happening to her. He says, something triggered it. She said she was replaying their fight in her head. Anything else? She says, yeah. She’s been having these fragments of a memory. She’s a teenager, and she’s shouting at a woman to stay away from her father. He asks, what woman? and she says she doesn’t know; no one she remembers or recognizes. It happened again after their fight. That’s the last thing she remembers until she came to. He asks, how often has this been happening? and she says, the first time, it was after she talked to Scotty about walking in on Finn and Terry talking about her behind her back. He says, and this time, it was after she was angry about him calling Sarah. These events have something in common; she was angry at him. She says, there was another time. When she checked herself out of Shadybrook and came to work. Does he remember how he found her on the stairwell? She doesn’t think this is being cause by their arguments or her being angry. These images are happening every time somebody confronts her about what’s been happening, and normally that person is him. Maybe it’s more than grief over losing Franco. There’s something very wrong with her.

Jordan goes into Ava’s room, and Nikolas says, please. His wife just woke up and she’s in distress. She’s in no condition to answer questions. Jordan says she got the okay from Dr. Valero, but he says, she’ll also need his okay, and he’s not okay. Ava asks, what happened? and Jordan goes over to her bed. She says, Ava is in ICU. She was stabbed last night. They’re making every effort to find out who did this to her, but time is of the essence. Does she feel up to answering some questions? Nikolas says he wants them to find out who did this more than anybody, but not at the expense of Ava’s recovery. Ava says she wants to talk. She doesn’t know if she can help though. She didn’t see who attacked her. Jordan asks, what’s the last thing Ava remembers? and Ava says, she was at the Quartermaines; she was outside the boathouse. Jordan asks if anyone was with her, but Ava says, she was alone; she thought so. She wanted to take a moment for herself. Then there was pain… here. Jordan asks what else she remembers, but Ava says she’s sorry. It’s all a blur after that. She thinks she tried to call out for help. Does Jordan know who found her? Jordan says, Josslyn Jax. She and a man who works for Sonny found her. They saved her life. What was she doing prior to being at the boathouse? Why did she need a moment alone? Ava looks at Nikolas, and flashes back to Nikolas accusing her of not wanting him to be close with Spencer, because she only has herself to blame for her failed relationship with Kiki. Nikolas tells Jordan, clearly his wife needs rest; this can wait. Jordan says, when Ava woke up, she seemed upset with her husband. Why is that? Ava says, they had a fight.

Carly tells Bobbie that she doesn’t want to use Drew as a crutch to get over everything that’s happened, and Bobbie asks if he isn’t already. Carly says, as a friend, yes, but that’s not what either one of them are talking about. If something happens between her and Drew, they want it to be about them, not a rebound. Bobbie says she doesn’t see them being a rebound thing, and Carly says, neither does she, because it’s not going to happen. Bobbie says, what about all those feelings she just admitted to having? They’re not going to go away. And Carly knows better than anyone, you can’t help who you fall for. Carly says, they’ll just have to deal with it, and who knows? Maybe someday something will happen between her and Drew, but the way things are now, she can’t afford to lose a friend.

Drew tells Curtis, when he was in that cell, all he wanted was to get back to the life he remembered. Although he shouldn’t have been surprised when he got back, and time hadn’t stopped. Curtis says, time doesn’t do that no matter how nicely we ask, and Drew says, Curtis and Portia were lucky the found their way back. Curtis says, they weren’t lucky. They worked hard to get to where they are now, and to get away from the mistakes of their past. When he and Portia got together back in the day, she was married. He didn’t know that, and he was in his first year of recovery. Drew says, they still had a connection, but Curtis says, it was nothing they could build on, so inevitably, it ended badly. Now that they find themselves back together, they’re the same people, but they’re in different places. Drew says, better places, and Curtis says, much better places. The thing is, they’re not trying to recreate the past. They’re exploring the beautiful future. Drew says, that’s the thing with Carly. The future he wants with her is nothing like their pasts. He know what Curtis is going to say; that he has to respect the fact Carly doesn’t want to mess with their friendship. Curtis says, valid, but it’s also a good excuse not to take risks. Drew says, she doesn’t think it’s time. And he wishes she didn’t feel that way. He thinks they could be incredible together, but just because he’s ready to move forward, doesn’t mean she is.

Anna asks if Valentin is the French captain, and he says, Captain Françoise Olivier. She says she wishes she were more surprised, and he says he’s so sorry, but she says, please don’t. She understands why he did what he did. What is Victor after? Why is he doing all of this? Valentin says he doesn’t know. Victor won’t tell him, and he doesn’t have to. He’s got Charlotte. Valentin is completely in the dark. She says, now that she knows Jennifer was framed, she can call the WSB, but he says, that’s out of the question. This has to stay between them. If it doesn’t, and Victor knows Valentin betrayed him, he’ll take it out on Charlotte. She says, they can’t leave an innocent woman in prison, but he says he’s too far in. He’s not going to let anything happen to Charlotte. He’s not going to lose his daughter.

Jordan asks what Ava and Nikolas fought about, and Ava says, what they always fight about – his son. She and Spencer don’t like each other very much and it causes friction. Jordan says, and this was right before Ava was attacked? How heated did the argument get? Nikolas says he didn’t stab his wife. How is this relevant? Jordan says, it’s relevant because this morning, she asked Nikolas if Ava was upset before she was attacked. She asked if Ava experienced any conflict, and he said no, yet here she is, having fought with his son. Why did he lie to her? He says, the Cassadine family’s arguments are traditionally dramatic. So when she asked him about conflict, he assumed she meant outside of the family. (Nice try.) She says she’d love to believe that, and he says, one thing both of them should believe is that he deeply regrets getting in a fight with Ava. If they hadn’t fought, she might not have gone to that damn boathouse, and he might have been there to stop anyone who wanted to cause her harm. Instead, he was venting about the argument to Elizabeth. He’s so sorry. He should have never left her side. One silly fight, and he almost lost her. He should have been there for her. Ava thanks him, and says, it’s the thought that counts. She says she’s getting a little tired, and Jordan says she understands. She thanks Ava for speaking with her. They’ll pick this up when she’s feeling stronger. She’ll speak with Nikolas later. She leaves, and he asks how Ava is feeling. When he heard she was attacked, he was so scared. She shrinks away from him, and he asks, what’s wrong? She says, last night, they said a lot of things to each other, and he says, they did… Wait. She doesn’t think he did this to her, does she?

Portia says, of course (🍷) they can cancel the party, but is Trina sure? She’s always putting everyone else’s needs before her own. And after everything Trina’s been through, doesn’t she think she deserves an evening to herself to celebrate her accomplishments? Trina says she wants to do that, but she also wants Ava to be there. Portia says, and when Ava wakes up, what does Trina think she’ll say when she finds out Trina canceled the party on her account? Trina tells her, Ava would probably say she shouldn’t have, and Portia says, the Ava she knows, would insist she have the party as planned. It’s high time Trina focused on herself.

Walking through the hospital, Spencer says, he has no idea why they’re protecting his father, and Victor says, how many times does he have to tell Spencer? We Cassadines protect our own. Spencer says, there are limits. His father deserves to be in prison for the things he’s done. Victor says, this is one thing he didn’t do. The only interesting piece of information from Commissioner Ashford is that Spencer’s father has an airtight alibi. He was with Elizabeth Baldwin when Ava was being attacked. Spencer says, even better. If his father isn’t the one who hurt Ava, he has zero reason to withhold the truth. He will tell Commissioner Ashford that his father slept with Esme.

Nikolas says, Ava knows he’s not the one who did this to her, doesn’t she? and she says, he couldn’t have. He was with Elizabeth. He says, he was, but that’s not the only reason she thinks… She says she doesn’t know what to think, and he says, he’d never do anything like this; no matter what they said, no matter how angry. Please tell him that she believes him. She says she’s tired. She wants to be alone. Let her rest.

Trina sees Jordan, and asks, how’s Ava? Jordan says, she’s awake, and Trina hugs Portia. She says she has to text Joss and tell her the news. She runs off, and Spencer and Victor come by. Spencer tries to say something to Jordan, but Victor cuts him off, saying, that’s wonderful news about our Ava. He thanks her, and tells Spencer, shall we? He leads Spencer away, but Spencer keeps looking back at Jordan. Trina comes back, and asks if Portia thinks she has enough time to get some of Ava’s stuff before the party. Now that she’s awake, she’s sure Ava will want something familiar with her. Portia says, she’ll be cutting it close. Windymere isn’t exactly around the corner. Trina says, but the MetroCourt is, and that’s where she’s been staying the last couple of days. Portia says, in that case, Trina can take her car. They leave, and nothing is lost on Jordan.  

Victor says, listen to him, great-nephew. He’s only going to tell Spencer this once, and he’s going to remember it for the rest of his life. Neither his father’s marriage, nor anything else relevant to their family is of concern to the authorities. Is that understood? Spencer says, yes, uncle, and Victor says he knows Spencer is angry at his father, and he has every reason to be, but his movements at the time of Ava’s attack are well accounted for. His betrayal of Spencer, no matter how painful, is totally irrelevant. Spencer says, maybe to the authorities, but it is relevant to Trina. Victor asks, how so? and Spencer says, because if Commissioner Ashford knows why Esme left town, she can use that to find her. Victor says, it always comes round to Miss Robinson, doesn’t it? He admires Spencer’s good intentions, but Esme didn’t tell anyone where she was going. Spencer is just complicating things for himself if he goes back and changes his story now. He tried it once. Look where it got him. Spencer says, but, uncle… and Victor says, listen to him. Don’t invite any more trouble. He’s in enough already.

Finn says, there’s nothing wrong with Elizabeth. He thinks this just means there’s something in her past, something hidden, she’s not dealing with. She says she tried to fight it. She tried to push it down, hoping it would go away. She just can’t do it anymore. She has to face whatever she’s blocking out. He says, she’s not alone. They’ll find the answers together.

Curtis says, if Drew feels that he and Carly have something special, wouldn’t he want to find out if she feels the same thing? Even if it took a while? Drew says, that’s some solid advice right there, and Curtis tells Drew, he’s not saying what worked for him and Portia is going to work for them. But he seems to remember a saying that life is long and full of surprises. Drew says, he thinks he and Carly make each other happy, but the answer to Curtis’s question is yes. He can give her time. He can give her all the time she needs to make sure she’s ready.

Carly tells Bobbie, it’s a text from Josslyn… Ava’s going to be okay. Avery is going to be thrilled. Bobbie says, good. Now Carly has no reason not to go to that seminar. Carly says she thinks she needs to stay put, and Bobbie says, she’s doing it again; making excuses to postpone the next chapter of her life. Carly says she’s being sensible, but Bobbie says, sensible is not Carly’s thing. Carly hands Bobbie her bag, and says, great talk; nice seeing her. Bobbie says, Carly is a creature of impulse. When she sees something she wants, she goes for it. Carly says she’s really trying to look before she leaps. She thought Bobbie would be proud of her. Bobbie says, no. Carly is looking for reasons not to leap. Maybe losing the hotel was a blessing in disguise. Maybe Carly can find happiness with a new career. Maybe even a new man. Carly says she loves Bobbie, but she’s got to go. She hustles Bobbie to the door, and they exchange I love yous. After Bobbie’s gone, Carly goes to the refrigerator, and takes down the brochure for the seminar. She considers taking the moss bowl 🎍 with her to Aruba.

Anna tells Valentin, Charlotte is his priority, but she wants him to remember, he’s not carrying this burden alone now. That gives them some leeway. He says, no one else can be involved, and she says, all right. No WSB, no friends, no allies. Nothing. They’ll figure out a way to keep Charlotte safe themselves. He says, Victor has to think he can trust him, and she says, he will. He’ll never know Valentin confided in her. Once Charlotte is safe, then they’re going to put an end to Victor. She hugs him.

Tomorrow, Brook tells Chase, step one is complete; Sonny says he needs Dex to do something else for him; and Willow says her mind is made up.

Southern Charm

Shep says he reacted in the worst way possible, calling Taylor a f***ing idiot. He’s glad Taylor tells him how she feels. Even if he doesn’t like it or it’s not what he wants to hear, he respects the hell out of that. He says he’s an every now and then jerk, which I think is debatable, since he’s a jerk most of the time. He tells Taylor all the right things, but we all know how this is going to end up, so…

Whitney brings wine, bread, and cheese out to the pool for lunch with Patricia, but makes the faux pas of using paper napkins. Austen calls, and says he’s having a Friendsgiving at his aunt’s. Whitney says, he’s going to Texas, but his mother might be available. Patricia asks if Madison or Naomie are coming, and Austen says, Naomie will be there. He can’t believe Whitney is making her come stag. Patricia wonders what she’s hearing, since apparently Whitney hasn’t told her that he’s hooking up with one of her pets. Naomie tells her mother that she ended up staying an extra night at Auldbrass with Whitney, and seems as surprised as Patricia that they’re a thing. In her interview, she says she doesn’t know when that change happened, but yeah. Her mom says she needs someone who’s been through a little bit of life to understand her. Naomie says, none of her friends tell their parents about their hook-ups, but her mom is like, well, we’re French. Patricia tries to pump Whitney for more information, and no pressure, but she wishes he’d settle down. She could kick the bucket any day now.

In the car, Paige asks Craig if Naomie is coming to Friendsgiving, and he says, she’s dating Whitney now. Paige asks if they’re boyfriend/ girlfriend, but Craig says he doesn’t care. He thinks Naomie is lost. In Craig’s interview, he says he can relate to being lost, but he didn’t sleep with Whitney. However, he’ll officiate the wedding, be the flower boy, whatever they need, as long as it gets Naomie to back off. Paige says, anyone who thinks Naomie is over him is out of their mind. We flash back to their first meeting when Naomie was all like, girls before dudes, and Paige says, at first, she thought Naomie was cool. Craig says, he was good with her at Auldbrass, but Paige says, Naomie was probably just trying to impress him. They go grocery shopping, and in his interview, Craig is all psyched about the day-to-day with her.

Venita meets Madison for a workout with Madison’s trainer. In Madison’s interview, she says, her fiancé is hot as sh*t, so she has to look good. In Venita’s interview, she says she loves Madison, but if Madison ever asks her to work out again, she might have to ditch the friendship. Venita does some deadlifts, and Madison says, you got to lock a man down. In her interview, she says, thank God for plastic surgery. That sh*t will save you. They talk about Madison’s upcoming wedding, and Madison says she doesn’t care if it’s big or small; that’s not what it’s about.

In Shep’s interview, he says, after what went down at Auldbrass, he’s trying to be more considerate, thoughtful, and selfless. They’re making some dishes for Friendsgiving, and Taylor puts him on banana pudding duty, while she handles the traditional green bean casserole. She tells him, when they’re with friends who don’t understand their banter (her word), he looks like an a-hole, and it makes her looks bad for taking it. In his interview, he says, he doesn’t want their friends to think they have a bad relationship because it’s not. He’s learning on the fly.

Austen’s sister Katie sets the table for Friendsgiving, and they go down Memory Lane. In his interview, he says, his Aunt Barbara’s house is the epitome of thanksgiving. He’s always in charge of the punch bowl, and every year it’s different. Craig is going to be bringing the turkey, and has a phobia about touching raw poultry. In Craig’s interview, he explains, there was a 200 person chicken dinner at the firehall when he was in high school, and they put the cooked chicken back in the boxes where the raw chicken was. 130 people were hospitalized. Paige offers to pull it out of the brine it’s been in, but it’s too heavy, and Craig ends up having to touch it anyway. Kathryn gets to Aunt Barbara’s first, and prepares some meatballs using weird ingredients like grape jelly. Craig and Paige are next, and Craig and Austen bring the fryer out to the patio. Naomie arrives with a casserole and a salad, and it’s all awkward with Paige. Paige says she doesn’t think she likes bourbon, which I think could get her kicked out of Charleston, and in Naomie’s interview, she says, it’s obvious Paige isn’t happy with her. She tries to make small talk, and in her interview, she says she has no idea what Craig has told Paige. She’s just trying to be friendly and copacetic, but it’s not working out for her. In Austen’s interview, he says, Craig acts like he knows what he’s doing, but somewhere back there, he doesn’t know what he’s doing. In Craig’s interview, he says he knows what he’s doing; he just hasn’t done it before. But he’s been with people who have done it. The margin of error is small, but the turkey could possibly explode. Austen says, so this could be like a rocket? Shep gets there with Taylor and his banana pudding, and Marcie and John follow shortly after. Craig and Austen fumble with lighting the fryer, and high-five when they’re successful. Leva and Olivia come bearing gravy and mashed potatoes respectively. In Shep’s interview, he says, Craig has this thing like he knows what he’s doing in the cooking arena, but he really doesn’t. He’s terrified with Craig in charge of anything.

Kathryn and Naomie sit down for a drink together, and Kathryn asks if Paige is having fun. Paige says, the whole group together is a lot, and she doesn’t know who Naomie thinks she’s fooling. If she was with her friends, she would have already popped off. Naomie tells Olivia that she picked up weird energy from Paige already, and it’s awkward. She went to say hello to Craig, and he turned his back; it was weird. She thinks things have been misconstrued to Paige. Paige tells Kathryn about Naomie pulling Craig aside at the dog wedding, and says, it was one of the most inappropriate things ever. She would have sent Craig a secret text like a normal person. In Kathryn’s interview, she says she thinks Naomie liked having Craig wanting her back. Don’t insert yourself into someone’s happiness just because you want attention. Another reason she thinks Naomie is a petty little bitch. I’m not sure the word petty means what Kathryn thinks it means. Paige says she’s acted like a goddam peach, and Kathryn says she thinks Paige and Craig are perfect for each other. Paige says, as long as Kathryn doesn’t try to have coffee with him, they’re cool. The turkey is done, and Austen and Craig high-five again.

Olivia and Austen agree there might be drama between Paige and Naomie. The turkey is carved, and passes the taste test. They prepare their plates inside, and go outside to eat. Austen gets up and thanks Katie for her help. He says he adores everyone at the table, and everyone toasts to Friendsgiving. In Austen’s interview, he says, Thanksgiving is his favorite holiday, so Friendsgiving makes him happy. He thinks the group could use a nice meal together, and he’s thankful they don’t have to always yell and bitch at each other. Naomie, Leva, and Olivia put napkins on their heads to make Pilgrim bonnets, and for some reason, Craig thinks this is racist. In Naomie’s interview, she says, Craig is really mad at something else and blaming it on the Pilgrims. This is insane. She thinks it’s just her being around that bothers Craig.

They go inside for dessert, and Naomie asks if Paige wants to talk outside. Paige says she can’t imagine what they have to talk about, but she’d love to. Craig says, his crazy ex-girlfriend wants a conversation with Paige, and Leva tells him to choose different words. He says, Naomie has already pulled him aside, now she’s pulling his girlfriend out there. In his in interview, he says, ex-girlfriends from years ago shouldn’t create drama with new girlfriends. She’s just not firing on all cylinders. Naomie and Paige sit on the porch, and Naomie says, clearly, Paige is uncomfortable. Paige says, Naomie pulling Craig aside at Patricia’s and saying, if Paige is uncomfortable, she won’t come around, insinuates there are feelings there. Naomie says, that’s not at all what she meant, and Paige asks if Naomie feels Craig treats her differently when she’s around. Naomie says she does, and Paige says, that also insinuates there’s some kind of relationship. I’m not following this logic, and Naomie says she feels like Paige is coming at her, but Paige says, Naomie pulled her aside, not the other way around. She asks if Naomie still has feelings for Craig, and Naomie says, not at all. Paige says, the optics of it look like she does, and in Naomie’s interview, she says, this is for sure pointless. She understands why, in Paige’s mind, Craig seems like a shining prince, but this whole thing is bullsh*t. Paige says, when she met Naomie, she liked her, but she’s dealt with girls before. She knows Naomie and Craig have a past, and that they hooked up this summer, so it’s not crazy for her to thing Naomie has feelings for Craig, and that what happened at Patricia’s is what she thought. She thought they were cool, and Naomie should have just come to her and asked if she was uncomfortable. They’ll never be best friends, but she wants to be able to socialize with Naomie. She doesn’t hold grudges, and they’re cool. She thinks Naomie is pretty and funny, and she wants to borrow her clothes. Naomie says, Paige is a badass.

Next time, Patricia holds her annual guy’s dinner, while the girls have a dinner out; and Shep refuses to make his profile inactive on dating sites.

🍂 Summering Into Fall…

Jump into tomorrow’s free-for-all of soap, tea, and quotable quotes, with some music on top. Until then, stay safe, stay always bringing a gift no matter what the invite says, and stay not being so busy righting the wrongs from your past, that you stop yourself from moving forward.

August 31, 2022 – Jordan Pieces Together a Timeline, Beverly Hills Inflicts Themselves On Aspen, Please Go & Thirty-Third  

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Lucy knocks on Valentin’s hotel room door, and he asks what she’s doing here. Looking for pickles? She says, very funny. She’s here about Deception. He’s one of their fancy shmancy big-time investors. He asks if it’s about Sasha pleading assault and battery on that would-be journalist, and Lucy says she hates Sasha having to go through that. It’s the last thing she needed after everything she’s endured. He says he’s sensing a but, and she says, but – he says, there it is what happens in the courtroom is one thing. It’s an entirely different trial in the court of public opinion. He asks, what’s her point? and she says, Sasha’s the Face of Deception. She’s the physical representation of their brand, and right now their brand is tarnished. He says, because of Sasha, and she says, yeah, but she think she has a way to fix it. Her partners are sort of dragging their feet. He asks where he comes in exactly, and she says she can’t believe she’s going to have to say this. For the good of their company, and everyone else who’s involved, Sasha has to go.

At the hospital, Brando asks if Sasha is okay, but she says she doesn’t know what she is. He says, after this meeting’s behind them, it’s all going to be better, and she asks, how? He says, because then she’ll be able to stand in front of a judge, knowing they’ve done everything possible to A, prove that she’s taken responsibility for her actions, and B, that she’s prepared to get the help she needs. She says, and if the judge decides she’s still a threat to the community? She could go to prison for a really long time.

At the pool, Anna says, fancy seeing you here, and Victor asks if she’ll join him. He pulls out a chair, and she says, despite their mutual distrust, they do have one thing that bonds them – how much they care about Valentin. Ever since he’s come back, he’s been like a new man, and she has no doubt she has Victor to thank for that.

Jordan tells Finn and Elizabeth, based on the blood loss at the scene, her officers believe Ava was attacked not long before she was discovered. That gives a short window of time for the attack; somewhere between 9:45 to 10 pm. Finn says, that’s probably around the time he ran into Maxie and spoke to her briefly. Jordan thanks him, and asks if Elizabeth remembers where she was during that time. Elizabeth says she took a walk around the grounds at some point, and Jordan says, alone? Elizabeth says she just needed to clear her head, and Jordan asks if something happened to upset her.

Spencer tells Trina, he’s sorry Ava got hurt; mostly because it hurts her. He figured she would be here. She says, he’s there for her? and he says, always. And as his Uncle Victor reminds him, they have to support family no matter what, and Ava is family. She says, and he wants to support his father too, but he says, the hell he does.

In Ava’s room, Nikolas says, if only she’d listened to him, it never would have come to this. They seemed to be at peace for the first time since Esme poisoned things between them. It could have been so different… It’s too late now.

Carly says, Drew is here early. Does he want some coffee? He says, that would be great, and lingers around the moss bowl 🎍. He says he’s been thinking a lot about last night. It’s kind of all he’s been thinking about actually. She says, every five seconds? and he says, it’s pretty much constant actually (WOTD). She says she’s been thinking about it non-stop too, and he says he knows she said she wanted time, and he doesn’t want to step on that, but there’s taking time and there’s missing a chance. That was amazing at the boathouse. She says, it was, and he says he feels like they’re on the brink of something pretty incredible. He wants it, and he wants her. She says she wants it too. What she loved about yesterday was that it was so smooth and easy that it felt… He says, it felt right, and she says, until it didn’t. She doesn’t mean it felt wrong. She’s just so scared to see the ending before it even starts. Does that make sense? He says, not really, and she says she knows he wants to see what happens between them, but he doesn’t know her. How can he when she doesn’t even know herself? What is he thinking; just say it. He asks if it’s okay to call her out right now, and she says, yeah. He tells her, he’s thinking what she just said is a load of crap. If anyone knows themselves, it’s her.

Sasha tells Brando, it makes her blood boil just thinking about it. Smoltz and Sienna set her up. They destroyed her reputation, and now she’s the one at fault? He says, she’s right. They pushed her past her breaking point, and that is not fair, but focusing on that now is counterproductive. They need to just get through the day, and do whatever it takes to get her home to the people who love her. That’s him, by the way. She says she loves him too, and he asks if she’s ready. She nods, and he knocks on a door. A woman comes out, and says she’s Dr. Rubin, and Brando introduces himself. Dr. Rubin says, she must be Sasha, and invites them in.

Valentin says he doesn’t understand why Lucy came to him. He’s not involved in the day-to-day at Deception. She says, replacing the Face of Deception is hardly the day-to-day, and he says, if she feels so strongly about it, force a vote, and take care of it. She says, it’s not that simple. A lot of her other partners feel like perhaps that might send Sasha over the edge. He says, perhaps it will. Martin says she’s seeing a shrink… Lucy says, he talked to Martin, didn’t he? She swears, if Valentin sent the pickle photo with her and Victor to Martin, she’ll kill him, and he says, this has nothing to do with Sasha and Deception. She’s here because she’s worried about Martin. She says, he’s got her; she’s worried about Martin. She’s been worried about Martin since the day he left. He says, she could have fooled him, and she says, excuse me? He says, she wasn’t worried about Martin when Victor was fawning all over her at the picnic.

Anna says she’s glad she and Victor ran into each other. She’s been meaning to thank him for going the extra mile to smooth things over between them. He says, she’s very welcome, and she says, he’s right. It’s easy to fall back on old habits, and just get ruled by mistrust and suspicion. He says, surely one conversation wasn’t enough to dispel all her doubts about him, and she says, no and don’t call me Shirley, but it was a nice reminder of how much they care about Valentin. Sitting there between father and son, she realized how much Valentin has changed post-convalescence. Wouldn’t he agree? He says he would, and she says, tell her, what’s his secret?

Elizabeth asks Jordan if it really matters why she went for a walk. It’s personal. Finn says, she’s being kind. He was an idiot last night and brought up a touchy subject, and rightly so, Elizabeth left before one of them said something they regretted. Jordan says, and this was… Finn says, near the stables, and she asks what he did next. He says he was upset, and went looking for Elizabeth. Like he said, he ran into Maxie. He asked if she’d seen Elizabeth, she said, no, and he went to the main house. He ran into Valentin and Spencer, and Victor Cassadine. Spencer had a couple of drinks, and Finn tried to help him. Jordan says, if she asks Spencer, will he corroborate? and Finn says, if he remembers, but Valentin was there, and Victor was there too. Jordan says, and after Elizabeth left Finn, she went for a walk. Did this walk happen to take her by the boathouse?

Trina says she thought things were better between Spencer and his dad; what changed? Spencer says, nothing. He’s still the same Nikolas Cassadine. He’s out for himself. Everyone else be damned. She says, he hurt Spencer, didn’t he? and Spencer says, Nikolas opened his eyes, so he guesses he could say Nikolas did him a favor. She takes his hand, and says, if he needs to talk about it, they can, but he pulls his hand away, and says, it’s not her problem anymore. She says she’s going to check on Ava, and walks to Ava’s room.

Nikolas says he hates to see Ava suffer like this. He gets up, and leans over her, when Trina walks in. She asks what he’s doing, and he says he’s glad she’s here. He knows how much she means to Ava. Trina says, Ava means just as much to her, and asks if there are any updates on who did this to her. He says, no. Unfortunately, Ava has her fair share of enemies. Finding the culprit will be difficult. She says, but not impossible, and he says, of course (🍷) not. She says she just doesn’t get it. Why now? He says he’s been asking himself the same question, and she says, and? He says, to do something this vicious, it must have been someone who hates her very much. He’ll give them some privacy. He starts to leave, and Trina says, it could also be someone who used to love her.

