Category Archives: science fiction

Dec29

December 28, 2018 – Another New Year’s Eve in Port Charles, Z Final Battle, a Few Farewells, Ten Whole Quotes & Down Z Lane

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Michael thanks Ned for holding the fundraiser. Ned says it’s a win-win. They’re raising money for pediatric cancer research, and get to ring in the new year. Kristina tells Michael that it’s said the person you spend New Year’s Eve with, is the person you’ll spend the most time with in the new year. He tells her not to threaten him. She guesses he’d rather be with someone else. Chase walks in with Willow.

At the hospital, Julian finds Kim alone in Oscar’s room. He thought she’d be celebrating with Oscar, but she says he’s with Josslyn in the media room. They’re going to watch the ball drop. He says he can stay, but she tells him to go to the fundraiser. It’s a worthy cause, and she’d like to think one of them is celebrating. He tells her to say the word, and he’ll be back at midnight. He leaves, as Drew comes in. Kim asks Drew if everything is okay. He tells her that Jason stopped by to warn him about someone from his past.

Jason arrives at Sam’s place. She doesn’t think anyone will recognize him in a suit. He says no one will miss her; she looks amazing. She does, in a simple, sleeveless, low-cut black sequined number. She says she was going to blow the party off, but it’s a fundraiser for pediatric cancer research. She thought Jason would want skip it and just write a check. He says he is writing a check, but realized, sometimes you just gotta show up. Sam says, sometimes you do, and they kiss.

Ava is about to make a drink, and sees the box of Kiki’s things. She walks over to it instead.

In bed, Jordan tells Curtis, now he’s done it. He says, they both did. Jordan tells him, now, they’re going to be late. He says, it’s New Year’s Eve. Parties don’t start jumping until after ten, and they’ll be fashionably late. She says, that’s how TV stars do it, and he says he’s not a star yet. She says, soon, and he says, providing the producer doesn’t flake on their meeting tomorrow.

Not-Doc puts on surgical gloves, and sneaks into Peyton’s office.

Sam tells Jason that she should power down. He asks if she’s gotten any more emails. She says, one. They reached out and asked if she wanted help, and Sam said no. She hasn’t heard back. He says someone did a lot of research into her past. He doesn’t think they’re giving up. She asks if he thinks they should try to find them, and he says it’s her call. She knows that; she’s just asking his opinion. He thinks if she engages, she’s giving them what they want. She says he’s right, and she’s going to refuse the bait. It’s weird, knowing someone is out there, digging into her past; it’s so random. He tells her that he ran into someone today. She says, someone mysterious from his past? and he says, not his; Drew’s.

Drew tells Kim that the guy thought Jason was him. His name was Hank, and he said he knew Drew from his military days. She doesn’t remember him introducing her to a Hank in San Diego. He says Jason gave him Hank’s number. He guesses it’s up to him to do something about it. She asks if he thinks he’ll contact Hank.

Lulu walks into the fundraiser with Laura. She says it’s what Laura needs. A night on the town, no campaigning, and no sign of Doc.

Willow thanks Chase, and apologizes about not joining him on Christmas. He says it was a last minute invite, just in case she was free. He asks if she wants a drink, and she’s surprised he’s not asking her where she was. He says it’s up to her to tell him. She nearly bumps into Julian, and Chase asks if he remembers Willow. We flash back to her saying that Julian convinced her to give up her son. He tells them to come back to Charlie’s some time for shots on him

Ava looks through Kiki’s things. She reads, New Year’s resolutions 2001. Get a puppy; train puppy to high-five; see Destiny’s Child at the Garden. Ava says, that was a great concert. She continues reading. Learn how to do a backflip – she remembers that trip to the ER – learn about art from mom. Ava cries.

Not-Doc comes out of Peyton’s office. He looks around. No one is there. He closes the door, and wipes it. He says he’ll see if anyone is looking for Peyton tonight, and checks Peyton’s phone. There’s a message from Curtis, asking if they’re still on for tomorrow.

Jordan tells Curtis that the commissioner can’t be late for a charity fundraiser. He says, not even for her husband? and she says, that’s right; he’s her husband. He says he’ll remind her every day. He gets a text, and says Peyton moved up his flight home, and wants to meet tonight.

Jordan asks if Peyton knows it’s New Year’s Eve. Curtis doesn’t suspect he cares, and Jordan says it’s rude. Curtis says he’ll tell Peyton to forget it. She says, and miss his chance at fame? He says, it’s a long shot anyway, but she says it’s a big deal; go. She’ll get her commissioner schmoozing out of the way, and they can just be newlyweds on New Year’s Eve by the time he gets there. He promises to make by midnight. She says he’d better. She wants him to kiss her when the clock strikes twelve. He says, tonight, and every night, for the rest of their lives.

Jason tells Sam that the guy came up to him and called him Drew. Jason told him that he was Drew’s brother, but there was something about his reaction that didn’t feel right. It was just off. He made a point of telling Jason how he knew Drew, and said Drew knew him as Hank. Sam says, it’s weird, but maybe that’s how he talks. Jason says Hank was working him the whole time. He wanted Drew’s information, but Jason took his. He stopped by the hospital, and gave Drew a heads up. Something about him doesn’t feel right.

Drew asks Kim how he can be sure who Hank really is. He’ll have to go through an explanation; tell a long convoluted story to someone who might be nothing more than an acquaintance. Kim says maybe he’s a friend, but she doesn’t remember. He likely knows Drew from a different point in his life, and might show Drew a different aspect of himself. It could be a window to his past. Drew says he could just have his whole past back, but it’s not worth losing the life he has with his son and daughter.

Valerie sees Kristina and Michael at the fundraiser. They exchange pleasantries, but Valerie seems a little cool. Michael congratulates her on becoming detective, and asks if she wants to join them. Valerie says she’s just going to mingle, and will see them later. Michael asks Kristina if she and Valerie aren’t friends, and Kristina says she thought so. He asks if something happened.

As they get to the party, Sam tells Jason it’s his last chance to bail. Jason says they told Olivia they were doing it, so they’re doing it. Sam says no one benefited more than they did, and Jason says they’re lucky Danny is healthy now. Sam wishes all kids had the same outcome. Julian arrives, and wishes them a happy New Year.

Kim tells Drew it’s not that dissimilar than when he gave her a chance. She was a stranger too. Drew says she also turned out to be the mother of his son; that’s a big difference. She’s not just part of his past, but the present and future. He’s grateful she came to Port Charles, and he could be a part of his son’s life. Kim wishes she’d found him sooner; they would have had more time. He tells her, don’t do that. That’s the past, and they should go from where they are now. He says at least Josslyn got Oscar out of the room. Kim says he has no appetite, but she’s keeping his spirits up. They’re on their own until midnight. He hopes she can stomach the poor company. She thinks she can cope. He asks if they ever spent New Year’s Eve together, other than being stuck in traffic last year. She tells him, you could say that. New Year’s Eve is when they conceived Oscar.

Michael greets Willow and Chase. Willow says she hasn’t met his date, and Michael and Kristina are both all, no, no, no. Kristina tells Michael that for a captain of industry, he stinks at making introductions, and Michael introduces her. Kristina asks how Willow knows her big brother. Michael says since he’s a captain of industry, he spoke to her class on career day. Chase says he wowed the crowd with science tricks, and Michael says, Chase brought a dog. Chase says he borrowed Thor from the K-9 department. Willow excuses herself to see one of her student’s parents. Kristina asks Chase to tell her more about Thor.

Scotty sees Laura, and tells her sorry about the break-up. Doc didn’t deserve her in the first place. He doesn’t know how to tell her this, but Doc might be… She tells him to breathe, and says she knows Doc is sleeping with Ava.

Not-Doc arrives at Ava’s apartment. She makes them both a drink, and he asks what she’s doing. She tells him, making a list of New Year’s resolutions. Against her better judgement, the first one is to drink less, but it’s still 2018, and there’s a few hours before she has to cash that check. She’s resolved to stop crying about things and people that don’t matter. She’s finished living up to other people’s standards and expectations. The only standards she cares about are her own. Last, and most important, she resolves not to let her remaining daughter has get too close. The more she lets someone into her heart, the more she seems to hurt them.

Olivia tells Jordan that marriage agrees with her, and asks where Curtis is. Jordan says he’ll be by later, and Ned asks to speak to her a moment. Olivia makes herself scarce, and he asks if Jordan has read the article by Lulu linking the murders. He was under the impression that link was under wraps. She says it was, but Lulu had been in the squad room. He asks if they let journalists wander around, and Jordan says Lulu has certain privileges being Dante’s wife. Ned understands how persona and professional life can blue, but to avoid a full-scale public panic, Lulu’s privileges need to be revoked. Across the room, Laura raises her glass to Ned. He returns the gesture.

Julian tells Sam that he’s there to support Oscar and Danny, and wonders if they can set aside their differences. Sam blows him off, saying she and Jason are there to have a good time. They go into the party, and Alexis tells Julian it’s probably not a good idea to pretend nothing is wrong. He says he’s made headway with Lucas and Leo, and was hoping to do the same with Sam. Alexis says he hasn’t put in the work yet. He says Sam hasn’t let him, and she tells him to respect that. She asks if that’s why he came; to connect with Sam. He says, yes, but Kim asked him to. She thought one of them should put in an appearance at the fundraiser. Alexis says she probably thought New Year’s Eve at the hospital wouldn’t be fun for him. He says he offered to stay. Alexis says she was being selfless. She was trying to be responsible for her son and him. At the same time, she probably wants to spend the evening with someone who cares about her.

Kim tells Drew, they found out he was going to be deployed after the holidays, but they’d both known it could end any time. Neither one of them expected it to mean so much. To be honest she didn’t think she was strong enough to be with someone who was put in danger again and again. They did decide to remain friends, and agreed to enjoy every moment together – and they did. On New Year’s Eve, they watched they watched the fireworks over the water, went back to her place, and opened champagne. Drew says he’s got it. She says, afterward, when she was lying in his arms, she debated telling him how she really felt; that she loved him. Drew guesses she didn’t say anything, and she says, it didn’t seem fair. He was being shipped out the next day, and a few weeks later, she found out she was pregnant. He knows the rest. She didn’t want to tell him in a letter, and his missions were classified. Time went on, and she rationalized it was fine to leave everything as it was. She’d raise Oscar on her own. Sometimes she fooled herself into thinking she was succeeding. Drew thinks she did, and says Oscar is a great kid. She says that’s just who Oscar is. She had to make all the decisions alone. He says she’s not alone anymore, and kisses her.

Ned tells Sam and Jason that he thought Olivia just had wishful thinking, believing they’d be there. Olivia says she knows how much the cause means to both of them. Jason gives her a check. She looks at it, and says, very generous. It will do a lot of good for a lot of kids. Sam tells he that they were just saying how lucky they were, and she wishes all the kids would be as fortunate as Danny.

Lulu tells Willow that she and Valentin know Charlotte was bullying her cousin Aiden. She made sure Charlotte apologized, and she knows what she did was wrong. She hopes that settles things. Willow does too, but she’ll continue to monitor the situation.

Scotty says Doc is a good doer, but since Kiki’s death, he’s been plastered to Ava’s side. Laura says she wouldn’t wish that kind of grief on anyone. Scotty knows how it feels, but hates Doc and Ava together.

Not-Doc says he’s never been a fan of resolutions or time tables that set us up for failure. He likes setting real attainable goals. His goal for her is to help her mourn, but not for the rest of her life. His goal on New Year’s Eve is to help her realize what she is; a force to be reckoned with, and the strongest person he knows. She deserves to be treated better than she has been, and given more than the world has given her. She doesn’t think that sounds attainable, but he says he’s going to give it to her. And God help whoever tries to stop him.

Curtis goes to Peyton‘s office. He knocks, but there’s no answer. He opens the door, and calls to Peyton. He walks into the darkened room, and trips over something. He sees blood on his hand, and says, son of a bitch.

He turns on the lights and looks around blood everywhere screen sees Felicia

Ava tells not-Doc, those are some goals. Is he setting himself up for failure? When he says that, it almost makes her forget everything she’s lost, for just a moment. He’s not asking her to forget, but move forward. And he wants her to know he’ll be beside her, no matter what the future holds. She says, with him next to her, a future seems possible.

Chase asks Willow if she’s ready to usher in 2019. She thinks it’s going to be a good year. He does too.

Olivia says, less than one minute. She thanks them for the money raised, and everyone applauds. Ned says, it’s almost time, and they count down. At midnight, confetti falls, everyone uses their noisemakers, and there’s a lot of kissing. Auld Lang Syne plays. Michael sees Chase kiss Willow. Kristina looks at Valerie, who looks away. Jordan answers her phone, and says, so much for making it back by midnight. Curtis says she has to get there, and gives her the address. She asks what’s wrong, and he tells her that he thinks there’s been another murder.

Not-Doc kisses Ava.

Through the window of Oscar’s hospital room, Julian sees Drew kissing Kim, and leaves.

Jason and Sam go out on the terrace. She says she knows he’s hit his maximum tolerance for socializing. He says there’s good people in there, but she’s the only one he wants to be with. They kiss.

Kim tells Drew the party in the media room is winding down, and Oscar got to kiss the girl he loves at midnight. Drew says, on the subject of kisses, and she tells him, don’t think twice. They let nostalgia get the best of them. At least the person who remembers did. Drew asks if they’re good, and she says, of course.

Julian comes back to the party, and we hear everyone’s LOUD feet dancing. Alexis thought he went ot see Kim, and he says, long story. His phone rings. It’s Kim, but he doesn’t answer. Michael asks Willow where she’s going, and she says Chase got called in on assignment. He says the party is still going on. She doesn’t have to leave, but she tells him, after midnight, she turns into a pumpkin. She says, happy New Year, and gets in the elevator.

Not-Doc and Ava watch the fireworks. Ava says Kiki loved fireworks. She thought there was something magical about them, but there isn’t any magic left in the world. He says, there is, and promises they’ll find it together.

Police tape is now across Peyton’s office door, and the police are combing the place. Curtis tells Jordan that Peyton said he wanted to meet him there. The door was closed, but not locked. He looked in, but there was no sign of him, just the blood. She says it appears someone was attacked, but they have no way of knowing if it’s Peyton. Chase is doubtful whoever it was made it out alive, but they should still check the ER. Jordan is afraid the killer moved the body.

Jason and Sam watch the fireworks. He gives her his jacket. There are some fake snowmen on the terrace, and he suddenly kicks one over. A dead Peyton falls out from behind it.

Lots and lots of end-of-the-year credits. The next new show will be on Wednesday, January 2. On Monday, according to the guide, a rerun from December 31st, 1997 will be aired. I’ll definitely be checking that out. On New Year’s Day, it’s football and more football.

Z Nation

When we last left, Estes had come into the lab to find Sun’s brain gone. He says, find them and kill them all.

Roberta, George and Red sneak out. Red wishes they could have given Sun a proper burial. George says she died for a reason. Roberta tells Red to stash the brain where it’s safe, and no one can find it. If anything happens to them, get it to Murphy. Red leaves, and Roberta tells George not to let it get to her. George says she was just remembering putting the posters up with Dante. Everyone who helped is dead now. Sun too. She wonders what if they win, and there’s no one left? Roberta says there are still a lot of people with the will to survive, including her. Keep her head in it. They sneak off.

Still at the lab, Estes tells a guy to be careful. The blood samples are from all over, and God knows what’s in there. He and his colonel look at a map. The colonel tells him the militia is still assembling. Every able bodied volunteer has been employed as well. Pandora is holding Sun’s hands, and dancing around. Estes calls her over, and asks about the information she got from George. She says it took convincing, but she found George’s weakness, and she gave it up. Human that she is. She points to a road intersection, and tells Estes that the talkers are in a clearing near there. He asks, how many talkers? and she says, all of them. He tells the colonel that they have to hit before George has a chance to warn them, and before the talkers hit them. The rules of engagement haven’t changed. The colonel understands.

When they’re alone, Pandora asks Estes, why so tense? She’s all over him, and tells him, forget about that sick, crazy circus. It’s just him and her. She drags him away, as Sun watches with lifeless eyes.

George and Roberta continue to sneak around. It’s empty everywhere. Robert says George’s eye is hurt, but George says she’s okay. Roberta doesn’t think so. George looks okay, but she has to clear her mind of hate. There’s no room for mistakes. This is about justice, not vengeance. She wonders what happened to Pandora, and George says, what was supposed to happen. They could have gone the distance. Roberta suggests they find Kaya.

Kaya is still behind the vending machine with Citizen Z, who says they’re almost out of soda. She says, just a few modifications to the drone images they intercepted, and they’re out of there. CZ says, otherwise, he’ll have to get more change.

George can’t believe they’re not. Roberta says, they are voting, but not at a ballot box. She points the way to the vending machine. George asks if she thinks they have diet. They avoid some soldiers who are looking for them, but Pandora and Estes have gotten to the vending machine first. Estes says he wants them alive, and Pandora says, save the mercy for her. They open the machine, and the hidey-hole is empty. CZ startles Roberta and George by coming up behind them. He says they got out just in time. Kaya is safe with JZ. What now? Roberta says they stick to plan.

Doc tells 10K, this is Roberta’s most half-baked plan yet. He asks if 10K is feeling lucky. 10K says, no, and Doc says, good. It will take more than luck to pull this off. 10K hugs Doc, and Doc tells him, get going. Murphy tells the talkers, Sit! Stay! and they listen better than my dogs ever will. He wonders how long they have to keep hidden, and Addie hopes they’re not waiting much longer. Murphy says, someone’s coming, and Addie tells the talkers, get ready. A lone zombie ambles up the road, and Murphy says, it’s a rando; looks old school. Addie says she’ll take care of him. She twirls her Z-whack, and knocks the zombie down. He rushes her, and she does it again. She smashes his head, and tells the talkers, come and get it. Murphy says, that should hold them for a while.

George and Roberta see the people going in to vote. George says, it’s a low turnout. CZ says, people are afraid to travel, or they’re dead. Roberta says, a yes vote, is a vote for martial law. CZ says, the people have given up on Newmerica. They don’t care who’s in charge, as long as they’re safe. Altura will take control. Roberta says, it’s up to Addie and Doc to get in position. We see Cooper check in to vote. Apparently, he’s not dead. Or maybe he is. Hard to tell these days.

Addie tells the talkers, now that’s over; everyone look alive. Murphy says, they’re not just dead; they’re dead citizens. He tells Addie, they’re sitting ducks, and she tells him, don’t try to be himself; just stick to the plan. He tells her that they didn’t live this long by sticking to the plan.

Doc says, zero hour, and flips some switches on a board. He says, let slip the dogs of war, and gets into a makeshift bunker inside a tent.

Estes radios the colonel, who tells him, there’s been visual contact with the talker camp. He says, they haven’t been spotted, and they’re not where he said they’d be. Estes says, executive orders; show the meaning of mercy, and end this now. His men get in place, and aim their guns. The colonel says they’ve been spotted. No prisoners. Charge! Well, we know how that worked for Custer.

His joint smoking interrupted, Doc ducks when he hears the shooting. He gets a bullhorn, and tells everyone, go. Pandora’s assistant moves forward with Estes’s men, who shoot up everything. They get to a camp, and shoot up the tents. They realize there’s no one there, and go inside the tent where the noises are coming from. They see it’s Doc making shooting noises through a bullhorn. The colonel tells him, put it down, and he does. Pandora’s assistant takes him outside. The colonel asks where everyone else is, and he says, there’s no one else. Just him.

Estes radios for Mercy One. He’s waiting to hear a talker free future has begun. The colonel says there’s been a setback. It’s a decoy: there’s no one there. It’s a set-up. Pandora says, impossible. She made sure George was telling the truth. The colonel says it’s just an old man with a bullhorn. Estes tells him, find out if he knows where the talkers are. The colonel says he’ll tell, right before he mercies him. Estes tells Pandora that George lied to her. Pandora says, you can’t trust anybody these days.

The colonel asks Doc where the talkers are. Doc says he might want to save his bullets. The colonel is suddenly splashed with blood, and Pandora’s assistant falls. 10K says, nine thousand, nine hundred, and ninety-nine. Doc finishes, in case that happens. 10K shoots more of them. Doc says that’s his cue, puts on his shades, and runs. Estes tells the colonel, operation mercy. But he’s not answering because he’s being eaten. Estes hears zombie munching sounds, and wonders, what the hell happened? He asks Pandora what happened to the talkers? Gate 3 calls on the radio, saying he better get down there. He needs to see this.

The guard asks a large group at the gate to state their business. Murphy says they’re here to vote. Estes says they need two forms of ID. Pandora says, and a pulse. Estes says it doesn’t look like many likely voters, and he’s not sure Murphy qualifies. Murphy says what matters is, it’s hard to mass mercy when they’re still talking. Estes says the militia will be back soon. Behind him, George says they both know that’s not true; they’re not coming back. Red says, not as humans. George says, the cycle death can end now, and Pandora says she makes it sound like that’s a good thing. Roberta says, it’s over. Open the gates, and let them in. They just want be with their loved ones. Estes says they have no idea what they’re doing, and Pandora tells him, shut up. She shoots, and runs. Estes takes off, and Roberta and George tell Red they’re going after them. Roberta says they have fifteen minutes to vote, and the crowd rushes in.

They chase Estes and Pandora through a building. Estes and Pandora split up, and Roberta goes after Pandora, while George follows Estes. Roberta runs goes up the stairs. Pandora shoots at her, and Roberta shoots back. Pandora says, bitch. Roberta continues to chase her, follows her to another staircase, and goes down. Pandora is out of bullets, and jumps down to another landing. Roberta doubles back, and sees Cooper in the hallway. He says, hello, Roberta.

He knows it’s a surprise. She says she can’t do this now. He tells her that he came long way; hear him out. Murphy arrives, and asks Roberta if this guy is bothering her, drawing his gun. Roberta tells Cooper that she’s glad he’s alive, but she has to go. She jets, and Cooper tells Murphy that he doesn’t want trouble. Murphy says Roberta may want him alive; him, not so much.

Roberta finds George near a door. George says Estes is inside. Roberta wonders where Pandora is. George says, on three, and opens the door to another staircase. Estes is on a platform at a computer. He greets them, welcomes them to the beating heart of Altura, and invites them up. He’s going to show them what all the fuss is about. Energy and security to build a new world upon. There’s a pool below him, housing lithium. George says, all that fuss for a battery? Estes knows been hard on her, but learning you’re wrong is part of growing up. George says they’ll see who’s teaching who. Roberta says, he’s taking lithium from the talkers for the battery, and he says, so what’s left of the humans can exist. They’ll have reliable storage. At night, when the solar power is out, they can have light, communications, and an electric fence. George says, while others starve. Estes tells her, desperate times mean hard choices have to be made. They can’t be left up to a traumatized mom. Change always involves collateral damage. Darwin had no heart. She says, neither does he. He says it’s not about him; it’s about the future of humanity. He staged the attacks. They were a necessary evil. The way things were, the lithium would be used up in less than three years. Then what? Roberta says, in the meantime, they can find an alternative. He says, it will be too late. By the time a vaccine can be made, the lithium will be used up. And what will be left? Feral talkers and no electricity. Roberta says he paid for the battery with human souls. Estes says, it’s a small price pay for security. The talkers are freaks; a mistake. George asks if that’s what he tells Pandora; how romantic. Estes says, she’s a useful tool, but in the end, she’s a mumbling corpse, like the rest of them. Roberta asks what’s going to happen when she tells everyone. Estes says they won’t believe her. She says, no, but they’ll believe him. She asks if CZ got that, and CZ says, every word. Roberta tells Estes that it’s being broadcast live. Estes doesn’t believe her, and she tells CZ, crank up the volume. Estes says, this is insane, and hears his voice echo back at him from the speakers. Roberta says he’s right. It is insane. She tells him to go back and tell the talkers they’re a mistake. Pandora appears, and says, a mumbling corpse? Is that how he sees her? He says he didn’t mean that way, and she asks how did he mean it? Roberta tells George, she’s about to get real. Estes says what he did, he did for humanity. Roberta says, there’s a new definition of humanity. Estes says, what happens when the dead are all that’s left? What happens when they trade their future for the talkers? What happens when the last vestige of humanity turns to dust? George says he can’t just get rid of them. He says, they’re rotting bags of putrefied meat. They need to cleanse the earth of the talkers before being dragged down to their level. Pandora says, is that what he thinks? and Estes says she’s different. Knife in hand, she says, is she? She slides the knife up his body to his chin. She thinks maybe if he was a talker, he’d feel differently about this whole dead thing. She holds the knife under his chin. The filming drone hovers around them. She tells it, buzz off, and gives it a whack. It falls into the pool, and the feed dies. The crowd watching goes, aww! Estes keeps saying, please, and Pandora tells him, stop whining. She hates it when he whines. It’s so whiny. She had big plans for them. It’s a pity. She stabs the board instead of him, and laughs, as sparks shoot out of it. Estes says, if the lithium overheats it will kill everyone in Altura. Pandora tells him, George was right about one thing. Humans and talkers are equal. They all deserve a final mercy in the end. Estes says, there’s only a few minutes before the coolant wears off. He runs to one of the pipes.

George faces Pandora. Pandora asks if George thinks she can mercy her. George asks if Pandora changed her outfit. Pandora says she always likes to look her best before a big fight. Does she like? George says, no. Pandora takes a fighting stance, and does a samurai yell.

Alarms sound. George and Pandora rush each other, and George slips under and around Pandora. She says she doesn’t want to mercy Pandora, and Pandora says, really? Not even after she chopped up poor, helpless Dante. George says Pandora’s life isn’t enough to pay for his, let alone the others. Pandora says, Boo. Hoo.

Roberta asks Estes what he’s doing, and he says, stopping a catastrophe. It’s going to explode if he can’t get the pumps working; help him. He and Roberta try to turn a valve, but it’s not budging much. Pandora wields a knife in each hand. George knocks one to the floor. Estes tells Roberta the lithium will cause an uncontrolled burn. Roberta grabs a metal pipe, and wedges it between the spokes of the valve, using it to turn the wheel. Steam hits Estes in the face. Pandora grabs George by the throat.

Estes tells Roberta he needs to use a hose as a bypass. She helps him to hook it up. Pandora looms over George, laughing, and squeezing her throat. She says George’s humanity is what makes her weak. She should be happy; she’s going to see Dante soon. George gathers her strength, and throws Pandora off. A screen flashes, pump failure. Pandora tells George they should do this more often. George says she talks too much, grabs her, and slams her to the floor. Pandora gets ahold of a knife, but George knocks it into the water. She cracks Pandora in the face. Her wig goes flying, and her mask hits the floor and shatters, because it isn’t made out of very practical material. She looks like a burn victim. Pandora asks if she disgusts George. She tells George to look at her. George spins Pandora around, and throws her, saying she doesn’t get off that easy. She holds Pandora over the water. Pandora says she could have been George, and George dumps her into the pool, where she fries.

Roberta thinks it’s working. Estes takes out a gun. Roberta tells him, it’s over, but he says she’s ruining humanity’s last chance. He can’t let happen. He shoots at her, but the bullets have no effect. George grabs his gun from behind. Roberta sees holes in her clothing, and says, no blood. She and passes out.

She wakes up on a couch. Cooper is there. She says, not a dream? and he says, no. She feels herself where she was shot, and asks where everyone is. Cooper says, voting, and Estes is in custody. She asks, what about Murphy? Cooper says he and the devil are cool. When Murphy understood why he was there, he brought Cooper to her. He asks how she’s feeling, and she says, nifty. What did he want to tell her? He says, back at the farm, when he found her. He was operating on her, and she bled out. There was nothing he could do. She died. She says, I was dead this whole time? He tells her that she came back as a talker, but different. Maybe it was the black rain she was exposed to; he doesn’t know. Roberta says, damn apocalypse. He didn’t want to tell her. He thought it might change her, and he didn’t want her to change. Roberta says, he came all this way to tell her? He says he wanted her to know. Does she forgive him? She asks if he forgives her for locking him in the trunk. He tells her everything he said still applies. It was from the heart. Roberta says what they had together was real. It was good, and so worth fighting for. She just doesn’t know how much fight she has left in her. She just found out she was dead. Cooper says she doesn’t look dead. Roberta asks if he voted. He did, but he’s not a joiner. He said his piece, and now he’s going to go, but he wants her to know, if she ever wants to dance or hear good music… She says she knows where to find him. He tells her, goodbye, and they kiss.

He puts on his hat. We hear a little Western background music, and he leaves. Roberta says, goodbye.

