Category Archives: television

Dec4

Nina Runs Into Peter, Catching Up, Getting Out, Adieu, Returning, Staying, Christmas Quad, a Parade, Not So Shamazing, For Sale, a Feud, Not Funny, Up For Grabs, Brainless, Not Twelve Quotes & Boudoir

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

In the elevator, Carly says Sonny is going to have to help her keep it together. She doesn’t want to cry in front of Sasha and Brando. He says, they have to help Sasha and Brando. He doesn’t want them to feel alone, and he doesn’t want her to feel alone. They get out of the elevator just as Nina turns around at the reception desk. She asks if they’re here to see Sasha and Brando; there aren’t any other visitors. Carly says, they don’t need an update, and they keep walking. Nina says, it’s just that they’re trying to tough it out, but they’re pretty fragile, so please be gentle. Carly glares at her.

Brando tucks Sasha in, and asks if she’s worried about the news about their baby, but she says she’s not worried. Is he? He says, of course (🍷) not. In fact, when the three of them get home, he’s going to buy their son his first baseball mitt. She wonders if he’s a little young to be playing catch, but Brando says, not with a name like Liam Mike. He’s strong willed, and like Mike Corbin, he’ll be able to defy the odds and live his life to the fullest. She asks if he knows what the name Brando means, but he says he doesn’t, and she says, sword or fiery torch. He says he will fight for their family with a sword or fiery torch, and she says she knows he will. He says, one day, they’ll tell their grandchildren about their heroic dad who was strong willed and defied the odds, and she says, they’re going to say they were worried for nothing and laugh at them.

Brook tells Chase, Maxie is emotionally exhausted. Not that she blames Maxie, but second guessing isn’t going to get them anywhere. They’re in this thing now; they’ve got to see it through. He says he doesn’t know. Maxie made some strong points. Brook says, she did, but they’re committed, which means they have to deal with it, especially now that Valentin is furious with her. With them, and there’s no telling what else Valentin might do. The doorbell rings, and Brook opens the door to see Valentin on the porch. Chase says, they had enough trouble the last time Valentin was there, so turn around and walk away. Anna joins Valentin, and says, no one wants any trouble. Brook asks, then what does he want?

Drew is getting some coffee at the Quartermaine’s when Maxie walks in, saying, sorry. She just wanted to get a glass of water. He turns around, and says, hi, Maxie; long time no see. She says, Drew, and he says, in the flesh. He’s not a hologram or a figment of her imagination. She says she heard he was alive. She just hadn’t processed it yet. He says, until now, and she hugs him, saying, it’s so processed.

In the hospital, Peter says he’s fine, despite Jason Morgan’s best attempt to kill him, and Austin says, he’s a lucky man. It’s good he was only shot in the arm. He might have some nerve damage, but nothing serious. Peter says, not like getting shot in the chest, right? and Austin says, no. If he was shot in the chest, he’d be in the ICU. Peter takes it Austin doesn’t believe the rumors, and Austin says he hears a lot of rumors. Which one is Peter talking about? Peter tells him, the ones that say he doesn’t have a heart, and Austin says, don’t be silly. If he didn’t have heart, he wouldn’t be alive. Peter says, how clinical of him – he looks at Austin’s ID tag – Dr. Austin Gatlin-Holt. Now where does he recognize that name… Of course (🍷). Austin delivered his daughter.

Valentin says he’s not there to hurl accusations or make threats, and Brook says, why not? He did plenty of that before he moved out. Don’t tell her that he lost steam. Chase says, or maybe Valentin found out he was suspended from the force for throwing a punch at him, and came there to gloat. Valentin says he regrets that happened, and Brook asks if he regrets feeding Thanksgiving dinner to the family dog. Valentin says, not really, and Anna says, she understands that passions were running high. It was Thanksgiving; that’s what happens on family occasions. Valentin says, he’s not family, and Chase says he knows this doesn’t help, but when he started putting things together, he was totally blindsided to find out he was Bailey’s father. Valentin says, Brook used both of them, and Brook says, she had her reasons. Anna suggests they not rehash that; it’s not why they’re here. Brook asks if Valentin is there to talk ELQ business with her dad, now that he’s solidified his position as CEO, but Valentin says, no. He’s just there because he wants to say goodbye to his… to Bailey.

Maxie says, Anna told her that Drew was back, but the story was too incredible to be true. Peter faked a plane crash, and then held him captive for over two years? Drew says he wouldn’t have believed it himself if he hadn’t lived through it. Unfortunately, others weren’t so lucky. She says she still hasn’t wrapped her mind around Jason’s death. If only she could go back in time, before Peter was in their lives, when Nathan was still alive. He asks how she’d change the past. Could she stop Nathan from being killed? She says she would if she could, but she guesses at best, she would go back to before she met Peter and fell in love with him. He says, but they can’t go back in time, no matter how much they’d like to. When he was in prison, he just kept focusing on the future, holding on to that, when he’d see Scout again. She says, and Sam… Oh wow. She should just keep her big mouth shut. He says, it’s okay. He went to see them first thing, both of them. She says, Scout and Sam? How did that go? He says, Dante was with them, and she says, it’s been sort of a slow process with them. They kind of got together trying to find him. James is going to be excited to see him. He says he can’t wait, and asks how James is doing. She says, great, and he says she doesn’t have to protect his feelings. He and Sam were done long before Peter abducted him. She asks if he’s saying he’s okay with Sam and Dante, and he says he’s trying to be. It’s not like he has another choice. She says, it must have been great to see Scout, and he says, it made everything he had to do to get home absolutely worthwhile. She says she knows what he means. If she could go back in time, she doesn’t think she would, because then, she wouldn’t have Louise. He says, she found her daughter? Is Louise finally home?

Peter asks Austin to tell him about the circumstances surrounding Louise’s birth. It kills him that he wasn’t there to welcome his daughter into this world. Austin says he certainly was not. He was too busy running from the police to make it to the cabin; Austin’s cabin. And the nurse he hired to kidnap Maxie tried to induce birth. Peter put Maxie, and his own child, at great risk. Peter asks, who’s been feeding Austin all of this? and Austin says, he was there. Peter knows that. Thank God he was hiking in the woods. When he found Maxie, she was already in labor. Peter says, then Austin may have been the last person to see his daughter before she was abducted, and Austin says, it’s a possibility. Peter says, then Austin was in the right place at the right time. Austin knows what became of his daughter.

Sonny wonders if they should take turns visiting Sasha so she’s not overwhelmed, but Nina tells them, go ahead. She just got done visiting Sasha. Carly asks why Nina is still there, and Sonny says, Carly… but Nina says, it’s fine. She knows Carly is upset over the loss of Jason. Carly says, don’t say his name. Nina knows nothing about her and Jason. Carly tells Sonny that she can’t. She’s going to go see Monica. Sonny says, let him come with her, but Carly says she’s just going to go, and walks away. Sonny circles back to Nina, and says, baby’s fine? Nina says, yeah. Sasha should hear an update soon. He says, all right, and walks in toward Sasha’s room.

Sasha says, how can anything possibly be wrong with their baby; look at him. He’s adorable. It’s just that… Brando says he knows. All those tubes are hooked up to Liam, but she has to remind herself, those are making their little boy healthy. She says, yeah, like the cooling blanket, and he says, exactly, and the love of his mommy and daddy. What else does the little guy need? Britt comes in, and says she wants to introduce them to Dr. Fleming, their baby’s neonatologist. Sasha tells the doctor, she’d say it’s nice to meet her, but… Dr. Fleming says she understands, and Brando says, they were told she has news about their baby.

Anna promises Valentin isn’t there to make a scene, and Brook asks if Anna is there to vouch for him. Valentin says, Anna is his friend. This isn’t easy for him. Chase says, of course (🍷) this isn’t easy. None of this is easy. Anna says, especially for Valentin. Brook allowed him, in fact encouraged him, to fall in love with her little girl, knowing he wasn’t her father. Does she expect him to just throw a switch and not love her any longer? Chase says, nobody’s thinking that, but first, Valentin showed up mad as hell, lashing out at Brook in the most hurtful way imaginable, and now he’s here asking for her understanding? What does he want her to believe? Brook feels guilty enough. How much longer is he going to pile it on? Valentin says, he’s not there to pile on any more guilt. That’s not why he’s there. Chase asks if he wants closure with Bailey, but Valentin says he doesn’t believe in closure. Do they think just because he says goodbye, he’ll stop loving her? Chase asks, then why is he here? and Anna says it’s her fault. She insisted he needed to do this. Valentin says, no. Nobody makes him do anything he doesn’t want to do. Bailey is far too young to understand any of this. He hasn’t told Charlotte that she doesn’t have a sister, and he isn’t going to be able to do that until he says goodbye to Bailey. Brook stomps off, and Chase follows her. Valentin tells Anna, he knew this was how she was going to react. She’s not going to let him see Bailey.

Maxie tells Drew, Louise isn’t back yet. She’s just holding out hope that she will be. He asks if there are any breaks in the case, and she says she’s just hoping now that Peter is in custody, whoever has taken Louise will feel it’s safe to bring her back. He says, so she thinks someone took Louise to protect her from Peter? and she says, he thinks she’s deluding herself, doesn’t he? He says, no. He thinks she wants her little girl back more than anything in the world, and if he could make that happen, he would. She thanks him, and says, but she knows in her heart that Louise will be home one day, and it will make all of this worth it. He says, all of what? and she says, things she had to do because of Peter. Things she never thought she’d be forced to do. He says he knows what she means.

Austin says, even if he did know where Louise was – and he doesn’t – Peter is the last person he would tell. Make a fist. That way he can draw blood. This won’t hurt a bit. He plunges the syringe into Peter’s arm, Peter jumps, and I laaaugh. Austin says, oh, goodness me. He’s so sorry; he seems to have missed the vein. He’ll just try that one more time. He does it again, Peter jumps again, and Austin says, oh yeah, there we go. Success. Sorry about that. Normally, he’s not so clumsy. I officially love Austin. Peter says, he’s enjoying this, isn’t he? and Austin says, absolutely. He loves his job, always. Peter says, and that Hippocratic Oath he took to be a doctor? and Austin says, yeah, right, do no harm. It’s sticky though. That’s the question; who gets harmed and who does not? Peter says he supposes it’s the patients who aren’t to be harmed, but he couldn’t tell by the way Austin just stuck him. Austin says, that’s his point. Maxie is also his patient, so do no harm should apply to her as well. Peter asks, and what is Maxie to Austin?

On the phone, Carly says, she went by Monica’s office, but she wasn’t there. She wanted to talk to Monica in person, but it’s probably better it’s on voicemail; she can just hang up if she wants. Carly really hopes she doesn’t. She’s so sorry about Jason. She’s so sorry Monica has to grieve him all over again. He was Carly’s best friend, but he was Monica’s son, and Carly knows what that kind of pain feels like. In all the years of squabbling and fighting, she doesn’t know if she ever thanked Monica for Jason, for the incredible human being he was. He loved Monica so much. Carly knows Monica knows that, but she thought Monica might want to hear it. That’s all. She hangs up, and we see Nina sitting alone on a bench elsewhere at GH.

Sasha asks Dr. Fleming if it’s about Liam’s hypothermia therapy. Is it working? Brando asks if Liam can come home soon, and the doctor’s phone beeps. She says she’s sorry; there’s an emergency in the NICU. Not their baby. Britt says, it’s okay; she’s got this. Dr. Fleming leaves, and Britt says, getting back to their question, hypothermia therapy can take up to 72 hours, as they know. They still need to give the baby’s brain time to cool. What Dr. Fleming wanted to tell them was, the EEG has been scheduled. Sasha says, then what happens? but Britt says they won’t know until they get the results. But they have an entire team dedicated to caring for Liam, and she’ll be the liaison between them and Brando and Sasha. Brando asks what they can do to help, and Britt says, just keep doing what they’re doing, sending a lot of love to that beautiful baby boy, and let the team at GH give him the best possible care. Sasha says, the waiting is so excruciating, and Britt says she knows, but they have to take it a day at a time. Let the therapy run its course. In the meantime, their baby needs them to take care of themselves. Brando tells Sasha, Liam’s strong, but they have to be stronger, and she says, they will be.

Maxie says she knows this is going to sound ridiculous, but she kind of envies Drew. He’s not sure why, and she says, he got the chance to confront Peter. Drew let Peter take his best shot, and he survived. He actually came out on top. He says, at the cost of Jason’s life, and she says she knows. She hates that part, but at least Peter doesn’t have power over Drew anymore. She’d give anything to take away Peter’s power to frighten her. Drew says, when Scout and Danny would have a bad dream, he’d tell them, look under the bed, look in the closet, and when you see nothing but dustballs and clothes, you’ll know that the boogie man has no power over you anymore.

Peter says, do tell. Just how friendly is Austin with the mother of his child? Austin says, Maxie has a lot of friends. He’d be happy to be one of them. Peter says, but he’s not? He suggests Austin keep it that way. Austin asks if that’s a threat, but Peter lifts his hands, showing he’s cuffed to the bed, and says he’s clearly in no position to threaten anyone. But he is a born romantic, and does believe the fates will conspire to reunite his family. Austin says he doesn’t believe in fate, but Peter says he does. Sometimes fate needs a helping hand. Austin smiles, and starts to walk out, and Peter says, bye-bye. Such fun meeting him today.

Carly is looking at a picture of her and Jason on her phone, when Britt comes by. Carly calls her over, and says, Sonny is around here somewhere. They just came to see Sasha. Britt says she just came from Sasha’s room, and Carly asks how she is. Britt says, she’s good; strong. She’s sure Sasha would love to see Carly. Carly says, maybe in a few minutes, heaves a sigh, and sits. Britt is about to go to the desk, but turns back, and sits next to Carly, asking her how she is. Carly says, she just went to say fine, and kind of laughs. She says she came here to support Sasha and Brando, but it’s not like there’s anything she can do for them. Just like she can’t do anything for Jason. How is she? She’s sad, and scared. She doesn’t know what the rest of her life looks like without him. Britt says Carly will figure it out. Know how she knows? Jason told her. He had complete faith in Carly, and she knows Jason doesn’t say things just to be nice. He said it because he believed it; that Carly is strong enough to get through anything. Carly says, she was, when she had Jason to back her up. She didn’t have to be good enough or strong enough for Jason. She could just be her. That’s an amazing feeling, to have someone you can count on no matter what. Jason gave her that feeling. Now he’s gone. She knows how grief works, and the only way out is through. Then someday, when she says she’s fine, she’ll mean it. Britt says, right now, Carly can’t even imagine that day, and Carly says, no. Britt says, her neither; it sounds ridiculous. Carly says, it doesn’t; not to her. She tells Britt to take care of herself, and gets up to go to Sasha’s room.

