What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Heather says, Ryan knew they had a child? and he says, of course (🍷). A daughter. Did Heather think she could hide the child’s existence from him? She says, yes. In fact, she went to great lengths to be sure of it.

Nikolas comes into Esme’s room, and she asks what he wants. He says, is that any way to treat the man who’s granting her wish?

Finn asks if Elizabeth is pregnant, and she says she is. He says, another man’s baby.

Spencer storms into Windymere, and rifles through the liquor cabinet. He says, sherry, and takes out a bottle, uncorking it. He flashes back to telling Trina that he wouldn’t have gone to the PC Grill had he known she was there with her boyfriend, and how he didn’t blame Rory for announcing he loved her. Were he in Rory’s place, he would have too. He takes a long swig from the bottle.

Trina picks up the perfume Rory gave her, and flashes back to Spencer asking if they can start over. There’s a knock at the door, and Trina says, thank God it’s Ava. She needs Ava to stop her from making a huge mistake.

Drew meets Denise at the MetroCourt, and asks how her flight was. She says, it was great, and thanks him for sending her first class. They go to a private lounge area, while Carly slips into the restaurant. She tries to sneak over to listen, but Willow calls to her from one of the tables. Drew asks how Denise’s room is, and she says, perfect. She can’t afford first class amenities like the MetroCourt as a firefighter. He says he read she was an EMT before she joined the Fire Brigade, and she says, that’s right. He says, saving lives, the first female firefighter in Clareborne County; she’s accomplished a lot. She says she’s come a long way since the Friends of Peace and Love Commune. Most of them were so lost back then. He asks if that was true of Willow’s birth mother.

Carly says she’s surprised to see Willow here, and she says she’s here to meet Michael for dinner. What brings Carly here?

Denise asks, who’s Willow? and Drew says, she knew her as Kali, the baby he wanted to talk to her about. She says, Baby Kali goes by Willow now? and he says, she’s a full-grown woman with a child of her own, and another on the way. She says, Kali was such a sweet girl, good tempered. Considering where she came from, she found a good home with Lorraine… Sorry, Harmony. He asks her to tell him about that. Where did Baby Kali originally come from?

On the phone, Willow tells Michael, that’s okay. They’ll have date night another night… Great idea. Have a safe flight, and don’t forget to bring Wiley back a present, or he will disown you… Love you too. Carly says, last minute business trip? and Willow says, Carly knows her son well. He thought she and Carly could have dinner instead, if Carly doesn’t have other plans.

Drew says, Harmony told them there was a pregnant woman in the commune who gave birth, then abandoned the baby, but they have cause for doubt. Harmony wasn’t the most reliable. Denise says, but that’s exactly what happened. She remembers Joan well. She was sweet, but troubled. When she left the commune, she abandoned the baby. Their leader Josiah asked Lorraine… Harmony and her husband Doug to take the baby. He says, they’re talking about Baby Kali, right? and she says, Harmony always wanted children, but was never blessed with one, and he says, that is the story Harmony told. She says, he can believe it. Harmony was as honest as the day is long.

Elizabeth says she’s so sorry, but Finn says he doesn’t believe her. She says, it happened when she got back from Monterey. She was struggling with what her parents had told her about what happened with her and Reiko. He asks why she didn’t come to him, and she says, she guesses she felt guilty. She thought he would never forgive her. He asks what he’s ever done to make her think that. He’s done nothing but stand by her. When she was mourning the loss of her husband, through her hospitalization, he’s been there. She says she knows, and that’s why she can’t ask him to stick around for any more of her drama. He says he would have stuck by her through anything. Who’s the father? She says, Nikolas.

Esme asks if Nikolas is going to let her go outside so she can pick out a Christmas tree, but he says, there’s no need. He calls to Demetrius, who brings in a small fir tree, and says, season’s greetings. She asks, what is that? and Nikolas says, a tree. She said she wanted one; here it is. He thanks Demetrius and Demetrius leaves. She says, that wasn’t the deal, and he knows it, but he says he didn’t agree to anything. Did she really think he was going to let her out of this room, given she’s tried to escape before? She says, did he really think she was bluffing when she said she’d tell Nurse Baldwin about going over the parapet? and he says, she doesn’t seem to understand. What she says is irrelevant. As far as he’s concerned, she’s more of a vessel. One that needs to be fueled and maintained until his precious cargo arrives. She says, and once their child is here? and he says, enjoy the tree, and leaves.