Doc makes an announcement, saying, ladies and gentlemen, living, dead, or somewhere in between. The polls are officially closed. 10K shows off his new, kind of Edward Scissorhands thing, and Doc tells Addie, chicks dig a man with a hook. Addie says she’s not touching that. She asks what Doc is going to do now. He says he might mosey back to the water keeper, and see if Kurek needs help with the dam. What about her? Addie says she’s going to continue wandering the earth, doing random good deeds. And killing zombies with her Z-whack. Doc says, that goes without saying. George tells Roberta that she’ll feel better when it’s over. Roberta says, once they ratify the constitution, then what? George says, elect people who will uphold it. Roberta says, people like her? and George says, maybe, and those who want to help. Red brings the case with Sun’s brain to Murphy, saying that somebody said give it to him. Roberta says, she said he’d know what to do with it.

Doc introduces George, who’s announcing the results. Roberta tells her, they’ve come too far. George walks up to the front. I note that she changed her outfit. She starts to talk, but the bullhorn gives feedback, so she continues without it. She says she was going to give a speech what feels likes a lifetime ago. Before the bombing. It was a different speech then, for a different world. So much has changed. She knows she has. CZ films her. She says, one thing has always remained. She has the same belief in democracy and the rule of law. The crowd applauds. She’s lost a lot of friends getting there; they all did, but she gained some new friends too. Friends who taught her the meaning of loyalty and courage, and showed what can be done when you have each other’s backs, and what can be accomplished when you believe in one another and carry each other forward, no matter what the obstacles. There were so many times she thought this moment would never come. But here they are. The moment they’ve been waiting so very long for. She says, let’s get to the results. She opens the envelope, looks at what’s inside, and smiles. Everyone cheers. Roberta smiles back at her.

Murphy sits outside with the case. He opens it, sees the brain, and says, Sun Mei. He takes the brain out, breaks off a piece, and eats it. He says, That’s it. Of course. He laughs.

That’s all folks.

😭 It was all I could do not to burst out bawling. Even if Netflix picks up the show, it’s at that point where it would even be doubtful that they could get everyone involved back, and no matter what, it won’t be the same. Write to your congressman… or something.

😘 A Fan Goodbye…

https://fanfest.com/2018/12/26/z-nation-canceled-by-syfy/

🎭 A Cast Goodbye…

https://tvseriesfinale.com/tv-show/z-nation-cast-members-thank-fans-of-the-cancelled-syfy-series/

🙋 Farewell For Now…

This is where I’m supposed to stupidly say, see you next year, but I’m not going to do that. Sunday night (December 30th), Bravo will be airing a new episode of The Real Housewives of New Jersey at 9 pm. It’s titled Bridezilla of Bimini, so it sounds promising, but I’ll most likely be hypnotized by 90 Day Fiancé. Have a happy and safe New Year’s Eve. Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do. Take that however you choose.

👄 Quotes of the Week

Nonsense and deep thought, with a little Christmas sprinkled in.

Being normal is vastly overrated. – Aggie Cromwell

I’m not invading you with privacy, or something like that. – Leida to Tasha, who’d said Leida was invading her privacy, 90 Day Fiancé

Death is coming to Brooklyn. And it’s got buck teeth and a cotton tail. – Snowball (Kevin Hart), The Secret Life of Pets

You couldn’t hear a dump truck driving through a nitroglycerin plant. – Uncle Lewis (William Hickey), Christmas Vacation  Disclaimer: Bill Hickey was my acting teacher for several years; however, this movie was not indicative of what was learned in class.

For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 9:6

The best way to spread Christmas cheer, is singing loud for all to hear. – Buddy (Will Ferrell), Elf

I’m an alcoholic now. I did a lot of stuff that wasn’t cool, and I came here because the program says I have to make almonds. – Robbie (Noah Mills), 2 Broke Girls

You look like a Black Will Smith or something. – Bob Stone (Duane Johnson), Central Intelligence

I’m not afraid of storms, for I’m learning how to sail my ship. — Louisa May Alcott

Christmas is a necessity. There has to be at least one day of the year to remind us that we’re here for something besides ourselves. – Eric Sevareid

💀 And Have Fun We Did…

ZN9

Z NATION — “Warren’s Wedding” Episode 407 — Pictured: (l-r) Keith Allen as Murphy, Russell Hodgkinson as Doc, Nat Zang as 10K — (Photo by: Daniel Sawyer Schaefer/Go2 Z 4/Syfy)
Dec23

December 22, 2018 – Sun Loses Her Mind, Run’s Writing & My Other Favorite

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

 

Z Nation

Murphy is behind a metal fence with the talkers. He tells Estes that he came as a show of good faith, but Estes tells him that he had a choice. Murphy says his friends need some biscuits. Estes says he has a vote to prepare for. Murphy tells him that his friends live for democracy, but Estes says his democracy is only for the living. Murphy says, it’s voter suppressing. Estes tells the talkers, get on the bus. Murphy says talkers get nippy when they’re hungry. He sees that one of the buses is missing a tire, the talkers are obviously agitated, and there’s no driver. He concentrates, and the talkers calm down. He sees Addie taking aim in the distance, and says, these buses aren’t going anywhere.

A guard scans people as they go into the Altura campus. One man sets the alarm off. Another guard says, traitor! and shoots him. Hiding inside, Kaya is busy on the laptop getting clearance for Roberta, George, and Citizen Z. CZ and George get through easily, but the scanner does something weird when it’s Roberta’s turn. Kaya’s fingers fly over the keyboard. Roberta tells the guard, try again, and she gets through. George says, marshal law before voting day? Estes is unreal. Roberta tells her, no matter what, they stick to the plan. CZ is off to find Kaya, and Roberta tells him, stay alive.

CZ goes through the halls, and quietly calls Kaya’s name. He opens the front of a vending machine, and finds her in a space behind it. She asks if he got it, and he gives her a flashdrive, saying, the keys to the kingdom. Two guards walk past the machine, but don’t notice anything. Kaya says, Altura at her fingertips, and CZ says, the perfect setup. She tells him, let’s rock.

George tells Roberta that Estes’s office is this way. Roberta says, when the time comes, she’ll deal with him. A guard tells them to stop, and they move faster. Another guard tries to block them, but they knock him down and run. The first guard aims his gun, telling them to freeze and get on their knees. He says traitors have a lot of nerve showing up there. He cuffs them, and Roberta says they’ll regret this.

Pandora approaches the talker buses with her assistant. The guards are all lying on the ground, dead. There’s a huge smear of blood on the side of one of the buses. She touches it, and tastes it. She asks if she’s supposed to believe strung out talkers did this. She sees the bus is empty, but Murphy pops up from a back seat, saying, don’t shoot. He tells her that he loved her in Phantom of the Apocalypse. She asks where her men are. He says she’s Estes’s mascot, and she says he’s the big red one, the proprietor of Limbo. He says he was, until Estes’s goons forced him out of business. She calls him a friend to talkers, and a talker lovers friend, which makes him a traitor. He says he’s been called much worse. She asks what happened, and he tells her that he was forced on the bus, and the talkers went batsh*t crazy. She asks if he expects her to believe they were overrun by starving talkers. She takes out a switchblade, and asks where the talkers are now. He says, they ran off, and she tells him that she could eat his brains and find out what she needs to know. Her assistant grabs Murphy from behind, and Pandora says, stop stalling. Murphy says he got knocked out, and when he woke up, everyone was gone. She says, it doesn’t matter. He can’t protect them anyway. Her phone rings, and Murphy wonders where everybody is getting phones. It’s Estes. Pandora tells him that she understands, and she’s on her way. Murphy says she’s not taking him, but she says there’s no need. Estes has already arrested George and Roberta, and he’ll never be welcome there.

Roberta sees a surveillance camera, and tells George that Kaya and CZ will find them. Behind the vending machine, CZ asks Kaya if she’s found anything, but she’s still checking cameras. Pandora is back, and Estes tells her that he doesn’t like it. They’re up to something before the election. Pandora asks him to let her find out, and he says, the talkers need to stay lost. Pandora tells him not to worry. They won’t be voting; she’ll make sure. George will tell them what they need to know. She passionately kisses Estes, but his eyes stay open.

Doc has brought the talkers to the spot Roberta told him to. He tells them, let’s go. They’ve got their orders. The talkers and Addie come out. 10K and Doc set up a tent. Addie gives out biscuits.

Estes says hello to George and Roberta, and George tells him, save it. She asks what happened? and if he’s been lying to her this whole time. He says, unbridled idealism is easy to direct, but Roberta thinks the word he wants is manipulate. George asks if the final mercy is his idea of democracy. Estes says they’re the ones who hacked him. George wonders how his much his fellow Alturans will believe in him when they find out he was behind the blast. He asks who they’re going to find out from. Them? Roberta says, the truth always comes out. He says while they’re in a cell, he’s going to be elected supreme commander, and have them convicted of treason. In Altura, they take a dim view of election interference. Roberta asks, why? and he tells her, it’s not personal; just evolution. He tells the guard to bring George. Roberta asks where he’s taking her, and Estes says, to answer a few questions. He tells Roberta not to worry. He’s playing good cop. Pandora and her assistant show up.

In the lab, Red and Sun watch a dismembered hand jump around. Red says she’ll ever get used to that, and Sun tells her, the zombie virus is singularly focused. It wants brains. Red says she feels bad for Becky, but Sun says, Becky is at peace now. The virus is making the hand move. She’s run tests on Murphy’s blood, and it comes back to where it started. There’s something in it that has the same neuroreceptors as in the virus. Red asks if Sun is close, and Sun says maybe they’ll get lucky. She injects the hand. It’s still for a moment, then flips all around, becomes still again, then moves like a normal hand. Sun says it killed the virus and rehumanized the hand. Red says she’s found the cure.

Alone with Roberta, Estes tells her, welcome back to Altura. Her appearance was unexpected, and her timing curious. She thanks him for the warm welcome, and adds, Altura hospitality needs a little work. He asks where the talkers are, and she says, what talkers? He says they’re planning something that’s doomed to fail. They can’t stop the vote, but she can stop the bloodshed right now. Is she willing to decide for every human that her way is right? He asks where the talkers are, and she laughs.

CZ tells Kaya to go back to George. Kaya says that chick with the creepy mask makes her nervous. She sees Pandora torturing George, and the laptop goes out. CZ says there must have been a power surge, and Kaya says she has to reboot. A guy loses money in the vending machine, and starts cursing it out. CZ drops a soda down manually. Kaya says, this could take a while.

Pandora tells George that she could break a finger or toe, or her nose. She picks up a wrench. George asks what it’s like being Estes’s pet. He’s using her. Pandora says they’re using each other. Estes has big plans, and she’s his queen. George tells her to keep telling herself that. Pandora asks why they’re in Altura, and George says, sightseeing. Pandora asks where the talkers are, and George says, she rounded them up; you tell me. Pandora is glad George isn’t cooperating, and picks up a cattle prod. George asks why she’s chosen Estes over her own kind, and Pandora says she’s not a talker. George says, there’s no shame in being dead. Her best friend was a talker. Pandora says, the poor rebel Dante. So devoted to her. George tells her not to talk about him, but Pandora says she’s earned the right to say whatever she wants about him. George asks what that’s supposed to mean, and Pandora says she doesn’t know? This is even better than electricity. She killed Dante, not random vigilantes. He asked her to give George a message. His last words were, George help me. Why did she leave him alone? He needs her. She shocks George with the prod, as she mimics Dante. George says he was the best person she’s ever known, and Pandora says he wasn’t a person. He wasn’t even a talker. In the end, all that was left was a bag of garbage. She’s asking one more time where the talkers are. She shocks George, and laughs.

10K wonders why Murphy is never around for the heavy lifting, and Doc says, he’s clever that way. He tells 10K that he’s a good man, and 10K thanks him. Doc says, it’s nice to know a compliment still means something in a world like this. He says, no matter what happens, keep going. He’s like a cockroach, and his dad would be proud. Doc loves him like his own son, and 10K says he feels the same way. He asks if Doc thinks this is going to work, and Doc says, it had better. Lives depend on it. He calls for more cable.

Addie supervises the talkers, who are building a sandbag wall. Murphy joins her, and Addie says they’re almost ready. Murphy says, back there at the buses, she had a lot of issues to work out. She says she did it for them, not him. He tells her she has a way with her Z whacker.

Estes tells Roberta, any attack on Altura by the talkers would be folly. He senses she knows that, but Roberta says he’s confusing her with someone who scares easily. Tell the people of Altura they’re friends, let them vote, and maybe she’ll let him live. Estes says it’s amusing that she thinks there’s still a debate to be had. He tells her, goodbye, and as he’s leaving, she says, there will come a time when everyone turns talker, Remember that.

Red and Sun pack up some supplies. Red asks where they’re going, and Sun says, anywhere out of Estes’s hands, even Z territory. Red says she has a friend with access to an Altura truck. Sun tells her to be careful, but hurry. Red leaves, and Sun packs up the blood sample vials. Estes walks in, and asks if she’s going somewhere with his lab.

Guards put Roberta in another room. She asks, where’s George?

Kaya tells CZ that she’s trying to patch a workaround. She sees Roberta, and says she’s back in. Roberta signals for her to unlock the door, and she does. CZ wonders where George is. Kaya looks in other rooms, and sees Estes with Sun in the lab. CZ tells her, find George, then go back to that. She gets to the room George is in, and says, it’s bad. CZ says he’s going to find Roberta, and they’re getting George, and tells her to keep an eye on Sun. She tells him to be careful, and hand her a diet Coke on his way out.

Pandora keeps shocking George, who’s battered and bloody. She says, the talkers are planning an attack. George hopes Pandora didn’t break a nail on her face. Pandora shocks her again, and asks what she’s planning with the talkers; tell her. George says, and ruin her fun? Pandora says she can do this for as long as it takes, and George says, ditto. Pandora’s assistant brings in a zombie wearing a hood. The assistant removes the covering on the zombie’s mouth and eyes.

Sun tells Estes that she doesn’t want the samples to be contaminated. He tells her, have a seat; she seems tired. She say the trials have taken a toll on her. He says he hasn’t seen her in days. He picks up one of the vials, and asks what it is. She says, another failure, and he asks, why keep it? She says to learn why it failed, He picks up a syringe, and asks what’s in it. She tells him it’s the pure Z virus. He holds it up to a drone near the ceiling, and she asks if he’s been spying on her. What does he want? He says she already knows the answer. He takes out a gun, and tells her to get comfortable. He straps her to the chair, and she asks what he’s doing. He says, compelling the witness, and injects her. He says now maybe she’ll tell him the Z cure. He wants to watch it work on a human subject. He asks, which one is the vaccine? She shakes her head, and he says he’ll find it himself. He has no shortage of human subjects, starting with her and her friends. A guard comes in, and Estes says he had one job, and he let Roberta escape. He tells Sun not to go anywhere. He leaves, and she begins to turn.

Pandora asks George if they’re planning to attack on Altura’s election day. George isn’t telling her, and Pandora says, so they are planning to attack. She asks where the talkers are hiding. She says she’s barely touched George, and runs a knife over George’s face. She licks the knife, and says she finds George delicious. Where are the talkers? She tells George, through face is the long way to the brain, but the nose cartilage and eye cavities go easy. Where are the talkers? George says, don’t do this, but Pandora says she can’t disappoint Pierre. She brings the zombie over to George, and talks baby talk to him. He gets crazy, and Pandora asks again where the talkers are. She recommends that George tell her before Pierre eats her, and brings him closer. George says, get him away, and Pandora says, good boy! Down! She’s asking one more time, where are the talkers?

Red comes back to the lab. She says she got the truck, but doesn’t know if they have enough gas. She finds Sun in the chair, and sees that she’s turned. She asks, what happened? and Sun points to the vials.  Red takes out a syringe, but Sun gets loose and comes after her. Red drops the syringe, but manages to get it back. She tries to inject Sun while struggling with her. Sun gets Red down on the floor, but Red is able to inject her. Sun becomes human again, and Red says, it really works. Sun looks down, and there’s a broken beaker imbedded in her stomach.

Addie tells Murphy, even if the talkers get to vote, does he think they’ll fit in as well as the two of them. She thinks Estes won’t let it happen. Murphy says, let George and Roberta take care of Estes, and Addie says, there will always be another one. Humans aren’t evolving. Murphy says they are, but Addie is afraid there’s no place for them. He suggests they take the talkers and start over, but she doesn’t know.

Estes tells a guard to double the security, and find Roberta. He doesn’t want her skulking around today of all days. Pandora approaches him, and says, George broke. Estes hopes Pandora had fun, and Pandora says, George spilled her guts – literally. The talkers are setting up a staging area near Pacifica. Estes says he’ll activate security, and send everyone available to wipe their kind from the face of the earth. She asks, what about guarding Altura? He says he’ll do that, and asks where George is. Pandora says George and Pierre are having a snack. Estes says, good for Pierre.

Pierre keeps rushing at George, and she keeps kicking him back. He suddenly kneels in front of her.

CZ asks Roberta, which room? and she says, they all look the same. He asks Kaya to unlock a door at the end of the hall. They go in and find George on the floor. Roberta sees Pierre on the floor, unmoving, and says, a little close for comfort. CZ asks how George did that. I’d like to know too. Roberta asks if George gave it up, and George says, all of it. CZ says they have to find Sun; she’s alone with Estes. That can’t be good.

Sun tells Red to leave the glass in her. CZ and Roberta come in, and CZ asks where Estes is. Sun says, he’s coming back. She tells them she did it. Roberta says, the vaccine works? CZ asks if it’s like biscuit booster packs, and George asks if it restores talkers. Sun says, talkers and zombies, fresh ones anyway. Roberta asks if it’s a cure, and Sun says, it’s a start. Roberta says they can’t let Estes find out. They need to grab Sun’s resources and go. Sun says she can’t. What they need is in her head.

Doc rolls a joint, and 10K says, last smoke? Doc tells him, don’t be a fatalist. 10K leaves to get the truck. Doc lights up.

Murphy tells Addie that the talkers seem nervous. Addie tells them, hold tight, and Murphy says, the vote and citizenship are waiting if they want it, but they have to take it. Addie says they’ll help, and tells them, arm up. The talkers are each carrying a staff. They raise them, and march toward Altura.

Pandora sees a dead Pierre, and yowls. Estes says, they went to the lab.

Sun says she’s dying. She’ll be the first death since the black rain. Roberta says they can get more of Murphy’s blood, but Sun says the antibodies are evolving daily. They have to take her brain and preserve it before she dies. CZ says they can sew her up, but she says she’s lost too much blood. If Estes gets ahold of her… George says she won’t let him. Sun tells Red to get the syringe, but Red says she can’t inject Sun with poison. Sun says she can, and will. They’ll leave a dead end, and Estes will have nothing to work with. She tells George to tie her off, so the poison won’t reach her brain tissue. They’ll have what they need to recreate the cure. Red says, no, and hugs Sun. An alarm sounds, and CZ tells them to hurry. Roberta ties Sun off at the neck.

Estes is at the door. It’s locked, but he gets in, finding Sun in the chair with the top of her head gone. Pandora says they took her brain, and the cure with it. Estes says they’ll drain her blood. Maybe they can recover traces of it. He’s going to have every traitor mercied.  He’s going to find them, and kill them all. He leaves, and Pandora caresses Sun’s face, asking, where did your little brain go?

We see Roberta and George leaving with a carrying case.

Next Friday, the finale is a killer. We see the real Pandora, and Mario van Peebles (Cooper) is back.

🚬 About That Song…

My other favorite Christmas song. Apparently Reverend Run wrote it while he was high. I’m not sure what that says about me.

https://pagesix.com/2018/12/07/rev-run-was-high-when-he-wrote-christmas-in-hollis/

🎄 It’s Christmas…

…time in Hollis, Queens.

Mom’s cooking chicken and collard greens,

Rice and stuffing, macaroni and cheese,

And Santa put gifts under Christmas trees…

 

 

 

Dec15

December 14, 2018 – Cameron Bakes Some Brownies, Welcome to Hackertown, Quotes of Seven & December Duo

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

 

General Hospital

Curtis tells Jordan, surprise! Honeymoon at Kelly’s. She swears they’re going to Fiji – as soon as she closes the case. He says they both know investigations rarely go as fast as they’d like, but she’s making progress. She tells him that she keeps thinking something is right in front of her, but she’s not seeing it. He says she’s done a masterful job investigating links and gathering evidence. She thinks she doesn’t have much to show for it, but he has the feeling that’s about to change.

Julian sees Kim with her head on Drew’s shoulder, and gets back in the elevator.

At Turning Woods, Sonny asks Carly if everything’s okay. She says, a minor crisis at work, but it’s fine. He appreciates her coming, and she says she’s happy to be there for Mike. He’s not the one she’s mad at. Sonny asks if she wants to argue about Margaux right now. She says she’d like to forget Margaux exists, and focus on Christmas. They see Mike and Yvonne decorating a tree, and Carly says it looks like Mike is ahead of them.

At Kelly’s, Marcus tells Stella that Sonny claims it’s all innocent, but he’d like to see how Sonny would like it if someone was chasing after his wife. Stella doesn’t think he’s like it too much. Marcus says it’s torture looking at the person you love when they have no idea.

Cameron gets a text. I’ll bring the (weed emoji). You bring the money. His phone rings. Elizabeth tells him the sitter can’t stay late, but Cameron says he has plans. She asks what kind, and he says extracurricular activities. They look good on college apps. She says she needs him to go straight home, and he says, fine. He’ll be there. He gets another text. Meet me in one hour.

Valentin sees that Nina is packed and ready to go. He says she doesn’t waste time. She tells him it’s not like she brought her entire wardrobe. She was just keeping Sasha company. He says, and safe. There’s a serial killer loose in Port Charles. She says she has no reason to stay, but he says he can think of a few.

Lulu meets Laura at Charlie’s. Laura asks, what’s going on? and Lulu says, everything, wondering when it became December, like we all are. She wishes she could figure out who Charlotte is bullying, and Laura says, Aiden. Lulu says, Charlotte is bullying her own cousin?

Valentin tells Nina that Charlotte will miss her. Nina says Charlotte knew she was leaving when Sasha did. Valentin says Sasha is safe in Chappaqua; what about her? There have been no arrests in Kiki’s murder, and there’s the killing of that nurse. Nina has confidence in Jordan and her team, but Valentin says there’s been no progress. He asks her to stay there. At least it’s a safe place.

Laura tells Lulu it’s getting worse. She doesn’t want to upset her, but she’s Charlotte’s mother. She needs to know what’s going on. Lulu asks if she’s talked to Elizabeth, and Laura says she knows Aiden is being bullied, but not that it’s by Charlotte. She’s surprised Charlotte’s teacher didn’t tell her, but Lulu says Willow is trying to diffuse the situation. She doesn’t want Charlotte to be publicly reprimand, or the kids might choose sides, and it will leave Aiden more isolated.

Alexis comes into Charlie’s, saying she’s there to whisk Kristina away for a late birthday celebration. They’re going to a spa, and Kristina can bring a friend. Kristina says she’s working all night, and Alexis asks if she can talk to the owner. Kristina says Julian is out, and wherever he went seemed important.

Sonny says the tree looks great. Yvonne sticks her finger on an ornament, and Sonny asks if she’s all right. Mike says she’s okay, and Sonny suggests getting a Band-Aid. Mike says it’s not necessary, and tells him to back off. Sonny says Mike doesn’t need to get excited, and Mike tells him, back off. Why is Sonny telling him what to do. He’s the adult, not Sonny. He asks where Sonny’s father is.

Through the window, Curtis sees Stella and Marcus in Kelly’s, and says, damn. He tells Jordan that Stella is with Marcus Godfrey. She asks if that’s the Marcus; the lost love of Stella’s life? He says, the one and only. He supposes he should thank him for inspiring Stella to show up at the wedding. She said she met an old friend who inspired her to put things in perspective, and guesses it was him. Jordan asks how Curtis tracked him down, but Curtis says he didn’t. Marcus has his own reasons to be in Port Charles.

Stella tells Marcus that Sonny sees his father seems happy. Marcus asks what he’s supposed to do; let it keep going on? She says she’s not telling him to do anything. He says she was never one without an opinion back in the day. She says she’s learned when to keep her place, and he says it’s her place now. She’s an old friend, and Mike is her client. If she has something to say, he wants to hear it. She tells him she thinks he’s being ungenerous. Not to Sonny or his father, but Yvonne.

Sonny tells Mike that he’s his father. Carly says he knows Sonny. He’s Mike’s son Michael. His name is just like Mike’s, but everyone calls him Sonny. Mike guesses he must have forgotten for a moment. Sonny says, it’s all right. He didn’t want intrude, but wanted to be there for the party. Yvonne asks if everything is all right. Does he know this young man? Mike says, he’s a good guy, and suggests they take care of her finger. When they’re gone, Carly says she’s so sorry, and hugs Sonny.

Alexis tells Kristina, it’s not fair. Julian keeps putting her in charge, and she’s not being paid for two jobs. Kristina asks her to stay out of it; she has enough to deal with. Alexis asks if Julian has been talking about Kiki’s death, and if he’s in a bad way. Kristina says he’s messed up about it, but his way of taking care of himself is taking care of others. He’s been looking after Kim and Oscar, and running errands for them. Julian comes in, and snaps at Kristina about the shaker being on the bar. Kristina tells Alexis that she prefers it when he’s out taking care of Kim.

Kim asks if Franco and Elizabeth want some food, but Elizabeth says they’ll take a raincheck. Kim says they owe her for the extra support and care she’s given Oscar. Drew says they appreciate it, and Kim adds, especially with what’s going on. Franco tells them that they postponed the wedding, partly because of Kiki. It seemed soon. Elizabeth says they’ve also got stuff going on with the kids.

Cameron tells Aiden to stay in his room until he finishes his homework. He takes out a box of brownie mix, and says, to bake or not to bake; that is the question.

Lulu can’t believe her daughter is bullying her nephew. Laura says, they’re both young, and it can be a wonderful teaching moment. Lulu says they’re getting through this time, and Laura asks if she and Valentin are still on the same page. Lulu says they are; Nina is the problem. She refuses to believe it. Laura says, no one wants to believe their child is capable of bullying, but it’s not uncommon. Kids are under pressure too, and don’t always deal with it the best way. Lulu says she’s going to win this time. If Valentin can’t discipline Charlotte, she will.

Valentin would like to believe he doesn’t frighten Nina, and she says he doesn’t. He’s not a threat to her health or well-being. He says, good to know. She says she just gets distracted around him, and doesn’t always make the right decision. It was great that he found Sasha. She loves him, and might always love him, but she can’t stay with him. She can’t pretend things didn’t happen that did. He says he’s not the same man he was when he gave Peter to Faison. He’s not the same man since he met her in the hotel hallway. Meeting her changed him forever. The man before her is the man he’s been ever since. She says she should go, and he says, please don’t. She can’t keep doing this; she doesn’t have it in her. He says she doesn’t have to do anything. He’s never going to stop trying to win her back, even when she says she doesn’t believe in them.

Carly tells Sonny that Mike and Yvonne are on their way back; they’re picking out games. She doesn’t know how aware Mike is about what happened, and Sonny says, it’s to be expected. Stella warned them. Carly says, that doesn’t make it easier. You can tell yourself that you’re prepared. You can read all the brochures, but knowing it is different than living it. Sonny says he tells himself it’s not that bad. Mike is still here, and still his dad, but the good times are less, and the bad times are getting worse. He doesn’t know how to handle it. He doesn’t know what to do. Carly says she doesn’t either, but they’re not doing it alone.

Stella tells Marcus that Yvonne has a special bond with Mike. They give each other light. Anyone can see it. Marcus says it’s how she used be all the time, and it means the world to him. Stella asks if it’s so wrong that Yvonne has a connection with Mike. He’s not a stranger at this state. Why deny her a friendship she enjoys? Marcus says she’s less present each day, and focused on Mike, not her husband. Does she know how hard it is to want something just outside your reach?

Kristina tells Alexis, birthdays don’t mean anything anyway. She’s learned every day is like a birthday, a chance to start over. Alexis doesn’t see the harm in celebrating. You only come into the world once. Kristina says, who knows? It could have been five hundred times. Alexis says, okay, Buddha. Does she believe in reincarnation. Julian comes back in, and complains about how the limes are being sliced. He asks why it’s so hard for Kristina to do her job. Alexis says it’s a bar, not an operating room; no one is dying. He needs to chill. He says he doesn’t tell her how represent her clients; don’t tell him how to run his business. She understands it’s a tough time, but don’t it take out on her daughter. Julian says, okay, she’s fired. He tells Alexis, thanks for the advice. He feels chiller already.

Elizabeth tells Kim that Aiden has a great teacher, who picked up on it. Franco gripes that she won’t cough up the name, and Kim says, it’s frustrating. Oscar went through it in middle school. Franco says he’s tempted to put Spinelli on retainer. Elizabeth says the other parents are dealing with it on their end, and she understands the child has been spoken to.

