Category Archives: fantasy

Sep11

September 10, 2017 – Asa’s Latest Art Project & Twice the Fear

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

Shahs of Sunset

Shervin goes to a cigar store. There is discussion about cigars that I don’t understand, and he joins Mike in the back for a smoke and some whiskey in mason jars. Shervin brings up Tara, saying she’s crazy, and he never touched her. He claims they just went for drinks, and he dropped her off and went home. Mike laughs. Shervin insults Tara again, asking why he should want a Ford when he can get a Ferrari. Bleh. Mike says he’s been through the same thing. In his interview, he says Shervin has it all figured out, which is exactly what he thought about himself when he cheated on Jessica. He says if you build your relationship on lies, it eventually becomes a blurred reality, and when the truth comes out, it will destroy everything he’s built.

GG has a part in an upcoming play (Sex Tips for a Straight Girl from a Gay Man), and meets with an acting coach. He says it’s good she hasn’t had classes before, since there will be no bad habits to break. She explains about having a hearing loss. She says she can hear certain pitches and not others, and sometimes everything blends in. He has her read from a scene. He tells her to take her nervousness and use it. In her interview, she says she’s looking for something that gives her a rush that isn’t drugs or sex, and has always wanted to dabble in acting.

Reza and Adam go to the fertility clinic to check out Reza’s test results. In his interview, Reza explains the procedure, and I go ♫ LA-LA-LA! ♫ The doctor brings in the results, and tells Reza he got an A+. Adam has some abnormally shaped sperm in the sample, and the doctor says that he might want a do-over. Adam claims it was hot the day before. Huh? The doctor says it’s time to think about egg donors. Reza tells him that they want to get settled in a house first.

MJ and Tommy take the dogs to the park. They check out the ducks in the lake, and MJ gets excited over seeing a turtle. She says even though it’s been full-time hospital duty, she needs Tommy to get her pregnant. He says he’s putting his hard hat on and doing his best. She says seeing the “no” come up on the ovulation stick is like a knife in her heart. She tells him about Asa freezing embryos, and insisting she didn’t use them to get pregnant, and lying by omission. She wonders what else Asa is lying about. Tommy thinks there’s no reason to be friends with her.

Asa shows her mom the footage from Israel that she’s editing. She’s excited about an event she’s planning where she’s going to share her spiritual experience. In her interview, she says it was so precious; she wishes everyone had as an enriching experience as she did, but they’re not as elevated. She does an introduction for the film about co-existing peacefully. She hopes the others will be inspired, and let go of the petty bullsh*t.

Mike is doing a photo shoot with a load of babies for his new shoe line. The way he describes what he wants sounds like the old United Colors of Benetton ads. He says he’s optimistic, but babies don’t sit still and pose. Hopefully, out of thousands of pictures, they can get ten they can use. Mike’s mom shows up to support the project. In his interview, Mike says he’s 100% a momma’s boy, and his mom’s validation means everything. He knows she’s thinking about being a grandparent. He understands that men don’t have biological clocks, but is concerned he’ll be an old man by the time he has kids.

GG goes to a hearing clinic to see an audiologist. She explains that she was born with a problem, but it wasn’t noticed until she was around ten, and she became adept at lip reading. They give GG a hearing test like we used to get in school. She hasn’t told the director about her hearing issue, and is worried about hearing the other actors’ lines. The tests show 28% hearing capacity for low to normal pitches, and the doctor suggests discussing hearing devices. In her interview, GG explains that when she was younger, she was already teased for being Middle-Eastern, so she tossed out the hearing aid she had. She tells us that everyone has pushed her to be a better person, but now she wants to do it for herself. She makes arrangements for a new hearing aid, which these days, is practically invisible.

Asa says that she’s a refugee from Iran, so by default, she’s a political artist. The venue looks beautiful – outside, with tiny white lights on the trees, small tables, flowers everywhere, and a screen up front. Hey, there’s Paris Jackson! I forgot that Asa’s boyfriend is Jermaine. She doesn’t want to complain about being pregnant, but she complains non-stop. She feels alone, and wishes her friends were more loving toward her, even though everyone keeps asking what they can do.

Tommy thinks MJ should cover more of her cleavage. He says she looks fantastic, but he doesn’t want her showing the world. She duct tapes her dress to herself. Reza comes by, since he’s going with them. In his interview, he says they’re still living in squalor and it looks like a dump. He points out some hand-painted glasses that he gave MJ, saying that she put them the dishwasher. He asks if they have any kind of plan – there’s not even a sink in the bathroom. He asks Tommy if the baby is going to sleep in the bathtub. MJ says her father is ill, and she’s not moving at micro-speed.

Shervin arrives at Asa’s event. He tells GG that he feels like she played both sides of the street with Tara. He thinks she’s twisting his words. In his interview, he brings up her history of lying, and we flash back to when she said she’d seen a sex tape with Reza in it. She tells him that she doesn’t care what he does, but it’s not cool to call her a liar. He claims he just met up with Tara at a bar. In her interview, GG says he’s backtracking, and she needs for him to be real. She tells him to say what he wants, and let God be his judge.

MJ tells Reza about freezing her eggs, but doesn’t really understand how the procedure worked. Reza explains it, and Tommy says the fact Reza knew more, probably means that MJ should pump the brakes a little. She talks about Asa going to the same doctor. Reza says Asa had confided in him that she was getting egg retrieval at the same time MJ was, and now he’s in a weird position. MJ tells him that Asa lied to her. She says she thinks that Asa is lying to everyone. Reza says from the time that Asa said she was pregnant, something didn’t sit right with him. In her interview, MJ feels it’s a deep level of deceit, and doesn’t know what could be a bigger f-u in life.

Reza says he just let the cat out of the bag. An uncomfortable situation that he was in the middle of, just turned into DEFCON WTF? He wants to respect Asa’s privacy, but she paints a façade of everything being perfect. He understands how MJ feels, since it seems deceptive. A champagne tower is poured, and there’s also a very nice spread of food. In his interview, Mike says he never knows what to expect at Asa’s art shows. Mike gives her a pair of teeny tiny shoes, and she gets baby gifts from several other friends. Reza says MJ looks glazed over, and feels like it’s his fault.

Asa introduces the film. The project is called Our Future. Roll the video. In her interview, MJ says for the past six years, they’ve been supportive of Asa’s art. One year Asa is this, and one year Asa is that, and she’s not faking it anymore. She’s tired of pretending that Asa is a protégé, when she’s really a master bullsh*tter.

Destiney says that Asa comes from a place of healing and love. MJ says she sounds that way, but she lied to them about getting in vitro. GG thinks if someone isn’t giving you what you need, that’s not a friend. Asa realizes that something is going on. She tells MJ that to take her focus off of what she finds wrong in Asa’s life. MJ says that Asa asked a million questions when MJ was going through the process like she never went through it. Asa says she doesn’t trust MJ. In his interview, Mike says that Asa will act like you don’t know what you’re talking about to the point where you believe it. MJ says she’s never done anything to Asa to be treated this way. GG says that MJ feels hurt and tries to intervene, but MJ walks away. Tommy follows her, but she tells him to leave her alone. He says Asa is her good friend, and she tells him to STFU and keeps walking.

Next time, Reza questions Asa’s friendship, GG talks to Annalise, and GG tries to reconcile with her sister.

Fear the Walking Dead – Two Hour Premiere

Meanwhile, back at the ranch…

A song, Death is Not the End, plays while zombies amble around, and everyone goes about their various chores, whether it’s pumping water or killing zombies. Jake is coughing, and Alicia asks if he’s okay. He tells her that it’s worse in the morning, and he just needs coffee. Troy and Nick go out on a mission. Madison wanders around. She goes into Jeremiah’s office, and goes through the desk.

A convoy is on the horizon. Nick and Troy head back to the ranch. It’s Walker and his people. Walker shakes hands with Jake, and brings in his trucks. Jake leads a small group to the supply area. Troy doesn’t want Ofelia coming in, since they’re in this position because of her. Jake insists they’re going to accept everyone, and Troy backs down. Walker asks how many feel like Troy, and Sam admits that most of them do. Jake shows Walker the gun inventory. He gives Walker a key, saying that he has the other one. It’s like a safe deposit box – they need both keys to get to the arsenal.

At Jeremiah’s grave, Nick asks if Troy is okay. He says no, he wants to dig him up and kill him again. Nick says he saved people, but Troy says he was a drunk. Nick tells Troy that he lost his dad too. He wrecked his truck on the freeway. The cops said he fell asleep at the wheel, but Nick thinks he chose death. Troy talks about closed caskets, so people don’t have to witness what remains.

At the dam, Daniel tells Lola it’s dangerous out there, but she says she needs to face it.

Walker’s people are patted down. The guys don’t like it, but it’s what Walker and Jake want. Madison asks Alicia about Jake, and tells her to take care of him. Alicia isn’t happy about the treaty with Walker.

Daniel and Lola give out water from a truck. Someone yells that they’re coming, and everybody runs around like crazy. Some zombies head toward them.

Jake holds a meeting. He says their path has been hard, and everyone has suffered loss, but they can’t dwell on it and need to move forward. They can’t hold grudges if they want a better future. If they share supplies and skills, they can have a future and be whole in a generation. Walker says both his people and theirs are equally afraid of one another. He says they must forgive. His grudge died when Jeremiah made his sacrifice. Fear turns into fury, and they need to give that to the outside.

Nick visits Ofelia. She’s glad he survived. He asks if she feels guilty, but she says not as much as she thought. She’s her father’s daughter. She asks what about him, and says they’re not so different.

Walker asks Madison about Troy, and if she’s really in charge. Troy accuses Jake of sleeping with the enemy, since Alicia killed Gretchen. Like there was a choice. Jake says they were at war, now they’re not, so get it right. Troy makes discontented noises to the others.

Walker buries the relics, and Alicia approaches. He says she can join him. He says he never told his people what he did, and it’s best they don’t witness it. The dead should stay buried. He tells her that he wants peace, and she tells him to look to Jake for that, not her mother. He says her mother does what’s necessary.

Madison goes through some files in Jeremiah’s office. At the canteen, Terrence pulls out a gun, and starts shooting. One of Walker’s people puts him in a headlock and squeezes the crap out of him. Walker tells him that’s enough. In the infirmary, Alicia says that Terrence’s sternum is crushed. Walker asks what if others follow his example, and wonders who spit poison in his ear. He says he doesn’t believe in guilt by association, but his people are important. He wants the other key from Jake. He tells Jake not to test him, and Jake says they’re here because of Jeremiah. Don’t test him. Madison tells Jake to give him the key. Jake says they’ll be prisoners on their own land, but she tells him that it’s better than the alternative, and he hands it over. Weapons are gathered from the people on the ranch.

Madison tells Nick that he’s not obligated, but he thinks he is. They go to Troy’s place with a few of Walker’s men. He’s told that they’re keeping the peace, and Madison says they need to search the house; they need his weapons. He says what about his safety. Nick says he doesn’t want to die on his doorstep, and Troy lets them in. He sits at the desk, saying this is where Jeremiah died, and he had to burn the blood off the wood. They’re about to search upstairs, and Troy pulls out a gun, telling them to get out. They back out, but Nick stays. Madison asks Walker to let her talk him down. She says she can fix this; it’s her son.

Troy says he’s going to do what his father should have. He says it doesn’t work like this; they’ll all regress and can’t live in harmony. Nick says everyone just wants to live. Troy shows Nick a cache of weapons, and says this is how it was always going to end. He doesn’t want to die like his father did. Nick says it’s not what Jeremiah wanted, and Troy asks why he cares. He gives Nick a gun. Madison comes to the window, and tells Troy this isn’t the way. She tells him to lay his weapons down and come out. He says it will be total surrender, but she says it’s survival. He says that she wants to save her son, and she says she wants to save him too. She wants him with her. Troy stupidly starts shooting, and gunfire is exchanged. Nick stays out of the fray.

A gunfight ensues. Lots of shooting. Troy gets hit. Some of Walker’s men enter the house. Nick tells Troy that it’s over. Troy tells him that if he can make a fist, he can fire a gun. If he can fire a gun, he can kill. He thanks Nick, saying that Nick is the last person he thought would have his back. He doesn’t mind dying, but it’s good to have company.

Daniel tells Lola that more infected have gotten in. Lola says they’ll deal with it tomorrow; he should get some rest. She says that he’s still looking for Ofelia. He says that he keeps thinking she’ll be the next one in line; hope is hard to kill. Lola says the north is overrun, and every place else is nearly as bad. Hope is one thing; waiting is another. He also made a promise to her, and she needs him. The search will break him. Daniel says nothing breaks him. He’s  immortal, remember?

The shooting continues at the ranch. Nick says he doesn’t want to die, and Troy says he might have backed the wrong horse. Nick doesn’t want Troy to die either, and Troy says he definitely backed the wrong horse. Nick tells him it’s not what his father wanted, and to throw the gun out the window; nothing good can come from this. He says Jeremiah sacrificed himself, and not to ruin it or take it from him. Troy goes bonkers, and Nick gets him down, and yells that they surrender. Troy gets the better of him, and says he’s pissed now. Nick tells him that he’s right, his father didn’t want to take his own life. Jeremiah was going to let everyone die out of spite. He’d lost his mind to drinking, but he didn’t kill himself. Nick killed him. Troy points the gun at Nick. He lowers it, and the door opens.

Walker tells Madison that peace cannot exist without justice. She tells him that Terrence will be dead soon. She says that Troy has to go, but don’t martyr him. Walker says exile, and Madison agrees. Walker says that Nick has to answer for what he did. Madison says that he got Troy to surrender. There can be consequences, but he lives, and he stays at the ranch.

The crowds for the water from the dam are getting restless. Someone yells that they killed the people who worked there, so they could keep it for themselves. Lola gets hit in the forehead with a rock. The crowd surges forward. Daniel tries to help Lola. He manages to get her into the truck, and they drive away, leaving an angry mob behind.

Jake asks Troy what happened to his hand, where he was wounded in the fray, and Troy says if he had a matching pair, he’d be Jesus, and asks if he’s going to be crucified. Jake says he’ll be tested in the wasteland, and can’t come back. Troy understands, and doesn’t blame him. He won’t fight it, but doesn’t trust Walker. Jake says he’ll take Troy to the outside, but Troy says he’s not up to it. He needs Madison to take him. She’ll protect him; he trusts her.

Troy gets one knife, one gun, and one bullet. Walker says that they chose extradition instead of execution. He’ll suffer, but maybe he’ll live. Troy gets I the bed of the truck with Claw Jackson as guard, and Madison takes the wheel.

Madison brings Troy out to the middle of nowhere. She says he’s being banished. He asks if she doesn’t think he can find his way back, and she says he won’t do that to his brother. He calls her a real Pandora. As Claw is cutting Troy’s bonds with a knife, Troy intentionally cuts his own uninjured hand, gets the knife away, and slits Claw’s throat. Wow. Madison draws her gun, and says no more killing. He asks if she’s met her quota, and he tells him to get his pack and go. She says she doesn’t want to kill him. He asks if it’s guilt; he knows what she did. She says that Jeremiah had to die, and it should have been her. He asks who stopped her, and what’s stopping her now. He knocks the gun out of her hand, and grabs her from behind. And he’s not even tired.  She says his father wanted to let everyone die, including him. Troy says that they could have fought and won, and that he doesn’t surrender. Madison backwards headbutts him, and grabs the gun. Troy says he thought she wanted him with her. He pretends like he’s getting tired, but she’s not having it. He picks up his pack and starts walking. What’s she going to do about Claw dude?

Part Two

Nick hears zombies outside his cell. It’s Troy, pretending to be a zombie. He does a somersault like Willy Wonka, and peeks in through the small window. He asks if Nick thinks he saved them, and Nick says he saved Troy, but Troy doesn’t think so. He closes the opening, and Nick begs him to open it again. Troy says he was just playing, and he has the key. He wants Nick to tell him the password. Nick says he’s dying and he owes Troy. Troy opens the cell, and holds out his hand. It’s a just a dream, or a mirage, or whatever.

Madison and Walker look out over what little water there is left. Madison tells Walker that there has to be a plan B. They agree that no one can know because the peace it too fragile. Walker tells Madison about a trading post, but she says it’s a lot to buy. They decide to ration what’s left – two gallons per person per day. Walker tells Jake that they’re giving him two guns, and to keep the peace. Madison tells Alicia that Jake seems better. Alicia says she’ll watch over Nick. Madison says that there’s only six weeks of water left, and no one can know. If word gets out, they need to get out. She gives Alicia a two-way radio if she needs to reach her, and says she’s always been the strong one.

Madison gives Nick a canteen. She says she has to go away for a couple of days, and needs to know he’s okay. She pets him on the head, and says that she loves him. She gets in a truck with Walker.

Nick is released. His bonds are cut, and Crazy Dog says he’s keeping an eye on him. Alicia comes to lead Nick away. She brings him back to the cabin, and he looks at all the bullet holes. She tells him take it easy on the water, they’re rationing. She tells him that Madison and Walker have gone to find water.

Jake talks to a group of ranch people. One woman says her horses and cattle need water, and that they don’t have to listen to outsiders. Alicia tells her to leave then, but guarantees that it’s worse out there. She tells them to trust Jake. Everyone is cool now, and they hug it out.

Madison calls Alicia on the radio. She asks about Nick, and Alicia says he’s dehydrated, but okay. She tells Madison that the people are suspicious and paranoid. Madison says if they don’t find anything tomorrow, they’ll turn around, but Alicia says don’t. She’ll call if there’s a crisis. Walker says she stands between her children and the sun. She asks if he has children, and he says he has three dogs. She says talk to her when he has children. He tells her about one of his dog’s dying in a fight with a bigger dog. When he stuck his hand in to try and save him, his dog bit him – it was the only time he ever did. Madison says thanks; she’s seeing things in a whole new light now.

