(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Jason asks if Sonny is reading the book. Sonny says Alexis gave it to him. He was hoping to see why Kristina is so hooked. Jason says he read it to research Shiloh, but doesn’t buy it. Sonny says, Alexis did, and he’s wondering how it affected Kristina. He wants to be filled in on Shiloh. Spinelli joins them and says, allow him. His research has borne something. He was in deep dive mode, but it has not been a proverbial cake walk.
Sam goes to the DOD house. Kristina answers the door, and asks why she’s there. Sam says, hello to her too. Shiloh says she’s there to see him.
On the phone, Alexis tells someone she was referred by Dr. Collins, and she’s wondering if she can get an appointment with Dr. Bern. Julian is taking out the garbage, and sees her. She says she’ll take the appointment tonight, and have Dr. Collins send her records. When she’s done, she asks Julian if he got that. He says she’s getting a new shrink?
Elizabeth wants to see Franco, but Jordan says they have a lot of questions for him, and the answers might not be pleasant. Elizabeth wonders why they’re assuming he’s guilty, and Margaux says, there’s strong circumstantial evidence. Franco is brought out, and asks Elizabeth where Scotty is. Jordan thinks he’s avoiding the inevitable. Margaux says the recovered the driver’s licenses from the art therapy room. Elizabeth says they were placed there; it’s a set-up. Jordan says it’s not the first time Lulu ID’d Franco, and Elizabeth says she’s confused. As for the licenses, Carly’s hair was found in Mary Pat’s hand, and the knife that killed Kiki went missing, and turned up in Griff’s apartment. Griff was innocent, and she doesn’t understand why they’re convinced Franco is guilty.
Not-Doc sees Griff, and flashes back to seeing him holding Ava. He signs in for blood donation, and sits next to Griff. He says, it’s a fine day to give blood, isn’t it?
Spinelli says, before David Archer went Zen and became Shiloh, he had a propensity for trouble. He lists many of Shiloh’s encounters with the law, as well as a couple of lawsuits. Sonny says maybe he was just a kid. Spinelli says, he was a restless young fellow, with too much money and no responsibility. After his funding went dry, he went searching for excitement, and ended up in Afghanistan. Then came the incident he claims turned his life around. Shiloh’s narrative reads phony and contrived, but Spinelli researched it, and the story checks out.
Shiloh tells Kristina that he and Sam were having a great conversation, and wanted to continue it. Sam says she wanted to find out more. She thought Kristina would be happier, and Kristina says it’s great Sam’s there, but she didn’t have a positive experience last time. Sam says she realized Kristina is important to her. She knows DOD is important to Kristina, so she’s come with an open mind. Shiloh says, after today, she’ll have a better understanding of Kristina’s dedication. Kristina leaves to do some outreach, leaving Sam and Shiloh alone.
Alexis says if Julian must know, she left therapy with Doc months ago, and realized it was premature. Julian asks why not go back to him, and she says he’s much too nosy. He says, good for her. It’s no secret she has a lot to work through. For someone who claims she’s done with him, she’s very interested in his relationship with Kim. They’re back together now. She says, poor Kim. She sits at the bar, and says, arrogant bastard. A guy sitting there says, I beg your pardon?
Not-Doc tells Griff, donating blood is an easy way to help save lives. Griff says, if you’re not afraid of needles, and not-Doc says, no problem there. And the post donation cookies help. Not-Doc says he needs Griff’s help, and Griff says, with…? Not-Doc says he can’t find Ava. Does Griff know where she is? Griff says, no, and asks why not-Doc would think he knew. Not-Doc says he saw them embracing earlier. Is there anything he’d like to share? Man to man.
Franco says Elizabeth makes salient points. Jordan says his situation is different. He asks, what about the licenses?Someone planted them; it’s exactly the same. Jordan says, those were obvious plants; the licenses, not so much. Franco suggests the killer deliberately deviated from the plan. They came to him, and he told them all about himself. Now they’re exploiting his history, and using his past to pin the murders on him. Jordan says he has no alibi, and wears the same shoe as Lulu’s attacker. It matches the print. He says maybe they should drag everyone in who wears a size twelve. Jordan says then there are the notes from his sessions with Doc. Scotty shows up, and hands Jordan some paperwork. He tells her to take a look. They won’t be railroading his innocent son after all.
Jordan asks what it is, and Scotty says, a little thing he likes to call due process. Margaux says he wants an injunction. Scotty says Franco won’t be charged because of a medical factor. Margaux says they can’t move forward until Franco gets an MRI scan to make sure he has no brain tumor. Scotty asks if he’s going to have to call the judge.
Shiloh gives Sam a tour of the house. She says he has impressive friends. Jackie Templeton (aka Demi Moore, circa 1982). He says they met building sustainable housing in Central America. You meet amazing people doing outreach. He hopes it proves they don’t operate in the shadows. Sam has noticed he says we and us a lot, and he says likes to work closely in a collective sense. She says he has an almost paternal quality. She’s wondering why he never settled down and had a family. He says the members of DOD are his family. She gets that, but hasn’t he been tempted? He says he could ask Sam that question. She hasn’t settled down with Jason.
All Spinelli found were glowing endorsements. Sonny says, too clean. Shiloh’s got to be behind some kind of mess. Kristina comes in, and he thanks her for penciling him in. He’s sorry it’s short notice, but she says she was planning to come downtown anyway. The group she’s working with is hosting a Valentine’s Day dinner. He says her mom mentioned she’s been at the DOD house, and had nothing but good things to say. The seminar had a positive effect on her life.
Alexis repeats, arrogant bastard – not him. Unless he’s one too. She tells him not to take it personally. She’s sorry. She and her ex got into it. She’s sure her ex is nothing like him. He’s here alone reading and drinking water. He doesn’t know who she’s insulting now. She says she’s sure his book is a page turner. He shows her the cover, and it’s about Russia in the earlier 20th century. He says, so much social change in a short time. She asks if he’s a professor, and he says, a doctor, but a history enthusiast. He’s surprised she’s not drinking something stronger, but she says she had to give that vice up. He seems to be pounding it up with coffee. He says he has to go work. She thanks him for not asking her why she can’t drink anymore. He says, hmm… and I wonder if he’s her new shrink.
Alexis tells him that she quit two years ago. He says, congratulations, and she says it’s ironic that she’s sitting in her ex’s bar, since he drove her to drink, then drove her to therapy. The therapist had her bring him to the sessions. He asks if it worked, and she says the therapist dumped her. She has a new therapist, but no intention of bringing her ex to her sessions. He says, hmm… again, and she says, what? He tells her it’s not his place, but she says he has every right to an explanation. He says from what she’s told him, everything has been in the context of her ex.
Kristina asks what Sonny wants to know. He says Alexis gave him the book, and he was just reading it. He’ll let her know what he thinks. Kristina says Shiloh is a genius, and Sonny says, we’ll see. He told Shiloh that he’d better take care of daughter or else. She says he doesn’t trust Shiloh, but he says it’s what he would say to anyone spending that much time with her. She seems happy, and lights up when she talks about DOD. She says it’s kind of like the family she never had. He says, excuse me? and she says she didn’t mean it like that. She knows how fortunate she is, but she just inherited all of those relationships. Sonny says it doesn’t make them less important. She says she’s never been good at maintaining friendships, and her love life has always been messy. She finally found her people. She’s not just Sonny and Alexis’s daughter. There’s no history following her. She can define herself on her own terms.
Sam tells Shiloh that her relationship with Jason is none of his business. Or her relationships with anyone else. Shiloh says she’s confusing concern with judgement. It’s what they deal with there. They interrogate the mechanics of human behavior. Kristina’s session helped bring the barriers down that she put up around her trauma. They can help identify Sam’s barriers too. Sam says, fine. Make a believer out of her. Tell her why she can’t settle down. He asks if she’s sure she wants to hear this. Everyone she’s ever loved abandoned her.
Spinelli says his research didn’t yield much intel, but he did notice one constant. He shows Jason a picture of a woman with Shiloh, and says, she’s his closest ally.Or was at one time.
Griff tells not-Doc that he’s dead wrong. That ship sailed, and crashed and burned. Isn’t not-Doc dating her? There’s nothing left to discuss, unless not-Doc has something to add. Not-Doc says, you’re next…to give blood. Ha-ha! I love his little jokes to himself. Griff goes in, and not-Doc takes a cookie.
In the hospital hallway, Scotty asks for a moment with his client. Franco asks what the field trip is for; to buy time? Scotty says time is his best friend, and hopes the MRI goes at a snail’s pace. Elizabeth says, he’s stalling? Scotty says he’s delaying the charges, and asks her to come with him to see Griff. She kisses Franco, and says, it will be over soon. As usual, hospital security is totally lax, and the cop guarding him doesn’t care that Elizabeth could have slipped him a weapon. Scotty and Elizabeth leave, and Ava comes by. She says she heard he’d been arrested.
The guy tells Alexis, don’t get him wrong. If it’s cathartic, good. If bringing her ex helps, he thinks that’s fantastic. She says it doesn’t sound like he thinks so, and he says, maybe she doesn’t need her ex for her next breakthrough; just her. He’s been there, and realized the only person responsible for his own happiness is himself, and he’s not such bad company. Alexis says, except for the exiled Russian aristocracy. He says, that goes without saying. She says he’s insightful, and he says he’s been told he has that knack. He’d like to continue their conversation sometime. Perhaps over dinner.
Margaux asks what Jordan is thinking. Jordan says, Franco had the opportunity, but no motive. Margaux says, two out of three can convince a jury, and he didn’t have a motive before, but his killings were never random.
Franco tells Ava he was arrested, but it’s a misunderstanding. Ava says he’s no stranger to violence. He says he could never kill Kiki. He cared about her like she was his daughter. Ava says Kiki was her daughter, yet she found plenty of ways to hurt her. He says she’s not seriously thinking he did it. She doesn’t know what she’s thinking. When she thought he was Kiki’s father, she wanted to protect Kiki from him and his sadistic tendencies. You know what they say about old habits. He says his died. She says the cops say they have evidence, but he says they’re trying to pin the murders on him because of his history. He’s completely innocent, and while they’re wasting time with him, the murderer is free. He asks how she could think that of him after what they’ve been through. The lies, the manipulations, the double-crosses. Kiki was the better angel for both of them. He loved her, and would take his own life before he laid a hand on her. Ava believes him.
Griff asks if Elizabeth and Scotty want him to help exonerate Franco as a suspect in Kiki’s murder. Elizabeth promises he’s innocent. He didn’t do it. Scotty says Griff is legally obligated, so it’s not an option. Griff says he has patients in greater need of an MRI, and it will be a few hours. Scotty tells him, take his time. Scotty leaves, and Elizabeth thanks Griff. He says he didn’t have much choice. Elizabeth asks what happened; he has a scrape on his head (the second time they referenced that now). He says it’s nothing; he’s fine. She knows he’s having a hard time lately, and says if he needs to talk, she’s there. He repeats that he’s fine.
Not-Doc looks at Ava’s picture on his desk. He says Griff thinks he can throw her away like trash, and come crawling back to take her away from him. He just has to go. It will be difficult with Franco in jail, but Dr. Monroe has been visibly depressed since Kiki died. It’s the talk of the hospital. It would be terrible if he suffered an unfortunate accident.
Jason asks who the woman is, and Spinelli says, her name is Harmony. Just Harmony. She was born Loraine Miller, but changed her name when she joined DOD. Shiloh is the idea guy, and she’s more practicality. She helped him open branches, the most recent in Beechers Corners. Jason wonders why she didn’t follow Shiloh.
Shiloh hopes he didn’t offend Sam. Kristina told him about the hardships she had in life. How she was abandoned, and raised by an artist. It’s not a bad thing. Sam says, it’s not? Sharing her personal, private information with someone she doesn’t know? He says he’s concerned for Sam. He has no idea what she’s been through; the trials and dashed hopes. It’s not surprising that she’s attracted to dangerous men; it’s the only thing she knows. Sam says she thinks it made her strong. He says, what we think and reality are often different. Sam says he has impressive insights. He hands her the book, saying it’s part of the program. She was thinking of setting up a session. He says if she’d like another shot, she’ll have the opportunity shortly. She asks, what kind? and he tells her to come to their Valentine’s Day event. He thinks it will be the start of a new beginning for her.
Sonny wants to take Kristina and Mike out to dinner. Mike would be thrilled to see her. She asks how Mike is adjusting. Sonny says, it’s tough, but it was the right thing to do. She’s sure Sonny misses having him at home, and Sonny says he was slipping away more every day. There’s going to be a time when he doesn’t remember any of them, so it makes you realize how important it is to hold on to family while you still can. He’s happy that she’s happy at DOD, but doesn’t want her to forget her family. Kristina says, never. He tells her, if things don’t work out at DOD, he’s always there for her. They hug.
Alexis says the guy doesn’t want to have dinner with her. He says, maybe exchanging numbers would be a good start, but she says, it’s not a good idea. He seems like a nice guy, and she has a lot of issues. She thought she was ready to date, but doesn’t think it’s a good idea. She’s going through things she has to work out. He says, there’s nothing wrong with that. If she changes her mind… He gives her his card, and leaves. Julian asks what happened to her friend? She says if he means the guy she was talking to, she doesn’t know him. He was just being nice. She says she has an appointment, and leaves.
Ava says she knows Franco was heartbroken losing Kiki, and knows he’s telling the truth. It’s obvious. He says that means a lot. She says she just needed to hear him say it. He tells her that he needs a favor. He needs her to talk to Doc. The cops subpoenaed his nots, and for some reason, he made Franco sound like he was on the verge of a psychotic, homicidal break. If he felt that way, why not help him? Maybe Doc didn’t believe he’d act on his tendencies. Ava says maybe that’s why he didn’t say something to her. She says she owes someone an apology, and runs off.
Doc finds Griff, and says things got tense earlier, and he wants to apologize. He knows Kiki’s death affected Griff, and he’s sorry to upset him. They shake hands, and Griff says, apology accepted. Not-Doc says, speaking of Kiki, he was talking with the other doctors, and they want to put a brick for her in the memorial courtyard. The best place to pick a spot is from the roof. If Griff has a few minutes, his input would be appreciated. Griff says he has a few minutes.
Jason tells Spinelli, if Harmony went everywhere with Shiloh, why not there? If someone can answer all their questions, it’s her. He’s taking a ride to Beechers Corners to see what he can find out.
Sam thanks Shiloh for showing her around. If she has follow-up questions, don’t hesitate to call. Nopressure. He hopes to see her on Valentine’s Day. He thinks it would be good for her. Kristina comes back, and Sam says she was just about to tell Shiloh that she’s going to attend their Valentine’s Day event. Shiloh says, wonderful news, and Kristina says, fantastic. Her face doesn’t look like it’s fantastic though.
Alexis knocks on her new doctor’s office door. He says, come in. Yep, it’s that guy. She says, of course it’s you.
Elizabeth tells Franco it might be hours; stop worrying. He says, what if the tumor is back? She says he’d know it, but he says, would he? What if he didn’t, and did horrible things in a blackout? She doesn’t believe that. He says he’d like to think he knows himself and he’s not capable of horrible violence, but he is capable of horrible violence. What if he’s wrong? What if the tumor is back and calling the shots? She knows it’s a nightmare, and it’s hard to have faith in himself, but she has enough for both of them. She loves him. They kiss. Which again, the officer ignores.
Jordan says Franco was accused of murder, but never prosecuted because he had no capacity. Franco considered killing performance art. It was simultaneously art and a challenge to law enforcement. Margaux says, the murders fit his pattern. How the corpses were found staged screams artistic. Why is Jordan still unsure? Jordan says, it’s too neat; too easy. She’s mad at herself for not seeing it sooner. She’d feel better if she could find something iron clad. If they’re wrong, the real killer is still out there.
Ava goes to Doc’s office, but not-Doc isn’t there.
Griff and not-Doc go out onto the roof. Not-Doc points out the vantage point for the view of the memorial courtyard. As Griff looks, he takes a syringe out of his sleeve.
Next time, Jason meets Harmony, Sam says Shiloh is about to get a taste fo his own medicine, and Ava tells not-Doc that she knows what he’s been up to.
🔥 I missed the very beginning, but Mia (rookie) and Ariel (veteran) were the two finalists on Hell’s Kitchen. As usual, the former contestants returned to back the finalists up for the big dinner. Both Mia and Ariel’s families were VIP guests, as well as Marcia Clark, and some comedian I’ve never heard of. Gordon was so wired, he even told maître’d Jean-Philippe to piss off. We took a trip down the two chefs’ Memory Lanes, while Gordon pondered his decision. When called into his office, Gordon told Mia that she’d been strong in the challenges, and a creative chef. Ariel was praised for never having been up for elimination. He said they were both winners in his eyes. Although, what else is he going to say? In the end, it was Ariel’s door handle that turned, and she was on her way to becoming the executive chef at Hell’s Kitchen at Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas. Not too shabby, considering the salary is a quarter of a million bucks. Gordon said she was fiercely talented and a real leader. I have to agree; she was excellent at taking charge. Mia said it wasn’t the end for her; just the beginning. I did have to wonder how you could possibly go up from there, but she can certainly get a job anywhere she likes. Ariel said she didn’t just make it out alive, but made it out a winner.
🍗 MasterChef Junior begins its new season on Tuesday, March 5th.
🍹 Better to Tie One On At the Casita…
Apparently, divorce isn’t agreeing with Gina like she thought it would.
My mother said when the doctor smacked me on my butt, I thought it was applause and I’ve been looking for it ever since. – Kathy Bates on Dr. Phil
Nobody can hurt me without my permission. – Mahatma Gandhi
Behaving like a princess is work. It’s not just about looking beautiful or wearing a crown. It’s more about how you are inside. – Julie Andrews
This world is full of conflicts and full of things that cannot be reconciled. But there are moments when we can… reconcile and embrace the whole mess, and that’s what I mean by ‘Hallelujah.’ –Leonard Cohen
It’s the damn dumbest nineteen minutes in the universe. – Andrea Lee (R. Kelly’s ex-wife), regarding I Admit
Liquor. It doesn’t not help. – commentator Zach Noe Towers, Dating: No Filter
🎆 Once More Unto Your Weekend…
This song will forever make me think of Bosom Buddies. It’s my life for the next two days anyway.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Margaux runs into Sonny coming out of the elevator. He asks if she’s on her way to prosecute Franco. She says she’s not bound tell him anything about the investigation, but he says he already knows Franco was ID’d.
Alexis asks Scotty if he had a rough night. He says, wouldn’t she like to know, but she says, actually, no. He asks what he can do for her. She has an update on Gail’s will. His phone buzzes. It’s Elizabeth, who’s been calling all night. He says he’s having a problem with modern technology. She tells him Franco has been arrested.
Jordan comes into the interrogation room, and asks if she should call Franco Mr. Baldwin or Franco. He says call him a lawyer. She says she’s just there to apprise him about the situation. He’s going to be remanded to Pentonville; no bail. They’re compiling evidence, and searching the house and the art therapy room. He says, search away. He’s going to sue them for false imprisonment and harassment. And when he’s done suing them, he’s going to own Port Charles.
Elizabeth sees the police tossing the art therapy room, and asks, what’s going on? Chase says they have a warrant. She asks why they’re making a mess. They’ve ripped the patients’ artwork apart, after they invaded her house. She asks if they don’t respect anything or anyone. Griff comes by, and suggests she take a second outside with him.
Not-Doc talks to himself, saying, Franco had such talent. It’s logical that he’d revisit it. He did. Ava comes in, and asks if he knew. He says she’ll have to be more specific. She says he knew Lulu ID’d her attacker, and someone was arrested, but she hasn’t found out their name. He says it’s standard protocol, since no formal charges have been filed. She asks, what about the right of the victim? Someone should have told her. The sick bastard who killed her daughter was caught, and he knew. He says she knows how it works, and there are two other reasons for not revealing the name. To help facilitate the investigation, and to protect the suspect from someone seeking retribution. She says, like her? and he says, no. Like him.
Oscar, Drew, and Kim wait in Terry’s office. Terry arrives, and says she has Oscar’s latest test results. Drew tells her to give them some good news. She shows them pictures of the scans, and says the progression shows the scan at the onset, where there’s considerable growth into the brain tissue. Compared to the end result, the tumor is slightly larger. They took a third scan this morning, and there are no discernible differences. Oscar says, the tumor has stopped growing? Terry says they’ve gotten a mild reprieve.
At Charlie’s, Julian asks Josslyn what he can get for her. She says she’s meeting Oscar, but he has an appointment, so she isn’t sure when he’ll get there. Julian is surprised they’re not going to Kelly’s, but she says Oscar likes the food at Charlie’s. Julian regrets letting Josslyn mess with his head. He’s not letting a teenager rule his life again. She says Oscar’s parents can now focus on him, and Julian is free to be with someone more his type. He’s welcome.
Griff asks Elizabeth why the police are there. Elizabeth tells Chase that everything had better be put back before Franco sees it. Chase says he’s in custody, and they don’t anticipate his release anytime soon. Griff asks, what happened? and Elizabeth says, they think Franco attacked Lulu.
On the phone, Scotty asks for case histories on hypnotism. He also wants dossiers on Doc and Lulu. He tells Alexis he has to go. She asks where the fire is, and he says, the PCPD. He asks what the bottom line is. Did a cousin come out of the woodwork? Alexis says the delay is by design, and the details aren’t going to be revealed until April 1st. Does the date mean anything to him? Surprisingly, he doesn’t make a joke about April Fool’s Day, but says he’ll have to cancel his trip to the Bahamas. He thanks her for illuminating the situation. She leaves, and she opens her copy of Shiloh’s book, Every Day is a New Dawn.
Sonny tells Margaux it wouldn’t be the first time Franco nearly killed Lulu. Margaux is aware of the history. Before his brain tumor was removed, Franco created art installations based on the murders he committed. He was fixated on Jason, and terrorized everyone associated with him; Sam, Michael, Dante, and Lulu. Sonny says, then he used the brain tumor defense, and walked away free. He doesn’t want Franco getting away with it again.
Ava tells not-Doc it’s sweet of him to be her avenging angel, but it’s not his style. The retribution part doesn’t quite fit. He says she’s spent too long a time fighting for her place in the world alone. That’s over now. He’s by her side. She says he’s too good for her, and he tells her that’s the first time anyone has said that. She says surely Lucy or Laura would have said something, but he says, don’t bring up their names. They didn’t know him like she does, or inspire him like she does. She’s everything to him. If someone hurts her, they hurt him, and he will exact payment. He’d do anything for her. There’s a knock at the door. It’s Chase, who asks if has the file. Not-Doc asks if he has the warrant, and Chase gives it to him. Not-Doc wants to put it on the record that this goes against what he believes as a psychiatrist. Chase says, even if it prevents another murder? Ava asks if this is about Kiki’s killer, and if it’s one of not-Doc’s patients. Not-Doc tells Chase she’s going to find out soon enough, and tells Ava they believe Franco is the killer.
Elizabeth tells Griff that they took Aiden ice skating, and everything was fine until Jordan showed up. Lulu ID’d Franco as her attacker. Griff asks if Elizabeth thinks she’s lying, and Elizabeth says she thinks Lulu is confused. She believes Franco. She knows him, and knows didn’t attack anyone. They have a beautiful life. He would never throw that away. She has faith in him. Griff says he’s realized, faith isn’t something you just have; you choose it.If you don’t examine your beliefs, you’re just blind.
Scotty blows into the police station, and asks, where is he? Jordan says if he’s referring to Franco, he’s in the interrogation room. He asks, how bad is it? and she says, Lulu identified Franco as her attacker. Scotty says, sorry, but Lulu isn’t exactly a reliable source. Jordan says, Doc performed hypnotherapy, and Lulu was clear. If they get confirmation of her account, Franco is in a lot of trouble.
Ava says, Franco loved Kiki like she was his own. There’s no way he’d hurt her. Chase says he hasn’t been charged yet, but they know he’s connected. She asks what evidence they have, and what plans are there to file charges? Chase is sorry, and hopes her questions are answered soon. He leaves, and she asks not-Doc how long Franco has been suspected. He seemed at the ready with the file. He knew this was coming. He says, only since last night. He was there when Franco was arrested. She says it didn’t occur to him to tell her? He says, there was nothing definite. He thought they’d wake up to the news Franco was released. Apparently, Lulu’s statement was enough cause to hold him. The last Ava knew, Lulu couldn’t remember. He says, with help, she was able get past her memory block. Ava asks, what help? and not-Doc says, not what, whose. His.
Alexis watches Sonny talking to Margaux. Margaux says she doesn’t want the case tainted, and Sonny says it never crossed his mind. She tells him, don’t kid a kidder. She doesn’t need him ignoring or circumventing the law. He feels like she’s still after him or his family, but she says she doesn’t have it out for him. She has it out for lawbreakers. He’s just a humble coffee importer. She tells him, just keep roasting his beans, and keep his hands clean, and there will be no trouble. He wonders where he’s heard that before. She says he’s hearing it from her now. She decided to let it go and move on. She’s living in the present, and not ruled by her past – or his. She gets into the elevator, and Alexis and Sonny smile at each other.
Oscar says this means he can get going and meet Josslyn. They can finish up themselves. He wants to give her good news for a change. He dashes out, and Terry says it’s nice to see him in high spirits. Kim asks if she has anything else, and Terry says they’ll continue to monitor him. She tells them, keep in mind that, although the tumor didn’t grow, it didn’t shrink. Drew says, it’s not a miracle. Terry says, it’s a reprieve. A temporary one. The prognosis remains same.
Sonny sits with Alexis. He notices she’s reading the book, and says Jason isn’t thrilled with Kristina’s new friends. She knows he doesn’t approve, and Sonny asks if she does. She says she’s not weighing in on her adult daughter’s choices – anymore. Sonny says she’s met Shiloh. Doesn’t she think he’s a little off? She says, the whole thing is weird. He says Kristina doesn’t think so. Alexis says she’d like Kristina to have a conventional life, but that’s what she wants, not Kristina. Neither of them have had conventional lives. She wonders what Sonny’s mother would think of his choices.
Terry says everything depends on how long this lasts, but eventually the disease will progress. The symptoms will become more pronounced, and his condition will deteriorate. His life will become more difficult. It’s in his, and their, best interest to have a plan, but there’s no need to get into it now. It’s a respite for them too. Take a breath, and treat themselves. Take Oscar on a trip. Enjoy each other’s company. Create memories they can keep forever. I like Terry, and hope she gets a real storyline someday.
Elizabeth doesn’t think Griff should be giving her advice on faith, having it or keeping it. He says he doesn’t want her to get hurt, but she says, too late. The man she loves has been wrongfully accused and locked up. When you love someone, you leave yourself wide open for heartache. Hasn’t he learned that? She asks Chase, how much longer? and he says they’re almost finished. He asks if an officer found something useful, and the officer tells him, have a look. Chase says, damn. Bag it. The commissioner will want to see it asap.
Margaux arrives at the station, and asks Jordan what’s the status on the suspect. She says he’s on hold, and conferring with counsel. Scotty just got there.
Scotty asks Franco how it’s going, and what did he tell them? Franco says he didn’t do it, and asks how Elizabeth is. Scotty says, she’s okay. They did a search of the house. Franco assumes the boys were home, and says, damn (WOTD). Aiden has been having a hard time, and Jake is just getting over his PTSD. It can’t be easy to see the cops going through their stuff. Scotty tells him, don’t worry. He’ll straighten it out when he gets out. Franco says, if Scotty gets him released.
Jordan tells Margaux, Lulu’s statement is compelling, but there’s not much physical evidence. Franco’s alibi is thin, but there’s no DNA evidence. It makes the case harder to build. Margaux reads through the file, and likes how the case is going, but Jordan says, it’s not a slam dunk. She gets a text message, and says, the case is getting stronger by the minute.
Not-Doc tells Ava that he’s licensed to practice hypnotherapy, and he’s good at it. He was tasked to help Lulu regain her memory, and he did. She says it couldn’t have been Franco, but he says Lulu was more than certain; she was viscerally terrified. Ava asks if it’s possible she saw someone who resembled Franco, or is mixing two memories. Not-Doc says, she clearly recalled Franco showing up at her office with a knife. In all likelihood, he’s responsible for the other murders. She says, something doesn’t feel right. He says she was so determined to find justice. Why isn’t she relieved? She says she witnessed Franco’s transformation first hand. The man he is now isn’t capable of harming someone he loved as much as Kiki. Not-Doc tells her, don’t try unraveling a serial killer’s mind. It will make you crazy. He tried with his brother. Ava says he was treating Franco. If Franco was unraveling, he would have noticed. Or did he?
Alexis tells Sonny that she’s not blind to the drawbacks, but Kristina is happier. She came back from Oregon with a broken spirit, and full of self-doubt. Now she’s happier. She’s working, maintaining herself, and they’re getting along. Sonny asks if she thinks it has to do with Shiloh, but she says it doesn’t matter who influenced her. She tells Sonny that she went to one of the seminars. He asks if it changed her life, and she says, oh yeah; she’s meditating now. She says it wasn’t horrible, and she had a moment. Sonny asks what the seminar was about, and she says, maintaining relationships while keeping your independence. He asks if her moment had anything to do with Julian.
Julian brings Josslyn the oatmeal she ordered, and she says she asked for strawberries. She asks why he’s being rude, but he says he’s keeping a healthy distance. Isn’t that what she wanted? She tells him what she said about Oscar and his family is the truth. Just because he doesn’t want to hear it, doesn’t mean it will go away. He says she sounds like her mother; a champion meddler. Carly needs to keep her nose out of other people’s business, and so should she. She says, Oscar is her business, but he says Kim isn’t. She says, it’s working; they’re a family. Julian says they’ll always be a family, no matter what. Josslyn asks what he means, and he says he and Kim are back together. Her little plot has come to an end. Oscar comes in, and says, what little plot?
Griff helps Elizabeth put the art therapy room back together. He rubs his shoulder, and she asks if he’s okay. He says he just overdid it at the gym. I’m assuming this exchange was for a reason that we’ll find out some other time. She thanks him, and looks at a drawing. He asks if she found something, and she says, a sketch. We see a cartoon of them in a car that says, just married. She says it’s an invitation to the wedding that keeps getting pushed back. There’s always something in the way. Griff supposes they’ll have to put it off longer. Elizabeth jets with the sketch, and when Griff turns around, she’s gone.
Franco tells Scotty that they’re saying he’s a serial killer who’s killed three people, including Kiki. Scotty says, they’re biased. It will work in his favor when they go to trial. Franco says, trial? They haven’t got enough to hold him, let alone connect him to the murders. Jordan and Margaux walk in. Jordan says she has some questions for Scotty’s client. Scotty says, he didn’t do it. Margaux would like to know about hi relationship with Doc. How would he characterize their sessions? Scotty says, don’t answer, but Franco says he’d characterize them as therapy. Why is she asking? Jordan asks what they discuss, and Scotty says, that’s privileged. Franco says, they discuss a lot; his childhood. Margaux asks if they discuss his bloodlust, and Franco says, what is he? A werewolf? He doesn’t have bloodlust. Jordan says, Dr. Collins disagrees.
Ava says not-Doc told Franco that he’d plateaued, and stopped seeing him. Not-Doc says he changed his mind. He thought maybe he’d been hasty, and they had more work to do. He asks why she’s grilling him, and she says there’s something he’s not telling her. Something captured his attention; what was it? He says he can’t discuss it, but she says she’s bound to find out. Tell her the truth. Was he concerned that Franco was capable of violence again, and a danger to others? Not-Doc says, yes.
Alexis tells Sonny that she no longer has a relationship with Julian. It’s not like Sonny is the guru of relationships. She suggests they stay out of each other’s personal lives. He wants to talk about Kristina, but Alexis thinks he should talk to Kristina. She gives him the book, and says maybe he should go to a seminar. He could stand to evolve a few million years. Sonny laughs, and she leaves.
Josslyn asks Oscar how the doctor’s appointment when, and he says he has decent news. The tumor has stopped growing. She says, amazing, and hugs him. She asks if this means the treatment worked, and the tumor is shrinking. He says he didn’t say that. It’s a reprieve. She says that’s good enough for her. They should celebrate. Oscar says, after she tells him what Julian was talking about. She says, literally nothing; it’s stupid. He says, just tell him, and she says, fine. She asked Julian to take himself out of the equation. Oscar asks, what equation? Josslyn tells him that she wanted Julian to give up Oscar’s mom so she could get closer to his dad, and he could have them both. It lasted five minutes. Julian just told her they’re back together. Oscar takes her hand, and says he appreciates what she’s trying to do, but he thinks they should let his parents do what they’re going to do without their help. She asks if he’s mad at her for meddling. He says, no, but if he gets to live way he wants, his parents should too.