Ryan says, it’s bad enough Heather left him, but she made it sound like she didn’t believe he could be a father to their child. She says she didn’t. He wasn’t capable any more than she was. What would we have done with a baby, Richie? He says, raise her, and she says, in that derelict mountain cabin they were holed up in, pretending to be other people? They couldn’t even make a bed, much less a life for a kid. He says, they could have tried, but she says, there’s no use looking backward now, is there? So somehow he discovered they have a daughter. She won’t stand in his way if he wants to try and find her. He says he doesn’t need to. She’s been coming here to see him for months. He guesses it was meant to be.

Ava asks, what’s going on? and Trina says, Rory took her to the PC Grill tonight for their three-month anniversary. Ava says, that’s sweet, and Trina says, that’s just it. Rory is sweet, and romantic, and considerate. Ava says, sounds like a real problem, and Trina says, Ava is right. She’s being ridiculous. Rory is everything she should want. Ava says, but love isn’t about what you should want or should do, is it? It’s about following your heart. Trina says, but what if the path her heart is taking her down only leads to more heartbreak?

Finn says, Elizabeth is having a baby with him? She says, yes, and he walks out.

Willow doesn’t pick up her menu, and Carly says, Willow isn’t hungry? but Willow says she already knows what she’s ordering. She can only stand to eat about five foods these days. Carly asks if she struggled with nausea during her first pregnancy… She’s sorry. They don’t have to talk about that. Willow says, it’s okay. She doesn’t think about that time in her life very often. Not only because she lost Jonah; she was very lonely. She didn’t have a lot of support back then. Carly takes her hands, and says, it’s going to be different this time. Willow says, it already is. She’s so grateful for the family she has through Michael, and the family she has yet to discover.

Denise says, a couple of years later, Harmony and Doug left Colorado with the baby, and Drew says, Joan never went looking for them? She says, Joan got mixed up with drugs. Years later, when she was an EMT, she responded to an overdose at a known flophouse. It was Joan. Drew says, Willow’s birth mother died? and Denise says she’s afraid so.

Ava tells Trina, this masochistic heart of hers is prone to finding homes with men who betray and abuse it. Which is why when we follow our hearts, we should rely on our heads too. Trina says, because as Ava said, complicated men lead to chaos. She knows she should choose contentment over chaos, but… Ava says, but the heart wants what it wants. She wishes Trina more anything happiness, no matter where it leads her. Trina says, even if it leads to Spencer?

Nikolas walks in, and Spencer tells him, before he says anything, Uncle Victor insists he wants to stay here, not the MetroCourt. Nikolas says he’s sorry Spencer thought he didn’t want him to stay at Windymere. He’s not sure it’s healthy for them to share living space yet, but if they are… Spencer says he doesn’t need a lecture on underage drinking, but Nikolas says he just wasn’t aware Spencer had developed a taste for sherry. Spencer says, the whiskey is gone. Does he need to lecture Nikolas on the amount he’s been drinking? Nikolas says he can’t keep pricey spirits or Darjeeling tea in stock since Victor moved in. Is he around here? Spencer says he came home alone, so Victor is probably still at the PC Grill, and Nikolas says, Spencer skipped out on dinner? Spencer says he lost his appetite, and takes another swig from the bottle. Nikolas says, if he wants to talk about anything… Spencer says he’ll find someone who gives a damn, and Nikolas says, he has many faults, but not caring about Spencer isn’t one of them. He loves Spencer. Spencer says, then he’s in a distinct minority.

Heather asks, what makes Ryan think he’s met their daughter? and Ryan asks if she’s going to tell him that she hasn’t kept tabs on their daughter. Heather knows damn well she worked her way into an internship here. Heather says she assumed it was a coincidence, and he laughs, saying, hardly. Their daughter tried find him immediately after she came to town. Heather asks, how? She made sure there were no clues to their daughter’s parentage. He says he guesses Heather wasn’t as careful as she thought. Their daughter had something of his that once belonged to a girlfriend. She says, one of his souvenirs, and he says, yes. He always wondered what happened to his special chain of keepsakes. She says she stole it one night when he was asleep. She wanted something to remember him by. He says, odd choice of nostalgia, and she says, odd necklace. He says, the items on that necklace could tell tales. If it falls into the wrong hands, he’ll hold her responsible. She says, wow. Is that a threat… lover?

Finn walks into his lab, and pushes a tray of vials onto the floor, smashing them. Elizabeth stands in the doorway.