There’s a knock at Valentin’s door, and he says, someone is about to die. It’s Lulu. He tells her, it’s not a good time, but she says, too bad. They’re getting the message across to Charlotte before more damage is done. Nina asks if this is about the alleged bullying. Lulu says Nina has to stop running interference. They tried working it out together, and it was a disaster thanks to her. Nina says Lulu is taking the teacher’s word over her daughter’s, and Willow is PC to a fault. Kids need the room work out their own problems. It’s the other parents’ job to toughen up their kid. Lulu says the kid is her nephew, Aiden. Valentin asks if they’re talking about Aiden Webber. In her first moment of soap timing ever, Charlotte walks in and says, what about him?

Cameron is starting to bake, when there’s a knock at the door. Laura asks if his mom is home. He says she’s out, and he’s on babysitting duty. Aiden is there, and finishing his homework upstairs. She doesn’t want to interrupt, and Aiden says he was just working on an extracurricular activity. She says she’ll wait. He asks if he can get her anything, but she says she’s fine. He’s goes back to the kitchen, and is looking at something on his phone, when she walks in. She ask if she startled him. He says he was just focused on his phone, and she asks if this is the extracurricular activity. He says he’s supposed to make brownies for the bake sale, but he’s challenged. She says they’ll do it together.

Franco says they should go. Cameron is probably tired of babysitting. Elizabeth suggests Kim and Drew get some rest. The better shape the both of them are in, the better for Oscar. She and Franco leave, and Drew asks Kim about getting something for the staff. She gets on her phone, and says there’s a $500 credit in her account. It’s definitely a mistake. She makes a call.

Alexis finds Julian outside, tearing apart boxes. She asks if he thinks it’s a good idea to fire his first bartender on his first anniversary. He opened up Charlie’s a year ago. Julian says he doesn’t keep track, and she tells him, try sobriety. It makes you good at keeping track. He says he’s got enough problems, and she says he’ll have even more without Kristina’s help. He says she’s not fired; he’s just pissed off. He attacks the boxes. Alexis says she can tell. Does he want to talk. He says he shouldn’t lean on her; it’s not right. She tells him to talk to someone. His anger is toxic. He says things didn’t turn out way he thought they would. She says, they rarely do.

Charlotte asks why everyone is mad at her. Nina says they’re not mad, and Lulu says they’re upset about the way she’s been treating Aiden. Valentin says school is easy for her. Lulu says, it’s not like that for everybody. Valentin tells her, it’s important not to hurt others’ feelings, and Lulu adds, especially those who are having trouble in class. Charlotte says it’s not her fault Aiden is different. He’s so weird. She tried to help him, and tell him how to act, but he doesn’t listen. He does things differently, and that’s why no one likes him. It’s his fault, not hers.

Marcus says it’s nice to meet Jordan, but he should go. There’s a holiday party at Turning Woods. Curtis says he’ll walk him out. Jordan sits, and Stella asks how married life is. Jordan says she loves it, but she’d love it more if she wasn’t working twenty-hour days. Stella asks how the investigation is going. Jordan says she thinks she’s getting close. Stella says she has every confidence Jordan will close the case, and she and Curtis can pick up where they left off. Jordan appreciates that they have some time alone. She wanted to thank Stella for coming to the wedding. It meant everything, and she hopes it’s the start of things being better between them. If she can find Marcus after all these years, anything is possible. Stella asks if Curtis told her about Marcus, and Jordan says, some. She knew some herself because she went looking for him.

Outside, Curtis asks Marcus how Yvonne is doing. Marcus says, not well. She’ll never get better, and he’s accepted that, but he hopes she doesn’t decline too quickly. Curtis knows he and Stella have a history, and suggests Marcus let her help. She’s very talented in her field. Marcus says, she’s already done plenty.

Jordan tells Stella that she thought if she could find Marcus, and bring him back into her life, it might soften her attitude toward them. Stella asks if Jordan tried to reunite her with Marcus. Jordan says she wanted to explore the possibility, but when she discovered he was married, that was the end of it. Stella wonders why Jordan is telling her now. Jordan says she has to be honest if she wants to move on and be a family. She asks if there’s any chance for that.

Carly thinks Mike and Yvonne are cute. Yvonne lifts Mike’s spirits. Sonny is relieved that Mike found a friend. Carly says he’s sweet and considerate with her. Sonny says when Mike was first diagnosed, he thought Mike losing his memory was the worst thing, but now he thinks it’s going from the limbo before he forgets. That must be hardest; slipping away. He must feel alone. Carly thinks that’s why Mike is protective and territorial with Yvonne. Sonny says, it’s clear they have a connection. He can’t lose her.

Lulu says it’s not Charlotte’s job to tell her classmates how to act. The first rule – the only rule – is to treat others the way you want to be treated. How would she feel if someone told her how to act or what to like. Or embarrassed her? Valentin says he was teased mercilessly because of the way he looked, and she should feel bad. Lulu says, she’s not helping; she’s hurting. They know she can’t be best friends with everyone. Everyone is different, and it’s all okay. They’re just asking her to be kind and respectful to Aiden; to everyone. Charlotte starts to cry. Lulu says they know she’s a good person. She shows them every day. Charlotte says, deal, and Lulu says, good. Now there’s just one more person they have to show.

Cameron thanks Laura for the assist. She saved batch of brownies. Laura say they don’t get much of a chance to be together. She has some advice about his brother. Cameron says he tried to warn their mom it was going to happen. He was going to get picked on in school. Laura asks why Cameron thinks that, and Cameron says, he’s just different. He doesn’t fit in. Cameron knew that once Aiden hit a certain age, kids will see and pick on him. Laura says that’s astute of Cameron. His brother looks up to him. It would be wonderful if Cameron let Aiden know he’s great the way he is.

Franco and Elizabeth come home. Elizabeth says she didn’t know Laura was stopping by, and Laura says she was hoping they’d get a chance to talk. Elizabeth thanks Cameron, and tells him he’s off. He’s relieved of duty, and can go back to doing whatever he was doing. He’s already flying out the door, saying, home by ten. Elizabeth apologizes for him being rude, and Laura says, clearly, he was in a hurry; he forgot the brownies. Franco asks, did she just say brownies? as he eats one.

On the phone, Kim says she’ll check her email. She tells Drew that Julian got her a credit. It’s probably in her spam folder. She looks, and says there are several. He got someone to clean her apartment and grocery shop. She feels guilty; she’s kind of neglected him lately. Drew is sure Julian knows what she’s going through, and wants to help. Kim wishes she could return the favor or thank him in person. Drew says, Oscar is asleep. He’ll hold down the fort. She’d do the same for him. Just bring back pizza when she’s done. She leaves.

Alexis asks what Kristina is doing, and Kristina says figuring out if she’s been there long enough to get unemployment. Julian says she’s rehired. Alexis says, not so fast. Doesn’t he have something to say? He tells Kristina that he’s sorry, and Alexis says, how about a raise? He needs Kristina, and knows it. An extra five dollars an hour. Julian says, done, but she’s working overtime this weekend. Alexis tells Kristina, you’re welcome.

Laura says the brownies are for a drama class bake sale, and Elizabeth asks if she’s sure she heard correctly. Laura says, maybe he’s been bitten by the acting bug, and Franco says, who knew? They have a budding pastry chef. Laura says, he had help, and Elizabeth thanks her. Laura knows Cameron can be a handful, but he’s a great kid. Franco says he’ll drop the brownies by the bake sale.

Cameron goes to the hospital. Drew sees him, and gives him a hug. Cameron says he came to check on Oscar, and asks how he’s doing. Drew says, sleeping, but he’s doing better. He’ll tell him that Cameron stopped by. When Drew is gone, Cameron texts, don’t need the product. Deal’s off.

Kim finds Julian, still messing with the boxes. She says she appreciates what he’s doing. He says she could have texted or called, but she wanted to tell him in person. He asks, what? She says he’s amazing. He always comes through for her, and takes care of her, no matter what, and she wants to thank him.

Kristina gives Alexis a drink (non-alcoholic) with an uneven lime, on the house. She says Alexis still has the magic touch, and Alexis says, when has she never? She sees Kim and Julian hugging through the window.

Laura is glad she and Elizabeth are alone. She wants to talk about Aiden. The bell rings, and Elizabeth says, hold that thought. She opens the door to Lulu and Charlotte.

Valentin asks if Nina wants him to call for the launch. Nina tells him she’s not leaving after she saw the way Lulu talked to Charlotte. Valentin says Charlotte needed some tough love, but Nina says it was more than that. She’s going overboard. She’s more worried about protecting Aiden. It might stunt his development. She wants to stop Charlotte from being the incredible, independent girl she is. Valentin promises to be vigilant, but Nina says she’s staying.

Jordan tells Stella that her search didn’t lead anywhere, but she still butted into Stella’s private business. She hopes Stella understands and forgives her, or will. Curtis comes back, and asks, who’s hungry? Stella says she’s had her fill, and she’s due back at work. She looks at Jordan, and smiles, patting her on the shoulder. Curtis asks what he missed.

Sonny tells Carly it’s getting late. They should get his dad home before he gets fuzzier. Carly says he seems preoccupied. Mike and Yvonne gaze at each other. Carly thinks they should give them a minute. Marcus comes in as Yvonne touches Mike’s face.

On Monday, Franco has to tell Elizabeth something she won’t like to hear, Lulu says Charlotte needs to apologize to Aiden, Mike kisses Yvonne, and all Jason wants for Christmas is to spend the day with Sam.

Z Nation

We see a screen with texting. Kaya in the Skya: Are you there? They’re headed your way. Ghost King 2.0: Good. Kaya in the Skya: Can I trust you? Ghost King 2.0: Of course.

Roberta and George check out the fencing around Hackertown. A zombie gets electrocuted, and Roberta says, some of the wires can still be hot. Roberta bangs on a metal post. She says, 3 o’clock, and they draw their guns, but it’s Citizen Z. He’s sorry he’s late; he fell asleep. Roberta is glad he made it, and he says, just barely. Altura is locked up tight, and Kaya didn’t want him to go, but she gets it. They’re in a war.

They approach the building that houses Hackertown. CZ says it was a telephone switching center, and they built on the old hardware. There aren’t many digital malefactors left, but they’re pros. They spent many hours to crack Altura. They see a lock system with a small screen, and CZ says they have to prove themselves worthy by entering the next number in a series. The screen asks, what is the meaning of 42? George doesn’t get it. CZ says, it’s an old hacker joke. The answer is the total numerical value in the letters of the two words. He puts it in, nothing happens, and he says, or not. George kicks the door open, and they go in.

It’s dark, and they guide themselves with flashlights. They go down a hallway lined with equipment, and into another room. There are screens going and music playing. A voice tells them, hold it right there, and Roberta say they come in peace. A dude steps out into the light, and CZ asks if he’s the real Ghost King 2.0. He tells them that they have to answer a question. Roberta asks if he’s the troll under the bridge. Ghost King asks what’s the number one rule in hacking, and CZ says, information wants to be free. Ghostsays, the judges say cool, and he puts on the lights. CZ says he has something for him, and punches him in the face. He tells Ghost, Kaya in the Skya says, hello bitch.

Ghost asks what that was for, and CZ says he knows Ghost is trolling his wife. Ghost says it’s not his fault she’s hot. He asks how they got in, and George says they passed the test – for the most part. A guy in a hammock asks them to keep it down; he’s trying to meditate. Roberta says they need help. They need to see Estes’s computer. Ghost says, that’s impossible, and adds, it will take a few hours. CZ says, so they can do it, and Ghost tells him, no one said yes. What do they get out of it? He’d like a new laptop, a car, a shotgun… Roberta tells him to be realistic, and he says, in the unlikely event Newmerica is established, they want immunity in perpetuity for all cybercrimes they may have committed. George asks, what crimes? and he says, a little of this, a little of that. George says if he helps them now, she’ll try to get them a pardon in the future. They fist bump.

The sign on Limbo says, closed. Inside, Addie says if the talkers don’t get biscuits or brains, they’re going to have a problem. Murphy says tell him something he doesn’t know. He asks Doc how the miners are, and Doc says, great. As long as your definition for great is starving slowly and turning zombie. They look at the fish tank with the lithium bricks in it. 10K says it’s a dozen blocks of pure lithium. Addie says that’s why they were eating batteries. She saw them slicing the batteries, and putting the slices on their tongues. It works on the brain. Murphy asks how her truffle slicing skills are. They hear a noise, and Murphy opens the door. It’s Estes. Murphy says, welcome to Limbo. It’s a pleasure to see him. Estes has his posse with him, and Murphy says he sees Estes brought his back up dancers. He tells Estes that they’re closed to the public right now. Estes’s men draw their guns, and Estes says he’s sheltering escaped talkers. He knows they’re here. Open up. Murphy asks if he has a search warrant. Estes says, this is the apocalypse. Stand back, and let them come in. Murphy stands aside, saying he should have cleaned up.

Inside, Doc, Addie, and 10K sit at a table, playing cards. Murphy says, welcome to Limbo. Or at least what’s left of it.

Sun looks through a microscope, and says, negative. She says, it has to be here, and looks at another slide. Negative. There’s a knock at the door. It’s Red with another woman. Sun tells them that she’s the only one there. Red says this is her friend Becky. She came for help. Becky got sick while she was hiding her. Sun asks if she’s a talker, and Red says, yes. Becky says she’s hungry. Sun wants to see how dead she is, and examines her. She says, toxic shock. The infection has overwhelmed her body. People are becoming immune to everything; antibody resistant. There’s nothing Red could have done. Red says Becky needs a biscuit (sounds like a children’s book), but Sun says she doesn’t have any. They took them all. Becky suddenly punches Red.

Doc, Addie, and 10K continue to play cards. Estes tells his men, keep looking. He asks what the occasion for the mini reunion is, and Murphy says, it’s Thursday. Addie heard Doc is a maverick at strip poker. Doc tells her, one word of advice – later. Murphy tells Estes there’s a two drink minimum. Estes says Murphy was housing dozens of talkers, and Murphy says, says who? Estes says, everyone. Murphy says he doesn’t see any, and Estes tells him, seeing is one thing; believing is another, and he believes they’re here. He takes out a gun under the table. Murphy asks if Estes is going to believe him or his Spidey sense. Estes says he’ll wait it out. He orders water for everyone, and Murphy says, two bullets a glass. Estes tells him to put it Altura tab, but Murphy says they don’t have one. Doc shakes his head at Addie, who also has a gun. Estes nods to one of his guys, and the guy gives Murphy four bullets. Murphy says he’ll be right back, and Doc asks if he should deal Estes in. Estes declines.

Murphy pours two waters and smiles. Estes asks if Murphy has seen George and Roberta, and he says, nope. Estes says he thought they were friends. Murphy says he doesn’t have the chip in him now, does he? 10K says, go fish.

Ghost introduces his crew, Girl Boom, and Skip Grecko, the guy in the hammock. GHOST says Skip is the richest man in the world. He specializes in crypto-currency, and has been harvesting coin mines that are still in operation. Roberta wonders why, and GHOST says, sometimes hacking is the journey. A dude who’s pretty much a skeleton sits at a computer, and Ghost says, that’s Bones. He’s old school from the old freak phone era, and a ninja on the keyboard. He tells them, when you’ve only got one talker, a bag of biscuits goes a long way.

CZ asks if they have Estes’s password, and Ghost says, maybe. George says they can hack his laptop, and Ghost says, they have their own air gap email server – the full Hillary – but they’ll need someone inside. Kaya comes up on the screen, and Skip asks who the babe is. CZ says that’s the mother of his child. He tells Kaya that they need someone to get inside, and she says she can do it. Girl Boom says she’s in the system, and they can see what everyone is up to. Kaya is walking toward Altura’s headquarters, and Girl Boom says, there she is. She messes with the security system, so Kaya disappears from the feed. She says, no more Kaya

Kaya goes to the rear service entrance. Ghost says Bones has card keys and IDs. You wouldn’t know by looking at him, but he’s quite the catfisherman. CZ says they’ll need high clearance, and Ghost calls him Captain Obvious. He tells Kaya what to put in the keypad. She’s in, and CZ tells her to be careful.

Estes sees a security alert on his phone; unauthorized key use. He says, Ghost King 2.0, and Murphy says, what? Estes tells him, former employees that turned into vandals. Murphy says, he has a cell phone? Estes says it seems like his talker friends have vanished. He wishes Murphy would come to Altura. They could use his sales expertise. Murphy says, leaving so soon? Estes says they have an intruder. Search every inch, and keep quiet. If they want to hack, let’s hack.

Estes uses his phone to unlock and open the doors at Hackerville. Zombies walk in. Girl Boom says the power has been killed on the door locks. Ghost thinks maybe Estes is on to them, and CZ tells him to get Kaya out now. Ghost says they have company; every corridor has been breached. Execute order 666.

Kaya sneaks around. She tries to contact Hackerville, and asks, where are you guys?

Alarms go off. Ghost says they got this. CZ can’t believe they have drones. Skip, Girl Boom, and Ghost get into position, and several screens come up with the drones on them. Ghost asks Skip what the probability of success is, and Skip says, 32.33, repeating. Ghost says, better than usual; very nice. The drones fly, and a few crash into the walls. Ghost says Bones made modifications. The drones shoot at the zombies. It’s like a video game. Girl Boom slams a zombie in the head, and they laugh. Roberta is like, damn. Skip races his drone around some columns, and Ghost says, go for bookends. He tells Skip, get in on this, and the three of them surround a zombie, shooting at its neck until they slice his head off. George laughs, and Ghost says he didn’t expect that; it just happened. He says, uh-oh. They’re out of ammo. They slam the drones into the zombies’ heads, and it’s a bloodbath. Ghost is the only one left, then he’s out. He says, they crashed, but finished strong. CZ says, crazy, and Ghost says CZ has been doing it the hard way. A zombie ambles in, and Ghost says, time for the big guns. He takes out a metal box, and pulls up an antenna on it. A tiny drone floats out and flies around like Tinkerbell. George fights with the zombie, and holds a ladder between them. Ghost concentrates on the Tinkerbell drone, and it goes up the zombie’s nose. Ghost tells them, get down, and the zombie’s head explodes. George wants that.

Addie slices the lithium, using a razor blade. Murphy asks if she knows what she’s doing, and she says, no. She tells him she has to be careful cutting. It melts in their mouths. The talkers line up and she feeds them. 10K says there’s a kid missing, and Murphy says, it’s always something. His parents are there, and Doc says they’ll find him. They call out for Mason.

Red says Sun has been working with blood samples. Sun says by hand. Red wonders what Sun is looking for, and Sun says an anomaly, a mutation, something that gives immunity. Red asks if she’s had any luck. Sun says one sample showed immunity, but it won’t do any good. She shows Red the vial, and it’s labeled Murphy. Red says, great. Sun tells her that Murphy’s blood so full of crap, she doesn’t know which gene has what effect. On the examining table, Becky starts thrashing around. She wants brains.

Addie slices and feeds. The others look for Mason. 10K says, still no sign, and Murphy says, these talkers blend into the furniture. There’s a knock on the door. It’s Estes with Mason. Estes says he has something belongs to them.

Roberta asks how Kaya is doing. She says she’s outside Estes’s door. Girl Boom says, card swipe coming her way, and Kaya unlocks the door.

Murphy asks Estes if he thinks he’ll get away with this. Estes says he’s just trying to help them. Murphy says rounding them up, putting them in lockdown, vigilante justice. That’s not being supportive. Estes says, it’s for their own good. Doc says, even for the zombie apocalypse, that’s lame.

Out in the yard, 10K draws his gun.

Murphy asks what Estes really wants. Estes says he has the talkers hidden away. Murphy insists he doesn’t, and if he did, they’re not his to give. He doesn’t own them. Estes says then Murphy won’t mind if he takes them. 10K draws a bead on Estes, but as he’s about to shoot, there’s a gun at his head. Murphy tells Estes he’s just a simple busman trying make an honest biscuit. Estes says, cut the crap. 10K is led in. Murphy asks if this is trying to be supportive. Estes says he’s done wasting time. Disarm them.

They go inside, and Estes tells Mason that he’s sorry. There’s nobody there. His parents left him. He says Mason is shaking, even though he’s not. Estes says he’d be scared too, if his parents abandoned him. He’s never going to see them again. Mason cries silently, but we hear crying from behind a door. Estes opens it. Mason’s mother grabs him to her, and Estes says this is the thanks he gets for saving her boy. She’s welcome. He tells his crew, send more trucks.

Becky cis flipping around, and Red tells Sun, do something. Sun says there’s only one thing left to do. She gets a gun, and Red says, not yet. What about Murphy’s blood? Becky grabs Red’s throat. Red tells Sun to hurry, and Sun injects Becky with Murphy’s blood. Becky seizes, then relaxes. She says, wow, and tells Red that she’s sorry; she didn’t mean it. She thanks Sun, and asks, what’s happening? Red says she’s burning up, and Sun says, the infection that killed her is coming back. She’s dying all over again.

Kaya is in Estes’s office, and opens his laptop. She needs the password, and Ghost tells her, hold tight. They’re going to all run their antilogarithms simultaneously. CZ asks if she has the thumb-drive. As soon as she gets in, employ it. Ghost asks if it’s for his NSA toolkit, and CZ says, no. Ghost asks if he can have a copy, and CZ says, solid no. Ghost says, there are no more secrets. The NSA don’t care. CZ says he cares.  Ghost says he’ll get it from Kaya. He says, the last letter always takes forever, and Roberta says, mercy. The password is mercy. CZ says, look who has a future in hacking. He tells Kaya the password, and she’s inside.

Murphy asks Estes what’s going to happen to the talkers. Estes says he’ll take good care of them. They’ll be safe in their own space. Murphy decides he’s going with them. He’s got to. Estes says, technically speaking, he is a talker. He’ll be safe under their protection. Murphy says he feels safer already. Estes wishes he’d work for Altura. They have more in common than Murphy thinks. Murphy says, no they don’t. Estes says if he changes his mind, they have excellent dental. Hell, I’ll go.

Becky relaxes again. She asks Red to help her, and begins to flail around some more. Red wonders what’s happening, and Becky yells, make it stop. It’s actually pretty sad.

Kaya says every file looks suspicious. It might take a while. Kaya flips through the files, and Roberta says, anything. Kaya says, lithium mining, the biscuit supply mine running out, lithium from new sources. Roberta asks if there’s anything about Dante, but Kaya is still looking. She thinks she found something in the editing program. Estes has been editing a document to make Dante look guilty. George wonders why Estes would do that. A screen shows guys with guns walking down the hallway. Roberta tells Kaya, upload everything and GTFO.

Murphy gets in the truck. Estes asks if that’s everybody. Doc, 10K, and Addie remain, and Doc says, sorry; human. Estes says to leave them. They have no problem with humans. As the truck door closes, Murphy ask if he mentioned he was claustrophobic. Estes says it’s a short ride to air conditioned buses that will lead to new lives.

Red wipes Becky’s face. Becky has a short seizure. Sun gets the gun. Red says, no, but then tells Becky not to be afraid. Becky says Red tried, and she loves her. Red turns her back, and Sun gives Becky mercy. Red cries.

Kaya uploads the files, mumbling that you’d think Estes would have better Wi-Fi. She shows them a document, and asks if anybody knows what this is. George says it looks like it’s redacting, and wonders what it means. Roberta tells Kaya to get out now.

The guards look through the window of Estes’s office. Kaya closes the laptop. They walk in, but she’s nowhere. They look underneath the table, but there’s nothing. One of them closes the laptop.

At Hackertown, they look at the document on the screen. Some of it is still redacted, but it clearly says, final mercy. George asks, what’s final mercy?

Next Friday, the final battle is at hand. And it looks like Pandora is in the thick of it.

💭 Quotes of the Week

Have you no human consideration? * Show me a human and I’ll have it. – Bill (Gary Merrill) and Margot (Bette Davis), respectively, All About Eve

Thread count: yes. Washing instructions: do not wash. – Caroline (Beth Behrs), 2 Broke Girls, after buying sheets at the Less Than A Dollar store

I said, ‘I’ll do it for nothing.’ Actually, I had to give him $4,000 dollars. I had to pay him to do the part. — Dick Van Dyke, recounting that he had to financially persuade Disney to allow him to portray Mary Poppins‘ banker, Mr. Dawes Sr.

When he saw Misery, my ex-husband said he didn’t see anything unusual up there. – Kathy Bates

It’s obvious you’re not a woman. * I’ve been aware of that for some time. – Margot (Bette Davis) and Bill (Gary Merrill), respectively, All About Eve

Do not look for healing at the feet of those who broke you. – Rupi Kaur

I’m fine. I’m a Spartan. – Eddie Judge, The Real Housewives of Orange County

👯 December Double Whammy…

WinterIsComing3

SantasComing

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dec8

December 7, 2018 – Obrecht Isn’t Fooled, the Secret Ingredient, a Mix of Six Quotes & Weekend Reactions

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What I Watched Today

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

 

😳 Oops, I did it again. Missed the beginning. It was a real comedy of errors at dog lunchtime here today. I’m going to have to start feeding these guys earlier. I don’t care how long morning naptime is. In the meantime, this is what I got. I didn’t miss much.

General Hospital

Margaux tells Jason that she hasn’t spoken to Drew in ages,but he’d like to keep it that way. He knows she wants to investigate him, and tells her to keep Drew out of it. Margaux asks why she’d want to investigate Jason.

Oscar introduces Daisy to his parents, explaining that she’s the friend who got him into the house he’s living in. She’s been looking out for him. She says it’s an honor to meet them. She tells them she was doing a technique on Oscar to channel his thoughts. They wouldn’t believe the mind’s capacity to heal the body. She says everyone in the house is crazy about him.Oscar thanks her for visiting.

Kristina tells Alexis that it’s sad; a funeral for someone her age. Someone who had so much to look forward to. Alexis asks why she’s breathing like that, and Kristina says focusing on her breathing keeps negative thoughts at bay. So does reaching out people and helping the community. Alexis asks if she learned that from the friends she spent Thanksgiving with. She’d like to hear more about the friends Kristina has taken such a liking to.

Margaux asks if Jason is paranoid, and he asks if she doesn’t remember dragging out all of his case files from 1996. She made it clear she was coming after him and Sonny. She says the circumstances have changed. Jason says, good to know. If they change again, don’t involve Drew.

Obrecht thinks Anna and Finn are exaggerating. Britt could have the flu. Finn says Britt is unconscious. Her body is attacking itself. Obrecht says, even if she believed them, what makes them think she’s capable of creating an antidote. Anna says they nearly lost Tiffany to the disease. Faison wasn’t a medical expert. Obrecht developed the virus, so she can come up with the antidote. Anna asks, if Britt dies, she’ll be kind of responsible. Can she live with that?

Sam thanks the newspaper employee, saying she can’t wait to reach out. It’s been way too long. Curtis says, never underestimate how trusting some people can be. Sam tells him the subscriber lives in a long term memory care facility.

Carly asks Yvonne if she’s married, and Marcus says he comes every morning. He sees the roses and says someone outdid him. He asks who brought them, and she tells him, Mike; he’s sweet to her. She asks him to put them in water. Sonny has an idea. What if he and Mike play hooky today? He’ll call Max to take care of business. Mike says he’s fine there. He sees Yvonne reading the paper. Stella tells Sonny that it might sound strange, but she thinks it’s best if Mike stays here for the rest of the day. Carly says, after what just happened, it’s all the more reason to maintain routine. Stella thinks it’s best, and Sonny says okay. He tells Mike that he’s taking off, and to have fun. Mike asks Yvonne if there’s any good news. She says that’s what she loves about Galina. There’s always something going on. She asks if he’s ever been there, and he says no, but he hopes to someday.

Alexis says Kristina is broadening her outlook. They’re lucky they’re in a position to give back as a family. Kristina says it goes beyond volunteering. They have meeting where they share what’s going on in their lives. Things that are bogging them down and giving them anxiety. They talk until it’s out of their system; it’s like cleansing the body of negative energy. Alexis says there’s some value in sharing feelings with a group of strangers, and Kristina says, AA. She apologizes for talking to Alexis like it’s a new concept. Alexis says it works for her. She looks forward to meeting Kristina’s new friends, and Kristina says he might get the chance right now. Daisy walks in.

Obrecht says, let’s say Anna is telling the truth; it was thirty years ago, and there was an antidote. They don’t need her help. Anna says Tony Jones produced enough for the outbreak, but then destroyed what was left. He didn’t want to risk someone figuring out how to reverse it. Obrecht thinks Anna should consult her boyfriend. He devised the cure for Blackwood Syndrome. Or are they using Britt’s illness as a way to trap her?

Jason says Margaux pushed Carly into Ferncliff, harassed Mike despite his condition, and hassled Michael and Kristina. She buried her own father next to Morgan just to mess with Sonny. She tells him that he’s making a large generalization, but he says it proved she’d use anybody to get what she wants. Drew can deal with her himself, but not right now.

Alexis introduces herself to Daisy, and commends her for getting Kristina interested in public service. Daisy says she can’t take credit for that. It comes naturally to Kristina.

