Craig’s pillows have officially taken off, and Shep’s furry Craig is getting big. Venita and Naomie get together for a game of tennis. Venita says she was a nerd in high school, and in her interview, she says, she got made fun of in school, but then got into modeling, and fell into being an influencer. She tells us, look at her now, and laughs. Naomie tells Venita, it’s sad to be back in Charleston. She thought she was moving to NYC and growing, but she was humbled real quick. Moving back was depressing. In Naomie’s interview, she says, she and Metul were there 10 days when she found out he was cheating. She crawled back to Charleston with her tail between her legs, and she’s starting over. Venita says, Naomie was losing herself in the relationship, and in her interview, Naomie says, she wanted to mold herself into who he wanted her to be. We flash back to times when Metul seemed controlling, and she says, by the end, he made her into a smaller version of himself. Leva calls, and asks if Naomie has seen Craig since Vegas, and Venita wonders what happened. Naomie says she went to Las Vegas, Leva was there with her family, and Craig was there with his friends on a separate trip. Naomie tells Leva, she’s seen him, and that’s all she’s going to say about that.
Craig calls Paige, and tells her that he’s working on his house, and gives her a tour as they talk. Paige is coming for Kathryn’s birthday party, and she thinks it’s weird that Kathryn invited Naomie, since Kathrin doesn’t like her. In Craig’s interview, he says he had a huge crush on Paige years ago, but she had a boyfriend. They met again when they were both single, and a spark accelerated to a mini inferno. The things that bothered Naomie don’t bother Paige. His confidence to sew is attractive to her. Since she lives in NYC, they do four days on/four days off. He’s finally back in his real house, as it’s been remediated of asbestos.
Austen meets Shep for a beer, and says, life is wonderful. Shep asks if Austen is still a free agent, and Austen says he’s asexual at the moment. In Austen’s interview, he says he was in a toxic relationship last year, and it left him heartbroken. We flash back to the Reunion, and Austen calling Madison a f***ing monster. He says, finally his eyes are open, and he’s the person he wants to be. He tells Shep that (new cast member) Olivia is back in town, and he likes her. We see a clip of Austen asking Olivia out, and in his interview, Austen says, they met through Leva. He tells Shep that Olivia went to L.A., but now she lives in Charleston. Since he’s been single, he’s met a few women he’s interested in, but it doesn’t have to turn into a relationship. We flash back to Austen on Summer House, and Shep says, Naomie is back in town too. He heard a rumor she and Craig are on good terms, maybe more, but Austen says, not so. He’d asked Craig about Vegas, and Craig said they just had lunch; he was already dating Paige. Shep looks like doesn’t believe it.
Venita and Naomie play tennis, and a bee chases Naomie around the court. They sit afterward, and Venita says, Leva was trying to drop a bomb when she called while they were in the car. Naomie says, she saw Craig in Vegas, and that’s all there is to say. Shep tells Austen that he hasn’t seen Craig in a couple months, but Craig has only made a low grade effort to have a friendship. How someone deals with success is very telling; can you maintain friendships and be a good person? He doesn’t think Craig works to maintain their friendship at all. He thinks he’s the big shot of the century, but Shep thinks Craig knows he’s in the wrong and has a small reckoning coming. Chleb and Kathryn play basketball, and in Kathryn’s interview, she says, they’ve been together a little over year. After six months, they moved in together. It’s the first relationship she’s had that moved in steps at a certain pace. It’s nice to have more structure, since historically speaking, she’s had none. Looking back, in her 20s, she had two babies; it was a crazy ride. We flash back to the Thomas days, and lots of screaming, and she says, but it’s a new decade. She’s going to use what she’s learned to pursue the life she wants, and not just take what’s given to her. She tells Chleb that she’s going to be a phoenix rising.
Whitney takes Patricia’s pups outside, and after they come in, one poops on the kitchen floor. He says, who did this? like one will answer, and calls them a-holes, saying, they were just outside. He makes a cursory look for enzyme cleaner, then uses vodka to clean the floor. He takes a swig from the bottle, and says the dogs are d*cks. I’m literally lol’ing. He tells Patricia that the dogs pooped inside, and he couldn’t find the enzyme cleaner. She tells him, it’s under the sink, and he says he used vodka. He tells her, the dogs are a lot of work, and she says she never realized it until Michael wasn’t around. In Patricia’s interview, she says, Michael had a spinal stroke, and it paralyzed him from the chest down. She’s still shocked. It hit her in the heart, because they’ve been together for 18 years. We flash back to Michael doing his thing, and she says, her longest marriage was 15 years. He’s the most stable relationship she’s had. Whitney says he’s being a dutiful son, and she says, he’s a little too sassy, and no F-words.
I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. Pets are the great leveler. They don’t care how much money you have, what you look like, or what you do for a living. They will poop on your floor. I predict that was the best scene all season. It was hilarious. Except for the Michael part. That was too sad.
Kathryn is having a Roaring 20s party, and shops for a vintage tie for Chleb. In her interview, she says she wants an over-the-top Gatsby production. She wants glitz, luxury, angelic, and feathers. She calls Chleb, and shows him the ties. In Kathryn’s interview, she says, she loves what a good heart Chleb has, and his outlook on life. (I might also add, he has a great sense of fashion.) She says she overanalyzes to the point that she’s paralyzed, and he simplifies things for her. She gets him the ties he picked out, along with a silk scarf. Pringle goes see Craig at his store, Sewing Down South. The store also has a tap, and Pringle asks for a beer. Craig says, drink and shop; that’s what we’re all about. In Craig’s interview, he says, they made $200K in the first three months, and are continuing to grow. He tells Pringle that he was lucky finding this place, and thanks him for coming to the opening. We see clips from that, and Craig says, they had a huge opening weekend. He appreciated the support, but it bothers him that Taylor had to force Shep to come. Pringle says, Shep told him that Craig thinks he’s King Sh*t of the Mountain, and Craig says, Shep just tears him down. He stopped answering Shep’s calls, then Austen started. Austen was newly single, since he and Natalie had broken up. They were both hanging out with Paige, and Austen tried to tell her that Craig and Naomie had hooked up in Vegas, but Craig had already told her. He and Austen aren’t friends anymore because Craig can’t trust him. In his interview, Craig says, hanging out with anyone who’s not supportive of your success is stupid.
Shep tells Taylor that he’s not out of shape, and she says, round is a shape. In Shep’s interview, he says, he and Taylor are coming up on two years. She has a condo, but stays with him most of the time. Every now and then she gives him a night off. He thinks she wants to get married and have kids, but she’s not anxious to go down that road. They have no structural expectations. In Taylor’s interview, she says she’s had a Pinterest board of her wedding plans her entire life. Olivia gets ready for Kathryn’s party, and in her interview, she says she lives with her parents. She’d been living in L.A., but when covid happened, she came home because she wanted to be closer to her family. Her parents ask about Austen, and in her interview, she says, her mom was her age when she got married, and her parents have been together 34 years. The pressure is on. Austen arrives, and they argue about who’s going to get the door. Austen starts to look nervous, and in Olivia’s interview, she says, Austen slid into her DMs. It makes her a little giddy to see him. She lets him in, and introduces him to her parents, who notice the skull and crossbones on his shoes. Kathryn is having her makeup done, and tells makeup person Chelsea that she invited Naomie on a whim, even though what Naomie did hurt her feelings. In Kathryn’s interview, she says she reached out when Naomie’s father passed away, and Naomie visited when Kathryn’s mom died. But then Naomie made an Instagram post saying Kathryn should be ashamed of spreading the rumor about Cameron’s husband. Kathryn is hoping Naomie will apologize, so they can move on. Kathryn tells Chelsea that she thinks Naomie still has feelings for Craig; they hooked up in Vegas. Chelsea asks if Craig told Natalie about Paige, but Kathryn doesn’t think so.
Venita and Leva meet at Naomie’s, and Naomie tells them that she and Kathryn haven’t talked for a year and a half, but Kathryn said all the perfect things on the phone. We see a clip of Kathryn inviting Naomie to her party, and in Naomie’s interview, she says, when someone says they want to start fresh, you can’t say f*** off, I want to keep this negative energy going. She’s going to take the olive branch even though she’s scared. In Venita’s interview, she says, it’s good see this olive branch extended, since she didn’t think she’d ever see it. She’s going to take the chance. Leva asks, what if Craig is there with Paige? but Naomie says, she’ll be fine. In her interview, she says, it’s no big deal that they got together. Leva still says, there’s still something there, and Naomie says, Craig was the biggest love she’s had. It doesn’t go away that fast. She asks Leva not to do the weird mom thing, getting all excited if she and Craig talk.
Kathryn is all sparkles as she and Chleb enter the venue for her Great Katsby party. In her interview, Kathryn says she wants to start a new decade with a blank slate. She wants everyone to have a new beginning. Outside, Paige tells Craig that she just wants everyone to be nice. Craig introduces her around, and Kathryn tells Shep that she’s 30, like this is news to him. He says, nine years. He was 33 when they met, and now he’s 42. In Shep’s interview, he says, you tend to picture people at a certain age. To him Kathryn is that 21 year old. Naomie comes in, and says, Kathryn looks like one big diamond. She moves on quickly, and in Kathryn’s interview, she says, Naomie should have asked to talk to her. In Naomie’s interview, she says, it’s pretty clear she’s getting a f*** you look. Kathryn tells Shep about Craig hooking up with Naomie in Vegas. She says, Naomie was calling him afterward, saying she still loved him, and he told her it wasn’t a thing. Shep says, apparently, what happened in Vegas isn’t staying in Vegas. Leva asks Kathryn if everything is good with Naomie. Naomie felt that Kathryn was cold when Kathryn greeted her.
Ugh. Madison comes in. I was watching some of the previous season earlier today, and she is just one horrible person. Craig tells Austen that she’s here, and Naomie says she has the heebie-jeebies. She tells Austen to breathe, but he says he doesn’t care. In Olivia’s interview, she says, there are obviously some unprocessed things. They shouldn’t be going on a first date and be talking about home girl. Chleb tells Venita to be nice to Kathryn; she’s growing. Venita says she’s keeping in mind that not everything grows at the same speed, and some things take longer. In Chleb’s interview, he says, it’s Kathryn’s birthday, and she should feel like the princess she is. He wants them to make her feel comfortable. Shep grabs a bottle of (I think) champagne, and suggests he and Austen go outside to chew the fat. Craig is waiting, and produces three shots. Craig says, he didn’t expect to see some people here. Kathryn doesn’t like Naomie, but she came, and he didn’t expect to see Madison. Shep tells Craig, what about Vegas? and Craig says, Naomie texted him, and said he was right about everything. Austen asks if they hooked up, and Craig admits they did. In Austen’s interview, he says, they’re supposed to be best friends, and this just shows where their relationship has gone. He told everyone that he would know, but clearly he wouldn’t. He’s stunned. Craig says, Austen can’t keep a secret, and Shep says, Craig is mean to Austen behind his back. Craig tells Shep, shut up, and Shep says he hasn’t seen Craig lately either. Craig says it’s not healthy for him to hang out with Shep; he’s not the most positive person. Shep can’t set foot in Craig’s store without getting angry. Shep says he’s only been there once, for the opening, and Craig says, and Taylor had to drag him. In Shep’s interview, he says, what man hangs out at a retail store, and sells pillows. Hmm… I think he just made Craig’s point. Craig says, he’s not doing this; he’s going inside. Shep says, no, he’s going in, and they all go inside.
Kathryn takes pictures with Chleb outside, and he asks how she feels. She says, she greeted Naomie and Venita, but after that, there’s been no eye contact. Chleb says he talked to Venita, and it seemed like she wanted to talk. Kathryn says, Chleb isn’t loyal. He’s been by her side, knowing Venita doesn’t want to talk to her. It’s not his conversation to have, and since when is he a peacemaker? He suggests they change the subject, and tells her that she looks beautiful. She says, she’s ready to go home. She stomps inside for her purse, and realizes she has the same bag as Leva, who’s sitting with Naomie. Kathryn tells Naomie, her greeting wasn’t meant to be awkward. Maybe she’s just an awkward person, but she felt hurt when Naomie said she should be ashamed of herself. Naomie says, Kathryn tried to ruin a good person’s family, and Kathryn says, Naomie isn’t better than she is, and acts like she’s better than everyone. She’s fake. Leva, who stepped away for a hot second, says she missed what happened. How did they go from zero to this? Naomie says, Kathryn fights dirty, and Kathryn asks, how? Naomie says, just because Kathryn yell and is being the loudest, she’s not scared of her. Kathryn tells Naomie to stop being condescending because she has passionate feelings. She was going through a hard time in her life. She calls Naomie a petty little bitch, and Leva points out that Kathryn invited her. Kathryn says, Naomie isn’t taking accountability, and Naomie jets, Kathryn says, she’s so fake, and announces she’s ready to go. She tells Chleb to stop talking to Venita, and storms out, but it’s unclear whether she wants Chleb to come with her. Craig says, this is crazy, like that’s something new, and calls to her. She tells him that she’s over this. Paige says, she thought they were polite in the south. In NYC, they say, f*** you, and walk away. Here, you linger.
This season, a wedding; Madison gets engaged; Paige and Craig get more serious; Patricia gets sh*tfaced; Chleb says, Kathryn is the problem; Leva feels like she’s suffocating; Kathryn tells Naomie, STFU; and Shep screams at Austen.
🧾 Wow. I wouldn’t know where to start with all the wrong among this group. Although it all seems to boil down to not one of them being able to communicate properly. And Naomie, taking it to Instagram? You should be ashamed.
Not as sad as Michael, but I was bummed to find out Metul was not all he was cracked up to be. He introduced me to butter chicken. When Naomie tried to make some, she said, something is missing, and he said, yeah, and Indian person who knows how to make this. Warning: it’s very addictive.
Stop by tomorrow for… who knows anymore? Until then, stay safe, stay keeping your promises or not making them, and stay not hanging out with anyone who’s not supportive of your success. According to Craig, it’s stupid.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Laura gets out of her car and looks at the hospital. Her voiceover says, all my life, this place has been a sanctuary. A place where I felt safe and welcome; almost a second home. And today will be no different, no matter what trouble I’m facing.
Portia quizzes Epiphany, and gives her a gold star. Britt says, this stuff is like algebra; you’ll never use it in real medicine. Laura walks in, and says, the MCATs are coming up soon, right? and Epiphany says, yep, and she’s ready. Laura says she’s rooting for her, and Epiphany says, it means a lot. Laura heads for the elevator, and Portia asks if they’re going to see her at the softball game. Laura says, it’s a Port Charles tradition; she woudn’t miss it. Laura gets in the elevator, and Britt says, that is amazing. Portia asks, what is? and Britt says, how calm Laura is. You’d never know that was a dead woman walking.
Sonny sits next to Violet in the waiting area, and she asks what happened to him. He says he overdid it in boxing, and notices her scratching her arm. He asks, what about her? Did she run into some poison ivy? She says, poison oak, and Finn tells her, he knows it itches, but what did he tell her about scratching? She says, not to, but she saw Uncle Chase do it, and he asks, what would happen if they lived their lives according to Uncle Chase? They both say, we’d only have half a jar of pickles in the fridge, and Finn says, exactly. Sonny says, she has to listen to her dad because he’s a smart guy, and Finn asks what he told Sonny about boxing. Sonny says, not to overdo it, but Uncle Chase overdid it. Laura joins them, and asks, what’s with the walking wounded? Finn tells Violet, if the mayor told her something, she’d have to do it, right? and Laura asks how she can help. Finn says, they sort of ran into some poison oak, and Violet says, it itches. Laura says she bets Violet’s dad told her not to scratch it, and he is absolutely right. You can’t scratch it because it might leave scars. Next time she wants to scratch it, does she think she can remember not to? Violet says she can, and Laura says, good girl. Sonny gets up, hobbles over to Laura, and says, he saw that piece in The Invader, but she says she’s fine; like water off a duck’s back. Finn says he knows she’s got a lot on her plate right now. Why doesn’t he drive the boys over to see Elizabeth? He won’t go inside; he’ll just wait in the car. She thanks him, but says she’s got it. She does need Finn to work his magic on Sonny, because he’s batting clean-up today. She moves along, and Finn tells Sonny, it doesn’t look like she’s feeling any pressure. She’s got this, right? Sonny says, she usually does, but it doesn’t hurt to have a back-up plan.
Doc comes out of his office, and sees Laura. He says he was just coming to get her. How’s she holding up? She says, sometimes she feels sick, and he tells her that she doesn’t need a tidal wave of votes to know she’s loved. She’s surrounded by people who love her. One of them is looking her in the eye right now. She says, don’t make her cry. It’s a bad look for the mayor. He says, no such thing, and asks if she’s ready. She says she is, and he tells her, she’s got this.
Laura and Doc walk into one of the conference rooms, and Scotty tells her, welcome to the first meeting of the committee to save her hide. Carly says, why don’t they get down to business? and Laura says, the first thing they must do is say goodbye to Mac, but Mac says, he’s not going anywhere, not while their mayor is under attack. She says she’s flattered, but the city pays his salary, and this isn’t a criminal matter; it’s a political one. She can’t afford to have any sense of impropriety, even the appearance thereof, so thank you and goodbye. He says he wants to stay, but Sam says, that’s why she and Curtis are here. Curtis says, they’ll pick up the slack, and Mac tells Laura that he’s pulling for her. She says she knows, and he leaves. They all sit down, and Scotty says he’s calling this meeting to order. Robert says he thinks they need to ascertain how this circus got started, and asks Alexis, what’s happening with that rag of hers? Alexis says she had to run the story. Like it or not, it was legitimate news. Robert says, it’s not news; it’s a crime. Scotty says, there’s no way these yahoos have collected enough signatures to put a recall on the ballot, but Doc says, it would appear otherwise. Robert says, they get that, but this letter is so clearly biased and it’s in the op-ed section. Scotty picks up the paper, and says, this jerk blames Laura for the serge in crime, a lackluster police department, strife at our port. It’s past time for ordinary citizens to take our city back. Today we announce we’ve collected enough signatures to have a recall on the election for the mayor. Join our movement. Mayor Collins must go. Signed, the Friends of Port Charles. Carly says, it doesn’t sound very friendly to her, and Alexis says she wishes there had been another way, but it had the required amount of signatures, so what could she do? Laura says, it’s okay. The writer had a legitimate point of view, and the right to express it. This is free speech, and no one has the right to silence it. Curtis says, but it’s not the only voice. As a fairly new business owner, the mayor’s office has been a huge help to him. Carly says, and the writer of that op ed clearly wants Laura out of a job. She thinks they can all agree they don’t want that outcome. Sam says, Laura is an excellent mayor; exactly the kind of mayor they need. Alexis says, unfortunately, not everyone feels that way, and Doc says, which is why they need to strategize. How do they respond? Scotty says he has a four-point plan. He tells Alexis, first of all, save room in her paper for Laura’s rebuttal, and Alexis says, consider it done. He says, number two, he and Robert will devise a legal strategy before this even gets on the ballot, but Laura says she’s not comfortable with that, and she doesn’t think their DA should be risking his political capital on her behalf. Robert says, he’s in. What’s the point of political capital if you can’t use it in an emergency? Scotty says, they need to police the moral and financial support for their mayor. He would do this, but they have to win the hearts and minds of townsfolk over, and it takes a bit of a delicate touch. It’s not exactly his strong suit. Doc says he thinks Scotty means they need someone with tact, and Alexis says, humility. Sam says, grace, and Scotty says, all right. They made their point. Carly says she’s not one for a soft touch, but she can do it on special occasions, and Doc says he can help with that. and Scotty says, first, they need to find out who the Friends of Port Charles are. Curtis says, he and Sam are all over it; they’ll divide up their leads. Scotty says, they all have their assignments, so disassemble.
Ned picks up a bloody Mary, and says, it’s time for the family meeting. They need to strategize. Michael says, they take their summer softball seriously, and Ned says, today, they restore their family honor. Sam and Carly walk in, and Carly says, what honor? They never had any to begin with. Olivia asks what they’re doing here, and Sam says, they’re on a mission. Ned says, which is? and Carly says, calling out the snake in the grass. As the former mayor of Port Charles, they all know Ned is the one behind the Friends of Port Charles, isn’t he?
Laura says, Scotty really pulled out all the stops, and thanks him. He says, she’s the mayor, and she’s his friend. Actually, she’s a lot of things to him. We flash back to the dinosaur age, when Laura and Scotty got married. Laura says she’s touched by his loyalty to her, but hopes it doesn’t get him in any hot water with Obrecht. He says, don’t worry. He has Obrecht right where he wants her. He opens his briefcase, saying, Otherwise, he wouldn’t have gotten this. He takes out a folder, and Laura says, what is this?
Last night. At a bar, a woman is seated at a table near the front, and Obrecht asks if that’s the petition to unseat the mayor. The woman says, it is, and Obrecht says, the state of the city is pathetic. Just now, she saw someone feeding pigeons outside. They’re nothing more than rats with wings; so unsanitary. She drags the woman outside to see, and Scotty takes pictures of the petition. Laura says she doesn’t want to know how Scotty got his hands on those signature papers, and he says, he knows, protect her deniability, but look at the signature he circled. She says, oh my God, and he says he thought she’d feel that way. So now it’s not what they’re up against, but who they’re up against.
Laura goes to one of the offices in the hospital, and asks how long Bobbie has been waiting to even the score. Bobbie says, of course (🍷) she wants payback, and Laura says, really? For what? Bobbies says, last year, Lucy allegedly struck her out with a wonky spitball, so today she plans on slamming a line drive way out of left field. Laura says, Bobbie is talking about softball? and Bobbie asks what Laura is talking about. Laura shows her the petition and asks if it’s her signature, and Bobbie asks if it’s for saving the whales. Laura says, it’s to get her removed from the office of mayor, and Bobbie says she read about that in today’s Invader. What’s that group called? Laura says, Friends of Port Charles; they want her recalled. Bobbie says, she signed a petition to save the whales. Does Laura think they’d do a bait and switch? She’d never sign a petition to recall Laura. Is that what Laura thought, after everything they’ve been through? Laura says she didn’t want to think it, and Bobbie says she can see how Laura would have thought the worst of her – forty plus years ago, and Laura asks if that’s how long it’s been since they fought over Scotty. We flash back to Bobbie answering Scotty’s door when we were all in diapers. She tells Laura that she’d invite her in, but three’s a crowd. In the present, Bobbie says, they were so young, and they thought the world revolved around Scotty Baldwin. Laura laughs, and says, they were all just kids. Bobbie says, look at her now, the Port Charles mayor, and Laura says, not if the Friends of Port Charles have anything to say about it. Bobbie says, they’re a minority; a loud obnoxious minority, but the average citizen doesn’t believe that. Laura says she’s not so sure about that. She put her whole heart and soul into this job. Maybe her love for her town isn’t enough; maybe the job requires more. There’s a lot of unhappy people here, and they got enough signatures to recall the ballot. Bobbie says, but how many of those signatures really want her out? How many of those people thought they were signing a petition to save the whales, like she did? Laura says, that op ed was such a personal attack, wasn’t it? and Bobbie says, they’ve both dealt with a lot of dirty dogs in their day, and this is politics. Laura says she just wants to know who would do this to her, and Bobbie says, Laura’s real friends are on her side, and she is one. They have her back. Laura says she appreciates that so much. She feels terrible now, being suspicious of seeing Bobbie’s name. She feels ashamed. Bobbie says, well don’t. There are a few crazy people out there who aren’t on Laura’s side. The hell with them; she’s with Laura. Laura thanks her and they hug.
There’s a knock at Sonny’s office door, and he lets Selena in. She says she got his message to meet. What precipitated this command performance? Sonny says, they need information, and Curtis asks if Selena was aware her nephew was aiding and abetting the Friends of Port Charles’ efforts to remove Laura as mayor? She says, of course (🍷). She volunteered him for the job.
At the MetroCourt pool, Victor raises a glass of champagne, and says, to the Cassadines. May we own the plate and dominate the pitch. Ava says, actually, it’s a field, not a pitch, and Alexis says, even she knew that. Laura walks in, and says, so the Cassadines are going to dominate the softball field, are they? Like they tried to dominate the world once? Not while she draws breath.
Sonny tells Selena, Laura is a good friend of his. Laura’s got enough problems, so get her people to back off. Next time Selena needs a favor, he’ll remember this. Selena says, very well, and Curtis says he’s seen the Friends of Port Charles public filings. He would have noticed a donation from her, or any of her friends. She says she prefers a more direct approach, to make sure her money is used in the way she wants. Curtis says, they need the names of her contacts. That way, they can figure out who’s pulling the strings. Sonny says, okay, two favors.
Ned says he has no desire to remove Laura from office. He’s moved on from politics; his interests lie solely in his family. Michael says, and the family company, and Olivia says she can confirm Ned hasn’t talked about politics in a long time. Michael says, it’s understandable they’d suspect Ned, and Brook tells him, come on, be fair, but Michael says, it’s not an insult to Ned. It’s just that the Quartermaines aren’t known for being true blue. Olivia says, the Quartermaines may be a little bit backstabby, and occasionally money grubbing, and once in blue moon, a little bit blood thirsty. Nobody ever said this family didn’t have… Brook says, foibles? and Michael says, faults? Brook says, fatal flaws, and Olivia tells them, she was going to say moments. But show her what family doesn’t. Because what this family does have, and it has it in droves, is heart. And when one of their family members stumbles and falls, sure, the first thing they all do is crack a joke, but then they help that family member get back up on their feet. Ned says, and then go right back to sniping at each other. Brook says, it’s the Quartermaine way, and Michael says, and it’s better than most.
Victor says he has no idea what’s curdled Laura’s cream this time; she always suspects him of something. Alexis asks if he wrote that anonymous op ed Friends of Port Charles piece, and he asks if that’s what Laura thinks. She’s the mother of his nephew and Spencer’s grandmother; that means she’s family. Laura says, he still didn’t answer the question, and Ava says she can see him wielding a poison pen. Alexis says, most of the time, he just uses plain poison, and Victor says, if he ever did launch some screed against Laura’s leadership, trust him, he’d never do it anonymously. He thinks they all know by now, he’d be happy to put his name to it. Nikolas says, Uncle Victor knows better than to make a threat against his mother, because it would unite the family against him. Laura’s phone rings, and Victor says, there it is. The family united for the first time, and it’s all in service to Laura. Laura says hello to Curtis, and he says he’s got good news and bad news. She tells him to give her the good news first, and he says, he and Sonny picked up the money trail, and it led to the mastermind of the Friends of Port Charles. She says, what’s the bad news? and he says, she’s not going to like where it led them.
Laura goes into the visitor’s room at Pentenville, and sits behind the glass. Cyrus sits opposite her, and picks up the phone. He says, sister. So you read my letter.
Curtis brings Portia a baseball cap, and she says she loves it, but she thought she was supposed to meet him at the ballfield. He says, something came up, and he wanted to tell her about it in person. Cyrus Renault has been transferred from Flatland Federal Prison back to Pentenville. Jordan has promised him that she’ll be working closely with the warden at Pentenville, and make sure he’s locked down tight. She says, it’s a beautiful day, the sun is shining, they’re going to kick Northside’s butt. There’s no way she’s letting the mention of that evil man ruin their beautiful day.
Laura says, so Cyrus is the one who wrote the anonymous op ed for The Invader, and he says, people tend to take your opinion less seriously if they know you’re behind bars. That’s why he didn’t sign it. Plus, it’s a great opportunity for self-examination, revisit all the enemies she’s made over the years. She says, so he’s the mastermind of the Friends of Port Charles? and he says he can hardly run a grass roots campaign from prison; he’s merely an advisor. She says, then who’s in charge? and he says, Friends of Port Charles is a group of like-minded, ordinary citizens, who long to make their city a better place. She says, by recalling her, and he says, by finding someone more suited to the task. Is it really that hard for her ego to accept people are disillusioned by her performance? Crime is on the rise. Sonny Corinthos and Selena Wu run roughshod over a police department of her cronies. They have major corporations like ELQ and Cassadine Industries fleecing taxpayers, while everyday people pay too much in taxes to prop up aging institutions like General Hospital. Immorality is rampant, and the families of Port Charles yearn for a North Star to show them the way. Tell him. When was the last time she went to church? She says, her religious preference aren’t a problem for the people of Port Charles, and he says, he’s sorry; then what is? Her failed leadership? She’s presided over far more conflict and bloodshed than prosperity. She says, she thinks there’s been quite a bit less since he’s been in here. Tell her. If these Friends of Port Charles members have such high moral standards, why have they chosen a convicted felon advice? He asks if she even hears herself. It is God’s place to judge – he taps the window, startling her – not hers. She takes far too much pleasure in condemning him here, while she continues to sin freely out there. Turn back to the path of righteousness, sister. She says she hears him talking a lot about God, but she has a question for him. When he wrote that scathing and embarrassing op ed, an attack on her, where was God in that? He says he’s spent his life hating. He can’t change his nature on a dime. At least he’s trying, but her… She tells him, Cyrus, I forgive you. He lets the phone slip from his hand, and she thanks him for watching out for the people of Port Charles. She hangs up, and he looks like he might cry. She leaves, and outside, she leans on the wall, lets out a breath, and shakes her head.
Sonny thanks Selena for coming through for him, and she says, she never would have given her support to the Friends of Port Charles if she’d known Cyrus Renault was behind it. He says he’s glad to hear her say that. Mayor Collins is the best thing to happen to Port Charles in a long time.
At Kelly’s, Robert tells Scotty that on their website, the Friends of Port Charles doesn’t even mention Cyrus. Without that official connection, his hands are tied. Scotty says, that’s because he’s the DA, and Robert says, back in the day, he and Luke would ride in cowboy style, and round up a couple of Cassadines, never mind the rule book. Mac approaches, and says he’ll pretend he didn’t hear that. Scotty says he’s with Robert; break out the zip ties. Doc joins them, and says, he thinks Laura is perfectly capable of taking care of herself. It doesn’t need to go to DEFCON-1 just yet. Mac says, and to Scotty’s ex to boot, and Robert says he was kind of wondering what Obrecht would have to say about this. Scotty says, first of all, no girl tells him what to do. He can still have Obrecht as his girlfriend and help Laura. Doc and Mac both say, can you? Scotty asks what they’re driving at and stomps out. They all laugh.