Drew tells Kim, it’s not remission, but it’s something. Kim says, any reprieve is welcome. Drew asks where she’s at, and she says, crashing down to earth. Every day they get a little closer. The news slows things down, but Terry is right. They have to make plans for the end. Drew tells her that Terry also said they don’t have to do it today. They got a break. Kim says, normally, she’d be figuring out some strategy to help Oscar, but she hasn’t. Drew promises they’ll figure out what do, and figure it out together.
Ava says not-Doc knew Franco was going off the rails, and might kill again? He says his assessment was incomplete, and he didn’t feel it necessary to alert the authorities. She asks what he’s going to tell the court, and he says, his professional opinion. Franco was beginning lose control, and was susceptible to sustained bouts of rage. She asks, why not make an anonymous tip? He says he was bound by duty. She asks if he knew before or after Kiki was killed. He says he would have done anything to save Kiki. Does’t she know that? She’s not sure she knows anything. She starts to leave, and he grabs her arm, saying, don’t you walk away from me.
Jordan reads from Franco’s file; feelings of aggression and grandiosity, a failure to accept responsibility for his actions, superficial charm. Franco says Doc wouldn’t say those things, and Scotty says he can’t offer his opinion without consent. Jordan says they have a warrant. Franco says Doc’s been weird lately, but would never write those things about him. Margaux says, the assessment is that of a textbook serial killer. Scotty says Doc is a pompous jerk. They have no evidence because Franco didn’t commit the murders. Jordan says, these were just recovered from the art therapy room, and tosses a plastic bag full of driver’s licenses on the table.
Ava tells not-Doc, let go, and he does. He tells her, forgive him. They never fought before. He doesn’t know what came over him. He can’t say he likes it. Right now, she can’t say she likes him much at all. She leaves, and he wipes everything off his desk, and looks mighty pissed off.
Drew goes to the art therapy room, and sees Griff. He asks if Griff has seen Franco. Griff says he’s at the police station. He’s been arrested for the attempted murder of Lulu.
Kim goes to Charlie’s, and Julian says she just missed the kids. She’s sure Oscar told Josslyn, and asks if Julian heard. He says he wouldn’t mind hearing it again from her, and they kiss. Alexis walks in, and walks back out.
Sonny reads, says, it’s a piece of garbage, and tosses the book onto the bar. The bartender notices the book, and Sonny asks if he knows it. The bartender says it changed his life. Sonny picks up the book again.
Chase says he has to admit, she bought into Franco’s act. She thought he was just trying to help with his insight, but he was taunting them. Elizabeth arrives as Franco is being taken away. He says they’ll sort it out. Scotty tells her there are additional charges for the murders of Mary Pat, Peyton, and Kiki. Elizabeth lets the sketch fall to the floor.
Ava literally runs into Griff. She says she can’t deal with him. Not after everything that’s happened. They’re saying Franco killed Kiki. He was supposed to love her.How could he possibly…? Griff holds her, saying he doesn’t know. Not-Doc sees them together.
Tomorrow, Scotty says they’re not railroading his client after all, not-Doc talks to Griff, and Spinelli tells Jason the story checks out.
🍴 I missed the first half of Top Chef. Dr. Phil once again tempted me with a dude who thought he was Batman. Really. It wasn’t nearly as interesting as it sounds, and he lost all his fights. He was a Marine or something, so I’d hoped he at least kicked some bad guy ass. His fiancé was getting a little skeptical about marrying him, which is understandable. The worst thing was, not only did he not have a full costume, his mask was lame. He also agreed to come on without the mask, but painted black around his eyes, like he was from a bad KISS cover band. Anyway, halfway through, I changed the channel.
When I tuned in, the chefs were already at the Rupp Arena, where the Kentucky Wildcats were hosting a concession stand cook-off. Hunter Lewis, Food and Wine editor-in-chief, was the guest judge. The contestants had split into two teams – blue and white. To keep in the spirit of the game, there was trash talk from the white team that the blue team used boxed waffle mix for their chicken and waffles. Sarah was called out by Adrienne, who had to admit out they did, and got heckled for it. The white team won with their juicy Lucies, a stuffed slider I’ve heard about on Vanderpump Rules. Sarah squeaked by because her chicken was spot on, but not so much Michelle’s ribs, and it was her turn to pack her knives and hit the road. She talked about how much confidence she had, and her hopes for Last Chance Kitchen. Maybe it’s me, but I sense a disconnect with her. Her backstory is sad – her father committed suicide when she was a teenager – and it possibly affects her personality. Whatever it is, I always want to tell her to speak up and look at who she’s talking to. My money is on Eric at this point. Next time a fried chicken challenge and a Muhammad Ali inspired dish.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
🎱 My apologies for attributing Maxie and Peter’s conversation to the wrong characters yesterday. Luckily, and to my embarrassment, they repeated it today. That’s what I get for trying to decipher my shorthand in the wee hours. Moving on…
At the park, Nina can’t wait to see Charlotte’s face when she sees Sasha. She asks Sasha why she reacted the way she did when Nina told her Valentin proposed, but before she can answer, Charlotte runs up to Sasha and hugs her. Valentin follows behind Charlotte, and Nina says she has her family all together.
Maxie tells Peter that Nina is crazy about Sasha, but Valentin being involved makes her nervous. Nothing is what it seems with him. Peter says, and heartbreak follows. She asks if he’s talking about in general, or something specific. Peter says, with Valentin, the ends justify the means. Maxie says, in other words, he’ll do anything to get what he wants. Peter flashes back to asking Valentin how bad it is, and if it’s so bad he’s going to lose Nina. Maxie says, the problem is, what Valentin wants most is Nina.
Obrecht works at a table in the MetroCourt. Anna, Robert, and Finn come in and sit down. Finn says after he found Cabot in the book about identifying twins, he found out he was specifically studying them. Robert says, twins raised apart. He left the university after the study, and never resurfaced. Finn says he knows exactly where Cabot is.
Elizabeth finds Franco in the art therapy room and asks if he’s okay. She wants to see his drawings. He says don’t say he didn’t warn her. She looks at them, and says, someone was in a mood. He says he can’t figure out what bothers him more. That he’s the go-to guy when something bad happens, or that he feels like he could be. Elizabeth tells him to leave that part of his past behind him.
Not-Doc asks if Lulu can see his face. The man with the knife. She can see his face now. It’s Franco. He’s the killer. Not-Doc says, good. She’s remembering. She says, Franco is the one who attacked her, right? He says, yes, it was Franco. We can tell he’s tickled with himself. He’s going to count to three, and she’s going to wake up. When she does, everything she told him will be true.
Lulu wakes up. Not-Doc asks her to tell him what she remembered. She says she saw him. She saw everything. He asks who she saw, and she says, it was Franco. She saw Franco. He says she’s safe now. Just breathe. He’s having her mother and the commissioner come in. He brings them in the room, and Laura asks if Lulu is all right. Jordan asks if she remembered, and Lulu says she did. She remembered everything. His gloves, the knife, feeling trapped. She’s seeing his face over and over. Jordan says, who’s face? and she says Franco. Franco tried to kill her.
Nina tells Valentin that she was just bragging to Sasha about how happy the three of them are. Valentin says, like family should be. Charlotte asks if Sasha likes ice skating. Nina brought skates, so they can ice skate together. Charlotte asks if poppa is skating too, but he has to meet with Willow, and pick up her schoolwork. He can’t today. Nina says that gives her more time with her beautiful girls. They leave for the skating rink.
Robert asks Finn why he didn’t say something before, but Finn says he just confirmed it. Cabot was on staff at the university in Sweden, and retired, but ARCP journals are still being sent to his last known address. He’s at home. The waitress comes to their table with champagne, compliments of… her. Obrecht turns around, and says, guten tag, freunde. Robert says they’re not her freunde. She wants to celebrate her new job. Finn says a real doctor needs a medical license. Obrecht says, Henrik… she means Peter, hired her to work at The Invader. She raises her glass.
Peter tells Maxie, Valentin is a man of many secrets; Nina is right not trust him. Maxie says, on one hand, it’s wrong to condemn him with no evidence. On the other, it’s right because he’s a liar. The only honest thing about him is how much he cares for Nina and Charlotte. If he loves her, why lie? Of course she lies sometimes too. Peter admits he does too, sometimes; everybody does. Maxie says Valentin’s lies have caused damage, but so have others. Peter says they’re both doing their best, but Valentin lies when it’s expedient. Maxie says, sooner or later, the lies might come to light. Peter says, it could be nothing, but Maxie says, it could be everything to Nina.
Maxie tells Peter that she can’t stop thinking about the horrible things Valentin might be hiding from Nina. She’s talked to Nina, but common sense and logic take a back seat when the heart has other ideas. Peter asks what choice Maxie made, and she says she chose to follow her heart.
Valentin tells Willow he’ll take Charlotte’s schoolwork and be on his way. Willow asks him to wait. Charlotte’s situation has been on her mind. Valentin says she’s doing better, and her mother is in full recovery. Willow says she brought Charlotte’s workbook, and her classmates wrote her letters. They miss her in school. Valentin says, all of them? and Willow says no one is missed by everyone. He wonders if it’s a bit of a relief not having her around.
Franco tells Elizabeth that Aiden was so happy skating; not a care in the world. Elizabeth says he was free from everything he’s going through. He had a good time with Uncle Lucas and Brad. Franco says their elaborate and flawlessly executed plan worked perfectly. She says she wanted Aiden to enjoy himself as long as possible. They kiss.
Obrecht says Anna isn’t as close to her son as she’d hoped. Anna tells her congratulations, but Obrecht says only if she means it. Anna asks if Obrecht wants her say what she means. She doesn’t understand why her son gave a job to someone who tormented and tried to kill him, or why he didn’t send her to prison. She understands Obrecht’s cruelty is caused by her grief, and they both understand about keeping their child away from the clutches of a monstrous father. Obrecht says that’s the only way they’re alike. Anna says should harm come to her son, whether or not Obrecht caused it, she’ll see Obrecht dead. Finn tells Robert to remind him not piss off Anna. Robert asks if he still needs to be reminded. Obrecht says she’s processed her grief, and has been given a second chance to be a grandmother to Nathan’s son. She’s not wasting it. Anna says she’ll be back. She wants to find out why her son has lost his mind. Robert pours the champagne.
Jordan asks Lulu to tell them what happened. Laura says she’s still shaky, but Lulu wants to purge the experience. Jordan asks if she’s ready to tell the truth exactly as she told not-Doc. She says she’s ready.
Jordan sets up a recorder. Lulu says she was working at her desk, and heard someone at the door. She went to let them in. She wasn’t alarmed, and walked back to her desk. He followed her into her office, and closed the door. They must have talked, but she can’t recall what they said. She knows he scared her. She stood up, and tried to edge past him, but he blocked her. That’s when she saw he had a knife. Jordan says she keeps referring to the killer as he. Did she recognize him or does she know who he is? Lulu says, Franco. Jordan asks if she’s sure, and she says she can see his face as if he were standing there. Franco is the man who attacked her.
Sasha and Nina watch Charlotte skate. Nina asks, where were they? and Sasha says, Valentin’s proposal. Nina thought Sasha’s reaction would be all amazing and she’d want to be maid of honor, but it seemed tepid at best. Sasha says, sorry, but Nina says, no apology needed. Sasha says when she met Valentin, he was a stranger, wanting to get his ex back, but then Nina told her about the things he’d done. Nina says she’s gotten over it; why can’t Sasha? Sasha says it’s hard for her. Nina put her heart on the line, and risked it, all on a guy who… Nina says, who what? Found Sasha and brought them together, and convinced Sasha to give her a second chance? In the past year, that guy gave Nina her child back, and when she thought she’d lose Sasha, gave her a second chance. How could she not love him?
Peter asks Maxie to clarify what she meant when she said she was opening her heart. She says she meant to him. Clear enough? He says, it’s not at all murky. She wonders, how could he miss the hint? She’s never been subtle. He says he didn’t want assume after what she’s been through. She says after what he’s done for her, he has the right to assume. He says, good to know (which has replaced for what it’s worth as the phrase of the day). They almost kiss, but Anna blows in, asking, what the hell is going on? Has Peter lost his mind?
Lulu says she was at her desk, and he was scaring her. She tried to leave, but he’s right there. She saw the knife in his hand. She’s sorry, but that’s the last thing she remembers. Jordan knows it’s hard, and she’s doing a great job. Lulu wishes she felt great. Jordan says, anything else? Does she remember how she got from her office to the MetroCourt? Lulu says she can see Franco’s face, and the knife coming at her. We flash back to that, but it’s not-Doc saying, time’s up. Lulu says she should remember him stabbing her, but that’s it. Laura asks if Jordan has enough. Jordan asks if she remembered anything else. Lulu says she’s afraid not. Not-Doc says given the nature of her reaction, he’s not sure if she’ll recall any memories beyond the initial attack. Laura thinks it’s time to do what needs to be done.
Laura asks not-Doc to stay with Lulu, while she talks to Jordan. She tells Lulu to rest; she did a great job. In the hallway, Laura asks if Jordan knows where Franco is. Jordan says he’s not scheduled to come in today. Laura says he lives with Elizabeth and her grandsons. She doesn’t want them in the crossfire. Laura calls Elizabeth. Elizabeth asks if Lulu is okay, and Laura says, she’ll be fine. She needs to talk to Elizabeth, and asks if she’s at work. Elizabeth says she’s in the art therapy room with Franco. Does Laura want to meet In Lulu’s room? Laura agrees, and tells Jordan where Franco is. Jordan is on her way.
Lulu hates this; being so fragile, but not-Doc says that’s the last word anyone would use to describe her. He wouldn’t. She says that’s kind of him. She was shaking in terror. He says she was nothing short of magnificent. He says, don’t worry. It will soon be behind her. Laura comes back, and says Jordan is on her way to arrest Franco. Lulu hopes he’s put away forever. Not-Doc says try not to let it upset her. She’s entitled to her feelings, but it’s too much like allowing Franco to victimize her all over again. Laura helps her up. Not-Doc says Franco is his patient, and he might need to talk him down. He tells Lulu, good job. Laura seconds that.
Not-Doc closes the door to his office, and takes out his locked box. He goes through the driver’s licenses, and wipes his prints from them.
Peter says Anna must have run into Obrecht. Anna says Obrecht couldn’t wait gloat, and tell her that she was working for him. It’s like Stockholm Syndrome. She wonders what possessed him, and Maxie says he did it for her. She convinced him to hire Obrecht, and as long as they’re talking openly, she talked him into dropping the charges. Anna asks, why? Didn’t Peter help deliver her baby. Peter says it’s not her fault. It was his decision. He made the decision to hire Obrecht, and knows what he’s doing. Anna says, explain it to her then.
Willow says her description of Charlotte was both objective and accurate. She was bullying Aiden. Valentin says she showed genuine remorse, and Willow saying she was cheating was upsetting. He wonders if Charlotte hadn’t been bullying Aiden, would Willow have been so quick to jump to conclusions. She made a mistake. They all do that from time to time. Willow says her job isn’t just as an instructor. She wants to help the children interact with the world, giving them the best tools possible for when they when grow up. Charlotte is strong willed and intelligent. Valentin says, wise beyond her years. Willow says, clearly, she’s had a non-traditional upbringing. She thinks Charlotte needs room to be a kid, and learn kid lessons. She needs to learn how to get along with people, even when you don’t like them.
Franco tells Elizabeth that he just texted the boys. He wants them to be part of a family baking project. He feels it’s really important to show interest in what interests Aiden. Plus there’s dessert. Elizabeth loves him. They kiss. Jordan busts in, telling Elizabeth, step away from Franco. Elizabeth asks, what’s going on? and Jordan tells Franco to keep his hands where she can see them. Elizabeth says, what’s happening? Not-Doc shows up, and tells her to do what she’s told, and no one else will get hurt. Franco tells not-Doc to let them know, whatever they think he’s done, he couldn’t possibly have done it. Not-Doc says he’s getting agitated, and Elizabeth says they’re making him that way. Jordan says, Lulu remembered, and named Franco as her attacker. Franco swears he didn’t do it. Elizabeth tells him, don’t move; she’ll call his dad. He says, fine; move aside. He doesn’t want her in danger. She says she’s not in danger from him, but he says she’s in danger from Jordan. She’s got a gun. He tells her, it will be okay. Jordan reads Franco his rights.
Obrecht says she’ll tell Finn and Robert about her new position. Finn still doesn’t care. She says it’s a medical advice column. Maybe she can interview Finn, and on the dos and don’ts of self-medication. Finn says she knows where to find him. He asks if her first article is going to be on how to be a better kidnapper. She says it’s a pity she’s not a psychologist. Robert says she’s a piece of work, and Finn can’t wait to read her column.
Sasha says Nina told her more than once that she couldn’t go back to Valentin. Nina tells Sasha, she said love didn’t make a difference, but it makes all the difference. Married or not, they can’t love each other any less. Charlotte asks if Sasha saw her axel. Sasha says she did, and Charlotte offers to teach her. Sasha says she’ll be right there, and tells Nina, if they love each other, why say no. Nina says she has a bad track record with marriage. It’s always the beginning of the end of her relationships. She was happy for the most part, but Valentin couldn’t stop keeping secrets. She doesn’t want to worry about the future. She wants to live in the moment. She wants to start believing in the two of them.
Peter tells Anna that he has no love for Obrecht, but she’s part of Maxie’s family; James’s grandmother. She’s Nathan’s mother, and he’s not taking her away from the family he has left. Anna says he’s giving Obrecht more mercy than Obrecht will ever show him. She makes him promise to be careful, and says if Obrecht tries anything, come to her. He says he doesn’t need her fighting his fights. She tells him, humor her. She needs to know he’s safe. He can’t stop her. She leaves, and Maxie says she’s sorry. She didn’t consider what it would do to him and Anna. If he wants to back out, she’ll understand. Peter says, he and Anna have things to work through. One more struggle won’t make a difference. Who knows? Maybe Obrecht will be a good medical columnist. He’s sure she’ll have interesting ideas. Maxie laughs.
Finn asks Anna how it went with Peter, but she doesn’t know. She understands, but it makes no sense. She asks where they were with Cabot. Finn says, in Sweden. Robert says someone has to infiltrate, and Finn says he can speak to the researcher. Robert says they don’t know the last time Alex saw Cabot. It’s no reflection on Anna’s capabilities, but he has practical concerns. She says she understands. They have a better chance if she’s not there. She wants them to keep her posted. Robert says he’ll go put the ball into play, and steps away. Finn says he knows Anna is staying to keep Peter safe after what Obrecht did to him. She tells Finn, be careful. He’s had his share of mad scientists and crazy people. He asks, what could possibly go wrong? She says he has Robert to watch his back. He’s looking forward to that. Anna wishes he’d stay out of danger, but at this point… He says, she has only herself to blame. She tells him, staysafe, and he kisses her.
Charlotte thinks it’s cool that they all know how to skate. She wonders if it’s inherited. Sasha says maybe there’s a skating gene. They need to celebrate themselves. They go to the MetroCourt, and Nina says she has to make a phone call. She tells them to get a table; she’ll just be a minute.
Valentin thanks Willow for looking out for Charlotte’s best interest. He’ll have her back in school very soon. Willow looks forward to it – honestly. Valentin says, in the meantime, if she needs to, she can contact him or Nina. She says, legally, the school is prevented from contacting anyone who isn’t a parent. Nina appears, and says, no problem. They’re getting married again. She’ll be Charlotte’s stepmother.
Maxie thank Peter for being open. He says, Obrecht might have useful information. She knows he’s doing it for James, so he can know his grandmother. He says that’s all the incentive he needs; James’s family. Maxie says that makes her Peter’s family too. If they find out Valentin is messing with Nina, or using her in any way, all bets are off. Peter asks if she just said, we. Maxie says it’s up to them to find out what Valentin is hiding, and to find out before Nina does.
Elizabeth tells Franco that she’ll talk to his dad. Franco tells her to say he didn’t do it, but she says Scotty already knows, like she does. She kisses him, but a cop pulls him into the elevator. Elizabeth calls Scotty, leaving a message. She tells him to get down to the PCPD as soon as he gets it. Franco is in trouble. As she’s walking, she comes face to face with Lulu and Laura. She asks if this is why Laura needed to talk to her. Laura says, Franco attacked Lulu. He could have killed her. Elizabeth says they know he didn’t. He’s not the same person. Lulu says, it was him. She’s sorry.
Not-Doc looks at more licenses. He says, oh well. His friends are gone to serve the greater good. At least he still has them. A testament to a job well done.
Tomorrow, Terry has Oscar’s latest test results, Franco says when he’s done suing the PCPD he’ll own Port Charles, and Sonny tells Margaux he doesn’t want someone getting away with it again. I forgot Margaux was on this show.
😠 I can’t even say how irritating this storyline is. I don’t know much about hypnotism, but I don’t think that’s how it works. And to have Franco be the suspected bad guy? Again? Every single one of them should know better.
💋 On The Real Housewives of New Jersey, I’m confused as to why Teresa has taken Jennifer’s side so quickly – especially since Jennifer obviously goes insane on tequila – and also why Danielle is pissed at The Marge. Teresa claimed Jennifer reminded her of her old self, so we did get to see the gift that keeps on giving – the clip of Teresa calling Danielle a prostitution whore, and flipping the table. Marge found that someone else had the same idea about the children’s hospital gowns, called Brave Gowns, and they decided to pool their resources and have a giant fashion show, the Hospital Hero Gala. BTW, Marge Sr. looks amazing after her face lift. Both Marges have been blessed with smooth necks, so it works. Nothing worse than a tight face on a wrinkly pedestal. Jennifer was embarrassed about her behavior in Cabo, and was reluctant to tell her husband. He wasn’t mad, but told her she was wrong. I say don’t go around breaking glasses unless you’re really going to use them. Not that I advocate cutting a bitch, but it just ends up looking stupid. Joe #2 told Melissa, Danielle corrupts anyone and anything she’s around. He said, Marty was a stand-up guy until she got her claws in him. She’s like the black widow of New Jersey.
Frank asked Delores if he was holding her back, and said he wouldn’t hesitate to move out if it would make her happy. She said he was her safe place, and she didn’t really know what she wanted because she was so used to doing for everyone else. Of course Frank is holding her back. Who’d want to date her with Frank hanging around? Besides the elusive David. I’m also guessing Frank still pays the bulk of the bills. They’re co-owners of the gym, but I doubt people are coming to train with her, rather than a former Mr. New Jersey.
Marge and Teresa had lunch. Teresa didn’t understand why Marge dropped Danielle as a friend, but had to admit she didn’t know everything. In her interview, Teresa said she thought they were both wrong, but said Marge gave her a lot to think about. I hope her head doesn’t explode. Marge hoped Jennifer wouldn’t cocktail it up at her charity event.
After Marge told Jackie how hard she was trying to get back together with her children, Jackie decided to call her estranged sister. Wow. Something good actually coming out of this hot mess of a show is a true miracle. The call went well, and they made plans to get together with the kids. Jackie went to Melissa’s store and told her all about it. Melissa told her about how Joe #2 belittles her business. Maybe she should ask him how the restaurant business is going. Hint: it isn’t.
Marge’s ex, Jan, brought a date to Marge’s event, who was Joe #3’s ex-wife’s best friend. Jennifer and Marge seemed to squash their beef, with Jennifer sort of apologizing to several people. She was afraid to approach Melissa, since she’d broke a glass and put it in Melissa’s face. I think the time to have been afraid was immediately after she did that. Melissa would have had every right to thump her. It was a black and white affair, and Marge looked gorgeous, as well as the décor. They used a lot of white branches, which I love. The women also had the most fantastic HUGE earrings. When Jennifer showed up in a green jumpsuit, I thought maybe the color combo was just a coincidence, although she seems like the type who wouldn’t bother with the memo. The gala was a success, and everyone cried during the kids’ speeches.
Next time, the season finale, belly dancing, Delores is moving out, Marge thinks Danielle is dangerous, and Marge pushes Marty into the pool. That dude seems like a d-bag. Or at the very least, misguided.
🏡 On Sweet Home Jennifer designed for someone who apparently has two young children, but no possessions. I’ve never seen such an empty house. Jennifer had done the interior of the house ten years prior, so it was interesting to see how her taste had changed. A good takeaway point was to keep kids’ rooms neutral to give them longevity. Like if you buy a crazy bed, the kid isn’t going to want that for long. They can personalize with things like posters and unicorn pillows. Although I’d prefer llama pillows. I also have personal experience with this issue. When I was a kid, my father worked for Ethan Allen, and I was getting wallpaper from there for my room. I was probably about twelve or thirteen, and thought this psychedelic paisley wallpaper would be great. He talked me out of it, saying I thought so when I was looking at a swatch, but a whole room of it would be busy, and I’d get tired of it. A few years later, I knew he was right. I also had a canopy bed for a hot minute before I thought it was more trouble than it was worth. I won’t even get into the white rug…
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
My streak was too long and too good to be true. I missed the beginning, but nothing major ever happens in the first few minutes. So without further ado…
Not-Doc says no one else can be in the room when he hypnotizes Lulu. The patient may recover personal or private information that they don’t want to share. Jordan says everything will be confidential, but he says it’s non-negotiable. If they want to be present, he can’t perform the procedure. They can get someone else, but neither will any other therapist worth their salt.
Nina says she told Valentin that she needed a dose of her daughter, and here Sasha is. She asks how long Sasha is staying, and Sasha says a few days. She’s not complaining, but wonders if Nina is still staying at Windymere because the killer hasn’t been caught. Nina says they haven’t caught the killer, but she moved back in with Valentin and Charlotte.
At the office, Peter tells Maxie that he had the cleaning crew in, since the police signed off on it. It was grim and sad that they have a special cleaning team for crime scenes. Maxie says, it’s not easy to butter him up, and she needs another favor. She thinks a medical advice column might boost circulation. He asks who would write it, and she says that’s the out-of-the-box part. He’s going to think it’s the most outrageous idea. He says the best ones often are, and asks, who? Obrecht walks in, and says, me.
Carly tells Jason that Sam took all that time to find herself, and she’s breaking up with him? She was just torturing him – and herself. She’s calling Sam. Jason tells her Sam is just pretending so she can investigate the leader of the group Kristina is involved with, Dawn of Day. Carly asks who it is, and why do they need investigating? He says the guy’s name is Shiloh. They know he’s a con artist, but he may be worse.
Nina says Charlotte will be happy to see Sasha. They need to have another girls’ night. She thanks Valentin, and says she’s going to march Sasha in front of Obrecht, saying this is her daughter. Then she’s going to ask how Sasha is going to leave her brokenhearted and empty like Obrecht. Sasha asks who she’s talking about, and Nina says her Aunt Liesl, who’s mad because Nina won’t give her a job. She has no idea who would hire her.
Obrecht asks if Peter is opposed to hiring one of the best medical minds in the world. She gathered some questions from the internet to give him some sample responses. She’s used everyday language, and humor where it’s applicable. He can try her out, and if she boosts circulation, which she inevitably will, they can renegotiate. Maxie says medical issues are a booming topic on the internet. He says she wants him to pay a woman he hates, who tortured him? Obrecht say she was crazed with grief. Maxie says he already exonerated Obrecht, and she’d thought his attitude had softened toward her. He says he did it because she wanted Obrecht free. He doesn’t think it’s a good fit. Obrecht tells him to just read the samples. She thinks he’ll like them. She hands him the paper, and he reads.
Not-Doc says hypnosis requires complete focus, and deep relaxation. Having other people present only hinders the process. He understands Laura might not want him, and she can get another doctor, but if they allow observation, he’d question their professionalism and ethics. I can’t say for sure, but I don’t think that’s how it works. Lulu says it’s not their choice; it’s hers. She’s unhappy with how he treated her mother, but professionally, she trusts him. Jordan has another idea. She wants it recorded. Not-Doc says that’s not possible. It’s a violation of privileged information. Lulu asks if she won’t remember when she comes out. They won’t need to record it. She’ll just tell them. She wants to get started.
At the skating rink, Aiden has wiped out, but Franco says he’s fantastic. He has some smooth moves going backwards. He goes back to the rink, and Franco tells Elizabeth that he’s so happy. Almost as happy as he is. Brad and Lucas arrive with Wiley. Lucas says it looks like they all had the same idea, and Elizabeth says it’s a good day for ice skating. Lucas asks where their skates are. Franco says they’re the cheering section. Lucas says Aiden is really good. He asks if they’d mind watching Wiley. Franco says the three of them suck at subterfuge. He tells them, stop. It’s painful.
Laura tells Lulu she’ll be right outside, but Lulu says Laura is making her more nervous. She hates not being able remember. Not just who attacked her, but what she was working on. It must have something to do with the killer. We flash back to her calling not-Doc and asking about the list, and that she wants to go over the names. Lulu tells not-Doc to make sure to ask her about that. He says he wants to help her find all the answers she’s looking for.
Nina leaves to get Sasha’s room ready. Sasha says she’s so happy, and Valentin says he loves seeing her happy. Sasha says she’s incredibly endearing, and full of love. Nina makes her mother’s absence less painful. Valentin says it would destroy her to find out Sasha was only playing a part. Sasha say she always will, but he’s not in charge anymore.
In the hallway at the hospital, Jordan tells Laura, hopefully, they’ll get answers. Laura says, if Lulu remembers, what’s next? Jordan says they’ll collect the forensic details. She might send them in a direction they’re not considering. Laura asks if Lulu’s memories will be admissible in court, but Jordan says it’s a grey area. Laura asks if Jordan thinks Lulu will remember it’s Franco.
Franco asks if they think he believes it’s a coincidence. Elizabeth says she had a talk with Brad and Lucas about Aiden. Brad says it’s nice that he has a gay couple in his extended family. Franco says, and he thought Brad was the sneakiest technician at the hospital. Lucas says, a lot has changed.
Carly goes over what Jason has told her. She says, Shiloh also has a history with Drew, and now he’s dragging Kristina in, so they’re breaking up to get Sam closer? Jason says he doesn’t like it, but what it’s what she has to do. Carly asks if he thinks she’s in danger. He doesn’t think so, but wants to make sure nothing happens.
Peter says Obrecht explain things simply without sounding condescending. Maxie asks if he likes Obrecht’s writing. He does, and says with the glut of information out there, it might be nice for someone to sort through it. Maxie says, so she’s hired? and he says, on a trial basis. Maxie thanks him, and he says he can’t say no to her. The lightbulb comes on, and Obrecht says Maxie removed her ring, and is moving on. Don’t tell her that she’s moving on with Henrik? Maxie says she and Peter are friends; good friends. Obrecht says she’s having a romance with Nathan’s half-brother, who brought Nathan’s killer to Port Charles.
Not-Doc explains to Lulu that hypnosis is really self-hypnosis. The subject has to be willing. They’re neither asleep nor unconscious, and don’t do what they don’t want to. He asks if she’s comfortable, and tells her to relax. She’s in a safe, calm, and peaceful place. She can go anywhere she needs to if she wants. He tells her to close her eyes. She controls the entire experience. Listen to his voice, and let the words wash over her. He asks how she feels, and Lulu says, good. He tells her to go to the night of the attack. All she has to do is let him guide her to what really happened. Is she ready? Lulu says, yes.
Obrecht asks how Maxie can consider a possible romance with Henrik. Maxie says she’s worked out her personal issues with him, and she didn’t say it was romantic. She’s trusted him, and he’s proved himself repeatedly. He’s also James’s uncle, and James has few blood relatives on his father’s side. She’s not keeping Peter out of her life, and if she disapproves, she can find employment elsewhere. Obrecht says she wants to selflessly steer strangers back to good health, and accepts Peter’s offer. She was uncharacteristically nervous about the meeting, and needs to fortify herself. When she returns, he can show her to her office. She leaves, and Maxie says Peter will get used to her. She hugs him.
Sasha tells Valentin that they both want the same thing; to make sure Nina doesn’t get hurt. Maybe he should take a step back, so she can have a real relationship with Nina. Valentin suggests Sasha stay away from Obrecht; make excuses if she has to. Nina says Sasha’s room is ready. They have a lot of catching up to do. She asks if Valentin doesn’t have a conference call, and he says she wants to get rid of him. He gets it. She tells him that he’s the absolute best.