Nikolas tells Spencer, his grandmother, his Aunt Alexis, his uncles, his cousins, his friends… Spencer says, not all his friends. Trina said they’re not even friends anymore. She and Deputy Do-Gooder were making eyes at each other at the Grill. Nikolas should have seen her; so content and at peace, adored by someone who is worthy of her. Nikolas says, Spencer is worthy of her. He got himself sent to prison for her. Spencer says, after he dragged her for months through lies and selfishness. His ex-girlfriend drugged her, and then framed her for filming that video of Joss and Cam, and then distributing the video through all of PCU. Trina was almost framed and sent to prison for Esme’s crimes, so he understands why she rejected him. Because she’s finally found someone with the courage to confess he loves her. Nikolas says, it’s not too late, but Spencer says, it is too late. The cop loves her and he thinks she loves him back.

Elizabeth says she only just found out about the pregnancy herself, and Finn says, he’d ask if congratulations are in order, but he’s assuming Ava’s as much in dark as he was. Nik is going to have a lot of explaining to do with his wife. Not only did he get another woman pregnant, but he’s also potentially harboring a known fugitive on his estate. He won’t bother her about it anymore, but he’s sure once he calls the Commissioner, she’ll want to get to the bottom of this. Elizabeth says, he can’t do that, but he says, sure he can. Esme’s a danger to everyone in this town, and if she thinks he’s protect Nikolas for her, she’s mistaken.

Ava says, so Spencer’s been released from Pentenville, and Trina says, that’s right. Ava says, just in time for the holidays, and Trina says, but seeing Spencer made her wonder if she can keep seeing Rory. How can she pretend to have feelings for Rory that she has for someone else? Ava says, some could, but Trina is too honest and too genuine. Just listen to her heart. It doesn’t matter what she thinks, what Trina’s parents think, or what anyone else. Trina says, it’s just so complicated, and Ava says, love can be that way. Trina says, Spencer hurt her, and stood by while his girlfriend hurt her too, and now Esme could be going after the people Trina loves to hurt her even more. Ava says, as prolific as that hateful girl is, she may be innocent of one thing. It could be that Esme is not The Hook killer.

Heather says, Ryan’s chain will remain in her hands; a place, as she recalls, he always felt safe. He says she was careless with him and his keepsakes, but she says, not careless. She was wearing the chain the day she dropped their baby off. When Heather tried to leave her, she screamed and reached out. The chain broke and his keepsakes scattered everywhere. She did her best to retrieve them, but obviously, she missed one. He says, it was on her when social services took custody of her. It’s what she used to find him. Heather says, clever girl, and he says, how could she not be; she’s theirs. Heather asks, what’s she like, other than clever? Tell her about their daughter; their Esme.

Willow says, Drew told her that Carly is helping find her birth parents, and Carly says, where she can. It’s really the Drew show. Willow tells her, Drew said he might have information for her today. What does Carly think he found? Does she have siblings, maybe nieces and nephews? Carly says, that would be great. Finding birth parents can be tricky. She would know. Willow says, Carly found Bobbie, and learned she had a brother and uncle, and Carly says, after lots of tears. Willow says she doesn’t have a choice. The thought of losing any time with her family keeps her up at night. Carly asks what she’s talking about. She’s so young and healthy, and has many years ahead of her. Is she okay? Willow says, no actually. She’s far from okay.

Carly says, Willow can tell her anything. What’s the matter? Willow says she’s just thinking of the new baby; hoping he or she will grow up healthy and happy. Carly asks if she’s thinking of Jonah. We never forget the children we’ve lost, do we? She and Michael are going to have a baby that’s strong and beautiful and healthy. Willow says, Carly has been so good to her, especially after she lost her mom. She’s happy her kids will always have Carly. Carly thanks her, and says, they’ll have Willow too, and Willow says she knows. But so much can go wrong in a pregnancy. Carly says, she’ll have the best medical care this time. What more does she need?

Drew asks if Joan had any siblings, and Denise says, none that she mentioned. She’d assumed Joan was an only child. Even if she wasn’t, most of them lost touch with their families when they joined the commune. He says, what about Willow’s birth father? Did Joan ever mention who he might be? She says she wishes she could help him. Joan was a troubled soul. The only one she was close to was Josiah, the commune founder. He was crushed when she left. He says he guesses that’s it, and thanks her for flying out to meet him. She says, he’s paying, and wonders if she can ask him something. He says, sure, and she asks how Baby Kali’s life turned out. Drew says, she’s had some challenges, but she’s well taken care of, and Denise says, life is hard without means. it’s good she doesn’t have to struggle.

Carly says, when Willow feels scared and unsure, call her. Helping Willow through this pregnancy is an honor, especially since she didn’t get the opportunity with Wiley. Willow says, that’s Nelle’s loss. She won’t make the same mistake.