Carly tells Drew, look around. It’s the same kitchen, it’s the same refrigerator, it’s the same coffee maker. He says, it’s the same griddle and the same moss bowl 🎍, and she says, only because she happened to get the house in the divorce. Of the things that defined her three years ago – her marriage to Sonny, her kids, her friendship with Jason, and her hotel – three of the four are gone. It’s just her and her kids, and thank God she has them, because if she didn’t… He tells her, don’t even go there, and she says, the Jason part was unavoidable because he died. It was heartbreaking and shattering, but people aren’t guaranteed to be with you until the end of the ride. But her hotel? She gambled and she lost. Her marriage to Sonny ended because… He says, the guy who came back from Nixon Falls wasn’t the same guy she married, and she says she told him that, didn’t she? He says, a couple of times, and she was right.

Dr. Rubin says she needs Sasha to understand that what happens next is entirely up to her. No one is forcing Sasha into anything, but in her professional opinion, this is her best option, not only to guarantee her freedom, but also her mental well-being. Sasha says she thought this was a psychiatric exam; the doctor asks questions, and she gives answers. What does she mean, option? The doctor says she’s sorry. She thought Brando and Sasha discussed this. Brando says, before he left town, Martin suggested an alternative that pretty much ensures her freedom. Sasha asks, what is it? and Dr. Rubin says, if she agrees, they can ask the court to appoint Brando as her guardian.

Lucy says she cares very deeply for Marty, and Valentin says, she has a funny way of showing it. She says, okay, Mr. Judgy Judgerson, and he says, she did everything except bite Victor’s gherkin. <snort> She says, what he saw was a perfectly innocent exchange. She can’t help it if he’s reading something untoward into it. What is that icky little smirk? He says, she’s a lot of things; perfectly innocent, not one of them. Neither is his father for that matter. She says, whatever he saw or thinks he saw, her loyalty to Marty has not wavered. He tells her, if you say so, and she says she does. He says, if she wasn’t putting the moves on Victor… and she says, she didn’t and she doesn’t want to. He says, then she was working him for information. In the espionage business, that’s called a honey trap. Which begs the question, what was she hoping to learn from Victor?

Victor tells Anna, as much as he’d like to take credit for his son’s transformation, he’s afraid he had no part in it. She asks how he explains it then, and he says, perhaps Valentin has come to realize that he’s not alone in the world. Valentin has family now. She says, he’s always had family, and Victor says, family he’s close to? She says, him? and he says, nothing means more to him. Just look at Spencer and Nikolas, waiting word on poor Ava. Families close ranks when the situation demands it, and the Cassadines are no exception. Doubt their loyalty at her own peril. She asks if that’s a threat, but he says, simply a statement of fact. She says she sees, and he says, does she or is this friendly overture just for show? She says, when Valentin left town, he and Victor were barely on speaking terms. Then he comes back, and they’re this dynamic father and son duo. He can’t blame her for wondering why.

Elizabeth says she doesn’t remember, and Jordan says, she doesn’t remember where she went walking? Elizabeth says, the Quartermaine grounds are enormous. It was dark and she was upset. She wasn’t paying attention to where she was going. She can’t tell Jordan her exact route. Jordan asks if she went by the boathouse, but Elizabeth says she doesn’t know. Finn says, let’s be real. Can anyone account for every second last night? Jordan says, her job is to reconstruct the circumstances of Ava’s attack. She needs to know who was where when it happened. Finn asks if they need a lawyer present, and Jordan says she’s not accusing anyone. Finn wonders if she’s sure, and doesn’t think they should say another word without an attorney here. He thinks it might be time for Jordan to go, and Jordan says, believe it or not, she’s on their side. Her goal is to eliminate them from any possible suspicion. That’s why it would help if Elizabeth could say definitively where she was at the time of the attack. Nikolas comes in, and says, he can help with that.

Nikolas says, at the time of the attack, he and Elizabeth were together. He flashes back to finding Elizabeth, and her telling him she doesn’t remember how she got there or how she scraped her head. He says, he and Spencer had just had a fight. That’s when Finn found them. Jordan asks why he didn’t say so, and he says, at the time, they didn’t know what was happening. It’s only looking back that it makes sense. It was around the time Ava was… Elizabeth asks, how is she? and he says, she’s stable, but she hasn’t regained consciousness. Elizabeth says, she’s strong; she’s going to pull through. Nikolas says he hopes so, and Finn asks if there are any more questions. Jordan says she’s good for now. Nikolas’s account seems to tie up nicely. Nikolas says, what does she mean, seems to? when her phone rings. She looks at it, and says, she may need to speak to him again. She leaves as she answers the call, and Finn closes the door and asks, what was that all about?

Sasha says, guardianship? and Brando says, only in name. She says, like she’s a child who can’t take care of herself. Dr. Rubin says, just the opposite. It demonstrates awareness of her mental health issues. Sasha laughs, and the doctor says, trusting someone – in this case, her husband – to make important decisions will send a message to the judge. Sasha says, not help make; make for her. Brando says, she knows he’d never do that. This could lighten her sentence. The judge might even toss the punishment out altogether. Isn’t that what she wants? Sasha says, not like this. He can’t listen to these people; they’re wrong. he says he disagrees, and she asks when he stopped believing in her.

Lucy asks, what makes Valentin think she wants something from his father? and he asks if she’s saying she doesn’t? She flashes back to Anna telling her to exploit the attention Victor can’t wait to lavish on her. Shake the tree a bit, and see if any information about Valentin comes loose. She has all the necessary assets to be Anna’s asset. Lucy tells Valentin to let her worry about Victor, and consider what she told him about Sasha’s future. He says, what about Martin? and she says she’s all in. She leaves, and he waits a moment, then follows her.

Victor says, Valentin now understands the value of family, and Anna tells him, like she said, he always has. Victor says, yes, of course (🍷). His bond with Charlotte is unparalleled. Anna asks how she is, and he says, she’s wonderful; loving her time at boarding school. She asks why Charlotte didn’t come home for summer, and he says, apparently, a state-of-the-art equestrian center was recently donated. She can’t tear herself away from the horses. Apparently, she practically begged Valentin to let her stay. She says, how could he say no? and Victor says, precisely. He must be getting back to the hospital to check on Ava. He’s happy they had this chat. She says, so is she, and he leaves. She says, So. Am. I.

Drew tells Carly, he’s the poster child for stuff you go through changes you. His experience definitely made him realize what truly matters in life. Sonny’s experience clearly changed him. She says, that’s obvious, and he says, what’s not so obvious, is the person who got screwed is her. Sonny came back and he had different priorities, and he understands that. A bunch of his priorities when he got on that plane to Afghanistan were not his priorities when he got home. She says she wants to hear about that, and he says he’ll tell her, but now he needs to acknowledge, to point out and say out loud that Carly spent a big chunk of her life in a marriage that was not always easy; at times it was flat out hard. But she gave all of herself. She gave everything she could in good times and bad times, and everything in between. Now that’s gone, and that’s a big loss. She says, wow. She feels like she’s been saying that, screaming it, out loud, but no one could hear her, let alone see her. He says, he sees her, and she says she doesn’t want to stay there. It’s not something she wants to hold on to; a part of her life that’s gone. It’s nice to get credit for going through something. He says, actually, he got her a trophy. It’s in the car. He’s got polish it up before bringing it to her. She laughs and thanks him, and he tells her that she said that already. She says she knows. She says, the good news is, she gets to figure out who she is without those three core pieces of her. He says, the bad news? and she says she has to do it before having a relationship with him. She doesn’t want to make the mistake of rebounding again. He says, again? and she says, not romantically. But she can see, while she really wanted to help and support him and Michael, jeopardizing her hotel with that investment was a kneejerk reaction. Something awful happens to her, and she has to counteract it with something positive. It was a risky investment and she paid the price. He says, question. If it had worked out… She says she would be really happy, but it didn’t. It’s not about the money. It would have been nice, sure, but it’s not the important part. She could get over that. What she couldn’t get over is if she messed things up with him.

Brando says he does believe in her, but Sasha says, clearly, that’s not true. Dr. Rubin says she knows this is shocking and painful, but Sasha did assault someone. Sasha says, there were extenuating circumstances, and the doctor says she’s sure there were, but Sasha committed a crime. So that leaves her with two choices; conservatorship or prison. Sasha says, no, and Brando says he loves her. He’s only doing this to help them stay together. He couldn’t stand it if she was taken away from him. He’s trying to avoid that. She says, by taking charge of her, and Dr. Rubin says, by showing the court that someone who cares about her will be responsible for her treatment. Sasha says, in charge of her, and Brando says, don’t think about it like that. She says, he would make all the decisions. The small ones, like the use of her credit cards and cellphone, but big things too. Where she goes, when she goes, who she goes with. Is that honestly better than prison? The doctor says, yes, and Brando says he thinks if she takes the time to think about it, she’ll agree. Sasha says she needs some air, and walks out. He calls to her, but she keeps going.

Trina says she wishes she could do something. Make it so none of this happened, but we can’t go back in time, can we? If we could, there are so many things she would change. (You and me both, sister.) Different things she would choose. She takes Ava’s hand, and says, but one thing she’d do the same way is her friendship with Ava. She cries, and says she needs Ava. Please open her eyes. Come back, please. She doesn’t know how to do this without her.

Nikolas says he doesn’t know what to tell Finn. Is he suggesting Nikolas is keeping something from him? Finn says, isn’t he? when his phone chirps. He says he has a patient in the ER who needs to see him, and Elizabeth says, they’ll talk about this when he’s done. Finn leaves, and Elizabeth asks why Nikolas did that. He says, tell the truth? and she says, only part of it. When he found her with this cut on her forehead, she had no idea what happened or where she’d been. Why didn’t he say so?

Victor finds Spencer on a couch near Ava’s room, and asks how she is. Spencer says, Trina is in with her, and Victor asks if that’s why Spencer is here, for Trina. Spencer asks why Victor is here. To wait for Ava to wake up, or pray she never does? Jordan comes by and says she just spoke to a member of the Quartermaine staff who was working at the picnic. Victor says, congratulations, and Jordan says, she had something interesting to say about Spencer. Spencer asks, what? and she says, where he was at the time someone tried to kill his stepmother.

Nikolas says, they both know Elizabeth didn’t attack Ava, and Elizabeth says, someone did. He asks if she’s implying it’s him, but she says, no. Why would he go out of his way to give her an alibi? He says he cares about her. They go way back. She says, let’s not talk about that, and he says he also doesn’t want the PCPD wasting its time and energy going after her when the real criminal is out there. Finn comes back, and asks if everything is okay. Elizabeth asks, how’s his patient? and he says, good. Nikolas says, he needs to get back to Ava, and leaves. Elizabeth says, Finn could have al little empathy. Can’t he see how upset Nikolas is? He says, that guy only lets you see what he wants you to see. What does Nikolas want with her? She says, he just wants to help, and Finn says, help her, or help himself?

Carly says, why wouldn’t she want to be with Drew? and he says, he’s been asking himself the same question. He’s handsome, he’s really funny, he’s kind, and ridiculously sexy. He says he was waiting for that last one, and brushes her hair back. She says, they’ve already established effortless. He says, it is, and she says, he’s not going to make it easy on her. He says he’s not, but she says she can’t give in to him. He asks, why not? and she says she lost everything that in her mind identified her, and she hates it, but she doesn’t want to hide from it by turning to him. When she comes to him, she wants it to be for the right reasons. He says, so it’s self-definition time, huh? and she says, yep. Who is she without Sonny and Jason? She doesn’t know. It’s been since she was 22 years old, when she met them. She’s grown and changed since then, but with them by her side. So she has to try this on her own for a while. He says he looks forward to meeting whoever she turns out to be, and she says, her too. He says, but he doesn’t think that’s what’s really going on here.

On the phone, Anna says, what she’s looking for specifically is the name of the benefactor who donated the equestrian center to the school… So if they could find that for her, that would be great… As soon as possible. She thanks them, and flags down Lucy, who has walked in. Lucy keeps walking, and says, no. She doesn’t want to. Anna asks, why not? and Lucy says, every time she talks to Anna, she seems to get into more trouble. Anna asks, why? Has there been a development with Victor? Lucy says, no. It’s just, now Valentin is accusing her of throwing herself at his daddy. Anna laughs, and says, obviously, she’s gotten Victor’s attention. Lucy says, she got his attention. She got his eyeballs. She got his hands, and Anna promised her it wouldn’t go this far. She’s not doing this to Marty. Anna says, she doesn’t have to do anything, but if she cares about Marty… Lucy says, of course (🍷) she cares about Marty, and Anna says, then just keep Victor on a string, and they’ll keep Marty off the government radar, as they promised. Lucy says, for how long? and Anna says, until she’s certain what hold Victor has over Valentin. She’s getting closer. Lucy says, well, hurry up, and leaves. Anna sits back down with her phone, and Valentin watches her.

Victor asks if Jordan is accusing his great-nephew of attacking his stepmother, and Jordan says, apparently, Spencer was three sheets to the wind. He was in the bathroom getting sick at the time of the attack. Victor asks if she’s surprised. Facing 90 days in jail would drive anyone to drink, particularly since he was just looking out for a friend. She says she’d ask if Spencer saw anything suspicious near the boathouse, but given his state, he’s not reliable witness. Nikolas joins them, and Jordan says, apparently it runs in the family.

Drew tells Carly, everything she said sounds great, and obviously, she believes it. Some of it might even be true. She says, some of it? and he says, but there’s something else, something underneath it that scares her. And he’s here to tell her that she doesn’t have to be afraid of him. He kisses her, and leaves Carly alone at last with the moss bowl 🎍.

Anna is reading Budapest Crossing, when Valentin takes the book out of her hands. He says, it seems we’re not being as honest with each other as we claim to be, are we darling?

Sasha walks into the pool area, and a girl comes up to her, asking if she’s the Face of Deception. Sasha says, she is. Does she want a selfie?

Elizabeth tells Finn that Nikolas loves Ava; he would never hurt her. Finn tells her that he’s not accusing Nikolas, and she says, so he’s accusing her? He says, no, but something isn’t adding up. If Nikolas could always vouch for her whereabouts, why didn’t he just say that? More to the point, why didn’t she?

Nikolas says he’s had enough of Jordan’s so-called investigation. If she’s not accusing his friends, she’s after his son. Meanwhile, the person who tried to kill his wife is out there, roaming free. Spencer says he doesn’t need Nikolas to defend him, and Victor says, his father’s quite right. The police are doing everything but chasing the real culprit. Jordan says, maybe they’re closer than he thinks.

Trina tells Ava, she’s not alone. Her family is outside, even Spencer. They’re waiting for her to wake up. The machine starts beeping.

Tomorrow, Carly tells Bobbie, if she has something to say, just say it; Elizabeth says she hasn’t told Finn everything; and Trina calls for help.

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Four days before Aspen. In the car, Dorit tells Kyle that last night was interesting, wild, and all over the place. In Kyle’s interview, she says, after the party, she and Dorit met their husbands and went to the Polo Lounge, where they continued to party and be overserved. Dorit says, LisaR is having extreme reactions, and we flash back to LisaR screeching, if you talk about her husband or kids, she’ll hunt you down. Dorit says, it’s from not having dealt with her mom’s passing; it’s a build-up. Kyle says, at her house, first LisaR was yelling, and she thought it was harsh. We flash back to LisaR losing it some more, and Kyle says, it was one extreme to the next. Kyle went from calm down to poor thing. We flash back to LisaR crying over Lois, and in her interview, Kyle says, when her mom died, she was physically ill for two years. She tells Dorit, she understands the pain, but LisaR is taking it out on one person. Dorit says, Sutton. She doesn’t want Sutton to feel like she’s being piled on. Sutton doesn’t articulate herself or make her point as good as she could. We flash back to Sutton babbling, and Erika saying, and she’s the one with a drinking problem. In Kyle’s interview, she says, sometimes Sutton says too much, but sometimes she’s too scared to speak up and rock the boat. She makes it difficult. Dorit thinks Sutton just needs helpful advice and support, not another thing coming at her.

Diana visits Garcelle, and says she’s so hung over, she’s wearing her dress backward. It’s the closest she’s been to a walk of shame. In Garcelle’s interview, she says, it’s a Team Diana fail, and in Diana’s interview, she says, she didn’t want the party to stop, and took it too far. Now she’s feeling the pain. Garcelle says, the pics Diana posted… They show a drunk faced photo of Kyle, and I die laughing. There’s another of Kathy and Diana, where Kathy has her eyes closed, and Diana says, she’s mortified about Kyle’s picture. She tells Garcelle that she’s been backing away from Sutton to see who she is. Is she malicious or misunderstood? In her interview, Garcelle says she’s still trying to figure out Diana. She didn’t start off guarded with her, but they started off rocky. Diana says, Aspen is her happy place, and tells Garcelle that she’ll be staying in a hotel. It’s for the best. She’s worried Garcelle is going to ask her to leave, and she sent in ghostbusters to cleanse the energy of the place. In her interview, Diana says, she believes things carry energy, so she brings experienced energy cleansers. We see a clip of that, and in Garcelle’s interview, she says, she likes herbs, crystals, and stuff she doesn’t really believe helps, but it works for her. She’s been places and done stuff, but does she think Diana is crazy? Absolutely. Does she want to  try it? Yes! She tells Diana that she’s a nutjob.  

LisaR brings in a box of Lois’s stuff, and tells Harry that the last one made her have a mental breakdown the other night. In LisaR’s interview, she says, something about losing a mother is very profound. It’s more painful than would have realized. She picks up a book called The Trailside Murders, and says she didn’t know there was a book about it. We flash back to Lois telling LisaR about how she was attacked by someone she worked with. LisaR says, Lois’s name is in there, but she doesn’t think she can look at it. In her interview, she says, her role model was almost killed, yet went through life with grace and compassion. Her anger is a big thing in going through the grieving process. It wasn’t expected, but she’s letting herself go through it. How is she supposed to go on? She tells Harry that her dad’s tombstone says, I did it my way, and Lois wanted hers to say, me too. She thinks that says it all. Harry says, it’s a tough climb, and she says she’s got to feel whatever it is. Her therapist asked her to look at it as, what hurts, and what hurts more? Harry thinks that’s a negative way to look at it, but she says, it takes the pressure off accepting life. It is the way it is. I would not even know where to start in pointing out how messed up her thinking is. You can absolutely grieve as you wish, but you can’t attack other people in the name of it.

Kyle and Mauricio play on a mini golf course set up in the yard. She asks if the plane is all set up for Aspen, and he says, it’s super set. There’s no way he’s not coming along under such amazing ski conditions. He’s going on the girls trip. She says, he can walk Storm, since she’s scared of bears. In Kyle’s interview, she says, growing up, Mauricio’s family had a place in Vale, but he fell in love with Aspen, and in 2019 they bought their first home there. She loves that the house isn’t big, so they don’t have space for guests. She tells Mauricio that she got a guest rental and chef for the women not staying with them, and Mauricio says, the rental is one of his favorite homes in Aspen.

Dorit packs, and gives PK the lowdown on the Aspen trip. She says, Sutton and Erika aren’t great, which is an understatement. Kathy, Erika and LisaR are staying with Kyle, but she’s cool with being in the rental house with the others. In Dorit’s interview, she says, so many people were vying for staying with Kyle, she decided to be a good friend. And she doesn’t really care where she stays. She tells PK, she knows she’s going be okay. She’s doing the work to get stronger and feel better, less jumpy. She doesn’t want to block anything. We see a clip of a therapy session, and she says she wants to go through the emotions that she has to. If she goes through them and feels them, she’ll know how to process it. PK says, her embracing and addressing them will lead to healing quicker. In her interview, Dorit says she has good days, but there are days when something triggers her, and she goes into a state of panic. We flash back to her talking about her panic attacks and lack of sleep, and she says, she thinks as time goes on with therapy, she’ll be okay. PK says he’s off to London, so don’t call and say, come and get her. She did that when she was in Mexico. She says, but he didn’t get her, and he says he knew she’d be okay. This time though, he’ll be in London, and it’s not so easy to get to Aspen. She says, he should come from Mars if she needs him.

Kyle tells Mauricio that she’s questioning whether Dorit will be okay at the other house, since she got panicked at their house here. She adds him that Garcelle and Sutton unfollowed Erika, and it sends a message. In Kyle’s interview, she says she didn’t know Garcelle had unfollowed her until she was scrolling on Instagram. It’s stupid having this conversation at their age – I wonder why she brought it up then – but if someone unfollows you, they’re making a statement. Yeah. They’re stating they don’t want to follow you anymore. Mauricio says he wants to have fun, and he’s staying out of everything.  

Everyone packs, and Garcelle calls Sheree, who shows her a bed full of wigs. Garcelle asks if a bomb went off in her house. Sheree asks if she’s ready, and Garcelle says she’s as ready as she’s going to be. At the disco party, she was hot about Erika. We flash back to Garcelle asking if Erika is calling her a liar. She tells Sheree that she doesn’t want anything to do with Erika. If Erika was on fire, she’d have no water to throw. Sheree says, at least spit on her.

One day before Aspen. Crystal calls Garcelle, and asks if she’s read TMZ about Erika. We see the article claiming Erika refuses to hand over a pair of $750K earrings, and Garcelle says, they’re talking about it on her show. She just tried to get out of it. In Garcelle’s interview, she says, does she have to say how she feels? Absolutely, but the show won’t air before the trip. She hopes they have a good time… until Erika finds out. Crystal says, they were paid from the company. It’s a lot of money, and could have paid some of the victims. (Well, maybe one.) She says, that needs to go back. Period. There’s no way Erika can think none of them know; it’s very public. In Crystal’s interview, she says she’s learned if Erika wants to share, let her, but if she doesn’t, don’t push it. We flash back to the Reunion, and Erika yelling, is she angry enough for Crystal now?

They get on the plane, and Garcelle blesses herself. In Erika’s interview, she says, Aspen is for the super elite. It’s beautiful, quaint, and luxurious. It’s for the people who have made it, and are where they want to be. She’s been to Aspen a million times. She’s flown in on her own plane. For someone who claims the money means nothing, she sure misses it. They have champagne, and Kyle says, Kathy is coming from New York. Paris said, dropping her mom off to make a connection is like leaving an infant on the curb. She tells the women that tomorrow, they can ski or snowmobile, and the next day they can go shopping. Tonight, they might be tired, so she’s having a barbecue at her house; it’s her favorite place in the world. In Kyle’s interview, she says, this trip is just what the doctor ordered. It’s impossible not to feel happy when you’re there. I’m sure these women will find a way.

They stop at the hotel to drop Diana off first, then the rest are dispersed between Kyle’s – LisaR, Erika, and of course Mauricio – and the rental house – Garcelle, Sutton, Dorit, Crystal, and Sheree. Kyle immediately finds some outdoor Christmas lights that should be down, and insists on doing it immediately. The women in the rental house go apesh*t over the elevator, and are introduced to Chef Talo. Kathy arrives at Kyle’s, and says she’s had three hours sleep in four days. She’s wearing slippers, and Kyle asks if she went to the airport in those. Kathy says she did, and Kyle asks, what if people recognize her? Like this isn’t going to be on TV. Kathy insists, they don’t, and Kyle gives her the room with bunkbeds, which her kids swear are the most comfortable beds in the house. Kyle serves lunch, and asks if Kathy is going to ski, but Kathy says her knee has been hurting her. Kyle says, Kathy goes down the slopes holding her ski poles straight out from her sides. Kathy says, when she hears people whizzing by her, she gets nervous. She puts the poles out so people are scared of her. I think that’s a great idea for the subway. In LisaR’s interview, she says she’s never seen that before. Kathy says, if she has to smack them a little, she will. I think Kathy has a little bit of a mean streak. In Diana’s interview, she says she’s the first to admit it, she’s high maintenance. She’s protecting the rest of them from herself.

Everyone gathers at Kyle’s house, and Mauricio does the cooking with Sheree as sous chef. Even though it’s freezing out, Mauricio mans the grill. In Kyle’s interview, she says she’d never put her sister Kathy in the category of it being easy for them to be together. This says how far they’ve come after all these years. We flash back to the Reunion where Kathy started crying, and Kyle says, they’ve grown close, but Kathy’s very high maintenance.

LisaR finds a Ouija board, and in Garcelle’s interview, she says, they don’t need any more spirits; they have enough. Erika and LisaR work the planchette (no surprise), and Kyle asks if they’ll be able to work out their issues and have fun on this trip. Is she kidding? LisaR obviously moves the planchette to no, and Sheree asks if Garcelle will find a soulmate. Kyle asks the Ouija board, why did Garcelle unfollow Erika on Instagram? and I wonder, what the hell is wrong with this woman? In Erika’s interview, she says, can they talk about anything else? She’s 51, not 12. Who gives a sh*t? Garcelle says, Erika called her a liar, and Erika says, that’s because Garcelle said she cared about her. Garcelle says, no. Erika said Garcelle was bringing a narrative to her drinking. Erika said, Garcelle repeated it to Dorit and Kyle. Garcelle says she also told Erika, and Erika says, when? Garcelle says, when they had drinks, which I find ironic. We flash back to Erika saying she has to watch it with the meds and the alcohol, and Garcelle says, calling her a liar was a stretch. It hurt her, and she got emotional about it, and did something about it. Kathy says, she hates the word liar. Liar, thief, and pedophile are the worst things to be called. Erika says she’s been called two out of three, and in Crystal’s interview, she says she gets liar and thief, but pedophile is a bit extreme. Garcelle says, she and Erika don’t have to be friends, and Erika says, that’s fine. It’s not all kumbaya. Garcelle says she’s good with that, and Erika says, she is too. Kyle says, Sutton also unfollowed her, and in Dorit’s interview, she says she doesn’t understand what’s going on with Kyle, but she’s noticed there’s a bit of stirring going on. Kathy says, nobody cares. They’re not that important. Kyle wants to know the intention behind it, and yells, what were they trying to say?

Sutton says, Erika called her the c-word, and we flash back to that at the Reunion. Kyle tells her, then say that’s what it is, and Sutton says, none of them cared. Kyle gets all mad, and says she was talking about being honest. She’s out. LisaR says they should talk to each other, but Kyle says she’s not dealing with lies and bullsh*t. In Sutton’s interview, she says, they’re talking about Instagram. Erika called her a name, and no one said a word. She unfollows Erika, and now they have a problem. Sutton says, no one said anything, and LisaR says, why should they? Diana says, because she is one, and Erika laughs her head off. No words from me. Not printable ones anyway. Garcelle says, that’s not okay, and in her interview, she says she doesn’t like that word. There’s never a reason to use that word, especially another woman. Diana acts like she said nothing wrong, and says, not everybody can be friends. She can’t stand Sutton, so she tries to keep space between them. It’s tough in a group. She likes Garcelle, but dislikes her best friend. Garcelle asks, why? and Diana says, the way Sutton does things is very slithery. Kyle suggests they talk like Sutton is in the room because she is. Garcelle says, nobody wants to hear that, and Diana asks if she should talk behind Sutton’s back, since she obviously doesn’t see the alternative of saying nothing. Garcelle says she gets that Diana has her feelings, and Diana wonders if Sutton has feelings. Sutton came after her when she was bleeding. She comes after people at their weakest. Why? Kyle tells Sutton to speak up for herself, and Diana says, there’s no defending it; it’s unforgivable. She got out of her deathbed to go to Garcelle’s party. Which I’m guessing is a bit of an exaggeration. She says, Sutton shamed her about it. Sutton had two miscarriages she hid. If it’s so hard to talk about, why doesn’t she understand? She knew what she was doing. In Crystal’s interview, she says, Sutton could apologize a million times, and it won’t matter. It’s asinine to go in circles like that. We flash to the Reunion where Sutton and Diana kind of made up, and Crystal says, there’s a point where you can only defend yourself so much. Diana leaves, and Garcelle says, that was not okay. In her interview, Garcelle says, she was thinking after Diana left her house, she would give Sutton a chance. This was the next chance, but with Diana, words and actions are two different things. In Kyle’s interview, she says, people get upset and emotional, but it’s not intentional. Diana is just saying what she feels. You could say she’s being mean, but Kyle respects her for being honest. Sutton cries, and Garcelle says, this is a lot.  

Next time, Housewives on the slopes; Sutton says she’d rather sit next to Erika than Diana; Crystal wishes they would give it up; and Erika says she doesn’t give a f*** about anyone but herself, and walks out.

