Category Archives: Teresa Giudice

February 22, 2022 – Shootout Near Versteckte Wiese, Going Down the Shore, Jenkinson’s & Magic

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Sitting in her office, Carly looks at the Valentine’s Day card Donna and Avery made her. There’s a knock at the door, and Rebecca comes in. She says she reviewed Carly’s list for the divorce settlement; it’s a really short list. Carly says she just wants this divorce over and done with, but Rebecca says she has rights, and if Carly wants to fight for them, she’s here to get her everything she wants and deserves. Carly says she appreciates that, but like she told Rebecca, she and Sonny went through a divorce before, and it was brutal. She doesn’t want to repeat that experience, and wants it over as painlessly as possible. Rebecca says, it’s her call, but she hates to see Carly walk away from what could be a massive win. She has the leverage to get the lion’s share of the assets, and primary custody to boot. Carly says, that won’t be necessary, when Sonny walks in with his lawyer Malcolm. Carly sees he and Rebecca know each other, and Rebecca says she was hoping for someone less formidable, but she’s not surprised. Malcolm says, now that all parties are present, shall we begin negotiations?

Esme says, that’s why Trina was at Laura’s on Valentine’s Day. Laura gave her Spence’s gift, didn’t she? Trina says, it wasn’t a Valentine’s gift; the day was just a coincidence. No big deal. Esme says she knows. Spence told her that he got Trina something. Josslyn says, did he? and Esme says, of course (🍷). Spence tells her everything. Josslyn says, Spencer tells her everything? Is she sure? Or is that explanation as fake as the rest of her?

Yohan meets Victor at the Pier 55, the only pier in Port Charles. Victor is looking at his phone, and Yohan asks if the weather app says the heat wave is going to continue. Victor says, never mind that. Any news on their boy? Yohan says he’s not going to like it, and Victor says, what he doesn’t like are these pointless conversations. It’s too hot to play games; spit it out. Sam listens from around the corner. Hmm… I wonder if the weather thing has to do with the Ice Princess.

Laura comes out of the hospital elevator with assistant Eileen. Laura thanks her for taking care of this; she knows Eileen is swamped. Eileen says, it’s no problem, and besides, it gives her a chance to get out of her office. Laura sees Robert, and asks if he’s heard anything about the search for Peter and Maxie. He says, Anna, Drew, and Dante are still in Europe, following up on that clue Maxie left. However, there’s been a complication. Eileen listens in.

Drew, Anna, and Dante shoot at the house, but Dante says they can’t cover Drew from here. Anna tells them, stop, and yells that Peter can’t escape. The WSB has this location, and back-up is en route. Don’t make this any worse than it already is. Give yourself up.

Maxie runs to the road and waves her arms at an oncoming car, yelling for them to stop. Felicia jumps out (quell surprise!), and hugs Maxie.

Rebecca says, her client has no interest in prolonging these proceedings, nor does she wish to go to court. Once they have a final agreement, she’ll draw up documents for their review and signature. Listed here are the couples’ join assets, including bank accounts and insurance policies. She hands Malcolm some papers, and he says they need to review it, since they have their own lists of shared assets. She says she’s sure they do. She’s going to make this short and simple for them. Mrs. Corinthos waives all claims to anything she and Mr. Corinthos shared. Malcolm asks if she’s sure about that. She’s entitled to half of everything she shared with her husband. Carly says she’s sure. She has her own money; she doesn’t need Sonny’s. Rebecca says her client has one stipulation in regard to shared assets. She’d like to retain the main residence. Sonny says, that’s not happening. She abandoned him. He’s not going to let her take the house.

Esme says she came here, heart on her sleeve, ready to make up for any misunderstandings or hurt feelings between her and Trina, and Josslyn responds by attacking her? Josslyn says, Esme has apologized before. Made big speeches about wanting to start over, to get along, to bond with them because they’re Spencer’s friends, and he means everything to her. She says all the right things, but her follow-through is always lacking, so how is this time any different? Trina says, Joss… but Josslyn says, anyone can apologize, but it only counts when you mean it. Esme says Josslyn never misses a chance to attack her, and Josslyn says, oh please. Esme would know if she was attacking her. She’s simply stating facts. Everything Esme does is calculated to get what she wants. Like right now, playing the victim. Esme says she’s not playing the victim, and Josslyn says, if she’s sincere about her change of heart, then tell the truth for once in her life.

Victor tells Yohan that he’s received the latest message from their contact. He said he had a location for August; did he say exactly where? Yohan says, it was too vague. He’s supposed to get back to Yohan with more specifics. Victor says, he hasn’t, which probably means August has given him the slip. No more intermediaries. Yohan is going to have to find August, and he’ll have to deal with Peter personally. Sam films their conversation, and Victor says, Faison couldn’t be trusted, and neither can his son. Sam starts to leave, and makes a noise. She freezes.

Robert tells Laura that he got a text from Felicia. She’s in Switzerland. She got a commercial flight to Geneva at the same time Anna, Drew, and Dante left. Laura says she guesses Felicia has invited herself along on the search for her daughter. She’s sure it’s against WSB protocol, but doesn’t blame her. He says he’s known certain people to break the protocol rules on occasion, and she says, if someone she loves is in jeopardy, absolutely. He says he sympathizes with Felicia. He knows the compulsion to be hands-on, and step up for your child. No one was asking her to sit on her hands, and allow a bunch of faceless bureaucrats run the investigation. She knows Anna is the best in the business, and she’s also got Drew and Dante as back-up. Laura asks if he thinks Felicia should have stayed out of it entirely, and he says, there’s enough danger up there for everyone. The fact that she took off the way she did, his brother is now worried sick, when he should be concentrating on recovery.

Anna yells for Peter to send Maxie out; she knows he doesn’t want her harmed. Drew yells for them to cover him. Two… one… Dante and Anna shoot, while Drew runs toward the house. Dante asks, how long until the WSB back-up arrives? and Anna says, too long. They can’t wait. Peter’s going to be gone. They have to take the house.

Maxie says, they have to go; Peter is hunting her. She and Felicia get in the car, and Maxie tells her to follow this road. They can get to the Autobahn where they’ll be safe. Felicia suggests going back to the village, but Maxie says, no. They might run into Peter. They move forward.

Drew comes back, and says, in order to take down the house, he’s going to need Anna and Dante to fire at the building from opposite sides, but Anna says, they can’t risk shooting Maxie. Drew says he gets that. Just avoid the windows, fire as low as possible toward the ground. Dante says they’ll check the front door, and Anna starts to shoot. Drew goes around the other side of house to the door, and Dante joins him. They kick in the door.

Maxie asks how Felicia found her, and Felicia says, Anna received a call from a woman a rest stop who found Maxie’s earring, and the message Maxie left on the mirror. Anna, Drew, and Dante came out here to find her, and they’re coordinating with the WSB. Felicia wanted come, but Anna thought it would be too dangerous for her, so she flew separately. Maxie asks how Felicia found her, and Felicia says, she remembered what Peter said when she told him that she couldn’t come to the wedding. He said his favorite place on earth was a farm in Switzerland near a tiny village. It took her forever to remember the name of it, but then it came to her; versteckte Wiese. Maxie says she’s amazing, and asks if she told Anna. Felicia says, no. She didn’t want to distract Anna. She figured if she found Peter, she’d call it in, but she didn’t have the time. By the time she landed in Geneva, she rented this car, but the road is so windy and dark, she got lost. Maxie says, thank goodness she did. She’d just run away from Peter and found the road. She flagged down the first pair of lights she saw. She’s glad it was Felicia. If they make it to the Autobahn, they’ll be safe. They look behind them, and a car is following.

Yohan takes out his gun, and looks around, but finds nothing. He tells Victor, clear, and comes out. He says, maybe it was a cat; they live around here. Victor says, a very swift and silent kitty that certainly doesn’t belong here. Never mind. They have more important issues to deal with. Yohan knows what to do. Yohan says he’ll take care of everything. He leaves, and Victor looks around, seeing a small pile of garbage, empty soda bottles and chip bags.

Esme says, Spence told her that he got Trina a gift because she’s been a good friend to him, and Josslyn asks what he got her. Trina asks if they can let this go; the gift was nothing. Josslyn says, it was not nothing, and Esme knows it. Esme says she’s confused. How could she be lying about knowing Spence gave Trina a gift when she knows he gave her a gift? Why could she lie about it, and why would Josslyn care? Josslyn says she’d love not to care. She would love to ignore Esme’s existence, but she keeps popping up with some plan for a weekend getaway or some explanation that whatever happened was her fault, or some apology she doesn’t mean. It’s all an act, and it’s getting tired. Esme says, it’s not an act. She’s trying to make up for the hurtful things she did to Josslyn and Trina, and she’s trying to own up to them. She’s trying to build bridges between them. Can Josslyn say the same?

Sonny says he’s going to fight for what’s his. He’s not going to let Carly take his house. Rebecca says, Sonny has properties in Port Charles and elsewhere, including a private casino in Puerto Rico and a penthouse at the Harbor View Towers. Her client is seeking solely to retain the lakeside property. He asks why her should give up his house. That’s where Donna and Avery live. It’s their home. They’ve known the house forever. He tells Carly that she doesn’t want to do that to them, and Rebecca says, this is a sticking point. Carly says, there are no sticking points. He wants the house, he can have the house. Rebecca asks if she’s sure, and she says she is. Donna is going to have two separate homes anyway. Rebecca says, if that’s settled, let’s move on to the custody of Donna Corinthos.

Eileen tells Robert that they’re meeting with several hospital positions and staff about a public health initiative, and Robert says, there’s no need for them to be here. Clearly they’ve got a lot of work to do, and Eileen says, that’s what she wanted to tell Laura. It’s been delayed. Laura asks, until when? and Eileen tells her, the techs didn’t say. Laura asks her to get a definite time and she leaves.  

Rebecca says, her client is seeking joint custody of Donna, and requests Donna reside with her, but Sonny says, that’s not happening. Malcolm says, his client agrees to joint custody, but since his client is keeping the house, they believe the child’s primary residence should be with her father. Rebecca says, her client is willing to have a flexible visitation arrangement; however, given how little she’s asked with regard to the shared assets, surely his client can see it’s in the child’s best interest to make her mother’s home her primary residence. Sonny says, in the hotel? and Carly says, the hotel is temporary and he knows that. Rebecca says, Donna belongs with her mother, and Malcolm says, Mr. Corinthos does not want to keep his wife from their daughter. It’s a matter of the child’s welfare. Mr. Corinthos has another daughter, Avery Corinthos, who is not the biological daughter of Mrs. Corinthos. As such, Mr. Corinthos will retain custody of Avery Corinthos, along with her mother Ava Cassadine. Carly will no longer have any legal claim to her, if she ever did. If Donna remains with Carly, the sisters will be separated. With all the changes these children are going to go through, is it really in their best interest to keep the sisters apart? Mr. Corinthos informs him that they’re very close. Rebecca tells Carly that she’d said there were no sticking points. What does she want to do?

Josslyn says she doesn’t care about building bridges with Esme. They’re not friends and never will be, as long as Esme keeps manipulating the people Josslyn cares about, and that includes Spencer. Josslyn looks forward to the day when he finally sees through Esme. Until then, if Esme wants friends, try honesty. Esme says, Josslyn doesn’t believe her, that’s her problem. Trina accepted her apology, didn’t she? Trina says she did, and Esme says, that’s all she needs, and thanks Trina for being so understanding. Trina says, you’re welcome… I think, and Josslyn says, Trina only accepted Esme’s apology because she wants to be done with her. Esme says, or maybe, unlike Josslyn, Trina thinks it’s best for them to be friends because they’re all friends with Spence. Trina says she’s still here, and Josslyn says, Spencer is being a selfish ass. He insists Esme is his girlfriend, and he’s all about her, but that gift he got Trina was a book of workings by her favorite artist, Richard Molyneux. Trina mentioned he was her favorite artist to Spencer, and he remembered. Obviously, he cares what Trina thinks. Trina says, it’s not that deep, but Josslyn says, Spencer never told Esme that he got such a thoughtful gift for another woman. If Esme wants to build bridges, own up to how mad that makes her, and what this whole act of contrition is really about.

Sam comes into the hospital, and says, good. Laura’s here. Laura asks, what’s going on? and Sam says she was coming to see Robert, but she’s hoping Laura can help her too. Robert asks what she needs, and Sam says she’s working on a case, and needs some background information on a subject. Eileen eavesdrops, and Laura says, and Sam’s subject would be? Sam says, Victor Cassadine.  

Drew and Dante have a shootout in the house with Kreger and another guy. The other guy falls, and so does Kreger. Drew tells Kreger, hands up and drop the gun. Kreger puts the gun down, and Drew tells Dante to cover Kreger while he goes around back. He leaves, and Anna comes in. She says, Kreger? and Dante says, that’s him. She asks, where’s Peter? and Kreger says, he’s not here.

Felicia wonders if they should pull over and let the car pass, but Maxie says, no. They can’t risk it; it could be Peter. The car behind them begins to speed up, and Maxie tells Felicia, look out. Felicia swerves.

Carly shakes her head, and Sonny says, he and Carly need to speak in private without lawyers present. Rebecca advises against it, but Carly says she can talk to Sonny privately; she’s fine. Rebecca says they’ll be outside if they’re needed, and she and Malcolm leave. Carly says, she wants Donna to live with her, and Sonny says, so he doesn’t get to see his daughter? She says, he can see Donna as much as he wants and as often, but Donna belongs with her mother. Sonny says he can’t imagine living in their home without his daughter, and Carly says, she can’t imagine losing Avery. She loves Avery like her own. She raised Avery from birth. He says he thought they were going to do this divorce quicky, to spare the kids pain. He doesn’t want a custody fight. She says she doesn’t either. They can handle this like adults, but they have to be realistic. The girls are going to be hurt no matter how civilized they are He says, Avery is already losing Carly. he doesn’t want to separate the girls because of them. She says, not them. Him. This path was set in motion because he decided to sleep with Nina.

Esme says, hypothetically, someone finding out their boyfriend bought a nice gift for someone else, of course (🍷) it would make anyone mad. Josslyn asks if that’s an admission. Does it make Esme upset that Spencer has such a connection with Trina? Trina says Josslyn is exaggerating. She and Spencer don’t have a connection. Esme says, the only thing that makes her mad is Josslyn going at her, when all she wanted was to make things right. At least she can say she tried. She gets up and goes to the counter, and Trina says, what the hell? Josslyn says, she’s not going to let Esme and Spencer keep playing these mind games, and Trina says, fine, but next time, leave her name out of it. Esme flashes back to planting the camera to film Josslyn and Cameron in bed, and takes her phone out.   

Drew tells Anna, the back is clear. No sign of Maxie or Peter. Dante checks other guy’s pulse, and says, this guy is dead. He asks if he’s a friend of Kreger’s and Kreger says, he came to apprehend Peter August, and Anna says, he fired at them. Kreger says, they fired at him, so naturally, he returned fire. Anna asks if this friend of his is cleared for the WSB ops, and he says, he was a local freelancer who sometimes provided assistance. He groans in pain, and tells them call an ambulance. He needs medical assistance. Anna says, in a minute, and she picks up his gun. He says, this is ridiculous. He’s on their side. She says, save it. He’s either working for Peter, and stayed behind to delay them, or… Drew says, or someone else sent him after Peter. Kreger says, he was working in his capacity as a WSB agent. The gunfight was a tragic case of friendly fire. Anna says, she can’t waste more time with this. They have to go after Peter. Drew asks what she wants to do about Kreger, and she says, the WSB is en route. Dante says, he’ll make sure Kreger gets to them, and he’ll catch up. Anna tells him, take care, and leaves with Drew.  

Eileen listens as Robert says, the world would be a much nicer place if Victor had stayed dead. He asks what Sam needs, and Laura goes over to Eileen. She asks what Eileen found out about the meeting, and Eileen says, it’s been canceled; patient’s emergency. Laura asks her to reschedule it for tomorrow, and after that, she can go home. Eileen thanks her and leaves, and Laura asks Sam what Victor it up to now. Sam says, Anna asked her to look into him while she’s in Europe looking for Maxie and Peter. Laura says, Anna told her that she believes Victor helped Peter escape, and she’s inclined to agree. Sam shows Laura her phone, and says, she took this picture on the pier. Does she know the guy with Victor? Robert joins them, and says, that’s the bruiser who was with Victor the night of Luke’s memorial. Sam asks if Victor introduced him, and Laura says he did; Yohan. Robert says he’s going to get in touch with a friend at the WSB, send him a photograph, along with Yohan’s name, and they’ll put up a full identification kit. They’ll bring him in immediately and get to Victor. He steps away, and Laura asks if Sam was able to overhear any of the conversation. Sam says, Victor wanted to know about an associate of theirs who was looking for Peter, but the associate fell off the radar, and Victor was really mad about it. Laura says, it sounds like he and Peter are at odds again. She wonders how that will affect them.

The car has hit a pole (out in the middle of nowhere) and steam comes out of the crumpled hood. Felicia seems unconscious, and Maxie tells her not to move. She’ll lead Peter away from them. Felicia weakly says, no, but Maxie gets out of the car. She yells if Peter wants her, he’ll have to come and get her, and jets into the woods. Peter runs after her.

Sonny says Carly is right. He made mistakes. He hurt her, and it should have never happened. She says, not just her, their entire family. Their children, who think of each other as siblings, and now they’re being broken up into his kids and hers. Everything they had together is gone. He says, she’s the one giving up, not him, and she laughs. He says, maybe they can fix this. It will take some time… She says, it’s too late for that, but he says, they owe it to Donna and Avery to try. Carly says she thinks it’s a little late to worry about the girls being collateral damage because that’s already happened. As much as they wanted to be the couple they were before Nixon Falls, what Nina set in motion changed them. He says, what if there’s a way to keep Donna and Avery together and keep Avery in her life? and she tells him, she’d say that’s wishful thinking, but he says, just hear him out. Aside from what’s happened, she’s a great mom. She says, and she thinks he’s an amazing dad, and he says, so what if they stay together. They lose the romantic part of the marriage. They’re still Donna and Avery’s parents, and live under one roof for the kids. What does she say?

Josslyn asks if Trina is mad at her, and Trina says, what does she think? She cares more about getting over on Esme than she does about Trina or her feelings. Josslyn says, that’s not true, and Trina says she’s never judged Josslyn on how she feels about Esme. That’s between Josslyn and Esme, just like Trina’s relationship with Spencer is between her and him. Josslyn says, she gets it, but what about Spencer and Esme’s relationship? On one hand, Spencer is giving Trina this special gift, and on the other hand, he’s still calling Esme his girlfriend. Trina says she doesn’t care, and neither should Josslyn. So stay out of it. Trina’s phone dings, and Josslyn says, important? Trina says it’s a text from a guy in her European History study group, telling her the time changed, so she needs to get ready to go. Josslyn says she’s really sorry if she took things too far. She just wants what’s best for Trina. Trina says she has a really funny way of showing it. Josslyn just made things worse for her. Josslyn asks, how? and Trina says, she has to ask? Think hard; real hard. Trina leaves the table, and Josslyn’s phone rings. It’s Avery, and Josslyn asks, what’s wrong? She tells Avery, hold on; she can’t hear her. She goes outside, and Esme takes two phones out of her purse, switches the case from one to the other, and smiles.

Sam asks if Laura has heard from Anna, but Laura says, nothing yet; what about Dante? Sam says, no. It makes sense though. They’re out searching for Maxie. If there’s something to tell them, they’ll share it. Robert comes back, and says, his contact came through. Victor’s goon is Yohan Bower. Before he came to Port Charles, he was in Austria, specifically Innsbruck. Laura asks when he was there, and Robert says, just before Christmas. Laura says, he was in the same area where Luke’s accident was. Or his supposed accident.

Maxie comes to some stairs at some kind of industrial building, and hears a gunshot. She stops, and Peter comes out of the woods, gun drawn. He says, the choice is simple. Come back with him now or he’ll shoot her where she stands.

Carly says she wishes more than anything to avoid hurting Donna and Avery what proposing, them living under the same roof and pretending, it’s not possible. He asks, why not? and she says, because she wants Donna and Avery to see a loving healthy relationship between them, and that’s not what they are anymore, and he knows this. She wipes some tears away, and says, so the girls are going to get hurt. They’re resilient, and they’re going to get through it. Please… Sonny… He says, if that’s the way it has to be, that’s the way it has to be. Donna can live with her and she can have the house, and he’ll move into the penthouse. She thanks him, and he tells the lawyers to come back in. Rebecca asks if they settled everything, and Carly says, yes. She and Sonny have reached an agreement. She can draw up the divorce papers.

After playing musical phones, Esme puts a phone back in her purse. Trina comes back and sits down, and Esme smiles. Josslyn comes back in, and says, sorry; Avery was having a crisis. She lost one of her favorite pink markers, Josslyn told her to check in her toy box, and big sister Josslyn was right. Crisis passed with Avery. What about Trina? Trina says, the study group texted and she has to go, and Josslyn says she’s really sorry. Can Trina just tell her they’re good. Trina says, they’re fine. She’s got to go. She leaves, and Esme says, Trina left in a hurry. Is everything okay? Josslyn tells her, don’t pretend to care, and Esme says she knows Josslyn was just defending Trina. She hopes Trina appreciates it. Esme leaves, and when she gets outside, she looks at the video of Josslyn and Cameron. She looks around, and says, almost showtime.

Robert asks what Laura means by supposed accident, and Laura tells him, she had suspicions about the circumstances surrounding Luke’s death from the beginning, but she didn’t say anything because she didn’t have anything but a gut feeling. Robert says, her gut feeling hasn’t failed her in the past. She should have brought it to him. She says she is now, and Sam asks what Laura suspects. Laura says she doesn’t think it’s a coincidence that Victor resurfaced around the same time Luke died, and the Ice Princess was stolen; it’s all connected. Luke’s death was not an accident, and Victor was behind it.

Victor wanders around the pier, and Eileen arrives. He says, well? and she says, they’ve got a problem. He says, tell him something he doesn’t know. What is it this time? She says, Sam McCall, Robert Scorpio, and Laura Collins are getting too close.

Dante pulls over the coffee table, and sits on the end. Kreger asks, how long before the ambulance comes? and Dante says he doesn’t know anything about an ambulance. Kreger whines that Dante shot him, and Dante says, Kreger shot at him first; that’s self-defense. Kreger says Dante overreacted with deadly force. He was only acting on his own initiative. Dante says, about that. Did he think he’d beat Anna and Drew here, and maybe it puts him in line for the next promotion for bringing in Peter August? Kreger says, that’s right, and Dante bets they’re going to find out Kreger sold himself to someone, and that employer didn’t want him to hurt Drew. Kreger says, not true, and Dante asks why he didn’t take a shot at Drew. Kreger and his boy both had a clear shot. They could have taken him out or immobilized him. At least they didn’t do that. Why?

Peter says he doesn’t have much time. Someone picked up his trail. Now climb back up here. Now. She tells him to hear her. She’d rather die than go one more step with him. So go ahead and pull the trigger, but when he does, that’s the end of telling himself there’s one shred of good in him, or that he can turn his life around. If he’s going to kill her because she doesn’t love him, admit he was a monster. He says, she was supposed to save him. Instead, she abandoned him. This is all her fault. He aims gun at Maxie, but Felicia comes up behind him, and knocks him in the head with something. He falls and tumbles down to where the bottom of the stairs are, the gun flying out of his hand. He’s out cold.

Tomorrow, Lucy wants to talk to Nina about Sasha; Austin says, all that matters is Maxie getting home safely; Mac says, that’s a good question; and Sonny says, it’s not good for anyone.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey

When we last left Jackie’s keg party, Dolores was getting in Jackie’s face about being a good friend to Jennifer. In Frank’s interview, he said, when Dolores went into a rage, she needed to be separated from the other person or she’d do something she’d regret. Apparently, Dolores had been quite the scrapper back in the day, even biting through another girl’s finger. Dolores told Jennifer that if she didn’t think Dolores was being a friend, don’t talk to Jackie about it; talk to her. In Jackie’s interview, she said, the reason Dolores was coming for her was because she was the first one with the balls to call Dolores out on her bullsh*t. Dolores shouldn’t be pretending to be good friends with Jennifer when she wasn’t, and Jackie wasn’t scared of her. In Dolores’s interview, she said she was going through an emotional wringer, and everyone could go f*** themselves. She knew she backed every one of them. Marge said she didn’t want to have an issue with Jennifer, but it was Jennifer’s double-standard that irritated her. Jennifer had crucified Marge for having an affair, and called her slutty. Jennifer admitted she’d gone after Marge too much, and in Jennifer’s interview, she said she realized the way Marge had been boasting about the affair was a trigger for her. What if the girl Bill cheated on her with had been bragging about it? Dolores said Jackie had been questioning her friendship with Jackie, and if Jackie needed her, she’d be there, but she thought Jackie was going to be okay. In her interview, Jackie said Dolores brushed off everyone’s feelings. When Jackie had been going through the thing with the rumors, she wasn’t okay. She was going down a dangerous path with her eating disorder. A real friend didn’t assume you’d be fine. Jennifer said she’d just been protecting Bill, and wouldn’t be surprised if her in-laws thought she was a bad wife. In Marge’s interview, she said she and Jennifer were further apart than she’d realized. Jennifer had been brainwashed into believing women were to blame for men’s behavior. If he had an affair, the wife and other woman were to blame. Somehow it turned all good, and Melissa invited everyone down the shore. The guys and Traci syphoned beer out of the keg. Melissa said they’d continue the party at her shore house.

Jackie went to the Renfrew treatment center to get help for her eating disorder. A staff member asked her a bunch of questions, one of which was why she was seeking help now. She said her kids were getting older and noticing things. In her interview, Jackie said she’d been overweight in high school, and when she got to college, she wanted to be thin. When she got thin, people paid attention. She told the woman that she ate three regular meals a week, and mostly lettuce otherwise. She was worried about not getting enough nutrients. The woman said Jackie would have to see her doctor and have him run some tests before she could start treatment. They had to make sure her body was okay. Jackie was always cold and her heart rate was slow. They couldn’t rule out a heart issue until she was seen by her doctor. Jackie said she was scared now.

Dolores met Frank, Gabby, and Frank Jr. for dinner. The kids were going to be living with their dad full time for the first time, so she wanted to have a family meeting. Dolores told Frank, no sleepovers, which prompted Frank to talk inappropriately, teasing Dolores and grossing out Frank Jr. and Gabby. Frank said, family was the most important thing to him, and he wouldn’t let his life take priority. In his interview, he said he was getting older, and this was a temporary place. He knew it wasn’t going to be his last homestead. He and Dolores had divorced when Dolores was pregnant with Frank Jr. This was a great opportunity, since he’d never lived with both kids at the same time in the same house. Dolores said she just wanted to be alone and chill, and Frank asked what was going on with David. Dolores said they’d grown apart, and she’d had time alone to wonder what she wanted. It was the end of the road for them. There was a lack of communication, and he didn’t meet her halfway, not even a little of the way sometimes. There was nowhere else for them to go. Everybody felt bad, since David had gotten close with the family, but Dolores assured them that he’d still be around. In her interview, Dolores said she’d brought David into their lives, but she wasn’t taking him out just because they didn’t work out. Pretty soon she can open a home for old husbands and boyfriends.

Everyone packed for the shore, and I reminisced about doing that before I moved here. Their shore is Tom’s River, but to me, that’s inland. I don’t consider it the shore unless it’s along the ocean. Melissa told Joe #2 not to try and get everybody drunk. She didn’t want puking in the bathroom. Dolores and Frank went to their own place, and Marge was staying at Jennifer’s house. Jackie told Bill that she couldn’t wait to move forward with her recovery. When she thought about going to the shore, the first thing on her mind was what she was going to eat for lunch. Melissa told Joe that she thought they’d do a beach day, then go to Teresa’s house for a barbecue. Jennifer told Bill that she thought she and Marge had made progress. Jackie had said Dolores wasn’t her friend, and Dolores was yelling at her that she was. The proof showed otherwise. Dolores told Frank that Jackie had said she didn’t care; Bill shouldn’t have been sticking his d*ck where it didn’t belong. We see a clip, and yeah, those were some of the words, but it’s taken way out of context, and it’s still not quite what she said. The old Housewives telephone trick; it can be played alone. Frank thought that was nasty, and Dolores said she wasn’t there to prove her loyalty. Frank said she was at a vulnerable point, and made her promise to calm down. She told him to stay close.

Melissa and Joe #2 filled their water cooler with vodka, and Melissa greeted her guests with, welcome to Missy G’s. Jackie and Marge rode over together, and Marge said she wanted to like Luis, but the video was being talked about again. His past was a little bizarre, and he spent a lot of time trying to shut it down. When they got to Melissa and Joe’s, Joe #3 tricked Marge into thinking she was drinking water from the cooler, and she was like, WTF? Evan said he thought the water was good. Teresa arrived at Jennifer’s house, and we saw a clip of her telling Jennifer that it wasn’t going to be the relaxing weekend she thought, since there was going to be a crowd of kids at her house. Jennifer suggested Teresa stay with her. Teresa said Luis would be coming later, and in her interview, she said Luis had a good heart, and had wanted to go with her to see Adriana’s dance competition. Adriana had posted a picture of the three of them on social media, and it made her happy. She asked Jennifer what she’d missed, and Jennifer filled her in on the brouhaha at the party. She told Teresa that Dolores insisted she was supportive, yet didn’t think what Marge did was wrong. She said there was still tension, but they had to find a way to make it nice. Teresa suggested having the barbecue at Jennifer’s house, and Jennifer said, they’d just have to keep everyone away from the pool.

The group went to Jenkinson’s Boardwalk in Point Pleasant (see below), and had drinks at a tiki bar. In Dolores’s interview, she said Teresa had been a fist pumping, partying, doing it all kind of girl back in the day. Dolores’s dad was a cop, and when she went to the shore, she stayed sober, laying out at the beach. She asked how Jennifer felt, saying she knew Jennifer had been upset, but that was okay. In Jennifer’s interview, she said, thanks for acknowledging that it was okay for her to be upset. It was normal to be upset when your husband was cheating. Normal people had feelings. Teresa told everyone that the barbecue was going to be at Jennifer’s house, since her house was full of kids. The guys did shots, and talked about Luis. In Melissa’s interview, she said she and Joe #2 had been hearing stuff, but he was good to Teresa. He was with Teresa night and day, and wouldn’t have time to be cheating. Marge said, Luis was charming and good looking, but so was a used car salesman, and Joe #3 said, where there was smoke, there was usually fire. Dolores said she’d broken up with David the day of Jennifer’s party, and Jennifer said, now it made sense why Dolores was so out of control. Dolores said she was sorry Jennifer had been hurt, but what got her was Jackie saying she was Jennifer’s friend. Jennifer said Jackie knew what she was going through, and Dolores repeated her version of what Jackie said, that she didn’t care; Bill shouldn’t be sticking his d*ck anywhere it didn’t belong. Jennifer said that was disgusting, like she probably hadn’t thought that same thing herself, and Dolores said Jackie was playing Jennifer. In Jennifer’s interview, she said, that was cruel. She’d thought Jackie was her friend, or at least trying to be her friend. Dolores told Jennifer to open her eyes. Everyone hangs out by the pool, and Teresa says Luis is having traffic issues. Ugh. It gets very crowded here in the summer, and it can take forever to make a twenty minute trip. Marge thinks Luis probably doesn’t want deal with them.

Teresa told Jennifer that the chef was going to be there any minute to start the meal preparation. Melissa told the others that Teresa had texted, basically demanding they all back up her boyfriend. Marge thought that mean a freak out was coming, and in Melissa’s interview, she said, the translation was, Teresa knew they were talking about her boyfriend, and to shut up. There might be chaos.

A producer told Teresa that Luis was in the parking lot, and he was upset. He thought everyone was talking about him, and didn’t know why. In Teresa’s interview, she said, Luis didn’t sign up for this. She was the one in the public eye, not him. He was the love of her life, and she wanted to protect him. Teresa told the producer that she was leaving. The producer tried to get her to stay, but she got in her car, and pulled out and away.

To be continued…

🌅 Down On the Boardwalk…

Behold Jenkinson’s. I’ve never been, but I’d love to go.

🏃🏽‍♀️ Skipping Out To My Lou…

Join me tomorrow for soap and happenings in the OC. Until then, stay safe, stay on the right side of karma, and stay mending fences, not burning bridges.

February 15, 2022 – Willow Doesn’t Exist, Jackie Throws a Frat Party, Valentine Soap & Revolution

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Carly gets to her office, and finds a Valentine’s Day card that Donna and Avery made. There’s a knock at the office door, and Carly calls for them to come in. A woman introduces herself as Rebecca Diamond, Esquire, and says she’s there to discuss Carly’s divorce.

At the hospital, Nina sees Britt, who seems engrossed in a file. Nina says she takes it Britt has heard, and Britt says, that Sonny and Carly’s marriage broke up? Who hasn’t? So tell her, how did Nina do it?