Anna, Felicia, Sam, and Bobbie are at the salon, and Anna asks if they shouldn’t do this after the game. Obrecht and Lucy walk in, and Obrecht says she knew this was a bad idea. She starts to leave, but Lucy grabs her arm, saying, oh no she doesn’t; she’s stronger than that. She pulls Obrecht inside, and Felicia says, it looks like they all had the same idea; getting pedis. Anna says, which she doesn’t think is a good idea if they’re going to be chasing down flyballs. Lucy says, she’s not going to be chasing flyballs when she pitches. It’ll be strikeout city. Bobbie says, only if she brings the pine tar, and Lucy says she doesn’t cheat. Bobbie says, not at softball, and Lucy says she thinks Bobbie is still mad about being struck out twice last year. Bobbie says she thinks it helped Lucy that Scotty was calling the balls and the strikes. Scotty was always soft on her. Lucy says, Bobbie is just mad because she’s stayed very, very, very close to her exes, and Bobbie says, if she was Obrecht, she wouldn’t turn her back. You never know when Lucy might try to steal another man. Obrecht says, she’s not worried about Lucy or even Laura. She’s a proud, capable, ravishing woman, and any man would be lucky to have her. If Scotty can’t see that, he can something-or-other-in-German. Scotty rushes in, and says, sorry for interrupting their beautifications. He needs them to witness something. Obrecht asks, what? and he gets down on one knee and says he’s laying his heart at her feet. It was wrong of him to come to Laura’s aid without keeping Obrecht on the same page. She’s everything to him. He’d been running wild, then he met her. When he wakes up with her, his heart skips a beat. She’s just everything to him. She puts the pep in his step. She puts the leder in his hosen. So what does she say? Will she make him the happiest guy on the planet? Felicia asks Anna, is it just her, or is this the most romantic thing she’s ever heard? Anna says, it’s pretty good for Scotty Baldwin, and Scotty says, what does she say? Obrecht says, with all her heart, she says… no. Doesn’t he see? She’s already his. He struggles to get up, and Lucy helps him. He says, let’s make it official. Come on, marry him. She says, they can’t get tied down now. Leave marriage to these other fools. They have each other. What more do they need? He says she’s right about that, and kisses her.
Finn comes out with Violet, and Chase asks, what’s the diagnosis? Violet says, the doctor gave her medicine, so she won’t be itchy anymore. What about him? He says, his is clearing up on its own, and she asks if he’s been practicing his swings like she told him to. She wants two home runs in this game. Finn asks how someone as cynical as him have daughter that’s pure joy, and Violet asks Chase, what’s a cynical? Chase says, her dad is a great example. Finn puts Violet on Chase’s back for a piggyback ride, and says, they’re out of here. Britt tells Epiphany that she’d better bring her A-game to softball. She and Terry agreed, slackers will be on bedpan duty. Epiphany laughs, and says, she always brings her A-game, and she’s serious about her softball, especially when the proceeds go to Stone Cates’ AIDS wing. Britt says, on a day to day basis, it’s easy to get caught up in the red tape, but at the end of the day, here at General Hospital, they’re doing lot of great work for the community. Epiphany says, doesn’t she know it.
In the visitor’s room at Shadybrook, Maxie takes things out of her bag, and tells Laura, she’s not even sure why she’s here. It’s not like she and Elizabeth are close. Laura says, Maxie told her that she wanted to come because Lulu couldn’t be here, and Maxie tells Laura, she did say that, and she does want to, but does Elizabeth even want to see her? Laura says, just let her know you care. Maxie can start with all the beautiful products she brought Elizabeth. Maxie says she likes that, when Elizabeth comes in. She hugs Laura, and thanks her for coming. Laura says, of course (🍷), and Elizabeth says hello to Maxie. Maxie says, Elizabeth is probably wondering why she’s here. All of them at Deception wish her a speedy recovery, so they sent these products to keep Elizabeth beautiful while she’s recovering. Not that she’s not already gorgeous, but institutional lighting and everything. Elizabeth thanks her, and says she hopes her boys aren’t running rings around Laura. Laura says, they’ve been swimming at the MetroCourt pool a lot. Carly gave them an open tab at the snack bar. They’re keeping busy, but they miss her. Elizabeth says she misses them too, and Laura says, they made her promise to deliver a message. They want Elizabeth to know that they’re okay. They don’t want her worry about them, and want her to concentrate on getting better. Elizabeth tells Laura to thank them, and tell them she’s thinking about them all the time. Maxie asks if Elizabeth’s doctors ever wonder if she’d recover quicker if she was around her kids. She’s only asking because she feels better around hers. Elizabeth says she does worry about the boys not having her around, but then she reminds herself that they’re surrounded by friends and family, starting with Laura and Doc. Laura says, it’s not just them. Of course (🍷) there’s Violet and Finn. Scotty checks in on them on a regular basis.As do Nikolas and Spencer, and everyone at General Hospital. Elizabeth is so loved; everybody wanted to step up. Elizabeth says, she’s relieved; it’s nice to hear. It’s hard to remember on the dark days, but she’ll try to focus on that. Maxie says, she will get better soon, and Elizabeth says, she’s right, because this place is full of people who care. Right now her family needs a hand, and one day, it will be another family. Laura says, and then it will be Elizabeth’s turn to step up. That’s what makes their town special.
Laura walks into an empty Charlie’s, but she’s not alone for long. Everyone from the softball game pours in, each one hugging her. Bobbie tell her, hang in there, and Laura says she’s fine. Everyone is eating and drinking and having a good time, when Sonny comes in. He says, Laura was late for the game, and she says she had an errand to run. He asks if it was about the Friends of Port Charles thing, but she says, no. Something much more important than that; tending to a loved one. He says, it must have worked out; she seems happy. She says, how could she not be? Look at all these smiling faces. These people are her community; they’re her people. Alexis walks up, and says she’s sorry about the op ed ruining her day, but Laura says, honestly, it’s fine, and it might end up being one of her best days. She’s ready to publish her rebuttal. Alexis says, awesome.
While everyone celebrates, Laura’s voiceover says, the people of the Friends of Port Charles are not entirely wrong. Their town is not perfect. We have our problems, and always will, but we have always faced them together. In their haste to point out what’s wrong with Port Charles, they left out what was right. It’s our police, who not only make us feel safe, but make us feel welcomed with a tip of the hat. It’s the doctors and nurses at our fine medical institutions, like General Hospital and Mercy. It’s our small businesses, and our charming and historic downtown. Mom and pop establishments, like Charlie’s and Kelly’s, where I hung out after school as a kid, and decades later, my kids did, and now my grandchildren do. We are a strong community. Our soup kitchen has never run out of supplies, including firewood, so no one gets too cold in the winter. I am proud to be a citizen of Port Charles, as are many of you. We’re not just a town, we’re a family. We take care of each other… Doc says he’d like to propose a toast. To his wife, a beacon of light if there ever was one. Everyone says, hear, hear, and Sonny says, and the best damn mayor this town has ever seen. Curtis says, and a great friend, and Nikolas says, and the greatest mother. Spencer says, a terrific grandmother, and an even better role model. Bobbie says, and Laura will always be her sister-in-law – always. They hug, and Laura thanks her. Violet says, and to Mayor Collins, and everyone cheers. Laura’s voiceover continues. And if I lose this recall, so be it. And if the person who replaces me is another son or daughter of Port Charles, a lifer like me, I know we will continue to grow. In new ways perhaps, but hopefully always to our betterment.
Tomorrow, Jordan isn’t convinced something is worth pressing charges; Britt tells Brad that she has ulterior motives; Dante says, maybe now Cody can answer some questions he’s been avoiding; and Drew tells Michael, today, everything changes.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Still burdening Mexico with themselves, the women gather in Diana’s presidential suite for a nightcap. Diana breaks out the tequila, and in her interview, she says she wants to escape everything, and needs something stronger than champagne. Maybe tequila will help. We flash back to her getting weepy at dinner. Kyle and Sutton arrive after the others, and in Kyle’s interview, she says, we will come to your room, and we will drink your alcohol, even if we’re mad at you. They talk about their exes, and if the exes remarried. In Diana’s interview, she says, it was a simple divorce. She trusted her ex-husband to give her half. Both their marriage and divorce weren’t about money. Kyle says, her ex never remarried, and he’s a great guy. In Kyle’s interview, she says, they had a daughter, and cared about each other; that never went away. For both of them, Farrah comes first. Sutton says her ex was a good person, but she had wanted out from underneath his thumb. Erika identifies, and in her interview, she says she was concerned about sharing Tom’s burden, but at the end of the day, she didn’t do anything wrong. Sutton asks if Erika feels responsible, but Erika asks if a doctor’s wife is responsible for his patients, and Sutton says she hadn’t thought of it that way. In Erika’s interview, she says she wishes she had more times like this with Sutton. There are times they’re almost there, then poof! they’re not. They cut the evening short, since they have an early day tomorrow, and we see a clip of Dorit saying, a yacht trip has been planned. They can go swimming or stay on the boat and drink. Sutton promises not to yell, and if anyone is stung by a jellyfish, she’ll pee on them (an old wives tale – it won’t help – see below). Erika says, this could be the beginning of something.
It’s morning, and in LisaR’s interview, she says, no one knows what you need or what you should do when your mom dies. Her mom would say, get off your ass, get on the plane, and go with your girlfriends. She says hi to Lois, looking up as she stands on the balcony. Sutton tells her makeup person that she yelled at Diana, and all she does is apologize to people. Kyle, LisaR, and Dorit gather for a tapas breakfast, while Garcelle, Sutton, and Crystal meet separately for more traditional bacon and eggs. Dorit says, last night was strange, and Kyle says, Erika and Sutton were talking. Garcelle asks Sutton how her night was, and Captain Obvious Crystal points out that Sutton was very talkative with Erika. There was an air of nothing happened. Garcelle says, nothing is settled with Erika, and in her interview, she says she thinks Erika is tired of talking about Erica. She’s being distracting so no one asks questions. No one is discussing it, and they seem happy to drop it. Crystal is on a roll, and says, Sutton is a vegetarian who eats bacon, and Sutton says she has one piece a day when she’s on vacation. Sutton brings up Erika attacking her, and calling her the c-word, and Garcelle reminds Sutton that she called Erika a liar. Crystal says, Sutton called her a liar, but she would never attack. At the other breakfast, Dorit thinks Crystal should move past it, and LisaR wonders if Crystal knows she’s playing the victim. Dorit says she thinks it’s second nature, and in her interview, she says, Crystal got married young, and didn’t have too many experiences to learn and grow. Garcelle asks Crystal if she holds stuff in a lot, and Sutton says, that’s why people think she’s manipulative. Crystal says, she holds on to things internally until she can resolve them, and it comes out when she’s not expecting it. Garcelle says she understands, but it throws people off. In Sutton’s interview, she says, this is the Fancy Drew novel, The Case of Crystal, chapter three. There’s so much more, but she thinks they’re getting somewhere. Garcelle says, so to them it’s manipulation, but Crystal is really processing, and Crystal says she’s going to challenge herself to hold on to things for a shorter time, and open her mouth more.
Already drinking in the car, Erika announces that she took an extended release Xanax. Dorinda says she loves a drunk Erika, but Erika says she’s a medicated Erika. In LisaR’s interview, she says she’s known Erika for seven years, and never seen her tipsy like this. (Is that what we’re calling it?) She says, they have to be good friends and make sure Erika doesn’t go overboard. When they get to the dock, Erika says she’s so lit. She’s going to walk beautifully like Diana Ross. Kyle thinks Erika’s shoes and cocktails are a bad combo, and sure enough, Erika stumbles going up the steps to the boat. She teeters to the lounge, says, this is her and she’s found her landing spot, and plops on a couch. In Diana’s interview, she says she loves being on the water; it’s the ultimate luxury. This is a day boat though, not a luxury yacht, and size matters when it comes to boats. I want to like Diana, especially because of her background, and I have nothing against her enjoying her wealth, but those kinds of statements are annoying. The mine is better than yours stuff. Dorinda says, there are drinks and food, and Erika says, she doesn’t need another drink; she’s lit beyond belief. In Sutton’s interview, she says they have a great southern dessert called mud pie, and Erika is mud pie messy. And she’s melted all over the plate. They ship out, and wave to the other boats. A guy moons them for their trouble. An amazing food spread is brought out, but Erika lies down to sleep. She drunkenly babbles that they had a boat called The Illeagle. It was a yacht fisher, and they kept it in La Paz and went fishing. She says she’s done, but when Kyle checks on her, she says she’s fine. Kyle encourages her to drink her Coke for the caffeine, and Erika says she just needs five minutes. Sutton, Garcelle, and Diana are sunbathing, and Garcelle asks how Diana how she grew up; did she have any brothers and sisters? Diana says she had a brother who was killed in the war when he was 21. In Diana’s interview, she says, he was with the peace keeping police, and was killed during an ethnic cleansing. It took her a long time to process. She tells Garcelle and Sutton that they thought her brother might have been kidnapped, but he was found in a ditch. Her dad had to identify the body. Sutton says, her father committed suicide, and you don’t get to say goodbye. In her interview, Diana says, all roads lead to Sutton. She doesn’t feel like it’s a conversation. Sutton wants to talk about Sutton, and she doesn’t need Diana for that. Diana goes inside the boat, and Garcelle proclaims her and Sutton sun sisters. Again with Diana. I don’t view Sutton that way. I think she’s trying to identify since Diana didn’t get to say goodbye to her brother either. I also think Diana just plain doesn’t like Sutton, and Sutton is damned if she does, damned if she doesn’t at this point.
Erika babbles about the meals she would be served when she was living the high life, and wonders if there’s food on this Gilligan’s Island three-hour tour. Clueless Kyle tells the others that Erika seems to be having fun. She’s lighter, like a different person. Erika finally comes back to life, and joins them. Kyle says, she lives, and Erika says, she’s fine, just drunk. She drank liquor and took medication, and now she needs food. Kyle says she’s looking for a song to dance to, which somehow leads to Erika asking, if Crystal had a choice for a threesome, who would it be? and if she and Garcelle pulled up one night, would she and Rob do it? In Crystal’s interview, she says, they’re beautiful women, but that’s not her jam. XXpen$ive plays, and the women sing along and dance, but Sutton tells Garcelle, she can’t celebrate this song. Diana jumps off the boat to go swimming, and immediately gets stung by a jellyfish. The steward, or whatever he is, puts antiseptic ointment on it, and Erika tells Garcelle to pee on the new girl. Garcelle says, you do it, and Erika says, she might get fetishy over it. Kyle says she’s not going in now, and Sutton says she’s not being Natalie Wood today. Erika goes back to sleep, and in Kyle’s interview, she says, Erika is knocked out cold, and Diana was stung by a jellyfish, but it’s still one of their better boat rides. We flash back to some unsettling ones, and Diana gets back in the water, along with LisaR. Erika suddenly says she’s sorry Diana got stung. It wasn’t her intention, and Garcelle says, for someone who’s so tired, Erika sure is talking a lot. They all start talking about their moms, and Erika says, she and Sutton were brought up in the south. Her mother wasn’t cuddly; she was a steel magnolia. Sutton says, her mom was like that, and we flash back to Sutton’s mom telling her that she didn’t miss Sutton’s dad. Erika says, they don’t f*** around, and Sutton says, and don’t mess with the people they love. Kyle says, they’re gangster, and Erika says, they’re a people of agriculture. Agriculture is their thing because they didn’t have textiles or something. In Garcelle’s interview, she says she has no idea what Erika is talking about, and Erika says, if you didn’t work, you didn’t get paid. She’s putting her hat on and going to sleep.
Erika sleeps while everyone parties. The boat docks, and Erika says, we here? and gets up. LisaR tells everyone to get their purses and shoes, and Erika thanks the whoever for a lovely afternoon. Someone points out that Erika ruined the couch, and wonders what it’s going to cost. In Sutton’s interview, she says, maybe try not wearing so much body makeup. That happened on Below Deck once too.
Dorit calls PK, and makes sure he’s not watching anything they watch together. He swears he’s not, but I wonder. Everyone gets ready for dinner, and Garcelle calls Sutton. She says, WTF with Erika? and Sutton says she thinks Erika is tired. Garcelle says she’s nervous about Erika mixing medication and alcohol. In Sutton’s interview, she says, Erika lost everything. Maybe it’s a cry for help. All she knows is, Xanax and alcohol are not a good combination. While Erika is having an impromptu photoshoot, Sutton tells Garcelle that she thinks Erika will be buttoned up tonight. Garcelle says, until she has a cocktail.
They have a drink at the hotel before going to dinner, and Erika says, she’s already had three espressos. Garcelle drinks to health, and Erika says, to being awake. We see a clip of Kyle throwing bread at a passed out Erika, and in Erika’s interview, she tells us, what can she say? It was not that great of a day. At the restaurant, Garcelle invites everyone to her birthday party, and says, no gifts. She just wants everyone to have fun and dance. Kyle says, gifts not necessary, but welcome, and Erika says, and if you don’t bring one, we’ll notice. In Sutton’s interview, she says, Garcelle is a can opener, and she’s going to give her a fancy one for her birthday. LisaR says she’s meeting Harry in NYC, where he’s filming The Hot Zone: Anthrax; he’s playing Tom Brokaw. Garcelle says, Denise will be coming, and she can’t believe LisaR won’t be there. In Garcelle’s interview, she says she thought both of them would show, and they could fix things on mutual ground. In LisaR’s interview, she says, she and Denise have a whole lot of history, and we flash back to the whole Brandi debacle. She wonders if Garcelle would have told her ahead of time if she was going, but they’ll never know. LisaR says she reached out to Denise about a month ago. She sent Denise a text, apologizing for how she’d behaved. We flash back to the Reunion, where LisaR was a complete a-hole, and LisaR says, Denise texted back. She thinks they had nice moment. In her interview, LisaR says, Garcelle was adamant about wanting her to reach out, but it’s not about Garcelle; it’s about her and Denise. Dorit asks if Denise received it well, and LisaR says, Denise thanked her, and said she appreciated it. It wasn’t a long exchange. In her interview, Garcelle says she’s texting Denise to see if she heard from LisaR. She’s not saying LisaR is lying… She laughs, and says, Denise just texted back, when? They order, and Diana says, she’d never been on a girls trip. They’ve been good to her and she felt love. Garcelle says, some more than others, and Diana says, there was a moon eclipse and she had a meltdown, but she thinks all of them are spectacular. In Garcelle’s interview, she says, it’s more BS. Diana would rather be stung by a jellyfish than talk to them. Garcelle says, at their other dinner, it felt like Diana didn’t want to talk about her book, and we flash back to that. Garcelle says, it felt rude, and Dorit says, they were trying to find out about Diana, and she shut it down. Diana says she gets uncomfortable tooting her own horn, which is clearly not what she said in her interview at the time, but okay. In her interview this time, Diana says, Garcelle was the most unwelcoming. It’s her loss. They have calamari, and Erika says, she told her son it was chicken with holes. Garcelle asks if they ever got the leg pieces, and mixes up the word tentacles with testicles. Sutton says she has a date when they get back, and Erika gets all interested. They look at his photo on Sutton’s phone, and Crystal tells LisaR, can you believe it? LisaR says, they’re still talking, and Sutton says she doesn’t want a boyfriend. Erika says she doesn’t either; she just wants a lot of d*ck. In Sutton’s interview, she says, Erika acts so tough, but sometimes Erika is funny, and she likes funny people. Dorit starts to comment on them talking, and Sutton says, small steps. Erika says, she’s not putting expectations on anything. It was a nice moment, and nice moments work out to steps in the right direction. In her interview, Erika says she doesn’t do well when people force sh*t on her. Why does it have to be a big deal? Can’t she just be herself? Sutton tells Erika that she hopes Erika has been real this weekend, and Erika says she thinks Sutton would have felt it; she’s not dumb. In her interview, Sutton says, they’ve walked this walk before, and we flash back to Erika apologizing to Sutton, and then saying she hates Sutton in her interview. Sutton says, it’s not easy, and Erika says, that’s why it doesn’t need commentary. In Sutton’s interview, she says, she’s not scared of Erika, and that scares Erika. She’ll take one for the team and be a friend. She’ll be the bigger person; she’s the adult this time. She and Erika clink glasses, and Sutton asks if they shouldn’t raise a glass to Lois one last time. LisaR says, there will never be a last time, and they thank Dorit for the trip. LisaR gets up, and says she got apprehensive to leave her bubble after Lois transitioned, but she felt safe and okay. She appreciates them being here, and Lois does too. She thanks them, and Dorit says she loves LisaR’s zest for life, and thinks she got it from Lois. Everyone agrees it was a nice trip, and they thank Dorit again. Dorit says, learning about one another, growing, having conflicts… She rambles and they just listen. In Kyle’s interview, she pretends to nod out. At the end, Dorit says, all I can say… and Kyle finally bursts out laughing. Erika says, the bitch is dying, and Dorit thanks them. They clink glasses.
Back at the hotel, LisaR tells them to be quiet in the lobby. People go to bed at a decent hour. Kyle, Diana, and Dorit go to the bar, and in Kyle’s interview, she wonders why she’s the only one who knows how to have fun. Dorit says, Erika and Sutton were walking arm-in-arm, and Kyle says, there’s no grey area with Sutton. She threw Diana off, because Diana wasn’t used to it. She asks why Diana got so emotional, and Diana says, because she was trying to help. Sutton contradicts herself all the time. Dorit brings up the bacon, and in her interview, Kyle says, Diana isn’t fragile, but when she’s quiet, something is brewing. Diana says, when she and Sutton had lunch, Sutton said she didn’t like screaming, so she was surprised at how Sutton came at her. At the same lunch, she’d told Sutton she only gives one chance. In Dorit’s interview, she says, Diana is a sweetheart, but she’s not letting anyone push her around. She admires that. Diana says she’s worked hard on herself. Sutton could have gotten headbutted. Diana is Bosnian.
They head back to the private jet, and Diana tells them to sit anywhere. Until Sutton asks if she can sit with them, and Diana tells her to sit where she was. In Sutton’s interview, she says, okay, meanie pants. She sits with Garcelle, and relays what just happened. Garcelle says, it’s rude, and Sutton says, it’s retaliation. They see how it works. In her interview, she tells us, Diana says she doesn’t hold a grudge, but she clearly does. Sutton tells Garcelle, she doesn’t tell people where to sit on her plane, and Garcelle says, if she sends Diana thank you flowers, don’t add her name. Sutton says, she’s not sending any.
Next time, Erika does a photoshoot; Crystal says, if you jab at Diana, she goes nuclear; Garcelle wants to go all out for her birthday; and Diana says, they need a new villain? Here she is. Alrighty then.
Stop by tomorrow for soap (I think) and the latest in Southern Charm. Until then, stay safe, stay evolving, and stay remembering, nice moments can work out to steps in the right direction.
Hopefully, all will be right with the world tomorrow, and you can join me for some soap and Beverly Hills drama. Until then, stay safe, stay discerning in all things, and stay taking comfort in the fact, no matter how bad it gets, there are always puppies.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Felicia and Mac say hello to Martin and Laura having dinner at not the MetroCourt. Laura says, Doc is going to be joining them for a nightcap later, and maybe they’d like to join. Mac says, count them in, and they leave. Laura says, Jordan told her that she filled Martin in on the safe house findings, and he says, she delivered the good news in person. Their dear brother is not behind the attempt on their lives. Champagne all around. She says she still doesn’t believe Cyrus’s religious conversion, and Martin wonders, does anybody? Which begs the question, if Cyrus wasn’t trying to wipe them out, who was? She says she’s narrowed the suspects down to one.
Victor comes into Kelly’s, where Spencer is cleaning up and says, reunited with his trust fund and still bussing tables? Spencer hugs him, and says, welcome back. Victor says, it’s good to be back, but why the manual labor? Spencer says, it’s his last shift, but Cam’s been good him, so he thought he should honor it. But now that he has a weekly stipend, his days of punching the clock are over. Victor says, good for him. It’s high time he found something more befitting his talents and stature. Spencer says he couldn’t agree more, and Victor asks, what’s it to be then? The whole world is his oyster. Perhaps he can find Spencer something in one of his businesses. Spencer says, perhaps someday, but right now, work isn’t his first priority, and Victor says, travel then, but Spencer says his first priority is closer to home.
Esme goes to Doc’s office, and thanks him for seeing her on such short notice. He says he only has a few minutes, but how can he help? and she says she needs his insight. Her future depends on it.
Trina lets herself into her house while on the phone with Josslyn. She says, that was so wild… hell yeah, it was worth it. And they finally got a lead on Esme, and if Rory keeps in on the DL like he promised, nobody needs to know how much trouble they… She walks in, and Curtis, Portia, and Taggert all get up. She tells Josslyn that she has to call her back.
Anna asks if Valentin will tell her the truth, and he says, always, but he can’t know until she asks the question. She asks if he’s worried that unless they’re talking espionage, they don’t have anything else in common, and he says, is she? She says she wasn’t until he went on this little fishing expedition just now.
Trina says, hi everybody; what’s going on? Portia hugs her and asks if she’s okay. Trina says she’s fine, and Taggert tells her, of course (🍷) she’d say that, but she doesn’t have to be. Curtis says, but they’re just as upset by this as she is, and she says, thank you? Taggart says, they’re going to march right down to that school, and they’re going to fight this decision no matter what it takes. She says, right, the Title IX decision, and Portia says, Trina can blame her for telling Taggert. She just really wanted to rally the troops for Trina. Trina says she appreciates that, but she’s okay. Better than okay actually. Portia says, really? and Curtis asks, why? Trina says she guesses she just feels better, and Portia asks, what happened between the angry text Trina sent her, and Trina walking through the door just now? Trina says, for the first time since this happened, she thinks there’s a chance things might work out in her favor.
Victor says, Spencer sounds like a man with a plan, and Spencer says, like Victor, he prefers to play his cards close… at least for now. Victor says, good for him. Never let them know where your head is at, and you can surprise them when you arrive. Just let him know if there’s anything he can do to help. Spencer says, he can count on it, and Victor says, in the meantime, where is Spencer living these days, since he accepted Ava’s bribe to leave Windymere? Spencer says, Victor hasn’t heard; Ava amended the deal. In exchange for an allowance, she’s asking that he stay at home. Victor says, Spencer has to be joking. What prompted this gesture of goodwill? Spencer says, Ava wants to repair her relationship with his father, and his father wants to repair his relationship with Spencer. Victor says, first round to Spencer as it seems. His birthright and his relationship with his father finally to be restored. He knows it’s a bit of a sacrifice… Spencer says, it is, and Victor says, the three of them co-existing under the same roof; it’s a small price to pay for family unity. Spencer says, actually, it’s four of us, and Victor says, he means Ava has agreed to let Esme stay? Spencer says, Ava has, and don’t even suggest Esme leave. He has very good reasons to keep Esme close.
Doc says, as much as his clients depend on him, he’s never been entrusted with anyone’s entire future, and Esme admits she’s prone to exaggeration, but she’s read how affective exaggeration can be in gestalt therapy. He says, she’s studied gestalt, and she sits down, saying, on her own. The class she sat in on at PCU is limited to say the least. That’s actually what brings her here. She’s been accepted to PCU in the fall. He congratulates her, and says he’s glad she found a direction. She says she has; psychology is her passion. He says, the undergrad program at PCU is highly touted, and notoriously difficult to get into, and she says, doesn’t she know it. The program requires an entirely different application process, including an intern case study. He asks if she’s hoping for help with the topic, but she says she’s already selected her topic; she just needs background. He says, if he has any expertise to offer, he’s happy to help, and she says, as it so happens, he’s the foremost expert on the subject. Her case study is on Ryan Chamberlain.
Felicia asks what they’re drinking tonight, because she’s thinking champagne, and Mac asks, what’s the occasion? She asks if they need one, and he says, at these prices, yes. She says, if living a little isn’t reason enough, how about their granddaughter Bailey’s clean bill of health. He says, just when he thinks he can’t love that little munchkin any more, she smiles at him, and he’s a goner. She says, same here. They should also toast to being grandparents, and together accepting that’s good enough for them. He says, more than enough, and wonders where the waiter is. She says, they should toast something else. Let’s raise a glass to the dressing down I gave Ryan Chamberlain today. He says, she did what?
Esme tells Doc, she’s hoping an essay examining Ryan’s attachment style and interpersonal drama will be enough to pass the program’s admissions panel. He says, that certainly sounds compelling, and she says she’s glad he thinks so, but he says he’s afraid she’ll have to write her admissions essay without help from him. She asks how she can do that when he denied her access to Ryan at Spring Ridge. Besides the man himself, Doc knows Ryan’s history best. He asks if she understands why he had her barred, and she says, to teach her a lesson. She defied him, for which she’s apologized… He says, it wasn’t punitive. It’s because proximity to his brother isn’t healthy. She says, let’s be honest. If she were anyone else… He says, it isn’t personal, and she says, isn’t it? He says he knows what his brother is capable of; his decision was purely professional. She says she respected his professional opinion, but his brother is a legitimate subject for psychological study. If she were one of his students, he’d at least share what he knew, so if this isn’t personal, why deny her the same benefit?
Spencer says, he gets the strong impression that Ava is hoping Esme will trip up, and give Ava an excuse to evict her, and Victor says, but Spencer doesn’t agree with that. He’s sticking with Esme. Spencer says, without reservation, and Victor says, he knows Spencer has strong feelings for Esme, and Spencer says, he has no idea. Victor asks if he isn’t the least bit concerned Esme’s continued presence at Windymere could hinder this reconciliation with his father? Spencer says, for two people who really don’t care for one another, it’s incredible how often Victor and Spencer’s grandmother are on the same page.
Laura tells Martin, Victor Cassadine; it’s gotta be. Martin asks, why? Clearly, she’s been a thorn in his side with Spencer and Nikolas, mother and grandmother worried about her loved ones, but does she really think that’s enough of a reason to want her dead? She says, it has nothing to do with family meddling, and he says, then what? She says she has nothing to prove it… and he says, don’t dare tell him that Victor is going to overhear them and sue for slander; tell him. He’s not going to beg. If she’s right, he nearly died because of the man. He deserves to hear any and all theories. She says she thinks he was targeted just because he was with her, and they went after both of them because it frames Cyrus. He says, so he was merely collateral damage? and she tells him, she wouldn’t say merely. He says he realizes he’s not supposed to be offended, but he is, and she says, come on, Marty. You’re a lawyer. Lots of people probably want you dead. He tells her, she’s just saying that to make him feel better, and she laughs. He says, still, if she’s correct, Victor had the minerals to take out the mayor of Port Charles. Does she think he’d risk killing someone who has that many high-powered friends? She says, it’s not like having high-powered friends did anything for Luke. He asks what she’s saying, and she says she believes Victor had a hand in her ex-husband’s murder.