Chase comes back, and tells Valentin, he’s sorry. Brook wanted to be alone. Valentin says he did warn Chase that honor is in short supply in this house, and so is compassion. If he were Chase, he’d take that beautiful daughter and go far, far away before Brook turns her into a Quartermaine. He tells Anna, let’s go, but Brook says, not yet, walking in with Bailey. Someone misses him very much. She gives Bailey to Valentin, and both Valentin and the baby smile. Chase thinks maybe they should give Valentin some privacy, but Valentin says, that’s not necessary. He and Bailey have no secrets, unlike others in this house. He tells Bailey that she’s a beautiful girl. He has to go, and they may never see one another again. At least not for a long, long time. But he wanted to say goodbye, and he doesn’t know how to find the strength to do that. So what shall they call this? He kisses Bailey’s head.

Carly sees Sonny in the hallway, and asks if he’s been in to see Sasha, but he says he was waiting for her. She thanks him, and says she’s ready. He says, let’s do this, and takes her hand. Brando asks if he can get Sasha anything, but she says, the only thing she needs is for their baby to get healthy, and she knows he will. No child made by a sword and defender of man can be otherwise. He says, Sasha means defender of man? and she says she looked it up when she looked up Brando. He says, strong willed son, daddy is a sword, and mommy defends them both. They’re quite the family. She says, family. She can’t tell him how good that sounds. Family, people she can lean on. Brando says, when she’s scared, and vulnerable, and she says, she’s not the Face of Deception. He says, he’s her family, she’s his family, and Liam’s their family. She says, small… and he says, but plenty big in heart. There’s a knock at the door, and Carly and Sonny come in. Carly says, rumor has it they’re up for visitors, and Sasha says, the more, the merrier. Carly hugs her, and Sonny hugs Brando. Sonny tells Brando, they have his and Sasha’s back. If they need anything, just ask.

Austin sees Britt, and says he just met her brother. She says, he’s not a brother to her; they share a father. Austin says Peter is his patient now, and Britt asks if he wants to be taken off the case, but he says, not at all. He wants to keep on it.

Peter is wheeled down the hall, accompanied by two officers, and he says, how about if he passes on that CT scan? He’s been feeling claustrophobic since that tunnel fell on him. No? All right. In that case, he’ll take a very large muscle relaxant. At the other end of the hall, the elevator doors open, and Nina comes out on the phone. She says she’s running late, and probably won’t make it to the office. She turns to get back in the elevator, but the doors have just closed. Peter is being wheeled toward her, and says, Nina Reeves. Look at her. Still alive and well. It looks like they’re both extra hard to kill.

Valentin shows Bailey a tiny stuffed bear, and says, this is the oldest thing he has. It was his, and got him through some tough nights. He wants her to have it. Drew and Maxie stand quietly just outside the door, and Valentin says, and one day, Bailey will ask her mommy and  daddy where it came from, and they’ll have to tell her it came from someone that loved her so much.

Carly says, they came to cheer Sasha and Brando up, not make them emotional. Brando tells her, they were just saying how important it is to have family to lean on, and Carly says, it is, and Sasha and Brando have them. And they have each other. She and Sonny know how terrifying it is waiting to hear about your baby’s health. Sasha says, Brando told her that Donna had spina bifida. They must have been scared out of their minds. Sonny says, that’s an understatement, and Brando asks how they got through it. Sonny says, they leaned heavily on each other, and Carly says, when she was scared, Sonny let her be scared. He really was strong for her. Sonny says, and she was for him. Carly says, frightening as it was, it brought them closer together, and Sonny says, he’s sure it’s doing the same for them, right? Sasha says she’s sorry they missed Thanksgiving. It must have been wonderful having everyone together. Sonny says, next year, all three of them are coming, and Brando says, they look forward to it. Carly asks if they’ve named their son yet, and Brando says, Liam Mike, short for Michael, after the man who was so good to him when he was growing up. Sonny says his dad would have been very honored, and Brando asks if Sonny wants to see him. Sonny says he’s been waiting for Brando to ask, and they leave. Sasha says, Brando wants to be so strong for her, and Carly takes her hand.

Maxie jets, and Drew follows. Chase tells Brook, he knows Valentin said otherwise, but let’s give him some privacy. Valentin asks Anna not to go, and she stay’s behind. She tells Bailey, it’s quite a little gift Valentin is giving her, and tells Valentin, so beautiful. Outside, Drew asks Maxie, what’s wrong? and she says, it upsets her to see someone separated from a child they love. Brook says, it couldn’t be helped, and Chase tells Drew, Valentin thought he was Bailey’s father, and Drew says, and Chase is; Monica told him. He knows Valentin and the Quartermaines have had their issues, but he might not be there if not for Valentin, Anna, and his brother Jason, may he rest in peace. Maxie quickly walks away.  

Britt asks if Austin feels this loyalty to all the mothers of the babies he’s delivered, and he says, given the circumstances of Louise’s birth, and her bizarre disappearance, can she blame him? She says, maybe it wouldn’t be a bad idea to keep an eye on Peter, and he says, right. Your enemy’s enemy and all that. She says he has a peculiar habit of being around when things go wrong, whether it’s Maxie giving birth in the woods, or Peter showing up at GH, and he says, and when she loses a dear friend? He doesn’t think things could get much worse, so let’s hope they get better soon.

Nina asks why Peter is here. Why isn’t he locked up in Pentenville? Peter says, she didn’t hear about Jason nearly killing. Because of Jason, he requires medical attention. Nina says, what a shame. Too bad his aim wasn’t better. Peter tells the officers that he and Nina are practically family, and they know how family squabbles can get. Tell him, did her friend Mike finally fly to her rescue, or what? She gets down so they’re face to face, and says, you son of a bitch. There’s a place in hell reserved just for you. He says, people keep telling him that, but he ventures to think she’ll beat him there.

Sasha tells Carly, she made a vow; no more waterworks. Her baby and Brando need her. Carly says, Liam and Brando need her to be healthy, which means she needs to rest. And like it or not, it means doing what the nurses tell her. Sasha says, Epiphany and Elizabeth are having great fun bossing her around, and Carly laughs, saying, she bets. She knows it’s not the experience Sasha looked for, but it sounds like she’ll be able to go home soon. Sasha says, and they’re taking Liam Mike with them. Carly says she likes the name. She kisses Sasha’s forehead, and says she’s going to go, and let Sasha rest. Sasha thanks Carly for being a good friend to her, and Carly says, her pleasure. She’s always here for Sasha. Always. She leaves, and Sasha picks up her and looks at Liam’s picture. She says, you hear that, Liam. You will be coming home with us.

Brando tells Sonny, the tubes feed Liam, and he has a special blanket to cool him down, to help his brain recover from the lack of oxygen. Sonny says, it sounds backwards, and Brando laughs, saying, you’d think it was to keep him warm, but it’s the opposite. Sonny says, you’re never more raw and vulnerable as when you become a father, and Brando asks how Sonny does it. How does he handle the constant fear? Sonny says, you just don’t let it dominate your life. He always pictures Donna’s smile, Avery’s laugh. Kristina, Michael, and Dante are all grown up, but he still worries about them. He’s not Josslyn’s biological father, but he considers her his daughter; he’s her dad. One thing he’s learned about raising kids is, you have absolutely no control. Brando says, that’s a lesson that’s tough for him to learn, but Sonny says, Brando did a great job. He gave his son a great name; Liam Mike. A little Irish charm; his dad’s fighting spirit. Brando asks what makes Sonny sure Liam’s got it, and Sonny says, what makes him think Liam’s not a quitter? Because it runs in the family.

Britt says she has the feeling Austin doesn’t want to keep tabs on Peter out of some professional interest. Austin says he is concerned about Maxie’s physical and emotional well-being, especially now that he’s met the father of her child. Britt says, no one is underestimating the harm Peter is capable of causing, but he’s under guard 24/7, and once he’s released from the hospital, he’ll be locked away for the rest of his unnatural life. Austin says, maybe, but after spending even just a little time with him, he doesn’t sound like a guy who’s giving up on getting his family back. He sounds like a high stakes poker player who’s very pleased with himself because he still has an ace up his sleeve.

Valentin walks into the foyer with Bailey, and tells her, in France, they say, au revoir, mon cheri, which means, until we meet again. Au revoir, mon cheri. He tries not to cry, and gives Bailey to Brook. He and Anna leave, and Brook sighs. Outside, Valentin cries, and Anna holds him. She asks, it’s done. Is he okay? She takes his face in her hands, and says, ready to go? He nods.

Maxie grabs her coat and bag, and says, too many lies, too many hearts broken and lives destroyed. This has to stop. She walks out.

Nina asks the guards if she and Peter could have a second. He’s not going to go anywhere; please? Peter tells them, he’ll be fine. They can go. They leave (highly unlikely IRL), and Nina leans down again, and asks what Peter is intending. He says, me? and she says, yeah, you. He says he doesn’t have to lift a finger. She sealed her own fate in beautiful Nixon Falls when she fell in love with another woman’s husband, and not just any woman, the feisty Carly Corinthos. Frankly, he’s surprised to see Nina in town. He would have thought Carly had run her out of town on a rail by now, right after tarring and feathering her first of course (🍷)… or doesn’t she know. Nina gets up to see Carly standing behind Peter. Rut-roh.

On Monday, Chase says there’s something someone needs to know, Laura wants out of the safe house now, Sonny sees why Britt was special to Jason, and Peter tells Nina to let Carly be the judge of that.

🩰 She Knows Him…

I did know she had a dance background, but didn’t know about Cats.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/finola-hughes-catches-up-with-lionel-richie

🏚 She Wants Out Now…

Laura returns to the Port Charles canvas.

Genie Francis Returns to GENERAL HOSPITAL!

🥀 What a Dahl…

Another farewell. I’d forgotten she was Lorenzo Lamas’s mom.

https://people.com/movies/arlene-dahl-actress-turned-beauty-mogul-dead-at-96/

👸🏼 The Princess Returns…

Mac’s better half is home for the holidays.

Kristina Wagner is Returning to GENERAL HOSPITAL!

⚖️ Oh No She Isn’t…

I hadn’t heard this rumor, but I’m glad it’s not true.

Is Diane Leaving GENERAL HOSPITAL? — Carolyn Hennesy Speaks Out!

📽 Four’s Not a Crowd…

It must have been like old GH home week on this set.

Catch Four GENERAL HOSPITAL Stars in Most Wanted Santa!

🥁 Soaping the Season…

A good time for a worthy cause.

Soap Stars Shine in the Hollywood Christmas Parade!

🏔 She’s Too Good…

Ugh. This woman. She’s like the fly in the Salt Lake ointment.

https://pagesix.com/video/rhoslc-recap-jen-shah-says-she-helps-too-many-people/
https://pagesix.com/2021/11/22/jen-shahs-assistant-pleads-guilty-in-telemarketing-scam/

📿 Housewife Side Hustle…

Garcelle sells her glitzy wares.

https://pagesix.com/2021/11/25/garcelle-beauvais-glitzy-jewelry-line-is-on-sale-for-black-friday/

🧨 Already It Starts…

And one of them isn’t even on the show.

https://pagesix.com/2021/12/02/heather-dubrow-has-no-regrets-about-calling-kelly-dodd-trash/
https://pagesix.com/2021/12/01/kelly-dodd-responds-to-heather-dubrow-calling-her-pathetic/

🃏 I Resemble That…

Eboni did not find it a laughing matter.

https://pagesix.com/2021/12/02/rhony-star-eboni-k-williams-storms-the-stage-at-comedy-show/

😭 Boo-Hoo-Hoo…

Attention ladies, Juicy Joe is once again available.

Joe Giudice Confirms Split From Girlfriend Daniela Fittipaldi: ‘I’m Just Doing My Thing’

📺 Sadly, She’s Right…

I’m sure I lose many braincells every time I watch reality TV. Actually, it’s surprising I have a brain at all at this point.

https://pagesix.com/2021/12/02/adele-on-why-she-doesnt-watch-housewives-my-brain-will-die/

📡 Quotes of the Week

It is unwise to be too sure of one’s own wisdom. It is healthy to be reminded that the strongest might weaken and the wisest might err. – Mahatma Gandhi

A man travels the world in search of what he needs and returns home to find it. – George Moore

Rather, ten times, die in the surf, heralding the way to a new world, than stand idly on the shore. – Florence Nightingale

To be a revolutionary you have to be a human being. You have to care about people who have no power. – Jane Fonda

It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting. – Paulo Coelho

Wisely, and slow. They stumble that run fast. – William Shakespeare

Success is a collection of problems solved. – I. M. Pei

With no positivity, there is no hope; with no negativity, there is no improvement. – Criss Jami

I have never let my schooling interfere with my education. – Mark Twain

Is your secret job in a red flag factory? – Kalani Faagata, 90 Day Fiancé

People will always have opinions about your decision because they’re not courageous enough to take action on their opinion. – Steve Maraboli

🗼 Au Revoir, Not Goodbye…

Enjoy your next two days off, or on, or whatever your status. See you at the finale of the Dead. Until then, stay safe, stay living without regret, and stay knowing that when you see only dustballs and clothes, the boogie man has no power over you.

Dec3

December 2, 2021 – Drew Catches Up With Sonny, Faux Fur On the Runway & Dreamin’

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Donna sits in her highchair, and Carly says, it’s a blessing that she’s too young to understand what’s going on. She misses him too. Sonny comes in, and asks if she’s thinking about Jason. She says she is, and he says, she shared nine months with Jason. She says she cherishes every moment with the people she loves, and hugs him. Sonny goes over to Donna, and Carly says, if it weren’t for Avery and Donna, she doesn’t know how she would have gotten out of bed this morning. He asks if she slept, and she says she must have, but she doesn’t remember. She just remembers… He says, waking up every hour. Every time he wakes up, he remembers Jason’s gone and he’s not coming back.