Drew asks how Oscar is doing, and Oscar says, terrible. Drew says, in the end, it will be worth it. Kim asks if Oscar can eat lunch, but he says he’s not really hungry. Drew says, for hospital food, but what about BLTs from Kelly’s. Kim says Terry can eat what he wants as long as he’s up for it.

Alexis says she told Kristina that she wouldn’t badger her, but she’d love to hear more about what they do.

Margaux tells Jason that she really cares about Drew. He says she has a twisted way of showing it. She says she’s lost patience with the conversation, and has lost her appetite. She gets up, and tells him to enjoy himself.

Daisy tells Alexis they’re having a meeting this weekend if she’s interested in coming by. Alexis says she can’t this weekend, but they’ll figure something out. She goes to sit with Jason. She tells him she’s there on Oscar’s behalf. Oscar wants to make Jason executor of his will.

At the facility, Sam tells Curtis that they need to find the patient who subscribed to the paper. They’ll pretend they’re checking the place out for a relative. He says espionage in a convalescent home. It’s a first. Stella comes out, and asks what Curtis is doing there. He says he came to see her. Marcus joins them, and says, don’t tell him this grown man is her nephew. Stella introduces Curtis, and his work partner Sam. Curtis asks if he’s the Marcus. He’s sure Stella mentioned Marcus a time or two. Curtis asks what brings him to town, and Marcus says his wife Yvonne is a patient there.

Obrecht accuses Anna and Finn of toying with Britt’s life. Anna doesn’t buy her moral outrage. She kept Anna’s son captive for months. Obrecht says, Nathan is dead. Now they want to take her only surviving child. Finn says it took him almost ten years to find the cure for Blackwood, and Obrecht says his drug addiction probably helped. He says he spent every waking hour for nearly ten years working on it. Britt doesn’t have ten days. Obrecht wants the vial of blood, but Anna tells her, no more stalling. Either she’s coming or not. Obrecht says she’s going nowhere until she’s tested the blood herself. Finn was so eager to produce the vial; why? Was it really a prop? Anna says she’s the only person who can devise an antidote. Obrecht says she’s not going to face arrest and prosecution unless she knows for certain. The antibodies are unmistakable, and she has a test kit outside. She can validate it in no time, unless it’s a ruse. Finn takes out the vial, and gives it to her. She leaves with it, and Anna and Finn follow as far as the hallway. Anna says they are totally screwed. Finn says it’s Britt’s blood, but if she does an extensive analysis, she’ll realize he created the antibodies in the lab.

Jason is honored that Oscar wants him to be executor, but thinks he’s getting ahead of himself; he just started treatment. Alexis says it gives him a sense of control. It’s just the distribution of his estate. Jason asks, what estate? He’s a kid. Alexis says, don’t forget he’s a Quartermaine. He has stock in ELQ.  

Daisy tells Kristina that they’re doing an outreach, and she thought Kristina might want to come. Kristina says she’s stuck there for a few more hours. She tells Daisy that she’s in a weird mood. Her late brother’s old girlfriend was killed, and the funeral is today. Daisy tells her to remember what she learned; negative thoughts lead to negative events. Kristina says it’s hard to stay positive; she was way too young to die. Daisy says Kristina can miss her, but she’s back at the source of all life. She’s returned home, like we all will one day. She hopes Kristina finds comfort in that. Kristina thinks she can.

Margaux sees Drew at Kelly’s. She says she can’t avoid his family today, and he asks what the hell that means. She says never mind, and asks if he has a minute to talk. He says he has to be back at the hospital. The waitress brings his take-out food, and Margaux asks if everything is okay. He says his son has cancer. Margaux says she’s sorry; she’s sure he’s a fighter. Drew says he’s in no mood for her false sympathy, and in no mood to be blackmailed again.

Kim tells Oscar to rest. She wonders if she should tell Drew to nix Kelly’s, but Oscar says, no. The worst case scenario is that he barfs. Kim says, that’s not funny. He says she wanted him to enjoy being a normal teenager, including keeping his diagnosis a secret. She says it’s more complex than that, and he tells her discussing bodily fluids is as much a normal teenager as it gets. He has to laugh or it will be worse than it has to be. She says she loves him, and has to say something. She needs to apologize.

Sam tells Curtis and Stella that she’s going to say hi to Mike. Curtis. Curtis bets Marcus has good stories about Aunt Stella back in the day, and Stella says, none that he cares to share. Sam sees Mike, and he hugs her. She asks how he is, and he says, good. She asks who his beautiful friend is, and he introduces her as Yvonne Godfrey. Sam doesn’t know if it’s a coincidence, but she came there looking for a Godfrey. She asks if they’ve met before, but Yvonne doesn’t think so. Sam asks if she’d mind answering a couple of questions. Yvonne agrees, and Sam asks if she’s from Galina, Illinois. Yvonne says, home of Ulysses S. Grant. Sam sees she’s keeping up with the action back home. She shows Yvonne the obituary, and asks if she sent it.

Carly is worried about Mike. It looked like he had no clue Yvonne was married. She asks Sonny if he thinks it’s the first time Mike was told. Sonny isn’t sure, and she thinks it must be terrible to forget, and have to go through it all over again. Carly thinks her husband handled it well. Yvonne is there full time, and he wants her to be happy and make friends; like the want for Mike. It has to be rough watching her forget him more each day. Sonny says, she has to remember her husband. No matter what, he’ll never forget her. They hug.

Yvonne tells Sam that she didn’t send it. Sam says the envelope was postmarked Port Charles, and she’s the only one who gets the Galina paper. Maybe she doesn’t remember. Mike thinks maybe Sam should ask questions another time. Marcus comes back, and asks if everything is okay. Mike says it’s fine; Sam was just asking questions about Galina. Marcus suggests he take Yvonne back to her room, but she wants Mike to take her. They leave, and Marcus follows. Stella tells Curtis, so he was just wanting to visit his auntie? He’ll straighten this out when she calls tomorrow. She has a client, and thinks it’s best if they’re gone when she gets back. Curtis says, roger that. Sam takes a picture of the newspaper mailing label.

Kim tells Oscar that she’s sorry for the choices she made, and that it put a rift between them. She hates that he feels like he can’t trust her anymore, or that she didn’t love him enough to be honest. She loves him so much. He’s the most important person in her life; he’s her whole life. She wanted him to be happy, and thought could give it to him just a little longer. Oscar says he was always happy, and Kim says, maybe it was worth it a little bit then. She hates that she pushed him away. She gets weepy, saying the apartment is empty without him. Oscar says when he moved out, he wasn’t trying hurt her. He was hurting, and it was his way of taking control of things. Kim knows, and even though she hates the distance between them, she’s proud of him. He went out there and proved he can take care of himself on his own terms. Eventually, that’s what every parent wants for their child. It’s hard to accept he doesn’t need her anymore. He says she’s wrong about that. He’ll always need her. They hug.

Alexis tells Jason that Oscar’s grandfather willed him voting shares of ELQ. Jason says Oscar doesn’t have to worry about that, but Alexis disagrees. The Quartermaines are well-intentioned for the most part, but with ELQ, not so much. Oscar is worried they’ll fight over the shares. If, God forbid, Oscar dies, he wants Jason to make sure that doesn’t happen.

Obrecht returns, saying she saw the antibodies, and Finn asks if that means she’ll go. She’s afraid not. Anna asks, why not? She saw with her own eyes that Britt is deathly ill. Obrecht says she can synthesize an antidote there, and they can bring it to Britt. She knows Anna’s lofty principles wouldn’t allow her to let Britt die to spite her. Finn says he might. He’s her doctor, and has complete control over her treatment. It’s way too risky to obtain medicine from an unauthorized source. Obrecht tells him that he needs more lessons from his lover on sharpening his bluffing skills.

Sonny thanks Carly for being there. She says she’ll always be there. They make each other stronger. They’ve been through a lot together, but that’s how it works. The house phone rings, and Sonny says, send him up.  Carly asks if it’s trouble, but he’s not sure. Marcus is at the door. Carly introduces herself, but he walks past her. He says he remembers her, and Sonny tells him he’s not being polite. Marcus says he doesn’t mince words. He wants Sonny to keep Mike away from his wife.

Curtis tells Sam he doesn’t know how well she knows Stella, but when she says scram, you scram. Sam knows Yvonne seemed confused, but the subscription doesn’t expire for another nine months; it had to be recent. Curtis says maybe she doesn’t remember subscribing; she seemed worse than Mike. Or maybe someone subscribed for her to trigger her memories, like what Sonny has done with Mike. Sam says that doesn’t explain why Yvonne would send her the obituary. Curtis says, assuming she did. Sam says it can’t be a coincidence, but he says, maybe someone is using the connection. Sam is like, that’s it! They leave, and Daisy comes out. She looks around, and picks up Yvonne’s paper. Daisy is very busy.

Jason doesn’t know what say, and Alexis says she’s never known him to be much of a talker. He has a couple days to think about it. Jason asks if she’s sure it’s what Oscar wants. She says, it would mean the world to him.

Kim apologizes to Oscar for the waterworks. She’s tired, and she’s sure it didn’t help. Oscar says, it did; a lot. She wants to let him rest before his dad gets back. Oscar asks her to stay with him. She gets in the bed and holds him.

Drew gets back to the hospital, and Margaux shows up. He asks if she’s following him, and she says she wasn’t finished with the conversation. He says he was. She says, despite what he think about her and her actions, she’s grown fond of him. She thought he was a good guy who got mixed up with the wrong people. She still thinks he’s a good guy. She means it, and can prove it. She hands him the flashdrive.

On Monday, Marcus thinks Mike is dangerous to Yvonne, Jordan talks to Michael, and Kiki’s funeral.   

Z Nation

A voiceover of Doc says, the secret is buried under the past, and guarded by demons with sharp claws.

Talkers form a chain gang without chains, and shuffle into a scrapyard. There are guys in hazmat suits standing around, guarding the place. One of them tells the talkers, it’s unacceptable. He doesn’t care if they’re freaked out. They’re going to keep working. He wants barrels full of lithium by dark. He hits one of the talkers with the butt of his gun. A zombie near a trash barrel takes something out, and licks it. A claw crane picks metal up and drops it into a pile. The talkers go through it. The one at the trash barrel bites into what looks like a computer processor.

Another talker comes to the barrel and starts pulling apart electronics. Talker #1 tells talker #2 to watch, and breaks the processor in half. He gives #2 half, he bites it, and it’s like, wow. #1 says, welcome to the party. A third talker, a woman approaches them. An alarm goes off, and the talkers gather. Mean Dude kicks one of them around, and says they get stupider by the minute.

Talker #1 looks at #2 and #3. He nods. We see pressed metal cubes in the yard. Mean Dude says, this place should been picked clean a week ago. One of them is too slow, and Mean Dude shoots him in the head. He says, let that be a warning, and tells them, get back to work. Another supervisor hits #1, but the three talkers fight back. Mean Dude tells them, weapons on the ground. Things calm down, and he says, it’s all good. #1 says, it’s far from all good. Mean Dude shot his friend. Mean Dude says, he was already dead; he was just making a point. #1 says he was inflicting pain on another. Bleeders destroyed the world. They’ve forfeited their right to live. Now it’s their turn. He tells the talkers to rise up and listen to him. Their time has come. Freedom is here for all of them. They won’t be oppressed and murdered. They’re going to live out their days as they decide. Join him. No more will they be slaves to the living. Their time is now. They will be free, and free every talker in the mine. They’ll bring them into the light by any means necessary. They have nothing to fear if they stick together. He goes into the mine.

There are loud noises from the mine, and Mean Dude says, fire! They shoot. #1’s head comes rolling out. The talkers run. The head says, have mercy.

A truck hurtles past Roberta, George, Doc, and 10K. Doc says, a recycling truck. They’re using gas like there’s no apocalypse. Roberta wonders what was in the crate in the back. George says, it’s going to Altura, but where was it coming from? They see the crane, and the piles of metal. Roberta says, buried under the past, and guarded be demons with sharp claws. George says, her ancestral prophecy? Roberta says they’re going to check it out. Stay quiet. Keep low. Doc is glad they’re all together for once. They get on top of a van near the edge of the scrapyard, and watch through binoculars. Doc wonders what the talkers are doing, and Roberta says, they’re mining something. 10K reads a sign; caution – hazardous materials. Doc asks why signs never say anything nice, like baby goats this way. Roberta says whatever doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, and Doc says he must be Superman. Go figure. Roberta tells Doc and 10K to find out where they’re loading. She and George will check out the miners. Doc says, that didn’t take long.

10K and Doc hide, and watch for a truck. They see something fly across the yard, and get sucked into a hole amid all the metal. Doc says, that was creepy, and 10K agrees. He says, let’s find the trucks.

Roberta and George see Mean Dude barking orders again, and beating on a talker. He says if he had biscuits, they’d be done in twenty-four hours, but no. He tells them, pick up the pace. Roberta tells George, the talkers are pretty far gone. George says, they have no biscuits. She wonders if it’ toxic steel that’s keeping them from turning. They see talker #3, and he looks toward them. They crouch down further, and he says, don’t go down there. The metal is alive. Mean Dude says, back to work. #3 says, it’s not safe, and gets pushed back with the workers.

George wonders if the secret ingredient is there. Roberta would like to get her hands on the barrels. George takes off her jacket, and tells Roberta to come with her. She steals a talker’s hat and coat. Roberta jumps over the junked cars and piles of steel. George gets in line with the talkers. Roberta gets her guns ready. George takes a computer component out of a barrel, and Mean Dude asks what she’s doing. Roberta sets her sites on him. George fake sneezes, and Mean Dude is like, eww! I literally lol. A piece of steel rolls down the pile. Mean Dude shoots, and George runs to Roberta. Mean Dude says, cease fire. He tells the others to get back to work, so they can get the hell out. George practically flies over the piles of everything. She sees the hole that Doc and 10K saw something get sucked into. She looks in, and calls to Roberta.

At the bottom, Roberta comes to. It’s a pretty long fall. She gets up, and everything is fuzzy for a moment. She walks into what looks like a workshop, and sees the body of one of the hazmat guys. She takes his mask off, but there’s no head. She she looks around, and sees electronics, wires, and a board with a joystick. She sees a buzz saw, and spins it.

10K and Doc sneak around. Doc says, whatever they’re guarding must be important. Looking around, he thinks that someday, all that will be left of us is mountains of crap, and oceans of plastic. Sadly, living near the ocean, I tend to agree. 10K wonders what all this junk is, and Doc tells him, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure… That didn’t come out right. They see one of the hazmat guys messing around with some wires. They hide behind a wheeled cart, pushing it forward behind the guy. The guy keeps thinking he sees something, but every time he turns around, they stop. It’s pretty funny. They finally sneak out.

10K wonders what they’re doing with all this, and Doc says, who knows? They see another hazmat guy stirring hot molten metal, and making it into bricks. Other hazmat guys put the bricks into a tank, and the tank into a crate. They roll it out, right past Doc and 10K. 10k asks Doc if it’s silver, but Doc says you don’t have to be that careful with silver. Whatever it is, they’re afraid of it. Some people run past, and Doc says those guys know something they don’t, and they jet.

George calls to Roberta. Mean Dude tells George, get down from there, and points his gun at her. He says, move or be mercied. She walks down the mountain of metal. He says he has a special tunnel just for her. He pushes her into the line of talkers, and says, send her down too. He tells the guards, shoot if they resist. Shoot anything that doesn’t look right. Mean Dude isn’t liking this, and 10K rolls a barrel down the scrap heap, distracting him. George goes into the tunnel.

10K and Doc run across the yard. They go through a large garage-like door, and everything is wreck, with blood everywhere. Doc wonders if they shot each other. Whatever it was, it was big.  10K says, no baby goats, and Doc repeats, no baby goats.

Roberta pushes something out of her way. A makeshift sign says, kill them all. and there’s another body nearby. Roberta sees a flashing light, and feels around for her gun, but has nothing. She’s defenseless.

Down in the tunnels, someone loads what looks like a Star Trek gun, and bites into a computer part. The creature is a sort of bionic zombie meets the Borg; his body supplemented with metal parts. He picks up the buzz saw, and cuts through a metal sheet. Sparks fly. Roberta lies on the floor, wearing a hazmat suit and mask, and pretending to be dead. A real hazmat guy is next to her, and wakes up. He’s pulled away. He screams, as we hear saw sounds.

#3 tells George, don’t go down there. Have biscuits. He shows her a computer compressor. He says, it brings you back from the abyss, but it doesn’t last long. He hands it to her, but she says, no thanks. Still alive. She says she’s waiting for friends, and he repeats, don’t go down there. The alarm sounds, and Mean Dude says, more barrels; move it! George moves things out of her way.

Outside, the claw picks up some metal, and puts it in a crusher. After the metal is crushed, the claw picks up the cube and deposits it in the yard. Doc and 10K find a room with multiple TV screens, monitoring areas of the yard and mine. Doc says maybe they can find Roberta and George. He wonders what this button does, and presses it. The claw drops a cube on someone, but Doc doesn’t see, and says, nothin’. 10K suggests another one to try, and the crane begins to spin. The claw picks a guy up. Doc says, oops, his bad. Now he know what that one does. 10K thinks maybe they shouldn’t be doing this. They see someone coming toward the building, and close the door.

Mean Dude opens the door, finding Doc and 10K in hazmat suits. Doc says, it’s all okay. The situation is normal. Mean dude asks who he is, and Doc says, Siegfried; and his partner, Roy. The boss sent them to speed up the operation. Mean Dude says, Estes? And Doc says, yeah, Estes. He’s not happy, and needs more bricks. Mean Dude says, screw Estes. He has no idea what they’re up against. He has men missing, and even the talkers are spooked. This place isn’t just hazardous; it’s haunted. Doc says, haunted or not, he’d better get moving, or he’ll end up digging truffles with the talkers. Mean Dude says Doc is wasting their time, and Doc says Mean Dude is wasting his time. He’s got work to do. Mean Dude says he doesn’t have to be such a d*ck. Doc tells 10K, haunted. As if zombies aren’t bad enough. 10K suggests they find Roberta and George.

Roberta wanders through the tunnel. Metal is everywhere. She hears sounds, and grabs a pole. She waits, ready, but it’s George. George asks if it’s zombies, and Roberta says, whatever it is, eats batteries like twinkies. George says, eating them like biscuits. Roberta thinks about what’s in them, and says, lithium. What if that’s the secret ingredient? George wonders why they’re not making biscuits if they’re scavenging. Roberta says they’ll find out, but first, they have to get out before their rechargeable friend comes back.

Roberta and George crawl through the tunnel. George hates the apocalypse. They pop out of he tunnel, and are met by hazmat guys with guns. George ask what they want, and suddenly, their guns fly out of their hands, and onto a magnetized piece of equipment. Inside, Doc says, not so tough without guns. HE thinks he’s getting the hang of it. George and Roberta are about to get in a fistfight with the guards, when another one with a gun steps out. He’s pulled back – by what, we don’t see – and blood splashes out from where he was. Roberta suggests they get out of there, and they run. Roberta asks, what is that thing?

George says it’s gaining on them. 10K runs with them. Borg zombie follows. Doc opens the door, and tells them to hurry; there’s a thing behind them. They run inside, and he closes the door. They don’t hear anything, and Doc says nothing is getting through that door. Doc wonders what they want, and Roberta explains they’ve mining the dump for a while. They’re mining lithium. George says, it’s the secret ingredient. Doc tells them that they found out Estes is in charge. Roberta says, whoever controls the biscuits, controls the talkers. Whoever controls the talkers, controls Newmerica. Roberta says they have to get the last shipment. Doc looks at one of the screens, and sees some guys loading a truck. He says it looks like they have the same idea.  George asks if Roberta is thinking what she is, and Roberta says, they’re going to hijack that truck.

Mean Dude says he’ll drive; move over. Wearing a suit, Doc sits in between him and another hazmat guy. 10K is in the truck bed, with a third guy. The guy in the cab says he’ll be glad to leave this place. Doc says, tell him about it. They see Roberta and George, and Mean Dude wonders what those two are up to. He tells Roberta to get in back, but Roberta says they’re taking the truck. Direct orders from Estes. The guy in back looks at 10K. Mean Dude says, something’s not right. George gets the door open. Doc elbows Mean Dude and the guy on his other side. 10K slams the guy in the back. Roberta and George pull Mean Dude and the other guy out of the cab. They get ready to leave, with Doc driving, but the engine won’t turn over. George tells him that he’s flooding it. 10K is still fighting in the back. Roberta is pulled out of the cab. George is ready to fight, but Mean Dude slams her up against the truck. She faceplants. He pulls Doc out of the truck, but has no better luck starting it. George is lying in front of the truck. Roberta and Doc try to get her up. They hear saw sounds. A guy yells, and an arm falls down near them. Roberta looks back, under the truck, and sees Mean Dude flailing around on the ground, blood spurting from where his arm used to be.    

Mean Dude wails. Borg zombie stands there. George says, whoa. 10K shoots him from the back of the truck, but Borg zombie just looks at him. A hazmat guy throws something at him, but it bounces off like it’s Styrofoam, and hazmat guy takes off. Everyone gets ready to fight, but the power goes out in Borg zombie’s hand. Roberta says, his battery is dying. She tells the others, wear him out. They go after him, and nothing is effective, but he seems puzzled, turning this way and that, as each hit comes, clanging against his metal pieces. He grabs Roberta’s weapon, and starts to come after her. His buzz saw starts running, not full power, but enough. He puts it near her face.

A grid on this chest flickers, and his arm turns off. Roberta gets up, and says, she sees him. Doc asks if it’s dead, and Roberta says, he’s trapped. Doc asks who he is, and talker #3 says he recognizes him. He was one of the first miners, and went missing months ago. Doc wonders if it was too much lithium. Roberta asks what he wants, and says let them help him. Borg zombie walks slowly away, and they follow. He drags one metallically enhanced foot.

He gets to a panel, and presses some buttons. He stands on an X. George says, he’s going home. The claw comes down, and picks him up. It puts him in the crusher. Roberta looks sad. His cube sparks. The claw sets it down. The talkers gather around, and eat from it. Roberta says, the apocalypse is getting weirder and weirder.

#3 thanks them so much. They gave back their lives; their souls. George says they’re welcome. Roberta tells the others, stock up on as much lithium as possible, and get these talkers to Limbo. George says she has questions for Estes. She thinks she knows a guy who can get past Altura’s high tech security. She tells them, come on. Roberta asks where they’re headed, and George says, Hackertown.

An eyeball looks out from one of the crushed cubes.

Next Friday, it’s trolls vs zombies. And it looks like a lot of drones.

☕ Quotes of the Week

With great power comes great responsibility. — A lot of people have uttered a version of this phrase over the centuries, but it’s best attributed to Stan Lee in the form of an omniscient narrator in the August 1962 edition of Spider-Man.

Amish rules are not to drink, but I decided the hell with it. – Ada, Return to Amish  

Debbie is like a cat. She disappear, but then reappear when the time is right to make your life hell. – Larissa, referring to her soon-to-be mother-in-law, 90 Day Fiancé

When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us. – Helen Keller

Your nose is dead from being in that house. – a hoarder’s sister, Hoarding: Buried Alive

Of course the wolf flies. – Davis Okoye (Dwayne Johnson), Rampage

🛀 Weekends Be Like…

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Dec2

December 1, 2018 – Doc Spirit Walks for Water & Saturday Night

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

 

Z Nation

Doc opens his eyes to a talker tied up next to him. The talker complains about sores from sitting, and says, you’d think they could turn a guy once in a while. 10K and Doc are also tied up, and the talker grumbles some more about the constant decay. Doc tells 10K to wake up. The talker says, that’s what they do to saboteurs. That’s what he is, and he thinks it sounds rather continental. He says 10K is looking pale. Just transitioned, did he? 10K says he’s not a talker, and the talker asks why his hand fell off then. Doc asks, who did this? and the talker says, they’re quick as lightening. You don’t see them, but they see you, and the next thing you know, you’re shot with an arrow. He gets loud and weird. Roberta is suddenly there, and puts something in his mouth to shut him up, saying, enough out of him.

Doc has never been so glad to see her. She unties him and 10K, and they run, George joining them. Arrows fly at them, and George tells them to keep their heads down. She yells that they’re not here to fight. They’re not the enemy.

A boy whistles for zombies near a trap. A woman brings the group through, and tells him, good looking out, Little Foot. She says they killed some zombies, but what they have here is worse. Little Foot asks if they’re bombers, and she says, could be. She’s bringing them in. Roberta asks Little Foot if they’ve been bombed, and he says, lots of times. They also got hit by a zombie bomb. Roberta tells George to have patience. They need to wait and watch, and these people will see they’re not the enemy. They’re led into the grounds where the dam is. Doc tells them, hang in. He knows some natives that can sort it out. Hopefully they won’t get their asses kicked in the meantime.

A woman says, Steven, is that you? using Doc’s real name. It’s Kuruk, who got Doc high nowhere near the Grand Canyon two seasons ago. She kisses him. She also knows George, and Roberta asks if she can help them. Kuruk undoes their bonds, and says something tells her they’re not there by chance. George says, unfortunately not. Doc tells her they came about the water. George says they came about keeping the peace, and says Kuruk’s father knows her. Doc says Kuruk knows him, and knows he’s true to his word. She says, the apocalypse changes people, but he says, not that much. Roberta says, what George started was working. Kuruk says, it was working, before the bombing. George says the idea that they’re stronger together always works. They want to know why the water was shut off. Kuruk says they didn’t shut it off, and asks them to come with her

Ayalla – who met 10K when they were nowhere near the Grand Canyon – sees 10K, and asks what happened. He says, zombies. She asks if he wants help, and leads him forward. Kuruk shows the others a map, and says there have been zombie attacks; long-walkers from far away, but they’re just a distraction to divert their attention from more sophisticated sabotage talkers. Doc says, saboteurs, like the guy tied up next to them. Kuruk says, they’re lethal. They’ve lost their strongest warriors. Now the dam is failing, and it’s time to go; they can’t stay there. George says, then they won’t be able to control the water; their people are vital to Newmerica. George had an agreement with her father, making them friends and allies. Kuruk says they were. He keeps trying to fix the damage from the attacks, but they’re coming faster and faster. The next one comes before he fixes the last one. The whole dam could fail, and them with it. George says she’ll talk to the chief. He’s a reasonable man.

10K asks Ayalla what she just called him, and she says, it’s Navajo for ten thousand. He asks, what’s Navajo for girl who just led him in a circle? She tells him that she wanted to see if he trusted her or not. He says he did, and she led him in a circle. She says he followed her, so cool. It’s done, but don’t get a big head about it. She says his wound is looking better. He asks if she bandaged him. She says she did, and he says, but she didn’t untie him. She says, it’s been a while. She wanted to make sure he was still him. He asks if she shouldn’t be back at camp helping pack up, but she says, no. They should be helping her people not get run off their land for the billionth time in history.

Roberta and George approach some people fixing a dam wall. George introduces herself, and asks to speak to the chief. A man says, he’s busy, but George says he’ll want to hear what she has to say. He says if she knows him, then she knows his name. She says he told her to call him Eddy, and he says, everyone knows that. She says, he who goes to the water. He calls for the chief, who comes out asking, what’s with the racket? He’s trying to work. He sees George and asks why she came. She says because the water was cut off. She was told they’d been attacked, they’re leaving, and need to abandon the dam. He says, that’s fear. The young ones are afraid of everything; zombies, talkers, the power of the water. Roberta thinks those are healthy fears these days. He says you should have healthy respect for forces that can harm you, but you learn to work with them. Their ancestors are there. The land was flooded when they built the dam. Their ancestors there, and a new generation is out there; he’s not abandoning either one. Roberta asks if he wants to go down with the ship – or dam – and he says not if he can help it. There’s a huge noise, and he says the saboteurs stopped the turbines; the pressure is building up. He has to stop it while there’s still time. George says, if anyone can fix a dam, he can, but Roberta says, what if he can’t?

Ayalla tries to find something for 10K’s hand. She suggests an egg beater, but he says he’s not a cook. She holds up a garden gnome, and he says, maybe not such a good idea. She picks up a deer antler, saying, deer are known for intelligence, energy, and speed. He could use it to prop his gun, or as a slingshot, and it’s pretty sharp. She tells him that he doesn’t choose the hand. The hand must choose him first. He has to get naked to be free of attachment, and stand in the sun all day. If he’s still standing at nightfall, the hand is his. She does some hand motions and chanting, and looks to the sky. Then she tells him that she’s kidding. White boys are so gullible. She says, hold still, and takes out a drill.