Valentin says, Anna is right about one thing. When he gets nervous, he asks too many questions. She asks if he’s nervous, and he says, not in the slightest, but she says, is he? He tells her, look around. Nobody is pointing any guns in their direction. They’re not handcuffed to some chair, dripping sweat on some explosive device. They’re at a drive in movie. She says, they could pretend they’re worried about carbon monoxide poisoning, and he takes her hand and says, toxic gas is one thing; disappointing her is another. He hasn’t disappointed her tonight, has he? She says, despite his best efforts, no, and he says, do him a favor. Tell Felicia that he tried. She says, what? She’s supposed to report back to Felicia? He says, Felicia gave him what for, and Anna says, she didn’t. He says, she gave him a real beatdown for avoiding Anna, and Anna says, she’s right about that. He asks if she feels like he’s been avoiding her, and she says, not at this precise moment, but lately, definitely. What the hell has been going on with him? He says he’s had a lot on his plate; Charlotte and ELQ. She says, it seems like it was more than that, but he promises it’s got nothing to do with her. She says, that’s good to know, and asks what else Felicia said. He says, she asked about his intentions, and whether he was serious about her. She says, is he? and he says, very, kissing her.
Trina tells Portia, she and Joss were trying to think of how Esme could have slipped up, and they realized there was an avenue of investigation that wasn’t explored. Taggert says, so she and Joss thought of something the PCPD may have overlooked? and she says, no disrespect, but they think like cops. She and Joss think like an 18 year old woman. Curtis says, she makes a good point, and Trina thanks him. Portia says, if Trina and Joss have found another angle, they need to call Jordan, but Trina says, they cops don’t have to be involved, not yet. Curtis says, because Trina and Joss went chasing down their own lead. Is he right? Trina says, don’t be mad, and Taggert says he doesn’t like the sounds of this. Trina says, Curtis is right. They found out about this guy who sells black market phones, and tonight they paid him a visit. Portia asks, where? and Trina says, this place called The Highsider. Taggert says, have you lost your mind, little girl? and Portia asks, what’s The Highsider? Curtis says, it’s a biker bar on the outside of town, and Portia says, Trina and Josslyn went to a biker bar? By themselves? Trina says, before Portia freaks out, they’re both fine. The good news is, they showed a picture of Esme to the guy, and he totally recognized her. Curtis says, and he confirmed he’s the one Esme got the phone from? and Taggert says, and he’s going to give a statement to the police to that effect? Trina says, not exactly. Before they could get him on the record, some creep manhandled Joss. Portia says, manhandled? How? Trina says, she told Portia, Josslyn’s fine; the bouncer took care of it right away. Portia says, so the bouncer took care of the man who accosted Josslyn at the biker bar where they were playing Nancy Drew? and Trina says, yes. Portia says, okay. She guesses it’s better than the bouncer not intervening. So he broke up the fight, and that was the end of it, right?… Trina? What happened after the bouncer intervened? Trina says, a fight broke out? and Taggert says, please tell him the police didn’t show up. Trina says, she didn’t get detained, and Curtis asks why she didn’t tell them what they had planned, and Trina says, this is why. She knew they wouldn’t let her and Josslyn go. Taggert says, damn straight. What if she had gotten arrested? How would that look to the jury? Portia says, thank you, and Trina says, she didn’t get arrested. She got a lead; a lead that can exonerate her and incriminate Esme. Portia understands, right?
Victor says, he doesn’t know why Spencer is surprised. All he and Spencer’s grandmother have ever wanted is what’s best for him, and once in the bluest of moons, they actually agree on what that is. Spencer says he appreciates Victor and his grandmother’s concern. He admits Esme can be polarizing, and Victor says he sees a career in diplomacy in Spencer’s future. Spencer says he needs Esme, and Victor says, this is the girl who fabricated a pregnancy scare to keep Spencer trapped in the relationship. What’s more, she got caught. Spencer tells him, Esme genuinely believed pregnancy was a possibility, and Victor says, and Spencer believes her? Spencer says he knows Esme better than anyone, and he can only hope that very soon everyone else sees Esme for the person she truly is. Victor says, amen to that. Far be it for him to stand in the way of true love, but please promise from now on he’ll take precautions. The last thing anyone needs is for Spencer’s girlfriend to find herself in the family way. (Wow. I don’t think I’ve heard that term since the last time I watched I Love Lucy.) Spencer says he’s learned his lesson. The only one way Esme’s family is growing is when he locates her birth parents. Victor says, what’s this now? Is this the mysterious mission of his? Spencer says, locating them would be the most priceless of gifts. What’s more, he knows Esme would give absolutely anything to know who they are.
Doc says, if Esme is going to use the exaggeration technique, she’s better off using it on someone who doesn’t know what she’s up to. But since he is, how she put it, the world’s foremost expert on his brother, she’s really better off finding a different case to study. She says, it’s too late. She’s already selected her topic, and the deadline is next week. She really only has one question. He says, just one? and she says, the only thing she couldn’t find in the extensive material she found. He asks, what is it? and she says, would he describe Ryan’s attachment style as avoidant or anxious? He says, neither; he’s a psychopath. She says she knows his clinical diagnosis, but surely Doc can’t tell her that Ryan never formed a serious attachment as an adult. He says, to whom?and don’t call him Shirley, and she says, to him. Doc is his twin. They literally have the same DNA, and she’s read twins have an almost magical bond. He says, magical. Like when Ryan drugged him, and left him in a mental institution for months? She says, in all fairness, wasn’t Doc doing the same thing to him? and he says, if she can’t appreciate the difference between keeping a psychopathic killer under lock and key in the need for public safety, and Ryan falsely imprisoning him in order to take over his life and go on a killing spree, maybe psychology isn’t for her. He’s got to get to dinner, but she says, wait. Has Ryan ever formed a sincere attachment with another human being, and if hasn’t, is his detachment hereditary? He asks if she wants to know this for her case study, or for some other reason? and she says, very perceptive. He’s got her.
Felicia tells Mac, when she saw Ryan at General Hospital today, it brought up a lot of old emotions, and he says, all the more reason to avoid him. She says she knows what he did to her; what he did to them. Mac says, what he still could do, and she says, Ryan’s days of abductions and drugging and murders, they are over. He says, but Ryan can still communicate, and she says, one blink at a time. He says, and yet, Ryan has conversations, and she says she’s not saying Ryan is completely harmless, but this is as close as it gets. She needed to tell Ryan that he lost, and she won. Mac says, they were just talking about the many blessings they have. Was seeing Ryan worth the risk? She says she spent decades haunted about how Ryan sees her, his obsession, and today, she got to tell him how she sees him; an impotent maniac who deserves to be forgotten, and will be. It was liberating, so please don’t begrudge her that. From now on, there’s nothing Ryan Chamberlain can do to her.
Valentin asks if Anna wants to skip the second feature, and she asks if this is an indecent proposal. He says, indeed. Say the word, and he’ll do anything she wants. She thinks a moment, and says, anything?
Martin asks how long Laura has suspected Victor of murder. She’s the mayor. If she’s so convinced the Victor is killing people for a hobby, why is he buzzing around Port Charles with total impunity? She says, because the WSB has determined someone else is responsible for the cable car crash that killed Luke, and he says, but she’s not buying it. She says, not for a second.They took Jennifer Smith into custody. Jennifer Smith was crazy about Luke. She would never kill him. She might kidnap him, hold him at gunpoint, and force him to marry her, but she’d never kill him. He says, comforting to know her lunacy has limits, and Laura says, this one reeks of Victor Cassadine and she’s going to prove it. He asks, how? and she says she’s working on it. He says, for God’s sake, be careful. He’s waited his whole life to find out she’s his sister. He doesn’t like the idea of losing her now. She says she’s not going anywhere, but Victor is if she has anything to say about it. He says she seems fairly certain, and she says, she’s been meeting with some people in DC, and she thinks she can have Victor deported.
Victor tells Spencer, finding Esme’s birth parents is quite an undertaking. He hopes she’s worthy of all the effort. Spencer says, most of Esme’s issues come from a sense of abandonment. He’s hoping her birth parents will provide the support she’s been lacking ever since her parents gave her up. Victor tells him, just be careful. Distracting Esme with total strangers she just happens to be related to could backfire. What if they’re dead? Or neglectful? Spencer says he’ll certainly vet them before making any introductions, and Victor asks if Esme wants to find them, and if she does, why didn’t she look herself? Spencer says, she has, but she doesn’t have the Cassadine money or connection. Victor sniffs, and says, who does really? and Spencer says, no one is in a better position to give Esme exactly what she wants… except maybe Victor.
Esme tells Doc, she never knew her biological parents, and her studies have her wondering what psychological tendencies she might have inherited. He says, and she’s wondering if examining Ryan’s interpersonal relationships might shed some light on her own, and she says, isn’t that why we study psychology? To better understand ourselves? Her relationship with Spence has been a roller coaster. She has no friends, and she’s managed to offend most of the town, him and Mayor Collins included. So she’s asking not as a student or a patient necessarily, just someone he’s gotten to know. What’s wrong with her? He says he can tell her what isn’t wrong with her. She’s not a narcissistic sociopath like his brother. She says, before he was incarcerated, Ryan must have had a social life, and Doc says, of course (🍷) he did. When he isn’t manipulating people, or using them as chess pieces or toys, it’s as if Ryan doesn’t exist to himself. He needs people’s admiration, adoration, and ultimately, their terror. That’s how he validates himself. She says, wow. Now tell her what he really thinks of his brother. He says, Ryan makes people believe anything he needs them to believe. That’s one of the reasons he barred her. Even locked in, Ryan is the most dangerous person she’s ever going to meet. Now he really has to go. He’s very late.
Trina says she knows it was a risk, but it paid off, and Taggert tells her, nobody is saying it wasn’t a good lead, but two women, underage in a biker bar? Portia says, Trina should have come to them or the police, but she did find a lead none of them have been able to find. So the truth is, she’s not disappointed in Trina. Trina asks if Portia means it, and Portia says, absolutely. Taggert says, he’s disappointed. Proud? Yes. Amazed?Absolutely. But he’s disappointed. Portia says, their daughter is fighting for her life. They haven’t been able to help he so far, and Trina found a way to help herself. So she thinks they should be proud of her. Taggert says, what Trina did scared him to death, but he’s always going to be proud of her. She thanks him, they hug, and he tells her, just don’t do it again. Portia says, Trina’s had a big day. Is anybody hungry? Trina says she’s starving, and Portia suggests she order a pizza. She’ll make snacks until it gets here, and Trina can tell them everything she and Josslyn found out tonight. Taggert says he’ll help her, and they go to the kitchen. Curtis says, tonight had to be terrifying, and Trina tells him, she didn’t want to say anything that would make them worry more, but they have a point. Things could have gone seriously south. He says, they could have, but they didn’t, and she asks if he thinks it was the wrong move. He says he thinks her parents have spoken, and it’s not his place to offer and opinion. She says, but he has one, and he says he does. What she did is what he would have done in her position. She thanks him, and says, but of course (🍷) he’s a very tall man, and she’s not. He says, that’s what makes it even braver. He knew that when they met. She’s got guts.
Laura tells Martin, it’s called moral turpitude; it’s a catch-all for foreign nationals who shouldn’t be living in the United States. And Victor Cassadine meets that definition. He says, but all that’s going to do is get Victor out of the country; it doesn’t prove he murdered Luke. She says, baby steps. It gets him out of Spencer and Nikolas’s orbit, and this mysterious project he keeps alluding to. It should make it that much more difficult to complete from a distance. Doc approaches the table, and says he recognizes that look. What’s she determined to do now? Laura says, she told him; she’s thisclose to getting the drop on the megalomaniac. Martin says, apparently, the sooner, the better. He’s sorry he’s late. He sits down, when Mac brings Felicia over. He says, sorry to interrupt, but he thought Laura and Felicia could have a little chat. Martin says, Felicia can have his seat. He’ll be right back. Felicia asks if he handles divorces, and he says he does. She tells him, hurry back, and Laura asks if Felicia is causing trouble again. Felicia says, no, and Mac clears his throat. She says, maybe a little, and Mac says, Felicia confronted Ryan at the hospital today. Felicia says, and lived to tell the tale, and Doc asks, what possessed her to confront his brother? Felicia says, she needed to face him, and prove to herself and him that he no longer occupies any emotional real estate. Mac asks if it isn’t important enough that she knows that. Ryan will either not care, not believe, or just get pissed off. He asks Doc to back him up, and Doc says, he’s not wrong. Laura says, maybe so, but she gets it. Confronting Ryan wasn’t about Ryan; it was about Felicia. Felicia says, exactly, and Doc says, it seems like Felicia looking Ryan in the eye and saying her piece was cathartic. Felicia says, it was, and Mac says, he’s still a monster. Doc says, agreed, but he can’t hurt anyone in his condition; at least not physically. Mac says, so Doc agrees with him. As long as Ryan can communicate, he’s still a threat. Felicia says, one letter at a time, and Doc asks if Ryan communicated back to her. Felicia tells him, she has to say, his aide is very good at conveying his thoughts, and Doc says he didn’t realize Spring Ridge had replaced Harmony. He’ll need to have a word with Ryan’s new minder. Felicia says she thinks that’s a good idea. From the vibe she was getting, this Esme person can use all the guidance she can get. Laura and Doc look at each other.
Spencer says, before, Victor asked if there’s anything he can do to help, and Victor confirms he did. Spencer says, can Victor please help him find Esme’s birth parents? and Victor says, can he? Of course (🍷) he can, but should he? Newly discovered blood ties can upend lives. Familial reunions are not always joyous. Spencer says, it worked out for Victor and Valentin, didn’t it? He realizes he’s in no position to ask anything of Victor, especially after all Victor’s done for him, but Victor has no idea how much this means to him. Victor says, all right. Anything for Spencer. He’ll reach out to his contacts, and see if they can uncover Esme’s origins. Spencer says, Victor is a life saver, when Esme knocks at the door. Spencer says he doesn’t want to get Esme’s hopes up, and asks that they keep it between them. Victor nods, and Spencer lets Esme in. She says, it’s wonderful to see Victor, and he says, always a pleasure. He leaves, and Spencer asks if Esme finished her errands. She says she did, and him? He says, officially unemployed, as he tosses a dishtowel on the counter. She says, at long last; let’s go home. She hugs him, and outside, Victor watches.
Doc says, the young woman Felicia saw with Ryan, her name was Esme? Felicia says, and Esme gave a last name too, rather proudly she might add. Doc asks if it was Prince, and Felicia asks if he knows her. Laura says, do they ever, and Mac says, Esme Prince is practically famous. Her name comes up at the precinct. Felicia asks who she is, and Laura says, she is Spencer’s overly entitled girlfriend. She swears that girl is allergic to the word no, and Doc says he thinks it’s more than that. Felicia asks what she’s missing, and Doc tells Laura that he needs to take a raincheck on tonight’s nightcap. There’s one more thing he needs to take care of. He jets, and Felicia asks why he was so upset. Laura says, he has already restricted Esme’s access to Ryan. She found a way around it. Felicia says, that can’t be good, and Laura says, no, it can’t be.
Valentin hands Anna some popcorn, and says, her bucket of hydrogenated butter substitute. She says, now they’re talking. Not that what he brought wasn’t a treat. Does he want some? He says, no thanks; he’s driving. She says, suit himself. He had a text while he was gone. He asks, who from? and she says, how would she know? She didn’t look. Is he keeping secrets from her? He says, of course (🍷) he’s keeping secrets from her, and she asks if he has another woman stashed somewhere. He says, maybe, but the only one with the key to his heart likes classic movies and large amounts of popcorn. He looks at his phone, and says, it’s Martin Grey. A text from Martin reads: We need to talk about your father, and Valentin says, there’s an ELQ vote tomorrow, and Martin is concerned enough for the both of them. She asks who he thought it was, and he says, one of his many agents of chaos. At the risk of seeming eager, is now a good time to ask for a second date? She says, at the risk of seeming eager, is now a good time to accept? He eats some popcorn, and says, wow. You know what this popcorn and the next movie have in common? They were both made in 1942. She looks at the screen, and says, Casablanca. What a great double feature. He kisses her hand, and says, here’s lookin’ at you, kid.
Doc heads inside Kelly’s, and Victor says he seems fit to be tied. He trusts his nephew isn’t responsible. Doc says, no. This time Spencer only has the company he keeps to blame. Inside, Spencer tells Esme, he just has to grab his stuff from the back, kill the lights, and they’re out of here for good. She sees Doc outside, and says, take your time.
Trina says, someone from The Highsider can probably ID this guy. Rory said he’d look into it, but she doesn’t want to get him in trouble. Taggert says, her cop friend offered to help? and Portia says, a young man of principles and integrity. That’s a lovely change of pace. Trina says she gets it; Portia hates Spencer. Portia says, hate’s such a strong word, and Taggert says he doesn’t hear anyone denying it. Portia thanks him for his support, and Trina says she doesn’t think there’s much she and Joss can do on their own at this point. Portia says, nor should they. She admires how proactive they’ve been, but she and Joss were so lucky to get out of that situation unharmed. Curtis says he thinks Trina did the right thing passing the baton, and letting the professionals handle it. Trina says, someone recognized them from the news, and now the bartender knows she’s the daughter of an ex-cop. He probably won’t answer questions. Curtis asks if she’s forgotten she has a former police officer and P.I. at her disposal, and Taggert says, he may be in the wind, but not for long.
Esme comes out, and tells Doc, what a surprise. She’s afraid Kelly’s is closed. He says, then it’s good he’s not here for a BLT. She lied to him. She says she doesn’t know what he means, and he says, when she told him that she was steering clear of his brother. She tells him, she said she respected his professional opinion, and he says, that’s a distinction without a difference. He doesn’t know what she’s playing at, but he warned her to stay away from Ryan. She asks if it shouldn’t be Ryan’s choice who sees him and when, but he says, no. He’s a homicidal psychopath. She says, again, that’s his opinion, but he says, it’s a fact. Like it’s a fact that she no longer works at Spring Ridge. She says, what? and he says, for her own safety, he’s ended her internship and barred her from the facility. She says, he can’t do that, but he says, he can and he did. She’ll never see his brother again. He goes inside.
Mac says, they’ve lost two, but they can still buy Laura a drink. Laura says she’d love that, but her phone rings, and she says she should probably take it. Excuse her. She steps away, and says, hi, Alexis. Alexis says she’s glad she caught Laura, and Laura asks if something is wrong. Alexis says, she’s afraid so. She’s sorry. She would have reached out to Laura sooner, but this just landed on her desk. Laura asks, what’s going on? and Alexis says, something catastrophic is going to happen tomorrow, and there doesn’t seem to be anything she can do to stop it.
Tomorrow, Scotty welcomes someone to the committee to save their hide; Curtis says, they can figure out who’s pulling the strings; and Laura asks how long someone has been waiting to even the score.
Below Deck Sailing Yacht
After Daisy catches the bouquet, Gary runs into the water, pretending to flee from her. He comes out, and puts his arm around her, new bride Allegra saying, they’re a cute couple. Daisy says, this is too close for comfort, while on the boat, Marcos pounds tuna steak with a meat mallet, and Ashley whines that she’s behind. She asks Scarlett for help, and on the beach, groom Gabe picks up his bride to put her in the tender. Ashley decorates for the reception dinner, and there’s a scramble to find champagne glasses. The guests head back, and Glenn, Colin, and Kelsie stay on the beach to clean up. Glenn says, it would be a shame for the leftover champagne to go to waste, and toasts to the best wedding he’s ever done.
The guests get back to the boat, followed by the newlyweds, who are given a rice shower. Champagne is served, and on the beach, Kelsie says, the sun is setting on their last charter. Daisy tells Ashley that the table is beautiful, and she’ll be leading service, so she has to be Perfect Ashley. Daisy will be there with her. Kelsie says, they’re going to be finding rice for months to come, and makes me think of how you find pine needles months later when you get a real Christmas tree. Allegra changes into a cocktail dress, and Colin tells Barnaby that the wedding was a smashing success. Kelsie goes to bed, and drinks are served. I’m thinking I could never last at this job with the inconsistent sleep schedule. In Marcos’s interview, he says he’s pulling all his tricks out of a hat for the last dinner. Maybe he’ll even do a dance. He uses cloches to do that smoke thing, and tells Colin that he’s going to fire the tomahawk (i.e. gargantuan steak) upstairs. Marcos introduces the cloche dish, saying it’s, tuna carpaccio with cherrywood smoke. He follows that with setting fire to the tomahawk, and Gabe says, Marcos is a showman. Allegra says, he’s outdone himself, while in the crew mess, Gary tries to dance with Daisy, who’s trying to eat.
Marcos brings up the cake, and Glenn says, it’s f***ing amazing, as he walks past. It’s very simple and elegant, with a few large faux flowers cascading down, and Allegra says, it looks stunning. In his interview, Marcos says, seeing the final product and the guests happy, he’s relieved it’s over. It’s time to party hard. The cake is cut, and Colin gives a good report about Ashley to Daisy. He says he sees signs of a good second stew, and Daisy says, Ashley’s not there yet, but she’s going to promote her to lead stew. Marcos thanks everyone for their help, and the guests go to bed. Ashley asks if Daisy is proud of her, and Daisy says she is. Colin asks if Gary is going to cause trouble on their last night, Gary says, maybe, and Ashley says she’s going to be partying hard. In Colin’s interview, he says, he’s a one-gal kind of guy, so he’s not often in these predicaments. But Gary is going to be Gary. He might act like he’s into the other stews, but his eye is on the prize, and that prize is Daisy. Gary says he can’t believe it’s over.
At 5:50 am, everyone starts to get up, and Marcos says, everything hurts. Kelsie is feeling nostalgic, and Marcos tells Glenn that an investor wants to create a restaurant with him and his partner. In Marco’s interview, he says, it’s not in a boat, and not a food truck. It’s a proper restaurant. Glenn says he’s happy for Marcos. Kelsie asks Gary, how does NASA coordinate a party? They planet. Anchor is home, and Glenn says, they’re headed back to Mahon for the last time this season. The crew applauds, and guest Laura asks if the wedding made Daisy want to get married. Daisy says, not to Gary, and breakfast is served. The gluten-free guest says, the chef hit her preference sheet on the spot. In the galley, Marcos wipes the whiteboard off. The guests pack, and Glenn docks the boat. Barnaby says, it’s playtime, and goodbyes are said to the guests. Guest Laura says, the trip was beyond what they imagined. They thought they’d just have a casual wedding, and the crew delivered so many memories. Glenn says, it was a good way to cap off the season, and a good way for them to celebrate the end. Laura presents a ginormous bottle of champagne to them, and says, oh yeah, that too, giving them the tip envelope. In Daisy’s interview, she says, thank God it’s over. She’s f***ing delighted. It’s bittersweet, but mainly sweet. Glenn blows the horn, and the crew does a group hug.
Glenn radios the crew to gather for the final tip meeting. He tells them, he’s beyond proud. It was an intense end to the season, and they pulled it off, and finished with a bang. All of the departments did a good job. Marcos had the most challenging dietary restrictions to work with… Marcos says, and a cake, and Glenn says, please never leave him. Glenn says he saw Daisy doing laps around the boat to keep an eye on her department, serving the guests, and keeping them happy. Daisy acknowledges Ashley’s progression, and says she’s decided to promote her to lead stew. She knows it’s the end of the season, but Ashley can put it on her CV. In Ashley’s interview, she says she’s proud of herself. She’d always been told she sucked, and it’s more than a title; it means the world to her. Glenn says, the guests had a great time, along with them creating a special occasion, and the tip is $20K, making their season total $160,500. In Gary’s interview, he says, it’s the most money he’s made in one season his whole career. Marcos tells everyone, well done, and they toast.
Marcos tells Daisy, the only hiccup was the charter with Charles, and we flash back to that unreasonable d-bag. Daisy says, it wasn’t Marcos’s food; he was an a-hole. In Marcos’s interview, he says he’s proud of himself. There were a few times he thought he wasn’t going to make it. We flash back to his head injury, Charles again, and his friend’s mom dying. He says, somehow, he figured it out. Don’t ask how he did, but he did. We flash back to the many compliments he received, and he says he can’t believe it’s over. Who’s your daddy? The stews gather up random dishes left around, and the crew gets ready for dinner. They toast to a successful season, and Gary says, they made money. He tells them, it’s time to make like a donkey d*ck and hit the road. They get in two taxis.
Gary tells Daisy, the previous season was all hiccups and moaning, and Ashley says, she really made an effort to improve. Colin says, she’s grown the most, and Marcos says he knows how much she ate. They speculate about Gary shagging Daisy, but Colin says, it’s never going to happen. Appetizers are waiting at the table when they get to the restaurant, and by the time the waiter gets to the table – about five seconds – they’re already eating. Gary says, the food is phenomenal, and Glenn arrives. Marcos thanks him for joining them, and he says he wouldn’t miss it. Gary says, now everyone is well-behaved, and Glenn says, that’s why he doesn’t normally come. Barnaby orders tequila shots for everyone, but Daisy says, no way Glenn is doing one. Glenn says he’s old, not dead, and they explain how to do a shot with salt and lime. They do the shot, and Glenn jokingly says, another round. Marcos asks how Glenn is feeling, and Glenn says, relieved, but a bit melancholy. He’s going to miss them when they scatter to the four corners of the world. In Glenn’s interview, he says, it’s a good feeling to end on a positive note. The feeling of camaraderie is rare; it’s something special. Gary toasts to Glenn, and Glenn thanks them for a great season. He expects they’ll misbehave, and tells them to enjoy themselves. They toast to him again.
They go to another table for dinner, and Glenn tells them to have fun. Just don’t burn the boat down. They order, and Scarlett takes a photo of Marcos holding Gary in his arms. Gary asks for everyone’s highs and lows this season. His high was Daisy. They got along like a house on fire, and they’re closer than ever. Ashley says, her high was the wedding, and we flash back. She says, her low was the lowball tip, and we flash back to a-hole Charles giving them $6500, and Glenn saying, it’s still better than a poke in the eye with a pointy stick. Colin says, his high was the giggle club, and we flash back to the dudes laughing after hours. Daisy says she thinks their weird wrestling is just an excuse to touch each other, and Kelsie says, her high was them becoming the best seamen. We flash back to them receiving the Seaman Cup, and Daisy says, the wedding was her high. It made her feel like there might be true love out there. Gary says, hello, and Colin makes a toast, saying, it’s a rarity for team to work this well; let’s celebrate. Gary says, Colin for President, and they clink glasses.
On the way back, Daisy insists she’s not shagging Gary, and in the other taxi, the have a water fight. As usual, Glenn wisely goes to bed, and the crew gets in the hot tub. The HUGE bottle of champagne is opened, drunk, sprayed, and poured on heads. Scarlett drinks some straight from the bottle, and Ashley decides to make grilled cheese. She’s so drunk, she barely knows what she’s doing, and makes more of a mess than anything else. Colin brings out his guitar, and the crew sings, Oh, Parsifal. Ashley uses the panini maker, and forgetting she was going to make some for everyone, sits down to eat what can only be called a mess of cheese and bread on a plate. Scarlett walks through, and says she’s going to bed soon. Marcos comes into the crew mess, and Ashley says, she loves cheese. He calls her a cavewoman, and says, it’s a disgusting meal. He points out that she has butter on her boob, and she licks it off. At the bar, Daisy asks Gary if they can just one time in their lives… He says, have sex? He tells her to step into something less wet, and she leaves, saying, she’ll be waiting.
Marcos says, what Ashley is eating is inedible, and Gary follows Daisy. Colin and Ashley go to bed (not with each other), and Gary and Marcos play smack each other. Daisy calls to Gary, and he suggests they go to the guest cabin to cuddle. He places her in her bed, and tells her to change something dry. Kelsie hopes they move out of the way soon, so she can sleep, and Gary says, life is difficult; talk about getting c*ck blocked. At 4:35 am, Barnaby wakes Glenn getting into bed. Daisy tells Kelsie that her and Gary’s relationship is complicated. She doesn’t think they really feel anything for each other. Marcos tells Colin and Gary, it’s never again going to be the three amigos like this.
When Glenn gets up, he sees the mess in the appropriately titled crew mess, and says, holy sh*t. He pokes his head in the guys’ cabin, and says, good morning, sleeping beauties. Time to get up and start packing. They struggle to get up, and Ashley says, why? Gary says, time to grab your sh*t and f*** off, and Glenn says, the mess looks like the Hindenburg crashed into the Titanic. Clean this sh*t up, so he can have breakfast. Ashley is repulsed, and Kelsie thanks Barnaby for coming to save her. In Barnaby’s interview, he says, he had a great time. He wasn’t there long, but long enough. Glenn thanks him, and tells him to stay in touch. In his interview, Barnaby says, he’ll miss the people he met. The people were great; the work, not so much. The hardest part about saying goodbye is that he won’t be living 6 feet from Daisy; she’s so fit. Ashley says, this sucks, and Scarlett says her goodbyes. In Scarlett’s interview, she says, they did it. She’s proud of herself. It was a huge challenge, and she thinks she did a great job. Glenn says, she’s the best, and in her interview, she says, it’s bittersweet. She and Gary have a strong connection, but the only place he drives is straight into drama, and she wants no drama. She thinks she can hop on any boat after living through this.
Glenn points out that Gary is still wearing what he was wearing last night, and Ashley says her goodbyes. In Ashley’s interview, she says, she wasn’t as friendly as she could have been, but she’s slowly learning. It’s hard to be on a team, since she likes doing things her way, but that’s definitely something she regrets at this point in her life. Daisy thanks her for her hard work, and in her interview, Ashley says she knows there’s more out there, and she wants to experience things. She’s got a lot to learn, and a lot more growing to do. Kelsie says goodbye to Daisy, who says she loved rooming with her. If there’s anything Kelsie needs, hit her up. In Kelsie’s interview, she says, from this season, she’s learned she doesn’t think the super yachting industry is for her. She likes being captain, and bossing other people more than being bossed. Peace out, mother***ers. Marcos says, it’s been amazing working with Daisy, and Glenn says he’ll see Marcos in L.A.; he was amazing. In Marcos’s interview, he says, he was alone for so many years, but with this crew he had a lot of support that he didn’t feel in the past. He says goodbye to Gary, who calls him a legend, and in his interview, Marcos says, in this short period of time, he feels like it was a haven, and the crew was like family. It’s the first time he’s had this feeling. He sniffles, and says he’s been holding it in. In Colin’s interview, he says, Captain Glenn is the perfect captain. He’d love to have Glenn’s traits in how he runs his own boat. He feels connected to the crew, and it’s cemented the fact he craves friendships. When he finds them, he cherishes them, and they last a long time. It’s a surreal feeling that it’s coming to an end. He’s fighting back tears. Daisy asks Gary to chat with her while she packs, and he says, if he has to.