Ryan says, ironic, isn’t it? Heather knew their daughter before he even knew it existed. Now he knows her in a way Heather can only dream of. Heather says, she stayed away from their daughter because she wanted to protect her. The world sees her as crazy, dangerous. She didn’t want their daughter to grow up with that incredibly misguided association. He says, she succeeded. Their daughter is very sure of herself, and they’ve built a special relationship. She says, lucky him. Does their daughter ever ask about her? He says, wouldn’t she like to know? and she leaps closer to him, and says, she’s not his alone. If he tries to keep their daughter from her, because she tried to keep her from him… He says, that’s not it. He can’t share her because she’s missing. He hasn’t heard from her in a while, and given what’s happened two weeks ago, he knows why. She asks, what happened? and he says, Ava Cassadine sent her over the parapet at Windymere.

Ava tells Trina, based on the wording in the letter the killer wrote to The Invader, Ryan Chamberlain doesn’t think Esme wrote it. Trina says, and she believes the word of a psychopath? and Ava says, nothing is definitive of course (🍷), but she knows Ryan. Not only does his logic make sense, she knows he’d do what he could to protect her. If he had information that would stop the killer, he would definitely share it. Trina says, when she thought the killer was Esme, she knew who to look out now. Now the killer is back to being an anonymous, scary shadow figure. Ava says, that’s why Trina needs to stay here with her mother and Curtis, and be extra vigilant. Trina thanks Ava for letting her know. At least it’s not all bad news. Ava says, how so? and Trina says, maybe Esme left town after attacking Cam’s mom on the docks. Hopefully, it’s the last they’ve seen of her.  

As she decorates the tree with a toilet paper garland, Esme says, what a way to end the year. Ironic, isn’t it, Ace? This time last year, she and Spencer were both free and in love. Now they’re both locked up and alone.

Spencer says he’s not sure about anything, except that he doesn’t need to be behind bars to still be in prison, and Nikolas says, prisons are of our own making. Spencer is assuming a lot about Rory and Trina’s relationship. Spencer says he knows when there’s no hope, and Nikolas asks if he remembers that book he used to read with his grandmother about the baby birds. Spencer says, their nest was always in danger from the wind or the woodcutter, and Nikolas says, Spencer couldn’t get enough of it. He loved how the mother bird and his siblings saved that baby bird again and again. Does he remember the little bird’s name? Spencer says, no, and Nikolas says, it was Hope. The mama bird kept saying… Spencer says, hold on to hope. That’s kid stuff. Nikolas says he thinks it’s a lesson for everyone, no matter what age. Sometimes hope is all we have in this world.

Drew asks if Denise enjoyed her stay, and she says, the MetroCourt is a five-star hotel; she could get used to this. He tells her to order anything she likes and put it on his tab, and she says she might just stay and enjoy one of those fancy cocktails on the menu. He tells her to do that, thanks her for coming, and leaves.

Willow says, Nina claims things would have been different had she and Nelle known they were mother and daughter, but Carly says, that’s not true. Nelle was a sociopath, and knowing Nina was her mother would not have made it better. Drew comes out, and says he didn’t expect to see them here. Carly says, Willow invited her to a private family dinner, and he says he doesn’t want to intrude, but he does have an update on the search for her mother. Willow says she’d love to hear it, and Carly says, that’s her cue to get out of here. Willow says, stay, but Carly says, no. This is a private talk. She’ll be back. She leaves, and Willow asks what he found out.

Elizabeth says, the police won’t find Esme on Spoon Island, and Finn asks how she knows. She says she’s been spending a lot of time at Windymere with Nikolas, and he says, and here he thought they were taking it slow. She’s good; very good. When was she planning on telling him? Or was she just going to wait until she started to show? She says she knows he doesn’t want to hear this, but she never wanted to deceive him. He says, the other day when she ran out of his office, was it Nikolas who called? She says, Nikolas needed her, and Finn says, and he didn’t? What an absolute fool he’s been. He realizes now that she was trying to let him down easy when she said she wouldn’t blame him if he wanted to break up with her. She says, he deserves so much better, and he laughs and says, that’s rich.

Nikolas says, hope gets him through the darkest times, and Spencer says, hope that Ava will forgive him? Nikolas says, hope that Spencer will. Spencer says he’s going to bed, but Nikolas says, wait. He makes mistakes, and even though he tries not to, he makes them again. He can’t give Spencer advice on romantic relationships. There aren’t many areas he could counsel Spencer in. Spencer says, then don’t, and Nikolas says, but there is one quality that has served him through most of his life. He sees it inside Spencer too. Spencer says, the propensity for alienating those they love? but Nikolas says, persistence. Neither one of them like to be denied. Spencer says, they’re prideful, but Nikolas says, it’s more then that. It’s what made him forgive Spencer after he found out Spencer was Ava’s stalker. What made him keep visiting Spencer in Spring Ridge, even though Spencer wanted no part of him. Or what drove him to Pentenville, even though he knew Spencer would reject him. What Spencer does about Trina is up to him, but neither of them give up on the people they love, and he can tell Spencer loves Trina.