Nick hears the door open, and jumps out of bed. He grabs a guy coming through the door, and holds a knife to his throat. Sam and a few other ranch guys come in, and say they’re not there to hurt him. Nick lets the guy go, and Sam says that what he did meant a lot, even though no one is saying it. They’re ready to fight, if he is. He says they need guns that they don’t have, and thinks it’s best to keep a low profile. Another guy says they brought him a gift, the last free gun on the ranch. If anyone deserves it, it’s him. They make a plan to talk tomorrow.

People line up for water at the ranch, but they’re not too happy. A little girl smacks the water out of Ofelia’s hand. A guy accuses people of double-dipping, and says that they need to do something.

Walker and Madison drive to a parking lot, past a bunch of dead (really dead) bodies. It’s a marketplace that’s inside a stadium. A guy asks for their guns before they enter, and a woman tells them. welcome to The Bizarre, a safe market in unsafe times. She asks what they have to trade, and if Madison will trade the radio. Madison tries to call Alicia, but gets no answer. She hands the radio over anyway, and gets 29 credits, less parking and security. Apparently, one of the cable companies runs this place.

They go into the market. There must still be lots to trade out there, since it’s seriously crowded. It’s like that money changer song in Jesus Christ, Superstar.

Alicia visits Ofelia. She tells Ofelia that she heard some of Walker’s people went through the water line twice. Crazy Dog gripes about her people being on their land. Alicia says she’s trying to keep the peace like Walker wanted, and thinks there should be a system. Ofelia insists that no one from the Nation went through twice. She says that she heard the militia was rebuilding, and if she really wants peace, she should control her own people first. #GoAwayAgainOfelia

The new militia is anxious to get started, but Nick says Walker’s people have the guns. If they attack first, they’ll end up like Troy, who moved too soon. He’s not suggesting they give up, but wait.

Alicia sees that Nick has a gun, and asks what if Crazy Dog finds it. I keep wanting to call him Crazy Horse. Nick says the ranch guys think he’s a hero, and I wonder where he got the regular cigarette that he’s smoking. Alicia asks what if they find out what he and Madison did? She knew the second they said Otto’s death was a suicide. She was upset that she wasn’t a part of it, but then felt relieved. What a burden it is being mom’s favorite. Nick says he didn’t do it for her. Alicia says he’s not the kind of person who would do it for the ranch. Look what killing has done to him. He says they’re alive. Alicia says that they keep trying to make Madison love them, but it’s broken.

Alicia tries to get Madison on the radio. Nothing.

Madison asks about water, and the merchant asks how thirsty they are. Walker says ten thousand gallons. She says she has half that, but it will clean her out. She asks what they have to offer. He shows her tube containing I don’t know what, but she says it’s not enough. Walker tells her there’s ten thousand more where that came from, and she thinks maybe they can work something out.

A fight starts, and surprise! Victor is involved. He’s apprehended, and Madison asks what he did. He tells her that they’ll hurt her too, and the water lady says no deal. Madison picks up a shovel and starts beating heads with it. Somebody grabs her, but Walker steps in. She, Victor, and Walker all jet, and Victor says he knows a safe place. He leads them through a tunnel to a big cement room. Madison asks how much trouble he’s in, and Walker says he’s in debt, and they should leave. Victor says he can’t leave until his debts are paid. He made a rash, stupid decision that compromised him. He tells Madison about the dam, but says they don’t want to go there. Walker says these people want to kill Victor, who tells him that people either love or hate him, but there’s a damn good reason why he’s here. Madison says they have to rest. Victor says fine, but the bed is his.

Alicia tells a woman at the well to put it back. The woman asks if Alicia is going to turn her in. Alicia starts pouring it back, and the woman starts yelling. Nick intervenes, and she says that they care more about them, than us. Nick says there is no them and us, and a fight starts. Alicia announces that they only have six weeks’ worth of water, and if they don’t work together, they’ll run out and die. It’s that simple; so stop. Everyone gets stupid, and starts fighting. Crazy Dog arrives with Ofelia, and says they’re taking the well to make sure everyone gets what they need. He tells Nick to move, and Nick takes out his gun. Ofelia makes faces. #GoSomewhereElseOfelia  Nick sits on the well, and the people gather around. Ofelia tells Crazy Dog not now. He says that he’ll keep the peace, but not at all costs. It’s the same water table, and they’ll need to get as much out as the can before the ranch people do.

Walker goes through the bizarre with his head wrapped in a scarf. Madison asks Victor where Walker went, and Victor says that he’s not much of a talker. He asks if Madison trusts him. She says they want and need the same thing. He asks if she found Nick, and she tells him she did, and Alicia. They’re safe on a ranch; her children are alive. He puts his arm around her. He says she found Nick, but lost Travis, and calls God a feckless thug.

Two guys suddenly appear with Walker.

Victor and some others are awaiting their fate. Madison tries talking to someone about Victor, but gets brushed off. The people are tied to the fence until their debts are paid. That’s what they saw when they came in. Victor tells her to go back to her children. He says it’s everywhere; the whole word is lost. Madison says that she found him. He says that he was named Victor because his mom knew he’d win. He kisses her, and says he’ll be fine. He’s led out with the others.

Alicia watches from a platform. She sees a few people crossing the field. A woman with a divining rod leads them.

Madison is having a drink, and Walker approaches. He made the water deal. She’ll have it at first light. He tells her to think about what the water will mean for them.

Nick and the others make plans. And spears. He says they’re outmatched. Someone suggests using the RVs as a barricade, but he says fortification is wasted energy. He tells them that if they can get the guns, this back and forth ends. Disarm them, and there’s no blood. Or there’s a lot of blood, one dude says.

Victor is brought outside, and ankle cuffed. He looks pretty scared. Sh*t! (I say this like, a dozen times real fast at the TV.) Zombies are coming. No, no, no! Not my Victor!

At least they gave Victor a pick ax. He whacks a couple of zombies in the head, but then he’s down. Suddenly, two guys come out of the gate and shoot the zombies. Madison is with them, and they let Victor come back in. When they get to the truck, Walker tells Madison that she killed off all of them for this dude. She says buying water was a temporary fix, but Victor has a permanent solution. He’s taking them to the dam.

The nu-militia goes through the fields, and comes up to Ofelia’s cabin. Someone tells Nick to get Alicia out of there – she’s digging with the divining people.

Ofelia tells Crazy Horse Dog that she can talk to him. He says no more talk. They won’t spill first blood, but if the militia attacks, Walker will understand. Nick says that Alicia is trying to save them. He hands the dude his gun and starts to walk toward the digging. Inside, Ofelia and Crazy Dog see Nick. The guys in the militia start to put their guns down, and Ofelia and Crazy Dog go outside. Nick starts to dig. More people join them, and it’s like an old Coke commercial. ♫ I’d like to teach the world to dig. ♫

Next time, Walker says his side comes first, lies have consequences, and Madison meets up with Daniel.

😏 Victor always says he’s got this, and has never gotten anything, – Yvette Nicole Brown on Talking Dead

🐅  The Walking Dead starts up again on Sunday, October 22 at 9 pm. I’m looking forward to some King Ezekiel.

TWDKingEzekiel

Sep2

September 1, 2017 – A Visit with Hayden’s Father, Jeff is a Dad, Harvey Animal Help & Something Fun

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

General Hospital

Anna tells Finn to stop pacing; it’s making her nervous. He says he’s looking for a human; she’s looking for information on a diamond. Anna says she thinks there’s more to the diamond than anyone knows.

Nina can’t get ahold of Valentin. She thinks it has something to do with the necklace, and begs him to call her, or better yet, come back.

Nelle wonders if Michael believes she’s innocent, and Michael reintroduces himself. She says he has reasons not to trust her, but he says that was ages ago. She tells him that she was wearing the necklace, and no one saw her put it back. He says he believes her, and she doesn’t know what she did to deserve it. They kiss

Alexis sees Diane at the bar. Diane is wondering what’s up with Max, since he was supposed to call her when the meeting was over. She knows that Sonny and Jason were involved. She explains about Sonny getting out of the business, and Alexis laughs. Diane asks if she doesn’t think Sonny can go legit, and Alexis says that Julian tried, and look where it got him.

Jake shoots Franco with a water gun, and asks if Franco wants to play. Franco tells him it’s not happening in the house – mom’s rules. Since he lives there now, they both have to abide by them. Jake sees the pictures of the boys that Franco was looking at. He asks if one is Franco, and he says yes. Jake asks who the other kid is.

Elizabeth tells Sam that the kids are asleep at Monica’s. She asks if Sam wants her to call Alexis, but Sam wants to wait for good news first. Elizabeth suggests food, but Sam says she’s not hungry. Carly and Sonny join them, bringing a huge bag. Carly says, too bad. Sam has to be at the top of her game when Jason pulls through.

Finn doesn’t want to hear about the diamond anymore. He says so what? This is his life. Anna is appreciative of that, and knows it’s hard. He says he feels a “but” coming on, and she says they need to be realistic. Finn asks what’s so important about the diamond?

Dillon tells Nina that they went through everyone’s bags and tore up the place, but no one has the necklace. The police have arrived, and are conducting their own search. She asks if Nelle is talking to them. Dillon says she didn’t do it. Nina doesn’t think she did, but says she’ll be suspect if she doesn’t cooperate. An officer comes in, asking who is this Nelle? Meanwhile, Michael and Nelle talk about enjoying some Moroccan bath salts.

Jake asks again who the boy is. Franco says he doesn’t know. He was going to look through the rest of the photos, but someone came in and soaked him. Jake thinks Franco’s imaginary friend might help him remember.

Elizabeth makes noises to Sam about how Jason supposedly quit the business. Sam tells her that Jason protected Sonny because they’re friends. It’s not okay to be fine with him being brave and loyal for her, and not anybody else. Elizabeth says he wouldn’t listen anyway.

Carly tells Sonny that he’ll be okay; it’s Jason, and he’s been through worse. Sonny says what if his luck ran out, and he had something to do with it? He wanted an easy fix and left himself wide open. Carly says he’ll be fine, and Sonny is still here. Sonny says the only thing it proved is that if he retires, someone worse will take over. Does she want that? She doesn’t.

Anna tells Finn that the diamond was stolen on a heist in Eastern Europe. She thinks Valentin is tied to it somehow. Finn says he hears things at the hospital, and he knows she was outside Valentin’s door when he got shot. He asks what’s up with them? She suggests he stay focused on his fiancé. He says he’s trying. Raymond Berlin is brought in.

Diane wonders what happened last night when Alexis was supposed to meet her. Alexis says she got left alone with a bottle of champagne. She didn’t touch it, but wanted to, so she went to a meeting. She says she put Julian in prison, and Diane says his psycho sister put him there; all Alexis did was tell the truth. Alexis says it’s more complicated than that.

Franco tells Jake to forget about the photos for now. He has to meet Elizabeth; they’re celebrating. Jake asks what they’re celebrating, and Franco says he’s going to be displaying his work, and wants to show her what her support has accomplished. Jake says that Franco did the paintings, but Franco says she changed his mind about other people seeing them. He tells Jake that Lindsay is coming to stay with him. Jake says that she has too many rules, and Franco tells him that’s why they like her. Jake stomps upstairs. Franco looks at the photos.

Carly tells Sonny not to beat himself up; she’s the one who set it in motion. She begged him to get out of the business, and used Morgan’s death as emotional blackmail. Sonny says that he wanted same thing, but Carly says that’s only because she insisted. She tells him that it’s their life, and changing the rules after all these years isn’t fair or right. Sonny tells her that she just wanted to protect their family. Sam tells them to both please stop.

Still no word from Max. Alexis wonders what he’ll do, and Diane says he’s to be kept on in some capacity. He’d go insane retiring, and so would she. She says she’s actually fine with it. Alexis asks if that’s why she keeps checking her phone, and Diane she says people in love are concerned about one another, but she’s fine. Alexis wonders why it worked out for them, and not for her and Julian. Diane says they’re two entirely different people. She and Max are honest with each other, and he’s never manipulated her. She knows him inside and out, and adores him. She says she could afford to keep him and feed him all the cheese puffs he likes, but it’s not what he wants, and she respects that. They’re honest with each other with everything from who they are, to who left milk out. She asks Alexis if she can say the same.

Finn introduces himself. Raymond says, oh, he’s the one. Anna tells him that she’s a PI that Finn hired to help locate his daughter. Raymond says that he’s not surprised she’s gone; she said she was in trouble. He asks if the police are looking for her, and Finn says that she corrected her mistake, but he thinks she ran because of him, and he’s afraid she’s left for good. He knows they were close at one time, and asks if Raymond can think of where she might have gone.

In Marrakesh, the cop introduces himself as Inspector DeRoche. Nina says she’s sure they’ll find the necklace. He says they were discussing Nelle, and it sounded like she knows more than she’s saying. Big mouth Dillon says Nelle might have a sketchy past, but that doesn’t mean she’s a thief. Nina is like, d’oh!

Nelle tells Michael that word has spread about her being the last one wearing the necklace. She’s sure everyone thinks she has it stashed somewhere. Michael asks if she can blame them.

Sam says Jason chose to leave the business, but it didn’t change his love for Sonny. She asks if Jason has ever done anything he didn’t want to, and Carly says never, but she hates that this happened. So does Sam. It was her dream for it to never happen again. She says maybe they will get to lead safe, happy lives one day, but Jason will always be Jason.

Franco comes to the hospital, and asks if he can sweep Elizabeth off her feet. He tells her that the boys are with Lindsay, but she says that Jason was shot and it’s not good. They’re still waiting to hear about the surgery.

Carly can’t believe Sam is the one talking them down, when they should be helping her. Sam says it’s good because it’s keeping her from obsessing. Franco approaches and says he’s sorry, but Sam tells him to get out of her face. Oh, okay. She just shot Jason’s best friend because she was sick, but holds a grudge against Franco for something he did a million years ago when he had a brain tumor.

Raymond has no idea where Hayden is. She talked about Finn, the baby, and her predicament, but never said anything about running. He asks Anna if she has any leads. She says not so far, but the diamonds might offer some clues. She’s not faulting him, but wonders why all but one diamond was handed over. She says it’s a long shot, but if she can source the diamond, she might get a clue as to where Hayden might be. Raymond says she’s not looking for Hayden. What does she really want?

Diane asks if Alexis still loves Julian, and Alexis wonders if it would be pathetic if she does. Diane tells her it would be human. Alexis says that every night she remembers the perfect times they had when they were a family. She says it exists, but it’s not real, like the photos in their family album. Diane says it’s real, and Alexis asks what she does with that? Diane asks if he had been exonerated, would she have taken him back? Alexis says thank God the decision was taken away from her. Diane says he did horrible things to her, and the good doesn’t outweigh the bad. Alexis says the fact she’s still hung up on him bothers her. but she knows that he really loved her. The high is so powerful, it outweighs the pain, and makes it difficult to let go. Diane says that he made it conditional that she violate the legal code, and she lost her job – the most important thing to her next to her children. Diane thinks he’s sorry he lost her, and will say what he needs to get her back. For him, the ends justify the means.

Elizabeth starts to lead Franco away. Carly says he needs to respect Jason and leave. Elizabeth tells him that Sam is just scared. Franco says that he should have given them space. Elizabeth is more concerned about Jake, and wonders what she’s going to tell him about his dad.

Carly asks Sonny what if Franco comes back? Sonny says Elizabeth won’t let him. Carly leaves to call Michael.

Michael tells Nelle that he can totally picture her as an international jewel thief. He gets the call from Carly. She tells him that Jason has been shot, and it’s not great. He asks about Sonny, and she says he’s fine, but they wanted to keep Michael in the loop. Jason is in surgery, and they’re waiting. Michael asks if Jason is going to be okay, and she says she’ll update him when they know. Nelle asks what happened, and Michael tells her that Jason has been shot and is in the hospital.

Raymond realizes Anna is the one who called, and when he said he didn’t want her visiting, she rode in on Finn’s coattails. Finn says he’s grasping at straws, and wanted to take any help he could. Anna says that she’s not trying to get Raymond in trouble, but the diamond is different from the others. It was stolen from another dealer. Raymond says that he was a crook, but didn’t troll the black market. If there’s anything shady, he didn’t know. He tells her they’re done. He hopes Finn finds Hayden. He’d like to get to know his grandchild. He’s not optimistic though. When she was off the grid before, she wasn’t found until she wanted to be. One thing she’s good at is disappearing.

The officer wants to see the picture of Nelle wearing the necklace. Dillon says he took the pictures to test the lighting. DeRoche asks if anyone else was present when she took it off. Dillon says no, and the officer says he’ll take it from here. He leaves, and Dillon tells Nina that he should have kept his mouth shut. Nina says he was only trying to help, but next time, let her do the talking.

Michael says Jason is in surgery. Nelle asks about the prognosis, but he says they don’t know, but he always manages to survive. She asks if Michael is okay, and he says it’s not the first time he’s been here with Jason. Jason raised him for a while as a baby, and was always there for him. He wants to be there in case Jason needs him.

Elizabeth wonders how Jake will handle it if something bad happens. Franco says hopefully, they won’t have to find out.

Sam looks at Christmas pictures on her phone. She debates calling Alexis.

Alexis asks Diane why everything is so complicated all the time. Diane tells her maybe they’ll get a break now. Max calls, and she says that the tide is changing already. She steps away and Alexis gets a text from Sam saying that Jason is in the hospital, but not to worry. She says so much for smooth sailing.

Anna tells Finn that went well. She’s sorry Hayden’s father couldn’t help; she was hoping for a better outcome. Finn asks if she believes him. She doesn’t know, but she needs to find out how Spencer found the diamond, and if he found it at Wyndemere, is it tied to the current owner? This makes no sense, since Valentin didn’t even show up there until much later, but okay. Finn says he’ll help her.

Finn gets a text from Curtis. He’s found Hayden.