Daisy asks how Gary left things with Scarlett, but he says, nothing was happening. She asks who he’ll miss the most, and he says, her and Colin equally. He wants their relationship to keep growing, and she tells him, stop, but he says he’s serious. She says she thinks if they hang out too much… He says, they’ll fall in love? but she says, they won’t be friends. He’ll fall in love with her. In Daisy’s interview, she says, so much happened this season. She had to deal with situations she’d never experienced. At the end of the day, she’s a good person with good intentions, and she’s going to take what she learned this season to the next season. She plans on taking a f***ing holiday, detox, and sit in silence for an hour. In Gary’s interview, he says he thinks his and Daisy’s relationship has come a long way. It’s fun and flirtatious, but professional, and the sexual tension is undeniable. He thinks she’s realizing that, so maybe one day… He tells her, ciao, and Glenn radios Gary to come to the flybridge.
Glenn says, they have to drain and disinfect the jacuzzi. Who knows what is in there? Something moved, and he thinks it’s got tentacles. Gary says, it’s so gross. F*** my life.
Next time, the Reunion.
💃🏾 Juneteenth has never been a celebration of victory or an acceptance of the way things are. It’s a celebration of progress. It’s an affirmation that despite the most painful parts of our history, change is possible—and there is still so much work to do. – Barack Obama
🏃🏽♀️ Leaping Like a Lord…
Join me tomorrow for soap and who knows what? Until then, stay safe, stay not sweating the small stuff, and stay not making grilled cheese when drunk. You’ll just be even sorrier in the morning.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Carly sees someone swimming in the pool, and says, the pool’s closed. Drew gets out, and sexy music plays while she stares at him. Erm… He says he was hoping the owner could bend the rules a little for him.
Nina asks if everything’s all right, and Sonny says, it’s just business. It wasn’t anything urgent. He thanks her for waiting, and she says, it would have been rude, not to mention immature, if she’d just walked away in a huff (or a minute and a huff. sorry). He asks if she was tempted, and she says, a little bit. A part of her doesn’t want to hear his answer about the kiss he gave her, but then there’s another part of her that really needs to know, because it means something to her. Did he kiss her because he got into a fight with his ex-wife?
At a drive-in (!), Anna asks if Valentin has ever been here before, but he says he hasn’t had the pleasure. Her? She says, no. All the drive-in theaters she’s seen have been in movies she’s watched. He says, she wanted him to surprise her, and she says, he did. He’s kind of like this movie. He says, old or notorious? and she says, he seems to be black and white, but in reality, he’s a complex balance of shadows. She got that out of a book on Hitchcock. He says he likes it; it makes him sound classic, yet timeless. She says, this is the part where Ingrid Bergman realizes she’s been poisoned, and he says, like the old days, huh? She says, only if your nostalgic about someone being drugged in an undercover operation, and he says he thinks it’s part of their charm tonight.
Trina tells Josslyn that they have to get out of the bar before the cops check their IDs. The instigator, aka tall bald guy, is taken away, and the cops talk to bar guy. Josslyn says, now’s their chance, but as they start to leave, Rory comes in, and asks what they’re doing here.
Selina walks into The Savoy, and asks why Brad called her back here. He says, there’s a problem with the game. Linc comes out of the back and goes to the bar, while Brook stares daggers at him. He asks for a double vodka on the rocks, and Brook starts to stomp over to him, but Chase intercepts her and asks if she’s going somewhere. Brad tells Selina, Judge Abbott canceled at the last minute, so he let another player come in. She says, without vetting him first? Linc tells N’neka to put it on his tab, when Britt comes up to the bar. She says she was here earlier, and realized she can’t find her phone. Did someone turn it in? N’neka says she’ll check, and leaves. Linc says he hopes she finds Britt’s phone. He hates to see a lady in distress.
In the hallway, Brad tells Selina, when he saw the guy’s bankroll, he figured it would be okay. He knew the password. She says, just spit it out; what happened? and Cody comes out, counting a load of cash.
Sonny says, when he kissed Nina, he wasn’t thinking about Carly, and she says, but he did fight with Carly. He says, yeah. Carly and Michael think he turned his back on his family. She says, that’s ridiculous. His family is everything to him. He says, right, and when he went on the stand, it wasn’t against Michael; he was just there to tell the truth. She says, and he was gracious enough to forgive her, and doesn’t hold her responsible anymore for keeping his identity a secret. He says, the thing is, he always believed and still believes Wiley needs to have her in his life. She thanks him, and says, Carly considers that a betrayal. He says, in Carly’s mind, the biggest betrayal was, when Baldwin was going after Michael, he stood by Nina. Nina says she has to be honest. When he did that, she was surprised too.
Drew tells Carly that he just needed a quick swim. It was a crazy day at Aurora, and he didn’t get a chance to work out. She asks, how quick? and he says, only a mile. Navy SEAL. He hopes she isn’t going to revoke his membership, but she says, he’s exactly the distraction she needed after the day she’s had. He says, bad? and she says, beyond. Frustrating… heartbreaking… deeply disappointing, but also the best.
Trina tells Rory that she and Josslyn were tracking down proof Esme framed her, and he says, in a bar known for criminal activity? Trina says, just the place Esme would go to for an unregistered phone, and Josslyn promises they’ll explain everything later, but right now, they need to get out of here. An officer calls Rory over, and asks if he has ID on Josslyn and Trina.
Chase asks, what happened to their hanging out by the pool? and Brook says she’s sorry, but this was too good of a chance to pass up. Linc had a card from The Savoy, with what was obviously a password written on the back. He says, a strong indicator that something shady was going on, and she says, yes, Mr. Sarcasm. This is her chance to catch Linc in the act, and blackmail him into signing the rights to her songs back over to her. He says, there’s so much illegal in what she just said to him, he doesn’t know where to start.
Linc says he knows Britt. She’s the woman in the GIF that’s gone viral; soaking wet… climbing out of the pool. She says, yes, that’s her, and he says, she has a rockin’ bod. It’s like the beauty from the Black Lagoon. They might be able to recreate that in one of his artist’s videos. She says, excuse me? and he says, oh, did he not mention he’s a music producer?
Selina asks, is this the last minute player? and Cody says, they meet again. All the players raved about her in there. She says, did they? and he says, Brad here was kind enough to let him sit in on the game. Texas Hold ‘Em high stakes is exactly how he likes to play. It’s a shame the game ended so early. She says, isn’t it, and he says, thanks for the hospitality. Goodnight. He starts to leave, and she says, Li! A big guy comes in, and she says she’d like a word with this man – outside.
Anna says she loves this movie, and Valentin says he’s never known anyone so thrilled with this film. She says, come on. Cary Grant rescues Ingrid Bergman. The Nazis are thwarted, and the moment he goes back inside, Claude Reins is a dead man. What’s not to love? It’s so good. He says, if she likes this film, she’s going to love the second feature, and she says, he’s not going to tell her what it is? He says she wanted to be surprised. There’s a concession stand that sells bon-bons. A little pedestrian for such a momentous occasion. She says, a drive-in’s momentous? but he says, not the drive-in; us. Her agreeing to an official first date. She says, that is momentous, and he says, so – he brings out a basket from the backseat – he brought charcuterie, and caviar. She says, it’s lovely… and he says, what? She tells him, she loves popcorn at the movies, and he reaches in the back, this time pulling out a bag of popcorn, saying, it’s a good thing he brought some. This is from Japan, salted with umami, and out of this world. She says, popcorn needs to have butter, and he says he’s usually much better at this. She says, bullseye on the movie, and remembering she loves Hitchcock; that’s all perfect. He says, the master of suspense. He never got more romantic than Notorious. She says, yeah, a libeled lady and a charismatic rogue on a spy mission, longing for each other. He says, what’s not to love?
Brook says, of course (🍷) blackmailing Linc is illegal; that’s why she kept him out of it. He says, she ditched him, and she says, for his own good. He’s so close to being reinstated. He says, she asked for his help, and as soon as he agreed, she bailed on him, so she could do it on her own. Not that she got anywhere. She says she begs to differ. Something went way, way wrong. Linc came out of the back room fuming, and when he gets mad, he gets stupid. And when Linc gets stupid, which is most of the time, Linc makes mistakes, and that’s when they’ve got him.
Linc tells Britt, he manages some of the best talent in the business, and she says, he’s rolling in it? He says, private planes, yachts… and she says, he has more than one? He says, that depends where he’s heading, and she pretends to be excited, saying, which she imagines is all over the world. He says, baby, you would not believe the life I’ve lived, and she says she bets he’s seen some things. He says he’s nothing like the guys she’s used to, and she says, so true.
Li tosses Cody into an alleyway, and Cody says, what’s there to talk about? He bought into the game. He played well, he won, fair and square. Selina asks, what’s his definition of fair? What’s indisputable is, he cleaned out all of her other players in eight hands. Cody says, that’s just how the cards fell, and Selina says, when the game goes on all night, the players’ inhibitions wear down, and the stakes go up. If they lose, they ask for credit. Cody says, which she’s more than happy to extend at a far interest rate, and she says, he cut into her profits, she’ll need to recoup her losses, which will come out of his winnings. He says, now who’s not playing fair? and she says something in Mandarin. Li punches Cody in the stomach, and Cody falls to the ground, doubled over.
Nina says, she and Sonny haven’t addressed what Scotty did to Michael on the stand, and he asks if she knew what Scotty was going to do, but she says she didn’t. Scotty told her that he was going to bring up Claudia Zaccara’s death, but she had no idea about the details of how Claudia died. All she knows is, Scotty said he was going to hit Michael with his criminal record. Sonny says, so it sounds like she didn’t know how bad Scotty was going to get with Michael, and she says she didn’t, but she’s not going to get any medals either. Kidnapping Avery, and again, keeping his existence in Nixon Falls a secret. He says, let him guess. Scotty told her, in order to secure visitation with Wiley, she was going to have to level the playing field. She says, make Michael look so bad, she’d look better by comparison, and he says, listen. He just wants her to know, Michael had no intention of killing Claudia. He was just a teenager, and he was defending his little sister. She says she knows that now, and watching Scotty go after him on the stand made her stomach sink. In part because of what she set in motion, and in part because she was sure she’d lose him over it.
Drew says, it’s kind of nice having the place to themselves, and Carly says, one of the perks of co-owning the MetroCourt. He says, she knows he’s only hanging out for the perks, right? and she says she’s under no illusion. They sit, and he says he thinks he knows what she meant when she said, bad, but for the best. It’s when something crappy happens to you, but you needed it. It gives you a wake-up call and shifts your whole perspective. She says, that’s exactly what happened to her today. She hadn’t talked to Sonny since Nina’s visitation hearing. She won’t go into the gory details, but Nina and her lawyer accused Michael of being violent towards women. Can he believe that? He says he heard that, and he’s so incredibly sorry. She says, it was awful, but what was truly indefensible was Sonny. He was in the court room; he heard everything. And when it was over, he comforted Nina. Drew says, she must have felt so betrayed, and she says, yeah, and furious, and devastated. And now, weirdly grateful.
Nina says, when Scotty got done with Michael, and the judge called for a recess because she wanted to talk to Scotty and Diane in chambers, she stood up and felt so alone. She turned around, and there Sonny was, on her side. He looked so stoic, and she had no idea what he was feeling. She thought he was going to tear into her. He says, there was a lot of stuff happening. He was angry with Scotty for going after Michael, and he was disappointed in Michael for going after her. It was a lot. She says she wanted to play fair. She wanted to let everyone just cool down until Michael and Willow would allow her to see Wiley, but Michael and Willow didn’t play fair. He says, even before the five-part feature in TheInvader? and she says, they were never going to cool down. Wiley would have been an adult before she was allowed to see him, and by that time, he’d be so brainwashed, he’d never want to see her. Sonny says, she had every right to go for the petition for visitation, and she says she’s made a lot of mistakes, but so has Michael. Nobody is perfect here. He takes her hand, and says, when he saw her in court, she was hurting a lot. All he could think about was making her feel better. She says she just wanted to explain to him what happened. She felt like her skin was ripped off; all her faults were exposed… and there he was. He touched her cheek – she starts to cry, and he gives her his hanky – and that small act of compassion meant more to her than he’ll ever know.
Drew says, Carly is grateful Sonny sided with Nina? and she says, the Sonny she knew would have defended his son, and the fact that he didn’t, brought it all home to her in a way nothing else could. The man she married, the Sonny she loved, the father of her kids, is gone. For as long as she’s known Sonny, he could make her angrier than anyone, and what surprised her today was the anger she didn’t feel. That’s when she realized… He says, her wake-up call, and she says, what Sonny did in that courtroom severed the last tie. They’re Donna’s parents, and will always co-exist for her sake, but they live separate lives. She’s been saying she’s free for a while, but today, she feels free. He tells her, congratulations, and she thanks him. He says, they should celebrate.
Rory says he needs to see their IDs, and Trina says, which one? The real one that says she’s underage, or the fake one that says she’s 23 and her name is Jane? Josslyn says, look, Trina can’t get arrested, even if it’s a misdemeanor. The Title IX investigation came back against her. He says he’s sorry to hear that, and Trina says, thanks, but it turns out it’s the least of her worries. Josslyn tells him, coming here was entirely her idea; she dragged Trina along. Please, just bust her and let Trina go. She hands him her fake ID.
Li kicks Cody’s ass some more, and Selina says, enough. The money. Li reaches in Cody’s pocket, and Cody says, they can’t take his buy-in money; he brought it to the table. She says he cost her far more than she recouped tonight. He’s still in her dept. He says, she can’t leave him with nothing, and she says she’s not completely heartless, and pulls out a bill, tossing it toward him. She tells Li, let’s go, and they leave. Brad tells Cody, sorry, Selina calls to him, and he goes.
Linc says he doesn’t want to intimidate Britt or anything. He is rich and famous, but deep down, he’s just a regular guy. She says, regular just doesn’t do it for her; neither does rich and famous. She’s into a very particular type. He asks her to enlighten him, and she says, the kind who keeps his head when literal bullets are flying, who’s not overly fussy in the rule of law, and who doesn’t give a damn about pop culture. The kind of guy who can take a punch, and laugh about it. N’neka brings out a phone, and asks if it’s Britt’s, and Britt thanks her, taking it. She tells Linc, by the way, he’s a loser, even if he’s rich and famous, and walks away.
Chase says, if Britt does something illegal, and Linc can prove it, she’ll be in a far worse position than when she started. She says, look at Linc’s expression. Britt blew him off and he is livid. Now’s her chance. She heads for the bar.
Coming out of the club, Britt sees Cody in the alley.
Carly says she’s up for celebrating; what does Drew suggest? He says, how about a night swim? but she says she didn’t bring her suit. He says, they could skinny dip, but she says she owns the hotel. People could come, so… He says he doesn’t think anyone is around, and the pool’s closed. He won’t tell. She says, raincheck? and he says, absolutely. He says, at least put her feet in the water? and sits at the edge of the pool. He holds out his hand, and she says, she can do that, taking it.
Sonny tells Nina, Carly saw him in the courtroom, and that’s what they were fighting about. He guesses she felt that gesture of comfort meant he was okay with Scotty going after Michael. She says she’s so sorry she put him in that position, but he says, he doesn’t regret it. He was just doing what he felt he should do in the moment. She says, Carly can’t forgive him, but he says, she’s done, which is ironic because the divorce has been finalized for a while now. He guesses she doesn’t… She’s cutting the cord, except for Donna. He gets to see Donna as much as he wants. Nina says, no matter what Carly’s issues are, she’s first and foremost a mother. She’s never going to use Donna as a pawn. He says he never thought this would happen. He always thought he’d be connected to Carly, at least from the past and the kids… He flashes back to Carly saying he consoled the woman who initiated an attack on Michael, and she doesn’t know him anymore. He tells Nina, Carly said she doesn’t know who he is anymore, and he’s thinking, of course (🍷) she doesn’t. A lot has changed since Nixon Falls. He’s not the same person; he’s changed. And it seems like the only one who understands him in his life is Nina.
Rory says he’ll need Trina’s too, and the other officer tells Rory, the bouncer checks out. They step aside, and the officer says, his partner is waiting for him; they got a perp violating parole who needs processing at the station. Clear the scene; send everyone home. He leaves, and Rory goes back to Josslyn and Trina. Josslyn asks, what happens now? Is he going to arrest them? He says, technically, it’s not illegal to purchase a fake ID in the state of New York. Using one is more of a grey area; it’s up to the officer’s discretion whether or not he wants to file charges. Trina asks what his discretion is telling him, and he puts the fake ID’s in his pocket, saying, he’ll let them off with a warning, this time.
Cody coughs and groans. Britt picks up the bill, and says, did he lose something?
Brook tells Linc, what a coincidence. Long time, no see. He tells her, get lost. He’s expecting a call from Korea. She says, and there’s a bridge for sale in Brooklyn, and he says he should know better than to visit Port Charles. First, some cowboy took all his cash in a card game; then some woman doesn’t even have the sense to appreciate what he’s offering. His phone rings, and he says, this is it. He says, min-ho; ban nal… Yes, absolutely. All I Want is still available. Brook says, that’s her song, and Linc says, they will do a phenomenal interpretation, and he’s listened to plenty of boy bands. Might he say, theirs is the best in the K-Pop biz… Yeah, they can change the lyrics from him to her. They can change whatever they want; he owns the song. Brook grabs the phone, and he says, what the hell. She says, the song in question is no longer available. It’s caught up in a copyright lawsuit that could drag on for years. Bye. She hangs up, and Linc says, does she realize what she just did? She says she saved her song. He says he wants his phone back, and grabs her arm. Chase flies between them, separating them, and Linc says, if Chase doesn’t realize she’s using him, he’s dumber than he looks. He holds out his hand, and says, phone. Or he will sell her entire catalog to a porn producer he knows who’ll use it for soundtracks, She says, what a surprise; he knows a porn producer. Linc says, come to think of it, that’s a market she should explore. She can’t sing anymore, but there are other ways to perform, like lying on your back. Chase punches him in the face.
Anna’s phone dings, and she tells Valentin, sorry. She usually remembers to switch these things off. He asks if it’s important, but she says, it’s just work; it’ll keep. He asks if it’s anything to do with the Jennifer Smith case, and she wonders why he’s asking. He says, just curious. He offered his assistance, and she was strangely quiet. She says, it’s not likely she would need it. The WSB thinks the case is airtight. He says, she doesn’t agree? and she says, no. Jennifer insisted she had this French naval captain up in her room. He says, played by Gary Cooper? and she says she wishes. Anyway, they haven’t been able to locate him or confirm his identity. Valentin flashes back to pretending to be the captain, and says, he thinks he can still be of some use.
Nina tells Sonny, she’s sorry; she didn’t mean to get so emotional. He says he didn’t call her here for consolation, and she says, she knows. She can tell he’s hurting. Why doesn’t he talk to her? He says he’s tired of hurting. He’s tired of being angry and being sorry. This is who he is. Love him or hate him, with her, it seems to be enough. She says she’s tired of hurting too. She’s tired of the loss and regret. He makes her happy, and she wants to embrace that happiness. He asks how they start, and she kisses his hand, and says, slowly.
Carly and Drew eat ice cream cones, as they dangle their feet in the water. Carly says, this is perfect, and he says she doesn’t think his idea of a celebration is kind of lame? She says, sometimes the simplest things are the best. She’s hanging out with him on this gorgeous night, and her feet are in the swimming pool that she co-owns, and she’s got chunk of stock in a media company that’s soaring by the day. He says, a bigger chunk than she expected, but she says she knows a good thing when she sees it.
Britt sits Cody up, and asks what he did to deserve this. He says, this is how it goes when he’s on a winning streak, and she says, he gets beat up and left in an alley with $50? He says, his luck turns harder and faster than a bucking bronco, and she says, there he was, picturing the hot car he was going to buy, that place in Malibu. He says, a 200 acre spread in Wyoming. Nice place; has she ever been? He was going to buy some horses. She says, purebred? but he says, no, the price is too pricey. He was going to get some workhorses to take care of and ride… He closes his eyes, and she says, he may have a concussion, so stay with her. He says he’s not sleeping; he’s just resting his eyes. She says, then she’ll leave him to it. She starts to walk away, and says, damn Hippocratic Oath. First do no harm. She goes back to him, and says she’s a doctor, so first, she’s going to check his injuries. She’s warning him now; this is going to hurt. She moves his head and he groans. She checks his eyes.
Rory says, Trina and Josslyn were looking for a lead on Esme; did they find one? Trina says, yes and no, and Josslyn says, Esme framed Trina by planting the phone in Trina’s bag. Trina says, the phone she used to record the sex tape, and then send it out in an email blast. Josslyn says, they think they found the guy who sold her the phone, and Rory asks, who is he? Trina says, he was tending the bar when they got there; they don’t know his name. Josslyn says, he was about to ID Esme, but the fight broke out, and he slipped away. Trina says, but he works here, which means he’ll be back. Next time they’ll… Rory says, next time, they won’t be anywhere near here, and Josslyn says, they need to find the guy. Rory says, he’ll ask about the bartender. He’ll get a name and description, and he’ll run it. Rory’s phone beeps, and he says he’s got another call; disturbance in progress. How are they getting home? Josslyn says, a Ride Share; they’ll be here in ten minutes. He tells then, be sure not to miss it, and leaves.
Carly thanks Drew for the ice cream, and says, it was a great suggestion. He starts unbuttoning his shirt, and she asks what he’s doing. He says, what does she think he’s doing? He’s working off the ice cream. The mile he swam isn’t going to cut it. He gets in the pool, and she thanks him for the celebration. He tells her, who says it’s over? As far as he’s concerned, it’s just getting started.
Sonny says, he and Nina have been dancing around each other for a year at least, not to mention their time in Nixon Falls. How much slower can they go? She says she wants nothing more than to dive head first into a relationship with him, and he asks, what’s stopping her? She says, herself. The feeling she had in that courtroom when she stood up and saw him. They’re hot and heavy for each other now, but what happens to her when it fizzles out? She takes his hand, and says, he’s unlike any man she’s ever known, and she wants them to build something real between them. He says he appreciates it, but she’s not the only one who’s feeling alone. Carly and Michael cut him out of their life; he can’t rely on them. There is this connection they have, but if she wants to take it slow, he’s okay with that. She says, okay, and picks up her bag. He asks if she’s going home already, and she says she is, handing him back his hanky. He tells her to keep it to remember him, and she laughs, saying, okay. If she doesn’t leave now, she never will. She’ll call him. He says he’s looking forward to it, and she leaves.
Cody asks, will I live? and Britt says, his ribs are bruised, and maybe some are cracked. She recommends an x-ray. He says he’ll get right on that, as soon as he figures out how to stand up, and she says, for pity’s sake, lean on her. She helps him up, and he grunts and groans. She says he’s such a big baby. Is he the same guy who fell from the sky and into the MetroCourt pool without a bump? He says, she cushioned his fall, and she says, she’s parked over there; she’ll drive him to GH. He says, hospitals are pricey, and he’s down to his last fifty, but she says, she’s not going to leave him in the alley. He needs help. He says he knows who can help him, and they owe him.
Anna says, familiar with a lot of French captains, are we? and Valentin says, profiling 101. First of all, how do they know Jennifer didn’t just invent this gallant seafarer? She says, they know he exists because the hotel bartender saw him, and Valentin says, okay. This is where he suggests the captain’s involvement is incidental. Miss Smith is just implicating him as a red herring. She says, no more Hitchcock for him, but he says, it’s Occam’s Razor; the simplest explanation is usually the right one.She doesn’t want to admit her guilt, so she’s claiming innocence, and pointing the finger at some poor sap she met at the hotel bar. Anna says, perhaps, and he asks what she thinks happened, but she says she’s not sharing her theories with a civilian. He asks who she’s calling a civilian. They’ve worked together on plenty of her cases. She asks what he’s doing, and he says he’s trying to help her, but she says, he’s not. She thought this was too good to be true; is this really a date? Or is this whole drive-in, Hitchcock, charcuterie just a tactic to get information out of her?
Josslyn and Trina get in the car, and Josslyn says, how crazy was that? Trina says, the bar fight? The lead on Esme? Josslyn says, the cops showing up? Trina says, they were so close to getting the bartender to ID Esme, and Josslyn says, things could be worse. We could be in the back of a squad car, charged with misdemeanor use of a fake ID… Jane. Trina says, you’re right… Kara. Rory did us a solid tonight. Josslyn says, us? That had nothing to do with her. Rory did it for Trina. He likes her. Trina says she thinks he does.
At The Savoy, Rory asks, what happened here? and Linc says, he was attacked, assault and battery, and he’s pressing charges. Take statements from all the witnesses. Rory asks if N’neka saw the incident, and she says she’s afraid she did. He asks, who did what to whom?
Brook tells Chase, it’s all her fault; she feels awful. He says, he’s the one who lost his cool, and she says, he had every right to. Linc is such a slimeball. They’ll sneak out the back door, hole up at the mansion, and call the ELQ lawyers. They’ll get them out of this. She starts to leave, and asks if he isn’t coming. He says, it will only make things worse if he leaves the scene. He’ll be labeled a fugitive with an APB on his back.
Linc tells Rory, he was the victim of a brutal and unprovoked attack, but Rory says, according to Linc’s witness here – he indicates N’neka – Detective Chase threw the first and only punch. N’neka says, Linc collapsed like wet cardboard, and laughs. Linc says, exactly. Call an ambulance. Chase broke his jaw. Rory says, excuse him, and goes over to Chase. He says, Chase was on suspension when he joined the force, but he’s heard the stories. Chase says he bets. Rory’s heard the witness, and the victim who clearly wants to press charges. He turns around, putting his hands behind his back, and Brook says, no, no. no. He was provoked. Linc had it coming. Please don’t do this. Chase says, Brook… and Rory read Chase his rights, handcuffing him.
On Monday (which was supposed to be today), Trina tells Portia that she thinks things are going in her favor; Valentin says he’ll do anything Anna wants; Laura tells Martin, she’s narrowed the suspects down to one; and Spencer tells Victor that he has good reason to keep Esme close.
👃 Smelled This Coming…
I have to admit, I always wonder if people who use their religion to opt out are like vegetarians who wear leather shoes.
Every father should remember one day his son will follow his example, not his advice. – Charles Kettering
The strongest, toughest men all have compassion. They’re not heartless and cold. You have to be man enough to have compassion — to care about people and about your children. – Denzel Washington
A 2-year-old is kind of like having a blender, but you don’t have a top for it. – Jerry Seinfeld
A father carries pictures where his money used to be. – Steve Martin
The quality of a father can be seen in the goals, dreams, and aspirations he sets not only for himself, but for his family. – Reed Markham
My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, ‘You’re tearing up the grass.’ ‘We’re not raising grass,’ Dad would reply. ‘We’re raising boys.‘ – Harmon Killebrew
Just taught my kids about taxes by eating 38% of their ice cream. – Conan O’Brien
By the time a man realizes that maybe his father was right, he usually has a son who thinks he’s wrong. – Charles Wadsworth
The older I get, the smarter my father seems to get. – Tim Russert (Although I question who this is attributed to, since I remember my father saying it before Russert’s time.)
The heart of a father is the masterpiece of nature. – Abbé Prévost
👔 Happy Father’s Day…
To all the father’s out there, be they biological, father figures, or pet dads – enjoy your day! And then get back to work. See you on Monday for soap and Sailing. Until then, stay safe, stay unregretful about the path not taken, and stay remembering, when something crappy happens to you, it could be a wake-up call and for the best.
Apparently, he’s the picture of good parenting. I’m totally in agreement with how Denise is handling this. She’s right. Her daughter is 18, and she’ll do what she wants, with or without her parents’ approval. If Denise had come down on her, she’d only distance herself.
When was she a good fit? When she accused the Richards sisters of smoking meth? When she slapped LVP? When she weaseled her way onto the show by attacking Denise? When?
On the other hand, I think these two should have their own spin-off. Poor Sutton. Awkward for sure, and perhaps at times inappropriate, but not malicious.
Hopefully, all will be well in the world of soap tomorrow, so stop by for some, along with tea, weekly quotes, and a piece of music from the vast catalog in my brain. Until then, stay safe, stay not making snap judgements, and stay not posting cryptic things on social media. It’s just annoying, and screams, desperate need for attention.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Chase sits in front of the TV, shirtless, eating a bowl of kids’ cereal. His phone rings, and Brook asks where he is. They were supposed to meet at the pool. He says, he’s watching the game… Shot put violation. Dammit! She asks what he’s eating, and he says, cereal. She says, so he’s watching the game and eating cereal when he could be hanging out at the pool with her? He says, yep… No, he means he’ll be there soon. She says, when? and he says, soon. He looks at the TV, and says, come on!
Sonny asks what Nina is doing, and she says she was just headed home. He asks if she can reconsider that and stay with him. Please? She says she really shouldn’t, but he says he’ll make it worth her while. He takes her hand, and they go to a table.
Dante comes back to his table, and Sam says, so, Sonny and Nina? He says he’s going to make like they’re not here, and she calls him a chicken. He says, totally, but he’s here with her and doesn’t want family drama ruining his night. She says, good. That gives him more time to fill her in on what kind of trouble he and Cody got in back in the day.
Cody watches as Zelda goes into a hotel room. Spinelli comes out with a room service tray, and Cody ducks back. Spinelli takes a bite of something, dashes back in the room, and puts the do not disturb sign on the door handle. Cody comes out, and says, this is getting interesting.
As he’s going into The Savoy, Curtis gets a text from Selina: Making some last minute arrangements for tonight. TJ joins him, and Curtis asks what he’s doing here. TJ says he went by Curtis’s house to see Marshall, and found out Curtis was coming in early, so he thought he’d stop by. Curtis says he knows he owes TJ a conversation… but TJ says, Marshall explained everything. He came here to see about Curtis.
The kids sit around the campfire, and Finn asks Gregory, what’s the verdict? Did he overstep asking Gregory to speak to Cam? Gregory says, not at all. He thinks Cameron appreciated it. Finn says, the kid has some weight on his shoulders right now, but Gregory says he thinks Cameron is strong enough to carry it. If he isn’t, he has Finn to help. Finn says he doesn’t think Cameron wants his help, but Gregory says, give him time. His bet is, Cameron will come around.
Wyatt hands Aiden the guitar, and Cameron says, Aiden is holding it wrong. Does he want Cameron to show him? Aiden says he wants to learn himself. Back off.