Sam goes to visit Alexis, and Alexis asks how she is. She thought Sam was coming by for dessert, but Sam texted her, devoid of an explanation. What kept her away?

Dante is in the shower, and flashes back to getting busy with Sam. His phone rings, and he gets out to answer it. It says the caller is Ma, but he puts the phone down.

Chase goes to the Quartermaine mansion, and Brook says, please tell her he’s been reinstated. He says, if only, and she says, it’s so wrong. He shouldn’t be punished for standing up for her. Chase says, let’s be honest. Valentin had every reason to be angry, and she says, also her fault. He says, Valentin shouldn’t have said what he did, but he shouldn’t have punched him. He is, after all, an officer of the peace. She says, when everyone finds out the truth, they’ll know he did it for a noble reason, and he says, then it will get a lot worse, because everyone will know he colluded to keep the whereabouts of a missing child from his superiors, and the investigators. She says, with the mother’s permission. He’s doing a hero’s work. She knows it, and so does Maxie. Maxie walks in, and says, actually, the more she thinks about what Chase did, the less she likes it. They need to undo it now.

Anna sees Valentin at the hospital, and he says, it’s so good to see her. She says she was told he checked himself out of the hospital against medical advice, and he says he did. It gave them no small amount of schadenfreude to see him crawling, having burst his stitches. She says, it looks like he took it on the chin, touching his bruise, and he says he thinks it’s safe to say that.

Sasha wakes, thinking she heard a baby cry. She realizes she’s all alone in her room.

Nina says, Brando was at the hospital all night? and hands him a bag, saying, eat. He says he’s starving, but can’t stand the thought of eating right now. She tells him, give it a minute, it will come, and asks, how’s the baby? He says, beautiful. He’s so strong and tiny. They’re still running tests on him, so no official diagnosis yet. The poor little guy is connected to so many tubes. She says, sorry, but he says, it’s good; he’s hanging in there. That’s what’s important, to Sasha too. She says she sees they moved Sasha; that’s a good sign, right? He says, she’s getting better physically, but not being able to see her son breaks her heart. They hear a noise from Sasha’s room, and run. We see Sasha on the floor, apparently having fallen.

Carly tells Sonny, she’s sorry she wasn’t here last night; she went to the footbridge. Jason used to always go there on Thanksgiving. He says it’s probably best she wasn’t there, and she asks, what happened? He says, that son of a – he glances at Donna in his lap – gun Cyrus Renault called to gloat about Jason. She says he has to be kidding her. That guy doesn’t know when to stop. Sonny says he figured Cyrus learned his lesson when he didn’t have him taken out of prison, and she says, he sees it as one more opportunity to come after Sonny. He says, now that Jason’s gone, he’s bolder than ever. He still has influence. She says, he really does. She and Jason were thinking Cyrus is the reason Laura is out of town. Doc is tightlipped about it, and Martin left town at the same time. They were thinking she’s in witness protection. Sonny says, because of Renault? and she says, yeah. What’s he going to do about it? Drew walks in, and says he was told to come up, if that’s okay. Carly runs to him, saying, it’s more than okay. She hugs him, and says, it’s so good to see him. Sonny says, who let him through security? It’s been a while; they were hoping he’d come by. Drew asks, who’s on Sonny’s lap? and Sonny says, this is Donna Corinthos. He introduces Donna to her Uncle Drew, adding, he’s been away for a while. Drew says, it’s such a pleasure to meet her, and tells Sonny and Carly, congratulations. You turn your back on Port Charles for a minute, and everything changes.

Sam helps Alexis clean up, and says it looks like she missed one hell of a party. Alexis says, it started off fine, with Shawn, Spencer and his girlfriend, but everyone got along. Then Valentin shows up. Sam says, Alexis and Valentin are like besties these days, and Alexis says she was just fine, but Valentin and Spencer don’t get along at all. Sam says, they hate each other, and Alexis says, then, Ava and Nikolas showed up. Sam says, that must have been awkward, and Alexis says, it gets much better. Have a seat. They sit, and Alexis says, the doorbell rings, she goes to the door, she answers the door, and risen from the ashes is her dead great uncle, Victor Cassadine. Sam says, they released him from custody? and Alexis says, she knew he was alive? Thanks for the heads up. Sam says she thought he was under lock and key, and Alexis says, he’s free. Not only that, Valentin announced Victor claims to be his father, which upset Spencer. Then Valentin wanted to leave, and Nikolas and Ava wanted to leave… Sam says, and Victor? but Alexis says, he called for peace among the family. Her Thanksgiving rivaled any Quartermaine Thanksgiving ever. Sam says she’s almost sorry she missed it, and Alexis asks, why did she miss it? Why was she at the Quartermaines? Was it for the pizza? Sam says she never made it out of her place. She has some news. Actually, she has a lot of news.

Brando runs to Sasha, and helps her up. Nina asks if she hit her head, and Sasha says she needs to see her baby. Brando says he understands, but she just got out of surgery; she’s still recovering. She says she hears him crying, or she dreamed it, and when she woke up, she wanted to check on him. Brando says, he’s fine; he saw him this morning. He’s ready to go all fifteen rounds. She says, championship bout? and Brando says, he’s going to win too, in a knockout. Nina says she’ll go find Dr. Navarro, but Amy comes in, and says she’s afraid that won’t be possible. Dr. Navarro’s in surgery.

Valentin and Anna go into a room, and Valentin says he heard about Jason. Sorry about that. She says, they had a mutual respect for each other. He asks if she’s told Robin, and she says she has. Robin is devastated, but she’s strong. She called Valentin, and he didn’t want to talk, but it seemed like he had something on his mind. He said he popped his stitches, and he has a bruise on his face. What’s going on? He says he doesn’t know where to start, and she says, it’s not Charlotte, is it? Or Bailey? Is something wrong with Bailey? He says, Bailey’s perfect. She’s not his daughter.

Brook says Maxie needs to take it easy. Second thought, third thought, whatever, there’s no way she and Chase can undo what they did. Chase asks, why the change of heart? and Maxie says, two nights of thinking about Peter calling her when he was in custody. Two nights of realizing, if Chase figured out the truth, Peter could. Two nights of remembering that Valentin had the resources to keep her daughter safe, and they don’t have those anymore. Chase says they won’t let Peter anywhere near her, and Maxie asks if he has the stomach for that, to fight as brutally as Valentin would? Because Peter won’t hesitate to kill him, and if he hesitates to kill Peter, he’s a dead man. Chase is a good and virtuous person; he will hesitate. And Brook? Brook asks if Maxie doesn’t think she’d lay down her life for that little girl, and Maxie says she knows Brook has it in her. She just doesn’t think Brook would stand a chance against Peter. Which is why they need Valentin on their side. He will take down Peter like the animal he is.

Alexis says, so Drew is alive after all this time? and Sam says, it was incredible to see him. Alexis asks what Scout did, and Sam says, she didn’t recognize him. It was a lot for her to take in, but she’ll come around. Alexis is sure she will, and Sam says, Jason is the one who saved Drew; Britt Westbourne and her mother as well. Alexis tells her, say what you will about Jason, and she has, he is reliable in a crisis. Sam says, he was able to save Drew, but he wasn’t able to save himself. Jason’s dead.

Olivia asks, what took Dante so long? then says, never mind, and hugs him. She says he’ll never believe who showed up on Thanksgiving, and he says, Drew. She says, if he knows that, he must know… He says, about Jason, and asks how Monica is doing. Olivia says, she’s coping. She has them all there to help her through. She can’t believe Jason is gone, and Dante says, his death touches a lot of lives. Olivia says, for a guy who kept his feelings locked in a vault, a lot of people are crying their eyes out today. How did he hear about this? His text was kind of cryptic. Where did he and Rocco wind up? He says, they spent the day with Sam and her kids.

Chase tells Maxie, Valentin was worried Peter would use Bailey to hurt him; that’s what Yuri was for. Brook says, now that Valentin is out of the picture, Bailey is safer. She’s off Peter’s radar, and much safer with Chase as her father. Maxie says, really? As she recalls, Peter poisoned Chase and tried to kill him. Brook says, that was an accident. Peter was targeting Chase’s brother to get back at Anna. Maxie says, Peter doesn’t care who he hurts, or who he kills. Brook says Maxie is making emotional arguments out of fear, and Maxie says she’s damn right. She made the mistake of thinking Peter was a rational human being. Now she knows better. She won’t underestimate him, and neither should Brook.

Anna asks how it’s possible Bailey isn’t his, and Valentin says, the usual way. Brook lied to him and used him, so she could take back the shares of ELQ she’d stolen from him. Anna says she sees. Do they know who the real father is? He says, Harrison Chase apparently, and she says, Brook was living with him when… So she guesses they… Valentin says, apparently. On the plus side, he’s already reacquired the shares Brook stole from him, and Chase may have offered him an opportunity to exact revenge. She says she’ll bite; how? He tells her that he may have said some cruel and cutting things to Brook, and Chase may have hit him. He’s been suspended from the force. She asks if that’s the end of the warpath for him, but he says he’s just getting started. She asks when he’s planning on dealing with what’s really at the heart of this, and he says, what’s that? Being lied to? Deceived? Humiliated? She says, the emotional trauma of losing a child.

Amy says, if it were up to her, she’d say, let’s get Sasha into a wheelchair and over to the NICU, and Nina says, let’s do it, but Amy says, unfortunately, it’s not up to her. Dr. Navarro has to sign off on it, and until she’s out of surgery… Sasha asks if she can’t go anyway, and Amy says she’s afraid Sasha has to stay put. Amy leaves, and Sasha says, Dr. Navarro could be in surgery for hours. Brando says, don’t worry. He’s going to take her to see their son. He asks if Nina wants to help.

Carly comes back from putting Donna down for her nap, and Drew says, such a blessing that one; so beautiful. Sonny says, they think so, and Drew says he can’t imagine how hard it is for them. Jason was so important to so many people, especially them. He knows he’s just a reminder of that profound loss, but Carly tells him, please don’t say that. He’s alive, and that’s a great comfort. Sonny says, don’t think they forgot everything he did for them. He survived. Drew says, the only reason he’s alive is because of Jason.

Alexis says she’s so sorry, and Sam says, she knows they were apart for almost a year, but… Alexis says, she knows how much Sam loved him, and Sam says she loved him a lot, and he was Danny’s father, so… Alexis says, poor Danny. Last night must have been hell for her. She hates that Sam had to get the news when she was all alone. Sam says she wasn’t alone. Dante was with her.

Valentin tells Anna, he’ll handle losing Bailey as best he can, but in the meantime, Brook and Chase will get what’s coming to them. Anna says, stop it. For God’s sake, that’s the man he used to be. He says, that’s the man he is, and no amount of wishing from his better angels is going to change that. She says, no. Not a chance. She knows the bookends of who he is; the man he was, and the father he’s become to Charlotte and Bailey. He says he’s not Bailey’s father, and she says he was, until he wasn’t. She saw him with that little baby, and his heart was so full. His love, or his right to love her, was taken away, and she’s very sorry for that. He says, Brook fooled him for the sake of the company, to get her hands on some shares. He moved into the Quartermaine house to be a proper father; so he could be there for the day to day, but she was not his. And if he has to hurt over and over again about everything he’s going to miss about that little girl, then Brook is going to hurt too. That’s fair, isn’t it? Anna hugs him, and he cries. I want to cry too. I’ve never seen someone look that sad.

Maxie says, once Peter hears Valentin isn’t Bailey’s father, all it’s going to take is a few little steps for him to figure out Bailey is his. Everything that led Chase to the truth, is going to lead Peter right here. Chase says, he’s a trained detective, and Maxie says, and Peter is a psychopath who is obsessed with finding this one little girl. Do they think he’s not going to figure this out? Bailey isn’t safe with Chase acting as her father. Brook asks if Maxie has a better idea.

Olivia says, so Dante spent the day with Sam and her kids? How was that? He says, it was great. The kids get along awesome. She says, they certainly ought to; they spend enough time together here. He says, they were going to come after the parade… and she says, then Drew showed up. He says, yeah, and he told them about Jason. He thought Sam needed someone there, and he wanted to be there for her. Olivia says, of course (🍷) she did, and of course (🍷) he stayed. He comforted her and helped her sort through her feelings, right? He says, something like that, and Olivia says, that is the man she raised. Hmm. He says, what? and she says, it sounds like things are getting pretty serious between him and Sam.

Alexis says she knows Sam and Drew hadn’t been together for a while before his disappearance, but she knows Sam loved him, and she loved Jason. She can’t imagine how confusing it is. Sam says, that’s the strangest part; it’s not confusing at all. If anything, clarifies things. She’s thrilled Drew is alive, and devastated that Jason is dead, but she also realizes she’s ready to move on. Alexis says, if Sam is okay, she’s okay. She just wants Sam to be happy. Sam says, she is happy. What about Alexis?

Drew tells Sonny and Carly that Peter knew how to activate his conditioning. He wanted to put on a demonstration for Jason and Britt. He had Drew hold a knife to Jason’s throat, and had him cut open his own arm. Carly says, God, and Sonny says, sick bastard. Drew says he doesn’t remember any of it, but Jason was paying attention and took full advantage. He saw how Peter put him under, and saw how Peter brought him back out. Jason was convinced they could take Peter down, but Drew wasn’t so sure, and told him, if things went sideways, he wanted Jason to stop him, no matter what. Carly says, you mean… Drew says, to kill him, if it came to that. Instead, Jason was the one who lost his life.

Amy gets an alert that the call button has been pressed in room 403, and says, what the…? She runs off, and Brando tells Sasha, the coast is clear. Let’s move. He wheels Sasha out.

Amy goes to the room, and sees Nina lying on the bed. She asks, why did Nina push the call button when she’s not a patient, and the room isn’t being used? Nina says, great question. She had an idea she wanted to talk to Amy about, but first, she had to conduct a little experiment. She wanted to see how quick the response time was. Amy says, her response time, personally? and Nina says, yes. She wants to do an article on the responsiveness of nurses. How long it takes for them to respond when the call button is used, and she’s being completely serious – Amy was amazing. Amy thanks her, and says she has to get back to her station, but Nina says, wait, and blocks the door, saying, Amy can’t go yet.