Alexis finds a man standing in her office, and she asks if she can help him. He says, they’ve met; he’s one of her freelancers. She says, Smalt, right? and he says, she remembered. He sent her a bunch of pictures, but didn’t hear back. She tells him to check his email, and he takes out his phone to check. He says she didn’t take any of them, and she says, no, and here’s why. They’ve declared a moratorium on aliens in government, on severed heads in carry-ons, and that sort of thing. He says, not a problem. He’s there because he has a scoop. She says, crop circle? and he says, no. Classic noire love triangle, the mafiosi and high fashion worlds collide as Nina Reeves invades the marriage of Sonny and Carly Corinthos. Boom!

At the MetroCourt, Michael asks if something is on Willow’s mind, and she says, the Louvre, the Eiffel Tower, and the Arche de Triomphe. He says, they’ll get to Paris, even if he has to smuggle her, and she says, he might have to if she still doesn’t have a passport. He says, maybe they can get an update, when Harmony comes by. She says she’d love to stop and chat, but she’s in a hurry. Michael asks if she can’t spare a few minutes for her daughter, and she says she wishes she could, but she’s busy. Willow says, they’re all busy, but how hard is it to track down your daughter’s birth certificate?

Felicia goes to Mac’s hospital room, and says, look who’s awake. He seems to be doing better. He says he’ll be glad to get back to work, tracking Peter and finding their granddaughter, and Felicia says, Epiphany… Epiphany says, no, and Felicia tells Mac, she said no. Epiphany says she’ll be back, and tells Felicia to make sure Mac stays in this bed. Felicia gives her a thumbs up, and Epiphany leaves. Mac asks if Felicia has heard anything. Have they found Peter yet? She sits on the bed, and says, Peter’s still on the loose. She takes his hand, and says, and he’s taken a hostage. He says, please tell him it’s not anyone he knows.

Brook plays with Louise, and says, looking at her, you’d never know everything she’s been through. First, her psycho father kidnaps her right out from under them, then drops her at the firehouse, and gets away with Maxie. Chase says, they have to assume Maxie convinced Peter to leave Bailey behind, and agreed to go in her place. She says she’s just glad Felicia and Mac entrusted them with Bailey for the last two nights, but now that Mac’s on the mend… He says, they always knew they were just a placeholder until Maxie could be with her daughter again. Brook says, first they have to find her. What if Maxie’s gone for good?

On the phone, Victor says, they need to find Peter, so the authorities never do. Understood? And he’ll expect a progress report, which means he expects some progress. There’s a knock at his door, and he opens it to Austin, who says, where is she? Victor says he’s sorry, he’s rather busy at the moment, and tries to close the door, but Austin grabs Victor by the collar and pushes his way in. He says he’s asking one more time. Where did Victor’s pal Peter take Maxie?

Harmony promises she’s doing everything she can, and Willow asks, what’s the hold up? Harmony says, it’s like going to the DMV times a thousand, trying to get something from the Hall of Records, and they moved state to state, so… Willow says, maybe this will help. She looked into it herself. She contacted all the hospitals in Claiborne County, but there was no record of any birth certificate. Michael says he contacted somebody at the State Department, and they’re going to do a global search, and Harmony says she has to get to her appointment; she’s late already. Willow asks if she could just give them the name of the doctor, but Harmony is already gone. Willow says she can’t believe it’s this hard to track down her birth certificate, and Michael wonders if her mom is even looking for it. Willow says, he doesn’t believe her? and Michael says, does she?

Rebecca sets up a recorder, and Carly says, she’s recording this? Rebecca says, it prevents misunderstandings. It also helps her keep thorough track of her clients’ wish list. Carly says, wish list? and Rebecca says, houses, jewelry, other valuables, a portion of the portfolio, other assets which may be offshore, and of course (🍷) the children. Carly says she thought she made herself perfectly clear on the phone. She invited Rebecca here to discuss her options. Rebecca asks if that’s Carly’s polite way of saying she’s not ready to divorce her husband.

Britt tells Nina, last night she was at The Savoy, when Carly shows up, dressed to kill, her bestie Felix on her arm, and no ring on her left hand. Nina says, she already took off her ring? and Britt says, point being, she’s trying to get over Sonny. Nina says that’s not why she came looking for Britt, and Britt says, no? She has to get back to work. Nina says, Britt probably knows that Maxie’s baby was found, but Maxie is still missing. The police think that Peter took her hostage. Britt knows Peter. Does she have any idea where Maxie and Peter could be?

Smalt tells Alexis, he has it on good authority that the don of the eastern seaboard flew the missus to Martinique, where he played musical beds with the editor of Crimson. She says, A, he got his facts wrong, and B, they would never be able to do a story like that, because C, they’d get their butts sued. So she’s going to have to pass on that little gem too. He says, fine. He’ll just sell the story somewhere else. She says, good. She hopes they pay him a lot of money. He stomps out, passing Harmony in the doorway. Harmony says, he didn’t seem happy, and Alexis says, changing the perception of The Invader’s not as easy as it looks. Harmony says, sometimes the past is impossible to shake, and Alexis says she guesses they’re not talking about The Invader anymore.

Brook tells Chase, after everything Maxie did to keep this baby safe, she still had to let her go. For the life of her, she doesn’t know how Maxie did it. He says, because Maxie loved her little girl that much, and she says, they’ll have to love her enough to do the same. The doorbell rings, and Brook hands Louise to Chase. She opens the door to Ned and Olivia, and asks if everything is okay. Ned says they just came by to say hello to their soon-to-be former granddaughter. Brook says, of course (🍷), and invites them in. Ned says, there she is, and takes Louise from Chase. Olivia tells Brook, if feels more like a goodbye to her, and Ned fusses over Louise.

Victor asks what makes Austin think he knows where Peter is, and Austin says, Victor played him for information. He found out where Maxie’s baby was, and fed that information to Peter. Victor asks if Austin is accusing him of endangering a child, and Austin asks what he got in return. What’s the price on an innocent human life? Victor says Austin has a melodramatic way of asking a question, but he doesn’t have a shred of proof. Austin says, he doesn’t need proof; he’s not the police. Maxie’s gone. Peter has her. Tell him where she is. Victor says, or what? Remember, he took an oath to do no harm. Austin says he did; he took that vow. The problem is – he grabs Victor by the tie, and takes out a syringe – Victor isn’t his patient. Obrecht comes in and says, she’d put the syringe away if she were him, and Austin says, why would he do that? We see Obrecht is holding a gun, and she says, because he’s displeasing her good friend. Austin says, this manicured weasel knows where Maxie is. She brought a gun; go ahead and shoot him. Victor says, it wouldn’t be the first time, and Austin says, she shoots Victor, he’ll patch him up. How about that? She asks why she needs Austin when she can do both, backwards and in heels. Put the syringe away, or she’ll shoot him, and leave him to bleed out. (Perhaps a nod to Franco?) Victor suggests she do it anyway, and Austin caps the syringe, putting it in his pocket. Victor says, dear Liesl. He knows he can always count on her. Austin says he doesn’t know why she’s giving Victor a pass. She doesn’t care about Maxie? She says, if it wasn’t for Austin, Maxie would be safe and sound. Hasn’t he done enough, or does he want to make things worse? So by all means, stay. Victor says he believes Austin knows the way out, and Austin says he’ll reunite Maxie with her child, and Victor and Peter are going to share a cell. Austin leaves, and Victor hopes his bedside manner is better than that. Obrecht says she doesn’t know; she wasn’t listening. He says she came to his rescue. How can he ever repay her? He strokes her cheek.

Mac says he has to get out of here, and starts to get up, but Felicia says, no, holding him back. She says he has to stay in his bed, and Epiphany appears, and says, leave that bed too soon, and he risks a setback, maybe a fatal one. Then the bad guys win. Is that what he wants? He says, what he wants, is to get his daughter back, and Epiphany asks how he’s going to do that, staggering around and bleeding all over the place? Lie there and let his body heal, and she’ll let him know when he can go. Got it? He says, got it, and Felicia thanks Epiphany, and says she can take it from here. Epiphany tells her, good luck, and leaves. Mac shouts that he hates that he’s stuck in here, and Felicia says, maybe some good news will help. He says, please, lay it on him, and she says, their granddaughter Louise is alive and well.

Olivia holds out her arms, and tells Louise to come to her Grandma Olivia… She’s sorry; her Aunt Olivia. She takes Louise from Ned, and says, and her Uncle Ned. Olivia fusses over Louise, and Ned asks how Brook is doing all this. She says, it’s hard, but it really is for the best. Now she and Chase can go back to living their lives. They didn’t set out to be parents. Can he imagine the two of them at the PTA? Olivia says, she can imagine it real easily actually, and Ned says, he can too. He told Brook how proud he is of her for taking responsibility for this beautiful little girl, but there’s something else that still needs to be said. He had Chase wrong; dead wrong.

Harmony tells Alexis, she just ran into Michael and Willow, and Willow can’t understand why she can’t produce her birth certificate. Alexis says, here’s a really crazy thought. Why doesn’t Harmony tell the truth? Harmony says, that she forged it? and Alexis says, no, that she was lost, and she moved into this community, and the community didn’t trust the government, and so on. She’s sure Willow would understand that. Harmony says, maybe, but it still doesn’t give her what she needs; proof of birth so she can get a passport. Alexis says, speaking of which, she did speak to her colleague friend Diane, and she confirmed what Alexis suspected. There really is no avenue that will allow her to substitute a fake for Willow’s real birth certificate. Harmony says, she means no legal avenue.

Michael agrees, how hard could it be track down a birth certificate? and Willow says, here’s hoping his contact at the State Department can track it down. He says, he hopes so too, but it doesn’t change the fact that her mom’s been avoiding her. What’s the mystery? What is she so afraid of?

Carly tells Rebecca, her marriage is over and she’s ready to move on. What she doesn’t want, is to start a war. She’s not looking for a wish list or petty revenge. She wants this over as quickly and as painlessly as possible. Rebecca says, if Carly wants to expedite this, she needs to tell her everything. Unsanitized, unvarnished, unabridged. Every gory detail.

Britt tells Nina, she and Peter barely know each other, but she wishes she’d known he was an unstable psychopath. She would have warned Maxie. But then they wouldn’t have Bailey… or rather, Louise. Nina says, her heart just breaks for Maxie; just when she thought she could reclaim her daughter. But what she can’t figure out is how did Peter find out Bailey wasn’t Brook’s baby, but his and Maxie’s daughter? Britt says, who knew what Maxie and Brook were up to? and Nina says, she knew early on, but she’d rather die than tell Peter that information. She almost did. Britt says, someone else was not so discreet. Someone who had something to gain. Like Victor Cassadine. Nina says she doesn’t know about that. If Britt is right, and Victor told Peter, who told Victor? Austin comes by, and Britt says, speak of the devil.

Obrecht tells Victor, she remembers his affections fondly, but alas, she’s spoken for. Victor has no doubt Scotty offers her an amusing distraction, but so does an accordion if you’re in the mood. She says, he should know by now, he’ll score no points with her in disparaging Scotty, and he asks how he can score points with her. She says, by stripping down… He says, yes? and she says, and revealing… He says, and? and she says, your humanity. He asks if that’s what they’re calling it these days, and she says, deny it if he wants, but beneath his glib acerbic banter, and his world-weary savoir faire, he’s devoted to his own flesh and blood. He says, almost to a fault, and she says, then he must know how much Maxie’s disappearance pains everyone who considers her family. He says he hates seeing her in pain, and asks if there’s something he can do. She says, there is. If she ever meant anything to him, he’ll help her find Maxie. He says he knows what she’s doing, and she asks if it’s working. He asks what she thinks. His heart is pounding; feel it. He puts her hand on his chest, and she says, like a timpani solo at the Berlin Philharmonic, and he says, she knows how much he loves Philharmonic percussion. She says, then he’ll help her? and he says, that depends – he kisses her hand – on what’s in it for him.

Chase says, if he’s ever lucky enough to have a daughter of his own, he hopes he can stand by her like Ned stood by Brook. Olivia tells Brook that Chase likes her, and Brook says, he likes Bailey. She was just part of the package. Ned says, okay, his turn again, and Olivia hands off Louise. Ned sits down with her, and tells Louise, wherever she goes in life, no matter where she goes, she’ll always, always be a part of their family. Olivia says, she really is a miracle. She was born in the woods, she was rescued from a firehouse, and managed to bring out the best in every person around her. Ned says, even if they couldn’t see it at first, she showed them what was always there all along. Brook says, that makes her the biggest miracle of all.

Harmony asks Alexis if there’s a way around this or past it, and Alexis says, there is. Harmony admits she made a mistake, and let Diane negotiate on her behalf to keep her from being incriminated, and she and Willow generate a legal document that will certify her birth. Harmony says, right, and Alexis says, unless of course (🍷) Harmony doesn’t want her birth certified for some reason. She thanks Alexis, and says she knows Alexis is trying to help, but she can’t do this. Alexis says, Harmony sounds like her, when Harmony was trying to help her not drink, and she resisted. So why won’t she let Alexis return the favor?

Willow says her mother has constantly put her trust in the wrong people, and Michael says, Shiloh and Cyrus Renault; how could he forget? Willow says, she was taught to distrust everyone, even the government. Michael, on the other hand, has contacts in the State Department and the FCC. He contacts District Attorneys in other states directly. Not everyone can do that. He says, but he doesn’t think it’s unreasonable to expect transparency when it comes to something so straightforward as a birth certificate. She says, straightforward to him, but he’s always had a stable loving family – two stable loving families, that he knows he can count on. He says, loving maybe, but stable, he doesn’t know about that. Not anymore anyway.

Carly tells Rebecca, so at Sonny’s insistence, she showed up at the Haunted Star for a romantic evening, but instead of being in the stateroom waiting for her, he was in bed with Nina Reeves. Rebecca stops the recording, and tells Carly that she’s just said enough to take Sonny to the cleaners. Carly says, which is not her objective, and Rebecca says, she gets it; Carly isn’t after Sonny’s money. In regards to building a case, she wishes Carly had consulted her before moving out, but finding Sonny in the sack with the woman who kept his existence a secret more than makes up for it. Carly’s just gotten a lot off her chest here. Maybe she wants to press erase, and it all ends now, which is certainly an option. Or they just leave it here, in case she needs to use it. Carly says, Sonny’s a fighter. If she uses what’s on that recorder… Rebecca says, he’ll hit her? and Carly says, physically? No, but if she puts him on the defensive, Sonny’s going to make this divorce very ugly, which she said over and over again, she doesn’t want. Rebecca says, let him do his worst. Carly has the secret weapon. Carly asks, what’s that? and Rebecca says, Sonny himself. Let’s be honest. Her husband has a reputation. Carly says she knows that, but there are also children involved; children who love him very much. Rebecca says, that’s the beautiful part. They don’t have to make a single negative allegation, because any judge sitting on that bench, knows the name Sonny Corinthos, and will be predisposed to rule in Carly’s favor. Carly says, she means, they couldn’t get Sonny for an alleged crime, so they want to use her to punish him. Rebecca says, they got Al Capone on tax evasion, right? So you add on some lies, some infidelity, and other things a great P.I. can dig up, and she’s pretty certain she can get Carly sole custody of her minor child. Carly said her name was Donna? How does that sound?

Willow says, growing up, her life was so messed up and bizarre, when she got to know Michael’s family, she kind of idealized them. Maybe to the point of overlooking her own mother. She doesn’t always give her mother the credit she deserves for turning her life around. Michael says, even he has to admit, she’s doing her best, and Willow says, and she’s been respecting their boundaries; not coming around all the time, not arranging surprise visits in public places. He asks if she’s saying they should cut Harmony some slack, and she says, some slack. What are the odds that out of all of Wiley’s grandmothers at this point, her mom might be the most drama free?

Harmony thanks Alexis for trying, but… Alexis says, but what? Harmony asked her to help, then won’t accept her help, and she doesn’t know why. So why? Is she ashamed? Is she ashamed of her past? Because Alexis stabbed a cop in the chest with a syringe on a vodka-fueled rage, and the only excuse she had was, she was aiming for someone else. Harmony says, what she went to prison for was a helluva lot worse. She’s sure Kristina would agree. Alexis says, that’s a good point. Forging a birth certificate is not nearly as bad as what Harmony actually went to prison for. She tells Harmony, listen. She found a support system in her daughters, and she thinks Harmony is underestimating hers. From everything she knows about Willow, she is open-minded, she’s fair, she’s kind, she’s compassionate, and if Harmony would just tell her the truth, she’s sure Willow would understand. Harmony says, but she won’t, and turns to go. Alexis says, whatever it is she’s running away from, it will catch up to her. And then what?

Felicia shows Mac her phone, and says, this was taken just when Anna and Chase found her at the firehouse. As he can see, Louise is happy and healthy. He says, thank God, and Brook and Chase have been looking after her the whole time. Felicia says, and they’re bringing her here today. That will give Mac a chance to see for himself that their granddaughter inherited Maxie’s survival gene. He says, then they get to take her home? and she says, they do. He says, their newest granddaughter, under their roof with her brother and sister, and they get to spoil her rotten. She says, that’s a tall order. She’s been living with the Quartermaines all this time. He says, they’ll bring her back down to earth, and she says, that’s more like it. He says, they’ll give her everything she needs. Felicia says, all right, Commissioner, and he says, that’s Interim Commissioner to her. She says she sees he’s starting to get his old grumpy self back, and he says, he won’t be himself until Peter’s been caught, and Maxie has her daughter back in her arms again. She says, and that will be very, very soon.

Austin tells Nina that Britt is correct. It’s his fault that Victor figured out Maxie and Brook have been hiding Louise in plain sight. He starts to walk away, but Nina says she can’t believe he would give that information to Victor deliberately, and he says he didn’t. All he did was draw Victor a map with a great big X on it, and Victor figured out the rest on his own. Nina says, and then Victor gave that information to Peter, and Britt says, then Peter used that information to lure Maxie to him. Austin asks if they’ll just stop kicking him in the teeth. He’s done it enough to himself for the last couple of days. Nina says, she’s probably not in the best position to judge, because she could have told everyone Peter was alive and well when he showed up in Nixon Falls, but she kept her mouth shut. Britt says, not exactly. Nina did sic her mother on him. Nina says, that didn’t work, but Britt says, it didn’t work yet. Her mother is nothing if not persistent. She doesn’t relent; she adjusts and improvises. But Austin already knows that, doesn’t he?

Obrecht tells Victor that he’s incorrigible, but alas, her affections are off the table because she’s a one man woman. He says, how convenient; he’s only one man. She asks if he’ll help her for old time’s sake, but he says he needs more. She says, fine. If he helps her, it will enrage Peter, and they can both revel in the schadenfreude of it all, and he says, now she’s talking. He hates to see her suffer over Maxie, but he wouldn’t mind seeing Peter suffer because of her. She says she won’t be able to rest until Maxie’s home again, reunited with her beautiful little child. Victor says, the thing is, he has a long memory. He hasn’t forgotten all the times she’s hurt him, and she says, any more than she’s forgotten the times he’s kidnapped, tormented, and nearly killed her and the people she cares about, while aiding and abetting her enemies. He says she makes a fair point, and she says, please, for whatever good there was between them. He says he can’t promise, but he’ll do what he can. She says she knew she could count on him, and moves closer as if she’s about to kiss him, but suddenly grabs her coat and jets. In the hallway, she smiles.

Ned suggests they take a picture of the whole family, because dammit, that’s what they are. Chase volunteers to take it, but Olivia says he’s not getting out of things that easily, and pushes him behind the sofa. He says he’s not really family, and Ned says, he slept at Monica’s house. Olivia says, he got his heart broken there, and Brook says, and tried to get one Quartermaine to double-cross another. Olivia says, he’s part of the family, like it or not, and sits next to Ned and Louise, with Brook and Chase behind them. Olivia holds out her phone, and tells them, everyone say, we love you Bailey. They do, and she snaps the photo. Chase takes one of Ned and Olivia with Louise/Bailey, and we see one of Ned, Brook, and Louise, Chase with Louise, and Brook with Louise. Olivia says she wants to get one with Brook and Chase, and they pose for several shots.

Harmony says she’s the worst type of hypocrite, and Alexis says, if she really believes that, she should get out more. Harmony says she was doling out advice to Alexis about not letting her past define her, and here she is doing exactly that. Alexis says, yeah, well, they’re all hypocrites. She asks for help, and really doesn’t want it. She’d rather drown her sorrows in a bottle of booze, but they all make unhealthy choices. Let’s stop doing that, huh? How about you help me, I help you. That’s how friendship works. Harmony asks how she’s supposed to know that, and Alexis says she knows Harmony wants the past to be in the past for Willow’s sake, but if there’s more to this story than Harmony has told her, doesn’t she think it’s better Willow finds out from her than from someone else?

Michael says, all Willow’s mother did was misplace her birth certificate. Nina nearly blew up his parents’ marriage, and his dad seems just fine with that. She says, one more reason for them to expedite that passport and hop on a plane for Paris, far away from all this, and closer to each other. He kisses her, and his phone rings. He says, it’s his contact from the State Department. They may be one step closer to the Eiffel Tower.

Brook says she’s sorry to do this, but they’re on the clock. Ned asks if they can have five more minutes, but Chase says, unfortunately, Mac and Felicia are waiting, and Brook says, it will just make it harder. Olivia wishes she could say Brook was wrong, and hands Louise to Brook. He tells Louise that she will always have a home with them. Always. Olivia cries, and they leave.

Epiphany comes into Mac’s room, and says, sorry to disturb them, but the doctors ordered another test. He asks if they’re looking for a reason to keep him there, but she says, trust her. Nobody wants to keep him there longer than necessary. She asks how Felicia puts up with him, and Felicia says, on the bright side, he’s definitely feeling better. Mac says, there’s nothing wrong with him that seeing his granddaughter won’t cure, and Felicia says, they’re probably on their way right now. So as soon as he gets back from whatever this test is… He asks if they can’t take this test another time, but Epiphany says she’s afraid not. Now let’s get him out of this bed. No arguments. He says, yes, ma’am, and she helps him up.

Austin says he barely knows Britt’s mother, but Britt says, not true. She was there when Obrecht gave him hell for clearing the way for Peter to find Maxie’s baby. Nina says, Aunt Liesl knows? She hopes Austin’s affairs are in order. Britt tells him not to waste his time and energy on denials; hear her out. She strongly advises him not to engage in shenanigans or cahoots with her mother. He says, he’s not a shennaniganist and he’s not one to cahoot. Nina says, Britt is right; listen to her. With Aunt Liesl, there’s always collateral damage. Obrecht comes out of the elevator, and asks if either of them would mind if she borrows the good doctor.

Carly tells Rebecca that she and Sonny went through an ugly divorce years ago. They fought over their sons, Michael and Morgan. They hurt each other and hurt their children. She’s never making that mistake again. Rebecca says, that is very noble, and speaks volumes about Carly’s character; however, she has to ask. If she doesn’t want to punish Sonny, there are plenty of attorneys in this town who could get her out of her marriage with a shared custody agreement that Carly, on her nicest day, could call fair. So why turn to her? Carly flashes back to Nina saying that Carly wanted to hear that what happened between her and Sonny in Nixon Falls couldn’t happen again, but they both know it would be a lie, and Carly slapping her. Rebecca says, if Carly doesn’t want Sonny’s blood, what does she want?

Britt asks why Obrecht wants to borrow Austin. She thought Obrecht was furious with him. Obrecht says, of course (🍷) she was, but now they understand each other. Don’t we, Herr Doctor? She says, excuse them, and steers Austin away. Nina says, she and Britt warned him, and Britt says, speaking of warnings, didn’t anyone ever tell Nina that Carly is a bad enemy to have? Nina says, it’s been mentioned to her one or 853 times, and Britt tells her, she’s just saying, Nina did keep Carly’s husband hidden for close to a year, then turned around and slept with him. Nina says she’s confused, and asks whose side Britt is on. Britt says, hers; they’re family. And as family, she has to warn Nina. If Carly gets a chance, she’ll burn Nina’s life down. Nina thanks her for the heads up, and says, but it’s been a long time coming. If Carly wants a war, Nina will give her a war.

Carly tells Rebecca that she’d prefer not to fight with Sonny. She’s been down that road before, and knows it goes nowhere good. But the woman he cheated on her with, she’s the one Carly wants to fight. She wants Nina pay for every lie she told, for all the pain she caused, for everything she’s stolen from Carly and her family. Can Rebecca give her that? Rebecca says, that’ve got to start somewhere, and sits down. Shall they talk about her retainer?

Alexis says, if Harmony wants her help, Harmony has to tell her the truth. Both she and Diane think there’s more to the story, that there’s something Harmony’s not telling them. Is there? Harmony says, yes, there’s more.

On the phone, Michael says, thank you for looking into it, and Willow asks what he said. He says, it doesn’t make any sense. There’s no record of a birth certificate being issued to her in any of the 50 states, or anywhere else in the world, according to the US government. Willow says, she doesn’t exist?

Olivia tells Ned, Chase and Bailey weren’t here for very long, but it already felt like a home. Now it’s over. Ned says, one of the good things about what happened is, it brought them closer together as a family. And it taught them that Brook is far more selfless than they thought. Olivia is sure no one was more surprised than Brook was. They’ll be there for Ned’s daughter whenever she needs them. Ned hugs and kisses her.

Brook brings Louise up to Felicia, and Felicia says, hello there, beautiful girl. Louise smiles because she’s a 26 year old actress trapped inside a baby.

Obrecht and Austin go into an office, and Austin says, what’s up? She says, she persuaded Victor to let her get close enough to plant a tiny chip on his lapel. Shall they have a listen? He says, by all means, and she takes out her phone. Victor tells Yohan, too many people are on to them, and there are too many questions. They need to find Peter, and silence him once and for all. Obrecht and Austin look at each other.

Tomorrow, Curtis asks Portia, what if there was another option; Nina asks Willow if she’ll ever be able to see her grandson again; and Sonny says he needs to find her before she does something she’ll regret.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey

Gabby and Frank Jr. had moved in with Dolores temporarily. She wanted them to have a place to live where they didn’t have to pay bills (why was I not born into this family?), and Frank wasn’t finished with the house. Frank had plans to move into the new house with the kids, and in Dolores’s interview, she said, it had been Frank’s home for a few years. It didn’t seem right to say he was banished because the kids were moving in. Gabby thought she and Frank would butt heads, and in her interview, Dolores said she and Frank had divorced when the kids were little, and had lived separately. Gabby was a hothead, and Frankie was the opposite. He just wanted it calm and nice. Dolores thought they should sit down as a family and discuss it.

Gia and friends were taking photos at a boutique, modeling sportswear. In Teresa’s interview, she explained that Gia’s Sad Song had gone viral, and Gia had parlayed that into a sweatshirt line that was now in a bunch of boutiques. Teresa and her daughters posed together, and then Gia tried to talk Milania into coming to a pizza party Luis was throwing, but Milania was still pissed at Joe #2. Gia told Milania that she and Joe had made up, and in Gia’s interview, she said, Milania had a big heart, but don’t go after her dad. We flashed back to Joe #2 talking smack about Joe #1, and Teresa said Joe #2 was her only family. She wanted them to come to a happy medium and let it end.

Joes #2 and #3 met with Frank at the bar for drinks and food. Frank said, the house renovation was causing heavy conflict with the kids, and Gabby was mad at him. Now Dolores was calling a family meeting. Joe #2 asked why Dolores wasn’t moving in with David, and Frank said he thought there was trouble in paradise. They moved on to discussing Bill’s affair, or rather, the announcement of, and Frank said he didn’t think Bill was okay. Joe #3 said he liked Bill, but his wife had gone over the edge, calling Marge names. Joe #2 talked about his conflict and resolution with Gia, and said Luis had invited them over to make pizza. Frank said, Luis had been awesome to his son since Frank Jr. had been working for him. Joe #2 said there had been a lot of stuff on the internet about Luis, referring to the notorious video. Frank suggested they go on a retreat, get naked, go in the woods, and beat the sh*t out of each other.

Jackie and Evan went out for lunch after the kids left for camp. Jackie thought they should take full advantage of it, and wondered what they did before they had kids. Evan said they drank more, and Jackie reminded him they’d met at dirty bar. She said she loved frat party beer bars, but didn’t think many of the women had gone to college. She was the only one who had pledged a sorority, and Evan the only one who’d pledged a fraternity. She thought they should plan a frat party for everyone. Jackie brought up her eating disorder, and said she’d gotten to a place where she didn’t eat anything. We saw a wedding photo, and she looked scary thin. She said then she got to a place where she could eat, and thought she was cured, but she wasn’t okay. Last year was hard, and she’d lost some weight. Her eating was ritualized, and Evan said the kids noticed. They’d asked him why she ate the same dinner every night. Jackie said she was hungry all the time, and scared of gaining weight, and Evan said he thought she should see somebody. In Evan’s interview, he said he’d been concerned for a while. Jackie was always on the defensive, and she had food rules, but he didn’t want to judge. He was happy that she was opening up and letting him in. He told her that her realization was a great thing, and he was with her every step of the way.

Jackie called Jennifer to make sure she was okay. She’d cried her share last year, and if anyone got it, it was her. She said she and Evan were having a last hurrah party before the kids came home. She wanted to see it bring then all back together. She didn’t want to bring the sh*t between Jennifer and Marge back, and Jennifer said, if Bill couldn’t come, she wouldn’t either. Teresa and crew went to Luis’s house, where his brother Bill was cooking eggplant on the barbie. Teresa put herself on sauce detail, and it was all quite a production. In Teresa’s interview, she said Luis journaled and did positive affirmations. He was all about communicating, and not holding it in. He wanted to introduce her family to self-help, but they weren’t big on that, since their idea of communication was yelling and banging on the table. Joe #2 and family arrived, and Melissa said she was glad Teresa wasn’t holding a grudge against Jackie. Teresa said, everyone had seemed to have Jackie’s back, but now no one had Jennifer’s back. Marge had crossed the line. In Melissa’s interview, she said Teresa was blindly taking Jennifer’s side, when Jennifer had even gone after Teresa’s brother. It boggled her mind.

The spread was amazing – all the Italian food you can imagine. I had an aunt who married into an old school Italian family, and I went to Sunday dinners like that when I was a kid. Luis said he thought it was good when families collided; it lead to repair. He wanted everyone to write on a paper what they wanted to bring more of to their life in the group, and on the other side, what they wanted to let go of. Surprisingly, Joe #2 suggested they just talk about it instead. Luis said he wanted to trust more, since traumatic experiences had made him guarded. In Joe’s interview, he wondered what the hell Luis was talking about. This guy talked in code. Luis said he wanted to be less guarded, and Teresa said she wanted more loyalty and love. Luis asked what she wanted to let go of, and in her interview, Melissa said, Luis wanted Teresa to admit fault. They’d be there all night. Melissa said she wanted to lean more into the family; there was never enough time. Joe suggested not holding grudges, and Melissa told them, there were a lot of things she could say right now. In Gia’s interview, she said, Milania’s end goal was that everyone get along, and Milania said she wanted to let go of overthinking what happens next. Gia said she was always expecting something to blow up, and Milania said she wanted to lean into things being solid. Joe said he apologized, and didn’t want to argue, and in his interview, he said, for the first time, he understood how he was hanging onto his anger at Joe #1. He told them that they had to let go of the past; they’d all been through so much. It was okay to be angry, but he didn’t want to be that person. He thanked Luis for initiating the discussion, and Melissa said it was much needed.

Everyone got ready for Jackie’s party, except for Teresa, who was out town at a dance tournament for one of her daughters. I get them mixed up. I think it was Gabriella. Or was it Antonia? Jennifer called Bill, who was finishing up work, and he asked how she was feeling. She said she was reluctant, but having him by her side would give her strength. Traci told Tiki that she didn’t agree with what Jennifer had done, but she’d left two events in tears. In Traci’s interview, she said she knew how rumors affected a couple. When she and Tiki had gotten together, there had been lies spread that they’d had an affair while he was married, and Tiki got depressed. She told him she thought they should have empathy for Jennifer as a woman and a mother. Tiki said, you never wanted stuff like that to go public. Marge told friend Lexi that it was Jennifer’s own behavior that led to this, and she had a double standard. I see both sides. I absolutely have empathy, but I also think you can’t say sh*tty things about someone and not expect them to bite you back.  

The party was in a private room at a bar, where beer pong had been set up, along with a keg, and a pineapple ice sculpture that was a liquor dispenser. Jackie told the women that they could dance on the bar. Melissa told Joe #2 that it was vodka for him; he was a psycho on tequila. Jennifer hadn’t arrived yet, and Jackie said she thought Jennifer was reeling. Marge said, don’t come in crying, but Traci had enough, and called bullsh*t. Marge said it wasn’t like it was a shock to Jennifer, but Traci said, Jennifer hadn’t expected someone to throw it in her face. As a mother and a human, she had to empathize. In Marge’s interview, she said she’d talk to Traci in another month, and see how she felt about Jennifer. Jackie said she didn’t want Jennifer kicked while she was down, and Marge said she wouldn’t throw a drink; she’d throw a ping-pong ball. Jennifer and Bill came in.