Ava says she knows Trina is worried about making a mistake, but she can’t tell Trina what to do. Listen to that little voice inside her heart. Trina says, the problem is, the background noise is drowning out her little voice, and Ava says, but it’s there; she knows it’s there. Whatever Trina chooses, to stay with Rory, or try it with Spencer, or go it alone, she’s always here to support Trina. They hug, and Trina asks, what about Ava? What is her little voice telling her about Nikolas? Ava says, her voice is very loud and clear. The question is, will she listen to it?

Heather says, is Esme dead? but Ryan says, no. He’s seen her since, but it was the last contact they had. She says, maybe she’s just lying low because the police suspect her of those hook attacks. He says, if Esme can’t send word, it’s because she’s unable to, and it’s not because she’s the hook killer. Heather says, of course (🍷) she’s not. If the police had any imagination they’d know that. But what does he think happened? He says, the last time she was here, she said she had business to take care of, and she says, what business would she have in Port Charles? He says he doesn’t know, but he suspects it has to do with the Cassadines. The Invader reported that last she was seen was on Pier 55. She says, which is where you take the launch… and he says, to Spoon Island. She says, why would she want to go back to a house full of people who wanted to kill her? and he says, maybe to retrieve something that she needed; maybe personal items, maybe money. Heather says she swears if they harm one hair on Esme’s head, she’ll make them pay, and he says, no. We will make them pay. She says, we? He’s stuck in that chair. He unstraps himself and gets up, telling her, people tend to underestimate him.

Elizabeth tells Finn that he’ll never have to talk to her again, and she knows she has no right to ask, but she needs something from him. He wonders what she could possibly ask of him, and she says she knows she doesn’t deserve his consideration, but her boys don’t know about the pregnancy. She’d appreciate him not telling anyone. He touches her face, and says, he’d never do anything to hurt her or her boys, and leaves.

Trina hears Ava’s voice telling her to listen to her heart. It doesn’t matter what she thinks, Trina’s parents think, or anyone else. Trina picks up her phone, and sends Spencer a text that says: Welcome home.  

Spencer’s phone dings. He looks at it, and smiles. He tells Nikolas that he doesn’t need that drink anymore, and Nikolas says, good news? Spencer says he’s holding on to hope, and walks off. There’s a knock at the door, and Nikolas opens it to Ava.

Esme says, father, I need your help. I’m all out of ideas. Demetrius comes in with a box, and says, it’s not much. Esme opens it, and there are four ornaments inside. She says she can’t tell him how much this means to her. He asks if it’s enough to stop her crying, and she says, only for him. He looks at the tree, and says, it’s not bad considering. She says she can be resourceful, and he tells her, have a good night. He leaves, and she says, well, Ace. I asked your grandfather to show me the way, and as usual, he delivered.  

Heather says, she’d forgotten. Ryan is a master of shock and awe. What else can he still do? He says, care to find out? and she says, hell yes – she grabs the front of his shirt – but we’ve got to focus on Esme. He says, they have to find out what happened to Esme, and punish those responsible.  

Drew says he just met with someone who knew Harmony at the commune when she unofficially adopted Willow. She asks if he found out more about her biological mother’s identity, and he says he did. She asks, why the hesitation? and he says he should really verify the information, but she says she can’t wait that long. She needs to know, what his source said. He tells her, he’s sorry, but it’s not great news.

Carly says, Mrs. Makenzie? and Denise tells Carly, like she said last night, call her Denise. Carly tells Denise, then call her Carly, and asks how the conversation with Drew went. Denise says, exactly as Carly wanted it to, and sips her fancy cocktail.

Tomorrow, Ava asks if there’s something on Finn’s mind; Elizabeth tells Nikolas that she has to tell Finn the truth; Carly asks Denise to tell her it went off without a hitch; and Nina tells Sonny that she’s afraid of the lies being spread.