Brando says, no sign of anyone. He thinks they’re going to make it. He wheels Sasha toward the NICU, and a woman says, wait just a minute, and stands in front of them. She says, Sasha is the face of Deception who became the face of Conception. Can she get a selfie? Sasha says, just one, real quick, and the woman takes the picture. The woman says, how about an autograph? but Brando says, Miss Gilmore needs to see her baby right now. The woman says, oh, Baby Deception. Can she come? Brando says, absolutely not, and wheels Sasha away. The woman sends the photo to her social media.

Nina says she wants to do a feature on Amy in Crimson. She’s such a great nurse. They want to do a photo shoot with Amy. Amy asks if she means it, and Nina says, absolutely. Amy says, so she’d be like a model? and Nina says, a model nurse. They laugh, and Nina suggests they sit and talk about what the spread will look like.

Sasha sanitizes and puts on a gown. She says, okay, let’s do this. Let’s see our baby. Brando says he has to prepare her first, and she says, for what? He says, their baby is hooked up to a lot of equipment. He’s wrapped in a cooling blanket to give his brain a chance to heal from the lack of oxygen, but he’s peaceful, and so sweet. She thanks him, and says she’s ready.

Sonny tells Drew, Jason knew the risk, and chose to save Drew. For a man with his reputation, a reputation he earned, he valued the lives of other people he cared about more than his own. Drew says, if it wasn’t for Jason, he’d still be Peter’s puppet, and Sonny says, but he’s not, right? Not anymore? Drew says, he doesn’t know. Peter wanted him to kidnap Maxie for him. Maybe he can still flip a switch. What if Maxie is in danger because of him?

Maxie says, what if they tell Valentin that Bailey is really Louise, and they were only doing this to keep her safe from Peter? No matter how mad he is, he might just keep Yuri and the rest of his security team here. Brook says, if it’s security Maxie is worried about, they’ll hire guards, and Maxie asks how they’ll explain that. At least Valentin has the excuse that he’s on Peter’s bad side. If they bring guards here, they might as well send Peter and engraved invitation. Brook says she’s sorry, but there’s not way to change this. Valentin has already gotten his ELQ shares back, and got Chase suspended from the PCPD. Maxie says, what? How? and Chase says, last night Valentin wasn’t very nice to Brook, so he punched Valentin in the face. Maxie says, that’s great. So now he doesn’t have a service revolver, or a shield, or anything useful to keep her daughter safe?

Anna asks if Valentin has told Charlotte, but he says he hasn’t had to. She’s staying out of town with friends for Thanksgiving break. Anna says, when she comes back, and sees he’s at the MetroCourt with no Bailey, she’ll figure it out. She’s a smart kid. He’s going to have to tell her. He says he doesn’t know how he’s going to do that. He doesn’t know how he’s going to say goodbye to Bailey. Once he says those words, it’s going to become irrevocably, undeniably, and unbearably real.

Sasha looks at the baby, and says, he’s so beautiful, and Brando says, of course (🍷) he is; he looks like her. She says, no, he has that little crinkle thing with his forehead; that’s Brando. She opens the hatch, and touches the baby. She says, hi, baby boy. Did daddy tell him how much she loves him? Brando says, he did, all the time. She says she loved him the moment she knew he was on the way. Now he’s here, he’s real, he’s him. She loves him so much. They need to give him a name; a name that says exactly who he is. He’s a fighter, like Brando. Brando says, he’s a soldier; she’s a fighter. Their baby is strong, that’s for sure. She says, they need to give him a name that tells the world who he is. Brando asks if they still want Mike as a middle name, and she says, absolutely. It’s important they honor Brando’s cousin, especially since he was so good to Brando when he was a boy. He asks, what goes with Mike? and she says she was throwing around silly names when she was in labor, but since then, she’s been unfocused. What about him? He says, he may have looked up a few between here and her bedside last night. He did find one he really liked. It means strong willed warrior.

Alexis tells Sam, she’s out of prison, happy; freedom, happy. Sam asks, what’s better than freedom? The world is her oyster. Alexis can do anything. What’s her passion? Alexis says, other than the law? and Sam says, legal system adjacent then. Alexis says, she’s been a lawyer and a convict; what’s the happy medium? Sam says, she’s looking at it, and Alexis says she doesn’t follow. Sam wonders how to say it. Alexis is a meddler, she likes to stick her nose in other people’s business, get to the truth and do something about it, which is what Sam does, and she gets hired for criminal cases all the time. Alexis says, Sam wants her to be a private investigator? and Sam says, Curtis opened a nightclub, so she’s down a partner, and it would be a huge help to have someone who knows the ins and outs of the legal system. And who knows that better than Alexis? Alexis says Sam is just trying to cheer her up. Sam wants to work with her mother? Sam says she does. Work together for truth and justice. What does she say?

Maxie says she knows Peter. Now that he’s back in Port Charles, he will find Louise or die trying. Chase says he’ll give up his life before he lets Peter anywhere near that little girl, and Brook says, he’s no match for them. Maxie said it herself; she’s not afraid of him anymore. So don’t be afraid. Be the fierce person Brook knows she is. Maxie says, maybe what she needs is to confront Peter in person, and Brook says, he’ll be locked up and helpless. He’ll see he has no power over Maxie and her daughter anymore. Maxie says she just needs a minute, and leaves. Brook says, Chase really is a good guy, and he says, thanks, but he thinks a lot of what Maxie said was true.

Drew says he’s sorry; he didn’t mean to go there. Carly asked, who else can he go to but his friends? That hasn’t changed just because he’s been gone. Sonny tells him, if he needs anything, just say the word, and Drew thanks him, and says, right now, he just wants to get to know his daughter again. Carly asks how Scout reacted when she saw him, and Drew says, she was a little shy. She only knows him from pictures. Sonny says, she’s a kid; they adapt fast. Drew says, speaking of kids, congratulations again; Donna’s so beautiful. How are their other girls? How’s Josslyn? Carly says, in college, and Drew says, that’s not possible. She says, it is possible, as much as she hates to believe it. Drew asks how Avery is, and Sonny says, smart, sweet, and just beautiful. Drew says, they’re so lucky to have their daughters, and Sonny says, absolutely. Drew says he has to get going. He just wanted to say thank you for everything. Carly hugs him, and tells him, don’t be a stranger. Drew leaves, and Carly says, poor Drew. What a burden, surviving when Jason didn’t. Sonny says, at least he has his family and his daughter, and she says, they have their kids too. Even though they’re grieving, they need to count their blessings. Sonny says, and take care of the people who love them, and Carly says, that’s why they need to get to the hospital. They need to support Brando and Sasha.  

Amy asks if she’ll have to wear scrubs for the photo shoot, and Nina says, she can wear scrubs to show what she’s like at work. Then she can then wear street clothes to show what she’s like when she’s not at work, but what’s important is showing Amy at the hospital, because Nina truly believes nurses are the heart to any hospital. She wants to show the world how truly noble the profession is.

Sasha says, welcome to the world, Liam, and Brando says, Liam Mike. With a big strong name like that, he’ll be out of here in no time. She says, then they’ll take him home, and give him the best life any baby ever had in whole wide world.

Olivia tells Dante that it means a lot to her for him to be happy, and he says he is. He’s got to get to work, and she says, her too, especially since Carly isn’t coming in. She tells him to check on his dad, and he says he will. She says, that’s her boy, and they hug. He says he loves her, and she says she loves him too, and he leaves.

Sam says Alexis doesn’t have to decide now; she can think about it. Alexis says she’ll do that, and Sam says, good. She thinks they’d make a great team. Alexis says, the Davis-McCall Agency, and Sam says, McCall-Davis, but Alexis says, nah. Davis comes before McCall alphabetically. Sam says she’s already established in the field, but if it’s a deal breaker, she’ll think about it. This could be a great second act for Alexis. Alexis says, if they partner up, she’s worried Sam will get sick of her, and Sam says, they definitely will get sick of each other and butt heads, but it’s going to be great. Alexis says, can they not do that? and Sam says, they can try. Just think, somebody could discover them, and they could have their own reality show; Mother Daughter P.I. Agency. Alexis says, good luck with that.

Back at the Quartermaine’s, Drew gets some coffee, and Maxie comes in for some water. She stops when she sees him.

Brook says, they’re in this thing now; they have to see it through. Chase says he doesn’t know. Maxie made some strong points. Brook says, she did, but they’re committed, which means they have to deal with it, especially now that Valentin is furious with her. There’s no telling what else he might do. The doorbell rings, and Brook opens the door to see Valentin.

Back in Sasha’s room, Brando thanks Nina for the assist, and asks how she did it. Nina says, just some old school flattery, which turned into a great idea for a feature. How’s the baby? Sasha says, amazing. They named him. Liam. It means strong willed warrior. Brando says, with a name like that, he has to pull through. Nina says, now that they’re back, she’s going to check in with her office. She leaves, and Brando tells Sasha, just when he thought she couldn’t be more beautiful, he saw her with Liam. What can he say? He was wrong. They kiss.  

Nina goes to the desk, as Sonny and Carly come out of the elevator. She and Carly look at one another.

Amy comes back while Brando and Sasha are still kissing, and says she’s sorry to interrupt. Dr. Fleming’s on her way here now. There’s news about their baby.

Tomorrow, Valentin says Brook won’t let him see Bailey, Peter says sometimes fate needs a helping hand, Austin asks if that’s a threat, and Carly says Nina knows nothing about her and Jason.

Project Runway

Christian introduced the designers bolts of fabulous faux fur that was plant based, and could be recycled. Only Aaron had worked with faux fur before. He’d just made 16 monkey costumes for The Wizard of Oz. In Prajje’s interview, he said he hated fur. It was annoying because it got everywhere. Christian said, faux fur could be elegant, campy, or sophisticated, and it was going to be the basis for their avant-garde challenge. They had two days to create and avant-garde piece, and in Bones’s interview, he said he took this to mean exaggerated, weird, and/or quirky, but still high fashion. They were to create innovative designs that highlighted the faux fur, and were put in teams of two. They would create one outfit, but be critiqued on their individual contributions. Since Kristina had won last week’s challenge, she got to pick her teammate – Shantall – and they also got first pick of the fur. The rest of the designers got random matches by choosing buttons from a box, and that shook out as follows: Bones and Aaron, Anna and Octavio, Zayden and Coral, and Prajje and Chasity. In Shantall’s interview, she said, since Kristina had immunity, if they ended up on the bottom, she was screwed. Yep.

The designers were given 30 minutes, and a $500 budget at Mood. Christian warned them that making a bunch of faux fur coats wasn’t the challenge. Octavio thought it was his and Anna’s moment, since they both leaned that way anyway. Chasity worried about Prajje buying so much paint, and not getting any supplemental fabric.

On way back, the van they were in took a corner, and scaffolding busted through the window. Anna ended up bleeding, and went to the hospital in an ambulance to be checked out. I envisioned several lawsuits. Christian told the designers that he thought they needed a moment, and told them to take the rest of the day off. You’d think they would have still been given two days, but they were now doing the entire challenge in one day. Nothing like adding stress to your downtime. In Anna’s interview, she said she was lucky; she’d only had some tiny cuts, but she was still processing everything. Aaron said the tricky thing about fur was that some was pliable, but some didn’t move at all. He’d wanted the faux coyote, since it held shape better. Bones felt like Aaron wanted him to do the busy work. Chasity said there was so much fur everywhere, she was inhaling it, and likely to cough up a furball.

Prajje said art had been his escape growing up, and it was the celebration of art that keeps us alive. Chasity said she loved his artwork, but that wasn’t the challenge. In Shantall’s interview, she said, growing up, she’d gone to bed to the sound of the sewing machine, and woke up to one. Her mom didn’t want her to go into fashion, but Shantall wanted to show her that it could be a celebration. Bones and Aaron, mostly Aaron, were making a piece that had a stand up collar, like the Wicked Queen in Snow White, but bigger. There were ongoing problems with getting it to stand up, and Bones said if the collar was flapping, it wouldn’t be avant-garde, but avant-garbage. Bones was frustrated at not being listened to, and thought Aaron was stuck in his ways. He kept suggesting they use paint stirrers to prop up the collar, but Aaron wasn’t having it, for no reason other than he’d never done it that way. Bones said he’d been a physics major, and knew what he was talking about. Aaron thought Bones was trying to reinvent the wheel. He got pissed off, and left 15 minutes early, which doesn’t sound like much, but it is if you’ve only got a day and a few hours.

The group unwound with drinks at a rooftop bar, and Bones and Aaron argued. Aaron said Bones had no clue, and Bones said he wasn’t even giving Aaron time for that. In Anna’s interview, she said things couldn’t be solved in a battle way. They just needed to have conversation and communication. Bones finally told Aaron, get it out now, and tomorrow, let it be good. Aaron walked out, because apparently that’s his go-to.

Zayden called his mom, and said it felt like his talent wasn’t being seen. In his interview, he said people didn’t understand him because it took time for him to open up and trust them. His mom said she was so proud of him, as she should be.  

The next morning, they had 3 hours to finish, and Christian told them, it’s runway day fur real, and made a bunch of other fur jokes or puns or whatever. Aaron apologized to Bones, they squashed their beef, and Aaron finally consented to the paint stirrers in the collar. In Bones’s interview, he said, the whole thing could have been avoided if Aaron had listened, but at the end of the day, he was glad the collar was standing up. He didn’t want to say, I told you so, but…

Brandon was at his brother’s wedding, so designer Esteban Cortazar subbed for him. Billy Porter, King of Avant-Garde, was the guest judge. I stink at describing the clothes, but I’ll do my best. Chasity and Prajje had a gown where the top was fur, and the skirt was painted fabric. They married the two mediums by having points of fur go into the mermaid skirt. In her interview, Chasity said both their backgrounds had come together in the beauty of partnership. At one point, the model stopped, and almost did a backbend, which was quite impressive. Coral and Zayden, made a corset dress with a head cage accessory. It was actually pretty cool. It looked like something Lady Gaga would like. Kristina and Shantall made some sort of weird thing where a fur coat with patchwork on the back, opened up to an attached quilted pink dress that looked like it was made out of a duvet cover. I might add, Coral and Zayden listened to Christian; Kristina and Shantall only partly listened. Anna and Octavio… I don’t know what the hell it was, a dress made out of cheetah fur and a black garbage bag, with huge sleeves that were put on like arm warmers. No, just no. Aaron and Bones’s creation was worth the argument; it was very Game of Thrones, like something a queen would wear to a spectacular event. Aaron was at peace with whatever happened, and Bones said he actually thought they had a chance to be at the top, but you never knew what the judges were thinking. Elaine said they definitely took go big or go home to heart, and Billy said it was exciting beautiful stuff.