Jackie said she wanted tonight to be fun, and went over to Jennifer, who was hugging the bar. Traci joined them, and Tiki told Bill that he’d heard there was drama. Bill said some skeletons had come out, and Tiki said it was unfair. Jennifer said what Marge had done was so hurtful, and at one of the tables, Marge said she was sick of talking about Jennifer, and asked Dolores how David was. Dolores said they weren’t together anymore. In Dolores’s interview, she said she’d only told Frank, and we saw a clip of her telling Frank that David was married to his job. He was smart enough to know he couldn’t change, and she was smart enough to know she wanted more. It wasn’t sustainable. She told the women, what finally got her was that she knew someone who had been on life support. Their family pulled the plug, and his girlfriend of 15 years had nothing. In her interview, she said, what if something happened tomorrow? He was supposed to be her partner. She’d wanted more, but hadn’t been demanding. He got used to it, and she got resentful. She told the group that David had been shocked. It hurt, and she didn’t want to talk about it.

Everyone took shots out of the ice pineapple, and the guys played beer pong. Dolores told Jennifer that what Marge had done was rough, but Marge told her what Jennifer had said about her. We flashed back to that, and Dolores said she understood why Marge was mad. Jennifer said she guessed Dolores was a better friend to Marge, but Dolores said she was friends with both of them. Jennifer said, not according to Jackie, and then Jackie got roped into the conversation. Dolores said she heard Jackie was questioning her friendship with Jennifer and it wasn’t cool. Jackie said she just thought Dolores was better friends with Marge, and Dolores asked why Jackie was getting involved. Jackie said she was just looking after Jennifer. All of this pissed Dolores off, although I’m not sure why. I’d also assume she was better friends with the person she’d known for years, than the person she’s known for five minutes. Jackie told Dolores that Jennifer had made videos of her – we flashed back to Jennifer making fun of Jackie – and she was the one comforting her. Dolores said, give her a break, and Jackie said Dolores thought no one should be upset about anything. Marge joined the fray, and pissed Dolores off even more when she said she thought they were better friends than Dolores was with Jennifer. Dolores said, Jennifer didn’t need to hear about it from this, pointing at Jackie, who said, don’t call her this. Dolores asked what Jackie was going to do about it, literally getting in Jackie’s face. It looked like it might be a knockdown drag out. SMH.

To be continued…

💟 My Soapy Valentine…

How the lovers you love loved on Valentine’s Day.

🎬 Curtain Down…

Come visit tomorrow for soap and what’s going on in the OC. Until then, stay safe, stay being kind to animals, and stay not letting the past define you, and extending the same courtesy to others.

February 1, 2022 – Vow Renewal At the Quartermaines, New Jersey Pool Party, Who’s Who, New Nose, Abandonment, Housewife Tease, Called Out, Sad News & Brighter

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Chase finds Brook getting coffee in the nook, and tells her that Bailey is conked out. She says she wishes Bailey slept this much at the beach house, but Chase says, she’ll get used to the new digs; just give her a minute. She says, they’ll probably be out of there by the time that happens, and Chase says, then Peter will be locked up, and Bailey can go home. She says, and they can officially stop pretending. They hear Bailey cry on the monitor, and touch hands as they’re both reaching for it. Chase says, he’ll go, and leaves.

Michael says, Wiley is excited to see his cousin Bailey today, and Willow says, he misses her. Michael asks if she’s ready to go to the house, but she says, she’s actually waiting for her mom to drop by. She still can’t find any record of her birth certificate, and needs to get her passport application in. He says, oui, oui, and she asks if that’s the only French word he knows. He says, oui, and she laughs, saying, she really hopes her mom has a copy. He says they can’t go to Paris without one, and kisses her.

Kristina shows up at Alexis’s office with coffee, and says, stop the presses. Local editor’s down, unharmed, coaxed from behind the desk with caffeine. Alexis reaches for the cup, and says, bless you. She takes a sip, and says, hello, my daughter. Kristina says, hello, mother. She came to observe Alexis in her natural habitat. She picks up a placard from Alexis’s desk, and reads, truth never damages a cause that is just. She says she likes it, and Alexis says, Harmony gave it to her. Kristina says, just the person she wanted to talk about.

Britt meets Austin in Kelly’s, and he says he wants to get a female perspective. What does it mean when a woman kisses a man?

Maxie adjusts the chairs for the vow renewal at the Quartermaines, and flashes back to kissing Austin. Brook asks if she’s ready. Guests are arriving; it’s time to open the doors. Maxie says, first, she has to tell Brook something, and Brook says, uh-oh. Unless it’s not an uh-oh. Maxie says, it’s definitely an uh-oh. Austin remembered something. Brook says, something as in… and Maxie says, he remembered hearing them talking the night Louise was born.

Dante tells Leo that he’s looking sharp (we’re back to the usual Leo), and Leo says, it’s not itchy. Ned says, Leo is wearing a T-shirt under his shirt instead of a button-down. Dante says, button-downs can be itchy; what’s with that? Leo shrugs, and Dante says, it doesn’t matter. Once Leo’s mother walks in the room, no one is going to notice them anyway. Ned tells him, you can say that again, and Olivia walks down the stairs, smiling at Ned.

Drew sees Carly alone in one of the rooms, and asks what she’s doing there. She says she’s hiding, and he says he hates to break it to her, but she’s not going to be very successful looking like that. She says, still the charmer, and he says, it’s the truth. He tells her, hiding isn’t usually her style, and she says she doesn’t feel like herself these days. She’s nervous to see Sonny. How ridiculous is that? He asks what exactly she’s nervous about, and she says she doesn’t want their issues to cast a shadow over Olivia and Ned. He says, she doesn’t think Sonny gets that? and she says, here’s hoping.

Sonny comes in as Ned is thanking Laura for officiating today. She says, it’s an honor. She wouldn’t have missed it for the world. She’s so sorry Doc couldn’t be here, but there was another patient emergency. Olivia says they’re sorry too, and excuses herself. She goes over to hug Sonny, and he tells her that she looks good. She thanks him, and asks how he’s doing. He says he’s good, and asks if Carly’s there, and Olivia says, Carly came early to help her get ready. She would have understood if he couldn’t make it today. It’s hard to celebrate someone else’s happiness when you’re not exactly in the best place yourself. He says, he and Carly will be back together before she knows it. Just you bet on it.

Britt says, Austin was a doctor last she checked, and he says he still is. She says she’s pretty sure human sexuality was covered in his studies, and he says, it was, but he’s a grown man and she’s a grown woman, so he’s asking her. If you kiss a man who’s your friend, why would you apologize? She says she assumes they’re talking about… He says, Maxie, and she says, was it good? He says he thought so, and she says, why didn’t he ask Maxie what she meant? He says, her mom kind of interrupted them, and she says, so this happened in high school? He says, she’s hilarious. What happened was, he and Maxie went to Pawtuck with Anna and Felicia to try and jog their memories about what happened the night Louise was born. She says, oh wow. And? Did either of them remember what happened? He says he doesn’t know. That part’s even more confusing than the kissing.

Maxie tells Brook, she tried to convince Austin that he was misremembering – if that’s even a word (FYI, it is according to spellcheck) – but she doesn’t think it worked. Brook says she has to try harder, and Maxie says, she did everything she could think of. She even kissed him. Brook says, that is an interesting and creative strategy. They’ll revisit that later. Maxie says, it wasn’t a strategy. Austin’s gone above and beyond to help her out. The problem is, what he thinks is helping could probably ruin everything. Brook says they shouldn’t panic. They just need to come up with a plan. Maxie says, ya think? when Tracy comes in, and asks, what’s going on in here? The two of them having their heads together doesn’t look suspicious at all, while the guests are milling around outside. Brook says, they have everything under control, and Tracy says her confidence knows no bounds. Maxie thanks her for keeping all of this under wraps, and Tracy says, Peter August is a despicable human being, who doesn’t deserve to be a father, and she’s very sorry Maxie has to be separated from Louise. Maxie says she knows Louise is in good hands, but she can’t wait to have her daughter back in her arms.

Harmony arrives at the gatehouse, and says, she was so happy to get Willow’s call. What did she want to talk about? Willow says she needs a copy of her birth certificate, and Harmony asks, how come? Willow says she can’t find hers. It must have gotten lost in all the moving around. Normally, it wouldn’t be anything urgent, but she needs to get a passport. Harmony asks where she’s headed, and Willow says, Michael is taking her to Paris. Michael comes in, and Harmony says, how wonderful. Are they taking Wiley with them? Michael says, not this time, and tells Willow that he’s heading to the house; he wants to see how his mom and dad are doing. Willow says she’ll be right behind him with Wiley, and he says it was nice seeing Harmony. (Since when?) She says, him too, and he leaves. Willow tells Harmony, the first step to her getting a passport is getting a copy of her birth certificate, and she can’t find any record of it online. How can that be?

Alexis says, just so Kristina knows, Harmony is a non-issue. They won’t be spending time together anymore. Kristina says, because of her, and Alexis says, she and Harmony both think it’s best. Kristina says, so that’s the end, but she really wants Alexis to hear her out on this. Sam way overstepped when she told Harmony to stay away from Alexis. Sam just assumed the friendship would make her uncomfortable. Alexis says, it doesn’t? and Kristina says, whatever she feels, it wasn’t Sam’s place to speak for her. Alexis says, Sam was just protecting her, and Kristina says she’s sure there was a sincere desire to protect her, but Sam was also avoiding focusing on her own mess of a life.

Ned says, Olivia takes his breath away, and she says, stop. Dante says, it’s true; she looks beautiful. Right, Leo? Leo says he loves her sparkly dress, and Olivia says, that’s why she wore a sparkly dress. She’s so grateful to have all her guys here with her today. Ned says, they’re a lucky crew, and she says, they sure are. Tracy comes in with Brook and Maxie, and Maxie says they can come in. Tracy says, hopefully, they’ll deem it worth the wait. Olivia tells Maxie, it’s just gorgeous, and Ned says she captured the mood perfectly. Brook asks, what mood would that be? and he says, you know, bliss, gratitude – he takes Olivia’s hand – love. Brook hugs him, and says she’s so glad this day came. She’s so sorry… Olivia says, they’re not doing any of that today. Today, they’re all looking forward; they’re not looking back. Ned says, it means everything to them that they’re all here together, and Brook says, it means everything to her too.

Sonny asks Laura if there’s any word on Cyrus, but she says, all’s quiet on that front. She asks how he is, and he says, things were a little bumpy for a little bit, but things are back on track. She says, good, and he says, things are definitely looking up. She says, with him and Carly? and he says, he just has to prove they belong together. He sees Carly standing in the doorway.

Britt tells Austin, feelings can be tricky, and aren’t always accurate. Maxie suffered severe emotional trauma that night, and Austin was knocked unconscious. She’s not shocked the recall is a little fuzzy. He says he guesses, and she says, back to that kiss. He says, what about it? and she says, only Maxie can tell him what it meant. So he has to put on those big boy pants and talk to her. He asks if there’s a B option, and she says, call her. He says he can’t; she’s coordinating at the Quartermaines. She’s in charge of Ned and Olivia’s vow renewal. She says, to which he was invited, and he says, to which he declined. She says, he might want to revisit that decision, and he says, just to see Maxie? She says, there isn’t even the tiniest part of him that wants to get to know his family? and he says, he already knows them. She says, get to know them better. Maybe even get close. He says, maybe she’s right. Maybe he did decline that invitation a little too quickly. She laughs, and Brad walks in. He says he’s fifteen minutes late, so technically, he’s on time. Britt says, that’s not what technically means, and he says, for him, it’s still on time. He and Austin say, hello, and Austin starts to get up. Britt says he doesn’t have to leave, but Austin says he has somewhere to be, right? She says, he does. Good luck. He leaves, and Brad sits down. Brad says, he seems nice, and Britt says, he’s straight. And she just sent him off into the arms of another woman.

Maxie says, according to Britt, Peter’s getting transferred to Pentenville tonight, and Brook says, couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. Once Peter is finally locked away, this whole thing is going to be over. Once that happens and this nightmare is behind them, what is Maxie going to do about Austin? Maxie asks what she means, and Brook says, it’s pretty obvious Austin is into her. Maxie says, obvious to who? and Brook says, everyone. The question is, is Maxie into him? Maxie says she thinks so, but it’s hard to tell when all she’s doing is lying to his face. Brook says she can see that being an obstacle, and Maxie says she can’t think about Austin right now. Brook doesn’t think he’s going to show up there, does she? Brook says, with her family? It’s the last place he wants to be.

Willow gives Harmony a cup of coffee, and Harmony says she’s sure she has a copy of Willow’s birth certificate with her important documents. She’ll look for it right away. Willow thanks her, and says, it was so strange she couldn’t find it online. Harmony says, maybe not every piece of information is on the internet, and Willow says, not to rush her, but time is of the essence if she wants to get a passport. Harmony promises to look for it right away, and Willow asks if she wants to see Wiley. She says she’d love that, and Willow leaves to get him.

On the phone in the nook, Dante says, keep him posted. Chase comes in and asks if something is up, but Dante says, it can wait. His mother will kill him if he misses the ceremony. Chase asks if it’s sad that just hearing the words keep me posted makes him nostalgic. He hands Dante a cup of coffee, and Dante says, kinda. Is he missing the job? Chase says, big time. He hates being in limbo. Dante says he hears that, and Chase asks if Sam is coming. Dante tells him, she said she was, and Chase wonders why he’s saying it like that. Dante says, never mind, but Chase says, come on; tell him. Dante says, ever since Drew came back… Chase asks if they’re having problems, but Dante says, no. That’s the problem. It’s nothing as tangible as that. They had some good momentum going for a while, then Drew came back, and it stopped. They were full steam ahead for a while there. Chase says, but now they’re stuck in neutral.

Alexis asks what mess Sam’s in now, and Kristina says, maybe mess is too harsh. Let’s say, Sam seems conflicted. Who can blame her, torn between two men? Alexis says, Kristina… and Kristina says, if she were Sam and had to choose between Dante and Drew, it would be tough. Both are charming, both are handsome, and both are sincerely good guys. Drew is Scout’s father, so he has that in his favor, but Dante’s been with Sam for months, helping her rebuild her life when she and Jason split. Alexis hopes she didn’t share any of this with Sam, and Kristina says, of course (🍷) not. None of this is really any of her business, but Alexis is their mom, so… Alexis says, that’s true. She is Kristina’s mom, and as such, she gets the feeling Kristina is talking about Sam in order not to talk about what she came there to talk about, and she thinks for once, they need to talk about it. She wants Kristina to tell her how she feels about her friendship with Harmony.

Carly walks over to Sonny, and he says she looks gorgeous. She says he cleans up pretty well himself. Tracy asks if she can borrow Laura for a moment, and as they walk away, Laura asks if something is wrong, but Tracy says she just wanted to get Laura out of the line of fire. Laura says, good job. Sonny says he misses Carly, and she says she just saw him this morning for breakfast. He says she knows what he means. He’s not trying to pressure her, or tell her how to feel, but they can still be honest with each other, right? She says she hopes so, and he says, they’re still seeing each other tonight, right? She says she told him that she could give him an hour or so to talk. She’s not going to back down. Michael comes in, and Carly hugs him. She asks, where’s Wiley? and he says, he and Willow should be coming. Carly says she’s going to check if Olivia needs anything, and leaves. Michael asks if everything is okay, and Sonny says, it’s not like they’re a bomb ready to go off. Michael asks if he’s sure, and Sonny says, yes. He just wants to work things out. He’s got everything under control.

Ned offers Sonny some champagne, and promises it will be pathogen free. Sonny says, Leo is a trip, and Ned agrees. Sonny says he has to decline. He has to stay sharp tonight. Ned says, right. The bold move he was talking about with Carly, and Sonny says, that’s the one.

Willow walks in, and Michael says, no Wiley? but she says, he was intercepted by Monica; they’re in the playroom. She sees his parents are here; have they crossed paths? He says, yeah, and she says, and? He says, it was painfully polite, which is the best thing they can expect right now. He asks how it went with Harmony, and if she was able to help Willow with her birth certificate, and Willow says, she thinks she has a copy, so Paris, here we come. Michael says, oui, oui, and she kisses him.

Kristina says, Alexis doesn’t need her permission to be friends with someone, but Alexis says, it’s not just someone, and Kristina knows it. It’s Harmony. Kristina is her daughter, and Alexis loves her. Hurting her is clearly not an option, but she needs to know how Kristina actually feels about this, so let her give an example. If Kristina came home, and Harmony were there for dinner, would that make her uncomfortable? Kristina says, maybe give her a heads up until she gets used to it? and Alexis says, so yes, she’d be uncomfortable. Kristian says she doesn’t know what Alexis wants her to say, and Alexis tells her to say what she really feels. Kristina says, seeing Harmony brings up a lot for her, like everything that happened at Dawn of Day, how utterly stupid she was… Alexis says she wasn’t stupid; she was trusting. That’s different. Kristina says, Shiloh was a master manipulator, and intellectually, she knows Harmony was just another one of his victims. Alexis says, but Kristina can’t forget what she did.

Laura asks when Tracy is going back to Amsterdam, and Tracy says, later today. Laura says, and after the next memorial, then what? and Tracy says she has some ideas, and was actually able to remove a piece of the Ice Princess that she’s going to use to fund her future endeavors. Laura says, Tracy knows how she feels about that diamond, but she wishes Tracy the best, and Tracy thanks her.

Austin comes in, and thanks Ned for his kind invitation. He hopes it still stands. Ned says, of course (🍷), and Olivia says they’re glad he’s here. He shakes hands with them, and Leo runs up, saying, he knows Austin. Austin says Leo has the best memory; he’s Dr. Austin. Leo brings out his fidget spinner, and Austin says, oh wow. He still has it; that’s great. He’s good at looking after his things. Ned says, the things he cares about, and Leo asks if it’s time yet. Olivia says she guesses it is, and suggests he round everybody up. Leo yells, we’re starting, and Ned says, that’s one way to do it. Austin waves to Maxie, who waves back, and Ned says, they heard the man. It’s time for him to marry the woman of his dreams – again.

Kristina tells Alexis, she wants to get to the point where seeing Harmony doesn’t bother her, but she doesn’t think she’s there yet. Alexis says, fair enough, and Kristina says, Sam told her that Harmony stopped Alexis from drinking on New Year’s Eve. Alexis says, when she was in prison, Harmony was there for her when she needed someone to be there for her, and Kristina says, sounds like a good friend. Alexis says, she is, and Kristina says, then Alexis should hang out with her. Alexis says she wants Kristina to be sure; is she sure? Kristina says, Shiloh preyed on Harmony like the rest of them, and let’s be real. She wouldn’t want someone holding her past against her, so permission granted. Alexis deserves a great friend. Alexis says she has a really great daughter, and they hug.

Brad says, so Austin was the new wing man Britt was telling him about. First clubbing, now a coffee date; is there something he should know? Britt says, no. He has eyes for another woman. Brad asks, more important, does he have BFF competition? She says, never, and he says, good answer. She says she’s surprised he wanted to meet here. Isn’t this a little public? He says, Kelly’s? His aunt would never come to a place like this. She says, so she’s a snob and controlling? and he laughs, and says, dare he ask about Peter? He hasn’t relapsed or anything, right? She lowers her voice, and says, does he mean did he end up killing Peter with that poison? No, Peter’s fine. Enough to be heading back to Pentenville tonight anyway. He wonders if his Aunt Selena will let Peter get there alive.

Laura says, they’re here to celebrate something really wonderful – the persistence of love. Every couple gets tested. Every couple has problems. It’s how we come through them that matters. Ned and Olivia have come through theirs stronger, and more committed, and more in love than ever. Olivia says, they have, and Laura says she has the sneaking suspicion they have some things they want to say to each other. Ned says, ladies first, and Olivia says, Ned, Ned, Ned. He says, oh boy, and she says, it’s all good, she promises. She also promises to love him, cherish him, and honor and keep him for the rest of their lives. They will celebrate together, commiserate together. They’ll watch movies and eat Chinese food together. They’ll raise their son together. He says he likes the sound of that, and she says she looks into the future and sees him; the three of them. All of them. She can’t believe how blessed she is. He asks if it’s okay if he makes some promises, and she says, copycat. He says, his beautiful, extraordinary, animal loving wife. He too, vows to love, cherish, honor and keep her the rest of their lives. He’ll fight the good fight with her, and celebrate with her. He’ll sing duets with her. She says, slightly off key, and he says, hey, that’s his wife she’s talking about. And he will raise their son with her. He loves her endlessly. She says she loves him too, and he says, how he got this lucky he’ll never comprehend, but he’s holding onto her, and he’ll be damned if he ever lets go again. He puts a wedding ring on her finger, above the set she’d wearing, and she says, they weren’t doing new rings. He says, he couldn’t resist, but it’s not a replacement ring; it’s a companion ring. She says, it’s perfect, and Laura says, by this renewal of vows in front of family and friends, they’ve once again proclaimed their commitment to their life together. Olivia says, Ned better kiss her if he knows what’s good for him. He asks Laura, may I? and she says, she thinks he better. They kiss and everyone applauds, all happy for a hot minute.

Maxie says she never expected Austin to be here, and he says, Ned invited him. She says, that she expected, but she didn’t expect he’d come. He tells her, he said no at first, but then realized he wanted to know his family… most of them anyway. Plus, he knew she’d be here. She says, an added draw? and he says, maybe. Who is he kidding? Definitely.

Monica congratulates Ned, and hugs him. She says she knew he and Olivia would find their way back, and he thanks her for believing that, even when he had his doubts. She says, some couples are just built for the long haul. They bend, but never break. Ed and Lila were like that; so were she and Alan actually. She thinks he and Olivia fit that pattern, and he says, then they’re in good company, and they hug again.

Dante says he’d ask how Olivia is doing, but she’s absolutely glowing. Sam says she looks beautiful, and she thanks them. She says she had no idea how official the whole thing would feel. She really feels like a new bride all over again. Dante says, Ned better treat her right, or Ned’s going to have to answer to him, and Olivia says she couldn’t love Dante any more than she does. He says he loves her too, and they hug.

Carly looks out the window, and Drew says, they meet again. Is she okay? She says she needed a breather. They were perfectly civil, and that’s what makes it so awful. He says, she means her and Sonny? and she says, there was no screaming; there was no yelling. Clearly, they can be in the same room together. That should make her happy, right? He says, that’s a pretty low bar for happiness, and she says, that’s where she is these days, just trying to keep the peace for their family. He says he’s going to do his part and steer clear of Sonny, just to be safe. She asks, why? Did something happen between him and Sonny?

In the nook, Brook tells Chase, her dad was practically levitating, he’s so happy. She’s so glad everything worked out for them. He says, Ned and Olivia seem like the real deal, and she says, they definitely are. He says he forgot to tell her, she looks great today, and she thanks him, and says, he looks pretty good too. They hear Bailey cry on the monitor, and he says, someone is awake. Why don’t they both go? She says, deal, and they go upstairs.  

Drew tells Carly, he walked in on Sonny and Curtis having… let’s call it a heated discussion. She says, at The Savoy? and he says, yeah. He tried to intervene, but he just made everything worse. He flashes back to Sonny saying, Drew is just a poor shadow of his brother, and tells her, Sonny was acting pretty erratic. She says, in what way? And what was he doing there? Drew says, he was determined to buy out the club for the night, and she says, she told Sonny that she needed time, not some big, romantic gesture, and he says, Curtis shot him down; it’s not going to happen. But she says, he knows Sonny. Once Sonny sets his mind on something, it’s really hard to talk him out of it.

Kristina says, Alexis has hardly talked about her time in Spring Ridge, and Alexis says, it was prison. Lightyears better than Pentenville, but still prison. When she was paying her debt to society, it was hard, and lonely sometimes. Kristina says, and Harmony helped, and Alexis says, she did. Because Harmony had also done time in prison, she could meet Alexis where she was, as an equal. There’s tremendous relief in that kind of shorthand. She didn’t have to explain anything to Harmony. Harmony knew where she was coming from, and knew what she’d be going through when she got out. She thinks the most interesting realization for her was that, like Kristina, Harmony was Shiloh’s victim. Like Kristina, she was desperate for some enlightenment, and he weaponized it against both of them. She gives Harmony a lot of credit for recognizing her mistakes. She testified against him, and didn’t do it in exchange for anything. She got no deal. She went to prison and took her lumps. She did it because she knew it was the right thing to do. Kristina says, kind of like Alexis pleading guilty, and Alexis says, kind of like that. She knows they thought she was out of her mind for doing that, but Harmony understood why, and it’s nice to be able to be that honest with someone, and have someone get you. Isn’t that the essence of a good friendship, to be honest with somebody? Kristina says, sounds right to her.

Britt asks if Brad thinks his aunt is going to try and kill Peter again, but he says he doesn’t know her plans, and doesn’t want to. She says, good, because he needs to be the perfect parolee. He asks if she cares, and she says, if he went back to prison? He says, no, if Peter died, and she says, the world would be a far better place, but she will say this. If Peter meets with an accident of some kind, she doesn’t want GH involved in any way. Get that guy out of her hospital. Brad says, amen.

Sonny says, sorry to interrupt, and congratulates Olivia and Ned again. He says, he wishes he could stay, but he has to get going. Olivia says, he has something more important than them? and he says he’s got some details he needs to take care of. He leaves, and Ned laughs, and Olivia says, okay. When did Ned and Sonny start sharing secrets? He says he’s not quite sure, and she asks, what’s the secret? He says he doesn’t know much, but evidently Sonny is planning a big surprise for Carly. She says, oh no. What is he doing? Carly thinks they’re just getting together to talk. He says he told Sonny it was a bad idea, but he wouldn’t hear it. Olivia says she’s got to warn Carly, but Ned says, maybe they should stay out of this. Olivia says, ha! and goes over to Carly. She says she just heard something she thinks Carly should know about, and Carly says, Sonny is planning something really big, isn’t he? Olivia says, apparently Carly already heard it, and Carly says, she’s on it, and leaves.

Carly asks if she can talk to Sonny a minute in private, and Michael says, no one is at the gatehouse; they could go there. They leave, and Willow asks what he thinks that’s about. Michael says, based on his mom’s tone, nothing good.

Austin says, Maxie disappeared, and she says, she’s in charge, and she needed to take a break. He says, she’s not avoiding him? He’s not a creeper. She says she knows, and he says, she kissed him. She says, she did, and he says, then her mom interrupted, and they couldn’t talk about it. Think they can talk about it now? She says, sure, and he says he knows how he feels. Does she want to tell him what that kiss meant to her?

Harmony knocks at Alexis’s office door, and Alexis says, good. Harmony has impeccable timing; Alexis was just about to call her. She looks at Harmony, and says, what’s wrong? Harmony says she needs Alexis’s help. It’s Willow.

At the gatehouse, Sonny tells Carly, don’t try to get anything out of him, because he’s not talking. She says she already knows he has something planned, and he asks, who ruined the surprise? She says, the surprise was realizing he’s still not listening to her, and that stops now.

Ned and Tracy are alone in the living room, and Tracy closes the doors. Ned says, worried about witnesses? and she says, no. She just wanted a little privacy. They’ve barely had a chance to talk today. He says, it has been a hectic day, and she says, that was not a criticism. Everybody wanted to wish him well because they love him. She just wanted him to know that she loves him too. He says, mother, are we having a moment? She says, they could have, but he ruined it. The doors open, and Michael and Brook come in with some official looking guys. Ned asks, what’s going on? and Michael says, they asked for Tracy. Tracy asks the head official guy if she can help him, and he says she’s under arrest. She says, for what? and he says, felony fraud; trafficking in counterfeit goods. She says she did no such thing. What did she counterfeit? He says, the Ice Princess. By now, everyone else has come in, and Laura looks horrified.

Tomorrow, Maxie tells Austin, not yet; Harmony says, Alexis might not want to be her friend after she hears this; Anna thinks she knows all she needs to know; and Carly says, as far as grand gestures go, it’s pretty perfect.

The Real Housewives of New Jersey

We get a preview of the season, and it looks to be a lively one, full of yelling, screaming shrews.

Teresa talked with her daughters about blending families with Luis, who has two sons. She’d always wanted sons, although only one would be living with them; the other was twenty and on his own. She was having a summer kick-off party, and told the girls that she’d invited Melissa and Joe #2. The girls were pissed at Joe #2 for talking smack about Joe #1, and in her interview, Teresa said she and Joe #2 had made peace, but her daughters wanted him to take it back.

Frankie was working for Luis, and said Luis was a good worker and had a good heart. The house was still being renovated, so Dolores had rented a townhouse, but then Frankie graduated from college and Gabby from vet school. In Delores’s interview, she said, Frank’s priorities were off since he had a new young girlfriend, so she hassled him until he said he’d get some things finished.

Some video came out with Luis in it, and we saw tweets that said everything from, it was horrifying, to what the hell is this? Marge said Teresa was going to loose her mind, and I felt out of the loop, since I had no idea what this video was all about. Jackie came over to Marge’s to discuss the video, and described it as, Luis being in the middle of a pack of men, and they were all naked. It looked like Luis had been dragged through the river, and was begging for forgiveness. He was apologizing for something, and obviously had done something wrong. They showed it, but I’m guessing a lot was cut out. It actually looked like someone being artistic and not doing the best job. Like maybe it was the first video they made. Joe #4 said Theresa had to get a clue, but Marge said he forgot they were talking about Teresa. Marge told Jackie that it looked like Luis was on an apology tour in the video, and there were allegations out there. We flashed back to Watch What Happens Live where it was mentioned that Kim D said Luis had been abusive to past girlfriends. Marge said, Jennifer was an unhappy liar who was all smoke and mirrors, and had talked all kinds of smack about her.

Melissa and Joe #2 were glad to get out after quarantine. They met with new Housewife Traci and her husband Tiki Barber. In Melissa’s interview, she said they’d met through a mutual friend, and Joe had been excited about meeting Tiki because of his Giants background and being a sports commentator. Traci asked if Joe and Melissa had gotten a house, but Melissa said they were temporarily living in a rental until their new house was ready. Teresa had just bought a house nearby, and it seemed like Melissa had mixed feelings about that. She said, Luis was like a knight in shining armor to Teresa, but Joe wasn’t so sure. They’d seen Joe #1 make her happy too, and there were a lot of rumors about Luis. In Traci’s interview, she said she didn’t put much stock in rumors. She and Tiki had been married nine years, and he was already separated from his wife when they met. His wife had been eight months pregnant, and it was a media circus with rumors swirling. In Joe #2’s interview, he said, Luis told him about the camp depicted in the video, but when the video came out, he said he wasn’t into that kind of camp. That’s when the lightbulb came on for me. The video was from some kind of men’s retreat, where no doubt they did drum circles and such. In other words, all these horrified, freaked out people were making something out of nothing. On top of it, it had been privately sent to his girlfriend at the time.

Jennifer gotten her nose and chin done when she was in Turkey for her nephew’s christening. In her interview, she said, when she’d gotten her tummy tuck, Bill said she was the worst patient ever, and he was never doing surgery on her again. During the past year, Jennifer had been in a bad place with her mom, because Jennifer’s ailing father had moved in with Jennifer and Bill. Her mom was in Turkey, so Jennifer approached her when she was there, and they hugged it out, her mom crying, and saying, let’s be done with this. Bill said, some issues were better off not being fully addressed, and Jennifer said she wished it was as easy with girls. Marge had a Pride party, and hadn’t invited her.  

Joe #2 had been part of a comedy show in Atlantic City, and when asked about Luis, he hadn’t wanted to talk about it, so he just said something funny. Now Luis was upset with him. Melissa said he did Luis a favor, but Joe said he thought it best if he stayed away, and wasn’t going to Teresa’s pool party. Marge told Joe #3, the last time Teresa had a party, Jennifer was a drunken mess. We flashed back to that, and Joe told Marge that Bill had to pay two grand to get the vomit out of his car. Marge said, some behavior wasn’t forgivable, and Jennifer was getting there.

Dolores said she didn’t know how Luis couldn’t be nervous, but if everyone knew what was good for them, they’d keep their mouths shut. It was the pink elephant in the room. Just for the record. A pink elephant is what you see when you have the DTs; an obvious thing that everyone refuses to talk about is the elephant in the room. In Melissa’s interview, she said they weren’t going to come, but Teresa called Joe #2 the night before. Melissa thought if they didn’t go, it would create more tension. She felt for Joe. He and Teresa put things under the rug, but sh*t never went away. In Jackie’s interview, she said it was better to be friends than enemies with Teresa, because that woman would come for you. Oh yeah, that’s another thing. I hate watching adults behave like middle schoolers.