Michael is about to leave, and Nelle tells him to call when he lands. Nina and Dillon walk in, and Nina tells them a cop with an attitude is on his way to question them. Michael thinks it’s ridiculous, and says ELQ has a lot of holdings there. He asks if he should intervene, but Nelle tells him to go. Nelle asks how worried she should be, and Dillon thinks he inadvertently made it worse. DeRoche enters, and Nina tells him to deal with her assistant carefully; she has the ability to make this an international nightmare. DeRoche accuses her of trying to protect Nelle. Nelle says she didn’t steal the necklace, but he tells her that she’s under arrest.

Carly asks Sam how she’s holding up, and Sam says she’s okay, but wants an update. Alexis runs in. Sam says she told her not to worry, but Alexis says it’s too late. Sam tells her that Jason was shot, but she doesn’t want to go over the details right now. Alexis sits next to Sam and holds her.

A doctor comes out and says the surgery was more complicated than they anticipated, but Jason made it through. Sam asks if she can be there when he wakes up, but the doctor says they’re not sure if he’s going to regain consciousness.

On Monday, GH will air a repeat; on Tuesday, Anna talks to Andre about the diamond, Nina asks what’s being covered up, and Griff flips out.

😵 Speaking of Flipping Out, this week, Jeff and Gage welcomed an, as yet unnamed, baby girl into the world. Lots of tears and angst and waiting. The other half of the show focused on something I’ve known all along. For all his sarcasm, brashness, and love of embarrassing his employees, Jeff is a wonderful boss. When Vanina decided to leave the nest, Jeff took her out to lunch, and told her what a fabulous employee she was. He said he didn’t want to lose her, and asked what he could do to keep her. I’ve always thought he has a good heart, and this confirmed it. She did not take the offer, preferring to go for creating a business all her own. She told Jeff that she felt if she didn’t take the opportunity now, she might regret it later. Jeff was gracious and understanding. Employers take note. This showed how to value a good employee.

Quotes of the Week

Because sometimes the simplest way to affirm someone’s significance is to take time to hear her story. – Alicia Bruxvoort

Fear is going to be a player in your life, but you get to decide how much. – Jim Carrey

What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make. – Jane Goodall

The hardest thing, I think, is to live richly in the present, without letting it be tainted and spoiled out of fear for the future or regret for a badly managed past. — Sylvia Plath

Harvey Animals

It’s been a helluva week for those in the path of Hurricane Harvey. Having been through Hurricane Sandy myself, my heart goes out to them. For anyone who hasn’t gone through a natural disaster, it takes years to recover from. There are people here who still aren’t back in their homes, and many who will never have a home to go back to. If you’re able to donate, please do, but research where your donation is going, as scammers and grifters come out of the woodwork whenever there’s a tragedy. And please don’t forget the animals.

You can help with a free click at:

https://greatergood.com

You can also donate directly here:

https://theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/store/ARS/item/84697?origin=GGCOM-BTTN-84697-DONATEDIRECT&gg_medium=content&gg_source=ggc&gg_campaign=bttn-84697&gg_term=08292017&gg_content=gtgm-link

Enjoy Your Long Weekend

🎪 Leaving you with something fun. This guy had never seen Game of Thrones before and explains an episode as it’s going along. It’s hysterically funny, and reminds me of how I try to explain shows.

 

 

Aug28

August 27, 2017 – Shervin Gets Caught Swervin’ & the Iron Throne Heir

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

Shahs of Sunset

Asa tells her parents that Israel was physically challenging. They sit down to a fabulous meal, and she says she missed her mother’s cooking. She whines that she felt alone, and like her friends weren’t looking out for her. In her interview, she says she felt like everyone turned their backs on her, but that’s not what we see from the clips. She admits that her brain is like an omelet.

Mike and Shervin are having a guy’s night out with some friends, and go to a club. Reza joins them. Mike says he had an epiphany in Israel, and thinks it’s time to go out and start meeting people. In his interview, Shervin says that Mike has a lot of guilt and shame about cheating on Jessica, and he should let it go. Reza watches how Shervin puts the moves on some women. Destiney shows up with a couple of friends. In his interview, Mike says that he and Destiney are like bros, even though she’s female.  Mike is flirting like crazy. Destiney says she loves him, but can’t believe some of the sh*t he says. She thinks he’s trying to deflect from his own hurt, and he’s saying the wrong things purposely. Mike says there’s nothing in the club he wants. He tells us about the qualities he would like in a woman, and we flash back to Jessica being all of those things.

Reza goes shopping for cabinet knobs with MJ. He thinks the knobs should lead them in the direction they want to go in, and that MJ is finally starting to move forward. He doesn’t want the condo renovation to scare her, so he’s starting with something small, but she’s already overwhelmed looking at all the knobs. She wonders why you can’t take a sample home to check it out. There are like, ten thousand knobs in this place. She finds a towel hook she likes, and Reza thinks of it as a huge victory. He has to leave, and tells the clerk not to let her back out of it.

Reza goes to a hookah restaurant where he’s meeting Mike, Shervin, and Tommy. They don’t serve alcohol, and I’m surprised he doesn’t leave immediately. MJ calls, and says he has to keep what she’s going to say between them. She tells him that Shervin has been sleeping with Tara, who’s married, and apparently she’s been booted out of the house. Reza says he’s meeting Shervin in a minute, and can’t believe she dropped this on him right now. Mike arrives, and she tells Reza not to say anything. Mike brings a bottle of liquor, and hides it under the chair. When Mike asks what’s up with MJ, Reza says he’s sworn to secrecy. Like that’s ever stopped anyone on this show.

Shervin comes in next, and Reza is saved by the waitress. Tommy follows. Mike says he had his reservations about Tommy at first, but when he saw how he took care of Shams like his own father, he loves him. Tommy asks about Annalise, and Shervin talks about how much he loves her and thinks there’s a potential future. She’s moving out to LA soon. In his interview, Reza says Shervin is a bad liar. Mike says it’s good to live together first, so you find out their neurotic habits, and mentions the proverbial toothpaste tube. I have never once had an issue with how someone deals with the toothpaste tube. I do, however, prefer toilet paper rolling down over the top.

GG goes shopping for Asa’s baby. She says being around all the baby stuff is giving her baby fever. She’s always wanted children, and would like a football team of babies. She hopes she can raise one to be better than she is. Shervin arrives at the store. He asks if she can find a gift for him to bring, but she says he’s on his own.

GG’s birthday is coming up, and she’s having an 80s themed party. Her doctor calls, and tells her after two cycles without her RA meds, she can try for getting pregnant. Shervin is worried, since he thinks they’re rushing things. She tells Shervin that MJ is suggesting he’s taking on some of Mike’s characteristics, and that he’s been hooking up with Tara. He swears there’s no truth to it. In her interview, she decides to believe him, but says if he’s lying, her foot will be so far up his ass, he’s going to be taller.

Reza and Adam go to a cat café, where the cats are all up for adoption. Reza says he’s obsessed with cats. They get coffee an Adam finds a tuxedo cat with a mustache like Reza’s. Adam brings up having a baby, and Reza says he thought they were just enjoying some lattes. Adam wants to see them moving forward with fertility tests, but Reza is still interested in adoption. He finally agrees to take the test.

Mike and business partner Eddie check out the new shoe samples. We flash back to how Kitson went bankrupt the last time Mike had a shoe line, and he wants to concentrate on baby shoes now. He thinks he’ll make more money than he would have with Kitson. Eddie asks how much more he’s willing to put in financially. Mike says it’s a gamble. He thinks it’s an amazing product, and has to have the courage to take risks. He talks about his grandfather leaving Iran, and getting involved with the Japanese stock market. He says in the not too distant future he’ll be patriarch of the family, and Eddie says that it’s time to put his money where his mouth is.

Shervin meets MJ for lunch. He tells her about shopping with GG, and how she’d repeated what MJ said about him. He says he’s disappointed and upset that she didn’t come to him first. In her interview, she says he invited her to lunch for damage control, and she’s going to practice her eyeroll. Shervin claims that he’s only seen Tara a few times, and even then, just with their mutual friends. He thinks Tara has serious problems. In her interview, MJ says that Tara has been talking about leaving her husband and moving in with Shervin, but he just wanted to be swervin’ Shervin. MJ pretends that yeah, Tara is crazy, and that she believes him.

MJ meets Tommy at a hotel room. He has flowers and a drink for her. She says she’s new at this ovulation thing, but thinks she’s ovulating. I guess this is an ovulation hook up. She says they don’t check into a five-star hotel every day, but this is important. I won’t tell you what he says. She wants her dad to see her baby, and says it’s like Nike, just do it. She tells herself it will be fine.

GG helps set up for her birthday celebration at a roller rink. She says most people feel old at 35 (really? I didn’t), but she has great plastic surgeons. Everyone arrives in 80s garb, mostly Madonna/aerobics instructor outfits. Destiney wants to introduce someone to Mike. He plays twenty questions, but she doesn’t want to give it all away. She says he needs a fine chick who’s classy and respectful, but not her. GG tells Asa that the baby factory can open in two months. Asa says that she and Shalom need to hurry it up then. Maybe she should speak with Shalom first?

In her interview, MJ says Asa is fake, and the relationship is so painful, she wants it to be done. Asa thinks the level of toxicity from MJ has gotten so high, she doesn’t want to be around her. Everyone roller skates better than I do. Which isn’t too difficult. Tara arrives. GG says Shervin finally admitted to sleeping with her. At the end of the conversation, she agreed not to say anything to anyone. Shervin shows up in a crazy wig. Tara doesn’t want to talk to him.

Omg, fifteen minutes to Game of Thrones. I’m afraid to watch. I’m still worn out from last week.

Tara decides to leave, and sneaks out the back. GG wants them to talk, and tells her to stick with the truth. GG says it’s not a comfortable position to be in, and doesn’t want either one of them to get hurt. Tara tells Reza that she was stupid, and told a couple of friends. She says that she was protecting him, and everyone agrees that’s not happening anymore. Shervin approaches, and Reza asks why he’s not keeping it real. In her interview, MJ says that Shervin has a fetish for being secretive, and likes sneaking around. Shervin calls Tara sick and crazy. What a creep! Adam explains the drama to Destiney. Mike, and Asa. Destiney doesn’t believe it.

Tara tells Shervin not to screw with her life, and he calls her delusional. It’s like when Eddie denied sleeping with Rocky on Below Deck, except Rocky is also legitimately crazy. Mike is keeping quiet unless asked for his opinion. Wise choice. He says he’s not finger-pointing, but eventually the truth comes out. Shervin says he can have whoever he wants, and insults Tara, saying why would he want her. I don’t have enough bad things to say about this dude at this moment. He tells Tara to give her speech to the Academy. We see him in his interview, denying everything, like we did Mike before his divorce. Reza asks GG if Shervin admitted it to her. In her interview, GG tells us that he slept with Tara before Annalisa came back the last time, and hopes he washed the sheets, since he cut it close. She tells Reza that Shervin admitted it, and Reza relays this to Shervin. Tara says she liked him, but now she sees the real person. MJ thinks Tara thought he would drop Annalise, and she fell for this dog. GG tells Shervin that he’ll be respected for telling the truth, and tells him about Mike. She says she can’t force him, but he says if it will make her feel better, he’ll admit to something he didn’t do. Please. Don’t embarrass yourself any further.

Reza says that he cheated on a partner of seven years, and lost him. Shervin says if it makes everyone feel better, he did it. Reza doesn’t miss a beat, and says to learn from his experience. Shervin says the truth isn’t working. GG asks if he didn’t tell her it happened, and he changes what he told her. Because everyone always forgets that they are being filmed, and we know what they said. Now he claims that they only had drinks. He says that Tara isn’t even his type. They all call him a liar. In his interview, Reza says he speaks frankly because he was like Mike and Shervin, and now he’s a self-confessed, reformed ho. He says that being honest made Mike more lovable. Tara says Shervin should own up to it, and Shervin acts stupid.

Next time, a photo shoot with babies and shoes, GG fails a hearing test miserably, and Reza thinks that Asa got pregnant in vitro.

Game that Throne

I’m was afraid to watch Game of Thrones after last week, but no way was I going to miss thefinale. I notice that there are house banner icons next to the names in the credits. Were those always there? Are the Starks online?

Cersei has her own plans for the summit, basically to kill everyone if anything goes wrong. Traitor turncoat Bron escorts everyone in. It was like old home week for Podrick and Tyrion. There were lots of furtive glances between the various characters. Dany was late, and came swooping in on Drogon. I was hoping they’d just dracarys Cersei, and be done with it, but no. Euron interrupted, wanting Theon to submit to get his sister back. Tyrion was like, that’s not what we came here for, and Cersei told Euron to sit down and shut up.

Cersei didn’t believe them about the White Walkers, even though somebody just flew down on a dragon, so, they whipped out their pet zombie. I was hoping it would eat Euron’s face off, but that didn’t happen. The Hound cut it in half, and both halves crawled around, while he cut more pieces off. Cersei actually looked sick, which was somewhat satisfying. Jon explained they can be killed by fire or dragonglass, and this was the only war that mattered. We find out the zombies can’t swim, and Euron decided to take his boats and leave. He said this was the only thing that’s ever terrified him, and he’s seen a lot of scary stuff. Cersei had a freaking moment of clarity, and accepted the truce, but on the proviso that Jon stayed in the North, and didn’t bug her anymore when it’s over. Dany wondered why she didn’t ask her, but Cersei said she knew Jon would be truthful. Jon said he couldn’t serve two queens, so thanks, but no thanks. Cersei was like, screw you then, they’ll get to you first, and then we’ll deal with what’s left of you. Brienne tried to talk sense into Jaime. Dany told Jon that she didn’t want one of her dragons to have died for nothing, and Tyron asked if he’d ever considered learning to lie just a bit. Jon said that when people make false promises it gets easier to make more lies, and pretty soon, you can’t believe anything. Tyron volunteered to talk to Cersei, and I started thinking, wait a minute, they should be able to fight these guys without Cersei. For God’s sake, Dany sits on a mountain of dragonglass and has two fire breathing dragons. This made me mourn Viserion all over again.

Tyrion goaded Cersei to kill him, but she didn’t, so he helped himself to some wine. And more wine. I note that if Cersei doesn’t stop pursing her lips the way she does, she’s going to start looking old before her time. Apparently, she’s not too old yet, because she’s going to have a baby. Elsewhere, Jon told Dany what we’ve all been thinking, that maybe the witch who told Dany she couldn’t have children was wrong.

Cersei came back out and said that when the Great War was over, she hoped they’d remember that she chose to help without any assurances or promises from them.

Sansa got all pissed about no communication from John. Littlefinger was no help, stirring the pot, saying Jon and Dany would make an alliance. When Sansa showed concern about Arya, Littlefinger tried to steer her in the direction of fear, telling her to imagine the worst thing Arya could do and the worst reason for doing it. He led her into thinking that Arya was after her position, which seemed nonsensical. Another stupid award for Sansa?

I wondered why Theon was even there when they had a strategy meeting. Theon said he risked everything to tell an enemy the truth. Jon thought it was best to be honest if they were going to fight together. Theon said that Jon was even a goody-goody back when they were kids. Jon said his dad was in Theon too, and he forgave him for being the worst person ever. Theon decided to grow a pair, and try to save Yara, like she did him.

On the beach, Euron started to go out to the boats, and I actually said out loud, ugh, this guy. He told his men that they were going to find a nice island, kill the men, and take the women, but Theon had other plans. Euron ended up fighting with him, which was probably a bad idea, since he has a lot of pent up anger and resentment. He kept kicking Theon in the cajones, which did nothing except make me laugh and puzzle Euron. Then Theon proceeded to beat the ever-living snot out of him. I liked how none of the other men got involved, and when Theon was the winner, they were like, all right! we’re with you!

Littlefinger smirked when Sansa had Arya brought to the great hall, and I wanted to wipe it off his face. Sansa said something about honor, and how stands the accused of murder and treason? – Littlefinger. Oh man, as boring as she is, this was great. Not so stupid after all, Sansa brought us back to him pushing Lysa through the moon door, among other things he’s had his little finger in. He denied everything, but Bran brought up how he’d tried to have Bran killed. Sansa played the worst game with him, saying he’s best at turning families against one another. Sansa thanked him for his many lessons, and Arya slit his throat. Alrighty then.

Omg, Cersei’s coat was the best. So so 70s and so couture and so amazing. Cersei told Jaime she wanted to pull out of the deal, and just cozy up with him. She realized there was a missing dragon, concluding that dragons must have a vulnerability, and thought they should just stay put. Jaime was like, there will still be a war, and whoever wins is going to kill us. She didn’t believe that Euron was running, but that he was going to bring the bank to them, like any of that means anything at this point, and anyway, by now he was dead. Jaime said he’d pledged to ride north, and was doing it, but Cersei said it was treason. The Mountain stopped him from leaving, and she said no one walks away from her. Jaime told her that he’s the only one she has left, and was like, go ahead and kill me. We had a moment when she nodded, and the Mountain made like he was removing his sword from its sheath, but Jaime just walked out. I guess Cersei told the Mountain to just scare him. Or maybe it wasn’t a full nod.

Sam and Gilly got to Winterfell. Bran told Sam that’s he’s the Three-Eyed Raven now, and explained how it works. Bran said that Jon needs to know the truth about himself. He’s the son of Rhaegar Targaryen and Lyanna Stark. Sam told Bran about what he’d read, and said that they were married in a secret ceremony. Bran saw the ceremony in this three-eyed head.

Jon knocked on Dany’s door, and I guess they’ll be replacing Cersei and Jaime as the power couple related to each other. Maybe they’ll have a baby dragon to replace Viserion. As they were getting busy, back at Winterfell, Bran said that Jon has never been a bastard. His name is Aegon Targaryen, and he’s heir to the Iron Throne.