💎 Living In Hope…

And tell her to take Erika and Diana with her.

🥯 Slowing My Roll…

Stop in tomorrow for soap and Charm. Until then, stay safe, stay aware if current events, but not obsessed by them, and stay giving people credit for going through something. It’s not always noticed.

August 30, 2022 – Victor Thinks Spencer Did It, Mason, Souvenir, a Farewell, Kyle Speaks, Childish, Med Trailer, Cobweb & Over

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Nina sleeps on a couch in the hospital, Sonny’s arm around her. She wakes, and says she almost forgot where they were. Last night at the Quartermaines wasn’t a nightmare; what happened? Sonny says, it happened. Someone tried to kill Ava.

Nikolas goes to the reception desk, and says he’s been waiting for hours. Someone needs to give him an update on his wife’s condition. The nurse says she’s sorry, there’s been no update, and Nikolas starts yelling, demanding to talk to the head of surgery. Jordan comes along, and he tells her that his wife has been in surgery all night. Can she please help him find out something? She says she can try, and he says he just needs to know what happened to his wife. She says, that makes two of them.

At the Quartermaine mansion, Brook tells an officer that she was out on the terrace for a while, then helped distribute desserts. The officer says, before that? and Brook says, in and out of the kitchen. The officer says, and you? and Drew says he was probably on s’mores duty at the time Ava was injured. She says, and before? and he flashes back to him and Carly kissing. He says, manning the grill, and asks how much longer this is going to take. She says she just has a few more questions, when her phone rings. She steps away to take it, and Brook asks why Drew is so antsy. If he seems too eager to get away, they’ll think he has something to hide. He says, he wants to check on Carly.

THE MOSS BOWL IS BACK!!! 🎍 Do Carly and Sonny have shared custody? Carly pours coffee, and flashes back to flirting with Drew, and Drew kissing her. Josslyn comes in, and Carly says she didn’t expect Josslyn to be up for hours. She hands Josslyn some coffee, saying, she thinks Josslyn needs it more than her. Josslyn says she didn’t really sleep last night, and Carly says, of course (🍷) not. She saved Ava’s life. Josslyn says she just keeps replying it in her head. It’s like she’s outside her body watching as she holds that towel to stop the bleeding. She doesn’t love Ava, but she couldn’t let Ava die. Before she passed out, Ava was so scared. All she wanted was for Josslyn to hold her hand. Carly hugs Josslyn, and says, she’s so proud of her. She hates that Josslyn went through that. Josslyn asks if there’s any news, but Carly says, not yet. Josslyn says, Avery? and Carly says, she doesn’t know. She and Sonny are trying to decide when to tell her. Josslyn says she doesn’t think Trina knows either. She had a meeting at PCU this morning, and she’s supposed to come here after. There’s a knock at the door, and Trina waves through the window.

Elizabeth goes to Finn’s office, and says she got his messages – all five of them. He says he’s sorry. He couldn’t sleep. He felt horrible about what happened. It was all he could do to stop from driving to her house, so he kept calling, hoping she’d pick up. She says she should have, but he says, it’s okay. He was just worried. She seemed like she was in shock after what happened to Ava. She says she thinks what happened is pretty shocking, doesn’t he? He says, it’s horrible. It just seems like Elizabeth shut down. She wouldn’t let him drive her home. She says she doesn’t want to revisit last night. Being that close to violence really makes her nervous. He asks if she saw something last night.

Spencer is lying on his hotel room bed, when somebody starts banging on the door. He says, this better be a damned emergency, and opens the door. Victor says, it is a damned emergency.

Brook says she knew it. Something is going on with Drew and Carly. He says, Joss found Ava near death, so of course (🍷) he’s worried about Joss and Carly both. And Avery. Carly’s probably wondering what to tell her. He just wants to see Carly needs anything, and she says, as friends do, and smiles. He says, no offense, but what’s it to her? Why is she so interested in him and Carly? She says, before yesterday, pure nosiness, but today, she doesn’t want to see anyone waste as much time as she did.

Carly hugs Trina, and asks, how is she? Trina says, better than she’s been in a long time, and even better now that she sees the moss bowl 🎍 .  PCU just dropped the Title IX violation against her, and Carly says, that’s great news. Josslyn says, finally. Did they apologize while they were at it? Trina says she met with the Title IX coordinator and the dean, and they apologized for the previous finding. Nothing will be on her record, and she can continue with the rest of her classes. Carly says, that’s great on their part, and Trina says she hoped they would, but she was still nervous. Josslyn says she really wanted to go with Trina, but it was a crazy night. Trina says, that’s okay; it all worked out. She can really enjoy her party tonight. Carly says, her mom must be over the moon. Has Trina talked to her? Trina says, her mom is super excited they dropped the Title IX determination, but they really didn’t get to talk because her mom was getting ready for work at the hospital. She can’t wait to tell Ava. She thinks she’s going to stop by the gallery… Josslyn says, she doesn’t think there’s any point in going to the gallery today, and Trina asks, why? Did something happen to it? Josslyn says, no. Something happened to Ava.

Finn asks if Elizabeth was nearby when Ava got attacked. Did she hear something or see something? She flashes back to meeting Nikolas, and telling him, it happened again; she’s losing time. She tells Finn, she only knows what he knows, and he says, when he couldn’t reach her on the phone, he got a little worried. She apologizes, and says she didn’t mean to worry him. She just needed time to herself. He says, because she was angry with him for contacting Sarah. He was so wrong. He tried to apologize last night, but she said he wasn’t her anything. Does she still mean that?

The reception nurse goes with Jordan to answer a couple of questions, and Nina comes by with Sonny. She asks if Ava is out of surgery, and he asks what Sonny is doing here. Sonny tells Nikolas, don’t step any closer to him. Same as Nikolas; that’s what he’s doing here. Nikolas says, Ava is his wife. She’s nothing to Sonny. Sonny says, it’s not a competition. Ava is the mother of his child and a good friend to somebody that means a lot to him. Nina says, they’re not here to upset him. They’re worried, the same as him. Nikolas says he wants Sonny gone, and Sonny says, he wants Nikolas out of here, so he guesses neither of them is going to get what they want. Jordan asks if there’s a problem. She sincerely hopes not, since this is a hospital, and she’ll have no qualms about escorting them out. Sonny says, no problem, and Jordan tells Nikolas, the surgeon will come out to speak with him shortly. He asks if Ava is going to recover, and she says, they didn’t share details because she’s not family, but she believes Ava is in post op. Nikolas asks if she’s conscious. Did she say what happened?

Nikolas tells room service to send coffee in a carafe. On second thought, send two. Victor picks up Spencer’s clothes, and says he sees housekeeping hasn’t been here. Spencer apologizes for the surroundings, but doesn’t imagine Victor will be staying long. Victor says, Spencer doesn’t make it easy to track him down. Although registering here as Fred Flintstone was a dead giveaway. Spencer says, Carly banned him from the hotel, and Olivia has a long memory, so what was so urgent? Is Ava dead? Victor says, not yet. How does Spencer feel about that? Spencer says, ambivalent. Him? Victor says, much the same, and Spencer says, not angry? Victor says, that Ava was attacked? and Spencer says, that the attack wasn’t more successful. Victor says, that’s a rather callous point-of-view. Who would think that? Spencer says, the person responsible – Victor.

Drew says, so Brook and Chase are officially a thing now? and she says she doesn’t know what they’re calling themselves, but they’re together. He says, it’s about damn time, and she says, a lot of people were pulling for them. He says he’s happy they didn’t give up on each other, and she says, her too. Now can he see why she’s meddling? He says he has no idea, and she says, jokes aside, if he and Carly have real feelings for each other, if there’s a chance at happiness, don’t let this window close. He says, they actually did sort of have a breakthrough yesterday, and she says, and? He says, and that is the extent of her helpful nosiness. He’ll take it from here. He starts to leave, but the officer comes back, and says, he isn’t cleared to leave. She has a few more questions.

Trina says she has to go to the hospital, and Josslyn says, let her change, and she’ll go too. Carly asks her to check on the girls while she’s upstairs, and tells Trina, Avery stayed here last night. Trina says, poor baby. She can’t believe she’s been fighting over a stupid school judgment, and Ava’s been fighting for her life all night. Carly says, Trina’s school judgment isn’t stupid; she got her future back. Trina says, what about Ava’s future? Why didn’t they tell her what was going on? Carly says, because Josslyn didn’t home until after midnight; she had to give a statement to the police. And she didn’t tell Trina because she didn’t want Trina to miss her appointment this morning. It’s too important, and there’s nothing Trina could have done anyway. She understands that, right? Trina says she does. Thank God Joss found Ava. She just can’t… What about Avery? Does she know what happened to her mom? Carly says, they don’t want to tell her until they have some concrete information, and Trina says, she’s just so little to have her life turned upside down. She’s already dealing with a lot. Carly says, including her and Sonny’s divorce, and Trina says, but Carly is a constant, and Ava knows that too. Thank God Avery has Carly.

Victor asks if Spencer is suggesting he attacked Ava. He must still be suffering from his alcohol fueled evening. Spencer says, they all know the lengths Victor will go to protect this family. Perhaps he felt Ava was becoming a liability. Victor says, she was, but does Spencer really think he’d stab her? Spencer says, no, of course (🍷) not. Victor would never risk getting the blood spatter on his Italian loafers, but sending in an operative to kill Ava at a party with a million suspects is definitely in Victor’s wheelhouse. Victor says, clever boy, and Spencer says, the Police Commissioner probably has that figured out too. So it might be time for Victor to take an extended vacation, and look into the house at Cassadine Island. Victor tells Spencer not to mistake himself. He’s not complimenting Spencer on his cleverness on figuring him out. Rather on being clever enough to start deflecting suspicion from himself. Let him lay it all out for Spencer. Ava controls Spencer’s fortune, his money. In other words, she controls him. She flung the betrayal of Spencer’s father and girlfriend in his face, and turned his world on its axis yesterday. Spencer’s rage drove him to consume an obscene amount of alcohol, and loosened his inhibitions. The attack was up close personal, and Spencer has as much reason to kill Ava as anyone.

Nikolas says, he’s Ava’s husband, and she’ll talk to him, but Jordan says she has a few questions first. They step away, and Sonny tells Nina, it looks like Ava is going to be in recovery for a while before she goes to ICU. Does she want to get some breakfast? Nina says she’s not hungry. She’s going to stick around here. He says he’s going to check on Avery, and she says, of course (🍷). She thanks him for spending the night with her here. They see Nikolas talking animatedly with Jordan, and Nina asks, what’s up? He says, Nikolas seems more wound up than he usually is, and Nina says she thinks he’s probably terrified. Sonny wonders, of what?

Jordan tells Nikolas, as soon as she gets the all clear from Ava’s doctors, she’ll question Ava. Until then, does he have any information that could aid this investigation? He says, not really, and she asks if he’s sure that’s all. Things looked pretty tense with him and Sonny. Nikolas says, his nerves are raw, and he’s been up all night. He thanks her for the update, but now he needs some black coffee. She says he can’t go. She’s sure he doesn’t want to miss the surgeon. Until they arrive, help her out. Walk her through everything that happened with Ava at the picnic yesterday.

Elizabeth says she asked Finn not to interfere, and he called her sister? He crossed a boundary she’d clearly drawn. How is she supposed to feel about that? He says he understands. He shouldn’t have done it. Obviously, he won’t call Sarah back. She says, the damage is already done. Sarah is going to assume she messed up somehow. He says he never spoke to her; how would she? Elizabeth says he doesn’t know her, and he says, she’s right. He doesn’t know anything about her family because ELizabeth never speaks about them. He’s not trying to justify this, but the only reason he reached out is because he’s concerned about her and her health, and he felt like he had no other alternative. She says, than going behind her back? Ignoring her when she asked him not to mention her parents again? He says, it was arrogant of him, and disrespectful. Please let him know how he can make this right. She says, he can’t.

Spencer tells Victor, nice try. Despite his father’s betrayal, Spencer didn’t try to filet him – yet. Victor says, he almost believes Spencer. So he didn’t attack Ava? Spencer says, sorry. He was too busy emptying the contents of his stomach onto the Quartermaine azaleas. Victor says, that is curious. He was certain Spencer did it, and Spencer says, so Victor didn’t? Victor says, and leave Ava alive, and Spencer with no clear alibi? He may be many things, but sloppy is not one of them. Spencer says, he’s relieved to hear this, but he’d never turn Victor in. Victor says, nor I you. He hasn’t forgotten the reason Spencer is headed to Pentenville; turning down that plea deal, and not turning Victor in for arranging Spencer’s visit his mother’s grave. There’s a lot of strength in Spencer; more than his father. Spencer says, who was also at the picnic, and angry with Ava. Can his father account for his whereabouts? Victor says he believes not. Maybe he’s the one they should be looking to protect.

Nikolas says, he can’t believe a fun day has ended in this, and Jordan says, take his time. He says he wishes he could tell her where Ava was the whole time, but they were at the Quartermaines for hours. They were on the grounds, in the house. They spoke with Olivia and Sonny… She asks, when was the last time he saw Ava? and he says, in the den. She asks if they were alone, and he says, no; he was with Spencer. Ava left, and then it was just him and Spencer. She asks if Ava said where she was headed, and he says he thinks she was going to get a drink. She asks if Ava seemed upset or worried about anything, and Nikolas flashes back to Ava slapping him after he said only she was to blame for not healing things with Kiki. He wonders why Jordan is asking, and she says, she’s just trying to ascertain his wife’s state of mind. Has she had any conflicts with any recently, and troubling phone calls? He says, no, and she says, things are fine at home? He says he doesn’t know why she’s wasting time with him, when she could be out finding the person who tried to kill his wife. She says, they’re questioning everyone who was on the Quartermaine estate, and the department is actively engaged in tracking down leads. He says, Sonny and Ava are constantly having ongoing custody issues. Why isn’t Jordan grilling him? She says, as she stated, they’re questioning everyone. Why is he so resistant to providing answers? The doctor comes out looking for Nikolas.

Carly tells Trina, Avery has an entire family who loves her, Ava included. She’s sure Ava is going to make a full recovery, but whatever happens, she’ll always protect Avery like she’s one of her own. Josslyn brings Avery in, and Trina says, she’s getting to be such a big girl now. Josslyn says, too big for Donna’s bed, which is where she found Avery. Avery says, she was reading to Donna, and they fell asleep. Josslyn says, Donna is still out like a light, and Carly says, Avery is a wonderful big sister. Did she have fun sleeping with her little sis? Avery nods, and says she’s hungry. Carly goes over possible breakfasts with Donna, and Josslyn asks if Trina is ready to go. Trina says, Ava is her friend. She doesn’t know what she’s going to do if she loses her. Avery says she wants daddy’s pancakes, and Sonny comes in, saying, hey, kiddo.

Elizabeth – who is getting so very annoying now – says she didn’t appreciate Finn using her boys to justify his actions. He tells her, all he was saying is, they’re struggling too, and she says she’d never subject them to harm. He’s not a psychiatrist, and just because she shared some aspects of her life with him, doesn’t give him the right to intervene. He says, that’s not at all what he was doing. She has every right to be angry with him… She says, gee, thanks, and he tells her, everything he says is going to be wrong, right? If she wants to end things with him over this, he’ll understand, but he has something to say first. Then if she wants to leave, he’ll let her go. He loves her. He just wants her to be happy, and however she chooses to get there, he wants to be on that journey with her.

Spencer asks Victor, why should they protect his father? He is the worst of them, and that’s saying something in a family with Stavros and Helena. Victor says, Spencer never lived with Stavros and Helena. Nonetheless, they must protect their family first. Spencer pours the coffee, and says, he never agreed to that. Victor says he’s deeply disappointed in Spencer’s father, but Nikolas is also his grandmother’s son. How does Spencer think Laura would feel if she knew he turned his back on his father? Spencer says, grandmother asked them both to behave while she was away, and Victor says, Nikolas made a mistake. We Cassadines hold each other accountable in house. So if the police come asking questions, Spencer must say nothing to implicate his father. Spencer asks why he should lie for someone who’s done nothing but lie to him, and Victor says, he’s asking Spencer to just omit any reference to what he learned about his father and Esme yesterday. If he does, he may be rewarded. Spencer says, that sounds a little vague. What’s Victor going to do? Take him out for ice cream? He’d like Victor to be more specific. Victor says, protect his family, and Spencer might get his hands on his birthright earlier than he expected. Spencer says, even if he omits, what will Ava say when she wakes up? Victor says, assuming she does. Leave Ava to him.

The doctor tells Nikolas, they managed to repair much of the damage, but they’re keeping Ava in ICU, where they can observe her for possible complications. Nina wanders over, and Nikolas asks, what kind of complications? The doctor says, peritonitis, sepsis, bowel obstruction… Nina asks if it’s serious, and Nikolas nods to the doctor. She says, Ava’s condition is serious, but stable. Nikolas asks if he can see her, and the doctor says, briefly. He leaves with the doctor, and Jordan asks the nurse to let her know the minute Ava wakes up. The nurse says she’ll clear it with Ava’s doctor, and Nina asks, what about visitors? The nurse says, just those who are approved, like family. She leaves, and Nina tells Jordan, the person who did this to Ava is still out there. Like she didn’t know. Please do everything she can to find this monster who did this to her. Jordan says, they’ll chase down every clue, no matter where it leads.

Victor asks if he and Spencer understand each other, and Spencer says he understands what Victor expects, but he’s not fully convinced he should agree. Victor says, for heaven’s sake. Spencer went to great lengths to dupe his girlfriend into revealing Trina’s innocence, yet he won’t agree to mislead the PCPD for his father’s sake? Nikolas says, Trina must have heard by now, and jumps up to put on his shoes. Victor says, his concern for his friend is touching. He wishes Spencer would show the same kind of loyalty to his father. Spencer tells Victor, thanks for dropping by, but he can’t stay, and jets.

Sonny says he hopes Carly doesn’t mind; he let himself in. She says, special circumstances, and he says, one batch of chocolate chip pancakes coming up, but first, Avery has to clean that face and get dressed. Avery says, let her mix in the chips, and he says, as long as they make it to the batter. She runs upstairs, and Sonny asks how Carly is doing. Carly says, fine, and Trina asks if there’s any news about Ava. Sonny says he got a call on the way here, and she’s out of surgery, and they’re putting her in ICU. Trina says, they’re on their way there now, and he says, let Dex take them. He’s waiting for Sonny in front. Carly says, Josslyn told her everything that happened last night, and she says this Dex kid helped save Ava’s life. Josslyn says, Dex did more than help. He told her that he used to be a soldier, and if they’d waited for the ambulance, it wouldn’t have worked. He saved Ava’s life. Trina says, they both did, and Sonny says, Dex is a good guy to have around. Let Dex take them to GH and wait. Trina says, okay, and thanks him. They leave, and Sonny asks if Carly minds. She says, go ahead, and he starts taking out pancake making supplies. She asks if he was at the hospital all night, and he says, yeah. She nods, and says, she’ll get the griddle.

The officer thanks Drew and Brook for their statements, and says, they’ll be in touch. She leaves, and Drew says, he’s all for being thorough, but that was taking forever. He says he’ll see her later, but she says, one more thing before he goes. Chase has been crazy patient with her. It helps. He says he’s a pretty laid back guy, but he doesn’t share Chase’s fortitude. She says, nobody does, but he’s a close second on the thoughtful scale. Take his cues from Carly. He says, noted, and leaves. Brook’s phone rings, and she tells Chase that she was just thinking about him.

Elizabeth says she needs time to think, and Finn tells her, take all the time she needs. She says, whatever challenges she might have, let her work through them in her own way on her own time. He can do that? He says he can and he will. Advice will be given only when asked. It’s hard for him to not to try to heal; occupational hazard. That’s his challenge, and he has to realize he can’t always have things his way. She says she has to tell him something. Something really strange happened to her last night… There’s a knock at the door, and Finn says he’s busy, but Jordan says, it’s the Police Commissioner. He lets her in, and she says she only has a few questions. She sees Elizabeth, and says, great. She was looking for her.

Carly says, Donna is still asleep, so she’s not going to wake her up, and Sonny says, more pancakes for them. Carly sits down, and tells Avery that she and her daddy want to talk to her about her mommy. Avery asks if her mommy is coming over for pancakes, but Sonny says, she’s not able to do that. Her mommy got hurt last night. Avery asks if that’s why her mommy didn’t pick her up, and Carly says, yeah. Avery asks if mommy’s okay, and Sonny says, her mommy has a lot of people at the hospital taking care of her. Carly says, until her mommy is better, Avery is going to stay with them. How does that sound? Avery says she wants to see mommy, and Carly says she knows Avery does, but she doesn’t think Avery is old enough. Avery asks if she can see Daddy Nikolas.

Trina tells Josslyn, the nurse said it’s only family right now, but Trina can sit in the waiting area of the ICU. She thanks Josslyn for coming with her, and they hug. Trina thanks Dex for saving Ava’s life, and says, Joss told her that he’s the main reason Ava’s alive. Dex says, Joss did her part. It was definitely a team effort. Trina says she’s grateful to both of them. Can he see that Joss gets home and gets some rest? She’ll keep Josslyn posted. Trina leaves, and Josslyn says, Sonny couldn’t give Dex the morning off? Not even after saving Avery’s mother? He says he wouldn’t have taken the time, even if Sonny offered. He’s still feeling a little fuzzy after last night; it’s better to be working. She thanks him for stepping up. Ava isn’t her favorite person in the world, but she’s Avery’s mother and a dear friend of Trina’s. She couldn’t have done it by herself. She’s really glad he was there. He says, ditto, and she says, sorry for freaking out so much, but he says, he’s seen people with a lot more training completely lose it over a lot less.

Jordan says she’d like brief statements from Finn and Elizabeth about last night, and Elizabeth says, of course (🍷). Finn asks if she’d like a seat, but Jordan says, that’s not necessary. She looks at Elizabeth, and says, ouch. What happened to her head? Elizabeth says, a tree branch at the Quartermaine picnic, and Jordan says, be thankful she suffered nothing worse there. Finn asks if there are any leads, and Jordan says, her team is constructing a timeline. This was a particularly vicious crime, with a woman’s life hanging in the balance. Until she can question Ava, she has to rely on other people’s accounts. With so many people there, anyone could be an eyewitness and not even realize it. That’s why it’s vital she gather information while it’s still fresh. Finn says, of course (🍷), and Jordan thanks him. She hopes with everyone’s help, they can piece it together, and identify this butcher, whoever he or she is.

Ava lies in a hospital bed, and her door closes. Nikolas comes in, and stands by her bedside. Trina arrives, and looks at them through the window. Someone puts a hand on her shoulder, and she turns around to see Spencer.

Avery says, Daddy Nikolas must be worried about mommy too. Can she see him? Please? Sonny tells her take one more bite, then they’ll go. He feeds her a forkful of pancake, and Carly says, take her car; the booster seat is already set up. She hugs Avery, saying, she’s a strong girl. Avery leaves with Sonny, leaving Carly alone with the moss bowl 🎍. She puts the pancake stuff away, and Drew comes to the door. He peeks in, and she smiles. She tells him that he’s here early. Would he like some coffee? He says, that would be great. He’s been thinking a lot about last night. It’s all he’s been thinking about actually. She says, every five seconds? and he says, it’s pretty much constant. She says, she’s been thinking a lot about it too.

Sonny and Avery get to the hospital, and Nina is there. Sonny says, Avery knows Nina, right? and she says, mommy’s friend. Nina says she’s her mommy’s really good friend, and Avery asks if Nina is here to see her mommy. Nina says she’s hoping, and Sonny asks how she’s doing. Nina says, she’s doing okay. She was moved to ICU. She’s just waiting to find out when she can see Ava. He asks if they can wait with her, and she says, it would mean the world to her. She takes Avery’s hand, and they go to the elevator.

Josslyn thanks Dex for not calling Sonny over, and he asks if she’s avoiding him. She says she doesn’t feel like dealing with Nina right now, and she has to go. She hates the thought of leaving Trina alone. He says, plans? and she says, yeah, with Cam, her boyfriend. He says, the guy he met at the pool the other day? Don’t worry about Trina. The boss will let him stay and make sure she gets home. Josslyn says, dutiful to a fault, and he says he likes to see his commitments through to the end. She says she wishes she could say the same about his boss, and leaves.

Jordan says, based on the blood loss at the scene, her team believes Ava was injured shortly before she was discovered. That gives them a short window for the approximate time of the attack; somewhere between 9:45 and 10 pm. Finn says, that’s probably around the time he ran into Maxie, and spoke to her briefly. Jordan thanks him, and asks if Elizabeth remembers where she was during that time.

Trina says she wasn’t expecting to see Spencer here, especially knowing how he feels about Ava. He says he’s sorry Ava got hurt; mostly because it hurts her. He figured she’d be here. She says, he’s here for her? and he says, always. And as his Uncle Victor constantly reminds him, they support family no matter what, and Ava is family. She says, and he wants to support his father too.

Nikolas sits next to Ava’s bed, and says, if only she’d listened to him. It never would have come to this.

Tomorrow, Sasha asks when Brando stopped believing in her; Anna says she has no doubt she has Victor to thank for that; and Drew tells Carly that he feels they’re on the brink of something incredible.

Not a Lot…

It’s kind of like when the news breaks in on GH and everyone weighs in, even though there’s hardly any information.

🧥 Nice Jacket…

I’m actually kind of impressed.

🥀 Leaving the Stage…

Strangely enough, I remembered him from Odd Mom Out. Then I wondered, what happened to that show?

💎 Town Cryer Of More Than One Town…

Because inserting herself where she doesn’t belong on RHOBH isn’t enough.

🗽 Unfollowed…

I always think it seems so stupid for an adult to unfollow or unfriend. I don’t have tons of FB friends because I like to actually know the people I let into my life. Although if your profile pic includes a dog, you’re probably in. Years ago, I noticed I was a friend down, looked at the list, but couldn’t figure out who it was. Then about a year later, I found out someone I knew from karaoke unfriended me because of a perceived insult from a mutual friend. I found out from a neighbor who went out with her via a dating sight. She made him swear not to tell me, but he couldn’t get on the phone fast enough. The moral of the story is, it was just as well.

🛥 Happy Mid-Season Trails…

Swells! Dolphins (not the mammal)! Tantrums! Pink wigs!

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/below-deck-med-midseason-tease-previews-drama-injuries-tears-for-crew

🐱 New Cat In Town…

Hocus Pocus 2’s furry CGI cast member.

https://ew.com/movies/hocus-pocus-2-cat-cobweb-not-thackery-binkx/

https://comicbook.com/horror/news/hocus-pocus-2-thackery-binx-easter-egg-cat-cameo-explained-cobweb/

💃🏽 Wiggling It Just a Little Bit…

It looks like those awful women of Beverly Hills will be on tomorrow, so join me for some of that and some soap. Until then, stay safe, stay setting the bar high, and stay not registering at a hotel as Fred Flintstone. It’s a dead giveaway.

August 26, 2022 – Spencer Is Done With Nikolas, a Temp, Memories, Official, BH Clash, In the Book, Married, Renewed, Joining, Dead Spin, a Goodbye, Moonmen, 8 Great Quotes & Cruel

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Finn says, one blanket coming up, and walks in to find Elizabeth with his ringing phone in her hand.

Anna says she doesn’t remember the last time the Quartermaines hosted such a… Mac says, rabble? but she tells him, she was going to say event. He says, doesn’t she remember her wedding to Robert, with all the fancy hats that blocked out the sun? and she says, she remembers his girlfriend crashed the party. He says, Dominique always had a flair for the dramatic, when Lucy walks in with Felicia, and says, yes she did. Felicia hands Mac a drink, and says, he needs it more than she does. Anna asks, why? and Mac says, what’s wrong?

Britt asks Austin if she missed anything. Work was no picnic; pun intended. She wants to smack something around. Austin says, the next thing that gets smacked around is going to be her boy toy if he doesn’t stop flirting with his girlfriend. At the grill, Cody asks if Maxie wants some pork, and holds out a pork chop.

Inside, Victor wonders if Valentin brought a decent bottle of Bordeaux. Valentin pours a glass of wine, and says, if he brought a decent bottle of Bordeaux does Victor think he’d be drinking this plunk? The Quartermaines save the good stuff for themselves. He’s surprised to see Victor there. He looks a bit posh for a barbecue. Victor says he’s not there for the cuisine. Their family’s out of order, and Victor has to get them in line. He needs Valentin’s help.