Dolores told Teresa, when Joe #2 had done the show in Atlantic City, someone asked how he felt about Luis. He’d told them that he was missing Joe #1. Teresa threw Dolores a curveball, and said it was nice of him. In Teresa’s interview, she said, nobody should be getting in Luis’s business. Jackie told Marge that you couldn’t have all this sh*t out there and not expect people to talk about it. When you addressed things, they went away. Joe #3 said, the video was creepy. In Joe #2’s interview, he said, Luis was acting like they were a big happy family, and it was all bullsh*t. In Marge’s interview, she said when someone pretended not to care, and lied about it, that made it seem like they did care. Yeah, she lost me too. She thought Luis needed to address the video, but Teresa said he didn’t owe anybody any explanations. It was part of his past. She said it was her party, and asked that they both be given respect. Okay, I’m definitely down with that. What I hate about all of the Housewives shows are how these women bring up issues at inappropriate times, like someone else’s party. And it’s never just an argument. It’s always a rip-roarer with lots of screaming and yelling and throwing things. Other people’s things. Not acceptable. I had a family member once create a scene at a party I was hosting. Albeit, she was drunk, but her boyfriend (now husband – good luck with that) steered her out and took her home.

Marge told Teresa that everyone loved her and was concerned, but she said she was a big girl. Wow. When Teresa is the voice of reason, I don’t know whether to take notes, or run before there’s an explosion. Jennifer and Bill arrived, and Marge the last time Jennifer was there, her face was on the pavement. Bill told Jennifer, just water. Jackie told Marge that Jennifer had tried to destroy her friendships, and called Melissa and Joe #2 crooked. Marge said Jennifer hadn’t supported her about being sexually harassed. Jennifer had been wearing a bandage, and her party entrance was also her nose reveal, but I wasn’t so sure I liked it. Apparently, I had company because both Dolores and Marge agreed with me; she’d looked better before. Jackie walked past Jennifer, but barely said hello, and no one else talked to her, so Jennifer whined to Teresa. She said she knew Marge was still mad at her because she hadn’t invited Jennifer to her party, but she’d thought she and Jackie had let bygones be bygones. Teresa wasn’t having it, and dragged Jackie over. Jennifer asked if Jackie was mad at her, and said she thought they’d ended on a good note. Jackie said Jennifer had tried to drive s wedge between her and Marge, and Jennifer said she regretted what she said, but it was like all three of them – Jackie, Marge, and Melissa – were against her. Jackie said Jennifer did it to herself, and Jennifer said that she was friends with Teresa and Dolores, but they didn’t stick by her like the other three. She got all weepy, and Jackie said she was a forgiver, but thought Jennifer needed to talk to the others. Marge had already headed over to them, and said Jennifer had called her a snake on social media. Jennifer said, it was tit for tat, but Marge said Jennifer didn’t know when to stop. She thought Jennifer was unhappy. Jennifer insisted she felt blessed, and said Marge was jealous. Marge said Jennifer wasn’t being honest. Jennifer had attacked her from beginning, and called her mother a slut. She made like she was better than everyone. We flashed back to all that, and Marge said, Bill left his job because he’d had an affair with the office manager. Jennifer told her to get it right, it was a pharmacy representative.   

Quote of the night: The chances of her going nuts are pretty high. – Dolores referring to Teresa

There was no preview for next week, because it was a rerun/encore performance/second showing.

👠 Refresher Course…

Prep for this season of RHONJ.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/the-real-housewives-of-new-jersey-season-12-cast-updates-spoilers

👃 You Decide…

Check out the new nose for yourself.

⚖️ Not So Sweet…

I dunno. Any ambulance chaser attorney who calls himself Sweet James is suspect to me.

https://people.com/tv/rhoc-noella-bergener-says-estranged-husband-abandoned-autistic-son-he-denies-claims/

🗺 Foot Back In the Door…

I’m sure she’ll make it nice.

💎 On the Warpath…

Garcelle is not letting Erika off the hook.

https://radaronline.com/p/garcelle-beauvais-calls-out-erika-jayne-refusing-to-return-1-million-diamond-earrings-tom-girardi-victims/

🥀 Gone Too Soon…

A member of The Walking Dead family has walked his last, and was way too young.

https://ew.com/tv/moses-j-moseley-dies-walking-dead-actor/

🍕 Midnight Snacking…

Hope to see you tomorrow for some soap and OC doings. Until then, stay safe, stay distinctive, and stay remembering that the essence of a good friendship is to be honest with someone.

November 24, 2021 – Sam Gets a Thanksgiving Surprise, Grateful For a Finale, Afterward, Trying To Get Back, Thanksgiving TV, Ten Little Quotes Of Gratitude & Alice

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Chase’s phone rings while he’s in the shower. He grabs it, and asks Brook, what’s up? She asks where he is, and he says, in the shower; he did the turkey trot this morning. She asks if cops aren’t supposed to be peace keepers. She needs him there to keep the peace. He asks, what’s going on? and she says, nothing yet, but her father’s head is going to explode when he finds out it’s Chase, not Valentin, who’s Bailey’s father. He asks her to let him get the soap out of his eyes, and dry off, and she says, don’t forget, this was his idea. Now they have to sell it. He says he has to talk to Finn first, and she says she needs him now. He asks if she remembers who saved her bacon from Valentin, and she says, actually he saved Bailey’s bacon from Peter. He tells her, they’re in this together. Stop ordering him around, and he’ll be there soon. She says, just wear a tie, and he says, sure. It will give her father something handy to string him up with.

Austin tells TJ that he did a great job. What’s next? Is he going to choose ER again as his next elective rotation? Finn walks up, and says, infectious diseases. Austin’s loss, his gain. Austin asks, what’s the fun in that? There’s no adrenaline rush in internal medicine. Finn says he’d be surprised, and TJ asks what Austin’s plans are today. Austin says, go home, eat a turkey burger, and watch football. Marshall watches from the landing above.

Curtis is looking at the photo Marshall gave him, when Portia comes into the club. He asks what she’s doing there. He thought he locked the door. She says, no, it was open. Is he okay? He says he just didn’t hear her come in, and she says he looked like he was a million miles away. She didn’t hear back, which isn’t like him, so she decided to come check. He says he got her text, but he has so much going on. He’s sorry. What’s up? She says, dinner, for one. Is he still coming? He says, when? and she says, today. Thanksgiving? She asks if he’s okay.

Dante and Sam watch the parade with the kids from Sam’s balcony, and Rocco says, this is sweet. He wonders why they haven’t done it before, and Sam tells him, play his cards right, and he’ll get invited again. Jake says he’s glad they came; it can get boring. Dante comes up behind Sam, putting his arms around her. He wants to lock down another invite, and she thinks it can be swung. They go inside, and Jake says, that was awesome. Sam tells them to take their coats off, and asks, who’s ready for some treats? Rocco asks where the treats are, and Dante says he and Sam will get that sorted out. They have a movie ready to go upstairs, Kristina Comes Home for Christmas. The boys roll their eyes, and Sam tells Danny that he’s being rude. Rocco says, that movie’s ancient, and Dante says, that’s the point. Good old-fashioned Christmas magic. Scout says she wants to see it, and Sam says, that’s her girl. Go upstairs, and they’ll get some snacks ready. They head upstairs, and Dante says Sam saved his butt. They didn’t want to watch the movie, but she had snacks and treats. She says she has some tricks up her sleeve. She has cookies, muffins, donuts, and cupcakes from Kelly’s. He says, what about coffee? and she says, and nachos. She asks if he thinks the kids are getting along, and he says, yeah. He knows Rocco misses Charlotte. The holidays are always tough without his mom, but he seems happy with Scout and Danny. She says, Danny and Scout miss Jason, and Drew, and he says, at least they get to see their families at the Quartermaines. There’s a holiday movie for her. He thinks it would be a horror film. She says, there’s a sequel at the Davis’s. Is he sure he’s up for it? He says, of course (🍷) he is. He and her mom are good; they made peace. As long as she’s up for what that means, if they show up at their families’ houses at the holidays with their kids together. She says, it’s a big deal, and he says, it makes them official.

Brook tells Ned to go easy on the coffee. He might want to switch to decaf, the way family Thanksgivings go around here. He says, not this year. Things are finally looking up. He and Olivia are finally on the same page. After Leo’s disappearance last night at Ava’s gallery, she came to realize, Leo does need to see a specialist; that he was only acting in Leo’s best interest. Which doesn’t let Brook off the hook for letting Leo out of her eyesight, or using Austin’s genuine concern for Leo against him. She says, she did it for the family. If he’s going to be mad at her for losing Leo and sticking it to Austin, he can kiss the Normal Rockwell Thanksgiving he envisions goodbye. It’s never been the Q’s reality, and it’s not going to start now.

Chase looks in the mirror, and says he can do this. He practices telling Finn about Bailey, and says, he so doesn’t have this.

TJ tells Austin that Portia is hosting a Thanksgiving dinner. They’re all going to be there. Him and Molly… Finn says, Elizabeth and her kids, him and his daughter Violet, his brother Chase. It’s a good group. TJ says Austin will be welcome. No one should be alone on Thanksgiving. He and his Uncle Curtis will have the game on as well. Austin thanks him, but declines, and Finn asks if he’s holding out for a better offer. Olivia asks if she can talk to Austin a second, but he says, no. He’s done talking to her or anyone else in her family ever again. He walks away, and she runs after him. Finn tells TJ that he’s losing his reputation as the quirkiest doctor at GH, and TJ says he wasn’t aware that was Finn’s reputation. Finn says, diplomacy will get him far. Finn looks forward to working with him, and says, see him at dinner.

Curtis says his mind is just trying to figure out what’s real and what isn’t, and Portia asks if he’s talking about the club. Yesterday, he was wondering if the mob was blocking his musical guests, and then arranging for that singer to just magically appear. Did he figure something out? He says, yes, but it wasn’t what he thought. No shadowy organizations. That might have actually been simpler. She says, simpler than what? but he’s not ready to get into this right now. She asks if it’s about the man in the sketch, the one who was asking her and TJ questions about Curtis and the club. What’s going on? He says he wishes he knew, and she says, okay. She sees that he doesn’t want to talk about it right now, so she won’t pry, but if he changes his mind, she’s there to listen. And if he doesn’t feel like coming to dinner, she completely understands. She’ll miss him, but hopes he works through whatever’s going on. She starts to leave, but he tells her, wait. She’s the only one he can talk to about this. Would she stay? Please?

Dante and Sam get the snacks ready, and Dante asks what she wants to bet the kids will be bouncing off the walls by lunch. She says, as long as they don’t break anything too precious at the Quartermaines, she thinks she’ll be okay, and he says, the advantage of going to the Quartermaines is that everything of value has probably been broken or moved. She says, Monica does like having a full house. She’s glad they didn’t tell her that Drew is alive, because then they’d have to tell her that he’s presumed dead, and that would really hurt her. He says, came close though, and she says, it would have been the ultimate gift to bring Drew home for the holidays, not only for Monica, but for Scout. She just hopes Jason makes it home in time for Christmas for Danny’s sake. Dante says, if not, he and Rocco will come decorate the tree with her, but then they have to come and help them decorate theirs, and do things like ice skating. He can teach her how to do that too. She says she’s totally down for that; it all sounds good. Their little families are blending so well. He tells her, like his mother would say, like buttah.

Oliva asks Austin to listen to what she has to say before she breaks her ankle walking in these shoes. He stops, and she says she was wrong about him; about his motives in insisting her son needs to see a specialist. She was in denial, and the other night, something happened. Leo disappeared, and if he hadn’t given that heads up, and Ned hadn’t taken him seriously, she doesn’t think they would have found him in time. Austin says, he was near water, and she says, he was, and because Ned did his homework, they knew to search for him by the docks. Then everything just fell into place. The whole thing Austin was wondering about, and Ned was wondering about, it all makes sense. And she’s committed to getting her son all the support he needs. Austin says, that’s great news, and she says, it’s all because of him. She’s truly sorry that she accused him of using her son to further his position with ELQ. She hopes he forgives her.

Ned asks why Brook is so defensive. Does it have anything to do with Valentin and Charlotte packing up and moving out last night? She says she has to check on Bailey, but he says, stop right there. Initially, he admits he was relieved to see them go, but after seeing Yuri, he noticed Yuri was particularly upset. So he questioned Yuri, and he kept repeating the same phrase about Bailey and Belarus. Ned entered the phrase into the translator, and it was something about the right seed. He’s impressed at how she and Valentin have co-parented. It’s a sign of maturity on her part. So if she’s hit a bump, that doesn’t mean it’s insurmountable. Look at him and Olivia. Whatever’s going on, he’s there to help if he can. She says, he can’t. Valentin isn’t Bailey’s father.

Chase goes to Finn’s office, and says he was hoping to find Finn there. Finn says he’s catching up on patient files, and asks if Chase is working a case. Chase says he’s off today, and Finn asks if he isn’t overdressed for football with TJ and the boys. By the way, Violet is playing quarterback; she’s got the whole thing worked out. Chase says, about that… and Finn says, he’s still coming to dinner, right? Chase says, something’s come up.

Curtis tells Portia, after he tracked down Linc, he found out Linc was working for someone else. She says, the guy from the sketch? Not organized crime. He says he honestly doesn’t know, but the guy came in and they talked. He was the one responsible for getting the artist here. She says, which is why he was so interested in asking questions about The Savoy, but he was also interested in Curtis too. Curtis says, he was interested in both him and the club, and she says, which is why he did Curtis that huge favor? He says, apparently, but he also wanted a relationship. She asks, why? and Curtis says the guy claimed to be his father. She says she thought his father passed when he was a child, and he says, that’s what he was told, and that’s what he believed. Then this man Marshall – of course (🍷) that’s what he says his name is – comes in and tells him otherwise. She asks if he believes Marshall.

Curtis shows Portia the photo, and says, it was the last photo took before he left. She says, there’s a real resemblance between the man in the photo and the man who approached her and TJ. He says he showed Marshall the sketch, and when he asked why his mom and Aunt Stella let him and Tommy believe Marshall was dead, he couldn’t give a straight answer. He said he left because it wasn’t safe, whatever the hell that means. Curtis has to admit, it brought up feelings he didn’t know he had about not having a father in his life. How that pain and emptiness felt growing up, and he didn’t even realize it. About how a sudden disappearance suddenly made his life unpredictable. He never processed that, much less talked about it, until Marshall said he was his father. She says, he was only a child; he was three years old. He probably buried it. That’s exactly how trauma works. It seems Curtis might actually believe it’s true. He says, it doesn’t matter. He doesn’t want a relationship either way, and told Marshall that. At least he had the decency to get the hell out of Curtis’s life again. She asks if that’s the end of it? and he says, it better be, but she says she’s wondering if that’s what he really wants, or is he just trying to protect himself? He’s been a detective and a cop; he must have questions. Maybe there’s more to the story. He says, maybe.

Dante says he hopes Sam is ready to be showered with approval; his mom has been advocating for this a long time. She says she can’t believe she got Olivia’s approval, and he says, she got it big time. She says, that means a lot, and he says, he didn’t tell her, but there was kind of a situation with Leo last night. She asks, what happened? and he says, Leo is okay, but they think he might be on the autism spectrum. She says, she’s so sorry. She knows how trying that can be. He says she told him about her brother, and she says, it wasn’t nearly the same thing, but it was… challenging? He had a genetic disorder that caused behavioral issues. He was a loving boy, so well-rounded, and sweet, and kind. She loved him so much. She tears up, and Dante holds her.

Finn tells Chase, they should be together on Thanksgiving, especially since their mom and dad can’t make it. Just to guilt him some more, Violet will be very disappointed if he doesn’t come. Chase says he hate the thought of letting Violet down. Maybe he can swing by after. Finn says, after what? and Chase says, something’s come up; something he can’t get out of. Finn asks, what’s so urgent? and Chase says, it’s personal. Finn says, like a date? and Chase says, sort of. Finn asks if he can be more vague. What’s the name of the lucky lady who got him to turn his back on his family? Chase says, the mother of his child.

Ned asks what the hell Brook is talking about, and she says, does she really need to spell it out for him? He says, she means she was with more than one man around the same time, and she didn’t know who the father was? She says, it’s a little more complicated that. She knew who the father was, and decided not to be truthful about it for reasons she’s sure he can guess. He says, the ELQ shares? and she says, yes. He says, and she told Valentin last night? and she says, yes. He asks if she’s going to tell him who the father, is or does he not know yet? She says, he knows. He’s wonderful. Not that they have feelings for each other; it’s more casual. They’re friends, which is good, and Ned actually kind of likes him, more than he likes Valentin. He says, that’s not a high bar. So who is it? Who is Bailey’s father? She tells him, it’s Chase.

Finn tells Chase, wait… What?… How?… He knows how. Who’s the mother? Chase asks if Finn remembers when he and Willow broke up. Brook was on the outs with the Qs and she moved in for a while. Finn says, Brook Lynn Quartermaine, Tracy’s granddaughter; she’s the mother, and she didn’t tell him? Chase says, it’s complicated, but he just found out. Brook is a great mom. Finn says, a good mom makes all the difference. So Brook was lying to Valentin and Chase? Chase says, she was, but the lie is over, and they’re sorting through things. Finn says, just like that. Chase isn’t angry? Chase says, at first there were a lot of emotions, but he realized it’s only been a few months, and for part of that time he was living in the same house as Bailey. He held her and sang to her. Finn says, and Brook wants Chase to be part of Bailey’s life? Chase says, absolutely, and Finn says, Chase and Brook, are they…? Chase says, no; they’re just friends. Just that one time. Finn says, sorry. It’s a lot to take in. Congratulations, bro. He fathered a beautiful baby girl. He hugs Chase, saying, he’s happy for him, and Chase says, congratulations to him too. He’s an uncle. Finn says, Violet’s been asking for baby sister; he guesses a baby cousin is the next best thing. Chase asks if Finn can do him a favor and not mention it to Violet or anyone else, especially mom and dad. Brook hasn’t told her family yet, and the situation with Valentin is tricky. Finn says, of course (🍷), and tells Chase to watch his back with them. Not only does Chase have to deal with Valentin and all his nonsense, but the Quartermaines and that brings. Is he sure he’s prepared?

Ned says, Detective Chase is the father? He was here all this time, and they never said a word about it. Brook says, Chase didn’t know, and he says, she never told him? And he never even suspected? She says, she told him that Valentin was the father, and Ned says, but she knew he wasn’t. She kept the truth from Chase because she wanted use her child to get the ELQ shares back. She says, it was her fault they lost control of ELQ; she had to do something. He says, they were just shares. She kept that child from her real father. This is a mess. He has no one to blame but himself. He put too much pressure on Brook; now look where they are. Chase lost time with his daughter, and Valentin lost a child he thought was his. Both of these men’s lives have been completely upended. She says she’s so sorry, but he can’t blame himself. She takes responsibility. She truly did what she thought she had to do. He says, at least he still has his beautiful granddaughter; that won’t change. Just tell him, how did Valentin react to the news? She says, he was devastated, and very angry. Ned says, he’s bound to fight back.

Austin says he’s very happy to hear Olivia has come around, and is there for Leo. That little boy deserves the best chance he can get to have a great life. Olivia agrees, and says she’s committed to getting that for him. She just wishes she hadn’t thought the worst of Austin, and realizes now how lucky they all were that he spotted this and came forward. He says, no parent wants to hear that their child isn’t typical. There’s a pediatric neurologist at GH who’s so great. He’d be happy to give her an introduction. She says she already made an appointment online. She doesn’t want to waste any more time. He says he’s glad to hear that, and she says she’d like to make it up to him. He can join them for Thanksgiving; there’s going to be plenty of food. He shakes his head, and she says he doesn’t forgive her, and he says he can’t forgive her family for denying his father when he was alive, and again denying him after he was dead. He’s never going to forgive Brook for trying to sabotage his medical career, simply for trying to get Leo the help he needs.

Dante says it sounds like Sam didn’t have an easy childhood, but despite everything that happened, she showed love and compassion to Danny anyway. It shows what kind of person she is; a strong, fierce, independent, beautiful woman. She can think on her feet better than anyone he’s ever known. She slashed his tires to make sure he couldn’t follow her. She says he can chalk that one up to street smarts, and he says he’s grateful for her street smarts. She says, know what she’s grateful for? His openness. Even though Sonny is his father, Dante has managed to be able to be loyal Sonny and his job. He still somehow makes it work. When he runs off, she knows he’s not running off to start trouble; he’s running to stop it. That gives her peace. He says, that’s what he calls it too. She asks why her heart is beating so fast, and he says he was going to ask the same thing. They kiss, and Scout comes to the stairs, saying, the boys changed the movie.

Marshall says, Dr. TJ Marshall, and asks if TJ’s got a minute.

Curtis tells Portia, that man, if he’s his father, changed the course of his family’s lives when he disappeared. His mother became an invalid. Aunt Stella gave up the love of her life because they needed her. She taught him and Tommy how to shave. Despite all that love and strength aimed at them, they still felt the loss. They were different from the other kids who mentioned their fathers. There were always those kids with no fathers who were part of a sad club; they were members of that club. She says she’s so sorry, and Curtis says, he allowed that to happen to his family. He stayed away for decades. Now he wants to swoop back in, like some conquering hero. He saved one night at the club. What does Marshall expect from him? To welcome him with open arms – gee, pop, it’s good to see you. Not gonna happen. She says she can see why he sent Marshall away, and she hates that Marshall brought up all of this for him. He says he hates that he was reminded of it, and hates how it still eats at him. Marshall did this to him, and he doesn’t want Marshall in his life. He wishes Marshall hadn’t come back, if Marshall is even his father. She asks if he checked Marshall out, and he says he did a quick internet search. No Marshall Ashford matched his description. She says, they both know you can dive deeper than an internet search, and he says, he could. She says, but he doesn’t want to, and he says he doesn’t know what he wants to do about Marshall. He’s been kind of paralyzed since Marshall dropped his big announcement. His head’s been spinning with memories and realizations, and of course (🍷) questions. She asks if he’s reached out to Stella, but he says, no. She’s still recovering from her stroke, and this is the kind of news that could be too much of a shock to her. He does know Stella would never lie about their father to him and Tommy, ever. So he doesn’t want to risk upsetting her. She says, that’s very wise, but what about TJ? Marshall approached TJ before; he could do it again. He says he was thinking about that, but he hasn’t told TJ because he was sorting out his own thoughts. She’s right. He should give TJ a heads up. He’d hate for this Marshall guy to catch TJ off-guard like he did him.

TJ says he remembers Marshall. Marshall disappeared on him. How does Marshall know his nickname? Marshall asks if that’s not the abbreviation for Thomas Jr., and TJ asks if Marshall looked him up or something. What’s going on? Is he ill? TJ is getting off his rotation, but can make sure the attending sees Marshall. Marshall says, he’s not sick. He didn’t need medical care the last time he came to see TJ. TJ asks, then why did he come? Why is he here now? Marshall tells him, like he said, he came to see TJ.

Chase tells Finn, he knows Valentin is hurt and angry; who wouldn’t be? As for the Q’s, he’ll just have to face the music, and get through it. What else can he do? Finn says, good luck with all that. It’s going to be one hell of a Thanksgiving dinner. At least he can spend the day with his baby girl. He can’t believe he’s saying that. Chase is going to be an amazing father. He sees how Chase is with Violet, who adores him. Chase thanks him for the vote of confidence. Like he said, he’s already lived with Bailey, so he has a head start. Finn says, he must have felt a connection all along; something deep inside. Chase says, now that Finn mentions it, totally. Finn says, when Chase feels the time is right, they’ll get Violet together with her cousin. It’s one more thing to be happy for today. Chase says he has to get going, and Finn tells him, good luck with the Quartermaines, although it’s Brook who did Chase wrong. It’s hard to be angry when he has that baby girl in his life. Chase says, yeah, happy Thanksgiving, and jets. Finn watches him go down the hall, and says, happy Thanksgiving.

Ned says, the whole family will be here today, and Brook says, so? He asks what she’s going to tell them. There’s going to be a million questions. And what about the fact that Chase had a thing for her, and married Willow. And he never suspected that Bailey was his daughter. Brook says, if he remembers, Chase was nearly poisoned to death; he had bigger fish to fry. Ned can’t possibly blame Chase. He says he can and he does. It takes two to make a baby. Maybe Chase didn’t know because he didn’t want to know. He was too busy chasing Willow to step up and be a father. Or too busy snooping around there doing Austin’s biding. He’s not buying it.

Olivia says, Brook honestly thought Austin was using her son. She was just trying to protect the family, that’s all. Austin tells her, like he said, he’s really glad Leo is getting the help he needs; that’s the only thing that’s important. She agrees, but what’s done is done. Can’t he let this thing with Brook go? He says he can try, and she says, great. And the offer still stands if he changes his mind. She leaves, and Finn comes by. He asks Austin, why the long face? and Austin says, sometimes the only way to turn a frown into a smile is the satisfaction of payback. Finn says, okay. He was going to convince Austin to join them, but perhaps alone in front of the TV is a better alternative.

Brook says Ned is projecting his anger at her onto Chase. Go ahead, be mad at her; she’s used to it. He says he’s mad at both of them. It was reckless, thoughtless, and selfish, and now she expects him to sweep up the mess, and act like nothing ever happened. She says she knows it’s Thanksgiving, but don’t go all puritan on her. He’s not exactly a saint himself. He says he’s not pretending to be, unlike her wonderful guy Chase. She says, for the last time, it’s not Chase’s fault. The doorbell rings, and Ned opens the door to Chase, who says, happy Thanksgiving. He brought dessert.  

Portia says, Curtis is going through a lot right now. She just wants him to know that her home is open to him. Whenever he needs her, she’ll be there. And if he changes his mind about Thanksgiving, she’ll be there with food, and a bunch of people who love and appreciate him. He says he can’t believe he tried to push her away. Talking to her was the best decision he could have made. He’s not sure if he’ll make it tonight, but he’s sure he’s grateful for her. He considers her among his blessings. They kiss.

Marshall asks if there’s someplace they can talk private, TJ isn’t sure he wants to do that. He doesn’t know who Marshall is, and he was asking a lot of questions about TJ and his uncle. He doesn’t know what this is, but he’s really not up for it. He’s had a really long night, and has somewhere to be later. Marshall says he doesn’t blame TJ for being suspicious; Curtis was the same way. Just give him a few minutes, and he promises to explain. It would mean the world to him.

Dante tells Scout not to worry. He’ll handle the boys. He promises she’ll get to watch the rest of Kristina Comes Home for Christmas. He takes her hand, and says, come on; we’ll show them. They go upstairs, and Sam breathes in the scent of Dante’s scarf. There’s a knock at the door, and when Sam opens it, a clean-shaven Drew is there.

On Monday, Portia wonders if Curtis needs back up; Valentin says, out with the old and in with the new; Chase wonders if this is a bad idea; and Sonny tells someone, long time no see.

Winter House

When we last left this bunch of miserable people, Ciara had asked if Austen kept in touch with his ex, the even-worse- than-all-of-them-put-together Madison. Austen said they didn’t talk. He didn’t want Ciara to think he was hiding anything, but Madison was literally on the cover of a tabloid, and that sh*t wasn’t easy. He didn’t want it to affect what he thought they had going on. In Ciara’s interview, she said he’d been insanely honest, and it was all she could ask. Apparently, her bar is set low. Craig asked if it bothered Lindsay that Austen was totally into Ciara, and she said, no, then jumped Jason’s bones. Ciara and Austen when to look at her ski outfit in the closet, and never came out. What is wrong with these people, playing 7 Minutes in Heaven at age 45 35 30 or somewhere around there?

There was one day left of vacation, and I was begging for it to end. Okay, I’ve begged for it to end since the first episode. Craig got a text from girlfriend Natalie that she’d gone out to dinner with Madison, and Austen was like, WTF? In Craig’s interview, he said it was insanity. Why would she go out to dinner with the same girl who’s called her a whore. We saw a clip from Watch What Happens Live, where Madison said Austen had slept with Natalie last summer, and she was now dating Craig. I’m not sure why that would determine Natalie to be a whore, but whatever. Craig felt this spoke to something in Natalie’s character that he hadn’t seen and couldn’t deal with. Austen went to Kyle, and said Ciara was a curveball he hadn’t expected, but he wasn’t in a place to be exclusive or give himself completely to someone. In his interview, Austen said that before he left, Madison had come to his house, kissed him on the cheek, and told him not to forget about her. Ugh. I’m not an Austen fan, but no one deserves that horrible woman in their life. He said it was next level manipulation, and he’d tried to cut ties. He wished it was a year from now, and said it showed timing was everything.  

It had gotten warm out, and Austen said skiing in the spring was the bee’s knees, since he walked out of the 1920s. Luke’s igloo had melted, which made him sad, and we flashed back on Luke’s building skills. Everyone dressed all weird in tutus and neon and mullet wigs, looking like they were going to an 80s dance party. Or fitness class. Lindsay asked what Austen had wanted to cry to her about, but he said he was good. Lindsay told Amanda what Austen had said. She didn’t think he was over his ex enough to start something else. Jason and Lindsay agreed they on the same page, but everyone else wasn’t. It was unclear whether they meant the other couples weren’t on the same page as each other, or everyone wasn’t on their page. In Jason’s interview, he said meeting Lindsay had been unexpected, but welcome. She was wild and confrontational, but better too much than not enough. He didn’t think it was a vacation fling, and was to be continued. My guess is, it’s going to get old real fast.  

Since Lindsay’s boobs were two years old, they decided to have a birthday party. In Craig’s interview, he said he was having a great time, and wasn’t excited to go back to Charleston. Finding out Natalie had dinner with Madison was evidence that Natalie wasn’t his person anymore. Luke retrieved his sap-catching bags from the trees, and said being in the city killed his soul. Amanda told Kyle about her conversation with Lindsay, and they speculated on what Austen wanted to tell Lindsay. Kyle said Austen and Ciara were separated by a couple of states, and Amanda said if Austen didn’t see a future, he should make that clear. Amanda said she didn’t want gossip be guessing what it was Austen wasn’t clear on, but they had to protect Ciara’s precious little heart.

Lindsay said she was obsessed with her own boobs, even though internet trolls said they were too far apart. It didn’t hurt that she had the nicest man in the world interested in her. Several of the guys dressed up in tutus and fake boobs, and Kyle laughed about Austen’s pierced ears. They played limbo until Kyle and Craig knocked it down. Amanda talked to Julia in the kitchen, telling her that Austen wasn’t interested in a long distance relationship. In Amanda’s interview, she said she felt like she’d been part of Ciara and Austen’s relationship from the beginning. She’d gone on their first date with them, and seen them blossom. They seemed absolutely perfect together. Which was a long way of saying she was sticking her nose where it didn’t belong. She cornered Austen, and said she didn’t want to go to Ciara without finding out the whole story. Austen told her that he wanted to say it as nicely as he could – it was none of her effing business. Amanda said Ciara was her business, and he said she needed to stay out of it. Amanda started crying, and whined that Austen was a POS. He told her, STFU, and Kyle made excuses that Amanda just cared about them, because he’s a busybody too. Amanda wailed to Ciara and Julia that she’d tried to do the right thing, Ciara was like, it’s cool, and said she’d talk to Austen. Austen said this wasn’t the way he’d wanted it to go, but Ciara said it was out there now, and why was he being defensive? He said he hadn’t come there with a bunch of friends who were all up in his business, and Ciara said Amanda was just concerned about her. She woudn’t be sleeping in his bed if she didn’t like him, and was scared something like this would happen. Austen said he wanted to see her as much as he could, and asked what her master plan was. She said she didn’t have one, and he said he didn’t either. He told her that he was drunk, and  they decided to table it for the night.

In Andrea’s interview, he said he’d come in texting two different girls, but after spending time with Paige, she was growing on him. He wanted her for himself. It was mercifully the last day, and everyone packed. Austen told Ciara that he didn’t think he was ready, and clearly had things he needed to work on with himself. He hoped they could plan on seeing each other. In Ciara’s interview, she said she hadn’t been planning on liking someone to this capacity. (Let me remind you, it’s been two and a half weeks, although it feels like years.) She said she was a hopeless romantic, and reality was hard right now. Andrea made plans with Paige, and in her interview, she said she knew this was going to happen. No one could spend 17 days straight with her, and not love her. In Gabby’s interview, she said she was glad she did it, but it was tough. At the end of the day, growth was better than a hook-up. She’d take what she could get. Ciara told Paige that she appreciated Austen’s honesty, but wondered why she always picked the ones who were emotionally unavailable. They agreed they needed a vacation after the vacation.  

Paige’s parents picked her up, and Andrea helped her move a million boxes of stuff out. For two and a half weeks? She introduced him, and he made it clear they would be seeing each other. Ciara told Austen that she knew he wasn’t ready to date, but they could still be friends that kiss occasionally. In Austen’s interview, he said it had been an amazing couple of weeks. If Ciara was okay with him not being able to fully commit, then he fully welcomed her suggestion. With that, Kyle closed the door. No one will be missed.

At the end, we saw Paige and Andrea kissing in an elevator, and it said, coming soon on Summer House. Omg, it’s like a roach motel.