Trina and Josslyn go into The Highsider, which looks like a biker bar, but a really, really nice biker bar. Trina says they should have stopped and gotten a fake tattoo before they got here, and Josslyn says, not really her vibe. Trina says, never mind the aesthetics. They need to blend in so they can get some answers. Josslyn says, this place is pretty close to Spring Ridge, which is where Esme interns, and very convenient to pick up an untraceable phone. Trina says, so what now? She doubts there’s a counter that sells black market cell phones, or a guy that says, hi, can I help you? Josslyn says, Trina is hilarious when she’s out of place. They just need to stay calm, and the main goal, they just need to strike up a conversation with the clientele. A guy comes over and asks if they’re lost or something.
Maxie says, if these sticks are more to Austin’s satisfaction, have at them. She, for one, is more invested in the chocolate. He says he loves chocolate, but she should know, he’s a marshmallow man, and a gooey marshmallow is what defines a s’more. They hear something in the woods, and Maxie says, what was that?
Chase gets to the pool, and Brook says, finally. His pina colada is melting. He says, sorry; it was a great game. The lead changed nine times in the last two minutes, and the 3.5 favorite lost on a buzzer beater. She says, nice, and he says, nice? She says, it’s heartbreaking for the 3 point favorite. Is Chase going to swim tonight? It’s perfect weather. He says he’s just going to sip on this pina colada. He picks up his drink, and says he’s really glad she asked him to hang out tonight. He knows she’s been focused on taking down Linc, but they need a break, a night to just chill. Brook says, uh-huh, and looks at the doorway where Linc is talking to Selina. Chase says he guesses that was just too much to ask for.
Curtis says he appreciates TJ giving him and Marshall space to talk to Aunt Stella. He’s sure TJ has his own questions, but it really meant a lot. TJ says, Curtis needed answers. Now that he has them, how is he feeling? Curtis says he’s not going to lie; confused. It’s a lot to process. TJ says, for him as well. Even though he’s a medical professional, he felt a pit in his stomach when he saw Marshall’s medication. And when he said that his diagnosis was schizophrenia, he had an immediate visceral reaction. Curtis says, that’s understandable. Medical strides have come a long way, but it is a complicated diagnosis. He wonders how Marshall felt, hearing that 40 years ago, and TJ says, he must have been terrified. Not only from the stigma, but what could happen to him. Curtis says, which is why he chose to leave and stayed gone for so long, and TJ says, at least Curtis knows it wasn’t out of neglect. It was out of love for him and TJ’s father. Marshall wanted to protect them, even from himself, if it came to that.
Nina says, cheers, but Sonny says, it’s bad luck to toast with water. Nina is out of luck in the drinking buddy department tonight. She says she’s heard about that, but what if the water is as sparkly as his eyes? He laughs, and she says, besides, she’s had all the bad luck a person is allotted in one lifetime… and she’s to blame for most of it. He says he doesn’t want to tempt fate, but he thinks her luck is going to turn around. She says, do tell, and he says, because the hearing is over. No more secrets and betrayal; no more waiting for the other shoe to drop. The divorce is over, and he thinks it’s time they stopped denying there’s something between them. Is there?
Maxie says, Austin heard that, right? and he says he did. It’s probably nothing; nature’s noisy. She says he’s right. She needs to stop watching slasher movies before she goes to sleep. He says, that can’t help; does it help? They hear twigs break, and Maxie says, that was definitely something. He says, it’s probably just a fox, but she says, that doesn’t make her feel any better, and he says, stay here for a second while he checks it out. She grabs his arm and says, he’s not leaving her. He says, okay, let’s go to the camp, and she takes his arm. He says, skunk? Maybe it’s a skunk. She says, it’s definitely time to go, and they turn around. They’re startled to find Gregory with Violet there, and Violet says, boo!
Cameron tells Aiden, relax. He was just trying to help. Aiden says, he just wants to figure this out on his own, and Cameron says, okay. Jake says, relax. Cam crushes on the guitar. He’ll have Aiden playing in no time. Aiden says, Cam won’t always be around; he’s in college. And Jake will be in college soon too. And if mom doesn’t come back… He just needs to learn stuff by himself. Okay? Jake says, he doesn’t need to get upset. Cam was just trying to help. Finn gets Wyatt’s attention, and Wyatt steps away with him. Wyatt says, do you need me, Dr. Finn? and Finn says he needs a favor; two actually. Wyatt says, of course (🍷). How can he be of assistance? Finn asks Wyatt to call him Finn. He appreciates Wyatt acknowledging the whole doctor thing, but all his friends call him Finn, and he’d like to think of Wyatt as one of them. Wyatt says he’d like to think so too, and Finn says, so no more doctor. Wyatt says, no more doctor. What’s the other favor? Finn says, Aiden is going through a pretty tough time right now. He was wondering if Wyatt could include him in whatever he’s doing. It’s probably not enough time for him to learn guitar before the singalong tonight, but if Wyatt could include him in some other way, Finn would like him to participate. Wyatt says he thinks he knows of a way. Leave it to me, Doc… Finn.
Trina tells the bar guy, they’re not lost; they’re just from out of town. Josslyn says, they heard about this place, and thought they’d come check it out. Trina says, it’s a definite vibe, and the guy says, they’re a little older than the usual clientele. Josslyn says, sometimes they like to hang around people who are different than their friends, but he says, that’s not what he meant. They got ID? Josslyn says, yes, and they fish ID’s out of their bags. He looks at them, and says, okay, Jane and Kara. He hates to break it to them, but these are totally bogus.
Wyatt asks if Aiden can help him with something, and Aiden says, sure. Wyatt says he’s thinking of switching the song for the campfire singalong. Can he play some possibilities, and Aiden can help him pick the best one? Aiden says, sure.
Cameron tells Finn, it seems that Wyatt found a way to make Aiden feel better, and Finn says, good. He’s glad everything worked out. Cameron says, it’s almost as if someone knew, to make Aiden feel better, he needed to be in control of the situation, especially with everything in his life spinning out of control. Finn says he guesses the important thing is, Aiden is coming to terms with his emotions, right? It doesn’t matter how it happens. Cameron says, actually, it does.
Trina says her license isn’t bogus, and neither is Kara’s. They would never do something like that. The guy says, really? If they’re both 23, tell him about dimpled chads. Trina says, they’re really cute guys, and Josslyn says, boy band. He says, not even close. Beat it. He hands back the IDs, and says, next time, invest in better fakes. Trina says, that’s actually why they came. They heard there’s somebody who can get things like that; phony IDs, unregistered phones. Josslyn says, they can pay in cash, and he looks at the bartender and says, that’s the guy they’re looking for, but make it quick. He leaves, and Josslyn says, Trina sure got over her jitters quickly. Trina says she wasn’t about to let their last hope go down the drain. They say desperation gives you strength.
Zelda tells Spinelli, she’s done dealing with that parachuting charlatan. That was not part of their agreement, but don’t worry. Cody listens outside the door, and she says she handled Dr. Westbourne. No lawsuit; no chance of exposing what’s really going on here.
Sam says, so summer camp? and Dante says, he was twelve. His buddy Tommy Fazio had just gotten busted for shoplifting, and his mother was convinced he was going to be next. Sam says, and off he went, and he says he wasn’t thrilled about nature, but then it dawned on him that he’d be away from his mother, and the 200 other relatives who lived near them, and whose sole purpose in life was to guide him and supervise him. She says, she’s assuming nature was the downside, and he says, nature to him was the church parking lot, and playing stickball. He wasn’t opposed to nature, but it wasn’t his first choice. Sam says, on the upside, no supervision, and he says, limited supervision. There were counselors, but at least he was related to any of them. She says, and then he met Cody, and he says, yeah. Most of the kids there were like him, city kids. Cody was a country kid. He was different; he was comfortable out there. He saw Cody, and thought he should take some pointers from that kid. She says, Cody seems to want to remind him of the trouble they got in back in the day, and Dante says, he does. They had some good times.
TJ says he’s surprised Curtis came to work tonight. Isn’t the owner entitled to take a night off now and then? He tells TJ, sure, when Selina arrives, and he says, but he has something going on tonight.
Chase says, something tells him tonight wasn’t just about hanging out. Did Brook know Linc would be here? She says, so? She saw Linc checking in, in the lobby earlier. Don’t jump to conclusions. She knew Linc was up to something, and she was right. Chase tells her not to jump to conclusions, and she asks if he saw Linc talking to Selina Wu. Fishy, right? He says, Selina Wu has never been convicted of anything. In the eyes of the law, Linc isn’t committing a crime by associating with her. Brook says, don’t give her the whole eyes of the law thing. Isn’t his detective’s intuition tingling? He says, his detective’s intuition tells him that she’s trying to make up excuses to go after Linc. She says she doesn’t need an excuse; he’s holding her songs hostage. He tells her, he said he’d help her get her songs back, but she has to let him take the lead. They have to do it the right way. She says, he just doesn’t get it. Music to most people is something they listen to when they’re bored, but to her, it’s home… grounding… purpose… it’s her life. Ever since her mom took her to Tower Records on West 4th Street and Broadway to get a Jets cassette. He says he doesn’t know that band, and she says they’ll go over his deprived childhood another time. Ever since she knew she could sing, it was the only thing she wanted to do. Now she can’t sing, but thanks to him, she can participate in that part of her life through her song writing. It’s the only thing she has left in that area of her life… Oh hell. Linc’s coming over here. Linc strolls over, and asks how his favorite personal ATM is doing this fine… She asks why he’s back, and he says he’s just relaxing in Port Charles, in between taking meetings about her catalog. It’s amazing how much more valuable those songs are without her attached to them. Chase gets up, and tells Linc, it’s time to take a walk. Linc puts up his hands, and says, he’s just living life; enjoying the night. Brook knows he’d never do anything to upset her. He only wanted her to know how profitable her songs are; profitable for him anyway. He intends to continue tapping that. He leaves, and Chase puts on his shirt. Brook says, just let him be. He’s just trying to press her buttons. Chase says he’s just going to have a little conversation with him, and goes over to the bar. He asks when Linc is going to get it through his thick skull, leave Brook alone. Brook goes through Linc’s jacket pockets, and Linc tells Chase that he’s just making conversation, but Chase says, Linc is harassing her. The lewd innuendos, the rubbing it in her face that he cheated her out of her songs. Who the hell does he think he is talking to her like that? Brook takes out a card from The Savoy, and Chase says, he doesn’t care if Linc is on some big power trip – Brook turns the card over and sees, 11 pm, Password: Vesper – or he just gets off on being cruel, but Linc doesn’t talk like that to her again – ever.
Selina says, Curtis’s business continues to thrive. Who’s his friend? Curtis says, this is his nephew, Dr. Ashford, and Selina says, a pleasure to meet him. TJ says, her as well, and Curtis asks TJ to order them a round; N’neka knows what he likes. He needs to talk to Miss Wu. He says, he got her text; is there a problem? She says, thankfully, no. Curtis went off the grid to deal with a family matter. Curtis says he’s sure his staff and her nephew handled things quite nicely while he was away, but she says, nonetheless, she was compelled to confirm the details with him for tonight’s game. There is a very influential player who will be joining them for the first time.
Dante tells Sam, one of the activities at camp was horseback riding. The closest he’d been to a horse was when they’d go to the city as kids, and see them pulling carriages in Central Park, or cops mounted on patrol. So there he is, twelve years old, staring up at this giant beast, its nostrils flaring, and he’s thinking, I don’t want to get on that beast. So Cody sees this, and comes over, and Dante is thinking, great. This guy is going to give him a hard time because he’s scared, but Cody didn’t. He was super chill, and taught him how to stand, how to approach the horse, how to be respectful toward the horse. Dante was comfortable with the horse, the horse was comfortable with him, and Cody said, horses can sense human emotion; it’s their gift. At that point, Dante figured he was a good guy, and they’ve had each other’s backs ever since. Sam says, the guy’s got layers. She thinks that’s why Dante’s been able to tolerate some of the more questionable ones. Dante says, he may be screw up for sure, but he’s got a heart of gold.
Spinelli comes out of the hotel room, and Cody clears his throat. Spinelli asks if he can help Cody, but Cody says, he thinks they can help each other. He knows what’s really going on with Spinelli and Zelda. So let’s talk about what it will take to keep it quiet.
Sonny says, Nina got quiet all of a sudden. Did he say something uncomfortable? She says she doesn’t feel uncomfortable, but she’s maybe giving pause. As much as she loves sitting across the table from him, she can’t help noticing his own son hasn’t even acknowledged their existence since they sat down. Sonny looks over, and nods to Dante. He tells Nina, that’s just Dante. He’s just enjoying himself like Sonny is. Don’t worry about Dante; he’s been very non-judgmental. She says, even after the hearing? He can’t be okay with what Sonny said, or that he’s with her. Sonny takes her hand and asks if she wants to go someplace else that’s more their speed. She puts her other hand on his.
Violet says, they don’t have to be scared. Did they really think it was a bear? Maxie says, maybe she overreacted, but in all fairness, she didn’t expect to see people that far away from the campsite. Gregory says he’s sorry if they started them. He’s found he can’t resist the charm of a certain granddaughter. When she asked to come along to gather sticks for… Violet says, s’mores. Can they make them now? Austin says, there we go. A girl after his own heart. He loves a good s’more. He can eat ten s’mores. Can Violet do that? Violet nods, and he says, let’s see. They’ll wash the sticks, get them dry, and he promises he won’t munch any marshmallows in the meantime. Violet giggles.
The bartender asks what he can get Josslyn and Trina, and Josslyn says, IDs and an unregistered phone. Trina says, they heard he’s someone who can hook them up, and he says, heard it from who? They look at the bar guy, and the bartender says he might know a guy. They both want IDs? Josslyn says, actually, they want the phone first, and it should have working email, internet, and a camera. Does he have phones that could handle all of that? He says, well, sure. It’ll set them back about a grand. Is that a problem? Josslyn says, no, and puts her bag on the bar, but Trina says, wait. They’ve been burned before. They don’t want to get scammed again. Their friend said she got her phone here, and she wants to make sure he’s the right guy. She shows him a picture of Esme on her phone, and asks if he remembers selling a phone to her.
Sonny and Nina walk into Charlie’s, and she says, he’s absolutely right. This is more their scene. He tells her to grab a table, and he’ll get the drinks, but she says, how about if he grabs a table. This round is on her. She goes to the bar, and he smiles.
Chase says, why doesn’t Linc be decent for once in his life, and relinquish control of Brook’s songs; or at least split the profits with her? Linc asks if Chase is her manager all of a sudden. Is he looking for a payday? She’s already rich; she’s not hurting for cash with that family of hers. Linc walks over to Brook and says, a man can’t get a drink in peace. She has to sic her pit bull on him? Chase tells Linc, watch his tone, and the entire conversation was his idea. Linc says, next time he gets the urge, don’t, and Chase says, keep clear of Brook and they won’t have to worry about that. Linc picks up his jacket, and says, don’t worry. He has better places to be. He leaves, and Brook says, she bets he does. Chase says, what? and she asks what Chase said to him? Chase says, just that he can’t talk to her like that again. He’s sorry he lost his cool. She says, don’t apologize. It was incredibly reactive and old school, and really… and it was the perfect diversion. Linc’s up to no good, and now she knows what.
Curtis tells Selina, everything’s ready. He’s honored their deal, even during his family emergency. She says, his family matter must have been most distressing. Are things better now? He asks if she really cares, and she says she knows he may not think of her as a friend, and that’s fair. But she can provide an ear if he needs to vent, as an ally. Their businesses are dependent on one another
Gregory shows Violet how to put marshmallows on the stick, and Cameron tells Finn, his dad is a really cool guy. Finn says, he is, and Cameron says, he helped explain this whole Title IX situation. Cameron assumes Finn asked Gregory to talk to him, and Finn says he hopes it was okay. Cameron says, it was; it really helped. He thanks Finn, and Finn says, he’s welcome. Finn just wants… Cameron says, Finn just wants what’s best for him and his brothers, because Finn cares about their mom and them. Finn says he does. They’ve been pretty great, the way they welcomed Violet. Cameron says, it’s not hard. Violet’s Violet. He’s sorry for jumping on Finn about his mom. He knows Finn only wanted to help. The truth is, he’s really scared, and seeing Aiden, he understands Aiden is scared too. Jake probably as well. Finn says he’ll let Cameron in on a secret. He’s a little scared himself, but he promises Cameron, they’ll get through this together. Cameron holds out his hand, and says, together, and they shake
The bartender says, he sold Esme a phone a while back. Kinda had an attitude on this one. Josslyn says, that sounds like Ezzie. Does he remember when she came in, around last January? He nods, and a tall bald guy comes between Trina and Josslyn, and says, hello. He knows them. Josslyn says, he doesn’t, but he says, he recognizes them both; they were all over the news a couple weeks ago. Josslyn says, he must be mistaken, but he says he never forgets pretty faces. He remembers everything about their story, and Trina’s father, the cop.
Nina says she knows it’s not the Tan-O, but with her and Sonny there, it’s close enough. That pocket universe where all the reasons why they shouldn’t be near each other disappear. That’s a fantasy, because they can’t go back to the way it was. He says, they can’t, but what they can do – now that it’s in the open – they can take the universe out of their pockets, and suddenly, they have free space. She says, free space to do what? and he says, to think about us and what happens next. He kisses her.
Dante asks if Sam wants to get out of here, and she says she would love nothing more. They get up, and Dante says, let’s go, but Cody appears, and says, they’re not going anywhere, are they? The party’s just getting started.
Chase says, Brook went through his coat pockets? and she says, focus Whatever’s happening is happening at The Savoy. He says, for starters, they don’t even know if there’s anything illegal going on, and she says, he had a password. Chase never saw that movie where all the guests were wearing masks and costumes, hiding their identities, so they could indulge themselves in debauchery and drugs? He says, at The Savoy? and she says, they know slimeball Linc’s involved. Chase says, they don’t want to rush into anything without a better understanding of what they’re dealing with. Because that would be reckless and counterproductive. She says, God forbid, and he asks what happened to them enjoying each other’s company on a fine summer’s evening? She says, he wins. Shouldn’t the winner get the next round? She leans back in the chaise, and when he goes to bar, she slips out.
Curtis passes Linc in the back, and does a double-take. TJ is at the bar, and Curtis says, he’s sorry. There’s a lot he wants to unpack with TJ about Marshall, but he can’t right now. TJ says he understands. He’ll just chill, and maybe they can talk later. Curtis says, Molly is home, right? Why not fill her in. He’s sure she wants to know everything, and the two of them can talk about it. TJ asks if Curtis is trying to get rid of him.
Trina says, her father isn’t a cop, and tall bald guy says, right. Former cop. The bartender says, what the hell is this, some kind of sting? Josslyn says, no. This man is making it up. Tall bald guy says, Josslyn’s the PCU campus porn queen, and puts his arm around her. She says, get off of me, you creep, and pushes him. He says, touchy, and Trina says, let her go. Bar guy tells him to leave Josslyn alone, and tall bald guy says, mind his own business. He punches bar guy, and a huge fight breaks out. Josslyn and Trina cringe.
Everyone sits around the campfire, and Violet says, Wyatt is going to play a song. He said Aiden picked out a good one. Cameron sings with Wyatt.
Curtis says he knows the situation with Marshall is on TJ’s mind, but if TJ sticks around, that’s all he’ll be thinking about too. Does that make sense? TJ says, it does. It’s been a long day for him too, anyway. How about if he stops by Curtis’s place first thing in the morning? Curtis doesn’t know about first thing, but that sounds fine. He thanks TJ for understanding, and they bro shake.
Selina finds Linc, and says, this way please, Mr. Brown. Curtis watches as Linc goes with her.
Some of the others sing along, and Wyatt and Curtis finish their song. Everyone applauds, and Maxie looks around for Austin, but he’s gone. She says, Austin?
In the woods, Austin says, all right. You made your point, but understand something. The next time you want to talk to me, you find me when I’m alone. You leave Maxie alone. Leave her friends out of it; leave her family out of it. Got it?… Now what do you want?
Nina asks Sonny if this is part of having the space to figure things out, and he says he guesses. She says she thinks she can get used to this, and they kiss again. She asks where this newfound wisdom came from, and he says he’s made peace with the idea that his life moving forward will look more like what they had in Nixon Falls, as opposed to his past here in Port Charles. There’s no going backwards, and Carly made it crystal clear that they’re done. She says she’s sorry. Is he saying that kiss just happened because he got in a fight with his ex-wife?
Dante says, Cody left. He hightailed it out of here. They thought he was long gone. Cody says, his bus doesn’t leave for a few hours. They can stick around for a little bit, right? For old time’s sake? Dante says he doesn’t think so. He’s taking this one – Sam nuzzles his shoulder – and getting out of here. It was good seeing him. Cody says, it was good seeing Dante too, and they bro hug. Dante says, hit him up if Cody’s ever in town again. Sam says, it was good to meet him, and Cody says, her too.
Spinelli comes back to the hotel room, and Zelda asks, what took him so long? She was getting worried. He says he had to make an unexpected trip to an ATM. They’ve got a problem. Mr. Bell is going to be an issue.
Cody goes to the bar, and tells N’neka that he’s looking for a Bradley Cooper. She says, he’s in the back room, down the corridor, to the left. He says he appreciates it, and heads for the back. In the hallway, he takes out a wad of cash.
On the phone, Chase tells Brook, okay. This is the second voicemail. He’s looked all over for her. She can’t be in the ladies room for this long. Where the hell is she?
At the entrance of The Savoy, Brook’s phone rings, but she ignores the call. She looks at herself in her camera, primps a little, and says, that’ll do in a rush. She wishes Chase was here. He doesn’t know what he’s missing. She goes inside.
The bar fight continues. A patron gets thrown across the room, a waitress cracks a chair over someone’s head, and there are head butts. We hear sirens, and Trina says, he’s getting away. The cops pull up, and Josslyn says, they need to get out now. Bar guy says, the cops, and Josslyn says, the cops.
Chase tells Brook that she’s in a far worse position than when she started; Brad tells Selina, there’s a problem with the game; Josslyn says, bust her, and let Trina go; and Drew tells Carly, he was hoping the rules could be bent for him a little.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Punta de Mita Mexico. The women get ready for their day, several of them using glam squads. In Erika’s interview, she says, she doesn’t mind downsizing except for the glam, but surprisingly, I agree with Crystal, who says, why spend the money? She just throws on some lip gloss. They meet for an amazing breakfast spread outside. Dorit says she didn’t sleep, and in her interview, she says she had a lot of anxiety going into this trip. She wasn’t sure she could do it. She’s been struggling, and toyed with the idea of going back home. It took a lot of conversations with PK to get her to a place where she can go through the trip and feel safe. In Erika’s interview, she says she spent many a morning waking up feeling hopeless. We flash back to her saying she’s taking Lexapro, and she says she’s trying to stay in the moment, not the past. She tells the others that she was called a bully in court, and in her interview, she asks if she’s supposed to take it and not fight for herself. No one is going to do it for her, and if that makes her a bully, so be it. Sutton says she wants to take the LSAT (Law School Admission Test), and Erika says she can help tutor. It doesn’t seem like she’s being sarcastic, so I can’t figure this one out. LisaR tells a story about talking to a medium around the time of Lois’s death and how she told them to look for birds. They noticed that the paintings in Lois’s hospice room had birds in them; then LisaR found a ceramic baby bird in her bag. Neither of these things seems earth shattering to me, but if they have meaning for LisaR, that’s what’s important. In LisaR’s interview, she says, everyone has an idea of what grief is like until they go through it themselves. She’s trying be open and honest about it. They toast to Lois as a bird flies by.
There’s a surfing instructor on the beach, and LisaR, Erika, and Crystal go for a lesson, while the others go shopping. As usual, Diana is taking her time, and in her interview, she says, traveling is the biggest privilege. For 18 years she couldn’t travel, and being near water is a luxury. The instructor tells the neophyte surfers that it’s like yoga. In Erika’s interview, she says she can couch surf, and I laugh. In LisaR’s interview, she says, there’s risk taker in her; it’s like a drug. She doesn’t know where she gets it from, since neither of her parents were that way, but she doesn’t want to break her neck. She has lipstick to sell. They all stink at surfing, and no one stays up on the surfboard. The other women go into town, and on the way, Kyle says, she and the family come here often; they have offices here. We see clips of her and Mauricio having a good time. The group goes to a bar/boutique, and Garcelle tells them about buying the beach house. In Garcelle’s interview, she says she’s envisioning it for weekends or when family is in town. She sees it as communal, although she’s saying that now… In Dorit’s interview, she says she had reservations, but now she’s in her element. There’s nothing like retail therapy. In Sutton’s interview, she says she always likes the most expensive thing in the store; it’s a gift. I identify, but don’t have her budget. LisaR tells the Crystal and Erika that they’ll say they surfed. Diana arrives, and Erika says, the others pussed out and went shopping. Kyle buys the same kind of lingerie you could get at Victoria’s Secret, and I wonder, why that? Dorit says there were strong feelings with Crystal last night, and Sutton says, they’re starting their friendship from the beginning, but she has a problem with Crystal twisting words. Kyle says she thinks it’s bigger than that. Meanwhile, Erika tells Crystal that she has to have the hard conversation. What’s going on?
Erika says, Sutton called Crystal a liar, and we flash back to that. She says, Sutton will never stop coming for Crystal, but I think it looks like it’s the other way around. Crystal says she doesn’t want conflict, but Erika says, Sutton invited it. She called you a liar last night, baby. If you don’t open your mouth, you allow others to fill in the story for you. Erika is spot-on there, but clearly she’s trying to stir up a fight between Crystal and Sutton. Crystal says she’s doing her best, and Erika says, if she doesn’t stand up and fight for her side, she’ll be run over. Crystal starts crying, and Erika tells her, it’s going to be all right. In Diana’s interview, she says, Erika is straight to the point, and doesn’t mince words. She responds well to that. Crystal needs to grow bigger balls. Erika says, Crystal can’t take being called a liar on the chin. At the boutique, Sutton says she thinks Crystal is a good person, and Kyle asks if Sutton just doesn’t want a problem with her. Sutton says she’s not scared of anyone, and Kyle tells her, when Erika says something, she’s being reactive, but Crystal is more manipulative, which makes her scarier. Sutton says she wants to help Crystal be better. Friends don’t go behind your back and tell lies. Garcelle says she heard Crystal had done that to other friends, and in Sutton’s interview, she says she heard from a friend who was also Crystal’s friend, that it’s a behavior pattern. Kyle says, Crystal wants to be liked and have approval. She wants to look good, so she makes Sutton look bad,. In her interview, Kyle says she heard about this, but she has no intention of talking about it. She wants to give Crystal the benefit of the doubt, but it’s not matching up. On the beach, Erika tells Crystal, it’s not okay, and in LisaR’s interview, she says, she heard about Crystal falling out with 14 friends; she knows some of them. Being dropped by 14 friends is a lot. She doesn’t even have 14 friends. Erika says, calling her a liar is the worst thing you can do, and we flash back to several times Erika has put her finger in someone’s face for just that. Hmm… Who’s the common denominator? She says she’s torn up a few people about it. Kyle wonders what Crystal has to gain by throwing Sutton under the bus, even though she just explained that herself two seconds ago. Dorit says, Crystal was defending herself to Garcelle, and we flash back to Crystal saying, a lot more was said that was dark. Kyle suggests Crystal wants to be liked and look like a victim at the same time. Crystal and Erika go to the tiki bar, and Crystal broods. Erika says, it will be fine; just tell your truth. In Crystal’s interview, she says she thinks Erika is biased because of her history with Sutton for sure, but she also thinks Erika’s advice comes from a good place. Erika wants to protect her. Sutton is relentless, and Erika doesn’t want to see her walked over. Kyle asks if Sutton wants Crystal to admit she created this whole thing, but Sutton says, that’s on Crystal.
Kyle squeals about giant bugs or lizards or something in her room. In her interview, she says, note to self: shut the door when you leave. Next it will be an iguana. LisaR visits Erika’s room, and tells her that today was a nice distraction. When she came back, she had a good cry. Erika says, it’s therapeutic, and Kyle calls. Erika says, they were smarter to go shopping; they had their asses kicked. Kyle asks how Crystal is, and LisaR says, she cried the whole time. Kyle asks what was said, and Erika says she doesn’t remember, but Crystal cried to her through three margaritas. Kyle asks if they want to help her iron, but has no takers. I wonder, who irons anymore? And let me just point out that Crystal was having a fine time until Erika prodded the tears out of her.
The women get super dressed up, and go to a gorgeous outside table. Both Crystal and Diana are wearing bird earrings in honor of Lois, and LisaR says she’s been seeing birds all day, like this would be unusual here. LisaR asks if Diana wants to tell the story about her Room 23 book, and Diana says she thinks they already did. We see a clip of them discussing a book Diana put together, and the women encourage Diana to talk about it, but she obviously doesn’t want to. In Diana’s interview, she says, she doesn’t want to discuss it. It took a lot of money and time to achieve the book she wanted, and it backfired; rumors started. We see an article from Jezebel where it says, Diana’s subjects are all clients and call girls. From what we see of the book, it looks like artsy/nakey pictures. A producer says, so Diana isn’t a sex trafficker or high-class madam? and Diana says, it’s so ridiculous. She can’t believe it caught on. It’s very dangerous. Fake rumors can destroy your life. It was a painful time. Some people come out to do a ceremony for a cleaning of energy. First, they have to drink a shot of black tea, and in Crystal’s interview, she says she’ll do anything. She’ll pour it over her head or bathe in it. She needs the energy cleansed. A woman goes around burning (I assume) sage, and in LisaR’s interview, she says she doubts this will make them have a good dinner, but she’s willing to try. In Erika’s interview, she says, all the sage in Sageville won’t cleanse this. A guy blows a conch shell, everyone is startled, and Kyle and Dorit scream. Kyle asks what the women did after surfing, and Erika says, they talked about last night. Garcelle asks for specifics, and Erika says, Sutton called Crystal a liar. She would have to ask who gave Sutton that information. In Sutton’s interview, she says she could say she had a conversation with Jesus, and Erika still wouldn’t like it.
