Category Archives: Master Chef

Jun19

June 18, 2021 – Chase Gets His Dying Wish, Two Villains Exit, Summer Soaping, Chatty Kathy, Mixed-Up Ed, OC Off-Screen, Jersey Kid, Passing It Down, Love Is Blind, New Chefs, a Goodbye, 7+1 Quotes & Built

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

At Pozzulo’s Brick tells Jason, it’s bad news; really bad. Jason says, so it’s more than one lost shipment, and Brick says, it’s way more than that. Carly walks in, and hugs Brick, and tells him it’s great to see him, but not so great circumstances. Did he have to deal with much fallout for his part in Jason’s escape? He says, the lawyer ran interference, and the PCPD stopped calling. It would have gone a lot smoother if Jason had jumped into the car the first time, like they planned. Carly says, that’s what she told Jason, and Jason says he’s sorry he caused Brick extra trouble. Brick tells him not to worry about it. He gets it; Jason had to go back for Britt. He was just defending the original escape plan, which would have worked. Carly says, no question, but that’s not why Brick’s there. Any word on the missing shipment? He says, the shipment has been located, and she asks why it didn’t arrive on schedule. He says, one of her people sold her out.

Brook goes out on the terrace to talk on the phone, and asks Maxie, what’s going on? Has she heard from Peter? She says, no, thank God. Ellie and Spinelli just took Georgie and James to the pool, so she had a minute to call. How’s Louise? Brook says Maxie’s baby is doing great. She has a healthy appetite, and good lungs. Maxie doesn’t have to worry. Maxie says she’s coming over. She has to see her baby.

Sasha puts some flowers in the hospital chapel, when Willow walks in. Sasha says Willow looks beautiful, and Willow thanks her for decorating. It looks beautiful. Sasha says it’s the least she could do. How is Willow feeling? Willow says, nervous, but she knows she’s doing the right thing by marrying Chase. Sasha says, even though her heart belongs to Michael?

Michael brings Anna into the living room, and tells Valentin that he has a visitor. Anna tells Michael that he doesn’t have to stay. It looks like he’s going somewhere. He says, Willow and Chase’s wedding in the GH chapel, and Anna asks how Chase is. Michael says, he didn’t respond to treatment, and doesn’t have much time left. This might be his last day.

Jackie says she can’t believe her son is getting married, and Chase says, marrying Willow is a dream come true. Where it is, not so much. She says, he deserves a long and happy life, and he says he’s sorry. He hates that he’s causing so much pain for everyone. She tells him, stop that right now. Being his mother has been the greatest gift of her life. He brought her a joy she never even knew existed. She says she loves him, and he says he loves her too. She gave him a good life, and he’s sorry to leave it. He just wishes there was a way to beat this thing. Even Finn can’t figure it out.

Finn is running down the hall, and sees Elizabeth. He says he’s been looking for her. Tell him he’s not fooling himself. She says, about what? and he says, about why his cure for Chase didn’t work. Cyrus Renault.

At Austin’s cabin, Dante is looking at a map, when Austin walks in. Austin says, hi; he didn’t knock. He doesn’t know what to do. Please help him manage this. Should he knock on a door of a house he owns? Dante says he didn’t expect to see Austin today, and Austin says he can’t rent the place out when it’s an active crime scene. He thought he’d come by and see if there was any progress with the investigation. He sits down and looks at the map, and Dante says he spoke to the property management. They were unaware there was a hidden camera. Austin says thanks for letting him know. They’re probably worried about a potential lawsuit. Dante should see how they manage some of their other properties. Dante says he knows how to do his job, and Austin says, clearly. If they’re done with all the unfounded suspicions, he’d like to volunteer for the search for Maxie’s baby. He brought Louise into this world, and promised Miss Maxie that he’d do everything he could to help bring her home. Does that sound like something a kidnapper would say? Dante says, actually, it does.

Elizabeth asks if Finn thinks Cyrus had someone tamper with the paternity tests to get back at Jackie. Never mind. Of course (🍷) he would. Finn says he thinks the cure lies in the DNA of Chase’s biological parents. If he’s not Chase’s father, his DNA wouldn’t work. That’s why the treatment failed. She says if Finn prepares another dose with Jackie and Gregory’s DNA, Chase’s body won’t reject it. He says, yes. Is that a reasonable hypothesis, or is he just seeing what he wants to see because he wants to save Chase’s life? She says she thinks Cyrus is petty enough to change paternity test results, and spiteful enough to gloat in Finn’s face while he’s being dragged off to prison. She thinks he might have just given Finn the key to saving Chase. Gregory walks up, and asks if Finn has any news on the… tests. Finn says they can talk in front of Elizabeth. He trusts her, and she knows everything. He hasn’t heard yet. Gregory says they’re running out of time, and Finn says he has a new dose ready to go. He just needs confirmation from the lab. In the meantime, Chase has the wedding to focus on and keep him positive. Gregory says, Chase asked him to perform the ceremony. He said there was a simple way for Gregory to get certified online. Is there a computer he can use? Elizabeth says she’ll help him with that, and Finn says he’s going to check on Chase. Gregory prays the DNA results come back soon.

Brook says she understands Maxie wanting to see her baby, but they have to be strategic about Maxie’s visit. They’re not friends. Maxie says she told Nina that she and Brook bonded during Lamaze class, and thinks she bought it. Brook says, that’s great for Nina, but how are they going to explain it to the rest of the world? Maxie’s baby supposedly got kidnapped by a psycho nurse, and now she’s coming to see someone she can barely stand. Maxie says she doesn’t care. She’s literally aching for her child. She needs to see her. Brook asks if she isn’t worried about Peter. She doesn’t believe he’s given up for a second. What if he’s hiding, waiting for her to lead him to Louise, and Maxie comes there to visit someone she can’t stand, who coincidently just had a baby the same age? He will figure it out, and everything they did will be for nothing. Maxie says Brook is right. The priority is keeping Louise away from Peter. There’s a knock at Maxie’s door, and she says she has to go; she’ll call later. She opens the door to Sam, and asks what Sam is doing there. Sam says she came by because she has a few questions about Louise.

Brick says, the driver made a deal to deliver the shipment to the Novak family. Mr. Novak has offered to pay double for any Corinthos shipments. Carly asks who the driver is, and Jason says, Don Knotts Metz. She says she doesn’t know him, and Jason says he’s only been working for them about a year. Carly asks if he really thought he’d get away with it, and Brick says, that’s the problem. Mr. Novak has been telling people the Corinthos organization is weak now that Sonny’s gone.

Sasha asks Willow what the chair is for, and Willow says, Chase isn’t strong enough to stand during the wedding, so he’ll be in a wheelchair. She didn’t want him to feel self-conscious, so she’s going to sit across from him, and they’ll have the same eyeline. Sasha says, it’s really thoughtful. She’s sorry she brought up Michael. She’s there to support Willow. Willow says she doesn’t have to apologize. If Finn’s treatment had worked, and Chase was recovering, they wouldn’t be getting married, but she still loves Chase. It wasn’t that long ago, she thought she’d be spending her life with him. It’s the last gift she can give him in return for all he’s given her. Sasha says that’s all she needed to hear, and picks up a box, saying, it’s for Willow. Willow opens the box and sees a blue butterfly brooch. Sasha says she thought Willow wouldn’t have had time for the traditions. This covers old, new, borrowed, and blue wrapped up into one. Her grandmother gave it to her on her 16th birthday. She’s had it for years, but it’s new to Willow. She wants it back, and it’s blue. Willow can either wear it or pin it to her skirt.

Finn asks if Chase is sure he’s up for this, and Chase says, hell yeah. Just thinking about promising his life to Willow makes him stronger. If Finn wants to help, he can get Chase dressed. Finn says Chase is a good man. He definitely made Finn a better man. He’ll always regret how horrible he was to Chase when Chase first came to town. Chase says, it’s all part of Finn’s charm, and Finn says, that’s what Chase has always done; accept people for who they are. He makes them want to be better, and Chase deserves better. Do him a favor, hang in there. Keep fighting, and he may get his miracle. Chase says he’s marrying Willow. That is his miracle.

Anna says, it’s devastating that Chase can slip away so quickly, and Valentin says, it’s senseless. Brook comes in, and notes that Michael is all ready for the ceremony. Michael says he knows she wanted to be there, and Brook says, more room for the family and she has her hands full with Bailey. Just give Chase and Willow her congratulations and love. Michael leaves, and Brook says, excuse me, super spies. What are they going to do to find the guy who caused all this suffering? Anna says she thinks she has a lead on Peter.

Dante tells Austin, it’s not uncommon for criminals to insert themselves into investigations. They get a kick out of watching cops try to figure out what they’ve done. Austin says he’s grateful he doesn’t live in Dante’s world, when Dante’s phone rings. Dante crosses something off the map, and Austin says, this map is wrong.

Carly tells Brick, she doesn’t understand. Between her and Jason, they kept things going without a beat. She had a meeting with the Five Families cheese calzones, and they accepted her. Brick says, because there was no alternative; Jason seemed to be out of the picture. Carly says, of all he misogynistic, backward ways of thinking. She was handling things because Jason was unavailable. She’s weak because she’s a woman? Jason says, it’s not because she’s a woman; it’s because she’s an outsider. She says she’s not an outsider. She’s Sonny’s widow. Jason says she hasn’t been involved in the business until now, and Brick says, Jason’s right. They know she has no experience; Jason does. They’re just waiting for him to make his move. She asks, what kind of move? (I’ve never been in the mob, but I have the feeling this isn’t how it works.)

Michael goes to Chase’s room, where Chase sits in a wheelchair, wearing a suit and an oxygen tube. He asks what Michael thinks. It’s the latest in trendy wedding accessories. Michael says he looks great, and Chase says he hopes Willow thinks so too. She deserves so much better than a hospital chapel. (God help me, I almost wrote chat room.) Michael says Chase knows Willow doesn’t care about things like that, and Chase says he does, but he wishes he could give her the world. Michael says he doesn’t blame Chase, and Chase thanks him for coming. Michael says, of course (🍷). Brook sends her love. She’s at home with the baby. She said she wanted to make more room for the family, but Michael thinks she might be jealous. Chase says if he wasn’t so in love with Willow, he’d be flattered, and Michael says, the point is, this is Chase’s big day, and they’re all there for him and Willow. Chase says he’s just glad he didn’t completely throw their friendship away when he and Sasha lied to Michael about the affair. Michael says they’re way past that. Chase is a great man, and he’s honored to be his friend. Chase says Michael is a good man too. He’s happy Michael is going to be there for Willow after he’s gone. Gregory and Finn join them, and Gregory says they should get things started. Michael says he’ll make sure things are ready in the chapel, and Gregory says, shall we? Chase says he can’t get married yet. Someone’s missing.

Anna tells Valentin, there’s a heliport on the roof of GH. On the night Peter disappeared, a helicopter approached the hospital airspace, but didn’t identify itself. Valentin says, and the call sign? and Brook says, the call what? Valentin says, the registration number on the side of the helicopter, and Anna says, they were covered up. Valentin says, that sounds like Peter. Maybe if they can find the pilot, he can tell them where Peter was planning on taking Maxie and the baby. That might be where he is now. Anna’s phone rings, and she says it’s Finn. Finn says he needs her help, and she says of course (🍷). Anything.

Maxie tells Sam, the nurse knocked out Austin, and took her baby like she said she would. Sam says that matches what Maxie said the night Louise was taken, and Maxie says, of course (🍷) it does, but why is Sam making her relive this again? Sam says the police uncovered a hidden camera at the cabin where the nurse was holding her. She and Dante were able to watch it. She just has a few more questions.

Austin points to something on the map, and says it’s reasonably close to where he found Maxie. Dante says he was told the entire area was inaccessible because the drop to the water is too high. Austin says he doesn’t know who told Dante that. They had a winter storm, and lost a bunch of trees, roots and all. They lost the riverbed, and you can cross the creek now. Is Dante telling him no one has looked there yet? Dante says, let’s go.

In the chapel, Willow prays she’s making the right decision. She’ll do anything to make Chase’s final days happy, but God knows what’s in her heart. It belongs to someone else. Michael walks in, and they gaze at each other.

Violet runs in to see Chase, and says he’s supposed to be in bed because he’s sick. He says they’re letting him up for a special occasion. Anna says Violet’s Uncle Chase asked her to bring Violet there because he and Willow are getting married. Violet jumps up and down, saying, a wedding? and Chase says he couldn’t get married without his bestest favorite niece. She says she’s his only niece, and he says that’s all he needs. She says her daddy is going to make him all better now, and Finn thanks Anna for bringing her. She says, of course (🍷), and Chase says he appreciates it and hopes she stays for the wedding. He wouldn’t feel right if she wasn’t there. She says she’d be glad to stay, and Chase asks if Violet will do him a big favor. Would she be his flower girl? She says, yes, yes, yes. She knows what to do; she’s done it before. He wants her to know that he’s loved being her uncle, and Violet tells him not to be sad. He’s getting married; he’s so lucky. He tries not to cry, and says he’s very lucky. He breaks down, and Anna and Finn put their hands on his shoulders.

Michael says Willow looks beautiful, and she thanks him, saying, Sasha helped her get ready. Was he looking for her? He says he was making sure the chapel was ready. He doesn’t have much of a purpose today. She says he has a very important purpose; Chase wants him to be there. He says she’s right. The chapel looks good. She says, again, all Sasha’s doing. He asks if she’s okay, and she says she is. Him? He says he saw Chase earlier, and he’s really excited to marry her. She says, that’s what’s important, when Jackie and Sasha walk in. Jackie thanks Michael for being there. It means the world to Harry/Chase. He says, of course (🍷), and she says it looks like they’re ready. She going to get the groom. She hands Willow a bouquet, and Michael says he’ll join her. Sasha puts her arm around Willow.

Valentin finds Brook on the terrace, and says, if she wants to be alone, just say the word, but she doesn’t have to hide anything from him. He knows how much Chase has meant to her. She thanks him, and says, it’s funny how life changes things up on you without warning. She and Chase had a horrible start; he kept arresting her. He says, it was for assault, wasn’t it? and she says, that’s not the point. After a rocky start, her dad kicked her out of the house, and Chase took her in. He was supportive and accepting. He’s a bit of a neat freak, but nobody’s perfect. Chase became somebody she could trust, and now he’s dying. Valentin says, it’s difficult to lose a friend like that, and she asks when he became a friend expert. He says she’s right. He doesn’t have any friends. At least ones that aren’t on the payroll. She says, first of all, she took a cheap shot when he was just trying to be kind. She apologizes. And second, what is he talking about? He doesn’t consider Anna a friend?

Maxie asks if Sam isn’t on her side, and Sam says, of course (🍷) she is. When she watched the footage, and saw what that phony nurse did to Maxie, she’s sorry Maxie had to suffer through that ordeal. Maxie says she doesn’t know what else Sam wants her to say, but that psycho nurse wanted to force her into labor and steal her child. Sam says she watched the whole video, and it was very clear that nurse was working for Peter, and acting on his orders. How could Maxie be so sure the nurse wanted Louise for herself?

Austin and Dante walk through the woods, and Austin says he walks through these woods all the time. Dante will have to let him know if he wants him to slow down to a city slicker pace. Dante says, it’s cool. Austin’s family owns a lot of property around here? Austin says, it’s not top-of-the-line, but it’s home. It allows them to preserve the woods, and keep the developers out. Dante says, Austin doesn’t like people much, does he? and Austin says he likes people. Let him amend that. He loves some people, he likes most people, he tolerates a lot of people, but in his job as a doctor, he has to deal with a lot of people. He does have preferences, but it’s okay. The Buddhists say it’s okay to have some preferences, and he prefers to avoid people who are jaded and cynical. He gestures for Dante to go ahead, and Dante hopes Austin’s bedside manner is better than his social graces. They continue to walk, and suddenly, Austin shoves Dante to the ground.

Violet tosses rose petals, as she walks past a seated Chase and Willow. Gregory says, let’s begin. Chase takes Willow’s hand.

Brick says, the expectation is that Jason is going to return, and take over the Corinthos organization, and Carly says, that’s exactly what’s happening. Brick says, Mr. Novak doesn’t think so. He’s asking if Jason is in charge or she is. Carly says she was handling things while Jason was unavailable. She’s in the process of handing everything over. Brick tells her, listen to him. The people are used to one boss, not two. They’re expecting one of them, probably Jason, to push the other out. Carly says that’s never going to happen, and Brick says, forgive him for saying it, but it makes Jason look weak. Mr. Novak sees an opening, so others would. Jason says, the perception of weakness will lead to being challenged, which will escalate. Brick says they just ended a war with Renault. Is she ready for another one?

Gregory says he was honored when Chase asked him to perform the ceremony, but he has to admit, this is the first time he’s officiated at a wedding, so he’s out of his element. He thinks the best thing he can do is just speak from the heart. They’re here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony. To witness the love between Chase and Willow, and to vow to support their love wholeheartedly. And do they, as witnesses to this day, support and encourage this union? They all say they do.

Maxie tells Sam, her baby is missing and that woman took her. That much she knows for sure. Sam tells her, she’s just saying, isn’t it possible that the nurse met up with Peter after all? Right now, everyone is looking for the nurse and the baby. Maybe they should be looking for Peter and Louise. Maxie says, no. Peter does not have her child.

Dante is like, what the hell? and Austin says, sometimes these boards, they rot, and Dante was about to step on one, so… Dante asks why Austin didn’t just tell him to stop, and Austin says because he didn’t think Dante would listen to him. He’s sorry. Is Dante hurt? Dante says he’s fine. Austin says, there used to be a lot of mining here, and there are abandoned shafts. He moves a tree branch off of the opening, and seeing missing boards, says, from the looks of these broken boards, it’s possible an animal, or even a person could have fallen through. Dante says it’s a long way down there, and Austin takes some rope out of his backpack.

Gregory asks if Chase takes this woman to be his wife, to live together in matrimony, to love her, comfort her, honor and keep her, in sickness and in health, in sorrow and in joy, to have and to hold from this day forward, as long as they both shall live? Chase says he does, and Violet says, yay! Gregory asks the same of Willow, and she says she does. I just have to mention, Chase is the healthiest looking terminal patient I’ve ever seen. Other than the circles under his eyes, his coloring is better than mine on a good day. Gregory says, now for the exchanging of the rings. Chase drops the ring, and says he might need some help. His hands don’t work so good. He asks if Michael will put the ring on Willow, and Michael says he’d be glad to. Gregory asks Chase to repeat after him, with this ring, I thee wed, and Chase does. Michael puts the ring on Willow, and Chase thanks him. Gregory asks Willow to repeat after him, with this ring, I thee wed. She does, and Chase says he loves her. She says she loves him too. Gregory pronounces them husband and wife, and says Chase may kiss his bride. They kiss, and Michael looks at the floor. Violet says, yay! and throws petals up in the air. Chase isn’t looking so good, and Willow says she thinks he needs Finn. Chase says his wife worries too much, and Finn suggests they get Chase back to his room. Sasha congratulates them, and Violet asks if she can hug Chase before he goes. Finn gives the okay, and she hugs Chase. Chase says he loves her, and Violet tells him not to worry. Her daddy is going to make him all better. They all leave, except for Michael and Sasha. Sasha says she can stay if he wants, but he says he thinks he needs to be alone for a little while. Sasha leaves, and Michael sits in the chapel by himself.

Sam tells Maxie, she doesn’t understand. Obviously, the nurse was willing to break a lot of laws to get Peter what he wanted. What makes Maxie so sure she wouldn’t hand the baby off to him? Maxie says, the nurse didn’t say anything about taking the baby when they were in the house because she was still following Peter’s rules. Then Maxie hit her with the poker, and ran into the woods. She was angry, and said Maxie didn’t deserve Louise. She could take better care of Louise than Maxie could. Sam believes her, right?

On the phone, Dante says, that’s right. He sees Austin preparing to go into the shaft, and tells him, no. Austin says he’s a doctor. If there’s somebody down there, it’s probably someone who’s hurt. Dante says, it could be a crime scene, which means he has to go down there. One end of the rope is tied to a tree, and Dante tosses the other end down in the shaft.

Valentin supposes Brook is right, and he and Anna are friends of a fashion. She says, please. It’s clear to anyone with eyes, with their secret looks, and coded language that only the two of them can understand, they’re friends. At least. He says he and Anna are working together to bring Peter to justice, because they’re equally responsible for Peter building a home in Port Charles, and for convincing Maxie that she can trust him, when he was nowhere near worthy of that trust.

Jackie and Gregory look into Chase’s room through the window, while Willow paces. Jackie says, at least Harry/Chase got his final wish to marry Willow. Willow says she did make him happy, didn’t she? Finn jets out of Chase’s room, and tells Gregory, the test results just came in, and he dashes off. Gregory says he’s going with Finn, and starts to follow. Jackie says, but this is for Chase, and Gregory says, trust him, this is for Chase. He runs after Finn.

Jason says he appreciates Brick for the update, and looking into the theft. Brick says he has no doubt Jason and Carly will come up with a solution. Until then, if they need him for anything, don’t hesitate. Carly says they appreciate him, and he’s right. She and Jason will come up with a solution. Brick says he knows, and leaves. Carly asks, is Brick right? Does Jason look weak because he’s not pushing her out? Jason says, from Novak’s point of view, yeah. She says she went to the hospital to visit Cyrus before the Feds took him to prison. He said it would be a cakewalk for Jason to eliminate her and take over the Corinthos organization. When she told him that was never going to happen, he said Jason was either devoid of ambition or in her thrall. Neither of which are good for the Corinthos family, right? He says, no, it’s not good, and she says they’re going to have to get ahead of this. They’re going to have to show Novak, and anyone else, the Corinthos family is still the formidable organization it always has been. He says, it’s going to take a little time, but eventually, they’re going to see it. Carly asks, how much time?

Brook thanks Valentin for coming to her today. She knows she’s not the easiest person to get along with. He says she could just as easily be talking about him, and she says she knows he’s here for Bailey, not her. He says, they’re both raising a child. They’re both trying to provide a happy home for their daughter. It would be nice if they could be friends. She says she thinks maybe they already are.

Sam says, of course (🍷) she believes Maxie, and Maxie thanks her, and says she really would do anything to have Louise in her arms again, but she has to face reality. That nurse could be halfway around the world by now.

Austin asks Dante how it’s going. Did he find anything? Dante says, yeah. He’s at the bottom now, and thinks he found their kidnapper.

Anna thanks Sasha for taking Violet home; she feels like she should stay. Sasha says, no worries; it’s her pleasure. Violet says Roxie misses Anna, and she’ll tell her that Anna says hi. Anna says she misses Roxie too, and she misses Violet. She hugs Violet, and Sasha and Violet go down in the elevator.  

Finn, Gregory, and Elizabeth gather around the computer, and Elizabeth asks what the DNA results say. Who is Chase’s biological father? Finn looks at Gregory, and says, you are. You’re Chase’s father. Everyone stands there smiling at each other, when they should really be moving to get that serum into Chase. I yell at the TV.

Jackie smooths Chase’s hair, while Willow holds his hand, and he says he’s not scared. He has his mom and his wife. It feels good. Jackie says she loves him so much, and Willow says she loves him too. Jackie kisses his cheek, and he says, lucky me. And flatlines. Once again, no one makes any quick move to do something.

Seriously, never let me check into GH. There’s no security, and they’re slow to react.

On Monday, Dante tells Maxie that he’s found something that could lead them to Louise, Ava prefers to err on the side of caution, Cameron wants to know the truth, and Finn finally gets to Chase.

💣 Gone But Not Forgotten…

Jeff Kober raised the bar on a show where the bar was already pretty high.

Jeff Kober Says Goodbye to GENERAL HOSPITAL

👋 Buh-bye, Peter…

Just in case you hadn’t guessed when his body was stuffed in a cooler. Then again, who knows?

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/wes-ramsey-out-at-general-hospital

🧼 Soapy Summer…

What’s to come in the daytime.

2021 Summer Preview

🛴 Come Out and Play…

Kathy gives the skinny on Kris. ‘Kay?

https://extratv.com/2021/06/02/kathy-hilton-talks-rhobh-and-whether-kris-jenner-will-come-and-play/

🎾 Confused Countess…

Not so ed-ucated after all.

https://pagesix.com/2021/06/16/luann-de-lesseps-confuses-special-ed-for-phys-ed/

🎭 Drama In the OC…

Apparently, they don’t have to be on camera to start drama.

https://pagesix.com/2021/06/18/golnesa-kelly-dodd-feud-continues-over-racism-claims/

https://pagesix.com/2021/06/17/kelly-dodd-blames-rhoc-exit-on-braunwyn-in-explosive-texts/

https://pagesix.com/2021/06/18/kelly-dodd-rick-leventhal-happy-despite-rhoc-fox-exits/

🌱 Growing Faster Than Weeds…

It seems like just yesterday, the RHONJ kids were babies.

https://extratv.com/2021/06/04/so-grown-up-teresa-and-joe-giudice-s-daughter-gabriella-heads-to-prom-see-the-pic/

👗 Speaking Of Prom…

Now this is my kind of hand-me-down.

https://extratv.com/2021/06/07/brooke-shields-daughter-wears-her-1998-golden-globes-dress-to-prom-see-the-pics/

🍹 Did He See the Show…?

Apparently, Ashley has snagged a live one.

https://people.com/parents/southern-charm-alum-ashley-jacobs-announces-pregnancy-marriage-exclusive/

🥩 Master This…

Master Chef’s new top 15.

https://parade.com/1223970/paulettecohn/master-chef-top-15-photos-season-11/

😢 Farewell, Otis…

Another legend has left us.

https://www.cnn.com/2021/06/13/us/ned-beatty-actor-superman-dies/index.html

🎺 Quotes of the Week

Don’t cry over someone who wouldn’t cry over you. – Lauren Conrad (I can’t say I ever thought I’d be using a quote from her.)

I believe the most important single thing, beyond discipline and creativity, is daring to dare. – Dr. Maya Angelou

The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing. – John Powell

Sometimes you make the right decision, and sometimes you have to make the decision right. – Dr. Phil

To be inspired is great, but to inspire is an honor. – Stacey T. Hunt

You can’t eat beauty, it doesn’t sustain you. What is fundamentally beautiful is compassion for yourself and those around you. That kind of beauty inflames the heart and enchants the soul. – Lupita Nyong’o

No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite. – Nelson Mandela

On this day, June 19, 1865, Black people’s complete personhood was acknowledged on a systemic level for the very first time. It dates the moment African-Americans, Caribbean-Americans, and Afro-immigrants alike could begin to, on some level, participate in and see themselves as part of a whole society. Since the passage of the 13th amendment, Black Americans like Shirley Chisolm have trail-blazed the socio-political world, creating a place for women like me to feel empowered in sharing my voice and stories with the world.  As a woman of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated and a member of the Divine 9, Juneteenth is also a time for me to acknowledge the ancestry of my founders and the experiences that led them to create our beloved sorority and to fight for the inclusion of black women in every space. I am humbled to share in the legacy of Juneteenth and understand that this becomes my fight to continue. – Brianna Taylor

🎈 Joy Comes In the Morning…

Another weekend is upon us, unless you’re just calling every day of the week day now. Not that there’s anything wrong with that. No Dead right now, so see you on Monday or whatever you’re calling it, for soap and a Sailing reunion. Until then, stay safe, stay inspiring and inspired, and stay not being jaded and cynical, or Austin will avoid you.

Sep21

September 20, 2019 – Shiloh Testifies, Winner Winner Made the Best Dinner, Casting Call, Date Revealed, a Feud Revisited, a Dozen Minus One Quotes & Not My Saturday

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

On the phone, Sonny leaves Carly a message that he left the trial early. He couldn’t stand looking at Shiloh’s face. Jason will fill her in. He’s getting lunch. He’ll improvise in getting her something.

Carly is also on the phone. Carly realizes the semester started already, but Dev is a fast learner, and she feels the school is a perfect fit. She says she thinks an interview is a great idea.

Dev and Josslyn sit outside Kelly’s. Josslyn thinks the essay is a waste of time. Dev asks if she’s not a Nathaniel Hawthorne fan, and she says she’s not a fan of the assignment. Rather than explaining the symbolism of light and dark, she’d like to discuss whether it’s misogynistic or feminist. The reason it’s dark in some of the scenes is because it’s nighttime. The end. She says he’s quiet; is something wrong? He says no, and she asks if he’s still worried about school. He remembers hearing Carly tell Sonny that they’re going to have to send Dev away. He says, maybe a little.

Lulu and Maxie bring lunch into the Crimson office. Lulu says their lunch is long overdue. Maxie agrees. Lulu has updates, and Maxie asks if they’re about hot Dustin. Lulu says she’s still mortified about her mother walking in on them. Maxie is sure her mother is too, and suggests a heads up next time. Lulu asks to change the subject. Lulu asks how James is, and Maxie says, delicious. Lulu asks how it’s going with Peter, and Maxie says, so good. She’s almost nervous.

On the phone, Peter says they’re not going to get another opportunity like this again. There can’t be any mistakes. Understood? Sketch guy being a guard says, don’t worry. After today, Shiloh won’t be a problem for anyone.

Shiloh is sworn in. Sam makes a meh face at him.

Sonny sees Dev and Josslyn outside Kelly’s, and asks, what’s going on? Josslyn says, homework with a side of homework. Sonny says, already? and Josslyn tells him, the teachers aren’t being easy on them. Sonny says, hit the ground running, but she says, it feels like they’re sprinting. Sonny tells Dev to take some time off from the warehouse; they’ll survive without him for a bit. Sonny is proud of them, staying on top of things. Josslyn says she’s not ditching, and going back to being an outstanding PCHS student. Sonny says, good. It’s one less thing for her mom to worry about with the baby on the way.

Bobbie stops by to visit Carly, saying she had time before picking up Wiley. Carly says she misses Wiley, and Bobbie says they’re going straight to the Y for his swimming lesson. Lucas and Brad are both working, and didn’t want him to miss it. Carly says Bobbie is living up to her World’s Best Grandma mug. Bobbie says she’s hoping to stay on the same streak with Carly’s little one. That’s why she’s there. She wanted to go over a few things. Carly’s due date is approaching like a freight train, and she hasn’t shared her birth plan. Carly says Dr. Navarro scheduled her for a C-section weeks ago. Bobbie is surprised that she’s having a C-section.