🏚 No Big Chill Here…

Who zoomed who after Kyle closed the door.

https://screenrant.com/winter-house-austen-kroll-ciara-miller-romance/

https://www.eonline.com/news/1310969/just-how-serious-are-winter-house-couple-paige-desorbo-craig-conover-hear-her-answer

🧲 Like a Bad Penny…

Juicy Joe puts on the gloves.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1310507/joe-giudice-is-fighting-to-return-to-the-u-s-after-italy-deportation

📺 For Your Viewing Pleasure…

If the parade is your jam:

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-2021-preview-new-york/index.html

If you want to move on quickly:

https://www.tvinsider.com/1022619/christmas-movies-tv-thanksgiving-weekend-2021/

If a binge is more your style:

https://www.tvinsider.com/1023126/thanksgiving-tv-marathons-2021/

Happy Thanksgiving

🍇 Quotes of the Week

Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind. – Lionel Hampton

Be thankful for everything that happens in your life; it’s all an experience. – Roy T. Bennett

The turkey. The sweet potatoes. The stuffing. The pumpkin pie. Is there anything else we all can agree so vehemently about? I don’t think so. – Nora Ephron

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the eons, it’s that you can’t give up on your family, no matter how tempting they make it. – Rick Riordan

Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other. – Randy Pausch

Give thanks for a little, and you will find a lot. – Hausa Proverb

It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.David Steindl-Rast

 Be thankful for what you have. Your life is someone else’s fairy tale. – Wale Ayeni

We should certainly count our blessings, but we should also make our blessings count. – Neal A. Maxwell

What if today, we were just grateful for everything?Charlie Brown

💋 Thankful For You…

No matter why you come here – to get details to settle an argument; to find out what went on when you couldn’t watch; to drink some tea, or glean some wise words; or even just to see if I misspelled something or got it wrong – I’m thankful you came, and hopeful you return. I hope wherever you’ve landed during these pandemical times, you’re making lemon drops out of lemons. Wishing you the happiest of Thanksgivings, whether you spend it with family, friends, or with your cat. (Hey, I’ve done that, and it’s not bad. Unless your cat steals that turkey leg you were thawing out.) Whether you’re talking turkey or not, stay safe, stay grateful & stay not envisioning a Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving. I doubt even Norman had one.

November 19, 2021 – Sasha Is Rushed To the OR, Farewell Alice, Brad’s Back, Is It On, Christmas Soap, All Good, Begging, Bad Form, Support, Tripping, a Split, Side Hustle, New Tattoo, OctQuotes & Almost

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Sasha yowls in pain, and Brando says, she’s got this. Easy for him to say. He tells her, they’re going to be a family, and she says she likes the sound of that.

Elizabeth sees Dr. Navarro, and says she’s been trying to track the doctor down. It’s Sasha Gilmore. She’s worried something is seriously wrong. She and the doctor take off for Sasha’s room.

Willow is punching the heavy bag, when Michael comes into the gym. She says she was just working out, and he says he could see that, but he’s never seen her hit the heavy bag before. She says, it’s her first time. She didn’t know what she was missing. Punching things can be fun. She hits it again.

Chase has a drink at Charlie’s, and flashes back on his conversation with Brook at Kelly’s; Brook explaining why she gave birth in a hotel. He says, the story doesn’t add up, and wonders what Brook is hiding.

Valentin tells Brook, if it was just him, fine. They could keep things the way they are. But there are two other people they have to think about; Charlotte and Bailey. For them, he needs to know. Bailey isn’t his, is she? Brook says, it’s so much more complicated than he thinks it is, and he says, she just has to look in his eyes and tell him Bailey is his daughter. She cries, and says she’s so sorry. She can’t.

Maxie leaves Brook a voicemail to call her back. She needs to know Gladys hasn’t ruined everything. Nina comes out of the elevator, and Maxie asks what she’s doing there. Nina says, Elizabeth tipped her off that Sasha was in labor. What is it? Is it the baby? Maxie says she doesn’t know anything about Sasha or the baby, and Nina says, then what is it? Maxie says, her, and her plan to protect Louise from Peter. It’s falling apart.

At Rice Plaza, Sonny tells Carly, don’t worry about it. It was an accidental meeting; no one got hurt. She says, not tonight, but he got hurt. So did she. They’re whole family was hurt. Doesn’t he get that? Why is he defending Nina? He says he’s not defending Nina. He knows everyone got hurt. He’s just preventing any more hurt now that it’s over. She says, it’s not over, and it’s never going to be over as long as there are no consequences for what Nina did. He gets that, right? Please help her understand here.

Obrecht asks Peter, at what point is he going to admit they’re hopelessly lost? He asks when she’s going to shut her mouth, and she says, so that’s a never? He says he knows what he’s doing, and Britt asks, what’s going on? Obrecht looks at the ceiling, and says, it’s dangerously unstable.

Jason tells Drew, they have a problem, and Drew says, just one? Jason says he’s seen the island from a satellite view, and knows the tunnels exist… Drew says, but as far as which ones he used… Jason says he has no idea where Peter went. Drew crouches down and looks at something. He points and says, they used this one. Jason asks how he knows, and Drew says, Jason might be an expert hitman, but he’s had a little experience tracking people during his time in the Navy. His contribution to this little adventure. Jason tells him, lead the way.

Obrecht says, one false move, or a particularly loud noise, and they’ll all be buried alive. Peter asks if her dire warnings are intended to discourage him, but she says, they’re intended to save his life. Britt tells him to listen to her mother. Peter might hate Obrecht, but he knows she’s smart. Obrecht thanks her, and Peter says, she’s determined to stop him. She’ll tell any lie to slow them down. Britt says, she’s not lying about the loose dirt. Think about it. This island belongs to the Cassadines. He says, so? and she says, so, they’re not well-known for planning. They want a tunnel, they dig a tunnel. They don’t think about shoring it up, or maintaining it for that matter. Obrecht says, the Cassadines came there during the Russian Revolution; this tunnel could be more than a hundred years old. Britt says she knows Peter is arrogant, but even he can’t argue with geology, and gravity. They have to leave.

On the phone, Chase says he knows he’s still on desk duty, but was hoping they could do him a solid, and look something up for him… Awesome. He needs the E-Z Pass record for Brook Lyn Quartermaine’s vehicle on May 27th of this year… Yeah, he’ll hold.

Brook says she’s so sorry she lied to Valentin, but he says he needs to hear her say the words. She says, Bailey isn’t his daughter. She never meant for this to go on for so long. He says for months and months and months she watched him pour his heart into that little girl. She says she’s sorry. She thought it would be over before Valentin fell in love with Bailey, and he says he was in love with her the moment he knew she existed. His child is everything to him. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anyone look sadder than he looks right now.

Maxie tells Nina, and now, Gladys is going to open her big mouth and tell Valentin that Bailey isn’t his. Nina says, she could have told Maxie this wouldn’t end well, and Maxie says, too late. Nina says she’s sorry, and Maxie says, maybe there’s no reason to panic yet. Gladys doesn’t know everything. She doesn’t know Bailey is really Louise. Nina says, the crucial information is contained, and Maxie says, this could be a good thing, right? Nina was the one who tried to convince her to let Valentin in on the secret. He could actually be an ally. Nina says, she did, but… and Maxie says, she knows. It’s going to be a huge blow finding out Bailey isn’t his. Nina says, monumental, and Maxie says, after he processes it, and realizes she and Brook only did this to protect Louise from Peter, he’ll want to help her. He’ll understand. Wouldn’t it be great? Nina says it would, but she’s afraid it’s highly unlikely.

Sonny says, Carly has to understand. There’s been so much pain in their family in the last year… She says she knows, but the pain isn’t going to go away because Nina has a relationship with Wiley, and clearly, she’s going to stake her claim as his grandmother. So accidental or not, this just proves Michael was right to have charges pressed against Nina in Pennsylvania. Sonny says, if Michael had asked him, he would have said Michael was just making things more complicated. She says she doesn’t get it; this isn’t him. One thing they’ve always agreed on is, if someone comes at them, they’ll come back twice as hard to make sure nobody comes at them again. She’s not talking about sending a message. She’s talking about justice. Why would he deny himself or his family that kind of justice after what Nina did to him? He says, because if they destroy Nina, he would be denying who he had become.

Sasha squeezes Brando’s hand, and he tells her, just breathe. The doctor comes in with Elizabeth, and says she heard things are progressing in here. Brando says, looks like it, and Sasha says, feels like it too. Dr. Navarro says she’d like to run some tests, and do an ultrasound to see how things are going, and Sasha asks if everything is okay. The doctor says, that’s what she wants to confirm, and Brando says, whatever she thinks is best. Dr. Navarro asks Elizabeth to prep Sasha, and they leave. Brando tells Sasha, it’s going to be okay.

Drew says, it looks like they stood around for a while, and then met someone; there’s extra boot prints. Jason says, they probably picked up a guard, and Drew says they have a problem. This tunnel is in really bad shape. Jason says he noticed, and Drew says, loud noises, like, let’s say, gunfire, up the chances of a total collapse. Every gunshot is going to make this place more unstable.

Michael asks Willow, what brought on the sudden urge to go at the bag like that? He thought she was taking Wiley to the Fall Fair in Rice Plaza. She says she did take him. That’s what brought on the sudden desire for a workout. Nina was there. He asks if Nina approached her, but she says, Wiley made the first move. He saw her, wanted to go to her, and she let him. Go ahead. Tell her how much he hates that. He says he hates the idea of Nina being anywhere near their son, but he wasn’t there, so… She says, thank you. She tried keep it lowkey. She and Wiley had a hot chocolate with Nina, then she sent Wiley off with Cindy, who he knows from daycare at the hospital. When she and Nina were alone, she told Nina that she hates what she did, and didn’t think she should see Wiley for the time being, but she wasn’t going to confuse Wiley by dragging him away, and punishing him for Nina’s bad choices. He asks how Nina took it, and she says, Nina was appropriately remorseful. At the same time, she doesn’t think Nina even begins to grasp how selfish and horrible she was, or how much damage she’s done. When Cindy brought Wiley back, all she wanted to do was take him home, and just as they were saying their goodbyes, Carly showed up and jumped to the wrong conclusion. He asks, how wrong? and she says, Carly was going to call the cops on Nina for stalking Wiley. He says, go, mom, since he’s a big jerk, and Willow says, no. He says he knows it made a bad situation worse, but he can enjoy the fantasy, can’t he? She says, sure; he can enjoy it. He wasn’t the one in the middle of Rice Plaza, trying to stop his mom from having Nina dragged away in handcuffs in front of Wiley. She needs more time on the heavy bag. He says, actually, he has a better idea.

Dr. Navarro does the ultrasound, and says, looks like it’s time to get moving. She tells Elizabeth to have the OR prepped right away, and Brando asks if something is wrong. Sasha asks if there’s something wrong with the baby, and the doctor says they need to prep her for an emergency C-section. Sasha says, no, she’s fine, but then cries out in pain. Dr. Navarro says she knows it wasn’t their plan, and under normal circumstances, they’d do everything they could to avoid surgery, but she’s having pain from a placental disruption, and the baby needs to come out now.

Chase sees Bobbie come into Charlie’s, and says, it’s good to see her. She asks him to excuse her for making a beeline to the coffee, but she’s headed to Rice Plaza. She just came off a double-shift at GH. Where everyone is raving about his wife, by the way. He says he thinks she means ex-wife, and she says, that’s why she needs caffeine; she’s so sorry. He tells her, that’s okay, and she says, clearly, her mind isn’t as sharp after a long day. For the record, she loves that Willow makes Michael happy, but she hates that he got hurt in the process. He’s a good man, and he’s been a particularly good friend to Maxie and Lulu. He says he hopes the coffee works its magic, and she goes to the bar to order a large coffee to go. His phone dings, and he looks at it, and says, Beecher’s Corners? What’s she doing there? Bobbie says, she doesn’t know who he’s referring to, but Beecher’s Corners happens to be a lovely place. He says, she’s been? and she says, right before Memorial Day.

Brook says she knows Valentin is upset; he has every right to be. He tells her, don’t tell him how to feel, and identify. I hate when people do that. She says he has to understand; this was never her intention. He says he doesn’t care about her intentions. This is where they are now. When he thinks about the sleepless nights, and the stories they shared… She says, that was real, and he asks, how was it real? She says, because it happened, and he says she’s not who he thought she was. He doesn’t even know what she is. She watched as he bonded with this child. His twelve-year-old daughter thinks she has a sister, and for what? Some stock? The Brook he thought he knew would have never done that. She says, she didn’t.

Maxie says, Nina was the one who advocated for Maxie to tell the truth. Nina says, she did. If Maxie had told him months ago when she said that, she’s sure Valentin would have been supportive. Not only would he have kept the secret, he would have made sure it was airtight, but they made him fall in love with that baby… Just like she made Sonny fall in love with her. Maxie says, not ideal or advised, but when it comes to the truth, isn’t it better late than never? Nina tells her, that’s what people say, tell the truth, but she learned the hard way, they’re only talking about the immediate truth. Hidden truths become secrets, and those only leave pain and chaos in their wake.

Carly says she wants to understand what Sonny is going through, but he has to walk her through it. How can Nina facing justice for what she did to their family, be denying who he’s become? He closes his eyes for a moment, and says, he was gone for nine months, and at that time, he was living another life; they both were. He can’t just believe it’s going to go back to normal, and nothing’s changed. It’s hard for him. She says, things have gone back to normal. They’re the same people they were; they’re the same couple. He says, for the better part of a year, he was another person, and that time doesn’t just vanish from his mind. In Nixon Falls, he didn’t know about Sonny Corinthos, but here he knows he was Mike, and Mike’s still part of him. For nine months, what kept him alive, centered, and safe was the friendships he had with Lenny, Phyllis, and Nina. He just can’t change the fact that up until a couple weeks ago, Nina was… the one friend he had in the whole world.

Chase asks if Bobbie was in Beecher’s Corners on vacation, and she says she supposes there’s no reason to be keeping it a secret at this point. She was supposed to meet Maxie there. He says, like a final hoorah before he baby was born? but she says, not exactly. Maxie had figured out the truth about Peter, but she knew if she tried to end the relationship, there would be… issues. He says, that’s putting it mildly, and she says, Maxie asked her there in a professional capacity. He says, as a nurse? and she says, yeah. The plan was for her to deliver Maxie’s baby in secret.

Brook said this took her by surprise too, but Valentin tells her not to compare their experiences; they’re nothing alike. She says she’s just trying to explain herself. It started off with, oops, I’m pregnant, and Valentin thinks he’s the father. He says, she led him to believe he was the father, and she says, she did something she’s not proud of. She used the situation to her advantage so she could get ELQ back. She was clueless. She had no idea how he’d be as a father or as a partner. She thought he’d just give her child support and leave. He says, which, if she’d accepted, would have been fraud, but go ahead. She asks if he remembers how opposed she was to him moving in. Why does he think that was? What started off as a stupid means to an end, ended up with him and his daughter moving in with her family; their family. The four of them. She thought, what was she doing? but it was too late. Then Gladys found out the truth and started blackmailing her. She had no choice. She never intended to hurt him.

Obrecht tells Peter, congratulations; this is new. She doesn’t suppose Peter knows where they are. He says, for the millionth time, stop talking, or he will kill one of them. Britt asks Obrecht to stop antagonizing Peter, but Obrecht says she’s not; she’s telling him the truth. This whole place could come crumbling down at any time, and this dummkopf is leading us nowhere. Brittwas right; they must turn back. Peter says, no. They’re getting the hell out of here, going to the harbor, and getting on a boat. Then they’re going to the rendezvous point where Drew will be bringing Maxie to him. Drew says, that’s not going to happen, and Peter sees Drew in front of him. holding a gun aimed at him.   

Dr. Navarro explains that the placenta is separating from the uterus. Sasha says, when? and the doctor guesses it happened when her water broke. Sasha says, the placenta is how the baby eats and gets oxygen, and Dr. Navarro says that’s why they have to do the C-section. Brando asks if their son is okay, and the doctor says they’re doing everything int their power to make sure of that. She tells Sasha that they’ll give her an epidural, but she’ll be conscious, and Sasha says, just take care of the baby. The doctor says, the plan is to take care of both of them, and Sasha is wheeled out. Brando says, the doctor made a point of saying both of them. Is Sasha in trouble too? Level with him. Is Sasha’s life at risk too? She says, it’s too early to say, but a hemorrhage could be a complication, which is why they can’t waste time, She jets, and Brando follows.

Nina says, maybe it would help if she went with Maxie, and Maxie says, as in, he might go easier on her? Nina says, well, he won’t kill her because there’s a witness. It’s possible. They see Sasha being wheeled to the OR, and go over to Brando. Nina asks if Sasha is okay, but he says, no. She could lose the baby and he could lose them both. Nina and Maxie hug him.

Peter asks what the hell Drew is doing here, and Drew says he’s taking Britt and her mother off this island, but if he kills Peter in the process, that’s just a bonus. Peter moves for his own gun, and Drew shoots him in the arm. Jason joins them, and there’s gunfire between them and the guards, Britt and Obrecht ducking down. There’s one guard remaining, and he puts up his hands. Drew asks how Jason wants to handle him, and asks the guard if what Peter is paying him is worth dying for. The guard throws his gun down, and Drew tells him, get out. He wisely does, and Jason asks if they’re okay. Britt says, they are now, and runs to Jason, hugging him. She steps away and says, that’s a perfectly normal response; she’s happy he’s not dead. Drew asks, where’s Peter? but he’s gone.

Michael wears punching mitts, while Willow punches, and she says she hates being stuck in the middle. It would be so much easier if Nina moved far away, like New Zealand, or at least California. He says, prison works, but she says, even if Nina goes to prison, she’ll still have legal rights as Wiley’s grandmother. He says, it will be hard exercise those rights in prison, but she says, Nina has money and lawyers, and if she lands in prison, she’ll have nothing but time. Think about it. Does he really want to take Wiley to visit Nina in some prison visiting room? He says, of course (🍷) not, and she says, the fact is, Nina will always be Wiley’s grandmother, unless she chooses to sever those ties. An all-out visitation war over Wiley can only hurt him. For Wiley’s sake, she just wants to find a way for them to co-exist. Is that so impossible to understand? he says he does understand; he just doesn’t agree. Willow throws some more punches.

Chase says, Maxie didn’t want to have her baby in the hospital? and Bobbie says, it wasn’t so much about the venue . He says, because of Peter, and she says, Peter was watching her like a hawk at the time. Her guess is, Maxie wanted to keep her options open. He says, her guess? and she says, all Maxie told her was that she was determined not to let Peter raise her baby. So if that meant going on the run or putting Louise up for adoption… The best laid plans, right? All that strategizing to try and keep Peter away from her baby, and now Maxie has no idea where she is. She tells Chase, it’s good to see him, but she’s got to go. Bobbie leaves, and the wheels turn in Chase’s head.

Valentin cries, and says he’s devastated. He just doesn’t know how else to put it. He loves Bailey so completely, and if he’s not her father, what does he do with that? He wanted to watch her grow up so bad. Brook says he can still do that, and he says, as what? He’s not her father. He wonders how he’s going to tell Charlotte, and she says, they’ll do it together, but he says, no! He doesn’t want her anywhere near his daughter. She says, please, and he says, let him and Charlotte mourn what she’s stolen from them, and then he’ll mourn her too. This is heartbreaking.

Carly says she knew that Nina was a presence in Nixon Falls, for months, and of course (🍷) Sonny saw her. But this is the first she’s hearing that he considers Nina his friend. He says she’s not his friend; he didn’t say that. When he didn’t know who Nina was, or what she’d done to his family… When he was Mike… He takes her hand, and Bobbie runs into the plaza. She says she’s sorry she’s late. She ran into… She asks if she’s interrupting, but Sonny says, they have plans, right? He tells Carly he’ll see her later, and leaves. Bobbie asks if everything is okay, but Carly says she doesn’t know.    

Still in the ring with Willow, Michael says Nina is counting on her to co-exist, and put her mistakes in the past. That way, when anyone approaches her, and holds her accountable, like him or his mom, they’re unreasonable, vindictive. She flips the script and goes from being a borderline psycho, liar, someone who kept his dad a virtual prisoner for nine months… He doesn’t want to go down this rabbit hole. He doesn’t want to waste this moment with her. She’s beautiful, and sweaty, and throwing punches. He doesn’t want to waste that on anyone, least of all, Nina. Willow says, who? and he says, exactly. He doesn’t want to think about the things he hates, and miss the thing he loves, standing right in front of him.

Brando tells Maxie and Nina that he’s terrified. What if they can’t get to the baby in time? Maxie says, he can’t think like that, and Nina says, Maxie’s right. Sasha is incredibly resilient. Maxie says, and so is he. You know what that means? His baby is a badass too. Nina asks if they’ve found baby names yet, and he shakes his head. She says, Badass Corbin has a nice ring to it. I actually like that one. Brando guesses he should head to the OR, and Maxie asks if she can walk with him. She’s had an emergency C-section, so maybe she can tell him what to expect. He says he’d appreciate that, and Nina says, please keep her updated. And tell Sasha that she loves her. They leave, and Nina leans against the wall, looking sad.

Everyone bustles around, prepping for Sasha’s surgery. Dr. Navarro comes in, and gets gloved up. Sasha looks worried. Yikes! We see them cut into her.

Valentin says he admired Brook. He felt lucky, like they were kindred spirits; like they understood one another. And she was gracious to Charlotte. He thought she would be a good influence to her, but he was wrong. It was all a lie. Smoke and mirrors. That’s all she is. She saw the damage she was doing, and stood by and did nothing. She just let it roll, and go on and on… She says, that’s not what happened. There’s a huge piece of this that he doesn’t understand.

Obrecht says, that schwein Peter must have run away in all the commotion. Jason says, they know he’s not headed to the house, and Obrecht says, he doesn’t know where he’s headed. He was hopelessly lost. Britt asks how Jason and Drew found them, and Jason says, Drew was able to track them. Obrecht says, of course (🍷), and tells Drew, congratulations on overcoming the conditioning. Drew says, the credit goes to Jason, but Jason says, actually, the credit goes to Britt. She found a way to give him the card from Peter. Britt hugs Jason again, and Obrecht says she was just trying to be inclusive. Jason asks if Drew can pick up Peter’s trail; they have to find him. Drew asks if Obrecht and Britt can find their way back, and Obrecht says, one of her minor PhDs was in geology. These tunnels are the brink of collapse. Drew says, that gunfire didn’t help the situation, and Obrecht said, it made it exponentially worse. If they want to get out alive, the need to go now. They start to walk, and Jason looks behind them. He says, get down, and Peter starts shooting at them.

Bobbie says she’s not trying to pry, but Carly says, she needs Bobbie to pry. Bobbie says she’s concerned. Everything’s so tense between Carly and Sonny. Is it awkward because of what happened with Carly and Jason? Carly says, no. They talked about that, and they’re all on the same page. It’s got nothing to do with Jason. Bobbie says, that is a relief. Take it from her, there’s nothing worse than feeling like there’s a third person in your marriage.

Michael says he and Willow are so lucky to have each other, and Wiley. They should just focus on that, be here and now, and not worry about anything else. She says, at least not until the next time Nina comes calling. What if she shows up on Thanksgiving; just drops by to give something to Wiley? He says, what if Wiley’s not home? What if he’s in New York City with them? She says, they’re going to New York City? and he says, they could. Has she ever been to the Thanksgiving Day Parade? She says, not in person, and he says, this could be the year. The three of them could go to the parade, Rockefeller Center, Central Park. She asks if they could go see a show, and he says, any show she wants. Her pick. She says, are they really doing this? and he says, let’s get away from this miserable situation, and have an amazing Thanksgiving weekend. All she has to do is say yes. She says, yes, and hugs him. Believe me, the parade’s not all it’s cracked up to be in person. You have to get there before the crack of dawn, the balloons don’t look so perfect, and are a little scary hanging over you, it’s crowded, and the lip-syncing is even more obvious. And if it’s cold, you’ll feel like you’re never going to be warm again after standing on that cement. However, if you can find a place inside along the route to observe, maybe with mimosas and bagels, take that opportunity.

Nina goes into Charlie’s, and tells bartender Johnny that she’s mixing it up today, and orders a vodka soda with lemon. She flashes back to telling Sasha that she’s going to make a fantastic mother, and Sasha saying it would be due to Nina, who’d shown her what it looked like to be a kind, loving mother. Even after Nina knew what Sasha had done, she still showed Sasha compassion. Nina asks Johnny if Phyllis is out, and he says, she stepped out, but she’ll be back soon. Nina starts to take her drink to a table, when Sonny walks in.

Wearing surgical gear, Brando runs into the OR. He tells Sasha that he’s right here, and asks how she is. She says, numb, and he says, she’s the bravest person he’s ever met. Dr. Navarro says, this is it; it’s time for their baby to be born. She tells Sasha that she might feel pressure, and Brando says, she’s got this. The doctor says, he’s here, and holds the baby up. Sasha says, oh my God, and Brando says, their first son. The baby is hustled to the corner of the room, and everyone gets busy there. Brando asks, what happened? What’s wrong with their baby?

Brook says, is she a screw up? Yes. Is she shortsighted and selfish? 100%, but there’s a legitimate reason she couldn’t tell him the truth. Chase knocks and walks in, and Valentin says, just in time. Chase asks, what for? and Valentin says, the latest bombshell. It turns out Brook’s been lying to him. He’s not Bailey’s father after all. Chase says, he’s aware, and Valentin says, Brook told him? She says, never. She didn’t tell anyone. Chase says he knows Valentin isn’t Bailey’s father, because he is.

Jason shoots back at Peter, and Obrecht tells him to stop shooting. He tells Drew. get them out of here, and Drew tries, but Britt is resistant. Peter and Jason shoot at one another, and the ceiling starts to crumble, falling on Jason. Britt screams for him, and Drew holds her back.

On Monday, Chase says he’ll never forgive Brook for this, Robert wants any excuse to shoot, everyone lies in the rubble on Cassadine Island, and Sasha is hemorrhaging.

🧺 Alice Has Left the Building…

What an untimely shame. She was so funny on GH! Be sure to check out the tribute where there’s a video of Alice kissing Dobson, who was really Alexis. She will be missed.

https://people.com/tv/general-hospital-actor-bergen-williams-dead-at-62-after/

🔬 Oh Brad…

Apparently, he had some haters, but I’m thrilled he’s coming back.

🦃 Talking Turkey…

Soaps airing or not on Thanksgiving. Why GH is choosing to air a rerun from February is beyond me, when they have their choice of classic pizza-for-Thanksgiving episodes.

🎄 Christmas Days…

DOOL is everywhere these days.

https://ew.com/tv/days-of-our-lives-christmas-movie-for-peacock/

👠 It’s Mediocre To Be Her…

The latest on Erika. I don’t believe for a second, if another rich dude came along, she wouldn’t jump at the chance to get married again. Although she’d probably be a lot smarter.

https://people.com/tv/erika-girardi-says-she-will-never-marry-again-divorce-tom-girardi/

https://people.com/tv/rhobh-erika-girardi-says-everything-is-good-amid-ongoing-legal-trouble/

📩 Ain’t Too Proud…

Even if true, it’s kind of old news. I guess she’s too busy with the new fiancé to pick a new fight.

🎭 Naturally Entitled…

I have never once seen any audience member put a drink on a Broadway stage. It’s a play, not a singles bar. Even worse is walking back from intermission mid-act. Too bad they didn’t make her stand at the back of the theater, which would be their call.

🍑 To NeNe Or Not To NeNe…

Kenya twirls in to give her opinion.

🛥 It Just Doesn’t Matter…

It looks like RHUGT is a thing now.

🍹 Needs New Accessory…

I’m actually sorry this didn’t work out.

https://screenrant.com/southern-charm-kathryn-dennis-chleb-ravenell-breakup-split/

👨🏻 Not With That Mustache…

I’m surprised he hasn’t spoken about this on Vanderpump Rules. He plugs everything else about himself.

💪🏼 No One Will Even Notice…

This is kind of funny. Like when someone is drunk, and they’re trying real hard to keep you from knowing. In other words. It’s a fail.

https://people.com/style/lala-kent-changes-her-rand-tattoo-to-brand-new-after-randall-emmett-breakup/

🎯 Quotes of the Week

Compassion is the ultimate and most meaningful embodiment of emotional maturity. It is through compassion that a person achieves the highest peak and deepest reach in his or her search for self-fulfillment. – Arthur Jersild

Ability is what you’re capable of doing. Motivation determines what you do. Attitude determines how well you do it. – Lou Holtz

If you are going through hell, keep going. – Winston S. Churchill

The really magical things are the ones that happen right in front of you. A lot of the time you keep looking for beauty, but it is already there. And if you look with a bit more intention, you see it. – Vik Muniz

We can always begin again. – Sharon Salzberg

I am so clever that sometimes I don’t understand a single word of what I am saying. – Oscar Wilde

Humor is reason gone mad. – Groucho Marx

Our heads are round so thought can change direction. – Francis Picabia

🎬 Once More Unto the Breach…

Until it’s time for the Dead, your homework is to do something different and do something for yourself. Maybe those things are even one and the same, in which case, double that. Whatever you do, stay safe, stay acting out of love, not fear, and stay not thinking about the things you hate. You might miss the things you love.

November 17, 2021 – Nina Crosses Paths With Three People, Austen Gets a Text From an Evil Sorcerer, Salty Wives, Old News, Word On the Ultimate & The 18th

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

At Rice Plaza, Willow says Wiley has been such a good boy while they were shopping, why don’t they celebrate with some hot chocolate? She sees Nina on a bench, dealing with work calls.

Phyllis is wiping down the bar at Charlie’s, when Carly comes in. Carly says, Sonny has Phyllis working already, and Phyllis says, Sonny is counting on her to make this place a success. Since there’s no time like the present… Carly says she thinks Sonny is so excited to have Phyllis in Port Charles, if she made Charlie’s a success, that’s just an added bonus. Phyllis asks if she can get Carly something, but Carly doesn’t want to interrupt her while she’s busy. Phyllis says she has time to talk; what’s on Carly’s mind? Carly says Sonny’s told her so much about Phyllis, she thought they could get to know each other one-on-one.

Alexis sees Sonny at the hospital, and says, she was wondering when she’d run into him. He says, he’s glad she’s back, and they hug.

Maxie goes to the reception desk, and Austin says, she gives Bobbie a ride to work and picks her up; she’s a good friend. She says, actually, she came to talk to him, and he asks, what’s up? She says she doesn’t like the way they left things. He’s obviously angry with her, and she’d like to know what she did.

Dante is in the shower, when his phone rings. Still at the gallery, Olivia says, pick up, but gets voicemail. She tells him, Leo is missing. Please come to Ava’s gallery right away. She needs his help. Ned joins her with Brook, and she says, any word? He says, Leo’s gone.

Spencer tells Trina, congratulations on a job well done, and she thanks him. She says, she has to admit, she was a bit nervous, but everything went off without a hitch. Esme says, it really did. So amazing.

Brando asks if Ava has seen Sasha, but she hasn’t. He says, she must still be in the ladies room, and Ava says, for a pregnant woman in her third trimester, that’s a solid guess. Is everything all right? He says, he found out some amazing news about their baby, and can’t wait to talk to Sasha about it.

Gladys says, dammit. This door is jammed tight. This place is a firetrap. Sasha says, oh no, and Gladys says, don’t worry. On the bright side, when they get out of here, they can sue Ava and make a nice little bundle; get some free art in the process… Sasha says, that’s not what she meant, and Gladys asks, what is it? Sasha says, her water just broke.

Austin says he’s not angry with Maxie. This is just what disagreement looks like, and they’ve agreed to disagree when it comes to Brook. She says, and Gladys? and he says, he won’t run down Maxie’s friend in front of her anymore. He promises. She says she appreciates that. She knows what Brook did to him was unforgivable, but… He says, there’s no but in that sense. What she did was unforgivable period. She says, at least Brook was looking out for her family, and he says, of which he’s a part of. She says, Gladys just looks out for Gladys. He flashes back to Gladys telling him, it’s not about what Brook did to her, it’s what she’s doing to a dear, kind extremely handsome friend of hers, and he says, Valentin Cassadine. He tells Maxie, maybe Gladys just needs someone to talk to, and Maxie says, she kind of thinks Gladys talks too much. He doesn’t understand why it bothers her so much, and she says, because of Brook.

Sonny tells Alexis, Kristina called him, and said Alexis had been released from prison. Kristina was so excited, she almost blew his eardrum out. Alexis says, the lengths she’ll go, to have their daughter miss her. She’s sorry for what she did to Dante. Sonny says, she wouldn’t have picked up the syringe if… She says she wasn’t drunk out of her mind, but he says she was worked up about Peter August writing that article that Franco was dangerous. She thanks him for making excuses, but says he doesn’t have to do that. He asks how she’s doing, and she says she just came from a meeting, if that’s any indication. He says, it indicates she’s committed to staying sober, and she says, ten months today. She asks what he’s doing here, and he says he had a doctor’s appointment. She says, good place to come; there’s a lot of doctors here. He says he’s more concerned about her. Rough reentry? She says, yeah, but she’s hoping in time, things get back to normal. He laughs, saying, that’s not going to happen, and she says, thanks for the pep talk. He says, when things change, they change for the good.

Wiley runs to Nina, and she picks him up. Willow just stands there, staring at her, and Nina puts him back down.