Erika says, Sutton told them she’d talked other people in Crystal’s group of friends. Who’s in the group, what did they say, and how does it fit in here? Sutton says, when you have a reputation for doing this… In Crystal’s interview, she says, Sutton has no idea what happened with her friends. Sutton has never met them, so she doesn’t want to breathe life into it. Sutton says, other people heard it, and LisaR says she has. Erika says if she’s not willing to tell them, why bring it up? Crystal said she feels like an easy target, and nothing she says will be good enough. In Kyle’s interview, she says she’s not buying it. She just doesn’t like Sutton; be honest. In Sutton’s interview, she says, they could have been talking about a lot of things. Why not talk about where Erika is with her legal stuff? Garcelle says, when Crystal stays quiet, it feels like they’re ganging up on her, and Crystal says, she knows her choice of words can be confusing; that’s on her, but she’s trying. Sutton says, Crystal keeps attacking her character, and Crystal says, Sutton attacked hers. Sutton says, she apologizes for bringing up hearsay, and Crystal says, rumors. Sutton says, that was unfair, and she takes it back, but she’s not taking back saying that Crystal has done this repeatedly to her, and she needs to stop that. Crystal says, Sutton needs to understand how she feels, and Sutton tries to interject, but Erika says, let her finish. Garcelle asks why Erika is all in this. Let them figure it out. In Garcelle’s interview, she says she thinks Erika is tired of talking about herself, so she’s making up for lost time, getting in the mix with everyone else. Crystal says, moving forward in her and Sutton’s friendship is important to her, and Sutton says she needs to hear Crystal say it, that she’s not going to do that to her again, so she can trust Crystal. She genuinely likes Crystal and wants to be her friend, Crystal says, Sutton also said she hated her, and Sutton says she hates what Crystal did. Everyone agrees that’s not how Sutton put it, and in Diana’s interview, she says, Sutton just contradicted herself again. She’s realizing there’s more to Sutton than she thought. And not in a good way. Sutton says she’s a good person, and Diana says she didn’t say Sutton wasn’t. Sutton says, let her finish, but Diana says she’s trying to find a solution. This frustrates Sutton more, and she tells Diana that she’s going to keep saying it until Diana hears her. In her interview, Diana says, Sutton’s reaction is shocking and embarrassing. To turn on someone who’s trying to help isn’t normal behavior. Kyle says, Diana is just trying to diffuse the situation, and Diana says, Sutton told her at their first lunch that she didn’t respond well to yelling, and wasn’t violent, yet Sutton just screamed at her. Sutton says she needs a break, and Kyle asks if she needs someone to come with her. She and Sutton leave, and go to the bathroom, Kyle tells Sutton, it’s not that big a deal, and to take a breath.
In Sutton’s interview, she says she’s trying to be calm. She doesn’t want to look crazy. At the table, Dorit says, Sutton’s aggression was misdirected; Diana felt genuine and kind. Diana gets all weepy, but says she’s good. In her interview, she says, this is the most vulnerable she’s been in many years. Being hormonal post-pregnancy makes you more vulnerable and softer. She likes to appear like she’s got it together even when she doesn’t. Kyle tells Sutton to hold her head high. She lost it for a second, but she got it together. Garcelle says, everyone is too much. She can’t eat her artichoke. Sutton comes back, and says she’s sorry. She asks if she and Diana are good, and Erika says, Diana started crying. Sutton says she lost her cool, and she’s sorry. Diana says, it’s all good, and Diana, Crystal, and Dorit go to the bathroom to fix Diana’s makeup. Kyle says, Crystal put herself in this position, and Garcelle says, Crystal takes it, literally caves in with her body language, and that makes it feel like Sutton is coming for her. Kyle says, that’s the victim card. She thinks it’s intentional. In her interview, Kyle says, Crystal wants sympathy. She doesn’t feel comfortable, and she guesses Crystal thinks this is the best way get their attention. But guess what? It’s not. Erika asks if they really believe Crystal is manipulative. She doesn’t think Crystal has ever been challenged by a friend group, and Kyle says, maybe the 14 friends challenged her. In Kyle’s interview, Crystal must have done a little something wrong to piss off 14 friends. Garcelle doesn’t think Crystal is to be trusted, and Kyle says, she’s intentionally murky. Erika warns them that she’s coming back, and not to say what they don’t want heard. Kyle says, they need to move on, and Garcelle tells Sutton not to say her and Crystal’s friendship is great. Sutton says, they’ll grow from where they are, and Erika says, they’ll get past what this is. Crystal has to stick up for herself. Dorit says, Crystal felt genuine, and Sutton says she’s willing to start over to build a friendship. She wants to. LisaR says, lovely, and Kyle throws a piece of bread at her.
Next time, Diana says, Sutton could have gotten head-butted when she came for her; Garcelle says, Denise is coming to her party, but LisaR won’t be there; LisaR says she reached out to Denise; and Erika gets what Sutton calls mud pie messy drunk on a boat trip.
🍹 Southern Charm is beginning their new season soon, so FYI, there are lots of old episodes, watching with the cast, and where are they nows on Bravo right now.
🐣 Tweet Dreams…
Meet me tomorrow for soap and whatever else I can come up with. Until then stay safe, stay never losing your sense of humor, and stay knowing if you don’t open your mouth, you allow others to fill in the story for you.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Finn, the kids, and Gregory get to the camping site, and Finn says, the hike was a little longer than anticipated, steeper. Gregory says, they all did great, and Violet says she wants to tell Rachel about the guinea pig they saw (in the woods?), and Finn tells her not to forget about the gopher; and they bite! She runs off, and Aiden joins them. Gregory says, if it isn’t Aiden, PC Pioneer, and Finn asks if he’s on a break. Aiden says, until dinner, and Jake says, look at him in his uniform. Aiden says, Jake used to wear one too, and Cameron says, but who wore it better? Jake says, him, definitely, but Aiden says, no way. Cameron walks past Finn, who asks where he’s going, and Cameron says, he just needs a break from all this pretending. He’s grabbing his phone; it should be fully charged by now. Finn tells Gregory, nothing like getting away from it all.
At The Savoy, Britt joins Nina, who says, there she is. She took the liberty of ordering Britt’s usual, but Britt says she’s sticking to water tonight. Nina says she thought Britt subscribed to the hair of the dog for a hangover, and Britt says, that’s before she became a GIF. Nina says, don’t worry, it’ll blow over, and Britt says, so she’s seen it? Nina says, has anyone not seen it? and Britt says, that’s great. Thank you. Nina suggests they switch topics, and Britt says, please. She hasn’t talked to Nina since their girls night out; what’s new? Nina says, what’s new… Well, here’s something. She almost left Port Charles.
Carly brings Sonny to her office and thanks him for meeting her. He says, she told him it was about the kids, and she says, it is. This is a difficult situation for them. In some ways, it’s easier for Donna and Avery because they’re too young to fully understand what’s going on, and they just want to know their family still loves them. They’re doing everything they can to reassure them of that. Josslyn’s been terrific; she’s spending lots of time with them, but she’s got a lot going on. He says he loves Josslyn; she’s like a daughter to him, despite what Michael said. She asks what Michael said, and he tells her, he said that after the divorce, and everything that happened with Nina, he basically threw away his relationship with his kids. Can she believe that? She says she can believe it, and she agrees. He says, she didn’t call him here to fight, did she? and she says she didn’t. She just wants to talk about what they still have in common, mainly their kids, and she wanted to talk about Michael and what this rift is doing to him. Sonny says he doesn’t like it either, but Michael’s made it clear he doesn’t want Sonny anywhere near his life. No matter what Sonny says or does, nothing is going to change that.
At the pool, Zelda asks Cody if there’s a problem, and he says he’s sure it’s just an accounting error, but his paycheck was off by $500. She says, there was no mistake, and he knows it, and he says, it wastes both of their time to argue over such a small amount. She says she agrees, and he says, just pay him what he’s owed, and that’ll be it. She says, she’s fulfilled Society Set-Ups’ part of the contract, and he asks if that contract included a drunk woman wandering into his landing zone. Someone could have been hurt. She says, but they weren’t, and he says, an act of gross negligence is bad for business. What’s $500 to protect her image? She asks if he’s threatening her, and he says, she’s a smart woman; you tell me. Sam and Dante walk in, and Dante asks, what’s going on?
As Trina and Josslyn are going into Kelly’s, Josslyn’s phone rings. She says, finally. Where have you been? Cameron says, sorry. His phone was dead; he had to wait for it to charge. PCU decided against Trina? He can’t believe it. She says, her neither, but it’s going to be okay. They have a plan.
In the woods, Austin sees Wyatt piling some wood, and Wyatt asks, how was the kayak? Austin says, great. Sorry he missed it. Kim’s sick and they’re down a counselor, so that leaves Wyatt. Wyatt says, not for long. It looks like reinforcements have arrived. Austin says, good. He wonders who they sent, when Maxie says, Maxie Jones, reporting for duty.
Zelda tells Dante, this man is trying to extort her, and Cody says, if extort means getting what he’s owed. He takes out an envelope, and says, the deal was for $2000. He holds the check out to Sam, and asks, what’s that say? She says, $1500, and Zelda says, two thousand, minus the charges to his room. Cody says, the hotel room was part of the deal, but Zelda says, not including incidentals. He says, he misunderstood, and Zelda says, and it cost him. Sam says, he charged $500 worth of stuff to his room? and Cody says, yes, but he didn’t know… Dante says, okay. If they get this guy out of Zelda’s hair, can they consider the matter closed? Zelda says she supposes so, and Dante says, let’s go. He, Sam, and Cody leave.
Cameron says, what plan? and Josslyn says, they’re at Kelly’s. She thought he was working today. He says he decided to go on that trip; he’s in Pautuck. She says, for real? He’s out of town? He says he thought he should be here, and she says she gets it. She’s sure Jake and Aiden are super psyched he’s there. Maybe this trip is what everyone needs. He says, that’s what Jake keeps saying, and she says, he doesn’t agree? He says he just hates pretending like everything’s fine when his mom is in Shadybrook.
Wyatt drops off Maxie’s luggage, and she thanks him for the assist. He says, no problem, and she tells Austin, he seems surprised. He says he is, and she says, and maybe a tad befuddled? He says he’s always befuddled. It’s nice to see her. What is she doing here? She says, Georgie is a Junior PC Pioneer, and as such, she’s on the Parents in a Pinch list. He says, it needs a better name, and she says, parents volunteer to help out when they’re understaffed, even if their child isn’t participating. So while Georgie is at a sleepover at her friend Lena’s house, here she is. He says, in beautiful Pautuck. She said she wasn’t ready to come back here quite yet, and she says she’s not, but let’s be real. When will she ever be? She thought there would be plenty of people and enough distractions, she’d be able to hack it. She’s also communing with nature. He says, sure she is, and points to her suitcases, asking, what’s she going to do with all of that? She asks if he’s never heard of glamping, and he says he’s heard of it, but that’s not what this is. She says, speak for yourself. Mac says, camping is good for the soul, but she believes an air mattress is key. So where can they set up her tent?
Josslyn says she’s not upset, and Trina asks who she’s talking to right now. Josslyn says, she’s actually glad Cam is spending time with his brothers, and Trina says, but? Josslyn says, but this is just another example that she and Cam are out of sync. But they don’t need Cam. They have all the help they need. Spinelli walks in, and waves.
Finn asks if Cameron came back yet, but Jake says, he’s still on the phone. Violet says, with his girlfriend? and Finn says he’s pretty sure she’s not dating until she’s 30. Violet tells Gregory, grandpa, talk some sense into him, but Gregory says he’s not touching this. Jake thanks Finn, and Finn says, for what? Jake says, coming here was a good idea, especially since Aiden won’t be around them most of the time. Aiden says, take that back, and Jake says, make me. He runs, and Aiden takes off after him. Cameron comes back, and Finn asks if everything is okay. Cameron says, coming here was a huge mistake.
Britt says, sorry about the hearing. She knows how much Nina wanted to be in Wiley’s life. Nina says she even begged Willow and Michael to reconsider, and Britt asks how that went. Nina says, about as poorly as you’d think, and Britt says she gets the impulse to get out of town. She’s just glad Nina didn’t act on it. She has family here. Nina thanks her, and Britt says she means it. If Nina were to jump ship, it would just be her, Maxie, and her mother. Nina rounds out their little motley crew. Nina says she would miss Britt too. Obviously, she wasn’t thinking clearly. Britt says, but she was on her way to the airport, and Nina says, her bags were packed and everything. Britt asks what convinced her to stay.
Carly tells Sonny, Michael is a grown man and makes his own decisions, but that doesn’t stop her from worrying about him. He asks if Michael is in danger, and she says, you tell me. If Sonny’s rivals know they’re on the outs, they could assume Michael is no longer under his protection. Sonny says, that would be wrong. He’s not going to let anybody hurt his son. She says, okay, sure, and he asks what that means. She says, he doesn’t think it hurt Michael when he testified against him? He says he didn’t testify against Michael, but she says, he testified for Nina; it’s the same thing. How does he not see that? She doesn’t get him. She gets that he and Michael are fighting, but Sonny has been Michael’s father since Michael was two years old. Sonny raised him. Sonny says he loves Michael, and Carly says, then how he could sit there when Michael was being attacked?
Sam, Dante, and Cody go to The Savoy, and Cody says, the woman owns a company, for God’s sake. What does she care about 500 bucks? Dante suggests Cody relax, and they’ll get a drink, but Cody says, no thanks. Dante says, he’s buying, and Cody says, in that case, he’ll have a bourbon. Dante says, that’s what he thought, and Sam goes to the bar while he and Cody grab a table.
Britt says, now she gets why Nina is here and not on a plane to Tahiti. Nina says she was actually headed to Europe, but she’s not here just because of Sonny. She has family here. Not just their motley crew… Britt says, Wiley, and Nina says, Sonny helped her remember that she can’t abandon that little boy. Even though she can’t spend time with him, she has to stay here to prove to Michael and Willow that she deserves a place in that little man’s life. Britt says she hopes it works out for Nina, and Nina says she doesn’t sound very optimistic. Britt says she just thinks if she has unrealistic expectations, Nina is going to set herself up. Nina says, for what? and Britt says, at best, to get hurt, at worst, to do something that reinforces Michael and Willow’s decision to keep Wiley away from her. Nina says, thank you for the encouragement, and Britt says she wants Nina to have Wiley in her life, but realistically, Nina was the one who chose to go to court, she lost, and now she has to give Michael and Willow time and distance to come around. On the bright side, she still has James. Nina says, yeah, she can watch James grow up. She knows she’s suffered a great loss, but she’s also realized she still has a lot left. Britt says, including Sonny? and Nina says, she doesn’t think she has Sonny. Britt asks what she calls it, but Nina says she doesn’t know. They just have something between them. Britt says, ya think? and sees Cody looking at her.
Cody says, great, and Dante says, what now? Cody says, that Britt woman is here. She acts like he ruined her life when it’s obvious her life is already a disaster. Dante says, she’s not lacking in the complication department, but they were talking about Cody. Cody says, can they not? and Dante asks, what’s going on with him? Why is he hard up for cash? Is he in trouble?
Finn says, he and Cameron talked about this. Jake and Aiden needed a break, and it seems like they’re having fun. Cameron says, it’s not that. Yes, it’s hard being away from his mom right now, but the reason he wishes he was home is that the school made their decision in Trina’s Title IX case. They ruled against her. Finn asks what that means, and Cameron says he doesn’t know, but it is not good. Finn asks if he wants to talk about it, but Cameron says, not unless Finn can tell him what’s about to happen with his friend.
Josslyn says, they still think the phone is their best bet, and Spinelli says, to prove Esme was the one who recorded her and Cam. Trina says, Scotty asked him to examine it right, as an expert for the defense? and Spinelli says, he did, and the PCPD examined it as well. Josslyn says, the PCPD’s got nothing on The Jackal, and Trina says, The Jackal? He says, one of his many pseudonyms, and Josslyn asks if he thinks he can work his magic, and find something the police missed. He says, as honored as he is by their faith in him, he’s looked at it from every angle, and there’s nothing to connect the phone to the evil doer, or anyone else for that matter. It only exists to Trina as its possessor. Trina asks if he can’t find out where the phone was purchased, and Josslyn says, or when. Trina says, maybe someone remembers Esme from the store, and Josslyn says, she’s hard to forget. He says, alas, the phone has very little data on it. It was only used twice; once on the night in question, and once to send the email blast. Neither of which offer much information. Trina says, what about the serial number? That’s unique to the phone, right? He says, it is, but according to the serial number, this phone doesn’t even exist.
While helping her with the tent, Austin asks if Maxie did a lot of camping as a kid. She says, not a lot a lot, but enough. One time, Mac, her, and Georgie… He says, her sister Georgie? The original Georgie? Maxie says, yeah, she was an original, and he says, the OGG. She says, anyway, the trip was a disaster. It rained the entire time, and their tent had seen better days. Water was leaking in on the sides, and Georgie of course (🍷) insisted she sleep in the middle. He says, that’s love, and she says, or Georgie would rather get soaked than listen to her complain. She thinks Georgie was right. Austin says, he thinks you have to work at NASA to figure out these instructions, and Maxie puts up the tent in two seconds, saying, voila. Stick with her, and he’ll be fine. He says he’s starting to see that.
Carly says, Scotty said Michael was violent against women in open court, and Sonny just sat there, and Sonny says, they were in court. Did she want him to get up, grab Scotty, and throw him against the wall? She says, it’s what happened after. There was a recess, and he didn’t even check on Michael; he went to Nina. She watched him touch Nina’s face. He says, come on, but she says, his son weathered a vicious attack, and he consoled the woman who initiated it. She doesn’t know him anymore. The man she loved, that she fought for, that she married five times would have never done that. He’s gone. The man who came back from Nixon Falls is a stranger.
Trina tells Spinelli that she’s confused. So there’s no phone? He says, the phone exists physically, as she well knows. It’s just, according to the serial number, it never made it to the store. Josslyn says, so it was stolen, and he says, or lost in transit, but she says, let’s go with stolen. Trina says, they should have known Esme was too smart to leave a paper trail, and Spinelli says he’s sorry he couldn’t offer more help. Trina says she appreciates him trying, and Josslyn says, this is insane. They were there that night. There needs to be something they’re forgetting. Something Esme did that can now be seen as suspicious. Trina says she’s not giving up on the phone angle yet, and asks Spinelli, where would you go to buy a hot phone? He says, The Highsider, and Josslyn asks, what’s that? He says, it’s a bar… somewhere that two underage amateur sleuths should not be. So feel free to share their theories with Scotty, but please do nothing else. Understood?
Gregory says, Cameron is doing a great job, covering for the kids’ sake, but something is obviously up, and Finn says, he got some bad news about a friend. He asked if Cameron wanted to talk, but he wasn’t interested. Gregory says, Cameron strikes him as an open, personable guy; not the sullen teen type. Finn says, he’s not. If Elizabeth was here, he’d talk to her. Gregory says, Elizabeth’s not here, and Finn says, of that, he’s acutely aware. Gregory says, he means, Finn is the only option; try again. If at first you don’t succeed… Finn says he might have a better idea.
Cody tells Dante, there’s no trouble. It’s just how he lives his life; gig to gig, paycheck to paycheck. Sometimes, there’s a fair amount of time between each one. Dante asks why he doesn’t just get a steady job, and Cody says, the demand for a full-time skydiver isn’t as robust as one might think. He’s gotta go where the money is. Dante says, if Cody needs 500 bucks, he’ll loan him 500 bucks. Cody says, Dante can buy him a drink, and let him sleep on his couch. Dante can even bail him out of jail in a pinch. But Dante’s not going to pay his way. He doesn’t want to owe Dante like that. Never did; never will.
Maxie asks what gear Austin brought, and he says, he brought this, indicating his bag, and a bedroll. She says, he doesn’t even have a tent? but he says, the forecast was for clear weather, and he likes to sleep under the stars. She says, okay. What does he have in there anyway? Please tell her that he brought toothpaste. He says, all of the essential items, and he brought a change of clothes, and this. He hands her a small book, and she says, it’s a guidebook for the state park. She thought he knew every inch of these woods. He says, he does; it’s his dad’s. It has all his notes and his comments on every trail and every campsite. He knew every inch of this place. Maxie says, amazing, handing it back to him, and he says, when he’s here, it’s like his dad is with him. She says, it’s great he has a special reminder of Jimmy Lee, and he says, his father loved this place, and tried to teach him the same appreciation. She says, like father, like son, and he says, pretty much. She says she’s glad she’s here, and he says, to pitch in, in a pinch, for the win. She laughs, and he holds out his hand. She takes it, and he says he’s glad she’s here.
Carly says, that gesture of support Sonny showed Nina stripped away any illusion. He had a family that adored him, and he threw it away. He says, she gave up on them, but she says she didn’t. She walked away after she found him in bed with Nina. He says, he begged her for weeks, and she pushed him away; she said she wanted to move out. But let’s be honest, she was punishing him. The night she didn’t show up, he was a wreck. He slept with Nina – absolutely wrong – and he’s so, so sorry he hurt her, but she wanted a divorce. She wanted them to end, and she gave up on them. She says she never gave up. She asked for time and he wouldn’t give it to her. He was lying to her for months. He says, and she doesn’t know anything about lying?
Maxie paws through her stuff, and says, this is a disaster. Wyatt asks if he can be of assistance, and hands a small bag to her. She says, he’s an angel. Where did he find it? He says, near her car. He was only following PC Pioneer guidelines. When breaking camp, always recheck the area. She asks if that always includes parked cars, and he says, they moved her gear. He thought it was a little like breaking camp, and he should check to be safe. She says she’s glad he did. This is her toiletry bag; it has her toothbrush. He says, it’s important to maintain dental hygiene while camping, and she says, it says so on page 15 of the PC Pioneer’s Handbook. He says, she memorized the handbook? and she says, not yet, but she and her daughter Georgie are working on it. He says, it takes a while, but it’s worth it. She says, that lesson is true for most worthwhile things in life. If he’s learned that already, he’s way ahead of the game.
Sam brings the drinks to Cody and Dante, and asks if she interrupted something. Cody says, Dante kindly offered to help him out, but he let Dante know he’ll get the money on his own. She says she doesn’t mean to pry, but is everything okay? Is Cody in trouble? Cody says, obviously, Sam and Dante are made for each other. For the last time, there’s no trouble. He has plans. Dante says, what kind of plans? and Cody says, for the future. He’s not going to live like this for the rest of his life. He’s saving up for his dream. Sam says, which is?
Britt’s phone dings a few times, but she ignores it. Nina asks if she wants to answer that, but Britt says, no. It’s just Brad. He’s checking on her. He thinks she’s clinically depressed. Nina asks if Britt shouldn’t reassure him, but Britt says she wants to make him sweat a little. He’s the one who took the video of her at the MetroCourt pool. Nina says, Brad is the reason she’s a meme? and Britt says, a GIF. Nina says, yeah, let’s make him suffer, and they clink glasses.
Dante says, a working ranch of his own, that’s cool, and Cody says he’ll raise cattle, break horses; livin’ the dream. That’s why he’s trying to save every penny he can. Dante says, which is why he’s going to take a 4 hour bus ride to Watkin’s Glen instead of renting a car? Cody says, bingo, and Sam says, buying a ranch is quite a goal. Cody says he’ll make it happen, and she says she thought he couldn’t stay in the same place for too long, but he says, just needs to be the right place.
Gregory says he heard Cameron was worried about his friend, and Cameron asks if Finn told him. Gregory says, no specifics, and Cameron says, it’s not really a secret. One of his best friends is involved in a PCU Title IX investigation. They found her guilty. Gregory says, they found her responsible, and Cameron says, to be honest, the whole process is confusing. Gregory says, as a college professor, he’s pretty familiar with the Title IX guidelines. He can answer questions if Cameron wants. Cameron says, that would be great, and thanks him.
Spinelli says he has to depart; duty calls. Trina thanks him for meeting them, and Josslyn says, he’s the best. He says, now he’s also nervous that he’s said too much, and Trina says, they’ll tell Scotty their theory. He says, and not take matters into their own hands? and Josslyn says, they won’t do anything stupid. He says, Josslyn… She says, they won’t, and he says he’s trusting them to use their common sense here. Josslyn says she’s her mother’s daughter, and he says, that’s precisely what he’s worried about. He leaves, and Trina puts The Highsider in her phone. She says, 483 Water Street, and Josslyn asks what they’re waiting for.
Sonny tells Carly, let’s not forget when he came home, his wife was married to his best friend. She says, they thought he was dead, and he says, that’s one way to mourn. She says, it’s not like she and Jason fell into each other’s arms the next day. It took a year for those feelings to develop, and why is that? He says, let’s not bring Nina into this, but she says, that’s impossible when all roads lead to her every single time. She and Jason would have never gone there if they thought there was a chance he was still alive. He says he would have never been with Nina if he hadn’t lost his memory, and she says, why is that? His refusal to hold Nina accountable is astounding. He says, what Nina did was wrong. He hates the pain she caused Carly and the kids, but he was furious with her. Carly says, for maybe five minutes, and he says, the feelings he had for Nina in Nixon Falls happened when he didn’t know who he was. He came home and still had those feelings. He didn’t want to have those feelings, but he couldn’t shake them. The lie Nina told was wrong, but the connection they had was real. She says, and he chose that connection over his family, but he says he didn’t; she and Michael did when they shut him out. Michael’s trying to tear him down. Michael wants him forgotten; those were his words, and she’s cheerleading for him. She says, Michael’s a grown man. So if he wants to cut Sonny out of his life, that’s his decision. Just like it was her decision as an adult to file for divorce, but Donna’s a little girl. And as her mother, it’s on Carly to look out for her. He says, she’s not keeping Donna from him, is she?
Cody sees Britt at the bar, and says, last chance. She says, for what? and he says, to buy him a drink. She says, tempting… She’ll pass. Does this mean he’s leaving town? He says, tonight, and she says, it’s still a no. He says, she doesn’t give an inch. It makes it that much more unbelievable she’s letting Society Set-Ups off the hook. He thought she’d stand up for herself. He guesses he was wrong. She says, that was one weak attempt at reverse psychology, but he says he thought it was pretty good. She says, she grew up surrounded by master manipulators, and he says, sounds interesting. Her drink comes, and she says, it wasn’t. Good luck. She starts to leave, and he says he just hates to see someone leave the game with money on the table. She says, something he would obviously never do, and he says he’s not that dumb. She tells him that if he has a problem with Society Set-Ups, handle it himself, and walks away.
Wyatt says hi to Finn, who asks, what’s going on? Wyatt says he’s a junior counselor for the PC Pioneers now, and Finn says, moving up in the world. How’s school? Wyatt says, it’s great. He’s decided he wants to study music. Finn says, he plays the cello, right? and Wyatt says, sometimes, but he’s really into the guitar. He’s leading the singalong at the campfire tonight. Finn should come. Finn says, singing, huh?
Gregory tells Cameron that he knows it’s a lot of information, but Cameron says he thinks he understands it a bit better now. He thanks Gregory, but Gregory says, thank Finn. He’s the one who suggested they talk.
Finn says, singing, huh? and Wyatt says, it’s going to be great. He walks off, and Finn looks at Cameron.
Nina suggests she and Britt go to the PC Grill for dinner, but Britt asks for a raincheck. All she wants is her sweet, sweet bed right now. She feels like she could sleep for a week. Nina says, maybe Brad’s not totally off base. Britt sounds a little down. Britt says she just needs to recover from last night… and this morning.
Cody tells Sam and Dante that he should get going. It was good to see Dante. Congratulations on the job, and the girl. Cody is really happy for him. Dante says, thanks, but he thought Cody’s bus didn’t leave for an hour. Cody says he has one loose end he needs to tie up before he leaves town, and tells Sam that it was good to meet her. She says, him too, and he and Dante shake hands. Dante says, see him around, and Cody leaves. Sam says, Dante has a really interesting friend there, and he says, she has no idea.
Austin says he thought Maxie was coming over to the Pioneer’s campground, and she says she was looking for something. He says, among her many bags? and she says, her many useful bags, with her many, many necessary items. Anyway, she found what she was looking for, and she’s ready for what’s next. Violet, Aiden, and Jake come by, and Violet says, goody! She’s not the only girl. She runs to Maxie, who says, I’ve got your back, sister. Violet says, boys are okay, but some things they just don’t understand, and Maxie says, totally. Violet is so wise. Austin suggests Aiden and Jake help Wyatt get firewood, and Aiden says, they’re on it. Violet says, let’s get this party started, and they follow.
Carly says she would never keep Donna from Sonny. For Donna’s sake, not his. He says, this is how she sees him now, and she says, yeah. He says he guesses they’ve just got nothing else to say, and she says, Donna is their only connection. He’ll live his life, and she’ll live hers. He says, all right, and leaves.
Zelda gets up, leaving the pool area, and Cody follows.
Britt asks if Dante’s little friend is gone, and he says, Cody is on his way out of town. Britt says, hallelujah. How did Mr. Law and Order end up being friends with a second-rate con artist anyway? She leaves, and Sam says she was actually wondering same thing.
Zelda knocks on a hotel room door as Cody watches from around the corner. The door opens, and he ducks back, but Zelda goes inside. Spinelli wheels a room service tray out, takes a bite of something, and dashes back in.
Carly’s phone rings, and Josslyn says she wanted to let Carly know that she and Trina are going out dancing with some friends tonight. Carly says, oh fun. She’ll be there… She’s just kidding, but it does sound like fun. (That sounds like something my father would do to me.) Josslyn says she hopes so. She might be out late, and didn’t want Carly to worry. Carly says she loves her considerate daughter. Have fun and no drinking. Josslyn says she promises. Love you. Carly says, love you, and Josslyn asks Trina, ready? Trina says, let’s do this, and they go into the bar.
Sonny comes into The Savoy, and Britt tells Nina, goodnight. He says he took a chance that Nina might be here, and she says, he was looking for her? He asks what she’s doing tonight, and she says she was just headed home. He asks if there’s any way she’ll reconsider, and stay with him tonight.
Wyatt shows Violet a rock, and says, check this out; isn’t it cool? She asks where he found it, and he says, by the lake. She wonders if there’s more like it, and he says, they can check in the morning. Finn asks Gregory, what’s the verdict? Did he overstep, asking Gregory to talk to Cam? Gregory says, not at all. He thinks Cameron appreciated the gesture. Finn says, the kid’s got a weight on his shoulder, but Gregory says he thinks Cameron is strong enough to handle it. If he isn’t, he has Finn to help him. Finn says he doesn’t think Cam wants his help, but Gregory says, give him time. He bets Cam comes around.
Maxie runs up to Austin, and says she found sticks for roasting marshmallows. She shows him, and he laughs, saying, he doesn’t think her sticks are s’more sufficient. She asks if he’s saying her sticks are deficient, and he says he’s heard size doesn’t matter, but they do need to be sturdy enough – that’s right, he’s saying it – to stick them in the marshmallow. She says, okay. She didn’t know she’d taken up with the s’mores police. He says, stick with him, and she’ll be fine, and she says she’s starting to see that. They laugh, and we see that someone is watching.