Brad says Aiden is looking good out there. Aiden says Wiley is bigger than he was at Christmas. Lucas says baby’s grow fast, and Brad asks if Aiden knows any kids with two mothers or two fathers. Aiden isn’t sure, but wishes he had a baby brother or sister. Franco asks if he wants to skate some more. He does, and goes back out with Brad and Lucas.
Jordan asks how Laura knew about Franco. Laura says Elizabeth is like a daughter to her, and told her about Franco being questioned. She guesses he’s the suspect. Jordan says one victim tried to reach him, and his alibis range from flawed to non-existent, but everything they have is circumstantial.
Not-Doc asks if Lulu can picture her office. Tell him everything she remembers. She says she was working. Her mom came to get her to go to the party. She was frustrated. Peter wouldn’t publish her article. It was about a potential link between Ryan Chamberlain and the serial killer. Her mom agreed with Peter, and they talked about something that troubled her about a list. A list he made. A list of Ryan’s victims. Not-Doc asks, what troubled her? She says her mom said there were nine names on his list, but the police report said Ryan killed seven, not nine. She gets agitated, and he tells her not to let her emotions cloud the truth. Her mother never mentioned nine victims. They talked about the list, but never talked about number. Lulu says, she didn’t? He says he called her, and they discussed seven victims. She says, she did? He says she remembers clearly now.
Carly thinks Jason and Sam are a great help. It’s one less worry for Sonny. Too bad he and Sam can’t be together. He tells her that he never said that. Carly says they can meet in private, and he says, that’s the plan. She tells him, enjoy sneaking around. It can be fun. Obrecht comes in, and says she’s celebrating. She wonders if she can have complementary waffles.
Peter is surprised at how well Obrecht writes. Maxie knows she’ll be on her best behavior, or she won’t be allowed to see James. He says, James is quite the motivator. He’ll keep his eyes open all the same. Maxie thinks that’s a good idea, and he thanks her for what she said about them. Nina calls, and Maxie leaves to talk to her. Peter sighs. He calls Valentin and tells him that he hired Obrecht. He can thank Maxie.
Laura tells Jordan that Elizabeth has three boys she loves dearly, and might be living with a serial killer. Jordan says Laura knows him better than her. Laura thinks he couldn’t have done it, but she’s old enough, and seen enough of the world to know nothing is impossible.
Franco wonders if maybe he and Elizabeth will have a baby. Lucas limps to the bench. He was trying to bust a move, but instead busted his butt. He says Aiden is loving it, and chatting up the crowd. He doesn’t think Aiden caught on to the gay sting operation. Elizabeth agrees, but says he’s observing them though. Franco thanks Lucas. He knows he’s not Lucas’s favorite person. Lucas says he remembers what Franco did to his sister, but he also remembers how Brad was. It’s where any of them can be. You have to look past people’s mistakes, and have faith in them changing. Brad listens in. Aiden comes back.
Not-Doc says Lulu is doing really well. Who else did she call other than him? She says she spoke with Peter. She asked him again to please run the story, but he said no. Shortly afterward, someone came to the door. She jumped when the handle rattled. Her mom insisted she lock the door. Someone was trying to get in. He asks if she was frightened, but she says, no. She went to open it, but wasn’t afraid. She went to her desk, and he followed her. He was wearing gloves, and she thought it was odd. She can see his gloves… his coat… She’s looking at him, but can’t see his face. He tells her, stop there. He promised her mother not to upset her. She asks why she can see him, but not remember his face? He tells her, calm down. They’ll get there. He’ll help her remember. He tells her, listen to his voice, and what he’s telling her. He smiles.
Nina tells Maxie that Valentin arranged a surprise visit from her daughter. Maxie says Valentin being involved makes her nervous. Nothing is ever quite what it seems with him, and heartbreak follows. Nina asks if the heartbreak is general or specific, and if so, how?
Nina tells Sasha she’s happy to be back together with Valentin, and she has Sasha to thank. Once Nina had Sasha in her life, everything fell into place. They’re as in love as ever. In fact, he’s asked her to marry him again. Sasha says she didn’t say yes, did she?
Carly wonders why she’d give Obrecht complimentary anything. Obrecht says, common courtesy, good business sense. She’s working in the building, and can send customers Carly’s way. Carly would prefer Obrecht not mention her business. Obrecht says, her loss. Carly tells her, congratulations on her new job. She can afford to pay for her own meal. Obrecht apologizes for her lack of manners, and gives Carly her deepest condolences on the tragic loss of her grandson. She met the child’s mother briefly, poor creature. She leaves, and Carly says, that was random. Jason asks how well Carly knows her. Carly says she has very little to do with her if she can help it. She wonders how Obrecht met Nelle.
Jordan tells Laura that they have no way of knowing how long the session will take. Laura wants to be close by if Lulu remembers it’s Franco. Jordan says they could be wrong. Laura hopes so. She hopes Lulu isn’t suffering too much, reliving that night. Jordan does too. Lulu has already been through enough. Hypnotherapy is a tool that will bring them closer to safety, especially Lulu. Laura says she can’t let the killer come back to silence Lulu. Jordan says Lulu will lead them right to prison.
Aiden loves ice skating, and Franco says he’s a natural. Aiden wants Franco to skate with him, but he had fun with Brad and Lucas. He wants a snack, and Elizabeth takes out a sandwich. Aiden runs off with it, and Franco thanks her for giving him perspective. It was the perfect antidote to being questioned at the PCPD. This is what’s important – her and the boys. Everything is going to be okay.
Not-Doc asks if Lulu heard everything he said, and she says, yes. He says, it’s easier to remember when you’re calm. Is she ready to remember the face of her attacker? She’s in the office, working. There’s a rattle at the door. She opens the door. The visitor follows her in. She goes behind her desk. She’s behind her desk, but something isn’t right. He’s scaring her, and she tries to leave. Lulu says, oh my God, he has a knife! She can see him. Not-Doc asks, who is it? Franco? In her flashback, everything is the same, but it’s Franco’s face. She says, it’s Franco. Not-Doc smiles more broadly.
Tomorrow, Anna will see Obrecht dead first, Peter says Valentin will lie, Lulu says Franco tried to kill her, and Jordan arrests Franco.
The Haves and The Have Nots
Madison pushes Jeffrey to the floor, and tells him there’s a laser pointed at him, like the kind from a gun. Jeffrey sees it on the wall, and says, itsfine. Madison tells him not to go to the window, and asks who’s out there? Jeffrey says, it’s just Justin, and it’s just a laser pointer. He’s looking right at him. Madison asks if he’s sure. He is, and Madison says, this kid is nuts. He tells Jeffrey not to go out there, but Jeffrey tells Madison to let him handle it. He knows ow it goes. Madison says, it’s not fine; he’s nuts. Jeffrey asks him to go upstairs and check on his dad. He goes outside.
Jeffrey asks what Justin is doing. Justin says, watching him. Jeffrey says he’s tired of this. Justin is sorry. Jeffrey knows, and tells him, go home. Justin says he misses Jeffrey. Jeffrey says his dad is there. Justin says, and that boy? Jeffrey says Justin shouldn’t have hit him. He didn’t do anything. He says, this has to stop, and Justin says, okay; he’ll stop – if Jeffrey comes home. He knows Jeffrey wants him. Jeffrey says he wants him to leave. Justin tries to kiss Jeffrey, but Jeffrey pushes him away, saying, get off of him. Justin says, I love you, and Jeffrey says, stop it. Justin says is Jeffrey isn’t in his life, he has nothing to live for. Jeffrey says he keeps saying the same thing, and he needs to leave. Justin wonders what he’d do without Jeffrey. He’s not letting Madison have him. Jeffrey says, good to know, and goes back inside.
Madison asks if Jeffrey is okay with all this; with Justin coming over. He needs a restraining order. Madison is going first thing in the morning, and thinks Jeffrey should come. Jeffrey says, okay, and asks if he can go to bed. Madison says, he’s still out there, but Jeffrey says he doesn’t care. Madison says he should. He’s calling the police. Jeffrey says, be my guest. and Madison says Jeffrey really doesn’t care about this. Jeffrey says, nope.
Candace goes to the Iron Bone. Mitch says she’s looking for him, and sits with her. She asks if they don’t like Black people there, and Mitch says, you know how these guys are. He asks what she needs, and she says she needs a lot of money. He says he has a little bit, but she’s not asking for it from him. She has it, but can’t get to it. It’s in her mother’s bank account. She sent it to Benny, and they have a joint account. Mitch asks if she’s talking about the eight million. She asks if Benny told him, but he says he just heard. He asks what she needs from him. She says her mother took Benny to the bank, and wanted to give it back to Jim Cryer, but Benny wouldn’t sign. They need two signatures, and Benny is on the fence. She thinks Mitch can convince him not to sign. Mitch says Benny is thisclose to being taken out be two different families. He needs to do the right thing: give the money back. He asks if she has any idea how dangerous Jim is. She says, he’s not, but Mitch says, he is. She says she can handle it. He tells her Benny got stabbed by Cryer. He put someone on Benny as a warning. He needs to give the money back. She says, he can handle Benny. She’ll handle Jim. She says the money will get her out of there. She’ll give him a couple hundred if she gets it. He says he’ll believe it when he sees it. She says, good. He needs a new car. He says he drives it by choice, and she says, just help her. He asks if she wants a drink, but she says not in a place where people look at her – like that, referring to a guy wearing a weird beard who’s half-glaring, half-ogling her. Candace leaves, and another guy says, what the hell? to Mitch. Uncle Vinnie doesn’t want people like her hanging out there. Mitch says, that’s Candace Young. Grandma Rose said it’s okay. The guy says, she’s hot. He wants to hit that. Mitch calls him an idiot. She would wear his ass out. The guy brags that he’s a stallion, and says Mitch does need a new car. Mitch suggests the guy buy him one.
The grits are ready. Veronica puts on oven mitts, and takes them into the bedroom. I don’t think to eat. She walks to the bed, and sets them on the nightstand. She pulls back the covers, and says, she asked him to leave. RK jumps up, and asks what the hell is she doing? She asks if he’s hungry. She made grits. He says, grits his ass. She was about to grits his ass. She’s crazy. She says, yes, and she will still grits his ass if he doesn’t leave. He says she’s lost her mind, and grabs his clothes. She tells him, don’t worry about it. She knows he stole her jewelry. He tells her, go check her maid. She wants her jewelry back by noon tomorrow. He says he has nothing of hers. She says, man, boy, they’re all the same. He tells her, he could say the same about women. She asks if he’s still there, and he says he’s a hologram. She tells him to holo his ass out of her house, and don’t come back. He leaves in a hurry, and she gets in the bed. She says, baby boy, can’t do nothin’ for her. She needs a man.
There’s a knock at Roderick’s door. It’s Kathryn, and he tells her that her car sticks out like a sore thumb. She says she won’t be there long. He he says that’s disappointing, and she tells him, cut the bull. He’s glad she called. She says he thinks she’s a fool. He wants her money. He says that’s not all he wants. He enjoys making love to her. She says his place is underwhelming, but he says, it’s cozy. She asks if he’s making money at the hotel, and he says he is. She asks if he has a drug problem, but he says, no. He has a family back home, and sends them money. She thinks that’s sweet. She asks if the prostitution ring is shut down, and he says it is. He asks if she wants a drink, and she says, sure. She watches him pour liquor into Solo cups, and says, on second thought, she’s not that thirsty. He says it’s all he has, and she says that’s sad. He says, it’s okay, but she says, it’s not. Play his cards right, she might keep him. Set him up in a nice place. Maybe a new car. She’ll take care of him. He asks what he has to do, and she says, her. He says, let’s get on with it, and kisses her, pushing her toward the bed. She doesn’t think this is going to work. He says he knows it’s not much, and she says, it’s not anything. He asks if she wants to go back to the hotel, but she says it’s getting late. She’ll call tomorrow. He’s sorry she came all this way, and there’s nothing he can do to make her happy. She says, there is, just not in this place. She asks him to walk her to her car, and asks if he’s ever seen the backseat of a $270K car. He says, only from the outside, and she tells him, he’s in for a treat. It’s probably nicer than my house.
Wyatt tells Sarah that he needs money. She tells him to calm down, and he says he needs a fix. She says she has some pain pills. She gets them, and he practically rips them out of her hand. She tells him not to take all of them, but he already did. He wants a drink. He tells her that he knows his tolerance. She doesn’t want him to die, but he says he won’t. She tells him, calm down, and he says he’s trying. There’s a knock at the door, and he goes in the bathroom. it’s George with some gigantic cops. One comes in with him. He asks if she has the bullet, and she says she has Wyatt. She knocks on the bathroom door, and Wyatt comes out. He tells George that he wants money, and get the hell out. Sarah says, arrest him. Make him testify. George asks if she thinks this will help her. She failed with the wire, and didn’t give him anything. George tells the big cop, arrest her. She tells him to take Wyatt. George say he can’t hold Wyatt. The Malones want him dead. She says, he has cocaine in his pocket. Wyatt says he doesn’t, but pulls out a small bag. He says he could have been getting high this entire time. I die laughing. He starts putting a line on the counter, and George reminds Wyatt that he’s the DA. He says, take them both, and take the drugs. Wyatt calls Sarah a bitch on his way out. She tells George, all she needs is a day. She can get him to talk. She gets close to him, and says she’ll do anything. He pushes her back, and says she has one day. One. She thanks him. I’d get the hell out of town.
Another nameless woman tells Charles that the hospital visit was good press. She gives him some briefing sheets. The President wants a meeting moved up. Charles says, okay, and she asks if there’s a female, but he says, there isn’t. She says the new First Lady usually meets with former First Lady. He says she’ll have to get his wife out of the grave, and asks if there’s an inclusion for that. She apologizes, and he tells her not to ask again. He wants a moment. Everyone leaves, but he says, not you, Landon. It’s like being called out by the teacher, and Landon looks like a naughty child. Charles punches him, knocking him down. Charles doesn’t know what that was, but wants to get one thing clear. Don’t ever try anything like that again. Not only will he have to fire Landon, he’ll eff him up, He holds out his hand, saying, olive branch, and helps Landon up. Landon is really sorry, and Charles says, about what? He’s glad he got it off his chest. He feels better. Doesn’t Landon? Landon says he does. Charles says, that will be all, and tells Landon to straighten his tie.
Veronica’s doorbell rings. She calls for Alice, who wanders out. She asks if Alice heard the door, and Alice says she did. Veronica asks if she’s going to get it, and Alice says, no. She just came to give Veronica this. She hands Veronica an envelope, and Veronica asks if she’s resigning. Alice says, no. She’s suing Veronica for a hostile work environment. Veronica asks who she’s been talking to; it’s not hostile. Alice says she has it documented. Veronica tears the papers up, and says that’s what she thinks of Alice’s lawsuit. She tells Alice, the new maid will clean it up. Alice says, the maid always knows a lot of secrets. Veronica doesn’t give a damn. Alice says it’s the ones they think don’t have the power, who are the ones who bring them down. Veronica tells her, take her power and go to unemployment. Her blind ass can’t see how to clean anything anyway. What’s really funny is how this is coming from left field. We’ve never even seen Alice until very recently, and they’d actually made it seem like she was lazy and not doing her job.
Alice leaves, and two women walk in. One is a woman from a foster care program that Veronica wanted to help, but no surprise, she doesn’t have a name. However, she introduces the other woman as Karen. Veronica asks what brings them by, and nameless lady says Karen would be perfect for Veronica’s offer. She wanted to help a girl coming out of foster care, and she thought Karen would be a good fit. She aced high school, and is studying to be a pharmacist. Karen says Veronica has a lovely home. Veronica thanks her, and says, sorry she won’t be seeing it again. The other woman wonders if she got it wrong. She thought Veronica wanted to help. Veronica says she did want to help – a Black girl, not a white girl. She wants someone who looks like her. The woman says she didn’t say that, but Veronica thinks she should have caught the hint. The woman says they don’t see race, but Veronica says, bullsh*t. Everyone does. The woman says, sorry, and Veronica says, don’t be. Just bring back a Black girl. Someone darker than her. Now take Becky, and go. Not getting the reference, Becky Karen says her name is Karen. The woman says this will disqualify Veronica for the program, and Veronica says, then it will disqualify them from her check. Not Karen says they can use the money. Veronica says, then bring her an African American girl. Goodbye, Becky Karen Becky. They leave, and Veronica wonders, what’s wrong with people? She has things to do.
Madison looks in on David, who says he’s much better. David asks where Jeffrey is. Madison thinks still sleeping. David asks how they’re getting along, and Madison says fine. David says, just fine? What is it? Madison asks if he’s met Justin. David says he has; why? Madison thinks Jeffrey is in over his head. Justin has been very threatening, David knows, and Madison asks if he knows Justin had a laser pointed at Jeffrey’s head. David says, as in a laser-sited gun? He tells Madison to get Jeffrey. Madison is concerned he’s going to let Jeffrey know what he said, but David insists he get Jeffrey. Madison leaves, and David calls Jim. He tells Jim that he needs to get a message to Benji. Jim asks if it’s for their lady friend, but David says, no. He’ll handle her himself. It’s for the punk harassing his son.
There’s a knock on Sarah’s door. They says, delivery, but it’s Jim. He says she took Wyatt from the house. She says she didn’t know he was in the car. Jim asks, where is he? but she says she doesn’t know. Jim tells her, don’t lie. She repeats she doesn’t know. He asks if the DA has him, and she says she doesn’t know. He grabs her by the throat and backs her against the wall. He asks if the DA is holding Wyatt. She says she can’t breathe, and he says he’ll ask one more time. She says, yes, and he lets her go. He asks if she knew Wyatt was in the car. He thinks she did, but she insists she didn’t. He pushes his arm against her throat, and asks how they got to Wyatt. She says she called once he got there. Jim says, it’s a shame. She’s dead. He kisses her, and says, it’s a no win situation for her; she’s dead. He leaves, and she puts her head in her hands, and cries. Seriously. Leave. Now.
Hanna wakes Benny. She has breakfast going; his favorites. He says he had to get stabbed for her to cook something for him. He asks if she really likes this dude, and she says she does. He doesn’t. Benny says he needs to leave her alone, and Hanna says Benny needs to hush. The doorbell rings, and Benny says, if it’s him, tell him go home.
Hanna goes to the door. It’s Mitch. He asks if Benny is up. Hanna asks if Mitch’s family is still after Benny. Mitch says, no. He talked to them, and they took the money. He goes upstairs.
Mitch asks how Benny is doing. Benny says, like hell, and Mitch says he looks like hell. Benny says, screw you, and asks if Mitch’s family took the money. Mitch says, yeah, and Benny asks why they came after him like that. Mitch told him it wasn’t them. Benny asks, who was it? and Mitch says he did some poking around. Can he ask Benny about something? Does he have a little money from Cryer? Benny asks what Mitch knows about it, and Mitch says, he heard about eight million through his family ties. They heard he had it. That’s what happened. Cryer put somebody on him. It wasn’t Mitch’s family. Jim Cryer had someone stab him as a warning. He wants the money back. Hanna appears, and asks what Mitch just said. Mitch looks seriously panicked.
Next time, Hanna says she’ll take care of Jim, Jim is sick of George, Charles asks if Landon is attracted to him, and David wants Justin to understand the cost of harassing his son.
Below Deck – Reunion
This is still in cheap reunion territory – at the Clubhouse, and only one part. Andy says hello to everyone. Chandler and Caroline are absent. He asks who kept in touch. Ashton and Ross are still having a bromance. Ross’s arrest is brought up. He says it was a big misunderstanding, and Andy says, it always is. He asks if Krystal was the worst charter guest of the season. Kate says, of her life. We find out that Ross went out with Krystal, and it’s benefits without friends. He claims she’s not married.
Kate’s stew situation is discussed, and we flash back to her being thrilled with Josiah, things going south with Caroline, and the conflict with Laura. Everyone is laughing. Except Captain Lee. A viewer asks what the deck crew’s thoughts were about Caroline. Rhylee says she was distraught all day, every day. Ashton says she wasn’t coping. Andy says he spoke to her, and she said there was a pattern of stews not getting along with Kate. A viewer asks if Captain Lee thinks the complaints about Kate have merit, but he says the only ones who complain are the ones who don’t want to do their job. He has no sympathy. Laura says she felt bad for Caroline. She wasn’t there, so she doesn’t know how it went down, but doesn’t think she was treated fairly. Kate says they were nice to her at first, but they got frustrated. In a tweet, Caroline says, when Kate and Josiah blasted music outside her door, what was shown wasn’t remotely close to what happened. Kate says, Caroline has a flair for the dramatic. She’s intelligent, and is good at playing the victim. Andy plays an extended clip with unseen footage, where Kate and Josiah are talking about Caroline, loudly, outside of her room. Andy says, it’s kind of mean. Kate agrees, but says Caroline lied, and she was the bully. Kate doesn’t think she started it. Captain Lee says he was uncomfortable when he saw the show, but realized it was an ongoing thing that Caroline didn’t pull her weight. Andy asks if Kate and Josiah regret anything. Josiah says, it was in the moment, and they were angry. Kate felt like a hostage. Caroline was doing what she wanted. Ashton thinks they had to be pushed to be that nasty. Andy says they didn’t want to be mean girls, but ended up being mean girls. Josiah says Caroline lied about how horrible everyone was. A viewer points out Josiah said he was bullied when he was younger. Josiah says it made him stronger, and they liked Caroline, but she wasn’t doing her job. Another viewer asks if Captain Lee felt validated in questioning Kate. He says he could have handled it better, but he didn’t have all the information. Kate says she didn’t like at the time, but feels glad about it now, because it shows he’s fair. She wishes all three of them had all been in the wheelhouse, so there was no confusion.
A viewer asks why Laura came in hot with a superior attitude. Laura say she didn’t think she had an attitude, but recognized it after seeing the show. It wasn’t her intention, which is why she’s sad about it. She says everyone has their breaking point, but Captain Lee says he would have fired her on the spot. Kate says she was bewildered. Laura said she was a chief stew on a vessel the same size, and Laura was doing the one thing she shouldn’t be, screaming at Kate in front of the guests. It was almost amusing. Almost. Captain Lee says the worst thing was Laura asking how dare Kate go back and check her work. Laura says she was angry and in hysterics. She was backed into a corner. Kate says Laura cornered her. Laura tells her, don’t act innocent. There were things leading up to it; she had a reason she felt pushed. They weren’t nice from the beginning. Andy asks what advice Laura would give Kate. Laura says, kindness goes a long way. She thinks Kate has been doing this for so long, she doesn’t put up with stupid mistakes. She needs to try and look at it from the other person’s point-of-view. Kate says she’s as kind as she can be with the time she’s given. They both say they would work together again.
Andy says, Adrian’s behavior left a bad taste in other crew member’s mouths. We see clips of Adrian’s a-hole moments. A viewer says, since Adrian is an undercover jerk, why didn’t anyone say anything? Kate says, he’s from St. Martin, and it’s very different. Whatever that means. Are kids raised by wolves there? Josiah says Laura was telling him just be wary, and Adrian appreciates that. He feels apologetic, and says he misread the situation. He’s sorry they didn’t show other parts of his and Laura’s relationship. Ross thinks Laura should have said something earlier, but it’s close quarters on the boat. Andy says the chef is technically her boss, but it’s a unique workplace. A viewer asks why Laura didn’t deal with Adrian by going to Kate. Kate says if she’d been aware of it, she would have told him, Laura is freaked out, and to knock it off.
Next, we see the screw up that was Chandler, who didn’t even know port from starboard. I don’t either, but I don’t have to for my job. Andy asks what was the problem. Captain Lee says, he was overwhelmed. He had a lot going on, plus the cameras. He isn’t sure why, since Chandler seemed like he had the necessary tools. Ross thinks he had the skills, but lacked managing skills. Andy wonders how much filming had to do with it, and Ross says it was a big part. Rhylee says she was relieved when he was gone. He treated her poorly. She didn’t jump for joy that he was gone. She thought he’d just be demoted. Ashton says, somebody was needed, and he wasn’t surprised. Andy asks Ross if Chandler deserved to be fired. Ross says he wasn’t performing as required; there were too many mistakes. They agree he was a good guy, and Josiah thinks he just wasn’t used to it. A viewer asks what was it about Chandler that Rhylee hated. She says she didn’t hate him, but hated how he treated her from the get-go. It set her tone of behavior. She was being dismissed by the deck crew; Chandler most of all. He didn’t want to manage her. Andy asks if she thinks it’s because she’s a woman, and she says she never criedwoman. She doesn’t know, but he was very quick to blame her for everything. She’s not soft spoken – they all laugh – sometimes to her detriment, but she won’t let anyone walk on her. She thinks she didn’t handle it, but Chandler couldn’t be bothered with anything with her. She didn’t care if he was her boss or not. Josiah thinks it was her strong personality. It’s rare to see a female deckhand, and there are preconceptions. Chandler wasn’t used to having a strong woman around.
Andy says, Rhylee wanted her voice heard all season. We see clips of her, mostly being loud. Andy asks if she has regrets. She says she’s reactionary, and when she’s upset, you know it. A viewer asks if Captain Lee regrets not firing Rhylee, but he says, no. He doesn’t regret keeping her, and he’s glad she made it to the end. Chandler’s method of handling the situation was being a condescending pr*ck. He says, for the most part, Ross could have been firmer and more up front. Engaging when someone is volatile isn’t wise. Rhylee says her issues with them were different. Ross was an amazing bosun and person. They were able to fix their issues. She felt it was more miscommunication, and was apologetic about being reactionary. Ross thought he couldn’t win at times. Andy gets a viewer’s text, asking how much sexual tension was there between Chandler and Rhylee. None. Were they watching? Rhylee asks if they’re effing kidding her. None at all. She was never attracted to Chandler. Andy says everyone had a problem with her, and she says every one of them, except Chandler, had a problem with her, but came to her for lovin’. She chalked it up to them drinking, and being man and woman, and wanting to hash it out sexually. Andy says hook-ups are common on boats, and it doesn’t matter if they’re your superior. Rhylee knew Ross didn’t want to be with her, and she didn’t want to just hook up.
Andy tells us, more than waves had the crew’s bunks rockin’. We take a look at the romances on board this season. Andy asks everyone’s status. Ashton and Laura are dear friends; Tyler and Rhylee, ditto, but I’m thinking, not so much. Andy says there were conflicting reports about the crow’s nest, bur Ashton says there was no sex for him this season. However, he did get together at the end. Laura seems embarrassed about it. We find out Ross tried kiss Kate, but Kate doesn’t think he knew it was her. Ross also hooked up with Hannah (Below Deck Mediterranean). He believes so anyway. WTF? How drunk was he? We see a clip of Tyler griping that it’s a turn-off for someone to worm their way into his life. Andy asks how Rhylee felt when she saw what Tyler said. She says she thought he was a d*ck when he said that. She wasn’t writing his name on her notebook. He says he felt it was his idea. Rhylee says they also feel the pressure of crew, who run them through the gauntlet of truth, asking if they liked each other. Kate says she didn’t think Tyler handled it gentlemanly. A viewer asks if Ashton thought Adrian was competition in pursuing Laura. Ashton says he and Adrian had a good relationship, and were honest with one another. Andy asks if Adrian is still in an open relationship, and he says, no, but I don’t catch if they’re no longer together or really together.
Andy asks for their biggest regret this season and what they’re doing now. Adrian regrets that he wasn’t as mindful of other’s feelings as he should have been, and is working as a private chef for a couple in New York. Tyler has no regrets. Of course not. Because he has the sensitivity of a potato. Who cares what he’s doing? Rhylee regrets how she spoke to her superiors, and has been working on several boats. Josiah regrets the way he handled Caroline’s exit, and has been traveling. Kate dittos that regret, and says she opened up a non-profit store in her hometown. Nice of Andy to speed that along, and she doesn’t even get to give us the name. Kate says she regrets how she handled her situation with Kate, and is living in Toronto, instructing yoga. Ashton regrets his accident, but he’s grateful to be alive. He’s working for a family in Atlanta, doing security, being a trainer, and managing the estate. Ross regrets trying to kiss Rhylee. He’s in Florida, probably getting black-out drunk, and Captain Lee regrets the way he handled the situation with Kate and Caroline. He’s still running boats.
Andy says the scariest moment in Below Deck history was Ashton’s accident. Andy has a surprise. It’s Brent, the camera man who saved Ashton. They hug and everybody gets teary. Brent sits. It’s the first time they’ve seen each other since the show wrapped. Ashton calls Brent his real life hero, and hopes he does Brant proud. He wants Brent to say, thank God he saved Ashton’s life. Look at what he’s doing with himself. Wow. That’s a beautiful goal. Brent says it wasn’t just him. Rhylee made the first call, and Captain Lee got the boat out of gear. Ross untied the lines. Andy says Brent was just there to shoot the show, and at some point he made the call to put his camera down. Brent says he noticed where everyone was, and saw Ashton go in the water. He joined the others to access the situation, and they went through several possibilities. He realized the solution, got Aston off the lines, and started shooting again. Ashton was under water, struggling for about twenty-five seconds. Ashton says he mentally prepare for his foot being ripped off. That was the force around his ankle. Two seconds longer, and he would have lost his foot. Brent says every time he tells the story, he gets anxious. Captain Lee says if Rhylee hadn’t said man overboard, it would have been over. He’s been in yachting for thirty-five years, and this ranks at the top of accidents. It’s never happened before, and hopefully never again. Captain Lee shakes Brent’s hand, and they bro hug. Ashton says the do a dangerous job, but get complacent. It’s a massive wake-up call. Andy says Brent prefers being behind the scenes. It wasn’t his first choice to be there, but they begged him.
He thanks everyone for the season and we’re out. Geez, not even a farewell shot. I think we can do better than this. <sniff> I’ll miss Kate and the captain.
🌇 It’s Late…
And the S on my keyboard is getting temperamental.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Sonny tells Anna that he should have called, but she asks if everything is all right. He needs her help.
Robert asks when Finn last checked out a library book. Finn says it’s been a while, but since Cabot is dead, it’s the best way to get a handle on him. He’s welcome. For the great idea and helping him. Face it, Robert needs him.
Kristina thanks Jason for coming to Charlie’s. He says it sounded important. She says what she’s doing is backsliding, since DOD believes you should address your own problems and issues. You don’t triangulate. But the only person Sam will listen to is him, and he needs to tell her that Kristina is fine, and DOD is the best thing that’s ever happened to her.
Sam meets Shiloh at the bar. She tells him she’s doing it for Kristina. He asks if she was hoping to see Kristina’s point-of-view, but she says she was hoping Kristina would see hers. He says she still doesn’t trust him, and she asks, why would she? A month of coincidences, and she doesn’t believe it’s fate. She doesn’t buy it. He suggests he tell her his story instead.
Ava blows into the hospital, saying she and Chase need to talk. She wants to know what he’s doing to find the monster who killed her daughter.
Franco says not-Doc understands his mind more than anyone in this world. Everything he did to help Franco made it possible for him to remember everything he’d blocked out. He asks if not-Doc would consider seeing him as a patient again. Not-Doc says he thinks it’s an excellent idea. Given the circumstances, he can’t say no. Franco thought it would be a harder sell. What changed his mind?
Lulu says Jordan told her there are other methods to unlock memories. She’s on board. Jordan asks if she’s wiling to try hypnotherapy, and Lulu says, absolutely. The blank spot is driving her crazy. It’s keeping her from remembering his face. If hypnotherapy can get her to remember, she’s all for it. Laura comes in and says, sorry. Not on her watch.
Lulu knows Laura is scared, but Laura says not yet. Lulu says if she can remember who did this to her, and killed three other people, doesn’t she have a moral obligation? Laura says there’s a reason she’s not remembering. It’s too awful and traumatic for her. Her mind is building armor to protect her, and she wants to tear it down. She appeals to Jordan as a mother, but Jordan says she’s also the police commissioner. She understands protecting her child, but there’s a serial killer on the loose, and she needs Lulu’s help. Laura wants to wait and see if Lulu remembers on her own, but Jordan says what if someone else dies in the meantime. Lulu says she loves Laura, but this isn’t her call. She’s ready. Let’s do this.
Not-Doc says he’s concerned the recent spate of murders has stirred feelings in Franco that were previously under control. Franco is scared, and now the police department is looking at him sideways. Not-Doc says surely they don’t consider him a suspect. What he can’t do is be of service unless Franco tell him everything
Sonny tells Anna, the good news is, Lulu is recovering well. Anna asks if he’s going after her attacker. He says the cops have that covered, and she asks if she’s supposed to believe that. He says his main focus is Dante. He’s vanished. He’s got a guy tracking him, but so far, it’s a dead end. He’s on assignment for the WSB. She says she’ll see what she can do.