Below Deck

On the beach, Alissa makes fun of Camille, while Camille looks for the coolers on the yacht. The coolers finally get to the beach, 45 minutes late, but the guests don’t seem to mind. Guest Hollie says, they deserve this lunch, and Camille tells Alissa that she’s not on service, but here to assist the deckhands. In Alissa’s interview, she says, when there are only three crew members on the beach, they’re all on service. She’s over being fake nice. It’s slowly poisoning her. The guests applaud Rachel’s lunch, and Rachel says she doesn’t know how to react to that sort of stuff. Ross brings Kate to pick up Rachel, and he and Kate make out in the tender on the way. Back at the boat, Rachel tells Fraser that Camille went off on Alissa when Alissa was delegating. Fraser says, if Camille isn’t doing what she’s asked, he needs to figure it out, and in his interview, he says, it’s not a good look for someone from another department to see fault in a member of his team. He goes to the laundry, and sees Camille hasn’t cleaned the iron, adding to his misery. Hayley vacuums, and tells the captain that she’s hoovering. He says he thinks it sucks. BA-DUM-CHH! On the beach, dessert is served, and Fraser radios that Camille is to stay and help pack up. The guests go back to the boat, and Camille wonders why they agree to beach picnics. Tony explains that it’s not a democracy, but a dictatorship, and they have to do what they’re told.

Interior gets into their blacks for dinner. Fraser tells Captain Lee that dinner is at 8:30, but knowing the guests, it will be at 9. The captain says he’s going to use his crutches, and in his interview, he says, his injury is worse. He’s not feeling his left side. He’d expected more progress then he’s experiencing, and the most frustrating thing is, he can’t do a goddam thing about it. Fraser calls Camille to do laundry, and Hayley to set the table. Camille tells Ross that she’s always in laundry, and Fraser overhears, telling Hayley that Camille is having attitude. In Kate’s interview, she says, Ross is fun. It’s nice to have someone to connect with, and he’s super genuine. She likes it. In Rachel’s interview, she says, the guests are always saving lives, so in order for them to feel honored, she’s dedicated each course to these beautiful amazing heroes. Charter one was not fun, so let’s make charter two not like poo. Camille tells Hayley that Alissa is driving her nuts, and Hayley asks if she feels like her job is getting muddled. In Hayley’s interview, she says, people naturally want to vent to her. It’s annoying, but addictive. Who’s going to win? She tells Camille to talk to Fraser, and he’ll deal with it how he feels is appropriate.

Captain Lee joins the guests, and asks how the hell he got this lucky. A guest asks if he needs a doctor, and in his interview, he says, they’ll have to take him as he is. He doesn’t have to put his puppy ass on the porch; he’s running with the big dogs. He doesn’t know for how long, but for one night, he can hang. He tells them that he’s honored, and they say, they’re honored. Alissa flirts with Ross, messing with his hair. Fraser tells Rachel that her food looks breathtaking, and she says she’s showcasing their preferences. The starter is dedicated to Primary Michelle’s love of sashimi. Fraser brings up the first course, and one of the guests wonders if dessert is going to be the captain. Captain Lee jokingly fans himself. Fraser radios Rachel, saying, they’re blown away. Well done. The guests ask about Captain Lee’s injury, and he says, it’s a nerve issue, but it’s going to be resolved soon. The next course is ceviche in honor of guest Samantha’s love of fresh fish. Fraser tells Rachel, the guests are going wild over it, and at the table, Michelle says she hasn’t laughed this hard in years. The next course of truffle wagyu comes, dedicated to guest Shauna, and Fraser tells Rachel, her food is receiving a fabulous reception. The guests had tears; it was beautiful. A lobster with mango dish is dedicated to guest Tola, who pronounces everything amazing. The captain says he’s happy to be able to get them away to cut loose and have fun, and they toast to him. In the captain’s interview, he says, they’re inspiring. How many people can say they’ve saved a life, yet they do it every day. He loves them, but they wore his old ass out. Camille asks Fraser if she can go to bed, since she has to be on deck at 7:20 for docking. He tells her, okay, but in his interview, he says, he understands she has a tricky role, but he’s upset and disappointed that she can’t see the bigger picture of supporting the team. He tells Ross that Camille demanded (a bit of an exaggeration) to go down because she needs sleep. He asks if Ross needs her to be a full-time deckie, but Ross says, her usage during the first charter was about right. Floaters often use their position to their advantage. Fraser says he’s at his wit’s end. Camille tells Kate that Fraser seemed annoyed with her, while the guests get in a huddle and say, to old friends, new friends, and forever friends. We are queens! Fraser checks the laundry, and says, what a shock; everything is in the machines.