Sansa and Arya said blah-blah-blah about surviving and missing their dad.

Bran went into a trance, and became a raven, or whatever he does, and went to the Wall. Beric and Tormund were looking out from the tower, and saw riders coming out of the woods. The army of the dead; loads of them, and that disturbing second-in-command on his horse. Someone from Castle Black blew a shofar, but it didn’t matter. Here came the spiky-headed Night King, riding zombie Viserion, who now blows ice instead of fire. He’s all spooky and tattered-looking now too. He sliced right through the wall, horizontally, as they flew next to it. It was crazy – everything falling and breaking apart, people running everywhere, and the Wall starting to come down like falling dominoes. The Night King on undead Viserion entered through the now-open Wall, along with his billion-man army, and one giant. My heart was pounding like crazy.

I am left with two thoughts – this is not good, and who’s going to clean up this mess?

I am sincerely hoping that the next book comes out to tide us over until the next season, which is God only knows when in 2018.

Three Throne Quotes

You’re still very strange and annoying. – Sansa, referring to Arya

The only one that needs protecting is the one who gets in her way. – Brienne referring to Arya

This isn’t about living in harmony; it’s just about living. – Jon

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Aug26

August 25, 2017 – Nina Says No, Finding Fantastic Beasts, Tossed Thoughts & Quotes

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

Holy! It’s been a long week.

General Hospital

Dante comes home to snacks on the table and Lulu dressed in a baseball outfit holding a bat. I wonder if Dante has ever seen The Warriors.

Kiki is trying to get to the bottom of organic chemistry, and Dillon tells her that he has something she can get to the bottom of – a margarita. She says if she’s going to get into the accelerated med school program, she can’t be sitting around drinking.

Ned closes the blinds, and looks like he has a headache. Michael comes in, and wants to talk about ELQ. He asks if there was a coup while he wasn’t looking.

Valentin has made dinner reservations. Nina says she’ll give him her answer then. She asks if he’s going to hang around her office all day, and that he’d told her he was a patient man. He says he is, and she tells him he’s being tested on that.

Scotty thinks it’s a good thing that the judge was quick, but I think just the opposite. Alexis tells Julian he was honest and compelling on the stand. He hopes his honesty was enough to save him. Ava and Griff show up at the courtroom. Ava asks if he’s there to see his father get justice, but he’s there to offer her support.

Court is back in session. The defendant rises. Conspiracy, guilty; hindering prosecution, guilty; criminal facilitation, guilty. Guess that honesty thing didn’t work. The judge has an opening in four weeks for a sentencing hearing. Scotty asks for Julian to remain free on bail in the meantime, but Julian wants immediate sentencing. He says every day is one more day that his family has to suffer. Prosecutor Will Smith is down with saving time and money.

Ned asks if he made a decision Michael isn’t happy with. Michael says that ELQ made a donation to Mayor Lomax, and Ned tells him that they need her to back their fracking whatever. Michael doesn’t want the company tied to Lomax or fracking. Ned says Michael should have briefed him. Michael says if Ned is setting the groundwork for a takeover, he’ll have a fight on his hands.

Nina tells Valentin that he’ll get her answer at dinner – take or leave it. Valentin takes it. Nina tells Nelle to come in as soon as she’s sure Valentin is gone. She wants Nelle to get ten of the best cocktail looks they have in her size – it’s a make or break for her marriage. Nelle thought they were divorced, but Nina says that’s just details. She needs to look better than she ever has tonight.

Lulu gives Dante beer and a pretzel. She says their quality time has taken a backset to their jobs and kids. He wonders where the kids are, and she’s locked them outside. Not really; they’re being looked after elsewhere. She tells him that he’d better be careful or he’ll strike out. He doesn’t though, and they start to get busy on the couch. I understand role-playing, but this is weird.

Nina tells Nelle, no, no, no, none of them are good. Nelle says that’s everything, and Nina says it can’t be. Nelle pulls one out, saying it’s beautiful. Nina says it has to be perfect. Nelle says she’s happy for Nina and Charlotte. Nina says she’s assuming they’re getting back together. Nelle doesn’t think she’d be going through all of this trouble if they weren’t. Me neither.

Lulu tells Dante that they have to make up for lost time, so of course the doorbell rings. It’s Valentin and Charlotte. He hopes they’re not interrupting. Figures.

Michael says that Ned wanted him to be CEO, and he was going to concentrate on his music. He asks if Ned’s focus has changed. He tells Ned that they’re investing in renewable energy, and fracking doesn’t go with the plan. Ned says he knows decisions have to be made quickly, he was in charge, and sorry. He tells Michael that he has no interest in taking over ELQ.

The judge asks if Julian wants to address the court. Scotty tells him to make it good; maybe he can shave time off the sentence. Julian says his crimes nearly cost the people he loves their lives, and destroyed their trust, which is worse than whatever the court can impose. He says they deserve a better life without him, and asks to be kept away from them. The judge says that his family suffered grievous harm, as did many of his fellow citizens, and he cast doubt on his character when he threatened a witness. Yeah, telling Winston he was going to kill him was probably a bad move. She agrees he’s a danger to his family, but no less to the community. She imposes a term in Pentonville for no more than twenty years and no less than fifteen. Court adjourned. I’m wondering how this is going to play out, since Julian just signed a new contract.

Dante asks Valentin to what do they owe this pleasure? Valentin tells Charlotte to put her PJs on, while they talk. Valentin tells them that something pressing came up. He says it’s a sacrifice not to spend time with Charlotte, but he’s hoping it pays off in the long run. His and Charlotte’s lives will be better if it pans out, and so will theirs.

Dillon tries to entice Kiki. She says he can parade around naked all he wants, but she won’t be distracted. He wishes she could find time for both her studies and their relationship. She suggests he quit Crimson. He says that’s his job, and she says studying is hers, and he needs to understand that. Nina calls, asking if Dillon’s passport is valid. He tells Kiki that he has to fly to Morocco tonight, and asks if she wants to come.

Michael tells Ned sorry for overreacting, but fracking doesn’t jive with ELQ’s long-term goals. He says that Ned has been supportive, but they should have communicated more. Michael tells Ned that he has valuable insights and experience, and asks if he’d be interested in working for him at ELQ.

Ava tells Julian that she’s sorry, and asks if she can do anything. He tells her to just take care of herself. Griff tells Ava how sorry he is. Ava says that Julian did it to himself, just like she did with her face. Julian tells Alexis that it could have been worse. He meant what he said, and his real sentence is knowing what he did to her and their family. He hopes she can move on and forget about him. She starts crying, and Julian is led away.

Michael thinks the more Quartermaines at ELQ, the better, and Ned says he doesn’t have a grasp of their history. Michael says the company will be stronger if they work together. Ned asks what he had in mind, but Michael says it just came to him, but he’s thinking VP of new business. He has to pick up Nelle, but asks Ned to think about it. He thinks it would be good for ELQ and the family.

Nina wants Dillon to fly to Morocco and do the shoot himself, since the photographer got too handsy with the models, and isn’t working out. He tells Kiki that he can have Nina make room for her. Kiki says if she misses the test, she’ll have to wait a year for the next one, and will miss the opportunity for the accelerated program.

Nina talks the model down on the phone, saying she’s on her way. She says that she’s shocked at the photographer’s behavior, and already has a replacement. Nelle purchases the tickets, and Nina tells her three tickets; Nelle is going too. Nelle gets all excited, but Nina says it’s not a vacation; they’re in full damage control mode. Nelle says they’re all set, and the flight leaves in two hours. Nina is like, oh no, remembering her dinner with Valentin.

Lulu wonders how anything coming from Valentin will benefit them. Valentin says they’ve probably wondered why he stays in Port Charles, when he has properties everywhere. Lulu says that she has custody of Charlotte, but he says only temporarily. Allegations can’t deny him custody. It’s just her opinion that he’s a horrible person. He’s been custodial parent since Charlotte was born, and Lulu could lose, but he has a third option where no one loses. If all goes well tonight, he’ll have every reason to stay. He and Lulu can present united front. He’s decided Charlotte’s life is better with both parents in it, and hopes they reach the same conclusion, for Charlotte’s sake. He leaves, smiling to himself.

Charlotte is asleep. Lulu talks to Dante about how much Charlotte loves ballet. She thinks Valentin can exploit Charlotte’s feelings to get what he wants, but Dante thinks he has a good point. (And really, if she likes ballet, why shouldn’t her father encourage that? I’m sure he was indulging her before Lulu came along.) Dante says that Valentin could end up with full custody. Lulu says obviously Charlotte loves him. She’s too young to know what he is, and he has two very different sides. He’d do anything for his little girl, but he’s also a monster. If she lets Charlotte have one, she has to accept the other.

Nina tells Valentin that she can’t do it.

Nelle forgot Michael was coming. He says he’ll try not to be offended, but knows how she can make it up. She explains that she has to go to Morocco. The shoot is falling apart. The photographer is hitting on the models, and they’re threatening to walk. He asks if he can come along, saying he can write it off as business. She asks what happens to ELQ while he’s gone. It’s going to totally fold. What does she think? Geez.

Ned tells Dillon about Michael’s proposition. Dillon thinks it’s great. Ned says it’s Michael’s ELQ. Dillon says that Ned told him Michael is a shark, and Ned says he’s a shark with a different vision. Dillon says if it’s about pride, he has to get over it. Michael admires and respects him. If he goes back to ELQ, he can carve out a new role, and draw the family closer together. Isn’t that why he took the name, to actually be a Quartermaine?

Griff asks if Ava is ready to go, but she tells him to go ahead. He has a life to get back to. The only person she had waiting for her is her brother, and he just got sent to prison. For all he’s done wrong and made her mad, he’s always been there for her. They’ve been there for each other, but there was nothing she could do to save him from himself. She thinks he wanted to impress Alexis, and got what he asked for – the next twenty years rotting in a cell, like she’ll rot in the penthouse. She knows what she did, but she says with him, it was just a gesture, and now he has to live with the reality.

A reporter comes busting into the empty courtroom with a camera, and sticks a mic in Ava’s face. Like this would happen. He asks if she’s glad he’s going to prison, and goes, oh wow, you are permanently disfigured. Griff goes after him, and smashes the camera. The reporter starts squawking that Griff assaulted them, but Griff says that they cornered and abused Ava. She threatens to sue them, and tells them what great lawyers she has, and they leave. She asks what Griff was thinking. He says he was defending her, but apparently he didn’t need to. He thinks he saw the real Ava Jerome, and tells her welcome back.

Scotty tells Alexis that he’s going to get a couple of martinis; he hates to lose. She says he was right; Julian shouldn’t have testified. He says it was Winston’s testimony and Julian threatening him that cooked his goose. He’s thinking appeal, but Alexis says the judge is good, and he shouldn’t give Julian false hope. Scotty thinks she should talk to Julian and give him some encouragement. She says that he doesn’t want her there, and told her to move on. Scotty says good luck with that.

Julian is shown to his cell. Fastest. Prisoner. Processing. Ever. Nina must be in Morocco by now.

Kiki tells Dillon that she wants to go, but she can’t. Dillon gets it, but thought it would be fun to get away together, and doesn’t like being without her. She says it’s only a few days. She’ll be there when he gets back, with no book in sight. They kiss.

Nelle says she’d love for Michael to come, but doesn’t want his job to suffer. Ned calls, and tells Michael that he thinks he gave the wrong impression about the offer. Michael says he did seem underwhelmed, and Ned says it’s a lot to process. Michael tells him that the more he thinks about it, the more he thinks it’s a good idea. Ned says that he’s intrigued, but Michael has to promise no scheming or back-stabbing. He’s had more than enough of the family’s machinations with ELQ. Michael says that he has to leave town to check on their South African holding (wink-wink), and he’d like Ned to sit in for him, and see how it feels. Ned swears he won’t steer the company off a cliff.

Lulu tells Dante it’s not exactly the romantic evening she’d planned. I don’t want to know. He says they managed to squeeze some romance in, until Valentin put the squeeze on them. Lulu wonders what the plan is, but Dante isn’t worried. He says Valentin isn’t going to change. He’s going to screw up one day, and they’ll be waiting.

Valentin asks Nina, so the answer is no? She says it’s not no, but no, she can’t give her answer right now. She has to leave for a fashion emergency, and will give her answer when she gets back. He’s like, why are you doing this? She tells him that he’s sexy when he’s frustrated, and she’ll see him soon.

On Monday, Griff tells Ava that he cares about her, Alexis talks to Sam about Julian, and Kristina brings Valerie to lesbian night at The Floating Rib. Sounds like fun!

🚑 I’m not into GH for the couples – I’m more interested in the spy stuff, the Quartermaines, and seeing what Roger Howarth will come up with – but I do like Valentin and Nina. I hope her answer is yes, and I wonder if he’s going to show up in Marrakesh. I also like Franco and anyone, for the reason I already mentioned. My pick wouldn’t be Elizabeth though. I don’t know who, but not her.

🦄 Occasionally, I recommend a movie, usually one that’s on cable, because the movie theater costs so much now, you have to take out a second mortgage on your house to pay for a ticket. God forbid you want to buy popcorn. Luckily, when I do get the chance to go, there’s a dollar store close by and I have a big purse. A couple of weeks ago, I had the pleasure to watch Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them on one of the movie channels (okay, I forgot which one – either HBO or SHO). In a nutshell, this guy has a bunch of fantastic beasts he keeps in a bag he carries, which also leads to another world, and he’s being chased by some people who want to steal them. A hapless stranger ends up along for the ride, so there’s also a fish-out-of-water element. It’s a spin-off of Harry Potter, but since I’m unfamiliar with those books/films, it obviously stands on its own. While the story was delightful, the beasts were truly fantastic, and it’s worth watching for that alone. CGI has come a long way from the days of Night of the Lepus. While the films I enjoy aren’t often the ones that leave you with a smile on your face, this left me with one, which is rare.

🦁 I did remember to watch Zoo this week. Patting my own back…

👀 I’m afraid to watch Game of Thrones on Sunday. It took me a good three days to recover from the last episode. I also want to cry, because it will be who-knows-when in 2018 until we get more. And even then, I think it’s only six episodes. Write faster, George R.R. Martin! I will need sustenance through this long hiatus.

Quotes of the Week

Sometimes you can do everything right and things will still go wrong. The key is to never stop doing right. – Angie Thomas

When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too. – Paulo Coelho

Fear nothing. Do what you want to do, but be educated and intelligent and confident about it. – Idris Elba

🐻 Whenever I hear Idris Elba’s name, I think of this poem: Algy met a bear. The bear met Algy. The bear was bulgy. The bulge was Algy. I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s the rhythm.

We are who we know ourselves to be, and we are what we love. – Laverne Cox   Great. This means I’m dogs and brownies.

You’re in charge of your own book. – Kevin Hart

Weekend-Decisions

 

Aug21

August 20, 2017 – The Shahs Israel Tour Continues & OMG Game of Thrones

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

Shahs of Sunset

Meanwhile at the Western Wall, GG isn’t feeling comfortable. Shervin seems to think the Wall is for Jews only, and GG says someone said “jihad” to her, which sounds pretty stupid. It makes her think of how people in the past have said Jews and Muslims shouldn’t mix. In his interview, Mike says that GG and Shervin feel a disconnect, and he felt the same way in Turkey. He says all religions seek enlightenment, but he can’t tell them how to feel, and the Wall will stand strong for them if they should decide to come back.

MJ feels that she doesn’t have the right to ask for anything for herself. She starts to cry during her interview, thinking of praying for children in need. Reza asks if she felt a connection, and says he’s tingling. Asa says the baby was kicking against the Wall. Destiney says it drowns you in a sense of release, and can’t believe how free she feels, especially being a Muslim. GG suggests they move on.

Shopping! The Jerusalem market place is bustling. Reza says he’s shopping where Jesus shopped, and talks about how crosses and menorahs are side-by-side. It’s doubtful that the wares in Jesus’s day sported slogans like Shalom, Ya’ll though. GG says she misses her boyfriend Shalom, because she hears his name everywhere. Ha-ha! GG tells Reza that she has marriage and kids on her mind. Her only reservation is the religion thing. In his interview, Reza says her brain is like a pinball. She asks him if it’s hard being half Muslim and half Jewish. He says it’s insane. Growing up gay as well, he felt like he didn’t fit in. GG says he has anger toward Muslims because of what he went through, and she doesn’t want that for her children.

The Holy Sepulcher is next. Mike marvels about being at the holiest Jewish site in the world, and then the holiest Christian site. He’s on a crazy spiritual high. He’s been in darkness, and now the light is so bright it hurts his eyes. He says that no matter who you are, the key is to find light. If people think you can’t get along with others of different faiths, they should watch this show. Stupid as it is, the Shahs are a wonderful example of getting along. Even when they don’t, it’s never about the differences in their faiths.

Omg, MJ has her makeup laid out like a buffet in her room. A tattoo artist is coming to the hotel lounge to ink GG. Asa asks GG why the others are against it. GG says that she has a lot of tattoos, but none is of a man’s name, and she wants to brand herself with Shalom’s name in Hebrew. Destiney joins them. She says she’s down with tatts on a dude, but thank God for laser removal.

MJ, Reza, Shervin and Mike (sounds like a law firm or folk band) go out to do some drinking. Mike thinks GG is cuckoo. In his interview, Reza says she’s hesitant to come to Israel, but wants Shalom tattooed on her torso. He wonders how she reconciles things in that special head, and I laugh.

GG makes a lot of uncomfortable sounds during the procedure, but the tattoo looks good.