Kuruk nurses Doc, who says she’s working her magic again. He wishes there was something he could do to help them stay. She does too, and he says maybe there’s something they haven’t thought of. She says he sounds like her father. He was in Minnesota when the apocalypse came, and they found him a year ago, and now it looks like they might lose him. Doc misses a simpler time, when they were just running away from zombie hordes, and sending them into the Grand Canyon. She says she thought he was nowhere near the Grand Canyon, and he says, right; it wasn’t them. It was kind of near there where he met a special lady. He thought they shared something kind of spiritual. She says they did. He says he never thought he’d see her again. He lost the necklace she gave him. He didn’t mean to, but zombies. Then the necklace found him. It was kind of a miracle, and got him thinking if found her again, they could… She says, what? Settle down, grow old together? He says, a man can dream. She asks where they settle in the dream, and he says, here seems nice. She says, it was before the attacks. Now they don’t have enough warriors to defend themselves and the dam. Doc asks her to let them help. It could be nice again. All of Newmerica can be, but not if they leave and let their enemies win. She says she’s not letting anyone win.

They hear a struggle outside. It’s the talker saboteur struggling with George. He goes after one of the women, and tears open her neck with his teeth. Kuruk says, hold her; help her. The others hold her down. She dies, and then wakes. Kuruk says, she’s changed. They know what they have to do. She’s led away, and Roberta asks where they’re taken. Kuruk says, every living thing has its place and purpose; every dead thing does too. Doc tells her, things will get better, but she says she’s not staying there and watching her people get wiped out for a pie in the sky idea. She tells everyone to pack up. They’re getting out of there, and leaving before nightfall. George asks if she’s leaving her father. It doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere. Kuruk says they’ll just have to change his mind.

In the woods, Ayalla tells 10K to try out his antler hand. They see an outsider, and 10K aims at him, but Ayalla says they want him alive to talk. She tells 10K to follow him, and she’ll alert the others.

10k follows the outsider, who goes through a fence and into the dam area.

Kuruk goes to see Chief Eddy. She tells the guard to let her father know she’s leaving. If he doesn’t come out, he might never see her again. The guard whistles for the chief, and they wait.

10K follows the outsider through the tunnels under the dam. He sees the outsider take out a paper. He reads it, and cuts open a lock.

Chief Eddy comes out and hugs Kuruk. She tells him leaving is the only way, and he says, may the Great Spirit watch over her on her journey. She asks him to come, but he says he’s not running anymore. His people have run enough. Their place is here. George joins them, and says they can help. Someone is trying to ruin Newmerica, and drive them apart; drive the tribe and their people apart too. Chief Eddy tells her what she says is true, but his people are choosing fear. Kuruk says they’re choosing to live. He says the only way their people will survive is to come together with all humans and their relatives. Everything starts to shake, and he says, not again.

Chief Eddy literally runs into the outsider, and kicks him down the stairs. He whacks at the outsider with a hammer, but the outsider dodges it. Chief Eddy throws it at him, but misses. The outsider laughs and kicks at him. Chief Eddy takes out a crowbar, but it falls over the railing. He takes out another hammer, but the outsider grabs it and pushes the chief over the railing. The pipes begin to shake.

Kuruk asks George what she’s supposed to do, tie her father up and drag him out? George says it doesn’t look like the talkers will let her. Kuruk says he’s her elder. She’s supposed to look to him for guidance, not the other way around. Roberta says maybe they can help. Ayalla tells them about 10K following the outsider, and Roberta says they have to get in. Kuruk says everything is guarded or locked. Doc suggests they do what they did before – spirit walk. Kuruk says what happened before was a fluke or a miracle, but Doc thinks it’s worth a try. He thinks he could do it again. He explains that Kuruk gave him some medicine, and he left his body. His spirit walked, killed a zombie, and saved 10K. Kuruk says he got really stoned and had a hallucination. Doc says, it worked, and Roberta asks if he thinks he can do it. He says, unless someone has a better idea. Kuruk wants to help, but her medicine isn’t that strong. She asks Little Foot where Ashki, their medicine man is, and he says, probably sleeping.

Ashki is snoring in a car. Kuruk tells him, wake up. He says he wasn’t sleeping; he was dreaming. His grandfather died before he could finish his training. How else is he supposed to talk to him? He asks who the new people are.

They sit around a fire. Ashki says they want him to betray his lineage and people, and send Doc on a vision quest he isn’t prepared for, or entitled to. Then guide him through the spirit world to protect the water for a nation that keeps breaking treaties with them. George says they want to get in so Kuruk can talk to her father. Ashki asks if she told them he can do this. She knows it’s crazy, but can’t think of another way. Doc says, last time, all it took was some good peyote, but Ashki says he doesn’t have any. Roberta says, it’s a new world. Maybe it’s time for a new ceremony. Ashki says, what then? and George says, save the dam, find out who’s behind the attacks, and stop them. Roberta tells him their people control the water. He asks if Kuruk believes them. She says she does, and he tells her, grandfather says give it a shot, but Roberta has to come too. He says he knows her from the spirit world.

Ashki gives Roberta something to drink, and says he won’t take her anywhere she’s not prepared to go. George says she’ll be there the whole time. Roberta, Doc, and Kuruk drink. They fall out, and Ashki brings out a defibrillator, just in case. The three spirit walkers look like they’re having seizures, and Ashki says, give it a minute. They relax again, and he says, it’s all good.

Kuruk appears under the dam, and calls for her father. Roberta appears and sees the outsider, but he runs past her without seeing her. Doc appears and sees 10K, but can’t touch him; his hand goes right through. He says he has to do it psychically, and concentrates. He tells 10K, wake up. Everything starts to shake and rattle. Kuruk tells the guards that she needs to find her father, but they can’t hear or see her. She touches one, saying her name, Wilma. Wilma says, something is here. Kuruk tells Wilma, listen, and says something that sounds like adavo. Wilma says, spirit, come this way. I was just thinking, Kuruk said everything was guarded, but they seem to be pretty useless, except for keeping the chief’s friends away.

George asks Ashki how long they leave them, but he doesn’t know. He’s never done this before.

Roberta follows the outsider. He shoots someone, and runs through her. She reacts, and George sees it in the real world. She tells Ashki that Roberta isn’t breathing. She does chest compression, and tells Ashki to give her the paddles. She shocks Roberta, who’s running after the outsider. She wakes up, and says she found the saboteur. She knows how he got in, and they need to save the dam.

Kuruk sees her father, who’s still alive. She tells him, keep breathing, and puts something under his nose. He asks if this is his daughter, and she tells him to see her. He says he’ll see her on the other side, but she says they need him there. She holds her hands over him, and sings in Navajo.

The dials on the machinery start going crazy. Doc says, oh no, and whatever he tries to touch, his hands go through. Alarms go off. He tries to wake 10K, but he’s suddenly back in the real world. He says he has to go back, and picks up the container of whatever Ashki had given them. Ashki tells him not to drink too much, but he gulps it all down, saying he doesn’t need to spirit walk; he needs to spirit fly. His spirit goes back to where 10K is, and he goes into 10K’s body. He pulls himself up, and shuts off a valve. Doc as 10K says, far out! It worked!

Roberta and George go through the gate and under the dam.

Chief Eddy is fine, and runs up the stairs. The building is shaking, and he says, too much pressure. The dam is failing. 10K shuts off another valve. He tells Chief Eddy that he’s trying to stop it, and the chief says he started it. Kuruk tells him that 10K is one of George’s people. 10K explains that he’s really Doc. 10K was unconscious, and he’s just borrowing his extremities; ah, to be twenty again. Chief Eddy says the saboteur must have gotten to the emergency panel.

Roberta and George pass a dead body on the steps. George tells Roberta that she never saw a talker kill their own kind. They see the outsider using a mini blowtorch on a panel, and Roberta yells, stop! She shoots at him, but misses, and he runs. 10K and Chief Eddy follow, and water starts to spray out from the wall.

Chief Eddy takes them back outside, telling the guard to lock the exit; don’t let him escape. 10K comes to, and says he feels old and kind of stoned. Doc says he’s awake, and 10K asks where Doc is. Doc says, sorry, and appears for a moment. He tells 10K that he’ll see him soon, and disappears again. 10K asks Chief Eddy what happened? and the chief tells him that Roberta and George went after the saboteur. 10K runs up the stairs, and Chief Eddy asks where he’s going. 10K says they need his help, and he needs his gun.

The saboteur/outsider waits by an upstairs door. George comes out, and he kicks her, but she gets it together, and they fight. Nice roundhouse kicking. She slams him up against the wall, and asks, who sent him? He head butts her, and is about to shoot her, but 10K shoots him from behind.

The water flows and the tribe celebrates. Kuruk says they have their warriors back. They are stronger together. George says they brought the talkers back into the tribe; now she needs to do the same. Kuruk says Ashki had a vision, and created a new ceremony derived from the ghost dance of their ancestors, to reunite the spirits with the living. They will be living with the spirits of the dead, who will fight on their behalf to make the white colonists leave. No offense. It’s meant to bring peace, unity, and prosperity, and includes everyone. George asks if that means they’ve changed their minds about Newmerica. Kuruk says they’ll come to congress and vote for a new colony, uniting everyone.

10K says he still feels weird. Doc says, good weird or bad weird? and 10K says, weird weird. Doc tells him it’s better than being dead. Chief Eddy thanks them for saving the dam and their home. Doc says, it feels like home. A place to settle down, if settling down ever comes back. Chief Eddy says he’ll always have a place there. Kuruk says, and here, and hugs him. He says he’ll meet her there whenever he can. She has something from Ashki for him, and he puts it in his pocket.

10K thanks Ayalla for his new hand, and she asks what he’s trading to keep it. She says, nothing is free. He’ll have to trade her another body part if he wants to keep his hand. She tells him that she’s kidding. Use it well. They hug. Ashki tells Roberta he has a message from his grandfather for her. The knowledge she seeks is buried under the past, but beware. It’s guarded by demons with sharp claws. Roberta asks what buried under the past means, and George asks if she heard the part about the demons. Doc says, sounds like another Tuesday in the apocalypse. Roberta asks Ashki to tells his grandfather thank you, and Ashki says she’s welcome.

They leave as the tribe continues to dance.

Next Friday, here comes the zombie-nator. Doc tells 10K, one man’s junk is another man’s treasure… That didn’t come out right.

🍟 Because Why Not?

Good times…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Nov26

November 25, 2018 – The Whisperers Are Here, Two Thoughts & My Birthday

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

 

The Walking Dead

Zombies gather in a field. Jesus asks Aaron if he’s ever seen them do that before, and he says, never. Daryl joins them and suggests they circle around back with the horses, and pick up on foot. Jesus and Aaron are worried about the zombies milling around. Daryl says they should go; a storm is coming. They shove off. The zombies continue to mill. One looks up like they heard something.

Gabriel reads meditations to Negan. Don’t judge distraction; let it wash over you. Negan isn’t feeling it, and says, screw it. Gabriel doesn’t understand. Clearly, Negan wants help. Negan says maybe this is all they get, and Gabriel asks if he’s getting any benefit out of their sessions. Negan says he knows another week has passed. He tells Gabriel not to take it personally. He’s never getting out, but appreciates Gabriel. He has everything he needs. He has a window that’s as good as TV was. Gabriel says, it’s an important first step, but life needs meaning. Negan plays catch with a ball against the wall as he speaks. He says people talk outside the window like they don’t remember he’s there. That’s when he gets the really good sh*t. Rosita said things Gabriel would find interesting. Gabriel says he doesn’t need Negan to tell him how Rosita feels about him. Negan asks, who said she was talking about him? Gabriel says he’ll see him next week.

Outside, Gabriel sees a group come into the town. A woman tells him that messengers from Hilltop have said Rosita is hurt.

A rider flies through Hilltop, yelling, riders are coming! It’s Michonne and Siddiq, with the new people. Connie signs that she’s not excited, and tells Kelly to let her know if they seem suspicious. Diane (whose name I finally remember without having to look it up) tells Tara there are eight. Magna says they’ll shoot anyone who they don’t like the looks of, but Luke says, they’re solid looking; scrappy.

Michonne says they’ve come for Rosita. Diane asks who the others are, and Michonne says, they’re good people, looking for a home. She told them Hilltop might consider taking them. Diane gives Michonne a look, and removes her katana and other weapons. The others follow suit, including a reluctant Magna.

Michonne and company go into Hilltop. Michonne asks Tara where Jesus is, and she says he’s with a search party looking for Eugene. Eugene went out with Rosita, but wasn’t with her when she was found. Enid says she was unconscious when she got there, but she’ll be fine. Michonne asks how they knew Eugene was with her, and Tara says she was able to tell Aaron. It’s like the old gang back together. She tells Michonne that they’re probably on their way back already. She’ll have to wait for Jesus to get back. If they want to stay, they have to talk to him, and have to earn their keep. Kelly tells her that Connie says thank you. They all do. Siddiq tells Michonne it’s good they’re here, and Michonne says, yeah, but they yeah sounds more like, not really. She smiles; then doesn’t.

Magna says a group with a guy named Jesus running things sounds like cult. Siddiq tells Michonne that he didn’t know about Eugene, and these are their friends. Carol comes over and hugs Siddiq. Michonne says she didn’t expect to see her. Carol asks who her friends are, and Magna says they’re not friends. Michonne introduces Carol, who signs nice to meet you, but it’s all she knows. Siddiq tells them to come with him, and they’ll find out where they’re staying.

Carol asks Michonne about Judith and RJ. Michonne asks if Ezekiel is there, but Carol says just her. She’s dropping off Henry. He’s apprenticing with the blacksmith. She says he’s a good kid, with a big heart. He can see the world falling apart. She tells Michonne that they need the fair, and asks if Alexandria can’t send a delegation. Michonne says she didn’t want to turn them down, but Alexandria had their troubles too. Carol gets why it’s hard, but they’ve all lost something. They’ve both lost children, and they kept going. They’ve always been a family. Michonne says they still are, but the Kingdom is the Kingdom. Hilltop is there, and Alexandria is here, and in between, there’s a whole lot of broken world. They can’t pretend otherwise. They have to take care of own now. Carol says, it’s a shame, and Michonne says, but that’s how it is. They part company.

Jesus tells Aaron that Daryl used to come by, but never stayed. Aaron says they used to be explorers. They were looking for people, and a chance to be a part of something bigger. Maybe this is showing Jesus the way forward; the next step. He’d be a good leader if he stopped fighting it. He looks at Daryl out in the field, and says, he spent a long time keeping people away, but finding them is his thing. He wonders if Daryl will ever stop fighting too.

Daryl tells them the herd is coming for them. The wind is carrying the sound. He winds up a clock, and throws it into the field. He says, let’s put some ground between us and them, and they run.

Diane asks Carol if she can hitch a ride. The Kingdom needs her more than Hilltop. Carol says she’d like the company. Henry puts some boxes in the cart, telling her that he got an advance on his pay. He got some tools and nails for her to take home. She tells him that she wouldn’t be leaving if she didn’t trust him. He says he’ll be back for the fair. He’s going to make her proud, and she says he already has. She’s choked up, but holds it back, and drives away after waving goodbye.

Jesus tells Daryl that Aaron put the count at around one hundred and forty, and now it’s double that. Aaron wonders if it could be a different herd, or another one. The zombies march down the road, and Daryl says, as long as they’re going the other way, it doesn’t matter. We see the alarm clock in the field. No idea what significance this has, if any.

Enid sees Henry getting instructions on making a spearhead. When she talks to the assistant about something, Earl asks Henry if he wants to spend the evening with him and Tammy. He says that sounds cool, but he’s really tired.

Gabriel empties Negan’s bedpan. Negan tells him an elaborate scientific explanation about something that boils down to, every time Gabriel smells something that came from Negan’s ass, part of it goes up his nose. Sadly, I actually knew this information already. Gabriel tells him, shut up. For once in his life, shut his mouth. Gabriel says he keeps scratching. He thinks if he digs deep enough, he’ll find a person he can help, but he never does. He tells Negan that he sent Rosita out, and she got hurt. He doesn’t know how bad, and can’t help her because he has to be here with Negan. Someone has to be responsible for him. Negan says he’s sorry; he didn’t know. Gabriel says it’s bad enough he has to clean up Negan’s sh*t. He shouldn’t have to listen to it too. Negan seems disturbed.

Henry sees two boys and a girl around his age. One introduces himself as Gage. He says Henry was there during the war; he’s the kid with the stick. Henry says it was a long time ago. A girl introduces herself as Addie, and the other boy is Rodney. Gage says they’ve been watching him mope around, and Addie is seriously worried. They’ve always lived there, and Addie thinks it must be exciting to be someplace new all the time. Rodney asks about Oceania, and if it’s really all women. Henry says, mostly, and Rodney says he should have become a fisherman. Gage asks if Henry wants to hang out in the woods, and Henry asks if they don’t close the gate at night. Gage says whatever’s got him down, it’s not worth it. Life’s too short. Henry says, okay; he’ll do it.

Siddiq tells Michonne that he’s sorry he kept so much from her, but he’s on her side. Michonne knows people would still be angry, but that doesn’t make it easier. Siddiq says, it’s not too late to mend fences. Michonne says, it’s not, but she won’t. Not in the way they want her to. She didn’t make the choices she made because they were easy. At least they’re alive to hate her for it.

Rosita wakes up, and panics. Michonne tells her that she’s at Hilltop. Jesus and Aaron found her. Rosita says, Eugene! and Michonne says a group is out there tracking him. They should be back soon. Rosita says she knows where he is, but Siddiq says, they can handle whatever is going on. Rosita says, no; they can’t. There’s no way they can handle it.

The storm gets closer. Daryl, Jesus, and Aaron walk in the dark, using flashlights. That must be hard to hold along with a crossbow. Dog goes first into a barn, and digs at some hay. Daryl pokes at it, and hits something hard. Aaron asks if Eugene is in there, and Eugene says, affirmative. They lift a trap door, and Eugene comes out, totally shaken. He says he took a bad step, and dislocated his knee. They have to get out. The herd followed him, and they’re on their way back. Daryl says, they’re gone. They’re not looking for him. Eugene says they’re been there twice looking for him. It’s not a normal herd. Aaron asks what he means, and Eugene says when they passed by, he could hear them. They were whispering to each other. Aaron says, talking? Eugene says, Rosita heard it too; she can corroborate what he’s telling them. Daryl says they’ve got to get back. Dog barks, and I say, oh sh*t, out loud. Aaron says, no way it’s the same herd. Daryl says the herd’s got them cut off. Eugene is like, no, no, no, no, no!

Henry and his new friends drink and break windows. Some things never change. Henry falls over. He says if this is their idea of fun, he’d hate to see what happens when they get bored. Gage says they’ll show him now. They go outside where there’s a zombie in a pit. Gage laughs about it, and he and Rodney play ring toss, trying to get the rings on a metal thing stuck in the zombie’s head. He also has a few darts sticking out of him. Addie walks away. Gage tells Henry to try his luck. Henry pushes him out of the way, jumps in the pit. and kills the zombie. Gage asks what he did that for, and Henry says if he has to explain, Gage won’t understand. Gage is outta there.

The herd moves forward. I’m scared. They’re moving into the woods. Eugene is freaking out, and Jesus says, it’s not making sense. They shouldn’t have doubled back, and really shouldn’t have followed them to the barn. Eugene has a theory; the dead are evolving. They’re not dead in a sense that makes sense. Their brains are alive, and if their brains are alive, they can change. Daryl is like, what?! and Jesus says, it’s not any crazier than it already is. If the zombies can talk, they can learn strategy. He thinks they should split up, but Aaron says they’re stronger together. Jesus says that doesn’t help them. The only way out is to avoid a fight. Daryl and Aaron take Eugene, and Jesus goes the other way to distract the herd.

Negan continues to play ball. He notices the door move when a draft blows through. He gets up, and pushes the door open. Now what? He picks up his ball, gives a side smile, and tosses the ball behind him.

Tara tells Earl that Henry threw up on a pig, and then her boots. Henry says he’s sorry, and she says, good. She has enough to worry about and loved those boots. She’s going to bed. Earl thought he was too tired to do anything. The reek of crappy moonshine coming off him says that was a lie. He was found outside the gate, shouting. Does he want to explain how he wound up there? Henry says, no, sir, and Earl asks who gave him the booze. Henry is silent, and Earl says, okay. He offered take Henry on and teach him, but if this is how he treats his commitments, he can take his scrawny ass back to the Kingdom. Henry knows he screwed up, but the people back home are counting on him. His parents are counting on him. Earl asks, what the hell got into him? Henry says he saw his mom cry; she’s so tough. Before that, he was too excited to think about it, and understand what a huge deal it was. He guesses he didn’t want to think about it for a while. Earl says he’s been there. The minimum sentence for drunk and disorderly is two days, but he’ll talk to Jesus, and see what he can do. He tells Henry to get some sleep. He’ll have a lot of work to catch up on when he gets out.

This herd is scary. Daryl is on top of a box car, and lights a string of firecrackers. They smoke the place up and make noise. Dog barks. I’m going to have a heart attack. The herd keeps going, surprising Daryl. He quiets Dog.

Aaron and Jesus get Eugene to, oddly enough, a cemetery gate. The herd is following. The go through a spot where the stone is crumbling. Jesus tells them to follow the wall; there’s a gate somewhere. The zombies start tumbling in, following them. The gate is locked. Jesus and Aaron try to push Eugene over the wall, but it’s not working out. It’s as not good as it gets. The zombies are closing in. Aaron and Jesus stan and wait, weapons at the ready. As the zombies reach them, they fight; stabbing and slicing heads, piking and smashing skulls. Eugene quakes near the gate. The whispering zombies suddenly stop.

Michonne is on the other side of the gate, and calls to Eugene. She tells him to push as she pulls. Magna appears, and helps. Together they get it open. Jesus tells Aaron to go ahead, and goes all ninja on the zombies. Aaron tells him to move it.

O.M.G. A zombie comes up behind Jesus, and literally stabs him in the back. He whispers in Jesus’s ear, something about him not being where he belongs. I’m stunned. I was not expecting that.

Magna’s group flies out, and goes after more zombies with bows and arrows. Jesus’s killer is slain. Aaron kneels beside Jesus. Well, sh*t.

Lightening begins to strike. Looking at the zombie who killed Jesus, Daryl calls Michonne over. He looks at the zombie’s head, and cuts at its hair. At first, I think he’s scalping it, but the whole face comes away. Like that dude in Silence of the Lambs. Daryl turns the zombie over, and he’s a dead human.

We hear the words, circle round, being whispered. Dog barks. Through the fog, the Whisperers move closer. This bunch is trapped.

💀 This was the mid-season finale. Next time, there’s a new enemy and a new level of creepiness. Negan is on the loose and whistling again. AND DOG IS OKAY. For now. The show returns in February.

🌅 Mini Contemplations…

Nobody can bring you peace but yourself. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

Why wait? Dream is now. – Sophie (Jennifer Coolidge), 2 Broke Girls

🎂 They Say It’s My Birthday…

The party in my mind…

BirthdayPup2

Probably closer to it…

BirthdayPup3

 

Nov24

November 23, 2018 – The Brain Biscuit Flour Mill, Walking Video, Mary Pat’s Head, a Wife Yes, Charm News, a Wife No, Thankful Quotes & Shaft

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

 

🍗 Hope a great Thanksgiving was had by all!

Z Nation

Roberta, 10K, and Addie walk on the road between wheat fields. Roberta notes that they need harvesting; they’re going to seed. Addie doesn’t know how many live humans are left to do the work. She says, welcome to the heartland, and asks what the plan is. Roberta says they’re going to find out what’s in the biscuits. Addie asks what the end game is, and Roberta says, help George get her new country going first. Addie thinks they’re more tear sh*t up types than building a nation types. Roberta says they have to make sure the right people are in charge, and George is a natural leader. As they get closer to the farm, they find several mercied bodies. Addie says they’re farm workers, and some are talkers. Roberta thinks someone doesn’t want the biscuits made. 10K asks if they hear that, a ghostly voice saying, feed us. Roberta signals them to move into an area where a bunch of cars are parked. We can hear, feed us, biscuits. It gets louder as they get closer. They hear, but don’t see anything.

A dude pops up among the cars, and Addie says he’s a talker. Robert says he might know something. They raise their hands, and walk toward him. Roberta says they come in peace. She knows they’re hungry, but have no biscuits. They can help. 10K asks, what happens when talkers stop talking? Roberta guesses nothing good. They’re surrounded. Addie doesn’t want to hurt them, and Roberta says, let’s try to make this non-lethal.

George and Doc drive up, and they get in. Roberta says, perfect timing, Addie says they got her message from Kaya. Doc asks where they’re headed, and she tells him a farmhouse up ahead. Doc says they’ll have just about enough gas.

In the fields, Pandora tells a talker, he must be starved. She knows where he can find tasty brains waiting to be nibbled. She pushes him, and says, go after them.

Doc pulls up at the farmhouse, and says they’re running on fumes. They go inside, and George blocks the door. 10K says the talkers must have been hiding in the wheat. They look hungry, and Roberta wonders what they’re eating. A farmhand comes out, and says he knows – brains. He takes off his hat, and shows them the top of his head. It’s gone.

Roberta says the talkers have been eating his brains? and he says, everybody wants a piece of Charlie. Addie asks what happened, but he thinks they ate that part. Roberta asks if anyone else is there, but Charlie isn’t sure.

Roberta asks George if she wants to talk about Dante. George says it was her fault. She shouldn’t have let him go. Doc says, that’s not true. George says he put his trust in her and what she believed in, and it got him killed. Addie says she got Dante killed? and Doc says, the vigilantes got him. They killed the captain and his guard too. They’re probably the same bastards who killed the others. Roberta hugs George, and George cries. She says they chopped him in pieces, and put him in a trashcan. He did it for her. He was still alive. She had to mercy him. Roberta says George did right. George asks, who would do that? and Addie says, humans. Doc says, maybe not. Maybe talkers. They left a sign saying, this is what happens to traitors. Addie says, Newmerica would be a better place if they got rid of the people. Doc says, maybe the zombies got it right; screw everyone. Roberta promises they’ll bring Dante justice. George says she can’t give up. She can’t let Dante’s death be in vain. She has to see it through, no matter what. She’s willing to die for a better world. Roberta says, that’s her girl, and if that’s all we got, that’s all we got.

Doc goes into the garage, and picks up a mason jar. He sniffs it, and says, that could curl your nose hairs. He dips his fingers in and licks them. Steam comes out of his ears, and he says, that’s ass-kicking hooch.

Addie looks around upstairs. 10K goes to the kitchen, and takes off the tin can hook he’s been using. His wound looks pretty sore. Doc asks how it’s going, and 10K says, it hurts like a bad mother – Doc says, shut your mouth, a reference to Isaac Hayes‘s Theme from Shaft that 10K doesn’t get. He thinks the wound should be cleaned up, but the water is brown. 10K doesn’t think they should use that water, and Doc says he has a perfect plan B.

Addie keeps looking. She opens a closet, and brings her pokey bat weapon down among the clothes. She hits someone. She says, you, and he says it looks like she has him where she wants him.

The talkers are moving fast, with Pandora behind them.

Addie says she should kill him. He says, put him out of his misery. She says or make him wish he was dead. He asks what she wants him to do, and she says, unbutton his shirt. He does, and she slides her weapon down him. He says, now what? and she tells him to kiss her. They kiss, and she says he stood her up. She waited two days; she thought he was dead. He says, you know how it is. Zombies. She sees he has a wound and asks what happened. He says someone shot him.

Doc tells 10K it might sting, and pours the hooch over the wound. Obviously in pain, 10K puts the jar to his mouth. Doc says he wouldn’t drink that, but 10K guzzles the jar down. He says he feels great, then throws up. Doc says it might take his mind off his hand for a while. Roberta asks if he’s okay, and Doc says, alcohol poisoning. He’ll be good in a day, or three. They put him in a chair. Roberta says the talkers are still lurking.

Addie brings the guy downstairs. Addie says this is her friend, Finn; he’s been shot. Doc bandages him, saying he lost a lot of blood; he’s a lucky man. Finn asks if the wound is that bad, and Doc says, no, he’s a terrible doctor. 10K gets sick again, and Doc says his next patient. Roberta asks how Addie and Finn know each other. Finn says his farmhands turned taker, and Addie helped him. Addie says, they hit it off, and Finn helped save a lot of talkers. He says, like Butch and Sundance. An aside here: I thought the scene with her asking him to unbutton his shirt was lifted from Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. But in the film, it’s Robert Redford and Kathrine Ross, and he’s waiting for her in her room. Roberta asks what happened? and Finn says when they came back, Charlie volunteered to make the ultimate sacrifice to save his friends. They fed them tiny bits of brain. He had them rounded up to go to Limbo, when he was shot and the talkers were set loose. Somebody doesn’t want them to make biscuits. Roberta asks if he knows the secret ingredient. He says other than chopped brains, he doesn’t know what’s in them. He’ll show them what’s left.