Jason picks up a flyer, and asks, what’s with the Valentine’s thing? Kristina says DOD is hosting it; it’s for everyone. a day celebrate love, and the different ways it’s experienced. Acceptance, inclusion, kindness, and generosity; aren’t those things good? Jason says they are, and she asks why Jason won’t accept Shiloh. He’s changed her life for the better. He says she seems happy, and she says, it’s not an act. He tells her, no one said that, but he thinks she’s lying to herself. She says, it’s never going to be enough. If she’s miserable; they’re worried. If she’s thrilled; they’re worried. How can she win? Jason tells her the reason Sam is so concerned, is that things happened in her life that she hasn’t told anyone. People have used her, and done a lot of damage. Sam doesn’t want to see that happen to Kristina. Kristina says, too late. It already did happen.
Shiloh asks if Sam doesn’t believe in spiritual enlightenment. She believes people can change. He says, just not him. She says she robbed him of his inheritance, he shows up in her town, and her sister is living in his house. His assistant harassed her, and this isn’t even touching the surface of his history with Drew. Shiloh says, it’s a lot. She says, more than that. it’s fraud. He asks where she thinks he’d be if she hadn’t swindled his father. She says, on a private island somewhere? but he says, dead, with a needle in his arm or a spoon in his nose. Losing everything changed his perspective. It made him realize that he could be in control of his own life, and live how he wanted, instead of being beholding to a substance. He was numbing his feelings. It might sound cheesy, but he was reborn. Sam says she’s never seen someone who thanked her for taking their trust fund. In case he’s telling the truth, she can tell him why.
Sam tells Shiloh that she and her brother Danny only had each other. No parents, and she was just a kid herself. It was up to her to support him. When she was with his father, she didn’t know what to do. She had no degree, no job potential, and did what she had to. Shiloh asks if taking from wealthy men was the best option. She says it was. As much as she hates that part of her life, she can truly say she doesn’t regret it. It was worth it. It worked. She was able to take care of Danny, and put him in a group home where he’ happy and safe. It blows her mind, but she did it for them.
Jason tells Kristina, sometimes mistakes leave their mark forever. That’s where Sam’s trust issue comes in. The hardest thing for her is believing there’s something good with no catch or price to pay. That’s no way to live. Kristina says, no, it’s not.
Robert and Finn arrive at Anna’s house, and Robert says Sonny is the last guy on the planet he figured to find there. Sonny says he had a favor to ask. Robert says, and Anna jumped right in. Sonny says Anna is a friend. Finn asks about Lulu, and Robert asks if Dante is still after Rog. Sonny says, he knows? and Robert says he tries to keep up. Sonny says he came to ask Anna a favor. With her connections, she might be able to help him. Robert asks Anna if he should tell Sonny, or will she?
Ava tells Chase there have been three murders. How come they haven’t found the person responsible? He says they’re doing everything, and she tells him, do more. He says they already asked about Kiki’s enemies. Ava says she had none. The only possibility was Dr. Bensch, and he has a good alibi. Everybody loved Kiki. She was the hospital’s darling, and after she took a stand on sexual harassment, their hero. Who kills a hero? Chase asks, what about her ex-roommate. Ava says, Franco? Why?
Lying on not-Doc’s couch, Franco says, the thing about art is, it resonates. An artist has the power to make people feel things.The art is elevated to the subject matter of life and death. The lines of truth and reality are blurred. Death exists beyond time and space. It’s real, but also art. It’s real, but just a vision amplified for maximum impact. The simple truth is killing people, staging scenes, getting the police to run around and try to solve riddles was really fun.
Laura tells Lulu that she’ll be on board with one condition. Her doctor signs off on it. Jordan agrees, but Lulu tells her to hurry. Every minute they wait could mean life or death for the killer’s next target.
Anne asks if Finn and Robert aren’t supposed to be doing research. They leave, and Sonny asks if there’s something she wants to tell him. She spoke to her WSB contact. The way the operation works is Dante is undercover with some really bad guys. If they contact him, they could blow his cover, and get him killed. Sonny wonders if the WSB is stalling because they want Dante to finish. Anna says, no. The way this op works, the safest thing is for Dante to finish it out; see it through. She knows he wanted a different answer. He says he wanted an honest answer, and thanks her. She says Dante was the best she worked with, and he’ll come home. It’s just a question of when.
Kristina tells Jason that she didn’t realize extent of the pain Sam was carrying. Jason asks if she understands now. She says, more than ever. Shiloh can help. It’s what DOD is all about. Finding, facing, and harnessing the hurt, so it can’t hold you back anymore. From what he’s told her, it’s exactly what Sam needs.
Shiloh gives Sam a tissue, and tells her accepting a kind gesture isn’t a sign of weakness; just the opposite. She’s been through difficult times, and he appreciates it. What he sees is a woman starved of her truest self. She hasn’t allowed herself to explore the pain. In a way, she has PTSD, but it doesn’t have be that way. DOD can help her if she’ll let them.
Chase understands at one point, Franco thought he was Kiki’s father, but Ava prevented him from having a relationship with her. She says they worked through that ages ago. He asks if there was bad blood, and she says, for a time, but it’s water under the bridge. Franco loved Kiki, and Kiki loved Franco. He says he’s just doing his due diligence. She tells him, forget about Franco, and concentrate on who did it. She might have failed her daughter in life, but she’s damned if she’ll fail her in death.
Franco tells not-Doc it scares him. He doesn’t have a compulsion to do those things, but his body remembers what it feels like. The tingling electricity, like grabbing on a live wire and not being able to let go. He says that’s not accurate. He could let go; he didn’t want to. Not-Doc asks, why not? Franco says, for him, it was always the spectacle. Like it is for whoever killed Kiki. He never got off on the actual murder, but the attention. It was the ultimate high. Getting away with something; being one step ahead. He loved that. Not-Doc says they’ve done an amazing job today; he’s proud of Franco. Franco says, it helped? and not-Doc says, more than he could possibly know.
Jason meets with Sam, and asks if she’s okay. She says, no.
Sonny comes into Charlie’s. Kristina thought he was avoiding Charlies, but he says there’s a bartender there he can’t shake. She asks about Lulu, and he says she’s awake and talking. Kristina thinks it’s incredible. He asks if she’s heard from Dante. He thought Dante would communicate. Kristina wonders how; by smoke signal? and he says, no. Carrier pigeons. She says if she heard anything, she would tell him. He says he’s getting desperate, and Kristina says Dante is okay. She can feel it.
Chase tells Jordan that he’s been looking into Franco’s alibi. There’s nothing that rules him out. Jordan says they let Franco play them. He even said point bank that the killer wasn’t done. Chase reminds her that Franco also said the killer was just getting started. She thinks he was laughing the whole time. Elizabeth is engaged to Franco. Chase says he’s part of Lulu’s extended family. It would make sense why she wouldn’t remember. She says, until now, and tells him to come with her. Are these two really this dim?
Not-Doc reads into is recorder. For me, it was a spectacle. Just like it seems to be for whoever killed Kiki. I never got off on the actual murder, but the attention; the ultimate high of getting away with it. He says he couldn’t have said it better himself. Jordan and Chase show up, and he says if this is about looking at a patient file, he can’t help them. Jordan says he can help Lulu.
At Kiki’s grave, he says he had a session with Doc. It was brutal. He said things he’s never said before. He wishes Kiki was there, and could talk to him. It never occurred to him that someone had to die for him to get a rush. Losing her, he’s on the other side. He knows what the loved ones experienced. Everyone hates him, and he deserves it. He misses her; the way it felt be around her. Maybe why that’s why we’re here. Maybe their purpose is to make other people feel things. He hopes he made her feel good, loved, and safe. If he could have protected her, he would have. Wherever she is, if she sees anybody he might have hurt, please, ask their forgiveness. They won’t give it, but maybe they’re right not to. If he was a murderer then, he’s a murderer now, and maybe that’s all he’ll ever be. A murderer. Ava appears, and asks him, what’s going on?
Jordan brings not-Doc to Lulu’s room. Once they got the all-clear, she took the liberty of asking not-Doc to take the case. Laura doesn’t seem happy, and Jordan asks if it’s a problem. Laura says, a big one. She asks for a moment, and not-Doc steps out of the room with Chase. Laura tells Jordan, for weeks, if not months, they’ve been talking about how strange Doc has been acting. He’s not himself. She even thought he might be having a breakdown. Lulu didn’t disagree. Lulu admits he’s not acting like Doc. Jordan says it’s not extensive therapy. He can help her remember who did it. If they want catch the killer, they might be running out of time. Lulu says she’s okay with it if Laura is. Jordan says he’s worked with the PCPD in the in past, and is consulting on the case. He’s the right doctor for the job. Laura agrees to it, and Jordan tells not-Doc they’re good to go. Laura says to be blunt, she has an issue with him putting Lulu under hypnosis, given his recent erratic behavior. He doesn’t blame her, but he’s 100% capable of separating the personal from professional. There’s nothing he’d like more than to help.
Franco tells Ava he’s been doing some soul searching. She says that’s not always a pleasant experience. He says Kiki got it. she knew everything about him, but loved and accepted him. Before her met Elizabeth, she was the only one. Ava says that was true for her too. Until she screwed it up. She wanted to be more like Kiki – bright, brave, and strong – but a dark part of her seemed to move in. Franco says, the dark parts are strong. You think they’re gone, but they’re their biding time. Waiting until.. He’s sorry, and thanks her. He believed Kiki was his kid, and kept from him for all those years, but she was right. He wasn’t fit to be around child then. He thanks her from the bottom of his heart.
Anna can’t believe she and Robert are having the same argument again. He can’t believe she’s dealing with Sonny. She says he’s worried about his son. He doesn’t know how it works, so she gave him some answers. Robert asks, why? and she says, Robin loves him, and he doesn’t wave his criminality under her nose. Robert needs to understand situational ethics, and zip it. She asks Finn how it’s going. Robert needs a scone, and she says he knows where they are. Robert goes to the kitchen, and Anna says he makes her crazy. Finn laughs, and says she talks a good game, but the fact is, she went blind and they don’t know why. She was possibly exposed on purpose, and they have no clue about the guy who did it. She thinks he wants her to say she’s afraid, but she can’t go there. If she does, it will paralyze her, and it won’t do any good. He asks if she’s saying she’s being brave and he’s messing with her mojo. She says it’s not possible to mess with her mojo. She doesn’t know any other way to do this. He says, then that’s how they’ll do it. They kiss.
Sam tells Jason, Shiloh is good; better than they thought. She’s scared. Jason asks, what happened? She says Shiloh sells this redemption story, and he’s really good. It took everything inside her to make him believe she was coming to his side. She had to use some of her best stuff, accessing what’s been buried all these years. He says it must have hurt, but she says she can handle that. It’s the way he homed in on it. He was almost able get to her. What is he capable of doing to Kristina?
Sonny asks if Kristina is being careful. She tells him two people always open and close, and she never goes to her car alone. At DOD they have a carpool, and text to make sure everyone is safe. He’s glad she has people looking out for her. She says, speaking of Shiloh. Shiloh comes in, and she introduces told him to Sonny. Shiloh says he’s heard so much about Sonny, and Sonny says he’s heard even more about Shiloh.
Finn says, wait for it. He tells Anna to read the footnote. She says, see also Arthur Cabot, Stockholm Publishing House. Finn asks, what’s the Swedish word for bingo?
Sam tells Jason that Kristina’s confidence is shot. She’s vulnerable, and it won’t take Shiloh anything to manipulate her. She’s already primed and ready. Jason says she bought into the whole thing for sure. Sam says if she didn’t have those mental defenses and him… Kristina doesn’t have those mental defenses. He says she has them. They’ll get her out of it, but they have to be smart.
Sonny tells Shiloh, according to his daughter, Shiloh hung the moon. Shiloh says his feet are planted on the ground. Kristina says he changed her life, but he says she did that. She should be proud. Sonny says she has a big heart, and when she gives, she gives her all. The problem is that certain people will take advantage of that. Kristina says she has Sonny, and he says, that’s right. If anyone hurts his daughter, they have to answer to him.
Ava puts sunflowers on Kiki’s grave. Franco says, rest in peace, Kiki. Ava hopes Kiki is in peace. As for her, she won’t rest until Kiki’s killer pays with his life.
Lulu asks if not-Doc thinks he can make her remember. He says, no. Hypnotherapy doesn’t make you remember. It helps you feel safe enough so that you can remember. You drop the emotional screens, and can access what’s being blocked. Sometimes it works, but sometimes it doesn’t. He’ll do whatever he can to make sure does. Laura asks what he thinks. He knows he hurt her, and deeply regrets it, but if she can trust him enough to trust her daughter’s well-being to him, he’ll keep her safe. She says it’s been a long time since she’s seen the man she married. It’s good to know he’s still there somewhere. She tells him, take good care of her daughter. He says it will be his privilege.
Tomorrow, Maxie asks Peter for another favor, not-Doc says the others can’t be present during the hypnotherapy, Sasha tells Valentin he’s not in charge anymore, and Jason tells Carly that he and Sam are breaking up.
Vanderpump Rules
The finishing touches are being put on for the Daily Mail TV event at TomTom. In her interview, Lisa says they’ve committed to it, but they have no water, gas, or electricity. You can’t go to the bathroom or turn on a light. Try having a party with that. The restaurant might not be open, but they have to deliver. They signed a contract.
Tom goes over what needs to be done with Ariana. It’s a long list that’s supposed to be ready by tomorrow. He says if they don’t have uniforms, Lisa will flip the eff out. In her interview, Ariana says the best way to handle Tom when he’s stressed out, is to let him run it out like a toddler. Then, when he’s tuckered out, you can pick up the pieces and take on a task. He tells her that Schwartz is going to James’s place to help create the playlist. He says they have to pick up the dry-cleaning. Ariana says they’ll go there and get it, and if it’s not ready, they’ll set the place on fire. Tom says, okay, but I don’t think he even heard what she said.
At James and Raquel’s, James is having trouble writing his apology letter to Randall. In James’s interview, he says the reason Lala isn’t talking to him, is because of the sh*t he’s said about Randall. Raquel tells him that he stood up for her when Lala was rude, and now they’re mending things, and her feelings are being dismissed. Are he and Lala going to hang out on friend dates? What is she supposed to do when they’re out. She’s not okay with it. Lala is not her friend. What is she supposed to be doing while he’s being besties with Lala? He says he won’t be, and crumples the paper. He says she’s the one thing that makes him happy. These two deserve each other, but I have the feeling Raquel is desperate. She has a desperate look in her eyes. Schwartz arrives.
Schwartz tells James the party is for a big client, but he’s not there to tell James what to do. James says he can; he’s the boss. Schwartz is like, dude. He likes the feel of power. Put the music together, bitch. He hopes James is over the Girls Night thing. James says he’s happy they’ve been doing well since he’s been gone. I’ll bet. Raquel says Billie wants her to go, and she’s thinking about it. James gets all weird, and asks why? She doesn’t want him to write the letter. Talk about contradiction. He tells her, have fun. Schwartz knows it’s a sensitive subject, and he’s not there to rub it in. James storms out. In his interview, Schwartz says he wanted it to go perfectly, but James seems unhinged. James comes back, and says he’s not all right. Schwartz says, talk to him, but don’t be contentious. He didn’t realize James was so emotional about it. James says, it was his night. He hates Katie for it, but Schwartz says he did it to himself. James wails he knows that, and Schwartz tells him, don’t scapegoat Katie. James says he’s not, which makes me wonder if he knows what the word means. He says he hates all of them for it, and wonders how he can he hide it. He knows everyone will be wasted while they’re working, but he can’t drink on the job. Schwartz thinks he’s a phenomenal DJ, but not a phenomenal drinker. Well said, Schwartz.
Scheana meets Lala for coffee. Scheana asks if anyone said anything about her and Adam. Lala asks if they’re a thing. In Scheana’s interview, she says it’s the ideal situation. Neither one of them want a relationship, so they just hang and bang. It’s the best of both worlds. Lala says everyone was supportive when her dad passed away, so she wants to do something for them. In her interview, she says when her dad passed away, the girls dropped everything to be with her. It’s time for a thank you. She wants take them to a winery on the beach; just the girls. Scheana think it would be fun, and they’re all getting along. Lala says she’s in that place with Scheana where she can talk about anything, but when Scheana talks with the others, they can feel overwhelmed. She understands why they think Scheana is annoying. We flash back to Scheana during a Rob-Rob-Rob rant. Scheana says she’s been trying so hard. Maybe she shouldn’t. She tears up, and Lala says she thinks it’s great that Scheana wants to make it right, but it can be off-putting for them. In her interview, Scheana says she wants to rebuild her friendships. They used to be close, and she misses it. Scheana is tired of trying. She isn’t sure she can win with them. Lala says she probably never has, and probably never will.
Girls’ Night is packed. Brittany wishes Jax a happy birthday. Schwartz tells the others about James’s reaction to Raquel being invited. He says then James reeled it back in, and was sorry. Stassi asks why Schwartz is making excuses for him. He says he feels bad for James. In Katie’s interview, she says she doesn’t care. James doesn’t give a thought to anyone else. Brittany and Lala dance on the bar, as DJ Mickey spins. Tom tells Jax that he’s overwhelmed. Schwartz says they have a lot to do. In Tom’s interview, he says, it’s a huge night, for him and TomTom. The client paid a sh*tload of money for them to deliver a product. If they can’t, it’s not good. Business in a nutshell. He’s a genius.
Lisa arrives. She wants something extraordinary. She gives the Toms an envelope. She tells them it’s the agreement. In her interview, she says they were going on about a term sheet. We see a clip of Lisa telling them, it’s in the works. She says she never wanted anything in writing, preferring a handshake for 5%. She tells them a partnership is about trust. In his interview, Schwartz says he feels like he’s being inducted into a mafia organization. If he crosses Lisa, he’ll get whacked. Tom says they have her back, and her best intentions at heart. She tells them, don’t let her down.
Lala tells the girls about the trip. She says it’s to thank them for being there when her pop passed. She wants to take them away to get white girl wasted. It’s a two-hour drive, and she hates the car, so they can fuel the J. It’s a twenty-minute flight, so they can just show up and have fun. Stassi has this image of lots of alcohol, and they can do what they want. She can have her tray down on takeoff. She feels like she should channel her inner J-Lo or Beyoncé. Who rule the world? Them, on a jet for twenty minutes.
Lisa not everything has to be in order, but they need the look of the place to be spot on, or the client will be disappointed. Tom hopes there are enough premade drinks. Their creations are going to be the first things served there.
Jax and Brittany go out for lunch. It’s his thirty-ninth birthday. He says the next two are big ones – this is his last in his thirties, and next time, he’ll be forty. Brittany says he’ll be married. She tells him about an engagement party venue Katie found. He thinks the restaurant they’re at could benefit from her beer cheese. Jax’s sister Jenny calls. She says his dad is probably looking down on him, and he says they used to talk on his birthday. In his interview, he says, for some reason, he thought the phone would still ring, so he listened to his dads voicemails. His mom always called every year too, telling him the story of how he was born. Every year, the same call, but not this year.I almost want to cry. He says he and his mom haven’t spoken much since his dad passed. He wasn’t 100% okay with how his dad’s cancer was handled. He thinks she should reach out to him. He lies to his sister, saying his mother called, but it was brief. He tells Brittany that he can’t talk about his dad, and doesn’t understand why his mom is so angry.
Lisa is on the phone with someone about an air conditioner leak that’s been going on since the morning. Tom calls about having ice delivered. In Lisa’s interview, she says, you’re cordially invited to have a warm drink with no ice, where there’s no air conditioning. Tom points out that there’s no seat on one of the toilets, and Lisa adds, you might want to wear a diaper. Schwartz wonders if his sole duty at TomTom will be cleaning toilets. It’s the one he’s best suited for. The receptacle for Feminine hygiene products puzzles him. He thinks it’s for tissues.
Lisa reminds the Toms that it’s a Daily Mail event, and their friends aren’t invited. Tom says of course Ariana and Katie are coming. Lisa says Lala is working the door, and Scheana will be standing by. Peter is on the floor. Schwartz says he invited Stassi, and Tom says Kristen is coming. Lisa says, now they’re pissing her off. In her interview, she says some things don’t travel well, so you leave them behind. One of those things is Kristen. She asks if they’re on the same page now, and Tom says he did invite his dog walker and hair stylist. In Tom’s interview, he wishes everyone could come, but Lisa has the final say. Let Schwartz deal with that one. She asks what they’re wearing, and Tom says they have matching suits. Schwartz says, Dumb and Dumber, and Lisa tells him, he said it. She doesn’t know if they’re prepared for the responsibility, but take it away.
Stassi is excited. TomTom will be a part of their lives forever. Beau is the best boyfriend she’s ever had, and she’s not used to it. Boyfriends have said they cared, but he shows how much he cares for her. Like right now he’s steaming her pantsuit. He asks for the blow dryer, and when Stassi asks, why? he says, no reason.
Katie tells their dog that daddy is opening a bar. Ariana texts, asking if she wants to share a Lyft.
At Kristen and Carter’s place, Kristen asks Carter what he’s going to do while she’s at TomTom, because she doesn’t know yet. He says he’s going to chill for a while. Kristen is excited, since she’s only seen photos. Carter wishes he could go. Kristen gets a text. She plops next to carter on the couch, saying she glad she got ready for no reason. Schwartz just texted her that they’re over capacity, and Lisa was adamant that she shouldn’t come. She says, Stassi is going, but she doesn’t get to. Everyone but her. She’s proud of them, and wanted to celebrate. She bought them flowers. In her interview, Kristen says there had been incidents over the years, but they’re forever ago. We see clips of some of those. She wonders why Lisa is obsessed with her, and holds on to that as a hobby. Try knitting. She drinks a shot, and says, cheers to TomTom.
The uniforms arrive, and so do James and Peter. James is basically given a closet to DJ from, where he’s sitting on boxes, and using Bluetooth through an iPad. He asks, what’s wrong with the DJ booth at TomTom is, there isn’t one.
Schwartz and Tom change into their matching suits. Which aren’t awful. Except for the fact they match. Schwartz doesn’t want the moment to end. They touch foreheads and do a few ohms. It’s beyond stupid. Schwartz feels like a man.
TomTom is open. The Toms toast. Schwartz says he’ll cry later. In her interview, Lala says, TomTom is chic AF. It’s the most lit restaurant she’s seen. It is gorgeous. Brittany has the chills. Stassi is all, omg. Ariana arrives with Katie. Katie is proud, and thinks Lisa and the Toms have outdone themselves. Well, Lisa did. Katie thinks it’s going to be their Central Perk. She’s excited to spend every night there, and excited for free drinks. Stassi says, in her wildest dreams, she couldn’t come up with something that pretty.
Lisa high fives Nick Alain. James peeks out from way up top, like where the manager is in a big grocery store. Lisa raises her glass to TomTom. James says he’s on a new streak – behaving. Lisa tells the girls they did it. Everyone is loving the place. In Lisa’s interview, she says, seeing it come to fruition; it’ a masterpiece, It’s magical. She says they worked hard. The girls toast. In her interview, Lisa pats herself on the back. If she said she deserves a drink, she’d be wrong. She deserves to get slaughtered. I assume that’s British for getting drunk. I got a message from a UK friend once that said, I’m pissed as a fart. At first, I wondered what they were angry about, and then I went, ohh… The girls compare James to Rapunzel. Katie doesn’t want to work with him at SUR, but doesn’t mind being there when James is locked in a closet.
Jax arrive. He tells Lisa that he’s thirty-nine, and she realizes he’s been lying about his age. He says he has, but he’s embracing it now. He hasn’t admitted to his actual age since he was seventeen. He’s excited. Lisa mentions his dad, and Jax tells her about his annual birthday call. But he wants it to be a happy day, and he has Brittany and her parents. His mom didn’t call. In her interview, Lisa says he might act like an a-hole, but thinks he should have heard from his mummy on his birthday. We flash back to the three of them having lunch. Jax doesn’t want to get emotional, and congratulates her.
Manager Angie tells Lisa, everyone is loving life. Schwartz tells Tom that they ran out of aquafaba, a vegan substitute for egg whites. He runs out to get some. Literally run. He finds opening the cans tedious.
Lisa sits with the Toms, and Schwartz asks if she’s smashed. We see clips of her drinking throughout the evening. Tom ask if she had a good time, and she says she did. In his interview, Tom says Lisa being drunk is a compliment. It means she feels they’re capable of handling the environment enough for her to get drunk. Schwartz says he’s happy to be part of her world, and thanks her. In Lisa’s interview, she says it’s the vision she had for them. It’s come to fruition, and they’re embracing it. But they still have to get everything together, and it’s going to be a lot of hard work.
Lala tells Stassi, it’s crazy. Stassi says, it looks incredible. Their friends opened a restaurant with Lisa Vanderpump. Lala says they’re names are on a building in West Hollywood. Stassi is excited about the girls’ trip. She loves girl time. Lala says it will be the best. Stassi tells her, they’re the most effed up, but awesomely great, group of friends.
Kristen eats pasta in bed. (It’s not about the pasta!) Carter tells the dogs to go help their mom feel better. The dogs jump on the bed, and she asks if they want to hang out with her. Sure. As long as she has food.
James looks for food. Jax sees where he’s DJing, and laughs about him being in the closet. There are so many things he could say, but he won’t. He asks if James wants a drink, but James says he’s good. Seeing James working in the back room all sweaty, is the best birthday present Jax could imagine.
Katie and Schwartz look at the name on the building. Katie is proud. Ariana tells Tom it’s unbelievable. In her interview, Ariana says she’s known Tom for eight years. Back when they were broke behind the bar at Villa Blanca, he told her that he wanted to own a bar one day. We flash back to 2010. She says, it’s a dream of his that he’s fulfilling, and that’s great. It’s a giant step forward.
He tells her that his best two years were 2014, when they first started dating, and this year. Ariana asks, what’s going to happen when it really opens? and he says, it’s going to be even better.
Next time, Lisa tells the Toms this is where the hard work begins, the girls go on their trip in the PJ, Jax and Brittany go to therapy, and James screeches at his mother.
Happy Lunar New Year!
Although for all I know, they’re singing about a BBQ grill.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
On his phone at the MetroCourt, Sonny tells his dad to check his schedule and pencil him in. He’s kidding. He’ll coordinate with the kids, and see him on Saturday. Brick sits with Sonny and asks how his dad is doing. Sonny says, if you ask him, he’s great, but they had to put him in permanent care.
There’s a knock at Kim’s door. It’s Carly. She’s happy to hear Oscar is going back to school. Kim asks if she’s looking for Josslyn, but Carly wanted to see how she’s doing. She brought bagels. She sees the scarf, and says, it’s pretty. She didn’t know Kim knitted. Kim says, calling it knitting is being generous. She was showing Drew her handiwork, and forgot to put it away. Carly says, so Drew was there last night.
Drew goes to Charlie’s, and tells Julian he wants to talk about favors. A housekeeper, car maintenance, meals. He’s sure Julian’s intentions were clear, but it’s time to stop. Julian says he and Kim might have broken up, but that doesn’t stop him from caring. Drew guesses that’s why he cheated.
Olivia-Q sees Ava come into the MetroCourt bar, and says she doesn’t want any trouble. Ava knows how Carly feels about her. Ava says she’s there for Olivia. Olivia can’t imagine what they have to discuss. Ava says she wants Olivia’s help to track down Kiki’s killer.
Alexis shows up at not-Doc’s office, saying she’s taking advantage of his open door policy. She asks if he has a few minutes, but he says he’s in the middle of something pressing. She says she should have known open door was a metaphor. He says, since she’s there, he’d like to talk with her. It has to do with his ex-wife.
Jordan sees Curtis at the hospital. She heard Lulu was transferred out of ICU last night. She’s sure Lulu’s family and the medical staff feel more secure with him there. He wishes he could do more. He really wants to catch the killer. She says he might get his wish. They have a suspect. Laura overhears.
Elizabeth asks Franco why he was working so late. He tells her that he wasn’t at work. He’s just going to come out and say it. The PCPD called him in for questioning. They thinks he’s the killer.
Laura asks Jordan if she heard right. The police have a suspect? Jordan says they brought someone in for questioning last night. Laura asks, who? but Jordan can’t share the details until they know more. Laura says they have her full support. Jordan asks how Lulu is, and Laura says, exhausted and frustrated. It’s weighing on her that she can’t remember. She finally got Lulu to sleep after some coaxing.
Lulu dreams she’s back in her office. The door handle jiggles, and she opens the door. She screams, no, no, no!
Sonny tells Brick that his dad is comfortable at Turning Woods. It was his decision. He even has a girlfriend there, but it wasn’t easy letting him go. They’d been thinking about it for months. It was time. Brick asks how Sonny is holding up. Sonny says, it’s pretty weird. For the first time since he was a kid, he felt like his dad was watching out for him.
Julian tells Drew that his relationship with Kim is between them, and doesn’t concern him. Drew says Oscar is his son, and Kim is his mother. That makes her family. She’s dealing with something painful; he doesn’t need to make it harder. Julian says, right. He hired a service to make it harder. After he saw them on New Year’s Eve, he thought it would help if he backed off, and cut ties, so Drew could take his place. Drew asks if he knows how bad he hurt Kim. Maybe he should do what he can to never hurt her again. Julian says, maybe he’s right.
Kim tells Carly, nothing happened, but Carly says she wasn’t implying otherwise. She knows they’ve been spending tome together with Oscar, and hopes they’re taking care of themselves. They should remind each other from time to time, and, for record, no one would blame them if… Kim says they’re the only ones who know what’s happening with the other. If they’ve found comfort in that, it’s not something they’re thinking about. Carly isn’t sure Drew feels the same way.
Laura tells Lulu that she’s safe, and to catch her breath. She was having a nightmare. Jordan says it was about the attack. Can she says what happened in the dream? Lulu says she was in her office, and someone was trying to open the door. She went to let them in, and was just about see their face, when she woke up. Jordan says it’s frustrating, but a good sign. Her memory is returning. Lulu says she still doesn’t know who attacked her, and killed Kiki. Jordan tells her there are methods to help unlock memories, but Laura says Lulu’s not ready. She needs to rest. Lulu says she won’t get any rest while that monster is still free. Laura says she hired Curtis for extra precaution. Jordan says he’s happy to help. Lulu is scared for everyone else. The killer is still out there, and could strike again.
Ava knows Olivia has no reason to help her, but whatever she thinks about Ava, Ava doesn’t think she had anything against Kiki. As a mother, she must want justice for Kiki and her own daughter-in-law. Olivia asks how Ava thinks she can help. Ava says when she first arrived in Port Charles, she was told Olivia possessed certain abilities; visions, premonitions. Olivia needs to use her magic to tell Ava who killed her daughter.
Olivia tells Ava that she’s sorry, but doesn’t think she can help. Ava says she has the potential to help another mother. She even did an act at the Nurses’ Ball. Olivia says, it was a joke; an act for charity. Ava asks if it was an act when she was consulted by the PCPD on cases. Can she do it again? Ava shows her a picture of Kiki as a little girl, and puts it in her hand. She also gives Olivia a piece of jewelry, saying, she loved sunflowers. She asks if there’s anything Olivia thinks would help; tell her. Olivia says Ava doesn’t understand. Her visions don’t make sense. She only sees the future; never the past. Ava says she can prevent him from hurting someone else. Olivia says it’s been years since she had them, and Ava says, please try. Olivia looks at the picture.
Elizabeth says, that’s crazy, absurd, but Franco says Jordan disagrees. He gets why they’d want to talk to him. That’s why he went in and answered their questions. He was sure he wouldn’t hear from them again. It’s been difficult to put that part of his life behind him, when darkness is harkening at the door. Elizabeth suggests he talk to Doc, but Franco says Doc dumped him.
Alexis tells not-Doc, as Laura’s attorney, she’s bound to remind him that she can’t discuss the divorce. Not-Doc says he hasn’t asked her to betray her client’s trust. All he’s asked for is a clean break, and no runaround. Alexis says, Laura isn’t stalling. He says he’s eager to move on, and she says she’ll do her best to expedite it. He says he also has to settle the matter of the prenup. He lost his copy. She says, not a problem. She’ll get him another one. He says she heard him out; the least he can do is reciprocate. What did she want to talk about? She says she wanted to start sessions again.
Ave says, anything? Olivia is sorry. She has nothing.