Peter walks into the Crimson office. He says he was going to ask Maxie to lunch, but Lulu beat him to it. He asks for a raincheck, and Maxie gives him a kiss. He asks if Lulu shouldn’t be working on her story, and she says it’s the first break she’s gotten. The pet fashion show was a longer time investment than she anticipated. Maxie asks did she at least have fun, and Lulu says, yes – for the first hour. Peter asks, how long? and she says, four hours of dressed up pets with punny supermodel names. Peter is sure she found a good angle. She says she tried, but she’s craving more. She knows she promised that she wouldn’t ask for another professional favor, but she’s desperate. Can he please convince her editor to put her back on the crime beat?

Shiloh’s lawyer, Miss Soto, asks his name and his occupation. He tells her to call him Shiloh, and says he’s the founder of Dawn of Day. She says they’ve heard testimony about the supposed horrors that happened within his organization. It he the leader of DoD, and is it a cult? He says, no; absolutely not. He takes issue with the term leader. No one person is above another in their organization. She asks what they do, and he says, community outreach mostly; clothing and food drives, and beautification projects. She asks if he’d describe the members as volunteers who better the community, and he says he would, but a more vital component is that they’re a self-help organization. She asks him to elaborate, and he says they believe, in order to heal the world’s wounds, they have to heal theirs first. They’ve helped many lost and misguided souls, some of which are in attendance today. Kristina came to him confused and troubled, alienated from her family. He put her in their outreach program, and watched her blossom into a self-assured young woman. Alexis was involved in a highly toxic, abusive relationship with her ex. The work they did helped move her to a stable more mature relationship. (Huh? Does he mean her relationship with the shrink she needed to help untwist Kristina’s mind from what Shiloh did to her?) He says Sam was unlike her sister and mother. She came to him under false pretenses, saying she needed help working on her co-dependency issues with her son’s father. It became clear that she had an ulterior motive, and ultimately conspiring with the man who tried to kill him – Jason Morgan.

Jennifer objects, saying, the witness is assuming facts not in evidence. Shiloh says, the fact is, Jason threw him down a flight of stairs. Jennifer says, unsubstantiated allegations, and the judge says, sustained. He tells Miss Soto to keep her client focused. She asks if Shiloh takes issue with Sam’s testimony, and he says he takes issue with the fact that she’s lying. Jennifer objects again, saying, inflammatory, and it’s overruled, but the judge advises defense counsel to tone down the rhetoric. Miss Soto asks what might have motivated Sam into giving false or misleading testimony? Shiloh says it might have had something to do with their past history. She asks him to elaborate, and he says, years ago, Sam married his father under a false name, and wiped out their family’s life savings.

Peter says he’ll mention Lulu’s concerns to her editor, but his help comes with a price. He wants her to assure him that she’ll stick to reporting. No more vigilante stuff, and going after the suspects herself. She agrees, but Maxie thinks the crime beat might not be good for Lulu. She won’t have time to hang out with hot Dustin.

Josslyn tells Sonny that she doesn’t want to cause her parents any stress. She knows the baby needs to be the number one priority right now. Sonny is glad to hear it. He asks if they need a ride, but Josslyn wants to finish her essay so she can enjoy her weekend. Sonny says he’ll see them at home. Dev tells Josslyn that he’s glad to get a head start. Josslyn says she can’t take another pep talk. He says he’s just glad she hasn’t written off school.

Bobbie asks why Carly opted for a C-section, and Carly says Dr. Navarro thought it was a safer option. She’s sorry she didn’t tell Bobbie. It must be pregnancy brain. Bobbie tells her, enjoy that excuse while it lasts. She asks if Carly is getting nervous, and Carly says, a little. Bobbie says she’s doing everything right. There are advantages to a C-section, especially if a difficult delivery is anticipated, but they’d know that by now if there were serious complications with the pregnancy.

Carly says, actually, there is something she hasn’t told Bobbie about the baby. Bobbie asks what it is, but Sonny comes in. He gives Carly some take-out from Kelly’s, and Bobbie says Carly was about to tell her something about the baby. What’s going on with her grandchild? Carly says they know the sex of the baby, but decided not to tell anyone. Bobbie says Carly can’t even tell her own mother? and Carly says she wanted to, but she changed her mind. Bobbie says they’re not having a big reveal party, are they? Sonny says, absolutely not. Carly thinks it’s better to surprise the whole family, and Bobbie says, at least they’re all in the dark together. She’d love to stay, and weasel the truth out of Carly, but she has to get Wiley. She leaves, and Sonny says, Carly isn’t telling her mom? Carly says she thought about it, but the more she thought, the more it sense not to tell her. They won’t know the severity until the baby is born. It’s in her mom’s best interest. She’ll just hover, and Carly wants the next few weeks to be peaceful. Sonny says, all right then; it’s settled. They’ll wait until the baby is born.

Josslyn tells Dev, just being in that building brings up memories of Oscar. She’s constantly reminded that Oscar is gone. Dev says he’s sorry, but Josslyn says, it’s okay. It’s not, but she doesn’t want to stress out her parents. She doesn’t want to mess up too bad, or make them think she’s losing it. There’s no telling how far they’ll go if they think they need to protect her.

Carly hands Sonny the boarding school brochure, and asks what he thinks. He says, it seems good. Carly says she’s done research, and thinks it’s a perfect fit for Dev. She’s been in touch with the school, and spoke with the administrator. They’ll have to interview Dev personally, of course (🍷), but they’re open to taking him this semester, even before the holidays. Sonny says, stop, now. He never agreed to send Dev away.

Peter says he didn’t know Lulu and Dustin were serious. Lulu says, they’re not. Despite what Cupid has to say, they’re not a thing. Maxie says, they are. Lulu says, not serious enough to affect her career decisions. She doesn’t know what the conflict between her work and social life is. Theirs don’t conflict. Maxie says she’s not exactly hunting criminals, just those of the fashion variety. Lulu says she’s just second-in-command at a national fashion magazine. Peter says, only until she’s running her own fashion magazine. Lulu says, what’s that? and Maxie says, it’s nothing. Lulu says, it’s something. It’s something Maxie doesn’t want Peter to tell her. Is she leaving Crimson?

Miss Soto asks if he’s sure Sam was aware of the connection. He says she confronted him directly, but he assured her that he’d long since forgiven her. She didn’t believe him, and did everything in her power to remove him from Port Charles. Jennifer objects, saying Sam isn’t on trial, but Miss Soto says, it’s motive. Sam would have reason to fabricate her allegations against Shiloh. The judge says, sustained, and tells the jury to disregard speculation with regard to Sam. Miss Soto has no further questions. Jennifer says Shiloh stated everyone in DoD was equal. That’s actually not true, is it? Some were more equal than others. How did the Trust operate? He says it was the highest level of the organization. Jennifer says, and Trust members were expected to have sex with him? He stammers, and she says, yes or no? Did the initiation into the Trust conclude with them having sex with him? He says, it has on occasion, and Jennifer says, how many times? Five? Ten? Fifty? Give her a number. He says he doesn’t keep track of that sort of thing. She shows the court a stack of papers, and asks if these sworn affidavits, given by his victims, will sharpen his memory. How many women were initiated into the Trust? How many were ordered to drink the drugged tea to lower their inhibitions? We flash back Kristina’s initiation. Jennifer asks, how many did he mark with his tattoo? We flash back to Sam’s initiation. Jennifer asks, how many did he sexually assault? We flash back to Shiloh finding Willow in her classroom. She says she wants him to leave, and he says that’s not what he wants. She made a promise to never leave him, and she broke that promise. Miss Sotto objects, and Jennifer says, withdrawn.

The judge adjourns for the day. The defendant is remanded to Pentenville. Shiloh is cuffed, and taken out. Chase tells Willow, she was amazing. He’s proud of her. Kristina says she could use a drink, or two, or ten. She asks Willow, any interest? Willow suggests they get the hell out of there. Chase says he’ll text her, they exchange I love yous, and Chase leaves. Spinelli tells Jason and Sam, it was a most satisfying day. Shiloh looked trapped. Sam says she should have known Shiloh was going to use her past against her; he always has another card to play. Jason says her testimony was strong, but they have to cover every possible angle. He tells Spinelli to investigate the connection between Peter and Shiloh. He asks if Sam is okay, and she says she can’t believe he used her past against her. I’m not sure why. He says they knew this was coming when Shiloh opted to stand trial. His only hope is to cast doubt on the witnesses. Sam says she can’t let it get to her. Not after what he did to Kristina.

Sketch guy approaches the guard with Shiloh in the hallway. He says, the warden wants this to be a two man operation.

Carly thought they were on the same page, but Sonny says, obviously not. He didn’t think she was going to schedule an interview. She says nothing has been scheduled. She just got available times. He doesn’t think it’s right to send Dev off. Maybe he’s wrong. She says she doesn’t know what he wants her to do. She won’t ask Josslyn to continue to lie, and she won’t do it to Dev either. He knows his presence there means Josslyn has to lie. Sonny says he knows he’s asking a lot for Josslyn to be patient during this arrangement. Carly says, it’s not sustainable. He says, maybe they could consider letting Josslyn move in with Jax for a while.

Josslyn doesn’t want to talk about school, and asks Dev to talk about literally anything else. How is it working in the warehouse? Dev says, fine, and she wonders if he can be more vague. He says, things are okay, and she tells him that he’s going to flunk English if he doesn’t expand his vocabulary. How’s it really going? He says, good so far, but he feels like not relating, the way some people talk to him. Josslyn asks if they talk down to him, and he says they think Sonny made up the position to keep him busy. He feels like he’s in the way. Not just at the warehouse but at home too.

Peter says, it just came out, and Lulu says, this is happening? Maxie says, nothing is happening. She’s not leaving Crimson. Peter is fixated on the idea that she can run her own magazine. Lulu asks why Maxie is reluctant, and Maxie says she’s happy at Crimson, and she loves working with Nina. Lulu asks if she doesn’t want more. Maxie tells Peter, now that he hijacked their catch-up session, she’s politely asking him to leave. He gets up, puts his jacket on, and tells Lulu, one more thing. She shouldn’t rock the boat at work until he’s had a chance to speak with her editor. She thanks him, and says she’d love to get back to crime. She’s love to cover the Shiloh trial. He says, too dark, but she says, it’s torture waiting for other reports instead of just being there. He says he knows the feeling. In the hallway, he flashes back to Shiloh threatening him, saying he’s an eyewitness. Peter can deny it, but with his track record, who would believe him? Especially not that cutie he brought to the Nurses Ball, Maxie Jones. Shiloh says he wants the hell out, and Peter is going to make it happen.

The real guard says, the warden didn’t say anything, but sketch guy says, with all the media attention the case is getting, and all the crazies coming out of the woodwork, he thought there should be help just in case. The guard says, whatever the warden wants. Sketch guy’s phone rings, and he says he needs to take the call. Start the van, and he’ll be out in a second. It’s Peter, and sketch guy says, the situation is being handled. Peter says, it had better be finished by the end of the trial. Keep him posted. Peter turns around, and Spinelli is standing there.

Carly says Sonny wants Josslyn to move in with Jax? He thinks it’s the least damaging thing for her and Dev. Carly tells him to forget that idea; it’s not happening. She won’t help Dev at Josslyn’s expense. He says he never meant to prioritize Dev; he was just thinking out loud. She tells him, keep thinking. That plan doesn’t work for their family. This is Josslyn’s home, and it will devastate Avery. The first thing she does in the morning is ask where Josslyn is. He says he would never sacrifice their family for Dev. He’s just trying to help the kid out. Carly gets that, but he’s not Dev’s father. Maybe the best way to protect Dev is keep him at a distance. He says he’s not hanging Dev out to dry, but she says they would never do that. He says, sending Dev to boarding school feels that way, but she says, they’d be sending him to a place to create the life he wants. He won’t have to worry about fielding questions about his past. He’d be free. Why she thinks he wouldn’t be fielding questions at another school, I don’t know.

Josslyn says he’s not getting in the way, but Dev says it’s not fair for her to lie. It’s a lot. He appreciates everything they’ve done for him. Josslyn knows he’s grateful, and he says he’s serious. He wants her to know it’s meant a lot – whatever happens. She asks what that means, and he says, it just means that anything can happen to anyone at any time. He doesn’t want to go another day without apologizing. He’s sorry he was a jerk at the beginning. If he suddenly wasn’t around, he’d want her to know how much it meant to him. Josslyn tells him to stop auditioning. He already booked the gig. He’s not going anywhere. She says she’s heading home, and asks if he’s coming. He says he’s staying there. He’s hoping inspiration will strike. She says she’ll see him at home – where he’s not getting in the way.

Lulu asks Maxie to tell her about the new job opportunity. Maxie says there isn’t one, and Lulu says, not until she leaves Crimson. Maxie asks why she would do that. It’s part of her DNA. She asks if Lulu remembers when they were both assistants. Lulu knows Maxie is passionate about it, but she’s not obligated to stay. Maxie says her own fashion magazine is a fantasy. There’s no offer on the table. Starting a magazine is asking to fail. Lulu asks what she’d do if she was put in charge, and Maxie says, it would have to be online. Crimson has an online presence, but she’d want the site to be the crux of the enterprise. She’s want to see a lifestyle brand. They’d do things like affordable concerts, interviews with influencers, the history of fashion designers. Lulu says, so she hasn’t thought about this at all.

Sam asks what Robert thinks. He says Shiloh’s testimony could have gone better, but thinks the jury will see through it. Jason hopes he’s right. Robert says they all want Shiloh brought to justice, but it has to be by the legal system. Not Jason’s personal brand.

Peter says Spinelli snuck up on him, and Spinelli says he’s well-versed the techniques of stealth and surveillance. He hopes he didn’t disturb Peter’s call. Peter says, it was business, and Spinelli wonders how Shiloh’s trial is business. Peter says Spinelli can read about it if he has The Invader online. Spinelli says he didn’t mean to overstep. He was just curious about Peter, since Peter is getting close with his daughter’s mother.

Robert hopes Jason isn’t planning retaliation. All eyes are on the trial. If something happens to Shiloh, the PCPD and his office will know where to start asking questions. He leaves, and Sam asks if he’s kidding. It’s an unfair, unnecessary lecture. Does he think Jason is going after Shiloh while he’s in custody? Jason says Robert thinks he wants Shiloh dead, which is true. He thinks Jason can get to him, which is also true. If the system fails, he’s going to deal with Shiloh personally. Robert can ask all the questions he wants, but there won’t be any proof. Chase sees them, and says, dammit! Shiloh is gone.

Sonny says he’ll keep an open mind, and Carly tells him, don’t take too long. They have to make a decision before the next semester. He promises a decision will be made before the baby is born. She says her goal isn’t to pick on Dev, or push him away. Her goal is to support her daughter. If Josslyn wants to divide her time between them and Jax at some point, they’ll have that conversation as a family. She’s not uprooting her daughter for Dev. She wants Josslyn to pick what’s right for herself.

Dev looks travel options from Port Charles to Montreal. Wow. The flights are pretty cheap. Like, thirty-nine bucks.

Maxie says, sorry to ramble, but Lulu says she’s not rambling. She sounds excited, and Lulu is proud of her. Maxie says she has a big notion of what she’d like to do, but she’s not an entrepreneur; she’s a fashion editor. She’s not qualified to launch a magazine. Lulu says, it sounded like a smart business plan. Maxie says Lulu is too kind. Lulu says when she was considering switching careers and becoming a journalist, it seemed like a pipe dream. But a close friend told her it took three things to make her dream a reality – talent, drive, and commitment – and Maxie has all three. Maxie says, she did say that, didn’t she? Lulu says, she did, and she was right. Maxie says it’s great to about it, but it’s not happening. She’s not leaving now; no way, not yet. The last few years have been rocky for her, and things are just settling down. Besides, she likes how much time she has to spend with James and Peter. Why jeopardize that?

Josslyn gets home, but no one is around. She sees the brochure, and says, boarding school?

Spinelli suggests he and Peter do a double date. Peter asks if Spinelli wants to go out with him and Maxie, but Spinelli says, and Ellie, of course (🍷). The next time they’re all in the same city, they can grab dinner. Peter says, sounds great. Spinelli says with the holidays coming, he’ll be back soon, and Peter suggests he run some dates by Maxie. She can set something up. Peter leaves, and after an extremely awkward moment with Peter waiting for the elevator doors to close, Spinelli makes a call. He says it’s the Jackal, and he needs a trace on a cell phone call.

Sam asks Chase how Shiloh could be gone? He was cuffed and under guard. Chase says, the van never made it back to Pentenville.

Bobbie is pulled over. She asks the officer if there’s a problem. The officer is Shiloh, and he says, afraid so.

On Monday, Finn wants to ask Peter some questions, Franco tells Elizabeth that she has no claim on him, Josslyn thinks she’s being sent away, and Bobbie calls for help.

🍰 If You Didn’t See It…

I missed the first hour of the MasterChef finale, but apparently, everything was getting so close, Joe resorted to complaining about plate colors. Some of the plates were truly unique. One looked like an open book – at least I hope it was a plate, and not really a book, which seems a little unsanitary. The other plate design that caught my eye had a pair of hands on it, which made it look like they were holding the food. Nick got the boot before the end, an undercooked piece of seabass being his undoing. The consolation prize was Joe offering to take Nick under his wing. It came down to Dorian and Sarah, and desserts. Dorian said her dessert was her way of bringing her mom into the kitchen, and Joe said when he ate her food, he got to know her better. She told her story on a plate, and it took major talent to do that. Sarah made some ganache, and I don’t really know what that is, but it was chocolate, and it looked amazing. Both Sarah and Dorian received a Viking kitchen, which was sweet, but would never even fit in my postage stamp sized kitchen. In the end, it was Dorian who got the quarter million, the trophy, and the chance to train in all three of the judges’ restaurants. At age 45, she was thrilled to prove you should always go after your dream. I’m sure Sarah won’t do too badly either. It’s like being one of the finalists on American Idol. There are still plenty of perks.

🍗 If you’re interested in auditioning for the next MasterChef, you can go to: masterchefcasting.com. I laughed to myself, thinking I should go in there and make boiled hot dogs and scrambled eggs.

🏩 Wondering If Tad Is Still a Cad…

Am I the only one who thinks he looks like Colonel Sanders?

https://ew.com/tv/2019/09/18/general-hospital-michael-knight-tad-martin/

💰 The Return of Tuc…

The 80s? Wall Street? Lamborghinis? Don Cheadle? I’m in.

https://deadline.com/2019/09/black-monday-season-2-tuc-watkins-joins-showtime-don-cheadle-comedy-1202738242/

👠 A Feud For the Ages…

One of my favorite frenemy pairs.

https://www.abc.soapsindepth.com/posts/one-life-to-live-erika-slezak-viki-dorian-feud-172576

📡 Quotes of the Week

After all, what did they have in common? She was a lawyer, and he was a sandwich. – Carrie Bradshaw (Sarah Jessica Parker), Sex in the City

Raise your voice, not your words; it is rain that grows flowers, not thunder. – Rumi

Anybody can become angry — that is easy, but to be angry with the right person and to the right degree and at the right time and for the right purpose, and in the right way — that is not within everybody’s power and is not easy. – Aristotle

Patience is not the ability to wait. Patience is to be calm no matter what happens. – Roy T. Bennett

I cannot let the fear of the past color the future. – Julie Kagawa

Don’t go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first. – Mark Twain

Love is like an hourglass, with the heart filling up as the brain empties. – Jules Renard

If all the cars in the United States were placed end to end, it would probably be Labor Day Weekend. – Doug Larson

If you cannot get rid of the family skeleton, you may as well make it dance. – George Bernard Shaw

Justice ain’t about bringing back the dead. Justice is about justice. – Tadzu Lempke (Michael Constantine), Thinner, by Stephen King

It is not in the stars to hold our destiny but in ourselves. – William Shakespeare

👓 It’s a Conspiracy…

Everyone seems to have a more fun Saturday than me too. Warning: bad words.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sep14

September 13, 2019 – Lucy Makes Sasha an Offer, Covering Tamron, Chefs In Hatfield, a Donut Box of Quotes & Best Night

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

At Kelly’s, Maxie asks if Jax is sure he chose the right restaurant. Jax says, she wanted authentic Port Charles. Maxie says the MetroCourt is authentic. It’s sleek, sophisticated, and doesn’t have crayons on the table. She’s going to make a reservation. Jax says, too late; she’s here. Maxie says, it’s going to be a disaster. Tamron Hall walks in, and says she always wanted to eat there. Jax introduces himself and Maxie. Tamron says she’s excited to be in Port Charles.

Laura asks Curtis if there are any updates about Drew. He says, nothing good. They’re ready to call off the search. She’s so sorry, and asks if he’d like to meet another time, but he says he could use the distraction. He asks if she has any more info on Helena. Laura says that’s why she wanted to meet. She’s reconsidered his offer. She feels uncomfortable helping until she knows who he’s working for.

Peter gets fitted for a suit at Windymere. Valentin thanks him for coming by, and Peter says he doesn’t want to tarnish the wedding photos. He wants Valentin to know that he stills thinks of him as a mentor, despite what he’s learned about Valentin’s past. Valentin was there for him when no one else was, and he’s honored to be Valentin’s best man. He’s done research on his responsibilities. Besides being in charge of the bachelor party, he’s supposed to be Valentin’s confidant, and help with any problems Valentin has. He asks if Valentin has anything to get off his chest.

As they walk down the hall, Nina tells Sasha, don’t overdo it. Obrecht comes by, and asks if Nina must scream. Nina asks if Obrecht is all right, and Obrecht says she’s fine, but it’s too bright in there. She puts sunglasses. Sasha says they don’t have to stay; she’s fully recovered. Michael tells her, take it easy, and she says she’ll refrain from running a marathon. Nina says, there will be no chance of that. Her family will be watching her like a hawk. Obrecht says Sasha has the support of the entire family.

Lucas, Brad, and Wiley visit Charlie’s, and Julian asks what brings them there. Lucas says he thought he’d pop by after Wiley’s swimming lesson at the Y. Lucas wants Julian to get in as much time with his family as possible before he leaves town. Julian says he’s always grateful to see them, and Lucas says, it was Brad’s idea. Lulu is sitting by herself, and Lucas brings Wiley over to say hello. Julian tells Brad that he didn’t come there so Julian could have extra time, did he? Brad says, no. He needs to know if Julian is going to kill Obrecht.

Maxie asks if Tamron wants to eat inside or outside. Inside, she’ll get the ambience, and get crayons. Tamron says she loves crayons. Jax says, normally, they’d be meeting with Nina, and Maxie says, Nina’s daughter is in the hospital. She’s made a full recovery, but Nina has been a teeny bit distracted, and Tamron deserves their complete focus and undivided attention and time. Tamron is a respected journalist with a daytime show, and now a mom. Maxie knows she has no time spare. Jax tells Maxie to slow her roll, and tells Tamron that it can benefit her too, if she honors them by being on the cover of Crimson.

Curtis tells Laura, as much as he needs help, he can’t violate his agreement with his client. She asks him to at least tell her what he’s looking for; an heirloom, or artifact… He says, a piece of paper, and she says, please. That’s even more vague. He says it’s a document, but he can’t say anything else. Trust him, and he promises to tell her all about it when they find it – together.

Lulu says, Wiley gets cuter every day. Lucas asks if she wants to change him, but that’s a no. Lulu says she’ll leave that to the expert. Lucas goes to do the deed, and Dustin comes in. Lulu says she was going to call him. She thanks hum for helping with the party. He asks if Rocco had a good time, and she says, he had blast. Dustin says he did too. She asks if he’s meeting someone, and he says he’s getting lunch, but he’s glad he ran into her. She’s been on his mind all day.

Brad says, as long as Obrecht knows about Wiley’s real father, she’s a threat. Julian says, yeah, and Brad says Julian knows what he has to do; silence her for good. Julian says it would make their lives easier, and Brad says, so they’re on the same page. Julian says, that doesn’t make it right. Brad says it’s not like Julian hasn’t done this before, but Julian says he has a new life now. Brad tells him, see how long it lasts when Obrecht spills the beans. Forget what the truth will do to Wiley and Lucas. When Sonny finds out Julian helped steal his grandson, his new life will be over when he’s floating in the Hudson River.

Michael asks Obrecht if she had a long night, and Nina chastises her for getting wasted on a weeknight. Obrecht says she barely drank anything. She must have enjoyed her libations on an empty stomach. Lucy appears, saying, there they are. Obrecht says, please, God. Lucy says, good afternoon – to most of you. She says Sasha is just the person she’s looking for. She’s going to change Sasha’s life.

Lulu says Dustin was thinking about her? He wishes he hadn’t said it like that, and she says people tell  her that all the time. He says he read her article; it turned out well. It was charming. She says he’s being nice, but he says he’s being honest. Lulu says the article mortified her. This time last year, she was on the high-profile crime beat. She dropped the ball with the online dating article, and now the creep is still breaking in, but she’s writing lifestyle pieces. He says, so what? She’s in print. She says she feels like she’s sliding farther away from what she wants to write about, although maybe it suits her better for now. She hasn’t had time to get the repairs made on the Haunted Star. He asks if that’s the nightclub on the yacht, and she says she inherited it from her father; she owns it. He says, awesome. Let him know when it’s open for business again. She says if he has time now, does he want a tour? He says he’d like that.

Valentin tells Peter, aside from Cassandra, and Sasha’s health scare, he’s doing good. Peter asks, what about the matter of Obrecht? She’s been lording something over him for some time. He thought it was Sasha’s paternity, but the DNA test proved that wrong. What is she holding over him?

Lucy grabs Sasha, and Michael asks if this is about the modeling thing. Nina says, what modeling thing? Sasha says Lucy told her she could be a model. Lucy says, for Deception. She saw Sasha as her inspiration to launch her new venture. Nina asks, what venture? and Lucy says she was confused as to how to spend a rather large inheritance from Lee. Then she made a huge commission on a mansion, and it hit her. Now she could afford to finance the relaunch of her baby, Deception. Michael asks where she is in the process, and she says she’s still laying the groundwork. She’s getting back in touch with her old investors and suppliers from when she was the big poohbah in Coco Cosmetics. The one missing piece was the face of Deception. That’s where Sasha comes into play. Obrecht takes off her sunglasses, and stares at Lucy.

Julian tells Brad that Sonny won’t know unless Brad rats him out. Brad asks, why take the chance? Eliminate her, and both of them are safe. Julian tells him, say Obrecht disappears. Doesn’t he think people will ask questions? Brad says why would they suspect Julian? Obrecht has enemies everywhere, and Julian isn’t on that list. Protect Wiley and keep him with his fathers. Go to New York, and start over with Kim, and he’ll never have to worry again. Lucas asks, what’s going on?

Jax tells Tamron, the September issue did well, and he doesn’t want to end the year in scandal. He wants to go in the opposite direction. He wants to feature someone who has aspiration; who’s accomplished and beautiful. Someone the readers want to be or be friends with. Someone like her. Tamron says he’s being kind, and Maxie says, he’s not kind. No, he is. He’s an amazing boss, but he’s also an astute business man in the publishing world. He doesn’t talk a big game that he can’t follow through with. He’s not like that. He’s not just blowing smoke. It will happen, and it will be amazing. She just has to say yes.

Nina suggests Lucy slow it down. She says Lucy wants her daughter to model? Lucy asks if Nina has looked at Sasha. Why is she surprised? Nina says she isn’t, but it’s the first she’s hearing about it. Lucy says Sasha didn’t mention it to her mom? Sasha says she’s been a little preoccupied with trying not die. She appreciates Lucy’s confidence, but she doesn’t know why Lucy is interested. She has no experience. Lucy says, experience, exschmerience. She has the feeling Sasha’s whole essence will dance off the page. She won’t just be a model, but the brand ambassador. She’ll be on posters and billboards, do interviews; she’ll be everywhere. She’s surprised Sasha didn’t mention it to Nina, the editor-in-chief of a popular and successful fashion magazine. Nina wants to make it clear, if Lucy wants ads in the magazine, she’ll pay the same rate as everyone else. Lucy understands, but Nina says maybe she’s getting ahead of herself. What does Sasha think? Sasha says she already has a job, but Nina tells her not to feel obligated. It’s a promising opportunity. Lucy says, and very rare. Nina asks if her beautiful daughter wants to give it a go. Obrecht scowls.

Brad tells Lucas that he knows how much Kim has struggled since Oscar’s passing. He feels for her. Now that he has a kid of his own, it’s more relatable. Lucas gets it. The way Kim is coping is amazing. She’s starting over, and he’s honestly in awe. He wouldn’t be able to get out of bed if anything happened to Wiley. He doesn’t know how he’d go on. Brad says, Wiley is safe with them, and always will be.

Lulu welcomes Dustin to the Haunted Star. He says, impressive. He’s always had a thing for boats. His grandpa used to take him out fishing on a tiny sailboat they had. Lulu asks if he was any good, and he says he was the worst. He felt sorry for the fish, and snuck them back in the water when no one was looking. She asks if he ever got caught, but he says his grandpa was probably too busy regaling him with old sailor tales. Whenever he’s on a ship, he ends up going down a Google/Wikipedia spiral, looking for the history. She says there’s a lot of history there, and asks if he found anything interesting. He says, this place used to be a casino? and  she says, that’s less shady than other things that have happened. He says she sounds mysterious, and she says, let her show him around, and he can tell her what he thinks. He says, aye, aye, captain. Someone else on the boat watches them.

Curtis tells Laura that he knows it’s not much to work with, and she says, that’s putting it mildly. He hopes it’s enough to convince her to help him search. She says, it’s enough for now, and he thanks her. She has one request. For each day she helps, he has to give her another hint. He agrees, and says, the obvious place to start is Windymere, and she says, that works well. Valentin has Charlotte next week for the wedding. She can ask for a visit. Curtis says, a week seems like a long time to put it on the back burner. Laura tells him, who said they’d be doing that? She knows another location that held significance for Helena. Curtis thanks her again, and says that’s why he came to her. Where is she talking about? She says, the Haunted Star.

Lulu tells Dustin, he should take Rocco around the boat, so he can hear from an expert. Dustin says he’d hardly call himself an expert, but he does his best. She says Charlotte and Rocco like him, and he says, the feeling is mutual. Maybe he’ll head out to open water one day, and catch a glimpse of the ghost of Captain Jerimiah. She asks what he’s talking about, and he can’t believe she’s lived in Port Charles her whole life, and doesn’t’ know the story. She tells him, refresh her memory, and he says Josiah was a commander in the American forces during the Revolutionary War. He defected. She asks, how come? and he says Josiah fell in love with the daughter of a British noble. He and his wife moved back to England, and when she was visiting Canada as a dignitary, her ship sank, not far from there. Josiah never got over it, and died broke and alone. They say when you take a boat out on a foggy night, you can see him searching for his lost love. Lulu asks if Dustin thinks Josiah found her, but he tells her, it’s hard to say. He knows if it was him, he wouldn’t give up. He kisses her.