Tomorrow, Selena tells Curtis, their businesses are dependent on one another; Cody says he thinks he and Spinelli can help each other; Trina asks if the bartender remembers Esme; and Sonny asks, what if he makes it worth someone’s while?
🏕 Coming Up In the World…
I honestly didn’t recognize him. Five minutes from now, he’ll be in college.
Click in tomorrow for some soap and what’s going on in Beverly Hills. Until then, stay safe, stay ready to stand up for what you believe, and stay knowing most worthwhile things in life take a while, but it’s worth it.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
At the pool, Drew says, business is so much better conducted outdoors, and Michael says, that’s why deals are closed on the golf course. He’s sorry the talk with Ned didn’t go well, and Drew says, the have many more holes to play, and that’s officially the end of the golf metaphor. He hands Michael his tablet, and says he thinks once they show this to Ned, Ned is going to have a change of heart. Michael asks if this is right. There’s been a 52% increase. That would mean the company is… Drew says, skyrocketing is the term he believes Michael is looking for, and Michael says, that’s incredible. Carly walks in, and Michael says he wonders who’s buying all these shares. Carly says, you’re welcome.
At the MetroCourt bar on the phone with Dex, Sonny says, something’s come up; it’s personal… Yeah. He’ll get back to Dex with the instructions.
Jordan walks over to Martin and Valentin’s table, and apologizes for the interruption. Valentin asks how he can be of service to her and the good people of Port Charles today, but she says, actually she’s here to see Martin. His office told her where to find him. Martin says, they told him that she was on her way, and Valentin thanks him for the heads up. Martin says, they’re not doing anything criminal until 4 o’clock; he thought it would be a nice surprise. He asks Jordan how he can help, and she says she got a call from the Bureau. It’s about his brother.
Spencer says, surprisingly, Ava isn’t asking for much, and Laura says, define not much. He says, in exchange for a weekly allowance from his trust fund, he just has to remain at Windymere. Laura says, Ava wants him to stay? and he thanks her, saying, his confidence can always use a boost. She says she’s just trying to keep up. The last she heard, he and Esme staying at Windymere was causing friction. So what changed?
Ava tells Nikolas, all she wants is for them to be open and honest with each other going forward, and he says he totally agrees. That’s why he found the perfect way to thank her for giving their marriage a second chance. He wants a divorce. She asks, what happened to working things out? and he says, doesn’t she see? This marriage of theirs, there’s no saving it. It’s dead.
Esme tells Ryan, she’s playing the long game, waiting for the right time for Ava to learn about Nikolas’s infidelity. He says, he sees, and she says she knew he’d understand, taking his hands. He says he does, and grips her hands tightly. She says, that hurts, and he says, it’s meant to. Because words can’t possibly express his disappointment.
Felicia goes up to the guard outside Ryan’s room, and says she hopes he can help her. Her name is Felicia. He says he knows who she is. Before he retired from the force, he worked under her husband. He’s a good man. She says she couldn’t agree more, and he asks what he can do for her.
Esme tries to pull away, but Ryan won’t let her. She tells him to listen to her. His plan is good, but hers is better. Felicia walks in, and asks just who Ryan thinks he’s fooling.
Carly says, she told them she would, even though Michael wasn’t sold on her investing in Aurora, and Michael says he specifically asked her not to. She says, she thinks the big picture here is really important. The stock… He says, is soaring. Is that because of her? She says, Aurora is trading on the open market. Anyone can buy in, and she just made sure the right person did. Drew says, it’s not like they could have stopped her, and she says, Aurora’s shares are a hot commodity. Michael asks how many unique investors they acquired today, and Drew looks at his tablet. He says, not as many as would they would have liked. It looks like Carly did buy the most significant percentage of shares. Michael asks her, how many shares did she buy?
Martin asks what Cyrus has done now, and Jordan says, there’s strong evidence that Cyrus couldn’t have been responsible for the attack on Martin and the mayor when they were in protective custody. Martin says, Laura confronted him about it. She said, he insisted it wasn’t him. She said he appeared genuine. Jordan says, it appears that, for once in his life, Cyrus was telling the truth, and Valentin asks, who was responsible for the attack? but Jordan says, it appears the Bureau’s investigation hasn’t determined yet who targeted them. Martin says, so it appears there could still be a threat. Does his sister know? She says she spoke with the mayor before she reached out to his office, and he thanks her for the update. She tells him to give her a call if he has any information or concerns, and leaves. Martin tells Valentin, full half the glass. Maybe his brother found religion after all. Valentin says, Martin doesn’t have to laugh this off on his account. He can admit he’s worried.
Jordan goes over to Sonny, and tells him that she just wanted to say a quick hello. He says, now she has, and she tells him, okay, take care then. She starts to leave, but he says, wait. She has something of his, and he wants it back.
Spencer says he doesn’t blame Laura for having whiplash. Suddenly Ava’s determined to fix her toxic marriage, and work things out as a family – God knows what that means – when not too long ago she was willing to bribe him with his trust fund to move out and take Esme with him. Laura says, Ava was going to bribe him to move out? and he says, it was the exact same deal, but in a different direction; five figures a week, take Esme, and go. His father was furious. She says, not to mention hurt. He makes a skeptical noise, and she asks him to put down his animosity for a minute, and pick up a little thing called empathy. He says he was going to work out things with his father anyway. So if Ava was going to give him money for an inevitability, why shouldn’t he take it? She says, his relationship with money has always been problematic. He says he realizes that, and she says, does he now? He says, she’ll be happy and proud to know his priorities have changed, and she says, really? So what’s most important in his life now?
Ava says, he just told her that their marriage is dead? and Nikolas takes it she has questions. She says, yeah, she does; starting with, what the hell is going on? How can he say he wants to fix their marriage, then seconds later say that it’s dead? He says, because their marriage, the one they’ve been struggling with, has been in the death throes for a while. Now that they’re ready to move forward, they have to let it go. She says, if he’s leaving her, just say so, but he tells her, of course (🍷) he’s not leaving her; he’s doing exactly the opposite – by ending this marriage. She says, he wants a divorce, and he says, they can clean the slate; remarry. For real this time… for keeps.
Felicia says, Ryan may think he looks all harmless, sitting there in his chair, but his eyes give him away. Esme says, Dr. Chamberlain is here to receive medical attention, not visitors. Felicia says, and she is? and Esme says, Esme Prince. And she is? Felicia says, Esme isn’t a nurse, but Esme says she works at Spring Ridge. She’s here to attend to a patient. Felicia says, inmate, and Esme asks if Dr. Chamberlain wants this visitor her. He blinks once, and she asks if he’s sure. He blinks again, and Felicia says, one blink for yes, two for no; is that right? Esme says, it is, and Felicia says, and for more complex communication, they use a board with letters. Esme says, yes, and Felicia says, got it. It looks like they’re been chatting away, one letter at a time. She tells Ryan, he may be locked in, but as long as he has the ability to express himself and share his poisonous thoughts with another human being, he’s just as dangerous as he ever was.
Martin tells Valentin, what? Me worry? (A nod to Mad Magazine?) Why should he be worried? It’s not his first go-around as a marked man. Valentin tells him, just say the word, and he’ll get Martin round the clock security, and Martin says, Valentin would do that for him? Valentin says, for him? No, but Martin handles his affairs, and he can’t risk that information falling into the wrong hands. Martin laughs, and says, Valentin is a sensitive son of a bitch, isn’t he? As much as he appreciates the offer, he has to say no. He’s not really worried about himself; he just doesn’t want anything to happen to Laura. Valentin says, Martin and Laura have gotten pretty close, haven’t they? and Martin says, more than close; they’re family. He’d do anything to protect her.
Laura asks Spencer to tell her about his new priorities, and he says, he doesn’t like Ava still, and he’s not sure he ever will, but he can recognize she’s important to the people who matter to him. And if his father loves her, that is something he can learn to live with. She says, good. Really, really good, and it’s about time. He says he thought she’d think so, and she says she does. She’s glad he’s finally realized he doesn’t have veto power in his father’s marriage, but she’s still bothered by something. She doesn’t understand this arrangement he has with Ava. He says she just wants him to live there; making up with his father is his choice. She says, so reconciliation is free of charge, and he says, if it’s costing anybody, it’s him. She says, of course (🍷) it is. But does he really think he can reconcile with his father with Esme around?
Esme says she doesn’t know who Felicia thinks she is, but if she doesn’t leave, Esme is going to have to tell the guards she’s harassing Ryan. Felicia asks who Esme thinks let her in. Besides, Ryan told Esme that he wants her here. We go way back; don’t we? He blinks, and Felicia says, one for yes. So how much time has Esme spent with Ryan? Esme says, enough, and Felicia says, Esme may think she’s helping him, doing a service, but he’s a homicidal psychopath. Esme says she’s familiar with what Dr. Chamberlain has been accused of, and Felicia asks why Esme keeps calling him doctor. He lost his license to practice before Esme was born, and for good reason. Esme tells her, if you say so, and Felicia says she knows so. He maimed, and manipulated, and tortured, and tormented. Esme should be careful. He’s very good at getting what he wants from people. Esme says she’ll take that under advisement, Miss… She’s sorry, she didn’t catch Felicia’s name. Felicia says, Mrs. Felicia Scorpio, and Esme asks how she knows Ryan. Felicia asks if Ryan wants to tell her, or should she?
Michael says he didn’t want Carly taking this big of a risk, but she says, it’s her risk to take. Michael says he respects that, but how much is liquid? and she says she met with her financial advisor, and took a calculated risk. Drew says, which is not really an answer, but she says, it’s all the answer they’re going to get. Aurora needed a jump start, and she needed to speculate, and look; it’s already paid off, for all of them. Michael says, so far, and Carly says she thinks it’s time to give credit where credit is due.
Sonny says, he has a ship sitting in the harbor, and every minute it sits there, he loses profit and goodwill, and Jordan asks, what’s the cargo? He says, coffee, and it has a shelf life, and she tells him, take it up with the harbormaster. He says, he thought because she was so gracious to come over and say hi, he’d take it up with her. The harbor patrol still works with the PCPD, right? She says, they do, but dock bureaucracy is hardly in their purview. She’s sure they’re just dotting their i’s. He says he’s just asking, what’s the hold up? but she says she honestly doesn’t know. She’s afraid she can’t help him. He says, of course (🍷) she can’t. He doesn’t know what’s worse; people who watch you burn or people who light the match. She says, this isn’t about the harbor patrol or the PCPD. What’s really eating him? He says, forget about it. He’ll let his lawyers handle it. She says she heard about the hearing, and he says, it’s front page news. She says, when he testified, he knew he’d be letting someone down. It can’t be easy for him. He says, tell his son that, and she says, he wants to talk about sons? Let’s talk about hers. He says, her doctor son? and she says, when he first arrived in Port Charles, did it occur to Sonny, or anyone, that medicine would be his path? He says, TJ was an angry kid, and she says, angry, troubled, rebellious, especially toward his mother. He says, now look at him. She’s got to be proud. She says she is, but it’s a long road. There were moments she wasn’t sure they’d ever get through, but they did, and she’s sure Sonny will too. He says, he appreciates the thought, but it’s different. TJ wasn’t hell bent on destroying her.
Drew says, this calls for a toast, bringing over three glasses of champagne, and Carly tells Michael, come on. Michael says he’s not happy about this, but he appreciates it, if that makes sense. Carly says, Michael and Drew are doing something huge, and she’s just honored to be a part of it. Michael says he guesses there’s only one thing left to say; to Carly. Carly says, yes! and Drew says, to Carly, ELQ, and Aurora, may they long reign together. Carly says, and here’s to getting rid of Valentin Cassadine, and they clink glasses.
Valentin tells Martin, he can appreciate the desire to protect one’s family, and the willingness to go to any lengths to do it. Martin asks if everything is all right, and Valentin says, it will be, once the voting goes his way. Martin says, about that. What’s the probability Ned is going to come down on his side? Shouldn’t they be formulating some kind of a Plan B? Valentin says, there is no Plan B. Ned goes against his family, and comes over to Valentin’s side, or it’s game over. And Valentin’s not worried, because Ned will.
Laura says, given how Ava feels about Esme… Spencer says, hates; she hates Esme. Laura says, that makes her think his and Esme’s presence won’t make anything easier, and Spencer says, for whom? She says, anybody, and he says, much to their mutual shock he and Ava are willing to compromise. As for Esme, he’s going to make sure she doesn’t stand in the way of progress. She says, he sounds very determined, and he says he is, for several of the right reasons. She says, just don’t let money blind him from the lessons he learned without it, and he says he won’t. She says, if that’s the case, maybe he won’t give up his job, and he says, his job here? She asks how many jobs he has, and he says, Cameron can tell her that he doesn’t have the patience for serving. Cameron covers his shifts all the time, cleans up his messes, and he would be certainly no great loss to this institution. She says, she’ll take his word for it, and he says, speaking of Cam, how’s his mother doing? She says she thinks that’s something he should ask Cameron himself, and he says he’d love to. He’s just not sure what to say. She says, he could start with, how are you? Then move on to, how are his brothers? Then ask how his mother is doing. And he could keep, I’m your friend and you can say anything to me in his back pocket in case he needs it. He says, she makes it sound easy, and she says, he’ll never know until he tries. She’d like to see him work things out with all of his friends; Trina too. He says he and Trina don’t have a friendship, and never will. Not as long as he’s with Esme.
Ava says, Nikolas wants a divorce so they can stay together? and he says, exactly. She says, that seems like a lot of extra steps just to end up in the same place, but he says, he wants them to be on equal footing; not just emotionally, but financially. She says, they already tore up the post-nup. As far as romantic gestures go, it was quite unforgettable actually. He says, divorcing without preconditions entitles her to half of his assets, excluding what’s entitled to Spencer of course (🍷). Does any part of this appeal to her? She says, there was a time it would have, and he says, not anymore? She says, they’ve just come through one of the biggest challenges of their marriage, and they’re still working their way back to each other. They haven’t even slept together yet. He asks if that’s what this is about. That’s not a problem. They consummated their marriage; they can consummate the end. She says, it’s not about sex really. It’s about something much deeper. What happens if they sever this union, and they’re not strong enough to withstand the next challenge? If they untie this knot, there’s no guarantee they’ll tie a new one.
Laura says, Spencer and Trina aren’t friends right now. Can he blame Trina? He chose Esme. He says he didn’t want to choose, but Esme kept forced the issue. She can be territorial. Laura says, she’s insecure; she’s all alone in the world. He asks if that’s what Esme told her, and Laura says, Esme told her that she never knew her biological parents, and that her adoptive parents were distant and cold. Maybe that’s part of what drew them together; they both grew up without a mother. Spencer says, maybe Esme would have made different choices if her mother had been in her life… that’s rich. She says, he can have empathy for Esme and not allow her to control his life, and he says, that’s exactly right. The key to Esme is her past.
Felicia tells Esme that Ryan harassed and stalked her for years. Before his infatuation with Ava, she was his obsession. And that’s the short version. Esme asks Ryan if that’s true, and Ryan flutters his eyes. Esme sits in front of Ryan, and Felicia asks, what’s he saying? Esme says, let’s find out, and gets the board. Ryan blinks, and Esme points out U-B-O-M. She says, he says, Felicia is… the bomb? and Felicia laughs, saying, it’s Ryan’s version of a joke. Once upon a time Ryan crashed her wedding with an explosive device. She asks if Esme is his new obsession, and tells Esme, remember,he was obsessed with Ava Jerome, so he put a knife in her daughter. That’s what he does to women. He also left his brother to rot in an asylum for months. If he’s willing to do that to his own blood, what will he do to her? Esme says, she’ll bear that in mind, and Felicia says she’s not sure why she came here in the first place. She takes Esme’s place in the chair, and says, maybe it was to see if he’s still a threat, but mostly it was to show him that many of his intended victims are still standing. She gets up, and tells Esme, whatever you do, don’t let him get in your head. Because once you’ve served his intended purposes, he will turn on you, discard you, and probably kill you. It’s not like hasn’t done it many times before. Felicia leaves, and Esme looks at Ryan, who stares straight ahead.
Laura says, Spencer has a good heart, just like his father, and Spencer says he appreciates her faith. He knows they’ve both let her down, yet here she still is. She asks where else she’d be, and he says, city hall maybe, for one. The mayor of Port Charles shouldn’t have to expend so much energy keeping her grandson out of trouble. She says, the people she loves are the best part of her life. She’s where she should be. He says, if he got his heart from his father, his father got it from her. He hugs her, and says he loves her very much. She says she loves him too, and he says he promises to protect the people who have stood by him. And he will become the man she’s always told him that he could be. She says she knows he will, but now, he has to get back to work, and she leaves.
Drew asks how Michael really feels, and Michael says, about what his mother did? Angry she did it, but pleased it’s working. Drew says, there’s something else going on, and Michael says, she invested so much; the pressure’s really on them to succeed, more now than ever. Drew says, but they’re in a better position to make that happen, and Michael says, better, not certain. Drew says, okay. Does Michael want him to present the new information to Ned? Michael says, his mom brought up some good points. Right now, they need all hands on deck, not just Ned. Lucy walks by, and Drew says, well then, let’s go shore up some prospects. They go over to Lucy, and Drew says, this setting suits her. Michael asks if she’d like a drink, and she says she’d love one. She’ll have what Drew’s having. Michael says, as you wish, and Drew sits on the chaise next to her. He asks, how’s life post IPO? and she tells him, she’d like to say it’s all yachting and buying vineyards, but this precious moment is the first break she’s had in weeks. Drew says, no rest for the wicked, huh? and she says she’s certainly that. He says, and savvy, and resourceful. Michael says, with an impeccable sense of business, handing her a drink, and she thanks him. She says, look at you two. Clearly there’s a pitch here, so let her hear it.
Jordan says, aside from loving their kids, parents have two jobs. the first one is to raise decent, functional adults. The second is to never give up. He says, what if they give up on you? and she says, if he’s as tenacious about reconciling with Michael as he is about reclaiming that coffee shipment, they’ll reconcile soon. Carly joins them, and says hello to Jordan. She says she’s sorry to keep Sonny waiting; she appreciates him coming by. Jordan starts to leave, and Carly says, before she goes, are there any developments in Trina’s case? Jordan says she wishes she had better news, and Sonny asks if she means Trina could go to prison. Carly says, they all know Esme set her up, but Jordan says she can only testify to the evidence, not her personal convictions. She tells Sonny, don’t give up. Those roadblocks don’t last forever. She leaves, and Carly asks what that was about, but Sonny says, nothing. Just something going on at the docks. She called; he’s here. Are they going to have it out? She says, they’re not having it out in here.
Michael says, the winds are changing at ELQ, and they want to know if they can rely on Lucy’s support. Lucy says, that’s right. There’s a shareholders meeting real soon. Drew says, the last time she voted with Valentin, and they’d love to shift her allegiance to them. Lucy asks if Valentin has done a bad job, and Michael says, Valentin is an effective businessman, but he’s not a Quartermaine. Drew says, it’s a family business, and they believe it’s better for the bottom line if a family member runs it. She says, suppose she decides to back them in this return to nepotism – she’s not judging, by the way. What’s in it for her? Drew asks if she can keep a secret, and she says she’s the soul of discretion. Drew says, ELQ and Aurora are merging, and Michael says, that could mean even more growth potential for Deception. Drew says, with Aurora sharing a significant part of the market share, it will only expand, and Michael says, her loyalty could mean nearly non-existent advertising rates, and a significantly higher budget for marketing. Drew says, not to mention a wider global reach, and she says, they drive a very hard bargain. Michael says, so can they count on her vote?
Martin says, if the Quartermaines beat Valentin at this game, he had a good run. It’s not like he lost to an unworthy adversary. Valentin says, he’s not giving up ELQ, and Martin says he’s not suggesting that. He’s just saying, there’s more to life. It’s not like Valentin needs the company. If the vote goes sideways, Valentin can spend more time with Charlotte. Take up surfing. Focus on that beautiful but dangerous super spy lady friend of his. Valentin asks when Martin became so defeatist, but Martin says, make no mistake, he has as little intention of losing as Valentin does. Valentin asks if Martin is sure about that, and Martin says, he’s just pointing out it’s not the end of the world if this thing goes south. In fact, if it does, they can too. He hears Playa del Carmen is lovely at this time of year. Valentin tells Martin, listen close. When Nikolas and Ava took Windymere from him, he was at his lowest. And no matter how trivial ELQ seems to Martin, it was Valentin’s salvation. Martin says, message received and noted; failure is not an option. Valentin says, no, it is not. Not now. Not ever.
Ava tells Nikolas, marriage isn’t like an Etch-a-Sketch that you can shake and start over. Their history will still be their history. Their mistakes will be their mistakes. Their triumphs and failures will have led them to the same place. He asks if she can’t trust him when he says, starting a new chapter is the best way to move forward, and Laura knocks at the door. She says she hopes she’s not interrupting. Spencer told her she could find them here. Nikolas says, perfect timing. He and Ava have good news… he hopes. Laura says she hopes it’s that they’ve decided to work things out – it’s good to see Ava at home – and that they’ve made a commitment to making their decisions together from now on. Nikolas says he knows he has. Ava?
Esme says, Ryan mentioned Felicia, but it seems he left out a lot of details. He says, that’s because licentious, duplicitous women like Felicia, aren’t worth mentioning. Felicia is one of his great disappointments. Don’t end up on that list herself. She says she did what he asked, but he says, not all of it. She hasn’t told Ava that she slept with Nikolas, and why not? And don’t tell him it has something to do with the younger Cassadine. Esme says, if she’d exposed Nikolas’s infidelity right away, she would have exposed her agenda. Once they find out what she’s up to, it’s game over. They’ll form a united front, she’ll be kicked out, and Ava and Nikolas will be stronger than ever, and they don’t want that, do they? He says, no, they don’t, and she says, she knows this is the last thing he wants to hear, but Ava and Nikolas are genuinely devoted to one another. One betrayal may not be enough to split them up, which is why they need to compound this; make their split truly and utterly irrevocable. He says, she may have a point, but he’s getting anxious to move on to the next phase of his plan. He needs to spread his wings. She says, and he will; it’s just a matter of time. He says, he hopes she knows what she’s doing, and she says, trust me, daddy. What I have planned will blow that family apart once and for all.
Lucy says, Drew and Michael have given her tiny, measly one percent a lot to mull over, and Drew says, they’d appreciate a commitment as soon as she could give one. Michael says, Valentin can’t beat their offer, and she says she’ll be in touch. Ta, boys! She leaves, and Michael asks if Drew thinks she’ll bite. Drew says, he thinks she’s tempted. Thanks to Carly, their stock’s on the rise. They win over Lucy, show Ned the numbers… Michael says, and they’re sitting pretty.
Martin thanks Valentin for lunch, but Valentin says, he’ll be earning it. He wants Martin working around the clock to make sure he stays CEO. Martin says, if that’s the reason for this repast, he should have ordered himself the thousand dollar caviar burger with gold leaf. Valentin asks if Martin knows what gold leaf tastes like. It doesn’t. He’s better off with the frittata. Martin tells him, so says the last of the big spenders? In that case, he thinks he’ll get himself a doggy bag, eat the burger alone, and bill Valentin anyway. Valentin doesn’t have to finesse him into doing his job. Valentin says, there is one more things they need to discuss, and Martin says, his lovely Lucy and her pivotal one percent. He told Valentin that she’d already promised it to him. Valentin says, yes, she has, but it’s the prerogative of a woman to change her mind like the weather, and he’s afraid a mind like Lucy’s will be a perfect storm. Martin says he promises Valentin, he’ll do everything he can to persuade her, and Valentin says, you do that. And once he gets Lucy’s and Ned’s help to keep him in as CEO, those who think they can control him are in for one hell of a reckoning.
Felicia tells the reception nurse that she’d been waiting for Maxie and Bailey, but stepped away, and the nurse says, they’re still upstairs. They should be done soon. Felicia turns around to see Ryan being wheeled out. He stares daggers at her before he’s wheeled into the elevator.
Esme walks into Kelly’s, and asks Spencer, how’d quitting go? He kisses, her and says, it’s his last shift. Cam wasn’t happy, but family comes first. She says, meaning his deal with Ava? but he says, her; she’s his family. She says, it’s nice to hear him say that again, and he says, he’s sorry it’s taken him so long. She says she hopes he knows that he’s her family too, and he says, of course (🍷) he does. What’s more important than family? So no more aprons. He wants to spend every single free minute he has by his baby girl’s side. They hug.
Ava says, her and Laura’s conversation helped clarify her thoughts. Laura was absolutely right, as usual. She and Nikolas have both made mistakes, but they’re ready to put that behind them, and move forward together. She takes Nikolas’s hand, and says, they’re beginning a new chapter. Laura says, that’s music to her ears, and Nikolas says, together, they’ll forge a future, where no problem is insurmountable, and where love will truly conquer all. But first, they have to get divorced. Laura’s smile turns into a whaat? look.
In her office, Carly thanks Sonny for meeting with her, and he says, she told him it was about the kids. She says, it’s a very difficult time for them. In many ways, it’s easier for Avery and Donna, because they’re younger and don’t fully understand what’s going on.They just want to know their family still loves them. They’re all trying to reassure them of that. Josslyn has been terrific. She’s spending tons of time with them, even though she’s got a lot going on. Sonny says, he loves Josslyn. She’s like a daughter to him, despite what Michael said. Carly asks what Michael said, and Sonny tells her, after the divorce, and what went on with Nina, that he basically threw away his relationship with his kids. Can she believe that? She says, yeah, she can, and she agrees.
Tomorrow, Josslyn says she and Trina have a plan; Maxie tells Austin if he sticks with her, he’ll be fine; Nina tells Britt, they’re going to make them suffer; and Carly says she doesn’t know Sonny anymore.
Below Deck Sailing Yacht
Fornells, Menorca. The crew sits at a table on deck, drinking, and Gary says, it’s the last charter. Can they can believe it’s the end? It was the funniest preference sheet meeting he’s ever been at. There’s a chick who doesn’t eat anything. They clink glasses, and Scarlett says, they should make the most of their time together. Gary asks if she wants to hang out tonight, and she says she does – with everybody. Colin asks Marcos about the gluten free guest, and Marcos says, it’s a heavy one; no pasta or rice. In Colin’s interview, he says he doesn’t think he’s seen Marcos like this before. He needs to be here for Marcos. He wants to see Marcos finish strong. He tells Marcos that he’ll help, but Marcos has got to learn to delegate. He wants Marcos to leave on a high note.
Scarlett and Gary sit on deck, but when Gary gets kissy, she suggests they go socialize. In Marcos’s interview, he says, it’s hard to have fun with the crew when he has a different problem. One of the guests has celiac disease, so he has to be careful. He doesn’t want to mess up the last charter. He starts making some bread, and Gary asks him to come have a drink. Marcos says he’ll be there in a second, and Gary tells Marcos that Scarlett pulled away when he tried to kiss her. In Gary’s interview, he says he doesn’t want Daisy to be angry. Maybe he should let Scarlett be. Marcos joins the crew, and they have shots. Gary has to run to the toilet, only to discover there’s no toilet paper. Lucky for him, Glenn is in the cabin, and Glenn suggests Gary use his tip from the last charter, but hands him a box of tissues. The guys take hurricane shots with the girls slapping them. I have to say, this is one of the stupidest things I’ve ever seen catch on with a group of people, and I’ve seen some stupid stuff. Daisy slaps Gary, and he spits his shot at her, then hugs her. In his interview, he says, that’s for being all up in his business. Kelsie goes to bed, but the others get in their bathing suits and in the hot tub. Daisy asks Gary for a dare, and next thing we know, Ashley is doing the worm. Scarlett has a shot out of Marcos’s navel, and more crew members do the worm. In Daisy’s interview, she says she knows it’s a school night, and they shouldn’t go crazy. They’re being naughty, but that’s tomorrow’s problem. Marcos and Ashley go swimming, and the crew goes to bed. Marcos says he’s never had this kind of fun, and he, Colin, and Gary roughhouse and laugh. In Marcos’s interview, he says he’s going to regret this in the morning.
In the morning, Daisy says, all she can smell is tequila, and wonders if it’s in her hair. Marcos and Colin are still asleep, and Ashley says she feels fuzzy, but they were having fun. That’s all that matters. Barnaby asks how Ashley is doing, and she says, living. The deckhands do chores, and Gary says, it was a silly idea getting so drunk, like they don’t all know this. Marcos still not up, and Glenn finally knocks at the cabin when it’s three hours to charter. In Glenn’s interview, he says, he’s not their dad. If they’re hungover, it’s self-inflicted, and he doesn’t give a sh*t. He asks if Marcos had fun, and Marcos says, more than he should have. Glenn says, it’s just 52 hours until the season is done. Scarlett can’t find her radio, and provisions come in. Daisy says, f*** no. She doesn’t know if she can do this. Marcos is finally up and out, and says he’s dying. He wonders why everything is so heavy. Gary is glad to finally leave the bay they’ve been sitting in, and Glenn says he thinks they’ll be able to do some sailing. Thinking about the wedding is giving him a rash, and Colin asks if he’s ever done one before. Glenn says, almost; on the first charter. They had a massive bust-up. We flash back to (I guess) the first season, when two of the guests were supposed to get married, but had a fight instead. Glenn says, they probably broke up after the charter. Daisy and Gary tell their respective departments, looking good, and Scarlett doesn’t know how they did it. Glenn tells the crew to get dressed, since the guests are being picked up shortly. Scarlett bumps into Daisy, who drops a glass, and says, f*** my life. In Marcos’s interview, he says he’s confident in himself, but dealing with a strict diet is intense. He’s drawing a blank. No garlic, onions, or parsley. It’s going to be bland food.
The guests arrive, and Glenn welcomes them, saying, they have a great trip planned. He’s heard there are going to be some interesting events. Co-primary bride-to-be Allegra says, he’s officiating, and Glenn acts surprised. He tells them that they’re going to sail to a nice bay where they can drop anchor. Daisy does the tour, and Colin checks in on Marcos, who says he’s making the cake tonight. Glenn tells Colin to fire it up, so they can get going. They pull anchor, and Allegra tells Scarlett that she doesn’t want her wedding dress to be an origami swan, and Ashley intercepts, saying, she’ll bring it to hang downstairs. In Ashley’s interview, she says, all she’s wanted is to prove to Daisy that she’s good at her job, and good with the guests. She wants to finish the season strong. Glenn thinks they can get in a good sail. The sails unfurl, and things fall and slide. Daisy says she has the worst hangover she’s ever had, and Marco says, he was hoping to work on the cake in between meals. In Marcos’s interview, he says, because one of the guests has celiac disease, he can’t have cross contamination, so everyone is eating gluten-free. Daisy serves lunch, and Marcos comes up to explain the dishes. The sails come down, and they dock in the bay. The guests ask Ashley about the rope swing, and guest Virgil is the first to jump off of it. Ashley cracks her head going up the stairs, and I laugh evilly. Co-primary groom-to-be Gabe won’t let go of the rope, and nearly collides with the boat. He swings back on deck, and says he’s not good with heights. Glenn says, it’s the first time he’s seen that, and in his interview, he just laughs.