Final day of charter. Ross tells the deckhands that they have to be ready to go, and tells Ben to stay on the bow line. Camille finally gets out of bed and on deck, and Ross goes over anchoring with the deckhands. Rachel tells Fraser that the breakfast special is lobster benedict, and asks if she can get the captain anything. Captain Lee says, a left leg. He can’t observe, and doesn’t know who’s doing what. In his interview, he says, the pain is worse, and he owes it to the crew to be at his best. It comes to a point that if a captain is being objective, they have to put the crews best interests first. The crew is his primary responsibility. When you step on board, you check your ego at the dock. He tells Rachel, it’s the most humbling experience of his life. Ross tells Captain Lee that they’re ready to go, and they head for Rodney Bay. Ross tells the deckhands to lower the fenders. Camille, who seems to be benched for now, yawns, and says she’s hungry. Breakfast is served, and in Captain Lee’s interview, he says, the bow us the lightest part of the boat, and the wind has a tendency to catch the bow, and blow it off the dock. It’s extremely important to get the bowline tied as soon as they can. If you don’t have you’re A-game, don’t even show up to the ballpark. A new sports metaphor! Ben tells Kate that she’s got the wrong line, and Captain Lee says, it’s a sh*t sandwich. The dock guy helps them, and they run around trying to fix it. Kate’s line snaps, and the captain says, son of a bitch.  

Captain Lee asks, what is the goddam problem? and in his interview, he says, that’s the first line that should be tied. The only thing that could cause it to pop off is if it’s not right in the first place. He can only hold on for so long before the wind wins out. Ross tells Camille to pitch in with the lines, and the captain says, they have to lock it in quick and hard to get it right. That’s what she said. Ross, Camille, and Ben get the line locked, and the captain says, it wasn’t pretty, but it sure as hell was effective. The crew changes into their whites, and the guests pack. Ross pops in to see the captain, and asks how he’s doing. Captain Lee says, he’s doing okay. He’s applying heat to the designated area. In Ross’s interview, he says he can tell the captain is in a lot of pain. He’s got a lot of respect for Captain Lee, and if the captain says he’s good to go, he’ll believe it until the captain says he’s not. Captain Lee says he keeps waiting for a break somewhere, but it hasn’t happened yet.

The crew assembles on the aft deck, where there are hugs and goodbyes from the guests. Michelle says, it was the trip of a lifetime after the last two years they’ve had. She tears up, and says, it was everything. Captain Lee says, it was their pleasure, and Michelle says, it was the best best service. There wasn’t one negative thing the entire time. The captain says, they earned it, and she says she loves them all. She asks if she can offer them a tip, and the captain says, absolutely. She says, in pink, presenting him with a fanny-pack that says ER Queens in rhinestones on the front. She put it on him, gives him a hug, and says, you’re the best. The guests leave, and the captain says he wishes they could keep them, but they can’t, so get their asses to work. Kate says, she thinks she’s smart, but when it comes to snapping these effing things, she’s a dumbass, and Ben says, everyone is smart in different ways.

Captain Lee calls the crew to the Sky Lounge for the tip meeting, and tells them, he sees the progress they’ve made and appreciates it. 23 large; $1769 each; they earned it. In Hayley’s interview, she says, they’ve been working they’re asses off; they did earn it. The captain asks if anyone has noticed anything they’d like to bring up, and Camille says she’s trying to figure out her deck/stew positions. Fraser suggests they have a chat, and Captain Lee tells the crew to bust their asses until 5:30, then relax, have fun, and enjoy themselves. In Fraser’s interview, he says he thought he was angry before, but now he really knows what anger feels like. He asks Camille to meet with him and Ross for a chat, and tells her to come to them before involving the captain. He wants nothing more than a successful season. Camille says she has two bosses, and Ross says, if she’s unsure, ask him if he needs her or should she go inside. She says, it’s a communication thing, and Ross says, communication is key in the end. In Ross’s interview, he says, having Camille on deck is like having an attractive Labrador. It’s great for morale, but not particularly useful to him. The boat is cleaned up, and Captain Lee makes a call. He tells another captain that he seems to have found himself in a wee bit of a bind. Ross radios the captain, and asks to meet. Captain Lee tells him to come to the bridge. When Ross arrives, the captain asks, what piece of the sh*t sandwich does Ross have for him? Ross says, it makes sense for him to give Ben a title, and the captain says, if he’d like to make Ben lead deckhand, he doesn’t have an issue with it. Ross says, he’ll do that, and the crew gets dressed to go out Hayley says Fraser has a bit of a glow, and he says he’s sweating. Camille says she’s going to get so f***ed up tonight, it’s not funny. Well, it is going to be funny. They take taxis to a restaurant/ beach bar. Hayley asks Katie if she likes Ross, and tells her that Alissa’s been flirting with him. Hayley says, two on one; whoever he vibes with is the answer. They order food, and Ross, Alissa, Camille, and Hayley go down to the beach for a smoke. Ben says he thought Kate liked Ross, and she says, if it happens, it happens. Dinner is served, and Fraser gets lobster. Hayley says, Lord Fraser with lobster; she just has peasant fish.  Fraser asks Ross to come have a chat, and Camille kisses Ben. In her interview, she says, she’s feeling tingly in certain areas. Fraser tells Ross that the captain isn’t in tip-top condition, but Ross says, he’s a strong man. Fraser says, mentally, but that can only keep him in the cabin and the bridge. He needs to be everywhere, and Fraser is worried. They leave for a club, Kate saying, they’re going to shake their asses. Hayley says she’s going be rotten tomorrow morning. In the taxi, Ben and Camille continue to make out, and Alissa says she picked the wrong f***ing car.