Nikolas kisses Ava, but she breaks away, and says, it’s too late for words. It’s too late for kisses. It’s too late. He broke them the second he had sex with Esme. They see Spencer has walked in, and Nikolas says, Spencer… but Spencer says, don’t. What is Ava talking about? She says, he heard her. His father betrayed her with Spencer’s girlfriend.

Terry sits with her feet in the pool, and Yuri says, apologies. The bar is closed. Terry says, thanks for trying, and tells him, have a seat. He takes off his socks and shoes, and she says she hopes he didn’t mind leaving the party early. He says, the Quartermaines are busy, besides, she’s much better company. He sits next to her, and says, refreshing. She says, nice, huh?

Elizabeth says Finn will want to answer this, showing him the phone. Sarah’s on California time. It might be hard to connect if he doesn’t talk to her now. He takes the phone, and puts it down. He says he’d rather talk to her, and she says, enjoy the rest of his picnic. She starts to leave, and he says, please don’t walk away. Not now. Not like this. Don’t turn away from herself and whatever burden she’s carrying.

Maxie says she’s a vegetarian, and Cody asks if he has any takers. Austin steps up to the grill, and Britt says she didn’t know Cody was a grill master as well as a horse master. Cody says he’s really not, and Britt says she didn’t know he was capable of cooking something without burning it. Cody says he has to keep some secrets before date number two, and tells them that he needs to resupply. Maxie suggests Britt go with him, and Britt and Cody leave. Maxie asks if it’s burnt, and Austin says, it’s… this, indicating the pork chop She asks him to tell her the secret to a good pork chop, and he says, it’s the rub. Mason comes along, and says, nah. Any Gatlin worth his salt knows you can dress a barbecue up, but you won’t get what you want if you don’t turn up the heat.

Mac says, Dominique had a son, and he works for the Quartermaines? and Felicia says, so it would seem. Mac says, impossible. He would have known. Lucy says, what about Scotty? He should have known next. And what about her? She gave birth to Scotty and Dominique’s daughter after all. Anna says, she never gave any indication that she had a son? and Mac says, not once. Felicia says, it’s possible she kept the child a secret to protect him from her husband. Leopold Taub was a controlling monster; he even partnered with Faison. Anna says, a mother will go to any lengths to keep a child secret from an abuser, and Lucy says, you don’t realize who that child will turn out to be as an adult, which is precisely why she called Serena and told her not to come home anytime soon. She wants Serena to stay with her whales until they know more about this Cody person. Mac says, leave it to him, and Felicia follows him out. Lucy says she’s going to help, but Anna grabs her arm, and says she thinks they’ve got it. Besides, Lucy already has one man on her plate. Wait. Make that two.

Spencer says, Nikolas and Esme? but Nikolas says, it’s not the time or the place. Spencer says he’s not moving until Nikolas tells him everything, and Nikolas says, let’s talk about this later. Ava should have been more discreet. Ava says, don’t put this on her, and he says she knew Spencer was standing there. She says she doesn’t have eyes in the back of her head; do not make her the bad guy. They start screaming at each other, and Spencer yells, shut up! He needs to know. If this is just another one of Ava’s lies, that’s fine. Tell him. He knows what she is, and he knows who Nikolas is – his dad. Please… He starts to cry. Please say something. Nikolas says, it’s not a lie. He slept with Esme.

Cody says, it was right here, and Britt says, what? He says, the cooler, packed with burgers, hot dogs, ears of corn. Someone must have swiped it for one of the other grilling stations. She asks if this means his grilling duties are over, and he says, that’s up to Mama Q. She asks, he answers. She says she can’t see Olivia being okay with that nickname, but he says, she loves it. She knows it’s a term of affection. Does Britt have a nickname? She says she does. It’s definitely not a term of affection. He asks what her mother calls her, and she says, a disgrace, but Cody doesn’t believe it. He says, even when Obrecht was smacking him down, he could see her love for Britt. Britt says, mutter has gotten more sentimental these days, but she doesn’t want anyone to know. He says, all right. If she doesn’t want to share her mother’s nickname for her, what was her dad’s?

Maxie tells Mason, welcome. She didn’t think he was going to make it. Mason says he wouldn’t miss it. He needed to see how the other half grills. Besides, Cousin Austin insisted. He didn’t want Mason sitting around twiddling his thumbs. She asks if he’s an expert griller too, and he says, everyone in Pautuck is; some are better than others. He asks if Austin wants to flip over that chop, and Austin suggests Maxie take some food orders; see if her parents want something. Mason says, her parents are here? She should bring them over. He’d love to make their acquaintance.

Elizabeth says, Finn doesn’t know when to quit, does he? She told him… He says, if he brought up whatever’s troubling her again, they’d be over, and she says, so he brought it up with her sister instead? He tells her, he hasn’t said a word to Sarah, and she says, don’t argue semantics with her. He says he’d argue any point he could if he knew it meant helping her, and she says she never asked for his help. She never wanted it; she never needed it. She was just fine without it, but somehow he’s still meddling in her life.

Ava suggests Nikolas talk to his son in private. Here or at Windymere; she doesn’t care. She’s done. Nikolas says she should stay and watch the results of her ambush, but she says, he did this; no one else. He says, this is what she’s always wanted, to see his relationship with his son destroyed. It killed her to see them get close. She says, that’s absolutely not true, and he says, knowing she’d never get the chance to heal with Kiki the way he did with Spencer, but she’s the only one to blame for that. She smacks him across the face, and he says, the truth hurts, doesn’t it? She says, ask his son, and walks out.

Lucy says she agreed to make certain inquiries, so Marty wouldn’t ping on the government’s radar, and Anna says, or more important, his third ex-wife. Lucy says, this is going beyond the pale, but Anna says, not for Lucy. She could lead a master class extract secrets out of people. Lucy says, the old her, not now, and Anna says she’s not asking Lucy to do anything she wouldn’t do. She’s just asking Lucy to exploit the attention that Victor can’t wait to lavish on her. Just shake the tree until information about Valentin comes loose. Lucy asks, what makes Anna so sure she can get Victor to let his guard down? and Anna asks if Lucy has seen the way Victor looks at he. Lucy has the necessary assets to be her asset. Lucy says, nope. Flattery isn’t going to get her anywhere. Anna says, let’s hope for Marty’s sake she’s wrong.

Victor tells Valentin, he’s not asking for much; just another pair of eyes on a developing situation in Nikolas’s family. Valentin says, Nikolas, Ava, and Spencer all loathe him with varying degrees of justification, and Victor says he can’t do everything himself. It’s time his son stepped up and did his duty. If not for him, then for Valentin’s daughter. Valentin says, they agreed to leave his daughter out of this, and Victor says, her temporary stay in that boarding school could easily become permanent. Valentin says, you bastard, when Lucy walks in and asks if she’s interrupting.

Spencer asks Nikolas to please tell him this didn’t happen. He doesn’t understand. Nikolas says, of course (🍷) he doesn’t. Ava vomited that all up… Spencer says, she didn’t know he’d be here. She didn’t know he was standing right behind her. Nikolas says, Spencer doesn’t know that; he doesn’t know that. Never credit or defend Ava; she’s capable of anything. Spencer says, so is Nikolas. When did it start? How long have he and Esme been going at it? Nikolas says, just one time in May. They never repeated it. It was a mistake. Spencer says, Nikolas slept with his girlfriend, and Nikolas tells him, she said they’d broken up. Spencer asks if Nikolas is trying to justify this, but Nikolas says he’s just trying to explain. Spencer says he had his reasons. He had to keep Esme close because he was trying to help Trina. Nikolas says he knows that now; he didn’t know it then. All he knew is Spencer accepted Ava’s offer and took his inheritance over him. Spencer says, is that what this is about? Revenge? Nikolas says, no. He didn’t want to hurt Spencer. Spencer says, it may have actually meant something if Nikolas tried to hurt him, but they’re in the same place they’ve found themselves time and time again. Nikolas didn’t think. He didn’t think about Spencer at all.

Finn tells Elizabeth, he’s in the wrong. She asked him to honor her wishes, and obviously he didn’t. He’s sorry, but the truth is, she’s not the only one he’s concerned about. He’s worried about Violet. She says, how so? and he says, Violet loves Elizabeth and her cousins. When they’re all together, it’s all she talks about for days. Elizabeth makes her so happy. She brings light into Violet’s life, but less so lately. He knows the handling of her health is her decision alone, but he has a decision to make too, and he doesn’t know how to ignore the clear signs that she’s in some sort of distress. She says, it’s her distress, her burden, not his, and he sits. She says, what? and he says, at least they’re finally getting somewhere. She finally admitted she has a burden.

Terry says, Yuri worked for the Quartermaines as a bodyguard. Was it dangerous? He tells her, more, how you say… frustrateous? She says, frustrating, and he says, that. She says, from what she’s heard about the Quartermaines, she’s not surprised. Although she likes and respects Monica. He says, him too, and she says, it looks like they have something in common. She plays with her necklace, and he says, pretty. She thanks him, and says, it was a gift. He says, from a special someone? and she says, her mother. There’s no special someone in her life right now. He says, this is crime.

Austin tells Mason, Maxie’s dad is a cop. He’s Chief of Detectives at the PCPD. Mason says, if there’s any trouble, Austin only has himself to blame. He has obligations to fulfill. To whom much is given, much is required. Austin says, thanks for that, fortune cookie. His dept is repaid. Mason says, his creditors disagree. Ingratitude isn’t a good look on him. He doesn’t think Maxie would find it attractive. Austin says, leave Maxie out of this, and Mason says, he’s the one who brought her up. Or her father, or rather her Chief of Detectives father. He only wants what’s good for Austin. Austin says, the feeling’s mutual, and grabs Mason’s head with both hands, and says, that’s why he’s only going to say this one time. Leave Maxie and her family out of this, or the pain Mason is feeling right now will not be fleeting.

Anna says, she hates being lied to, but Valentin says he’s not lying. She tosses a cornhole sack, and we see his head popping out of the hole, like Whack-a-Mole. It hits him, and he says, ouch. She says, it didn’t look like it hurt quite enough. She’s trying again. Stay still. She hits him with another sack, and he says, ouch. She says, yes, and Maxie joins her. Maxie says, looks like fun, and Anna says, yeah. She gets a sack into the hole, and says, that’ll do.

Lucy says she’s so sorry. She certainly didn’t mean to interrupt a family moment. Victor says, it’s all sorted, and Valentin says, it isn’t, but Victor asks what he can do for her. She says she’s looking for… She sees a jar on the counter, and says, pickles. Outside, gherkins, gherkins everywhere, and not a dill to eat. He says, here you are, sliding the jar over, but slides it back when she reaches for it. She says, he’s playing with her, and he asks how he can resist. Valentin says, will he give the woman her pickles? He’ll see her for s’mores. Victor gives her the jar, but says, no need to rush away, and Valentin says, Martin Grey is probably looking for her. Victor remembers Martin, doesn’t he? Lucy’s boyfriend?

Britt says, back to her father. Surprise, surprise. Cody says, it was an innocent question, and she says he knows she doesn’t like talking about him. Cody says, he thought the boundaries were the Dr. Evil stuff. He didn’t realize, and wasn’t aware, her father was entirely off limits. She says, he’s aware now, and he says, okay, no dad talk. What about her brother? She says, Peter? and Cody says, is he out of bounds, or should they just avoid her whole family and stick with his? She says, good idea, when Felicia and Mac come alone. Felicia says, they’re sorry to interrupt. They’re looking for someone. Mac says he thinks they found him.

Maxie gets her toss in the hole, and Anna says, she’s a natural. Maxie is a natural leader as well. She never said congratulations yet about Deception’s IPO. Maxie thanks her, and says, it was a lot of work, but it helps to have a great team behind you. Anna says, including Valentin? and Maxie says, shockingly. He was a little more involved than she would have liked at the beginning, but he had some great ideas. He’s has been quiet lately. Anna says she noticed that too. She thinks he’s still convalescing from the injury he had a few months ago, and Maxie says, sometimes she thinks he still hasn’t recovered. It’s like his mind is someplace else. With Anna? Anna says, maybe, and Maxie says, what is she doing? She’s supposed to be taking orders. Has Anna seen her mom and dad? Anna says she hasn’t seen them in a while, but there here somewhere, and Maxie asks if she’d like something, but Anna says, she can’t eat when she’s thinking.

Lucy says, it’s the darndest thing. Martin is still out of town. Victor asks if he’s left Lucy unattended again. The man should be tarred and feathered. There is a solution though; allow him. Lucy says she was one leg short for the three-legged race, and he says, all his legs are at her service. Valentin says he’s been trying to reach Martin. Where is her one and only? She says, his mother. He’s so busy taking care of her, he’s had no time to answer her calls or texts. Victor says, a woman of advanced age does need a lot of attention. A dutiful son can be away for some time. Valentin says, he should be back soon, and Lucy tries to open the pickles, but she’s unsuccessful. She says she can’t get this lid unscrewed. Valentin snaps a picture on his phone, and says, if Martin can’t be reached, he’s sure this message will get his attention.

Cody asks if he knows Mac, and Mac says, not exactly. Felicia asks if he’s Cody Bell, and he says he is. She introduces herself and Mac, and Cody says, they’re Maxie’s parents. Nice to meet them. She’s great; he loves that girl. Did they hear about him through Maxie, or… Britt says, don’t be modest. Mac is Chief of Detectives. She’s sure his cops told him how they arrested Cody. Felicia says, to be honest, they only just heard about him, and came right over to meet him. Cody says, why is that? and Felicia looks at Mac. He doesn’t say anything, and she says, they knew Cody’s mother.

Austin keeps his grip on Mason’s head, and says, hurts, right? That’s the parotid nerve. It’s super sensitive nerve, and it hurts even more if you press on it like this. He presses Mason’s head down, and Mason says, let him go. Austin says, he’ll let Mason go as soon as he feels like they they’re understanding one another. Mason says, he can live with the pain – he grabs a knife from the cutting board – but can Austin live with a nicked artery? Austin lets go, and Mason says, blood or no blood, when he calls, Austin will answer, and it will be, yes, sir, and, thank you, sir, when he gives Austin instructions. Got it? Ava comes along, and says, loud and clear.

Nikolas says he knows sleeping with Esme was wrong, and Spencer says, Captain Obvious did it occur to him, not owning up to the truth was also wrong? Nikolas asks, what would be the point in telling Spencer? and Spencer says, not lying would have been the point, but Nikolas says he was more concerned with not hurting Spencer. And it didn’t matter to Esme. Spencer says he knows Nikolas didn’t do this on his own. Esme’s just as responsible. Nikolas says, that’s not what he’s saying. It shouldn’t have happened. Spencer says, he’d really like it if Nikolas would start calling it what it is. It is a betrayal, and there have been so many, including the years Nikolas let Spencer believe he was dead. He’s sick. Nikolas says he’ll never forgive himself for that, but how does sleeping with Esme compare to that? Spencer told Nikolas himself that he was just using her to get Trina out of prison. Spencer says, that is the worst part. Because he stopped loving Esme. She didn’t matter to him, but Nikolas did. He loved Nikolas. Nikolas was his dad and meant everything to him. No longer.

Finn tells Elizabeth, now is the time to get out in front of this thing before it digs in any deeper, before it harms her or someone else. She asks if he’s suggesting she’d hurt someone like she did Chase, and he says, not intentionally, but it’s clear to him that she has a problem. And despite all the denials, he thinks it’s clear to her too. Does she think maybe it’s clear to her boys? How does she think it is for them, seeing their mom struggling, and they can’t help her and don’t know how? And what’s going to happen if they reach out to somebody she doesn’t want them too, like her father? She says, don’t talk about her father. Why can’t he just leave her alone? He says, because he’s been there. He’s been in denial; he’s an addict. He’d probably be dead right now if certain people hadn’t fought through his lies and helped him. That’s why he can’t turn a blind eye when he sees someone in pain. What’s the point of being a doctor? She says, he’s not her doctor. He’s not her anything. She runs out, and he calls after her.  

Elizabeth comes out of the woods, and feels her head. She sees blood on her hands. She hears Finn’s words about her boys, and him asking, what if they reach out to her father? She flashes back to being at the top of the stairs with someone, and saying, don’t talk about my father. The woman asks what she’s doing; they probably don’t want her involved. Elizabeth says, don’t talk about her father. You’ll see what happens if you do. She keeps walking, then stops and looks back.

Cody asks how they knew his mother, and Felicia says, she didn’t know Dominique well, but Mac… Mac says, he and Dominique were friends. He met her when she was married to Cody’s father. Cody says, Mac has his deepest sympathies. From what he’s heard, Leopold Taub was a real piece of work. Mac says, no doubt about that, and Cody promises he’s nothing like that guy, at least as far as he knows, He’s definitely not in a criminal cartel, trying to hold Port Charles hostage. Mac says he doesn’t see a bit of Taub in Cody; plenty of Dominique though. She was a good person. Cody tells him, if you say so, and Mac says he does. Felicia says she’s starving, and suggests they rustle up some ribs. Cody says, the barbecue by the boathouse is out of supplies, so they’ll have to hit up another one. He asks if he can interest Britt in a beer inside, and she guesses it woudn’t hurt. He says, it never does, and tells Mac and Felicia, nice meeting them. Felicia says, him too, and Britt and Cody go into the stable. Cody says, weird guy. Outside, Felicia asks if Mac is okay, and Mac says, why wouldn’t he be? She says, he just lied to Cody.

As she plays with her necklace, Terry tells Yuri, a crystal’s a symbol of transformation. Her mother says, it’s a reminder that change is ongoing. We’re always creating or discovering new parts of ourselves. Sometimes change is big and visible, and sometimes you have to look closely to find it. He says, this crystal is helpful to her? and she says, yes. The clasp is loose, and she needs a new chain, because every time she plays with it – the chain opens and the necklace falls in the water – that happens. Yuri dives in.

Lucy says, Valentin doesn’t have to send Victor those pictures. In fact, she bets she could get ahold of him right now, and make sure he contacts Valentin immediately. As for Victor, she’s so sorry. She just remembered she has to meet Brook, but she sure hopes they can do this again sometime maybe. He holds a pickle spear out to her, and says, no maybe about it. She takes her pickle, thanks him, and leaves. Valentin says, Victor always wants what he can’t have, and Victor says he gets what he wants. It just takes a little patience. But rather than concerning himself with Victor’s personal affairs, perhaps Valentin should focus on his own. Or is Anna proving too hard to handle?

Ava says, good evening, as she walks closer, and Mason puts the knife back. She says, is everything okay here? Mason says, he and Austin were just arguing the merits of medium rare versus well done. She asks what they decided, and Austin says, well done. She says she came out to find a refill, but it looks like she’s out of luck. She looks at them weird, and says, so carry on, gentlemen. She leaves, and Mason starts to follow, but Austin says, don’t even worry about her. Mason says he doesn’t worry, and leaves. Austin follows. I actually get confused for a moment, thinking, aren’t Ava and Austin good friends? But that was Ava and Todd. I mean, Franco.

Nikolas says, Spencer doesn’t mean that. They’ve come too far to let their relationship go. Spencer says, everything he’s done since he came home was to bring them closer; every gamble, every stupid mistake, every act of contrition. All to get his dad back. And for every step he took closer to Nikolas, Nikolas took two steps backwards. There’s no closing that gap now. He thought he knew who Nikolas was, but he doesn’t. He’s done with Nikolas. He walks out.

Mac asks how he lied to Cody, and Felicia says she’s not sure the word friend accurately captures Mac’s relationship with Dominique. He says, ancient history. They guy obviously has mother issues he needs to work out. There’s no reason to add one more thing to his list.

Cody hands Britt a beer, and says, where were they? Oh yeah. She was about to tell him about her brother. She says, no. He was about to ask her if he was allowed to ask about Peter. He says, is he? and she says, stick to your favorite color crayon, worst remake, best Toto song. He says, burnt sienna, he never watches remakes and never will, and Rosanna. She says, Africa, and he says, too obvious. And how is it fair her brother is off-limits, just like when he brings up any of her other family members? She says she thinks about Peter and Faison nearly every day, and talking about them only makes it worse. He takes her beer, and puts it on the table with his, and says, fine. Enough talking. He moves closer to her.

Lucy finds Anna, and Anna asks how it went with Victor. Lucy says, Victor fell for her, hook, line, and pickles, but Valentin was there, so there wasn’t anything of interested revealed. But there’s a heck of a lot of tension between father and son. Anna asks, how so? and Lucy says, she would recognize a thwarted and disgruntled Valentin, but it wasn’t just that. Valentin was going for the jugular when she interrupted them. So her sense is, big daddy has Valentin on a very short leash, and that leash is beginning to chafe. She takes a bite of her pickle, and walks off.

Victor says, he’s noticed Valentin and Anna have become close since Valentin’s return from Tahiti. Has it clouded Valentin’s judgement? Valentin says, he told Victor, he has Anna well in hand, and Victor says, with a little cultivation, he’ll have the lovely Lucy in his hand soon. So a be chum, and delete that photo. Valentin says, yes, father, and does. Victor says, Charlotte would be proud, pats Valentin on the shoulder, and leaves.

Spencer chugs a beer, and goes into the cooler for another. Nikolas asks how much he’s had to drink, and Spencer gives him the standard answer, not nearly enough, but Nikolas says, he’s had plenty. He tries to take Spencer’s beer, and grabs him. Spencer says, let him go, and they struggle. Nikolas says, he’ll never let Spencer go, and Victor comes along, as Spencer breaks away. Spencer says, he’s let Nikolas go. He’s done his last good deed, and now Nikolas can go win Ava back, without even considering Spencer. Good luck. Spencer leaves, and Victor says, what the hell? What just happened? Nikolas says, Ava happened. Oh, I see. Nikolas has changed not-at-all, and is going to blame all his mistakes on Ava.

Mason walks through the boathouse, and says, he thought she came this way. Austin says, can’t he just let this go? but Mason says, she heard them. Austin says, she heard a family squabble, but Mason says, it was more than that. Austin says, Ava doesn’t know that, and Mason says, he can’t take the chance, and neither can Austin.

Yuri brings back Terry’s necklace, and sits next to her again. He says, it’s only water; it will dry. She laughs, and he says, wear it? She says, of course (🍷), and he puts it on her.

As Ava walks, we see someone take a pair gardening gloves, and  a hook is taken from a row of them. Ava says, to Windymere. Living there was nice while it lasted. Hook guy comes up behind her, and she says, if Scotty’s worth his fee, he’ll pry it from Nikolas before the divorce. To divorce. The hook comes down, Ava doubles over. She looks down to see it sticking out of her stomach.  

On Monday, Cody asks Britt, what’s so awful about them being into each other; Finn tells Elizabeth, don’t shut him out; Sonny tells Anna, he can neither confirm nor deny that; and Ava asks someone not to leave her.

😴 Ho-Hum…

Temp Michael is coming back. Again.

💖 Charming Remembrance…

She’s also celebrating her 45th GH Anniversary.

💑 She Likes Him…

I’m glad Sutton has found a man. He seems like a good match for her.

💎 A Feud In Them There Hills…

Diana needs to take a step back, and Garcelle needs her own show. Google me is one of the best things I’ve heard in a long time.

https://www.distractify.com/p/garcelle-beauvais-diana-jenkins-feud

I actually don’t believe this, but then again, who knows?

https://screenrant.com/why-rhobh-fans-diana-used-bots-attack-garcelle/

☎️ Another Number…

I’m not sure why this isn’t in the Who Cares? file. It’s not like they were all kinkballs. At least I hope not.

👰🏻 Knot Officially Tied…

She finally did it. I wish them the best.

https://people.com/tv/vanderpump-rules-stars-scheana-shay-brock-davies-get-married/

🐉 That Was Quick…

I’ll have to hurry up and watch this. The article also contains a recap video.

☠️ Oh Boys…

Another one I have yet to watch. Now there’s even more incentive.

⚰️ Spinning…

I see the both of them are also producers. Smart move.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/walking-dead-maggie-negan-spinoff-new-title-dead-city/

🥀 Goodbye To a Peachy Guy…

He was one of those actors who was in everything too.

https://people.com/tv/beverly-hills-90210-actor-joe-e-tata-dead-at-86/

🎶 On Sunday…

I don’t know if this is everything you need to know, but it’s a lot.

https://ew.com/awards/mtv-video-music-awards-2022-everything-to-know/

📣 Quotes of the Week

Look around you. Everything changes. Everything on this earth is in a continuous state of evolving, refining, improving, adapting, enhancing and changing. You were not put on this earth to remain stagnant. – Steve Maraboli

It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men. – Frederick Douglass

I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.George Washington

People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use. – Søren Kierkegaard

I have seen many storms in my life. Most storms have caught me by surprise, so I had to learn very quickly to look further and understand that I am not capable of controlling the weather, to exercise the art of patience and to respect the fury of nature. – Paulo Coelho

The outer conditions of a person’s life will always be found to be harmoniously related to his inner state… Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are. – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

My responsibility to myself, my neighbors, my family and the human family is to try to tell the truth. – Toni Cade Bambara

We were good before things went bad. – Silas Clay (Michael Easton, 2013-1015), General Hospital

🏃🏽‍♀️ Never Gonna Break My Stride…

Time to kick back and fill your head with good things. Take in some nature. Or if you’re a rural dweller, take in some concrete. Inviting both city and country mice to join me on Monday for some soap and what’s on Deck in the Med. Until then, stay safe, stay not limiting your friendships to those who think like you, and stay not keeping all the good stuff for yourself.

August 24, 2022 – Curtis Has an Unscheduled Meeting, No Diamonds For You, GH Con, Where’s the Beef & Can’t

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Walking into the pool area on the phone, Anna says, just make it work. Victor is going to be at that picnic, and so is he. He’s the CEO of Deception; just live up to the name… What?… The call is cut-off, when Curtis walks in. He says, don’t tell him the hardest working woman in international law enforcement is taking the day off, and she says, every now and then she indulges in a little R & R. She was so happy to hear about Trina. They dropped the charges, yes? He says, they did, and Anna says, she must be so relieved. He says, that’s an understatement. His whole family has many reasons to be celebrating. She asks if something else good happened, and he says, as of a little over an hour ago, he and Portia are engaged.

On the phone in a private area, Portia says she’s already been waiting for a genetic counseling appointment. Jordan almost walks in, but stops, and Portia says, yes, put her on the schedule as soon as they can… No, it’s not concerning her; it’s concerning her daughter. Actually, her medical history isn’t relevant to the screening. It’s in reference to her daughter’s paternal line. Jordan flashes back to being with Portia at The Savoy, and Portia asking if there’s something on her mind. Jordan says, Portia, and the things Portia said the night they were almost killed. Did she ever tell Trina what she thought Trina should know about Taggert?

At Kelly’s, Rory takes Trina’s hand, and says he could get used to this. She says, is he? Or is it going to get boring now that it’s not forbidden anymore?

Olivia tells Leo that he didn’t do anything wrong. She wishes he’d talked to her before he mixed up a batch of Nonna’s love potion for Dante and Sam, but there is nothing in any of those ingredients that can do anyone any harm. He says, but what if the wrong people drink it, and what if the wrong people fall in love with each other? We see Brook run into Dante, and Olivia says, the thing about the play Leo is doing, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Titania the fairy queen thinks she’s nuts about his character Bottom, but they’re wrong for each other. We see Brook and Dante clink cups.

Drew says, Carly can be his sous chef, but she says, that’s not why she’s here. In a voiceover, Olivia says, like it says in the play, the course of true love never did run smooth. But just like in the play, the universe always rights itself in the end. Drew says he bets Carly likes it smoking hot. He’s more of a low and slow guy. Carly asks if he’s flirting with her.

Leo asks if Olivia is sure everything is going to be okay, and Ned asks, what happened now? Leo says, the Sicilian Thunderbolt, and Ned says, that stuff made with flowers Olivia tried to give him when he had shingles? Olivia says, it serves many purposes, and Leo says, it also makes you fall in love. Just like the potion in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Olivia says, people swear by it. Leo mixed up a batch and now it’s out there in the picnic somewhere. Leo says, what if all the couples get mixed up? but Ned says, that’s highly unlikely. Although, depending on the couples, it could be an improvement. Olivia says, just in case… Nonna, if you’re listening, hear our plea, and set things right. She throws some salt over her shoulder and blesses herself, and Leo blesses himself.