Sasha tells Lucy, sorry. She’s not ready to commit. She needs to get back to living life outside of isolation before she thinks about a career. Lucy is disappointed, but says she understands. Nina tells Sasha, sorry; no pressure. Sasha says, it’s not a no, and Lucy tells her, if she wants to take time to consider, take all the time she needs, but not really. She wants to lock down the brand ambassador soon. She looks forward to hearing from Sasha. She walks away, and Obrecht says, and they call her assertive. Michael tells Sasha not to let anyone force her. Nina tells her, that being said, it might be fun. Obrecht says, oodles of fun. Sasha can’t wait to get out, but Obrecht says Sasha can’t formally be released unless she leaves in a wheelchair. She knows where they keep the best ones. She steers Sasha away.

Sasha asks if Obrecht has been lifting weights, and Obrecht says, CrossFit. She just completed level two. They stop, and Obrecht tells Sasha, congratulations on her recovery, but has the Avian flu left her with a bird brain as well? Being a spokesmodel is the last thing she should do.

Valentin tells Peter that he came clean with Nina on a personal matter, and Peter says if Valentin needs a soundboard, he’s there.  Valentin wonders who Peter is protecting. What secret is he keeping from Maxie?

Julian comes by Alexis’s office. She tells him that she has no updates on the closing, but he says, actually, it’s personal. He wanted her to know, he’s not waiting for the closing; he and Kim are leaving immediately. He wanted to say goodbye. She says, it’s not goodbye goodbye, is it? He says, as soon as the sale is complete, he won’t be living in Port Charles. The closest he and Sam came to finding common ground was when they swapped out Wiley’s adoption records. A father/daughter activity made his own – allegedly. For the near future anyway, there’s not much to connect him to Port Charles. He and Alexis have a rich past, but… Alexis says, it’s in the past. That’s exactly why he came. He wanted her to know that he didn’t become a better man just because of Kim. He’s been working at trying to be better – at least not a criminal. She didn’t waste her time.

Dustin apologizes, but Lulu tells him, shut up. She kisses him, and says she doesn’t want him to stop. They continue to kiss, as someone watches.

Peter says there are no more secrets between Maxie and himself. Valentin asks if he can offer some advice. The past is best left in the past. The darker it is, the more burdensome is the wish to share it. Don’t think it will ease his guilty conscience. It won’t. It will just increase the chaos. The best thing for people like them is to hope they can protect the ones they love. Leave the past in the past, and focus on the future.

Obrecht tells Sasha, she’s not considering Lucy’s offer? Sasha says she hasn’t decided. Obrecht says, tell her, danke, nein danke.  If she becomes a public figure, her face will be in magazines, there will be pieces written about her, and they’ll inquire into her past, the intriguing story about how she and Nina found each other. They’ll fact check, and find out Sasha is lying. How long before she’s exposed for who she is? Nip this in the bud. She leaves, and Michael asks, what was that about? Sasha says, just.. He says, if she can’t tell him, that’s fine. It’s not fine, but he’ll accept it . She says, it’s time he heard the truth.

Julian tells Alexis that he couldn’t have changed if she hadn’t believed it was possible. How she made her choices, and stood up for the people she loved, had a big impact. It made all the difference. She says she knows. She sees it every time she’s in Charlie’s, and sees him with Kim, or his children; sometimes, her children. Julian says after dealing with their daughter, Kristina is less terrifying.  Alexis says she noticed he made himself safe enough to be loved by his family. She encourages him to stay the man he’s become, and he says he’ll do his best.

Alexis tells Julian, everything that happened between them, some of it was his fault, and the rest was pretty much his fault. Not the running over part. He says he’d gladly take the blame. For the longest time, he didn’t think he’d get over her. He’s not too sure he ever will completely. She says, her too, and he says whatever good she wants for him, he wants for her ten times over. They hug, and he tells her, be happy. She says, him too, and they almost look like they’re going to kiss, but Julian leaves. Alexis has tears in her eyes.

Brad asks if Lucas is okay, and Lucas says, not really. Brad asks, what’s wrong? and Lucas says he just has a terrible feeling that something is going to happen to Wiley, like what happened to Oscar. Brad says, it won’t, but Lucas says Brad doesn’t know that. There’s only so much they can do. Brad says nothing will take Wiley away. Not on his watch. Wiley gets fussy, and Lucas wonders how Brad went from panic attacks to being the calm, cool, collected one. Brad says he loves Lucas, and he loves their son. Nothing can ever break their family apart. He won’t let it.

Maxie says she has a lot to tell Peter, and he says, he does too. She tells him about Tamron Hall, and says Jax is closing the deal. She asks how it went with Valentin, and Peter says, he wanted to talk about the past. They’ve all made terrible mistakes, so Peter has decided to make a choice of letting it all go. He takes her hand, and tells her, it’s time to start focusing on their future.

Curtis and Laura get on the Haunted Star, and Laura says, that’s weird. The lights are on. Curtis asks if Lulu didn’t hire a repair team, but Laura doesn’t hear work sounds. Curtis says he’s been meaning to ask how the boat passed from the Cassadines to Lulu. Laura says Helena gave it to her and Luke as a wedding gift. Money was no object, except it was really her way to psyche them out. it worked for a year, and eventually Luke gave it to Lulu. He asks if she has any idea where Helena might have hidden the artifact. She says, take his pick. The boat is full of hiding places and passages. Curtis wonders where to start, and she says, follow her.

Valentin asks Nina if Sasha is ready to head back. Nina says, almost. She and Michael are talking. Lucy is relaunching her cosmetics line, and wants Sasha as the face. She doesn’t know if Sasha is going to accept, but it would be totally cool. Obrecht says, how cool it would be. Sasha would be a celebrity, with avid followers, clamoring to know every detail of her life.

Michael says what Sasha has to tell him can wait, but she says she has to tell him now, or she’ll lose her nerve. He says she’s still recovering, and she says she can’t decide if he’s being caring and considerate, or delaying the inevitable. He says, maybe a little of both. It’s obvious that it’s bad and he won’t like it, but he can think of a lot of reasons why it can wait. She says, it can’t. She can’t keep living in fear, and can’t keep lying. He deserves to know who she really is.

Laura leads Curtis to the staterooms, and says, no workmen. Curtis says every time he comes near the staterooms, he remembers his wedding night, and finding Kiki’s body. Laura says, it was horrific. If this is a trigger… He says he’ll be fine. Let’s do this. He opens the door, and Laura gasps.

On Monday, Lulu wonders how she’s going to explain this to her mother, Obrecht telsl Brad that he’s going to reunite her with her daughter, and Sasha tells Michael that she’s not Nina’s daughter.

💋 Crimson Cover Girl…

A little bit on today’s guest star.

https://soaphub.com/general-hospital/tamron-hall-guest-stars-on-general-hospital/

🍖 A MasterChef Quickie…

Although I’ve missed a few episodes, I’ve been watching MasterChef as often as I can. I caught tonight’s rerun, and if you haven’t seen it, here are the high points. They were down to the final four – Sarah, Noah, Dorian, and Nick – and the chefs were at the historic Hatfield House in Hertfordshire, England. It was an amazing setting, and the contestants were challenged to make a venison dish in one hour (with the meat coming from the property, but I tried not to think about that). They were thrown a monkey wrench a half-hour in, by being told they had to concoct a trifle as well. Sarah said it was going to be either her golden ticket or a plane ticket home. Nick left a string in his venison, which Joe said, professionally, gave him a punch in the gut. Although I wouldn’t know the first thing about creating any of these dishes, even I was horrified. Or at least really surprised. Nick didn’t want be sent home for a string, as none of us would. Noah’s risotto did him in, but he summed it up well when he said, one day he was driving a truck, and the next, here he is. He was proud of what he’d achieved, and said the competition had made him a better person. For the final three, there was champagne and fireworks. Takeaway point – bad risotto trumps left in string. Next time – the two-hour finale.

https://meaww.com/masterchef-season-10-noah-eliminated-risotto-nigella-lawson-guest-judge-gordon-ramsay-joe-aaron

🗿 Quotes of the Week

It’s go big or go home. We went home. – Jen Arnold, The Little Couple (I literally lol’d.)

Genius ain’t anything more than elegant common sense. – Josh Billings

Chris? What kind of plain ass name is that? – Maverick Carter (Russell Hornsby), The Hate U Give

Jealousy contains more of self-love than of love. – Francois de La Rochefoucauld

Art does not reproduce what we see; rather, it makes us see. – Paul Klee

No matter what people tell you, words and ideas can change the world. – Robin Williams

If you’re not cheating, you’re not trying. – woman on a first date, referring to playing games, Dating: No Filter

Storms make trees take deeper roots. – Dolly Parton

There’s only one woman I’m afraid of, and his name is Stephen Tyler. – Max (Kat Dennings), 2 Broke Girls

Nothing great in the world has ever been accomplished without passion. – Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel

People generate the results in life they think they deserve. – Dr. Phil

Patience is the companion of wisdom. – Saint Augustine (Good luck to me with this one.)

🏄 Best Night Of the Week…

Except for Friday. Use the time well. See you when the dead are feared.

 

 

May18

May 17, 2019 – Red Carpet At the Ball, Chef Lisa, Throne Theory, Jim Has Not, Adios Coltee, OC Alumni, Miami Forgettable, Reality Troubles, a Mix Of Six Quotes, RIP For Three & Goodbye Mr. Tudball

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Five minutes to the Nurses Ball. Maxie tells Nina that she has to be there has to be on the red carpet, not making grand entrance. Sydney Valjean (Chandra Wilson) joins Nina, who thought she’d be late. Sydney says, never, especially when she’s hosting. Nina reminds her that she’s co-hosting, and Sydney says she knows it’s Nina’s night. Maxie is live tweeting, and Nina tells Sydney to go easy on the guests’ outfits, but she says she stands for truth in fashion. She’ll be cordial, but she’s not going to lie. Nina says if someone is wearing something… challenging, she’ll take it. Starting with the first guest. She’s extra.

In Toronto, Curtis and Laura are tied back to back. Curtis comes to, and tells Laura, wake up. They have trouble. She opens her eyes, and says, oh my God.

Carly comes downstairs in a sparkly red gown. Sonny tells her that she looks great, and asks what the verdict is. Are they staying or going?

Nina welcomes the viewers to the 2019 GH Nurses Ball. She’s being joined by Crimson magazine’s New York fashion editor, Sydney Valjean. It’s the first Ball Sydney has been to in person, and she’s ready to get the night started. Nina says for once, they’re on the same page. She usually saves this guest for last, but suggests they get to the good stuff first, and introduces Lucy, who’s wearing a mosaic patterned dress with a fishtail hem. Sydney says she looks stunning. Lucy gushes over Sydney, saying she’s such a fangirl. Nina says she’s right there too. Can Lucy give the audience a taste of what to expect? and Lucy says, no. She doesn’t want to ruin the delicious surprises. She goes over to Maxie, who compliments her dress, which Lucy calls delirious. She says, let the Nurses Ball begin.

Doc and Ava come in, and Sydney says Doc is looking dapper. Ava says, isn’t he though? Ava is wearing a black gown with sleeves of silver fringe dripping down to a cuff at the wrist. Nina tells her, kudos for being bold. She asks what they’re looking forward to, and Doc appreciates the raising of money for a truly worthy cause. Ava says they want to help any way they can. They move on to Maxie. Ava asks if there’s something wrong, and Maxie says she’s just surprised to see them together. Ava says, it will take some getting used to.

Nina introduces Scotty as lawyer extraordinaire. Does he want to say hello to the audience? He says, hello… and goodbye. Maxie asks who he’s wearing, and he says, expensive. She wonders who has his trousers in a twist, and he looks at Doc and Ava, saying, those two are all wrong, Maxie says, agreed, and he says he wants to make it right. He blocks the camera with his hand.

Laura tells Curtis, he’s gone. That poor woman. He killed her after she helped him. Curtis says, he killed her because he knew she was going to help them. He doesn’t think Ryan is coming back any time soon. It’s up to them to get themselves out. She says, please tell her that he has a knife in his pocket. He thinks the corners of the chair is sharp enough. If they work together, they can free themselves. She says, wait a minute. She smells gas.

Carly tells Sonny that Josslyn is definitely not going, but wants them to go. Sonny doesn’t want to, but Carly doesn’t know. She asks what he thinks, and he says it would be good for Carly if she went. She knew he’d say that, and he wonders why she asked. She tells him, next time tell her what she wants to hear, Sonny says he secretly hates this night. It reminds him of Stone, and how he’s gone, and the others who have died; but he hears Stone in his head, telling him, get off your ass, and go, so he goes. He sees people propping each other up, having a good time, and loving each other. He sees what good it does, and he’s glad he put his tux on and went. Carly says they’ll wait for Kristina to get there.

Franco picks up Elizabeth at the hospital. She looks like a princess, in blue sleeveless gown with a train. He says, wow, and she tells him that he looks handsome. He says she’s so beautiful, and kisses her. Epiphany tells them to get a room – or at least a supply closet. Elizabeth and Franco agree Epiphany looks great, and she does in an orange gown with a tie at the waist and a front slit. TJ, Deanna, and Amy join them. TJ says they’re ready to get their Ball on, and Deanna says she’ll call an Uber. They don’t want to miss the red carpet. Franco says he hired an enormous stretch limo. They can’t have the Ball without the nurses, and they’re going to arrive in style. Amy says Franco is ridiculously nice. Franco suggests they get going.

Nina introduces Willow escorted by Chase. She says, rumor has it that he’s performing again, and he says she’ll have to wait and see. She says Willow must know, but she says, he’s like a vault. She tried to get it out of him. Sydney asks, how? and Chase tells Willow, just be patient. Sydney says, they’re adorable. Nina is like, meh, but then says, he’s adorable, and runs to Valentin. They kiss.

Sasha comes in with Michael. Nina is happy to see them there together. Michael is happy to be there. It’s a cause dear to his heart. Nina says, which he showed with his company’s generous donation. She thanks him. Sydney knows it’s Willow’s first Ball, and asks how she feels. Willow says she was nervous at first, but she’s ready to have fun now.

Ava thanks Doc. He says, for what? and she says she was close to ripping Nina’s face off, and he smoothed the waters. He says she has prioritize. They have a bigger mission tonight. Ava thinks Ryan won’t be able to resist, and he agrees. She’s the best way to draw Ryan out, but nothing with Ryan ever goes according to plan.

Curtis says he can smell the gas, and feels it. He coughs, and Laura says she knows what Ryan is doing. Curtis suggests she fill him in. She says Ryan was supposed to die in a funhouse explosion. He wants her to die the same way he was supposed to. Curtis says, a funhouse? He’s not having much fun. There’s no way he’s going to let this freak win.

Lucy asks Scotty what Doc is thinking. Scotty says, Doc thinks he can douse his grief with guilt, and Ava is milking it for all it’s worth. It’s like a like runaway train, and they have to put brakes on.

Michael hears Maxie is on online tweeting duty, and she tells them to smile.

Nina says, here come newlyish weds, Franco and Elizabeth. Sydney admires Elizabeth’s dress, and Nina asks if they’re looking forward to the performances. Franco says he really stays for the nurses. He feels fortified being with them. He tells Nina, a gaggle of rowdy nurses is coming, and the gaggle follows them in. Epiphany asks who’s he calling rowdy? She runs a tight ship. TJ says, a tighter ship has never been run. Nina introduces Epiphany has GH’s head nurse, and Sydney asks if Magic Milo will be joining them. Epiphany says he had a work conflict, so Milo is keeping the magic in his pants this year.

Sydney introduces renowned coffee importer, Sonny Corinthos, and his lovely wife. Sydney says the cause has a special significance to Sonny’s family. Sonny says, it’s always a good time. It’s a blessing be there, and realize how precious life is. He and Carly kiss.

Michael tells Sasha that he’s sorry if Nina gushing over him made her feel uncomfortable. She says, it didn’t. She thought it was sweet.

Chase tells Willow that he has a great idea. The next time he visits her class, he’ll bring Thor, but also deputize the kids. She thinks it is a great idea, but he’ll have to do it in someone else’s class. She was fired. She’s finishing the yea, and then she’s done. He asks when it happened, and she says, yesterday. He’s so sorry, and asks if it’s because of the Charlotte thing. She says she doesn’t agree with Nina and Valentin’s choices a lot, but the truth is, she could have handled it better. Chase suggests focusing on the upside. There are a lot of private schools that would jump at the chance to hire her. Sometimes things that seem to be the worst, actually turn out to be the best. She says it worked out for the best the night she met him.

Franco tells Elizabeth that no one can hold a candle to her. She says it’s going to be a good night, and he says, it’s already pretty good.

Maxie hugs Peter, and brings him over to Nina. She introduces Maxie as her superior fashion editor, who’s doing double work. With her, is the publisher of The Invader, along with his star reporter, Lulu. Maxie hopes it’s less eventful than last year. I die over Lulu’s dress, which is sparkly and from fairyland. Nina gets something caught in her throat, and excuses herself. Sydney says she thought Nina would never leave, and asks about Lulu’s dress.

Unfortunately, I don’t get to hear the answer. Nina goes on the terrace, and sees Jax. She says she’s looking for water, and he asks if she’ll settle for champagne. She says, sure, and sips it. She apologizes, saying she doesn’t usually steal people’s booze, but her throat closed up. He asks if it was an interview with press, and she says she’s a publisher doing this for charity. He says it’s generous of her. She doesn’t know if her throat closed because of the lights (?) or because she hates those two. Did she just say that out loud? Jax says she’s lucky he doesn’t know who she’s referring too. She says champagne goes to her head, and thanks him, saying she’ll see him on the red carpet.

Carly sees Michael, and he introduces Sasha to her and Sonny. Carly says they’ve already met. At the MetroCourt after Sasha’s workout. It’s nice to see her again. Michael says, no Josslyn? and Carly says, no, but she insisted they come. She had second, third, and fourth thoughts about it. Michael tells her to give Josslyn space and confidence. She’ll be okay. Carly excuses herself to go to the ladies room. Sonny says, Michael knows she’s going to text her daughter, right. Michael says, 100%.

Lucy says Scotty knows what to do. He says she just told him. Just go. Lucy says, it’s going to work, and gives Scotty a thumbs up.

Ava tells Doc, don’t worry. Ryan won’t come there with all these people. He’ll wait until she’s alone.

Mac and Felicia arrive. Sydney says it’s not their first Nurses Ball. What’s their favorite act from over the years. Mac says Mr. Something-or-Other (a bad act he did once), of course (🍷).

Sydney welcomes Jax back, and he says he’s happy to be back. She asks if he’s performing, and he says, Sonny sang last year, so maybe he’ll do a dance number. Anything is possible. A reporter grabs him, and asks if it’s a quick visit, or will Port Charles be seeing more of him? He says they’ll see what happens. He likes to keep his options open. Nina stutters trying to ask Jax a question, and Sydney says he’s an international financier; what brings him back to Port Charles? He says he lives in Australia, and Nina says she loves Australia. He asks if she’s been there, and she says, no, but the accent is great. Jax says he just finished a project there, and he’s looking into some opportunities. He’s missed Port Charles, and it’s great to be back, especially for an important cause. Nina says he should say hello to Maxie, and trails off. Sydney tells him, have a good evening, and pokes Nina. Maxie says she didn’t know he was back, and asks how long he’s home for. He says, indefinitely.

Sam and Shiloh walk the carpet. Nina doesn’t know him, and Sam explains that he runs DOD. Nina says, fantastic, and asks where Jason is. It’s not surprising he’s not there, since he probably doesn’t go to events like this. Shiloh says, it’s irrelevant. Sam isn’t defined by anyone else’s decision. Nina says, awesome, and passes them to Maxie. Sam says they heard she was live tweeting. Maxie says she was, but she just shut down. She has to find a friend. I laugh at Sam’s face when their picture is taken. It’s amusing in general how some of the photos have their true feelings written all over their faces.

A man goes up to Doc, telling him a woman passed out on the red carpet. They took her upstairs, but now she’s hysterical. He asks Doc to take a look. Doc asks Ava to excuse him. She says, if it starts, she’ll save him a seat. Scotty smiles.

Valentin approaches Peter and Lulu. He says Lulu looks exceptionally nice. She says Charlotte helped her pick out her dress. Valentin says, she helped Nina with her ensemble as well. Lulu says, maybe she’ll follow in her stepmother’s footsteps. Jax walks in.

Carly tells Jax that she so did not want to come. Jax says he kept offering to bail, and Carly says Josslyn ordered him. Josslyn doesn’t want to be the reason they stayed home. Jax says, it shows they’re listening, and have faith in her.

Lulu sees Sonny at the bar. He thought her mom was coming, but she says Laura is working on a special assignment. He says, mayor business? and she says, something like that.

Curtis tells Laura, they’ve got to get out. She thinks she can reach his knot. She gets his arm untied, and he says she is good.

Scotty tells Ava to with him to see something, and drags her off.

Doc knocks on a room door. He says received word someone needed assistance. Lucy pulls him into the room. She’s wearing nothing but a slip, and he assumes she didn’t faint on the carpet. She says, no, but it’s truly an emergency. Ava doesn’t know him like she does. She doesn’t see he’s feeling guilty about something he didn’t do. He says, that’s not what’s happening. She says he has a big, generous heart, but he doesn’t have to take care of Ava. Please let her save him from himself.

Jax talks to Josslyn on the phone. He says if she changes her mind, he has his phone on. Lulu, Peter, and Valentin come down the hall. Lulu introduces her boss and Valentin to Jax, but I get the vibe that Jax and Valentin know each other.

Willow and Chase sip champagne. She says, it’s no vintage of love, but it will get her through the evening. She suddenly stops, and Chase asks if she’s okay. She sees Shiloh and Sam.

Nina introduces Finn and Anna, former super spy. Sydney says they’re a lovely looking couple. At least Anna doesn’t look like an old lady this year, and has a nicely draped, black sleeveless dress; kind of Grecian. Sydney asks who she’s wearing, and Anna is like, umm… Nina says don’t keep them in suspense, and Anna stares at Robert, who just walked in. Nina introduces him as another super spy, and says he’s looking dashing. As they all are. Sydney says, an intriguing trio, and Nina says, for sure. She tells the viewers, the Ball is starting.

Chase tells Willow that she’s safe. Sam asks Shiloh if he’s sure he wants to do this. He says he just wants to say hello to Sonny and Carly. He asks how Kristina is, and Sonny says, better now. Shiloh says they’re looking forward to her return, but Carly says she wouldn’t count on it. He assures them he has the best intentions, as well as being Kristina’s friend. Sonny says he’s a philosopher, right? He says he used to be called that. Carly bets he’s been called other things too. Sonny says the philosophy he goes by is, family first, and always, at any cost.

Curtis gets loose, and unties Laura. He says they have to get out of there. It’s gonna blow. They run outside, and get blown off the porch.

Scotty brings Ava to the hotel room where Doc is. She says she has no time for this nonsense. He tells her, trust him. It’s for her own good. He opens the door, and goes, ah-ha! Caught you! but looks surprised himself.

Nina tells Sydney that she was flawless. Sydney says Nina too. They make a great team. Nina says, in print and on the red carpet. Sydney thinks Nina has someone waiting for her. Valentin is there, and says, let’s get out of here. Nina and Sydney air kiss. Nina says they’ll talk soon, and Sydney says, not too soon. Nina goes inside with Valentin.

Finn tells Robert that he wants his ring back.

Felicia tells Anna that she and Robert made quite an entrance. Which one is her date?

The Nurses Ball is about to begin. Everyone takes their seats. Jax watches Nina and Valentin.

On Monday, Lucy welcomes everyone, Anna tells Robert that Finn is her date, Maxie says Shiloh is the perfect name for a cult leader, and Jason tells Spinelli that they’re setting Shiloh up tonight.

🍳 Tonight, I happened to catch MasterChef: Celebrity Family Showdown. I hadn’t even heard about this particular Gordon Ramsay effort, but as if getting that blessing on a Friday night wasn’t enough, Lisa Vanderpump was a contestant, teamed with her daughter Pandora, against Snooki and JWoww from The Jersey Shore. The other two teams were Johnny Weir and his brother, vs Tara Lipinski and her husband. It was cooking something with a while fish, and Tara won, but who cares about them? The next teams’ challenge was to recreate a dish from tasting it, blindfolded. Lisa and Pandy were given a swordfish dish, while the Shore babes were given veal piccata. Puffy was along for the ride with Lisa, and although he was presented with his own tiny apron (so he wouldn’t feel left out – aww!) by Gordon, he was palmed off to Ken when the cooking started. The prize was $25K to the winner’s choice of charity, but the loser would still get $15K. Both teams were off somewhat, with Lisa and Pandy substituting snapper for swordfish, and Snooki and JWoww making marsala instead of piccata. Since they got the veal part right, the latter team won. I couldn’t even tell you the charity, since I was concentrating on Lisa, whose money would have gone to the dogs. My favorite part was when Lisa kicked the fridge door shut with her foot. Queens who can do no wrong! They’re just like us! The next part airs on Wednesday, May 22nd at 8 pm (FOX), and will be rerun on Friday at 9 pm. Tori Spelling, Jennie Garth and their daughters will be competing against Evander Holyfield, Oscar De La Hoya and their daughters.

🐉 Another Theory…

The horse belonged to Zoolander.

https://www.cosmopolitan.com/entertainment/a27474871/arya-dead-white-horse-theory-game-of-thrones/?source=nl&utm_source=nl_cos&utm_medium=email&date=051519&src=nl&utm_campaign=16874146

💸 Another Bad Day For Jim…

He has, but she wants him to have not.

https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2019/05/dukes-of-hazzard-star-john-schneiders-wages-garnished-by-ex/

💃 She’s Movin’ Moved On…

Larissa wasted no time after Coltee was out of the picture.

http://extratv.com/2019/05/14/90-day-fiance-star-larissa-lima-doesnt-look-like-this-anymore-see-her-post-divorce-makeover/?adid=extra_eme_27028_2019-05-16_rightnow5

❓ Remember Her?

No longer naked wasted, but still behind in payments.

https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2019/05/pregnant-gretchen-rossi-accused-of-falling-26000-behind-in-home-payments/?utm_source=email&em_hash=72048a93bc8188334dc1071a32fe8f3b

❓❓ Remember Them?

Me neither.

https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2019/05/rhom-plastic-surgeon-leonard-hochstein-legal-battle/?utm_source=email&em_hash=72048a93bc8188334dc1071a32fe8f3b

🃏 Harsh Realities…

The only sure things in life are death, taxes, and Jax being an idiot.

https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2019/05/vanderpump-rules-jax-taylor-owes-80000-in-taxes/?utm_source=email&em_hash=72048a93bc8188334dc1071a32fe8f3b

A soon-to-be married idiot.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1040483/all-the-details-on-jax-taylor-s-epic-first-bachelor-party?source=email&medium=emn-content-5&cmpid=evening&content=emn-news

The suckerfish that is Hoppy just won’t go away.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1041732/bethenny-frankel-says-jason-hoppy-tortured-her-during-dramatic-court-showdown?source=email&medium=emn-content-4&cmpid=morning-a&content=emn-news

📚 Quotes of the Week

I tried every diet in the book, I tried some that weren’t in the book. I tried eating the book — it tasted better than most of the diets! – Dolly Parton

Problems are not the problem; coping is the problem. – Virginia Satir

What would life be if we had no courage to attempt anything? – Vincent Van Gogh

Is your d*ck circumstanced? – Felix Kendrickson (Jasper Pääkkönen), BlacKkKlansman

Remember, the storm is a good opportunity for the pine and the cypress to show their strength and their stability. – Ho Chi Minh

I think dogs are the most amazing creatures; they give unconditional love. For me, they are the role model for being alive. – Gilda Radner – I couldn’t agree more.

✨ In Loving Memory…

Of Marisol’s Mom. Anyone have some good champagne they’d like to share? Makes you wonder about the botched plastic surgery though.

https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2019/05/rhom-star-mama-elsa-patton-dies-at-age-84/?utm_source=email&em_hash=72048a93bc8188334dc1071a32fe8f3b

Of the blonde in the squad, and an icon of the 60s.

https://pagesix.com/2019/05/12/peggy-lipton-of-the-mod-squad-and-twin-peaks-dies-at-72/?utm_source=maropost&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pagesixdaily&utm_content=20190513&tpcc=pagesix_daily&mpweb=755-7911525-711673032

Of internet sensation, Grumpy Cat. We’ll miss you most of all.

https://radaronline.com/exclusives/2019/05/grumpy-cat-died/?utm_source=email&em_hash=72048a93bc8188334dc1071a32fe8f3b

🎭 And Last But Not Least…

I loved him on the Carol Burnett Show, especially when he and Harvey Korman would crack up.

 

 

 

 

Sep20

September 19, 2018 – Ava Gets Slapped, the Dallas Wives Smash Things, a MasterChef is Chosen, Kitchen’s Coming, a Book, a Lawsuit & Food

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Valentin meets Curtis. He assumes connected with the woman in question. Curtis says there was a superficial resemblance, but that doesn’t mean anything. Valentin asks if she’s willing to cooperate with their investigation, and Curtis says she already has.

At Charlie’s, Nina tells Maxie she’s not going anywhere until Maxie tells her what happened in the elevator with Peter.

At the MetroCourt, Lulu tells Peter, no sensationalism or gruesome details. She wants the article to read like a long feature piece. Peter says, not like something from The Invader. She says they have to respect the victims and their families. He tells her they’re racing against clock. They’re not the only game in town, and already other publications and podcasts are scouting the location. Lulu says the difference is, those people will leave town when the story cools off. They’ll still be there. What happened, happened in their community. Peter says, point taken. Respect must be paid. He thought as publisher he should reassure the subjects that the story will be approached thoughtfully, especially Felicia. Lulu says she also happens to be Maxie’s mother.

Kiki sees Griff at the hospital, and asks if he’s back. He says the meeting was postponed at the last minute. Now he’s back to waiting. He doesn’t know when, or if, he’ll be reinstated. He’s in no mood for it today. Somebody ripped away the last thing he had left in world.