Glenn suggests the guests do some exploring, and Scarlett packs a bag for them. They get in the tender, and Gary takes them to see the caves. It’s absolutely gorgeous, and Gary takes pictures. Guest Matt proclaims the caves awesome, and they head back, Gary telling them to keep their feet and hands inside the ride. Glenn thinks a beach near a lighthouse will be good for the wedding, and the stews plan the decorations for tonight’s astrology dinner. Daisy suggests they wear glitter makeup and put up fairy lights. In his interview, Marcos says, he just has a dinner, two breakfasts, the wedding reception dinner, and a cake, and he’s out. In the crew mess, Daisy asks if Gary thinks he’ll get married, and he says, he wants kids, but unless she’s a yachtie, it would be difficult. He doesn’t want to be single his whole life. Colin says, sometimes, they’re right under your nose, and Gary says, Daisy! Scarlett tells Ashley that she’s over it with Gary, and dinner is served. The guests talk astrology, and guest Laura says, the food is because of her restrictions, so sorry, but the others thinks the food is fantastic. Virgil says, the crispy zucchini is dope. Daisy asks Colin to play music for the wedding, and he says he’d better practice. The guests ask Daisy to take photos of them after dinner, then turn in early, Allegra saying, she and Gabe have to write their vows. Marcos works on the cake, and in his interview, he says, somehow have to make a gluten free cake moist. He’s going to treat it like a woman; with a lot of love and passion, a little massage here and there.
Daisy says, it’s their last full day, and Gary grabs her, kissing her and saying, good morning. Colin asks how Marcos is doing, and Marcos says, good, but the cake took so long. In Marcos’s interview, he says, the cake is his biggest pressure. He’s going to decorate it between meals. It’s pretty much like a race, and it’s stressful. Allegra says she still needs to do her vows, but Gabe says he took a crack at it. She asks if she can see, but he tells her, no, as we all would. Daisy asks Scarlett to help serve breakfast, the featured dish being lobster benedict and regular benedict (my favorite!). Some of the guests go swimming, and guest Malee asks if Allegra is going to toss her bouquet. Allegra asks if there’s anyone particular she should toss it too, and Malee says, Daisy. Allegra says, she’ll have to be casual. In his interview, Marcos says, his mom is a baker, and it’s important that a wedding cake be separate from a regular cake. It can’t be sloppy, and has to be elegant. He needs to make his mom proud, so she doesn’t give him sh*t later. Gabe tells Glenn that they’re going to keep it short and sweet, and Daisy tells the stews to make the beach as nice as possible. In Daisy’s interview, she says she hopes Ashley shows growth, and that she delegates, organizes, and acts professional. Weddings are stressful, and if Ashely can do this, she can do anything. Gabe asks if Glenn is nervous, and Glenn says, a little. The tender is loaded up with decorations, and Gary tells the crew to set up as large an area as possible to keep people from coming too close.
The beach is crowded with people, and Colin says, kids are swimming. In Ashley’s interview, she says she doesn’t want to mess up these people’s wedding. Gary says, this is his worst day. He hates this. he reckons people will clear out by 6:30, which doesn’t give them much time. He radios Daisy, who tells him to be ready at 10 to 7. Marcos decorates the cake, and thinks they should get married on the boat. In Ashley’s interview, she says, the boys have no clue what they’re doing with the decorations. They have to step it up. This is her make it or break it moment. She tells them, it’s going to be awkward with people in the background. Malee helps Allegra get dressed, and she and the female guests have a shot. In his interview, Marcos says, he also has to do the reception dinner. Normally, he’d have a group of chefs helping him build the menu, but it’s just him. Glenn goes to the beach, followed by the guests minus Allegra, Glenn asks if this makes Colin want to get married, but Colin says, hold your horses. Gary goes back for bride, and tells her, everyone is waiting. She asks if Gabe is there, and Gary says, he doesn’t have running shoes on. At the beach, he helps her with her train, and Colin lifts her onto shore.
Colin plays guitar, and the bride walks down the aisle, or beach as it were. Glenn says, they’ve come here to celebrate the coming together of two lives, and the occasion of them making a total commitment to one another. Gabe says he didn’t believe in love at first sight, but was struck when he met Allegra. He vows to always be by her side, no matter what. Allegra says, Gabe is the smartest person she knows. He’s the most thoughtful, and the kindest, and makes her feel like the most beautiful woman in the world. It’s always been him, and will always be him. She loves him. Glenn says, may they be poor in misfortune, and rich in blessings. May they live out the meaning of this moment all the days of their lives. He pronounces them husband and wife, and they kiss. There’s cheering and crying, and a Just Married sign on the tender. Allegra tosses the bouquet, and Daisy catches it. Gary runs into the water, saying he’s not going to marry her, and she says, he’s such a d*ck.
Next time, Daisy wants everything to be perfect; Ashley is in full panic mode; and Colin asks if Gary caused trouble last night.
💸 Cash Me Outside…
Join me tomorrow for soap and a side of tea. Until then, stay safe, stay not taking things or people for granted, and stay never giving up. Roadblocks don’t last forever.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
As the car is packed for a camping trip, Violet asks Cameron if he’s sure they have enough marshmallows and chocolate. He says, they have enough for an entire month; it’s only a weekend trip. Laura comes by, and says she loves seeing everyone pitching in together. Violet says, they’re going camping, and Laura says, what a wonderful idea. Elizabeth is going to be happy to hear they’re going on a trip as a blended family. Cameron says he’s late for work, and leaves. Finn thinks he should talk to Cameron, but Laura says, no; she’s got that.
Portia reads from her tablet to Epiphany, when you are visualizing vectors. Do you do it in A) one-dimension, B) two dimensions, or C) three dimensions? Epiphany says, vectors… visualizing vectors… Is it A? Portia says, no, it’s B. Two dimensions, babe. Epiphany says, who is she kidding? She’s never going to pass the MCATs and get into med school, and fulfill her dream of becoming a doctor. Portia says she remembers she said the same thing when she was going through them, and Epiphany says, but Portia was still young when she became a doctor, and she had more time and energy. Portia doesn’t know what to tell her there. They haven’t invented time machines just yet. (If only.) Epiphany says, at the very least, does she have any study tips? and Portia says, someone did help her once. They said, don’t think about it as a test. Think about the questions as if you’re dealing with an actual patient; someone that came to you for answers. Epiphany asks if that did the trick, and Portia says, it did. It reminded her of why she wanted to be a doctor in the first place, and it wasn’t to do good on some test. It was to help people. Curtis walks in with Marshall, and says, then it looks like they came to the right place. Marshall smiles and nods at Epiphany, and she smiles back.
Laura asks if Cameron isn’t going with everyone else on the camping trip, but he says he has his hands full here with his job, his second job at the MetroCourt pool, not to mention dealing with things with Joss. She says she doesn’t want to pry, but it’s summer, after his freshman year in college. Doesn’t he think he deserves to have a little fun? He says, roughing it in Pautuck State Park isn’t his idea of a good time. She says, not fond of sleeping in a tent? Or is it maybe the fact that his mom won’t be there?
Trina looks at her phone, and says, confidential message from the office of the Dean of Students. Josslyn says, they don’t know for sure if this is bad news, and Trina says, yeah, but once she opens this email, her life won’t be the same.
Spencer says, Ava is way off base. He’s back with Esme. She asks if he’s trying to deny his feelings for Trina, and he says he doesn’t owe her any explanations. She says, he knows how much Trina means to her, so she wants the truth. What kind of game is he playing?
Nikolas grabs Esme’s arm, and says she can’t be serious. Ava can never know that he… that we… She says, made love? (bleh) and he tells her to keep her voice down. She tells him, she’s only saying, if the guilt of it is too much to bear, and he needs to unburden himself to Ava, he won’t be alone. She’ll be right by his side.
Mac comes into the hospital and sees Felicia. He says he takes it that Maxie and Bailey Lou are still upstairs with the pediatrician, and she says, yes, they are. And when they’re finished, she was hoping he’d join them for a family dinner. He says, sounds fine to him. He can’t get enough of that little angel. She says, everything is new through a little one’s eyes, then looks behind Mac, and says, no. Ryan is wheeled out of the elevator by several guards and Rory.
Laura hugs Cameron, and says she’s sorry. She knows he misses his mom; they all do. And she knows he also feels pressure to earn money and be the man of the family, but doesn’t he admire what Finn is doing; trying to keep things as normal as possible for Jake and Aiden? For Violet too, for that matter. He says, they can’t pitch a tent in the woods and pretend everything is normal when mom’s suffering, but she says, his mother chose to get help, and she’s working on getting better. He says, but they don’t know how long it’s going to take. He doesn’t know what to say anymore when Jake and Aiden ask why they can’t see their mom. Things will not get better until mom gets home.
Curtis says, he brought his father in to have his bandage changed, and maybe have another scan, and Epiphany says she heard about the mugging; she’s so sorry. Marshall says, his son came to the rescue. He throws some punches in the air, and says, thanks to Curtis, they came through all right. Epiphany says she’s not surprised Curtis came through for him, but she’s sorry he didn’t get there before Marshall got injured. Marshall says, he may be the worse for wear, but she should see the clarinet. Epiphany laughs, and says she’ll show Marshall to his room, and let the doctor know he’s here. Portia thanks her, and Epiphany says, no, thank you, for the tutorial. She leaves with Marshall, and Portia says, when she left Curtis at the house, he and his father had a lot to unpack. Curtis says, a whole suitcase full, and she says, if he doesn’t feel comfortable talking to her about it, they can talk another time. He says he doesn’t want to talk about it, but he has to. Because what he learned might affect her too.
Josslyn says she and Trina can do this, and they open the email. Josslyn says, oh no, and hugs Trina.
Spencer tells Ava, yes, he cares about Trina, but his loyalty is to Esme. Why is that so difficult for her to understand? She asks why he’d care about Trina if he thinks she’s the one who hurt his friends, while claiming Esme’s behind that revenge porn? Doesn’t that make him angry? He says he doesn’t have to explain himself to her, and she says, she’s the one in control of his trust fund. It’s her decision to give him an allowance, but what she gives, she can take away. So out with it. What is he up to?
Nikolas says, he and Esme have both been given second chances; her with Spencer, him with Ava. The last thing they want to do is throw those chances away, right? She says, if he can forget what happened between them, so can she. Nikolas flashes back to… It’s like a bad penny; it just keeps showing up. He says, Ava took the first step toward reconciliation, and he needs to find a way to reciprocate, and she asks if they’re talking diamonds or rubies. He says, none of the above.
Felicia tells Mac, she knows Ryan can’t hurt her because of his condition, but still… He says, wait here, and goes over to Rory, asking what Ryan is doing here. Rory hands Mac some paperwork, and says, the desk sergeant gave him this assignment, to provide back-up for the Spring Ridge guards during transport. The patient is going to undergo a series of tests at GH. Is there a problem? Mac says, unfortunately, no, handing the papers back to Rory. Everything seems to be in order. Mac goes over to Ryan, and bends down to his level. He says he knows Ryan can’t talk, or even move a muscle, but Ryan can hear him, so listen up. He knows it’s legally the correct thing to do to offer Ryan medical treatment, but if it were up to Mac, he’d have taken Ryan down a long time ago. All Ryan’s victims, all the people he killed, he never gave them a chance to survive. So even though he can imagine Ryan hates his life as a vegetable, trapped in a body that can’t do anything, it’s still way better than he deserves. Ryan lets out a yell, and leaps out of his chair, pushing Mac onto the floor, and getting on top of him. He says, Mac never was very bright, and Felicia screams. Ryan tears at Mac’s throat like a zombie, and looks up and says, Felicia, so nice to see you. Felicia whimpers, but it was all somebody’s daydream – I’m guessing Ryan’s. Mac tells Rory to escort the prisoner to the exam room, and make sure the room is secure before he hands Ryan over to the guards. Rory says, yes, sir, let’s go, and Ryan is wheeled away. Mac goes over to Felicia, and she says she’s okay. Evil like that, pure evil, can’t win out. He says he wishes it were that easy. Does she have a silver bullet? She says, something better, a baby.
Ryan is left in the exam room alone (really?), and makes a fist with his hand.
Gregory asks Finn how things went at Shadybrook, and Finn says, Violet told him. Gregory says, nothing gets past her, and Finn says, Elizabeth is getting the help that she needs. Gregory asks why he senses there’s more to the story, and Finn says, Elizabeth made it clear his presence there was making it worse for her. She kind of asked him to leave. He goes over to Violet at the car, and asks if she’s ready for this.
Laura says, when she saw Cameron’s mother, she had only one concern; her boys, not herself. Cameron asks if that isn’t the problem. Shouldn’t her entire focus be on herself and getting better? She says, when he gets older and has kids, he’ll see that you never stop worrying about them or putting their needs first, but he’s right. She should be focusing on herself right now, but she won’t be about to do that if she knows Cameron is putting his life on hold. It will only add to her anxiety. He says, so him going on this stupid camping trip will actually make her feel better? and Laura asks if it’s really stupid to spend time with his brothers right now. Go for a walk in the woods. Maybe they’ll run into a family of deer. Anything to distract their minds from what’s going on with their mother. He says he guesses, and she says, he likes Finn, right? and he says, sure he does. She says, everybody says Hamilton Finn is a genius who can cure incurable diseases, and they’re right, but he’s also a human being. He could use Cameron’s help right now. She knows Cameron’s mother was counting on him to help right now. If ever there was a time for a family to come together, it’s now.
Portia asks how Marshall’s story affects her, and Curtis says, because it affects him. He doesn’t think he’s betraying any confidence in saying this. Marshall is well aware there have been way too many secrets, so he’s okay with him telling her everything. She says, she’s here to listen, so take all the time he needs. He says, after she left them at the house, Marshall opened up. It was like somebody opened the window, and let the sun shine in after a lifetime of being lost in the dark. He just let it all out; all those years he was away from them, thinking he was protecting them. When in reality, all the while, he was suffering. If TJ hadn’t found those pills… She says, the pills she found Curtis holding? and he nods. He says, after Marshall was mugged, the doctors in New York asked is he was on any medication. Curtis knew he was on heart medication, but didn’t know what kind or what dose. He and TJ had the keycard to Marshalls hotel room, so TJ went to look for the pills. They were just trying to help the doctors with any information they could. She asks if he’s saying Marshall’s heart condition is worse than he initially let on, but he says, no. He’s saying there was no medication for a heart issue. TJ found antipsychotic medication. All these years, Marshall has been taking medication for schizophrenia.
Trina reads, this is to inform you that you have been found in violation of regulations enumerated in Title IX. You’ll be contacted by the Dean’s office to schedule a meeting, at which time sanctions against you will be stipulated and possible expulsion will be addressed. Josslyn says, they still get to meet with the Dean. So there’s a chance they’ll impose sanctions while allowing Trina to stay enrolled in PCU. Trina says, thanks for trying to stay positive, but she doesn’t need a pep talk. Actually, in a way this decision did her a favor. Josslyn says, how? when Rory comes to the doorway and listens. Trina says, it’s like climbing a high diving board. It’s scarier to climb back down than just take a deep breath and jump. Josslyn says, okay, but what is Trina jumping into? Trina says, the way she sees it, if anyone’s going to clear her name and prove she’s not guilty, it’s her. Josslyn says, just know that Trina’s got her family, and her, and hopefully Cameron. Rory comes in, and says he hopes there’s room for one more supporter.
Esme says, she and Nikolas are in this together, so tell her. What does he have in mind for Ava? He says, Ava made a huge gesture by returning home to him. She even accepted Esme, and reinstated Spencer’s trust; those are huge concessions. He has to come up with a fitting response. She says she can’t wait to hear how the story ends, and hugs him. She says, this is for good luck, even though he doesn’t need it.
Spencer says he’s not up to anything, and Ava says, for once in his young irresponsible life, he’s got to be honest. Whose side is he on? Trina’s or Esme’s? Nikolas walks in with the ice, and says, what did he miss?
Gregory shows Violet how to tie a square knot, and says, now it’s her turn. It’s okay if she doesn’t get it right the first time. He sits with Finn on the back of the car, and Finn says, his advice never changes, does it? The whole it’s okay if you don’t get right on the first try thing. Gregory always let him and Chase figure things out on their own. Gregory says, if memory serves, Finn and Chase rarely took his advice, and Finn says, very true, but he’s starting to. Instead of hovering over Elizabeth, he’s taking the boys and Violet on this camping trip. Gregory says, that’s very healthy, very mature, but if he knows his son, and he thinks he does, Finn is already planning some other way to help Elizabeth, whether she wants it or not.
Cameron tells Laura, that’s not fair, her bringing up his mom’s expectations of him, when he’s been disappointing her for a long time. Laura tells him not to do this to himself. He made a mistake, just like everybody else. His mother is really proud of him, and beating himself up right now is not productive. He’s just going to get bogged down in all of that, and then he can’t be present to help anyone else. What sense does that make? The best thing he can do for his mother is go on the camping trip, and spend time with his younger brothers. So what does he say?
Marshall says, Epiphany doesn’t have to stick around until the doctor shows up, and she asks if it ever occurred to him that she might have another reason for sticking around. The last time she saw him, it was, hello, goodbye, and have a nice life. He says, he thought it was best, and she says, best for who? He encouraged her to go for her dream of becoming a doctor. Then when she takes him up on it, he’s out of here. Not so much as a postcard from the road. He asks if she’s telling him that she’s going for it, and she nods. He says, is she grabbing that brass ring? and she says, with both hands. They laugh, and she says, he may have run away from his family, but she’s not running away from her future. He says, he may have run away, but if she’s not going to hide from her future, he can’t run away from his past. He’s back to face it, and he’s back to stay.
Portia asks if Marshall happened to mention when he was first diagnosed, and Curtis says, it’s been at least 40 years ago. He’s been saying there was more to Marshall’s story, and he was right. That explains everything. Marshall walked away from his family because he was protecting them; there was never any unknown enemy. He was protecting them from himself. As long as he and Tommy believed he was dead, he was sparing them from the pain, grief, and stigma of that disease. She says, 40 years ago, a lot less was known about that condition, and he says, can she imagine the courage it took to walk away from his family; to face that illness alone?Or the courage, even more so, to come back and tell the truth? She says, it is very brave. Did he happen to mention if he had any recent episodes? Curtis says, the medication keeps it under control. He believes Marshall’s biggest fear isn’t what he’s about to do, but what he’s already done by passing on his DNA. He’s read this disease can be passed along genetically. Is that true?
Trina asks if Rory always listens in on conversations, and waits for the right time to make an entrance, and he tells her, people say there’s never a cop around when you need one. Now she can tell them they’re wrong. Josslyn says, she can’t get ahold of Cam, but she’s glad Rory is here. PCU may have made a decision about the Title IX findings, but there’s still time before a judge rules on Trina’s case. Rory says, he’s on the clock right now, but once he’s off duty, they can come up with a strategy to exonerate Trina. Trina says she’s touched by their support, but if there are any clues to find, she needs to find them. She can’t involve a member of the PCPD, and she can’t involve Joss and Cam. She needs to do this one on her own.
Spencer says, Cameron is expecting him at Kelly’s, and Nikolas says he admires Spencer’s dedication. Even though he can draw from his trust fund, he still feels an obligation to his friend. Ava says, that’s our Spencer, loyal to a fault. Spencer leaves, and Ava says, Nikolas’s timing is not great. She was so close to finding out what Spencer’s up to with Esme. He asks what makes her think Spencer is up to something, and she says, he’s a Cassadine, isn’t he? They’re all going to be under the same roof. She’s going to do everything she can to get along with Nikolas’s son. Unlike his father, Spencer’s choice of companionship leaves a lot to be desired. She gets closer to Nikolas, and frowns. He says, what’s wrong? and she says she knows that fragrance. It’s Esme’s.
Mac says, he and Felicia have been dancing around this topic for months, but never seem to go there. So let’s go there. They sit, and he asks if she’s saying that she… that we… Is she pregnant? She says, God no. Is that what he thought? What she meant was, they have Bailey Lou, a new life of hope and promise. Ryan has nothing, no one, except his twisted self. He says, then she’s not upset they never had a baby of their own? and she says, absolutely not. He helped her raise two beautiful daughters, and that’s good enough for her. They kiss, and Esme comes out of the elevator. She tells the guard at Ryan’s room that she’s here to visit him, but he says, no visitors. Another guard says, wait a minute. She’s the intern from Spring Ridge. Esme says, Dr. Gould asked her to sit with the patient in case he needs to communicate. The guard lets her in, and closes the door. She says, hello, daddy. She’s about to make all of his dreams come true.
Finn says, it’s difficult for him to fight the impulse to solve a problem, and Gregory says, and in Elizabeth’s case? Finn says he’s been thinking about reaching out to her parents, and Gregory just looks at him. Finn says, that’s it? Gregory has no opinion? That’s not like him. Gregory wonders if Finn is genuinely asking for his opinion, or has he already made up his mind?
Spencer runs into Kelly’s, and tells Cameron, he has great news. He sees Laura, and says he didn’t know she’d be here. She says, don’t let that stop him. He’s got great news; let’s hear it.
Portia tells Curtis, yes, there’s a genetic component to schizophrenia, but his father’s condition isn’t necessary something he’d inherit. He says, that’s a relief, and he thinks Marshall will be relieved as well. She says, there are so many factors that could have gone into this diagnosis, and medicine’s come a long way in 40 years. Whoever treated his father back then was just learning about what they were dealing with, but still… He asks what she’s saying, and she tells him, if he wants to be absolutely sure, he could go in for genetic counseling and testing.
Rory says he admires Trina’s courage and independence, but she’s going to need more than that to prove her innocence. Let them help her. She says, she appreciates that, but she can’t involve anyone else. Josslyn says, it’s a little late for that. She’s in this too, not only as a victim of revenge porn, but as Trina’s friend. This is happening to both of them in different ways, and they need to work together. Screw it. Let’s just go straight for Esme. They’ll make her tell the truth. Trina says, and when Esme accuses them of assault? Josslyn says, fine. Trina can stay here. She’ll take her chances. Trina says, no, she will not. Neither of them are committing a crime, not even to save her from a crime she didn’t commit. Rory says, she knows all the right words, but fair or not, the burden of proof is still on her. Trina says, that’s why she needs to find a way, her own way, to prove that Esme set her up.
Nikolas tells Ava, it’s no shock Esme’s perfume lingers here. She just stopped him outside. She asks what Miss Muffet wanted this time, and he says, now that Esme and Spencer are back together, she hopes he and Ava will forget the past, and be closer than they ever were before. She says, and Nikolas believes her? He says he believes she wants to be with Spencer, and Ava laughs, saying, or Spencer’s trust fund. He says, maybe both, but Esme realizes if things are going to work out with her and Spencer, their happiness – his and Ava’s – is essential. She says, happy wife, happy life, is that it? He says, she took the words right out of his mouth, and they kiss.
Esme says, Ryan’s plan is working to perfection. The fuse has been lit, and it’s only a matter of time before it blows up Ava and Nikolas’s marriage. She gets the alphabet board, and sits down. Ryan asks what she did, and she tells him, let’s just say she made Nikolas an offer he couldn’t refuse. He says, pray tell. What did she offer Nikolas? and she says, me.
Finn says he hasn’t exactly made up his mind, and he’s asking for Gregory’s opinion. Gregory tells him to look at his daughter. See what she’s doing? Finn says, she’s tying the knots Gregory taught her, and Gregory says, then she’s untying them. He didn’t teach her that. She figured that out on her own. Finn says, it serves him right for having a teacher as a father
Spencer asks if he and Cameron can have a moment alone, and Cameron says, anything Spencer can say to him, he can say to their grandma. Starting with why he was late to work again. Spencer says, Cameron told him that he had to choose, and Cameron says, and did he? Spencer says, it’s all taken care of, and Cameron says, good, because he’s going camping. Is Spencer going to be able to take care of everything else here? He hands Spencer his apron, but Spencer says, there’s been a change of plans. If he’s going to take care of everything, he doesn’t have time to buss tables. He hands the apron back, and says, consider this his notice.
Curtis tells Portia, if there’s any chance he could inherit his father’s condition, he wants to know all there is to know about genetic counseling. She says she can put him in touch with a specialist. The more Curtis knows about his father’s condition, the better prepared he’ll be to help his father. He says, if there’s one thing he found out the hard way, it’s that there’s a fine line between helping and interfering. Before he commits to anything, he’ll wait for the okay from Marshall. Portia says, of course (🍷); she understands. He says, unless it means that much to her, but she says she wants him to do what’s best for him. He takes her hands, and says she’s amazing. She’s always thinking of other people and not herself. So if it means that much to her, say the word, and he’ll speak to a specialist.
Rory says, before Trina says anything else, this is where he gets off. She says, because he’s a cop? and he says, the less he knows, the more freedom she has to do what she needs to do. All he can say is, good luck… to Esme. Josslyn asks what he’s talking about, and he says, if she and Trina coming for her, Esme needs to look out. He leaves, and Josslyn says she likes that guy.
Ava says, she and Nikolas can’t sweep their problems under the rug. They went off the rails because they didn’t trust each other enough to be completely honest. He says he admits it was wrong of him to invite Spencer and Esme to live here without consulting her first, and she says she admits, although she and Spencer have reached a kind of détente, Esme is a different story. He says, forget about Esme. Speaking of happy wives, he has something he wants to give her.
Felicia says, just her and Mac are more than enough. And this year, their Christmas newsletter will be embarrassingly filled with all of their blessings. And they can add Bailey Lou this year. He says, sounds good to him, when his phone dings. She asks if it’s about Ryan, and he says, no. They need him at the station, but it shouldn’t take long. Can he meet her at the restaurant? She says she’s a cop’s wife; she’s used to waiting. He tells her not to worry about Ryan. The only place he’s going is back to Spring Ridge. She walks him to the exit doors, then turns around and looks at Ryan’s room, three guards standing outside.
Ryan says, Esme had sex with her boyfriend’s father? and I say, thanks for reminding me. She says, the plan was to break Nikolas and Ava up, right? He says, if there weren’t guards outside the door, and he wasn’t handcuffed to this chair, he would hug her. So tell him everything. How did Ava react when Esme told her? Esme hesitates, and he says, she did tell Ava that mewling idiot she married cheated, didn’t she?
Portia says, Curtis has gone his whole life without knowing about his father’s illness, so there’s no rush to see a genetic specialist. Curtis and his father have been doing so good lately. Why doesn’t Curtis wait and talk to Marshall; see what he thinks about it. He thanks her for understanding, and says, as soon as he gets the all clear, he’s taking Marshall home. Home. Sounds good, doesn’t it? She says, it sounds realgood, and he kisses her, saying, home, one more time before he goes out the door. Portia leans on the table a moment, then picks up her phone. She says, this is Dr. Portia Robinson, and she’d like to set up a consultation with one of their counselors… She has a few questions that require a genetic specialist.
Josslyn says she can’t believe they’re back to square one with Esme, but Trina says, not necessarily. Josslyn says, she has a new idea? and Trina says, yeah. They have to forget about breaking up Esme and Spencer. They need to break down Esme’s story to prove she’s the guilty one. And Trina knows exactly how to do that.
Epiphany says she doesn’t know where Marshall’s doctor could be, and starts to leave, but he says, they have some unfinished business too. She says she thought he said his clarinet was damaged, and he says, instruments can be repaired easier than people can. Besides, they never got around to that second date. She says, is he asking her out? and he says, is she saying yes? mimicking her with his hand on his hip. They laugh.
Gregory says he knows how much Finn wants to help Elizabeth, but he thinks the best thing Finn can do for her is take care of her boys, and trust Elizabeth to know what’s best for her. Violet runs over, and says, she did it, showing Gregory her knot. He tells her, good job, and they high-five.
Laura says, Spencer is quitting his job? and Spencer says, Ava restored his trust fund allowance. He thinks he should be able to get by on ten thousand. Cameron says, ten thousand a year? but Spencer says, no, a week. Violet pops her head in, and tells Cameron, it’s time to go. They have a trip to get to. Cameron tells Spencer that he’s on the schedule tonight. Cameron has no one else to cover for him. Finish his shift. Cameron hands back the apron, and says he’s got to go. Spencer says, one last shift won’t hurt, and Cameron says, bussing tables is a lot easier than living at Windymere with Ava, Esme, and Spencer’s dad. He hopes Spencer knows what he’s doing. He thanks Laura, and hugs her. She tells him that he made the right choice, and to have fun. Cameron leaves, and Laura looks at Spencer. He tells her, say something, and she says, she was wondering, if Ava is giving him an allowance, what is he giving her in return?
Ava tells Nikolas, she doesn’t need presents. All she wants is for them to be open and honest going forward. He says he totally agrees. That’s why he thinks he found the perfect way to thank her for giving him a second chance. He wants a divorce.
Esme tells Ryan, she’s playing long game; finding just the right time for Ava to learn about Nikolas’s infidelity. He says he sees, and she says she knew he’d understand, and takes his hands. He say, indeed he does, and she tries to pull away, but he holds on. She says, that hurts, and he says, it’s meant to. Because words can’t possibly express his disappointment.
Felicia walks toward Ryan’s room.
On Monday, Ava asks Nikolas, what happened to working things out; Spencer says, the key is in Esme’s past; Carly thinks they should give credit where credit is due; and Sonny says, Jordan has something of his, and he wants it back.
This girl is way immature, and doesn’t realize she can’t assign any definition she wants to a word. And regarding gaslighting, I do not think it means what Crystal thinks it means.
I can’t change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination. – Jimmy Dean
I love my cats more than I love most people. Probably more than is healthy. – Amy Lee
The ignorance of one voter in a democracy impairs the security of all. – John F. Kennedy
Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people. – Eleanor Roosevelt
Wherever there is fear, there is control. – Shana Schutte
The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing. – John Powell
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy. – Martin Luther King Jr.
🦁 Easing On Down the Road…
There’s nothing Dead this Sunday, but I’ll be here on Monday (well, really Tuesday, but really, really early) for soap and the final Deck charter. Until then, stay safe, stay putting some Variety Spice in your life, and stay remembering, it’s okay if you don’t get it right the first time.
What I Watched - TV With Theresa 