Dante asks if Brook is having a good time. He’s having a great time. He doesn’t know the last time he had this good of a time actually. She says, same, and he says, it’s terrible. She says, abysmal, and he says he guesses they know each other too well. She says, they go way, back, and he says, they do. They sip their drinks, and she asks, so why is he hiding out here with all the food, drinks, and lawn games? He says, everything but the girl, and she says she thought he and Sam were solid. He says, they were. They may have hit a roadblock… a big one.

Carly says, for months, she’s been getting signals from Drew, and she told herself, no way; they’re just friends. He says, they are, but she says, lately, it’s felt different, and she’s not the only one who’s noticed. He says, he’ll bite; who noticed? She says, Olivia and Brook. They think there’s something going on between them. He says, those two never met a pot they didn’t want to stir, and she says, that’s true. Olivia wants everyone to fall in love, and Brook is a troublemaker with good intentions, but she doesn’t care about them. She’s asking him. From where he’s standing, what the hell is going on between them?

Anna congratulates Curtis, when Portia joins them. Anna says, Curtis’s fiancé; he just told her the good news. Portia says, fiancé has a nice ring to it, and Anna says, speaking of rings… Portia squeals, and Anna admires her ring. Portia says, can she believe Curtis found it at the bottom of the pool? and Anna asks if that’s how he proposed to her. He says, hiding a ring in a dessert or cocktail, we’ve seen that before. Now in a pool… Anna says, wow, and he says he figured Portia wouldn’t see that coming. Portia says, he figured right, and he says, nothing’s too good for his baby, including champagne and strawberries waiting for them when they get home, and a few other surprises he knows she’ll love. His phone rings, and he says he has to take this. Portia tells him, go. Now they can talk about him. He leaves, and Portia thanks Anna for everything. She’s being so gracious, and Portia appreciates it. Anna asks why she wouldn’t be, and Portia says, Anna and Jordan are friends.

Jordan walks in, and bumps into a chair, dropping her bag. Spencer asks if everything is okay, but she says, no. Everything is not okay.

Ned says, Leo is taking his play a little too much to heart, but Leo says, that’s where love happens. Ned says he’s seen that play many times before, and it teaches a valuable lesson. You know what happens when you try and manipulate people’s feelings? Leo says, it can cause trouble? and Ned says, exactly. It’s a very good thing to remember. Leo says, he’ll remember it, and Ned says he wants Leo to go out to the picnic and enjoy himself. And don’t worry about this so-called potion. Leo says, okay, but he’ll just make sure while he’s at it, and he runs out. Olivia wonders what he meant by make sure, and Ned says he has no idea, but Sicilian Thunderbolt? She says, there’s plenty of magic to be found in this world. You just need to know how to recognize it.

Dante sees Sam, and asks where she’s headed. She says she was headed to the stable. She thinks she left her phone there. He wonders if Cody knows they’re on his turf, and she says she hasn’t seen him. She can understand why he loves it here. He’s got all the creature comforts. Dante says, too bad he didn’t invite her to live in the stables. She might have moved in with him then. She says, ouch.

Rory asks if Trina is really worried. He doesn’t buy a soda for every beautiful woman who graces the interrogation room. She says, this relationship is lopsided. He knows her likes, he knows her hobbies. He knows her family; he’s been to her job. He says she’s been to his job too, and she says, okay. He knows what she means. She wants to know him better. What kind of music is he into? When he’s eating on the steps of The Chuck, what’s for lunch? He says, there’s a reason she doesn’t know that much about him. And it’s because she might not like what she hears.

Brook is coming out of the stable, and this time, runs into Chase. She says, he just missed Dante, but he says he’s not here to see Dante. He’s here to see her. He’s going to make this fast, because they always get interrupted. Brook Lynn Quartermaine, you are pigheaded, brash, and impossible to understand from one moment to the next. She says, in that case, Mr. Harrison Chase, you’re a Pollyanna choirboy with a questionable sense of fashion. He looks at his outfit, and says, she’s also caring, passionate, and incredibly sexy. And he’s been falling for her for a long time now. And even if she doesn’t feel the same way about him, he had to tell her. Because we miss 100% of the shots we don’t take. She says she couldn’t agree more, and kisses him.

Spencer picks up Jordan’s bag, and she thanks him. He says, of course (🍷). Does she want him to call someone? She says she’s fine. She just had a bit too much sun.

Anna asks if it was a surprise, and Portia says she had no idea. Curtis comes back, and says he’s sorry, but he and Portia are going to have to put the champagne on ice. She asks if it’s something at the club, but he says, nothing he can’t handle. She says, that’s fine. They’ll just have to pick up their celebration a little bit later. He kisses her and leaves, and Anna tells Portia, Jordan is her friend, but she feels like everyone has moved on. So she’s very sincere in her congratulations. Portia thanks her, and says she appreciates that. Anna says she just wants the best for the both of them, and Jordan joins them, saying, so does she. Curtis deserves nothing less.

Drew says he can’t tell Carly what’s going on between them, because honestly, he’s not sure himself. Does she? She says, forget she asked. She’s a grown woman and she’s telling him that her friends think he’s crushing on her. She’s totally embarrassed, so can they just pretend like this conversation never happened? She starts to leave, and he says, they could, grabbing her arm, but he doesn’t think they should. She says, why not? and he says, because the reason people are getting ideas about them is, he is flirting with her.

On the terrace, Chase tells Brook that he thinks he hears a three-foot mosquito, and Leo pops out. He says, Chase knows they never grow larger than half an inch, and Brook says, Leo knows he shouldn’t eavesdrop. Leo asks how he can eavesdrop when they weren’t talking, and Chase says, Leo has her there. Leo says, they weren’t talking because they were kissing, and it’s all because of him.

Dante tells Sam that he’s sorry; it’s not about her. She says, except he wasn’t joking; she heard him when she didn’t agree right away. He says he doesn’t know if he’d go that far, and she says she knows he wouldn’t, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t true. For that, she’s so sorry. he says, she doesn’t have anything to apologize for. He’s the one who’s sorry. He wanted too much too soon, and pushed her away. She says, here she is, so now what? He suggests they pick up where they left off, and hold off on the moving talk until she’s ready. She says, that’s the thing. She doesn’t know if she’s ever going to be ready.

Drew says, Carly can’t be surprised, and she says, she knows what she felt, but she didn’t think he’d confirm it. So he’s really been… He says, flirting with her. Yeah, just like she’s been flirting with him. She says, not true, but he says, she’s not hanging this on him. He said at the beginning of the friendship that he’d always be honest with her. Can’t she do that for him? She admits she’s been flirting with him, and she looks forward to seeing him, in and out of the pool. Although in the pool is pretty damn spectacular. He says, see that right there? Flirting. She says, why hide it now? Unless she’s been reading this wrong, and there’s really nothing underneath. Is he just kidding around? He says, no, is she? and she says, no.

Trina asks what’s not to like about Rory, and he says he’s worried she’ll think he’s boring. She asks if he has a stamp collection, and he says, no, but has he told her that he’s working on a graphic novel? She says, he’s an artist. Check, please. Why would he think she’d find that boring? He says, he’s not an artist; he just doodles. She says, he has to start somewhere. What else is he good at? He says, cooking. Actually, he’d like to cook dinner for her at his place sometime. She says, so he’s telling her that he’s a physically active man, who has artistic ambitions, and cooks. And he was worried she was going to find that boring? He says, when she puts it like that… So it’s his choice what they get to do today? She says, anything he wants.

Portia tells Jordan, rest assured, she intends to spend the rest of her life making Curtis happy, and Jordan says, bear in mind, Curtis values transparency more than anything. Portia says, meaning what exactly? and Jordan says, meaning she couldn’t give him that. She kept too many things from him – important things – and it ended their marriage. She hopes Portia doesn’t make the same mistakes she did. Portia thanks her, and says, but she and Curtis try not to keep any secrets from each other. Spencer comes over with a glass of water for Jordan, and tells her, feel better. Portia asks him to wait as second. She’d like to have a word.

Curtis sees Selina on a bench in the park, and says, she called, he came, what might she want? She says good afternoon to him as well, and felicitations. He asks how she heard about it, and she says, how could she not? Every news report covered the final day of Trina Robinson’s trial. He says, they’re all relieved. No disrespect intended, but she could have just sent him a message. She says she is sending a message. She needed to express in person how pleased she is that her tip on where to find Oz Haggerty paid off. He says, it did, and he’s grateful. She asks, how grateful?

Carly says she hasn’t let herself consider Drew anything other than a friend, and he asks, why not? She says, he’s Sam’s ex and Jason’s brother. He asks if that’s really what’s been holding her back, and she asks, what’s been holding him back? He says, she’s been going through a lot these past few months, and she says, that’s an understatement. He says, all things considered, what was he supposed to do? Put the moves on her while she was in the middle of a divorce? She asks if he’s considered putting the moves on her, and he says, every man alive has considered putting the moves on her.

Dante says he knows he pushed too fast, but Sam says, it wasn’t about the timing. She just got stuck in her own head. He says, about Lulu? and she says, yeah. She just keeps thinking that she could never measure up to his memories of her. He asks what she’s talking about. They haven’t been in that house together in years. She says she was already in her own head, and had this thought that she wasn’t who he wanted. He says, she’s the only person he wants, and she says she was going to say the same thing about him, when all of a sudden, he took the idea of living together off the table. She thought that window had closed. He says he didn’t take it off the table, an that window is always open for her. Always.

Ned says, Olivia doesn’t believe this potion business, does she? and she says, Titania wasn’t the only one enamored of an ass. He says, she does believe it, and she says, Nonna was madly in love with Carlo, the village butcher, and he had eyes for her too. Unfortunately, he was already promised to Valeria, the milkman’s daughter. So Nonna, slips Carlo the Sicilian Thunderbolt, and bam! – she bangs the table – all of a sudden, goodbye village Valeria, hello new life in Palermo with Nonna. Now did the Thunderbolt give him the courage to make a new life with Nonna, or did he just think it did? Who knows? What difference does it make? Ned asks if she slipped him the Thunderbolt when they first met, and she says, as if they needed it, and they kiss.

Leo says, they drank a love potion, and Chase says, they did? Brook says, not the Sicilian Thunderbolt, and Chase says, the Sicilian what now? Leo says, it shows people who they belong with, but it can also create confusion. Chase says, it certainly worked here, but in the future, maybe lay off the magic. He’s stressing himself out. Leo says, so it can cause trouble with him too? and Chase says, exactly. So buzz off, petito mosquito. Leo says he’s not a mosquito, and goes inside. Chase asks Brook, now where were they? and she says, Nonna Tuccia’s recipes were well known in the old neighborhood. She had a gift. He says, she can’t think they kissed because of Leo’s Sienna Lightning, and she says, Sicilian Thunderbolt, and don’t knock it. She’s seen things. He says he’s had feelings for her for a long time. Whatever was in that lemonade has nothing to do with it. She says, but that doesn’t mean what they’re feeling is real.

Anna tells Jordan that she’s sorry she hasn’t been in touch. They’ve both been swamped, and they’re overdue for that drink. Is Jordan allowed to have a drink? Jordan says, every now and then. She looks over at Spencer telling Portia, the last thing he wanted to do is cause her more stress, so if his being here is causing a problem… Anna asks why Spencer told Jordan to feel better, but Jordan says, it’s nothing. She just got a little dehydrated; hence, the water. Anna says, and warning Portia about transparency? Jordan says, if Anna thought she knew something that could deeply impact her ex’s relationship, would she say something? Portia tells Spencer, she’s not saying she’s completely changed her mind about him, but she appreciates his sacrifice. He says, that means a lot, and she says she needs him to understand something. Trina has moved on; from the trial, from what Esme tried to do to her, and from him. She’s so happy now, finally. And because of what he did, what he attempted to do, Portia wishes the same for him. Rory and Trina walk in.

Curtis thanks Selina for her congratulations, and asks what she really wants from him. She says, The Savoy will soon be in receipt of an import; her people will take possession when the shipment arrives from the dock. He asks, what’s the product? and she says she could tell him, but that would deepen their arrangement, and she doesn’t think he’s willing to do that – or is he? He says, she was right the first time, and she says, that’s what she thought. In the meantime, she trusts his staff will be discreet, and not obstruct the transport of this delivery, into and out of The Savoy. He says, his staff will not be involved; neither will he. Poker games are one thing, but he won’t let her use him, or The Savoy, to traffic illegal goods. She says, she’s informing him as a courtesy because she appreciates their friendship, and he says, so that’s what this is? A friendship? Her strongarming him? She asks if they can agree that without her assistance, Trina Robinson might not be walking around free right now. They may have different definitions of friendship, but she thinks they can agree that he’d rather have her as his ally than his adversary.

Jordan says, if what she suspects is true, it’s life-changing information, and Anna says, and not for the good she assumes. Jordan says, it could cause serious problems, and Anna says, Jordan is an investigator. If she has a hunch, she’s probably right. Jordan says, that’s what she’s afraid of, and Anna says she does think the most important thing is not whether the information is true. What matters are Jordan’s reasons for revealing it.

Spencer thanks Portia for what she said, and tells them all to have a lovely afternoon. He leaves, and Portia hustles Rory and Trina over to a table. Trina asks, what was that about? and Portia says, she’ll tell Trina later. She’s just happy Trina is here; both of them. Rory is welcome to hang out with them anytime. Trina says, Portia is being a little extra, and she can’t tell if it’s a good thing or a bad ting, so… Portia says, actually, there’s something she needs to speak to Trina about. It’s very important.

Sam tells Dante, he said they’d know when the time was right, and he asks if she doesn’t agree. She says she thinks they need to control their own fate, and decide for themselves. Let’s do it. He asks if she’s sure, and she says, about moving in? Yes, absolutely. He picks her up, and spins her around. She tells him, there’s one thing she needs to say to clear the air. She respects the memories he and Rocco have made in the house, and she wants him to know that he doesn’t have to change a thing when she and the kids move in. He says he doesn’t actually think he wants her and the kids to move in with him and Rocco.

Chase says he’s not following, and Brook asks, when was the last time they were just Chase and Brook? He says, right now, but she says, they’re client and manager. And before that, they were co-conspirators, shielding a baby from her homicidal father. He says, of course (🍷) they got closer when they were co-parenting Bailey; it was bound to happen. She says, they were on an adventure; it wasn’t real life. What if they’re mistaking other feelings for something more? He says, what other feelings? and she says, her guilt and his gratitude. She got him suspended twice, and he’s grateful because she’s helping him embark on a new career. He says he can’t believe she’s saying this right now. She doesn’t think he understands his own feelings? She says she would love it if these feelings were real, but how can they know for sure?

Trina tells Portia, don’t keep her in suspense. What’s the earth shattering news? Portia looks all sad, and puts her hand on her forehead so Trina sees the ring. Trina says, oh my God. Does this mean…? Portia says, Curtis proposed, and Trina asks, when? Portia says, about an hour ago, and Trina asks, where? Portia says, in the pool, and Trina says, in the pool? She can see how that would be romantic. Portia says, it was, and they squeal, stamp their feet, and hug, Rory watching with amusement. Portia says, she’s glad Trina came here. She wanted to tell her in person. Trina says she’s thrilled, and Rory says, congratulations. Portia’s phone rings, and she says she has to take it. They’ll catch up later. Have so much fun. She leaves, and Rory says, seems like there’s a lot of good news. Trina says, not for everybody, and goes over to Spencer, who’s lying on a chaise. She says, any word from the DA’s office? and he says, just what he told her before; he reports to Pentenville in three days. She says, that’s so unfair. They’re giving him three months, and he only left Spring Ridge for a couple of hours. The only reason they even know is because he tried to help her. He says he’s only sorry he didn’t come to her defense sooner, and Rory joins them. He says he knows the COO at Pentenville, and was told the cushiest job is working in the library. He can check and see if they have any openings for that assignment. Trina says, that’s so sweet.

Drew says he thinks what’s holding Carly back is how complicated it might get, and Carly says, agreed, so… Whatever this is, they just leave it alone? He says, maybe, and she gives him the tongs. He says he learned on an open grill. You have to make sure the charcoal is out when you’re done grilling. The slightest stir in the air causes the charcoal to reignite. She asks why she gets the feeling this is more than a grilling tutorial. What is he getting at? He says, they can try to ignore it, and move on, but something tells him it will take a lot more than walking away to make this fire go out.

Selina says she only wanted to convey her sincere investment in her and Curtis’s partnership. He says he’s going to go, and she asks if there’s something more pressing than their business. He says, she summoned him when he was in the midst of a celebration; this was not a scheduled meeting. She asks if more congratulations are in order, but he says, Trina’s exoneration, that’s all. She says, an outcome that is celebrated by all, particularly those of us who had a hand in it. She won’t delay his festivities any longer. Her people will reach out about the shipment. Curtis says he never agreed… and she says she’s happy his family is no longer in jeopardy. She gets up, says, may his good fortune continue, and walks out of the park. Her outfit, including accessories, is beyond chic. Whoever does wardrobe for this show is a genius.

Portia goes to the hospital reception desk, and says, Dr. Samuels? She introduces herself, and says she spoke with the doctor’s office. Dr. Samuels says, genetic counseling for her daughter, right? and Portia says, yes. She scheduled a consultation, and can provide the doctor with the family medical history, but her daughter’s so busy with work and school, and as a physician, she was wondering if it would be okay for her to provide the doctor with a DNA sample for analysis. Dr. Samuels says she’s afraid not. She can’t discuss results with anyone other than the patient seeking counseling. And she certainly can’t accept a sample without verifying consent. Portia says, of course (🍷), and the doctor says, as soon as her daughter has the time, have her daughter come see her. The doctor will get her the answers she needs.

Portia says, anything she’d have to say would be to protect Curtis, and Anna asks if that’s the only reason. If she were to do something, or nothing at all, she’d want to understand her own reasons. Jordan says she would too, and thanks Anna. Anna asks if she’s available for that drink right now, and Jordan says, yes. Please. Lead the way.

Spencer says he needs to head out, and tells Trina, enjoy the pool. She says, he’s leaving already? He hasn’t even gone in. He says he has things to take care of before he reports to Pentenville, and thanks Rory for the advice. He says, it’s good to see Trina happy, and leaves. Rory says, is this spot good? and Trina says, it’s great. They sit down, and Spencer leaves after taking one last look.

Sam says she doesn’t understand. Dante asked her to move in; now he’s changing his mind? He says he doesn’t want her to move in with him and Rocco. He wants them to move in with her. She says, oh, and he says, oh is how they got into this mess. Is that, oh, it’s what she wants… She says she doesn’t want Rocco to lose any of his memories with Lulu, but Dante says, he won’t. Anything he wants to remind him of his mother, he can bring with him. All he needs is them… and a PlayStation and a fridge full of food. She hugs him, and he asks if that’s a yes. She says, it is, and he asks what she wants to do. How should they tell the kids? She says she doesn’t know. Tell Olivia. Let’s put it in skywriting. He says, that’s kind of like the same thing. Why don’t they start by telling the kids? He kisses her.  

Leo runs inside, and says, guess what? He saw Chase and Brook kissing. Olivia says, it’s about time, and Ned says, honestly? He thought it would never happen. Olivia says she wonders what finally gave them that little push they needed, and Leo says he knows what it was. They drank the Sicilian Thunderbolt. Olivia says, mystery solved, and hugs him. Ned says, thank you, Nonna, and they have a group hug.

Brook tells Chase, say something, and he says, she’s one of the bravest people he’s met. She says, and? and he says, to a point. She’s absolutely fearless until it comes to risking her own heart. That soliloquy she delivered would give Shakespeare a run for his money. But it won’t work. She says, what won’t? and he says, this whole pushing away from him thing. It’s an exercise in futility, because the feelings they have for each other are real. She says, feelings are one thing, but acting on them is when you can get really hurt. She admits she’s scared, and he says, then she’s in luck, because he’s absolutely terrified. She says, so much for being brave, and he says, if she wasn’t scared, she wouldn’t need to be brave. She says she’s not going to be scared all by herself. Is he in? He says, all in, and she says, great. They can be scared together. He says he thinks Leo’s love potion worked, and she says, maybe, but maybe they made all this magic on their own. He says he thinks there’s a lyric in there, and they kiss.

Carly says, what’s gotten into them? and Drew says he’s betting it’s the apron that did it. She says, it is rather fetching, and he says, or they could chalk it up to what it is; an attraction they can no longer ignore. He kisses her

Tomorrow, Nikolas won’t give up on Ava or Spencer; Victor tells Ava that they can either be family or enemies; and Olivia tells Sonny, he’s got people. Do something.

💎 For whatever reason, RHOBH wasn’t on tonight, and Dubai took over Bravo. At this point, Caroline Stanbury looks like she was kidnapped and dropped in from another planet.

🏥 Mark Your Calendars…

You say celebration, I say convention. Potato, potahto.

🍝 Beefing It Up…

I happened to catch this, and loved it. The guest chefs were Caroline and Dolores from RHONJ, but host Joel McHale is what makes the show. He makes me literally lol. I thought his postscript of Tiger King, The Tiger King and I, was brilliant.

https://www.eonline.com/videos/341424/celebrity-beef-with-joel-mchale-official-trailer

🐳 Got Me a Car As Big As a Whale…

If all goes according to plan, you can meet me here tomorrow for some soap and Charm. Until then, stay safe, stay breaking the mold, and stay remembering there’s plenty of magic to be found in this world. You just need to know how to recognize it.

August 23, 2022 – The Quartermaine Picnic Commences, a Thought, Long Awaited Return, Wish Come True, She Hates It, New Wife, Tales Talk, Who’s Worthy & Virtual

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Willow suggests she and Michael sit on the couch. She takes his hand, and he says, she knows she can tell him anything. Whatever it is, they’ll figure it out together. She says she doesn’t know if they can this time, and he says, sounds serious. He sees Sonny on the terrace, and jumps up. He whips open the door, and tells Sonny that he’s not welcome here.

Carly asks how Drew got roped into grilling, and he says, all the Q’s are doing their part. He’s trying to help out GH, and it just so happens he’s a grill master. Carly says, show her what he’s got, and he says, prepare to be amazed, clicking his tongs.

Jordan tells Marshall that he bears no responsibility for Tommy’s death. He wasn’t there. Tommy barely had any memories of Marshall; he thought Marshall died when he was a child. Marshall says, maybe if he’d stayed, he could have prepared Tommy for what was to come. If he had more courage, Tommy might still be alive.

Walking into the picnic, Nikolas says, they could sell this better if Ava would just smile a little bit. She says, never tell a woman to smile (thank you), and he says, even if it keeps that woman out of prison? She doesn’t want any suspicion coming her way if Esme’s body turns up. She says, he’s the one causing suspicion, and he says, he’s trying to save her, so play nice and let him. She says she didn’t ask for his help, when Olivia comes by, and tells them, this is a party. Kindly take their fighting somewhere else.

Leo stirs his concoction, and says, amore… amore. Dante comes in, and asks what he’s doing, and Leo says he’s helping. Sam comes in the other door, and she and Dante smile at each other.

Brook thanks Chase for coming, and he thanks her for inviting him. She tells him, what can she say? He’s her favorite client. He says he’s her only client, and also co-conspirator, and she says, nothing solidifies relationships like a mutually beneficial scheme. He says he’s glad she sees it that way. He could really use her help.

Curtis tells Portia, God knows he loves her. He loves her kindness, her selflessness… He loves the way she loves family. TJ sees what’s going on, and takes out his phone to film it. Curtis says he loves Portia’s dimple, especially when she’s laughing at his bad jokes. He loves the way she supports, encourages, and brings out the best in him. And when he thinks about his future, he sees her right there by his side, and he wants them to spend forever together. Will she marry him?

Sonny tells Michael, he’s supposed to be here. He’s one of the largest donors to the children’s wing. Michael says, of course (🍷) he’d be invited. He just thought Sonny would have the sense to stay home. Sonny says, Michael doesn’t have to worry about Nina. She didn’t want to come; she didn’t want to cause any trouble. Michael says, that’s a first, and Sonny says, it’s obvious Michael doesn’t like Nina, but he won’t tolerate Michael disrespecting her. Michael says, but he’ll tolerate Nina disrespecting their entire family. He doesn’t have time for this. He slams the door, and starts to go back to Willow, but Sonny busts back in. Sonny says, let him tell Michael something. If he ever does that again, it will be the last time he closes a door.

Sam says hi to Leo, and tells Dante that she came to see if Olivia needed any help. He says, she just missed Olivia, but he’s heading out to the grill to give Drew a break. Does she want to come with him? She says she’s going to check on Scout, but she’s glad he has everything under control. She jets, and Dante says, never mind. Leo asks if Sam is mad at him, and he says, seems like it, right? Leo says, don’t worry. She won’t be soon. Dante thanks him, and tells him not to hang out in here too long. Go outside and play a little bit. Leo says he will, and Dante leaves. Leo goes back to mixing, and says, amore. He stirs the mixture with a carnation, and repeats, amore.

Ava apologizes to Olivia, and says, it’s a party, right? And an important fundraiser too. Nikolas says, it’s very generous of the Quartermaines to throw this benefit for the GH Children’s Wing. His mom sends her regards. She wishes she could be here. Olivia says, that’s sweet of her, and asks how Grandma Lesley is doing. He says, she and Marcello are still recovering from the fire, but they are honing in on a place in town. They’ll probably be moving in soon, but his mother will probably stay there until they’re completely settled. Olivia says, as any good daughter should. Tell her that they’ll miss her today, and about before, forget it. She understands couples need to squabble, even at the most inopportune moments. She moves on, and Ava says, he almost got them caught, but he says, she was the one raising her voice. She says he’s the one who brought up the topic in public. She doesn’t need his help. He says he didn’t ask to be dragged into this, but it’s too late now, and she says, poor darling. It’s never too late.

Brook says, Chase needs her help? 100%. Anything. She’s his girl. He says, anything? and she laughs. He says he needs a partner for the three-legged race. It’s kind of his jam… Not to brag. She says she didn’t take it that way, and he says he knows it’s silly, but it’s something he always used to crush when he was a cop at the department picnics. She says, she’ll do it, and he says, that’s really great, and thanks her. Yuri comes by with a covered dish, and says, Mr. Chase and Miss Brook Lynn; you’re still together. Brook says, they’re not together together. It’s so good to see him. Chase asks what he has there, and Yuri says, it’s a native dish from Belarus, and Brook says, yum. She suggests the find a platter and put it out. As they leave, Chase says, don’t be late. He’s counting on her.

Jordan assures Marshall that his being gone had nothing to do with Tommy’s death, but he says, she doesn’t know the whole story. Has TJ told her about his medical condition? She says, no. TJ respects Marshall’s privacy, and so does she. Don’t feel he owes her an explanation. He says, that’s all right; he wants to. They sit, and he says he’s been ashamed of his medical condition for way too long, and he’s not giving it power over him anymore. The reason he left his family is because he was diagnosed with schizophrenia. She says, he was afraid he’d bring harm to them? and he says, harm, shame, the whole stigma. Folks understand a lot more about mental illness now than they did back in the day. He was so afraid of the diagnosis, he left his family. He got treatment; it’s under control now. She says, that was very brave. She’s sorry he lost so much time with his family, and she’s glad he’s back in their lives. She knows TJ is glad. He says, all that is a dream come true, but he feels he still may have brought harm to his sons. She asks, how so? and he says, schizophrenia can be passed down genetically, and TJ and Shawn told him that Tommy wasn’t in his right mind when he was killed. She says, so he thinks Tommy may have been having an episode of some sort? and he says, yeah. He tears up, and says he wishes he was with his boy when he was going through those struggles. He’s not trying to overstep here, but can she tell him what her marriage to Tommy was like? Thinking back, did she see any signs?