Brick tells Sonny that he’s sorry about Mike, and he’s just a phone call away. Sonny appreciates how he modified the house for Mike. He’s refusing to pretend; there’s nothing he can do. Mike thinks he’s going to be right back. He hopes Brick never feels this desperate. There’s also whoever stabbed his daughter-in-law. It seems the only way they’re going to get caught, is if they try again. Brick says, be patient; Lulu will remember. Sonny goes over to Olivia, and asks if everything is all right. Ava says they’re done, and leaves. Sonny asks Olivia what that was about, and Olivia says, grief. Ava is looking for answers; grasping at straws. She can’t say she blames Ava. Nobody knows where their boy is, and no one can reach him. He needs to know what happened to Lulu. Sonny might have something that can help.
Drew runs into Carly outside of Charlie’s. Carly says she just saw Kim. He asks how she’s doing, and Carly say she’s on her way to do more knitting. Drew says, nothing happened, and Carly says, Kim said the same thing. She thinks it’s great that they’re closer. It’s a difficult time, and it’s important that they have someone to lean on, and share things with. If he can be that, she thinks it’s great. He asks, why the sudden interest in his relationship with Kim? Not for his sake? She asks, who else? and he says, Jason and Sam.
Julian drops in on Kim, who says she’s getting ready for work. He says they have unpacking to do after last night, and she says, ya think? He let her believe that he slept with someone else. He says he never meant to hurt her. She says he did everything he could to drive her away, when Oscar took a turn for the worse. He says he shouldn’t have done it. He loves her. She says he has a funny way of showing it, and he says he wasn’t convinced mending their relationship was the right thing. He was glad they broke up. She asks, if he loves her, why is he saying that? He says he sees the way she and Drew look at each other.
Alexis tells not-Doc, the sessions were helpful. He asks why she stopped coming, and she says, hubris. She thought she figured it out. She wants to feel like she did when she and Julian were together. She has more work to do. He says he can refer her to a colleague. He can’t treat her as a patient again.
Sonny introduces Brick to Olivia. She asks how Sonny knows him, and Brick says he works in IT security. Sonny says Dante needs to know what’s going on. Brick says he’s trying to bust an arms dealer named Rog. Sonny knows that name. He says they’ve been trying to make contact, but don’t want to blow his cover. They need a third party; basically a friend. Brick says he’ll see what he can do.
Ava approaches Lulu’s room, and tells Curtis, she’s there to see Lulu. Lulu says, it’s okay. Ava says she heard Lulu is going to make a full recovery. That’s wonderful. Laura says they appreciate Ava’s concern, but Lulu has to rest. Ava says the police believe the same person who attacked Lulu killed Kiki. There must be something she can tell them. Laura says, Lulu isn’t up to this, but Lulu says, it’s okay. She tells Ava that she tried to remember. Ava snaps, try harder, and Laura says, stop it; this isn’t appropriate. Ava says she’ll never see her child again. She shows Lulu the picture of Kiki, and asks her, please look at it, and promise to remember who took her daughter. Ava is crying, and Lulu starts to cry. Laura says, how dare she?
Drew is sure Carly knows what’s going on with Jason and Sam. She says she does, and she’s happy for them. She’d be just as happy if he and Kim reconnected. He doesn’t remember her, but they share a past. Maybe that’s why they’re being pushed together now. Or maybe what they have now is strong enough on its own. He’s been fighting too long, and deserves a partner who knows everywhere he’s been. He says, that’s a tall order. Carly says, if Kim fits it, she’s lucky.
Julian tells Kim, maybe it’s not the kiss. Maybe it is. Or maybe he realized what she’s going through is impossible, unthinkable, and she and Drew need each other. He’d never forgive himself if he ruined her having a relationship with Oscar’s father.
Alexis tells not-Doc she thought he said come back any time, but he says that’s before his ex-wife became her client. He understands conflict of interest, and says he’ll give it some thought, and come up with the best referral. Jordan pops in, saying she’s sorry to interrupt. Alexis says she was on her way out. Not-Doc asks how he can help her, and she says she has questions about one of his patients – Franco Baldwin.
Elizabeth wonders how Doc could dump Franco. Franco says Doc claimed he plateaued, and offered a referral. He’s the only shrink that actually heard him. Elizabeth says they’ve been through a lot together. Franco can’t think about going through that again with someone new. Elizabeth thinks he should give it another shot. If Doc knew what he went through, she’s sure he’d see Franco.
Olivia asks Sonny how Lulu is, and he says, resting and recovering. She still doesn’t remember who did it, so Laura hired Curtis to watch her room. Olivia says, it’s good to be cautious. That’s another reason Dante should be there. Sonny says he’s been gone six months. No one thought it would last that long. They have to stay smart, and not blow his cover – assuming it hasn’t been blown already. Olivia says she’s worried. She’s a mother, and an Olympian at worry. What if something has gone terribly wrong? Brick comes back, and Sonny asks if he had any luck. Brick just looks at him
Curtis asks, what’s going on? Laura says Ava is on her way out, and she’s not coming back in. Curtis asks if Ava needs assistance. Ava and Lulu lock eyes for a moment. Ava walks to the door, and says she hopes Lulu will do whatever she has to, to remember. Laura follows her, and asks how dare Ava attack her daughter like that?
Sonny says if they find Rog, they find Dante, but Brick says he’s been off the grid for three years. Sonny suggests Brick contact one of his guys. Brick says he’ll stay on top of it, and tells Sonny, stop worrying. This ain’t over. They’ll get Dante home where he belongs. Olivia looks at Sonny. A lot of meaningful looks today.
Ava tells Laura, sorry she’s not sensitive enough for her. Her daughter was murdered. Laura says that doesn’t excuse her behavior. Lulu needs to recover, and pressure won’t help, especially if it puts her back in ICU. Ava is sorry. She’s just so angry and sad. She cries. Laura feels for her; she knows the pain, but Ava can’t do that to her daughter. Ava says she’s glad Lulu is better. She really is. She hurries away.
Curtis tells Lulu that he had the feeling the visit wasn’t going to end well. Lulu takes full responsibility. Curtis says, rest assured, he’ll be way more selective from now on. She can refer to him as thegatekeeper. Laura comes back, and thanks him. Lulu asks how she’s doing; it sounded nasty. Laura doesn’t blame Ava is frustrated. She just wants justice for Kiki. Lulu says the longer she can’t remember, the more likely the killer is to get away. She asks Laura to call Jordan, and ask her to come back. She has an idea.
Jordan says not-Doc has talked to Franco. He asks if they’re concerned that he’s the killer. Jordan says he’s important to the investigation. Not-Doc says sharing their conversations would be an ethics violation; he could lose his license and the trust of his patients. Jordan says she can get a warrant, but he makes no promises then either. She thanks him for his time, and he mulls things over.
On the phone, Elizabeth tells Cameron that he needs to come straight home to help his brothers with their homework. They need extra attention, especially Aiden, so don’t rush. She sees Laura, and asks if Lulu is okay. She heard Lulu was out of ICU. Laura says she’s physically stronger, but still can’t remember. She’s getting pressure from all sides; it’s a tough position to be in. She’s the only one who can ID the killer. Elizabeth says it will be a relief when they start focusing on the real killer, and quit wasting time questioning Franco. Laura flashes back to Jordan saying there was a suspect.
Carly knows Drew’s situation is extremely complex, but hopes he’s paying attention to how he’s feeling. He hopes this isn’t a self-care lecture, and I identify. She says what kid wouldn’t want his parents together? Drew says Oscar has a lot going on. What if it doesn’t work out? She thinks that’s a fair concern, but what if it did?
Kim asks Julian why he thinks it’s okay to make decisions about them without her input? He says he sees her and Drew drifting back to one another. She admits they’ve gotten closer and are bonding as parents. No one else knows the grief and fear they’re going through on a daily basis. But she thought they had their own understanding. She misses how he made her laugh, and how special he made her feel. Things were easy with him. There was no cancer, no ticking clock, no fear. She misses him. He misses her too; a whole lot. She asks what they do now. He says maybe he messed up past the point of fixing it, but if he did, he wants her know how much she’ll always mean to him. She says, her too. He tells her if there’s anything she and Oscar need, let him know. Until then, he’ll see her around. She asks him to wait. She tells him that she does need him, and kisses him.
Sonny tells Olivia, sorry. He thought Brick could help. Olivia says he tried, and she appreciates it more than he knows. It looks like they’ll have to wait this one out. Sonny says, there might be one person who could help them reach Dante. Spinelli?
There’s yet another knock at Kim’s door. She says, it doesn’t stop. She opens the door, and Drew is there. He says, sorry, and she tells him, it’s been a busy morning with the door. She’s glad he stopped by. She wants to tell him face to face that she and Julian decided to give their relationship another go. She has to run to work, and breezes past him. He says, bye.
Ava goes to Charlie’s. Julian gives her some coffee, and says he wanted to thank her for her advice. She asks if that means he’s taking a vacation. He says he’s not leaving Port Charles. He has unfinished business to attend to. She knows the feeling.
Not-Doc writes, Franco? on his notepad. Franco walks into the office, and not-Doc says he was just thinking about him. Franco says his new assistant is ruthless. Not-Doc asks what brings him by, and Franco says he needs not-Doc’s help.
Terry calls Elizabeth, and she has to go. Alexis asks Laura if she has a minute to talk about – Laura says they’ll catch up later. She’s gone before Alexis can finish saying, her prenup.
Jordan returns to Lulu’s room. She asks if Lulu remembers something. Lulu says, no, but earlier, Jordan mentioned other methods that can help unlock her memories. She’s on board. Jordan asks if she’s ready to try hypnotherapy, and Lulu says, absolutely.
Franco knows not-Doc told him that he’d plateaued, but with all due respect, he thinks that’s wrong. His life is on the verge of falling apart again. This time, for something he didn’t do. He needs to deal with the feelings or he’ll do something to make it worse. No one knows his mind better. He made it possible for Franco to deal with everything he blocked out. He asks if not-Doc would consider seeing him again. Not-Doc says, excellent idea, and Franco is like, huh?
On Monday, Ava asks Chase what he’s doing to find the monster who killed her daughter, Lulu is all for hypnotherapy, and Sonny asks Anna for help.
🔥 On Hell’s Kitchen, Ariel won a tableside challenge and got a day in Malibu complete with horseback riding. She chose Bret to come along with her. Mia and Motto (no comment) had to prepare things for the bar – Mia called it the never ending pit of citrus – and do some general prep for that evening’s dinner. They claimed there were VIP guests and celebrities at the dinner, but they only showed Amber Rose. Who, I might add, was pretty excited about seeing Gordon IRL. Each of the chefs took a turn at being in charge, and there were deliberate sabotages in the kitchen to test the them; such as the wrong pasta for carbonara, swapping orzo for rice, and tuna tartare when it should have been beef. Another thing you never want to hear Gordon say is, who made this?
Motto felt he proved himself, but decided to put himself up for elimination. Bret was like, holy curve ball. Motto felt, at the end of the day, the place he needed to be was back home. He wanted to raise a family, and raise the culinary standard in Baton Rouge. He wanted to use what he learned to mentor others. Ariel wept at the level of Motto’s understanding of what he wanted. I agree that took guts. Gordon was actually speechless. Motto said it was an incredible experience, and he wasn’t giving up, but going forward. Gordon said he never met a chef so sincere, and when he was done in Baton Rouge and ready for his next move, call him. Motto left with his head held high. What brought him in was the opportunity to prove himself. He had rough starts and shaky moments, but stayed true to himself. The big city and spotlight might come in the future, but he was going back to push the hell out of the envelope. Gordon told them another chef would be leaving – now. He asked each of them why they belonged in the finale. They all said blah-blah-blah that they were ready for the big time. I had the feeling Gordon already knew his decision though. Ariel went through to the final round first. He said she’d been a consistent performer, and the change from season six was incredible. Bret crossed himself, and… to be continued. Next time, veteran Bret and rookie Mia will face off in a roller coaster ride of an episode.
🍕 MasterChef Junior returns on Tuesday, March 5th. It looks like Christina will be dressing up like one of those cake dolls, where the skirt is the cake part. Maybe you had to be there, but it looked really cool.
🍷 Mini Stassi Rant…
I think this article is unfair. Stassi’s mom was a handful from the jump, drinking too much, and putting Stassi down to her boyfriend over and over. Bleh. She treated Stassi like dirt and embarrassed her; then created drama, making the dinner about herself.
And that, my dear, is how you run an asylum. – Matron Grady (Judith Light), Escaping the Madhouse: The Nellie Bly Story
The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. – Eleanor Roosevelt
Reality is a sliding door. – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Sabrina can go from zero to bitch in about fifteen seconds. – Jerimiah, Return to Amish
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has. – Margaret Mead
Adults are obsolete children. – Dr. Seuss
I’d play, but I have that hip thing going on. Meaning I’m too hip to play. – Earl (Garrett Morris), 2 Broke Girls, to Han, who’s forming a diner baseball team
I have no plans, and no plans to plan. – Mario Cuomo (That sounds about right.)
Half a truth is often a great lie. – Benjamin Franklin
It takes courage to grow up and become who you really are. – e. e. cummings
🐟 This Never Gets Old…
I find her beautiful, but I’m not sure if this dude is brave or stupid. Says the person who was only stung by a bee once – when she tried to pet it. I was four, okay?
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Drew goes home with Kim, who says don’t mind the place; she hasn’t had time to clean. Her apartment is spotless, and Drew asks if she has a poltergeist. There’s no way Oscar did this. She says the cleaners must have come today. They were a gift from Julian.
Brad tells Julian that he’s trying. Julian says, try harder. He used to be good liar, and Lucas will realize something is wrong if he keeps stammering. Brad says Willow thinks Wiley is hers, and he’s supposed to remain calm? Julian says, it changes nothing, but Brad says it does if she wants a relationship with Wiley. Julian tells him, stay away from her. The less she sees Wiley, the less she’ll think about coming forward.
Alexis arrives at Dawn of Day. Kristina is surprised, and Shiloh tells her to give her mother credit. He’s glad Alexis made it. He says, you can’t tie yourself up, if you’re tying up others. I’m not sure if he’s talking about loose ends, being on time, or something kinky, but I already spent too much time thinking about it. He’s excited to get started. With an open mind and some effort, they can learn about each other and themselves.
On the phone, Obrecht tells Valentin the Swiss are known for their patience, but she’s only half Swiss. Her economic situation is simple. She needs income, and he needs Nina. If he sees to it that Obrecht is flush, and Nina will never know Sasha isn’t her daughter. What would really be cool is if Sasha turned out to be her daughter anyway. She finds the other half of the necklace, and…
At the hospital, Franco tells Elizabeth that the library has a parenting section for parents with potentially LGBTQ kids. I’m thinking if any more initials crop up, we’ll really have to think of something new.
Nina, Maxie, and Obrecht meet for dinner at the MetroCourt. Nina says a year ago today, they lost a great man. A son, a brother, a husband. The greatest man she’s ever known. Maxie says it still hurts so much. She’s not there yet, but the pain and sorrow are nothing compared to the joy of having known him. Obrecht says, the time was precious, and they’re better for having had him in their lives. They toast to Nathan.
Ava sees Lucas, and asks about Lulu. He says he can’t discuss it. She says Lulu was attacked be the same person who killed her daughter. She needs to know if Lulu remembers who did it. Lucas says forcing Lulu into remembering would be counterproductive, and the worst thing they could do. Ava says, at least she’s alive. The other victims weren’t so fortunate.
Chase brings in a box, and tells Jordan it’s the last of the material from the LA office. He wants to give it a once-over. He asks if there’s been no breakthrough, and Jordan says, hardly. Nothing makes sense. She’s ready call in a psychic, and asks if he knows any.
Elizabeth thinks it’s great that Franco is diving in head first. Franco says he’s trying to help both Aiden and them. She’s swamped at work, and feels when and if the day comes, they’ll have a conversation with Aiden, but on his terms. Not because they forced the issue. Franco says, ideally, but his classmates already forced the issue.
Kim asks if Drew wants a drink, and he says, if she is. She pours them something. He asks if she wants to talk about Julian, and she says, what’s left to say? She was too busy tending to Oscar, and not their relationship, so Julian decided to sleep with someone else – not Alexis, according to her. At the very least, it means he went ahead and slept with a random person, and dumped her. The end. Drew says he didn’t cancel the cleaning service, and she says, or the meal service, or the tune-up. The garage confirmed it. She doesn’t know what to do. Why doesn’t he stop them? Drew says maybe Julian wishes he hadn’t let her go.
Brad asks why Julian didn’t tell him. Julian says, now that he knows who Willow is, keep a wide berth. Brad says, what if she doesn’t do the same? Julian asks if he and Lucas didn’t agree to an open adoption. Worst case, Wiley has a mother figure. Brad says, except she’s not his mother. Julian asks how she’d know, and Brad says, a DNA test? Julian says, run by who for what reason? Brad says Wiley could get sick, and Julian tells him, the odds are incredibly, insanely small. Lucas appears, and says, is that so?
Alexis tells Shiloh that he has quite a set-up. He says it does the job. Alexis asks what the job is, and Kristina says Shiloh has provided a place for friends and strangers to hang their hats. Alexis asks if he doesn’t charge, and Shiloh says they pay what they can, and make the rest up in service. Everyone works in the community, whether it’s in or out of their doors. He covers the day to day with course fees. He says it’s time to start. Alexis says Kristina didn’t mention there was a fee, but Kristina says it’s free for her. Alexis asks what the course is about, and Kristina says, don’t worry; it’s a good one. Shiloh thanks the group for joining him. He’s excited to be their guide for being one when you’re two: finding yourself in a relationship.
Shiloh guides Kristina and Alexis. He says they’re endlessly, boundlessly connected. It must be double adverb day. Alexis says she agreed to a self-improvement class, but she’s not talking about Julian. Kristina says, there are all kinds of relationships. Kristina was hoping to explore her relationship with Alexis. Alexis says it doesn’t have to be there, but Kristina says it hasn’t worked anywhere else. She thought Alexis would want to explore it too.
Lucas asks Julian what odds they’re discussing, and Julian says the odds of Lucas seeing him holding Wiley. He says Wiley was fussy, Brad took him out for a drive, and stopped for coffee. Julian was supposed to be at the book signing, and his plans changed. Lucas says, and here he is again, but Brad says, it just worked that way. Julian says Ava is lurking around with her boyfriend who used to be her shrink. Julian sees her, and tells Lucas that he knows Lucas can’t cut him some slack, but give his husband a break. Brad did nothing wrong. Julian goes over to Ava.
Valentin tells Peter that he needs a favor. A talented acquaintance has fallen on hard times, and they’d be a good fit at The Invader. Peter asks if his acquaintance has a r. Valentin says she’s known far and wide. It’s Obrecht.
Nina, Maxie, and Obrecht laugh over Nathan stories. Obrecht thinks they should put them in writing; a record of Nathan’s goodness. Nina says she is doing that, as a history for James to remember his father by. She’s not doing it alone. She asked around for stories, and the other day, got an email from someone who told her about a prank in college. Maxie says, stories they don’t know, and Obrecht says, stories they never will know. Nina says they’re not saying that man’s name today. It’s a celebration of Nathan. They’re not dwelling on the past. Obrecht looks at Maxie’s hand, and says she’s lost her wedding ring.
Jordan tells Chase, on one hand, all of the driver’s licenses are missing, and there’s the timing. Chase says that suggests a connection. She says, on the other hand, only two victims fit the pattern. There’s something missing. What kind of person knows three residents of Port Charles, and an LA producer? Chase says, an already established killer.
Elizabeth thanks Franco, gives him a kiss, and goes back to work. His phone rings. He says whatever it is, he didn’t do it. Jordan asks if he’ll meet her at the station anyway. She believes he might have information that could help solve Kiki’s murder. And the others.
Kristina says she’ll go first, and Shiloh tells Alexis to ask her what she wants from the relationship. Alexis asks, and Kristina says, to get along better. Shiloh says, ask again. Alexis does, and Kristina says, to communicate more. He says they’re hardly communicating. Now, ask again. Alexis asks, and Kristina says, not to fight so much. Shiloh asks why they’re fighting. What does she want? Dig deeper. He tells Alexis, ask again, but Alexis says he’s not giving Kristina a chance to answer. He says, ask again, so she does. Kristina says she wants Alexis’s respect. Shiloh says, now they’re getting somewhere.
Julian tells Ava that she can’t jog Lulu’s memory by hanging around. She says she wants to be there when Lulu remembers; he’d do same thing. Julian says avenging Kiki will eventually bite her in the ass, plus cost her the one daughter she has left. He says, for Avery’s sake, find something else to occupy her time. He asks if Doc didn’t want to whisk her away, but she says the timing wasn’t right. Julian is the one who sounds like he needs a vacation. Why doesn’t he take Kim and go? He says they’re not going anywhere. Not with each other anyway.
Kim tells Drew, it would be easier if Julian was a jerk, but he’s been great. Except for the cheating and abandoning. Drew sits down, yowls, and brings a knitting needle out from underneath him. She wondered where that went. She tells him she’s been torturing yarn. He wants to see what she made, and she shows him an infinity scarf, saying it’s hideous. It’s probably better than I’d do.
Peter says Valentin wants him to hire Obrecht? The woman who tortured him for a month, and left him to die in a burning stable? Valentin says he’d be in Peter’s debt, but Peter wonders why incur one from Obrecht? She must have leverage. Something that could take away what’s most important to him. Peter corrects himself, and adds, not what. Who.
Obrecht says Maxie lost her ring. Maxie says Obrecht doesn’t understand. She didn’t lose it. Obrecht says, she took it off?
Elizabeth reads from This Book is Gay, that the suicide rate is triple among gay teens. Lucas and Brad come by. Lucas asks if Elizabeth is okay, and she says she’s taking a break. She drops the book, and Lucas says he knows it. Someone gave it to his mom after he came out. She asks if it was helpful, and he says his mom thought so. Brad asks if one of Elizabeth’s patients is gay. She says, um… and he realizes it’s for her.
Franco arrives at station. Jordan tells him there have been new developments in a connection among the victims. Franco wondered what the TV guy had to do with the others. Jordan wonders if he can tell her. Franco says the way the bodies were arranged – and Chase says, it was artistic. Franco says that would be in the eye of the beholder, but they were dramatic. Franco can’t see what they have in common. Chase says they couldn’t either, but they came across this script. He hands it to Franco, and says the only thing they have in common is him. There’s a notation on the top page that says, talk to Franco.
Maxie says she felt it was time to put her ring away, and Nina says everyone grieves at their own pace in their own time. It’s time to move on. Obrecht doesn’t understand. Is she seeing someone? Maxie says, no; it’s too early. Obrecht says, in other words, yes. She asks if Nina knew, and Nina says she had an inkling. Obrecht wonders why Nina said nothing. Is this payback for trying to open her eyes about Sasha? Maxie wonders what she’s talking about, and Nina says she didn’t give Obrecht a job, and she made vague innuendos about her daughter. Maxie asks why Obrecht would want a job at Crimson, and Obrecht says she’d sooner drop dead than work for her capricious niece. Nina says if she wants to drop dead, go for it, and leaves the table.
Peter asks Valentin, how bad? So bad he lose Nina, Charlotte, or both? Valentin tells Peter not to concern himself with his family. Peter says someone is using leverage to force Valentin to do what he doesn’t want to. Valentin says apparently, he asked too much. Forget about it. Peter says, not likely.
Kim tells Drew that she made the scarf in the wee hours when she couldn’t sleep. They laugh about it, and Drew says it’s a nice change of pace. Kim asks if he ever feels guilty having good time; forgetting about things for the moment. He says, sometimes, but laughing about something is the closest feeling to hope.
Alexis asks how it was for Kristina. She says they’ve talked about potential, and the things that tie you down. She feels like a tie was cut. Alexis asks if she didn’t feel browbeaten, and Kristina says it’s rough being on the spot, but it helped. It bothers Alexis that Kristina thinks she doesn’t respect her. Kristina asks if Alexis thinks she has a perception problem, or she’s imagining it. Alexis says sometimes she gets upset that Kristina isn’t living the life she envisioned for her, and forgets Kristina’s life is hers. What Alexis wants is irrelevant, and it’s what Kristina wants that matters. Shiloh asks how it’s going, and Kristina thinks they achieved a measure of understanding. He asks if Alexis would care to do an examination. Alexis says, no, but thanks for asking. Kristina tells her, at least try. Does she have a relationship that needs work? Alexis says Kristina doesn’t know when to quit, does she?
Ava says Julian told Kim he slept with someone else, and broke up with her? How’s she taking it? He doubts it’s crossed mind. After they parted, Oscar’s prognosis came back. Ava says, and? Julian doesn’t say anything, and she says, that’s awful. He says at least she won’t have him distracting her, and Ava says, how thoughtful; denying Kim support in her hour of need. How selfless to abandon her. How did a man with such good intentions wind up being such an ass?
Kristina tells Alexis that they can work on any relationship she wants, as long as she wants to change it. Alexis says she’s not doing Julian. Kristina says he doesn’t have to know. Shiloh tells them, look your partner in the eye. See her. Let her see you. He tells Kristina to ask the question, and Kristina says, what do you want? Alexis says she doesn’t want a relationship with Julian, and Kristina asks why she still has one then. Why hasn’t she moved on? She hasn’t because she doesn’t want to yet. Kristina continues to ask what Alexis wants, and Alexis finally says she doesn’t want to talk or think about it. Kristina says, if it’s still in her head, it’s not finished. Alexis says what she wants is to be happy, to feel passion, and be in love. She wants to feel like she did with Julian before.
Julian asks Ava if she thinks he made a mistake. She says, yes. Kim is good for him, and he’s shown improvement. He has a real and lasting chance. If he wants to be worthy of his children, grandchildren – and Kim – do what he has to in order to make things right. She leaves.
Kim tells Drew, when she brought Oscar to Port Charles, she wanted him to connect with family. She never realized she’d land one in the process. She says Oscar should be home any minute. Drew doesn’t want Oscar to think they’re ganging up on him. Kim says she’ll talk to him in the morning.
Elizabeth tells Brad and Lucas about the kids bullying Aiden. Lucas says, that’s why they’re picking on him. Brad asks if Aiden has more female friends than male. Lucas asks if he doesn’t like sports, and likes things traditionally girly. Elizabeth says that describes Aiden. Lucas says the main prerequisite is, does he like boys? It took Lucas a long time. He sensed he felt different, but didn’t know for sure until puberty. Even though he was attracted to boys, he didn’t want to be. He played it straight until he couldn’t hide it anymore. Elizabeth asks if things got better after that. Brad says, the getting better part takes a while.
Franco tells Jordan that he has no idea where he was when the murders were committed, and doesn’t know what Peyton knows. Jordan asks why Peyton was keen on speaking to him, but he doesn’t know. Chase says, clearly, Peyton reached out. Franco says he doesn’t answer numbers he doesn’t recognize. They can check his phone records. Then, when they’re done, they can go catch this maniac before he kills someone else.
Nina is back home, and Valentin asks how her evening was. She says, okay; they were talking about Nathan. It helped, until they stopped taking about Nathan. That crashed and burned the evening. He asks, would she like a cocktail… ice cream… Paris? Cocktails and ice cream in Paris? She says there is something he can do. She could use some mother/daughter time. She wants Sasha to come visit.
Maxie takes the check, telling Obrecht, they’ll work things out. They always do. Obrecht says, now that they’re alone, tell her about the new man. Maxie says, it’s nothing. Just a flirtation. It will probably end before it goes anywhere. Obrecht asks who he is, but Maxie suggests they talk about careers. A job at Crimson? Obrecht thought a medical column. Her readers have questions, and she can give honest and innovative solutions, without a medical board to answer to. Maxie thinks Obrecht needs a niche audience. She needs an outlet with expanded access. Obrecht says she wants to share her views and experiences. Maxie thinks she knows just the place. Peter walks in.
Kim straightens up. There’s a knock at the door. It’s Julian. He says, I love you. On New Year’s Eve, when he told her that he slept with someone else, and let her think it was Alexis, there wasn’t anybody else. He made it up because he’s an idiot. He needed to tell her the truth. There’s nobody else. Only her. He walks into the apartment, and says he was jealous. He saw her and Drew kissing, but he also convinced himself that she and Oscar would be better off without him. So he told her something to make her glad to get rid of him. He’s so sorry. He wishes he could take it back. The truth is, he loves her. She made him a better person, and he owed it to the both of them to tell the truth. Now that she knows, she can do or not do what she wants with it. Kim looks confused, and maybe a little panicked.
Alexis says she has to go, but Kristina say they just had a breakthrough. She should stay, and face her darkest fears. She’s sure the process works for a lot of people. Kristina says it works for her daughter, and Alexis says she appreciates that. She loves Kristina, and is proud of her. She does respect Kristina, and asks her to remember that when she gives her cause to forget. Kristina wants to talk about their relationship. Alexis says they will, but not here, and not now. It’s not for her. She leaves the house.
Elizabeth asks, what does she do? Aiden is going through a tough time. Franco thinks maybe they should bring it up themselves. Lucas says it sounds like they’re on top of it. His parents weren’t. He tells her, create a safe environment, so he’ll speak when he’s ready. Brad suggests she invite them over for dinner. Lucas thinks that’s a good idea. Let Aiden see her gay friends, and see they accept people for who they are, not just him. Her friends and family have her back. Lucas hugs her, saying, so does Franco. She’s got this.
Chase tells Jordan that Peyton called Franco, but he didn’t pick up. Jordan thanks Franco for his time. Franco asks if they’re done, and she says, for now. He says, next time she wants to question him, she can talk to his lawyer. He leaves, and Chase says, fun guy. With his history, no wonder she wants to nail down his whereabouts during the other murders. Jordan says during his last brush with the law, Jim Harvey was shot. She says he’s one of Doc’s patients, and wonders if Franco is still seeing him. Chase says Doc can’t discuss what Franco tells him, but Jordan says he can if it’s possible he committed a crime. Chase wonders, if that was the case, why Doc wouldn’t have come forward. Jordan tells him to set up a meeting. If anyone knows whether Franco is capable of murder, it would be his psychiatrist. Please. Don’t tell me Ryan is going to try and pin the murders on Franco and leave town. I can’t stand it.
Tomorrow, Ava asks Olivia to work her magic, Carly asks Kim if Drew was there, and Lulu screams no, no, no!
👜 🔪 Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry was the setting for Top Chef this week. For the Quickfire Challenge, the chefs had to make a dish for a Grammy winning country star, using riders – basically preference sheets – that indicate what the star and their staff would like foodwise. The star’s name wasn’t revealed until after the dishes were complete, It was singer Hunter Hayes, whose music I have no clue about, but he used terms like flavor profile, so it seems he’s no stranger to the culinary arts. Adrienne wasn’t well, but won the challenge anyway, enticing Hunter with red meat. For her efforts, she received an extra hour to complete the next challenge. The Elimination Challenge had the chefs creating a dish based on a music memory. The judges were the people responsible for the Music City Food and Wine Festival, and included the lead singer from Kings of Leon. His wife, model Lily Aldridge, was also at the dinner. I knew who she was right away, since she was on an episode of 2 Broke Girls. My reference point for too many things. Justin dropped a plate, so wasn’t eligible to win. Tom said we learn a lot about ourselves with cooking. I’ve learned that when I want to eat, it’s quicker and less labor intensive to use the microwave. Michelle won the challenge, but I wasn’t sure if she was getting a bit of a sympathy vote, since she talked about her father’s suicide and everyone cried. David had to pack his knives and go, because his dish was overly salty, and they didn’t even know what was going on with it. It involved puffed rice, which rubbed the judges the wrong way. David was proud of his performance, and hoped to set a good example for his son. The show was dedicated to Fatima Ali, a Top Chefcontestant who recently passed away. Next time, chefs in a gymnasium, and a conflict over boxed waffles.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
The news breaks in to tell me it’s cold. Thanks. I wouldn’t have known.
Drew sees Kim at the MetroCourt bar, and asks if she wants company. She says that would be nice, and he says she’ll have what she’s having. She says, a sparkling water with lime. He says, sounds fun, and orders a real drink. She asks if he’s losing himself in work. She does it too. It keeps her from hovering. She knows they agreed to let Oscar live life the way he wants, but it’s hard.
Bobbie sees Lucas and Brad at the hospital. They’re dressed up, and she asks, what’s the occasion? Brad says, date night, and she says good for them. She wonders how they pried themselves away from adorable Wiley, but Lucas says he’s in good hands with his godfather. Michael loves Wiley as much as they do. Brad says, right.