Next was the deliberation, and giving the good/bad news. Elaine said Shantall and Kristina had one of the lowest scores. It wasn’t boring, but less would have been more in this case. Nina said it seemed clunky. Esteban thought the dress part should be lighter to balance out the coat, and I was like, yes – that’s it! Billy said where it went awry for him was the quilting, which got another yes. On the high scoring end were Zayden and Coral. Billy said there was freedom in the  piece, but still structure. Elaine said, it was functional, wearable art. Bones and Aaron had also been a favorite, and got one of Billy’s highest scores. It was like an arctic bride, walking the tundra. Elaine said she did think there were one too many things going on, and asked them to remove the model’s necklace. Esteban noted that seeing the neckline changed everything, and I agreed it looked better exposed. Octavio and Anna got a low score, and Elaine said she was surprised that dress was their love child. It looked sloppy. Billy said he liked some of it, but was confused; there were a lot of ideas going on. Esteban said it gave him the vibe of a glamorous Flintstones villain. I could see that. Also in the high score group were Prajje and Chasity, no surprise. Chasity said it had been a complete marriage of their mediums, and Esteban said it was full-on couture. Billy said he loved it, but wondered if the model could walk normally in it. She demonstrated, and yes, she could. He told them to have it in his dressing room, and  I could definitely envision him wearing it.

The big winner/loser was discussed, and Elaine said picking the winner was challenging. She thought Zayden and Coral’s piece was more commercial; Chasity and Prajje’s piece was art in motion. In talking about who was out, Billy said Octavio and Anna’s dress had playful elements he liked, and Elaine said, it felt like they had a bad day. Well, yeah, they’d been in a car accident, and Anna ended up in the hospital. Elaine said a catsuit would have been better under Kristina and Shantall’s cocoon coat. Agreed. Kristina having immunity didn’t make things any easier.

The winning team was Chasity and Prajje with their brilliant, over-the-top structure, which was difficult to execute. The judges thought the dress was wonderful. The overall winner was Chasity, who said her knees were buckling. Esteban said the incredible structure was out of faux fur, and that had been the challenge, which was why she was chosen, but they were both winners. Chasity said her partner was an amazing designer and artist, and in her interview, she said she was the first two-time winner. She felt like it was difficult to be taken seriously as a designer, and for them both to be Black and win, there was no better feeling.

Nina told Kristina, it was lucky she had immunity. Nina knew they were both good designers, so it was painful having them up there. Sadly, Shantall’s fears came true, and she was out. Shantall was gracious, and said she’d learned God brings the best decision for you, and she was glad she’d had the chance to inspire Latina designers. Esteban said she’d do great, and I wondered, where was the Siriano Save…  

In Shantall’s interview, she said it was a dream to have the opportunity, although it wasn’t fair that she couldn’t show the judges the things she wanted to. She told the group it had been a pleasure to meet everyone, and said she knew Kristina did her best. She wasn’t angry; it was just the way things went. The moment didn’t define her as a designer or a human being. And then it came. The reward for her good attitude. The Siriano Save. I almost cried. Christian said Shantall had a business she was trying to save, and they would save it, but she needed to work hard and not let him down. In her non-exit interview, she said she was touched that Christian gave her a second chance. She came to stay, and she was still there.

Next time, taking a comfy look out on the town, Season 18 winner Jeffrey Mac, and Cyndi Lauper.

🌪 Twistin’ the Night Away…

Join me tomorrow for soap, tea, and Quotes of the Week. Until then, stay safe, stay going the extra mile, and stay taking care of the people who love you.

Dec2

December 1, 2021 – Victor Makes a Thanksgiving Appearance, Fancy Pants Back In the OC, Three New Wives Plus One, She Ate My Bow & Rain

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Dante and Sam kiss, and Dante says, sorry; he overstepped. Sam says, no, she wants this too, and they kiss some more, then head upstairs.

Alexis, Shawn, Spencer and Esme have just finished some take-out Chinese, and Spencer thanks Alexis, saying, it’s a nice break from the traditional turkey. She says, all she did was order in from Noodle Buddha, and he says, she is the one with a working credit card though. She says, good point, and Esme says, she and Spence insist on cleaning up. They start to clear the table, and go to the kitchen. Shawn says, Alexis really doesn’t like Spencer’s girlfriend, does she? She says, it’s not about like. She just doesn’t trust Esme.

On the phone, Valentin thanks Mac, and says he expects immediate action to be taken on this matter. Tonight.

Ned tells Olivia, Scout inherited Drew’s shares when he was declared dead, but now that he’s alive, that calls into question Drew’s shares that he signed over to Valentin. She says, which means Valentin’s majority hold on ELQ is in question. He says, Valentin isn’t going to take this lying down, which means he has to act fast while Valentin is still recovering from the pain of realizing Bailey isn’t his daughter. Olivia looks at him, and he says, just say it. Tell him that he’s a jerk for even thinking about this when they just learned Drew is still alive, and Jason probably isn’t. She says she’s going to shock him, and not going to say any of that. She thinks where Valentin is involved, staying ahead of the situation is absolutely the right move.

Chase finds Brook outside, and asks, what’s going on? She was taking care of Bailey one minute, and then just bounced. She says she’s just overwhelmed, trying to process everything they just learned. Everything Drew told them, the miracle he’s alive, the fact that Jason isn’t. Plus, all their personal drama, and the fact that her dad is disappointed in her again, but the sacrifices they’re making for Bailey will be worth it in the end. They have to, because not everyone is so lucky. Not everyone is going home to their loved ones tonight.

Britt walks onto the footbridge, and tells Carly, sorry. She didn’t expect to find Carly there. She actually didn’t think anyone would be there. She just thought she could… She doesn’t know what she thought she could do here. Carly says she does.

On the phone, Sonny says, Cyrus! Realizing Cyrus is no longer there, he throws the phone, and says, you want a war, you bastard, I’ll give you a war.

Drew says Monica wasn’t kidding about Annabelle. She’s so big, she’s going to need a wing of her own. I laugh, because at first, I think he’s talking about a turkey wing, and I figure she’d already had a couple of them. Monica says, actually, she agrees with him. It took her a long time, but she’s finally fallen in love with that dog. He says, she never left Oscar’s side when he was sick, and Monica says, she laid on his bed for weeks after he was gone. Has Drew seen Sam or Scout? He must be anxious to get back to his old life.

Sam leads Dante to the bedroom, and they get busy. I’m not sure how they can concentrate with that loud music playing.

Drew tells Monica that he tried to concentrate on his life here to give him strength. Mostly Scout. Thinking about her got him through those brutal two years, but he can’t charge back into his life in Port Charles, and expect someone as young as Scout to welcome him with open arms. She says, a lot can change in two years, and he says, exactly his point. He doesn’t even know what a return to his life in Port Charles means. When he left, he was still trying to piece together his identity, and find where his place was in the world. She says, let her help him out. His place is here with his family.

Alexis comes out of her house to find Valentin on her porch. She says she thought she heard him talking out there, and he says, he was hoping her invitation to join the orphan Thanksgiving still stands. She asks why he’s not at the Quartermaines having pizza, and he says, change of plans. Charlotte’s with friends this year, and he’s second guessing his choice to be alone. She asks if there’s anything he wants to talk about before they go inside, but he says, no, and she says, let’s go. They go in, and she says, hey, everybody, make room for one more. Spencer asks what the hell Valentin is doing here.

Sonny tells Spinelli, Renault is in prison, and somehow got ahold of a burner phone. Spinelli says, Cyrus called Sonny from prison? On Thanksgiving? How distressing. Sonny says he needs Spinelli to figure out what’s going on, and Spinelli asks why Cyrus called. Sonny says, he probably heard about Jason, and called to taunt him. Spinelli says, heard about Jason? Is he back from Greece? Sonny says, Spinelli doesn’t know? and Spinelli says, know what exactly?

Carly says, she’s surprised Britt even knows about this place, and Britt says, when she and Jason were on the run, they had a lot of downtime. Carly asks if she knew the original bridge was torn down. It wasn’t safe, so Jason made an anonymous donation, and they built this bridge in its place. Britt says she didn’t know that part, but knowing this place had such significance to Jason, she thought she’d feel closer to him if she came here. She cries, and says she imagines Carly had the same idea. Carly says, long before the wedding they just had, long before Jax, even before she met Sonny, Jason was her other half, strange as that may sound. Britt says she knows. When she and Jason were in the lighthouse, he talked a lot about Carly. She laughs and says, well, a lot for Jason. She knows how much they meant to each other. She gets why Carly is there. Does she want Britt to go?

Brook says she knows what this is doing to Maxie, to Valentin, to everyone. How devastated Charlotte’s going to be when she finds out Bailey really isn’t her baby sister, not to mention what this is doing to Bailey. She’s bonding with the wrong woman as her mother. He says, what about her? Isn’t she hurting? She says, her part in this is basically telling some lies, a skill she acquired at a young age, and has nearly perfected. She’s taking care of Bailey, which surprisingly, she’s good at. He says, see? That’s his point. Valentin, Maxie, Charlotte, they’re sad right now, but one day, when this secret comes out, and Bailey goes back to Maxie, Brook is going to be the one who’s suffering. Has she thought about that? She says, fine. It’s going to hurt everyone, but after the information they just learned, that Peter is responsible for Jason’s death, that he kept Drew prisoner for over two years, it proves they’re doing the right thing keeping Bailey safe from Peter. They made the right decision. He says, now that Peter is in custody with the WSB, they won’t have to keep up this pretense much longer. He takes her hand, and she says, from his lips. Mac walks up, and Chase asks what he’s doing here. Mac says he’s sorry to bother the family on a holiday, but he needs to ask Chase some questions about Valentin.

Alexis reminds Spencer that it’s her house, and she likes Valentin. She knows Spencer doesn’t like him and they haven’t gotten along in a while, and Spencer says, the man tried to kill him when he was a child. Shawn guesses he missed a lot while he was away, and Valentin tells Spencer, that’s the way his father framed an event from his childhood. Alexis says, all right. It’s Thanksgiving, a day to be grateful, so if the two of them could put away their dueling resentments for a few hours, she’d be grateful. Spencer says, he’ll always be grateful, but in 2021, they finally learned the truth; that Valentin is Helena’s bastard child and has zero claim to anything Cassadine. Alexis tells him, that’s not being grateful, and Spencer says, Valentin shouldn’t even be able to use the last name Cassadine. The doorbell rings, and Alexis wonders, what fresh hell is this? and opens the door. Nikolas says, happy Thanksgiving, and Ava says, they brought pie… Is this a bad time? Alexis says, they have no idea. Nikolas says, they wanted to make sure she wasn’t alone tonight, and Ava says, that’s why they brought pie; pumpkin and pecan. Alexis says, that’s very generous, but as they can see, she’s far from alone. She opens the door, and they walk in. Ava says, happy Thanksgiving, everyone, and Nikolas says, maybe a quiet Thanksgiving at Windymere would be better. Spencer says, good idea, but Esme says, come on. It’s a holiday. This is his chance to show he’s the bigger man. Shawn says Alexis promised him that his Thanksgiving wouldn’t be boring. She sure delivered on that.

Ned says, Olivia thinks this is a good idea? Getting ahead of Valentin? She knows that’s equivalent to declaring war with him, right? She says, what his daughter did to Valentin, it hurt. He’s going to be mad and want revenge, and when the dust settles, of course (🍷) he’s going to try and undermine Drew’s shares of the Quartermaine stock. Ned says, he means this as a compliment; how very Quartermaine of her. She says, you can take the girl out of Brooklyn… he knows how the saying goes. She knows she can be reactionary, but over the past year, she’s slowly, but surely, come to realize Ned’s head is back on his shoulders again. She feels she can trust his intentions, not just with Leo, but with the family. He asks if that includes the two of them. Before they butted heads about Leo, he thought they were on their way to reconciliation. Where does that leave them now?

Drew says Monica has always been so incredibly kind to him, more than he deserves, especially considering the mess and trauma his arrival caused. She says, this family thrives on strife and drama. He wouldn’t be a Quartermaine if he wasn’t stirring things up. He says he sees she redecorated, and she says she thought it was time for a change. Does he like it? He says he likes it a lot, but he misses the family photos on the mantel. She says, her too. It was hard putting those away, but it was just always a reminder of everyone they’ve lost, and now Jason’s gone. She tears up, and he hugs her. She says, but sometimes it takes a new perspective to see things, or really see them. Willow came to her, and asked if she could put some pictures Wiley had drawn on the fridge. All of a sudden, she had this sense of family again. Soon there will be drawings Bailey did next to Wiley’s. They’ll never forget the ones they’ve lost, but they’ve got to find a way to move on with their lives. He says, somehow we do.

Basking in the afterglow, Dante says, that was… Sam says, a long time coming, and he says, that’s one way to put it, kissing her again. He says, it felt like the right thing to do, and she says, this big step had to be about the two of them first. Dante’s phone rings, and he says, it’s probably his mom, worrying why they flaked. They should make their families wait until tomorrow. Unless of course (🍷) she thinks he should take off tonight.

Ava tells Alexis that she’s sorry. She thought she was encouraging Nikolas to do a good thing. Alexis says, she’s not sure Nikolas can do a good thing anymore, even with an instruction manual. Ava says she doesn’t want to fight. She just came to check on Alexis, and see how she was doing. She’s sure Alexis remembers the significance of this day, other than it being a holiday. It’s been a year since they last saw Julian before he… Alexis says she must have blocked that anniversary. As Ava knows, things did not end well with her and Julian. Having said that, she knows he’s Ava’s brother and she misses him, and she’s sorry Ava is in pain. Ava thanks her, and Alexis says, now if Ava will excuse her, she’s going to try and make at least one person smile instead of cry before this dreadful holiday is over. The doorbell rings, and Alexis says, who could this be? Satan? She opens the door, and Victor says, hello, Natasha.