Portia tells Curtis, she doesn’t know what to say. This is the last thing she expected. He says, you know it’s right when you’re staring at your forever love every morning, and can’t wait for another day. TJ continues to film, and she says she loves Curtis so much. They fit so well together. She could only focus on Trina, and loading herself up with work. She forgot to even think about what she wanted out of life. Then he came back into it, and the clouds opened up, and all these possibilities are available to her now; love and happiness and security. He’s given all of those things to her, and that’s what she wants for them; she wants it forever. All this time, he’s been holding this ring up, and probably treading water, and he asks, is that a yes? She says, yes. She’s going to marry him. He puts the ring on her, and there’s applause from the people who have shown up out of nowhere. They kiss, and there’s more applause.

TJ congratulates Curtis and Portia, and says he wishes the best for both of them. Portia thanks him, and Curtis says he appreciates it. He’s glad TJ could be a part of this. TJ says, actually, he’s meeting mom for lunch, so he’d better get back to his table. He congratulates them again, and leaves. Portia asks how long Curtis has been planning this, and he says, for months, but he wanted to wait until the situation with Trina was settled. She says, they have had their plate full, but all things are better now; better than she could have hoped. She looks at her ring and squeals. She says she can’t believe he proposed in front of all these people, and he says he had his eyes on her and her alone, but now he can’t wait to tell the world that she agreed to be his pretty wife. She says, they have to tell Trina. She has plans right now, but she’s going to be so excited. He says, they’ll tell her tonight, and if she comes home late, they’ll tell her tomorrow. Or they’ll tell her whenever because they’re going to be together… She says, for the rest of their lives, and they kiss.

Jordan tells Marshall, she’s dealt with people who have schizophrenia in the field. She knows enough about the symptoms to have a rudimentary understanding of the illness. Looking back on their marriage, she can’t say she observed any signs of schizophrenia in Tommy. He asks if she’s certain, and she says, Tommy was suffering from PTSD at the time of his death. What pushed him over the edge was her infidelity, and discovering TJ was not his biological son. If anyone’s to blame, it’s her. She’s truly sorry for the part she played in Tommy’s death, but it’s her cross to bear, not Marshall’s. She gets up, and he says, you can’t go to heaven dragging hell along with you. He guesses that’s the title of the composition he’s been writing his whole life, watching himself and other people play all the notes, trying to distract from the pain and sorrow… insecurities. Except they’re just dragging along the same torment they’re running from, compounding it. Look at him. He dragged around fear, pain, and guilt for nearly a lifetime. It wasn’t until he set them down that he got free, and he was able to come here to Port Charles, and find and discover everything he lost. Blaming herself won’t bring Tommy back, and Lord knows he’s in no position to judge her. He’s still struggling. And that’s why he forgives her. She tears up, and asks, how can he? He says he’s not going to pretend he wasn’t angry when he heard what happened between her, Tommy, and Shawn, but in life you got all these unexpected blue notes. To tell her the truth, on one level, he was kind of relieved that he couldn’t have passed down his disease to TJ; he was spared. Ain’t nothing about this going to change his feelings for TJ; not one bit. He couldn’t love TJ more if TJ were his own flesh and blood. She says, TJ loves his grandpa too. She’s glad they finally met, and he says he is too, shaking her hand. He puts his other hand on top of hers, and says, maybe now she’s going to lay that burden down.

Drew tells Carly, with grilling, timing is everything, when Dante appears, and says he’s here to relieve Drew of his grilling duties. At least temporarily; don’t go too far. Carly says, Drew is going to have to relinquish his mighty tongs, and Drew says, with an apron like that, he thinks the grill is in good hands. Dante takes over, and Drew asks if Carly wants to go for a walk. Maybe they could play some games. They can still sign up for the three-legged race. She says she hasn’t played that in so long, and he says, all the more reason to do it. They make a great team. I have never once participated in a three-legged race. I don’t think I’ve ever even seen one IRL.

Willow says, Michael has every right to his feelings about his father and Nina, but this picnic is to benefit the Children’s Wing at GH. Sonny’s here to support that cause, so today is about charity and gratitude. Just for today, why don’t they put their personal issues aside? Michael says, okay, and Sonny says, have fun at the picnic. He leaves, and Willow asks if Michael is okay. He says, she’s really incredible. With everything going on, she’s the only one who can keep him grounded. She tells him, never underestimate himself. He can pull himself back from the brink without her. He says, he’s so much stronger with her by his side. She means everything to him, and he doesn’t know what he’d do without her. They hug, and he says he’s sorry. She wanted to tell him something. She says, it can wait; he just had a run-in with his father. He says he’s over it. He wants to know what’s on her mind. Olivia comes in with Wiley, and says, somebody is asking for mommy and daddy. Wiley asks if they can play a game, and Willow says, absolutely. Olivia tells them to get out there and have fun, and leaves. Willow says, Michael heard Olivia. She wants to get out there and spend the day with her two favorite people. Wiley says, him too, and they leave. Ava walks in, and I’m guessing she was listening.

Jordan meets TJ, and says she just had a wonderful conversation with his grandfather. He says he’d love to hear all about it, but first he has to tell her something. Portia and Curtis are here. She says, okay. It’s fine if he wants to ask them to join them. He says, it’s not that. Curtis proposed to Portia, and she said yes. Jordan says she guesses she should have expected it. They did just buy that house together. He says he knows, but it’s still a bit of a shock. Is she okay?

Sitting at one of the tables, Portia tells Curtis, life sure does change on a dime, doesn’t it? and I wonder, what does that even mean? She says, just the other day, things were as bleak as they ever could have been. Trina’s future was up in the air; the only man who could exonerate her was in a coma. He says, but they got through it together, and she says, yes they did. And now Trina’s future is clear. She can do whatever she wants with her life. And their future is as bright as this diamond. Soon, he’s going to be her husband. He says, how soon? and she says, not soon enough. They kiss, and Jordan approaches the table.

Ned says, they’re down to the final two teams. Number one: Carly Corinthos and Drew Cain. Carly and Drew flex their muscles, and Ned says, and team number two: Brook Lynn Quartermaine and Harrison Chase. Brook and Chase fist bump, and Ned says, on your marks. The teams wrap their legs for the three-legged race, and Chase puts his arm around Brook’s waist.

Sonny comes in to find Ava on the couch eating something. She asks if Nina is with him, but he says, no. She says, Nina didn’t want stir pot; that’s wise. She asks if Avery is having a good time, and he says, she’s having a blast. She’s getting her face all painted. Ava says, that’s so cute; she loves that. He says he’ll see her, but she says, don’t go. Keep her company for a minute. She wanted to thank him again for helping Trina. He says he did it for Trina, and she says, still, she appreciates it. He says, there’s been no justice for Josslyn and Cameron. It’s too bad Esme left town. She says, rats. They know when to jump ship, don’t they? He says he heard she posted something on social media from the south of France, which is surprising since Ava said she’d never be found. Ava says, she was wrong. It happens from time to time. He says, it seems like an amateur move for Esme. Maybe Ava could shed some light… Nikolas comes in, and says, that’s enough, and Sonny asks what he means. He was just talking to Ava. Nikolas says, Ava doesn’t know anything about Esme. Leave her alone. Sonny says, or what?

Chase and Brook take a tumble, Chase falling on top of her. Carly and Drew win the race.

Jordan says she’s sorry to interrupt their celebration, but TJ just told her the good news. Congratulations to them both. They thank her, and she asks to see the ring. Portia shows her, and Jordan says, it’s beautiful. She’s very happy for them. Portia says, that means so much to her, and they hug. Portia says she’s going to give them a second, and excuses herself. Curtis asks if Jordan is really that happy for them (which is kind of insulting), and she says, all she’s ever wanted is for him to be happy. He says he wants the same for her, and she says she’s trying to learn to lay down her burdens, so she can move on, just like he has. His dad is back in his life, and he has a new beginning with Portia. She truly wishes them the best of everything. He says, she’s a class act, and he really appreciates everything she’s done for Portia, Trina, and him. She says, her job is to stop injustice. She’s just trying to keep her promise to the people of this city. He says, sometimes the job entails testing the boundaries, and she flashes back to stopping the elevator. He says, he appreciates her discretion, and she says, if he’s referring to Oz Haggerty’s recovery, and the circumstances that allowed it to happen… He says he is, and she says, then there’s something she has to say about that.

Chase helps Brook up, and she says she’s so sorry. She’s such a klutz. He says, that’s okay. He’s in the mood for something cold. He wanders off.

Drew tells Carly, first cornhole, now the three-legged race. Look out tug-of-war; we’re unstoppable. They high-five, and he asks if she’s thirsty. She says she is, and he goes to get her something to drink. Brook tells Carly, congratulations. She and Drew make a great team. Carly says, they do.

Nikolas says, stay away from his wife, and Sonny says, don’t take another step. He doesn’t need Nikolas’s permission to talk to Ava or anybody else. It’s none of his business; stay out of it. Nikolas says he’s not one of Sonny’s minions that he can order around. If Sonny doesn’t stay away from his wife, there will be consequences. Ava says, Nikolas is overreacting, and Sonny says he’ll tell Nikolas what he told Nikolas’s uncle – take your best shot, and we’ll see what happens. Ava takes Nikolas’s hand, and asks Sonny to excuse them. She pulls Nikolas outside, and he asks, what the hell was that? She says, her sentiments exactly. Why is he provoking Sonny? He says, Sonny was the one who was way out of line, not him, and she says, she can handle Sonny. She’s been dealing with him for years. He says he’s her husband. It’s his job to defend her. She says, it was his job to be faithful, and he couldn’t manage that. So let’s drop the pretense. This was more about Nikolas and his issues with Sonny than Nikolas coming to her rescue. He says he’ll always come to her rescue, no matter how hard she pushes him away. He knows he messed up, but he loves her, and will always be there for her.

Terry and Willow watch Michael with Wiley, and Willow says she doesn’t think Wiley quite gets the concept of the egg and spoon race.  Terry says, Michael seems like a very patient teacher, and Willow says, he’s the best dad. Terry says she spoke to Britt, and Britt told her that Willow had an appointment. Willow says she’s going to postpone treatment until she’s in her second trimester. It’s just a few more weeks. She just… She can’t lose another baby. She knows Terry probably doesn’t approve, but Terry says, if it’s the right choice for Willow, she supports it. Willow says, it is; thanks. They watch Wiley and laugh, and Terry says she takes it Willow hasn’t told her family yet. Willow says, she decided to wait until she starts treatment, and Terry says she’s still going to suggest Willow tell her family, especially since she decided postpone treatment. Willow says, if she tells Michael, he’ll try to convince her to get treatment immediately. She doesn’t want to fight with him for the next few weeks. They just finished one big battle; she wants to enjoy this time. Terry says, there is a lot of research showing patients benefit from a strong support system, but Willow says she’s made her choice. She’s not ruining the next few weeks they have left with fighting and tears. What they have right now is what it’s all about. Her decision is the best choice for her family.

Olivia goes to the nook, where Leo is with a tray of Solo cups, and she says, he poured lemonade for the guests? That is so thoughtful. She thanks him for helping her today, and he says she’s welcome. She always helps him; now it’s his turn to help somebody else. She says, that’s so sweet, and hugs him. She tells him, keep up the good work; she loves him. She leaves, and he pours his concoction into two of the cups.

Brook brings Carly into the stables, and says, it’s just the two of them. Be honest. Are her and Drew a thing? Carly says, is she kidding? Olivia asked her the same thing, and she’s going to tell Brook what she told Olivia; she and Drew are just friends. Brook says she’s got that, especially how they were just all over each other. Carly asks what she’s talking about, and Brook says she gets it. It’s complicated. Carly and her family have a long not-so peachy history. And he’s Jason’s twin and Sam’s ex, but the two of them have some serious chemistry. Carly should go for it. Carly says, like Brook is going for it with Chase? Anyone with eyes could see how they look at each other. Brook says, Chase is her client. There can’t be anything between them. Carly says, but Brook wants there to be, right? Brook says, it doesn’t matter. Carly is changing the subject; they were talking about her and Drew. Carly says she’s going to talk to Drew before people get the wrong idea, and starts to leave, but Brook grabs her arm, and says, are they though? Speaking to Drew is a good idea, because from what she’s observed, there are some real feelings growing. Deal with it now before the situation gets all muddled and hopelessly mired with mixed signals and regrets because you were just too afraid, or it took too long to have that conversation. Carly says, that’s some really great advice. Maybe Brook should take it. She leaves.

Leo sets the tray of cups on a table, and asks if Chase has seen Sam and Dante. Chase says, no, but he needs a person for tug-of-war. Is Leo in? Leo can be on his team. Leo says, sure, and runs off. Chase says, save him a spot on the rope, and looks at the cups.

Jordan tells Curtis, as far as she’s concerned, Mr. Haggerty woke up just in time to exonerate Trina. She’s glad he did. Trina’s free, which is all that matters. He says, and the elevator? She says she’d heard it had been on the fritz again. They don’t make elevators like they used to. He tells her, like he said, class act, and raises his glass. She goes back to TJ, who says he swears he didn’t know Curtis was proposing when he suggested they meet here. She says she’s okay, and he says he knows she and Uncle Curtis are on good terms, but it still has to be hard hearing he’s engaged. She says she’s happy for Curtis; he and Portia are a good match. He asks how it went with Marshall. She said they had a good talk. She says, the best. Marshall forgave her for everything that happened with Tommy, and he told her about his diagnosis. TJ says, that was some conversation, and she says, it was. Marshall was worried TJ’s dad might have inherited the predisposition for schizophrenia, and that’s what led to Tommy’s death, but she told him that she never saw signs of it when they were married. She thinks it brought him some comfort, and TJ bets it did. He says, Curtis should tell Marshall that he’s considering genetic counseling for himself, in case he decides to have children. She says, of course (🍷) Curtis would want children of his own. He and Portia would make good parents.

Olivia is chopping vegetables, and Sonny asks if she needs a hand. She says she’s got it, and asks if he’s here by himself. He says, he is; it seems to be the question of the day. She says she just figured Nina wouldn’t be able to resist rubbing Carly’s nose their new relationship, and he says, well, she’s wrong. Can’t you just be divorced and live your life? Because that’s what they’re trying to do, but everybody seems to have a judgement. She says, she would have thought he’d be immune to that at this point in his life, and he says, he is, but that doesn’t mean he likes it. Take them. They’ve known each other since before Carly; they have a son together. Can’t she wish him well? Dante’s happy for him. Can’t she be?

One by one, people take the cups. Leo comes back, and sees they’re all gone.  

Picking up a cornhole sack, Wiley says, it’s perfect, and Michael agrees; everything is perfect. He thanks Willow for reminding him of what’s most important, and Wiley hugs Willow, saying, I love you, mommy.

Curtis tells Portia, the best part for him is, now she and Trina are officially his family. She says she already thinks of him, TJ, and Marshall as part of her family. And even Aunt Stella. They laugh, and her phone rings. She says, it’s the hospital; she needs to take this. He says he thought she was off, but she says, it will only take a second. Then they can talk about Trina’s upcoming party. She steps away, and says, this is Dr. Portia Robinson. Has an appointment opened up yet?…  No, that’s three weeks away. She’s already been waiting for an appointment for genetic counseling… Jordan stops short of coming in, and Portia says, yes, please. The soonest available spot… No, it’s not concerning her. It’s concerning her daughter.

Olivia says she does want Sonny to be happy. She just wishes he’d found his happiness with literally anyone else in the world. He says, sorry to disappoint her, but sometimes life chooses who you’re with. Leo runs in, and says he’s got to talk to Olivia. Sonny says he’ll let them get to it, and leaves. Olivia asks, what’s up? and Leo says he made Nonna’s Sicilian Thunderbolt for Sam and Dante. She says, why didn’t she think of that? Did it work? He says he doesn’t know. He put the cups down for just a minute. When he came back, all the cups were gone. She says, so he only put the Sicilian Thunderbolt in some of the cups? but he says, only two, and he doesn’t know what happened to them. What if he messed up everything?

Sitting in the stables, Sam takes a sip of her drink. Chase comes in, and asks if she’s seen Brook. She says, what? and he says, never mind. He doesn’t want to intrude, but she looks like she could use a friend. He’s available. He takes a sip of his drink.

Dante takes a sip of his drink, and literally runs into Brook, who’s holding her cup. She says she’s sorry, but he says, his bad, and they smile at each other.

Nikolas tells Ava, cornhole’s free. How about it? He takes a sip of his drink, and she says, is he kidding? He says, why not? Or is she afraid he’ll beat her? She says, in your dreams.

Carly sees Drew grilling, and says, back at it, huh?  He says, hot dog?

Tomorrow, Carly asks if Drew is flirting with her; Jordan hopes Portia doesn’t make the same mistakes she did; Selena tells Curtis that he’d rather have her as an ally than an adversary; and Sam tells Dante that she doesn’t know if she’s ever going to be ready.

🧚🏼‍♂️ Of course those who don’t know the plot of A Midsummer Night’s Dream might not understand Leo’s fears. Part of the plot involves a love potion, and the result is the wrong people falling in love. Kudos though to GH for assuming we’re all well-read.

🚑 Long Road Back…

Glad to hear Emma Samms is moving past covid and on to GH.

🥁 Sammy Was the Man…

Now here’s an interesting story I never heard before.

🍑 Me Too…

The only Housewives who like Reunions are the ignorant and the devil’s spawn.

🗽 Joining the Apples…

One of the new Real Housewives of NYC.

⚰️ Telling Tales…

I want to like this show more than I do. It’s not bad, but I want something more. I do like how it’s a different story every week, and that it takes place at the point the world was starting to be zombiefied. It also has a sense of humor, which is much appreciated after years of the humorless TWD. In last week’s episode, the main characters had to Groundhog Day until they got it right.

🎸 Vote the Rock…

Get your votes in for this Sunday.

https://www.mtv.com/vma/vote/

🍒 With a Cherry On Top…

Join me tomorrow for soap and to see if Beverly Hills can top themselves in awfulness. Until then, stay safe, stay never judging a book by its cover, and stay knowing that you can’t go to heaven dragging hell along with you. It’s not until you set your burdens down that you’ll get free.

August 19, 2022 – Austin’s Cousin Is In Town, Mason, Leaving, Wedding Aftershock, Shahnanigans, Cheshire Wives, Wedding Album, Dead Tales, Reviewing Dragons, Lucky Amount of Quotes & Time

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Cody says, Britt has questions about him? Good, because he has questions about her too. Which is why it’s good to have date number two. They can learn more about each other. Britt says, much more, and he says, for starters, how does she feel about anchovies on pizza? She says, he’s assuming she likes pizza, and he says, everybody likes pizza. She says, that’s the problem with assumptions. Everybody doesn’t parachute into a pool, then punch a mother’s boyfriend, and announce they’re the son of said boyfriend’s dead wife. He says, now she knows something about him, and she says, he asked about her father before. Why does Cody keep asking about him?

Outside Kelly’s, Alexis says, even though she provides headlines for The Invader, the only headlines she wants to know about right now are from her girls. She, Molly, Kristina, and Sam sit at an outside table, and she asks, who’s first? Molly says, Kristina; she’s got the best news. Alexis says, goodie. What’s up? Kristina says she was promoted to manager at Charlie’s, and Alexis says, congratulations. Well done. Kristina thanks her, and says she’s pretty happy about it. Alexis asks if she sees much of her dad, and Kristina says, he doesn’t own the pub anymore, but he comes in fairly often, so it’s good to spend time with him. Alexis says, even though he’s with Nina? and Kristina says, is she happy dad’s in a relationship with Nina? No, and she was clear about that. She also told him that she’s in no position to throw stones, and he appreciated that, so it doesn’t really effect their relationship. Alexis says, look at her adulting, and hugs Kristina, saying, her baby’s all grown up. Molly’s turn. How’s it going in the DA’s office? Molly says, as Alexis knows, ADA Arden maneuvered her off Trina Robinson’s case because she felt Molly was biased. Kristina says, which is untrue and unfair, but isn’t it a silver lining that Molly doesn’t have to try someone in TJ’s extended family? Molly says, definitely a silver lining, but she hates that no one gives the system a chance to work the way it actually should. As a prosecutor, it’s her job, or should have been her job, to make the strongest case against Trina, using the facts for support. Then Trina’s defense attorney – Diane in this case – makes the strongest defense, and the jury gets to decide. But Jennifer Arden wanted to prove a point. She followed the letter, but not the spirit with her case. At least it ended with the right verdict… this time. Kristina says, tell mom what she’s thinking, and Molly says, about following in Alexis’s footsteps and going over to criminal defense. Alexis says, whatever Molly does, Molly has her full support, and Molly thanks her. Alexis says, Sam’s turn. She’s awfully quiet, so is no news good news?

Dante walks in as Olivia is on the phone, asking if they remembered to order the special picnic dessert… Okay. Also, make absolutely sure that Leo’s donkey head is just what they discussed… Perfect. Thank you. She’ll be in touch. Dante asks what that was all about, and she says, the first annual Quartermaine picnic to support the GH Children’s wing is tomorrow, and her frozen desserts, the pièce de résistance. He says, with a donkey’s head thrown in? and she says, naturally. Leo’s summer theater camp is doing a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He’s playing Bottom. He says, the character that turns into a donkey. He must be so excited. He gets to play the donkey. He’s going to kill that. Does he need help with running lines? She says, he already has somebody helping him get into the role, and Dante says, let him guess; Chase? She says, Dante’s friend Cody.

Spinelli frets about management checking the chlorine level in the pool, and Maxie tells him, live dangerously. Take the plunge. He can start by forgetting about Britt, and finding someone who’s a better fit. He asks who she has in mind, and she says, no one specifically, but generally, she should be a match for his heart and his intelligence, have an appreciation for his unique perspective. A sense of humor couldn’t hurt, and it’s not absolutely necessary she be into sci/fi, but a basic knowledge of the Star Wars universe would help. So no, he’s not going to meet her at a business conference or whatever, but that’s what computer programs are for, right? She still doesn’t understand why he won’t try his own algorithm, and he says, there’s no need. His brief infatuation with Dr. Westbourne is already fading. He’s put her in the rearview mirror, so to speak. She asks if he’s been holding out on her. Who’s the lucky lady?

Finn tells Violet, she has her sunblock on, but it’s still not good to get too much sun, and she puts on her sunhat. Gregory says, translation: I know what I’m doing, dad, and Finn says, of course (🍷) she does. He situates Violet in her chaise, and gives her a book. She thanks him, and he tells Gregory that he can’t help it. He loves Violet. He told Elizabeth that he loves her. Gregory says, big step, and Finn says, that’s why he can’t look the other way, even if she hates him for it.

Elizabeth looks at the crushed tube in her bloody palm, when TJ walks in. He asks, what happened? She says she was examining Scotty’s nose… He asks how she cut her hand, but she says she doesn’t know. She clutched the tube, and it just seemed to shatter. TJ asks her to let him take a look, but she says, it’s nothing. He says, it’s a nasty cut, and there are glass shards embedded… She says she can take care of it. She’s sure he has patients to deal with. He says he does, and she’s the first one. Has this ever happened before? She asks what he means, and he says he knows she took some personal time for stress. Did Scotty say something to upset her?

Gregory asks if Elizabeth said she loved Finn back, and Finn says, she did. That’s before he blew it all to hell. Gregory asks how Finn managed that, and Finn says, there’s something going on with Elizabeth beyond the sleeping pills she was taking. Something that involves her parents, maybe her father. Gregory says, let him guess; she wasn’t forthcoming. Finn says, not in the slightest, and Gregory asks if that doesn’t tell him maybe he should drop the subject. Finn asks who he’s talking to. Isn’t Gregory the one who told him to analyze a problem from all sides, and come to a rational conclusion? Gregory says, not when it comes to the heart. There’s nothing rational about emotions. Finn says, now you tell me. There’s a million possibilities, but everything tells him that Elizabeth’s issue involves her family, especially since she keeps acting like they don’t exist. Violet asks if Aunt Elizabeth is seeing ghosts again.

Maxie says, if Spinelli doesn’t fess up, she’s going to throw him in the pool, but he asks what he has to confess. She says, if he’s over Britt, who is he pining for? and he says, a luminous creature; a beacon of warmth and intelligence… with a working knowledge of Star Wars. She asks if they know how he feels, but he says he’s only been worshipping her from afar. If things were different… Austen comes in, and Maxie says, oh my God, throwing her arms around him and kissing him.

Kristina says, they’re all concerned for Spencer, but why would Sam want to talk about him and not Dante? Molly says she kind of has the same feeling. Is everything okay with them? She just wants Sam and Dante to be as happy as she and TJ are. Sam says, she and Dante are very happy… They were happy, until… until he suggested they move in together.

Dante tells Olivia, last he checked, Cody wasn’t a drama coach. How’s he going to help Leo? She says she doesn’t know. He knows about horses and donkeys and stuff. Anyway, Dante should see Leo up on the stage, prancing around and braying. She’s never seen that kid more confident. He says he’s happy Leo and Cody have made fast friends, and he asks if she needs any help with this picnic. She says, he could find that embarrassing apron, and help her with the grill. Before she forgets, she saved seats in the front row for him and Sam for Leo’s play. He says, cool, sounds good, and she says, really? Because his face is telling a different story. He says, it’s fine, ma, and she says, now she’s really worried. He tells her, he said, everything is fine, but she says, Dante Angelo Falconari. From the time he was four years old, she knows when she hears him say, it’s fine, ma, in that tone of voice, she knows two things. A, it’s not fine, and B, he’s trying to hide something from her. Sometimes it’s something completely innocuous, like the time he broke Aunt Cia’s lamp. He says, that damn lamp again. It was hideous, and he was seven. She says, did the family offer up a silent prayer of gratitude for the lamp? Yes, but that’s not the point. The point is, she heard a crash, she asked, what happened? and he said, it’s fine, ma. Just like the time he got drunk for the first time, or the first time he got shot. He should just stop ducking and dodging the question, and tell her what’s really going on. He says he thinks he messed up with Sam.

Cody says, whoa there. He mentioned Britt’s father once, she shut him down, and he never mentioned him again. She says, he failed to mention their fathers knew one another, and he asks how she found out. She says, her mother, and he asks what Obrecht said exactly. Britt says, that Cesar Faison and Leopold Taub had – air quotes – dealings – end air quotes – with one another, and he says, isn’t it weird that their fathers knew each other? She says, weird doesn’t even begin to cover it. He could have told her that from the start. He says he barely knew her. Hell, he didn’t even know Leopold Taub was his father until a few months ago. At the same time he got poleaxed with the news that Dominique was his mother, and her mother’s schnitzel got a fortune that should have been his. She says, as he knows, that fortune belongs to a bunch of beluga whales thanks to Scotty’s daughter Serena. So he can kiss it goodbye. He says, that’s harsh, and she says, he wants harsh? Let’s talk about her family tree. Does he remember when she treated his cracked ribs after he received that beatdown outside of The Savoy? He says he’s probably not going to forget that, and she says, then does he also remember asking her about her parents? He was particularly interested in her father, and – what did he call it? – his legacy. He says, her point? and she says, her point is, why didn’t he tell her then that his father and her father not only knew each other, they did business together. What else is he keeping from her? He asks if she’s proud being Cesar Faison’s daughter, because he looked up Leopold Taub, and he’s not proud either. That whole cartel thing he had going on, and yeah, Cesar Faison was listed as one of his members. So when Dante told him that she was Faison’s daughter… She says, he smelled an opportunity, but he says, no; he smelled trouble. His first instinct was to run as far away from her as possible, and never look back. She asks, what stopped him? and he says, gratitude, for her scraping him up in that alley, giving him his 50 back, driving him all the way to Dante’s… Plus, he liked the smell of her perfume. Gardenias, right? She says, camellias, and he says, close. He liked her crooked smile, and the way she always sees the glass as half full – of strychnine. She asks if that’s a compliment or a cheap shot, and he says he just liked her. But if that’s not good enough, he’ll stick to horses. She can go back to Society Set-Ups and see if Zelda can do better next time. He brings a box into the stables, and when he comes back out, she’s still there. He asks if something is keeping her, and she says, her mother said the matchmaker may be more accurate than she thought.