Willow goes to Charlie’s, and orders coffee. Julian asks if there’s anything else, like proof he’s not seeing his grandson on the sly. She says she’s there because her yoga class is close by. Would he rather she go elsewhere, so he can violate their agreement? He says she signed off on the agreement that Wiley is Brad and Lucas’s child now. She says he signed off on staying out of Wiley’s life. He says he didn’t break their deal. How about her? Michael comes in with Wiley. This is starting to irritate me. All these people don’t want Julian around Wiley, yet they keep showing up with him at Charlie’s. And Julian is the bad guy.
Robert says Anna’s place is downright homey. Finn says, it’s quaint, but they make do. Anna serves tea. Robert suggests the put their domestic bliss to rest, and discuss Cabot. Anna says she finds Robert’s subtlety charming. He says she claims she’s never spoken to Cabot, but the bureau says otherwise. Who should he believe?
Not-Doc/Ryan arrives at Ferncliff. He says, it better be important. They should be able to provide whatever attention a patient needs, especially a sedated one. Head nurse Kay says they’ve done all they can. She had no choice but to get him there before it’s too late. They go into Doc’s room, and he’s lying unconscious on the bed. Ryan asks if he’s died.
Michael explains to Willow that Wiley’s daddies are on a date night. Julian says he might have to see Wiley’s ID. Michael says Wiley isn’t drinking, and he’s just there for takeout. Julian goes to the kitchen to check on Michael’s order, and Willow asks how Lulu is. Michael says she’s still shaken, but she’s going to pull through. They’re fortunate. Willow says Charlotte wasn’t in school. She feels terrible for Charlotte and her little brother. Michael says Rocco is staying with his grandmother. Lulu is doing well, considering. She has a lot of support. Julian tells Michael that the kitchen is backed up, so his order is delayed. Michael asks Willow to join them while he and Wiley wait, but Julian thinks that’s a bad idea.
Josslyn and Oscar stop by Charlie’s. Oscar says he didn’t realize how far it was from the library. Once he gets his license, they won’t have to trek there. Josslyn is glad he came back to school, and Oscar says, to be honest, he missed it. He missed this too. After all that time in the hospital, it’s nice feeling like a normal kid. Josslyn says she doesn’t mind spending more time with him. He asks if she’s bored yet. She says, no, and she could never be bored with him.
Kim tells Drew the news about Oscar traveled fast. She can see it on people’s faces. They don’t know how to act. Drew says he doesn’t want every interaction with Oscar being about making the most of the time he has left, but it’s always there. Kim says, it’s good to pretend to have a normal life, and an ordinary routine. Oscar went back school, and he and Josslyn are studying at the library. Just ordinary kids in high school. Drew says maybe they should follow suit, and be ordinary parents. He asks what she’s doing for dinner, and she says she has a freezer full of delicious microwave meals. Drew says, that’s very sad, and asks her to let him buy her dinner.
Finn says Robert can’t be calling Anna a liar, and Robert says, she’s a spy. It comes with the territory. Anna admits she’s stretched the truth once or twice, but he’s done the same. Anna says she lies when the circumstances dictate, but she’s never met Cabot. Robert says there’s proof otherwise, and shows her a picture of Anna with Cabot (whose back is to the camera).
Ryan tells Kay this is disappointing. How did they let this happen? Kay apologizes, and Ryan checks Doc’s pulse. Doc grabs him by the tie, and says, got you! Ryan breaks free, and says, not anymore. We realize Doc can’t see.
Kim says dinner is nice, and Drew says better than microwaved food. It’s a nice break in the new old routine. Kim says she’s forgotten how to live. Drew thinks maybe they should make a pact, and remember how to live now and then with the small stuff. She says she’s in; what’s next? He says there’s a long weekend coming up; President’s Day. They could take Oscar to the mountains. He can rent a cabin. Oscar will probably want Josslyn to come too. Lucas and Brad approach their table. Kim says they clean up well. Brad says they were in dire need of a date night, and Lucas says it’s a challenge not to think of their son. Kim says, you never stop thinking about your kids.
Josslyn asks if Oscar misses bussing tables, and he says, parts; not the floor mopping. He’ll always be grateful to Julian. He helped Oscar establish his independence. Josslyn is sure his mom appreciates it, but he says he never sees them together, and she doesn’t talk about him anymore. She’s been spending more time with his dad. Josslyn says, that’s nice (WOTD) for everyone involved.
Julian tells Michael that he likes spending time with Wiley, but Michael shouldn’t bring him there. He has a responsibility to honor his word not to be involved in Wiley’s life. Michael says as soon as the order is ready, they’ll be on their way. Julian thinks the solution is to keep his distance. Michael says they probably should have gotten takeout somewhere else, but then he wouldn’t have run into Willow.
Robert asks Anna if the picture rings any bells, but she says, no. She thinks it looks doctored; she can’t see Cabot’s face. Robert says her excuses are understandable, but not helpful. Anna says that’s not her. She’ll take a lie detector test. She’s never met the man, but she knows who did though.
Ryan asks when Doc went blind. Kay says, last night. They left messages, but didn’t hear back. He says, it must have happened at the same time. Doc asks what’s happening to him, and Kay says, the patient should be transferred to GH. Ryan says that’s the last thing he needs, but she says they have a world-renowned eye clinic, with expertise and resources Ferncliff can’t match. The patient went blind for no apparent reason, and standard protocol says he should see a specialist. He tells her, that will be all, and he’ll call if he needs her. He closes the door. He tells Doc, his identity was stolen, he’s locked up in a loony bin, and now he’s blind. It hasn’t been his year. Doc says if Ryan has an ounce of humanity, he won’t leave him like this. Ryan says, humanity is boring. Let’s talk business. Doc’s condition is treatable. Doc asks how he knows, and Ryan says he also went blind last evening. He had a terrible headache, and passed out. When he regained consciousness, he only saw darkness. He feels Doc’s pain, his panic, helplessness, and frustration. He was there a few short hours ago. Doc says, please, if there’s a way to restore his vision, get him treatment. Ryan says he’ll think about it. Meanwhile, he needs something from Doc.
Drew looks at Brad and Lucas, and tells Kim, clearly, those two are enjoying their night. She remembers when Oscar was Wiley’s age. Those are moments to cherish.
Brad says they owe Lucas’s sister. He thinks the wine she comped them is as expensive as their mortgage. He asks Lucas, what’s wrong? Lucas says, nothing. He’s wondering if he told Michael about Wiley’s diaper rash. Brad says, he did; twice. Lucas questions whether they should call and explain Wiley can still have formula, even though he’s transitioning to solid food.
Michael tells Willow it’s family drama that Wiley is mercifully too young to understand. He tells Wiley, ignorance is bliss. Willow asks if he speaks from experience. He says he, too, was surrounded by family drama he was too young to understand. He thinks that’s how he ended up being the responsible one. He says it’s more than she needed to hear, but she says she’s interested. He says his point is that kids pick up on more than adults realize, but she probably knows that, being a teacher. Willow says he should have been one; he’s good with kids. She apologizes for being insensitive. He says he was the second oldest in a large, complex group of siblings, and has experience with kids. She thinks it helps being around other children, especially one as perfect as Wiley.
Kim says she and Drew are starting out as parents, and Drew takes solace that he’s skipping not getting more than two hours sleep, tops. Kim doesn’t envy that, but would take Oscar at that stage in a heartbeat. She wouldn’t change a thing. Drew would. He should have been there. She says he’s been there when she’s needed him most.
Brad and Lucas make a deal to enjoy the evening out, and not talk about Wiley. Lucas asks what Brad’s thinking, and Brad says about how his life turned around. He was used to everything being about what he wanted, and now it’s about he-who-shall-not-be-named. Life feels bigger, more grounded. Lucas says he’s even learning to tolerate his father, in small doses. They’re growing up, and there’s only one person to blame. They both say, Wiley, and clink glasses.
Josslyn asks Michael how Lulu is. He says, much better, and introduces Willow to Josslyn and Oscar. He asks what they’re up to, and don’t say finding a way to access the catacombs. Oscar says, they did. They didn’t make it, but they got close. Josslyn decides to get hot chocolate, and leaves Oscar to tell the story. Julian tells Josslyn that he’s glad to see Oscar. He misses Oscar’s expertise in bussing. Josslyn says Oscar is better. He’s doing good, partly because of Julian. She thanks him.
Anna tells Robert, Alex. Find out where she was when the photo was taken. Finn says Anna’s twin had the meeting? Anna says Alex has an inconvenient habit of showing up in places she’d never go, and implicating her in things she’d never do. Robert says she was in Eastern Europe when the photo was taken, but that doesn’t explain how Anna contracted the virus. Anna says, it’s obvious.
Doc asks what Ryan wants, and Ryan says, information. Has he ever met a doctor named Arthur Cabot? Doc says he’s met a lot of doctors; be more specific. Ryan says Cabot had dealings with the WSB. Doc starts to say, why would he… Cabot? Ryan says, yes. Doc says they met years ago, at Cabot’s request. He wanted to discuss a mutual interest. Ryan says, which was? and Doc says, him. Cabot’s research focused on identical twins.
Kim tells Drew that Oscar was always her whole world; he has Scout too. She says, sorry. it just came out. He says it’s a valid question. He loves both of his kids equally. The relationships are different, but they’re still both his kids. She says she heard Scout is a miracle baby. Drew gives Scout credit. She had a helluva entrance into the world. Kim asks him to tell her.
Lucas asks if Brad wants anything else, but he’s good. Brad says, who are they kidding? They miss Wiley. Lucas says the good news is he’s just a phone call away. Lucas calls Michael.
Julian asks Josslyn what he’s done for a thank you. She says he took a step back. Now Kim can focus on being there for Oscar. When she first asked, she thought it was a long shot, and expected him to be selfish. He surprised her. She thanks him again, and says it means a lot to Oscar, who means a lot to her. Julian tells her to take care of Oscar. Busboys who don’t break dishes are a rarity.
Willow says she’d share Oscar’s story with her students, but doesn’t want them getting any ideas. Michael gets a call. Lucas says he can tease them all he wants. They’re being those parents. Michael says they’re pretty cliché. Wiley is getting a lot of attention and love at Charlie’s. Lucas says they’re wrapping it up, so he’ll swing by to get Wiley. Brad suggests Lucas go to the hospital to check on Lulu. He’ll get Wiley and bring him there.
Finn mumbles to Robert that Anna acts like she knows it all. Robert says he hates when she does what she does, and Anna says she can hear them. She has the advantage, being an identical twin. So is Doc. Finn wonders if it’s possible Doc’s twin contracted the virus, but Robert says, Ryan has been dead for twenty-five years.
Ryan asks Doc what the inquiry was, but Doc says he wasn’t interested in working with Cabot, and never found out. Ryan says he’d better not be holding out. Doc says he held up his end of the bargain. If there’s a treatment that can restore his sight, he wants it. Ryan thinks he’s better off in the dark. There’s been so much change since his absence. Doc says, Laura, but Ryan says she’s the least of his worries. She’s been elected mayor, and chose to be sworn in as Laura Webber. She finally gave up on their marriage. The divorce will be finalized soon. Doc says, good. Anything to keep her far away from him. Ryan says, ever the optimist. He might change his mind when he finds out what happened to Lulu. Someone tried to kill her.
Drew tells Kim it was cold, and Sam was abducted by her crazy aunt, Olivia Jerome. Kim says Julian told her stories, and Olivia sounds deeply disturbed. He says Sam escaped, but fell down an embankment in the snow. Kim says, she was all alone? and Drew says, she was. He’s never been that scared. He’ll never forget looking over the bridge, and seeing her. He got there just in time for the delivery. Scout was perfectly fine, but Sam passed out, and he carried them up the road. Kim says he was very lucky to be able to save his daughter.
Josslyn tells Oscar, once they’ve finished their homework, they can work on the planner. Oscar has some ideas, but the most important thing is to live every moment to the fullest. It will be easier when he gets his license. She reminds him it comes with restrictions in New York, but he says they can check out neighboring states without restrictions. Brad comes in, and thanks Michael for taking care of Wiley. Michael says he and Wiley had a bet going on how long Brad and Lucas would stay out. He won. Brad remembers that Willow is a teacher. He’d love to get thoughts on when Wiley should join a playgroup. Julian says he can help get Wiley in the car, but Brad says he was just getting know Willow.
Anna says they need to speak to Doc. Finn says he already denied knowing Cabot, but Robert says a lot of people lie during the first questioning, and the truth comes out in the follow-up. Finn says he’s a psychiatrist with strong ties to the community. Anna says in less than a year, he’s gone from having married Laura to hanging around with Ava. Maybe he’s not such an upstanding citizen. Maybe he’s covering up something. Assuming he’s a liar, how do they get him to tell the truth. Finn says this is no place for enhanced interrogation, but Robert doesn’t think it will come to that.
Doc asks what Lulu ever did to Ryan. Ryan says, it was strategic intervention. She was getting too close to the truth. He was concerned when she survived, but the trauma caused a memory block. She can’t remember a thing. His phone dings. It’s a text from Anna, saying she needs to talk. Come over immediately. He tells Doc that he has to run. Doc says, get used to it. He’s going to be doing a lot of it when they realize he tried to kill Lulu. Ryan says he’s become an expert at avoiding law enforcement’s efforts, but Doc says, when Sonny finds out Ryan attacked his daughter-in-law, he’ll exact his own justice. Ryan says he and Ava are starting a new life away from Port Charles. Soon enough, the divorce will be finalized, and they’ll be leaving. Doc asks if Ryan is taking Laura’s money, but Ryan says they’re leaving with what they brought to the marriage. Doc says, except for the prenup. He tried talk her out of it, but Laura insisted. He figured they’d never need it. Now, Ryan is going to take off with the money intended for him. Ryan says Laura is nothing if not generous, and devoted to Doc. He thanks Doc for pointing it out. Doc says he’s done enough; leave Laura’s money alone. Ryan tells him not to work himself into a tizzy. Close his eyes, and have sweet dreams. Oh, forgive him. Doc doesn’t have to close his eyes anymore. He leaves, and Doc says, you’re the blind one, brother, and calls Ryan a fool. I’m guessing there is no prenup. I certainly don’t remember anything like that.
Anna thanks Ryan/not-Doc for coming so quickly. Finn says, with his help, they can prevent others from getting the virus. Not-Doc says he’ll try to help if he can. Robert says tell them about Cabot. Not-Doc asks them to forgive him. He completely forgot, but wracked his brain, and remembered meeting him. Robert asks if he recalls what they discussed. Not-Doc says, identical twins. Robert asks what Cabot was after, and not-Doc presumes information on his experience with his brother, but he had no interest, so he never got the details. Robert says Cabot was working with the WSB, but not-Doc says he reached out independently. It was years ago. It’s not possible it has anything to do with what’s going on now.
Kay tells Doc to relax, calling him Wilson. He says his name isn’t Wilson. It’s Dr. Kevin Collins. The man who just left was admitted as Wilson Ritter. Kay says he knows what happens when he gets too excited. She doesn’t want to see him in a straitjacket, especially now. He says there’s only one person who matters now – Laura.
Anna wonders if Doc told them everything. Robert isn’t sure. He seemed defensive, and too eager to leave. Anna says they’ll have to look elsewhere. They know the virus was initiated by Cabot, but have more questions than answers. Why identical twins? Was the blindness intentional or an accident? Robert says, maybe the experiment went wrong. Finn says, even worse, what if it went right?
Drew tells Kim that he’s sorry he brought up the story, but she says she asked. It’s quite inspiring. It’s inspiring what a parent’s love and determination can do. Because of him and Sam, their daughter was kept warm, and because of that, their daughter is in their life. Drew says, now he’s in hers.
Josslyn tells Oscar that they might as well walk. They can still make it an adventure. It’s how you look at it. He says she’s right. It will be an adventure as long as he’s with her. They kiss.
Lucas comes to hospital. Bobbie asks, what happened? He says, date night ended earlier than expected. They missed Wiley. She tells him, better luck next time. He says, at the rate they’re going, it will be another ten years. She says, try again next week, and if they can’t stick it out, keep trying. It’s important that they spend time together; Wiley will have a happier life. Happy parents, happy baby. Lucas says he and Brad have been through so much, nothing can come between them.
Julian needs a word with Brad. Michael tells Willow that he’s starting to feel guilty, keeping her from yoga class. She says she’s in no rush.
Brad tell Julian that he can’t blame him for Wiley being there. Julian says Wiley isn’t the problem; it’s her. Brad says, the schoolteacher? Julian says, she thinks she’s Wiley’s birth mother.
Tomorrow, Kristina wants Alexis’s respect, Valentin will be in Peter’s debt, and Franco says whatever it is, he didn’t do it.
🔥 On 24 Hours to Hell and Back, this time Gordon dressed up like Mrs. Doubtfire to eat at Stone’s Throw, a family-owned, fine dining restaurant in Seymour, CT. Right off the bat, there was a bad smell. Literally. Gordon said the restaurant was so dated, if it wasn’t for the river view, no one would be there. Dry salmon, rancid lobster, and old, dry duck were served. At least no one spit in anything, but one of the biggest reveals was improperly stored and moldy food. Gordon thought the owner was in denial, and had checked out. Apparently, the whole staff was nose-blind as well. Opened clams were found – disgusting, and no doubt contributing to the odor – and some marinated chicken nearly choked Gordon when he took a whiff. He yelled a lot, made everybody smell stuff, and taught them how to cook. In changing up the décor, he discovered a beautiful slate floor under the crappy carpeting. When Gordon’s time was done, he said it was worth every brutal, painful moment. The owner felt alive again, and a million miles away from where he was. He found his voice, and fell back in love with cooking. Stone’s Throw was back. Three months later, the owner said standards were back, the staff was positive, and the operation was running smoothly. He and his wife were even able to get away. He said they were taking baby steps, but headed in the right direction. Next time, Gordon visits a family-run restaurant in Kansas City, with daughters so off-key, it will take more than 24 hours to get them to face the music.
🐪 The Real Housewives of New Jersey were still in Cabo. Jennifer admitted when tequila is in her, she’s not nicey-nicey. I don’t think she’s nicey-nicey without tequila. She went shopping with Teresa, Melissa, and Danielle, while the others stayed poolside. Melissa wondered why Teresa was feeding Jennifer shots, after six-months of abstaining herself. Why wake the beast? Jennifer insisted that the tequila had only given her courage to say how she really felt. I’m starting to think she’s just not likeable, drunk or sober. Melissa was pissed that Teresa kept giving Danielle and Jennifer passes for their bad behavior. At the pool, Marge found a picture of a monkey’s ass to confirm her point about Jennifer’s lip liner. At lunch, Melissa tried to prevent Jennifer from another tequila episode, but Jennifer took that as an opportunity to justify her previous attack on Marge. When Marge said that Jennifer’s husband slept in the pool house, Jennifer said she didn’t care where he slept. This left Marge wide open to intimate that Jennifer’s husband had a girlfriend. Afterward, Marge apologized – saying she’d only said it to hurt Jennifer – and Jennifer told Delores they didn’t make peace, but made nice. WOTD here too.
The ladies went on a camel ride, after feeding the camels some kind of fruit. It was so cool! Teresa wanted the smallest camel, and no surprise, was terrified. At lunch, Jennifer told everyone she was having a red party for her anniversary. In a clip, her husband figured that meant his bank account would be in the red. Because of her brother’s impending marriage, Jennifer was going to be spending a lot of the summer in Turkey, so the party was in a week. I’ve started wondering if you stop planning ahead when you’re rich, since they continually announce party invites five minutes before the event. During dinner, just when things were going well, Danielle brought up the monkey’s ass again. Then Teresa fueled the fire by focusing on what Marge had said about Jennifer’s husband. Marge said Danielle was irrelevant, and Danielle said she never saw Marge’s kids around. Marge wondered why Teresa couldn’t see through Danielle’s lies, saying, she’s an old dog with no new tricks. Danielle wouldn’t shut up about Marge’s kids and grandkids, and Marge finally threw a drink at her. Danielle then went off to the point where a producer, or security, or some outsider, had to get involved and intervene. In her interview, Delores said family was off-limits by unwritten law, and if Danielle had talked about her kids, she’d have no teeth left. Marge thought Danielle poisoned Teresa against her, and Melissa accused Teresa of drinking the Kool-Aid. She said Danielle had Teresa running in circles. The show ended with Melissa getting in Jennifer’s face. Since it was the later airing, there was no preview. Sometimes, I don’t know why I torture myself watching some of these shows. They go to the most spectacular places, and act like trash.
👽 I’ll Always Remember Him As Lou and Dan…
In Fame (1982) and V:The Final Battle (1984), respectively.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Lulu says, it’s right there; on the tip of her tongue. Jordan says she was working on her piece. and someone came to the door. Lulu remembers someone coming in. She sees not-Doc lurking in the doorway, and says, it was you. Ava arrives on the scene.
At Sonny’s place, Griff asks Sonny to tell him about Mike’s behavioral changes. Sonny says his mood changes are more frequent. He’s not just forgetting things; he’s disoriented and angry. Carly says Mike hit Sonny, and Griff says, unfortunately it’s not that uncommon. What the patient can control shifts day to day, and the lashing out is fighting for control. Carly says Sonny isn’t Mike’s enemy, but Griff says like small children, they attack who they love most; the relationships that are safest. Sonny wonders if it’s not doing Mike any good to be there anymore, and if it’s making life harder for Mike.
At the hospital, Curtis hears Stella say, Curtis Byron Ashford, and stops in his tracks. She says he didn’t tell her that he talked to Marcus about her. What gave him the right go behind her back?
Shiloh hopes this doesn’t change the way Kristina feels about him and the organization. She says Daisy’s confession has caused her to second guess the integrity of Dawn of Day. He says she can ask him anything she wants. He’ll repay her honesty in kind; he has nothing to hide. The only important thing is regaining her trust.
Alexis sees Julian at the hospital, and says she’s been thinking about him. He asks, what’s up? and she wonders if he talked to Kim. She’s hoping Kim is all right, and they patched things up.
Sam returns home, and Jason asks, how’d it go? He tells her Spinelli went to the hospital, and he has to stop at his place before dealing with the coffee shipment. They can get together tonight. Sam says, sorry; she can’t. They have to break up. Jason asks, why? and Sam says Kristina is in a lot more trouble than she realized.
Lulu says not-Doc was there. She saw him. He says he was just there, checking on her. Laura says he was there when Lulu woke up. Lulu says she thought… sorry. Laura thinks it’s too much, but Lulu wants to keep going. Jordan says she wasn’t alone. Does she remember who was at the door? Lulu says, mom. She remembers Laura came to get her for the launch. She cries, saying she’s sorry she didn’t go, and then this happened. Laura says it’s not her fault. She didn’t ask to be attacked. Jordan says Laura is right. She did nothing wrong. Ava says, you’d expect to be safe in your own office. Jordan says there are too many people, and asks if not-Doc isn’t still a patient. He says, technically, and tells Ava that they should go. He’s happy Lulu is awake. They leave, and Jordan tells Lulu that she’s sorry about what happened, but with her help, they’ll find the attacker. Lulu knows it’s important, and wants to remember, but there’s nothing there.
Ava asks not-Doc, what if Lulu remembers? Why leave? He says, Lulu needs rest, and she won’t get it with everyone hovering. He tells Ava, it’s not unusual to have no memory of an attack. Ava says, it’s only a matter of time. They’ll get the bastard who killed Kiki, and he’ll get what’s coming to him.
Mike tells Sonny that he was going upstairs, but Sonny tells him Griff is there. Mike says it’s good to see him, and Griff asks how he is. Mike says, good. He says he knows he’s late on rent, but he’ll have it in a couple days. Sonny says he doesn’t have to pay, but Mike says he’s good for it. He just can’t find his checkbook. Carly tells him, no rush. They know where to find him. He laughs, and says he’s just been very busy. Griff doesn’t want keep him, but Mike says he’s always happy to say hello to a friend of Sonny’s. If Griff is ever looking for a place to stay, these two are great. He goes upstairs, and Sonny says he didn’t know who they were. Griff says he handled it well. Sonny says his confidence was shaken, and he’s struggling to find a way. He wants Mike to hold on to his memories. Griff says he wants to make sure Mike has the best life he can, and Sonny says, even if it means lying. Griff says, even if Mike’s world is inaccurate, it works for him. It gives him the comfort and safety he craves. The disease moves in one direction. He’s seen personally how much this has meant to Mike. HIs mind is slipping, but he feels the love his family has for him. They thank Griff, and when he leaves, Carly holds Sonny.
Stella asks what Curtis thought he was going to learn. He ask what motivated her to contact Shondra? She says she already apologized for that. He says, and he accepted it. He loves her, and knows she thought she was doing what was best for him. She tells him, don’t act like he’s thinking about her best interest. Did he think talking about ancient history would be good for her? Curtis says he assumed there was a miscommunication. Marcus seems like a great guy. Maybe if they talk things out… She tells him to refrain from making assumptions about her life.
Jason asks Sam how it would help Kristina if they break up. Sam says, if she’s single, it will give Shiloh the opening he wants. She was at the Dawn of Day house, and Shiloh was so deeply concerned about their accusations, he opened his own personal investigation. Jason takes it Sam didn’t like what he found. She says she didn’t. He convinced Daisy to take the blame. Jason asks if she thinks Daisy is lying. Sam thinks she believes what she was saying. Daisy was desperate for Sam to think she was responsible. Jason says, too desperate, and Sam says, it was like her life depended on it.
Jordan tells Lulu that her mother left, and she went back to work. She spotted a discrepancy. Lulu says she went to the door. Jordan asks if it was open, but Lulu thinks it was locked. She remembers opening it. She starts crying, and Laura says she’s safe. Laura is there with her. A nurse comes in, and Laura tells her that Lulu is upset. The nurse suggests increasing the pain medication, but Lulu says she needs to remember; they’re stopping too soon. Laura says she’s done enough for now. Lulu says she’s sorry, but Laura tells her that he doesn’t need to apologize. Jordan is glad she’s safe. Jordan leaves on her LOUD shoes. Laura tells Lulu to rest, and know she’s safe.
Julian asks Alexis why she’s pushing him to be with Kim. She says Kim’s son is ill, and she needs him. She might go as far as to say he needs Kim too. He says he has his hands full, running Charlie’s, and she says, there’s more to life than work. Or so people tell her. Kim grounds Julian, and she’s worried about what will happen to him without her. He says, with all due respect, how his life turns out is no longer her concern.
Stella says she adores Curtis, but will thank him not to interfere in matters that don’t concern him. Now she has to meet Marcus at the MetroCourt to discuss what Curtis said to him. He says, it seems there’s air to clear. She says she’s a grown woman. If she wanted to rehash things, she would have done it already. Curtis tells her to cancel. Don’t bother to hear what Marcus has to say. She says, Marcus already made reservations, and he’s waiting. The least she can do is join him. She gets in the elevator, and Curtis smiles.
Kristina tells Shiloh that Daisy is the reason she became interested in Dawn of Day. Daisy was so open, and now she wonders if Daisy was playing her from the beginning. Shiloh understands why she feels that way, but Daisy was attempting to follow their practice of mending hurt and sewing common ground. Kristina say Daisy broke both her and Sam’s trust, and made Sam more suspicious. She admits she’s felt stronger and more positive after getting involved with the group. She doesn’t want to let go of the two positive things she’s gotten. Shiloh says, out of Daisy’s misguided actions, she uncovered truth, and shined the light on Kristina’s new viewpoint.
Jason wonders why Shiloh would call Sam out on her past using Daisy. Sam says Shiloh’s hands are clean, and he can still be the forgiving, kind mentor. Jason says, so her sister can’t see him for who he is, and Sam says, she bought his entire act. Kristina needs someone to believe in. He sees that, and takes advantage. He’s going to lead her down the wrong path, and isolate her from her family. If Sam is going to protect Kristina, she has to beat Shiloh at his own game.
Jordan gives a guard instructions about Lulu’s room. Not-Doc strolls past after eavesdropping, and Jordan apologizes for being short with him. He says he let his personal concern override his professional judgement. Objectivity is the only way they can be truly effective.
Griff meets with Laura, who called him to consult. Laura tells him that Lulu had a huge physical reaction when she tried to remember. She knows there’s probably trauma, but wants make sure there’s no brain injury. Griff says he’ll have a look. He prefers to examine her alone. He doesn’t her to want downplay the symptoms to save Laura’s feelings, and Laura can probably use the downtime herself. He leaves, and Ava sees Laura, handing her the eternally empty coffee cup. When, Lord? When will the make it seem like there’s coffee in those cups? Ava asks how Lulu is, and Laura says she’ll make a full physical recovery. She doesn’t know about the emotional trauma. Ava says, it may take time, but Lulu is strong. She’s glad Lulu was able to escape. She starts to leave, and Laura asks her to wait. She thanks Ava for checking on her daughter. Ava says she wouldn’t wish what happened on anyone’s daughter.
Carly asks what Sonny is thinking. He asks if he’s doing the right thing. Everything Griff said has come true. He wonders if he’s selfish, thinking he’s the only one who can do right by Mike. Upstairs, Mike packs. Carly says he’s not selfish. He’s a loving, good son, and he heard what Griff said. Mike knows they love him. Even when he’s past remembering anything, Mike will know how much they love him. And she hopes, despite the mistakes, misunderstandings, and years apart, that Sonny knows how much his dad loves him.
Jason asks how Sam is going to beat Shiloh, and she says, by out conning the con. He says she’s been confrontational so far. If she turns too quickly, Shiloh will suspect something. Sam says she has to let him think she’s vulnerable, and what’s more vulnerable than them breaking up?
Ava sees not-Doc packing, and asks if it’s a legitimate release, or is he busting out? He says he’s a free man, and she says, finally, some good news. He’s worried about her, thinking Lulu’s attack opened the wound about Kiki. She tells him, some days, his support is the only thing that gets her through. He says, now that Lulu is going to be okay, he thinks they should take the chance to get out of town. She says she can’t. She won’t leave without Avery, but he says he’s talking about just a vacation, not a permanent exodus.
Griff tells Laura and Jordan that he’d like to discuss his permanent assessment of Lulu. He’s found no markers indicating brain injury, but he’s ordered a CAT scan just in case. Laura says maybe they pushed too soon. Jordan asks how soon Lulu will be able to ID her attacker, but Griff can’t say. Her recall will get better as she regains strength, but a psychiatrist is better suited to address her memory loss. Laura goes back to Lulu’s room, and Jordan thanks Griff. He says he’s just as eager for Lulu to remember as everyone else. He wants Kiki’s killer found. Jordan gets a phone call. She asks if there are any updates; then says she has to call back. She sees not-Doc about to leave, and trusts he got a clean bill of health. He says he’s no longer a patient (interesting choice of words). She asks if he can join her in Lulu’s room. Wow. She’s going to feel like a real jerk when the truth comes out.
Stella meets Marcus at the MetroCourt. She says she knows her nephew spoke to him. Marcus says Curtis was upset about how he treated her. Stella says, he had no right, but Marcus says, he had every right. Curtis loves her; he deserved to be called out. He’d decided not to interfere with Yvonne’s relationship with Mike, and was saying goodbye in a way. He lashed out at her, but it wasn’t her fault. The fault lies in the disease that took Yvonne away from him, and herself. Stella says, it’s devastating to lose someone you love, whether it’s gradual like with Yvonne, or quick… She says, any loss is painful, and he says, even if it was quick, like them?
Shiloh tells Kristina that Daisy isn’t evolved enough to be the outreach ambassador. Kristina asks him not to make her leave; she’d be crushed. He says he’s not, but he wants her to recommit to her learning. Kristina sees the bigger picture, and it makes her a perfect candidate. He can’t think of a better ambassador. She doesn’t know if she’s ready, but he says he sees her ability, and asks her to consider it.
Sam says she’ll tell Kristina that she realizes she and Jason have no future. She still cares about him, but needs time by herself to figure out who she is, and to stand on her own and figure things out. She’ll admit to Shiloh that she can’t stand on her own. He’ll offer enlightenment and guidance, which he’ll be eager to provide. Jason asks if she’s joining Dawn of Day, and she says she is. It’s the only way to find out what Kristina is getting into.
Kristina tells Shiloh, it’s a critical role, but he has faith in her. She accepts, and promises she won’t let him down. He has no doubt his trust is well-placed.
Marcus tells Stella that she never asked if he was willing to stay with her instead of taking the job. She says she knew he would have stayed. He worked hard to put himself through school; working two jobs, and still graduating at the top of his class. The opportunity in San Francisco was too good to pass up. He asks if she means positions like that are seldom offered to a Black man. Stella says, right out of school. He says she made her decision clear. She says her sister needed her. There was no way she could raise those two boys by herself. They had to break up, and she was right to do it. He’s had a wonderful life. He says he did. He and Yvonne loved each other deeply over thirty years, but it doesn’t lessen the love he felt back then for her. She was fierce, stubborn, and beautiful, and he was proud to be her man.