Still at the hospital, Michael tells someone on the phone to set up an HR meeting, and make sure the Chicago office is up and running by the first of the year. Carly hears him, and asks if he’s moving to Chicago. She tells him that she knows things are hard, but take a trip, don’t move halfway across the country. He says he’s sending one of his VPs to the new office; she made quite a leap. She’s concerned about the letter from Nelle, trying to hurt him. He says nothing Nelle does affects him anymore, but Carly says he’s internalizing his grief. He’s staying busy, and she gets it, but she needs to make sure he’s okay. Michael says he’s not okay, and doesn’t know when he will be. The best way for her to help is to accept that, and let him deal with his grief in his own time and his own way.

Griff tells Kiki that he got a call from the archdiocese. He’s been barred from receiving sacraments. She asks if it’s like excommunication, and he says it’s similar. He can attend mass, but can’t receive communion. He can’t partake in the rituals that defined his life. She wonders why now, since he left a year ago. He says it has nothing do with him leaving. He’s not supposed to be offering spiritual guidance, and he’s guilty of that. She says he’s a kind person helping people, not saying black mass. He says he’s not even supposed to live in a community where he acted as a priest. Someone called the monsignor and reported him. Kiki says they know who that someone is.

Ava stops by Charlie’s. She says it looks like the investigation has concluded, and Julian is just glad they’re not in the basement anymore. She asks if he has any insights, and he says, their bones, their problem. He’s glad to be back to business, and he’s moving forward with the renovations. He’d like some design ideas, and Ava says she’d start with suggesting he do something about the clientele.

Nina tells Maxie, no more evasion. What was up with the shirtless encounter? Maxie says, there was no shirtless encounter. Peter had a full blown PTSD attack, thanks to her and Obrecht. He was acting like he was okay, and keeping it together, but then got all hyper, and complained about the heat, even though it wasn’t hot. It was all she could do to keep him calm and breathing. She’s glad she could be there for emotional support; he’s been there for her. When they were breathing, she flashed back to being on the roadside in labor, when he was helping her. It was like déjà vu with the roles reversed.

Lulu hopes Peter isn’t going to try getting closer to Maxie using the trauma her mom suffered. He says he’d never exploit her. He considers her a friend, even if she doesn’t feel the same way. James is his nephew, and the only family he has left. Lulu says Anna is his mother, and Robin is his sister; why not start connecting there? He tells her that he has no control over other media outlets, but can control what they receive. He wants the victims to know they’ll be approached with respect and be protected. Lulu says, don’t. It’s the last thing Maxie needs. Her feelings are confused as it is. He asks, how so?

Valentin didn’t expect the woman to agree so rapidly, and wonders if Curtis offered financial incentive. Curtis says she’s not about that. She’s not interested in proving she’s Nina’s daughter; she’s interesting in disproving it. She refuses to believe she’s adopted, and loves the mother who raised her. Valentin says, we buy the story we’re given, and tells Curtis, proceed with caution.

Nina gets that Peter is a walking, talking grey area. He’s not totally evil, but not innocent either. She wrestled over if she should care when he was being detained by Obrecht. Maxie asks if that’s what they’re calling it now, and Nina says ultimately, she couldn’t leave him in a burning building. She understands, but empathy is one thing, and feelings are another. She wants to be sure Maxie is being clear. Maxie says when Nathan died, she felt empty. If she hadn’t had James, she would have withered and blown away. Peter was there for her the first few months, with no expectations. He was kind and generous, and she began to rely on his friendship; on him. When the truth came out, she was devastated. She let herself be vulnerable. The anger is still there, but is it right to blame what happened to Nathan on Peter trying to escape his father. Nina gets it and understands.

Lulu tells Peter that she wasn’t implying anything. Peter wonders if Maxie is willing to give their friendship another chance. Lulu says she’s still hurting. She’s just climbing out of the hole he made. He doesn’t want to hurt her; he never did. Lulu tells him, if he cares, stay as far away from Maxie as possible.

Griff tells Kiki that the monsignor wouldn’t give him the name, just that they expressed concerned. She says it was her mom, and that’s his guess too. She says, who else would it be? Ava showed her how low she could go when she got him suspended from the hospital. She’s says she’s sorry, but he tells her not to put it on herself. She says Ava is punishing him because of her. She took his job, now she’s taking his faith. He says, no one can do that. Even if he’s barred, his faith is his own. Kiki admires that, but says he might be able to turn the other cheek, but she can’t let Ava ruin his life like this. Lucy runs in, saying Griff was supposed to meet her in the lobby ten minutes ago to look at apartments. She has something fabulous for him. He tells Kiki, fabulous sounds expensive, and follows Lucy.

Julian offers Ava some coffee, but she refuses on principle. He tells her, as of today, he’s no longer proudly serving Corinthos coffee. He’s severed ties, and thinking about creating his own blend – Jerome Java. She asks if Sonny didn’t object, and he says Sonny never expressed any concerns. Ava wonders why so understanding, and if it has anything to do with the skeleton in the basement. She’s got the feeling he’s not telling her everything. Alexis magically appears, and says she was wondering the same thing.

Carly says she’s not telling Michael how to feel, or putting a timetable on his grief. He understand she’s trying to help him heal, but it’s out of her control; accept it. Carly says Nelle wouldn’t have been able to bait her if she’d worked through her grief over Morgan. Instead she buried it. That’s what he’s doing, working day and night. Michael appreciates that, but tells her not to worry. He’s dealing in his own way. She asks if he’s seeing someone like Doc. He says he doesn’t need that. She says, okay, then he needs to lean on his family. They’re strong; he doesn’t have to go through this alone. He says he’s lucky to have family; speaking of which… They see Lucas with Wiley by the elevator. Michael asks him how it’s going.

Alexis asks for a private word with Julian, and Ava says, all hers. Julian doesn’t know if he should get coffee or a stack of bibles. He’s feeling a cross-examination coming on. Alexis says Kristina was working behind the bar when the gas explosion happened, and Julian says he wasn’t aware of any danger. She asks if he had anything to do with the body, and he says good thing they didn’t unearth his time machine in the closet. The body had been there for decades; he has nothing to do with it. Alexis still doesn’t like the idea of her daughter working there.

Maxie is surprised at Nina expressing sympathy for Peter. She’s not saying he’s blameless, but there were a lot of variables with Nathan’s death, and it’s not fair put it all on Peter. Nina is glad she feels that way, but more for Maxie than Peter.

Peter tells Lulu that he’s trying to be a good friend; Macie was a good friend to him as well. He wants to make sure she’s okay. Lulu says she won’t be if he keeps intruding on her life. She doesn’t think he’s like his father. She wouldn’t be working for him if she did. She tells him to prove he’s the decent guy he claims to be, and do the right thing – back off. Let Maxie get on with her life.

Lucy tells Griff it was a great apartment, and goes over the amenities. She says an eligible bachelor is going to snap it up. Griff says he can’t sign the lease in good conscience; not until he hears from the review board. Until then, he has to economize and live within his limited budget. Lucy is sorry, and not just because she lost a big fat commission. She’s heard he’s a wonderful doctor. He’s sure that’s not all she’s heard. His fall from grace was very public. She says she’s been on both sides of the equation, and cheating causes a lot of pain on both sides. But she learned, just because you did a bad thing doesn’t make you a bad person. Everyone has foibles. We learn from our mistakes, and do better next time. She has no doubt he can manage that. She has an apartment she wasn’t planning showing, because it’s a little cozy (in realtor speak, it’s small), but it’s within his price range, and the building has character (in realtor speak, it’s old). He can move in right away.

Maxie tells Nina that when you can put down the blame and anger, you start to heal. Nina says it’s easier for her; she and Peter were never friends. He and Maxie were. Can she let the friendship continue?

Alexis tells Julian she’s spent most of like life keeping Kristina away from Sonny’s business. Julian says he’s not involved in the mob in any way. He has no ties, and doesn’t intend to ever again. He thinks what Alexis doesn’t like is Kristina working with him.

Kiki storms into Charlie’s. Ava says she didn’t expect to see her. Kiki says Ava moves heaven and earth to fix her face, but her soul is still same. Ava says her soul is none of Kiki’s business, and asks if that’s something she got from Griff. Do they say their prayers together before hitting the sheets? Kiki smacks her. Ava says she’ll let Kiki get away with that one because Kiki is her daughter, but just one. Kiki asks if she’s going to report it to the archdiocese. Griff was stripped of his sacraments; score one for her. Ava says she didn’t do anything. Griff slept with her while he was still a priest. He did it to himself. Kiki says Ava destroyed his life, and Ava says, payback’s a bitch. Kiki asks if she should look over her shoulder for the rest of her life. Ava says the next time she takes a lover, Kiki should try keeping her legs crossed. Kiki tells Ava to stay out of her life, and Ava suggests she do the same.

Valentin gives Curtis two envelopes. One is Nina’s DNA, and the other a check. It’s double his salary and expenses, plus an extra bonus for saving Valentin time. Curtis says, the job’s not done yet. Sasha isn’t interested. She agreed to the test to disprove their theory. Valentin says they’ll burn bridges when they come to them. He wants the test done at both GH and an independent lab. Curtis asks when they’re telling Nina about all this. He’s not just her employee; he’s also her friend. This is messy, and keeping it from her isn’t cool. If she rejects the idea, she’ll go to Sasha, and get her heart broken. Valentin says they need irrefutable proof, and if Sasha is her daughter, they’ll tell Nina immediately.

Ava tells Alexis to wipe the superior smirk off her face. Alexis says it’s not a smirk. Ava slugs back a drink.

Maxie says, embarrassing, and Nina says, no one is more deserving. Nina tells Maxie she’ll meet her at the office. Ava makes a weird face at Nina.

Carly asks if Wiley is there for his check-up, and Lucas says, six weeks. Michael says he looks strong, and Lucas says he’s a champ. He didn’t even cry. A nurse comes out, asking if she could have a word with Lucas about a patient, even though it’s his day off. Lucas he passes Wiley off to Michael, and says he’ll be right back. Michael tells Wiley that he’s his cousin.

Alexis hopes Julian will look out for Kiki. He says he’ll do his best, but it’s not a good idea for her to slap her mother. Alexis says it’s not a good idea for Ava to sabotage her daughter. Call her crazy, but she’s not comfortable with her daughter working for her ex. Julian would rather  go with weird, awkward, or messy. He doesn’t want to make it uncomfortable between them. Alexis asks why he hired Kristina in the first place. He says she might be a Corinthos, but she’s a Davis through and through. She practically demanded the job, then had the audacity to make fantastic drinks, and he was short-staffed. Alexis knows how persuasive Kristina can be. Julian says it wasn’t just that. He saw hope in her eyes, and he couldn’t resist. It was the kind of hope you have when you’re no longer used to feeling hopeful.

Outside, Nina tells Ava, that was quite a scene.

Carly tells Michael that he’s a natural. He says he feels more paternal than a cousin; more like an uncle. Maybe it’s the age difference. He says it would have been nice if Jonah and Wiley had played together. Carly says if it’s too hard, she can watch him, but he says it’s fine. Nelle wrote to him to mess with his head, but she’s right about one thing. He does find peace being close to Wiley.

Maxie sees Peter and Lulu, and asks if she can sit. Peter looks at Lulu, and says he has to be going; take his chair. He jets, and Maxie says, what was that?

Ava asks if Nina wants to gloat, and she says, actually no. She couldn’t help hearing the conversation. Ava says, her and half the county. Nina says her mother is dead. She’s not sad. She was a hateful woman, as Ava knows. All she did was use Nina. She asks if Ava knows where she’s going, and Ava says, enlighten her. Nina says her mother is out of second chances. She thinks Ava could go down the same road, and push Kiki away for good. Ava says her relationship with her daughter is none of Nina’s business.

At home, Kiki talks to herself as she changes, saying it’s like living in a sauna. She bangs on the radiator with a wrench. There’s a knock at the door. It’s Griff. Kiki asks why he’s there, and he says he’s moving in. He asks if there’s something wrong with the heat. I’m wondering why the heat would even be on in September, and does no one have an air conditioner?

Alexis says Kristina doesn’t share as much of her life as she’d like, and Julian asks what she thinks is going on. She thinks Kristina is lost; directionless. Julian says that happens to people her age; she’ll get it together. Alexis thinks Kristina is worried that she doesn’t have a purpose. He says that takes time to figure out, but she says every time Kristina is aimless, she jumps into something with momentum and rides it to hell. She keeps making the same mistakes, and isn’t learning from them. She’s repeating the pattern. Julian says Kristina is an adult, and has to come to the realization on her own. Alexis says it’s hard to watch. Julian knows how hard it is to break a destructive cycle. She thanks him for listening, and he offers to keep an eye on Kristina.

Lulu tells Maxie that she didn’t notice anything. Maxie says Peter practically bolted out of there when she asked to join them. At least he could have managed a, hey, how’s it going? Lulu says he’s a workaholic, and probably thinking about a conference call. Maxie wonders why he wouldn’t say something, and Lulu says maybe he’s understanding it’s better if he’s out of her life.

Griff says he Just signed the lease on a studio apartment. Kiki says the radiator is permanently set to tropical; it happens once or twice a month. The landlord promises to fix it, but doesn’t. If it’s hit in the right place, the gauge opens, and it can be shut off. He asks how, and Kiki tells him, watch and learn. She bangs on it. He takes the wrench from her, and they soap gaze at each other.

Nina is sure Ava doesn’t want to hear this, and Ava says, not from her; the woman who literally tore her baby out of her womb. Nina suggests Ava apologize to Kiki; it’s not too late. She couldn’t have meant what she said; Kiki is her daughter. If she’s the mother she says she is, she won’t let one minute go to waste. Ava says Nina isn’t a mother and never will be, and walks away.

Curtis talks to a doctor at the hospital reception desk, saying he called about a DNA comparison test. He’s already filled out the forms online. The doctor tells him that they’re all set. She just has to take the samples to the lab. He asks if she can put a rush on it, and she smiles.

Michael asks Carly how Mike is doing, and she says, okay. They’d love for him to stop by if he’s up for it. Lucas comes back, and asks if Wiley was any trouble. Carly says he was an angel. Michael says he should probably get back to work, and gives Wiley back to Lucas. Lucas asks how Michael is holding up, and Carly wishes she knew the answer

A doctor comes out, and says she’s glad Lucas is still there. He introduces her to Carly as Wiley’s pediatric specialist. She tells him that something troubling turned up in one of the tests.

Tomorrow, Ava refuses to lose her daughter over the likes of Griff, Brad asks what’s wrong with their baby’s heart, and Jordan tells Sonny the walls are closing in.

The Real Housewives of Dallas

Brandi instructs her daughters to tell the social workers how amazing a mom she is. They proceed to say how she doesn’t do anything for them, and is always on the stupid phone. In her interview, Brandi says bringing Bruin home doesn’t mean the adoption is final. It can take up to six months. Social workers check in once a month to make sure she’s not batsh*t crazy. One of the kids says, mom is amazing, blah-blah-blah, done.

The social workers arrive. In her interview, Brandi says the first time was quite the experience. We see a clip of one of the kids telling them mommy’s favorite drink is wine. Brandi thinks she’s an amazing mom, but right now she’s under a microscope. Everything is presented to the judge, and if anything is misinterpreted, it could reflect badly on her. She’s open and honest, and her kids are like their mom. The social workers ask about various topics, and the kids make contrary remarks. In her interview, Brandi says her kids are being sh*theads. Bryan travels a lot, and it’s a lot of pressure to represent the both of them. She has to be perfect, and the kids are being sh*ts.

Kameron is leaving for the global pet expo. She calls Cort to say goodbye, and he tells her to have confidence. In her interview, she says she has a booth at the expo. If she doesn’t find a distributor, it’s the end of Sparkle Dog. Cort is shutting it down. She’s not the best traveler by herself, and is flying commercial. Cort explains how renting a car and getting your luggage works.

LeeAnne and D’Andra go for coffee and dessert. D’Andra asks about LeeAnne’s invitation to the Smashing Room. LeeAnne says they’re going to have a smashing good time, literally smashing stuff. D’Andra asks what it is, and LeeAnne explains that it’s about letting go. They share what’s upsetting them, and be vulnerable to the group, then smash whatever it is.  In her interview, LeeAnne says they’re all getting along, but they’re surface skating. This will give them the opportunity to be real and open up. In her interview, D’Andra isn’t sure if she wants to see LeeAnne with a plate in her hand. LeeAnne asks D’Andra what her plan is. D’Andra says her mother basically owns everything. The buck stops with her, and Dee told her if she separates her company, she won’t be taking the money she made there; she’ll have to start over without anything. LeeAnne says, welcome to the world. D’Andra says she’s at a crossroads. Her mother controls everything in her life. It’s mostly financial, but that bleeds into everything else. She has to pay bills, and cut out major expenses. In her interview, D’Andra admits she was born with a silver spoon in her mouth. It’s hard to give up the lifestyle she grew up in and change course completely. She gripes about letting her cleaning lady go, and LeeAnne tells her that she’s lazy; she likes the princess lifestyle and it’s her own damn fault. In her interview, LeeAnne says if D’Andra could give her tough love in Beaver Creek, she can give D’Andra the same now. If you can’t take it, don’t dish it. D’Andra says it’s going to be a big adjustment, but she wants her business to last. In her interview, she thinks LeeAnne is being condescending, and it’s pissing her off. Rich pays for her household expenses. Girlfriends should listen, not lecture. She has a mother for that. She tells LeeAnne, if she stays laser focused, she’ll do it.

LeeAnne – who should not be wearing those pants – meets wedding planner and best friend Steve for drinks. She says he’s a ray of sunshine, and the best planner in the country. He loves her, and will want the wedding to be perfect. To my amazement, Rich joins them. In her interview, LeeAnne is glad he’s taking the time to come. And she didn’t have to use a lasso or handcuffs. He’s there because he loves her. Steve asks about Rich’s vision, and Rich says he hasn’t thought about it. LeeAnne thought wanted a say, and he says he’s there. LeeAnne is thinking five hundred to a thousand people. We had somewhere around one hundred and twenty, which surprised me. I can’t fathom a thousand gusts. Steve says, the guest list dictates what you can do for what you can spend. You can have eleven or five hundred people, but you start there. Rich says he left his checkbook at home. In her interview, LeeAnne says this is her one and only wedding. Who cares what it costs? She says she’ll be happy if they can narrow down a month and year. She suggests November, and Rich is like, okay. Steve says he has to be firm, so Rich says it again, more assertively. In her interview, LeeAnne says, D’Andra take note. They have an actual wedding date. Guess what? She’s getting married. Steve wants to do the bachelor party, and Rich asks if Stormy Daniels is available. I’m sure. For a price.

D’Andra visits Cary, who is still at her parents’ house. Oooh. She has three tiny dogs! Cary asks what’s going on with D’Andra’s mom, and D’Andra says her life is falling apart. She didn’t think at almost fifty, she’d be changing the course of her life. She probably won’t have a paycheck for a while. In her interview, D’Andra explains that her mother is the executor (wouldn’t it be executrix?) of her father’s estate. She and her husband could live on it, but she can’t run the company on it and live. Does she even realize what this sounds like to the average or – dare I say it? – poor person? She hopes her friends stay her friends. She’s going to need support. She gets weepy, and Cary hugs her.

In her interview, D’Andra says it took her a while to see what goes on in the world of Dallas society. If she can write check, she’s a valuable member. One of her friends lost all her money, and she was alienated be almost everyone; everyone scattered. She wishes she’d made different decisions; she’s falling apart, but hasn’t told anyone. She tells Cary that LeeAnne was in her face about how much she spends. Cary tells D’Andra that LeeAnne said she spends a lot, and only has $200 in her account. D’Andra says she has more than that. She was referring to when they went shopping in Beaver Creek. She wasn’t prepared to shop like that, and she said it out of frustration. She has five different bank accounts. She was talking about her shopping account. It’s humiliating that LeeAnne told someone else without her permission. Wow. And I’m not saying that because I disagree about LeeAnne telling Cary something personal about D’Andra; she shouldn’t have done that. I’m wowing because, shopping account. In her interview, Cary says she’s the last person LeeAnne should have told. She felt uncomfortable, and she wasn’t waiting for it to bite her in the ass later. Instead, she decided to be honest, and just tell D’Andra. D’Andra says LeeAnne will be sorry she said it.

At a board meeting, Travis talks about the education program being started for employees. He says, free education brings people to the middle class. He can help his employees and their kids. In her interview, Stephanie says she started the company’s Charitable Giving Initiative. She asks about offering screening for dyslexia, and tears up. We see a clip of her with son Cruz. She tells us that Travis was also diagnosed with dyslexia as a child. From the ages of four to nine, he was also in a leg brace or wheelchair. Travis tells them that college starts in a couple of weeks. He can’t think of a better way to reward the employees than by offering them education, and also the opportunity for their families to become educated. Education is the key to success.

Travis is leaving soon for a six-month program at Harvard on leadership. Stephanie asks if he’ll want her to bring the kids to visit, and he suggests they play it by ear. She says she gets anxious when she’s by herself; it’s chaos. Travis keeps everyone in line. In her interview, Stephanie says she constantly lets herself down, and it triggers depression. Travis tells her, be a leader, but she says she’s never been one. He tells her to relax. In her interview, she says that Travis isn’t giving her lists anymore, but she still feels internal pressure not to make mistakes. She doesn’t know how to handle things when he’s not home. He tells her not to cook.

At the Smashing Room, Cary isn’t clear why LeeAnne is wearing a mustache. Actually, she looks like a male aerobics instructor from the 80s. Or maybe one of The Village People on their off time.

On the way there, Brandi tells D’Andra that she threw candle one time. She ruined the hardwood, and she was like, damn. Throwing things isn’t for her. D’Andra says she’s furious right now. She shopped on the company card, and was frustrated, saying she only had $200 in her account. LeeAnne told Cary, but it was her shopping account. LeeAnne said it like she had $200 to her name. Brandi reminds Cary of when she’d said LeeAnne waits for someone’s weakness, and uses it to her advantage. We flash back to when Brandi accused LeeAnne of that at dinner. She tells D’Andra, it’s one of those things. D’Andra thinks LeeAnne is insecure about her own finances.

Kameron wonders about the mustache, as we all do. She wonders if LeeAnne feels more manly smashing stuff. The ladies ask about the expo, and Kameron says she has a lot of opportunity. In her interview, Kameron says the expo was above and beyond. She’s proud of herself, and can’t wait tell Cord, I told you so. LeeAnne passes out aprons. D’Andra says she’s never been this angry with LeeAnne. LeeAnne puts pink eye patches on them to get them in the spirit of what it’s about.

Owner and founder Donna owner gets the ready by passing out body suits. Donna says the space is big enough for them not to whack each other. She says you don’t have to be angry to go in, but you will be the first time you break something. Whatever you’ve been holding inside will come out, even if it’s years old. LeeAnne thinks they live in a surface world, and don’t address real feelings. Cary asks if this is going to be bullsh*t like the tea. We flash back to that. LeeAnne says they go to a lot of parties, and it’s exhausting to be the people they’re not. LeeAnne explains she’s dressed like the person inside. So, inside she’s one of The Village People? She says they don’t let each other see their real selves. They’re good at being fake. D’Andra says she’s never fake, and LeeAnne says if that’s how D’Andra feels, she’ll let her have it. This pisses D’Andra off more, and she asks what that means. LeeAnne says she hasn’t said everything she feels. D’Andra says LeeAnne told someone about her bank account; wtf? They’ve been friends for over ten years, and LeeAnne told Cary that she had only $200 in her bank account. It’s not helpful on any level. She knows things about LeeAnne that she’d never say to anyone. In her interview, Kameron thinks D’Andra is overreacting. No one would believe that. Was this her Starbuck’s account? D’Andra says LeeAnne doesn’t get to do it to her; she doesn’t have D’Andra’s back. She trusts LeeAnne. Carly says LeeAnne put her in a weird position. In her interview, LeeAnne says Cary took the opportunity to throw her under the bus with D’Andra. That wasn’t how she meant it. D’Andra says everybody in Dallas will say she has only $200 to her name. It’s humiliating. She thinks this is humiliating? Wait until she sees herself whining on this show.

D’Andra feels betrayed. She’s kept LeeAnne’s secrets; that’s the kind of person she is. LeeAnne owes it to her. LeeAnne says she wasn’t being malicious. It was a situation where LeeAnne wasn’t there to protect her. D’Andra says no one should be talking about it. In her interview, D’Andra says the other women have successful husbands. Hers is retired from the military, and she’s the primary breadwinner. There’s no option for failure. Kameron says she was blindsided. LeeAnne says she was trying to solve a problem, but shouldn’t have shared. In her interview, LeeAnne says D’Andra is clearly upset. She and her mom are always fighting about the company card. LeeAnne thought she and Cary were forming a trust, and wanted to include her as an additional problem solver. I believe it if you believe it, although I wouldn’t call it malicious either. She says She’d thought it was private, but it clearly wasn’t. Stephanie tells D’Andra she should never feel humiliated or embarrassed with them. They love her. Brandi says she grew up in a trailer, and it wasn’t even a doublewide. She goes back and visits sometimes.

LeeAnne asks if everyone wants to smash stuff. In her interview, D’Andra thinks LeeAnne is enjoying her financial troubles. LeeAnne should be glad she’s not smashing her damn head. LeeAnne tells Cary that she’d believed what she said would stay in Beaver Creek. Cary says what if she didn’t say something, and it came back later? She’d want to know. In her interview, Cary says last year she didn’t tell anyone what the others were saying, and it didn’t serve her. If you don’t want people to know, don’t tell her.

They start smashing stuff. Mirrors, vases, glassware. LeeAnne gives them magic markers, so they can write on the plates. D’Andra writes something, and says she’s good enough the way she is. LeeAnne asks if D’Andra accepts her apology; she loves her. D’Andra accepts it, and they hug. She says she’s still pissed off. Each woman smashes a plate as she speaks. Cary says, no more fear. She’s going to speak her mind, even if it pisses people off. Stephanie says she’s not perfect. Kameron wants to live the simple life. Everyone gets quiet. In her interview, Kameron says it’s a mixed blessing. She doesn’t have a schedule, where she’s booked months in advance. She has the time to be a wife and mom, and run Sparkle Dog LeeAnne says, in honor of the famous glass throw – no more danger. Brandi says she’s going to accept help. In her interview, Stephanie says Brandi is drowning in life, but doesn’t want people to know. Brandi admits she has a hard time letting people help. Cary says she’s offered a bunch of times. In her interview, Brandi says she has a problem with people watching the kids. She wants to be the mom that’s always there. She has a sense of pride about that.

Brandi talks to LeeAnne about telling D’Andra that she’s not her friend. In her interview, Brandi says she and D’Andra patched things up, and she thinks LeeAnne doesn’t like that they’re in a good place. She tells LeeAnne that she heard LeeAnne has a hesitation about D’Andra being friends with her. D’Andra says LeeAnne said she was concerned. LeeAnne says she told D’Andra that she’d gotten hurt. She wanted to protect her, but told to make her own decisions. Kameron says she was worried. She thought Brandi was a bad influence on D’Andra. She didn’t think D’Andra was the kind of person to put a quarter in her butt. It sounded like Brandi’s influence. Brandi is sorry she brought it up. if they don’t want to be themselves, don’t blame her. In her interview, Brandi wonders how bad an influence she can be to a grown woman who makes her own decisions. She is who she is. If they want fake, look in the mirror.

D’Andra says she’s in charge of her own decisions. Brandi says she has integrity and morals. She’s a good example for her children. She also likes to have fun, but if Kameron thinks she’s a bad influence, they don’t have to be friends. In her interview, Brandi says, for once, she cares about what people think because she’s being scrutinized. LeeAnne tells Brandi that she’d thought they were close, and she was deeply hurt. She told D’Andra that she’d been down that road, and it didn’t work out well. Because she’s D’Andra’s friend, she told her to be careful. That doesn’t mean she hasn’t attempted to try again with Brandi. Brandi says if they’re starting fresh, why would she tell D’Andra that? Cary says no one has the power to change anyone else. D’Andra says she’s done with this, and walks out.

Next time, Brandi and Stephanie meet a baby kangaroo, cary says Brandi is one of her best friends, and Cary confronts Kameron.

Lots of sharing of physical and mental challenges this season. Except for D’Andra who has rich people problems.

💭 Re Watch What Happens Live. Did LeeAnne have work done, or was that just heavy duty contouring?

MasterChef

Since it was the finale, and we went down Memory Lane, with clips of Ashley, Gerron, and Cesar. The finalists went to their home towns to prepare, where they were surprised by their mentors.  Gordon went to Opa-locka, Florida, meeting Ashley’s family and touring an amazing farmer’s market. He advised her to focus on the food; forget everything else, and she was ready to kick butt. Joe went to Nashville, showing up at Gerron’s school. He talked to the students about the impact Gerron has had. He told Gerron to think about a luxurious restaurant, and bring his food to that level. Gerron’s eyes were on the prize. Aaron went to Houston, and met Cesar’s family. Cesar declared he was bringing everything he’s got to take the trophy home.

Their opponents returned to cheer them on, as well as their families – and a live audience. The final task was cook the best three-course masterpiece. For the last time, the cooks went to THE PANTRY, where all the food in the world is. For the appetizer course, Cesar was making a squid ink infladita, which from the look of it, translates into inflated tortilla. Lobster was also involved. Ashley worked on a pan seared red snapper, and Gerron made a Nashville-style hot quail with quail eggs and fingerling potatoes. There was a tense moment when Cesar’s tortillas didn’t puff, but like magic, they finally did. Joe felt Ashley’s red snapper was overcooked and the heat aggressive. She took a risk, but her dish reeked of too much ambition. Aaron thought Cesar’s infladita was impressive, although Gordon thought it looked like a spaceship. Joe said Gerron’s quail should be spicy, moist, and crispy. If all that happened on his palate, it would be what they were looking for. After taking a bite, he said he’d never tasted anything like it. Then they paused for an ad. After they were done leaving us hanging, Joe says it was perfection Lots of things were going on, and they were all well done. Gordon said he’d elevated fast food and gave respect to his upbringing. When the big multiple-sided screen changed to ENTRÉE, I realized the structure of the show reminded me of the Westminster Dog Show.