Olivia says, she thought Dante and Sam were in a good place, and he says, they are. He should have left it there. She says, as opposed to… and he says, as opposed to asking Sam to move in with him. She says, it makes sense, all the time they spend together, and he says, that’s what he was thinking. They spend all this time together, they like each other, they have fun, and when the kids are together, it’s like the most perfect thing in the world. Sam thinks he’s rushing it; that he has to work through some stuff. She asks, what kind of stuff? and he says, like feelings. She says, like his feelings for Sam, or…? He says, for Lulu, and she says, he knows she loves Lulu. She prays everyday that Lulu will come out of that coma, but he’s moved on with his life. Lulu moved on with her life before the explosion. She was going to marry that teacher, wasn’t she? He says, she was. Dustin handed him the ring to give to her before he passed away. She says, Sam’s got to be aware of that, that Lulu was moving on with someone else. He says, it’s not Lulu’s feelings Sam’s talking about. She thinks he’s papered over his feelings. She says, has he? and he says, there’s a big part of him that thinks he should have been able to save her. Olivia hugs him, and says, her wonderful sweet boy. He didn’t put Lulu in that coma. That was Cyrus Renault’s fault. Even if he could go back in time, it’s still Cyrus Renault’s fault, with Julian Jerome doing his dirty work. He says, if he had just gotten there earlier, but she says, don’t do that. If he’d gotten to The Floating Rib earlier, she would have lost him too. No. They’re living in the here and now; that’s what matters. What matters are his feelings for Sam.  

Molly says, so Sam and Dante are moving in together, but Sam says, she and Dante are not moving in together. Kristina says, why not? and Sam says, like she told Spinelli, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Kristina says, moving in together doesn’t fix a bad relationship, it makes a good one better. Molly says, she and TJ had their doubts about sharing everything, even the rent… but Alexis says, let her alone. Kristina says, they’re not pressuring Sam. She’s in a committed relationship with a loving, supportive partner; not everyone gets that lucky. Sam says she knows she hit the jackpot, and Molly asks, what’s the problem? Sam asks if they can not talk about this, and Alexis says, absolutely. Now tell her what’s going on.

Maxie says she thought Austin was going to be gone for days, but he says he got through his business quickly. He tells Spinelli, in fact, he got through his business at warp speed. He came back to be with Maxie, and she says, he did? He says she sounds surprised, and she says, she thought all that talk about family… He says, what talk about family? and she glances at Spinelli, and says, never mind. The important thing is, he’s back. He says, he is. Back for good. Spinelli rolls his eyes.

Finn asks what makes Violet think Aunt Elizabeth is seeing ghosts, and she tells him, he just said,  they don’t exist. Gregory says, her daddy was just talking about her grandpa and step-grandma and how she never sees them. Violet says, okay, and goes back to her book. Finn thanks Gregory, and says, he has to get back to GH. Does Gregory mind? Gregory says, no, and Finn says, everything he needs is right there. Gregory says he’s getting kind of hungry; is Violet? She says she’s so hungry, and Finn tell her to be good for grandpa. He’ll see her back home. They exchange I love yous, and he says, eskimo? They rub noses and he leaves.  

TJ says, he’s let Epiphany know he’s sending Elizabeth home after the x-ray. She should not hold a steering wheel. He’ll call Finn. She says, don’t bother him; she’ll call a Ride Share. They leave the exam room, and in the hallway, he says he’s calling radiation to make sure they get the x-ray right away. She says, he’s very thorough, and he says he thinks the word she’s avoiding is annoying, maybe even obnoxious. She says she’s the one who should apologize for being less than cooperative, and he says he gets it. For a lot of people, it’s an automatic reflex; you’re fine, keep going. He thinks on some level, it’s a survival mechanism, because we’re afraid if we slow down and admit we’re hurt, we won’t get started again. She says she appreciates the we, and he says he’s definitely been through it, and will again, but if he goes too far, hopefully there will be someone to pull him back. He picks up the phone, and says he needs to order an x-ray for a GH staff person… As he talks, Elizabeth looks at the door to the stairs. She goes to it, opens, it, and stands on the landing. She looks down the stairs, and falls forward. It’s all in her head, and TJ asks if she’s okay. She says, absolutely, and he says, radiology can take her now. They leave, and she gives the door one last look.

Cody says, he had quite the interaction with Britt’s mother, and Britt says, when she twisted Cody’s arm behind his back for punching Scotty? He says he can see her mother’s no pushover. He bets Cesar Faison met his match with Liesl Obrecht. She says, no. Don’t let her black belt in karate fool him. Deep down, her mother is a born romantic. She’s actually the one who signed Britt up with Society Set-Ups. He says, remind him to thank her, and Britt says, he punched her boyfriend in the nose. She doubts her mother is interested in a thanks from him. She did suggest they have something in common. He says, really? Tell him something. Did her dad ever mention his?

Austin thanks Spinelli for keeping an eye on Maxie while he was gone. He hates thinking of her alone. Spinelli says, that makes them even. He hates thinking of her with the wrong people. Maxie says, Austin’s timing is perfect. Tomorrow is the first annual Quartermaine picnic for the Children’s wing at GH. Spinelli says, given Austin’s resentment of the Quartermaines, he may choose to skip the picnic, in which case he offers himself as escort to Maxinista. Austin says, that’s very kind of him, but he can handle the Quartermaines if Maxinista can. She says, how about if both of them escort her to the picnic? Mason suddenly bounds in, and asks where Austin’s manners are. Isn’t Austin going to introduce him to his friends?

Sam asks how she can move in with Dante when Lulu is still so much a presence in that house. She doesn’t go there often, but when she does, all she sees are her kitchen, her books, her furniture, or at least the furniture they picked out together. Alexis says, maybe he’s leaving those things around for Rocco’s sake; for Rocco’s comfort. Sam says, fair enough, and it all makes sense, but it’s still really awkward for her. Alexis says, she gets it. For what it’s worth (🍷), she hasn’t seen Sam this happy in a long time. Whatever Dante’s doing, he’s bringing out a peacefulness in Sam that no one else has managed to. And Sam brings joy to Dante’s life, because no one’s seen him this joyful since he came back to Port Charles. She’s pretty certain he’s not seeing Lulu when he sees Sam. Sam’s phone dings, and she says she’s got to go. She tells Alexis that she loves her, and Alexis says she loves Sam more. Sam leaves, passing Gregory and Violet on their way in. Violet says, that’s the lady in the park who grandpa hit with the frisbee, and Alexis says, that’s her.  

Finn asks, what happened to Elizabeth’s hand? and she says, it’s just a cut. TJ says, according to the x-ray, they got all the shards, and she tells Finn, she was just holding an empty collection tube, and it shattered. TJ says he has to check on a patient, and asks if Finn minds waiting until Elizabeth’s Ride Share comes. Finn says, sure, and TJ tells Elizabeth, go home and rest. She says she will, and he leaves. Finn says, forget about the Ride Share; he’ll drive her home himself. She says, what about his patients? and he says he’ll get someone to cover. It just shattered in her hand? She says, it wasn’t an accident. He deserves to know the truth. They go into an exam room, and she says she wasn’t watching what she was doing. He asks, what was distracting her? and she says, for one thing, walking in on him and Terry talking behind her back. He says, that’s his fault, not Terry’s, and they didn’t mean to upset her. She says, he upset her. He doesn’t think she’s capable of  taking care of herself. Why doesn’t he trust her? He says, he’d trust her with his life, but he’s not exactly clear on how just mentioning her family is a violation of that trust. He means no disrespect by that, but he wants to know how to fix things between them. She says, there’s nothing to fix, and he says, if that was true, she’d tell him what really caused her to cut her hand.

Kristina asks Gregory and Violet to join them. She and Molly would love to her all about the frisbee. Violet says, it was an accident, and Gregory thanks them, but says, he and Violet will find another table. Alexis says, don’t be silly. She always enjoys Violet’s company. He tells her, Finn told him that she said he was pestering her, and she asks if she actually used the word pester. He says, according to Finn. He vigorously denied it of course (🍷), but if that’s how she feels, he’ll pester her no longer. Alexis says, don’t go, and tells him to pull up chairs for him and Violet. After all, it’s not every day you get to have lunch with the Davis girls.

Dante tells Olivia, when he asked Sam to move in with him, in retrospect, it probably did catch her off-guard. They were at the Hatchet Ranch… She says, that’s romantic, and he says, it was just one of those things. He’d been thinking about it so much, and he thought Sam had to be on the same page, or at least thinking about it too. When she didn’t say yes immediately, he was thrown off. He backed off. He didn’t want to pressure her. Olivia says she thinks she knows where this is going, and Dante says, they talked it out; at least he thinks they did. He told her that he loved her, and he’d wait as long as she wanted to wait to move in together. He thought they were good. She says, but then the question of whether to move in with each other or not grows from this small manageable thing to this giant elephant that’s taken up permanent residence, not just in the room, but in his psyche. Probably Sam’s psyche too. He says, he doesn’t want to mess this up. He feels like he did, and doesn’t know what to do next. She asks if he’s open to a suggestion, and he says, please. She tells him, stick to basics. What does he want to happen with Sam? He says he wants them to have a life to together with their kids. They don’t need to live in the same place; it doesn’t matter to him. Olivia pats his chest, and says, stick with the feelings; it’s all about the feelings. The living arrangements, all that can wait. It’s all about the feelings. He says he loves her. He wants to trust her and support her, and try to make her as happy as she’s made him. Sam comes in.

Austin says, this is his cousin Mason, and Mason says, country cousin from Pautuck. Maxie says, Austin didn’t tell her that he had a cousin coming into town, but Mason says, don’t blame Austin. He’s a hot-shot doctor. Sometimes he forgets where he’s from, even though the family’s so proud of him. Spinelli asks, what brings him to their fair city? and Mason says, family, while Austin says, business. Mason says, family business. They were hoping Cousin Austin would have stayed longer. Austin says, he did what he had to do when he was there. Now he’s here in his home, Port Charles.

Britt says, whatever unholy alliance her father made with Cody’s ended before they were born. Unless there’s something else he’s not telling her. He says, their fathers knowing each other is just a random coincidence; something they have in common. But isn’t she the least bit curious about what Leopold Taub and Cesar Faison were up to? She says, he never knew his father. Unfortunately, she knew hers, and she’s been trying to live him down ever since. So if he wants to go digging for skeletons in that closet, he can do it alone. She starts to leave, but he grabs her hand, and says, she’s right. Whatever their fathers did, died with them. He’s card player… She says, not a very good one, and he says, it depends on the players, and the game. He lets her hand go, and says, his point is, he always factors the odds and figures them out. What are the odds that on that day, he would parachute into that pool… She says, and almost drown her, but he says, she got a little wet. And if he didn’t say it then, he’s saying it now – she looked gorgeous. She says, now he’s trying to flatter her, and he says, he thinks she looks good soaking wet; so sue him. She says she considered it, and he tells her, just keep in mind, he can’t afford a lawyer, so there’s no way he could pay for the damages. She says, don’t worry. She’s not going to drag him to court, and he says he knew she couldn’t be that hard-hearted. They laugh, and she says, that GIF of her climbing out of the pool is just now coming down everyone’s feed. She doesn’t need to draw more attention to it. He says, so he’s being saved by her self-interest, and she says, bingo, but he says he doesn’t buy it.

Olivia says she has Quartermaine picnic stuff to see to, and tells Dante that she’ll see him later. She tells Sam that it’s nice to see her, and leaves. Sam says, so the Quartermaine picnic fundraiser is tomorrow? and Dante says, his mom’s been going crazy with that. Plus she has Leo’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream; he’s playing Bottom. He’s pretty excited about that. She says, and him? He says, that depends on whether or not she’s going with him. I have to mention that A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a pretty ambitious play for a summer theater camp in Leo’s age group.

Alexis says, that was delicious. Anyone for desserts? Violet says, ice cream sundaes for all of us, and Alexis says she likes Violet’s style. She liked it the minute they met. Violet says, as much as Alexis likes her grandpa? and Gregory apologizes for his granddaughter; she apparently has no filter. Alexis says, don’t apologize at all. And to answer Violet’s question, Alexis likes her grandpa… ‘s writing. She doesn’t always agree with it, but it’s never boring. Violet says, never. Alexis should hear one of his bedtime stories.

Spinelli asks how long Mason is in town, and Mason say, it depends on his cousin. Austin tells him, he thinks they said all they needed to say back in Pautuck, but Mason says, not quite. He can’t leave until Austin understands how much he means to his family back home. Austin knows how much they expect from him. Besides, he was hoping Austin would show him the sights in Port Charles. Although he doesn’t have to look much further than this lovely lady. Spinelli says, this lovely lady’s not on the tour, and not reading the room at all, Maxie says she has an idea. Why doesn’t Mason come to the Quartermaine picnic tomorrow? Austin says he’s sure Mason has better things to do, but Mason says he can’t think of one. He hears the Quartermaines are practically royalty. Too bad cuz here missed out on the family jewels.

Elizabeth says, Finn is right; it wasn’t just an accident. He asks, what happened? and she says she was thinking about all the time he’s wasted worrying about her; time they’ll never get back. She just got so angry, she crushed the tube without realizing it. He says he knows what it’s like to keep that kind of anger inside. Is there any chance that’s only part of it? Could the anger be about something else, something in her past, something she barely remembers? She tells him, stick to infectious diseases, and leave the psychiatry to Doc.

Austin says he’s made peace with his father’s family, and Mason says, that’s their Austin. Some folks say money buys happiness, but Austin was raised right. Austin says, thanks, and suggests he and Maxie get out of here. Spinelli tells Maxie, Georgie, James, and Bailey Lou are with her parents, but Mac and Felicia aren’t going to want to babysit all night. Can they talk childcare before she leaves? Maxie tells Austin, one second, and they’ll go, and steps away with Spinelli. Austin tells Mason, there’s no way he’s going to that picnic, but Mason says, watch me.

Alexis says, who knew the eminent Professor Chase was capable of blushing? but he says he doesn’t blush. Violet says, yes he does. He blushed when daddy saw his name in The Invader, and said he was famous. Alexis says, he was famous already academically; he now has a wider audience. Gregory says he wasn’t looking for fame, just for fairness in journalism, and Alexis says, it’s okay to enjoy some attention. Everyone likes attention. He says, he’s not everyone, and she says, that’s for sure.  

Elizabeth asks how many times she has to tell Finn; she’s fine. Now she has to meet her Ride Share. She tells him, let’s not fight anymore. She really hates it. She kisses him, and he says he hates it too. She leaves, and Finn flashes back to Gregory saying, if he disregards Elizabeth’s wishes, it could cost him the relationship; and him saying, he could stand losing her if he knew she would be okay in the end. He makes a call, and says, this is Dr. Finn for Dr. Webber. Is she available?… Yes. Tell her Hamilton Finn called. He needs a consult with Dr. Webber about someone they have in common.

Sam says, of course (🍷) she’ll go to Leo’s play, and Dante says, cool. His mom said she’d get them good seats. She says, Olivia is going to worry about seats after everything she’s got to do tomorrow? and he says, speaking of tomorrow… and she says, she told him, of course (🍷) she’ll go to the picnic. They both start talking, and she says, him first. He says, they don’t have to rush through this. They can just take it slow. They’ll know when the time is right, and just take it slow like she wanted to. She says, yeah, and hugs him.

Cody says, Britt wants to come off as selfish and uncaring, but it’s just not true. She says, yes it is, and he asks, then why did she help him out in that alley behind The Savoy? Why didn’t she just pick up his last 50 and walk off? She says she wishes she did, and he says, really? She says, no, but he was pathetic, crawling on his hands and knees, all bruised and broken. He says he never got to thank her properly for that rescue, so let him do it now. She says, how? and he says he’d like to invite her to the Quartermaine picnic tomorrow. There will be so many people there, it’s not like a date. She says, when he words it like that… She accepts. He says, shall they shake on it? They do, and he says, see her tomorrow. She says, tomorrow, and leaves. Outside, she smiles.  

On Monday, Brook says she would never use Chase; Jordan asks why she gets the sense TJ is trying to get rid of her; Ava says she has truths that will lay Spencer to waste; and Willow won’t accept that.

🍃 Leaf From the Family Tree…

A little bit about the cousin we never knew Austin had.

https://soapdirt.com/general-hospital-comings-goings-austin-holt-shady-cousin-says-fan-fave-returns/

🩺 Nooo…

Kudos to her for prime time and all, but I hope she comes back. I like Britt.

More in depth than In Depth.

https://www.thelist.com/969983/the-real-reason-kelly-thiebaud-is-leaving-britt-and-general-hospital-behind/

🛀 Love Bubble Suds…

Teresa being her usual horrible self.

I wonder if her hair has its own IG.

🧂 Shah’s Got Guts…

No doubt it will be the highlight of the season.

https://people.com/tv/jen-shah-real-housewives-of-salt-lake-city-costar-meredith-marks-calls-her-gutsy-amid-legal-situation/

✈️ Wives From Where…?

What the hell is this? How is it on Season 15 and I had no clue? And what the hell are those streaming services that carry it? Not that I need another bunch of horrible people to watch.

https://tvdeets.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-real-housewives-of-cheshire-season-15/

👰🏽 All the Weddings…

Better than attending them.

https://people.com/tv/real-housewives-wedding-album/

⚰️ Telling Tales…

I watched the first episode, and thought it was promising. Maybe a spoiler, but the dog got it a few minutes in, and I was not pleased with them leading with it. Or including it at all. That being said, I thought it improved as the episode went on. I’m just glad to be out of Georgia.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/tales-of-the-walking-dead-terry-crews-olivia-munn-parker-posey-jillian-bell-1235198520/

🐉 About That Dragon…

I actually haven’t seen this yet.

https://ew.com/tv/tv-reviews/house-of-the-dragon-review-game-of-thrones/

🐓 Quotes of the Week

Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing. – Theodore Roosevelt

After a while you learn that privacy is something you can sell, but you can’t buy it back. – Bob Dylan

If you fuel your journey on the opinions of others, you are going to run out of gas. – Steve Maraboli

Dance above the surface of the world. Let your thoughts lift you into creativity that is not hampered by opinion. – Red Haircrow

Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship. – Buddha

Our lives are the only meaningful expression of what we believe and in Whom we believe. And the only real wealth, for any of us, lies in our faith. – Gordon B. Hinckley

We got a whole lot of money, but we still pay rent, cuz you can’t buy a house in heaven. – Lady Gaga, You & I

💋 Come On, Barbie, Let’s Go Party…

Before you know it, it will be hoodie weather, so take a break, whether you call it the weekend or not. Soak up some sun, walk in the park, or if you’re allergic to nature, take in a movie at the theater. I hear they’re back. See you on Monday for soap and yachting on the Med. Until then, stay safe, stay sassy, and stay not letting any giant elephants take up permanent residence in your psyche. Or the room.

August 17, 2022 – Sonny Questions Dex About His Past, LisaR Hosts a 70s Disco Party, a Thought & Liking It

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Frank tosses Dex into Sonny’s office, and Dex says, watch it. Sonny says he’ll take it from here, and Frank leaves. Dex asks what that was about. Is that the way Sonny congratulates someone on a job well done? Sonny says, this is how he deals with liars.

Willow says, this is too much, but Michael says, she’s going to be a nurse. It’s a big deal, and he wants to celebrate her future. He asks, what’s wrong? and she says she just has a lot on her mind. She really needs… Everyone comes in, and yells, surprise! Wiley holds up a sign that says, Go Mommy.

Carly brings the cake through the restaurant, balancing her phone on the box. The phone slides off, and when she puts the box on the bar to pick it up. Nina hands it to her, saying, can I help you? but Carly says she’s good. Nina says she’s sorry, but it looks like Carly was in the kitchen. The kitchen is for management and employees, not customers. Carly says, really? Is that how it’s going to be?

Portia asks where Jordan went, and Curtis tells her, Taggert said she went on a mission. He’s guessing it ends at Windymere. Ava has come out of the courtroom and stops to listen. He says, Jordan is hellbent on finding Esme Prince, and Ava dashes off.

Jordan tells Nikolas that she’s following up on their discussion about Esme, when Victor joins them, and says he’s sorry, but now is not a good time. Nikolas says he’ll call her and set up a meeting, but she says, that wasn’t a request. She holds up a warrant, and tells him that she has a warrant to search the premises for any evidence that may lead to Esme Prince’s whereabouts. So how does he want to do this; the easy way or the hard way?

Cameron gets to the courthouse, and hugs Josslyn. He says, it’s so great that Trina was exonerated. Where is she? Josslyn says, she’s still in the courtroom. She’s tying up some loose ends, so to speak.

Inside the courtroom, Spencer says he’s so relieved Trina was exonerated, and she tells him, if he’d said that to her a couple days ago, she wouldn’t have believed him. Is he finally going to tell her what changed? He says, everything, and she says, starting with what? He says, starting with her.

Dex says he did exactly what Sonny asked. He talked to the head juror, and made sure he knew it was in his best interest to acquit Trina Robinson. It’s not his fault the DA threw out the charges against her. Sonny says, Trina Robinson’s charges were dropped, and Dex asks if that isn’t what this is about. Sonny says, no. This is about the lies Dex has been feeding him. When Dex came to him, Dex wanted a position in Sonny’s organization. He was telling Sonny about his war record, but he left out that he left the military on bad terms. So he had his people digging, and it turns out Dex was kicked out after he assaulted a superior officer. So tell him, why should he expect Dex to obey the chain of command when it comes to his organization?

Carly tells Nina, Olivia gave her permission to pick up the cake. They’re hosting a graduation party for Willow by the pool. Nina says she didn’t realize, and Carly says, Olivia is half-owner. She doesn’t have to run everything by Nina. Nina says, that’s not what she meant, and Carly says, but Nina couldn’t wait to lord her new power over her, huh? Nina says, absolutely not, but she does have the right to ask. She’s not interested in banning Carly from the hotel, if that’s what she’s implying. Carly says, it’s not, and Nina can’t. Nina’s partner is one of Carly’s best friends, and she can go anywhere she wants. Nina says, Carly’s not the only one. She doesn’t like Carly either, but she’s trying to make peace with the fact they’re going to be in each other’s lives now that she and Sonny are together. Carly says, it’s official, huh? It took Nina a year and a half, but she finally got what she wanted.

Wiley runs to Willow, and says, his mommy is a nurse who saves people’s lives. He and Willow hug, and Brook says, they’ve been rehearsing that line all day. Wiley is proud of everything Willow’s accomplished, and she gave him the coaching. Olivia says, they’re so proud of her. She’s going to have this great career for the rest of her life. Willow says she’s sorry. She thinks she’s having some morning sickness, at night. She laughs, excuses herself, and jets. Brook wonders if it’s something they said, and Michael asks her to look after Wiley, and follows Willow.

Nikolas says he woudn’t dream of interfering with the police investigation. Trust him. He wants Esme found as much as anyone. Jordan walks in with the officers, and says, she guesses they haven’t heard; the charges against Trina Robinson have been dismissed. The man who sold the black market phone that recorded the revenge porn testified that he sold the phone to Esme. That makes Esme Prince a person of interest for recording the revenge porn video of Josslyn Jax and Cameron Webber. Victor says, no wonder she left town then, and Nikolas says he wishes they had more information, but nobody knows what happened to Esme. She says, they’d like to start their search in Esme’s bedroom, and Victor says, of course (🍷). He’ll show the officers the way. They leave, and we see the suitcase behind the bushes. Nikolas says he’ll leave Jordan to her search, but she says she’d like to ask him a few questions first.

Spencer tells Trina, he’s been waiting for this moment for so long, but now that it’s here, he’s strangely tongue tied. Portia and Curtis come in, and Portia says, they’re about to head home. So many people want to wish Trina well, they’ve invited some friends and family over to the house. Joss and Cam are welcome to come. Trina says, sounds great. She’ll meet them there. Portia asks if she’s sure, and Trina says she’s fine. She knows what she’s doing. They exchange I love yous, and Portia leaves with Curtis. Trina asks, what happened with Spencer and the cops? and he says he’s going back to prison, but not to Spring Ridge this time; Pentenville… for three months. She says, no, and he says, it’s what he deserves, but it was worth it to help her out. She says, if she ran out of options, she was going to testify she was with him at the cemetery when the sex tape came out. She never expected him to testify about it first. He was in the clear completely, but chose to risk his own future to help her out. And all this time, he’s been protecting Esme, until he did a 180 and helped her. She doesn’t get it. Why did he do that?

Carly says, they decided to celebrate at her hotel, and Nina says, just a little reminder. It’s no longer Carly’s hotel; it’s hers. Carly tells her, don’t get too comfortable. It’s Nina’s hotel for now. Nina says, Carly doesn’t have a job, so she doesn’t have an income. Nina imagines it will be a few decades until Carly is in a position to try and buy back her half of the MetroCourt. Carly asks if Nina is taunting her, even though she started it. Is Nina gloating about her big win? It must be refreshing to show her true colors, because the gracious act she turns on for Sonny must be exhausting. Nina says, what’s refreshing is seeing this change of pace, now that Carly has lost Sonny and her business. So now when she decides to spit her venom, she has to aim up, not down.

Michael finds Willow crying on the terrace, and asks, what’s wrong? She says she guesses it’s the hormones. She’s feeling a bit overwhelmed about the graduation earlier today, and the pregnancy. Her emotions are all out of whack. She just needs a moment to get it together. He offers to wait with her, but she says she’d feel better if he went back, and made sure the guests don’t think she’s ditching them. She is the guest of honor after all. He says he’ll see her soon, and goes back inside.

Nikolas says he’s already told Jordan everything he knows. He’s not seeing the need for a return visit. She says, standard procedure. Now that Trina’s been freed, and the suspicion has shifted to Esme, they all want the same thing – answers. And justice for the victims Josslyn and Cameron. So let’s start with the basics. When was the last time he saw Esme? He says he already told her; a few days ago. She says, any indication of where she went? and he says, no. She asks if Esme could be staying with family, but he says, as far as he knows, she doesn’t have any family; at least none that are close. Her adoptive parents are deceased. She says, to clarify, he was the last person to see Esme at Windymere, when Ava walks in and says, no. She was.

Spencer tells Trina, he so gets it. He’s sure his testimony at her trial makes zero sense, but he promises that if she just hears him out… Rory walks in, and asks if it’s a bad time, but Trina says, no. He’s just in time. She tells Spencer that she’s truly sorry he’s going back prison, and so glad he’s finally opened his eyes to see the kind of person Esme was all along. She just wishes it had happened sooner. For her sake, and for his. She takes Rory’s hand, and leaves with him. Cameron asks why Spencer didn’t tell Trina the truth.

As they walk into one of the small lounges, Nina says, at least this is more private, but Carly says she doesn’t know what they have left to talk about. Nina and Sonny are together, and she can’t think of two people who deserve each other more; who’ve convinced themselves that they’re heroes in their own stories. Nina says she’s not going to waste her breath asking Carly to be civil, but can they just not engage with each other? Not for Sonny’s sake, but for the children’s? For Donna? Carly says she’s stopping Nina right there. Nina is never going to have a relationship with Donna – ever. Nina’s not going to see her or spend time with her. Nina is going to be as big a factor in Donna’s life as she is in Wiley’s, and that’s non-existent.

Sonny says, Dex purposely misled him. Did Dex really think Sonny wasn’t going to find out why he left the military? Dex says he didn’t care. What Sonny found out was true, but he’d do it again in a heartbeat. Sonny says, Dex has two minutes to explain it, and Dex says, he was the youngest of three brothers. His brothers used to smack him around; he doesn’t mean roughhousing. His parents wrote it off as boys will be boys, but it wasn’t. He must have been sent to the hospital at least five times. Sonny says, what about his parents? and Dex says, they did nothing. That’s why he joined the military; to get away from them as fast as he could. He did a tour in Afghanistan; Sonny can see that on his record. When he got sent to Germany, it was supposed to be an upgrade, away from the front lines. Families lived there, including his superior officer. He was a complete jerk, toxic to his soldiers. Apparently, he was even worse to his own family. He had a reputation for smacking his wife around; he did the same thing to his kids. The really messed up thing? Everyone whispered about it, but no one did anything. Until one day, Dex did. He doesn’t know if he got the son of a bitch to stop, but at least his family knew someone tried. When he was a kid, he was too small to step up to his brothers, but as a man, he could step up for that family.  

Carly says, Nina can have as much fun as she wants with Sonny. Donna’s not included. Now she’s going back to celebrate Willow’s graduation with the rest of her family. She doesn’t know if Nina’s heard, but it’s expanding. Nina says she’s heard. Congratulations. And just for the record, she’s not trying to hone in on Carly’s family. Carly has made it perfectly clear she’s not welcome, especially now that Willow has replaced and eliminated her daughter from Wiley’s life.  Carly flashes back to finding out Nina is Willow’s mother, and tells Nina, no one did that to her. She did it to herself. And it’s a shame Nina doesn’t realize, she deserves everything she’s getting. Carly takes her cake, and walks off.