Phyllis says, she’s looking forward to getting to know Sonny’s family, and Carly says, they’re looking forward to getting to know her too. She was told Phyllis moved out of the MetroCourt. Did she find an apartment? Phyllis says, not exactly; she’s living here. Carly says, in that dingy old office of Julian’s? Phyllis says, it’s a perfectly good room, but Carly says, it’s not. Please come back to the MetroCourt, and she’ll help Phyllis find an apartment. Phyllis says, thank you, but the back room is fine. She likes to keep things simple. Too much time in a small town, she guesses. Carly says, a very nice small town. Sonny told her things were good in Nixon Falls, and Phyllis says, they were. Carly asks if Phyllis will tell her about it.

Sasha says she can’t be stuck in here. Her water broke. She’s about to give birth. She has to get to the hospital. Gladys asks if she’s having contractions, and Sasha says, she was having discomfort before, so maybe. Gladys says she’s adorable. When she has a real contraction, she’ll know it. The good news is, they have some time. Babies don’t just pop right out. She still has no service, and suggests they try Sasha’s phone, but Sasha says she left it with Brando. Gladys says, not a problem; that’s Plan A. She bangs on the door again, and yells, we’re stuck in here! Sasha yowls, and sits down, and Gladys runs over. She says, contraction, and tells Sasha to just hang on to her. She can do this.

Dante arrives at the gallery, and Olivia hugs him, saying, thank God he’s here. They’ve got to find Leo. He says, walk him through it, and Brook says, she was right over there with Leo, turned around for a second, and he was gone. She checked the back room, the hallways, the bathroom. Her dad is outside checking the parking lot in case Leo left something in the car. Dante says, they’re covering a lot of ground, and Trina asks, what’s going on? Brook says, Leo is missing, and Trina asks what they can do to help. Ned runs in, and says, the valet saw Leo outside, and Olivia says, he just let Leo run off? Ned says, other people were leaving, and he assumed Leo was with them. Olivia starts to cry, saying, somebody could have walked off with him, but Dante says, calm down. She says he’s right, and Ned tells her, the valet said Leo didn’t seem upset; he was calm. Dante wants to talk to the valet, and Ned leaves with him. Ava says she’ll check the outside security footage, and Spencer says, there’s an ice cream truck on the corner. Trina says, kids love ice cream, and they jet, with Esme following. Brook says she’s going to check the gallery again, and Olivia says she’ll go in the opposite direction. If Brook sees anything, scream bloody murder. Brook says, they’ll find Leo, and Olivia says, damn straight they will.

Austin wonders what him being friendly with Gladys has to do with Maxie and Brook, and Maxie says, Gladys hates Brook. He says he can’t imagine why, and she says she’ll tell him. Gladys is Brook’s assistant, and Brook has this crazy notion Gladys should assist, as in do her job. He can’t imagine working for Brook is a picnic, and Maxie says, who knows? Glady’s sure doesn’t. All Gladys does is complain. She’s a terrible employee, and an even worse human being. He says, why not just fire her? and Maxie says, that’s beside the point, but he asks what the point is. She says she needs a cease fire between him and Brook, and he asks why it’s so important to her. She says, if he keeps going after Brook, she might be collateral damage.

Nina says, it’s good to see Wiley; she’s missed him so much. She looks at Willow, and tells Wiley, she’s sorry, but she has to go. Wiley tells her to stay, and she says she wants to, but she has to go. She’s about to cry, and Willow says, they were just going to get some hot chocolate. She should stay. Nina takes Wiley’s hand.

Phyllis tells Carly, then, the bartender quit an hour into his shift. Lenny was so mad. They really had their hands full. Carly asks what they did, and Phyllis says, adapted. Has anything like that ever happened at the MetroCourt? Carly says, they’ve had their share of walk-outs, but they have so much staff, there’s always someone to cover. Phyllis says, must be nice, and Carly says, even with the five-star rating, it’s hard to get good help. Phyllis says, it’s not every day that someone like Mike comes along. She’s sorry. She’s still getting used to calling him Sonny. Carly says, it’s okay. Phyllis didn’t know Mike was really Sonny Corinthos. Nina knew it.

Olivia and Brook come back, and Olivia tells Ned, they checked all around the building. Brook says, even the dumpsters, and Dante says, he put in a missing child alert. Spencer, Trina, and Esme come in, and Spencer says, they checked out the ice cream truck. Trina says, they looked up and down the street, and she’s sorry, but… Esme says, nobody remembers seeing Leo. Ava says she checked the footage, and Leo seemed absolutely fine, walking down the sidewalk, as calm as can be. Dante asks where he was headed, and Ava says, south. Dante says, near the harbor. Was there anyone with him? Ava says, not that she saw, and Olivia wonders where he could be going. Ned asks Brook to go over it one more time. Where were they? She takes him over to the octopus portrait, and says, right over here. Leo wanted to show her the pictures, and they were looking at the pictures when she got distracted by some cater waiter. By the time she turned around, Leo was gone. Ned says he thinks he knows where Leo went.

Gladys yells, help! We’re stuck in here! Woman in labor! She asks why Sasha gave Brando her phone, and Sasha says, they were going to wait to find out the sex of the baby, but a nurse accidentally revealed it in an email. Gladys says, so Sasha knows? and Sasha says she does. Gladys says, don’t hold her in suspense; she’s got baby clothes to buy. Sasha says she’ll tell Gladys, but only after Brando knows. Gladys says, she didn’t tell him yet? and Sasha says, that’s why she gave him her phone. So he could decide for himself whether he wants to know or not. Gladys says, of course (🍷) he wants to know, and bangs on the door some more, yelling, woman having a baby! Gladys asks if they’re having a boy or a girl, when Sasha has another contraction. Gladys yells, in here! and Brando comes down the hall. He says, mom? and she says, the door’s stuck. He realizes something is shoved in the door jamb, and pulls it out. He opens the door, and Gladys says, that was quick, calling him her big strong son. He says, the door was wedged shut, and she asks if he’s saying somebody locked him in. She flashes back to Brook opening the door for a moment, and leaving when Gladys said she was off the clock. She says, that little snake, and Sasha has another contraction. Brando runs over to her, and asks if she’s okay. She says, they have to hurry. The baby’s coming.

Alexis tells Sonny, she knows her time in the pokey changed her. For better or worse remains to be seen. He says, she seems a little lost, but she’s going to find her way, and she asks how he knows that. He says, because she’s Alexis Davis, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. She says, right. So word on the street is, since he’s been back, he’s a little nicer. He laughs, and says she can’t believe everything she hears. She says, that’s what she was thinking too. Maybe a little more mellow. He says, all right, and she says, she was thinking, because for the better part of a year, he wasn’t living like a criminal. He says, that’s true, and she says, correct her if she’s wrong, but he lost his memory. He’s a man without a past, so he’s got a clean slate, right? He says, something like that, and she says he has no idea how appealing that sounds to her.

Brando brings Sasha into the hospital, and Maxie asks, what’s going on? Did something happen with the baby? Brando says Sasha is having it, and Maxie says, right now? Austin brings a wheelchair over, and says, have a seat. Sasha sits, and he asks, who’s her OB? She says, Dr. Navarro. They called her on the way over, and she’s waiting on 4. Maxie says she knows this is a really weird thing to say right now, but she loves Sasha’s outfit. Sasha says, they were at the Photo Ark exhibit at the Jerome gallery; one last night out before the baby. Maxie says she made it just under the wire, and Sasha says, oh my God. When she leaves this hospital, she’s going to be a mom. She doesn’t think she’s ready. Maxie tells her, she already is a mom. She’s just getting ready to meet her baby. Austin, Brando, and Sasha go into the elevator.

Carly says, Sonny told her that he and Nina knew each other in Nixon Falls. She knew him, and never said a word to him about his family back home. And the worst part is, Nina came back to Port Charles several times while Sonny was there, and saw her. She saw Sonny’s family. She saw them mourning, and lied to their faces. Phyllis says, what Nina did was terrible, and Carly says she’s sorry. That’s not why she came here. They should stop talking about Nina. Phyllis asks if Carly is sure she wants to. She seems to have a lot to get off her chest. Carly says, because she can’t let it go. Every time she sees Nina, every time she thinks about her, she’s filled with so much anger and rage. Phyllis says, it sounds like a hard burden to carry, and Carly says, it is. Phyllis says she has to ask, is all this anger at Nina worth her energy?

Trina hopes Ned is right about where Leo went, and Spencer says he ran away once or twice when he was little; he was always okay. Granted, he was a little bit older than Leo is. Trina says, Joss and Cam told her that he had a chauffeur named Chandler that was with him most of the time. Spencer says, not when he ran away. He had Chandler drop him off first. Trina says, of course (🍷) he did, and Esme says, she loves the idea of little Spence up to no good, but Spencer says he’s not sure the people who had to live through it would agree with her. Trina asks, what was up with Sasha and Mrs. Corbin being stuck in the back room? How did that even happen? Of course (🍷) poor Sasha goes into labor. It’s a good thing Brando found Sasha, and got her to the hospital. Otherwise, she would have been stuck back there having the baby. Esme says, Trina was in the back room right before they were, right? and Trina says, she had to get the check and the flowers for Mr. Sartore. Spencer says, it’s lucky Trina didn’t get stuck back there with them. That would have been awful. Esme says, I know, right? It’s terrible.

Olivia and Ned go down to the docks, and call for Leo. Olivia asks if he really thinks Leo would come there; it’s so dark and scary. They shine their flashlights around, and see Leo, lying on the ground.

Sonny says, a clean slate’s not all it’s cracked up to be, and she says, she had a lot of time in prison to sit around and catalog her mistakes. She thinks it would be good to forget all that, but he says, he didn’t just forget all his mistakes. He forgot all the good things; his wife, his kids, her. He knows she doesn’t know Lenny and Phyllis, but they were great. They took him in. He was real happy in Nixon Falls, but then he got his memory back, and he couldn’t run fast enough to get home. She says she gets that. She wouldn’t want to forget her daughters. Her love life is an entirely different story. The last two alone; one tried to kill her, and the other one died in her bed. Who’d want to remember that? He says, think of it this way, it’s got to be better next time, right? She laughs, and says, not really. It’s so cute that he thinks there’s going to be a next time. She’s done. He tells her, if she says so, and she says she does. Actually, she should start looking for love, because he knows the saying, when you stop looking for love is when you find it.

Willow says, Wiley remembers Cindy from daycare, right? She’s going to take him to see Tom the Turkey, while she and Grandma Nina have a little chat. Cindy takes Wiley, and Nina thanks Willow. Willow says she did it for Wiley, and Nina says she knows. She just hopes Michael isn’t too angry when he hears. Willow says, just so Nina knows, she agrees with Michael about her not seeing Wiley, at least not right now. But chances are, their paths are going to cross from time to time, and she didn’t see the point in dragging Wiley away when he was so happy to see her. He misses his grandma. Nina says she missed him too, and Willow says, he also missed Sonny when he was gone. Nina says, of course (🍷). She just wants Willow to know that she’s very grateful for whatever time she can spend with Wiley. Willow says she really hates what Nina did, and doesn’t know if she can forgive Nina for it, but she’s also not going to make Wiley pay for Nina’s actions.

Carly isn’t sure she understands the question, and Phyllis says, she certainly doesn’t expect Carly to forgive Nina, but hopes Carly moves on for her own sake. Carly says that’s really hard for her, and Phyllis says she knows, but it seems Carly’s anger at Nina is only hurting her. Carly says, Nina stole more than time with her husband. She’s known Sonny for decades. She knows him better than anyone, and now, thanks to Nina, there’s a nine-month gap where Sonny was someone else; some guy named Mike. And she’s never going to know that guy. There’s a part of Sonny’s life where he’s a stranger to her, and she hates that. Phyllis says, of course (🍷) she does, but even though that gap exists, it doesn’t mean Carly has to get stuck in it. Carly says, it would be a lot easier if Nina left Port Charles; if her offices weren’t in Carly’s hotel. Phyllis says she understands Sonny spoke to Nina, told her to steer clear of him and his family. Carly says, yeah, and Phyllis says, has Nina complied? Carly says, more or less. She’s Nina’s landlord; they’re bound to cross paths. Phyllis says, it seems to her that both Sonny and Nina are trying to move forward. Can Carly try as well?

Gladys comes into the hospital, and Brando tells her that Dr. Navarro is in with Sasha. Gladys wants to see her, but Brando suggests they give her some privacy. She says, sorry; he’s right. She’s just so excited. A baby. Have they thought of any names yet? Please tell her that they’re not naming the kid Feather, or Storm, or some wacky thing with all consonants. He says, she’ll just have to wait and see, and she says, so everyone tells her. How’s Sasha doing? He says, the contractions are coming faster now. He hopes she’s not in labor long. Gladys asks if he has someplace to be, and he says, no, but it’s hard to wait, especially when he can’t do anything. She says, is he kidding? He’s done plenty already. Sasha needs to be alone; he’s leaving her alone. He’ll be right by her side when she needs him close, and when the baby does come, he’ll be right there, holding her hand. Just be careful. Sometimes, women squeeze so hard, they can break your hand. He says, it’ll be worth it, and she says, at least he’s in the hospital. No place better, right? He says, that’s one way to look at it, and she says she can always find the silver lining. She meant to ask him. He said the door of the back room at the gallery was wedged shut? He says, it was, and she says, like someone was locking them in there on purpose. He says, it was definitely put there on purpose. Whoever did it, probably thought there wasn’t anyone inside. She says, maybe, and he asks why anyone would want to lock her and Sasha inside? She says she has some ideas.

Olivia and Ned run to Leo, and help him up. Olivia asks, what happened? Talk to her. Ned examines Leo’s head, and says, no bump, and Leo repeats, no bump. Olivia asks what Leo was thinking, wandering away from the gallery all by himself? Dante and Brook join them, and Brook says, thank God. Dante asks if Leo is okay, and Ned says, he doesn’t appear to be injured. He was just lying on his stomach by the edge of the dock. Brook asks, what happened? and Ned says he doesn’t know. He asks Leo to look at him, and asks what Leo was doing down by the docks. Leo says, looking for an octopus, and Olivia says, in the dark by himself? He doesn’t have a jacket. Isn’t he cold? Leo says he likes it there, and Brook asks if he was trying to find an octopus like the one in the picture. Olivia says, he can’t just wander off by himself like that; it’s dangerous. They were all frantic about him. Can he see how scared she is?

Brando asks Sasha what the doctor said, and she tells him, she’s only two centimeters dilated, so it’s going to be a while. He sits, and says he’s just sorry he wasn’t there to help. Sasha says she’s glad he wasn’t stuck in there with them. They might have never gotten out. He hopes his mother didn’t make things worse, and she says, actually, Gladys was really helpful. He says, Gladys who? and Sasha says, Gladys kept her cool, and kept her calm. He says, will wonders never cease? Gladys comes in with a bunch of magazines, and says she brought them some distractions. They can catch up on celebrity dirt while waiting for the kid to arrive. Sasha thanks her, saying, it’s exactly what she needed. Gladys says, of course (🍷) it is. Now let’s get this show on the road. She’s ready to be the best grandma ever.

Nina says she noticed Willow wasn’t at the courthouse with Michael when she got extradited to Pennsylvania, and Willow says, she didn’t know. Nina asks if Willow would have gone along with him if she’d known, and Willow tells her, all she can say is, she understands Michael’s anger; his need to make Nina answer for what she did. Nina says, Michael has every right to be angry. If she were him, she’d have a hard time forgiving her too. Willow says, the way she sees it, the court will decide Nina’s punishment, and that’ll be that. Nina hopes she’s not causing any problems between Willow and Michael, and Willow says she isn’t. Whatever happens between her and Michael, has nothing to do with Nina. Nina says, of course (🍷). It’s just that she’s truly sorry if she caused them pain. Willow says, Nina kept her son’s grandfather from him, and lied to their faces about it. She’s not ready to hear Nina’s apology. Nina says she never intended to hurt anyone. She just wasn’t thinking about the children. She would never intentionally hurt a child. She just wasn’t thinking. Willow says, and now everyone is paying the price.

Ava says, good news. Leo’s been found, and he’s okay. Trina asks, where was he? and Ava says, down by the harbor. Trina says, he walked all the way there on his own? In the dark? Ava says, terrifying, isn’t it? There’s really nothing worse than thinking your child is in danger. She looks at Spencer.

Austin wonders if he can ask Maxie a question; it might be kind of sensitive. She says, that depends; what’s the question? He says, seeing Sasha come in to deliver a baby, did she think of Louise? More than she usually does? Maxie says, yeah. Seeing Sasha go into labor definitely brought back memories, but at least Sasha gets to have her baby in the hospital. She didn’t have that luxury with Louise. Or James. He says he has every faith Louise will be returned to her, and she says she misses Louise very much, but just wants her to be safe. He says he’s sorry. She has a very soft heart. She says, she didn’t used to. She’s not even sure she does now. What makes him say that? He says, for one thing, she seems to want everybody to get along, and she says, why bring more discord into a world that already has enough? He says, fair enough. He won’t be unkind to Gladys, but he won’t go out of his way to see her. She thinks that’s best for everyone, but he says he’ll have to take her word on that. Can he ask her another question? She says, how sensitive is this one? and he says, kinda sensitive. Before Sasha came in here, Maxie was saying that if he didn’t get along with Brook, somehow she’d be collateral damage. What does she mean by that?

Dante asks how Ned knew to look down at the docks, and Ned says he was doing some reading about children on the autism spectrum. Many of them are really attracted to water. First responders are taught to search the nearest body of water whenever a child with autism goes missing. Dante says, that’s true, and puts his arm around Olivia. He says he’s going to check on his little brother, and goes over to where Brook is sitting with Leo. Ned asks if Olivia is all right, but she says, no. She’s nowhere near all right. He tells her, he’s not saying Leo is definitely on the spectrum… and she says, they wouldn’t have known where to look for him. She starts to cry, and says she’s scared. He holds her, and says, he’s right here.

Gladys says, can you believe it? Two of he most beautiful, highest paid people in the world fighting over who gets more from the sale of their chateau. Brando tells Sasha to breathe, and she says she thinks she’s good. He asks if she’s sure, and she nods. Gladys says, that was a doozy. Distraction. They spotted him with his ex-wife. Brando tells her, Sasha’s tired, and Gladys says, and? He says he thinks Sasha needs some quiet, and the lightbulb comes on. Gladys says she’ll go grab a coffee or something. She’ll let them relax, but don’t worry; she’ll be back. Sasha says she wouldn’t have it any other way, and Brando closes the door, saying, she’s gone. Sasha says, thank God. She feels bad saying it, because Gladys was very helpful today… He says, but she’s his mom, and she says, exactly. He says, now that they’re finally alone, he can tell her. He read the email. She says he couldn’t stand the suspense, huh? He says he would have been thrilled either way, but now – he takes her hands – he can’t wait to meet their son.

Spencer tells Esme, what a great night, even if it was here. He’s so happy for Trina. Esme turns around, staring daggers at Trina, and says, her too. Can they go now? She really wants to be alone with him. She kisses him, and Trina sees.

Maxie tells Austen, she’s just looking out for her friend, and he says, she’s only a recent friend, right? She says, so? He’s only a recent friend, and she looked out for him with Chase. He says she told him once that she and Brook used to be enemies. What does she care if Brook gets some well-deserved payback? She says, please. She needs him to trust her when she asks him to just let this go. For her sake. He asks if she and Brook are in some kind of trouble.

Brook tells Leo, the next time he wants to see some marine life, she’ll just take him to the aquarium. Okay, little bro? They hear a siren, and Leo yells out, and covers his ears. Dante says, it’s just a police car, and Brook says, Leo’s been through a lot tonight. Olivia thanks Ned for being there for her tonight, and he says, always. She says she has to get Leo home. Is he coming? She holds out her hand, and he takes it. She says, they’ve got a lot to talk about.

Brando says, the contractions are getting closer together, and Sasha says, this is really happening. Is he ready? He says he’s ready, and kisses her hand.

Brook calls Gladys, and asks her to listen. Gladys says, Brook made a huge mistake. Her grandkid could have gotten hurt. Brook says she doesn’t know what Gladys talking about, but she needs to listen. She has an offer for Gladys. Gladys says, too little, too late, because Brook went too far. Whatever happens next, is on her. Brook says she doesn’t know what Gladys thinks she did, and Gladys hangs up.

Sonny says it’s really good to see Alexis. She says, it’s good to see him too. As for his respite in Nixon Falls, she hopes he doesn’t miss it too much. She tickles his stomach, and leaves.

Willow tells Wiley, time to go, and Nina thanks her for her compassion. Willow says, she just wants what’s best for Wiley, and Nina tells Wiley that she loves him so much. It was great to spend time with him and talk with him. She asks for a hug, and Wiley hugs her. Carly comes along and sees them.

Tomorrow, Willow says it isn’t someone’s decision to make (my guess: Carly), Sasha advises Brando against something, Maxie asks what Austin thinks she and Brook are up to, Carly asks what it’s going to take to keep Nina away from Wiley, and Jason is told, time’s up.

Winter House

I immediately got a headache with everyone yelling, wazzup? Paige told Andrea that Amanda said he wanted to stay a single guy, and he said he wanted to go home knowing he’d met a cool chick he wanted to see again. He wasn’t pulling out a ring after five days. In Paige’s interview, she said, she didn’t love that he wanted to leave being a single guy, but dating after knowing each other two weeks was crazy. I think she might have that backwards. I can see dating after two weeks, but not being exclusive. Andrea said he was old school, and wanted to get to know someone. He didn’t get why everyone wanted to make a big deal out of it. Kyle was passed out, and the girls threw Jenga blocks on him. Austen and Ciara, and Paige and Andrea all got in the same bed, and fell asleep, Andrea eventually tip-toeing out.

In Lindsay’s interview, she said, Jason was hot AF and could cook. He’d been there the whole time, and she’d been distracted by idiots. Kyle said his parents were joining them on the slopes, and in Amanda’s interview, she said she’d been a pro skier in her mind in middle school, and then forgot about it until she met Kyle. He came from a family skiers, and it was a lot of pressure. His grandmother had been in the 1940 Olympics, and his parents had met on a blind skiing date. Luke tapped a tree, and said he might as well, since he wasn’t going to be tapping anything else. They headed out to ski and snowboard, Jason saying he wanted radical it up. Those lifts scare TF out of me. Why don’t they have seatbelts? In Gabby’s interview, she said she’d been rejected, and we flashed back to her telling Luke that she wanted him inside her, and him sending her immediately to the friendzone. Seriously though, who says something like that ten minutes after meeting someone? She said she was resetting her mind. She was the Lone Ranger.

Kyle’s mom thought Amanda did fantastic; Kyle, not so much, since he fell at every turn. The girls went to have alcohol, while the dudes got more skiing in – real skiing, as they put it. In Paige’s interview, she wanted to be able to go back home saying, at least I didn’t sleep with him, in case things didn’t work out with Andrea. In Ciara’s interview, she claimed she never had feelings for anyone the way she did for Austen. She thought she could fall for him. In Jason’s interview, he said he was scared when he met Lindsay, but it was a treat. He loved a strong women. There was going to be no sleeping on this trip. Julia got flowers, chocolates, and a bear from her boyfriend, who missed her. No offense to him, but how cliché, and he’s 42. Come on. He can do better. In Craig’s interview, he said there were times he wished Natalie was there, but he was enjoying being by himself. He was in a weird headspace. When hasn’t Craig been in a weird headspace? And can we stop using the word headspace? Austen went to Ciara’s room, and covered the camera.

In Kyle’s interview, he said he partied a lot, but worked even more. He worked hard, so when he partied, it was going to be extreme. Ciara said she was a smitten kitten, and Austen brought her coffee in the morning. Andrea did the same for Paige. Viking hats were passed out, some with braids, and in Luke’s interview, he said, he grew up in Minnesota around a lot of Scandinavian people, and did a lot of outdoor winter activities. He wanted to get everyone outdoors in the elements. Kyle said, welcome to the first annual Nordic games. It wasn’t going to be easy, but it would be worth it. Luke led The Great Heathen Army team, and Jason led The Skull Crushers. It was no Squid Games, but actually kind of fun to watch them do things like log throwing and tug-of-war. To keep with the theme of adolescent idiocy, Ciara wore a bikini, and Gabby was also scantily clad. After the games, it was on to the hot tub.

Austen got a text, and was all, WTF? Then went off to his room, saying, leave me alone, to no one. Everyone got ready for what Kyle called a nice Viking dinner. Kyle danced, shirtless, in front of the mirror, singing, let’s work it, reminding me why I hate this show. Amanda wondered if Jason was for real, and told Julia that she wanted to make sure he was being genuine. Julia personally endorsed him, and in her interview, she said, it was hard to be without her boyfriend in a party house. Austen told Craig that someone had reached out to him, telling him that Madison had gone to the hospital. He unblocked her, and she’d texted him that she’d had a seizure while she was cooking, and Hudson called the ambulance. He asked if she was okay, and she said she was. He told Craig, WTF? His life was wonderful, and he’d met a great girl who was all about it. Craig said Madison had made Austen start doubting himself, and she was a bad person. I have to agree with that one. In Craig’s interview, he said, Madison’s biggest pleasure in life is putting Austen though hell, and we flashed back to that. He said, Austen was finally getting over her and moving on, but somehow this evil sorcerer will never let him go. Andrea joined them, and Austen said, Madison had texted, please tell me you haven’t moved on. Ciara knocked at the door, and Craig said, go away.

Ciara reported back, and Paige said she thought the boys were weird right now. Austen not coming in the hot tub gave her a weird feeling. Andrea said Austen had to move on, and Craig asked if Austen wanted to be a pawn. Austen wondered if he should say anything to Ciara, since he didn’t want to scare her off, but Craig said he couldn’t be honest about this. After the guys were done with their confab, Paige tried to pump Andrea for information, but he said he had no gossip. The conversation was all about how much Austen liked Ciara. In Andrea’s interview, he said, it wasn’t his secret to share. He respected the bro code. In Paige’s interview, she said she hated the whole male species, because they lie. The obligatory turkey legs were served, deep fried. They lifted the turkey legs in the air, and Craig said it was the best cooked meat he’d ever had in his life. Julia asked what Andrea’s intentions were with her girl, and Austen told her, shut up. That was the dumbest thing he ever heard in his life. All this did was put the focus on him, and Amanda asked Austen where it was going with Ciara. Austen got crazy pissed off, and Julia asked why he was mad. If Andrea and Paige were okay with it, why was he angry?

Kyle stood up, and said, nothing shouts Viking like a tri-colored carrot. Paige and Ciara talked in the kitchen, and Julia and Craig talked in the bathroom. Kyle told Jason that he crushed it. I’m always obsessed with the food on these reality shows, but the food is pretty much the only good thing on this show. Jason is impressive. I think he can do much better than Lindsay. Ciara said Austen was weirding her out, and he told her that he’d gotten out of something 4/5 months ago; it was haunting him. He was messed up from it, and wanted to be honest with her. She wondered why he was telling her now, and asked if something had set it off. Were he and his ex still in communication?

Next time, the finale 🎉 doing the limbo (never a good combination with drinking), Lindsay wants to kidnap Jason, Austen says he’s not in a place to be exclusive, Austen yells at Amanda while wearing a tutu and a giant earring (not a very effective costume for being taken seriously), and Julia says she’ll just be eating cheese while they all fight. You don’t think they’ll have a Holiday House, do you?

🧂 Pass the Salt…

What happened on The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.

https://ew.com/tv/recaps/the-real-housewives-of-salt-lake-city-season-2-episode-10/

🕶 Memory Lane…

Teresa throws shade at her SIL.

🛳 They’re Gonna Need a Bigger Boat…

All about The Real Housewives Ultimate Girls Trip.

The villa:

https://people.com/home/real-housewives-ultimate-girls-trip-triton-luxury-villa/

The Countess:

https://www.etonline.com/rhugts-luann-de-lesseps-on-introducing-other-housewives-to-the-ramona-coaster-and-the-future-of

Ridiculous Ramona:

https://radaronline.com/p/ramona-singer-kenya-moore-porsha-williams-name-rhugt-racist/

🐑 Sheep In the Distance…

Come on down tomorrow for soap and whatever’s on the Runway. Until then, stay safe, stay being dependable, and stay wanting everyone to get along. Why bring more discord into a world that already has enough?

June 25, 2021 – Repeating the Vote, Daytime Wins, What’s News, Goodbyes, May Be the Last, Already Sniping, Curses, New Love, Traci’s Test, She Tried, Reality Pay, Going Down, In the Shade, Quotes Twelvefold & Wild

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

There was no new GH anywhere today. Those who had it, got a rerun from when Josslyn and Trina went back in time, and saw their foremothers as Suffragettes. That was a great episode, and I would have watching it again, but it was not on in my area. So I watched People’s Court, which I only see, like, once a year anymore.

Speaking of which, People’s Court won a Daytime Emmy, and as a preempt consolation prize, so did GH, Sonny, and Mike. Read on for the scoop.

🏆 And the Winner Is…

Who got the award.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/daytime-emmy-awards-2021-winners-list-1234972638/

Who wore what.

Who shouldn’t have worn that.

🧼 In Other Soap News…

Maxie is recovering nicely.

A peek at the AMC reunion.

🥀 Those We’ve Lost…

Three more soap greats left us recently, along with Andy Cohen’s old buddy, sadly discovered after he’d been missing for a month.

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lisa-banes-dies-age-65-hit-and-run-accident/

https://people.com/tv/john-gabriel-dead/

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/obituaries/robert-hogan-actor-who-appeared-everything-laverne-shirley-wire-dies-n1269288

https://nypost.com/2021/06/21/andy-cohens-friend-found-dead-four-weeks-after-going-missing/

🍑 Nothing We Haven’t Heard Before…

But if it is her last season, will Peter be her replacement? He’s always desperately wanted to be a Housewife.

https://okmagazine.com/p/cynthia-bailey-talks-about-future-on-real-housewives-of-atlanta-says-this-could-be-my-last-season/

💸 Place Your Bets…

I wonder how long the divorce is going to drag out, and just how nasty it will get.

https://people.com/tv/erika-girardi-accused-of-refusing-to-turn-over-bank-records-using-glam-lifestyle-to-hide-assets/

https://people.com/tv/erika-girardi-claims-bankruptcy-case-lawyer-made-false-statements-about-her-on-social-media/

🤬 No Surprise…

If she had a swear jar, she’d be an effing millionaire.

https://pagesix.com/2021/06/22/brandi-glanville-crowned-most-foul-mouthed-reality-star-on-twitter/

👩‍❤️‍👩 She’s Movin’ On…

Braunwyn has a new main squeezette.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-9718519/Braunwyn-Windham-Burke-works-sweat-new-girlfriend-Fernanda-Rocha-Palm-Springs.html

👠 Possible Addition…

Or is this just a test?

https://radaronline.com/p/tiki-barber-wife-traci-lynn-johnson-bravo-real-housewives-of-new-jersey-rhonj/

🗽 Operative Word: Attempted…

I don’t know exactly what Heather was doing, but she was definitely trying too hard.

https://pagesix.com/2021/06/09/heather-thomson-attempted-to-fit-in-on-rhony-via-eboni-k-williams/

💵 A Housewife’s Worth…

Who gets the most filthy lucre in the franchise.

The Highest Paid Bravo Real Housewife is Revealed! Plus Find Out Teresa Giudice’s Salary and How Much the Cast Gets for Their Reunion Dresses

📉 Nose Dive…

I can’t say I’m surprised. It’s very obvious that LisaR wants screen time, and is the mean girl ring leader, even though Kyle – who bores the pants off me – thinks she’s queen. Now we have Crystal, who’s chosen to sit at their lunch table, stirring the pot.

RHOBH Season 11 Debuts to Low Ratings, Find Out How Many Viewers Tuned in After Episode Two Hits New Lows

No amount of accountability coaching will save them either.

🕶 Take Off Your Sunnies…

Andy and LVP are throwing shade, but not at each other.

https://pagesix.com/2021/06/16/andy-cohen-shades-danielle-staub-and-dana-wilkey-over-erika-jayne-doc/

Lisa Vanderpump Shades Kyle Richards’ Nose Job as RHOBH Alum Says Kyle’s “Always” Trying to Make Her “Look Bad”

📣 Quotes of the Week

Most of our obstacles would melt away if, instead of cowering before them, we should make up our minds to walk boldly through them. – Orison Swett Marden (Or smack them out of the way.)

The commonality of who we are is not what we believe, but how we love. – Jackie Griffin

The courage to admit when you’re wrong doesn’t show weakness. It shows your strength. Your integrity speaks volumes about you as a person. – Blaque Diamond

You have the need and the right to spend part of your life caring for your soul. It is not easy…To be a soulful person means to go against all the pervasive, prove-yourself values of our culture and instead treasure what is unique and internal and valuable in yourself and your own personal evolution.Jean Shinoda Bolen (Getting off social media once in a while won’t hurt either.)

Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight. – Phyllis Diller

We can throw stones, complain about them, stumble on them, climb over them, or build with them. – William Arthur Ward

I did not attend his funeral, but I sent a nice letter saying I approved of it.Mark Twain

When life gives you lemons, squirt someone in the eye.Cathy Guisewite

Imperfection is beauty, madness is genius and it’s better to be absolutely ridiculous than absolutely boring. – Marilyn Monroe (I was going to say, she’s a genius, but I’m not sure if I should…)

Nothing is more sad than the death of an illusion. – Arthur Koestler

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

If you’re going to die in your sleep and get all growly and sh*t, you got to let a brother know. – Braithwaite (Bechir Sylvain), Black Summer

🤸🏽‍♀️ Got No Strings To Tie Me Down…

It’s here, that thing more people are calling the weekend again. Except some of them want to call it that from home now. There’s no Dead on tap, so see you next week with I don’t even know what. And whatever your weekend vantage point, stay safe, stay grounded, and stay walking boldly through your obstacles, or giving them a good swift kick out of the way.

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

Standard

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.

👋 Buh-bye, Peter…

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

🧼 Soapy Summer…

What’s to come in the daytime.

🛴 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.

😢 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.

June 4, 2021 – A Standoff Ends, Busy, In Jersey, Fiesta, Cut Short, Blocked, Logging Off, Tiffany Talks, Landlord LuAnn, Real Homes, New Addition, More GoT, Furbabies, New Shows, Missing, 2×7 Quotes & Out

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

For the first time this week, Peter does not lie at the bottom the stairs, blood pooling around his head.

Maxie gets out of bed, and puts on a robe. She looks out her room window and sees Brook with Louise. Brook holds Louise up so Maxie can see her, and Maxie comes out of her room. Valentin comes along, and says, that’s… Brook says, their little girl. He says, my daughter, and she says, yeah. Maxie watches.

Britt comes down the stairs of the lighthouse in the dark, holding a bat or a paddle or something. The front door opens, but as she’s about to swing, she sees Obrecht. She says, mom, and Obrecht says, hello, liebchen.

Olivia finds Jax in the living room. He apologizes for the late visit, and says he was trying to get ahold of Michael. He heard shots had been fired at the docks, and hoped Michael wasn’t caught up in all that. She says, Michael is fine. Willow just called to check in. Their plan was to come in late, grab Wiley, and go to the gatehouse. Good thing that kid sleeps like a log. He says, good to hear, and asks how Wiley is. She says, that kid is great. She swears, he learns something new every day. Jax says, and Nina is missing all of it.

On the phone at the jail, Carly tells Michael that she’s with Jason. She’s trying to get Diane to work her magic, and get the DA’s office to formally drop the charges. Michael says, it should be pretty straightforward, now that Gladys has recanted her statement, and said it was Peter she saw, not Jason. She says she hopes so, and he says he’s just glad she’s okay, and Jason doesn’t have to run anymore. She says, her too, and he asks if there’s any word on Cyrus. She says, not yet, but it’s only a matter of time before Jordan finds him.

Jordan wants the SWAT team to go in, but Doc asks her to let him try calling once more. She asks if he thinks he can get through to Cyrus, and he says, it’s worth a shot. Laura hasn’t used the code word yet. She must still think she can make some headway. Jordan tells him, okay; one more try.

The phone rings, and Laura tells Cyrus, he’s the one who’s in control. He can decide to let everyone walk away from this completely unharmed, like he decided to let Portia and Trina go. He says, that damn ringing, and goes over to the phone. She says, just pick it up; tell them what he wants.

Curtis asks Trina where her mother is, and Trina says, she’s giving her statement to the police. He says, then he’s going to need Trina’s help.

Valentin asks if the baby is all right, and Brook says, she’s safe and sound. Maxie turns away, and Valentin asks, what happened? Brook says she was on her way to Bensonhurst when her water broke. He says, in the car? and she says, yes. Does she need to go into detail?

Finn sees Maxie, and she collapses in his arms.

Britt asks why Obrecht broke in, and Obrecht says she didn’t know if Britt was sleeping. She didn’t want to wake her. Britt says, giving her a heart attack is so much better, and Obrecht says her Britta is made of stronger stuff. Britt says she could have hurt Obrecht, and Obrecht says, she’s made of stronger stuff. Britt says, it’s good to see her, and Obrecht says, it’s good to see Britt too. She seems well for someone on the run. Britt says, they were so careful with covering their tracks; how did Obrecht find her? Obrecht says, Mr. Morgan called her.

Jason asks how Michael is, and Carly says, it’s been an eventful night. She wonders what’s taking the DA’s office so long, and he says, it’s not exactly regular business hours. She says she doesn’t care. He shouldn’t have been there to begin with; she wants him out. He says, okay, he’s going to get out, and she says, not soon enough. It’s been insane without him, and she’s so sorry she made him run. He says they’ve been over this, and she says, in her defense, he would have gotten away clean if he hadn’t gone back in to get Britt. He says he had to, and she says she knows. She finally gets what he means. When a plan’s in motion, it can twist in unexpected ways. She’s sorry she pushed him to escape. He says, it’s okay, and she promises never to put him in that position again. He gives her a look, and she says she’ll try not to put him in that position again. How’s that? He says he’ll take it.

Valentin says Brook gave birth in some hotel with a random doula? Why didn’t she call him? She says she did, but he says he means sooner, when she went into labor. She says she was a little busy, and he says she’s lucky. Things could have gone very poorly. She says, they didn’t, and he says, thank God. She asks if he wants to hold the baby, and he says, very much. He sits, and she puts the baby in his arms. She says, Bailey, it’s your daddy, and he says, Bailey? She says, Bailey Lois Quartermaine, and he says, hello, Bailey; nice to meet you. He tells Brook, she’s beautiful, and Brook says, she knows. He says, she’s tiny and she’s perfect.

With Maxie back in bed, Finn says she’s had blood loss from childbirth, and needs to replenish her fluids. Elizabeth says she knows how impossible it must feel, waiting for word on Louise. Willow appears, and says, waiting for word? What happened? Maxie says, her daughter is gone, and Elizabeth says, the nurse Peter hired kidnapped Maxie, induced labor, and ran off with her baby. Willow says she’s sure they’ll find her, and Elizabeth says, they have to. Maxie says she just wants the baby as far away from Peter as possible.

Jordan says, it’s not working, but Doc tells her, just wait. Cyrus finally answers, and Doc thanks him for picking up. He asks if Laura is all right, and Cyrus says, she’s fine, for now. If he wants her to stay that way, they’ll clear the road and get him that car. Doc says they can work on that, and Cyrus yells, stop stalling, and do it! Just remember, whatever happens to him, happens to Laura too. They go down together. I have to mention, Cyrus looks a lot more haggard today, even though it’s really only a few minutes later from yesterday.

Taggert asks what exactly is Curtis talking about, but Trina tells him, it’s okay. She wants to help if she can. Curtis says he needs to know the layout of the house. Are they any other ways to get in besides the front and back doors? A cellar door maybe? She says he can climb in through her bedroom window; it’s closed, but not locked. He says he needs to know exactly where that is.

A SWAT guy tells Jordan, it’s her call. What does she want them to do? She says, they’ll give Cyrus what he wants.

Carly asks if Jason has talked to Britt. He sits on his cot, and Carly says she’s sure Britt would like to know he’s okay. She’s never been a fan of Britt’s. Britt’s done a lot of horrible things to a lot of people, but people said the same thing about her. He says, Britt saved his life, and she says she knows. What she’s trying to tell him is, her opinion of Britt has definitely changed.

Britt says, Jason called Obrecht? Why? Obrecht says, he wasn’t exactly chatty. He just said she was safe, and gave her an address where she could find Britt. Britt smiles, and says, huh, and Obrecht says, now’s the time to share. Give her all the juicy details. They sit, and Britt says, all that matters is, Jason saved her life… and she saved his. Obrecht smiles, and Britt says, what? Obrecht says, nothing, but Britt says, don’t nothing her; say it. Obrecht says, after wasting her time with men like Nikolas and Patrick Drake, Britt finally met her match.

Olivia hands Jax a drink, and says, it occurred to her that with Sonny gone, and Jason busy with other things, Carly might have stepped into the family business. She wonders if she’d do that, but doesn’t know, since she’s never been in that position. He says he only cares about his daughter’s safety, so whatever Carly is doing, he hopes it’s over sooner rather than later.

Michael heads for Maxie’s room, and Willow tells Maxie that she’s safe there. Elizabeth says Maxie doesn’t have to worry about Peter, but Maxie says she doesn’t know that. Elizabeth says, the police are looking for him; he’s not going to come back here. Finn flashes back to arguing with Peter, and Peter throwing the antidote off the roof. Maxie wishes Peter had just disappeared… forever.

Brook tells the baby that she passed her check-up with flying colors; good work, baby girl. Valentin says she should be checked also, and she says she will, but not tonight. It’s late and she’s tired. He says, tomorrow, and she agrees. He says, how about they get their daughter home? As they walk, they come face-to-face with Austin.

Cyrus asks if Laura thinks he’s an idiot, but she says, no. He asks if she thinks he believes for one moment they’re going to give him what he wants. They’re just stringing him along until they can get a sniper to take him out. That’s not happening. She asks him to listen to her, for just a minute. He says it’s her fault really. All he wanted was to be her brother, and to bask in one ounce of the love she has for everyone else. She says, he wants her love, does he? He says, yes, and she says, then earn it, damn you. She would have helped him if he’d been just the tiniest bit sorry for what he did; if he was just the tiniest bit willing to let someone help him, but no. He wants to bond with her, while he charges the rest of the damn world. He says, so it’s all on him, and she says, it doesn’t have to be. Not yet. He still has time. He can still redeem himself. Turn himself in.

Curtis slips into Trina’s bedroom window, and checks his gun. Laura tells Cyrus, turn himself in. If he does that, she will stand beside him. He says, little sister, it’s far too late.

Valentin asks if Brook is all right, and she flashes back to seeing Austin unconscious in the woods. She says she just got a little startled. Sorry. Austin says, no worries. Congratulations. Brook says, what? and Austin says he can’t see his or her face, but he’s sure the baby is just beautiful. Valentin thanks him, and Austin says he’s looking for room 401; any ideas? Valentin points him in the right direction, and Austin sees a sign that says, Pediatrics: Michael Corinthos Center for Pediatric Head Injuries/Neonatal Intensive Care.

Michael tells Maxie that he’s sorry, and the Quartermaines will help in any way they can. She thanks him, and Willow says, they’ll leave so she can rest. In the hallway, Michael says, Maxie must be losing her mind, and Willow says she almost feels guilty going home to Wiley. He asks if she’s still taking Wiley to the gatehouse, and she says not if Michael thinks they’ll wake him. Michael says, Wiley slept through a fire alarm when Cook started a grease fire, and she says, good point. (Wiley isn’t my kid, is he? I slept through a hurricane.) He says, home? and she says, home. They get in the elevator.

Elizabeth tells Maxie that she needs to get some sleep. Maxie says, and let her guard down? What if Peter comes back? Elizabeth says she told Maxie, it’s not going to happen, and Maxie asks how she knows that. Finn says he does. Peter’s not going to bother her again. He can’t.

Britt says Obrecht is being ridiculous, and Obrecht says, is she? Britt says, Jason isn’t her match; they’re not anything. Obrecht says, just two people on the run together, and Britt says, exactly. Obrecht asks if she had sex with him, and Britt says, mom. Obrecht says, did she? Britt says of course (🍷) she didn’t, covering her smile, and Obrecht says she knew it. And? Britt says, and it was amazing. It doesn’t mean anything. She knows how these situations are; everything’s heightened, people are drawn to each other when they normally wouldn’t be. Obrecht says, right. Men like that are brute instruments. Good in the sack, as they say, but no one to plan a future with. Britt says, actually – Obrecht says, she’s wrong? – Jason did something for her that was, in a way, just as important as saving her life. He helped her face something that she’d been running from for years. Obrecht asks, what is that? and Britt says she lied.

Jason asks, what happened at the meeting with the Five Families microwaveable pasta meals? and she says she told him; they backed her. He says, that’s it? and she asks if he thinks she screwed up somehow. He says, no, she did great. She kept the family safe while he was gone. He would expect nothing less. She puts her hand over his and says, he’s always the one who believes in her, and he says, he always will.

Cyrus says Laura has no idea what she’s asking. She wants him to go back to prison with no Jordan to pressure, no blackmail to use – Curtis is now in the hallway, seeing if he can get a clear shot – just spend the rest of his days rotting in that hellhole. Ten years was an infinity. He can’t go back; he’s never going back. He paces, and groans, and says, what a life. Whether she admits it or not, they’re just wild creatures who can’t be contained. As Curtis sneaks around behind Cyrus, Laura asks what he means. What is he going to do? Laura sees Curtis and gasps, and Cyrus grabs her. He tells Curtis, drop the gun, or she dies. Curtis says, take it easy, Cyrus, and puts his gun on the floor. Cyrus shoots him, and Curtis drops. Cyrus walks over to him and says, that’s enough out of him. In the meantime, Jordan comes through the front door, and shoots Cyrus.

Willow pours some wine for Michael and herself, and he asks if she’s okay. With Maxie and all, it couldn’t have been easy for her. She says, her? Maxie is the one who lost her little girl. He says he didn’t know if it brought up any memories, and she says, seeing Maxie alone in that hospital bed, she remembers that feeling; the emptiness, the ache. First, when she gave her baby up, and later, learning that he had died. Michael takes her hand, and she says, sorry. He asks, why? and she says she doesn’t know. She hugs him, and says she’s just happy he’s there with her. He says, him too.

Britt says, when she told Obrecht that she’d been screened for Huntington’s, and that she didn’t have it, that was a lie. She didn’t do the test. She chickened out. Obrecht says, the truth is, it’s Britt’s decision whether she wants to know or not. She should never have pressured her. Britt says, for years now, it’s been in the back of her mind, wondering, did she have it or didn’t she have it? Then it moved to the front of her mind, and eventually, it began taking over her life. Every ache, every pain, wondering, is this it? Is this the beginning of the end? She wound up telling Jason that she might have it, and he was amazing. He didn’t try to tell her what to do, or jump in with advice on how she should run her life. Obrecht says, he listened, and Britt says, he even talked a little too. Obrecht laughs, and asks what he said. Britt says, if it suffocates you, instead of frees you, then you should find out, and she knew in that instant, she needed to know. Obrecht says, she got the test? and Britt says she did. She has the genetic marker for Huntington’s. Obrecht takes her hand.

A guard comes in and unlocks Jason’s cell. Carly says, the charges were dropped? and he says, Jason is free to go. Carly runs in the cell, and hugs Jason, saying, let’s get you out of here, and get you home. On their way out, Carly’s phone dings, and she says, oh my God. They have to go to the hospital. She’ll explain to him on the way. She jets, and Jason heaves such a huge sigh, I literally lol, and he follows her.

Finn tells Maxie, there’s something she needs to know, when Austin knocks on the door, and comes in. He says, sorry to interrupt, but he just wanted to check on the patient. Miss Maxie, how are you? Maxie says, fine, and tells him to come in. She tells Finn and Elizabeth, this is the man who delivered Louise. Can they believe she managed to find a doctor in the middle of the woods? Elizabeth says, only you, Maxie, and Finn says, it’s nice to meet you, Doctor…? and Austin says, he’s off-duty, so just Austin. Elizabeth asks if Finn has time for a consult, and they leave. Okay, I’ll just say it. I guess we’re just ignoring the fact that Austin looks exactly like Todd Franco. Maxie asks how Austin’s head is doing, and he says it’s still on his shoulders. She says, that’s a plus, and he agrees. He says he’s sorry he didn’t come to sooner. He might have been able to help her out with that nurse. If he’d done that, she’d have her baby in her arms right now.

Valentin opens the door for Brook to go into the mansion, and Olivia squeals, Brook had the baby? Nobody told her. Valentin says, things move quickly; it’s hard to keep up. Olivia runs over to Brook and the baby, and says, oh my goodness. Brook says, Bailey, meet your grandmother, Olivia, and Olivia says, she is a literal angel. Olivia asks, what happened? Is Brook okay? Brook asks if they can go in the living room; she needs to sit down. Olivia says, anything Brook needs, just say the word, and helps her to the living room. Jax tells Valentin, congratulations, and Valentin thanks him. Jax says Valentin has a daughter. He’s a lucky man. He holds out his hand, and they shake.

Laura tells Jordan, come in, and Jordan runs to Curtis, asking for something to stop the blood. Laura finds some gauze, and Jordan yells for someone to get Portia. Doc runs in, and hugs Laura, saying, thank God. She says she’s fine; help Curtis. Doc checks Curtis’s pulse, and says it’s thready. Laura tells Curtis, hang in there, and glares at Cyrus, who’s sitting up against a chair, and I’m wondering why someone hasn’t hauled him off yet.

Taggert goes over to Trina and Portia, who asks, what happened? He says, Cyrus is down, and Portia says, it’s over. She hugs Trina, and an officer comes out. He tells Portia that she’s needed inside, and she goes with him.

Jordan tells Curtis, stay with her, and Doc says, his pulse is weaker. Portia runs in, and Laura tells her that Curtis has been shot. While Portia tends to Curtis, Doc takes Laura over to the side, and asks if she’s all right. She says she’s fine, thanks to Curtis. Portia looks at Curtis’s wound, and asks Jordan to help her roll him over, so she can see if the bullet came out the other side. She takes a look, and they move him back the way he was, and Portia tells Jordan, keep pressure on the wound. Jordan says, save him, please, and tells Curtis to open his eyes. Don’t you dare give up on me.

Olivia asks if she can hold Bailey/Louise, and Brook gives her the baby. Olivia says she has to get it in now, because Ned isn’t going to want to let go of her. Brook says, actually, her dad doesn’t know she had the baby, and Olivia says, what?

Obrecht says, this is her fault. Her obsession with Cesar is what led to this. Britt says, no, but Obrecht says, she knows she wasn’t always the best mutter, far from it, especially when Britt was young. But the older Britt got, the prouder Obrecht was of her. So smart, so strong, so capable. Britt has become everything Obrecht asked of her. And the fact that she has this horrible disease, is because Obrecht chose that wretched man to be Britt’s father. Britt says, wow, and Obrecht says she bets Britt never thought of it that way. Britt admits she hadn’t, because it wasn’t Obrecht’s fault. The wow is because this is the first time she’s heard she’s everything Obrecht wanted in a daughter. Obrecht isn’t just saying that because Britt is sick? Obrecht tells Britt, she’s saying it because it’s the truth.

Finn and Elizabeth go to his office, and she says he was going to tell Maxie that Peter was dead, wasn’t he? He says, they can’t leave Maxie terrified that Peter is going to come back, when they both know he won’t. She says, and then what? He gets arrested, and Chase dies because he can’t work on a cure. He says he doesn’t think Maxie would go to the police, but she asks how he knows that. He guesses if Maxie was willing to keep their secret, it would make her an accomplice to murder. He hates seeing her scared and in pain, and Elizabeth agrees it’s awful, but the truth is, telling Maxie about Peter won’t bring back Maxie’s daughter.

Olivia is surprised Brook hasn’t told her father; he’s going to be over the moon. Brook says, it’s been a long day. She’s feeling a bit overwhelmed. Olivia says, that’s totally normal. She’s going to be feeling that way for the next couple of days, or weeks, or even months. When it happens, rely on her family. Brook promises she will, and Jax says he’s really leaving now. Olivia says she’ll walk him out, and starts to give the baby to Brook, but Valentin wants to hold her. Olivia hesitates, and he says, it’s okay. He’s held a baby before. Olivia gives him the baby, and goes with Jax. Valentin says, just wait until Bailey meets her sister. She’s going to fall in love with her like he did.

Michael tells Willow, most people would have closed down. After losing a child, they would have locked up their hearts so they couldn’t be hurt again. But she opened hers to Wiley because she has so much love to give, and he’s so grateful. She says Wiley is the best thing that ever happened to her. One of the best things. He asks if he’s on the list, and she says she’ll check. He is the list. They kiss, and quickly move to getting busy.

At the hospital, Jordan paces, while Taggert sits with Trina. Portia comes out, and says they’re prepping Curtis for surgery. It could be a lengthy procedure. Trina says, but he’s going to be okay, right? Portia says, they don’t know, but they’re doing everything they possibly can. Taggert says, and Cyrus? and Portia says, clean shot through the leg. He’s been admitted, but he’ll survive. Jordan says she has to go. She has to deal with the fallout of what happened. Keep her posted. Portia says, of course (🍷), and Jordan leaves. Portia hugs Trina, and Jason comes in with Carly. Taggert says, welcome home, and Jason asks, what happened with Cyrus? Taggert says, Jordan got him in the leg. Unfortunately, he’s going to survive. Trina says, Curtis might not, and Carly says, Curtis? Portia says, Curtis snuck in, trying to get Laura out before the SWAT team was necessary. Laura and Doc join them, and Laura says, Curtis saved her life.

Elizabeth tells Finn that they need to get to work on a cure, and he says he’s been working. Non-stop. He’s no closer to figuring this out, and they’re running out of time. She says, no, and he says, no, the clock’s not ticking? She says, of course (🍷) the clock’s ticking, but he’s got this. She has faith in him. She wouldn’t have come up with this crazy plan if she didn’t. He says he’s sorry he got her involved in this, but she says she’s not. Peter doesn’t get to take another life. You won’t let him.

Austin says he’ll let Maxie get some rest, and she thanks him for helping her. She’s never going to forget him. He says, that sounds like a goodbye. Is it a goodbye? She says she thought he’d be heading back to Pawtuck, and he says he will, but he wanted to be involved in the search party. He did help bring Louise into this world, and feels vaguely responsible, so he’ll be in touch. He knows those woods like the back of his hand. They’re going to find Louise. He leaves, and Maxie says, that’s what she’s afraid of.

Brook says, this is about as far away from plan as you can get, but of all the guys in the world to be this baby’s father, she’s really glad it’s him. He says, she is? and she says, yeah. The ELQ stock aside, she can tell Valentin really loves her. He says, who wouldn’t? and she says, he’s committed, and he’ll make sure nobody hurts her; that’s all that matters. He says Brook wouldn’t let anyone hurt the baby either. He knows that about her. She says, they’re in this together? and he says, all the way. They’re going to do right by their daughter. They’re going to make Bailey Lois everything, for always. She says, they’re going to give her a really great life, and he asks Bailey/Louise if she hears that. She stirs, and he says, that’s right. I’m talking to you. Aww!

Britt’s phone rings, and she says, Jason? He says, it’s him. She asks if everything is okay, and he says, the charges were dropped. Most importantly, the cops got Cyrus. (I feel the need to point out, ly words are adverbs, so importantly is a word that makes no sense, and it annoys me. It should just be most important. Grammar class over.) She says that’s great, and he is says, it is. Did her mom get there? She says her mom did, and thanks him for that. He says he didn’t want her to be alone, and she asks if there’s any word on Peter. Has he been arrested? He says, not yet, but Cyrus is neutralized, so it’s safe for her to come back home. She says she’ll see him soon, and tells Obrecht, that was Jason. Obrecht says, so she gathered, and Britt says, he’s been exonerated, and Cyrus is in police custody. Obrecht says, so Britt is free to go back to her life, and Britt says, whatever that looks like now. Obrecht says she’s so sorry, but Britt says, at least she knows what she’s dealing with. Obrecht says Britt also has her. She loves Britt so much. Britt says she loves Obrecht too, and they hug.

Carly goes to Cyrus’s guarded room, and looks at him through the window. He sees her, and she smiles. Jordan arrives with Taggert, and tells Carly, Cyrus is in police custody. He’s not going anywhere. Carly says, good, and leaves. Jordan looks through the room window, and Taggert says, she did good today. It took a lot longer than they thought, and cost more than they imagined, but she did good. They finally nailed the bastard.

Portia gives Trina some water, and Doc asks if Laura is sure she doesn’t want to get checked out. She says she’s sure. She’s fine, physically anyway. He says he could hear it in Cyrus’s voice. He knows what someone sounds like when they’re about to crack. She almost died tonight. By God, she is brave. She thanks him, and they exchange I love yous, touching foreheads. He says, do him a favor. Don’t ever do that again. She says she’ll try. She can’t promise though. They hug.

We see a trail of clothing leading to Willow and Michael getting super busy, since they have to make up for lost time. She literally jumps onto him while they’re standing, and in the most awkward move ever, he places her on the bed. Someone watches through the window. Ew.

On Monday, Carly asks why Jax is pushing the issue, Trina tells Curtis that he needs to live, Phyllis asks Nina what’s going on between her and Mike, and Brook wonders where Bailey is.

💍 That Was Fast…

The ink isn’t even dry on the divorce papers, but hey, YOLO.

The rumors:

https://people.com/tv/porsha-williams-fiance-simon-guobadia-claims-estranged-wife-falynn-cheated/

The reactions:

https://www.etonline.com/nene-leakes-and-more-bravo-celebs-react-to-porsha-williams-engagement-to-her-rhoa-co-stars-ex

The birthday party:

https://people.com/tv/porsha-williams-shares-photos-from-fiances-birthday-party/

🙈 Jersey Drama…

Ugh. This guy. He looks like he belongs in The Sopranos. As an underling.

https://pagesix.com/2021/05/28/former-rhonj-cast-member-daniel-provenzano-to-pay-222k-to-ex/

Dina isn’t having it.

https://people.com/tv/dina-manzo-slams-nephew-albie-manzo-for-trying-to-make-a-profit-on-his-podcast-over-family-drama-shocking/

🍹 Down In Mexico…

Teresa proves there’s life after Juicy Joe and jail.

https://pagesix.com/2021/05/25/teresa-giudice-and-luis-ruelas-pack-on-pda-on-mexico-vacation/

✂️ Cut and Run…

God forbid Heather should be held accountable for her words.

https://people.com/tv/rhony-alum-heather-thomson-why-she-cut-show-return-short-leah-mcsweeney-drama/

https://pagesix.com/2021/05/25/luann-de-lesseps-on-heather-thomsons-rhony-return/

🚫 So This Is a Bad Thing…?

Carole probably did Leah a favor by blocking her.

💬 Taking a Break…

I can’t say as I blame her. While I think Eboni might have been a tad sensitive, LuAnn is an a-hole if she thinks education is based on how many languages you know.

‘RHONY’: Eboni K. Williams Taking Time off Social Media After Luann De Lesseps Feud

🕵🏾‍♀️ Deep Dive…

Dr. Moon – no, not that Dr. Moon, Tiffany – examines racism in the pandemic.

https://www.health.com/mind-body/health-diversity-inclusion/dr-tiffany-moon-celebrity-deep-dive

🏖 Your Summer Sewn Up…

I probably couldn’t afford to rent her garage.

https://guestofaguest.com/hamptons/real-estate/luann-de-lesseps-is-renting-out-her-charming-sag-harbor-home-for-the-summer

🏰 Wifely Real Estate…

I’d need roller skates to live in these houses. Although first, I’d need to learn to roller skate. I’m pretty sad on those things.

https://nypost.com/2021/05/25/the-10-most-expensive-homes-owned-by-the-real-housewives/

🏙 Bringing It To the Table…

It’s too bad I don’t really like her very much.

https://pagesix.com/2021/05/22/million-dollar-listing-star-kirsten-jordan-on-why-she-was-cast/

👑 More Games…

A possible House Martell prequel.

https://ew.com/tv/game-of-thrones-princess-nymeria-prequel-writer/

🐕 Furkids Are Family Too…

Every month is National Pet Month around here.

https://www.essence.com/lifestyle/celebrities-with-pets/

📺 Enjoy the Show…

Looks like there are some good ones.

https://www.essence.com/entertainment/14-summer-tv-shows-we-cant-wait-to-watch/

👀 Have You Seen Him…?

Please check out this photo of missing actor and playwright Andy Neiman.

https://www.insideedition.com/andy-cohen-asks-for-help-in-finding-childhood-friend-missing-for-2-weeks-67422

📰 Quotes of the Week

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

The mind is like a car battery; it recharges by running. – Bill Watterson

If you’re gonna be two-faced at least make one of them pretty. – Marilyn Monroe

The point is not to pay back kindness but to pass it on. – Julia Alvarez

One log won’t burn. – Dr. Phil

Animals are such agreeable friends; they ask no questions, they pass no criticisms. – George Eliot

You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist. – Friedrich Wilhelm Nietzsche

You are never strong enough that you don’t need help. – Cesar Chavez

More than cleverness, we need kindness and gentleness. – Charlie Chaplin

Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less. – Rick Warren

Love isn’t a state of perfect caring. It is an active noun like ‘struggle.‘ – Fred Rogers

If you have a garden and a library, you have everything you need. – Cicero

If you are going through hell, keep going. – Winston S. Churchill

Man may have discovered fire, but women discovered how to play with it. – Candace Bushnell

🛣 Hitting the Road…

As we head into another weekend, hoping you’re closer to being able to call it a weekend. Unless you’ve made the decision not to label days anymore. Whatever works. The Dead are back on Sunday, but until then, stay safe, stay paying it forward, and stay knowing that when a plan’s in motion, it can twist in unexpected ways.  

May 26, 2021 – Cyrus Has Something Carly Wants, Ending On a Sweet Note, Look Out Tahoe, Beverly Hills Newbie & Boots

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Someone falls down the stairs. We see it’s Peter, with blood pooling around his head. Next to him are new passports for him and Maxie.

Five hours earlier. Chloe drives with an unconscious Maxie in the passenger seat. She says if her car needs new suspension, she’s making Peter pay for it. These country roads are the worst. At least Maxie gets to sleep through it. By the time that sedative wears off, they’ll be at the house. They just need Peter to join them.

Brook calls Maxie, and gets voicemail. She says she’s calling from the burner phone, per Maxie’s orders. She’s heading out; she just has to get rid of Yuri. Valentin walks in, and asks how Brook feels, and she says, good. The new crib came; it’s in the nursery. He says he’s looking forward to seeing it. Since they’ll be meeting their baby soon, he knows it can be taxing. She says, that’s one word for it, and he says, it will be worth it. Everything is coming together. She says, it sure is.

Michael and Willow walk in the house with Chase, and Willow says, home, sweet home. Chase says, only until he’s better, and she says, however long it takes. Chase asks if they mind if he sits down. He knows he just got out of the car, but… Michael says, sure, and leads him into the living room. Brook asks what Chase is doing there, and he says he just got out of the hospital. She suggests he get a room at the psyche ward, so they can help if he has a relapse. He says he’d planned on going home, but Michael was kind enough to let him stay there. Brook says, what a great idea, not meaning it at all.

Eli grabs Nina, and she says he really wants to let her go, but he says it doesn’t matter what either one of them wants anymore. She asks what he’s going to do. This is a public park, and unless he wants to get arrested for assault… He says it’s pretty quiet there, and she says, it’s going to get louder once one of them starts screaming. He says, that’s not necessary – for now. All he wants to do is talk. What is really going on between her and Mike? And why do they want to get in his way?

Brando aims the gun at Gladys, who shrinks from him, then suddenly turns it on Cyrus. He shoots, but the gun just clicks, and Cyrus says, performance issues?

Ava goes to the reception desk at the hospital, and asks if Cyrus is in. She just checked his office, but his assistant isn’t at her desk. The nurse says, he’s gone for the day, and asks if Ava would like for her to message him. Ava says, that’s okay. She’ll catch up with him another time. Nikolas comes along and asks what she’s doing there. She stammers a little, and says she’s there to deal with some paperwork; Avery’s physical is coming up. He says, right. Or, she came there to see Cyrus, didn’t she?

Two of Cyrus’s guys come in, and Cyrus points his gun at Brando. He says, in case Brando was wondering, this one is loaded. He heard Brando was Sonny’s plant from the start. He gave Brando chance after chance to choose the winning side, but he didn’t. He regrets to inform Brando that he failed his final test.

On the phone, Carly asks if Trent has his men in place… Okay, stand by. They have to wait for Spinelli to get eyes in the warehouse. They need to know what they’re walking in on. She prays to God they get Gladys out in one piece.

Britt tells Jason, he doesn’t have to, and he asks if she wants to. She kisses him, and they move to getting busy. She says she forgot that he’s hurt, but he says, it’s fine. She asks if he’s sure, and he says he is. There’s a song part, and they get busier.  

Willow asks if Chase is sure he doesn’t want to go straight to his room, and he says he thinks he can make it in a minute. She suggests she get his pain meds; it will make the trip upstairs easier. She leaves, and Chase thanks Michael for letting him stay there, saying, it’s very generous of him. Michael says, it’s their pleasure, and gets Chase some water. He tells Chase just not to expect peace and quiet around there, and Chase says he knows Michael’s family can be a bit contentious. Michael says, that’s a good word. Chase says he’s sorry to impose, but glad he’s there, for Willow’s sake. Michael asks, why is that? and Chase says he feels bad about all the time she spent with him at the hospital. She must have wanted to be there.