Carly asks Sonny if the arrangements have been made. Sonny says Mike’s room is waiting at Turning Woods. Mike comes down with a suitcase. He’s glad he caught them. He wants to thank them; they have a swell place. He appreciates them taking him in. Sonny asks if he’s going somewhere, and Mike says, it’s time to take the plunge. He’s moving in with Yvonne. He’s sorry it’s short notice, but Sonny says they knew the time would come. Carly says they’ve loved having him, and Sonny says there’s a room there any time he wants. Mike thanks them, and guesses he better be going. Yvonne is waiting, and she hates when he misses a card game. It’s also a long bus ride. Carly has an idea. Why doesn’t she give him a ride? He hates to impose, but says it beats public transport, and she’s the best looking cabbie he’s ever had. She goes to get her coat, and Mike tells Sonny, she’s a keeper. Sonny would like his gal; she’s a keeper too. He thinks he left his gloves on the bureau, and asks Sonny to watch his bag. Mike goes back upstairs, and Sonny decides to make sure his gloves aren’t in his suitcase. He opens it, and cries a little. He looks at the picture of them from the Nurses’ Ball, and puts it in the suitcase.
In Lulu’s room, not-Doc says it’s unclear what Laura is asking. Laura understands it’s important for Lulu to remember, but her first priority is Lulu’s health. She asks if remembering can be dangerous, and not-Doc says, the mind is fragile. Loss of memory can he the psyche protecting itself from experiencing trauma the patient isn’t ready to face. They could be forcing unforeseen consequences. Laura says Lulu wants to remember; she’s not fighting it. Not-Doc says they need to trust the message the brain is sensing. He tells her to be patient. Stop the questioning until Lulu has time to gather her strength. Jordan leaves to check on something, and Lulu says she can’t keep her eyes open. Not-Doc says, rest is still the best medicine, and Laura tells her to let herself heal. She thanks not-Doc, saying, despite everything that’s happened between them, she appreciates that he’s there for Lulu, and her. He says there’s nothing he wants more than to make sure Lulu is completely taken care of. It’s so clever how they word his dialogue. I love it.
Curtis arrives at the hospital, and asks Jordan, how is she? Jordan says, healing. Lulu should fully recover, but she has no memory of her attacker. Jordan doesn’t know when, or if, Lulu’s memory will return.
Kristina calls Alexis, and asks if she’s free for dinner. She promised to approach Dawn of Day with an open mind, so Kristina signed them up for a seminar tonight.
Sam calls Shiloh, leaving a message with her number. She hopes hear from him soon. Jason asks how this is going to work. Sam says he can visit Danny there, but here on out, they have to act like exes. Only in public; not in private. She just got him back, and doesn’t want lose him. He says she told him he could only visit Danny there, and she says, good thing he has a place of his own. She hasn’t seen his bedroom yet. He tells her to come over and see it for herself. She says maybe for now, they can use hers. He says, after what she just said? She tells him that they’re not officially broken up yet. He says he’s losing track, and she says she’ll keep track for both of them. She kisses him, and he picks her up, carrying her up the stairs.
Julian asks Ava if hanging around there is a good idea. She says as long as there’s a chance Lulu might remember who attacked her, she can’t go home. She knows it’s not rational, and Doc suggested they leave town for a bit. Julian says he should probably leave himself. A break would be good for her, and Port Charles is getting claustrophobic for him.
Laura tells Jordan that she’s worried about Lulu’s safety. She’s the only living witness, and could be a target. Jordan says she has cops posted at the hospital, and Laura says, as mayor, she wants as many on the street as possible. As a mother, she wants one whose sole purpose is her daughter’s safety. She asks Curtis if she can hire him to be Lulu’s bodyguard, and he doesn’t see a problem. Jordan thinks it’s a good idea. Curtis says, anyone coming for Lulu will have to go through him.
On the phone, not-Doc says he knows they’ve called several times. He’s busy. He says, Wilson? What kind of emergency?
Marcus tells Stella that their conversation is thirty-five years overdue. He hopes they have more. He’s staying in town to be close to Yvonne. Stella doesn’t see why they can’t be friends. It helps to have someone to talk to. He agrees, it does.
Carly asks Sonny where Mike is, and Sonny says he went upstairs. She says, it’s happening fast. Is Sonny sure he’s okay? He says if it makes his dad happy, he’s happy. She suggests he come with them. He might feel better seeing Mike settled in. He says she fakes it better than him, and he doesn’t want to make it worse. Mike comes downstairs. He says they’re such good people. He’d recommend this place to anyone. Sonny says it was good to have him there. They hug, and Mike says it was good to be there. They sure know how to make a guy feel at home. He hopes to see Sonny around. Sonny says he will. Mike and Carly leave. My heart cracks in half, as Sonny cries.
Tomorrow, Anna tells Robert that she’ll take a lie detector test, Drew asks to buy Kim dinner, Julian tells Willow he held up his end of the bargain, and Brad asks Lucas what’s wrong.
The Haves and The Have Nots
Landon goes to Charles’s room. He asks if Charles has tried to sleep, but Charles says he can’t. Landon asks if there’s anything he can do. Charles says he’d like to take his kids to the park without the Secret Service. He’d like to go to a restaurant, spit on the sidewalk, and ride his motorcycle. Landon says for the most part, not for the next eight years. He’s sorry. Landon says Charles is a single man; he can set up a date. Charles asks who will set it up? Howard? He laughs, and asks Landon if he’s seen the women Howard brings around. He’ll pass. Landon says, so it’s Candace? Charles pours a drink. He says she’s spellbinding. It was so good, the weekend they spent together. He felt free. They both came from nothing, and are both hustlers in their own way. Landon says Charles has standards and morals; Candace is low level. Charles says they cleaned her up. She just has to stay clean. Landon says her record is spotless. Is Charles considering seeing her again? Charles says he can’t help her. He’s just thinking about how she made him laugh. Landon says he needs to have fun. He can call Charles’s Army or college buddies. Charles says they look at him as President. Once he was no longer his mother’s son, he knew he’d lost everything. Even his mother looks at him different now. He knows why Presidents go grey in their first few years. He’s not prepared for that. Landon says he’ll be fine. Charles downs his drink, and says, tomorrow, but not tonight. He pours another drink, and one for Landon. Landon says he’s on duty, but Charles tells him, don’t act like they haven’t done this before. They toast to the Oval. I think. At first, I thought they said oatmeal.
Veronica watches a video of her and David’s wedding. They say they love each other, and they’re having lots of babies. She tells RK that David used to love her. Now he wants to hit her. He actually hit her. RK tells her, turn it off. He’s trying to sleep. She says David used to take care of her. RK turns the TV off, and she asks what’s wrong with him. He says it’s driving her crazy. She says she’s not crazy. Didn’t he see? David knocked her to the floor, and he didn’t do anything. He says he protected her. She says, BennyYoung, and RK says there’s something seriously wrong with her. He thinks she should find someone, and get it checked out; somebody to talk to. She tells him that he’s disrespectful. He says he’s tired. She doesn’t like it, and wants an apology. He says, for what? and she says, saying she needs help. He says she does. He’ll apologize to himself for letting her wake him up. She tells him, get up, and keeps repeating it. She says, get out of her house, and he tells her to leave him alone. She says, get out now, and he says she’s one crazy bitch. She attacks him, saying she’s not crazy. He says he’s sorry all right. She says, okay, and gives him a peck on the mouth. He says, that’s more like it. He goes back to sleep, but I’d be afraid she was going to kill me in my sleep.
Veronica goes to the kitchen, and takes out some quick grits. She puts water in a pan, turns on the stove, and puts the water on to boil. She pours in the grits, saying she’s tired of him disrespecting her. She won’t have it. They’ve forgotten who she is; Veronica Harrington.
Charles and Landon are laughing it up. Charles thinks it’s time to call it a night. He has trouble getting to his feet, and Landon helps him. He doesn’t want the staff see him like this, but Landon is sure they’ve seen many presidents like that. He says he can’t even undo his belt. Landon helps him undress, saying he’s working out too much. Charles says he has to do something, and laughs. Landon undoes his belt. Charles wants something to take his mind off, just for a moment. Landon says maybe he can do that for him. Charles says he’d welcome anything. I say, oh, Landon, don’t, but he undoes Charles’s pants. Charles backs up, and asks what he’s doing. Landon says he’s sorry, and Charles tells him, get out. I say aw gee. I like them both, and find this sad.
Rocky asks if Candace wants anything else, and she says for him to get out of her face. He asks why she’s hostile. He said he was sorry. She says he told Oscar her plan, and Rocky says, she took care of him. She asks what he said, and he says, nothing; he’s sorry. She says she’ll beat a bitch out again. Is he saying she’s the reason Oscar jumped out the window; make it clear. He says he’s not saying that, and she asks for another drink. Landon comes down, saying he needs a double shot of tequila. Candace asks, what’swrong? but he says, not now. He downs his drink, and she says she hasn’t seen him this disheveled since he peed his pants. He thinks he lost his job, and she asks what he did. He says he tried to go down on Charles; she’s the reason. She started saying he’s gay. Candace says, he’s not, and Landon asks, why say it? He tells Rocky to keep the shots coming. He tells Candace that she put the idea in his head. He was with Charles in his room, and they got drunk. He started helping Charles out of his clothes. She laughs, and asks what he said. Landon says Charles sobered up quicker than he thought humanly possible. He was angry as hell. She says he shouldn’t have done that, and he says she shouldn’t have said that. She says she was just trying to get under his skin. Landon asks Rocky to bill it to the room. Candace says, hers too? but he says, no. He hates her. He calls her a bitch, and she laughs.
Sarah parks in a lot, and when she gets out, Wyatt bangs from inside the trunk, saying, let him out. She opens it, and asks what he’s doing in there. He says he had to get away, and she asks why he’s in her car. He tells her it was the only way get out. She says his family is insane, and he says, tell him about it. Does she have money? She asks if he’s robbing her. He says he needs a fix, and takes her bag. She says he could help her with the DA, but he says he’s not doing anything unless she has money. She says if he helps her, they can go to her apartment and get money; she promises. She wants him to come with her and talk to her boss. Then they’ll go to her apartment.
Candace calls Mitch, who’s at his uncle’s bar. She asks how her brother is, and he says Benny is with their mom; he’s fine. She asks what happened, and he says he’s trying to find out. He’ll let her know if she tells him something. She’s with the President now? She says, no; she’s not. Mitch doesn’t know how the hell she pulled that off, and she repeats she’s not with him. She needs to talk, and asks where he is. He tells her that he’s at his uncle’s bar, and she says she’s coming by. She leaves the hotel.
Uncle Vinnie comes in, telling a guy he can’t help him; he don’t remember nothin’, and he’s got a business to run. Mitch asks what they said, and Vinnie says, they’re the Keystone Cops. Mitch asks what Vinnie told them, and Vinnie says he didn’t tell nothin’. The family refuses; they don’t talk to cops. Mitch asks if Vinnie knows about the Cryer kid, and, being a man of few words, Vinnie says he knows what he knows, and he’s going to get him. Mitch asks if he’s letting Benny go, and Vinnie says, it’s done. There’s no one after him… No one in the family. Mitch asks, who did it? and Vinnie says, the town is small. He’ll find out. He asks what’s with Mitch and this kid? and Mitch says they’ve been friends since high school. Vinnie doesn’t like it. Mitch asks who’s after Benny. Vinnie says he is, if he doesn’t get his money back. Mitch hands him the $45K, and Vinnie says, it’s got blood on it. Mitch asks if he’s never seen that before. It’s still green. Vinnie asks, where’s the interest? but Mitch says Benny can’t afford it; he has no money. Vinnie laughs, and says his friend has eight million in the bank. That’s why he got stabbed. Mitch asks what he’s talking about, and Vinnie says, Jim Cryer sent someone to stab Benny. He told then the right spot to hit. Not to kill him, but send a message. And they’re going to keep coming after him until he gives them the money. If they don’t get him, Vinnie will for the interest. Mitch asks for time, but Vinnie says his friend didn’t have the decency to bring the money himself, with eight million in the bank. He told Rose that he’d be getting the interest. That’s why she called it off. Mitch jets.
Jeffrey tells David that Madison is there. Madison says he has to change the bandages. David asks if it will make him more comfortable. Madison says, no, but it will help him heal. David tells him to do what he has to, and Madison starts peeling off the old bandages, and changing them. He asks Jeffrey to help. David says, that bitch. He doesn’t like speak ill of Jeffrey’s mother, but she did this to him, and blew Erica up. Jeffrey says, don’t get upset, but David says he’s not. He’s angry as hell, and scared of what he’s going to do. Jeffrey doesn’t blame him; she needs to be stopped. David says he’ll do it, and Madison says he can’t hear this. He’ll have to excuse himself. He asks if David needs any medication, but David wants to feel the pain. She did this to him, and he wants to feel it. He needs to feel it. Madison says, tomorrow, he’ll clean David’s wounds. He helps David to the bed. David tells Jeffrey that he loves him, and Jeffrey returns the sentiment. He says they’ll be downstairs. They leave, and David makes his way to his phone.
Jim’s phone rings. David says he’s done with that crazy bitch. One time she told him that she gave several different pieces of incriminating evidence to lawyers, in case anything happened to her. They could put them together, and it will create a picture that will put them away. Jim asks if David believes her, and David says, yes. Jim says they need find the lawyers. Veronica is smart, but not that smart. David says they have to do it quickly. He’s done. Jim says, it sounds final, and David says, it is. Jim asks what David is going to do, and David says Jim will know when he’s done. Jim says, God rest her wicked soul. David says, she was behind this; everything with Erica. Veronica and Candace set everything up. He’s getting even, and putting an end to this. Jim says, the only way to do it, is standing over her grave. He’ll be the grieving friend right beside him. David puts the phone back, and says, that bitch.
Jim calls to Leo, and asks if he’s found Wyatt. Leo says, no, and Jim calls him pathetic. He asks how Wyatt walked out, but Leo doesn’t know. Jim says, check the cameras, and Leo says his colleague is looking now. Jim tells him to grab his buddy, and get the hell out. Kathryn says, there you have it, but Jim doesn’t want hear it. If his son says one damn thing… He calls Leo back in. He asks where the other man was when Leo was guarding Wyatt’s door. Leo says he was making the rounds; walking the perimeter. Jim says, while Sarah was there? She was the diversion. Wyatt snuck out. He tells Leo to look at the footage from the camera facing the front. He bets Wyatt crawled under her car. Kathryn says, so the DA got him. The one thing he needed to bring them down. Wyatt is mad as hell, and will be singing like a bird. Jim doesn’t want hear it. He tells her, shut up, and Kathryn says, tell her again. He does, and she throws her drink in his face. She says, tell her again, and he says, bitch. Leo comes back, and tells them that Wyatt got in the trunk. Jim pushes past Leo.
Derrick cuddles Hanna, but she tells him, stop it. He says it’s hard laying this close. He can’t control it. She says, one night? and he says he’s trying. She tells him, go home if he can’t control himself. He calls her a tease. She acts ignorant, and he asks if she comes to bed in that every night. She’s wearing a lacy number with spaghetti straps, and she says, it’s just old nightgown. He says he saw old things in her bathroom when he was looking for towels. She’s got grandma muumuus, and she comes in dressed like that. She admits she wanted to look pretty. He says she is, but is that fair? She’s got him lying there, and comes in looking like that. She says, in all fairness, and puts pillows in between them. He laughs says, that’s not going to help. They laugh, and Benny comes in, saying he’s not feeling good. What in the hell…? He’s already not feeling good, and now he’s about to be sick. He tells Derrick, get up. He’d better get his ass out of bed. Derrick gets up, and Benny gets in the bed. What is he? Five? He tells Derrick to go. Hanna says she’ll walk him to the door. Benny says, he knows where it is, and what is she wearing? He tells her, put on a big-ass muumuu. Derrick says, busted. Benny tells him, don’t come back, and tells Hanna, don’t wear that no more. She says he’s a mess. A big old baby.
Derrick tells Hanna, sorry. She says she’s sorry. Benny is a knucklehead, thinking he’s protecting his mother. Derrick says Benny loves her. She knows that, and thanks him. Derrick thanks her, and she asks what she did. He says she tried. She says that brat is their way of escaping, but Derrick says, he won’t always be there. She tells him, go home. He kisses her, and says he thinks he’s staying. She pushes him toward the door, and he leaves.
Kathryn calls Roderick. She asks where he is; she wants to see him. He says he can’t. Her husband threatened him within an inch of his life. She says, that’s because Roderick has more inches, and she wants every one of them. Alrighty then. She says it’s not a polite request; it’s a demand. She wants to meet at her house, and Roderick asks if it’s the house she share with him. She says, yes, and he stammers. He’s sorry, but he likes his life. She asks if he’s really worried, and he says Jim is an intimidating man. She asks where he lives; she’ll come over. He doesn’t think that’s a good idea. It’s not a not nice place. She says she’ll be the judge. He texts her the address. Rocky asks what that was about, and Roderick says she’s coming to his house. Rocky asks if he remembers what Jim said. Roderick says, every word. Rocky asks if he’s kidding, and Roderick says he needs to hurry and clean up. Rocky says he’s asking for trouble.
Jeffrey tells Madison that he has the guest room set up. Madison asks if Jeffrey doesn’t want to sleep with him, but Jeffrey says, no. They don’t know each other that well. Madison says they knew each other well enough to make out. Jeffrey says his dad’s room is next door. It would be kinda weird. Madison says, especially since he’s noisy. Jeffrey is like, what? and Madison says he likes to let his partner know he’s having a good time.
Jeffrey asks how many partners Madison has had, but Madison isn’t ready to go down that road. He asks how many Jeffrey’s had, and Jeffrey says, two. Madison says, he’s a virgin. I guess he has a different definition of that than I do. Jeffrey says he’s fine with his two. Madison asks if the cop is one or two, and Jeffrey says, two. Madison says, it makes sense. That’s why Jeffrey is really into Justin. Jeffrey says he’s not. He’s just the one Jeffrey did the most with. Madison asks how they met, and Jeffrey says, longstory. Madison says they’ve got all night, but Jeffrey isn’t telling him. Madison says, was it weird? Jeffrey has to tell him at some point.
Suddenly, there’s a red dot – a laser – on Jeffrey’s forehead. I gasp.
Next time, Charles wants talk to Landon, Mitch tells Candace that Benny needs to do the right thing, and Madison tells David that Jeffrey is in over his head.
Below Deck
When we last left, primary Krystal was in a drunken stupor on deck, and Kate wanted to get the hose.
Kate didn’t get into yachting to watch spoiled princesses sleep. She tells Josiah, get the hose out. She says Krystal has two legs; let’s go. It isn’t the preschool at the country club. Krystal doesn’t give a flying what they do, but she wraps herself up in a blanket, and stumbles to the main suite. Kate says, go live your best life. Krystal kicks Kim? Kam? – the bunch of them are like the Kardashians – out of her bed. The crew finally gets to go to bed. What an asshat.
Rhylee brings Krystal her tea in the morning, and gets reamed out for it. Krystal screams, don’t ever enter without her permission, and GTFO. Captain Lee says, anchor up. He thinks it’s been an epic season. They’ve had the highest highs, and lowest lows, and he still has the best goddam job in the world.
Adrian tells Laura that Ashton likes her butt. In his interview, Adrian says he feels comfortable with the friendship he and Laura have formed. Rooming together helped the relationship. He’s going to miss her a lot. He’s so clueless. Clearly she doesn’t feel as comfortable with him. She needs to stop hinting though, and just tell him.
Ashton tells Tyler that they missed out on the drama. Tyler says rich, spoiled clients aren’t his thing. Krystal acts like nothing happened at breakfast, saying she slept like a rock. Laura says, it’s one for the books. They’re acting like nothing happened. It’s the Twilight Zone, and it’s like they’re scared to talk about it. She takes breakfast orders. They order just about everything possible, and want it now. Laura tells Adrian, the main bitch is starving, and brings them biscuits to tide them over.
Ashton says it’s the last charter, and they don’t have much to do. They’re so well-oiled; mission accomplished. Krystal demands the slide, and wonders if they blow it up with their lungs. A collective sigh is heard from viewers everywhere. She wants the boat moved for some reason I don’t understand. Kate and Laura serve the food. They didn’t have ham, and Krystal says, it sucks, leaving her Eggs Benedict untouched. Kate brings it back. She hates thee people. She says she’ll take her own tip money to get plane tickets to get them out.
In Rhylee’s interview, she says she can still work with Tyler, but it’s awkward. The fact that nothing is going not come of this, is disappointing. Laura asks Adrian if she can have some avocado, but he says he needs them for the guess. Maybe if she asks nicely, and gives him a hug. She asks if he’s kidding, and he wonders what’s with the attitude. She says he’s being rude. She doesn’t need to hug him for an avocado.
The guests do the slide thing. Too bad Krystal can’t slide into another continent. Adrian asks Kate if they have an aquarium for the table setting. She’s never had a chef ask her about a table setting before. She says she does, and asks if he has live animals. It’s the last dinner, and Adrian wants it to be his max. He wants living things with a Tahitian vibe, and suggests hermit crabs with lights underneath. In his interview, Josiah says he’s tired, and doesn’t give a sh*t. Krystal bitches, and says she tries to live her best life. Kate and Josiah crack up.
Lunch is served. Uh-oh. It’s chicken. Surprisingly, the guests don’t complain, although they seem startled at the portion size, one of them saying they each got their own personal chicken. Adrian tells Tyler, ten minutes. He’s going to get changed, and then roll.
Laura visits Ashton, who has his leg up. In Ashton’s interview, he says their relationship has really progressed. The reality that they won’t be spending time together anymore, is sinking in. They’re running out of days, and it sucks. Tyler and Adrian go off in a small boat, and Adrian goes into the water. In his interview, he says he spent his youth snorkeling, and finding cool treasures. Kate thinks Adrian wants be the star their final night, and she appreciates it. He brings up a giant something.
Ashton says it looks like something out of Godzilla. Adrian says, it was a worthwhile trip. In his interview, Josiah asks, who wants to eat a lovely dinner while looking at a slug? Adrian is the most amazing chef and free diver, and got a slug? Kate wonders if he’s serious, and asks, why? Adrian tells the captain it had giant horns, and explains his idea. Captain Lee says, sounds disgusting. Krystal says she’s relaxed to the max. Kate tells Adrian, dinner is at eight, sharp.
Rhylee brings up the cage with the slug, and Kate is like, eww! She picks it up (wearing gloves), and it deposits something gross on her. She doesn’t like the idea at all. She understands the concept of a living tablescape. A neon jellyfish is a cool thing, but an ejaculating sea slug is something else. They decide to let it go. Adrian says he sees beauty in most things, but some people don’t. It’s disappointing. He says they’ll just go with the lights. He wishes he had another hour to prep. It’s the primary’s birthday, and there are fireworks at nine. An hour for a four-course meal is ridiculous.
The slide is put away. Everyone always hates it, and this time is no exception. Kate says the tablescape is more work than she needs, so she’s just using Rhylee’s coral collection with the lights, and calling it a night; The guests get ready for dinner. Adrian starts to plate. Laura does turndowns. Kate brings champagne to the guests. She realizes that she forgot balloons or streamers. In Kate’s interview, she says the primary is the most spoiled girl ever, and it’s her birthday, and she forgot. She tells Laura that she’s the birthday executive, and get to blowing. In her interview, Kate says she forgot the primary’s birthday, and Adrian is running late. She tells Laura, the clock is ticking. She’s not panicking, but definitely hustling. No, she’s panicking. Ross helps with the balloons. The first course comes out.
The guests toast to Krystal. She thanks them for coming, and doesn’t know what she’d do without them. In Kate’s interview, she says, it’s like in school when the rich girl has a party. You all hate her, but want that goodie bag. Ashton helps with the balloons. The next course comes out. One guest says she’s testing the durability of her Spanx. The fireworks are about to start, and Kate tells Josiah to make the table look like a birthday celebration while the guests are gone. Adrian wants sparklers for the cake. He’s creating a disco tower. In her interview, Kate says he knows the longer it takes, the more stressed she is. He’s doing it on purpose.
Josiah comes up with an idea for Adrian’s disco tower. Kate tells the guests there’s a meteor shower, and to head to the crow’s nest. The other crew members fly into the room to decorate. The fireworks go off. Kam says it’s a present to Krystal from them. They come back, and everything is birthday partied up. Krystal cries. The cake comes out, and Happy Birthday is sung. Krystal says her heart is full. Kate tells Josiah, it’s the best audition she’s seen in a long time. In Kate’s interview, she says she’s proud of the crew rallying together, and knocking it out of the park. Captain Sandy would be proud at Kate’s turn of baseball phrase. The cake is served, and red wine is knocked over. Krystal wants everyone to come to the master bedroom.
Josiah and Laura clean up. Adrian didn’t even see the decorations, saying those bitches didn’t use what he brought. He should have done everything himself. Kate tells Laura that she did an amazing job, and thanks her. Kate asks Adrian why the sudden interest in snorkeling? He gripes about them not using what he’d gotten, but it was their choice. Kate thought it would be too distracting. Adrian accuses her of being passive/aggressive, and it’s tiring. In his interview, Adrian says he doesn’t appreciate Kate attacking him. Kate doesn’t want to end on a bad note. She’s enjoyed working with him and thinks he’s talented. He stops her there, and says, end of conversation. These chefs are always so temperamental.
We hear Kam through the closed door, saying, she’s exhausted. She organized everything for Krystal; the whole effing trip, and Krystal treated her like sh*t. Sitting on deck with Laura, Ashton says, after this, any other boat will seem too normal. Laura says Adrian is pissing her off. She tells Ashton about making a charcuterie tray, and asking where’s the meat. We see a clip where Adrian answers her, saying the meat is right there, indicating… oh, you know. She says he’s vulgar, and it’s always when no one else is around. In his interview, Ashton says he cares about her, and doesn’t want someone making her feel like sh*t, but she’s a big girl. She’s tough, but if she needs help, he knows she’ll ask for it.
Adrian says he feels like a new person. Kate says she does too. In Kate’s interview, she says they had an uncomfortable argument, but everything is fine. Adrian isn’t a bad person; he’s insecure, but that’s a battle he has to fight with himself. Captain Lee says he’s pulling anchor. In his interview, he says in the beginning, the crew was scattered, and now they’re focused. Everyone knows their job, and it’s a credit to Ross. It’s time to leave Tahiti.
Ashton tells Ross that if he finds something in New Zealand, let him know. Ross thinks he’d like it there, but jokes that Ashton better stay away from Alison. Ross is stoked. In Ross’s interview, he says it’s taken a long time to realize what Alison means to him. She puts up with his sh*t, and he’s excited to see her.
The guests praise another excellent breakfast. In his interview, Ross says pulling into the dock one last time, knowing the season’s done, is bittersweet. The beer will taste good tonight. Captain Lee says, for the last time, into their whites. The crew lines up, and there are hugs down the line. Krystal can’t stop crying. She says the trip meant a lot, and they made it great. In her interview, Kate says she’s the most obnoxious human Kate has ever met. She’s never been happier seeing someone walk away from her. Everyone is thrilled it’s over. They squeal going back in.
Captain Lee says it was the best charter crew ever. He doesn’t have a bad thing to say about any of them. Kate says this is a first; he’s never said that before. The tip is $20K – $1650 each. The captain says, well-earned. He tells them that they’re working until five, and he means working. Afterward, the owner has arranged some entertainment for them.
Everyone gets ready, and when they come out, Tahitian dudes are playing conch shells. Girls in flower crowns put leis on them. They’re given drinks, and watch some Tahitian dancers. Josiah says, Tahitian dancers, food and music. What more could they possibly want? The captain says he’s leaving, but wanted to see the entertainment. He tells them to enjoy a dinner cruise, and thanks then for a great season. In Ashton’s interview, he says this is the last time he’ll be with them, and during the season, they became the closest of friends. They eat. In her interview, Kate says she’ll miss Josiah the most, but she loved their effed up family. After dinner, they go to a club.
Kate wonders why Rhylee isn’t dancing with Tyler. Adrian says he’s at the point where he’ll dance with anything, even random objects. Tyler is down, but then he’s back up. He’s on the couch, looking wasted. He’s asleep. Rhylee says, not her problem. He’s a grown-ass man. Passing out at a club helps her get over him. There’s nothing attractive about a sloppy drunk. They send him back in a taxi.
More dancing. Laura and Ashton kiss. Tyler gets back to the boat, stumbles around, and somehow gets into his top bunk. Ashton is still kissing Laura on the ride back. At the boat, Adrian says he had a blast. Tyler is passed out. Rhylee asks where Laura and Ashton are, but Kate says she doesn’t need to ask. Ashton covers the camera in their cabin. Everyone thanks everyone for a great season.
Ross says, today is the day. They’re done. It’s time to go. Laura approaches Adrian for a chat. She tells him sometimes the jokes he made were super inappropriate. It didn’t make her feel good. There were overly sexual comments; girls working in the kitchen always have to take sh*t. In his interview, Adrian says the way he was raised, sex is not a serious thing. Laura says she was raised conservative. In his interview Adrian says it’s something that’s just another part of life. He says she never said anything, or he would have stopped. She says she’s telling him now, but he wonders why she didn’t when he was doing it. She says he’s so over the edge, and was singling her out in front of people. In Laura’s interview, she says banter is an interesting thing, but when it’s sexualized, it crosses the line. She wants him to know in the future, someone else might not be cool. He says she needed tell him if she was offended. He’s sincerely sorry. In Adrian’s interview, he says he’d never want make anyone feel like that. He thanks her for coming to him.
Ashton tells Tyler that he fell asleep in a strip club before, and Ross asks if it’s the one he worked at. In his interview, Tyler thinks yachting is cool, but doesn’t know about it long term. He’s going back to firefighting. That’s the plan for now. Rhylee says it was good to meet him; he’s a cool dude. He thinks she’s cool too. If they can connect, maybe they should knock boots for old time’s sake. In her interview, Rhylee says Tyler was an unexpected gift. Nothing more happened, but she hopes it’s not the end of a friendship. She would do the yachting thing again, but differently. She wants respect, but has to give it too. She’ll always stand up for herself, but she has to work on her delivery.
In Ross’s interview, he says it was a roller coaster with Rhylee, but he’s glad they made it, and finished on a good note. In his interview, Adrian says he learned to be more patient with himself. He’s not perfect, but has to own up to his mistakes. He’s accepted a job as a private chef with a wealthy couple. He’ll see where it goes. Namaste. Ross is sad to say goodbye, but happy to be going home to his ex and see his kid. He’s proud of the deck team. He loves yachting, and is doing it for the long run.
Laura is happy the interior ended on a good note. Kate and Josiah are now her friends, and it couldn’t have ended any better. Kate says she’d have Laura on her team any time. Ashton is makes plans to spend time with Laura. He says the bonds between people are precious, and after his near-death experience, the first thing he wanted to do was hug everyone. In those moments, you discover what’s real and important. He leaves the boat with Laura, and says, new adventures. She says, exactly.
Kate says she’s going to have separation anxiety. In his interview, Josiah says he doesn’t plan too much into the future, but can see himself as a chief stew one day. He’s going to miss Kate. They’re amazing friends, and he thinks they will be forever. He leaves, and Kate cleans up.
She goes to see Captain Lee. He says, good crew. Kate says, it’s amazing when they all get along; it’s magical. In her last interview, she says, it was a wild ride, with near deaths, firings, ups and downs. Being in Tahiti made yachting feel new for her again. It was their best season ever.
Next time, the Reunion.
⚓ An Appropriate Quote…
Below Deck is my Downton Abbey. – Rebecca Romijn, Watch What Happens Live
😴 I’m So Tired That…
I saw a TV ad for a Burger King’s King Box, and thought they said kink box. Want whips and chains with that burger? Hopefully, my editing is on point. Do people even say on point anymore?
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Kristina tells Shiloh that she’s working on the soup kitchen schedule, and asks if there’s anything else he needs from her. He says, her forgiveness.
Sam tells Jason that she wrote and deleted a dumb text, asking how Spinelli’s flight was. She was making up an excuse to contact him, but she didn’t need to. He made it home. Jason says, here he is, and they kiss.