Ashley made a pan-seared guinea hen breast, but focused on using every part of hen in the dish, incorporating her Southern roots with a French cuisine flair. Gordon called it perfection, which was the word of the night. He said he could die happy after eating it, which is pretty high praise. Cesar made a pan-seared duck breast with a mole, which (the more you know) is a sauce that apparently takes more time to make than they had, and was the subject of much discussion, Gordon saying there are chefs in Mexico who take a year to make it. Geez. I hope their patrons aren’t hungry. The duck was overcooked, but the mole defied the odds and was a success, Aaron said it was a source of pride that Cesar was wearing his pin, and Joe said he was no mole expert, but he knows good food. Gerron made shrimp and grits, in honor of his mom; it was their last meal together. Grits are not a favorite of mine, but by the way they were raving, I was thinking maybe I just haven’t had them done right. Gordon said it was too bad Gerron’s mom wasn’t present to see the grits elevated. Aaron said Gerron’s knife skills were lacking, but the flavor there, and Joe said he took it to another level tonight. He moved ahead, but stayed true to his story.

Gordon said it was the closest race they’ve ever had – the dessert was going to be the deciding factor. Cesar chose a flourless chocolate cake, based on the childhood sweets he loved as a kid. Gerron made an amaretto chess pie, and Ashley made something with a long name ending in ganache that I think boiled down to a cherry tarte. Whatever it was, it looked good. Gordon just got done saying it was so close, all three would need the dessert, when Cesar cut himself, and started bleeding all over the place. Like the trooper he is, he got himself patched up, and went back to work.

Gerron thought his plating was a disaster. It has seemed to be his Achille’s heel throughout the season, although this one didn’t look bad. Personally, I liked the teeny-tiny popcorn used as an extra. Aaron said his dessert was well-balanced, but a little sloppy. At that point, I started getting nervous, since that could make a difference. Gordon thought it was delicious, and Joe got up and hugged Gerron. I couldn’t believe I started tearing up. I must be getting old or soft or something. Joe told Gerron that he was wrong, something he doesn’t say often. He achieved the creation of a great dessert, and he was an honor to mentor. Cesar’s plating was very cute, with his cake sitting on caramel in the shape of a star. Aaron said he looked like he’d been in a back alley brawl with all the blood on his jacket, but called his dish finesse on a plate. It was a big bomb of beautiful chocolate flavor. If it means anything to you, Gordon said tamarin should always be included in caramel. Last to go, Ashley said it was a bittersweet moment. Joe called it an almost flawless, spectacular dessert. Aaron said it hit all the notes, but stayed singular to the structure – it was magical. Gordon said, well bloody done.

I started getting worried, wondering why Gerron couldn’t have been an art teacher. The judges discussed the dishes. Cesar got high praise for his mole, with Aaron saying he embodied what MasterChef was about – technique. Ashley’s duck was overcooked, but her dishes sophisticated, and she pushed to the maximum. Gordon said they were pure quality. Gerron had finesse (another word of the night), and was masterful with the quail. Joe said he had the most delicious, satisfying entrée, and it was the perfect end to his journey. Mean Aaron had to bring up his inconsistent plating, and messy work, but Joe countered, saying Gerron brought everything needed to go beyond. He cooked with passion and love, and couldn’t have been prouder. Gerron was at the top of his game. The mentor hats came off, and the judging happened.

The chefs switched places with the judges, and – YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEES! It was my man Gerron! He wished his mom was there. Joe said he did his mom proud, and he was honored to be Gerron’s mentor and friend. Gerron thanked Joe for giving him a chance when no one else saw his potential. Ashley said it had been a pleasure and a blessing, and there were lots of hugs. Cesar said the competition had defined what he was doing with his life and what he was passionate for. Gerron said he’d finally have the opportunity to go back and start a culinary program at the school. His dream came true. Turn up!

🍴 If you would like to fill out an application for the next season of MasterChef, go to fox.com/masterchef.

🔪 The new season of Hell’s Kitchen – Rookies vs Veterans – will begin on September 28th. Sounds like an interesting twist.

🚣 The Stud of the Sea…

Captain Lee has a book coming out.

https://pagesix.com/2018/09/18/captain-lee-is-still-the-same-guy-as-before-below-deck-success/?utm_source=maropost&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pagesixdaily&utm_content=20180919&tpcc=pagesix_daily&mpweb=755-7318287-711673032

😵 More to Flip Out About…

Jeff’s troubles know no end.

https://pagesix.com/2018/09/18/jeff-lewis-wants-to-keep-legal-battle-with-surrogate-private/?utm_source=maropost&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=pagesixdaily&utm_content=20180919&tpcc=pagesix_daily&mpweb=755-7318287-711673032

🍰 Food Glorious Food…

A sampling from tonight’s MasterChef menu.

Puebla: Mole Poblano con Pollo

Sep6

September 5, 2018 – Kim Reveals Oscar’s Illness, the NYC Reunion Concludes, the Chefs Have Heart, Dallas Tomorrow & Goodnight

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Kristina has asked Sonny and Alexis to meet her at the MetroCourt. She has big news. Kristina walks in with Sam.

On the phone, Peter tells someone he wants to run story on the anniversary of the Ryan Chamberlain murders, but not at the expense of any survivors. Felicia is the mother of someone important to him. Chase walks in, and Peter ends the call. He asks what the police want now, and Chase says it’s about his mother. Peter says he has nothing to do with Anna’s disappearance, but Chase tells him that they’ve found her.

In Finn’s hotel room, Finn remarks that Anna seems happier. She says she’s happier than when they were kidnapped. Finn says when there was the possibility of rescue, she made them stay kidnapped. She says she wanted to find out who was behind it. Someone wanted Finn to cure Cassandra. He can’t believe that they don’t have better things to do, and she says she definitely wants to celebrate their survival. They kiss.

Josslyn pushes Cameron away. He says he knows she’s been kissed before, but she says not when she hasn’t wanted to be. Hasn’t he heard about #metoo? And Oscar is her boyfriend. Cameron asks where he is on their anniversary?

Elizabeth tells Kim that she doesn’t have to handle this by herself. Tell her; tell Drew. Kim wonders how she can tell Drew that his son is dying. Elizabeth says that’s why Oscar is seeing an oncologist. She’s sorry. She asks what kind of cancer, but Kim can’t talk about it, and she walks away. Drew comes in, and asks Elizabeth if Oscar is okay; what happened?

Kristina says, surprise! Sonny thought she went back, and she says she heard Brad and Lucas got permanent custody of Wiley. Alexis tells her the birth mother dropped the petition. Kristina wonders why she wanted him back in first place, but Alexis says she’s had no contact. She assumes the mother just wanted what was best for her baby. She asks, what’s going on? The last thing she knew, Kristina was on a plane back to Oregon with her sister. She wonders if everything is okay. Kristina says she’s just glad that Sam was with her to keep her head and heart straight for the big decisions she needed to make.

Finn opens the room door, and pretends someone grabbed him. Anna says it’s not funny; the people who kidnapped them are extremely dangerous. She tells him, don’t do that stuff. She says Robert thinks they’re going to lay low for a while, and is hoping to pick up the trail. She peeks in on Roxie, and says she’s happy Finn is back. Finn thinks so, and asks if she wants to talk about her son. He’s back, she’s back, and he’s not going to prison. He thought she might want to talk about it. She tells him that he’s subtle, and he says he’s trying. Peter is out of the hospital, and he wonders how it is that Obrecht isn’t in custody. Anna says, that happens a lot with her; she should be locked up forever. She’s angry that Robert didn’t press charges against Peter, but Finn says maybe after all the time in captivity, Peter is rethinking his life, and maybe forgiving her.

Peter tells Chase that Anna dropped responsibility of him the day he was born. Chase says he’s a grown man now; he should find some understanding. She was kidnapped, like he was, survived the ordeal, and is back in Port Charles. Peter asks why Chase is telling him. Chase says if he even looks at Anna wrong, his new freedom, job, and hope of being part of the community will be gone. He won’t know what hit him.

Kristina tells Alexis and Sonny that her life was centered around Parker, and Parker’s life was all in Eugene and things she didn’t belong to. She had no part in college life, and Parker’s friends dismissed her. She felt smaller and smaller. Alexis says she’s strong and capable, and has so much to give. Kristina says she needed her own life, separate from Parker. She wasn’t thinking about that when she moved. Sam gave her confidence to trust her feelings. She broke up with Parker, who talked about the long-distance thing, but she needed a clean break. Sam convinced her to move back for good.

Josslyn asks Cameron why he kissed her. They’ve been friends since they were three, and now he’s jeopardized the friendship. He asks why, and she tells him that he overstepped the boundaries. Cameron says if she thinks Oscar is the perfect boyfriend; he knows her better. She asks, since when? and he says, since she gave Oscar the silent treatment. He didn’t know how to deal with it, but Cameron did. He’s the one who sent the riddle.

Elizabeth tells Drew that he should talk to Kim. Drew wonders what Kim isn’t telling him about their son. In Oscar’s room, Oscar asks if Kim has been crying. Drew comes in, and asks what’s going on? Oscar asks if Kim called him, but he says he ran into Jason. Oscar says he passed out; it’s a thing. Drew asks if it happened before, and Oscar says it’s low blood sugar; he’s fine. Kim dashes out, saying she has to speak with someone. Oscar tells Drew that he wants out. This isn’t a big deal.

Kim tells Elizabeth that she couldn’t deal. She can’t look at Drew and say Oscar will be all right. Elizabeth says Kim raised him alone all this time, but now his father is a part of his life. It should be a relief to share this with the one person who loves him as much as she does. She should tell him the truth. Kim says she’s trusting Elizabeth to keep Oscar’s illness to herself. Elizabeth says she will, but Drew needs to know. Kim says, once he knows, he can’t unknow. Elizabeth says if Drew finds out later, it will color everything. She’s not Oscar’s only parent. Just think about it.

Oscar tells Drew he’s sorry, but Drew says it’s not his fault. Oscar says he needs to eat right, or better, or more. He tries to stay on top of it, but it was a crazy day. He was getting a surprise ready for Josslyn. He asks if he can borrow Drew’s phone.

Josslyn tells Cameron, no wonder Oscar didn’t know the answer. Cameron says, to be fair, he doesn’t either, but he got her attention because he knew how to reach her. Josslyn’s phone rings, and she says it’s Oscar’s dad. She answers, and Oscar says he’s using Drew’s phone; he doesn’t have his with him. He tells her not to freak. He’s in the hospital.

Peter tells Chase that Anna’s legion of fans don’t need to be concerned. He has a good gig and he’s not interested. She’s not a part of his life, and never will be. Chase says Peter doesn’t know her well. He doesn’t think she’ll stay away from Peter. Maybe he should change his attitude toward the one person who wants to make peace with him.

Kristina says she needs to regroup; figure out what she wants to do, and start over. Most kids her age are embarking on a career. Sam says life experiences are more valuable than she thinks. Alexis tells her to do what’s right for her. Sonny is glad she’s back, and she asks if she can manage Perks again. He’s sorry, but he can’t give her the job back.

Drew approaches Kim. He says Oscar tells him it’s no big deal; low blood sugar. Kim says she tries to get him to eat small meals, but he knows how it is. He asks why she didn’t call? If it happens again, he could hurt himself. Kim says he has a specialist, and it’s under control. He suggests getting a second opinion from Monica, but she says she doesn’t need Monica to weigh in on Oscar. Drew asks what she’s not telling him, and she starts to cry. She says it’s not low blood sugar. Oscar is sick, and there’s nothing they can do about it. They can’t save him.

Sonny tells Kristina the manager at Perks is doing great. He can’t fire her for no reason. She can be a barista if she wants. He knows it’s not ideal, but she has experience. She says she needs something more challenging, and Sam agrees. Alexis knows the perfect job for her.

Anna tells Finn she’s going to do what she can to have a relationship with her son. She’s not afraid of his anger. No matter what their history, he’s her son and they’re connected. Finn understands. He hopes it’s all picnics in the park, but he’s worried. Not just for her physical safety, but Peter could hurt her heart. There’s a knock at the door. It’s Chase. Anna jets, saying she wants to give them time together.

Josslyn runs into the hospital, with Cameron tagging along. Elizabeth sees Cameron, and asks if he’s okay. He says he’s here with Josslyn. She freaked out when she heard Oscar was there. Elizabeth says Oscar is okay, but why was Cameron with Josslyn in the first place? He’s still grounded.

Josslyn asks Oscar what happened? He tells her that he passed out. He was on his way to the park, and apologizes for not showing up. She says she’s the one who’s sorry. She was getting upset when wasn’t there and didn’t text. She got mad, but it didn’t occur to her that something happened.

In Kim’s office, Drew asks if Oscar is sick. She tells Drew that Oscar has an inoperable brain tumor, and it’s malignant. She’s consulted with the best doctors in the country, but at present, there’s nothing they can do. Drew asks, how long? and she says it could be months or longer. They don’t know how much time Oscar has left.

Anna shows up at Peter’s office. She says she’s glad he’s out of the hospital. He went through quite an ordeal. Peter says Obrecht hates her, and Anna says she’s been working on her grudge for years, exacerbated by his father. Peter says, as is everything. It seems like they both have enemies. She tells him, it runs in the family. She’s heard he’s staying in port Charles. For what it’s worth, she’s grateful he’s nearby.

Chase tells Finn that he needs to talk to Anna as well. He’s following up on the case. There have been new developments. Robert coordinated with the Canadian authorities, and they did a sweep. Whoever was behind this, was thorough, and Finn needs to be careful. He tells Finn the kidnappers were Michael Carson and Sean Phillips, professionals who claim they never saw their employer. There was no trace of Cassandra, but he’s going to keep working on it. Finn tells him, good work. Chase hopes he wasn’t the reason Anna left, but Finn says she was going to see her son. Chase says he had a chat with him earlier, and he’s determined to keep his freedom. There shouldn’t be an issue with Anna. Finn marvels that Chase did that.

Anna sees that Peter landed on his feet. He says he’s in the process of repositioning the brand. Anna tells him that Robert said he had no money, and Peter says, Robert doesn’t know everything. She says he could have turned to her. He still can. He says he has all the help he needs. He has a friend who owes him more than she does. She asks if it’s Valentin.

Alexis says she could make some calls, and Kristina could get a paralegal job. They’d be lucky to have someone so quick on their feet and intelligent. Kristina says she doesn’t know anything about the law, but Alexis says she could help her. She could learn on the job or work in her office. Sam thinks they should let Kristina make her own decisions, and Alexis says she was just trying to help. Sonny says Kristina is capable of a getting job without them, and Kristina says, absolutely. Alexis apologizes for being overbearing, and says she’ll just be quiet supportive. She’s happy Kristina will be moving back in. Kristina says, what?

Cameron says Elizabeth told him he could have anyone over. She agrees, but also said he can’t leave the house. He says he was only at the park, helping Josslyn set up something for Oscar. He was just trying to be there for her. Is that so bad?

Josslyn tells thought she’d driven Oscar away by her weird behavior. He says it would take more than that. Nothing could keep him away.

Drew tells Kim there has to be something they can do. New treatments are being developed all the time. She says there’s nothing out there right now. She says she couldn’t figure out how tell him that his son is being taken away from him. He asks, what about Oscar? and she says he doesn’t know. He thinks she’s being overprotective when she gets more tests run. She’s managed to keep it from him. He doesn’t know how sick he is, and won’t until it’s absolutely necessary. Drew understands the need to be protective, but thinks Oscar should know.

Elizabeth says Cameron was being a good friend, and he asks if he’s not grounded anymore. She says she’s adding time on. There are consequences to his actions. She tells him to go home, and take a selfie so she knows he’s there. He asks if he can say hi to Oscar, and she says, five minutes.

Oscar never thought they’d be spending the anniversary of their first date in the hospital. He tells Josslyn happy anniversary. She says for a while, she thought he forgot, but he says, not a chance. it must have hurt thinking he wasn’t coming. He says he’s sorry, and asks if they’re okay. She says, definitely, and they kiss. Cameron sees, and backs out of the room.

Kim asks if Drew is questioning her judgement, but he says he’s offering a different perspective. Maybe there’s something they should be doing. Kim says they’re already doing it. Oscar wanted a father and got him. He’s happy Drew is in his life. She says he’s still a little boy. Drew says if he could die in a few months, shouldn’t he be able to determine how he does it, and choose how he lives his last days?

Kristina appreciates Alexis’s offer, but it didn’t work out last time. Alexis says it’s different now. Sam thinks Kristina wants a fresh start. Sonny says she could live with him, but she says Mike isn’t getting any better. She wants to spend time with him, but living there doesn’t feel right; she’d be in the way. Sonny says she’d never be in the way, but Sam says she would feel like she’s in the way. Alexis asks how she can afford to live anywhere. Sam says on the way back, they decided Kristina will live with her. Alexis says that’s great, but she has so much space,  and Sam has kids. Kristina says she’ll have a backup babysitter. Alexis says she loves Kristina. Kristina knows, but thinks they do better with some distance. Across the country was too far, but across town might be perfect.

Anna asks if Valentin gave Peter the money to buy the magazine, and Peter says it was the least he could do. She knows Peter wants to get his life together, but says he can’t trust Valentin, and should stay out of his orbit. He says he was just telling Chase that he wanted the same from her – to stay out of his life.

Finn tells Chase that Robert said he was instrumental in finding them. They’re lucky he was assigned to the case. Chase says Jordan didn’t want him near it, but he insisted. He wanted to do everything he could to make sure Finn was okay. He’ll let them know if he finds out anything else. He starts to leave, but Finn asks him to wait. Chase and Roxie got off on the wrong foot. Maybe he should stick around and see if they can’t make peace.

Oscar tells Josslyn, full disclosure; he was already running late. He was putting the finishing touch on something he made for her.

Kim tells Drew that she’s thought about it over and over, and always comes to the same conclusion. She wants Oscar to have a normal life instead of worrying if tomorrow might be his last. She wants him to believe he’ll live forever like any other teenager. Can Drew give that to him? Drew says she’s been Oscar’s mother much longer than he’s been Oscar’s father, and she’s done an amazing job. If this is what she wants, they’ll do it together. She thanks him.

Chase confirms that Roxie’s lettuce of choice is Romaine. Finn says if he gives her that, he’ll have a friend for life. Chase says he knows Roxie was innocent in the Charlie’s Pub incident, and Julian just wanted Finn out of there. Finn admits he should have backed up before he got arrested, but he likes to howl at the moon sometimes. Chase is glad he and Anna are okay. Finn says, thanks again for the save.

Peter opens the door. Anna says she’ll never stop caring about him, and hoping he forgives her. He says they’re not sitting down for cup of tea anytime soon. She says, maybe not, but if he needs anything, be it tea or something significant, he can always turn to her. She’s his mother, and she’ll never let him down again. She leaves, and he closes the door.

Sam and Kristina leave to get Kristina settled in. Sonny tells Alexis it seems like Kristina is thinking things though. Alexis says they’ve been here before. He says maybe this time it will be different. She says, from his lips.

Oscar tells Josslyn it’s a little goofy; a montage of their times together in the past year, set to one of his favorite songs. It’s Josslyn singing at the Nurses’ Ball. Elizabeth hugs Cameron. Josslyn can’t believe it’s only been a year. They have so much to look forward to.

Drew asks Kim, who else knows? She says Elizabeth recognized Oscar’s doctor’s name; she’s an oncologist. She told Elizabeth some, but she’s the only one. Drew says she’s been carrying this around by herself for two years. She says she didn’t realize how hard it was until right now, and starts to cry. Why does no one ever carry tissues? He tells her that she doesn’t have to carry that burden. They’ll give their son the best life they can for as long as they can. He holds her as she cries.

Tomorrow, Anna tells Valentin he’s done enough damage, Curtis didn’t see this coming, and Stella says she’s pushed things too far for too long.

The Real Housewives of New York City – The Reunion – Part Three

We backtrack a little. Bethenny asks how she bashed Carole. Andy says they bashed each other. Carole says he’s full of sh*t, and asks if he’s afraid of her too. Bethenny says Carole even did an InstaStory bashing her. We see a clip of Carole and a friend, saying SkinnyGirl is over. Carole says Bethenny blocked her on Instagram anyway; talk about being a child. She blocked Dorinda too. Andy says they seemed to have different ideas about Brian aka Red-Scarf-Guy. He asks if anyone is still in touch with him. Bethenny isn’t, but Carole is. Andy asks Carole if she believed Bethenny after watching the season. Carole says she and Brian ended up having dinner, and she asked how he knew Bethenny, since she didn’t want to get involved if they were dating, and he said they weren’t. She says there was no love connection, but he was a nice guy. She didn’t understand why Bethenny was so intense and angry. Bethenny says Carole was smug. Carole insists Bethenny’s story about Brian wasn’t true. We flash back to Bethenny reading his texts. Carole whips out her phone, and Bethenny does the same, like it’s High Noon. Carole says she has a screenshot that Brian took from his phone. Like I’d believe what some dude sent me. Bethenny says hers are directly from him. Carole tells Bethenny to get off her jock. Interesting how Carole uses something Bethenny originated. Andy looks at Bethenny’s phone, and reads about Bethenny telling Brian that she can easily set him up with Carole. Carole still doesn’t believe it, and Bethenny gets up and puts the phone in her face. Carole insists that it was after she and Brian had already gone out. Bethenny thinks Carole needs a career. Sonja says, this is a power play and egos. No one wants the red guy. He doesn’t even live in Manhattan. Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha! That sounds very real. Andy asks where they go from here; is it over? Bethenny says the season wouldn’t have ended it. It was the bashing blogs. Andy points out that the season ended with Carole saying maybe the friendship would find its sweet spot again. Bethenny says Carole lies on the show. Carole says she was trying to salvage the friendship, but realized Bethenny didn’t seem interested. She thought they’d regroup after the season, but when she watched it she thought it was superficial. Andy says he’s sorry to see it go. Dorinda says they should put a comma on it; things change. She’ll make up with LuAnn eventually. Bethenny brings up the blog again, and Carole says only two people read it. I’ll bet it’s more than that. At least ten or twelve. There was so much of them talking at the same time and trying to

Andy says Sonja was refreshed after Costa Rica, but when she came home to some of her dearest friends, she felt like she was on the outside looking in. We flash back to her butting heads with Tinsley, her altercation with Dorinda, her text to Ramona, and her slippers with the family crest. We get a look at some previously unseen footage of Sonja leaving the townhouse. Sonja says she was leaving her memories, but it’s not forever. She’s made a two-year commitment. She stayed in a hotel for a while, but found an apartment near Columbus Circle. Andy asks for a show of hands from whoever thought the day would come. Bethenny is the only one, but she says she was in on the process. Sonja also got full asking price. A viewer asks if something happened to make Sonja go off to Costa Rica. She says Bethenny pointed out she was partying too much, and she started seeing a therapist. They suggested trying antidepressants, and she doesn’t regret it, but went cold turkey. The withdrawal caused her to have no filter, and she still had some resentment against Tinsley. Tinsley says it was hurtful, and she can’t blame the antidepressants. Ramon says, if you go cold turkey, it messes with your head. Any doctor will tell you that. Sonja says she’d just say anything that was in her head for a moment.

A viewer asks why Sonja thought Dorinda shouldn’t talk about her dead husband. Sonja says she has no problem with that, but she should also be able to talk about what she wants to. Dorinda says a death and a divorce are two different things. Bethenny says, some people process things differently. Dorinda tells Sonja what she said was a death is a loss, and a divorce is a choice. She’s done both, and you can’t compare the two. Sonja says her marriage was out of control. Other people helped them decide they should divorce. A viewer asks why Sonja seems to trigger Dorinda. They don’t think Dorinda likes her. Dorinda says one on one, they’re fine. It’s the environment that triggers it, and she’s sorry for that. Another viewer asks if the reason Sonja and Ramona fight so hard and make up so easily, is because they’re like sisters. Sonja says they argue well; they don’t chop each other down. We see a clip of them going blah-blah-blah in each other’s faces. Andy asks why Dorinda was upset about Sonja wearing her ex-husband’s family crest on her slippers? Dorinda says her daughter wears her father’s tartan, but personally, she wouldn’t do it. Sonja says it’s not about her. Bethenny says Dorinda thought it was pretentious. Ramona gets up and starts pounding herself on the leg; she has a cramp. Andy asks how often Sonja sees her ex, and she says, it’s getting better. She felt like she lost her best friend over lawyers. Andy asks if she sees his current wife, and she does when the collective families get together. It was awkward during the divorce, but over time it became okay. Andy wonders how she’s feeling toward everyone now. Sonja says she cares about everyone there. She’s said stupid things, but she has to be herself around her friends. That’s why sometimes she feels the need to chill for the summer, and get herself centered. Ramona kisses her and Sonja says, as much as they argue, they don’t verbally abuse each other. Although Ramona doesn’t stick up for her as much as she’d like.

Andy says before this season, the only running Carole did was for the co-op board, and then she ran the NY marathon. We see clips of that, and also of Carole and Adam. Carole says she and Adam get together once in a while, but there’s nothing romantic. She’s not dating anyone seriously. Andy suggests Tinsley pay forward, and set her up. He asks if Carole is going to run the marathon again, but that’s a no. She thinks she came in last. He asks what Carole and Tinsley have in common, and Tinsley says Carole introducing her to Scott brought them closer. Carole says they really don’t see each other that much. Bethenny made it seem like they were BFFs, but they were just friends. Tinsley’s feelings are hurt, and Carole says she’s just telling it like it is. Andy says they went to three countries together, but Carole says they only spent six days in Spain with their boyfriends. Bethenny asks even if they’re not close, why hurt Tinsley’s feelings. Carole says Bethenny is the one who said they were thick as thieves, when she hung out with other people just as much. Since this is beating a sad, dead horse, Andy switches topics to Carole’s writing. A viewer points out that she identifies herself as a journalist, but shirks deadlines, and hasn’t written anything in two years. Carole says it’s actually longer, since she considers her real journalistic career when she worked for ABC News. She and Bethenny bicker a little over how many years it’s been, and hen compare their resumes. Bethenny brings up Carole’s blog again, and Carole says she was trying to put the weekly arguments into context.

Next, the trip to Cartagena is discussed. Andy says that Tinsley had to navigate rough waters to keep them afloat. Ramona says a lot of sh*t happened; no pun intended. Andy acknowledges that Ramona was a grown-up about hotel room choices this season. Ramona says watching herself, she saw how she thought she was entitled, and realized that’s not the right way to be. Everyone applauds, and Andy says she’s a big girl now. She mentions that Bethenny and Carole were acting like a-holes, and Bethenny says she shouldn’t have gone, since she was on overload after Puerto Rico, and stressed out. She took on more than she should have. Andy asks Carole what about Bethenny’s crying was such a turn-off? Carole says she’s sensitive to unstable energy, and it feels menacing, whether it is or not. Carole says she’s a very sane person, and approaches things logically. She has a huge hippocampus (the elongated ridges on the floor of each lateral ventricle of the brain, thought to be the center of emotion, memory, and the autonomic nervous system). She doesn’t react emotionally, and doesn’t do panic. She’s also not much of a hugger. Okay, Sheldon. This chick is sounding more egocentric with every sentence.

Andy asks if it occurred to Tinsley that the trip might not go well. She says it never did. She’s always had a great time there; it’s beautiful and rich in history. Bethenny says it can happen to anyone; sometimes you’re just unlucky with a trip. Tinsley says she didn’t think it would go so badly. Andy wonders why she wasn’t concerned about the rough water, and Bethenny says because she was boozing it up. Dorinda says there was a fire alarm going off, and people going by with machetes. Tinsley says the same thing happened when she went with her ex-husband. She was freaked out, but he was like, don’t. She says she didn’t think it was that scary at the time, but watching it later, it looked terrifying. Ramona says they couldn’t film how bad it was. Carole says she was getting sick. Ramona says, furniture was flying. Dorinda says she was looking for lifejackets. Ramona adds that the waves were coming over the boat. Andy asks if Ramona really doesn’t swim, and Sonja says that’s why she needs a pool noodle. We see clips of Ramona attached to a noodle in every pool situation. Andy says he knew she loved a noodle, but didn’t know she needed one. Carole says none of them could have swum in that. Sonja says when the anchor came down, she knew there was a problem. Bethenny says they smelled the fire first, then the alarm went off. They realized there was a fire from the rope on the anchor. Ramona says they would have capsized without them cutting it. Tinsley tells them not to worry; she’ll plan the next trip – Tinsley’s Travels. Andy wonders why Bethenny and Tinsley were the only ones not to get diarrhea, and Bethenny says she has chronic constipation. Tinsley says it happened after she got home. They have a brief poop discussion, and Carole says it was everywhere. This doesn’t exactly make me long to go there, but Sonja says she’d go back, and so would LuAnn.

At last, the final thoughts. Andy says it’s been a long, bumpy ride, and asks for everyone’s biggest regret. Bethenny is first, and Carole makes faces before she even starts talking. Carole is like the face-making champ this reunion. Bethenny says she regrets calling Dorinda a drunk. Even though she didn’t mean it that way, that’s how it sounded. Dorinda chokes up, saying it means a lot They hug. Tinsley says she didn’t like how she lost her temper at Sonja. Sonja says she regrets starting the season off by opening the wound when they had gotten over it, and thanks Tinsley for helping her get over it. Ramona regrets posting the Instagram photo, saying she should have asked LuAnn first. She also regrets not thinking at all when she texted Tom. If she could take it back, she would. Andy asks if Carole regrets telling him that he’s full of sh*t. She says she didn’t, but oh yes, she did, and we see the clip. She tells him that she said it in anger. Andy admits to screaming at both her and Bethenny. Carole says she thought they’d reconnect their friendship, but it never happened. Watching it made her upset and angry, and she wishes they’d had a conversation to put it in context. She tried, and regrets failing. Dorinda regrets what happened between her and LuAnn. She didn’t mean to inflict the pain she did, and prays they get back together. She also regrets getting drunk at the dinner in Puerto Rico, but hopes she’s grown. She’s better and healthier, and it won’t happen again.

Andy says we couldn’t have asked for a more memorable, eventful season. Shots of green juice are brought out, and Ramona asks if it’s tequila because she doesn’t listen to anything except what’s in her own head. They toast to Lu, and I feel strangely sad.