MJ says it’s her last hurrah. She’s getting pregnant when she gets home. Reza says it’s the last hurrah every time she has a drink, and we flash back to three last hurrahs. Reza thinks that MJ getting pregnant in a month timeframe isn’t realistic. He suggests planning a wedding, but MJ wants to get pregnant first. Reza is like, wait a second, because she’s saying Asa should get married. MJ says she’s not having a bastard child, but Asa will. (I can’t believe anyone even uses that term anymore.) She says as soon as the test is positive, they’ll do everything. If not, she’s not marrying Tommy, because he smokes around the dogs and eats hard candy at night. And likes the Mets. Reza says there will always be issues, but she has to keep moving forward in spite of what’s happening. They move on to a club that reminds me of the old Danceteria.

GG and Asa are sleeping when the partiers get to the hotel lounge. Shervin finds a hair extension hanging from a lampshade, and we both go, eww. MJ gets GG’s room key, and Reza says that they’re going in Israeli defense style. They wake her up, and want to see the tattoo. She’s surprisingly compliant. They want to be there when she tells Shalom, and she decides to Facetime with him. She shows him the tattoo, and he says omfg that’s real. Reza tells him to go buy a ring.

We’re on to the Dead Sea, beers being cracked the whole way there. Reza says people from all over the world come there to get healed. Asa asks Mike and Reza how last night was. Reza says they called MJ out, and tells Asa about the bastard child comment. Asa isn’t cool with that. They go to a restaurant and eat outside. In her interview, Asa says calling her baby a bastard child is f-ed up. Asa says that MJ is always taking jabs at her, and to use that word, no matter who you’re referring to, is ugly. MJ says that she was talking about herself. MJ says several of the friends asked about Asa getting married, and she avoided the question. She’s never met a pregnant woman so secretive, and every question is an attack. Mike says MJ is upset because Asa isn’t open and honest. Asa says she’s open about her age and weight, whereas MJ isn’t. Mike disagrees, saying that MJ is an open book, and everyone judges her. GG says weight isn’t a topic that’s very deep, and Reza says it’s awkward for him, since he’s friends with them both. GG wonders why be friends, if she doesn’t want to be open?. Asa says she doesn’t want to talk about certain things. Shervin asks if she took hormones to get pregnant, and Asa says she froze eggs years ago. MJ is shocked, wondering why she never said anything, and Asa says she doesn’t trust her. MJ says that Asa lied to her, and Asa says they froze 8 male embryos, but didn’t use them. They just started trying, and she’s shocked at how fast it happened. In his interview, Mike thinks it’s odd that she had a natural pregnancy that quickly at age 40. He’s not buying it.

Mike thinks if they can’t be open and honest, they shouldn’t be friends GG says they didn’t just come on the trip to unite Muslims and Jews, but each other. MJ wonders why Asa asked a million questions about her fertility process, but kept her own to herself. They go down to the sea. GG duct tapes her tattoo, so she can get in the water with the others. Asa stays in a chair on the beach. She feels emotionally poisoned, and doesn’t want to share, since she’s not feeling the love. Reza says that the Dead Sea is ten times saltier that any ocean, and everything floats immediately. It’s funny to watch how quickly people rise to the top. GG is grateful, saying everything is good right now. She gets salt water on the tattoo, and then it’s not so good. When they get back, Mike says that he has salt in all of his crevices.

Asa gets her neck massaged while she talks to Destiney. She’s not happy about some of the conversations. Tommy Facetimes MJ. She asks about her father, who is holding on, and he shows her one of the dogs. She says it’s not easy being so far away from her dad. They’ve been thick as thieves since she came out of the womb. Tommy puts Shams on, and says his grip is starting to feel strong. She says hello to him, and Tommy tells her not to cry; he’s good. After she hangs up, she gets a billion tissues and goes inside the shower cubicle. Mike asks if she wants a drink; he’s worried about her. Mike says his own father had told him that when he saw that Mike was okay, he’d be okay. He thinks Shams is holding on because he wants to see her happy. He tells her that Tommy is a good dude, and not to let her father’s illness to stop her from living her life. He says that Shams has lived a good life, and he should see her get married. MJ says that she has to make sure she propels herself forward and gets what Mike is saying.

The group strolls around the city, which is beautiful. They go to a restaurant where they have a private room. Reza says that the owners are a couple who decided to turn their home into a restaurant, and the food is off the chain. He tells us that Jews and Muslims don’t agree on much, but they agree on the food. It’s simple and delicious, and he’d like to go swimming in the hummus. MJ starts to make a toast, and Mike says what a great guy Tommy is, and tells her to step up or step out. He thinks she’ll lose him if she doesn’t marry him. MJ says she doesn’t mean to be unappreciative, but she has to be an activist for her father’s care. In her interview, Asa wonders if crying is MJ’s default mode for avoiding an issue. MJ says she’s dealing with a lot, but does it with pleasure. In his interview, Mike says Asa doesn’t look like she gives a flying. Mike says it’s amazing how they’re fighting for each other to achieve their goals, and be open and honest. They toast to the future.

Asa has an announcement. She found out the sex of the baby. She was waiting until the end of the trip, but now she feels alone and uncomfortable. Mike thinks she’s being insulting. Asa says there’s nothing she has to hide, and she’s not a liar. They’re welcoming a son. Reza says he called it. In her interview, MJ says that Asa got pregnant by a miracle, but happened to freeze male embryos and it’s a boy. She calls Asa a fraud. GG says she knew there was a penis in there somewhere. Mike asks about a name, but it hasn’t been decided.

Reza makes a toast, thanking everyone for sharing this journey. He grew up respecting and loving that side of his family, and talks about being with Mike’s family. He tells them about his grandmother having five sisters, and how he didn’t have that, but he gets it through them. Shervin says what Reza has gone through has made him who he is. He thanks Reza for helping them get over their fear. In his interview, Shervin he says he was scared because he looks Palestinian, but everyone was welcoming. Mike says he has gratitude for them overlooking their fears. It’s strengthened their roots. Now a massive tree can grow, and Israel has caused that to happen.

Next time, MJ thinks today might be the day, GG tells Shervin that MJ is criticizing him, and Reza calls out Shervin.

Beyond the Wall

I’ll tell you what’s beyond the Wall. Zombies. Lots of them. As Jon and his band of merry men found out on Game of Thrones tonight while on their field trip.

At Winterfell, Arya accused Sansa of having a hand in their father’s death, and showed her the note she’s swiped from Littlefinger. Sansa said she was forced to it, and was just a child. Arya told her she was a child too, but would have died first. Sansa told her that they got Winterfell back because of her, and yada-yada-yada about how much she’s suffered. She told Arya that sometimes anger makes people do unfortunate things, and Arya said fear does too, but she’ll stick with anger. I relate.

We found out that The Hound hates gingers, and I wondered wonder what Andy Cohen would have to say about that. Tormund learned what the word d*ck means, and professed his love for Brienne, and his desire to make monster babies with her. The Hound said she’d want to carve him up and eat his liver, and Tormund was like, oh, you know her. Beric told Jon that the trip wasn’t going to be any fun, like he didn’t know this already, but they’d accomplish a lot.

Dany told Tyrion he’s no hero, but she likes it that way. She knows he’s brave though, since she would never choose a coward as her Hand. Tyrion thought if they wanted to create a new and better world, mass murder and destruction wasn’t the way to go about it. He wanted to discuss who would succeed her one day, but Dany wasn’t having it until she’s sitting on the Iron Throne. Tyrion suggested she likes Jon, but she said he was too little for her, and then was like, oh, sorry.

Some guy in Jon’s group got grabbed by something and eaten right away, and this giant zombie bear thing came out of nowhere. It was not good. One of the guys set it on fire, causing The Hound to freeze. Thoros saved him, but got tossed around and mauled for his trouble. Jorah stabbed the bear thing, and made some magic to get Thoros moving again. When Beric asked if he was okay, Thoros was like, I just got bit by a dead bear, what do you think? Pointing out what a stupid question that was.

The real stupidity of the night was Sansa confiding in Littlefinger about Arya finding the note. Why Arya didn’t out him earlier for having it hidden, I’m not sure. Sansa told him that the people’s loyalty is to Jon, not her, and she’s already been married to two of their enemies. She has a point there. I just don’t understand why Sansa is trusting this dude.

Jon and his guys ambushed a group of White Walkers, made zombie brittle out of them, and kept one just in case they needed it later. Even The Hound was grossed out when he ripped the zombie’s face off, while trying to subdue it. When Jon realized a humongous zombie horde was coming, Gendry got sent back to Castle Black to send a raven to Dragonstone for help. Jon and company ran out in the middle of a frozen lake, not realizing it until it started cracking, but they had to keep moving because the horde was breathing – well, symbolically anyway – down their necks. Then in a very Z Nation type move, row by row of zombies fell through the ice and into the lake. Jon and the main characters of the scene made it to an rock formation, along with their captured zombie, with the remaining horde on the other side of the lake. Since winter is all over the place, Gendry ended up keeling over right in front of the Wall, but the Maester ran out, along with a bunch of other guys, and Gendry told him about sending the raven. Thoros ended up freezing to death, and Beric said blah-blah-blah about the Lord of Light, and they burned his body. Oh well. We learned that if you kill a White Walker, the others he’s taken to hell with him will go too.

Back at Winterfell, Sansa told Brienne to represent her at the Kings Landing summit. Brienne reminded Sansa of her oath, but Sansa said she’d by fine by herself.

There was a zombie free-for-all after The Hound threw rocks at one of them, and there were some amazing crane shots. Beric’s flaming sword was also impressive. I yelled, help him! at the TV when I was sure Tormund was a goner. The Hound came to the rescue. The guys fought the zombies, while the soundtrack got all quiet, like that scene in Snowpiercer when the Chris Evans and the tail section people battle those guys in the black masks.

Even though Tyrion had warned her to do nothing, Dany came flying in on Drogon’s back, wearing a snow queen type outfit, along with the other two dragons. There was dracarys all over the place, and then some. Dany parked, and the guys were trying to get on the Drogon, but only Jorah made it. While Jon was battling the zombies and Dany’s attention was elsewhere, that freaking, spiky-headed Night King started sneaking in on them. He threw that ice spear he carries, and hit Viserion. (I only know the name because I cheated and looked at another recap. I honestly can’t tell one dragon from another. Hey, at least I’m honest.)

Here’s where it turned into a real sh*t show. In my family room. This hideous creature killed Viserion. It was shocking and sickening and horrifying. And that was just my reaction. I burst into tears, jumped out of my chair, yelled at the TV, and my dogs thought I had gone out of my mind, my sensitive one running to comfort me. After this ruthless scene, Dany took off with Jorah and whoever the other dragon is, and Jon fell into the water. I was so freaked, I didn’t even know what happened to the others. Jon’s Uncle Benjen swooped in, like a white knight on a horse. He put Jon on the horse, but when Jon asked him to come, he said there wasn’t time. This perplexed me, because I wondered how much time it would take him to jump on, especially since he ended up getting eaten by the horde.

Next thing I knew, The Hound, Tormund, and Beric were back at the Wall. Tormund said see you later, but The Hound said probably not. Somehow, Benjen’s horse made it back to the Wall.

Sansa searched Arya’s room, and found her faces. Arya is still quiet as a cat though, and snuck up on her. Arya wanted to play a Westeros version of truth or dare, but Sansa didn’t want to, so Arya scared the crap out of her.

Once again, Jon came back to life after being pretty much frozen. He’s getting good at that resurrection thing. He awoke to Dany sitting at his bedside. He was absolutely precious, telling Dany how sorry he was, and how he wished they hadn’t gone. Dany was stoic though, saying that she needed to see it to believe it, but the dragons are the only children she’ll ever have, so she’s going to destroy the spike head king. Jon told her that he sees her for what she is, and he’d bend his knee, but can’t from a hospital bed. They held hands, and the entire viewing audience had the same thought.

Like a billion Jacob Marleys, the zombies drug Viserion  out of the ice water. Okay, I thought, maybe at least we’ll get a zombie dragon out of this. And yes, we will.

Next time, the season finale.

Best Quotes of the Night

Walking’s good; fighting’s better; f*cking’s best. – Tormund

Heroes do stupid things and they die. – Dany

This episode was brutal and exhausting. – Me

GoT-Dragon

RIP Viserion

(and Dick Gregory and Jerry Lewis)

 

Aug14

August 13, 2017 – Shahs at the Wall, a Different Wall & Throne Quotes

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

Shahs of Sunset

Meanwhile, back in Tel Aviv, our Shahs gather for a breakfast buffet. Mike explains how they’ve been alternating who gets to choose what they’re doing, and today is Asa’s day. She’s decided on an art project. Reza suggests someone check on MJ. She sent him a text pic, and says she looks like she was ridden hard and put away wet, but she’s really just badly hungover. Reza tells Asa that MJ isn’t having her usual fresh like a flower recovery. Asa wants to go to the city of Akko, where she says that Jews, Muslims, and Christians live in peaceful co-existence. She asks the group to film some people at the market, while she interviews three spiritual leaders, and reminds them to be respectful. Reza wants her to find a new hobby, since he got roped into being in one of her videos, shirtless and less than fit. MJ finally joins them, and Reza says it’s a miraculous makeover.

When they get to Akko, Asa goes off to do her interviews. A rabbi greets her with a virtual hug because he’s orthodox. Another rabbi, a priest, and a Muslim peacemaker (the Yoda of Palestine) are also in attendance, which totally sounds like the start of a joke.

Reza bothers some strange cats in a dumpster and on a rooftop, which mike equates with touching a gas station bathroom doorknob and eating chips without washing your hands. Asa films each of the leaders, and all promote messages of love. Rabbi number two has the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen, and they absolutely twinkle. The others don’t have much luck in the village, as people don’t want to be interviewed or photographed. Reza gets a free falafel though. Mike is disturbed that the conversations are starting with asking what religion the person is. Reza says there’s not a yarmulke to be seen. Mike gets Reza on the side, and asks if it seems mixed to him. Reza says it’s all older Arabs, and they don’t like the Western world. Man, his face has one nervous expression.

The call to prayer happens, and Mike says he told them. Reza says he was told that Muslims and Jews lived in harmony there for centuries. Mike wants to keep it moving, and discuss it in a safe place, since everyone wonders wtf this group is doing. Reza wants to get the hell out of Dodge.

Asa is having a much better time, laughing, singing, and dancing with her worldview brethren. They break bread as the sun is setting, and rabbi number one thanks her for helping to bring unity to the world. She tells them that this is the future, and they walk into it together. She hopes the others are also having an enriching experience. Um…

Reza looks at the toy guns at the market, marked for ages three and up, and says it looks like a terrorist Christmas gift. GG isn’t feeling threatened, and thinks it’s in Mike’s head that he does. Asa joins them. She tells them it was life changing, and the future seems bright. Mike thinks she’s living in a dream world, and gets everyone to move along. Asa tells them not to emit this type of energy. Reza says that eyes are on them in a wtf are you doing here? kind of way. She suggests he be as nice to the people as he is to the cats, and tells him to open his mind. He wants to work on it in the car. In her interview, Asa thinks you get back what you give out. Reza asks how he can get a perspective from someone who hates him, and she says by understanding them and radiating love. He thinks they should have switched places, and tells Asa that the rage he has gives him all the feels. Asa hugs him, and says she hears him and understands. I love her attitude, but I agree it doesn’t work like that. At least not overnight.

Back in the bus/limo, Mike equates it to wearing a Rolex in a bad neighborhood, and then complaining about it getting stolen. He says a guy was making gun noises, and others joined in, and it was scary. He says people were walking around aggressive, but GG insists it’s safe there. She says he wants to live in a Jewish bubble, and everything outside of it is dangerous. Mike says it has nothing to do with that – they’re seen as Westerners, who the townspeople see on the news talking smack about them. They’re walking around with cameras and interrogating them, and it appears antagonistic.

Mike says the trip left a bad taste in his mouth, and he wants to make sure they experience a real Israeli Shabbat tonight.  He remembers how enlightened he was to meet Asa’s family, and hopes she gets the same from his. He doesn’t blame her for the day, knowing she just wanted them to experience things differently. MJ calls Tommy, and asks him to call her dad, but he’s planned to visit him, which makes her happy.

Shabbat is being held in a restaurant. Mike hasn’t seen his family in ten years, so he’s a little nervous. The cousins start pouring in. He says it’s important to him because the time goes by so quickly, but when they get together, they pick up where they left off like it was yesterday. His sickly great aunt arrives in a wheelchair and he’s thrilled that she came out to see him.

Cousin Yossi talks about God resting on the seventh day, and they should too. Everyone toasts, saying Shabbat Shalom. Reza is trying to get over the day’s experience, and says that being surrounded by joy and love, he’s sensing what it means to be in Israel, and it’s what he came there for. He talks about his grandmother not liking him, and how he thought it was because he was gay, but it was really because he’s half Muslim. The love he wanted from his Jewish side, he’s getting from Mike’s family. Mike says a prayer, and drinks from a huge horn. In his interview, he says he screwed up with Jessica, and hopes for another chance at having his own family.

Mike invites Reza to come speak. Reza talks about how he’d been to a city that was shocking and jarring, and it wasn’t the experience he was looking for. Now, he sees the love, and Judaism, and beauty of Israel. He thanks them, and Mike says that he’s never felt so Jewish. In her interview, GG says loving the Jewish culture doesn’t mean you have to dismiss or disrespect Islam. You can’t be for peace when all you’re doing is shaming the other side. I agree with her, but she doesn’t seem to grasp that Reza has good reason for his fear.

The next morning, Asa feels depleted. She says she’s tired all the time, and read that a pregnant woman lying down is doing more work than someone running a marathon. GG tells Destiney and Shervin about how Reza is being disrespectful. In her interview, she talks about when they were in Turkey, and Reza called the women in veils, “walking curtains.” She hopes that Reza can get over his Muslim hate for the sake of their friendship.  He arrives, and she tells him that some of the things he says can be taken as offensive. He tells her that they have different experiences, and she says they can be angry, or say it is what it is, and enjoy the other things the country has to offer. Reza says that it wasn’t a positive experience. Shervin says that he and Destiney have stepped out of their shells and been open-minded; he should do the same. Reza says that he’ll make a conscious effort not to slam Islam while they’re in Israel. He shouts that he loves all Muslims.