On the phone, Jordan is frustrated. No DNA was found on the weapon, but they have the make and model of the knife. She tells the detective to look into which retailers sell it, and maybe a receipt or video footage will help. The longer it takes, the colder the trail gets. She wants answer not excuses. Curtis says she put the fear of God in someone. She says they caught a break, and she wants to be ready when Lulu wakes up.
Robert wonders why Doc would lie about having met with Cabot, and wants to question him. Anna says, he’s not a criminal, but Robert says, that remains to be seen. Finn says he has to make sure Doc’s recovery isn’t compromised, but Robert says they’re not waterboarding him. Not yet anyway. Anna says they need to know how both she and Doc contracted the same rare virus, and why he would lie about Cabot.
Totally changing the scene from Friday, not-Doc brings a pillow to Lulu’s bedside. Her eyes flutter, but she doesn’t open them.
Anna, Robert, and Finn see that he’s gone. Robert asks where the hell Doc is. Finn says Griff ordered some tests, but he’s nowhere to be found. Anna suggests the solarium or the roof. When she got her sight back, she wanted to savor somewhere with a view. Robert wonders if Doc is off savoring, or covering his tracks. Anna says Robert does have a point. If Doc lied about Cabot, what else did he lie about?
Lulu says, Mom? Not-Doc puts the pillow over her face.
Jordan tells Curtis that they looked over the security footage from the MetroCourt, but the book launch was the same night, so a lot of people came in and out. Curtis says the killer managed to take the body to the terrace, so they were familiar with the layout and security features, and knew how to avoid them. He asks about the tip line, and Jordan says they’ve gotten nothing credible. Mostly conspiracy theories. One thinks it must be a cop, but she already had the FBI vet her staff. They need a break in the case. Curtis wonders if she’s maybe too close. Jordan doesn’t deny it affected her in a personal way, and thinks the killer wants it that way; Kiki’s body was planted in their honeymoon suite. Maybe he’s trying to prove he’s smarter than they are, with the horrible killings and elaborate staging. She says, Lulu is a part of the media, and Curtis says, so was Peyton. Maybe she’s on to something. Peter discouraged Lulu’s story angle. Curtis wonders if Lulu was on to something too. Jordan says there’s something they’re not seeing. If Lulu is seeing it, it’s a game changer.
Kristina asks why Shiloh needs her forgiveness. He says when she was unburdening herself at the seminar, she seemed upset having to relive the past. She says, reliving the past is necessary to change the narrative. If Sam hadn’t jumped in, she might have unburdened herself even more. He says she still seems bothered, and she says she’s trying work through it. His book is helping; she feels better. He says Sam seemed adamant that they’d pushed too far, but Kristina says Sam doesn’t get what they’re doing. If she participated, she might get over her own obstacles. Sam doesn’t see that she’s stuck in between, and how get out from under. Shiloh understands why she’s upset with Sam; however, she should try to have compassion and empathy for her.
Sam tells Jason, it’s not normal. She’s super happy now, but when he was gone, she was pacing and making herself crazy, worrying if he was going to be taken away again. She has to accept and be grateful for what they have together. There’s nothing she can do to control it, so she should just enjoy it. He doesn’t want her to be afraid, but that’s her point. She’s not.
Sam says she’s been working hard to try and rebuild her trust and instincts, and know she can love without losing herself. He doesn’t have to worry about her worrying. She promises not fall apart every time he leaves. Jason says she seems confident. He tells her, last night was great, and this morning was even better. He takes her hands, and says when he woke up. and saw her smiling at him, he thought about how beautiful she is. Not just her face. All the ways he’s seen her; happy, sad, angry, determined, laughing out loud, playing dominoes, dancing in the rain – all these images, back to the first time he saw her in the interrogation room. She laughs. He says he looks at her, and thinks how incredibly lucky he is to love her, and have her love him. He’s never taking it for granted. They kiss.
Back on the phone, Jordan tells a detective, good work, and to check the records. Curtis says it sounds like she got a break, and she tells him, only one retailer sells the knife. Maybe the killer’s image is on the security camera recording. Curtis hopes they didn’t buy the knife online; it’s harder to trace. She says she has a detective on it. Her phone rings. Lulu is awake.
Lulu struggles, and not-Doc tells her, don’t fight it. She’s almost there. Her hands drop. Laura comes in with Dr. Lacey, startled to find not-Doc there. Having ditched the pillow, he says he came to check on Lulu. She needed help with her airway. Ha-ha! Not-Doc is a real comedian sometimes. Laura heard he couldn’t see, and he says he contracted a virus, but he’s fine now. He didn’t realize Lulu hadn’t regained consciousness. Laura says she’s waking up. Dr. Lacey kicks not-Doc out, and asks if Lulu can hear him. Laura says, it’s mom. She needs to wake up. Rocco and Charlotte want see her. Lulu starts to breathe heavier, and says, mom? Is that you? Laura says she’s there and Lulu is safe.
Shiloh tells Kristina that they all have pain and fear. She’s a lot like Sam and her mom. Kristina asks if he’s met her mom, and what did she say to him? She apologizes before he even answers, and he says, it was an enlightening experience. She says, Sam was bad enough, but he understands. Their paths crossed at the same time Sam’s past became an issue. Kristina says she told Sam it was a coincidence. There’s no way Shiloh would target Sam. He loves her faith and hope in him, and tells her to remember that when the truth comes out. She asks what he means, and he says, the mystery has been solved.
Since the kids are sleeping, Jason and Sam start to go back upstairs, but there’s a knock at the door. Sam wants to ignore it, but moves to the door. Jason tells her to get rid of whoever it is. It’s Spinelli, who asks if he’s perchance interrupting. Sam says, no, and they hug. She thanks him for the save, and he says she’s most welcome. He trusts the information was of use, and Jason says Sam saved him from drowning. Spinelli says, indeed; that’s most felicitous, and an interesting reversal of roles. Sam says she owed him one. Spinelli says it seems he picked a good time to visit. His friends radiate contentment. He tells them that there was a significant delay; the plane was stuck on the tarmac. He made use of the time researching Shiloh and Dawn of Day. He was able to confirm the emails are coming from inside the Dawn of Day house. Sam says she told Jason that Shiloh was lying all along. Sam’s phone rings. Kristina asks if she’s free. She needs Sam at Dawn of Day.
Laura thanks God that Lulu is awake. Still lurking around, not-Doc says she has incredible resilience. He needs to talk to Laura, but she has phone calls to make. He says she might want him to talk to Lulu, but she says he flatly turned her down when she asked him to talk to Aiden. He says recent events changed his perspective, and he wants to do what he can to help. Lulu is going to need counseling. Laura says she’ll let Lulu know about his offer. Right now, it’s important that she ID the killer. Not-Doc says they shouldn’t push her; she’s fragile right now. Laura says she’ll be there. Jordan is on her way to question Lulu.
Jason offers to come with Sam, but she thinks Shiloh will be less defensive without him there. Jason explains to Spinelli that they think Shiloh is targeting Kristina as a means to get to Sam. Kristina is in deep, and refuses to separate from Shiloh and the group. Spinelli asks if Kristina was aware that Sam stole Shiloh’s inheritance. Sam says, Kristina knows, and it makes Shiloh look better. He claims losing the money freed him up, and put him on the path to enlightenment. Spinelli says his research can attest that being spiritually aware was the last thing on Shiloh’s mind when he was David Henry. He was popular in school, and departed for Europe afterward, on an open-ended sojourn. When he had his reversal of fortune, he signed up with a global security firm, and fell off the grid, resurfacing as Shiloh. Spinelli wonders, if Shiloh is so enlightened, why is he dredging up Sam’s past?
Shiloh appreciates Sam’s presence. He has information that will bring peace, especially to her and Jason. He had a conversation with their mother, who shared her concerns. He says, Sam’s past became an issue when Kristina joined the group. The genesis of the emails Sam has been receiving had nothing to do with him, but he feels responsible. Daisy, who has been sitting on the couch, says, that’s not true. He’s not responsible. She was the one who sent the emails.
Robert tells Anna, Cabot worked for the DVX, and Doc lied about having met him. It’s not hard figure out that Doc worked for the DVX. Anna isn’t so sure it went that far. Finn says Doc is respected in his field, and doesn’t see him as a deep cover spy. Robert says he may have had a secret life they know noting about. Not-Doc returns to his room, and tells them he’s tired; please leave. Anna says they need him to clarify something. She’d asked if he knew Cabot, and the WSB has proof that he met with Cabot. They’re wondering why he’d lie about that.
Laura tells Lulu that she’s there. Lulu asks if Rocco and Charlotte are okay, and Laura says, they’re fine. Rocco is at the Quartermaine’s, and Charlotte is with Valentin and Nina. Charlotte insisted on coming last night, and wouldn’t take no for an answer. Lulu says Charlotte is her good luck charm, and Laura tells her that’s what Charlotte said. She still hasn’t gotten in touch with Dante, but Lulu says, don’t. She might blow his cover. Laura asks her to stay awake for a little bit. Does she know what happened to her? Lulu says she was attacked, and Laura says, she survived. Everything will be all right. She’s strong and brave, and made it. Lulu says, they caught him, didn’t they?
Daisy tells Sam she was digging around in Sam’s past, and sent the emails from Linda Black. She’s sorry. She read about Shiloh’s father being swindled in the book, and how it was a pivotal change for him. Kristina had also talked about how Sam once conned certain men. Kristina asks how Daisy could do that; she trusted Daisy. Daisy says she wanted Sam to heal, and Kristina asks, how?By digging up dirt? Daisy says she did research, and made an educated guess. When Sam replied, she knew she was right. Kristina tells Sam that she wasn’t gossiping. They’d been comparing their lives, and talking about how easy it was to get off track. Kristina says, unlike Sam, she didn’t have to take care of a brother. Sam doesn’t blame her. Kristina says Daisy harassed her sister, but Daisy says it was for the right reasons.
Spinelli tells Jason, when he was researching, he found that much of Sam’s history can be accessed – if you know where to look. Whoever sent the emails did a good job. Now that he has a decent signal, he’s going to trace them. Jason asks if he needs coffee, and Spinelli says, coffee? No. He needs answers. There seems to have been a thaw in Jason and Sam’s relationship. Who can he tell? He’s seeing Maxie and James later, as well as Lulu. Jason says he should have told him. Lulu was nearly stabbed to death.
Jordan comes into Lulu’s room. She’s glad to see Lulu awake. She asks if Lulu thinks she can answer some questions. Laura doesn’t know if she’s up for it, but Jordan says, every minute is crucial. Lulu asks if they’ve caught the killer, and she says, not yet. They did get valuable evidence, but have no ID. She’s hoping Lulu can help. Laura says she doesn’t have to, but Lulu says she can do this.
Anna tells not-Doc they know he and Cabot have met; they have proof. Not-Doc says it could be a different Kevin Collins, but Finn asks why he’s being secretive. His name and photo are in the file. Anna says Cabot did research for the DVX, and asks not-Doc to clarify what his association is. Not-Doc insists he doesn’t know him. He’s had dealings with a lot of people, and the name means nothing. He tells Finn, as his doctor, he has to ask them to leave.
Laura asks if Lulu is sure she’s up to it. Lulu wants to help, but everything is fuzzy, like she can’t wake up. Jordan tells her, no pressure, and sits on the bed. Jordan says Lulu was attacked in her office. Her mother confirmed seeing her at 7:15. She was working on a story, and planned to attend the book launch. At approximately 9:30, she arrived at the restaurant, and had been stabbed. Can she say what happened? Lulu says she was working on a story about the serial killer.
Not-Doc says he needs to rest from having the virus. Anna tells him it’s urgent that they get answers from him. They need his cooperation. Not-Doc loses it, and starts yelling that he doesn’t know. Leave. Please. Finn tells them, sorry, but as his doctor, he’s required to shut this down now. Anna and Robert leave.
Jordan says Lulu made come calls. Does she remember? Lulu says she called Dante. He told her that he loved her, and was going into deep cover, so he’d be out of touch. She left some messages for other people, and called Peter. She was annoyed that he wasn’t publishing her story. He didn’t like the direction the piece was taking. Lulu makes an effort to remember, and Laura asks if she wants a break, but she says, no. Jordan says they believe the attacker entered after Lulu made her phone calls. Does she remember who it was? She doesn’t know. All she remembers is getting in the elevator, and feeling sick; nauseous, and like she was going to faint. She remembers pushing the button; she had to get to her mom. Laura says she did. She made it to the restaurant, and saved her own life. Jordan asks her to think back. Does she remember leaving the office? Did she see anyone? Lulu doesn’t know. She starts to cry, saying she doesn’t remember. She’s sorry. Laura says, it’s all right. There’s nothing to be sorry about. The most important thing is, she’s all right. Jordan says, she survived. Lulu says, Kiki didn’t. Neither did the other two. She has to remember for their sake. Laura tells her not to pressure herself, but she says it’s coming back to her.
Spinelli tells Jason that he’s going to the hospital, and thanks him. Better Jason tell him than the shock of discovering it on his own. He says he’ll return to solve the mystery, but right now he’s going to focus on Lulu.
Sam says it doesn’t make sense. Daisy says she was trying to help. She thought Sam would be more receptive to Dawn of Day. Sam asks how she found out about the other guys, especially the one in Galina. Daisy says it’s not as hard as Sam thinks. She was a computer science major, and designed a search program. She found out about Leland, ordered a Galina newspaper, and cut out the obituary. Shiloh asks Daisy to tell Sam about the emails. Daisy says the name came up as one of the aliases Sam used, and she thought it would be more intriguing if she signed the email that way. Kristina says, try creepy. Daisy says she didn’t mean to harass Sam. Shiloh didn’t know, and would never do something like that. Kristina says how dare she target Sam? And her scheme backfired. There’s no way Sam would trust any of them now. Kristina stalks off. Shiloh says he doesn’t like this, but Daisy’s not malicious. She did something wrong for what she thought were the right reasons. Sam says, funny how that never works out. Shiloh asks how he can make it up. Sam doesn’t know, and asks what he has in mind. He gives her his number, and says if she needs anything, for any reason, call him. Sam takes the number, and leaves.
In the hallway, Finn tells Robert and Anna, sorry. He had no choice. He let it go for as long as he could, but there are liabilities. Once the patient throws a tantrum, it’s a breach of ethics. He knows there are inconsistencies in what Doc is saying. Robert says he found something in the notations. Doc met with someone else – Anna Devane. My guess is, he met with Alex.
Lulu says she was annoyed with Peter. She was frustrated that he wasn’t running the story, but she went back to work anyway. She was excited about a discrepancy. Jordan asks what it was, and Lulu says, it’s right there, on the tip of her tongue. Jordan tells her, try a different angle. Lulu says she was working on her piece, and someone came to the door. She remembers someone coming in. Jordan asks, who was it? Not-Doc lurks in the doorway. He’s doing a lot of that today.
Kristina give the schedule to Shiloh. He feels terrible, but she says, Daisy should feel terrible. She’s the one who decided to invade Sam’s privacy. He says Kristina sees it as a betrayal, and she asks, how can she not? He says he hoped Dawn of Day was built on sturdier ground, and doesn’t shift when a mistake is made. There’s also the power of forgiveness. Kristina says she’s not there yet, and he asks, where is she? He hopes this doesn’t change the way she feels about him or the organization. He asks what she’s thinking. I don’t know, but she sure looks pissed.
Jason asks Sam how it went, and tells her that Spinelli went to visit Lulu. He has to deal with a coffee shipment, and asks if he wants to do something tonight. She says she can’t do this. They have to break up.
Tomorrow, Stella tells Curtis to refrain from making assumptions about her life, Sam wants to beat Shiloh at his own game, and Lulu struggles to remember.
Vanderpump Rules
Lisa asks how it’s going at TomTom. Nick Alain and his wife, Elena (Elena Alain?) are putting the finishing touches on the décor. There’s no water, electricity, gas, or sound system. In her interview, Lisa says they’re not officially opening for a few weeks, but committed to the Daily Mail TV party. Nick agrees that it’s not a good day to be showing the Toms around. There’s no time to explain things, and they’ll want details. Lisa says tomorrow, and Nick sighs.
Schwartz tells Katie that they’ll have to use the kitchen at PUMP. Katie says at least they have another one, and Schwartz says they have the hottest block. Ken calls, and Schwartz says he’s super excited. Tom joins Schwartz, and Lisa tells them not to come today; it’s too crazy. Not to panic, but there’s no water, electric, or gas. She’ll see them tomorrow. In his interview, Tom says it’s like your parents saying you’re going to Disney, and then telling you, here’s a Mickey Mouse PEZ dispenser instead – but it’s empty. Tom has his outfit ready. Scheana has her housewarming today. She moved to Marina Del Rey, and Tom says, might as well move to Jersey. He’s obviously never been to Jersey.
Jax tells Brittany they might as well be going to Vegas. I know he’s been to Vegas, so he’s possibly out of his mind. They pick up Lala, and Brittany asks how Girls’ Night was. Lala says, great, but Billie claimed she wasn’t included because she’s trans. In Lala’s interview, she says she’s blocked Billie as far as her vision and ears go. She asks who’s going to be at Scheana’s. Brittany says, James and Raquel, and Jax says, ugh. She says, Tom and Katie won’t be there, and Lala says, they’re so lucky.
The other girls are having lunch. Katie toasts to Girls’ Night. Kristen asks about the Billie conversation. Katie says it’s not about her being trans, but about her being an a-hole. In her interview, Stassi explains how to get to Marina Del Rey, ending with going past flight attendants, divorcees, and old men with metal detectors. And this is where Scheana has chosen to live. Katie says, it’s geographically undesirable. I understand this, having lived in Queens.
Billie arrives at Scheana’s, along with James, Raquel, and some other dude. In his interview, James says Scheana finds it easy to cut him off. She’s flippy-floppy, wishy-washy, but the good thing about friends like that is, they always flip back to you. She gives them a tour of her new place. Another Queens comparison. Her place is huge with a great view, and I’m guessing it’s a lot cheaper for the space there, like Queens vs Manhattan. She says, the West Side is the best side. It’s worth the drive and traffic.
Jax doesn’t think so. He wants to bang his head on the steering wheel.
Schwartz asks if they’re there yet. Ariana says they’ve only been in the car 28 minutes. Schwartz feels like it’s been an hour. Tom explains to Ariana why they’re not checking out TomTom today. In his interview, he says he’s been known to get emotional in the past. We flash back to the various times he’s bawled his eyes out. Schwartz tells Tom, if he doesn’t cry, he’ll write Tom a check for five hundred dollars. Ariana says she’ll match it.
Scheana thanks everyone for coming to the West Side. In his interview, Tom says, it’s like over the hill and back again Hobbit style; a trek. For his birthday Tom wants a roller disco sexy 70s party. He and Jax are co-hosting, as Jax’s birthday is coming up too. Jax asks if there’s anyone Tom doesn’t want there. James arrives, thanking them for not disincluding him, which I don’t think is a word. In Jax’s interview, he says he’s having a joint roller skating party with Tom, and since Tom is friends with James, he’ll have to deal with the Elf on the Shelf for the night. Now that he mentions it, James does look like the Elf on the Shelf.
James tells Lala that he had a good studio session with Tom. Lala says it would have conflicted with what she’d said to him if she had gone. He wants things to be good. In her interview, Lala says she and James will never be back to what they were, but if he makes serious changes, she thinks they can be friendly. He asks how he can apologize to Randall. She says he has to do it. Otherwise, it will be fake.
Brittany tells Scheana and Ariana that she takes tiny things, thinks about them, and they turn into big things. Ariana says she can’t have stuff lingering. She can’t hold it in and feel bad. Scheana wonders if maybe there’s more to it, since Brittany got so upset the other night. Brittany tells them that she and Jax are going to therapy to prepare for marriage. Ariana knows they’re working on their relationship. In her interview, Brittany says, at the end of the day, it’s her decision. We flash back to Jax proposing. She knows he wouldn’t cheat on her again, or she wouldn’t have said yes. Wow. She knows a lot. Ariana tells Scheana that she should make friends with the boat owners. Scheana tells them she did it with Adam. In her interview, she says she doesn’t want to rush into a relationship. She did that twice, and doesn’t want to do it again.
James tells Lala that he’s glad she came, not like the other girls. He thinks it’s because of him, but she says there are other reasons. Billie threw it out there that they were transphobic because she wasn’t tagged in a post. James thinks Lala is putting words in her mouth. Lala says Billie knows she effed up. Billie joins them, and James can’t jet fast enough. He’s way too sober to be in the middle of this. Billie tells Lala that she was upset. She wasn’t included in girls’ things her whole life. Lala thinks not to be included on a flyer is trivial. She put it out there that the girls are transphobic. Billie says (a little too quickly) she never said that word. Lala says she didn’t squash it on the first comment either. I totally get this. It falls under semantics. You can convey a meaning by not using the exact words or by what you don’t say. When someone says they didn’t say the exact words, it’s just an excuse to get out of what they did do. Lala says she calls a spade a spade. Billie says the first comment asked why she wasn’t invited, and if it was because she’s not a real girl, so coming from a trans experience… Realizing Billie isn’t going to own up to anything, Lala gets up, and says, dismissed. Billie follows her, shouting that Lala isn’t better than her. She thinks she’s better than everyone because she has a rich boyfriend. Lala calls her pathetic. She doesn’t care what Billie says about her, but dragging Lala’s man into it makes her a low down ho. She wasn’t excluded on purpose, and she put it on social media. They’re so loud, Tom hears them in the other room, and tells Schwartz he needs a chill day. Lala says Billie is being a psychopath. In Lala’s interview, she says she can’t pretend to know Billie’s struggles, but once she brings Lala’s man into it, she’s buried. Lala calls Billie a catty bitch, and Billie says Lala is always talking about other people. Lala says it’s not about other people; it’s about Billie. Stop flipping the script. She says Billie is low down and dirty. Ariana wants a Jell-O shot. Can’t say that I blame her. In her interview, Ariana says Billie wasn’t excluded on purpose, but you can’t say you’re an ally, and then speak over her every time she tries to explain how she feels. Too bad she didn’t actually hear the conversation. Billie whines to Ariana that Lala keeps slamming her for her own feelings, which sounds like she didn’t hear the conversation either. In Billie’s interview, she says she did everything to make sure her trailer park girl didn’t come out, and slap the sh*t out of Lala. To her credit, Ariana says Billie bringing it to social media made it bigger than it was. Billie says it’s her one regret. Ariana tells her, next time, write a draft and delete it.
Photographer Courtney meets with Scheana to take headshots. We flash back to Scheana meeting with her manager. In her interview, she says she’s done comedic stuff, which is where she feels comfortable. She wants to challenge herself. Like something where she’s chased and murdered. I can tells she’s really into her craft. (Yes. That was sarcasm.) Courtney asks what happened the other night, and Scheana says they did it again and again. Courtney wonders, what happens now? but Scheana says, nothing. She’s been single for a year, and wants to stay single. In her interview, Scheana says she has a casual friend thing with Adam. One of the producers asks Scheana if she had secret feelings about Adam when she was with Rob, but she doesn’t want to look like the girl who was thinking about Rob when she was with Shay, and thinking about Adam when she was with Rob. Adam comes into the shoot. Courtney has Scheana sit in front of a fan. She tells Adam about doing the fake orgasm with the acting coach, saying it’s what she used to do. He asks if she still does it, but she says he hit the right spot. In Scheana’s interview, she says she wants to stay single. It’s single Scheana summer. Courtney takes pictures. Scheana asks Adam if he’ll be lost without her tonight, but he thinks they can use a night apart. Yeah. I’d be rethinking this too, dude.
Schwartz and Tom, who’s carrying a giant vase, head to TomTom. Schwartz wonders if they should call to see if Lisa is ready. In his interview, Schwartz says he always wanted to own a bar, and now he’s doing it with Ken and Lisa. Lisa comes out, and wants them to put on blindfolds, but they swear not to open their eyes. We flash back to the various stage of TomTom’s development. When they get inside, they open their eyes. It’s absolutely gorgeous. Schwartz calls it a masterpiece. It’s a little steampunk, a little cozy old West Village; totally fresh. Schwartz says it’s the sexiest place he’s ever seen. He bows down. Tom says, it’s like a dream come true. They laugh hysterically at a photo on the wall of them kissing each other. Tom tells Lisa he’ll never forget this, and thanks her. Schwartz can’t believe everything she’s done for them. Lisa tells them stop; she’s going to cry. Schwartz knows they act like idiots, but they’re grateful. She says they’ll make it a success, and have fun doing it. Maybe one day they’ll have loads of them.
It’s Tom’s 36th birthday. Tom, Jax, and Peter have a drink. Tom says he invited James to the next round at a cigar bar. Schwartz says they had the big reveal, and Lisa killed it. Tom says they got a little emotional. Peter isn’t surprised. They order BJ shots, which are traditionally drunk with hands behind the back. The Toms manage it, but Schwartz nearly chokes, and chugs the rest.
Ariana and Brittany go to Hooters, so Brittany can pick up some merch. Ariana feels like she’s with Hooters royalty. Brittany thinks her being a Hooters girl was the tipping point in Jax asking her to marry him. She says they want to start a family right away.
Jax tells the guys that they want to start a family. Peter asks when a mini Tom is coming along. Jax says Brittany want three, but he wants two. Take it from me, never say, what’s one more? I did that when I had two dogs.
Brittany hopes she has triplet girls who are hot. It will serve Jax right.
Schwartz says Jax is going to have the hottest daughter, and Tom says God will be laughing. He can’t believe they’re talking about having kids. Tom thinks Ariana has to come to it on her own terms. She has a phobia about being pregnant. Jax says, as a woman, she doesn’t have as much time, and asks if he’s willing to adopt.
Brittany asks Ariana if adoption is an option. Ariana says if she’d already done all the things she wants to do. In her interview, Ariana says, first, she’d want to check off all the places she’s wanted to go. And she’d actually have to want to have a kid. She tells Brittany that Tom told her whatever she wants.
Jax asks Tom if kids are a deal breaker, and Tom says yes. In Tom’s interview, he says he wants one or two. Not to have that option is a deal breaker. Um… I think he better stop telling Ariana what she wants to hear then. He thinks she’s going to change, but that might not happen. Jax thinks they should discuss it sooner than later, but Tom says Ariana isn’t ready. He talks about taking steps first, including getting married. Jax says what if he does all these things, and Ariana says no? In Jax’s interview, he says, at this point, they don’t date for fun anymore. They’re looking for a life partner. From the looks of it, Tom and Ariana want two different things. The waitress tells them that Lisa took care of the bill. Tom wonders how she knew they’d be there, and Peter says he told her. We see a clip of Peter showing Lisa what a BJ shot is, and how to drink it. Jax asks if Tom had birthday sex, but he didn’t. Tom says he should have, and Jax tells him to jot it down for something to do later.
On to the cigar bar, where James joins the party. The guys act grown up, smoking cigars, and drinking out of brandy snifters. They discuss hall passes. Jax says if Brittany cheated, he would use it as leverage. They talk about which girls have taken a dip in the lady pond. Tom says he picked up Ariana and Lala once when they’d been out all day drinking; they were wasted. Lala told him that she was in love with his girl, and wanted her to come into the back seat. He tells them that Ariana did, and Lala starts going to ton. James says there’s no stopping a horny Lala, and tells them about her doing handstands in the bedroom. He says Jax ought to know, and Jax says he’s always starting sh*t. That’s why they don’t want him around. Tom tells them both to take a deep breath.
Lisa sees Billie at SUR, and asks how it’s been since Girls’ Night. Billie says she hasn’t talked to Katie, but she wants to. Lisa says it’s a misunderstanding. All of them are supportive of who she is. In Lisa’s interview, she says it’s important not to have a divide, and discrimination is one of the things they stand against. Billie tells Lisa that she and Lala got into it, so she’s avoiding Lala until she calms down. Lisa says it’s important for them to keep it in check while they’re working.
Lala goes to Jax and Brittany’s place. They’re making another Girls’ Night flyer, and Brittany explains how Lala should pose. In her interview, Lala says she’s bringing the girls out again for a good cause. Jax tells Lala how Tom told the guys about her and Ariana hooking up in the back seat of his car. Lala says they didn’t have sex in the back seat, and Tom is an a-hole. In Lala’s interview, she says, did it happen? Yes. Is she blowing Ariana’s spot up with Jax and Brittany? No. Jax thinks she should tell James not to discuss their sexual history in front of everyone. He repeats what James said about her handstand, and Lala says James is repulsive. Jax says not one thing has changed with him.
Tom dances around at SUR. He wants to thank Lisa, but Billie says she just left. Tom sees Ariana, who glares at him. He asks, what’s wrong? and she asks if he’s effing kidding her. She got a phone call about a story he told trying to sound cool. He says it’s not a big deal, but she says it’s her business. In her interview, Ariana says she’s not embarrassed or ashamed, but Tom betrayed her trust by telling the story to his guy friends. She says her sexuality isn’t meant to be told to the guys to sound cool. Tom says she’s been in a relationship with girl before, but she says it’s not his business to tell without running it past those involved. He says he was annoyed at the time, and she suggests he tell her he’s annoyed then. She tells him, get out of her bar. He wisely does.
Schwartz says the last time he went roller skating was in 1995. everyone is getting ready in their retro outfits. Stassi tells Beau that he’s Palm Springs 70s, while she’s Studio 54. He tells her that he’s good at skating. Stassi tells the Ariana and Lala story to Beau. In Stassi’s interview, she wonders what’s wrong with her that no girls are hitting on her. She tells Beau it’s like a real life porno.
Jax tells Schwartz that Lala lied about not being with Ariana. Schwartz says he’s all about it. Then says he’s just speaking in character.
Ariana tells Tom, obviously, they have things to talk about. When he talks about anyone’s sexuality without her consent, it’s not okay. Tom says part of him was annoyed by the situation; they were wasted. Ariana says she doesn’t talk about that stuff openly to the entire world. Now everybody knows. In her interview, Ariana says she’d rather not label things. If you’re attracted to someone, you’re attracted. They can be male, female, or anywhere in between. Tom doesn’t want to be that guy. The things he knows about her – her quirks, whatever – are valuable to him, and hopefully, they can move on. In Ariana’s interview, she doesn’t think Tom is malicious. Part of her is mad, but the other part thinks, you poor thing. You thought you were being cute. They exchange I love yous.
It’s roller rink time. Jax says it’s his 39th birthday. The 70s is his favorite era; he just loves the cars and the music. James asks Scheana what’s up with her and Adam. She says it’s amazing, but she doesn’t want anything complicated. In his interview, James says everyone knows it was a year in the making. He just wants a good story. What’s complicated about banging?
Even the bad skaters skate better than I do. Stassi says Beau is annoying with his bragging, and he falls. Lala hugs Ariana. Ariana says obviously when Lala called, she had no idea. Lala says Jax brought it up, and she decided to lie about it until they could talk. They agree there’s no shame, and Ariana says it’s not what happened; it’s that people are talking about their business. Lala says it’s awkward. She also thinks James’s behavior is unacceptable, and she’s not putting up with it.
Katie says, no one ever even talked about skating, and they’re all pros. She and Scheana sit down, and Billie joins them. Scheana makes herself scarce, which is surprisingly intuitive for her. Billie apologizes to Katie. She’s sorry lashed out with a tweet. Katie isn’t really having it, and Billie asks if she wants to keep the negative vibe going. Katie says, there’s another Girls’ Night next Tuesday. Obviously (WOTD), she’s invited. In Katie’s interview, she gets that, after a lifetime of being excluded, Billie is projecting, but she can’t accept that. So she’s keeping her distance. Billie thanks her, and Katie says she’s always been included.
Ariana and Brittany skate over with cakes for Tom and Jax. Lala calls James over, and he says, what now? She says she heard when he was at his boys’ outing, he was talking about her doing handstands. James says they brought it up; it was just an innocent joke. Lala says, at the end of the day, he’s going to respect her relationship. He tells her that he’s trying to be better. He wants to find right words to apologize to Randall, and asks if she’ll deliver a message. She says she’ll give him an email address. She tells Raquel, sorry she called her a twat. Raquel doesn’t say anything, since she’s probably too stunned. Lala says, you’re welcome, and skates off.
Next time, preparation for the Daily Mail TV party, Jax doesn’t know why his mom is angry, Schwartz tells James he did it to himself, James says he hates all of them and wants to know how to hide it.
🍑 Re The Real Housewives of Atlanta. Please, ladies (and I use the term loosely), if you are going to represent our country in a place like Tokyo, learn some freaking manners. This is exactly why I can’t watch this show on a regular basis.
What I Watched - TV With Theresa 