Michael apologizes for the guest of honor’s abrupt exit. It’s just that with the baby on the way and graduating nursing school, she’s a little overwhelmed right now. She’ll be back. Drew says, they’ll celebrate when Willow is ready. Brook takes Wiley to get something to drink, and Carly comes in with the cake. Olivia says, please tell her that Carly didn’t run into Sonny and Nina on their date night, and Carly says, just Nina. Olivia says, unbelievable, and Carly says, Nina is welcome to him. She’s ready for what comes next in her life. She looks at Drew, and they smile at each other.

Willow reads about chemotherapy while pregnant on her phone. TJ comes out, and says, he thought he’d find her out here. Is she okay? She says she’s fine. She’ll rejoin the party soon. He says, if she wants to be alone, he’ll respect that, but he thinks he knows more about the possibilities going on in her head than anyone else. She says, they’re not a possibility anymore; it’s definite. Terry said the biopsy confirmed TJ’s theory. She has leukemia.

Nikolas says, Ava is home, and she says she sees they have company. Jordan says, Ava was at Trina’s trial. No doubt she understands how vital it is for them to find Esme. Ava says, nothing would make her happier than finding Esme, and seeing her pay for her crimes. She wishes they had more to tell Jordan. She does know that Esme was aware Oz Haggerty was a patient at General Hospital. Jordan says, is that it? and Ava says, she had a suitcase with her. She said she was going on a trip, but after Oz Haggerty’s testimony, she can only assume Esme was making a run for it while she could. If she could offer Jordan a little advice, she’d say, don’t underestimate that young woman. She’s sure Esme is planning on disappearing for a while. Jordan says, that’s why they’re gathering as much information as they can. Ava’s husband already said they could take a look around. Ava says, yes, of course (🍷). Be her guest. Jordan looks out the window, but doesn’t see the suitcase just a few feet away behind the shrubs.

Cameron asks what Spencer is doing. Trina doesn’t know the full story yet. Josslyn says she agrees Trina has the right to know the truth. Of course (🍷) it matters that he believed in Trina the whole time, but he still lied to Trina, and enabled Esme by not coming forward sooner. Spencer says he knows. He was trying to fix things, because he needed to be the one to save Trina, because… Josslyn says, because why? Because he couldn’t take responsibility for his own actions? Because he didn’t trust Trina? Spencer says, because he loves her, and Cameron says, if he means that, now is the time to tell Trina the truth.

In the hallway, Rory says he has something for Trina. He hopes it’s not too corny. He gives her a can of soda with a bow on it, and she says, it’s the same as the one he brought her in the interrogation room. He says, also known as the day they met, and she thanks him. She says, and for the record, it’s just the right amount of corny. He says he doesn’t want to step on her big celebration, but if she’s up for it, he’d like to see what the future has in store for her. No pressure if… She kisses him, as Spencer walks out. Aww, I feel sorry for him.

Olivia says, Carly is telling her that she’s just fine with Sonny and Nina living happily ever after, and Carly tells her, she never said she wanted them to be happy. She’s just saying she’s moved on. She’s at peace with what happened. So, next. Olivia says, so Carly is trying to tell her this peace after the divorce with Sonny has nothing to do with Drew? Carly tells her, stop. There’s nothing going on between her and Drew except friendship. Olivia says, and Carly is telling her that she’s never even thought about what it would be like to be more than friends. Carly says, no, that would be a really bad idea, and Olivia asks, why is that exactly? Carly flashes back to telling Drew that Nina isn’t Willow’s mother, and tells Olivia, Drew is a really good friend, and in a world where she doesn’t have Jason, she can’t risk losing another good friend. Olivia says, and yet, every time Carly talks about him, she gets a big silly grin on her face. Carly says she gets a big silly grin on her face because she’s finally at peace with what happened, and she’s so ready to move on with her life. Drew brings them drinks, and says, that’s a sentiment he can get behind. Cheers. They clink glasses.

TJ says he’s so sorry. He wishes his diagnosis was wrong. Willow says, who knows how much worse it could have been if he hadn’t trusted his instincts? From where she’s standing, she owes him one. At least now she knows what the issue is. He says, and she knows there are ways to fight this, right? and she starts to cry. She says, all of her options feel like they’re lose-lose situation right now, and he says, because she’s pregnant. She says, Britt and Terry explained there could be complications if she begins treatment in the first trimester. They didn’t get into specifics; she’s supposed to talk to both of them tomorrow. He says he’s not going to weigh in. Neither oncology or OB are his fields of expertise, but she can’t have a better team than Britt and Terry. She says she knows in a lot of ways she’s lucky. It’s just that she and Michael were so happy when they found out she was pregnant. TJ says he knows. She didn’t want to worry Michael until she got a diagnosis, and that makes sense. But now that she knows what’s at stake, she’s going to tell him, isn’t she?

Curtis says, it’s important that Portia and Trina celebrate this win. Feel  the joy. Portia laughs, and he says, she and Trina have been waiting to exhale for months now. So no more fears; no more worries. She’s earned this victory lap. She says, so did he. He’s been there with her every single step of the way. And Oz wouldn’t have even been an option to testify if not for him and Marshall finding Oz. She owes him everything. He says, she doesn’t owe him anything. She’s his family, and he feels the same way about Trina. He knows Taggert is Trina’s father, but he’s going to love her just like she’s his.

Jordan’s phone rings, and she asks if they have a location. She says she’s on her way, and tells the officers, she’s ending the search. Let’s go. Nikolas asks, what’s going on? and she says she was just notified Esme posted a rant on social media trashing Trina’s acquittal. The post was geotagged with the south of France. Sounds like he and Ava were right. Esme managed to get out of town, but her anger got the better of her, and now they know how to track her. She needs to notify the authorities in France. She thanks Nikolas for his cooperation, and he says, of course (🍷). He’s happy to help. She says she’ll be in touch, and leaves with the officers. Ava closes the door, and says, what was that? Nikolas says, that was a close call. He goes outside, and pulls up the suitcase, telling Ava, if Jordan had looked on the terrace, she would have found the suitcase. They’re really lucky. Ava says, lucky? If Esme is posting on social media, she’s not dead. She’s very much alive, and could ruin their lives. Victor walks in, and says, he’s not so sure about that.

Trina asks if this makes her Rory’s girlfriend, and he says he doesn’t know. Does this make him her boyfriend? She suggests he walk her back to her place, and they’ll take it from there, and he says he likes that. They leave, and Spencer looks lonely. He goes back in, and Josslyn  says, that was quick. Cameron asks, how’d it go? and Spencer says he didn’t tell her – and he never will.

Ava tells Victor, she meant, if Esme has slipped up, and given her location away, then… The only thing that’s more dangerous than a sociopath, is a sociopath off their game. Victor says, give it up. He knows everything. She says, he does, and asks Nikolas, what the hell is wrong with him? Victor says, her husband is a terrible liar, and she says, doesn’t she know it. And he may think Esme being alive solves their problems, but it doesn’t. She’ll probably pin an attempted murder charge on Ava, now that she’s alive and well, and posting disgusting stuff online. Victor says, Esme didn’t post that; it was his handiwork. He took the liberty of reaching out to an old colleague. The two of them parted ways with the WSB on less than stellar terms, but he owed Victor a favor, and hacked into Esme’s MyFace page. Victor gave him a few juicy details, and he ran with it. Ava thanks him, and says she owes him one, but he says, let’s not open the bubbly quite yet. Those fake posts won’t hold up against much scrutiny, but they will buy them enough time to destroy the evidence. But none of that will matter if Ava and Nikolas don’t get on the same team. Ava says, he doesn’t know what he’s asking, and he says, if he’s learned anything over the years, it’s that nothing motivates forgiveness quicker than mutual jeopardy. Ava and Nikolas need to present a united front because, like it or not, they’re all in this together.

Trina brings Rory in the house, and says, they have company. Portia hugs her, and she asks, where’s dad? She thought he’d be here by now. Curtis says, Taggert’s out spreading the good news, and Portia says, he’s picking up a feast for them at the Port Charles Grill. Rory is more than welcome to stay and celebrate with them. Curtis says, Marshall is on his way, and Stella is coming. He’s going to text TJ, and see if he’ll join them. Portia says, unless all of this is too overwhelming for Trina, but Trina says, no; it’s perfect. Rory says he’s going to let her celebrate with her family. He’ll check in with her tomorrow. Trina says, he doesn’t have to go. He heard her mom; she invited him to join them. So please do. He says, that’d be great.

Spencer says, when he went out there, Trina was talking to Rory. They were kissing, and wondering if they should call each other boyfriend and girlfriend. Cameron says, that’s because Trina doesn’t have all the facts yet, but Spencer says, Trina deserves to be happy. For God’s sake, he hasn’t been able to give that to her. All he’s given her are lies and grief. Is he supposed to step on her and Rory’s happiness? Mess with her head, and say, by the way, I have feelings for you too, then I’m off to prison for three months? Josslyn says, there’s no one happier about Rory and Trina than she is, but Spencer still owes Trina the truth. He asks, why does Trina need to know the truth? Why does she need to know that he’s always believed in her, and that he loves her? Don’t put that on her; it doesn’t matter. And they both need to promise they’re not going to tell her anything. Josslyn says she understands his point. They don’t want to put any more stress on Trina either, but Trina is her best friend, and she can’t promise to keep this from Trina forever. Spencer asks, but is it really going to make Trina happier to know the truth?

Dex tells Sonny, they offered him a discharge. The brass figured it would cause less of a stink, and prevent the authorities looking into how the officer treated his family. He took the deal and was out, but for a few brief seconds, he got to do the right thing, and he woudn’t change it for the world. Sonny says he can understand. Without going into gory details, what Dex said about his family violence, Sonny lived through it. But Dex still lied to him, and that’s unacceptable. Why should he trust Dex? Dex says, he never told Sonny that he should. He just said Sonny could count on him. Sonny says he’s not sure it’s that simple, no matter how sympathetic he is to Dex’s story, and Dex says, so that’s it? One strike and he’s out? Sonny says, that’s not it. What it means is, he needs time to think. Dex says, about what? and Sonny says, about whether Dex is worth the trouble. Dex takes the paper out of his pocket, and says, from Trina Robinson’s trial. In case it matters to see how the jury voted. He puts it on Sonny’s desk, and leaves.

Olivia says she needs some ice. It’s getting hot in here… She means warm… it’s getting muggy… She’s getting ice. Drew says, when he was setting up, he got a text from Mia asking for Carly’s information. She’s coaching at a retreat in Aruba, and thought Carly might be interested in going. Carly says, sounds perfect, especially with Trina’s trial being over. She doesn’t suppose Mia invited him too.

TJ thinks Willow might feel better if she talks to Michael about this, but she says she’s still processing all of this. She was about to tell Michael, when this party happened. He says, she’s not under any obligation to put on a happy face for the sake of the party. Don’t do that on their account. She says, she, Michael, and Wiley are due one last good night before everything gets shot to hell. This can keep quiet until after the party, after her follow-up. He says he can understand that, when his phone dings. He says, it’s from his Uncle Curtis; Trina’s verdict came in. Willow says, what is it? and he says, yes! It’s good news. The charges were dropped. She says, that’s amazing. She’s so glad someone got good news today. He says he can join his family later if she needs support, but she tells him, go. Be with his family. She’ll be fine, she promises. She thanks him, and says she lucked out making a friend like him. They hug, and Nina walks past the doorway, doing a doubletake when she sees them. Willow tells him to give everyone her best, especially Trina. He tells her, just remember, she’s got this. Nina watches.

Drew tells Carly that he’d love to go to Aruba, but he’s putting all his energy into getting Aurora into fighting shape. He hopes it doesn’t stop her from going, but she says, no. She’s definitely going to think about it. It’s a fresh start for her. She wants to see what’s out there. Willow comes in, and apologizes for keeping them waiting. Wiley says he’s proud of her, and Michael says, she’s worth it. Carly says she’s happy for Willow, and Drew picks Wiley up. Nina walks in, and back out again.

There’s a song part, and Sonny looks at the verdict. It’s hard to tell from his face, but I’m thinking, acquitted. There’s much happiness at Trina’s house. Josslyn arrives, and hugs Trina. Spencer and Cameron put their arms around each other’s shoulders, and walk out of the courtroom together. At the bottom of a cliff on the beach, Nikolas dumps the contents of Esme’s suitcase in a barrel. Victor nods, and Nikolas pours lighter fluid on it. He sets on fire, and he, Ava, and Victor watch it burn.

Tomorrow, Chase asks if Brook really believes in him; Elizabeth wishes everyone would stay out of her business; and Valentin asks what it will take for Victor to stand down.

The Most Awful People in Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Still at Dorit’s party, LisaR says she didn’t think she’d end up crying, but she’s grateful it came. Dorit suggests they lighten the mood by singing Happy Birthday to Kyle. A cake with candles is brought in, and they sing. It’s awful. Can’t we rewrite that song? In Dorit’s interview, she says, they’ve had rage, tears, and laughter, and at this point, she’s looking for more laughter. PK tells Mauricio that he has a new real estate company based on crypto, and he’s a conceptual genius. He says, bow to the emperor of real estate, and Mauricio says he thought PK was the king of rock. PK says he likes it. LisaR thanks everyone for being with her in the moment. She and Sutton had a moment that triggered it, and she thinks there are deeper issues. I can tell you this, if any of my friendships got this complicated, I’d drop walk away. These women are like middle schoolers, with emotions all over the place, and way too much work. Sutton asks if the poor people outside the group, who look like they’re being held hostage, want to leave, and they can’t get out fast enough. Crystal says she heard her eating disorder was being talked about, and she’s been seeing a professional since she was 13. Kyle asks if Crystal thinks she’s seeing the right people, and Crystal says she’s spent hours interviewing people. In Erika’s interview, she says she hopes Crystal can effectively deal with her eating disorder, so she can enjoy life. Put this to bed and be done with it. Seriously, what the hell is wrong with these women? Not to mention, Crystal has a husband who’s extremely supportive and rich. Crystal says she’s on the journey, and Garcelle asks if they have anything else to clean up. Sutton says she didn’t like being called a friend liability, and we flash back to that. She thinks of herself as a good friend. Something happened that she hasn’t told them about. She got a letter from an attorney about a lawsuit Tom and Erika are involved with. They thought she had some kind of information. In Sutton’s interview, she says, she received a letter from an attorney involved in one of the Girardis’ lawsuits, asking about information she doesn’t have. She’s not getting subpoenaed, and she’s not going to Chicago, although she’s quick to add, it’s a lovely city. She tells the group that she hired a litigator to answer questions, and in her interview, she says, attorneys are not cheap. You know who knows that? The Girardis. Erika says she knows what they asked, and we flash back to the Reunion when Sutton brought up a rumor about Tom’s business. Sutton says, Erika is looking at a lot of lawsuits, and was a liability to all of them last year. Erika says, it’s not her fault. She told Sutton to be quiet. We flash back to Erika threatening Sutton, and Dorit tells Sutton not to feel like she was targeted; she was the only one questioning Erika. Garcelle says, not true, and we flash back to Garcelle, Dorit, and Kyle all questioning Erika. Garcelle adds, and she’s not being Sutton’s bodyguard. Diana takes this as a segue, and says, Garcelle is the most guarded of the group. Garcelle wonders how they got here, and Diana says, it’s where they started, making no sense whatsoever. She says she likes Garcelle, but fells like she has to work extra hard for Garcelle’s friendship, but still doesn’t get anywhere. Garcelle always shuts her down. Garcelle says, when they said goodbye at Diana’s Christmas party, Diana said they’d gotten off on the  wrong foot. We flash back to that, and Garcelle says, Diana can’t claim she shuts her down when she was open in that conversation. Diana says she hasn’t seen Garcelle since then, and Garcelle says she hasn’t seen Diana either. In Garcelle’s interview, she asks when Diana tried to get to know her. Diana trashed her in a group text, and was a total bitch at her birthday party. If Diana wants to get to know her, she can google her. LisaR asks if Garcelle hears where Diana is coming from, and Garcelle asks, what does LisaR hear? LisaR says she thinks Diana is sad and in pain about what happened between her and Garcelle, while Diana sits there like she’s five and can’t speak for herself, which is odd, considering she’s so aggressive. Diana says she’d like know Garcelle better differently, and Garcelle says, ditto. Garcelle asks how LisaR feels about that, and LisaR says, good, but why did Garcelle have to say it like that? Garcelle says, that’s how LisaR said it, and LisaR thinks Garcelle is defensive. Garcelle asks why she’d be defensive. Tell her, since LisaR seems to know everything. LisaR says, fear, and Garcelle says, of what? LisaR says, Garcelle has to ask herself that question, like they’re on some contemplative version of The Twilight Zone. LisaR says, when you come from love, you don’t come defensive, and Garcelle says, LisaR telling her about coming from love is bullsh*t. In Kyle’s interview, she says she doesn’t know if LisaR is in a position to talk about coming from love, since she just screamed her head off at Sutton. You have to practice what you preach. Garcelle says, once in a while, she’d like to feel supported, and Kyle says she doesn’t know what’s happening, but she agrees with Garcelle. Mauricio comes over to the table, and says, they’re all out of their minds. He asks if they’re ready to go home, and Kathy says, take her out of here.

Rob asks Crystal, how was last night for her? and she says, it was fun. He says he saw LisaR screaming at the girls, and Crystal tells him about the women talking about her eating disorder. She’d posted that she was struggling, and they were controlling concerned. Rob says he was surprised she posted about it too, since she doesn’t always talk about it. Crystal says, the group wants her to get help, but she doesn’t want a timeline pushed on her. She doesn’t want do it to make them feel better, and she’s feeling pressured. Rob tells her not to let that be what she focuses on, and to focus on herself. She owes it to herself. He holds her while she cries, and she says she wants to be recovered, but doesn’t want pressure. In Crystal’s interview, she says, when someone assumes it’s easy, it makes her feel like she’s failing, but she isn’t; she’s trying. Kathy comes by, and Crystal admits she’s been crying. Kathy says, the girls love her, and are coming from a good place, but they’re not lawyers, doctors, or therapists. Crystal shouldn’t feel pressure to answer their questions. Tell them she’s working on her issue, and it’s between me, myself, and I.  

Kyle looks over her flowers and gifts. Mauricio opens a bottle of 1999 Dom, saying, it was the oldest he could find. He couldn’t find one her age. They toast, and Alexia gifts Kyle with a pair of roller skates, the disco version. Kyle skates around, and says she won races when she was growing up. In Kyle’s interview, she says she doesn’t remember a  time when there weren’t roller skates on her feet. She went to the same rink the casts of Different Strokes and the Facts of Life, and the Jacksons went. Farrah and Alex join them, and in her interview, Kyle says, she was intimidated when she met Mauricio’s family. They were anti Kyle and Mauricio, especially his grandparents. She wasn’t Jewish, she was divorced with children, and an actress. When she thinks about her daughters meeting someone, she doesn’t want them to feel that way. They  talk about the wedding, and Farrah thinks it will be in the fall. In her interview, Kyle says, she remembers her wedding process. So many people were giving their two cents, and driving her crazy. Her family was Catholic, and couldn’t understand why they had to wear yarmulkes. She didn’t want so many weighing in. Boy, I understand that. I wanted a chocolate cake with chocolate icing. People said, you can’t do that. I said, watch me, and did.

Erika and LisaR go to lunch, and LisaR talks about the shoot she and Harry did for People’s Couples Issue. She tells Erika, it’s a day by day thing. She didn’t expect to have a breakdown, but it was probably important for her to get it out. Precipitating her hurt and pain is anger, and Sutton is her trigger. Maybe Erika’s too. She wonders why Sutton chose that moment to talk about the lawsuit, and Erika says she’d called Sutton a liability, and Sutton said Erika was. LisaR makes a big deal out of Sutton choosing to keep it, then throw it out in a public forum. Like 1) they don’t all do this, and worse, 2) it was really just the group, so not public, and 3) Garcelle had asked if there were any more problems to air. LisaR says she has moments of fun with Sutton, but then there are moments like that. At the end of the day, Sutton likes to poke the bear, and is her own worst enemy. She tells Erika that she’s having a 70s disco party for Rinna Beauty, and in LisaR’s interview, she says, the first one ended up in Chris’s backyard. Then they had a huge launch planned for this year, and covid rehit. You need to be creative in the time of covid. It’s basically the same people in a different venue.

Kyle meets Sutton for lunch, carrying a new Birkin. I just don’t see the charm of that bag. Talk about basic. Kyle says, Sutton threw everyone for a loop with the comment about Erika being a liability as a friend. Sutton says, she found Erika using that word ironic and hypocritical. In Kyle’s interview, she says she thought Sutton and Erika were going in a good direction, and Sutton drops that bomb. She’s stirring up sh*t. This, coming from the biggest sh*t stirrer of all. Sutton says, her attorney got a letter saying the attorney in the lawsuit wanted to call her as a third party witness. Erika is involved with so many different cases, she’s not saying which one it is, but Erika put them all in a bad position. She says she has a date, and Kyle suggests she give off vulnerable vibes. She wants to look like she wants to be taken care of, not like she wants to take care of someone. Yo, Kyle. 2022 is calling. Sutton admits she’s difficult, and Kyle says, especially when she’s arguing. Sutton says she likes to debate, and likes to know she’s right.

Everyone gets ready for LisaR’s party, and Erika yaps to her glam squad about doing a Jerry Hall homage. LisaR checks out the venue, and party planner Cheryl says, they have a fun photo booth, gifts, a dessert bar, and a bar. In LisaR’s interview, she says, Harry usually does it all, but she doesn’t have Harry here. She demands real lemons and limes, and says it like, 10,000 times. In her interview, LisaR says she went to Studio 54 one time; they had communal bathrooms. On a side note, Studio 54 is now a theater, and while I don’t think the bathrooms were ever designated as communal, the ladies room is fabulous. It has a sitting room with individual mirrored vanities. Although for the price of a theater ticket, they should have a fabulous bathroom. In Garcelle’s interview, she says she remembers Studio 54 from her modeling days. It was the place to be. Everybody was amazing. One night, she sat down, and they had coke on the table. She didn’t want to do it, but didn’t want to say no. She ended up spilling it, and the people were pissed, and said never mind. Thank God she didn’t have to do it. Ha-ha! That reminds me of Woody Allen sneezing in the coke in (I think) Annie Hall. Group photos are taken, and I hate the way these women scream when they see each other.

Kyle invites everyone to Aspen, and says, her house there is small, but there’s a house ten minutes from her that they can stay at. Diana says she’ll stay at a hotel, and in her interview, she says she’s a great hostess, but not a great guest. She’s demanding, and feels like she’s saving everybody stress. Dancers Forrest and Victoria come out on stage, and in Sutton’s interview, she says, nothing beats Melissa Etheridge, but it’s cute they have the Solid Gold dancers. She, Garcelle, Kyle, and Dorit get on stage and dance.

Garcelle asks Kathy what her and Rick’s secret is, and Kathy says, having the right people around, and not allowing outside influences. He’s an old-fashioned Catholic whose parents have been married a long time, and he had to be on his best behavior. He told her that, if you get caught doing the wrong thing  today, you get canceled. Kyle asks how Sutton is feeling since they spoke after Dorit’s dinner. We flash back to that, and Kathy tries to interrupt, asking Kyle if they’re going out after this. Kyle is like, um… we’re talking, and Kathy finally gets the hint. Sutton says, she was making a point about Erika calling her a liability. Kyle doesn’t know what that means, and Sutton says she doesn’t either. No surprise, Kyle shouts over to Erika, and asks what she meant. Erika says, Sutton is a hindrance to the rest of the group in making friendships. Sutton asks Garcelle if she’s a hindrance, and Garcelle says, not at all. Erika says, Sutton is a hindrance in their relationships with Garcelle, because Garcelle will see them through Sutton’s eyes. In Garcelle’s interview, she says, this doesn’t all have to do with Sutton. If she saw Erika treat anyone the way she treated Sutton, it would make her pause. Dorit says, Sutton saying Erika had a lot of lawsuits was hurtful, and LisaR says, it was mean. Sutton says, LisaR never has her back, and LisaR tells Sutton to have her own back. Kyle says something about the Toothless and Homeless charity [sic], and there’s a whole thing about the name again. Dorit scolds them for laughing, but even I can’t help laughing. Kyle says, the name is not amazing, but they do amazing work. Every time someone says the name, it’s different (it’s Homeless Not Toothless), and in their interview, a producer asks for the name, but none of them can get it right. Sutton suggests maybe renaming the organization. Kathy says she’s sorry, but she’s worked with the homeless and the toothless. Then she tells Garcelle, it should be given another name. For who knows what reason, Kyle says, LisaR had a moment of strong feelings about Sutton, and in Sutton’s interview, she says, LisaR keeps saying she forgives Sutton and their friends. Clearly that’s not true, and LisaR keeps doing the backpedal. LisaR says, if it’s supposed to work out, it will. If she loves someone one minute, and is angry the next, she’s going to cut herself some slack. She has the right to work out her grief. Yeah, she does, but not at the expense of others. Is she stupid or just that self-centered? Sutton says she can be a loose cannon, but she’s a colt. I have no clue what she means, and oddly enough, no one asks. She says she doesn’t want to take away from the fact she was making a point… She should have said what she said… She gets confused, and Erika says, and she has a drinking problem. Looking at Garcelle, she says, they’ll get to that later.

Diana asks if Garcelle has a drinking problem, and Garcelle laughs and says, no. Erika says, neither does she, even though Garcelle tried to push it. Garcelle says she cited instances, and Erika says, three. Garcelle tried to push a false narrative. Garcelle tells Erika, what she said was that Erika needed to figure out her medication and drink ratio, and in her interview, she says, just because you don’t like the narrative, doesn’t mean it’s false. Erika asks if Garcelle was trying to be helpful, and Garcelle tells her, she’d said she was worried about Erika. Erika says, Garcelle is the last person she’d discuss her problems with. The ones closest to her would have noticed and said something. I think that’s highly doubtful, but okay. Garcelle says she didn’t suggests they get together and talk about Erika, and we flash back to Garcelle expressing her concern to Kyle and Dorit. Erika says, it does seem like Garcelle wants to make her look bad, but Garcelle says – wait for it – she doesn’t have to. Erika can do that on her own. Erika says, Garcelle is making herself look like a liar, like she has an ulterior motive, and wants Erika to have a problem. Garcelle says, Erika having a problem doesn’t change her life, and Erika says, it’s her life to destroy or build. In her interview, Garcelle says, it’s Erika’s prerogative if she wants to blow up her life. Dorit says, when she asked if Garcelle was concerned about Erika, Garcelle yelled, don’t be Kyle! Garcelle says, Dorit is exaggerating, and Kyle asks, what’s wrong with being Kyle? Kathy says, they should lift each other up with good conversation (she asks a lot), and Dorit says, they need to have real conversations. Kyle picks this time to say, Erika and Sutton need to start over. Sutton says she’s going to call Erika, but Erika says, please don’t. Kyle asks if Erika doesn’t want to have more clarity about the relationship, and Kathy says she thinks everyone is all good. She tells Garcelle that she got snapped at about the Homeless and Toothless organization.

Next time, LisaR looks at some of Lois’s stuff; the Aspen trip happens; Kyle asks the Ouija board if they’ll be able to work out their issues and have a good time (Magic 8 Ball says, are you out of your mind?); Garcelle says she was hurt that Erika called her a liar, and they don’t have to be friends. I love Garcelle.

🗯 I have to admit, this week’s episode was somewhat amusing. I couldn’t keep up with the homeless/toothless thing, but I was laughing pretty hard. I’ve also come to the conclusion that both LisaR and Erika have sociopathic tendencies. They’re not on the Robert Chambers side of the spectrum, but enough that they’re… what’s that word? Oh yeah. A liability.

🏂 Electric Sliding On Out…

Feel free to join me tomorrow for a delve into soap and a look at some Charm. Until then, stay safe, stay not making promises you can’t keep, and stay practicing what you preach.