Mike brings out journals for everyone, so they can write down things for the Western Wall. In his interview, he says that MJ’s life is a mess. She admits that she never planned ahead, and hated the where do you see yourself in ten years? question. MJ writes an essay, and reads it out loud. She talks about fear and failure, and how she wants to create a legacy. She wants to eliminate the what-ifs. Reza thinks she should be more specific, instead of taking God on a roller coaster ride. He tears up, and tells her that he wants her to get married and have a baby. She’ll be an amazing mom, and that will be a legacy. He doesn’t want to take away from what she wrote, but that’s his wish for her.

As they’re boarding to leave, MJ and GG encourage Shervin to take the front seat reserved for Asa, but when Asa gets on the bus/limo, she doesn’t find it funny. Reza says she always magnifies whatever is going wrong. MJ says Jerusalem is like living inside a postcard. Reza marvels, knowing that Jesus walked there, chilling with his friends. Mike says it’s the heart and crown jewel of Israel. It really is gorgeous, and historic, and holy – the Biblical definition of which is, “set apart.” Reza says the Wall is where to ask for whatever you want in the universe. He tells them to tap into the energy of the Wall. Men and women are separated, and everyone cleanses themselves before approaching. Reza hopes and prays that everyone takes away a gift from the experience, clears their mind, and connects.

Mike tells Shervin that a yarmulke is a sign of respect, and Shervin asks if all religions pray at the Wall. He says he’s an outsider, and feels strongly that the people who aren’t Jewish can tells he’s not. Really? That’s some weird exaggerated thinking. Mike puts on a prayer shawl. He says the last time he prayed there, it was about the past, and he has clarity now. He wants what he saw last night – family. He wants to find the right one again.

GG sees the women being secondary, and says the men have more room at the Wall. She’s used to it from her travels, but doesn’t like it. Of course she doesn’t participate, which isn’t unusual for her. I guess her Zen is wearing off. Reza’s grandfather was on his mind, and says that when he put his face to the Wall, it was as though he was touching his grandfather, and was with him. He believes his grandfather loves him, and says Adam has his name, and the children will too. A rabbi places a tefillin – a box with parts of the Torah in it – on Reza’s head, and he, Reza, and Mike dance in a circle. Reza says he now has what he’s wanted for so long.

GG scowls in the background; Golnessa probably not far away. She says it’s just a wall. She sees a temple and mosque in the distance, and sees the wall as a blockage and barrier. She wants to tear it down. Sigh… It’s sort of sad that this girl will not grow up. I’ll really start liking her, and then she’ll be ridiculous, usually followed by  being violent. The episode was dedicated to Mike’s aunt in the wheelchair, who sadly, passed away.

Next time, GG gets insulted (bigger sigh), Asa is offended, and someone gets a tattoo. (Hint: It’s not me. Although I’d like one.)

Tonight’s Throne Game

Unfortunately, Jaime didn’t drown. I hate him right now, and can’t call him enough bad names. Tyrion surveyed the damage, and it was pretty depressing. I watch poor Drogon, and call Jaime a sh*tball. Dany sets the Casterly Rock warriors straight by saying she’s not like Cersei, and wants to offer them a choice to join her and leave the world a better place, or they can die. That’s a hard one. Drogon roared, and almost everyone bent the knee pretty quickly. Sam’s father stayed standing, and griped that Cersei should be queen, since she was born in Westeros, and called Dany an interloper. Dany respected him for not trading his honor for his life. She suggested he take The Black, but he didn’t like that idea either. So some Dothraki took him away. His son decided to come along, and Tyrion called him stupid. Well, no army needs stupid people, so bye Tarley dudes. Dracarys for you both.

Cersei thought they should hire mercenaries, but Jaime was like, um… Dany has three dragons, and we can’t win. Then she came up with the great idea of having Tyrion interve. Jaime told her about Oleanna having been the one who killed Joffrey. She said either way they were screwed.

Jon got up close and personal with Drogon, who, to the relief of millions, seems to be fine. He let Jon pet his nose, and all our hearts went pitty-pat. Dany questioned Jon about his death experience. Ser Jorah returned, and Dany was impressed that he found a cure for his greyscale.

Bran hooked up with a bunch of two-eyed ravens, and took a look around the Wall (totally different Wall than the one that the Shahs visited). He saw the army of White Walkers, and said they needed to send ravens with the news. Poor Sam continued to haul books around for the Maester. There was a Maester meeting where they took potshots at Bran’s message, but Sam gave them the low down that Bran could see beyond the Wall. Maybe it’s me, but I think Sam is starting to sound a little sarcastic when he talks to them. The head Maester said they’d look into it, which meant they were blowing off Sam. The knowledge of Sam’s brother and father becoming crispy critters was kept from him.

Varys, who I’m really starting to like, discussed Tyrion’s responsibilities with him. He thought Tyrion could do better at being the Queen’s Hand. Jon was totally freaked to find out his siblings were still alive, and even more freaked about the White Walkers. He wanted Dany’s help, but she was like, oh no, once I go to do that, Cersei will take over. Tyrion thought it would be a good idea to lasso one of the White Walkers and bring it to Cersei. I’d do that. And then tell it to bite her head off. Jorah, who’s still trying to impress Dany, volunteered. Jon insisted on going too, since he’s the one with experience. At this point, I started wondering where The Hound is these days.

Sansa got complaints from the lords that nothing is going on, but she said they had to wait for Jon to get back. Arya accused her of wanting Winterfell for herself, and Sansa ignored that. Tyrion snuck into Casterly Rock and ran into Jaime, who looked like he was having a hard time keeping a straight face, since Tyrion was his usual witty self. Davros picked up Gendry, Robert Baratheon’s bastard son. Gendry did some nice work dispatching a couple of guards with a cool weapon he’d designed, taking their faces off. Jaime told Cersei about the White Walkers. I had to laugh because she seemed hesitant to believe such a thing existed. But dragons are okay. She told Jaime never to betray her again.

Sam got tired of just reading about adventures, and decided to leave for one of his own. Arya spied on Littlefinger, who met some girl and gave her something. He then talked with two old guys while Arya kept watching. Later, one of the guys came to his room, and gave him a message. Arya saw that too. The second he was gone, she tossed his room, and found the note in a hole in the mattress. It was a letter that Cersei forced Sansa to write in some other season. When Arya came out, Littlefinger was in the shadows, so who knows what’s up his little finger. I’ll bet he goes on her list. I’d expect better sneaking around from Arya though.

Jon met with the men at Castle Black, where Tormund discouraged him, but showed him some prisoners – The Hound (they were reading my mind) and Beric. Beric said they don’t want to go beyond the Wall, but they have to. He got all philosophical, saying there was a great purpose at work, and they were all together for a reason, and blah=blah=blah about the Lord of Light. At this point, Jon was like, if you’re breathing, you’re on my side, come on, and they started off to the other side of the Wall. Winter is seriously there.

The main takeaway point? The dragon is okay!

Next time, Jon and company battle White Walkers and Arya asks Sansa what she’s scared of.

Davros wins the game of quotes…

It’s better to be a coward for a minute, than dead for the rest of your life. – Davros

Nobody glowers quite like you. – Ser Jorah, referring to Tyrion

Nothing f*cks you harder than time. – Davros

WesternWall

The Western Wall

GoT-Wall

The Wall

Aug7

August 6, 2017 – The Shahs Take On Israel, Save the Dragons & a Little Bit of Bad

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

The Shahs of Sunset

Reza and Adam fill out forms at a fertility clinic. Reza is filled with fears and questions. He notes that the doctor’s desk cost ten grand, and figures he’ll be paying personally for that. I understand this, having taken pets to the emergency vet, where they have a free latte machine and a concierge. They discuss surrogacy. The idea is to fertilize two eggs, one for each of them. Just in case you were wondering, they’d be twins. The price is between $120K and $160K. Reza nearly has apoplexy.

MJ visits Shams at the hospital. She tells him about going to Israel for a week. His advice is to find a Jewish friend. She isn’t thrilled about leaving him, but feels that life is telling her to go. She puts some pictures and handmade cards on the wall. She wants to make a baby Shams, who her father can see himself in. I hate to say this, but I’m not so sure that, even if she got pregnant tomorrow, he would be around to see the baby.

GG goes to dinner with new squeeze, and neighbor, Shalom. Her parents will be joining them. She’s so nervous she wants to fart, so only orders sake, which makes perfect sense. She tells us she rarely introduces a boyfriend to her parents, since she can’t see herself living out her life with most of them. We flash back to the losers she’s dated. She says it’s very different for Persian Jews and Persian Muslims to mix, so Shalom being Jewish is the only drawback. GG’s parents arrive. In her interview, she says she’s done a lot of things they haven’t approved of, but if they see something she doesn’t, she’ll never look back. Her mother is tickled that Shalom knows Farsi. Two seconds into the meal, GG asks her parents if it’s a yes, but some sake is spilled, taking the attention away. Her father gets all serious, and says she knows his opinion about her dating Jewish people – he doesn’t care. If she’s happy, it’s all good. Ha-ha! He reminds me of my father. When I was a teenager, I thought I’d test him by asking how he’d feel if I brought a Black boyfriend home. He didn’t miss a beat and said, it’s fine – as long as he’s Catholic. (He was kidding around. These days, I feel the necessity to point that out.)

Asa goes shopping for baby furniture. She talks about buying only organic cotton clothing for the baby – unless it’s really cute. Reza joins her. He zeros in on a crib that’s the color of a Mercedes. Asa shows him the mega-stroller she wants, and he tells her about the visit to the clinic and how babies are expensive AF. In his interview, he says he doesn’t have the need Adam does to have a biological child. He’s more interested in giving an already born child a home. He tells Asa about MJ being affected in the most unusual way with her pregnancy news. Asa says that MJ has been toxic lately, and Reza tells her that MJ thinks she puts on a façade that everything is perfect. Asa doesn’t want to focus on other people’s head trips they put on her. Far out, man.

Tommy looks up Israeli dress code for MJ, and it sounds like there isn’t one. MJ tells us they’re officially in baby-making mode, and every time she has to go to the bathroom, she uses an ovulation stick. We wait… It’s a no. She’s starting to wonder if she ovulates at all, but I think that’s a given if you haven’t been through menopause. In her interview, she says Asa got pregnant because she was supposed to have a baby, and the universe is telling her to get on that before it’s too late. She’s annoyed by the rule that when you have to do something, it doesn’t happen. I understand this, having needed to buy a dress for a wedding the day before. Any other time, I’d find a million things I liked, but not that day.

Mike’s brother, David, visits, bearing candy for the family members in Israel. Mike tells us that David is his hero, and helped him through the separation. His father told them that when he and his mother were gone, they would be all they had, and they live under the credo that family is everything. They also discuss wardrobe, and what Mike needs to bring, like a passport. In his interview, Mike says he’s been to Israel at different points in his life, and this time, he’s going as a single man seeking enlightenment. We see pictures of his various trips there.

Adam asks what kind of baby Reza wants, and he says a healthy one. Adam wants one that grows fast, so they can dress her up, and Reza tells him that it’s not a toy. I’ll bet that part is fun though. Someone is coming over to discuss adoption options. Adam wonders if he should offer them a drink, but Reza thinks advocating alcohol is a bad idea. He’s leaving for Israel the next day, but wants Adam to get a dose of reality. Reza says that Adam’s biological clock is ticking, but he’s thinking that it’s just the next phase of the relationship. The representative tells them there are 21,000 foster children, and 20% from the LGBTQ community. She says it’s especially hard to find teenagers homes. Reza tells Adam that they’ll love you just as much, and might even end up looking like you. In his interview, Reza tells us about how he knows of Persian families kicking their gay kids out, and how sometimes they end up dying on the streets. The rep tells them that the age range isn’t an issue on the agency’s end; they just want a family. Reza doesn’t want to push Adam, but wants him to understand why he prefers adoption.

Destiney has had a passport for years, but has never actually traveled, since she’s always working. She and Shervin share a limo to the airport. She asks him about Annalise, and if he’s being faithful. Shervin claims now that he’s older, he’s not as much of a playboy. Asa and GG take a car together. Asa says she misses Jermaine already. She says it might not seem prudent, flying for twenty hours, at 7½ months pregnant, but she’s going on a spiritual, peaceful pilgrimage for her and her baby. Reza and Mike also ride together. Reza says he doesn’t think there are a lot of gay terrorists, so he’s just going to go ♫ he-e-ey ♫ everywhere at the airport. In his interview, Reza gives us some travel tips – look expensive, so you don’t look like you want to die; befriend a TSA agent; and if your name is Mohammed, have your friends call you “Moe” at the airport. I’ll never understand how Reza’s stand-up act went so poorly. He’s a funny guy, and his delivery is perfection.

On the plane, Reza tells GG that whatever they went through, is behind them. I think he’s a little drunk, because he keeps repeating that he’s serious. In her interview, GG says it seems like yesterday they hated one another, and now they’re going to Israel together.

Fastest. Flight. Ever. And they’re already in the detention center. Reza calls it Argo-esque. Mike wonders how the only real Jew in the group is getting detained. MJ and Asa apparently escaped this, and are picking up their luggage. Mike is surprised they didn’t detain Asa, especially since he pointed out her “very Muslim” name. Asa tells MJ that it could be up to five hours. She thinks the two of them were friendlier. Asa points out the tons of balloons that are hitting the airport ceiling.

Destiney gets sprung, and joins Asa and MJ. She says interrogation like an MF, and they asked her about everybody – their names and what they did for a living. Shervin is next, and tells Mike to thank his people for letting him in before Mike. GG and Reza are left as Mike gets the all clear. MJ says she’d be nervous to be the last person left with GG. Reza says she’s a ticking time bomb, and he’s sitting next to the one person who could get him sent back. Geez, they don’t even have books with them, or tablets, or a magazine. Anything.

Mike says he pointed out that he’s been there many times, but they said not with these people. He jokes that he’s reached the maximum capacity of Muslims he can travel with. Reza feels like he’s been wandering the desert for forty years, when he and GG are finally let through. First stop, the hotel lounge.

Let’s just put it this way, it’s not your typical happy hour buffet. The appetizers look like something from a five-star restaurant. GG breaks a glass, and everyone yells L’chaim! In his interview, Reza tells us that Tel Aviv is someplace that Woody Allen would have hung out back in the day. I’m not sure why he comes to this conclusion, but he has a really hard time remembering Woody Allen’s name. They arrange to meet in an hour, and everyone freshens up. Adam FaceTimes with Reza, who tells him about getting detained. The gang gets into a bus/limo, and heads to a restaurant.

It’s dark and beautiful. And you can smoke. Asa is concerned about the baby, and decides to go back to the hotel. Reza asks Destiney what her type is. She says cute, which is both broad and vague. GG tells us that she loves Black guys. Mike tells us he’s not intimidated, because he has a humongous dool, but GG thinks not so much. Outside, MJ tells the girls she’s getting pregnant in a month. GG says she should get married first, but MJ claims it isn’t a bastard unless it’s born before you get married, and she’ll have that taken care of. Reza joins them, and says, who cares? MJ says that she does, and he tells her that she’s forty-four, and her chances of getting pregnant are like winning the lottery. In his interview, he says when you want to get pregnant, you do yoga, and don’t drink and smoke like prohibition starts tomorrow.

Dancing and drinking happens. MJ doesn’t care how long they flew, she doesn’t want tonight to be a dud. They bring new friend Shlomi back to the hotel. MJ keeps saying that she won’t be able to do this a month from now. Shervin has also brought a couple of girls back, and they play spin the bottle. Shlomi takes his pants off. I’m not sure why, but I think it’s part of a drinking/dare game. Reza gets out while the getting is good, and Mike also calls it a night. By the time everyone leaves, Destiny pronounces the room a pigsty. MJ says she’s all about living out her youth as far as she can; in a month, she might be stroller shopping.

Next time, a trip to the Western Wall, Asa wants to film the locals, and Reza wants to get the hell out of Dodge.

Meanwhile in Westeros…

👑 On Game of Thrones, Littlefinger whined to Bran that he wasn’t there for Bran’s mother when she needed him most, and gave him the dagger that nearly killed him as a boy. He promised to be there for Bran now, but Bran probably believed that as much as I do. Arya came back to Winterfell. She got all the feels, and OMG got a smile out of Sansa. They agreed that neither one of their stories had been pleasant ones, but it ain’t over yet. The sisters reunited with Bran, who continues to be zzzzzzzzzzzz… oh sorry, every time I say his name, I fall asleep. He gave Arya the dagger. Jon and Dany checked out the dragonglass mountain, and found hieroglyphics from the Children of the Forest, back when everyone was getting along, and they fought together. Jon told Dany that they have to do the same, because the struggle is real. She agreed to fight for the North… if he bent the knee. He explained that his people won’t accept a Southern ruler, but she said they would if he did, and asked if his survival was more important than his pride. Tyrion and Varys brought the news that Casterly Rock had been taken. Dany decided to fly her dragons to the Red Keep, but Jon told her if she used the dragons to get what she wanted, she’s no different than any of the other rulers before her.

Missandei wondered why Jon’s last name is Snow, and the bastard thing had to be explained to her, because they don’t even have marriage where she comes from. She told them about how Dany released her from slavery, and is the queen they chose. That idiot Theon made it to Dragonstone, but instead of slapping him silly, Jon told him that the only reason he’s not killing him is because of what he did for Sansa. Theon filled them in on what happened with the Greyjoy fleet.