MasterChef

The cooks took over Michelin star restaurant Providence, in LA. The entrées were duck, NY strip braised in its own fat, and salmon. Gerron was captain of the blue team, and Ashley the red. Gordon yelled at everyone like they were on Hell’s Kitchen, but with less cursing. It took Gerron a while to get in the groove, but then he was on a roll. Bowen got duck and beef confused, so Ashley had to babysit him. Gordon said the team captains were strong, and the types that don’t give up. This time, the judges made the final decision, but said they needed to sleep on it – it was that close. Gordon said the red team started slow, but Ashley found her voice, and made a great captain. He called Gerron extraordinary, and I was surprised that the red team ended up the winners. Gordon told them Bowen found his feet late, but their captain led the team to victory. The blue team got the black aprons. Gerron’s team let him down, but he was personally killing it because he didn’t want to let Joe down. And he was not going home. He’d better not; he’s my pick to win. The pressure test – which Joe called the most difficult the show had ever seen, foregoing the traditional in the history of – had the cooks making three chocolate desserts. Joe explained the first, a white chocolate panna cotta with raspberry something on top, that needed to be creamy without being gelatinous. Aaron showed us the most popular chocolate dessert, whipped milk chocolate mousse. I have actually made that, but it was many moons ago for a French Club dinner. I could eat a whole tub of it. Gordon finished the trio with a dark chocolate molten lava cake. The contestants had to make exact replications of all three in 60 minutes. Samantha ended up with liquid mousse, although Gordon said it was delicious. Farhan’s molten lava cake was way too molten, and reminded me of Easy Bake batter. Gerron got a fist bump from Joe on the panna cotta, but Joe told Farhan, there’s set and there’s concrete. He peeled the raspberry top off in one piece, and suggested using a jackhammer. On the other end of the spectrum, Samantha’s raspberry top was more like raspberry juice. Gerron was told did an incredible performance, and he said, who thought his big old hands could produce such delicate desserts? Time got the better of Farhan, and he was out, but Aaron told him that all of his restaurants had an open door for mentoring. Farhan said it was difficult to walk away, but he learned so much, in leaving he could see a career in food. It was just the beginning.

The mystery box held ingredients. Instead there was a taste of home underneath, letters of encouragement from loved ones – Gerron’s fiancé, Ashley’s dad, Cesar’s mom, Bowen’s husband, and Samantha’s mom. Everyone was crying, and the task was to create a dish inspired by the person who wrote the letter. And they got to use THE PANTRY. Gerron used his mom’s recipe for potato soup (I love potato soup!), as it was the first dish he made for his fiancé. Sam decided on a bowtie pasta dish that her mother makes for her birthday, but tweaked the sauce, amping it up MasterChef style. Bowen made a pan seared pork dish with sweet and sour peppers, Ashley went with pork chops and biscuits, and Cesar made pork/potato tacos.

Gordon said Gerron’s potato soup was the best he’d ever tasted, and he nailed it. Bowen hit a home run, and Sam’s pasta was perfection. Cesar used heat to elevate his dish, giving it a magical taste. Ashley’s pork chops were fantastic, and Aaron said he tasted home in it. Bowen was the winner, and given the advantage for the next challenge – he got to decide on which ingredient each cook would be using. I had the feeling when they’d said it was a challenge with heart last week, that it would be exactly that. The choices were lamb, which went to Ashley; beef, going to Gerron; duck, to Samantha; tuna, to Cesar; and Bowen took the artichoke heart for himself. True story. I’ve mentioned before that I ate what I call Depression Food when I was growing up. One of those dishes was gizzard and heart soup. It tastes better than it sounds, but the hearts are quite small, and I assume that’s why they weren’t included in this challenge. Hey, it was the Depression. No food was left unturned.

The contestants had 45 minutes to work magic and make a restaurant quality dish, with the clock starting before they even got their hearts. Cesar called Bowen a jerk when he found out he got the tuna, but managed to make some amazing grilled kabobs with an Asian flare. Aaron said his flavors complimented, rather than obscured, the tuna. Bowen made cabbage rolls, and although they were tasty, Gordon said he chose the easy route. I missed what Samantha’s dish was called, but it involved cranberries, rice, and cabbage. She wasn’t happy with her plating – which did look like a mess – and Gordon said no one was happy with her plating. Ashley fried her duck heart, and did it up Moroccan style, and Gerron did a beef heart and onions dish. His plating lacked as well, and he said he’d be pissed if he went home on presentation. Joe was blown away by the quality of the dishes. It was pretty impressive, considering no one had ever cooked anything like it before, including Bowen, who had never even eaten an artichoke. Gerron and Samantha were the two who scored lowest – for the plating alone – and Samantha was pronounced safe. I was all, no-no-no-no-no, but once again using the American Idol mold of judging, he was safe too! He declared from now on, his plates will be on point. Next time, another two-hour episode, and the most daunting challenge of the season. A series of tests and an epic culinary battle for a spot in the finale.

🎲 I got lucky with the NYC Wives being rerun at 10 pm, but not so much with The Real Housewives of Dallas, which didn’t repeat until 12:30. While I watched it, I still need to edit, so stay tuned for that tomorrow.

⏰ Until Then…

Goodnight

Aug23

August 22, 2018 – Julian Sneaks Around, NYC Reunion Begins, Black Forest Dreams, Chef Links, Dallas Later, Background for Medicine & Dress-Up

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Curtis asks if Drew isn’t attracted to a smart, funny, successful woman. Drew says it’s not that; he thinks Margaux has an agenda. Curtis says he didn’t find anything. She might as well be called No Drama Dawson. Drew thinks there’s more to Margaux than they’re seeing. Curtis says he guesses Drew would know, and shows him the picture from The Invader.

Margaux looks at the same picture at the bar, and asks Peter how he feels about lawsuits. He says he’s not a fan. She can’t believe he’s still walking free. She wants to find the publisher of this rag, and he says she’s looking at him.

At the MetroCourt, Nina and Maxie are having a meeting. Lulu stops by, and asks Nina if they’re still meeting about Charlotte’s schedule, and Nina says they’re still on. Lulu says she might not be in Valentin’s life anymore, she’ll always be in Charlotte’s. Nina thanks Lulu for including her.

Brad and Lucas come to the hospital with the baby. Kim asks how the two fathers are, and Lucas says Wiley might not be theirs much longer.

Alexis tells Diane that she knew this could happen, but hoped it wouldn’t. Diane thought the path was clear, but shame on her. The window exists for a reason. Alexis asks if Diane knows why the birth mother would reconsider after all this time. Julian opens the door a crack so he can hear better.

Michael goes to Sonny’s place and looks at family photos. Sonny walks in, and asks how it was. Michael says, quiet and peaceful. He stayed longer than he meant to. He didn’t know how to leave. Sonny says there’s a terrible moment when you bury someone you love. The grave is covered, the prayers have been said, you said everything you can say. You want to walk away, but can’t. It’s over. He tells Michael that he’s going to get on with his life. The life waiting for him, but not with them. You miss them, remember them, and imagine what it would be like with them, but it’s just a game in your head. You’re trying to hide from the grief, but the longer you keep playing that game, the worse it’s going to get.

Diane tells Alexis it won’t make things less difficult. The odds of Brad and Lucas keeping the baby are slim to none. There are no red flags with the birth mother, and no reason to question her fitness. Alexis tells her to say Brad and Lucas love their son is an understatement. Diane asks if she’s prepared them, and Alexis says they understand it’s likely they’ll lose. Diane says her paralegal was supposed to bring her a file. She looks out in the hallway, and Julian ducks around a corner. Alexis really wishes they weren’t going through this proceeding, and Diane says, you and me both.

Drew tells Curtis that Margaux asked him to help her bring down Sonny. Curtis asks what he said, and Drew says he accused her of flirting with him to get him to flip on Sonny, but it’s not happening. Curtis asks if that’s when she laid one on him. Drew says she insisted she was genuinely interested in him. There’s something going on with that woman, and he’s going to find out what.

Margaux says Peter is the publisher of The Invader? He says, the one and only. She says he certainly rose from the ashes. He thanks her, but she says it’s not a compliment. He asks why she’s so angry, and she says he turned something he knows nothing about into a news story. Congratulations on his breathtaking lack of scruples. His father would be proud.

Lulu tells Maxie and Nina that Peter is there, and he offered her a job. Maxie asks if he’s making the rounds. Lulu says, her too? Nina asks if she took it, but Lulu says, no way. She works for s legitimate publication that has staff meetings. She goes over to Peter, and tells him to cancel dinner on Friday. She won’t be joining him. She doesn’t deal in fake news. Maxie asks Nina what’s wrong with Peter that he’s poaching employees from his old company? It’s tacky. She sees Nina isn’t paying attention, and says, earth to Nina; what’s going on? Nina says she was remembering what day it was. Valentin comes in, and asks to speak to Nina. Maxie says they’re in the middle of a working lunch, but Nina says, it’s okay. They have unfinished business to attend to.

Drew says Margaux showed interest too quickly. Curtis says he doesn’t see it, but maybe she finds him irresistible. Drew tells him that she said since he has Jason’s memories, he knows where the bodies are buried. Curtis says she kissed him anyway. Does he like her, or did he before? What if he’s wrong? What if she’s digging him, and he missed out because he’s too damn stubborn?

Margaux says apparently she’s not the only one who questions Peter’s journalistic integrity. He says there’s nothing wrong with printing a picture of a public servant. She’s not off limits; neither is Drew. If she wants less coverage, she should control her impulses. She asks if he’s trying to piss her off. He says, no, and actually thinks they like each other.

Valentin asks to speak to Nina privately, but Nina says whatever he’s got to say, he can say in front of Maxie. He asks if she knows what day it is, and Maxie wonders what’s up with the day? Nina says Valentin had thirty days to change her mind, and they’re up. Maxie says she’s still going through with the divorce, right?

Kim tells Brad and Lucas that she’s sorry. Lucas says the birth mother changed her mind once; they’re hoping she changes it again. It’s possible. Brad says they already love him so much.

Diane feels for Brad and Lucas, but tells Alexis it could be worse. She just came from the funeral for Michael’s baby. Alexis says at least they have the comfort of knowing the baby is alive and well. Diane says either her paralegal was held up or took a long lunch. She’ll collect the file herself. Alexis says she’s very hands-on. Diane tells her, never let it be said that Diane Miller is spoiled. Alexis says, except when Max is feeding her grapes during her mani/pedi.

When they’re gone, Julian pops out, and goes into the office.

Curtis doesn’t want Drew to miss out on something special because he was burned in the past. He suggests he bring her to the reception. He gave Drew a plus one; he might as well use it. He can show Margaux his fancy Macarena dance moves. Drew says he’s just trying to be realistic, but Curtis says sometimes you have to let go and enjoy yourself. Maybe he should stop looking for what’s wrong, and see something right. He doesn’t care what they say, there’s hope for him. Drew says he knows what he’s doing. Curtis says, if you say so. Drew asks if they’re really going to play the Macarena, and Curtis tells him it was hypothetical. Curtis leaves, and Lulu approaches Drew. She says sorry for stalking him, but she needs his help facing the job market.

Peter thinks Margaux could help him; she knows about the juicy stories. If she accommodates him, he’ll do the same. She says, in his dreams. He tells her, there’s no expiration date on the offer. If she changes her mind, she knows where to find him.

Valentin tells Nina it’s torture living without her, and Charlotte misses her. Maxie tells him not to use his daughter as emotional blackmail. He says they can make it work, better than it was before. Maxie asks if she’s falling for this, and Nina says, sorry. There’s nothing he can do to make up for what he did to Peter. He used an innocent child as a pawn; she can’t get over it. She’s filing for divorce, and he said her wouldn’t fight her. Valentin says he won’t, and she thanks him. She has to go. Maxie asks where she’s going, but Nina doesn’t answer and jets to the elevator like she’s on fire. Maxie says poor Valentin; he didn’t get what he wanted. Valentin says Maxie did. She can’t bring herself blame Peter for Nathan’s death, so she’s punishing him. He admits he played his part. Nina understands his situational ethics; he practices doing what’s necessary to get what he wants. He doesn’t regret a moment spent with her. She knows that he loves her, complete with her complexities, contradictions, and eccentricities. He doesn’t want her money or to control her. He loves her, even flawed. He tells Maxie to punish him, but stop using Nina to do it.

Brad asks Alexis is she’s gotten any ne information. She tells them that Diane is the biological mother’s attorney. Brad says he thought she was sympathetic to them, and Alexis says, she is, but she was there to represent her client. Lucas says, even though the birth mother vetted and selected them, now she wants the child back. It doesn’t matter.

Julian take pics of the adoption file in Diane’s office.

Sonny tells Michael that he’s dealt with grief alone many times, inside himself. Sometimes physically locking the doors and covering the windows; sometime shutting down and focusing on work, so he didn’t have to think about what’s missing or the empty space left behind. Michael says, Jonah didn’t leave anything behind. He sees a picture of Morgan, and thinks of his room, and the memories he has. He can close his eyes and see him; hear his voice. He never even heard Jonah cry. Jonah never touched anything he got for him. That’s why it was easier than he thought to give his stuff away. There’s no way to compare the two. Sonny tells him not to. He loved them both, and lost them both. That’s the hell of it.

Peter is looking at other publications on his tablet, and Maxie asks him if he’s nostalgic for real news. He says he’s checking the competition. He asks how James is, and Maxie tells him not to pretend they’re friends. He says he finds no shame in giving the public what it wants. She asks if that includes poaching employees. He says it clearly bothers her that he offered Lulu a job. He didn’t think they were friends anymore. Like the two of them.

Lulu tells Drew that she’s been demoted. She’s been bumped to puff pieces in favor of a Pulitzer prize winner who came along. Drew admits it’s a good move. Lulu says it’s great, but in the meantime, all the huge stories she wrote don’t exist. Stacy appreciate her work, and said she was grateful for the stories she’s covered about people she knew personally, but she has to come up with something new. Drew says that’s the reason he hired them. If Stacy thinks it’s best for the paper, his advice is to keep it up. Keep doing what she’s doing in the event an opportunity presents itself. She asks if he realizes patience is not a Spencer thing. He wishes he could help. She thanks him for hearing her, and leaves.

Margaux asks if Drew has seen any good headlines, and he says nothing that caught his eye. She says if she’d realized the kiss would be in the news, she would have thought twice about it. He hopes it didn’t damage her reputation. She thinks it’s intact, and asks about his. He thinks he can use it, and she says it’s a win-win. She offers to make it up to him for being a jerk, and asks if he’s hungry.

At the hospital, Julian tells Kim there’s a lot going on. She says she saw Lucas and Brad, and they told her about the birth mother. It breaks her heart. Julian doesn’t understand how she can just take him back. What kind of person does that? Kim says, a mother.

Nina goes to Diane’s office. Diane has the papers drawn up, and asks if Nina has decided what she wants to do. If she’s changed her mind, Diane can make it go away. Nina says she has to divorce her husband

Valentin thanks Curtis for coming. He has a job for him. Curtis says Nina is one of his favorite people, and he feels the opposite about Valentin. Why would he do Valentin a favor? Valentin says it’s not a favor for him. The only person who stands to benefit is Nina.

Michael says he read something that said all grief is unique, yet all grief is the same. Sonny says, the difference is how you deal with it. He’ll realize eventually the only way out is through. He tells Michael not to make the same mistake he did. He has a lot of people who love him and want to help him; let them help. Michael says he just did that, and they hug. Sonny says he’ll be all right.

Brad says Wiley left his binkie in the car, and goes to get it. Alexis asks Lucas if Brad is all right. She needs them both to be focused, and stay strong. They need to present a more stable home.

Kim tells Julian the bond between mother and child is indescribable. He wonders why the birth mother didn’t balk after she gave birth. Kim says she probably doesn’t know what’s happening; she just knows she’s not with him. Maybe she decided she couldn’t go through with it. She’s sorry it’s hurting them so much. He appreciates her perspective, and her listening to him. She tells him to stick around. She leaves, and he gets a call from Brad, who’s freaking out. He asks if Julian has made any headway. How can they make sure no one finds out Wiley is another woman’s son? Julian says he’s on it. He has a plan, and will fill Brad in later. He tells Brad to sit tight. He looks at the photos he took.

Margaux tells Drew that she ran into Peter, and told him what she thought of his brand of journalism. His photographer isn’t bad though. He managed to get her good side. Drew’s, not so much. She asks if she’s boring him already, and he says he’s just trying to figure her out. She didn’t realize she was complicated. He says she came on a bit strong, and she asks if she was obnoxious. He says, direct. He’s wondering what else is going on in there. She says she hates to disappoint him, but what you see is what you get. He doubts that.

Maxie tells Peter that she and Lulu are in a decent place. He’s happy to hear that. Lulu is a lucky woman. Lulu appears, and asks if Peter has a minute. She says it’s kind of awkward, but Maxie will hear it soon enough. She asks if the chief investigative reporter position is still on the table.

Diane asks if Nina is sure. Nina says Valentin changed her office into a Moroccan holiday, bought ads to profess his love in the magazine, and bought Charlotte a horse so they could ride together. They were gestures. Diane says they had an effect. Nina says he lied so much, and condemned a small child to a lifetime of hell. No amount of love can overcome that. Diane says she still loves him, and Nina says, not enough. Diane asks if she can make an observation. Nina has told her some wonderful things he’s done, she’s shaking a little, and still hasn’t picked up the pen. She’s allowed to have reservations. She doesn’t have to go through with it. Diane can bill her for the meeting, and put it in a file; she can decide later. There’s no penalty for not signing. As someone who’s had a ringside seat for these things, there’s a special pain when you divorce someone you love. The breaking apart of two lives causes wear and tear on the heart. She tells Nina to be super certain it’s what she wants to do before she dives in. Nina signs, disappointing both Diane and I.

Curtis says he’s all about making Nina happy, but he doesn’t think they hold the same ticket. Valentin says he can find the one thing that will make her happier than anything. Curtis says, unless he found a new procedure to let her get pregnant… Valentin says he found her child. He doesn’t have a location or ID, but he knows she exists. Nina has a daughter. Curtis says she miscarried. Valentin says that’s what her mother wants her to believe, but she delivered. Curtis asks who told him, and he says, her mother. He had to drag it out of her, but she admitted it, and he believes it. The child doesn’t know she has a mother, and vice versa. Curtis can make that happen.

Margaux tells Drew about prosecuting someone she went out with in middle school. She thought it would be a conflict of interest, even though they only went together for all of seven hours. Her boss told her the discussion was a waste of time, and the case was a waste of court time. In the end, he caved, and took a plea deal of five years. Drew asks if she had no qualms about putting her first love in prison. She says it was her first conviction. He’ll always have a special place in her heart. She’s a DA first; everything else she does is second, although she’s passionate about baseball. He asks, what else? and she says, him first. What inspires his passion?

Peter tells Lulu the job is hers if she wants it. Lulu says, no hard feelings? and he says, none. Maxie says she can’t be serious. Lulu says circumstances changed. She realized a great opportunity. Chief investigative reporter would take her years anywhere else. Maxie says she’ll have to be with him all the time. She says she won’t; she’ll be gone on assignment. Peter says they’ll hardly see each other. Lulu says she’s doing this. She’s in.

Lucas asks Brad where the binkie is, and he says he just needed air. Alexis asks if he feels any better, and he says, for the first time since this went down, he feels hopeful that Wiley is going to stay with them. Lucas says, from his lips. They hug, and Alexis looks worried.

Julian is looking at his phone when Kim comes back. She says she needs to take a raincheck for lunch; a patient is in labor. She’s sorry about what Brad and Lucas are going through – and him. They can’t control the fate of their children. Sometimes all they can do is hope. She leaves, and he looks at the form on his phone again. He sees a phone number and calls it. He says, you don’t know me, but I think we should meet.

Tomorrow, Finn says now they’re all at risk, David asks what Kiki is waiting for, and Ryan says there’s a dangerous man loose in Port Charles.

The Real Housewives of New York City – The Reunion – Part One

Carole says reunions are group therapy and torture. Ramona says she’s calm, but things can change quickly. Bethenny says she’s like the mother of dragons, fighting multiple blondes. I gasp when I see Bethenny’s dress. She looks like a princess. All of the dresses are beautiful, although I’m not quite as crazy about Carole’s. I’m just not into her style.

Andy welcomes us to the season ten reunion, where they’re putting a bow on a gift of a season. Sonja is wearing one of her own dresses, and I have to mention, she has very pretty things for sale at very reasonable prices. No surprise, Dorinda is wearing Jovani. Just so she can say it again. LuAnn couldn’t be there, since she’s back in rehab – which sux – but Andy says they still have an incredible season to talk about.

Bethenny says her apartment exceeded expectations, and it’s like a home in the city. Avery moved out, so Ramona has listed her apartment for sale. Andy asks Carole the latest about her and Adam. He says at the end it was confusing; Adam was sending her tulips. Carole says they’re friends, but don’t get coffee. Tinsley got a haircut. She was worried it would make her feel older and fatter, but she feels younger and thinner. Yes, Tinsley, when you hit a certain age, long hair just makes you look like you’re trying to look younger. Unless you’re Crystal Gayle. Dorinda has been working out. She thought if Carole could do a marathon, she could get her lazy ass up, and she got a trainer. Sonja tells us that she’s a pescatarian, someone who doesn’t eat meat, but eats fish.

We look back over the fashion during the season. Ugh! Dorinda’s Lady Gaga bubble dress. That so did not work for me. And LuAnn’s Diana Ross wig. Ha-ha-ha! Andy asks about it. Bethenny says her dog had died that day, and she didn’t even notice. Carole says LuAnn is tone deaf when it comes to racial stereotypes. They agree she looked darker on TV. Andy asks about best and worst Halloween costume. Dorinda says hers was both – she lost all her bubbles by the end of the night. We find out Lady Gaga’s mother goes to Dorinda’s church.

We discuss Bethenny’s disaster relief. We see a clip of her getting an award, and clips from Puerto Rico. We flash back to Bobby’s funeral, and the Halloween party. The nutcracker incident is relived. Dorinda gets annoyed all over again. We see Ramona giving Bethenny the business, and her calling Bethenny out about not supporting women in the finale. Andy asks Bethenny about reconnecting with Jill. It was a surprise to Bethenny too. She says she knew she wouldn’t regret going, but would regret not going. It brought back memories, and Jill approached her afterward. Since then, they’ve been texting. Ramona thought it was bizarre that Bethenny asked them to film it. Andy says they were invited by Jill. Dorinda finds it morbid. Andy squashes that. He brings up Bobby not being able to fix things between them, and Bethenny tells him that everyone at the funeral said Bobby would never say no to Jill, but Jill told her he refused to fix their relationship. That was something she had to do for herself, but in the end, he did fix it, since it was at his funeral that they reconciled. We flash back to when their relationship deteriorated. Ramona says she thought it was opportunistic, and not genuine. Sonja says that’s not how Jill feels. Bethenny says it’s not about Ramona, and the important thing is Jill was happy. Dorinda asks if they’ve had lunch. Bethenny says, no, and Dorinda says, no cameras. Bethenny says Jill is making an effort, and she’s dipping her toe in the water. Ramona makes it about her. Andy says Jill has been dating a guy who used to date Ramona. There probably aren’t many guys Ramona hasn’t dated.

Andy asks what was it about Puerto Rico that spoke to Bethenny? She seemed immersed in it. She says seeing it moved her. She thanks all of them for donating. Love her or hate her, she’s grateful. This prompts Dorinda and Carole to start a big thing, saying they don’t hate her. Ramona says Bethenny doesn’t like to say anything positive, but if they say one negative thing, she gets mad. Bethenny says Ramona has only been nasty to her. We flash back to the Singer Stinger. Omg, I always forget what a nut she is. Ramona says Bethenny ends up alone because she’s a mean girl and a bully. Bethenny says she doesn’t want to talk to her. Andy wants to talk about the nutcracker.

Dorinda says Bethenny freaked out when it arrived, but she didn’t feel appreciated. She says she wished Bethenny had been more gracious. She and Carole insist Bethenny knew it was coming. Bethenny says Dorinda called when they were still in the Berkshires, and the guy said he had it. Everyone talks over Bethenny, and Andy wants to hear her effing answer. Bethenny says they were all in the text, and she has several texts and sent video of her daughter. Why is it about Dorinda and not her daughter? Dorinda says it’s called being gracious.

A viewer asks why Bethenny was condescending about Ramona’s skincare line. Bethenny says since the show began, Ramona has had at least ten business ventures that went nowhere. Currently, she’s still feverishly working on it. The products don’t exist. Bethenny claims Ramona criticizes Sonja for fake businesses, and Ramona says Bethenny was the one who did. I do remember that. We flash back to Bethenny saying Sonja’s businesses aren’t real, and they all start talking at once again, going you, you, you. Ramona can’t take Bethenny’s lies. Sonja accuses Ramona of stirring the pot from the beginning. Bethenny doesn’t think it’s ethical to make women think it’s that easy. She keeps saying she’s a maven of everything, and she’s not. Ramona says she put herself through college; not like Bethenny, who had a rich father. Andy asks the status of Ramona’s products, and she says, they’re in formulation. Uh-huh. She wants to know why Bethenny can’t support her? She’s a bitch to her, and should take a mirror. Whatever that means. Ramona says she supported Bethenny. Sonja tries to interject, and Ramona puts her hand over Sonja’s mouth. That’s so disrespectful, and I can’t believe no one said anything.

Ramona continues to babble, and tells Bethenny, don’t say she’s fake with her fake t*ts. We’re all like, huh? since Ramona clearly has been enhanced. Ramona says she did it at fifty-five, while Bethenny was thirty – like this matters. Andy asks why Ramona freaked on the phone call to Bethenny. She says Bethenny said she was enjoying Bethenny and Carole not being friends, and she felt terrible that they weren’t friends. Dorinda says Ramona wasn’t happy about it. Ramona says she doesn’t know what happened in Bethenny’s life, but doesn’t see things for what they are. Bethenny tells Ramona that she’s critical. If line is really happening, Bethenny is sorry she didn’t congratulate her.

Andy says refused to take Ramona on; why not acknowledge her? Bethenny says, it was LuAnn’s night. She didn’t want an altercation with Ramona. Carole asks, why not just say congratulations? Bethenny tells Carole to butt out, and she’ll call her when she needs her. Bethenny agrees her delivery isn’t the best. Andy says everyone weirdly winds up going to Bethenny when they’re going through big things. Ramona broke down about Mario in Turks and Caicos. Dorinda was crying to her about LuAnn on the island. We flash back to those times. Dorinda says when Bethenny is on, she’s on. She really shows an interest. Carole says she zeros in, and Dorinda says everyone has been supportive to her.

Dorinda is up next, and we flash back to her finest, and not so fine, moments. Dude, just refrain from drinking on camera and you’ll be okay, but when more than one person calls you a donkey, it’s time to check for the ears. Dorinda wants to be clear. She thinks LuAnn should apologize to her. Andy asks if Bethenny thinks Dorinda is a drunk or has a drinking problem. Dorinda says Bethenny doesn’t know her life, and suggests she be careful. Bethenny says she’s been through one intervention this week. Dorinda doesn’t believe Bethenny thinks she’s a drunk, but she was angry because Dorinda got drunk. She says what Bethenny said was hurtful, and she was blindsided. She was excited and super proud to be going to Puerto Rico. Andy rephrases, and asks if Bethenny thinks Dorinda has a drinking problem. Bethenny says she’s not qualified to make that call. Dorinda says Bethenny has no business labeling people. If she thought Dorinda was in trouble, she should have told Dorinda to stay home. Bethenny says she didn’t know how drunk Dorinda was. She had seen her manage to get through dinners before, and wasn’t focusing on her. Bethenny says she was the one who called attention to it in a constructive way. Carole says it’s not constructive to call someone a drunk on TV. Bethenny says it’s not constructive to call someone narcissistic, but it hasn’t stopped Carole from saying that about her multiple times. Carole says she calls it like she sees it. Bethenny says, so does she.

Andy says they’ve watched over a period of years, Dorinda getting to the point where she gets wound up. Sometimes it’s funny, like her toast to LuAnn on the boat – we watch it again – but thee are times like when she cut her hand. We see a clip of Dorinda telling Bethenny that she sliced her hand open with her cutlery – or when she says things she regrets the next day. We see a few of those. He asks if she thinks she has a relationship with alcohol that’s sometimes unhealthy. Dorinda says she even said at the time, she wasn’t in a good place. She was very unhappy last fall, and thinks she was depressed. She didn’t know her place, and felt heavy in all ways. She had to look at that, and what happened with Bethenny. Something had to give. Bethenny says, it didn’t. She saw Dorinda drinking in the morning. Dorinda says Bethenny does the same thing. Bethenny asks if she wants to compare histories. Ramona announces none of them are drunks. Dorinda thanks them for their inspiration and support. She’s in a good place now. Bethenny has bashed her in every interview that she could. Dorinda hasn’t said one mean thing. Bethenny disagrees. Andy asks if Dorinda doesn’t think she has a problem with alcohol, totally ignoring her having moved on from that topic.

Next time – Part Two – more on Dorinda’s drinking, some on LuAnn’s drinking, Tinsley’s relationship with Scott is discussed, Dorinda yells Jovani! Dorinda’s heckling is on the table, as well as Carole’s blog, and poop.

🍰 MasterChef traveled to one of oldest airbases, March Air Reserve Base, to celebrate their 100th anniversary. The contestants had to make one hundred plates to feed the troops, after dividing into two teams. Cesar was captain of the red team, and Emily, the blue. Gordon switched things up by having the team members pick their captain. Gordon yelled at Samantha about how she was cutting the asparagus, which ticked her off, since she’d already argued with Cesar about it. Emily got a lecture about incinerating pork chops. The air force parachuted in, invading the kitchen. Cesar’s team made steak, while Emily’s was pork chops. A raw pork chop was discovered, as well as a hair in the steak. A skydiver declared the winner by landing on a red or blue square. At first, we thought blue was the winner, until a second skydiver landed on red. Gordon said it was extraordinary. For the first time in the history of MasterChef, there was a tie. The judges made the final decision, and it was the red team by a narrow margin. Their presentation put them over the top. Gordon described the pressure test as an extremely technical multilayered culinary classic – black forest cake. It was foodgasm time, and the cake was to die for. Emily said baking was her wheelhouse. She had to decide between picking one person to go up against, and saving three others, or saving only herself. She said being safe was the best feeling in the world, but her thought her skills would keep her safe, and chose going head to head with Shanika. Emily put her cake in the glass chiller before its time, and it fell over. Since they were both Joe’s people, she was concerned about disappointing him. I loved how the judges looked at the cakes, like they were examining slides under a microscope. Emily’s ratio of cake to cream between the layers was off, but her addition of extra cocoa powder paid off in flavor. Shanika got the layers right, but Joe thought it tasted like chocolate pound cake. Gordon said it was probably the most difficult and stressful 75 minutes of their lives. The judges had little room to decide, and had to dissect each element. Emily was sent home, and Shanika said David beat Goliath. I’ll bet Emily was sorry about deciding to go for the challenge. Joe quoted Churchill, saying, success is not final, and failure is not fatal; it’s the courage to continue that counts. Emily said she comes from a small town, and to be in the MasterChef top ten was a dream experience. It added to passion for food, which will continue to grow.