They get to the club, and immediately start dancing. Alissa says she wants to flirt, but doesn’t want to step on anyone’s toes. In Ben’s interview, he says he used to go to dance classes. He’d always wanted to be in Thunder from Down Under. Alissa acts like she doesn’t want to get in between Ross and Kate, but Kate tells Ross that she’s not going to hold him back if he wants to go after Alissa. In Kate’s interview, she says, Alissa doesn’t care who gets in her way. Kate likes Ross, yet can’t say he’s hers, but it’s a respect thing. They go back to the boat, and Hayley trips going up the plank. As they change for the jacuzzi, Alissa tells Kate that Ross claims he’s not with anybody. Ross pretends like he’s just checking out their cabin, but no doubt he’s checking out Alissa who announces her bra is unsnapped. They all go to the jacuzzi, and Ross asks Kate if they’re going to be that weird, respectful couple for nine weeks, and she says, he told Alissa they were nothing. He jumps in the hot tub, and Alissa jumps on him. Katie says she doesn’t give a sh*t. She’s going to bed. Hayley tells Fraser that Kate is upset, and Fraser says, Ross is clearly putting his penis in other things. Ross and Alissa make out, and Ross says he’s just doing his job. Ross goes inside, and asks Kate for a beer. She tells him to get it himself. Hayley points out that Ross was just kissing Alissa, and Kate calls him a dirty bastard. He starts drinking her drink, and she takes it out of his hand, saying, that’s f***ed up. In Kate’s interview, she says, Ross was with Alissa when he could be with her; that’s super f***ed up. She’s not rolling with that. Flirting with her then kissing someone else makes her look dumb.

Hayley tells Ross that if he wants to kiss someone, he has to say he’s a free agent, and he’ll kiss who he wants. Kate cries in the bathroom, and Alissa says, Kate got upset because she has too many feelings. Camille and Kate commiserate on how fake Alissa is, when Ross asks if he can come in. Kate says he’s on her sh*t list, and Camille says she didn’t know he was such a player. She doesn’t like his vibe toward her gal pal. In Camille’s interview, she looks up synonyms for man-whore, and reads, whoremonger, man ho, playboy, cad, himbo. Ross is a himbo.  She climbs into Ben’s bunk.

In the morning, Hayley wonders why she’s always naked, and Camille calls Ben a cuddle butt. Fraser complains that he hasn’t had sex in two years. The other crew members are always straight. Fraser asks Ross how many women he’s had sex with, but Ross says he doesn’t know. Fraser says, 400? and Ross makes a gesture that it’s higher. 500?… 1000? Ross says, somewhere around that, and in his interview, he says he was involved with a polyamorous group in Bali. It was all partying and sex. He tells Fraser that he’s not a fan of dry spells, and Fraser says he thinks Ross has a problem. Ross says, it affects his finances heavily, and Fraser says, it’s going to affect his mental health. In Fraser’s interview, he says, interesting and concerning information, but not welcome. He did see more of who Ross is, and where his drive lies, and it ain’t here. He points to his head. He tells Ross that he’s got a bad problem, but he’s not getting involved. Last minute touches are done to the boat, and the captain radios the crew to meet in the Sky Lounge in ten.

Captain Lee hobbles in, and says, they heard him coming, right? He sits down, and says, as they know, he’s been struggling with mobility and… it’s been hard. He let them down and he apologizes for that. He’s made a decision leave the boat. Rachel looks like she’s going to cry.

There was no preview. Rumor has it, Captain Sandy will be filling in for a bit.

🎪 Rocking the Casbah…

Stop in tomorrow for soap and teatime. Until then, stay safe, stay living in the present, and stay following your heart, but relying on your head too.