He takes them to the manufacturing area, and shows them the machine that mixes brains into powder. Then it goes into the flour. George asks if they took it all. He says, there’s some flour left, but they took all the added ingredients. They’re the only source in the area. Not just for biscuits, but all grain. They don’t have much seed left, and need to harvest. Addie says, all of Newmerica could starve. They see where the fire was, and Finn says when he came to put it out, he got shot. Charlie got a machete in the head. He didn’t get a good look at them though. Roberta asks, if he had workers, does he think he could harvest? Addie says he’s bleeding again, and tells him to take it easy.

Doc and 10K come out in cowboy gear, twirling lassos. Doc says he was in a goat rodeo one time. He says they’ll round up the talkers, and Addie says, what could go wrong? Pandora says, looks like somebody wants to play cowboy. Let’s send them a stampede. The talkers move forward.

Finn tells Charlie, cue the dinner bell, and he hits on one of those triangle things, saying, come get your brains. Roberta and George get ropes ready. Roberta tells George that she’s still in shock. Some things are not meant to be seen, but she needs George’s head in it. Addie and Finn wait in a car. Finn says, it’s like old times, and Addie says, it was a month ago. He says, that’s old for the apocalypse. He’s glad she’s there. He was worried it was going to be just him and Charlie. She asks if he’s okay, and he says, yeah.

10K and Doc go talker hunting. Charlie continues to ring the triangle, saying, hot brains. He says, a little sriracha, spicy, the way they like it, and sprinkles some on his head. Addie and Finn rope some talkers. Finn tells Charlie, now, and he takes a piece out of his brain to feed them. Doc lassos a tiller, 10K says, yippee-ki-yo-ki-yay, and gets one with a net, but gets tangled up in it. Doc knocks the zombie out with a hammer. 10K asks if he’s dead, but Doc says, he’s already dead; he just stunned him. He suggests they tie him up before the others get back.

Pandora says, if you want something done right, you have to do it yourself. Let’s nip this revolution in the bud.

Roberta and George go into the stables. George tells Roberta to watch herself. They’re almost completely turned. They see a talker in the shadows. Another runs past (I think it’s Pandora), but Roberta thinks they should get this one first. George says she knows he’s scared. She is too. It’s a scary world these days. She promises she’s not going to hurt him, and says it must be terrifying, but they have brains for him. A volunteer, Charlie, generously donated his brains until they get biscuits. They just have to secure him for his own safety. He grabs a hoe, and tries to hit George, but she gets him down. Outside, Pandora has set herself up with a gun. She says, it was nice while it lasted. She’s going to enjoy this.

10K comes up behind Pandora, but doesn’t see the gun. He says, there you are. He tells her this is for her own good. She’ll get some brains, and be humanish in no time. He’s not going to hurt her. Pandora’s cohort is behind him with a taser. They fight, and Pandora jumps in. Her crony gets 10K on the ground, and forces him to put his hook in his own mouth, but Doc has gotten the taser, and tasers him. He tells 10K he couldn’t help it, and suggests they corral these two.

The talkers have been put in a pen. Charlie asks what it is they’re doing again. Doc says they’re feeding the talkers so they don’t turn zombie. Charlie asks, what are they feeding them with? and Doc says, actually, brains; his brains. Charlie says, he’s cool with that, right? Doc says, as far as they know. Doc tells the talkers to make two lines. Pandora gives half-mask guy half a biscuit, and eats the other half.

Roberta wonders who’s been cutting off their supplies. George says, it couldn’t be talkers, but Roberta says people and talkers are easier to manipulate when they’re starving. George says they’re going to stop the revolution and bring justice to the world. Finn says, the world belongs to the dead now, and Addie says maybe it’s not theirs to claim. George says they all need each other to survive. That’s why they need a new country. Addie says, so far, George’s new country has done nothing but get people killed, including Dante. George says, maybe Addie is right, and she’s responsible for Dante’s death. It will haunt her until her mercy comes, but it’s not up to Addie to judge her. Addie says, not everyone shares her dream or her way of doing things. Roberta steps between them, and says they have no time for politics. Like it or not, they’re fighting the same fight together. They’re at war, and don’t even know who they’re fighting. Pandora watches them.

Charlie starts to sing Bicycle Built for Two. Doc asks how he’s feeling, and he says, lightheaded. BA-DUM-CHH! Doc leads him to a chair. Addie asks how he’s doing, and Doc says, not good. He keeps singing, and gets stuck on the word crazy, going, zee… zee… zee… Charlie asks Finn if it’s time. Finn says he saved them all. They’re alive because of him. Charlie asks, can he have his mercy now? and Finn says, sure. Charlie tells Finn goodbye, and goodbye whoever the rest of them are. Finn sings, and takes out the last of Charlie’s brain. Charlie is officially gone. Finn says, have mercy, and everyone is bummed

The talkers all sing Bicycle Built for Two, and Doc says, that was weird.

Finn says, since the water supply was cut off, they would have eventually died from drought. The hydraulic power that controls the flow of water was cut off after the first attack. George says it’s a Native American operation. She knows the chief. Roberta suggests they talk to some water keepers. Finn says he’ll stay there to keep an eye on the talkers. Addie kisses him goodbye.

Pandora pokes her friend, telling him if he doesn’t stop singing, she won’t hesitate to mercy him. She hates that song. Finn walks up, and says, what do we have here? It looks like they’re feeling more like themselves. He tells the talkers that after he gives Charlie a proper burial, and gathers some supplies, they’ll set off for Limbo. He thinks after dark is safer. He’s not doing well, and Pandora says, it won’t be long now before someone starts playing for the other team.

10K says his hand hurts like it’s still there. Doc tells him, it’s phantom limb syndrome. Eventually, it works itself out, and the brain ignores the signals. Roberta can’t figure out why the farm was cut off, and Addie says maybe they didn’t like George’s idea. George says they’re independent, but the is chief fact-oriented, and supported the referendum, seeing the positives. Doc asks if 10K is all right. 10K says he’s just hungover. Doc feels his forehead, and says he’s burning up; he’s not fine. He needs antibiotics. George thinks they can get help from the chief, and Doc says he knows all about Native American medicine. Together, Doc and 10K say, but we were nowhere near the Grand Canyon. They see a distress signal, and Addie says, Finn. Addie runs back to find him lying on the ground.

She moves him underneath a tree, and he says two talkers jumped him and set the others free. Addie tells him, hang in there, and Finn says he’s scared. He’s lost too much blood. She tells him not to be afraid; she’s there. Roberta goes through the wheat field, and a talker pops up. Roberta says, hey, Emma, it’s me. Emma looks like she’s about to attack Roberta, but hugs her. I’m assuming, in life, Emma wasn’t known for her social skills.

George goes through another field, and hears her name being called. Pandora crouches in the wheat.

Finn tells Addie that they had big plans. Addie says they can still do big things. He asks if she promises to keep their deal. If he doesn’t like it, she’ll mercy him. She promises. He asks if she thinks he’ll see a white light, and tells her, it hurts. He’s scared, and doesn’t want to turn. Addie tells him not to fight it, and he tells her that he loves her. She loves him too. He dies. She closes his eyes, strokes his face, and kisses him. He starts to shake, coughs, and wakes up. She says, so? He says, nothing hurts, and he’s not afraid. For eight years, every day since day one, he’s been afraid. Now he’s not. She tells him that she saved him some. The last piece of Charlie. He eats it.

Roberta and George join them, and Roberta says they rounded up all the talkers, except two. Finn says they’re probably the ones who jumped him. Roberta says, is he? and Addie nods. Roberta says, welcome back. She and George are going to catch up with Doc and 10K. Addie says she’s going to stay and help Finn get the talkers back to work, but after that… Roberta tells them to take care of each other. George tells Addie, see you in Newmerica. Addie says, keep dreaming, and George says, somebody has to.

Doc wonders where they are. He says 10K seems to be healing okay. If Roberta and George aren’t back soon, they should just head to the dam without them. He says 10K’s fever broke, and gives him some water. He hopes the water keepers are friendly. He’s shot by an arrow, says, they’ve got to be kidding, and falls over.

Next Friday – Ninjas! Spirits! Wait, what? Doc is a ghost, and enters 10K’s body. 10K feels old and kinda stoned.

👹 If You’re Reading This…

You’ll probably be interested in this:

https://www.amc.com/shows/the-walking-dead/video-extras/season-09/episode-07/spoilers-making-of-the-walking-dead-season-9-episode-7?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=4-907-inside&utm_campaign=the-walking-dead

🏥 If You Read This On Weekdays…

You were bummed because football was on instead of General Hospital. Here’s a consolation prize.

https://www.abc.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital-behind-the-scenes-mary-pat-death-168319?utm_medium=email&utm_source=SailthruHorizonDaily&utm_content=14987444&utm_campaign=ABCsid_ed_Newsletter_engaged_weekly%202018-11-05&utm_term=Master_ABCsid_sitesignups

🎉 Best News I’ve Heard in a While…

Which is kind of sad when you think about it. LVP is still on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.

https://www.etonline.com/lisa-vanderpump-sets-the-record-straight-on-rhobh-drama-exclusive-113983?linkId=59713270

👍 It’s About Time…

T-Rav charmed himself out of more than being a cast member.

https://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/kathryn-dennis-files-to-modify-custody-after-thomas-ravenel-arrest/

🎃 Charming Halloween News

I love the addition of the dog as Michael.

https://people.com/parents/southern-charm-cameran-eubanks-daughter-dresses-up-patricia-altschul/?utm_source=twitter.com&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=social-share-article

👎 Bad Idea…

No. Just no.

http://www.bravotv.com/the-real-housewives-of-orange-county/personal-space/living-with-ex-after-divorce?cid=soc_tw_Bravo_RHOC_PersonalSpace_Dish

📣 Quotes of the Week

You pray in your distress and in your need; would that you might pray also in the fullness of your joy and in your days of abundance. – Kahlil Gibran, The Prophet

Being grateful all the time isn’t easy. But it’s when you feel least thankful that you are most in need of what gratitude can give you: perspective. Gratitude can transform any situation. It alters your vibration, moving you from negative energy to positive. It’s the quickest, easiest, most powerful way to effect change in your life—this I know for sure. – Oprah Winfrey, What I Know for Sure

In the end, though, maybe we must all give up trying to pay back the people in this world who sustain our lives. In the end, maybe it’s wiser to surrender before the miraculous scope of human generosity and to just keep saying thank you, forever and sincerely, for as long as we have voices. – Elizabeth Gilbert, Eat, Pray, Love

Unto us, so much is given. We just have to be open for business. – Anne Lamott, Help Thanks Wow: The Three Essential Prayers

My expectations were reduced to zero when I was 21. Everything since then has been a bonus. – Stephan W. Hawking, New York Times Magazine interview

My gratitude for good writing is unbounded; I’m grateful for it the way I’m grateful for the ocean. – Anne Lamott, Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life

I think that real friendship always makes us feel such sweet gratitude, because the world almost always seems like a very hard desert, and the flowers that grow there seem to grow against such high odds. – Stephen King, The Eyes of the Dragon

It has been said that life has treated me harshly; and sometimes I have complained in my heart because many pleasures of human experience have been withheld from me…if much has been denied me, much, very much, has been given me. – Helen Keller, The Open Door

They do not love, that do not show their love. – William Shakespeare, The Two Gentlemen of Verona

🎼 Because It’s the Second Time This Week…

I’ve heard a reference to this song.

 

Nov19

November 18, 2018 – Daryl Gets a Dog, Some Talk, Amish Return, a Dinner & It’s Here Again

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

The Walking Dead

Rosita is being chased through the woods. She stops at a tree for water, but the bottle is empty. She slumps against the tree.

Daryl, Carol, and Henry walk through a different part of the woods. Daryl is carrying firewood, and drops it at his camp near the river. Carol asks if he’s fixed the boat since last time. He’s not being very communicative, and she asks when he last ate. Apparently, he’s acquired a dog – looks like a German Shepherd mix – and he says, the dog ate yesterday. She’s not talking about that.

Michonne and Siddiq are taking Magna’s group to Hilltop. Michonne tells Siddiq he’ll feel better if he says it. Siddiq says she should have let them stay. He thinks she likes them. He’s not hearing her deny it. She says it doesn’t mean she trusts them. Luke says Magna gave Michonne the option not to trust them. She and Kelly want to get back to their camp. Magna wants her knife back. Yumiko tells Michonne, sorry about Magna; she can be hotheaded. She’s been on edge since they lost Bernie. She talks about how he used to wear a horrid shirt. It was like looking into creation in paisley. Magna said it gave her a headache, so he wore it every day for a week. Magna came around on the shirt, like they came around on Magna. Michonne says, like family. Yumiko asks if Hilltop is safe. Michonne says it is, and Yumiko asks what it’s like. Michonne says it’s been a while since she’s been there, and Yumiko says, then how does she know it’s safe? Michonne says she promised her daughter that she’d get them there, and she will. They just have to trust her.

Hilltop is looking good. There are tons of crops, blacksmithing and pottery making going on, and Enid being a doctor. Jesus listens to music on an old gramophone Tara drops by. She says he’s been spending a lot of time with records. She goes over some farming stuff, other operational issues, and a couple of complaints. She tells him, congratulations; he’s been reelected leader. He says, winning is a given when there’s no one running against you. She asks if he still thinks it’s temporary. He wants to check on Tammy’s crops, but Tara says she has a list. He tells her to ask when he gets back

Daryl shoots a snake for dinner, and stabs a zombie with the same arrow after he gets it back. He’s a multi-tasker. Carol asks if he’s just leaving the zombie, and he says it keeps the animals away. She says he’s longer than he said he’d be. He says he likes it; it’s quiet. He asks how the king is, and she says he’s having a hard time letting go. She’s taking Henry to Hilltop. He’s going to apprentice as a smithy. Daryl appreciates the visit, but wonders why she’s really there. She wants him to come with them. They have problems of their own at the Kingdom, and she’d feel better if Daryl could go with Henry. He says he can’t babysit, but she says it’s not like that. Henry is an idealist, like Ezekiel, which is important, but it can be dangerous. Daryl says he has to learn for himself. Like they did.

Magna’s camp has been torn apart. There are a few zombies lurking. Kelly stabs on in the head, and Connie stomps on another’s head. Luke wields a baseball bat. Magna looks through what’s left of her stuff. Siddiq finds a recorder, and says it was the first instrument he learned to play. His aunt gave him one. He had it a week, until his mom decided, for her own sanity, that he liked painting better. I totally understand this. When I was in fourth grade, everyone had to learn to play the recorder, and you could hear the sounds of practicing throughout the neighborhood. It’s a wonder our parents didn’t lose their minds. Michonne says, for her sanity, and takes it from him. Connie signs that Luke is obsessed with saving musical instruments.

Michonne tells DJ to take any weapons. Magna thinks they should get them back, but Michonne says she’s not letting her men take five armed people into Hilltop. If they want their weapons, they can take them, but they’re on their own. If they want a chance at something better, stay with them. Magna wonders how they’re supposed to trust her, when she’s doesn’t trust them. Michonne says then they can take their chances. Yumiko says they didn’t get brought back together just to be killed. She asks if they’ll be there by morning, and Michonne says they will. Yumiko says they have a real chance for a safe place. The sun is going down soon, and Michonne suggests they find shelter.

Aaron is riding out of the woods, and gets knocked off his horse by Jesus. Aaron says, rule number one – be aware of your surroundings. Jesus says, rule number one – look up. They spar Jesus says, not bad, and gets the best of Aaron. Aaron whacks Jesus in the face, and Jesus acts like he’s really hurt. When Aaron asks if he’s okay, Jesus gets the better of him again. When they’re done, Aaron says he heard it was election day. Jesus says that’s why he’s late. There was a party, and it’s hard to get away as it is. Aaron doesn’t suppose Maggie changed her mind about the fair. It’s important for the Kingdom; for all of them to come back together. They see a flare go up in the distance.

The find Rosita, bloody, and leaning against a tree. Aaron asks where Eugene is, and she says she left him. He was going to a barn. Zombies come toward them. Jesus says they have to go; it will be dark soon. Whatever barn Eugene is in, Jesus hopes he’s safe until tomorrow,

Daryl cooks up the snake. Carol is impressed. Henry wonders if the real reason they came here was that Carol wants Daryl to be his chaperone. This guy? He can handle himself. Daryl says it will be ready in thirty minutes, and Carol says, just enough time. Daryl says, for what?

Carol gives Daryl a haircut. He knows she thinks He’s still looking for him. Carol says, is he? She thinks he should let it go, and that his hair looks better. They eat. Henry asks how Daryl got his scars. Daryl calls the dog, who he just calls dog.

Michonne is on watch, and hears something. She goes inside a stable. She walks quietly past the horses, where there’s a dude at a workbench with his back to her. She comes up behind him, and says, drop it; turn around slow. It’s Luke. He says, he can’t. He starts to turn, and she whacks at him. Everyone comes running. Luke shows them his broken violin. I think Michonne might be just a little paranoid.

Henry wakes up, and leaves the tent. He thinks he sees Daryl from behind, and shines a light. It’s a zombie instead, but Daryl arrives in time to knife it in the head. He keeps walking. He hears Dog barking, and runs in that direction. Dog is tethered to a tree and several zombies are stuck in Daryl’s traps around him. Why are they doing this to me? Introducing another animal which will no doubt eventually get eaten. I’ve gotten to the point where, if a dog is introduced in a horror story I’m reading, I stop reading. Dog is surrounded, barking his head off, with the zombies reaching for him. Daryl approaches. A half-zombie grabs at him. He goes down, and loses his knife. Henry wants to help, but Daryl tells him, get back. Daryl manages to get his other knife out, and stabs, spears, and pikes the heads of the zombies. Henry is astounded. A zombie whose ankle is held in a trap, pulls itself free, leaving its foot behind. Henry jumps forward, and impales it. Daryl finishes the job. He says he told Henry to stay back, and Henry says, you’re welcome. Up on the hill, Carol has her bow drawn. She steps back so they don’t see her.

Jesus asks Enid how Rosita is. Enid says she’s okay, just dehydrated. He says it’s weird, seeing her after all this time. She says for her too. She asks Jesus what they were doing out there, and Jesus says, training. He’s been talking to Aaron, keeping the lines of communication open. Enid says, and avoiding being there. He wants to try to get Alexandria on board with the fair. She doesn’t think they’ll go along with it. Jesus says, it’s important, and Enid says people are noticing that he’s gone, that’s important too. She knows he thinks he’s just keeping a promise to Maggie, but he took the job. Stop pretending. She’s not there; he is. Maggie is counting on him. They’re counting on him. She’s counting on him. He needs to stay there, and keep the place together.

Daryl gets dressed, and Henry looks at the scars on his back. He tosses Henry some salve, saying it’s good for infection. Daryl thanks Henry for the help, and Henry thanks Daryl for saving him. He asks Daryl not to tell his mom. Daryl tosses a stick for Dog to fetch. He says that he’s seeing more and more zombies. Henry tells him that Carol says he’s her best friend; that she had his back no matter what. She misses him. She worries about him. Can he see that? Daryl asks if that’s what Henry wants. Daryl looking over his shoulder all the time. Henry says it’s not just about him.

Luke says, unbelievable. Michonne starts talk, but he’s like, uh-uh-uh. He says it’s an original Stradivarius. Kelly says he found it in a mansion before it was overrun. It was in a kids room. Michonne asks why he collects instruments, and Luke says, it’s art. For a long time, historians and archaeologists wondered how humans survived against the Neanderthals. With them being bigger and stronger, with better weapons, why are we still here? Why did we survive? He tells her about a flute found in a cave, and how it was realized that maybe ancient humans didn’t defeat the Neanderthals the way we look at defeat. They sat around the campfire, sharing stores, and told stories in music and painting. They created communities and identities. The communities they built grew, and the Neanderthals retreated, and died out. It’s what separates humans from animals. It brings people together in building something, and you can’t ignore that. Michonne says after all he’s seen and done, he still believes that’s all it could take? Luke says, survival of the fittest. Sharing art with each other makes them stronger. Michonne ponders this.

Michonne tells Siddiq that they’ll reach Alexandria before Hilltop, and can stop for supplies if they need them. Siddiq says she should come. It’s the least she can do after murdering Luke’s violin. Michonne thinks it’s for the best, but Siddiq tells her, don’t worry about Maggie. She doesn’t know what to do if they see each other, but Siddiq says, she’s gone. Jesus runs Hilltop now. Michonne asks where she is, and DJ runs in saying, walkers; let’s move. They run out, Michonne in the lead. Yumiko says they need their weapons. Magna uses a brick to smash a zombie in the head. Zombies start pouring in. Michonne tells DJ to get the new people their weapons. Kelly gets a slingshot thing going. The horses start getting agitated, and Michonne says, sh*t. Yumiko tells the others they know what to do. Connie and Kelly work their slingshots. Luke opens the doors of the cars in the lot, so the zombies are blocked. Yumiko uses an arrow to knock an awning down, crushing several zombies. Magna saves Yumiko’s ass when a stray zombie sneaks up on her. A zombie toddles toward them, wearing a paisley shirt. Magna is sadly transfixed, and the others stare, open-mouthed. As Bernie gets close to Magna, Michonne knifes him from behind. Siddiq says, let’s go, and urges Magna to move. They all look at Bernie’s body as they go past.

Daryl tells Carol, ready in ten minutes. Hey, she’s using one of my coffee cups. It’s metal, blue with flecks of white, for camping.

The group headed for Hilltop travels on. Everyone is bummed. Michonne says she knows what it’s like to worry about a friend, and feel guilty. Yumiko says they’ll feel better when they have home, and are safe. Michonne says they will. This is as far as she’s going. Siddiq apologizes for not telling her about Maggie sooner. She asks, where is she? and Siddiq says, someplace far away; a new community. That’s all he knows. He understands she wanted the information sooner, but he promised someone he wouldn’t. This means Michonne can come. She should. Michonne says she’s needed back home. She kept her promise to Judith. Siddiq says what about her promise to him? She says, it’s not that simple. They hear horses approaching.

Two men ride up to them. They’re carrying spears, and Michonne asks if they’re From Hilltop. They are, and Michonne says her group is from Alexandria. They’re headed there now. One of the men says they have a message. Hilltop has one of their own – Rosita. She’s been injured. Michonne tells them to let them know that Michonne and the others are headed to Hilltop. The men ride off. Michonne giddyaps. Luke tells them, hold up, and they stop. Connie sees something. They wait, as she looks around, but then she signals, it’s nothing.

Daryl rides into Hilltop. Henry wonders if Enid will recognize him; he’s bigger. Jesus says it’s a pleasant surprise. He asks what brings them there, and Carol says Henry has a stubborn interest in blacksmithing. Jesus says they can help with that.

Aaron tells Daryl that they found Rosita pretty banged up, and Eugene is missing. They’re headed out to find him now, and could use a good tracker. Daryl says he’s going. Henry wants to go too, but Carol says they need to get him settled in. Jesus says he knows where to start looking. Jesus tells Enid that he should go. She says she’ll stay, but next time, he does. Dog leads the way, Daryl follows, and the search party heads out.

Next time, Aaron says he’s never seen zombies do this before, Rosita wants to leave, Jesus kicks zombie ass, and Eugene says, it’s not a normal herd; they’re whispering to each other.

🔊 I don’t know what that fair business is about, but on Talking Dead tonight, Dan Fogler (Luke) said there was something musical coming up. That made me wonder if there’s a connection. Also, Michael Cudlitz (the late Abe) had his directorial debut with tonight’s TWD episode.

🐎 Return to Amish returned to the small screen tonight, but I have to catch it on the flipside. I can’t wait to see what Mary Schmucker, the grandmother of my dreams, and the gang are up to. Some new members have also been added to the cast.

✈ My Dinner with Hervé is on HBO rotation, and Peter Dinklage is so good, he’ll make you cry. About the tragic life (and death) of Hervé Jean-Pierre Villechaize, it goes far beyond dinner. The performances are brilliant, and the story of a frustrated artist shows incredible insight into a too-brief life.

🍹 It’ll Be All Right...

Sure, Mondays are just fine if you live in Margaritaville.

 

Nov17

November 16, 2018 – Sasha Gets the Boot, Doc’s Version of History, Quick Quote Quartet & Saturday Sendoff

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Michael meets Sam at The Floating Rib. She thinks he should know about something. Jason walks in.

Aiden tells Elizabeth and Franco that it was Career Day, and there was a policeman; it was cool. Franco asks if everyone was nice to him, and Aiden guesses so. He asks for money for the vending machine. Franco tells him if someone isn’t nice to him, he should tell them, and they’ll take care of it tout suite. Aiden is like, huh? and Franco says it’s fake French. Elizabeth asks if he’d like to call his dad

Kiki sees Griff at the hospital, and hopes he’s there to pick up his lab coat. He says not exactly. She wonders what’s taking so long, but Griff doesn’t know. The good news is Peter sent the committee a statement, saying he wasn’t impacted by Griff’s transgression in any way.  Kiki says that’s good news; the so-called victim doesn’t feel victimized. She wonders why the committee wants to talk to him. He thinks they want to question him again, but he’s going to tell them the same thing he did before – the truth. Kiki says speaking of the truth, it’s time Sasha heard some.

Nina is impressed that Sasha has the spread sheets almost done. Sasha says don’t tell her boss, but she’s trying to impress her new mother. Nina says they are equally impressed with her. As she’s walking into her office, Nina tells Sasha about a phone call she’s waiting for. Sasha tries to tell her that someone is in her office, but Nina is too busy talking to hear. She walks in to find Valentin.

At the MetroCourt bar, not-Doc asks Ava if this seat is taken. She wonders who’s asking. She’s saving it for a friend. He says since he’s no longer her doctor, and sits down. He says she’s still mad at him. She says not mad. Slightly perturbed and inconvenienced, but if she’s honest, she missed him. And here he is now. She says now that boundaries are out of the way, let her buy him a drink. He says he’s been craving a Bloody Mary. BA-DUM-CHH!

Michael asks if it’s a coincidence or an ambush. Jason says he’s looking for Michael’s dad. Have they seen Sonny?

Sonny asks Margaux if he can come in. She says she already got an earful from his wife. Sonny says it’s not between her and Carly, it’s between them. She asks what he’s going to do? Kill her like he killed her father?

Elizabeth tells Aiden that he hasn’t talked to his dad in a while. She thinks he’d like know how Aiden is doing. Aiden wants to go to the vending machine, so Elizabeth gives him some money. Franco says he can’t blame Aiden. What kid wants to tell his parents he’s being picked on? She asks if he’s speaking from experience, and he says when kids gave him a hard time, he sabotaged them. He had a lot of rage. He says they can start covert art therapy when they get home, but Elizabeth says, why wait. He says Aiden unburdening himself with finger paint is good, but this needs to stop.

Lulu flies into Willow’s classroom, asking if she’s late. Willow says she’s actually early. She’s trying to reach Charlotte’s father. She’d prefer it if they were both there. Lulu asks, how bad is it?

Nina says she doesn’t owe Valentin any explanations; they’re divorced. She has no time or patience for him. His phone rings. It’s Willow, and he asks if there’s a problem about Charlotte. He tells her he’ll be right there. Nina asks if Charlotte is okay, and Valentin says her teacher wants to meet with him and Lulu. Nina asks what about? and he says, they’re divorced. He doesn’t owe her any explanations. He leaves, and she grabs her jacket.

Griff thought Kiki was excited about the relationship with her new sister. He doesn’t want to come between them. Kiki thinks she’s overreacting because of her mom, but needs to set Sasha straight. She tells Griff to focus on getting his job back, and she’ll settle things with her sister.

Not-Doc asks Ava how things are with her daughter. Ava says she’ll come running back in time for the holidays. They’ll be back to being inseparable like they were before they allowed men to tear them apart. He says her optimism doesn’t match her demeanor. Why isn’t she able to sleep?

Michael asks what’s going on with his dad. Jason says he’s taking care of things with Sonny, and wanted to see if he needed a hand.

Sonny asks why he’d want Margaux dead. Even if he did, he’s just a simple coffee importer. She says, who thinks she’ll drop the investigation into her father’s murder, now that she knows her mother was involved. Jason calls, and Sonny says he’s with her now. He’ll let Jason know if he needs him.

😠 &$*!*$^%@&&@*##$!@! Why is this interrupted for NYC Mayor Jerkface making excuses because he wasn’t prepared for a snowstorm everyone knew was coming? Here’s a news flash – winter comes every year. Omg, he went on for nearly the whole hour. Moving on the bootleg way.

Margaux tells Sonny that she didn’t hear screaming, so it’s not Carly. It must be Jason. When should she expect him? Sonny asks why, and she says he sends Jason to do his dirty work, like Skully sent Sonny to do his. He asks why he’d want her dead? She heard her mother arrange her father’s murder; he’s out of the equation. She says if that’s true, why is he there?