Alexis says, he’s… He says, late for dinner? He supposes he is. Is this any way to great a member of her family? She lets him in, and Spencer says, Uncle Victor, you’re alive, and hugs him. Victor says Spencer is all grown up. Quite a chip off the old block. Nikolas says, sorry. He should have warned them. Alexis says, he knew Victor was alive and didn’t say anything? How long has he known?

Spinelli tells Sonny, they just need to access the appropriate technology, a scan that can measure body temperature, and prove there are signs of life. They need to notify the Greek authorities. Sonny says, they did that already; there’s no sign of life. Even though they haven’t found a body, it doesn’t look good. They have to prepare themselves for the worst case scenario. Spinelli says, Sonny finally found his way home, and so did Drew, only for them to lose Jason. Sonny says, Jason knew the risk going to Greece. In this business, they’re provided with a great life, but it also turns them into people who take action. It’s always a risk. They can’t always take for granted  that they’re going to beat the odds and come home. Jason knew that. Spinelli says, Jason was never concerned about risk; he embraced it, but he truly never thought it would catch up with him. He cries, and Sonny hugs him.

Carly says, the footbridge is a public place. It’s not for her say whether Britt can use it or not. Britt asks if she should join Carly, and Carly says, she knows how important Britt was to Jason, and he was to her. Britt says, the last time they talked, Carly said she wished Jason had never met her, meaning he’d still be alive if their paths had never crossed. Carly tells Britt, she shouldn’t have said that; she’s sorry. I fall out of my chair in shock. Britt says, don’t be. She feels the same way. So whatever Carly feels about her, know that right now, she hates herself too.

Brook tells Mac, let her guess. Valentin is filing charges against her for fraud or something? Mac asks why she’d say that, and she says, no reason. She probably shouldn’t have had that second glass of wine with dinner. Chase asks what Mac is doing here. It’s Thanksgiving; he should be home. Mac says, he’d like to be, but when the PCPD has a formal complaint lodged against the department, he has to pay attention. He doesn’t know the whole story, but Valentin is saying one of his detectives assaulted him over a personal matter. Brook says, that’s ridiculous; Chase was just standing up for her. Mac says, there will be a time and place for Brook to give her version of things, but this is a serious matter, which is why he’s not with his family on this holiday. He needs to speak to Chase in private.

Alexis says, Nikolas knew Victor was alive, and didn’t think to tell her about it? Nikolas says, neither she nor Spencer were speaking to him, and he expected Victor to remain in prison. Spencer says Nikolas warned him away from Victor, but as they know, his word is good for nothing. He always thought Victor was a good man. Victor thanks him, and says, that means a lot. He’s sure they’re wondering why he’s here. He went to Windymere, but it was empty, so he came here, looking for the family he has left. He asks Alexis where her daughters are; he was hoping for a proper family reunion. She says, they had other plans, fortunately, and Victor looks at Valentin, saying, all is not lost. He had no idea Valentin and Natasha had gotten close enough to spend a holiday together. Alexis says she didn’t know Victor and Valentin were so close, but Valentin says, they’re not close. Victor is his father.

Olivia tells Ned, it’s a lot to unpack, but it’s different this time. Ned asks, why? and she says, this time she has hope. Over the course of the last year, there were a lot of times she didn’t have any. She thinks it’s a good sign. Is that enough for now? He says, it’s worth everything to him, and she says, one thing she does know is that she wants him in Leo’s life. Julian’s been gone a year, but even when he was alive, Ned was the most fatherly figure in Leo’s life. Despite what’s gone on between them, she regrets they didn’t make it official last year. He says, him too, and they hug. Monica comes in with Drew, and says she didn’t mean to interrupt, but Olivia tells Drew, if he’s hungry, he’d better jump on some leftover pizza; it goes quick. Monica says she’s right. If he wants to hit the pizza, go now before everyone starts on round two. She’ll have the staff get a room ready for him. He says, that’s not necessary, but she says, he needs them as much as they need him, and Ned says she’s right. They have a lot to catch up on.

Sam asks if Dante is going to just cut and run on her, but he says he’s not going anywhere. He didn’t want to be presumptuous. Rocco is spending the night, but if he’s there for breakfast, there are going to be a lot of awkward questions. Sam suggests they set an alarm extra early, and he can sneak out before the kids wake up… He asks where she went, and she tells him, she was going to say she wanted him to stay because she didn’t want be alone tonight, but that’s not true. She doesn’t want him to stay because she’s lonely. She wants him to stay because she wants to be with him. He says, that’s good. He wants to be with her too. So it’s settled then; he’ll stay.

Alexis tells Valentin, they knew Mikkos wasn’t his father. They also knew Helena had an affair with an unknown man. Victor says, that would be him, and Alexis says, eww. Him and Helena? Victor says he knows Alexis had issues with Helena. Of course (🍷) she did, Helena killed her mother, but he saw a different side to her. Valentin says, so if anyone needs it spelled out, that makes him 100% Cassadine bastard. He told Nikolas that he’d be eating his words. Spencer says, Nikolas knew about this? and Nikolas says, he knew Victor was alive, but had no idea he was Valentin’s father. Have they had DNA tests? Victor says, not yet, but he’s willing to, and Valentin says, as is he. And if it turns out to be true, the silver lining is he and Alexis are blood family. Spencer says he doesn’t believe his Uncle Victor would have a son like Valentin, and Nikolas says, he’s no fan of Valentin’s, but he thinks Spencer is putting Victor up too high. Spencer says he didn’t ask for Nikolas’s opinion, and Ava tells Nikolas that she thinks they should go. Nikolas says, good idea, and Valentin thinks he’ll go too, but Alexis says, no one is leaving until every dish is done. Nikolas says, he’ll stay if his son wants him too, and Spencer says, fine by him if Nikolas stays; he and Esme will go. Nikolas asks if everything has to be a grand gesture, and Spencer says, like Nikolas throwing him out of the house and saying Spencer is nothing to him? Talk about grand gestures, how about dressing up like a stalker and stabbing him? There’s no gesture there? Victor does a two-finger whistle, and says, he recognizes that blood feuds are something of a Cassadine tradition, but speaking as the patriarch of the family, that’s going to change starting today.

Chase goes back inside the mansion, and Brook says she’s gotten him into trouble with his boss, hasn’t she? How bad is it? He says, Mac suspended him from the force for six months.

Drew says, when Monica puts it like that, how can he say no? He thanks her, and she says he’s welcome, leaving to talk to the staff. Olivia goes to check on Leo, and Ned says, it’s his turn to welcome Drew back. It’s nothing short of a miracle, and one this family needs right now. They hug, and Ned says, at the risk of sounding mercenary, he wants to warn Drew that his return created complications with ELQ. Sorting it out is going to put a target on Drew for Valentin.  

Victor says, now that he has their attention, the Cassadines have been plagued for far too long with infighting and family members stabbing each other in the back. Spencer says, sometimes they stab you in the chest, and Victor says, his point exactly. Can’t they imagine how much stronger this family would be together? Alexis says, he’s been dead a long time; he’s missed a lot. There’s a lot of bad blood going on between them, especially in the last three months. He’s not going to be the one to patch the family together. Frankly, she doesn’t think anyone can. Victor says, he hopes for all their sakes, that’s not the case. There will always be threats to this family lurking in the shadows. He just hopes and prays they come to realize this family is a lot stronger with a united front, before those threats step into the light.

Sam looks out window. Dante realizes she’s not next to him in bed, and gets up. He puts his arms around her from behind.

Spinelli tells Sonny that he thinks he should be going home now. He’ll get right to tracing the call. Georgie is getting dropped off in the morning. Sonny says Spinelli can stay there tonight; Josslyn and Carly wouldn’t mind. Spinelli thanks him for his kind offer, but thinks he needs to sit with the news, so he can get in a better headspace for Georgie in the morning. Sonny says, they’re just a phone call away, and Spinelli thanks him. He starts to leave, but says, at the risk of speaking out of turn, he knows things were complicated between Jason, Sonny, and Carly after the negated wedding, and he’s glad things got sorted before… before they lost him. He leaves.

Carly tells Britt, she knows what Jason would want her to say. He’d want her to tell Britt that she doesn’t blame her. That was one of the many roles Jason played in her life. He had the ability to talk her down. With him gone, those generous thoughts don’t come natural. They’re drowned out by loss, and knowing Jason is gone and he’s not coming back. Britt says she understands that feeling, and Carly says she doesn’t want Britt to go. Britt walks to Carly, and puts her arm around her. They stand shoulder to shoulder.

Tomorrow, Olivia asks Dante if things are getting serious with Sam; Valentin tells Anna, if he hurts, Brook is going to hurt too; Carly asks what Sonny is going to do about it; and Brando says he has to prepare Sasha first.

Real Housewives of Orange County

Heather aka Fancy Pants is back, and we heard a whole lot about her house, and how fabulous her life is. And we heard aaalll about the kids. We heard about it for so long, I started wondering where everyone else was. Heather’s life is so important, we didn’t even get opening taglines. Gina and Emily also made it back this season, and Emily said they were best friends again. She thought their friendship had been off because they were at low points in their lives. Now Gina was happy and healthy and it was all good. Gina talked about Matt’s court case being delayed because of covid, and how their relationship got better by the time she had to give a victim impact statement. It was tough seeing him plead guilty. She was still seeing Travis though, so it wasn’t like they were getting back together.

I guess Shannon is the OG of the group now, and we had to hear about her kids. She said the kids growing up was a lot to handle sometimes. She was still the same hypochondriac, but somehow, John was still hanging in strong with her. Heather met with new Housewife and friend Nicole for a hike, and talked some more about her kids. We saw an actual roadrunner run across the road, so there was that. It did not, however, make a beep-beep sound. Heather told Nicole that Shannon had been texting her about past good times, and we flashed back to some past volatile times. Heather thought maybe it was like childbirth, and Shannon was only remembering the good parts, but thought everyone deserved another chance.

Emily had some work done, and brought Gina to new Housewife and aestheticist Dr. Jen. Gina said Dr. Jen was the whole package; educated, working full-time, and a mom, and she was doing it all in stilettos. Since Jen later said she’d die without her nanny, maybe she isn’t quite the whole package Gina thinks. Heather met with Nobu manager John about catering an upcoming. In her interview, she said, to her, a party was a theatrical experience, a complete immersion into fabulousness. We flashed back to some of those immersions, including the cake bow incident a skabillion years ago. (See below for the full story.) Shannon met Emily and Gina for lunch, and Emily said they were the new Tres Amigas. Shannon said she was looking at them in a new light, and Emily said they’d grown on her like barnacles. Shannon said Heather had told her about a friend named Nicole, and she thought she knew Nicole from their kids going to pre-school together. She’d dated Kid Rock. After meeting with John, Heather met Nicole and the final new Housewife Noella.

In Jen’s interview, I had to hear about a stranger’s kids, and husband Ryne who deals in high-end vacation rentals and catering. He gets a thumbs up from me because of the way he was cradling their Chihuahua, and the way the Chi looked up at him so lovingly. Shannon told Gina and Emily that she was hoping Nicole wasn’t the person she thought, since she’d sued Heather’s husband Terry. Why Heather wouldn’t know this, I’m not sure, but Shannon made them swear they wouldn’t say anything. I don’t know why any of these women would expect another to adhere to that promise, given past experience. It’s Season 16, and it hasn’t happened once.

Heather met Shannon and Gina for lunch, and then gave them a tour of her house, which was basically as big as a small city. When Heather was out of earshot, Gina asked if Shannon was cool, since she’d once had a house like that in the same area. In Shannon’s interview, she said the house she and David built had both good and bad memories, and we flashed back on those. She said it was triggering her, but it felt like a lifetime ago. She looked like she wanted to escape when Heather showed off her hot towel drawers, in a bathroom bigger than my entire first floor. Noella went to Nicole’s for lunch, and talked about how life didn’t suck being married to ambulance chaser attorney Sweet James. Sweet James? Really?

The women headed to Heather’s party, Shannon making Emily and Gina swear again that they wouldn’t say anything about Nicole. In Emily’s interview, she said it was typical Shannon behavior, causing trouble on the downlow. Then, if it came up later, she played the innocent victim. Gina didn’t understand Shannon’s endgame. Does anyone? Does Shannon even understand it?

Shannon thought she’d met Jen before, but it had been at a party, so the memory was fuzzy. We saw beautiful people in Heather’s beautiful house eating beautiful food and drinking beautiful drinks. In Gina’s interview, she said she thought it was the right thing to do to tell Heather about Nicole. She didn’t think she was capable of pretending it was okay. Then Nicole arrived. We saw flashes of Gina telling Emily that it was a disaster, and Heather kicking everyone out.   

Then, to be continued…

This season, horse races, fabulous vacations, and other rich people things no one in this cast deserves; lots of fights; Shannon is jealous of Gina’s friendship with Heather; Terry wonders if Shannon is harboring ill will from the past; and Noella says her life is falling apart.

👯‍♀️ New Girls…

The newest Housewives in the OC. Plus one who was demoted early on.

https://people.com/tv/rhoc-newcomers-shake-things-up-in-season-16-trailer-exclusive/

https://screenrant.com/housewives-orange-county-new-cast-season-16-facts/

https://meaww.com/who-nicole-james-rhoc-16-heather-dubrow-friend-terry-surgery-botched-demoted-dated-kid-rock

🎀 The Bow Incident…

I don’t remember much about this woman, but I sure remember the fuss Heather kicked up. She must have said, she ate my bow, ten thousand times.

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/tbt-sarah-eats-the-bow-on-heathers-cake

🏂 Sliding Out Of This Page Like…

See you tomorrow for some soap and faux fur on the Runway. Until then, stay safe, stay being a queen, but not a drag, and stay not letting generous thoughts get drowned out by loss.

Dec1

November 30, 2021 – Drew Comes Home To Monica, Brock’s Mad Max Birthday Pool Party & Back Again

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Monica sees someone holding pizza boxes through the front window, and says, look at that. She didn’t even have to order this year; they just knew to deliver the pizza. She opens the door, and Drew is there. He says he rolled the dice, and brought some with him. Olivia and Ned come out, and Olivia says, thank God; she’s famished. Brook and Chase come downstairs, and Brook says, pizza’s here. Ned says, Drew? and Drew says, at least someone in the family still recognizes him. He’s… Monica says, home, and hugs him.