The mystery box contained something different for each cook – peaches, lobster, clams, corn, butternut squash, potatoes, cranberries, venison, and duck – nine American ingredients that the country was built on. They had forty-five minutes, and could make any dish, as long as their ingredient was the star. They were also allowed to use THE PANTRY. The mentors spent time with the cooks, which we really haven’t seen much of before. Joe told Gerron that his peach whatever tasted like home, and his grandmother’s kitchen. I couldn’t think of a better compliment. I grew up eating what I called “Depression food.” My father made all kinds of soups and stews with ingredients kids today would never eat. My favorite was neck bone soup. It is so tasty, and I tried to make it myself once. It was good, but just not the same, and they hit the nail on the head – it needed to taste like home. Aaron pleaded with Farhan to lay off the coconut milk. Gerron’s peach dish was the winner, and I think my money is on him now. He was safe, and got to pick the teams for the tag team challenge, which was to make the perfect platter of Mediterranean food. I’m not crazy about feta cheese, but Trader Joe’s makes the best tomato/feta cheese soup. It’s like tasting a grilled cheese sandwich inside the soup. Just sayin’. Farhan said tag teams bring out the worst in people, and he was right. They had sixty minutes, and did not get to use THE PANTRY, but got a set amount of ingredients. Gerron was pleased with strategy, and thought his devious plan would work. Cesar and Bowen were safe right away, followed by Farhan and Ashley. Gordon said Shanika and Emily’s effort was unbalanced and fragmented, but they squeaked by. Taylor and Julia lacked direction and ownership, and the fundamental flaws in their dishes were unacceptable for being in the top nine. Only Taylor got the boot though, with Gordon saying Julia had done 85% of the work. He told Taylor to continue her food dream. Then it was the part where everyone cries while they wave goodbye, but you know they’re all glad it’s not them. Taylor was thankful for the opportunity, and grateful for Gordon’s mentoring. She was sad to go, but proud of who was walking out. She was a stronger person and home cook than when she walked in, and closer to her culinary dream of opening a restaurant. She was excited about what lies ahead. Joe’s advice to the remaining contestants was if they couldn’t stand the heat of the top eight, they’ll soon be out of the kitchen. That’s more like a fortune cookie than advice, but okay. Next time, another two-hour episode. The cooks serve firefighters, and transform trash into treasure.

🍴 Two Links That are Cooking…

If you have a dream, apply for MasterChef here:

Fox.com/masterchef

If you want to dream at home, cook with previous chefs here:

cookingwithmasterchef.com

🐮 Tune in tomorrow for The Real Housewives of Dallas.

🏥 Paging Doctor In-Your-Face…

Married to Medicine: How They Got Here airs Sunday, August 26th, at 10 pm. I might check it out, but I rarely watch the show anymore. I watched the first couple of seasons, but it fell by the wayside when I started feeling embarrassed for them. I just kept thinking, these are professionals; why? I was hoping for something more like Blood, Sweat and Heels, but got something closer to Jerry Springer. I like a good hair pulling as much as the next Housewife viewer, but I have my limits. I do like Dr. Jackie, the voice of reason, but I’m actually surprised she even knows these people.

👠 I’d Love to Play Dress-Up In This…

BethennyReunion

🌍 Preferably in Naples…

Naples

Jul12

July 11, 2018 – Peter’s Location is Changed, NYC Wives Speed Date, Raw Duck, Nimrods & Endless

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Maxie looks through swimsuits in the Crimson closet. Lulu says she’s busted.

On the phone, Nelle says, so if things don’t work out, she has no way to protect herself. Michael comes in, and asks who she was talking to. She tells him that it was a lawyer advising her on the prenup.

Chase goes to the hospital to see Finn sees, He says they need to talk about his mother and their father.

Obrecht tells Peter to quit sniveling. He says she sedated him again, and wonders what happened. She tells him that she’s moved him, and welcomes him to Spoon Island. They’re in the stables. He yells, like that’s ever helped.

Valentin finds out that the stable hand had a family emergency, and tells them that he’ll take care of the horses.

Drew finds Nina at the MetroCourt. He wants to talk about Aurora. He thinks Nina has been hiding something for the last few weeks.

Lulu thought Maxie was on parental leave, but Maxie says there was a problem with Crimson’s Instagram story. She asks if Lulu is implying she’s neglecting her son, and Lulu wonders what’s going on with her attitude. Maxie says, for one, Lulu barged in, saying she was busted. Lulu says she was teasing. She came here to see Nina and set up a visit with Charlotte. Maxie says it doesn’t feel that long ago that she lost her job trying to get Lulu the same thing. Lulu says it’s ancient history, and asks why Maxie is digging it up. She thinks Maxie is finding a reason to be mad at her. Maxie says she doesn’t have to look very far.

Nina tells Drew that she’s not hiding anything. He asks her to explain next month’s issue. He just had to talk a publisher off the ledge. The next issue is due at the printer tomorrow, and over a quarter of the letterhead space is unsold. Nina insists it was a communication breakdown. She says, It isn’t supposed to go until… and realizes it is tomorrow. She can’t believe this happened. Drew can’t believe the oversight. With that much left unsold, the magazine is going to hemorrhage money. They’ll have to cut features in the September issue. Nina says he can’t, but he says this is what happens when things fall through the cracks. He asks her, what’s going on?

Peter calls out he’s in the stables; someone help! Obrecht asks if he’s finished. She thought he’d appreciate a change of scenery. She and his father shared many happy times there – until he tried to gas her to death along with Lulu. Peter yells some more, and she asks him to kindly stop his banshee wailing. He tells her the horses need to be taken care of, but she says the equestrian staff won’t be there for the next few days. He asks if she’s going to keep dragging him from place to place forever. She says, forever is just a word. Everything comes to an end. When the story comes to a conclusion, so will he. She doesn’t want to waste the time they have. She looks in her bag, but can’t find her notebook.

Chase tells Finn not to worry about his parents’ impending visit. They’ve been invited to Germany. Finn says he wasn’t worried. He knows Chase was looking forward to seeing them. Chase says he tried calling Finn, but it went to voicemail. Finn says he’s not avoiding Chase; he’s been busy with something. Chase asks, what?

Nelle tells Michael that she wanted to make sure signing the prenup is the best decision. It’s not a corporate merger; it’s her life. They said it’s pretty straightforward with no red flags, but it seems unromantic to go in thinking it’s going to fail. Michael gets it, but it’s not his idea. She asks why he was so insistent then. He tells her the Quartermaine’s are protective of their fortune. Ned refused to officiate unless she signed it, but don’t take it personally. Everyone who comes into the family has to do the same thing. It only comes into play if they divorce, and he’s not planning on it. Is she? Nelle says she has no reservations about signing; it’s just a formality. As long as they’re together, the papers are meaningless. She signs it, and says, all done. Michael thanks her for being understanding. The only things left is to say their vows. Nelle says she has a lot to get ready for, and Michael tells her to put the prenup in a random drawer, and never look at it again.

Finn tells Chase it might have more to do with his area of expertise. Chase gets a text from Michael, saying, she signed the prenup; UR ON. Chase says he has to go, unless there’s a crime to report. Finn thinks he can handle it.

Nina apologizes to Drew, saying it won’t happen again. He tells her that he’s someone who cares about her, and thinks she didn’t take enough time to grieve. She admits to throwing herself into her work, but it suited her fine. Drew says, maybe, until this. She says they don’t know each other well, but assures him it’s an anomaly. He says, it’s not the end of the world. They can spread the deficit out over a few months. Nina says she’ll get the ads sold. He appreciates the effort, but thinks there’s no way she can do it by tomorrow. She says, watch her; she won’t let him down. Drew tells her, good luck, and leaves. Valentin walks in.

Lulu asks Maxie if they didn’t laugh and have fun, and weren’t they overjoyed with James coming home? Was she dreaming? Maxie says, it happened, and Lulu asks, what is this? How can they have a day like yesterday, and now Maxie is treating her like dirt? Maxie says maybe it’s because Nina’s assistant called her because they weren’t prepped, so she had to come to the place where Nathan was shot. It’s made her remember how he’ll never hold James, and James will never know him as anything but a photo. If the super journalist had thought it through, that could have been avoided. Lulu say she’s actually lost track of how long she’s been apologizing, and begging for Maxie’s forgiveness. Maxie says, five months; Nathan died five months ago. Lulu knows Maxie is living her worst nightmare. Maxie says Lulu thinks she’ll get over it, and they’ll go back to being best friends. Lulu says she stays up at night, wondering how she could have done things differently. Maxie says, join the club. Lulu says, she blew, and she’s sorrier than she can ever say. She wasn’t just bringing Faison out to further her career. She thought he would be arrested, and Maxie and her family would be safe. Maxie says, another Spencer plan goes down in flames. Lulu says every time Maxie pushes her away, then there’s a moment when she’s given hope, and thinks their friendship is back. Is it real or a game? Is it her version of revenge? She asks if she’s just supposed to take Maxie’s punishment forever. Maxie says Lulu is the one who treats her friends like garbage to get what she wants. She says, it’s not fair to give a deadline on grief, but Lulu wonders when she’s going to be forgiven. Maxie says, as usual, it’s all about her. She’s a self-righteous narcissist. Lulu says Maxie can say what she wants, but she’s trying. Maxie says she treated someone she said she cares about like garbage. She turns her back to Lulu, who throws a beachball at her. They start to fight with pool noodles.

Nina asks what Valentin is doing there, and he says, getting breakfast. She says he has staff to do that. He admits he welcomed the opportunity to bump into her, and she asks what his angle is. He says, no angle, and she asks if he’s done blackmailing her to stay in the marriage. He says running into her was serendipity. Charlotte wants to invite her to dinner. She says, now it’s emotional blackmail, but she knows better. Charlotte is staying with Lulu, who said she can see Charlotte whenever she wants. Valentin says it means a lot for her to stay in Charlotte’s life. Nina gets a call. When she steps into the hallway, Valentin says, 3… 2… 1… We hear Nina say, what?! She comes back and asks, what the hell did he do?

Obrecht says it must be here somewhere, and Peter suggests she dropped it when she was moving him. She says she thought she put it in her bag before she took him. She must have left it in the cabin. She has to go back. Peter says, maybe they came back for a second look. If they find the notebook, they’ll turn it into the police. She can’t keep cops away forever. It’s time to choose between her revenge and her freedom.

Nelle mopes on the couch, and Ned asks if she has bridal jitters. She says, guilty, and he tells her not to worry. At least about the wedding. He’s been trying to get Michael to relax and enjoy his final hours as a free man. He asks if she has anything planned, and she says she’s tying up odds and ends; she’s not in a celebrating mood. The prenup was a buzzkill; all clinical. He says she knows how it works in their family. Olivia did the same thing; she insisted. Nelle asks, what about him? He says the thought never occurred to him. He’s been married before, but knew this would last forever. It’s recommended, but not mandated. Olivia wanted to be no question that they weren’t getting married for money. He thinks it was a good idea. It takes the doubt out of marriage. He thinks Nelle made the right decision.

Nelle’s phone rings. It’s Chase. He needs to see her right now.

Lulu starts to throw a shoe, but Maxie stops her, saying they’re on loan for the Instagram story. Lulu puts it back gently, saying she doesn’t think it was damaged. Maxie says it was really close, and they laugh.

Nina says how dare Valentin? It’s outrageous, buying the remaining ad space for the August issue. He asks if he can be honest, and she says, why start now? as I would have said. He overheard she needed sales, and he wanted to be of assistance. Cassadine Enterprises has a robust ad budget. She hasn’t even looked at it. She reads a copy on her phone. To my darling wife… I’m sorry. My heart yearns for your forgiveness. I’ve never loved anyone the way I love you. Come back and make my life full again. (I might have paraphrased a tad there.)

Finn leaves another message for Anna, saying he’s on to something, but doesn’t want to explain in a message. He asks her to call him back. He sees Deanna bringing in Wyatt, who has poison oak. He says he’ll take a look. Deanna is surprised he doesn’t have anything more pressing, but he insists he has the time.

Chase meets Nelle on the docks. Shirtless, because he needed to get in his run. I roll my eyes. He tells her that he wanted to apologize for how he acted at the MetroCourt. He went too far. He meant everything he said, but it wasn’t fair to throw it in her face so close to the wedding. He was wrong anyway. Michael clearly wants a future with her and their child. He’s sure the Quartermaines will welcome her into the fold. She’ll be bringing new blood to the family. Nelle asks if he thinks that’s enough, and he says, all that matters is Michael wants to spend the rest of his life with her. He asks if she’s been given reason for doubt, and she mentions the prenup.

Drew arrives at the Quartermaine’s. He tells Michael that he heard he’s getting married; it’s kind of sudden. Ned says he can assure Drew that they all hounded him plenty. He says they’re going to put their reservations aside, and honor the Quartermaine tradition of sending a bachelor off in style. He asks if they are still getting married. He saw Nelle sulking, and thinks the prenup is getting under her skin.

Chase tells Nelle that he didn’t mean to upset her. She says it’s none of his business, but he says divorce scares him. How will she provide for herself? She says they’re not getting divorced, and he asks if Michael agrees. The more he hears about it, the more he doesn’t like it. She doesn’t have to go through with it. She asks what the alternative is, and he says they can still be together.

Ned says he has cigars with their names on them, and leaves to get them. Drew asks if Michael is going to break it to him that cigars make him gag. Michael knows how important traditions are with the Quartermaines. Drew wonders why everyone else seems more excited than Michael is.

Nelle says Chase can’t be serious. When they were at the courthouse, he was threatening her. Was it just romance? He admits his pride got the better of him. He was scared to admit how he felt when he saw her. She’d moved on. He shouldn’t have been afraid to tell her. She asks what makes him think she cares? He says it was now or never, and he’d kick himself if he didn’t. He says Michael is in it for the baby. He can get a divorce, and sole custody. Chase loves her. He can never give her the life she deserves, but he loves her. She says it’s not that easy. Michael is the father of her child, and they’ve planned a life together. Chase says they can raise the baby. They’ll find a place far from the Quartermaines and Corinthoses. They can do things right this time. He can give her the love Michael never could. She says Michael can give her something Chase can’t.

Maxie says she’ll never look at pool noodles the same way, and Lulu says she’ll help clean up. Maxie gets a message that the ad space was sold, and tells her to leave it. She says she doesn’t hate Lulu; she hates herself. She goes back and forth in her head, and knows Lulu isn’t the reason Nathan was killed. He was determined to lure Faison there to arrest him. If Lulu hadn’t written the story, he’d have found another way to track him down. Lulu says, but she did. Her fear of failure led her to take a shortcut. Ambition clouded her judgement. She can understand why Maxie wants to see her suffer. Maxie doesn’t want that, but at the same time, her happiness makes Maxie’s grief worse. She’s not proud of it, but when she sees Lulu with her family, she starts mourning all over again; for the family she’ll never have. Lulu says her life is less perfect and happy with Dante gone. Maxie says misery loves company, but she mostly thinks about how lucky Lulu is. The man she loves is coming home eventually. The man Maxie loves, never will.

Nina asks Valentin how he expects her to react? Be humbled? Touched? Grateful? He says they’re all great. She tells him the ads are not going in. He asks how she’s going to justify turning down revenue; it’s not that objectionable. She says he didn’t say their names, but people will connect the dots. It undermines her authority as editor-in-chief. He asks, how? Proving to the world she’d loved? She says she can’t trust him again. She doesn’t think he’s even aware of lying all the time. He says he never lied about loving her, and she says, he lied about everything else. The final straw was finding out he took an innocent child to seek revenge against Anna. She remembers being pregnant, and felt love. She never wants anything to happen to a child, like he feels about Charlotte. He took an innocent boy, and gave him to Faison. It changed how she’ll look at him forever.

Peter tells Obrecht, if the cops find the journal, they’ll know he was there with her. She says even if they connect it, they’ll never find them there. Really? Really? After they found Mike and Avery there, and it was the first place they wanted to look for Faison? Really? Peter says they’ve lost two chapters, and have to start over. Who knows how long they’ll be safe there? Obrecht says he’s cunning, but she has an excellent memory; thank you, Sodoku. She tells him, let’s pick up where we left off.

Finn wraps Wyatt’s arm, and gives him some cream, saying he’ll explain it to Wyatt’s mom. He wonders if he can ask Wyatt a question. Wyatt asks, what? and Finn asks if he could identify the man in the woods if he showed him a picture. He brings up a picture of Peter on his phone.

Lulu tells Maxie that she’s sorry. She never wanted to add to Maxie’s grief. Maxie knows, and she’s sorry too. She’s all over the place right now. Lulu says she wants to respect how Maxie is feeling. If it means giving her space… Lulu starts to leave, saying she wants Maxie to know she’s there, if she’s ever ready, and know she loves her no matter what. Maxie asks her to wait, and says she loves Lulu, no matter what. They hug.

Michael tells Drew that he thought it through, and given the situation, it seemed like the right choice. Drew asks, for him or his kid? and Michael says, what’s right for his kid is right for him. Drew trusts he knows what he’s doing. He thinks they should make an effort to try to act like family again. Michael likes it. Drew congratulates him, and they clink glasses.

Nelle tells Chase that Michael can give her stability and comfort. Why leave that behind just because he wants to whisk her away? She doesn’t want to make that mistake, and even if she did, how would they start a new life with Michael’s family looking for them? Chase says they’ll work it out. Nelle says she shouldn’t have come. She hopes he can move on. She has. He asks her to wait, but she jets.

Finn tells Wyatt to take his time, and look closely. Don’t tell him what he wants to hear, but tell him the truth. Wyatt doesn’t think it’s him, but Deanna interrupts before he can say more. Finn is needed in the ER stat. Finn tells Wyatt that his mother will get him in a second, and leaves. In the room alone, Wyatt says, it could have been the guy, but he had a beard. You’d think Finn might have thought of that. Being a junior spy and all.

Obrecht tells Peter that when they left their hero, all was lost. How is he feeling now? Peter says, useless, helpless, doomed. She tells him, don’t be so glum. Think of the novel as his legacy. It will outlast him, no matter what unfortunate ending comes his way.

Valentin tells Nina that he loves her, and she admitted she loved him too. They can fix anything. He has to take care of the horses, and tells her, if she wants, he’ll saddle Lumiere. He leaves, and Nina calls Obrecht.

Obrecht says Peter is holding back, and not to allow self-pity to interfere with the narrative flow. He says their hero was surprised to realize the things he’d chased – money, power, revenge – were all meaningless. He discovered what he loved most were moments – ice cream with an unexpected friend; laughing until your sides hurt, with a girl with sparkling blue eyes; a baby’s first breath and cry; the first time his mother reached out to hold him. Why, Octavian wondered, do we never understand life’s meaning and true value until we’re about to lose it all? Obrecht ponders.

Tomorrow, Jordan asks Stella for a favor, Nina tells Valentin that he can’t go home, and Mike tells Sonny that he’s gaining a daughter.

The Real Housewives of New York City

LuAnn rehearses with her accompanist. She didn’t expect to get arrested, and feels stressed that she only has four weeks to practice. She explains that her director worked with Liza Minelli, Chita Rivera, and other cabaret stars. I wonder if they’re hard-up for money. She says she’s lucky to be surrounded by a great team. Sonja will also be in the show to take the pressure off. The script is based on the story of LuAnn’s life, and the songs she likes to sing. Rachel Dratch will be involved somehow, but she doesn’t explain how that happened. The show is called #The Countess and Friends, just to mess with everyone who rags on her about being The Countess. Sonja arrives, thrilled to be a part of the show. She’s in her element. The director maps out what will be happening with Money Can’t Buy You Class. LuAnn will start telling a story, and Sonja will interrupt, saying that’s not how it happened. We see a clip from Sonja’s Caburlesque show. In her interview, LuAnn says Sonja will be wearing panties. It’s a snatch free zone.

Tinsley visits Carole, bringing her a present. Carole says Adam sent five dozen tulips. In her interview, Carole says it’s no secret Adam wants her back in his life, but she’s not sure how she feels. Tinsley gives Carole a pair of fingerless gloves that make a heart when you put them together. Carole says when her friend, Tripp, was walking Baby, Adam ended up coming back with her. Tinsley thinks it’s annoying that he’d walk in unannounced. Carole says break-ups are messy, and she wants to make it right. She’ll contact him when she has time. Scott is in town, and wants to live with Tinsley in New York. She wants to continue staying in the hotel, so they’re moving into the penthouse, which has three bedrooms. In her interview, Tinsley says they hung in during a year of long distance, now she’s happy to wake up next to him. She hopes she’s easy to live with, and Carole says, keep it cute. Good luck with that when you’re living together.

A package arrives. Carole has a friend who runs a matchmaking service, and it’s an invitation to her speed dating party. It’s really cool; a clear box with roses (about four inches of stem) in water. Like something the Queen would send out. They talk about who else could use a date in three minutes. Carole likes the idea.

Sonja drops by Bethenny’s place. Bethenny gives her another pair of Skinny Jeans. I’d call them burgundy, and Sonja declares them the color of the year. In her interview, Sonja says she’s not thrilled about Bethenny and Carole being on the outs, but she’s happy to be getting the jeans. In her interview, Bethenny thinks Sonja has no shortage of men, but needs to be strategic in her dating moves. Sonja wants to dip her toe in the dating pond, and has a profile online. Her flag is up, and it’s waving wildly.  Bethenny reads Sonja’s profession from the profile, and it’s a list of five thousand things. Bethenny tells her that it takes information from all the apps she has. She tells Sonja that no one looks at it anyway. The only look at the picture, age, and height.

Dorinda goes to Jovani. LuAnn needs something glam and wonderful for her cabaret act, and needs about ten costume changes. Dorinda says Jovani has been good to her over the years in lending her dresses, and she persuaded them to extend the favor to LuAnn. LuAnn wants to do a modern take on cabaret, and envisions different dresses for different scenarios. Dorinda wants her to look her best, and she does. Everything she puts on looks sparkly and fabulous, and there are a lot of mermaid hems. LuAnn is amazed that everything fits perfectly. Dorinda asks about court, and LuAnn says it was cancelled today. Her attorney wants to review the evidence. He’s hoping for no criminal charges, since she didn’t show criminal intent; she was under the influence, and not normally aggressive. She thinks having gone to rehab showed initiative, and is hoping for leniency, along with community service. Dorinda says, it will ultimately go where it’s going to go, which sounds like a bad fortune cookie.

Tinsley tells her precious little dog Bambi not worry about the suitcases. She’s not getting left behind. Tinsley’s friend, Michael, is helping her move. She tells him it’s the easiest move ever. She takes sweaters out of the oven, surprising both Michael and myself. I used to store extra dishes in the dishwasher, and admit to storing bakeware and the occasional box of cereal in the oven, but never clothes. I wish I’d thought of that with my first apartment, since the closet was a small triangle. But I digress… In her interview, Tinsley says she and Scott thought this should be the next step in the relationship. Michael stops her from just throwing really expensive shoes into a box. He refuses to watch as she does it anyway. She’s let Scott off the hook for helping, since he helped with the last move. In her interview, she says Scott is very much in charge at work, and she hopes him moving to New York puts them on a more equal level. him in charge at work. She shows Bambi around their new place. She says for once her clothes will be in a closet. In her interview, she explains she likes to always be with her man, and hopes this works out.

LuAnn meets Carole for coffee. They’re both boring coffee drinkers, just regular with milk. LuAnn is slightly more adventurous with cream. In her interview, Carole says she’s weirdly honored that LuAnn asked her to go for coffee after her meeting. LuAnn tells Carole that she’s been nesting. She’s supposed to stay away from people, places, and things, and is taking it day by day. The meetings help her to stay in line. In her interview, she says she doesn’t label herself. She makes a day to day decision not to drink, and she’s good with that advice. She tells Carole that the meetings encourage that she’s here for a reason, and to keep coming back. Carole asks being around other people drinking is cool, and LuAnn says it doesn’t matter if others drink. Carole says she thought it was a good move when LuAnn left he table at the Mayflower. LuAnn says not drinking is exhausting. She’d been burning the candle at both ends, and now she gets up early and does yoga. In her interview, Carole says she’s prepared to be a friend to this LuAnn, who understands her actions have consequences, and is trying hard to turn her life around. They talk about LuAnn’s upcoming cabaret, and Carole tells LuAnn to tell Sonja to wear underwear. LuAnn says she can’t play snatch-guard. She’ll be too busy singing.

Ramona meets a friend at the gym for a workout. In her interview, Ramona says the best thing about staying in shape is that you can wear anything. Truth! It sucks to go through a million outfits that don’t look right. Ramona says she hasn’t met the guy yet. She doesn’t know why she’s good with flirting, which she’d rather call, open to meeting men. She tells us that she has a high libido, which I didn’t need to know. The trainer helps with the machines. Ramona says she wants someone as smart or smarter than herself (which shouldn’t be too hard), but attraction is number one. Meeting men isn’t a problem, but meeting the right one is. Preach it, sister.

Dorinda and LuAnn pass the church where LuAnn’s AA meetings are held. They’re also near Dorinda’s church. LuAnn tells Dorinda that she’s keeping up the keeping up, but restaurants are the hardest. Dorinda says someone sent her a gift basket with wine, and it’s the first thing she thought of on a cold night. She’s proud of LuAnn. In her interview, LuAnn says it’s not easy. It’s like something you’ve learned for a long time, like brushing your teeth another way. It’s not the anxiety of not drinking, but the habit that you’re fighting. They go inside Dorinda’s church. She says it’s helped her get through difficult times. She likes to meditate, recalibrate, and refocus. She thinks it might be a good tool for LuAnn. They could go to church, and then have coffee. Dorinda shows LuAnn the candle she lit for her when she was in rehab. In her interview, LuAnn says Dorinda has been the most supportive. She thinks everyone’s thoughts and prayers together make a difference. Thank you. Dorinda tells LuAnn that Carole is doing a high-end super fun speed dating thing. She thinks LuAnn should come, just see what it’s like. In her interview, Dorinda thinks it might be good for LuAnn to go through the actions, but no real dating. She needs to date herself. The church looks familiar, but I didn’t see what street they’re on. They light a candle together, and Dorinda prays for strength for LuAnn.

It’s time for speed dating! Carole tells the matchmaker that she has six friends coming. Two are coming to observe, and the other four are in various stages of dating. The girls trickle in, with Ramona leading the pack, and latching on to a guy named Bryan before the dating even starts. Sonja says it’s amazing and mesmerizing to watch. In her interview, Bethenny says she and Dennis love each other, but he’s not capable of being a partner, so she’s open. It turns out she knows Bryan, and she says, the dating plot thickens. It’s the last place LuAnn wants to be, and Sonja asks a guy if she smells like mothballs. Tinsley says even if she wasn’t spoken for, no way would do this. She’s a Southern girl, and needs to be wined and dined. We flash back to the kiss she laid on Scott five minutes after meeting him. Carole finds out her date has kids, and it’s swipe left. Tinsley says Ramona’s got game. Dorinda says it’s like watching a fluffy kitty before it pounces on a tiny mouse. Bryan sits with Bethenny, and kind of hits on her. In her interview, she says it’s flattering, but he’s not her type. She doesn’t want to make herself like someone just because they like her. A guy asks LuAnn what she did for the holidays. She says she was supposed to go to South America, but didn’t make it.

Ramona kisses a dude for thinking she’s around 44, and it’s time to mingle. Carole didn’t meet the guy she wanted to (i.e. Bryan), because he was being devoured by Ramona and Bethenny. Ramona gets tequila for Bryan. A guy at the bar says he thinks Bryan likes Bethenny, but Ramona claims she’s just returning the favor since he bought her a drink. She slinks over with it, and makes a presentation. In her interview, Bethenny does an over-the-top, but accurate imitation of her. Tinsley tells a few of the girls about staying in Cartagena, Columbia, and wants everyone to go there with her. Dorinda only knows the scary things that happen in Columbia, and prefers places that have commercials, like the Bahamas. Tinsley shows pictures of the house she stayed in, and Carole says she had them at private island. Sonja talks to a guy about bondage. Carole tells everyone about the trip. Sonja can’t imagine not having an amazing time. Wow. Is she optimistic.

Next time, the Cartagena trip, Ramona gets a ride in a wheelchair, and Bethenny tells Dorinda that she doesn’t always have to share.

🍴 On MasterChef, the contestants made dinner for the wedding of the Season 7 winner, Shaun O’Neale. Juni and Julia were team captains, blue and red respectively, but something happened that I missed (because, dogs), and Taylor ended up taking Juni’s place. The red team undercooked the duck to the point where it was nearly raw, and needed to re-plate that for a few guests. Unfortunately, they’d made the genius move of throwing out everything that was left, and had to start from scratch. Miraculously, they still won. And we learned that service isn’t over until the last person leaves. On the losing blue team, Gordon deemed Taylor and Shanika safe from elimination. To everyone’s surprise, there was no pressure test. Gordon got right to the point, saying Ashley cracked under pressure, and Juni let go of his responsibility. It was Juni who was out, Gordon saying the team was doomed before they started. They had a bad concept and lost direction. Still, Juni gave a graceful exit, thankful for the opportunities. He said there weren’t many people who could say they cooked in the MasterChef kitchen, and that Gordon tasted their food. He thought he made his mom proud. Well said. Next week, it’s crawfish, and Aaron cooks alongside the chefs. It’s the shock of the season, and Joe says there’s more on the line than they thought.

🔥 A once vibrant town that had become desolate, Greenville, Mississippi was Gordon’s destination on 24 Hours to Hell and Back. Sherman’s, owned by the Nimrod family, had been a thriving business, but no more. Gordon made every joke possible about the Nimrod name, since it’s also slang for inept person. Even they recognized the wisdom in not changing the restaurant’s name when they bought it. Gordon did his disguise thing, and found the flounder to be funky; the food dull, bland, embarrassing, and atrocious; and no surprise, the owners argued these points. The hidden cameras revealed loads of cross contamination, and the usual cockroaches. The owners were resistant to change, but Gordon convinced them to give one of the staff the new position of running the kitchen. He also persuaded them, as only Gordon can, to stop arguing with the patrons and online reviewers, and not to allow the chef to use the microwave. Before he disappeared into the night, Gordon told them to watch out for 6’2” Scottish guys with beards. Three months later, the business is booming, and the online reviews are great. Next time, Hollywood and a very dysfunctional family. The whole 24-hour thing is really amazing.