Jason says Sonny has it under control, and Michael asks if he wants to join them. Or are Sam’s words for his ears only? Sam says it might be good to get Jason’s perspective. He was there too; at Ferncliff. She hates to spoil his good mood, but thinks he should know who was there. He says as long as it’s not his mom, he doesn’t care. He asks who? and Sam says, Nelle.

Kiki goes to the Crimson office to see Sasha. Sasha says she’s getting acclimated, and Kiki says, speaking of which, she thinks she moved too quickly with Sasha, and Sasha moved too quickly with her boyfriend.

Ava asks not-Doc if it’s that obvious. He asks, what’s the problem? and she says she’s lost her edge. She used to plan revenge in her sleep, now she crawls into bed – alone – and the thirst for vengeance turns to sadness. Kiki and Griff broke her heart and spirit. Not-Doc doesn’t buy that, and neither does the Ava boiling with rage. Where is she now? Ava says right there, reminding her of the times she told Griff that she loved him, and he wasn’t ready to say it back. Reminding her that he used her as a stepping stone out of the priesthood to someone else. He says, not just a benign sadness, but wounded and angry. She says she is, and he tells her that he has the perfect cure.

Sam tells Michael it seems Nelle faked a nervous breakdown, and was transferred. Jason says they went to get answers for his mom. She wants to know if the patient next door belongs there and is being treated. When they checked the cell, they found Nelle instead. Sam says they don’t know if she was a decoy, or the patient had already been moved. She could have been put in the first room that was available. Michael asks if they’re sure she was faking. She had a nervous breakdown before.

Sonny tells Margaux that she can’t accept the truth about her father’s death. She thinks the word he’rs looking for is murder. He says, yes, murdered. Her mother was having an affair with Skully. She asked him to get rid of her father, and he made it happen. Margaux asks if he’s still saying he’s blameless, and he says she can’t prove otherwise. She told herself stories about her father and family, none of which are true. If she keeps digging, it will only get worse, and she’ll only hurt herself.

Aiden brings Franco some candy in the art therapy room. Franco asks if he wants to draw a picture. He can start with Mr. Jellybeans, his hamster. Aiden says, Mr. Jellybeans is the best.

Valentin arrives at the classroom, and asks what’s going on; she said it was urgent. Nina flies in, and asks hat she missed, explaining that she’s Charlotte’s stepmother. Willow asks if both parents approve of her being there, and they’re both fine with it. Willow says she’s observed troubling behavior. Charlotte is bright and quick, but can be assertive. Nina says, good. She should be in today’s world. Willow agrees she should, however, it’s evolved into bullying. Lulu asks if she’s saying Charlotte is bullying other children. Willow says she broached it to Charlotte, and told her it’s unacceptable behavior, but it’s become more frequent and open; in front of teachers. It’s like she knows there will be no consequences. It’s not about blame, but it’s escalated, and per school policy, she needs to get the parents involved. Nina thinks Willow is misunderstanding Charlotte’s leadership skills, but Willow says, they’re not leadership skills. Nina says Willow clearly doesn’t understand her daughter, and the problem is her. Valentin shakes his head.

Sasha asks if Kiki is mad about last night. She was flirting with Kiki’s boyfriend, but she thought it was no big deal. They’re just friends with benefits. Kiki asks where she got that idea.

Not-Doc says he’s concerned about Ava’s well-being. He tells her that she needs to get some rest, and offers her a sample of a new sleep aid.

Jason tells Michael that Nelle was holding a blanket like a baby. Michael says, Nelle lies about everything, but it could be genuine. Sam says, except when they pointed out Ferncliff could be a bigger trap than Pentonville. She flung the blanket aside, and went off on them, saying she’s not letting Carly win. Jason says Nelle thought it was a stepping stone to freedom, and when she gets out, she’s going after his mom again.

Margaux says Sonny is just as at fault as her mother. He says she has nothing. He has no ties to her father’s death. There’s no evidence, no witnesses, nothing. While he lives, he’s a free man. She’s going to be rotting in a prison she’s built for herself. Is that what she wants?

Willow says Charlotte is confrontational not just with her classmates, but adults, even strangers. Lulu asks when that happened, and Willow says, this morning. It was Career Day, and she challenged a guest about his name, education, and appearance. Lulu says she didn’t see that, and Willow says it happened after she left. Some children like to push boundaries; Charlotte is one of them. Valentin asks if it’s an isolated incident, and Willow says, no. She’s been mocking a particular classmate, and takes every opportunity to make fun of them, and make them the butt of jokes. Valentin asks, who? but she can’t divulge that. She hopes discussing it will result in change. Nina asks if she’s discussed it with Charlotte, and Willow says she asked why Charlotte didn’t like them, but it wasn’t for any reason. So she’s asking them as parents, to step in. Explore where this is coming from and make sure she knows it’s unacceptable, and knows it must change.

Sasha tells Kiki that she’s new. It was an honest mistake, and it won’t happen again. Kiki says, while they’re being honest, she made a mistake too. She shouldn’t have asked Sasha to move in so soon. She was excited about having a sister. She’s hoping they can start over. Get together now and then as friends, not roommates. Sasha asks if Kiki is kicking her out, and Kiki says, yeah, she is. Sasha needs to be out by tonight. She already has a mother to contend with. She doesn’t need anyone else against her and Griff. Sasha says she really doesn’t trust her boyfriend, does she? Maybe she’s insecure because he dated her mother. Kiki tells her to be out by tonight.

Franco says, clearly, Aiden gets the ability to draw from his mom; he’s amazing. He likes Aiden’s version of Mr. Jellybeans with the crown; more regal than rodent. Aiden says Mr. Jellybeans is his best friend. Franco thought Bianca was his best friend. Aiden likes her okay, but sometimes she… Franco suggests he draw a picture of Bianca, but Aiden doesn’t want to. Franco says, how about his family? Aiden says he can do that. They’re nice to him.

Ava takes the sample. He tells her, like any medication, take with caution; one at first, no more two in 24-hours. He wants her to be at her best for her reunion with her daughter. Then they’ll talk about other methods to chase away the demons that keep her up. She asks if he has demons, and he says they all have painful experiences locked away. She asks if his have anything to do with his brother, but he says, no. They have everything to do with him. She tells him that he knows a lot about her, but she knows nothing about him.

Sasha sees Ava, and says, how convenient. She had no idea how to find her, but now she can tell Ava to her face. Next time she wants to break up Kiki and Griff, leave her out of it.

Margaux says Sonny is trying to sound like he gives a damn about what happens to her. He says he can picture her as a little girl, believing her mother’s phony grief. It’s all she had. He thought when she heard the truth, she’d leave that behind. She says he thought wrong.

Sam says Nelle lied to get transferred. They told her it was worse, and she ditched the act and threatened Carly. Michael says it sounds like Nelle. Jason says he seems calm, and Michael says he learned it from him. He’ll always regret getting involved with Nelle, but he doesn’t feel guilty for grieving over Jonah. It’s getting more manageable. There’s light at the end of the tunnel.

Nina tells Willow that Charlotte doesn’t need to change. She’s strong and brave, and she’s been through a lot. Valentin says she had a difficult early childhood, but they’ve always encouraged her to be polite and have compassion. Nina asks if Willow has children. Willow says that’s not relevant. Nina thinks maybe they need someone who knows about raising a child. Willow appreciates Nina’s faith in Charlotte. That being said, she thinks it might be more productive if she talks with Charlotte’s parents. Nina asks if Willow is kicking her out because she’s not Charlotte’s biological mother. Valentin tells Nina to go home. They want to hear what Willow is saying, and she’s making it next to impossible. Nina says Valentin has been Charlotte’s one constant, except when he’s off doing God knows what, with God knows who, God knows where. Nina asks if Lulu wants her to leave. Lulu says Nina is upset, and they need to get to the bottom of this. Nina says she’s watching Willow, and does the two-finger thing. Valentin says he’s mortified. Willow doesn’t doubt Nina loves Charlotte very much, but it’s unproductive. Lulu asks how they handle it, and Willow suggests written guidelines that will help them to be productive, not accusatory. They can explain that the behavior is not acceptable and there will be consequences for her actions.

Ava tells Sasha she thought it was a casual relationship. She’s sure they’ll work things out. Sasha says Kiki told her to move out. Whatever perverse game of mother/daughter chicken she’s playing is over. She lost. Before she leaves, Sasha orders room service. Ava looks at the sample.

Michael thanks Jason and Sam for the update on Nelle. Say what will about her, but she’s never dull. He also thanks them for making sure she’s back behind bars. Sam says, see? Things get better. Michael says they can all use some good times. The holidays are around the corner. They’re family, and need to start acting like it. He leaves, and Sam says, speaking of holidays, Thanksgiving is next week; any plans? He says, her first.

Sonny admires Margaux’s spirit and passion, but why not focus on her own life, instead of dogging his? She’ll make him a deal. He confesses to her father’s murder, pleads guilty, serves twenty, and when it’s a done deal, she’ll book a cruise. Sonny says, whoever pulled the trigger was the weapon. Her mother and Skully had her father killed. She wants to know what he’s going to tell Avery when she grows up. It’s not her dad’s fault he’s a murderer. Sonny says now she’s pushing it. If what happened to her father happened to him, he would hope Avery would leave it behind her, and not make it her life’s work to bring them to justice. He would hope she would be happy. Surround herself with people she loves and who love her.

Michael walks into Willow’s classroom. She says she just had an almost Chernobyl parent/teacher conference. He says, almost? and asks if she saved it. She says, maybe. She thought she was handling it. Now, she’s finding a meeting. It helps. He knows what she means. He says he also brought something that might help, or at least provide a distraction. He gives her a box. She said she wanted more seeds. She says when he makes a promise, he keeps it. He says, eventually. He also promised to tell his story to the group about what brought him there, and he hasn’t yet. She says, he will, and so will she – eventually. Until then, she has gardening to do. In November?

Nina is looking up Willow on Spyder-Finder. Valentin comes in, and she tells him to get out. He wants to apologize, but she won’t accept it, and says she’s going to call security. He says he missed her fierceness, and she says he won’t when he’s being hauled out. He says he particularly likes it when she’s defending Charlotte. He’d like her to there when they talk to her. She says Charlotte is always a priority, and he knows she always wants the best for Charlotte. He’s grateful for her help, and she says, for Charlotte, anything.

At the hospital, Lulu asks if Finn there. Elizabeth says he’s not in, and asks if she want to leave a message. She’d rather speak to him in person. She wants to make sure if Britt is well enough to be interred… she means, interviewed. She asks how the kids are, and Elizabeth says Aiden is going through a rough time. Lulu says Charlotte is going through a phase too.

Franco says Aiden drew himself little. Aiden says he’s the baby, and Franco says, he’s the youngest, but he’s a big kid. Aiden asks if he didn’t do it right. Franco says it’s perfect, but he doesn’t see Aiden as being tiny. Aiden says, but he is.

Kiki asks Griff how it went, and he says he explained himself and admitted he was wrong. Who knows? He asks how it went with Sasha. Kiki says she told Sasha she was wrong in letting the relationship move too quickly, but her behavior toward Griff was inappropriate. She turned it around, and accused Kiki of doing the same thing her mother does; blaming her insecurities on the other person. She doesn’t want to be like that. Griff says she’s not.

Ava hears that food is being delivered to Sasha’s room. She puts the pills from the sample in the soup when the room service tray is unattended.

Margaux asks Sonny if he’d want Avery to let go of his murder and move on with her life. He says he would, for her sake. Margaux says he doesn’t care about her sake. She was deprived of a lifetime of memories, and he wants her to let it go. Sonny says facts are facts, and evidence is evidence. Does she want to spend her life in a hotel room, listening to her mother talk about setting her father up? She asks if he’s afraid she’ll find something. He says, there’s nothing to find. Let it go, and live her life.

Sam tells Jason that Curtis and Jordan are getting married on Thanksgiving. Sounds insane, but there must be a method to the madness, but it’s not until later. She wanted to watch the parade with the kids. She asks if he wants to watch with them; she has a lot to be thankful for. He wonders if she still likes the pumpkin donuts from Kelly’s, and says he’ll pick some up. It’s a date.

On Monday, Monica asks if Oscar wants to know what he’s up against, Kim tells Drew that she’s not willing to give up, and Kiki tells Franco she’s getting weird vibes from Sasha and Griff.

Z Nation

10K says, brains and biscuits, how was it not Murphy’s idea? Murphy says, one day, the apocalypse will make him a rich man. He tells one of his barmaids, try not to eat each other. Roberta shows them a map to a bakery in the backwoods. It’s not the type of place that welcomes visitors. Murphy says, a secret brain bakery? He’s sure he hears banjo music in their near future. Roberta wonders how they can make sure Dante gets a fair trial. She tells Doc and George to go to Altura, and they’ll go to the bakery. Doc says they’ll meet later. He and George get in a car. Doc says, it’s no El Camino, but beggars can’t be choosers.

On the road, Doc says they don’t make them like they used to. George says they don’t make anything at all. Back at Limbo, Roberta says, let’s find the bakery.

George doesn’t like not having eyes on Dante. Doc tells her he’s gunning it, and she shouldn’t have her feet on the dashboard. If the air bag goes off, her knees could go into her brain. She thinks that’s the least of their worries, Doc says the air bags aren’t reliable in a thirty-year-old car, so it’s not going to happen. A zombie lying in the road. They run him over, and the air bags go off. George says, he was saying? She thinks she hurt her ankle, and he says it’s better than a knee in the brain. He checks to see what he has for pain, but doesn’t want to give her the hard stuff. He takes out a joint, lights it, and deflates the bag with the lit end. George says she’s never smoked before. Doc says it’s a terrible habit; it stunts your growth. Oh wait, he was thinking of nicotine. He doesn’t think her ankle is broke, but it’s sprained. She takes a drag on the joint, and says her foot hurts, and now she has a cough. Doc tells her to give it a minute. He sees some zombies, and says, hang tough. He has to take care of some tourists. He uses his hammer in each hand method. George smokes in the car, and watches in rearview mirror. She laughs about the car having an ashtray. A zombie heads toward the car. She takes out a knife. Doc gives it a hammer in the back, and it turns around and pins him to the hood of the car. George says she’s got him, and shoots it. Doc says the spliff must be working. She says she can’t feel her foot; she doesn’t feel anything. She wants to get to Altura before night falls. Doc sees the road zombie’s legs poking out of the grill and kicking. He tells her, have a seat. This could take a while.

Murphy and Roberta get to the bakery. 10K thinks it looks abandoned. Roberta says that doesn’t mean no one is home. Murphy says this must be place; he smells brains. Skulls litter the yard, and Murphy picks one up. Robert tells him to get his ass away from those skulls, and focus. Addie busts the door open, and they go in.

They slip through the storage area, and see a mess where the baking is done. Roberta says it looks like they left in a hurry. There are brains everywhere, and Murphy says it’s no mystery what the secret ingredient is. Roberta says it looks like they haven’t been in operation for a while. She takes a skull out of Murphy’s hand. They hear banging noises.

Doc looks at the engine, but can’t figure it out. George is reading the Constitution, and he asks if she’s catching up on social studies. He used to love history, especially when he was buzzed. One of his favorite paintings is of the Constitutional Convention. The gang is all there, with Ben Franklin chilling in the middle, George Washington presiding, and Thomas Jefferson looking badass. He tells her the founding fathers had huge pot farms. They were like, cannabis rules. He imagines George Washington and Thomas Jefferson (Sketchy and Skeezy) talking about hemp fibers being good for everything. Jefferson says they’re good for migraines, expanding your mind, and toothaches. Ben Franklin (Re-Pete) joins them, and asks who’s been getting icky with the sticky. Jefferson says he cultivated it, but didn’t inhale. He says he’s out of matches, and Franklin says they must to invent one. He lights his pipe. Back in the present, Doc coughs. He says that one went down to his toes. She’s surprised the founding fathers got anything done, much less starting a country. Doc says they’re prepared for lift off, and gets the car going.

Murphy says, someone turned the oven on. He guesses not Betty Crocker. Roberta says they’re not there alone. A mixer starts up, and Murphy goes toward it.

10K and Addie keep looking. Addie asks if 10K is okay. He says he’s fine, and she says, just checking, lefty. He wants to take the stairs, and she says, after him, calling him Captain Hookless. She doesn’t want to pry, but doesn’t know why things have to be so hard. Between Mac and Lucy her eye the least of what she lost. 10K says he still feels his hand in his dreams; carrying gear, lacing shoes, holding hands, shooting a gun. It’s like having a friend that was there, but isn’t any more. Addie knows what he means.

Murphy watches the mixer. He says with all the brains laying around, he’s getting the munchies. A dude shoots at them, and everyone ducks. Another dude sees Addie and 10K, and shoots at them. He yells that they have intruders. The first dude says, don’t worry, brother; he’s coming. He shoots at Murphy, who ducks under the table. Roberta signals Murphy, and slides a gun over.

Brother #1 is so shaky, he looks like he’s tweaking. 10K moves a bakery rack over and gets Brother #1 in his sights. Brother #1 peeks out, and 10K shoots. Brother #1 falls, and Addie comes toward him. He says, sorry, ma’am, and she whacks him in the head.

Doc makes a pipe out of an apple, and George says he’s quite the handy man. He tells her to think of him as the Ben Franklin of paraphernalia. She asks what the difference is between the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Doc says they got so excited writing rules for the government, they forgot the people the government was for. In Doc’s mind, John Adams says he’d rather chop his hand off than sign. The government was created to protect the people from foreign enemies. A zombie walks in, and Doc says, my bad. There were no zombies back then. Adams asks who’s going to protect the people from the government. Washington says, back to work, and Franklin complains that he just opened champagne. Adams says, not his fault, Quaker Oats Man. The people need to know how the government is protecting them. Adams says the Bill of Rights will; he has a list. He pulls out a bunch of cards, and Washington reads through them. Freedom of the press, freedom of religion, freedom from alien life forms. He can see some of this going in. He tells Jefferson to write this up. Jefferson says he wrote the Constitution, and Frankly says, they all did. Jefferson says, no, he physically wrote it. Washington says they’re making progress.

George asks Doc what makes the Bill of Rights so important. Doc says they’re the God given rights of humanity. She says humanity changed with the definition with of mortality. They see a zombie struggling toward them. Doc asks what makes the zombies different from humanity? Basic decency says they deserve to be treated no differently, and have the same rights. He deserves live life without government interference. George says, he’s a zombie. Doc says she knows what he’s getting at, and kills it. It’s the government’s job to protect their rights, and they need it when people are afraid, and don’t know what’s right. George asks what will protect Dante without a Bill of Rights. Doc says they will.

Brother #2 goes through bakery, and shoots at Murphy. Murphy shoots back, but the gun runs out of bullets. Brother #2 says he’s going to give Murphy the same choice he gave the last people who tried to shut them down. Murphy says, chocolate or vanilla? And Brother #2 says, mercy or talker. Roberta comes up behind him, and says she can ask him the same question. She doesn’t want to hurt him, but she will. He says it’s a zombie standoff. He’s got them like the ones who tried to shut down the bakery. Put down their weapons, or they’ll all be craving brains. Roberta says they’re not who he’s talking about.

Addie and 10K bring in Brother #1. Murphy asks if that’s the other brother. Roberta says he’s still human; let’s keep it that way. Brother #2 says they’re Americans in need of help. Brother #1 tells him to watch out for the one-eyed one. She’s not nice. She’s mean like a badger. Murphy thought they speak English in Canada, and Brother #1 says, we doos. Brother #2 says he’s Gilly, and Brother #1 is Skull; Skully for short. Roberta says they need biscuits; lots of them. Gilly says they’ll have to talk to his mom. She’s in charge of baking. Roberta asks where she is, and he says she’s in the office. They’ll have to see what kind of mood she’s in. It’s not easy. After the black rain, they were headed to Newmerica, and were turned ass over tea kettle by a bunch of zombies. Their other brother, Chili, got bit, but never turned. When they caught their mom sneaking him brains, they realized he was a talker. Their mom started baking up roadkill, and the more he ate, the more he was like the brother they knew. Everyone wanted their mom’s biscuits, so they set up a bakery. Roberta asks why they stopped, and Gilly says they were blown up, and under attack from zombies. Murphy says, someone didn’t want them baking biscuits. Roberta says they need the recipe, but Gilly says she’s been cranky. She’s in the office for her own good. He says Chili is in there too. They were trying to work out the recipe, but their running out of options. They look up and see zombies pressed against the office window, including mom.

George wonders how they can make sure Dante gets due process, when vigilantes think talkers are more zombie than human. Doc says a bill was made to protect them from each other. The Founding Fathers hammered out amendments, better known as the Bill of Rights. Doc’s mythical Ben Franklin asks why they have to start with guns. He likes muskets as much as the next guy, but putting them first seems gun crazy. Jefferson says they’ll put freedom of speech first. It will look better for the kids. He says Sam Adams has two beers, and is ready to challenge his mother to a duel. Washington says they’ll had a well-regulated militia. He goes down the list, and says, unreasonable searches and seizures shall not be violated; should keep the lawyers busy. He likes that no one should be compelled to testify against themselves, and Jefferson says, what happens in Paris, stays in Paris. George says, no cruel and unusual punishment, and Doc says the whole apocalypse is cruel and unusual. Jefferson says, otherwise, they’ll be using Franklin’s kites to electrocute prisoners. Alexander Hamilton comes in, and asks if they’ve around to slavery. Washington says they’re talking about it. Abe Lincoln (Smiles) pops in, and says he’d appreciate it if they’d take care of the problem now. Washington says he has a cool hat. What is his name? Lincoln says they didn’t see him… He was never here… Hamilton says, that dude belongs on a bill. George says she doesn’t know much about history, but she knows Lincoln never talked to Washington. There’s a hundred year difference between them. Doc says that’s not the point. Slavery was a stain on America that even the civil war couldn’t make right. The only way Dante is going to get a fair trial is if he’s considered human; no talkers will. George tells Doc that he sneaks up on a person, and Doc says he still has some teeth left in his head. We see a sign that says, martial law now in effect.

Gilly tells Skully to keep his wits about him. He puts a bike helmet on Skully’s head, and hands him the top of a trash can for a shield. Skully says he always picks scissors, and Gilly calls him dumber than goose poop. Murphy cranks up a boombox, and holds it up to distract the zombies. Skully says he can’t do this, but Gilly makes him go into the office. He moves quietly behind the zombies at the window, while Murphy keeps their attention. Skully looks through the papers, and sees something sticking out of his mom’s back pocket. He tiptoes behind her, and slips out the recipe card. He backs away, and falls. Murphy says, he’s out. Skully gets back up, and Murphy says, there he is. The recipe card is on the floor, and the zombies close in on Skully. Gilly yells for Chili to get away from him, and closes the door. Gee, thanks for the help. Murphy says, they’ve got him cornered. Skully fights with Chili, and Gilly yells, brother, get off my brother! Mom stands in the window, and eats the recipe card. Murphy says, one brother is riding the other like a moose. Skully yells, nooo! and the zombies attack. Outside, a group of zombies, all wearing the same rain ponchos, come toward the bakery. Roberta says, the only way to calm them down is to feed them actual brains. The zombies outside start to come in. Murphy says, it looks like somebody ordered take out, and runs at them with the boombox. He busts one over the head with it. I think the ponchos might be significant, because in an earlier episode, there was a group all wearing shirts from the same park, and they made a point of mentioning it.

Roberta and the others go after the zombies who are coming in. Addie uses her pokey club, and 10K shoots. Addie kneels with her weapon in both hands horizontally, and 10K uses it to aim. He says, switch! and they trade weapons. Addie uses the gun like she does her club, and whacks the zombies with it. Roberta beheads a zombie. She takes the head, and says, crack this one open. She tosses it toward Murphy, who says, hey, I’m walkin’ here. I wonder if that’s a nod to Midnight Cowboy. He is a bit of a Ratso.

George wonders when everybody will see they’re all in this together. Doc says they’ll need the 15th amendment. – the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. In Doc’s vision, Washington says, it makes sense. Lincoln says, it will take a civil war and the 13th amendment. Washington suggests they pass the 13th amendment right now. Lincoln says it’s abolishing slavery, and Jefferson says, abolish as in setting free? It might take further study. Washington says, hear him out. Why not make them three-fifths human? Then keep that going for a hundred years, until they work out the kinks. George hopes they hope don’t have to fight a war to make talkers full citizens. Doc says they already did. Everybody dies. Just because they have no pulse doesn’t mean they don’t have brains. George says, everybody dies, and sooner or later – she and Doc finish together, they’re all talkers.

The brains from the severed head are given to the zombies. Gilly thinks the brains are doing the trick. Roberta asks mom if she’s with them. She hugs Skully and Chili. Gilly tells her that some Americans came looking for help. She’s sorry they have to see her looking all dead like this, and wishes she could have given the place a lick and a promise. Roberta says their supplies were cut off, and they have starving talkers. They want the secret recipe. Mom says, it’s no secret. In the beginning, she was lacing them with brains. They ran short, and flour was delivered from the heartland, with the secret already mixed in. Murphy says, the secret is brains? and mom says, no. The secret ingredient is love, and kisses his cheek. He doesn’t get it. Mom gives each of the zombies a kiss. She says if it can help someone else to keep from go through what they’ve had to, so be it. She says they have enough right there to make a batch of the original.

George is shocked that women weren’t given the right to vote until the 19th Amendment, and it wasn’t passed until 1920. Doc says, old white dudes. What can he say? It takes time to get it right. George says they don’t have time. Doc says he doesn’t like the look of this, and they see an abandoned truck. George wonders if it was the truck with Dante, and Doc hopes not. They open the truck door, and a dead guy falls out. There’s another dead guy inside. George says, no sign of Dante. Maybe he escaped like last time. Maybe talkers did this, and let him go. Red letters on a nearby trashcan say, this is what happens to traitors. George picks up a pair of sunglasses. I assume they’re Dante’s. The can rattles. She opens it, and finds Dante, all folded up and bloody. He can barely open his eyes to look at her. She gives him mercy.

The gang makes biscuits. Murphy loves the smell of fresh baked brains in the morning. Mom says she might keep him on as a full time baker. He says he had a great teacher. She tells them to wrap the biscuits and put them in containers. Roberta calls Murphy over, and says, this family isn’t going to make it on their own. Take them with him to Limbo. He likes the idea; Limbo could use a bakery. Roberta tells him, take care of them, and be safe. He tells her to be safe too. He doesn’t want to have to save her ass. Roberta says he might have to, and he tells her the apocalypse wouldn’t be half as fun without her. Be careful. He starts to walk away, and she says she loves him too. Mom says the biscuits are packed.

Doc asks if George wants to say a few words. She says actions speak louder than words, and leaves the Constitution there, and puts on Dante’s sunglasses. On the marker, it says: Here lies Lt. Joe Dante – first citizen of Newmerica.

Next Friday, get ready to wrangle. We go back to the Old West, and Pandora says, let’s send them a stampede.

Good Lord, I hope that was coherent. This show can bounce all over the place more than Once Upon a Time did. Okay, maybe not.

☝ Quotes of the Week

You don’t ask people about their personal business. You don’t address the pink elephant in the room. – Delores, The Real Housewives of New Jersey

If he’d known, he would have had a crush on you too. – a friend of mine after I told them I had a crush on Roman Polanski when I was fourteen.

When there is an animal in your life there’s always a reason to laugh. – Anonymous

It’s go-go, not cry-cry. – Skip (Skip Reissig, who’s also Quentin Tarantino’s realtor), Planet Terror

🍨 A Weekend Sendoff… 

And because I’m brain dead and couldn’t think of anything else.

 

Nov14

November 13, 2018 – An interruption, Drew’s Decision,Worst Bosun Ever, Lala Flips Out, Grindhouse on Rotation & a Lap Dance

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What I Watched Today

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

 

Last night, I was about to publish, and poof! my internet disappeared. Since my husband gets up at the crack of dawn and was already sleeping, I left him a note. This morning, his note on my note said there was an electrical fire at Penn Station in NYC. Whether these things are related, I have no idea, but regardless, it’s back, and so am I.

General Hospital

Sorry, I missed the very beginning. If someone had told me that one day I’d be cooking lunch for dogs, I would have laughed. Moving on.

Carly tells Jason that she got a voicemail from Sonny last night saying he wasn’t coming home. He’s not replying to her calls or texts, and she’s getting worried. She doesn’t know what’s going on.

Margaux wakes up. Sonny says, she lives.

Mike thanks Stella. He appreciates everything she does. He knows she’s his case worker, but she goes above and beyond. She says she does it because she likes him, and would like to think she’s also his friend.