Dante tells Sam that Danny and Scout are asleep, and he put Rocco in the spare room. He didn’t say anything about Jason, but he thinks they know something is going on. Sam says, because they didn’t go to the Quartermaines? and Dante says, yeah. He thought Danny figured the dinner was just going to be ruined as usual. He said he was looking forward to having some pizza. She says she ordered turkey burgers, and throws her glass against the wall, smashing it.

At the hospital, Obrecht is yelling in her sleep, when Britt comes in and wakes her up. She tells Obrecht that she was having a nightmare, and Obrecht says she was back in the tunnel. Has Britt had any nightmares? Britt says she’s good. She’s more worried about Obrecht. Why didn’t she say she was lightheaded after the tunnel collapsed? She was running around, taking care of Britt, when she knew she was injured herself. Obrecht says Britt was more important. They haven’t really talked since leaving that cursed island. Britt says Obrecht needs rest, not visitors. She just popped in to see how Obrecht was doing. Go back to sleep; no more nightmares. Obrecht says she hopes none for Britt as well.

Carly weeps at the patio table, and flashes back on Jason saying goodbye before he left for Greece. Sonny comes out, and holds her as she cries. I have zero sympathy.

In her office, Britt tries to go through messages on the computer, and has them forwarded to Terry. She writes, dear staff, please send all of your requests to Dr. Terry Randolph, as at the moment, I am a total mess and completely incapable of making any decisions. She grabs a tissue to wipe her tears, when Austin comes in. He says, she was just on the tenth floor, and now she’s here. How did she do that? She asks what he wants, and he says, he guesses he wants to know what’s wrong, and if there’s anything he can do to help.

Monica says she still can’t believe it wasn’t a plane crash; that Drew was abducted by Peter August. Ned says, and fought for two years to come home. If Drew hadn’t managed to get ahold of that guard’s cellphone, and called Sam… Olivia says, he could still be in that hellhole. Brook wonders why Sam wouldn’t have told them he called, but Drew asks them not to blame Sam. She just did it to protect all of them until she knew for sure he was alive. Believe him, there were many days when even he didn’t know if he was going to make it back. Monica wishes Jason could be there to share the Thanksgiving pizza, but he’s got to be with this children. Drew looks down, and she asks if there’s something he’s not saying? Drew says, what his rescue cost this family.

Sam asks if she woke the kids, but Dante says, they’re fast asleep. Sam says, thank God for small favors, and starts to clean up the mess, but Dante takes the dustpan from her. He tells to her to go sit, stare into space, eat, cry, do whatever she feels she needs to do, to feel better. Throw another glass. She says she thinks she got throwing glasses out of her system, and Dante starts cleaning up. She says she had such tunnel vision when she was talking to Drew. All she wanted was for Scout’s father to come home to her. Never in a million years did she think it would come at the cost of Jason losing his life. Now Scout’s father is alive, and Danny’s father is dead. Is it some kind of cosmic joke or something? He says, if it is, it’s a pretty awful one, and she says she has to tell her son that his father is gone. Is Danny going to hate Scout because her father lived and his died? He says, no, and leads her to the couch to sit. He says, Danny isn’t going to waste his energy on hate. He’s got this amazing mother; so does Scout. She’s going to love them so much, and teach them there’s no room in their lives for hate.

Carly asks what Sonny’s connections in Greece said, and he says, they confirmed Anna’s story that the tunnel under the house collapsed. Everybody got out but Jason, and they still haven’t found the body. She says, that means Jason could still be alive, but he says, the equipment didn’t pick up a heartbeat in the tunnel. So they’re going to stop the rescue operation, and Jason’s dead. She says, no. They told her the same thing about Sonny, and it turned out not to be true. He says he wants to believe Jason’s still out there too. He was dead before and came back to them. She says he did, and he asks if she’s just trying to give herself hope. She says, after that bridge collapsed, she could hear him calling to her; she could feel he was still alive. He says, she was the lady in white that he needed to see, and she says, that’s because they’re connected. They have a connection; she can feel him. It was everyone else who told her that he was gone. Everyone kept saying it. He asks if she’s saying the same thing about Jason. Is she saying there’s hope? She says, that’s what she wants to believe.

Obrecht hears the door open, and says, if it’s Britt again, there’s nothing wrong with her that sleeping in her own bed won’t fix. Scotty comes over to the bed, and says, what about the guy who loves her? Welcome back, my schnitzel. He sits on the bed, and they kiss.

Britt tells Austin, walk back out the door, and pretend she wasn’t here. And if he tells anyone what he saw, she’ll have him fired. He says her secret is safe with him, but the next time she wants to have herself a good cry – he closes the door – maybe she wants to shut the door. She says, thanks for the unwanted advice, and he wonders if he should take a guess as to what some of these larger emotions are about, but she says, no. He says, it’s Thanksgiving, and no one’s invited her to dinner, and so she’s sitting there feeling sorry for herself. Join the club. He sits down, and she asks, what’s going on with him? Couldn’t make it on the ELQ board? Unable to honor his late lamented father? Boo-hoo-hoo. He says, sticks and stones. It’s been a very challenging couple of days, to be honest. The Quartermaines stuck a knife in his back, and then they twisted it, and then they invited him to Thanksgiving dinner. She says, oh horror, and he says, and in the middle of this, he might have screwed up the only friendship he has in this terrible town. She asks if he’s referring to Maxie. What happened? Does he want her to talk to Maxie? He says, no; thank you though. He’ll figure it out and make amends. What’s going on? Why is she sitting there crying instead of splitting a wishbone with someone? She says, the first person she’s cared to split a wishbone with in a long time is gone, and he died saving her life.

Drew says, the first months at the compound, when he finally had some contact with the other prisoners, there was a very nice young woman, a nurse who was abducted in the middle of her life, and Liesl Obrecht. Brook says, Scotty was shouting from the rooftops that Obrecht was missing, and Drew says, Britt convinced Jason to help her find her mother, and that search led them to Cassadine Island. Monica says, that’s probably why she hasn’t heard from Jason in a while. He probably didn’t want to raise her hopes up about Drew being alive. Drew says, Jason and Britt did everything they possibly could to get him home, but… in the process, Jason… Jason… She says, he’s gone, isn’t he? Jason’s gone.

Carly tells Sonny, it would be crazy to give up hope that Jason’s alive. She’s known Jason since practically the moment he became Jason. Even before she knew Sonny. So she can’t give up hope. Jason is the most important person to them. Josslyn comes in, apologizing for being late. She sees Carly’s face, and says, okay, who died?… Oh my God. Who died? Carly says they need to talk to her.

Monica cries, and Drew says he’s so very sorry. There was nothing left of the last place he saw Jason. It was just a pile of rocks and beams. They had crews on site within the hour, and they had their scanning equipment there. They couldn’t pick up a heartbeat. Jason died bringing him back home to her, but he promises, if he’d known what his freedom was going to cost, he wouldn’t have taken the deal. She tells him, don’t ever say anything like that again. He and Jason are both her sons in every way that matters, and one doesn’t count more than the other.

Monica remembers how happy Jason was, dancing at his reception. He and Carly were having a wonderful time, and he was even socializing. Olivia says she was really impressed by that, and Monica says, she thinks he would have stayed for the whole thing if she hadn’t told them to slip away and go start lives together. Then he told her they would. She cries again, and Olivia says, Carly… and Sonny, it’s just going to kill them. Jason was just like a brother to Sonny, and Carly and Jason… Monica says, Carly and Jason said it was a business arrangement, but you saw the two of them together, and knew it was more than that.

Josslyn says, but it’s Jason; he must have survived. Just like Sonny did. Carly says, he was buried under rock when the tunnel collapsed; there were witnesses. Josslyn cries, and asks if they’ve told Michael, but Carly says they want to tell him in person like they did her. Sonny says, there’s a media blackout for the next 24 hours, so anyone close to Jason will have privacy, and not to give Peter August the publicity he’s craving. Carly says, Michael, Willow, and Wiley will be back tomorrow; they’ll tell them then. Josslyn says she can’t believe this is happening, not to Jason. Carly holds her as she cries.

Sam thanks Dante for saying there’s enough room in her kids’ life for love, and he says, that’s true. She’s an incredible mother. Don’t let anyone tell her otherwise. She says, despite her family being dysfunctional. She’s talking about the family she grew up with, not the family she has now, which in their own right, are equally dysfunctional. He says, despite her family dysfunction, she turned out to be an incredible person, and she tells him, says the guy who’s not so objective. He says he knows she put her kids before Jason when she showed Jason the door, and she says, it’s because Jason wouldn’t cut ties with Sonny. She understood that, and also understood that there would always be a threat that Jason would be arrested again, or in the middle with one of Sonny’s very violent rivals, and she had to do what was best for her kids to keep them out of harm’s way. Dante says, that was a good move, and she says, they both know Jason is the kind of person who will put his life first to save someone else, but she needed someone in her family who would think twice before doing something like that. He says, good for her, and she says, in the end, she knew this was how it was going to go for Jason. To be honest, if they were still together, there’s no way she would be able to recover.

Monica says, she remembers the first day Jason ever became her son. Scotty, of all people, was his guardian at the time, and they went to the gatehouse to check on him, and he was the most beautiful baby. The minute she took him in her arms, he stole her heart. Brook says, occasionally, she would see him dropping Danny off, or playing with Leo, or stopping by to talk to Monica or Michael, and Ned says, Michael. Do they tell him? Monica says, no. Let’s let Michael and Willow have a good time with Wiley. Besides, she thinks Carly would want to be the one to tell him. She’s not going to have any new memories of Jason; just remember the conversations they had. The good part is, every time they were together, she told him that she loved him. Drew says, all his memories of Jason are so full of anger and resentment. Now that they started to finally connect as brothers, he’s gone. Monica sighs, officially taking over from Jason in that department.

Austin digs in his pockets, and Britt asks what he’s looking for. He says, like a kewpie doll, or a beta fish, some kind of little prize for the saddest Thanksgiving story. Sorry. That’s inappropriate. He makes jokes that aren’t always funny. It’s a default coping mechanism. She says, same here. It hasn’t always won her a ton of friends, but she prefers his morbid humor over tearful hugs any day. He asks who it was, and she says, Jason Morgan. She’s sorry; Austin is sort of family, isn’t he? He says, cousins, half-cousins, or something like that. He’s not sure. He never really got to know the guy. They had a conversation at the gym one time, and he was Maxie’s plus one at Jason’s wedding… Now it’s his turn to apologize. Sorry. He’s a little confused. He got the sense something was going on between Britt and Jason, then Jason up and married Carly. She says, she thought she and Jason had something special. They did actually, but he married Carly, and she’s still struggling to understand why. He says, if that’s the only thing she’s struggling to understand, she’s way ahead of him, and she says she just never thought Jason would die before her. He asks how she figured that out?

Scotty says, he can’t believe he was chucked out of a plane, and Obrecht says, and she was taken to Greece. He says, and all the other calamities that would have killed the average Joe. She says, he survived, and he says, so did she. She says, love conquers all, so they say, and he tells her, he didn’t used to believe that, but he thinks it’s true. She says, keep talking like that, and she’ll demand to be released from this bed to spend time in his. He says, why make that journey? and pulls off his jacket, climbing into bed with her.    

Britt tells Austin, she doesn’t know what she means; her brain’s a muddled mess. He says, Jason was a hitman for the mob, and she says, alleged hitman. He says, you have to figure, given Jason’s career choices and line of work, he’d be the first one to go. This is inappropriate again; he’s sorry. She tells him, don’t apologize. She appreciates honesty over platitudes. The thing is, Jason’s body hasn’t been recovered yet, but she knows he’s gone. Austin says, she’s a doctor who’s worked in trauma; she knows. And they both know every life counts. It doesn’t matter how much you hope. She says she’s not a particularly hopeful person, but there’s no wishing away several tons of rock. He says he’s going home, and going to order a turkey burger and sweet potato fries. Does she like football? She’s welcome to join him. He’s going to stream all the games. She thanks him, but says, there’s something she has to go to, and leaves.

Drew tells Ned, Peter had them chained up in a wine cellar; they were literally chained to the wall. Ironically, those were the best conversations he and Jason had. Mostly they were talking about how they were going to bring down Peter, but they also just talked. He told Jason about playing football in high school, and Jason told him about the time he rode a motorcycle into the house. Ned says he remembers that; grandfather was furious. Drew says, they were just starting to know each other and trust each other. When Peter activated his conditioning, Jason was the one who brought him out of it. They were just starting to team up; be the brothers they were meant to be. Ned says, that is something to be grateful for, and Drew says, he spent so much time resenting Jason, until Cassadine Island, until he was able to respect Jason wholeheartedly. Now he has no future with Jason at all. Jason is gone, just as they were starting to connect as brothers and as friends.

Josslyn says, sorry for crying all over Carly’s blouse, but Carly says Josslyn can cry on her anytime. Sonny asks if she wants something to eat, but Josslyn says, no. She thinks she’ll just go upstairs. She tells them that she loves them both, and Carly says, they love her too. Josslyn leaves, and Sonny says he forgot how important Jason was to all of them. Carly kisses his forehead, and he asks if she’s going to be all right. She says, yeah, and he says, he’s going upstairs and reading Donna a bedtime story. Carly tells him to give Donna a kiss for her.

Dante tells Sam not to underestimate herself. She’s strong and resilient, and would have survived; no problem. Sam tells him, don’t say that to make her feel better, and he asks if he’s ever said anything to make her feel better. She says, that’s true, and he says, it seems she has a lot of thoughts she needs to work through, and she says she has so many thoughts racing in her head, she can’t grab ahold of just one. He says he’ll leave her to it, and she asks where he’s going. He says he figured she wanted to wrestle through those thoughts in private, and asks if he can leave Rocco there and pick him up in the morning. He’ll stop at the Quartermaines and tell them she said hello. She says, no. Stay. Please. She wants him to stay.

Sonny comes back to the kitchen, saying, Donna fell asleep before… The kitchen is empty, and he puts his head in his hands, mourning the loss of Jason, and the moss bowl 🎍.