The Dothraki tried to kick Jaime’s ass, with Dany, riding on Drogon, as back-up. She said, Dracarys! and it was all over with. Jaime made the soldiers hold the line, but it didn’t go too well for them. The Dothraki are awesome!  So are dragons. They tried shooting arrows at Dany on the dragon’s back, but got some dracarys for their trouble. That traitor, Bron, hooked up some big catapult weapon thing, and I was hoping that he got burned alive before he had a chance to use it. I’m going to have a heart attack yet over these dragons and direwolves. He hit Drogon, and I nearly had a freaking conniption. I hate Bron now, and want to see his head on a pike. Jaime went after Dany and the wounded dragon, but someone pushed him aside before he got crispied, and he fell into the water. I swear to God, I’m not watching this anymore if that dragon dies. I am so pissed. I don’t care who dies in this show, as long as the dragon lives. I don’t even know what’s happening next week. I was too freaked out.

⚛ A tiny side note on Talking with Chris Hardwick. Since I’ve been watching the Breaking Bad Sunday AMC marathons, I wanted to see the interview with Bryan Cranston. I missed the first half, but got in on the end. He’s another funny guy, and generous with compliments to his castmates. It’s worth mentioning that Aaron Paul, who played Jesse, was only supposed to be on a few episodes before he was killed off. That’s really the sign of a good actor – when they want to keep you on past your deadline. (I’ve previously applauded both Roger Howarth an Tony Geary for the same feat on daytime TV.) Bryan also gave us an interesting quote:

🐝 If you’re wearing bees, it’s not a surprise to get stung. – while discussing a Malcolm in the Middle episode where he wore a suit of bees.

GoT-Dracarys

What happens when you say dracarys too loud.

Jul31

July 30, 2017 – Reza’s Halloween, Oleanna’s Confession & Some Hot Pie

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

Shahs of Sunset

Reza meets Mike for lunch. They discuss Shervin’s party and their severe hangovers. They talk about Shabbat. Mike says he’d be a nutcase If he didn’t have it in his life. He’s been through a lot this year, and hasn’t seen his family in Israel for over ten years. He says the spirituality of Israel is insane, and Reza suggests they go. He connects with his Jewish side and wants to be closer to it. He shows us the mezuzah in his and Adam’s new home. I have one too. It was included with my Queens apartment, and I loved it so much, I brought it with me when I moved. MJ joins the guys. Reza asks what she thinks about the vacation, but MJ is concerned about her sick father. Reza thinks it might be good for her to get away for a while. She tells him book it before she changes her mind. In her interview, she says she needs a break, and needs to do something besides worry about her dad.

Asa is getting ready to open a boutique, since she’s keeping caftans in the freezer. The rent is $10K, but Asa says, high risk, high success. Mona, the landlord, stops by, and I’m not sure what to say. He’s a walking piece of performance art, and shows us his eyelash nipples. Asa needs permits, so she burns sage… or something. The building isn’t far from the beach, and she says obtaining a permit from the Coastal Commission is difficult.

GG is walking in a Fashion Week show, so she and her mother are meeting with the designer, Erik. He wants her to sparkle, and has her put on a sequined romper. He explains how he wants her to walk, and her mother fusses with the garment, wanting to change the design. Erik is expecting 800 to 1000 people, and this makes GG nervous, because for someone who is so loud and aggressive, she doesn’t like people looking at her.

Reza is having a peace in the Middle East inspired Halloween party. Because, why not? He breaks down his crew for us, pointing out how they represent Jews and Muslims. He says even though Mike is totally into his Jewish roots, he’ll eat a shrimp in a hot minute. Reza is half-Muslim, half-Jewish, and all gay, and tells us he’s all mixed up. The wants the guests to dress in middle eastern costume. Reza talks about how gay kids are persecuted there, and says that the way he deals with the sad part of life, is to make fun of the most painful aspect. He meets Destiney in some weird prop store that even has fake kilos of heroin and clothing for suicide bombers. He asks Destiney to come on the trip, since Adam is starting a new job and can’t make it. It must be nice to be able to afford flying half-way across the world on a moment’s notice.

Tommy and MJ go to a Korean barbecue restaurant. She’s never had it before. Omg, she’s in for a treat. They have menus on iPads, which is very Gordon Ramsay. MJ says that she and Tommy need to keep it fresh and sexy, so they continue to date. He toasts to health and happiness. MJ looks pensive, and when he asks what’s up, she tells him that she wants to get pregnant. Immediately. He thinks they have decisions to make and be responsible adults. He tells her that he needs to quit smoking, and she needs to cut back on drinking. We flash back to when MJ froze her eggs, but she thinks there’s a solid chance to do it au naturale. Each thinks the other will make a great parent, and Tommy says he’s down with it. They’re picking up ovulation sticks on their way home.

GG gets her runway makeup done, and designer Erik offers her champagne. He tells them to make her look crazy. I’m not touching that, but Reza would. GG’s makeup looks almost like a raccoon mask of black and blue. Janice Dickinson comes in with the outfit GG is supposed to wear. GG asks Erik what’s going on, and he says he’ll find another outfit. GG tells Reza that he should find that old ass bitch something else. She wonders how Janice can walk around, much less walk a runway, when she’s from the Flintstone era. I like Janice, but have to laugh. She’d probably say that about herself.

GG is like, hell no, and having a hard time not turning into her alter-ego Lochnessa. Erik gives her another outfit, and Lochnessa gets put to bed. The outfit is just as cute – a sparkly robe over a two-piece althleisure/underwear set. Reza tells Shervin about the Israel idea, saying he’s feeling “Jewy.” He wonders if Shervin would be open to it, but Shervin thinks his business interests might be a problem. Reza wonders if he’s doing business with the Sultan of Brunei. Reza invites GG. She says something about them wanting bomb Iran, and a champagne cork pops, startling all of us. GG thinks Reza is a walking oxymoron. Reza says screw Iran, and tells her that his argument isn’t with the people, but the government.

Everyone takes their seats. GG is messing with the bow on the front of the robe, wondering which way it’s supposed to go, and I’m wondering why someone isn’t helping her get dressed. She tells us that this job is the start of responsibility for her. GG looks awesome. She trips a little on her walk out, but catches herself and does well. She comes out at the end with Erik and Janice. She says that she’s never doing it again though, unless Chanel calls.

GG and Asa go to a pumpkin patch. GG tells her about the fashion show. Asa explains that she’s never bought a pumpkin for Thanksgiving, and GG corrects her, saying it’s for Halloween. I assume that Asa has never gotten a pumpkin for that holiday either, because this only confuses her. She asks if they’re died or natural. Has she never even seen a pumpkin before? Shervin joins them.

There’s a carnival game there – the one where you throw Ping-Pong balls into goldfish bowls to win a fish. What is this place? They talk about the Israel trip. Shervin says he feels weird about it. GG says even though she was born in the US, she’s still Iranian. She goes there every year, and feels creeped out about a place that she thinks is negative toward her culture. She thinks they should try to express their feelings to Reza in a way that no one gets offended. Good luck with that.

MJ makes Tommy pinky swear to be the master of his domain. (Seinfeld reference – google it.) She wants a baby now. She wants to see her bloodline continue, and says that if she gets pregnant, they have to make a list for the wedding. Tommy jokes they could get married in the delivery room, but MJ doesn’t think it’s funny. He reads the instructions for the ovulation test, which is more complicated than a pregnancy test. She’s not ovulating, and worries what if it never happens? She’s going to do everything she can to ovulate (I’m not kidding, she said that), and is willing to spend her life’s savings on diapers.

Shervin and Annalise visit GG. There was a fuel leak on the plane, so Annalise is staying in the US longer. GG wants to put all the old out, so she’s moving. She has boxes she hasn’t touched since the last move, and I identify. She has one room to go, and it’s a mish-mash of all kinds of stuff. She says hoarding isn’t a disease; it’s being smart, because everyone loves vintage. Oh yeah? Tell that to eBay. I have a store there, and they’re trying to get rid of the the small sellers who offer those things, in favor of sellers like Sears and Amazon. Mini rant. Mike joins them.

Mike has a moving company now. He says it’s one skill that robots can never take over. His guys come in, and start moving and packing things. He says that what he lacks in experience, he makes up for with hard work and being involved. GG says that after the move, she’ll be ready to go on a trip. She says she has reservations about going to Israel though. Mike understands the hesitation, since he was afraid to go to Turkey. Mike tells them that he has relatives in Israel, and family is everything; they’ll welcome his friends with open arms. GG thinks she won’t be accepted. Mike says if she doesn’t go now, she never will.

Tommy is watching sports, while MJ attends Reza’s party. He wants to get some testosterone going.

Reza wants to get everyone on board for going to Israel. It’s about peace, acceptance, and respect. He and Adam are dressed as rabbis, but Adam thinks they look Amish. GG is totally burkafied. She says Iran isn’t what people think it is when it comes to dress code. When she’s in Iran, she only wears a headscarf, and a burka isn’t a requirement, only having certain areas covered. Asa comes as world peace, where she’s decorated her expanding middle as a globe with a peace sign on it. In his interview, Reza complains that the one time he needs her to come looking like she normally does, she changes it up. Shervin is an immigrant from the 70s, and basically looks like a pimp in a 70s movie. Mike has a Moses riff going on, and MJ is a skeleton, representing the lives lost. GG’s costume is starting to annoy her, and it’s hard to drink while wearing it, so she ditches the burka. Mike waves his staff in the air like he just don’t care. Reza says they’re very United Nations, which was the vibe he was going for.

Shervin wants to go to Israel, but GG isn’t cool with the conflict with Iran. Reza asks if they’re coming. Shervin wonders if he’ll be welcome. Reza says how would they even know what religion he is? Mike insists they accept everyone, and he and GG nearly get in an argument about who wants to nuke who. GG says that she was cool until Reza said screw Iran. Reza apologizes. He says Iranian people and the land they come from is beautiful, but the government is another story. Asa says it’s bringing up feelings, and they have to respect each other, and learn from the trip. GG agrees to come.

Next time, Adam and Reza talk kids, the gang is Israel bound, and then airport detained. Mike asks how come the only real Jew is getting detained?

The Throne Game

Jon Snow finally got to Dragonstone.  Look out for that low-flying dragon! The Red Woman claimed she has brought ice and fire together, but doesn’t exactly want to run into John again. I’ve decided that while Varys does look out for himself, he’s probably the one person who wants what’s best for the kingdom.

Useless Theon claimed he tried to save Yara, who Euron took prisoner, along with Ellaria and her daughter, but no one is buying that story. Cersei told Euron that he’d have his heart’s desires when the war is won, but I’m not so sure they’re on the same page with what those desires are. Cersei did make a good point to Ellaria that Oberyn shouldn’t have taunted Ser Gregor, and would have won the match had he left him alone to die. Instead, he got his head squashed like a grape. That’s pretty much what I said at the time. Dany agreed to let Jon mine the dragonglass, and give him whatever help he needs. Sansa got her command on in Jon’s absence, and Littlefinger continued to try to get on her good side. Bran made it back, but explained to Sansa that he couldn’t be Lord of anything, since he’s now the Three-Eyed Raven and sees all. He saw her in a wedding dress, but she didn’t want to stick around to hear who the next lucky man is.

The Maester poked and prodded at Ser Jorah, who is apparently cured of greyscale. Sam thought he was in trouble, but I thought they should capitalize on this find. Jorah said that he’s heading back to be with Dany, where he belongs. After he chided Sam for a while, the Maester gave him a pat on the back for knowing how to read instructions, and told him to be proud. But his reward is not getting kicked out and still getting to do the grunt work.

Tyrion explained that no one has ever taken Casterly Rock (I could listen to Peter Dinklage talk all day), and they’ll be ready. His father built everything, but wanted the lowest person he could find to build the sewers. That would be Tyrion, who decided to build something for himself – a passageway from the sea. The Unsullied used this information to get inside, killing a bunch of soldiers once they got there, but then they wondered where the rest were. Tyrion told Dany that Cersei’s armies fight out of fear, while hers fight for freedom and the person who gave it to them, and they’ll triumph. Meanwhile, Jaime gathered the rest of the troops, and overtook House Tyrell. Oleanna was wise to Jaime and Cersei sleeping together, and predicted that Cersei would be the end of Jaime. Jaime, being the somewhat decent dude he is, talked Cersei out of flaying Oleanna alive, and brought poison for her to drink, one that would cause her no pain. I wasn’t happy to see Oleanna leaving the canvas, but she got her last digs in.

When Jaime told her that there would be no pain, she drank the poison, saying that she’d hate to die like Joffrey, and how horrible it must have been for Jaime as a father, letting fly that she knew that too. But that wasn’t the best part. Oleanna told Jaime that it was horrible for her too; it wasn’t what she’d intended, but she’d never seen the poison work before. She told him that she wanted him to tell Cersei, that she wanted Cersei to know it was her. I swear, Jaime smiled slightly at that point, and it would make sense. He does have a lot of admiration for a clever enemy. We didn’t have to see Oleanna die, and I appreciated that. It was a fast hour and a satisfying ending.

Next time, Dany has had enough of clever plans; it’s time to release the Kraken dragons.

BTW, Hot Pie now owns a bakery called You Know Nothing John Dough.

http://ew.com/tv/2017/07/27/game-of-thrones-hot-pie-bakery/

GoT-HotPie

 

 

Jul24

July 23, 2017 – A Whole Lotta Shahs & a Little Bit of Thrones

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

Shahs of Sunset

Asa brings lunch for two out to the pool, and floats around on a golden swan. GG arrives bearing hummus. She ironically says that Asa looks skinnier, and tries to get on the float with her, but ends up dumping her into the pool. GG realizes Asa is pregnant, and freaks out, hugging her. They laugh about GG saying she looked skinnier. Asa says the first trimester is tiring, and GG says of course – your body has another body in it. She asks how everyone else took it, and if MJ is jealous. Asa says she doesn’t think so, but she’s in such a great place, that she’s not even sure what’s going on with everyone else. In her interview, Asa tells us that Reza and Adam’s one-year anniversary is coming up, and it’s sad when they’re missing a person. GG asks if she doesn’t think that Reza was in the wrong too. Asa tells GG that she has to own her stuff, and not palm a percentage off on someone else. She says to move past something, you can’t partially blame others. Good point.

Mike cleans up after the party, and MJ visits with coffee and buttery chocolate croissants. We flash back to the party, which Mike declares dope. Mike is surprised she’d bring the croissants after the throw-down they had over them three seasons ago. He asks if she had a good time at the party, and tells her that when she started crying he felt badly, thinking it was because she wants a baby too. She says that it was about her dad, not Asa’s pregnancy. Mike says he’s open-minded, but wonders why Asa doesn’t want to get married first. MJ thinks they’re not sure if they even want to live together, and Mike wants to be enlightened. In her interview, MJ says Asa and Jermaine have been together seven years, but everything is a secret. Mike says they’ve been a couple forever, and questions why they’re not getting married and then having a child.

Asa comes by Reza’s condo. He’s writing out a card to Adam for their anniversary. MJ shows up next. Reza says they’re late already, and they join everyone at the party bus. MJ toasts to Adam and Reza’s first year. She calls Tommy, but gets voicemail. MJ asks if GG is coming, but Reza says she lies and hits people. He hopes she’s on a good path, but wants to keep the circle small tonight. They guess whether Asa is having a boy or girl, and Adam asks them to guess when they’re having kids. In his interview, Reza says that since Asa’s announcement, Adam’s uterus has been on fire. Ha-Ha! Reza cracks me up.

The bus gets to the Wildlife Way Station where they’re having dinner after checking out the animals. We flash back to the Thailand trip, when Adam and Reza were supposed to get married the first time, with Reza backing out, and Adam staying home. In his interview, Reza says that he wants to give Adam what he couldn’t give him then. Mike says Adam twitches whenever Thailand is mentioned. Two turtles are mating, and MJ encourages them. Reza tells us that Mike has a special connection to monkeys, and it’s very telling.

It’s time to eat, and a beautiful tent has been set up in the forest, decorated with tiny lights and an aquarium. Reza asks Annalise what her plan is, since she and Shervin aren’t on the same continent. In his interview, Reza says Shervin is a whore, and he thinks Shervin is fooling around no matter where Annalise is. He says the burden is on her, and wonders why Shervin is fronting. Asa asks who’s going to have a baby next. Reza says Adam brings it up every five seconds; he wants their children to grow up with Asa’s, but they’ll do their thing when it’s time. Reza thanks everyone for coming. He compares his and Adam’s relationship to a stew that gets better after it’s been around a while. He doesn’t think that anything will make Adam forget Thailand, but it’s been a great year. In his interview, he wants to know where the trophy is for being faithful a whole year.

MJ suggests that they ask questions of each other. Reza wonders who’s getting married next, and MJ asks Asa if Jermaine has proposed. Asa says no, but they’ll get married when they get married, and they practically live together now. MJ asks how her parents are taking it, and if she knows why she doesn’t want to get married. In her interview, Asa says that the questions are judgmental, and it’s her life. Mike wonders if Jermaine being of a different race is a problem with the family, and there’s a quick discussion about how progress has been made in that area. In his interview, Mike says that it’s perfect time to talk, but she’s making them feel stupid for asking. Asa says that she and Jermaine know the future they want, and they’re working toward it. MJ thinks they’re too old for that kind of vague nonsense, and in her interview, she wonders if Jermaine didn’t propose and Asa wanted him to.

Adam meets GG for coffee. She tells him that he’s always been there for her, and she misses him. She’s asked him for a face to face a couple of times, and thanks him for coming. He says he doesn’t remember ever receiving an apology from her, but she shows him a text she’d sent him the morning after she attacked him. He admits that he might have blocked her. She tells him that it was a wake-up call. She loves him, and being the most innocent in the situation, he got the worst of it. He says he told people that he was mauled by a dog when they asked what happened. She says she’d never want to hurt him, and it was a lie about the video. She tells him that time heals, people grow and learn from their mistakes. He says he never hated her, even though she upset him greatly. He accepts her apology, but can’t see her behind Reza’s back. She understands that, and thanks him again. He jokingly tells her not to run after him this time.