Margaux asks what time it is. Sonny tells her, last he checked, it was a little after seven. She has to get back to work, and Sonny says she’s probably hung over. She says, thanks to him. He gives her some coffee. It’s not his brand, but it’s what was in the kitchen. He says he’ll drive, and get them back to Port Charles in no time. She asks why he stayed there last night, and he says he knew how upsetting it was when she found out the truth. She says just because her mother put Skully up to it, doesn’t mean Sonny is blameless. Staying there didn’t absolve him from his sins. He says she was in no condition to be left alone. Being betrayed by your parents is a terrible thing. Margaux wants to get going. Both of their phones ding, and Sonny says, what the hell? His wife was back in for questioning about a murder.

Carly tells Jason, all Sonny said was that he was handling a situation out of town. Jason says he was looking for leverage against the DA; he must have found something. Sonny can handle it by himself, and he was focused on getting answers about Ferncliff. Carly asks if he has any information about her neighbor. He tells her that they found Nelle in the room. She’d been transferred from Pentonville, and was sitting on the floor, cradling a blanket and singing a lullaby to it. Carly says Nelle took a page out of her playbook, but Jason says she was nowhere near as convincing. Carly says she managed to fool the doctors. Jason tells her that he and Sam exposed her. She’s being reevaluated, and will be transferred back. That makes Carly happy, but still doesn’t answer her question. He says they couldn’t find her neighbor; he wasn’t there. He’s either transferred, released or dead. Carly says if he died, Ferncliff would do whatever they could to cover it up. Maybe he was transferred. She can’t imagine him being released, although if he was released before Halloween, the police might have someone else to question.

Curtis asks Jordan if she isn’t wasting time. Does she really think Carly is capable of a beheading. Jordan tells him it’s privileged information, but she’s mostly ruled Carly out. Her story checks out, but because of the strands of hair, she can’t eliminate Carly completely. Curtis says it sound like they were planted. Jordan suspects as much, but she’s grappling with the true motive. Was Mary Pat the main target, or was the real goal to set up Carly? And if so, why?

Sonny asks if Margaux is still after his family, but she says she had nothing do with it. She just got the text at the same time he did. There was DNA evidence, and Carly had to be called in again, but she wasn’t charged. Sonny wants to get on the road; Carly must be wondering where he is. Margaux asks what he told her.

Jason asks why Carly didn’t call him, and she says she used her one call for Diane. She was tired when she got home, and had to explain things to Josslyn. In the morning, she had to get Mike out, and Sonny wasn’t there to help with any of it. Jason knows she’s dealing with a lot, but when something happens, she needs to tell him. She wonders why he’s so concerned about her security. He says someone was just decapitated. It was a nurse she hated, and the body was found in Ava’s gallery with her DNA on it. She doesn’t think Ava would have the gall to do it, but he says it’s possible the killer was setting her up.

Curtis says if Carly isn’t the primary target, the murder might have been a means to an end. It’s ideal to set her up. The nature of the attack is vicious, and seems personal. Jordan says it’s disturbing. To shock and horrify is the hallmark of a serial killer. Maybe Franco is right, and if the killer is putting on a show, this isn’t the end.

Josslyn tells Cameron that her mother is still a person of interest. The victim was decapitated. How could they think she was involved. Cameron says it’s messed up, but tells her, don’t worry; it will blow over. Josslyn tells him that her mom said, keep acting like normal, whatever that means. Cameron says Josslyn is going through a lot. Does she want to keep pretending? Josslyn says it’s working. Even Oscar’s mother thinks they’re dating

Kim tells Drew that Oscar needs someone who shares his interests and speaks his language; someone whose opinion carries weight with him. Drew asks if she’s talking about Josslyn. She’s the last person Oscar wants to know. Kim says she was so desperate, she turned to a teenager for help. She went to Josslyn’s house, but saw she’d moved on with Cameron. She seemed happy, and it was surreal; being a normal teenage is so far out of Oscar’s reach. She ended up not saying anything. Josslyn can’t give Oscar what he needs, and Oscar would see it as a betrayal of trust. That’s why they have to fight him in court. They can’t allow him to refuse the medical trial. Monica overhears, and says, Oscar wants to do what?

At Charlie’s, Oscar asks Alexis if there’s been any progress with his case. She’s petitioned the court for a hearing, and says they’re sympathetic to the December 1st deadline for the medical trial. She asks how he feels, and he says he’s having headaches, but nothing he can’t handle. Alexis says he has to go over a few more things, and hands him a million papers. He has to decide whether to go for a GED or high school diploma, and go over health insurance information. It’s important that he review everything. He says he doesn’t know how any of that works. He just thought he had to prove he could make his own medical decisions. She says he has to show court he can live like an adult, and asks if he’s sure he’s ready to handle this. He says he needs to focus on one thing at a time. She says it’s complex, but he has to do it if he’s serious. Oscar says he’ll make it work. Julian says, speaking of work… and Oscar goes back to it. Alexis tells Julian that he’s a good kid. Julian says, he is, and he thinks he knows what she’s doing.

Drew tells Monica that Oscar doesn’t want waste time with a medical procedure that might not work or leave him brain dead. Kim says he doesn’t understand it’s his only option. Monica knows the situation well, and can see the fear and frustration they’re feeling. Her adopted daughter Emily had to make a similar choice. Drew says Scout is named Emily Scout after her. Monica explains that Emily’s mom was her best friend, and she and Alan adopted Emily after her mom died from breast cancer. When Emily was diagnosed with it, she refused treatment. She was sure the cure was worse than the disease, seeing her mother go through chemo that did no good. Kim asks if she died, and Monica says she managed to beat the cancer; she accepted treatment at the last minute. Unfortunately, she was murdered years later. Kim says she’s sorry, and Monica says she’s telling her because she understands what they’re up against. Kim asks what changed Emily’s mind about the treatment, and Monica says someone who loved her convinced her.

Josslyn tells Cameron that their astronomy project was her favorite homework assignment of the entire year. He tells her, stick with the expert. She asks if he still has the keychain, and he shows it to her with his housekeys on it. She says, no pressure if he doesn’t like it. He says he likes it for real. She knows she asks for a lot. Cameron says he could say no, and Josslyn says she didn’t give him that option, but he came through. She’s grateful, not just because she wants Oscar to regret breaking up; she has a good time with him. Last night was fun, except for the cops showing up. She wonders what Kim wanted. It had to be about Oscar. She tells Cameron she’s hungry, and drags him out.

Kim tells Monica that she thought she’d ask Josslyn to intervene, but Oscar would see it as another betrayal. Monica says the young man Emily loved was a deciding factor, along with the love of her family. Kim says, unfortunately, Oscar doesn’t think too highly of his parents right now, but Monica says he’ll come around. She’ll hope for the best, and if they need her, call. She leaves.

Carly tells Jason that she thought it was a set-up, but it hadn’t occurred to her that she might be a target. Jason asks, what about Ava? Carly says she had the same instinct, to think Ava would do this, but it’s not her style. As much as she despises Carly, it doesn’t feel like her. Jason says, worst case, she’s on some freak’s radar. Sonny comes in, and says he’s sorry Carly had to deal with the cops alone. Diane filled him in, but he should have been there. Carly asks, where was he?

Drew says it’s crazy. When he thinks about Emily, he can’t help smiling. It also hurts. He feels like he knew her and loved her, but he never met her. As irony would have it, all the people who are part of his past, who were important to him and loved him; he doesn’t know who they are. Look at them. They share a beautiful son, but he has no recollection of how it happened. Kim is sorry he can’t get his memories back. Drew says, that’s not entirely true. He was presented with another opportunity.

Mike comes in, apologizing to Sonny and Carly for interrupting. Stella took him to the farmer’s market, and they decided to have breakfast, but he forgot his wallet. Stella says he insisted on coming back, even though she’s treating. Sonny says Mike likes to treat – always. Mike asks if he just got home, and Sonny says he had business out of town. Stella tells Mike that she’ll wait in the car. Mike asks if everything is all right, and Sonny has good news. Everything that happened in Croton is over. Mike asks what he means, and Sonny says he didn’t want it weighing on Mike anymore. What happened years ago, is finished. Mike tells Sonny, if he says so. Carly asks if Mike is taking Stella to Kelly’s, but he says they’re going to Charlie’s; she likes the eggs. He gets his wallet and leaves. Sonny says it’s great that he doesn’t remember; he’s better off. Jason asks what Sonny means by finished. Carly asks where he was, and Sonny says, in Jersey with Margaux.

Margaux walks into the interrogation room, saying she didn’t mean to interrupt. Curtis says he’s on his way out, and tells Jordan, no carrot cake under any circumstances. Jordan agrees. When he’s gone, she asks Margaux if she was out late. Margaux says, that obvious? Jordan asks what’s the occasion, but Margaux says she wasn’t celebrating. Jordan asks if she’s okay.

Kim asks Drew, what kind of opportunity? He says the flashdrive was found, and she asks if he means the one with the baseline of his memories. He says, yes, and she asks if that means his memories can be restored. He says, it’s more complicated than that, but yes. Kim asks if he’s considering it. He says he ruled it out at first. Kim says, isn’t it everything he wanted? Drew says, not everything. The risks are too high. He could lose the memories he formed there. Kim says he said he ruled it out at first. Does that mean he’s reconsidering? Drew says he feels like a hypocrite. He’s asking Oscar to risk everything to restore his life to the fullest, but he’s not doing the same for his own life.

Alexis asks what Julian thinks she’s doing. He says she made a big show of taking the case. She was full of principles, and taking the moral high ground. He thinks she believes Oscar has the right to decide his fate, but thinks he won’t go through with it. That’s why she’s showing him how tough life can be if he splits with his mom. She says she doesn’t know what he’s talking about.

Cameron and Josslyn come into Charlie’s, all happy and talking. Oscar sees them.

Sonny tells Carly and Jason that he confronted Margaux’s mother. She freaked out, and went for the letters. Margaux heard because he was wearing a wire. Imagine the irony. Carly asks how she reacted. Besides getting drunk. Sonny says she was hurt bad. Carly says she must know her mother didn’t pull the trigger. After the initial shock passes, she’s going to come after him harder than before.

Stella asks Mike to tell her about his lady friends, and he says none of them are as pretty as she is. She says, of course not; she’s fabulous. Mike says there might be one he enjoys hanging out with more than the others; Yvonne. Stella says, she’s a lucky lady. Tell Yvonne that she’d better do right by him, or answer to her. Curtis comes in, and sees Stella smiling.

Oscar tells Cameron and Josslyn someone will take their order shortly. Josslyn asks how he’s been, and Oscar says, cool, and asks what brings them there. She says they’re getting breakfast to go before school. She adds Oscar must get as much as he wants since he works there, but Oscar says he’s not that into it. Josslyn says she hasn’t seen him at school. How’s the new girlfriend? He says, okay. Josslyn excuses herself, and Oscar asks if Cameron is still telling him Josslyn is just a friend. Cameron says, no.

Kim says as much as Drew sympathizes with Oscar’s position, they’re his parents. Like it or not, they have to make the decisions they think best for him. She thinks it’s a case of do as I say, not as I do. Drew says, it would mean more to lead by example. Kim says he’s not thinking of going through with the procedure, is he?

Stella asks if Curtis would care to join them. Curtis says he’s meeting with the wedding planner for a cake taste. He just picked up the rings. He shows the rings to them, and Mike says, nothing but the best. Curtis says he’s only doing this once, so he wanted to make it worthwhile. He still hopes Stella will be there when he marries the woman he loves. She says she can’t, but the rings are beautiful. Any woman would be proud to wear them. Curtis walks away, and Mike says it’s a shame she won’t be there to see Curtis place the ring on his bride’s finger.

Oscar asks if Josslyn and Cameron are dating for real. Cameron says Josslyn needs someone she can count on; who respects and understands her. They like each other, and have fun together. If Oscar wants him to promise nothing is going to happen, he can’t. Josslyn comes back, and says they have no time to wait. She starts walking to the door. Cameron and Oscar look at each other, and Josslyn asks Cameron if he’s coming. Cameron leaves, and Josslyn turns back to look at Oscar.

Kim tells Drew, there’s no comparison. He went through an experimental treatment. The amino trial was studied for years, while his experience was based on a wing and a prayer. Drew says he’s not going through with it. He can’t risk losing the memories he’s made; his family, his kids, the people he’s grown to love. He doesn’t want to give up on the life he made here, and he’s no more willing to give up on Oscar’s life.

Monica goes to Charlie’s, and asks if Oscar is playing hooky. He says he’s working, and she asks how much he makes under the table. He says he pays taxes, but she says, not today. They’re spending the day together. She gives Julian some money, saying, that should cover it. She and Oscar have stuff to talk about.

Jordan tells Margaux, no wonder she was drinking. She can’t imagine how it felt. Margaux says, anger, sadness, numbness; she doesn’t know what thing do with the information. Jordan thinks she does know. Jordan is the top cop, and Margaux was hoping she’d take it out of her hands, and bury it or pass it along. Margaux doesn’t know if she can do this. Jordan says it’s her choice to make. It’s unsubstantiated, but she has to decide if closing the case is worth sending her mother to prison.

Sonny tells Carly and Jason there’s no evidence to tie him in to the murder. Jason asks if there’s any chance Skully told Jeanette. Sonny says, she was desperate. If she’d had any idea, she would have thrown it in his face. Carly says they’re back where they started. Margaux will just try to get him for something else. Sonny says he doesn’t think so. When Margaux found out the truth, it broke her. He didn’t feel good about it. Carly asks if he feels sorry for her, and Sonny says it’s not his choice. There’s no way he can undo what happened. Like there’s no way to undo how his life turned out. Margaux lost her father twice because of him. Once, when she was a girl, and last night she lost mother too. He feels badly, but should have been there for Carly. He apologizes, and Carly says she’s all right. Jason says, it’s been a tough 24-hours, and Carly might be right. Margaux has to be angry, and if she can’t take it out on her mom or Skully, she might take it out on the next best thing – Sonny.

Margaux looks at her phone.

Tomorrow, Willow announces Career Day at school. Curtis wonders why Nina hasn’t RSVP’d for the wedding, and Sasha tells Valentin the longer she stays, the more she risks being found out.

Below Deck

Caroline whines that she’s never been treated like this. Grounded like a child. She thought by working in yachting, she’d meet cool people, but that’s not the case. She feels singled out. She tells Rhylee that Kate told her if she didn’t get better, she’d have to go home. Well, yeah. You have to do the job you’re getting paid for. Not just ride around on the luxury yacht. Josiah wants Cheetos. Rhylee asks Ashton is he had a good time last night. She did. In her interview, Rhylee says Ashton only expresses interest when he’s drunk. She’s thirty-three. If she wants a fling, she’ll make the booty call.

Chandler goes over what they need to do with the deckhands. Rhylee sees the checklist, and Chandler asks her to spot clean the cushions. In his interview, Chandler says he and Rhylee could never be friends, but as professionals, they need to suck it up. He knows the captain is watching closely, so he definitely wants to redeem himself, and prove he’s the bosun Captain Lee hired.

Ashton is doing the windows in the harness. Kate gives Josiah an update on Caroline’s foot, and says she doesn’t think Caroline is lying. Caroline comes in, and says she’s not lying. In her interview, Caroline says if they’re going to talk behind her back, at least make sure she’s not there. Geez, she’s just a little paranoid. Kate tells her that sometimes crew members will fake injuries because it’s a lot of work, and she doesn’t think it’s the case here. She doesn’t think you can fake a swollen foot. In Kate’s interview, she says she’s already carrying Caroline’s weight when she’s in top health, so when she got injured, it was like, why are you here?

It’s preference sheet time. Four days, ten people, two of them children. Torrie and Albert are a power couple from St. Pete, Florida. Kate says, the four-year-old likes both sparkling and still water. One guest is gluten-free, low carb; several have allergies; and one child has a severe peanut allergy. They’ll have to make sure anything remotely peanut is off the boat. Adrian says they’re like a Japanese puzzle. Kate says, they probably met at a support group for dietary restriction weirdos. Their requests are a pig roast, snorkeling, a white party, and the water toys. Captain Lee says the children are not to be without life jackets when outside of the interior. There’s no margin for error. He says kids are dangerous as hell. He can’t impress upon everybody how important that is.

Caroline tells Ashton that Kate and Josiah were talking about her, saying they don’t think she’s lying. Ashton thinks they like gossip. In his interview, Ashton says you can feel like very much a part of the crew or at the opposite end, and extremely alone. He tells Caroline not to let it bother her. He understands where she’s coming from, and feels for her. He finds a pair of the captain’s underwear in with his clothes, and throws them at Caroline.

The captain asks Chandler if he took care of the issues they discussed, and Chandler says, it’s been good. Captain Lee tells Chandler that he has to have a clear line of communication, so there’s no confusion. In his interview, Captain Lee says with ten people, and two of them kids, they’ll need eyes on them all the time. It stretches the limit of their abilities. He tells Chandler, safety is paramount. There’s no room for error.

Kate tells Caroline the charter is going to be intense. They’re going to have extra guests and children, staying for an extra night. Kate asks if she can work at 100%. Caroling says she can. Kate says she can’t give Caroling extra breaks, because there’s going to be so much work. Josiah says it’s great that Caroline is back to work. They’re exhausted, and really need three stews. Kate says she’s happy Caroline is able to stay and work.

In Ashton’s interview, he says Rhylee has a strong personality. She and Chandler are pissed off at each other, but the way she’s handling herself makes it harder. The provisions come in. Kate says she sees a deer. No, Kate. It’s a pig for the roast. How city is she? The captain tells them to get in their whites, and meet on the aft deck asap.

The captain says here comes trouble on wheels, and welcomes the guests on board. Kate gives out flower crowns. In her interview, Kate says it’s not often there are children on a charter. People who spend a lot of money for vacation, spend a lot of money to leave the kids at home. Kate gives the tour. Kate explains the captain’s orders for life jackets for the kids. At least the parents are telling the kids to say please. The yacht heads out.

Kate tells Caroline to flip it, turn it, fold up the laundry. Josiah dances to that, and Caroline is over it. In Ross’s interview, he says the four-year-old reminds him of his son, who’s also four. His reward at the end is going home to see his kid. Rhylee asks Chandler about the game plan. They should have everything out within fifteen minutes of anchorage. Albert says the kids eat what they do, not chicken fingers. Josiah says they’re already adults. When he was their age, he just wanted burgers ad fries. The four-year-old, Pearson, wants to bang a starfish on the table. Torrie tells him that she’ll give it back after they eat, and he cries. Kate tells Josiah that she will turn this yacht right around. Ha-ha-ha!

Lunch is served. The kids actually seem cute, but I’m only seeing clips of them. Kate tells Adrian that Master Pearson is not loving the vegetables. They drop anchor. Ashton asks Rhylee to do something, and she questions it because it’s contrary to what Chandler said. It irritates Ashton when she does that, and she tells him, calm down. Rhylee complains to Ross that Chandler said to bring all the stuff out, Ashton told her not to do anything, then said to do what she wants. She’s not questioning what he was saying. Ross gets it. Chandler gripes that there’s nothing in water. They start getting everything ready, and Albert says he just wants the jet skis and trampoline today, and the slide on another day.

Caroline tells Adrian someone thinks she’s faking her injury. In Adrian’s interview, he says she’s bringing the vibe down on the whole boat. It’s draining to have someone around who’s always complaining and moping. Some of the guests do jet skiing; the kids play on their tablets. Kate tells Caroline to gather white décor from around boat.

Josiah asks Caroline, what’s up? She says she’s collecting white things. He questions what she’s gathering, and she tells him to take over. In her interview, Caroline thinks there’s a lack of communication in the interior. It’s bullsh*t. Kate says it’s a lot of pressure on Adrian. Ross tells Ashton that he spoke to Rhylee, and Ashton admits he was grumpy. Josiah asks Chandler how it’s going, and Chandler thinks it’s good. I think Chandler doesn’t know what’s going on. Ross says Rhylee needs clear instructions. Ashton understands where she’s coming from.

Kate tells Adrian, 7:30 for dinner. Kate and Josiah decorate the table for the white party. Adrian makes potato leek vichyssoise, and Albert is into it. Not so much the rest of the guests. Adrian says with ten people, who like everything different and have allergies, it stifles his creativity. He can’t be as free flowing, and needs to be calculated. He stresses, and it pisses him off.

Black Angus steak is served, but the guests don’t seem thrilled. One says the steaks are overcooked, and gives it a two out of ten. Ouch. The complain that it’s dry and bland. Kate relays that to Adrian. Ross calls Kai, his baby mama, who tells him that he has to talk to their son about hitting people. In his interview, Ross says he was immature when he and Kai were together, and they broke up. He hopes they can eventually work something out, but right now, Kai needs time to herself. She deserves to be happy. Torrie tells Caroline that for a general preference, they’d like steaks rarer. Caroline says she’ll pass the word on. Josiah tells Kate, but she’d rather not pass along the feedback. Adrian is amazing. In Kate’s interview, she says it’s not great when the guests don’t love the food, but Adrian didn’t have a lot of time, and she thinks he’s in a funk.

Adrian asks if Caroline is okay. In his interview, he says she’s bringing the vibe down on the whole boat. You never know what you’re going to get. She asks if he appreciates feedback, and when he says, yes, she tells him the guests want more sauce, less dry. In Adrian’s interview, he says he’s happy she told him, but he’s not appreciating her vibe. He knows she’s not happy, but don’t project it on him. He tells her that he understands she’s not doing well, but – and she says, keep to herself? He says he can see it on her face. She says he doesn’t know what she’s dealing with; it has nothing to do with the boat. He says his father just passed away, and he doubts it’s that. She asks if it’s a competition? He says, no, but they all have a lot of sh*t going on. She tells him to stop judging her. He says they’re all working together, and if she’s in a mood, it gets put on everyone. If she can’t handle sh*t, step up. She tells him it’s none of his business, and he says, it is. She’s sorry he has the misfortune of working with her, and he says he is too.

Kate says kids on boats are lots of work. The only benefit is they go to bed after dinner. Kate tells Caroline that she’s on at 6:30. She asks if Caroline is crying, and Caroline says she’s trying not to. She babbles about Adrian telling her not to be all sad because it affects him, and he’s sad enough because his dad died a month ago. Kate says it probably wasn’t the best delivery, but the advice is sound. Be her bubbly, upbeat self, and she’ll feel better.

Caroline looks for sugar, and Adrian ignores her. In Caroline’s interview, she says Adrian acts like he’s all about positive energy and rainbows, but it’s bullsh*t when he’s telling her to suck it up and deal with it. The captain tells Ashton the guests are going on a stingray excursion, and to make sure the tender is packed. In his interview, Ashton says dinner wasn’t his best performance. At the beginning of his career, he was called yes, but, since he always had an excuse. He doesn’t know everything, and he’s not perfect. If he’s always defending himself, he won’t learn. The guests are happy with breakfast. Pearson wants to be the boss when he grows up. I think he already has that job.

The captain tells Kate that 2 o’clock is the deadline for the guests getting to the excursion on time. Chandler calls for the water slide, and tells Rhylee to focus on getting out the stuff for the guests. Kate tells Torrie about the excursion. Chandler says they do the same thing every charter; today is no different. Ross says he thought the guests were going on an excursion. Chandler is like, what? and asks the captain about it. In his interview, Captain Lee says it’s a big deal. He doesn’t want deer in the headlights; he wants the light to go on over their heads. Ross says they’re leaving in an hour, and Chandler is wasting time getting stuff out. It makes no sense.

Caroline takes drink orders that are complicated. Something involving cucumber, jalapeno, and Prosciutto. She somehow gives the information to Kate after asking twice. In her interview, Kate says it’s a new day, and Caroline is in a great mood. It’s only a matter time before she has a mystery ailment. Chandler tells Rhylee that whatever she’s doing isn’t a priority. The captain doesn’t get it. He thought he was explicit with Chandler. He looms over the deck crew, watching from the deck above. He says, it went in one side, and out the other, without hitting any obstructions. Kate brings out the drinks. The guests whine they’ve been waiting ten minutes.

Chandler wants the rescue tender prepped for launch. Lunch is served. Torrie says, it’s not boring. Rhylee brings the tender around. Kate tells Adrian the guests are thrilled. The captain calls Ross and Chandler to the wheelhouse. He tells them to take everyone on the Intrepid until they run out of water, then switch to the rescue tender. Rhylee packs the boat, and the guests are loaded in. Kate thinks swimming with sharks isn’t an ideal activity for small children.

They get to island, which is insanely beautiful. The guests get into their fins and masks. A Golden Retriever bounds past. What are these dogs? Shark wranglers? Ashton calls Chandler, who’s busy having coffee and playing on his tablet. He calls the captain, and asks if they should come back or wait. The guests are calling when they’re ready to be picked up. Captain Lee tells Ross to head back. The guests swim with the rays and sharks, and I get jealous all over again. The guests wonder where their beer, water, and towels are, because Rhylee and Ashton are headed back with all the stuff.

Kate gets a call. Albert says they’re ready get out. They’ve had enough; the expedition didn’t go well. There are no towels or water. Kate says the tender will be sent over. She tells the deck crew what happened, and Albert says they’d better be there soon. Another guest says they feel like they’re on Gilligan’s Island. I’m pretty sure these people don’t know what doing without is. Chandler doesn’t know what’s. It’s a no-brainer. How can you take an excursion, and not take sh*t with you. Um… he was there with them. Why didn’t he notice. One of the guests thinks Chandler must be new.

Kate doesn’t want the bad mood carried into the boat. Josiah suggests cocktails, and Kate says, yes. She thinks if someone besides her, Josiah, and Adrian would help the guests enjoy Tahiti, that would be great. She tells the captain they’re under duress. In his interview, Captain Lee says when he has to eat a sh*t sandwich in a correctable situation, there aren’t enough words to describe how effed up it is. Kate asks Rhylee to meet the guests with towels and water. Josiah makes cocktails. The captain says he’s got to face the effing music.

Kate sends Caroline to do laundry, and presents Pina Coladas with gold on the top to the guests. The captain apologies to Albert. In his interview, he says as uncomfortable as he is, it’s nothing compared to how uncomfortable he’s going to make the deck crew feel. They probably won’t hear the end of it. He tells Albert that he doesn’t know why the crew neglected to disperse what was on board, but he’s going to find out and make it up to him.

Kate asks if the captain wants dinner, and he says he wants someone’s ass for dinner. She’s like, whoa. He calls the deck crew to the wheelhouse. Chandler is dreading the conversation. He wants to pack his bags and run away. Captain Lee isn’t exactly sure where to begin. It’s beyond embarrassing, and he’s effing pissed. How can they drop guests off, turn around, and not give them supplies? It’s rudimentary; Deckhand 101. They all have good qualities, but it’s as effed up a deck crew as he’s ever seen. He’s not finishing the season this way. He’s making changes, and they’re not all going to be happy. I hope he makes Rhylee bosun. That would stick it to Chandler.

Next time, Caroline says she’s physically breaking down, Rhylee tells Chandler that she’s taking it to the captain, Ashton says Chandler isn’t just dropping the ball – he’s dropping guests, and Captain Lee says the time has come to have the chat he’s been putting off.

😵 On Flipping Out, Jeff almost lost his mind when they were on their way to the airport, and Jenni had to run back to get her phone. The Lea Black project is still lingering, but tonight, Lala Kent (Vanderpump Rules) also appeared as a client. Well, really her  movie producer boyfriend, who seems like a super nice guy. I think Megan quit, but it’s really hard to tell with these people. Next week is the season finale. I’m still upset about the Jenni and Jeff split, but holding out hope that they rekindle their friendship one day.

🎥 The IFC channel has Grindhouse in rotation, uncut, so if you love horror films, the old drive-ins, or horror films at the old drive-ins, this one’s for you. One of my favorites, a dual effort by Robert Rodriguez and Quentin Tarantino, it’s comprised of two films, Planet Terror and Death Proof. The idea was to evoke the old grindhouse pictures, churned out for the drive-ins during the 70s. They were cheap, gory, and often showed lots of boobies. These two movies have those things, but with scripts that are about a million times better, and some kick-ass stunts. Planet Terror is a zombie flick – a government experiment goes bad – with a stellar cast, featuring Rose McGowan, Freddy Rodriguez, Josh Brolin, and Bruce Willis. I have to mention the pleasant surprise also of underrated actors, Jeff Fahey, Michal Biehn, and Michael Parks. Death Proof is more of a slasher film, with Kurt Russell being a serial killer who uses his car as a weapon, and there are a few crossovers of characters from the other movie. At the beginning of Planet Terror, IFC is also airing the fake trailer for Machete, which eventually – like the Pinocchio of films – turned into a real movie. On the blue ray version, there are also several other fake trailers in between the films, but those are rarely shown on TV. They’re quite funny, and Eli Roth has promised to make a real version of the fake horror film, Thanksgiving. Here’s hoping that comes to fruition.

💃 Butterfly’s Lap Dance from Death Proof…

One of my favorite scenes. That jukebox is pretty impressive. So is Kurt Russell‘s game.