🌌 Yep…

EndlessWeek (2)

 

Jun2

June 1, 2018 – A Cabin in the Woods, Chefs Start, SextupQuotes, & Finally

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

I missed the first few minutes because, as usual, ABC had news that couldn’t wait an hour. At least it wasn’t the last minute. On a Friday. So without further ado, we join the show, already in progress…

Sonny visits Carly. He asks how she’s doing; he knows how bad it can be in jail. She tells him to focus on getting her out of there, and asks if there’s been any progress on her case. He tells her that Diane is working to get her out, but she says she’s not talking about the insanity plea. She means the proof that Nelle set her up.

Robert and Anna are combing Peter’s hotel room. Anna tells Robert the last thing on Peter’s mind is her. He took a big risk before, and now he’s on the run from the WSB; he’s not circling back for her. Robert says Peter hates her. He didn’t say it to be hurtful, but wants her to see the truth and protect herself. She says what happened wasn’t an accurate reflection. He saw her as an agent from the Bureau, and thought it was a trap. Of course he was angry. Robert says he wanted her and Jason to turn on each other. Jason walks in, and Robert says, again? If he keeps hanging around, Robert will have to put him on payroll. Jason asks if he can check room, and Robert gives his okay. Robert tells Anna that Jason is the reason Peter escaped. Anna says the camera footage was looped, and it’s Spinelli’s handiwork. He tells her that she’s not fooling anyone. She’s happy Peter escaped.

Peter is in Maxie’s room. He says he kept a horrible secret about who he is, but it’s still just him. He asks how the baby is, and says he can’t wait to see him. She thanks him for being her impromptu birthing coach. He says he’s glad to be the first person to welcome his nephew into the world. He looks more like his brother than him. Maxie says, brother? and he says he’s not Peter; he’s Henrik – surprise! Nina tells Maxie to wake up; she’s having a bad dream. Maxie says Peter was there, and held her hand. She let him hold her hand; what’s wrong with her? Nina tells her not to be hard on herself. Peter has been arrested. Maxie asks if he’s been sent to Siberia yet; the further, the better. Nina says that was the plan, but Peter escaped. No one knows where he is.

Peter is dragged into a cabin.

At the Quartermaine’s, Nelle tells Michael that she feels bad about what happened to his mom. Carly is in prison because of her. There will be a horrible, ugly trial, and everyone will be in their business. She never wanted that. She just wanted Carly to understand that she didn’t want to harm her. Michael says it’s obvious Carly had a breakdown, and he wants her to get help. She has plenty of people to worry about her, and his main focus is Nelle and the baby. Nelle says he’s so sweet to her. She’s glad he stayed in the room next to hers. She doesn’t sleep well, and it made her feel safe. He says she is safe. She’s happy he came back into her life.

Sonny tells Carly that they’ve found nothing. No scarf; no blanket; nothing that proves Nelle did anything. Carly says Nelle is lying, just like when she drugged Sonny. They should have gotten rid of her when they had the chance. Sonny says they need to talk about what’s going on now. Does she want to talk through glass to him for a few weeks, or for twenty-five years? He thinks it’s the best way out, and asks why she won’t take it. I’m confused; didn’t she?

Carly says she did what they wanted, and took the plea. That answers that question. Sonny says, but then she changed her mind, and had to be talked out of it in front of the judge. Carly says, in a perfect world, she would go to Shadybrook, but it’s not a perfect world, and too many things could go wrong.

Michael tells Nelle that he has to go. She says, of course; he has his own life. She tells him not to worry about her. She’s taken enough of his time. He says he meant he has to pack, since he’s moving back in. He’s going to be with her night and day.

Nina tells Maxie all she knows is that Peter is gone. They found Valentin locked in his cell. Maxie asks if Valentin is okay, and Nina says he’s been in worse situations. The WSB and the police force are looking for Peter. Maxie can’t believe she was friends with him, when Nina told her to back off. Nina says not to give her credit. She’d hired Curtis to investigate Peter, then talked herself out of it. The biggest thing was the scrapbook with Nathan’s mementos. She chastises herself, saying if she had been less trusting, Nathan might be here. Maxie wonders if she’s still talking about Peter, but Nina says, no. Someone knew, and did nothing to warn any of them.

Peter is tied to a bed. He wakes up, and wonders where he is. He struggles against the bonds, and remembers holding the flash drive in his hotel room.

Maxie asks Nina, who knew Peter was really Henrik? Nina apologizes, saying it was Valentin. Maxie asks when he found out. Nina says he’s apparently known since Peter was a baby. It’s a twisted story that doesn’t look good for anyone. He kept it quiet, trying to cover his own ass. Maxie thought he was trying to be a stand-up guy, and Nina says, she did too. It’s lie upon lie, and secrets, when comes to Valentin, and all of it stems back to Anna. Maxie asks what Anna has to do with Peter, and Nina says, Anna is Peter’s mother.

Anna tells Robert she is not happy. Peter is a fugitive now; a target for the WSB, and anyone else who thinks he’s a threat. She wants him to go through the proper channels, and be exonerated. Robert asks at what point she lost touch with reality? He was Faison’s accomplice. She says he was coerced. Robert says when Jason was held against his will, Peter wasn’t coerced, and he wasn’t coerced when he held a gun on her. In some respects, he’s worse than his father; who knows what he’ll do? She says you can’t convict him on what he might do. and there’s nothing to link him to anything. Robert asks her to remember when Robin was held prisoner, and they thought she was dead. He doesn’t recall her giving Jerry Jax or Faison the benefit of the doubt. Anna says he’s absolutely right; she has a double-standard. No matter how much Robert wishes it wasn’t true, Peter is her son.

Jason brings out a drawer, and shows Anna and Robert there was tape on the bottom. He thinks it’s where Peter hid the flash drive. He says it looks like Peter took off with it. Robert says, so much for making amends. He thanks Jason for his help, and for saving Anna’s life. If he hadn’t been there, Peter would have killed her. Jason is glad he was there too. He jets, and Anna asks if Robert is quite finished. He says, no, and neither is she. Now she’s got to tell Robin that she has a big brother.

Sonny tells Carly assumption can be a dark place; don’t go there. She says nothing has gone her way since the arrest. How will she convince her kids of her innocence, and get them to trust her again? By the time she gets back, Nelle will be firmly in place, and she’ll be an outsider.

Nelle says she doesn’t want to disrupt Michael’s life. It’s enough they’ve gotten closer. He says he wants to be there for her and the baby, and she tells him that’s the reason she never stopped loving him. Jason drops by, and asks if Michael can talk for minute about his mom. Nelle gives them some privacy. On her way out, Jason says he’s glad she and the baby are okay, and she makes a face like, yeah, right. Jason asks if Michael has talked to his mom, but he says not since the arraignment. Michael says she’s pleading guilty by reason of insanity. It’s what Diane wanted her to do, but it implies she pushed Nelle. Jason says that’s not what happened. Michael tells him Nelle said it did, and Jason asks if he believes her.

Anna says she has to figure out what to tell Robin, and Robert tells her to concentrate on that. Leave the search to the police and the WSB. Jordan comes in, and Robert shows her the bottom of the drawer, where the flash drive was. Anna says there’s no proof of it. Jordan says Peter left a letter for Maxie. Anna asks if she read it, and Jordan says it was a well-written plea for forgiveness. Well, he is a writer. Anna tells Robert to get on with it. Tell her how pathetic she is, thinking her son could be redeemed. He knows it’s tearing her up, but wringing her hands over Peter’s screwed up childhood doesn’t make him less accountable. Robin calls, and Robert says she doesn’t have to answer.

Peter wonders how he got there, and remembers the syringe stabbing him in the back. We see him letting go of the flash drive as he’s being dragged away. He calls out, asking if someone is there. He asks why they did this to him.

Nina tells Maxie that Anna did what she could to cover up her pregnancy. She gave the baby up for adoption, but Valentin found the family, made them give up the baby, and gave it to Faison. Maxie says it almost makes her feel sorry for Peter. Almost. Nina says one decision that Valentin made, destroyed so many lives. Maxie can’t process, and asks Nina what she’s going to do. Nina says divorce him. She’s not moving back; she’s moving ahead. Maxie knows something that might help; the antidote to all heartbreak. Deanna wheels James in. Maxie holds him, saying, James Malcom West, happy to meet you. Nina says, he’s absolutely perfect.

Sonny says it’s Carly’s word against Nelle’s, and Nelle wound up at the bottom of the stairs. Carly says she’ll do it, but she hates it. She wants to talk about something else, and asks how everybody is. Sonny is still trying to find a permanent caregiver for Mike, but Stella has been helping. Sonny thinks Stella likes Mike, and Carly says his dad is a charmer. She asks how Josslyn is, but Sonny hasn’t seen her much; she’s always with Oscar, volleyball, and school. Carly says, she’s doing it on purpose. She suggests Sonny find something to do with Josslyn and Avery. Sonny says Josslyn might be confused and angry, but she’s Carly’s daughter, and loyal to the core. Josslyn loves her. Michael texted that the baby is fine, and Nelle is back at the Quartermaine’s; she’s been released from the hospital. He hesitates, and says Michael also moved back in, to be close to her and the baby. Carly says, Nelle got what she wanted. Sonny says, for now, not forever. She asks if he’s sure about that. He tells her to get through the trial and Shadybrook; then deal with what she needs to. She says she’s going to do more than that. She’s going to expose Nelle for the lying snake she is. By the time she’s through, Nelle will be out on the street.

Jason tells Michael that Carly would never harm her grandchild. Michael knows he’s loyal, but he needs to take care of his family, and put them first. Jason isn’t going to argue with him, but tells him to be careful. Michael says he always is, and I laugh, because he wasn’t when he got Nelle pregnant. Jason leaves, and Nelle ducks down behind something when he walks past. She tells Michael that she couldn’t help but overhear. He said he was putting his family first. He says he meant her and baby, and tells her to go get some rest. He’s going to pack, but he’s coming right back. He’s not letting her out of his sight. Yeah, we know something’s up with this guy.

Nina says James is the most beautiful baby ever. He’s the perfect tribute to Nathan. Maxie says he looks like Nathan already. She can’t wait to watch him grow up, and look more and more like his dad. Nina says, it will be amazing. She remembers when her mom brought Nathan home. She let Nina hold him, and when she looked into his eyes, she fell in love; unconditional love. He taught her something powerful in life. Maxie asks if she wants to hold her nephew, and transfers the baby to Nina’s arms. She tells him that this is Aunt Nina, and says, he’s a heartbreaker.

Anna is on the phone with Robin. She says it was a big shock to find out Peter is Henrik. Robert’s phone rings. Anna tells Robin, for starters, Peter is missing. There are no leads yet, but everyone is on the case. She thinks it would be better to answer Robin’s questions in person. She’s taking the next flight out, and will be with her today; she’ll call when she lands. She tells Robin to never doubt she loves her. After she’s done, she tells Robert that she’s taking the next flight out. He wishes he could go, but the Bureau wants him to sort this mess out. She hopes they’re not too hard on him. He says he can handle it, but has a word of advice. She’s been Robin’s hero her whole life, but this will throw her for a loop. He says to give her space. Don’t crowd her; let her process, and figure it out. He says, she’s a prickly little thing; she gets it from him. He knows she wants Peter’s forgiveness, but don’t mention it to Robin. Let it be about her, and her needs; and what will help her. Not Anna’s guilt over Peter.

Nina knows what Maxie is thinking, and tells her it’s okay to say it. Maxie says Nathan should be there to hold his son. Imagine how over the moon he’d be. Nina thinks he knows. He knows this beautiful baby will never want for love. Nina tells Maxie that she knows she can be overbearing with love, and Maxie tells her to overbear away. She’s welcome in their lives day and night and in between. Nina tells the baby that Maxie may regret it.

Robert tells Anna that a lot of people love and depend on her, present company included. He tells her to stay safe, and tells Jordan he’ll be in touch. Jordan asks if Anna is all right. Anna asks if she has a copy of Peter’s letter to Maxie, and Jordan asks, why?

Nina gets a phone ding. Maxie asks if she has to go back to work, but Nina says it isn’t Crimson. Maxie says Valentin isn’t going to stop trying to win her back. Nina says there’s something else she has to take care of, but she’ll come back soon.

At the prison, Jason puts his hand on the glass, and so does Carly. It creeps me out a little. Like she’s pining for Jason more than Sonny. He apologizes for not being at her arraignment, but she’s glad he wasn’t. She pleaded insanity, and she’s glad she didn’t do it while he was watching. He says, why do it? She says even if he finds the blanket, it proves she had more motive. He tells her that Nelle said there was no blanket; it will prove she’s lying. Carly wonders how he can tie it to her. How can he prove any of it? He says Nelle had to buy the scarf and match it. If she did a search online, Spinelli can find it. She says even if he proves it all, he can’t prove she didn’t push Nelle. Diane is right. If she pleads not guilty, she’ll lose.

Anna visits Maxie. She says she saw the baby; he’s perfect. Mac has been texting nonstop; they’re so happy. So is Robin. Maxie says she called. Anna tells Maxie that she’s planning on seeing Robin to explain about Peter. Anna says she didn’t know who he was until the night of the Nurses’ Ball. Maxie says she doesn’t feel so bad that he fooled her, since he fooled a super spy. Anna says she’s sorry, and Maxie says it’s not her fault. No way could she know what Valentin would do, much less her child. Anna says she can’t be objective, but feels Peter knows he made a terrible mistake, and regrets it. She empathizes. Maxie says maybe it’s because she’s his mom. Anna says, maybe. She gives Maxie the letter, and says Peter left it for her.

Peter yells for help. The door opens, and we see legs in high heels. The camera pans up, and it’s Nina. Well, roll me up and call me curly. She’s the last person I thought it was.

Carly tells Jason her best chance is the insanity plea. She’ll go to Shadybrook for a few months, and be home. Jason reminds her of the last time she faked being crazy, and ended up in prison. He tells her not to do it again. She says the best lawyer in the country is telling her to do it, and so is Sonny; it’s a different situation. He tells her to listen to her own instincts. She can admit to what she didn’t do, or fight. She says she’d rather stay in this hole and rot before admitting she did something she didn’t do. He says it’s not about her. Josslyn, Michael, and Avery need their mother; and Sonny needs his wife. They need her to be free, not getting therapy. She says he’s the only person on earth who thinks she doesn’t need therapy. She’s sticking with the plea. Is he going to back her? He says, always, even when he knows she’s wrong. They do that hand thing again. No. Just no.

Michael calls Spinelli. He says he needs help; anything he can find on Nelle. He gives Spinelli some other names to search for. He says whatever it takes to prove she’s lying.

The Quartermaine bell rings. Nelle asks someone to get it, but it keeps ringing, so she gets up. It’s Sonny, who says, look who’s answering the door now. She says Michael isn’t there, but he says he’s looking for her.

On Monday, Oscar has something to take care of, Carly needs a favor, and Sonny wants to have a nice little chat with Nelle. I’ll bet.

🍆 I missed it, but a two-hour premiere for season 9 of MasterChef  aired this week. On Wednesday, June 6th, there will be another extended episode from 8 to 10 pm, and starting June 13th, it will slip into its regular one-hour Wednesday time-slot at 8pm. Aarón Sanchez is joining Gordon Ramsay again, along with Joe Bastianich. This time around, the judges will also be mentors.

📞 Quotes of the Week

Finish each day and be done with it. You have done what you could. Some blunders and absurdities no doubt crept in; forget them as soon as you can. Tomorrow is a new day. You shall begin it serenely and with too high a spirit to be encumbered with your old nonsense. — Ralph Waldo Emerson

I believe in being strong when everything seems to be going wrong. I believe that happy girls are the prettiest girls. I believe that tomorrow is another day, and I believe in miracles. — Audrey Hepburn

Champions keep playing until they get it right. – Billie Jean King

It’s lonely being a cannibal. Tough making friends. – Colonel Hart (Jeffrey Jones), Ravenous

His place is so small, I once took it home by mistake in my purse. – Max (Kat Dennings), 2 Broke Girls

Confidence is 10 percent hard work and 90 percent delusion — just thinking foolishly that you will be able to do what you want to do. — Tina Fey

🌴 At Last…

FridayPup3

WeekendPup3

Enjoy

 

May19

May 18, 2018 – Worlds Collide at the Ball, NB Fashion, Goodbye OUAT, Junior Winner, Joybell Trio & Weekend

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

 

The show was on for a couple of minutes, when ABC broke in with news about the school shooting in Santa Fe. I get that, but it had happened several hours earlier, and, as usual, went way past the point of giving us news. That’s what I hate. My problem isn’t with the news itself, but all the amenities that come with it, like interviewing the janitor’s second cousin who witnessed nothing, but knows when it’s going to rain. Seriously, unless the world is coming to an end – and I mean literally, like if the sun is hurtling toward us – or we’re being invaded, I don’t see the point and it’s just irritating. Later, I was able to watch what I missed online with Verizon, but they usually don’t list it the same day. Lucky me, I didn’t have to imagine the lips syncing with the words on a pirated version.

General Hospital

Molly introduces Alexis, but she’s busy eavesdropping on Anna and Finn backstage. Finn tells Anna he’s never stopped caring. She’s never far from his mind and heart, and he wouldn’t want anything to happen without her knowing he cared.

Jason stops by Nelle’s room to find Michael. Michael asks if she’ll be okay for a few minutes. She says sure, and then the show gets interrupted for news that can wait an hour. I catch up a few hours later. Jason gives Nelle a stupid look. In the hallway, Jason tells Michael that Carly didn’t push Nelle, and deep down he knows that.

Finn apologizes to Anna for taking so long to tell her. Alexis makes herself known.

Nina doesn’t understand why Valentin is so eager to leave; he still has to perform. He promised Lucy, and Nina tells him not to let her down. She asks if something is going on.

Sam looks at the lighter on Peter’s desk, and sees the initials, CF. She says, Cesar Faison. She remembers Jason telling her about Faison carrying it, and that it wasn’t with his belongings. At the time, she’d said, if they find the lighter, they find Henrik.

Alexis, Finn, and Anna all look at each other. Alexis walks away. Finn says he should – and Anna says, yeah, he should. On stage, Lucy apologizes for the glitch. Alexis comes out to applause, but she keeps moving, and goes out the door. Mike points out to Sonny that she’s upset, and asks if he wants to go after her. Sonny says it doesn’t have anything to do with him.

Valentin tells Nina that he wants to get away with the two people that matter to him the most, her and Charlotte. Nina reminds him that his song at last year’s ball convinced her to give him another chance. He screwed up. Here’s his chance not to do it again.

Sam says Peter was in the hospital the night Faison died. She sees his copy of The Severed Branch. She flips through it, and says, just like it happened in the book.

Michael knows Jason will always defend his mother, and he’s grateful, but he wasn’t there. Jason says, neither was he. Jason asks what Nelle said. Michael says she told him that his mom lost control. Jason say that’s proof Nelle is lying. Carly would never risk her grandchild. He knows she would lie down in front of a train for her family. Michael says, under normal circumstances, and it’s been anything but normal lately. Jason insists it’s Nelle sabotaging Carly’s life.

On stage, Lucy says it’s not the Nurses’ Ball without some drama, but they’re not letting it ruin a good time. She tells the audience to kick it up a notch for the rocker others call Eddie Maine, but they call him Mr. Mayor. He and his first lady are spearheading the rebuilding of their city. In 60s garb with a flower power background, Olivia plays the tambourine, and Ned sings, (What’s So Funny ’Bout) Peace, Love & Understanding. Excellent.

Colleen Sullivan tells us to stay tuned for more glamor, excitement, and surprises. They’re just getting started.

Jason tells Michael there have been calls from a payphone near where Morgan died, a replica of his scarf, the power outage and intruder at Bobbie’s house, and Carly finds Morgan’s picture on the floor, broken. Michael asks if he thinks Nelle did all that. He’s going to have to prove it. Jason says like he’ll prove the blanket is real. Jason gets a call from Sam, but asks her to hold on. He says he needs Michael to be careful, for the baby’s sake and himself. Michael says Jason has given him a lot to think about. Jason gets back on the phone, and asks Sam what’s going on. She says she needs to see him. It’s important.

Molly – in a very becoming sleeveless gown that looks like it’s made out of blue/green glitter – tells Finn that whatever he said to upset her mother, she’s completely humiliated. So don’t apologize or try to fix it, just accept the fact that he’s a jerk and leave her alone. Anna says, oh dear. Ha-ha! She’s so British sometimes. He says it didn’t go exactly as planned. Anna says, for the record, she’s not dying. Finn says, for the record, he meant everything he said. Anna says she cares a lot about him too. Oh, kiss already.

Ava suggests she and Griff take advantage of his room upstairs; she could use a warm-up before her performance. Griff says he wants to watch the rest of show, She says it’s cool.

Stella tells Sonny it’s manifestly none of her business, but sometimes an outsider can pick up on things another person is too close to see. Sonny asks where she’s going with this. She tells him that he has a stare that could freeze a blasting furnace. Putting it on the woman who is the mother of his child might not be the wisest thing. Mike tells her to forgive him; he has a helluva temper. Sonny says it’s difficult to be in the same room, especially tonight, but she’s right. It’s not a good thing to show the world how you feel. Stella agrees. Sonny raises his glass to Ava, who’s like, huh?

Backstage, Kim asks Josslyn and Oscar if they’re ready. Drew joins them. Oscar says he didn’t know Drew was coming, and Kim says, neither did she. Drew says once he heard Oscar was performing, he couldn’t be stopped. Oscar hugs him, and says, thank you. Everyone smiles.

Anna says Finn needs to find Alexis and apologize. He says, yes, he does. Anna tells him that she’s not staying much longer. She looks at text from Henrik: Midnight. Pier 55. Come alone. She says she has a meeting. She can’t tell him about it, but after tonight, she’ll be closer to it all being over. She tells him to go find Alexis.

Alexis sits at the bar. The bartender asks what he can get her. She looks at the bottles.

Michael goes back to Nelle’s room. She tells him that she’s gotten the all-clear from the doctors. She’s being released tomorrow. He says that’s good news. She asks if there’s something wrong. He says Jason was telling him what was going on with his mother. She thinks someone is harassing her; messing with her head for months now.

Finn sits next to Alexis. She says he found her. He tells her the concierge saw her take the elevator. He says, that’s not a double-vodka? She says, it’s a club soda, and she wishes people would stop acting as if she’s dying for a bottle of gin every time she feels crappy. Finn says he never meant to hurt her; he’s sorry. She says he has nothing to be sorry for, and he didn’t hurt her. She just hurts. She knew he still cared about Anna; it’s not on him. He didn’t do anything. She allowed herself to be a prop in the game he was playing with Anna.

Anna starts to text Henrik. Robin startles her, and asks what’s up with her and Finn. Anna says it’s complicated, and suggests they go and enjoy the show.

Peter is messing with his phone, and Maxie says, more work? He tells her these are the last ones, and goes out to the hallway. Julian asks Molly if she’s getting nervous about Finn. She says she doesn’t want to fight with him – he did save her life – but her mother is in a vulnerable place. He’d better think long and hard before he does anything for Alexis’s sake. Julian says he’s not sure what means. She thinks he does. Kim asks what Julian doing about Alexis, and Julian says he’s here with her, and they should get back to their seats; her son is performing. Lucy says the Nurses’ Ball is known for spotlighting younger performers, and introduces Molly and Oscar. This is when the news released us back to the program. Or rather, commercials, then the program.

Molly sings, while Oscar accompanies her on the guitar. I think the name of the song is I Never Knew, but I’m not positive. I’m not familiar with it, and come up empty in a subsequent search. Sam shows Jason the lighter. She says she found it in Peter’s office. She was confused at first, since he said he wasn’t a smoker. She remembered he’d said he had to confront Faison about something in the hospital the night Faison died. Jason says Faison was honest for once. He’d said Henrik was hiding in plain sight. Jason says, Peter August is Henrik.

Mike tells Molly she was spectacular, and tells Oscar his date is pretty, but not as gorgeous as Stella. Kim motions Oscar over.

Kiki asks if she can sit at Molly’s table. Molly thought she was sitting with Dr. Bensch, but Kiki says she wants to be with people her own age.

Kim asks if Oscar is glad now that he took music lessons. I’m assuming that means she forced him to take them.

Michael asks Nelle if his mom mentioned anything to her. Nelle says she rambled about a disappearing note and Morgan’s cologne, but she wasn’t making sense. Something starts to beep on Nelle’s monitor. She begins to panic, and Michael tells her, just breathe.

Sam tells Jason that Peter is with Maxie, and asks how they’re going to do this.

Maxie tells Peter that she’s not feeling so great, and asks him to take her home. Valentin watches.

Robin asks if Anna is leaving already; there’s a lot left. She asks if it has to do with the emails she’s been receiving. Anna is cagey, and says she wouldn’t leave if it wasn’t important.

Lucy tells Valentin it’s his turn.

Kim asks Julian if he’s thinking about going after Alexis. Julian says he’s here with her. She says they promised to be honest with each other. He says they’re having a great time. She tells him if he needs a friend, he has one, and leaves.

Finn tells Alexis that she was never a prop. He fell for Anna more than he wanted to admit. He wasn’t using her; he wanted to move on. Alexis says that’s why they call it a rebound. There’s a good reason why people in same AA meeting shouldn’t hook up. He says it’s not about that; it’s about him. She deserves better. Alexis says that she needs him to not be there right now, and he wisely leaves.

Kim sees Olivia looking into the swag bags, and Olivia says she’s taking advantage of the break to snoop in the bags. We get an advertisement for Olay with Kim pitching the product.

Michael says he didn’t mean to upset Nelle. She tells him that she was so scared when Carly pushed her; she was out of control. Michael asks if she’s sure Carly pushed her, and she says, she absolutely pushed her. He tells her to get some rest. She says she’ll be fine, because he’s there.

Mike sees Deanna, and says he found his favorite nurse at the Ball. Deanna says, since it’s the Nurses’ Ball, the odds of that were pretty likely. Stella introduces mike to Felix. She thinks they’ll get along well.

Jason asks Robin if her mom is still there. He has to talk to her. Robin says she left, and asks, what’s up? He tells her Anna will explain when there’s time. Sam tells him that Peter left with Maxie. She thinks he’s meeting with someone. They have to get into Peter’s email account.

In the car, Maxie apologizes to Peter for making him leave early. He says he had to work anyway. He asks how she’s feeling, and she says like the baby is doing a kickboxing workout. She suddenly tells him to pull over. Her water just broke. Shouldn’t they jet to the hospital? Peter asks if she’s sure, and she says, very, and she’s done this before. She says they have no time to get to the hospital. There’s something wrong with the baby. Where’s that Star Trek transporter they always use?

Julian sees Alexis at the bar. Kim asks if she can join Drew. He’d thought Julian was her date. She says he had to see someone; she’s flying solo. They go in and sit together.

Jason and Sam go into Peter’s office. Jason leaves a message for Spinelli. He tells Sam that they don’t have a lot of time. They need to hack into Peter’s email. He pushes the keyboard toward her

Lucy tells the audience to give themselves a hand, and to keep the momentum going. The next performance was a surprise addition to last year’s Ball. He was so good, they asked him to come back. Valentin sits at the piano, and performs Peter Gabriel’s Book of Love, accompanying himself. He sings to Nina, and she smiles. He is really good.

As the song finishes, Robin get up. Robert is on stage. He punches out Valentin.

On Monday, David follows Kiki, Robert wants justice, and Anna waits for Henrik. Who is busy delivering a baby.

👗 Since I know my dress descriptions were lacking, you can see some of them here. I voted for Sam.

https://www.abc.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital-nurses-ball-2018-red-carpet-fashion-160214

🏰 Sadly, tonight was the Once Upon A Time finale. Since they shoved it into the death spot on Friday night, and I knew it was the last season, I found it hard to commit, so I hadn’t watched much of it. I figured I’d catch up on a rainy weekend some time. I did want to see the end though, and it was sweet. They brought in many of the old characters for the farewell. In a nutshell, Rumpel/Gold and Belle were reunited at last, in heavenly clouds. All the realms were united, and Regina was chosen to lead them. Snow White and Prince Charming officiated at the coronation, crowning her The Good Queen. Emma called it a happy beginning, since Regina didn’t like endings, and the stories were far from over. However, Regina thought second chance was a better choice. because in the end, they could get past it all – with hope. And we saw the sign, saying, Leaving Storybrooke. Sad face.

🍖 It was also the finale of MasterChef Junior. The final three – Quani, Beni, and Avery – had to create a three-course meal. For their entrees, they each gathered inspiration from their roots, cooking catfish, veal chops, and a ribeye, respectively. A lot of attention was given to Quani having elevated the catfish. Apparently, none of the judges were a fan of it, which surprised me, since I like catfish. Although it sounded like one of those things that, if it’s not done exactly right, you don’t want to eat it. When they moved on to the dessert, and Quani’s tart broke, so did my heart. It was not a happy moment. Beni was the big winner, and the young chefs ended with a group hug. I have to confess, I both rooted for Avery, and was glad she didn’t win. She’s eight. Eight. And cooks better than anyone I will ever know.

⛲ Quotes of the Week

All from the same poetess.

A lifetime isn’t forever, so take the first chance, don’t wait for the second one! Because sometimes, there aren’t second chances! And if it turns out to be a mistake? So what! This is life! A whole bunch of mistakes! But if you never get a second chance at something you didn’t take a first chance at? That’s true failure. —  C. Joybell C.

Ends are not bad things, they just mean that something else is about to begin. And there are many things that don’t really end, anyway, they just begin again in a new way. Ends are not bad and many ends aren’t really an ending; some things are never-ending. — C. Joybell C.  Or as Semisonic put it more simply, every new beginning comes from some other beginning’s end.

We have to allow ourselves to be loved by the people who really love us, the people who really matter. Too much of the time, we are blinded by our own pursuits of people to love us, people that don’t even matter, while all that time we waste and the people who do love us have to stand on the sidewalk and watch us beg in the streets! It’s time to put an end to this. It’s time for us to let ourselves be loved. — C. Joybell C.

🎈 Last But Never Least…

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