Reza asks Adam what happened. Adam says that GG apologized, and he felt it was sincere. Reza asks what she apologized for, and Adam gives him a list, including the things she did to Reza. Adam says he thinks she wants to be a better person, and he’d like to give her a second chance. Reza says if he made up stories or hit someone every time he had a problem, he wouldn’t get anywhere in life. He doesn’t mind if Adam has a relationship with GG, but he’s not ready to have her back in his life. Adam says he’d like for them all to move on. He doesn’t want any negativity in any aspect of their relationship.

Reza arrives at MJ’s, and she hands him a drink. Shervin has invited them to a beach house, and he knows GG has been invited. In his interview, he says Adam thinks it’s cool, but he’s not sure, so he’s speaking softly and carrying a big stick. MJ gets a call about her father being released from the hospital to rehab, and asking if she’ll be involved with physical therapy. In her interview, she says they look forward to, and expect a full recovery. She tells Reza that they should stop by before they go to the beach house. While she gets ready, he cleans up her place. Yep, it’s a mess. In his interview, he sees her moving backward and being stuck, and wants her to get it together.

Reza and MJ visit MJ’s dad, Shams. He’s not as together as he was before, and she’s concerned. He does not look well at all, and in his interview, Reza says seeing him in this frail state is something he can’t even express. Reza tries to keep from crying. MJ says every day is another curveball. She walks around with a lump in her throat and wanting to throw up, but would rather this than what her father is going through. She tells Shams to smile, and he moves his mouth a little bit. She tells him she loves him, and gives him a bunch of kisses.

The guests start arriving at the Malibu party house. No surprise, the property is stunning. GG says she no longer drinks hard liquor. Shervin suggests that he and Mike jump into the pool from the roof. They don’t do that, but Shervin jumps from a balcony, giving everyone a mini heart attack.

In the car. Reza says that was hard, and MJ says that Shams does not look okay. She claims that yesterday, he looked like Roger Moore, but Reza thinks she’s in denial. She sees Shams in a healthier state than he is, and isn’t connecting to what’s real. She talks about taking Shams to Vegas when he’s better. Reza says if anyone says anything stupid or insignificant, he’s going to take their head off.

Reza tells Shervin about the visit with Shams. In his interview, he says it puts things in perspective, like his relationship with GG. It’s been a year since GG has seen Reza, and after she arrives, she realizes everyone is watching and waiting for her reaction. Reza tells Mike and Asa that Shams was a wreck, and MJ acted like nothing was wrong. Reza says that she thinks he’ll be there to walk her down the aisle and hold the baby; Mike thinks she’s completely delusional.

The party is in full swing. Mike tells us that it’s perfect – a dope house, catered food, so much alcohol you could drown in it, and some extras, like belly dancers. You name it, and it can go down at a Persian party. GG tells Adam to be nice to her man; he’s shy. She and Shalom have been living in the same building for years, but one day she said hey, and they’ve been together ever since. MJ wants massive quantities of tequila. GG has also brought a friend to buffer things. Right now, it’s nerve-wracking. She wants to make her presence noticeable, but doesn’t know what to do exactly.

Reza tells Asa about how they have so much amazing in their lives [sic], and wonders what he’s holding on to. He calls GG and MJ over to the couch. He tells us that he had a crazy emotional thing at the hospital, and his heart is open. He tells GG that he needs to bury this. He says the hospital hit home. They were talking about what’s really important, and some sh*t needs to be done. If anything needs to be said, now’s the time. GG says she’s been waiting for this, and has something for everyone. In her interview, she says that she wants to get back to how she and Reza used to be – talking sh*t about other people and not each other. She brings out some little handmade dolls for good fortune that she bought in Belize, and has each of them pick one. She meant to give them out at the time, but… She says that she and Reza put each other through hell, and apologizes for anything she did to hurt him, his people, or husband. Reza says he accepts, apologizes to GG, and says let’s move forward. In her interview, GG is thrilled, and says they’re all best friends again. She and Reza hug it out, and everyone wants the best for each other. They stack their hands on one another’s like before you do a cheer. Unicorns and rainbows dance across the screen. Well, just about.

Next time, Reza throws a Peace-in-the-Middle-East Halloween party, MJ wants to get pregnant, GG walks the runway, and Reza suggests a trip to Israel.

👑 And they’re just warming up. On Game of Thrones, Ser Jorah wasn’t looking too good, but Sam went behind the Maester’s back to try a cure for Jorah’s spreading greyscale. The Tarlys have to make a choice between siding with the crown or house Tyrell, who Jaime pointed out have brought the Dothraki to their shores. Oleanna told Dany that it’s better to be feared than respected, but Dany said that’s not her way. Tyrion laid out a battle plan, but Oleanna encouraged Dany to be a dragon, saying Tyrion might be clever, but she’s outlived clever men by ignoring them. Greyworm and Missansdei got busy. It’s about time. Sam got word to Jon about Dragonstone being on a mountain of dragonglass, and also told him that Dany is bucking for the Iron Throne and coming with three dragons. Jon decided to meet with them because they need the dragonglass. Sansa thinks it’s a trap, but still looked mighty pleased when Jon put her in charge while he’s gone. He begs to differ, and thinks Tyrion is a good guy. Seriously, Sansa should know that.

🐺 Arya was reunited with Nymeria, but it the scene ended sadly. In the forest, Arya was surrounded by a pack of wolves, with Nymeria as their leader. Arya wanted her direwolf to come north with her, but Nymeria wanted to stay with her new pack, and she simply led them away. The ladies from Dorne were kind of a snooze, but things livened up when Ellaria started flirting with Yara, who I constantly want to call Tasha Yar (Star Trek: The Next Generation). It was all fun and games, until bombs dropped on the party. That jerk Euron showed up, destroying the Greyjoy fleet. Although the fighting was fierce, Euron came out the winner, and captured Yara. Theon totally rallied when a knife was held to his sister’s throat – not. In what could have been a glorious moment for him, Theon jumped overboard, leaving Yara to fend for herself. Most. Disappointing. Moment. Ever.

❄ And since someone had to, Lady Lyanna told Jon that winter is here.

GOT-Nymeria

Nymeria

 

Jul3

July 2, 2017 – Fear the Safety Perspective, Don’t Let the Potomac Hit You on the Way Out & the Marathon Lingers

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

Fear the Walking Dead

Jeremiah sets up some target practice for Nick. Nick is worried about the caravan, and Jeremiah says they’ll get back when they get back.

Alicia gets out of Jake’s bed. She’s also worried about the caravan. Jake says he protected Troy when they were little, and she can trust him – on this at least. She says she’s more worried about whoever shot the helicopter down.

The caravan looks like a bunch of zombies coming up the road, ragged and shuffling. Alicia and Nick both run out to meet Madison. Everyone gets water, and injuries are looked at. Jeremiah asks what happened, and Troy wants to talk privately. Vernon says they all have a right to know, and Mike tells them that they’re Indian and slaughtered all of them. He says they’ll die too, if they don’t leave.

There’s a meeting in Jeremiah’s office, and Troy thinks they should hit them back immediately. Jeremiah asks if he scouted everything out. Madison says they were cautious, and Jeremiah says they’re extending the caution and not attacking. Troy says they either stole the land or didn’t, and Madison asks if it was stolen. Jeremiah says it was sold to his forebears, and what difference does it make? Jake tells Madison that Walker is a tribal lawyer. He’s sued them several times, and they’ve beat him in court every time. Jeremiah says the reservation is nothing but drug addicts and welfare cheats. He says it’s not racism, but the truth, and that was before the apocalypse, so he can just imagine now. Madison says the guy who talked to them was formidable and took command. Jeremiah asks if she has a crush on him, and tells Jake to deal with it.

Nick and Alicia take Madison back to their cabin. They unwrap and bathe her feet, which look pretty bad. Nick says Madison is strong, and she says he is too.

Alicia goes out to where Jake is practice shooting. She says sorry about the people he lost, but he says he didn’t know most of them. Alicia asks about Jeremiah, and Jake says that he’s the only founding father left; they’re getting picked off one by one. She asks if he’s afraid, and he says war is a violent place. He shows her how to use the automatic rifle. She asks who takes over the ranch after his dad. He says the land will pass to him and Troy, but the people don’t take orders well, so it could end up being anybody, even her. She says why wouldn’t it be him; they’ll want to look to somebody, so why not? She shoots the target.

Gretchen is looking for Alicia. Madison says she’s out and about, and asks how Mike is. She says he’s freaked, but said everyone would have died without her. Madison asks her to come in, and Gretchen says it’s her whole family. Her father doesn’t think it’s safe, and he’s one of the ones who built it. He said it’s just started, and he wants to leave the ranch. Madison says there’s nowhere safer, but Vernon thinks the Rockies will be safe at elevation. He thinks no one will listen, but being a founder, feels responsible.

Jeremiah drinks in his office. He hears something and goes outside. Nick does too. There are little fires all around, and everyone starts coming outside. The count about twenty, and Jeremiah says it wasn’t meant to burn them out; it’s just bullsh*t. Madison says the people are scared.

Nick goes to the pantry. Troy asks if Lucie took off. Nick gets annoyed, but Troy says he’s glad he didn’t take after her. Vernon and Kathy want to leave with some supplies. Troy tells Kathy that it’s no time to leave, but she says they’re worried. Vernon says this is what they put in, and the rules are that they can take it back out. Troy says the rules are for the people who live there, and if they leave, they don’t live there anymore. Kathy says that they spoke with his father, and to take it up with him.

Jeremiah looks like he has a headache, and tells Madison that it’s migraines. She almost tells him about Vernon, but Vernon joins them and beats her to it. He tells Jeremiah that they’ve been friends going on thirty years, but a man’s family comes first. He thinks the best thing to protect them is to leave. Jeremiah asks if they’re booking at the first sign of trouble, but Vernon says they’ve already killed eight. Jeremiah tells him to go. Madison begs Vernon to think for a minute, but he says his mind is made up, and walks away. Jeremiah tells her that when some men have kids, and it turns them into women, which she really appreciates. I can tell by the look on her face. Madison tells Jeremiah to give him a reason to stay or the rest will follow. Jeremiah says he welcomed them with open arms, and now has to beg them to stay? She says there’s a fight coming, and they’ll need everyone.

Vernon and his family are about to leave in their RV. Troy tells them he’ll shoot if the gate is opened. He tells Vernon to open the door, and tries to get Mike to come out. He says people died, and a man doesn’t run. Jake joins the people starting to gather, and tells Troy that Jeremiah said they could leave. Troy says everything is their property, and starts getting loud and stupid. Jake says that’s not what dad wants, and he’s just protecting the ranch. Troy tells him that he has no clue about protecting anything, and is he going to fight or surrender? Troy hits Jake. By now, Jeremiah is there, and almost decks Troy, but the others stop him. The gate is opened, and the RV leaves, Gretchen looking sadly out the window.

Troy is in the armory, and Madison asks if he’s looking for something to take out his old man. He says, never. All he’s ever had is this place and these people. He doesn’t understand it; the world outside is burned. Madison says that they want to see for themselves. He says Mike has been his friend since they were kids; he never quit on him. Madison says he didn’t quit on Troy; he stood by his family. Troy says it’s hard to know how to react. Madison says she’ll help him to save the others from the same mistake.

Troy tells his soldiers to come to attention. He says Mike is gone, and not coming back. From now on, they set an example, and will be a model of order, discipline, and chain of command. They have to make people feel safe or they’ll leave. They have to defend it with their lives or they’ll be slaughtered. It’s all they have, and it’s teetering. The only thing that can save it, is them. He says they’re all with him and do they understand. Everyone says, yes, sir.

Nick sees someone in the new/old house that burned. It’s Jeremiah, working. He asks where Nick has been; he’s been there drinking all night alone. That ought to be great for his migraines. He offers something to Nick, who says he’s high on life. Ha-ha! He tells Jeremiah to slow down, and asks what happened to his hand. Jeremiah says the expression “love the one you’re with” goes the same for hitting people, and I have no idea how that ties in. Nick says tomorrow is another day, a better one; he can crash there, and he’ll be too hungover to get in any fights. Jeremiah says the house is a sacred spot, where the movement was conceived; his life’s work. Now, two are dead, and one is dead to him. He knocks over the table, and while Nick is picking it up, Jeremiah takes the gun. He shoots three holes in the table, and apologizes. He says it’s Nick’s home and gun. He gets into bed. He tells Nick there’s blood in it; it’s in the earth. This guy is a font of information tonight.

Alicia comes into the bunkhouse, and Madison startles her. She asks if Alicia was at Bible study, and Alicia says she was at Jake’s, adding it’s nothing serious. Madison says the rhythm method is bullsh*t, and Alicia says Madison already told her that when she was a little kid, and she thought Madison was talking about a band. Alicia tells Madison that there’s birth control in the pantry. Madison says that the stakes are higher now, and asks if Alicia likes him. Alicia says yes; like, but not love.

Yep, Jeremiah is hungover. Nick says he raided the pantry, and offers him some coffee. Jeremiah starts to say, about last night… and Nick interrupts, saying that he was at the bunkhouse, and did he miss something? Jeremiah spies a horse near the fence and wonders how long it’s been there. They move closer, and he realizes it’s Vernon’s horse. He tells Nick to get Madison.

Madison, Jeremiah, and Nick go out in the truck. Jeremiah doesn’t think they would just free the horse. He thinks that the family is dead, but questions how they got that way. He tells Madison to be ready for that.

Alicia looks at some of Jake’s desk papers, and sees they’re concerning the Black Hat Reservation. He says he’s going to talk to Walker. He wants to take the back way, so his father won’t stop him. Alicia is afraid he’ll get killed, but Jake says he has to be more than just a voice in his father’s ear. She thinks he should take charge inside the camp. He tells her that Walker isn’t crazy, and his people got a raw deal. She asks him not to go, but he leaves anyway.

Madison and company see the RV. It has bullet holes in the windshield. Jeremiah says to stay ready; a lot of dead wander around there. They hear sounds in the camper. Jeremiah opens the door, gun drawn. He goes inside, and we hear shots. He comes out, and says it was Vernon and Kathy. They see Mike, really dead, leaning up against the RV, and hear zombie feeding noises from the trailer. Inside, Gretchen and the rest of the family are chowing down on a horse. Madison shoots them, but pauses before shooting Gretchen, who’s the last one. Gretchen snaps at her like a rabid dog for a while, and Madison finally shoots her.

They pack everybody up. Nick asks Madison if it had something to do with Troy, but she says Walker is close by. Nick says no way they’d leave horses, an RV, and supplies. Jeremiah says of all the things Troy has done, he’s never anything like this, not to his own people. Madison says they need to be sure. Jeremiah doesn’t know what to do, and she says they have to go back.

The RV is brought back with the truck. Madison opens the truck bed, and looks at Troy. Everyone sees the bodies, and gets a little freaked. Madison says they were good people, and didn’t deserve it. She and her family were taken in as strangers at the ranch, and grew to love it there. She wishes her husband had lived to see it, but he was killed – by the same people who killed Phil and the people at the outpost. Walker’s people have now killed their friends. She explains that she’s seen firsthand what happens to his victims. They haven’t been out in the world, but she has, and there’s nothing out there. If they leave, they’ll die. She tells them that Walker’s people don’t have enough strength to fight them, but they’re trying to scare them out. Out there, where no one can see, and there’s no militia to protect them. If they stay together, they live. Everyone starts nodding, and Nick gives Madison the stink eye.

Alicia looks through Jake’s papers, and shoves some into her bag. Nick watches as everyone puts stuff back into the pantry. He tells Madison that she was impressive, and she says it was necessary. He asks how she could tell such a big lie. She says she didn’t lie; they’re safe where they are, and she’ll sleep like a baby. No one would believe it was Troy; they’re more afraid of what’s out there. Nick says that she should have told him first. He would have backed her like he’s backing her now. He tells her not to forget who Troy is.

Madison joins Troy, who’s sitting by himself. He tells her that he didn’t go out to do that. He wanted to look Mike in the eye, and have Mike tell him directly; he owed Troy that. Madison says Mike didn’t want to. Troy says that they both said things, and it went bad. She says that he could run this place, but not if he lets things break. Last night, he took command. Jake doesn’t have what he has; he’s the survivor and heir. She doesn’t want to hear that he lost control; it can’t happen. She doesn’t care why he does what he does, only that he controls it. He asks her why, and she tells him that a fight is coming. He has to save them. She asks if he can, and he says, yes, ma’am.

I got distracted because one of my dogs was stuck in a little dog tent, but next time is the finale, which will be preceded by a marathon. I did catch Madison saying that sides don’t matter, and Troy doesn’t think Jake is coming back.

🏛 The Real Housewives of Potomac had their finale tonight, with the reunion to follow next time. Apparently, Karen isn’t really downsizing, just making a lateral move to another city. The new house has nine bedrooms and is 14,000 square feet. That sounds like something Lisa Vanderpump and Ken Todd might “downsize” to. She had a Bollywood themed party, that had a touch of Welcome to America thrown in. I guess the invites said to show up in Indian costume, because Monique arrived in Native American regalia. I wasn’t sure if this was supposed to be a (bad) joke, or if she’s the Porsha of the group. I’ve also started to wonder about Robyn and Juan. Although divorced, they’ve never parted company, and now are devoting six months to working on their relationship. Romantic relationship. Could this all possibly be to get some storyline? Because, face it, there isn’t much else interesting about them. There weren’t any fascinating factoids in the blurbs at the end either. The best of it was that Monique is installing a shark tank in her kitchen, and Ashley’s restaurant and marriage are still tanking.

♛ Because I’ve been watching all weekend…

It’s not easy being drunk all the time. Everyone would do it if it were easy. – Tyrion Lannister, Game of Thrones

GoT-Tyrion