Nina asks if Eli wants to know who Mike is, and he says he wants to know who Mike is to her. She says other than Mike being one of Phyllis’s strays, as Phyllis likes to call him, she doesn’t know anything about Mike. Except for the firehouse dance, she doesn’t think she’s seen him outside of the bar. Eli says he’s not buying it. He thought she was a nice lady, classy, but she was never real with him. She broke into his office and stole information that she had no right to see, let alone take. She says, maybe she did. Maybe she was just looking for her lost earring, but it doesn’t matter now. She tells him to listen to her. That information is out there now, and neither she nor Mike are going to allow him to take the Tan-O from Lenny and Phyllis. He asks how she’s going to stop him, and she says, right now, Mike is giving a copy of the bank statement to the police. That was the plan all along. She was going to go out with Eli, and keep him busy, and Mike was going to drive the last nail into Eli’s coffin. Eli yells, damn you! She’s ruined his life.

Nikolas says he doesn’t know what’s worse; Ava coming to see Cyrus alone, or coming to see Cyrus at all. She says, please. And what is he doing there? He says he was there for Cassadine Industries, and she laughs, saying, stop it. She knows he came there to see Cyrus too, after they agreed to handle him together, as a team. He says she did the exact same thing, so don’t pretend she’s taking the moral high ground. She supposes they have to get used to this teamwork stuff, and he says, apparently. Why did she come without him? She says she thought if she came alone, Cyrus would be more receptive to believe she’s on his side in all of this. What about him? He says, similar. Olive branch, say he wanted to work with Cyrus, provide a front for his business, and make a lot of money. She says, okay, and holds out her hand, saying, they’re going to make a deal then; they work together. They shake hands, and he says, like they did with Ryan? and she says, hopefully better than that. They decided to let Ryan live, and now he’s sending her creepy gifts. He says, they can’t make the same mistake with Cyrus, and she says, no. They have to take Cyrus out for good.

Carly’s phone rings, and she asks Spinelli, what’s going on? At the warehouse, Spinelli says he’s trying to get the lay of the land. He successfully set up a fiber optic camera in a vent. She asks what he sees, and he says, nothing yet, but he does have audio. She asks if he hears Gladys, and he says, not yet, but he hears someone. He listens, and says, is it Brando?

Brando says he was willing to take Cyrus’s orders, up until the time Cyrus asked him to kill his own mother. Cyrus says, yet here she is, still breathing, which means Brando’s loyalty has limits. Brando says, in his position, Cyrus would have done the same thing, and Cyrus admits he would have. Unfortunately for Brando, Cyrus is a big believer in double standards. He’s afraid neither Brando nor his mother are going to leave this warehouse alive. Gladys gives a muffled, no, and Brando says, please. Let him say goodbye to his mom. Cyrus says, make it quick, and Brando squats down and takes her hands. He says he knows they haven’t always seen eye to eye, but he loves her. Through the duct tape, she says she loves him too, and Cyrus says, time’s up. Brando slowly gets up, and turns, and one of Cyrus’s guys yells, get down! Everyone scrambles, and Trent’s men come in. A shootout begins.

Britt and Jason continue being busy, and there’s more music.

Michael says he’s sure Willow doesn’t regret any of the time she spent with Chase at the hospital, and Chase says he’s sure she’d deny it, but how could she not? She was there day after day, holding his hand, listening to him whine, and mutter deliriously. All that time, she could have been here with Wiley. Michael says he can assure Chase that Wiley wasn’t neglected in any way, and Willow didn’t want to be there. Chase says he knows, but now it will be easier on Willow, with all of them in one place. Willow comes back in.

Nina struggles with Eli, and says he’s sorry, but she brought this on herself. She kept pushing him and pushing him. She tells him to listen to her, but he doesn’t, and Sonny comes up behind him, hitting him in the head with a hefty branch. Eli goes down, and Sonny asks if Nina is okay. She falls into his arms.

Carly asks if Spinelli is okay, and he peeks out from behind a crate. He says he’s uninjured for the moment; the shooting seems to have stopped. She says she has to know what’s going on in the warehouse, and he hopes his camera isn’t a casualty. He opens his laptop.

Trent calls to Brando that it’s all clear. Carly sent them to get him and his mother out of there. Brando brings Gladys out, but she’s been shot in the shoulder. He takes the duct tape off of her mouth, while Trent undoes her wrists. Brando fashions something out of his tie for her shoulder, and Trent says, when she stabilizes they’ll be taken to a safe house. Brando says, there’s no time. They have to get her to a hospital. Brando picks up Gladys, and carries her out, while Trent follows with his guys.

Brook asks Michael if he’s for real. Chase is staying here? He says he ran it by Monica, but she says, Monica’s not the problem. She’s letting Valentin, and Charlotte, and that Ukrainian mountain man stay here. He asks, what is the problem? He thought she liked Chase. She says, of course (🍷) she does; it’s impossible not to like Chase. It’s just that this is a disaster waiting to happen. Chase is still a detective. Michael says, so? and she says, detectives notice things, like gestures and behaviors, and longing, yearning, aching looks. It’s just a matter of time before Chase catches on that Michael and Willow are in love.

Maxie wakes up on a couch, and asks where she is. Chloe comes in, and she asks where they are. This is definitely not the spa where she made a reservation. Chloe says, sorry. There won’t be any pampering for Maxie tonight. Maxie asks if Chloe drugged her, and Chloe says, mm-hmm. This is where little Louise will be born… tonight.

Carly says they need to know what’s happening on the ground, and Spinelli says, alas, the camera was indeed damaged, but he still has audio. He listens, and says, they’ve triumphed. Cyrus’s men have been routed. (I had to look this up. It means defeated.) She asks, what about Cyrus? but he says he doesn’t hear Cyrus’s voice. He asks if Trent reads him, and listens. He tells Carly, according to Trent, Gladys has been shot and Brando is taking her to the hospital. She says she’s on her way, and tells him, get out of there now. He says, like the wind, and closes his laptop. He gets up, and sees someone. He says, greetings and salutations.

Police mill around the park, and Nina tells Finchley that Sonny knocked Cyrus out before he could really hurt her. He’s glad she’s okay, and asks if she’s telling him these documents will connect Eli to the robberies in Corinth. She says, and around Nixon Falls, and he says, and Eli just happened to be carrying incriminating printouts of illicit activity on his person? She says she certainly hasn’t seen them before… She watches Sonny gesturing behind Finchley, and says, they fell out of Eli’s pockets. She picked them up, and gave them back to Eli, and that’s when he got so desperate, because there was no way out. Finchley says, right. Their forensic accountant will look at them. Nina says she’s sure they’ll verify what she just said. She and Mike were looking at the papers just before he came. Finchley says, so Mike handled the documents too? and Sonny says, yeah, when Nina showed them to him. Finchley says they can go over the details at the station. Mike is still under suspicion for breaking and entering Eli’s office, so Mike is going to have to come with him.

Michael tells Brook, he and Willow are just friends, and Wiley’s parents; that’s all. She says, okay, but just in case she’s right, be careful. He thanks her for her concern, but says he’s got this. She says she’s hoping against hope that he does.

Willow asks if Chase is feeling any better, and he says, just being out of the hospital makes him feel better. She tells him to remember what his brother his father the doctor said; take it easy, and don’t push himself. He says, copy that, and takes her hand, saying, actually, she’s the one he’s worried about.

Valentin comes downstairs, and Brook asks if he checked out the crib. He says, not yet. He was halfway out the door when he realized he left some important documents upstairs. He thinks the imminent arrival of their child has him distracted. She asks where he’s going, and he says she was in the room when he told Cook that he’d be dining out. She asks why he and Charlotte get along with Cook; it’s weird. He says, they speak the same language, and she says the language of pure evil? He says, there are those who call it French, and she says, quel fromage (what cheese). He says, who doesn’t like cheese? I say, nobody, and he tells Brook, au revoir. He leaves, and she says, time to get going. She just has to get rid of her shadow.

Maxie says, she’s not giving birth until next week, but Chloe says Peter is moving up the timeline. Maxie says he didn’t tell her, and Chloe says he didn’t think she needed to know. Maxie says, excuse me? and Chloe says it was her job to get Maxie there. Peter will join them soon, but for now, she’s going to induce labor. She prepares a syringe, and Maxie says, no. She can’t give birth there; she has to be in a hospital. Chloe says they have everything they need there. Even an incubator upstairs in case the baby needs oxygen. It’s all under control. Maxie says, is it? That’s just great. She starts yelling for help.

Jason and Britt bask in the afterglow, and Jason kisses Britt’s forehead. She removes herself from his arms, and he asks if she’s okay. She says she’s fine. It was just unexpected – not in a bad way. It was just not how she thought this day would end. Is his side okay; is it bothering him? He says it’s fine, and she says, right. Well, okay, that happened, and they’re both okay with that, and… thanks.  

Brando carries Glady’s into the hospital and yell for help. Portia asks, what happened? and he says, she was shot. Only once as far as he can tell. Portia asks her name, and Brando says, Gladys Corbin; she’s his mom. Portia tells him, keep her steady, and nurses bring over a gurney. Brando places Gladys on it, and Portia tells her that she’s at General Hospital. They’re going to take good care of her. She tells a nurse to keep pressure on the wound, and take Gladys to a cubicle. Gladys is whisked off, and Portia tells Brando to wait there. Ava and Nikolas come along, and Ava asks what happened? Brando says his mom was shot. Cyrus was holding her… Ava says, Cyrus shot Brando’s mother? but he says he doesn’t know who shot her. There was gunfire, and Cyrus had kidnapped her. Nikolas asks if Brando can tell them why, and Brando says, because Cyrus found out Gladys changed her mind. She was trying to protect him, because Cyrus was going to… He has to find Sasha right now. Brando pulls out his phone, and jets.

Sonny says, you know what, Trooper… and Nina runs over to them. She asks if this is really necessary. Obviously, Eli is accusing Mike because they found out what he’s up to. Finchley says they can sort all that out at the station, and Sonny asks if there’s any evidence that he broke into Eli’s office. Finchley says, not yet, and Nina says, so, no, and Finchley guesses they’re free to go. Sonny tells Finchley, look on the bright side. At least he’s got those bank statements. He’s no lawyer, but remembers an awful lot about the law, he thinks it’s probably cause to look into Eli’s finances. Finchley says he’ll need them both at the station tomorrow to give their official statements. He leaves, and Nina squeals, we did it! and throws her arms around Sonny, who hugs her back.

Carly strides into the hospital, and picks up speed when she sees Brando. He says, Sasha’s not picking up, but Carly says, it’s okay; she took care of it. Ever since his mom agreed to speak to the DA, she had one of her guys protecting Sasha. Nice of her to let him know. He thanks her, and she asks, how’s Gladys? but he says he doesn’t know. Brando leaves, presumably to get information, and Nikolas tells Carly that he and Ava were there when Brando brought Gladys in. Ava says, Portia told them that she’ll be out as soon as they know anything. Carly says, thanks, and Ava asks, what happened? Carly says, Cyrus tried to kill Gladys because she could testify against him. He used her to frame Jason.

Jason gets dressed, and Britt says, she was thinking, they can’t stay in the Canadian wilderness forever, no matter how much they like the scenery. They’ll eventually have to deal with Peter, so Maxie and Louise don’t have to look over their shoulders for the rest of their lives. He says she’s right, and she says she was expecting an argument. Okay, great. He says, now that he’s had time to recover, he can act instead of just react. Britt says, we; we can act. She’s his accomplice, remember? He says she’s done enough.

Maxie continues to yell for help, but Chloe says she has to save her strength for labor. All this screaming isn’t going to do the baby any good. She walks over to Maxie with a syringe, and says, besides, ever since the mine closed down, there’s really no one around to hear her or help her. Except Chloe. Maxie says, lucky her, and Chloe tells her, don’t worry. As soon as little Louise is born, Peter will come to take Maxie away. Maxie says, away where? and Chloe says she doesn’t know, but she’s definitely going in style. Peter booked a helicopter to come pick her up. Relax. She put the kettle on for some tea. Does Maxie want some? Maxie says, Chloe – if in fact that’s her real name. She doesn’t know what Peter told her, but it’s a lie. He’s a killer; he’s dangerous. Chloe says he told her Maxie might say something like that, and Maxie says here’s something he didn’t tell Chloe. You know what Peter doesn’t like? Witnesses. He hires people to do his dirty work, and then eliminates them. Chloe says Maxie is desperate enough to say anything, and Maxie says, whatever Peter is paying her, she won’t be alive long enough to spend it. Chloe says, chamomile or peppermint?

Willow asks why Chase would be worried about her, and Chase says, as much as he appreciates all the time she’s spent with him, on top of her nursing classes, he’s worried she’s going to run herself ragged. She says, all he has to worry about is getting better. She’s just fine.

Brook holds some screws in her hand, and yells for Yuri, telling him, come quick. He comes into the foyer, and she says, thank God he’s there. They’re trying to kill her baby. He asks, who? and she shows him some screws, saying she found them under the crib. Then she checked the crib; it’s super rickety. He says, what is super rick…? and she says, it’s loose… shaky… It’s bad. He says, oh, bad, and she says she’s convinced the delivery guy set it up wrong, and it’s going to collapse the moment she puts her precious baby in it. He says, not sweet baby, and she asks if he’ll please fix it. He says, for her, he fixes, and takes the screws. She thanks him, and says, for a guy who could kill someone with his thumb, he’s such a sweetheart. As soon as Yuri is out of sight, Brook grabs her overnight bag, and dashes to the door. She opens it, and Valentin is there. She says she thought he left, and he says he did. He was pulling out of the driveway, and realized he had Charlotte’s science book in his car. Are they going somewhere?

Britt says, not what you want to hear from a guy you just slept with; you’ve done enough. He says that’s not what he meant, and she says, really? So he’s planning on abandoning her in the Great White North after pity sex? He says, first of all, he doesn’t pity her, and she says, thanks, but she wasn’t referring to herself. Face it. She’s way out of his league, and everyone can see that. He asks if she’s finished, but she says, no. Just because she has the genetic marker for Huntington’s, doesn’t mean she’s useless. Not yet anyway. He says he doesn’t think… and she says, doesn’t think what? That she’s useless? Then why does he want to leave her?

Nikolas says, Gladys can testify that Cyrus committed criminal offenses that can put him away? and Carly says, yes. Ava suggests they not count their chickens; it is Cyrus they’re talking about. Carly says she can’t get into it right now. She thanks them for staying with Brando, and says they can go now. She goes over to Brando, and Nikolas says there’s no way he’s leaving now. Ava? She says, nope. No way in hell.

Brook says, if Valentin must know, she’s going to visit her girlfriend Cecilia. She’s throwing Brook one last girl’s night before the baby comes. He doesn’t think that’s such a good idea, and she says she didn’t think he would. And yet, she doesn’t care. She’s not his hostage, and doesn’t need his permission to live her life. He says he knows that, but they’ve been over this ad nauseum. He has enemies. She says, that sounds like a you problem, and he says, not when she’s carrying his baby. He needs her to take this more seriously. She says she wasn’t going to say anything, but she had a bit of a wake-up call, in Wyndham’s, of all places. Someone was following her. He asks if she’s sure, and she says she saw him lurking by the dressing room, and thought he was just a random perv, but then she noticed him looking at her when she was picking out baby clothes, and realized it wasn’t so random. He asks why she didn’t tell him before, and she says, because of Yuri. The big lug was right there, and made her feel safe. She won’t set foot outside this house without him by her side. He says, good, and she thanks him for taking such amazing care of her and her baby. He says she’s welcome, and she starts to pick up her bag, but he tells her, hang on a second. He’s not done.

Chloe says she can assure Maxie, Peter doesn’t want to hurt her or the baby; he’s crazy devoted to her. Maxie says, no, he’s just crazy. Would a sane person toss her and a newborn onto a helicopter, taking her away from her other children, Georgie and James? She can’t be without them. She suddenly cramps, and tells Chloe, she’s not feeling so good. Could she have some of that tea? Chloe says, of course (🍷). How lucky. They might not have to induce. How long has Maxie been cramping? Maxie says she’s not in labor, and Chloe says, it’s fine if she is. It’s so much better going into labor naturally. Maxie says, this can’t be happening, and Chloe says, here’s her tea. She hopes it’s not too hot. Maxie takes the cup, and says, no, it’s perfect. She throws the tea in Chloe’s face, and Chloe goes down to her knees, covering her face.

Nina breaks away from Sonny, and he asks if she’s sure she’s okay. She says she’s fine. How did he know where they were? She never told him where Eli was taking her. He says, when he didn’t see her at the barbecue, he thought he’d guessed wrong. He started thinking, where would Elijah take Nina? and he started asking people if there was a make-out spot where there was privacy, and this was the second spot he checked. She tells him, good detective work, and he says he wanted to stop Eli, and protect Lenny and Phyllis, just like her. He didn’t want to put her in any danger, because she’s important… more than all this. She says when she realized Eli knew it was them who broke into his office, she knew she was in danger. She was so grateful that he showed up. He puts his hands on her arms, and says, do him a favor. Never leave him behind again. She shakes her head, and he kisses her. Woohoo. Two from my wish list in one week. But also, rut-roh. I can’t see this one as turning out well.

Valentin says he knows who’s having Brook followed, and he’s going to address the situation. She and Yuri enjoy girl’s night. Are they leaving soon? She says, as soon as Yuri gets a move on, and yells in Russian, are you still working? Yuri says, da, and Valentin says she speaks Russian. She says you don’t spend as much time in Little Odessa as she did and not pick up something. He says, Little Odessa? and she says, Brighton Beach. He says, right, and leaves. I spent a lot of time at Brighton Beach in my single days, and it does have a large Russian population.

In the living room, Willow puts a blanket on Chase, who’s asleep on the couch. Brook calls to Yuri, asking how it’s going. He says, a loose screw, and she slips out. Outside, she says, Maxie, I’m coming, and walks away from the house.

Britt says she didn’t take Jason as the love ‘em and leave ‘em type, but he says, he’s not leaving her.

Michael comes downstairs as Willow is coming out of the living room. He asks how Chase is, and she says Chase is sleeping. Yuri runs down the stairs, saying, he needs a special wrench. He asks where Brook is.

As she struggles to get up from the floor, Chloe feels around for the syringe on the table. Maxie, who’s cramping for real, gets a fireplace poker. Chloe gets up, brandishing the syringe, and Maxie says, you will never get my baby, bitch, and raises the poker.

Sonny and Nina kiss, but she finally pulls away. He says he didn’t expect that to happen, but he’s glad it did. He moves in for more, but she holds up her hands. He asks, what’s wrong? but she says, nothing. She’s fine. She’s really fine. It’s been a long day, and she needs to go home. So… bye. She runs off, and Sonny watches her go.

Portia comes out, and Brando asks, how’s his mom? Portia says, she’s been taken to surgery. She thinks he should know she’s required by law to report all gunshot wounds. The police are there now and would like to speak with him. Behind Portia, Carly nods, and he says, okay; lead the way. Nikolas tells Ava that Gladys could be in surgery for hours. They should probably go. She says she thinks it might be worth it to stick around a little bit longer. Carly’s phone rings, and she sees the call is from Unknown. It’s Cyrus, who says, she has something he wants, and as it turns out, he has something she wants even more. We see he has Spinelli, bound and gagged.

Tomorrow, Carly begs someone to tell her the truth, Ava wants to help, and Valentin threatens to kill Peter.  

The Real Housewives of New Jersey – The Reunion Part 2

Andy welcomed us to the intense conclusion of the RHONJ Reunion. We jumped right in, with Marge saying that if Teresa said she started the Evan rumor, it was going down really bad. Jackie said there were also rumors about Jennifer out there too, and karma was a bitch. Andy clearly wasn’t ready for this topic, and said they’d talk about it later; moving on. A viewer said they loved drunk Jennifer, and Marge should lighten up. Delores thought Marge was thinking of her own childhood. Marge said it hadn’t been the first time, and Jennifer insisted she wasn’t a sloppy drunk. A sloppy drunk was someone who went home with a stranger. Huh? Marge wondered why it had to involve men. Jennifer was falling on her face, and blackout drunk. Teresa said it was fun, and Marge wondered why. A viewer asked why Jennifer slut-shamed Marge about sleeping with her boss. Andy asked if Jackie had ever experienced sexual harassment on the job, and she said she had bosses who massaged her shoulders when she didn’t want them to. Teresa asked if Jackie let them, and Jackie said she didn’t want to get fired. Teresa said no one touched her unless she wanted them to, and I wondered what jobs she’d ever had. Did she work a McDonald’s window for ten minutes? Marge said that sounded like victim-shaming; like Teresa was saying they allowed it to happen. Teresa insisted it would never happen to her, and I insisted that was because she’s never worked a day in her life. Marge said this was why more women didn’t come forward. Jennifer said Marge had been easy-peasy, and Andy said, moving on again, which he probably said ten times throughout the show. He asked if there was a path ahead for Marge and Jennifer, but Marge didn’t know. Jennifer said she didn’t want to have to defend herself. She hadn’t wanted to call Marge slutty. So I guess is her definition of defending herself is name calling, not just refuting the point. Got it. Marge said, despite the bullsh*t, she always did the right thing, and griped because nobody thanked her for leaving them champagne and autographed copies of her book. Teresa thought Marge was getting back at her for the hair pull, but Marge said she wasn’t a retaliator. Andy asked Delores if David had gotten angry about her vaginal surgery, and Delores said he had. Teresa said maybe he’d change his mind once he put it in. Wow.

We went down Delores Memory Lane, and Andy asked if Delores and David were still together. She said they were, but she never moved into his house. She was renovating her own house, and admitted a bit of the reason was to stick it to him. She felt he loved her, but didn’t know how be in a relationship. David had been married before, but it had been 14 years since he was divorced. He had four kids, who Delores said she was close to. Jackie said most men wouldn’t tolerate Delores’s close relationship with Frank, and suggested, instead of a ring, David had given Delores Frank, and that was what was good for her. I’ll say it again, Delores has the ideal situation. Andy asked if Delores thought David didn’t want to get married to anyone, or just her. We saw a clip of Andy speaking with Frank Jr., and asking if he thought Delores and David would ever get married. Frankie said he spent a lot of time with David and heard things others didn’t.  Andy asked if Delores would marry David, and she said she would, but she had a list of demands.

Andy said Teresa had been sex obsessed and pineapple crazy. She’d finally ended her marriage, and was in love with a mystery man. We flashed back to Teresa’s love life this season, and Andy asked if Louie was the first guy she’d dated after the divorce. She said she’d talked to other guys, but was vague on what that actually meant. We did find out she and Louie say I love you, and he has two sons, seventeen and nineteen, the oldest having autism, Teresa said she got along with his children, and thought his ex was a lovely person. The subject of Juicy Joe’s cheating or not came up, but I wasn’t sure why that was even still an issue. I can’t imagine he wasn’t. End of story. Andy asked if Louie was the only man Teresa had sex with outside of Joe #1, which even I thought was intrusive, but she said he was. We found out Joe #1 was moving to the Bahamas, and would be going back and forth from there to Italy. Teresa and Louie had met Joe in there for dinner, which wasn’t too awkward. To make things even more awkward, Andy brought up Kim D accusing Louie of mistreating his exes, but Teresa said she didn’t talk to sewer rats, although she felt bad, since his public humiliation was because of her. She thought she’d redeemed herself this season, and Jackie asked if she was sure. Teresa defended herself all over the place about the rumor thing, from saying she wasn’t trying to ruin the party to pretending she just wanted Jackie to know, like any good friend would. Jackie said, funny, since Teresa had told everyone but her.   

The husbands joined, and no big shock, the Evan rumor was discussed again. Evan said he hadn’t thought it could get worse than his kids hearing he didn’t get BJs. He was concerned about his reputation at first, but in the end, had only gotten a lot of good natured ribbing. Once again, Joe #3 was put in the hot seat, Andy asking if he’d really heard the rumor elsewhere, but he said he’d heard it from the yentas talking in his house. Teresa made more excuses, and Andy asked if she’d done it to hurt Jackie. She said, no, but Jackie said, bullsh*t. A rumor like that had the potential to ruin a marriage. Teresa whined that Jackie kept bringing up her having gone to jail, and Jackie said she mentioned it twice, which was correct.  

Andy said Danielle had claimed Marge was the source of the rumor, and Delores said Danielle blamed Marge for everything. Andy said Jennifer had thought so too, and Jennifer said Marge claimed she’d heard it from someone in Tenafly, and Marge hung out in the Tenafly circles. I had absolutely no idea what she meant or who traveled in these circles. She thought it had gone from Marge to Melissa, to Joe #2, to Teresa, but Marge said she was close with Jackie, and if she’d heard anything, would have told her. When Teresa said Jackie should have explained she was giving an analogy first, and all would have been well, I actually said, oh God, help me, out loud. A viewer asked if Joe #2 would ever check Teresa on her bad behavior. He hemmed and hawed, and said he backed Teresa up because she’s his sister. I think he’s scared of her. He sure looked nervous. Teresa kept saying she hadn’t spread the rumor, when she’d clearly told several people at Jackie’s party. I wondered WTF she called it. There’s no way someone could be this stupid, could they? Please, tell me they can’t. Teresa said Louie liked to golf, and suggested a playdate with Evan, who thought that was a cool idea. Andy said the national nightmare was over, and I literally lol’d.  

I get it. This is entertaining on a certain level, like wrestling. But while wrestling is real in the sense that the people are really champions in the sport – the dance, as I like to call it – they’re given storylines to follow. So they’re also actors. These are real people and it disturbs me when someone so vicious suffers no consequences for it. Teresa stomps all over people, refuses to see reason, seems to have no understanding of the English language whatsoever, and gets free reign because she’s being paid to be obnoxious and perpetually table flip. At least Andy is starting to check her, but I think it’s time for people like her to go. We have enough hate in the world. I feel for what she’s been through. Even she didn’t deserve Juicy Joe’s fast track to jail, but enough already. For God’s sake, she thinks throwing a chair isn’t going ballistic.

Andy said this year, it was fitting to say goodbye with something a little sweeter, and pineapple drinks with umbrellas in them were served. Actually, it looked like a tiny island floating in there. Teresa wondered where hers was, and Louie brought it out. Andy invited him to stay for a moment, and asked what he loved about Teresa. Louie said she was open and real; she was genuine. Andy asked him to make his best toast, and he said, to ending one season, and to another one with no drama. Hmm… If that was his best toast, maybe they are perfect for one another, and someone can be that stupid. But lame effort or no, he asked a lot. The women came up with new beginnings, a fresh start, and a clean slate. All of which ought to last all of five minutes. Louie met the other guys backstage, and it was a nice thing to end with. I really do think this group of husbands should get their own show. The women said Andy was next, since they were all paired up, and Jackie said she had a nice Jewish guy for him.  

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

Erika picked out a wardrobe for Tahoe, and Sutton came over to keep her and her clothes company. In Erika’s interview, she said when she first met Sutton, she thought Sutton was over-the-top. Erika thought someone was over the top. Sutton no less. What? She said once she got to know Sutton, she saw that Sutton was a proper Southern lady. Sutton told Erika that she’d sold her house, which had been symbolic of her marriage and dependence, and decided to build. She thought she had a pretty mess inside. Inside her was a strong, impassioned woman who gave a f***. She and Erika did a weird high-five, and I wondered, wasn’t it Erika who sang about giving zero f***s?

Garcelle met with Kyle to discuss Kyle calling her out for non-payment of a charity bid. Garcelle said they had an address she hadn’t had in years, and asked if Kyle would have said that to one of the white women. She felt the issue had been weaponized against her. She didn’t think it was intentional, but it reflected a stereotype, indicating she didn’t pay her bills. Kyle said she hadn’t even thought about that, and Garcelle said that was because she didn’t have to, since she didn’t experience it. In Garcelle’s interview, she said there was a lot of stuff people didn’t realize Black women needed to think about before they do anything. No one asked what it was like being a Black woman in Hollywood, and it made her feel like an outsider. To Garcelle’s credit, she explained it well, and to Kyle’s credit, she got it. Crystal tried to get her daughter to drink some green juice by making a game of it, and in her interview, she said it was a cliché to call a Chinese mom a tiger mom, but she was one. She talked about husband Rob’s work, saying she didn’t like to brag about herself, but she liked to brag about him. Scheduling was a passion, and the family’s schedule was color-coded according to member. She told us no one was allowed to change it except her. Her brother was currently living with them because of covid, but his day job was being a pop star in China. She said while he was there, she’d appointed him her manny. She wanted to instill respect for the elders of the family in her children, but wasn’t sure it was working because her kids were crazy.

Garcelle and LisaR were the first to show up for the flight to Tahoe, and in her interview, Garcelle said she was excited to go, but it was awkward being there with LisaR. Kathy was also going with them, and had never gone on an all girls trip. She’d only jet-setted with her husband. Garcelle was afraid of small planes, but it was only a one-hour flight, which is two seconds in TV time. They were driven to an Airbnb called Lake Sherman estates; 17,000 square feet, a private chef, and an amazing view. Garcelle did change her room from the first to second floor when it was noted that bears were at ground level, the manager telling them to keep the sliding doors locked. She said, second floor, no bears, she was good. They had to carry their own bags, and it was as though a tragedy had befallen. In Kyle’s interview, she said she was happy to have Kathy back in her life again. She’d had anxiety and depression not speaking to her sister, and they’d finally worked through their problems. I swear, every time I just saw LisaR, my blood pressure went up.

Even though they had a chef, Kyle wanted to cook. They laughed about Kathy mistaking Garcelle for Kyle, and Erika said when Tom had conversations with people he didn’t remember, she could tell because he didn’t introduce her. Kyle set the salmon on fire, and in Erika’s interview, she said it wasn’t blackened; it was burnt fish. We found out that Kyle’s family nickname was Doogie, and Sutton brought gifts. Something she thought was important during covid, but they also had an election week coming up. Inside the gift bags, the women found flasks engraved with their initials. Kyle wondered if you pulled a flask out of a beautiful bag, was it wrong? I toyed with the idea of carrying one.

Dorit suggested a game of Two Truths and One Lie, where you make three statements about yourself, and everyone has to guess which is a lie. LisaR acted shocked when two of Crystal’s statements were that she worked in an escort agency, and was asked to be a madam. That everything is so dramatic with that one is annoying too. Crystal said she had worked for an escort service, but she’d answered phones, which was exactly what I thought she was going to say. We found out Sutton worked at Starbuck’s, and Erika only revealed that she was adopted – by her stepfather. She said she’d explain the other two privately, but of course, no one said, hey dude, that’s not playing the game. LisaR said she wasn’t a good liar, which isn’t exactly owning it. Garcelle pointed out LisaR was an actress, and in Garcelle’s interview, she said LisaR claimed she wasn’t close with Denise, proving she was a good liar. All of Kathy’s were true, and in Kyle’s interview, she said Kathy had no interest in following rules. Kyle, Crystal, and Sutton stayed up drinking, while Garcelle sought out LisaR. Garcelle told LisaR about her conversation with Sutton, and said LisaR seemed to think it was all good, but it wasn’t. LisaR said she’d told her husband (#WhatDidHarryDo) that it had been a step in the right direction. Garcelle said she’d seen a side of LisaR that she’d never seen, and it was scary. She didn’t trust LisaR. Denise had felt she and LisaR were good friends, but LisaR had said they weren’t close. In her interview, Garcelle said that trust was always important to her, but became more so after her divorce. Without it, you couldn’t have a relationship. She asked LisaR how she knew trusting her wouldn’t backfire, but LisaR said she couldn’t promise that. Garcelle said she could promise not to go after LisaR, so what was up with that? LisaR said she thought Garcelle wanted to punish her a little, which was idiotic, and Garcelle said she’d always been passive. She’d had to learn how to say how she felt. In her interview, she said Black women were often seen as aggressive or angry, so they tended to hold back. She told LisaR it would take time, and LisaR got all excited, no doubt hearing, you’re my best friend now. She jumped up and down, happy about being honest. In LisaR’s interview, she said, Denise hadn’t wanted to deal with issues, and ran. Don’t run, don’t hide, and don’t send cease and desists. Just be honest. I’d say Denise felt like she was being attacked, and removed herself from the situation. Just being honest.

Kyle told Crystal and Sutton about her lunch with Garcelle, and Crystal said stereotypes were so painful, sometimes you didn’t see anything else. Sutton said she wasn’t talking racial stereotypes, and she’d been stereotyped as a redneck too. They were a group of educated and traveled women. Crystal asked if Sutton claimed not to see color.  

To be continued…

Next time, some kind of weird, pedal-powered vehicle on train tracks; an altercation, but I can’t figure out with who; Crystal calls Sutton uptight; and LisaR says Sutton is ridiculous. Really?

💎 I caught a little of an unseen footage episode of last week’s RHOBH. Otherwise known as, Bravo milking the franchise. In an amusing moment, Kyle said she’d sent Kathy some tragic story, and Kathy responded with LOL. It seems Kathy thought that meant Loads Of Love. D’oh!

🍹 New Wife In the House…

All about Crystal.

https://thetab.com/uk/2021/05/19/meet-crystal-kung-minkoff-the-newest-housewife-of-real-housewives-of-beverly-hills-205916

🌉 Night, Night, Baby…

See you tomorrow for soap and gorgeous unaffordable apartments. No matter your price point, stay safe, stay never letting them see you sweat, and stay away from Tenafly circles. Not only do they start rumors, that actually sounds like something you get from an insect bite.