Monica says, if the deaths of those they love have taught them anything, it’s to appreciate the family they have. They’re going to be grieving a long time, but she thinks today, a day of giving thanks, she’d like to focus on the gratitude she feels for the son coming home. To Drew. They toast to Drew, and Drew says, to Jason.

Dante asks if Sam is sure she wants him to stay, and she says, if he wants to go, he can, but he says, he doesn’t want to. He just wanted to give her space. She says, there’s enough space to include him, and he tells her, that’s the nicest thing anyone’s said to him in a long time. She says, they’ve bene through hell and back. There’s no other shoulder she’d rather cry on than his. He says, his shoulder will always be there for her.

Brook says she’s going to check on Bailey, and Ned says, maybe Chase would like to see the daughter he only just learned is his. She says, of course (🍷); he can feed her. Chase says, he’d love to, and they go upstairs. Drew says, the family has gotten bigger since he left, and Monica says, it’s a refreshing change of pace. Olivia says she can’t believe Drew is alive and home safe. How did Robert and Anna figure out Peter was hiding on Cassadine Island? Drew says he doesn’t know the details, just that Valentin was very helpful. Ned asks if Valentin knows Drew is back.

Sonny leaves Carly a voicemail, saying, he knows she needs to clear her head, but just call so he knows she’s okay.

Carly goes to the footbridge.

Sonny gets a call from and unknown number. When he answers, Cyrus says, hello, Sonny.

Dante kisses Sam, and says he’s sorry if he overstepped, but she says, he didn’t. She wants this too. We see the fireplace, and I assume they get busy.

Drew says, Anna told him something about Valentin helping her and Robert find their way off Cassadine Island, so he’s assuming she told Valentin he’s alive and back home. Why did Ned ask? Ned says, just curious, and Drew asks, what was the disaster that ruined Thanksgiving this year? Monica says, Annabelle II got to the turkey before them, and Drew says, of course (🍷). She knew there was a tradition to uphold. Monica says, Annabelle is going to be over the moon to see Drew, and they go to look for her. My guess is, she’s working on the pumpkin pie. Olivia tells Ned, stop. What is he planning? She knows that look. Ned… Ned says, it’s about ELQ, but he doesn’t want her to get the wrong impression. He’s not backsliding, and he’s not prioritizing business over family. She says, his face lit up like a firecracker the minute Drew mentioned Valentin’s name. The war isn’t over yet, is it?

Austin knocks on Obrecht’s room door, and says, he doesn’t mean to disturb her. He opens the door, and says, sorry. Obrecht and Scotty pop up from under the covers, and say, get out, at the same time. Austin says, so sorry, and leaves. In the hallway, he says, all righty. Good for them.

At the footbridge, we go down Jason Memory Lane with Carly, and there’s a song part. She turns, and sees Britt.  

Sonny says, is that Cyrus? How did he get a phone? Cyrus says, don’t worry about that. They both know he has ways. He thought it would be prudent for him to reach out to Sonny, and Sonny asks, why’s that? Cyrus says he still has contacts, a few, those who are interested in those sorts of things. He heard the news about Sonny’s best friend. His condolences to Sonny, and to his lovely wife. No doubt she’s just as upset as Sonny. Sonny says, listen you son of a bitch. Either Cyrus hangs up or they get cut off, and Sonny throws the phone.

Tomorrow, Ava and Nikolas arrive for Thanksgiving, Monica is sure Drew is anxious to get back to his old life, Mac wants to question Chase and Brook about Valentin, and Sonny says, if Cyrus wants a war, he’ll give Cyrus a war.    

Vanderpump Rules

Pilates instructor Betsy met with Katie, Scheana, and Lala, while Brock, James and Schwartz played golf. James was on his game, and thought it was because he’d been sober for a while. Sandoval joined them, and in his interview, he said, he hates golf, but loves golf fashion. Pilates looked a lot easier using machines. Although it’s the type of fitness program that seems harmless while you’re doing it, and the next day, you say, what the hell? After the session, Lala said she’d had a good conversation with Brock, then Sandoval ruined the night by bringing up the same old sh*t, which Lala called getting on the hamster wheel. Sure enough, Sandoval whined to the guys about Lala saying he was on a hamster wheel. Katie said Sandoval probably kept notes. He had history too, and should make sure he could pass his own test. In Lala’s interview, she said, Sandoval was so sanctimonious, the name of the bar should be Sanctimonoval. Katie told the girls about the Toms’ partner Greg wanting her to be on board, and Lala said it would eat Sandoval alive. In Scheana’s interview, she said she had her own history with Katie and Lala being mean girls, and we flashed back to that. She wanted to tell them, STFU, but she couldn’t get it out. Schwartz wanted to have a creative session, and James was down for testing mocktails. In Sandoval’s interview, he said he wanted off-the-wall, presentational cocktails. Then spilled the one next to him. At the golf game, they decided to see whose ball could go further, and the winner got to shoot a ball off a tee placed in the loser’s butt crack. I am not making this up. James was the winner, Sandoval the loser (his ball basically just falling off the tee), and Brock filmed on his phone. Good times…

Katie told Schwartz that Greg liked her, and wanted her to be involved with the new bar. She thought it was in everyone’s best interest that she was included as much as possible. In Katie’s interview, she said, Greg liked her ideas, and it not only validated her, but annoyed TF out of Sandoval. It was mocktail tasting night, and Sandoval showed up at Schwartz and Katie’s for the shallow dive. Katie didn’t want to sample cocktails, since she wasn’t feeling well, and in Sandoval’s interview, he said Katie had literally been begging to be a part of the bar. She got a seat at the table, and now didn’t want to play. Schwartz said the goal was interesting flavor combinations. Somehow, the bar name thing came up again, and Katie said she liked the idea of naming it Once Upon a Tom, but Sandoval said everyone liked Schwartz and Sandy’s, ignoring the opinion of pretty much everyone except himself. Katie said Sandoval was the only one who liked it, and Schwartz said he liked it now. Sandoval basically said he was the idea man, and Schwartz couldn’t have even proposed without him. Katie said Sandoval had great ideas, but didn’t take criticism well. Sandoval said she could be on the Schwartz and Sandy’s train or get off. Katie told them, good luck with their bar.

Ariana and Sandoval were having a Mad Max party for Brock’s birthday, but Scheana didn’t understand Mad Max. In Brock’s interview, he explained, if you planned it too well, that wasn’t okay. It was whatever you found on the street. It was difficult to explain. He felt it was a vibe. Scheana said she was over theme parties. Nothing fit, and she wanted to feel like her again. Brock modeled a pair of underwear (budgies) that he had made with her face on them. Seriously, I’m not making this stuff up.

Schwartz told Katie that he didn’t like how things ended, and thought she’d instigated it. He loved that she had his back, but it was all good. She said he didn’t have her back, and in her interview, she said, the whole thing is bullsh*t. Schwartz felt it was counterproductive, and said he knew they’d talked about opening a sandwich shop. He promised they’d do something in the future, but thought it best that Katie and Sandoval didn’t work together. She said it was his loss.

James met with family friend Peter, and in his interview, James said that Peter and his dad were friends back in the day. They laid down tracks together, but also partied, and Peter was 20 years sober. James said, Peter was someone he considered important to his sobriety. He told Peter that he’d been struggling with getting frustrated. He’d lost patience with Raquel when she played a drinking game. Peter said, as addicts, there was never a still moment. When you quit something, it came out in other ways. He’d tried to quit drinking ten times without AA, and relapsed. James said he still smoked weed, and Peter asked if James felt powerless over weed. It muted the scream inside, but didn’t make it go away. He suggested James try a temporary period of full sobriety, and James agreed, but literally cried, saying he’d been smoking as long as he could remember. Peter said, sobriety is the best weed ever, and James said he was glad to be able to see it was possible.

Katie visited Lala, while the Toms set up for the alcohol-included cocktail tasting at Sandoval and Ariana’s. Schwartz said Katie wasn’t coming; she was really upset. Lala told Katie that she went to bat for Schwartz more than he did her. If Randal did that, she’d be having a come to Jesus moment with him. Schwarz said Katie might have resentment because they’d talked about opening a place. In Ariana’s interview, she said, if she was supposed to be doing something with Sandoval, and he decided to do something with Schwartz instead, she’d be pissed too. Katie told Lala that she was done, and didn’t even want to hear about the bar. Scheana, Brock, and Raquel joined the tasting, while James played VR games at home. In his interview, Brock demonstrated drinking beer out of his shoe, and I felt sick. Lala did an imitation of Sandoval, saying, it took six months to create this cocktail. The lavender was imported from Thailand, brown sugar was added, and butter melted in, then it was injected with tequila. It took a long time. Scheana told the tasting group about Katie and Lala trash talking Sandoval after Pilates. Sandoval said it was what they did, and Schwartz said Sandoval was making a sweeping generalization. Sorta, kinda having Katie’s back. In Schwartz’s interview, he wondered why Scheana didn’t speak up in the moment, instead of waiting to tell the rest of them later. It was weak. He knew this because it’s what he did most of the time.

LVP had opened other side of the garden at SUR, creating a vibrant and eclectic atmosphere. She and Ken stopped by, and Charli waited on them. James brought Raquel flowers while she was on her break, then talked to Lisa and Ken. Puffy! James said he was working on not calling the people he loved names anymore, and told them about his visit with Peter. He explained that he still had a heavy weed habit, and started the day with a wake and bake. Lisa said she thought weed was innocuous, but not if you needed to have it. Agreed. James said he was going to do an experiment, and stop using everything, including cigarettes. Lisa said he might have an epiphany.

At the Mad Max party, Brock had budgies made for all the guys, with their SO’s faces on them, like the pair he had with Scheana’s. Someone got a striped one, so I guess he was single. Katie and Lala confronted Scheana about tattling their Pilates conversation to the others. Scheana said Sandoval was one of her closest friends, and Katie told her that she should have said something at the time. In Katie’s interview, she said, she wanted to feel she could trust Scheana, but if Scheana cared about their friendship, she wouldn’t have thrown Katie under the bus. Charli asked one of Brock’s friends his name, which prompted him to get too friendly with her. Charli handled it well, but was doubly pissed off, since Scheana just stood there and laughed. In Charli’s interview, she said, one, who are you? and two, you never grab or get aggressive with a woman like that.

Lala cornered Schwartz, and asked why he wasn’t defending Katie. He asked if it was wrong to be objective with someone you loved, and she said if Randal disagreed, he let her know behind closed doors. Schwartz stutteringly agreed. In Lala’s interview, she said she had been good friends with Katie for a minute now, but that Katie couldn’t be vulnerable with her partner because she felt she had to be in defense mode, was heartbreaking to her. She told Schwartz that she couldn’t hear him with Sandoval’s d*ck in his mouth.

Next time, an ice bucket dip; the girls become obsessed with the foot rating website, and Ariana says, it’s the dumbest most amazing thing they’ve ever done; and Schwartz has to get a tattoo because he lost a bet.

✂️ Cutting Out Early…

Tomorrow will bring soap for sure, but the RHOC begins a new season as well. I’m always iffy about that one, so it will probably be just highlights. Whatever Wives you prefer, even if none at all, stay safe, stay up-to-date on what’s happening, and stay appreciating the family you have, whether it’s the one you were born into, or the one you’ve chosen.

Nov30

November 29, 2021 – Thanksgiving In Port Charles, 80s Neon On Deck, How They Celebrated, Dead News, Final Bow & Remember

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Sam says, Drew? and he says he’s sorry to just show up like this, but in all fairness, she never returned his call. She says, oh my God, and they hug.

Chase stands at the Quartermaine door. Brook tells Ned, it’s Thanksgiving, and Ned says, the day we remember the Pilgrims for taking advantage of people they should have respected. She says she thought he wasn’t going to blame Chase, and he says, he’s not, but he’s allowed to be disappointed, at Chase, and at Brook. Chase says, maybe this was a bad idea, but Monica comes out, and asks where are Ned and Brook’s manners. Invite the man in; he’s a guest. Olivia comes in, and seeing the door open, asks if they live in a barn. Brook tells Monica, actually, Chase is more than a guest. Monica says, a friend, but Brook says, he’s more than a friend too. As a matter-of-fact, he’s family.

Portia leaves a voicemail for Curtis, saying, she knows he’s going through a lot right now, but maybe that’s all the more reason for him to come to her house for Thanksgiving. There’s going to be tons of food, good wine… At least she hopes it’s good wine; that’s what the guy told her. But most important, being around friends and family. So just think about it, and she hopes she sees him soon. Elizabeth says, first Portia comes in to check on a patient, and now she’s racing home to prepare dinner for all of them. What is she? Superwoman? Portia says, hardly. Does Elizabeth want to know her secret? Elizabeth says, please, and Portia says, she hired a caterer. Trust her; it’s worth it. Elizabeth says she can’t wait to celebrate with everyone and count their blessings. Elizabeth gets in the elevator, and Portia says, her too.

TJ says, it sounds like Marshall has already spoken to his uncle, and Marshall says he gathers Curtis didn’t tell TJ about their conversation. He certainly made it clear he wants nothing to do with Marshall. TJ asks if he should call Curtis to explain what’s going on, but Marshall says, don’t call Curtis. Maybe his not reaching out is a good thing. Maybe he’s thinking things over, and hasn’t completely rejected Marshall yet. TJ says, his uncle is one of the smartest men he knows. If he rejected Marshall, he has his reasons. He’s tried to keep an open mind, but it seems Marshall is running some kind of hustle. If that’s the case, Curtis spotted it a mile off. Marshall says, he’s not hustling TJ, Curtis, or anybody, and TJ says, Marshall could have fooled him. He came there with a fake pain in his side. Marshall says, sorry about that. He truly regrets the way he’s gone about this. He regrets it all. He really should have done everything differently.

At the hospital, Carly gives some guys to-go bags from the MetroCourt, and says, when they’re done, come back; she has more. Elizabeth says, it smells great. It’s thoughtful of Carly and Olivia to do this. Carly says, no one works harder than the GH staff, and if they’re working on Thanksgiving and away from their families, they should at least have sweet potatoes and turkey. Elizabeth says, and MetroCourt turkey, and Carly says, a step up from the cafeteria? Elizabeth says, just a little. How about their kids, volunteering to pass out dinners? Carly says there may have been a little prodding on her part, and Elizabeth says she’s pretty sure Cameron just wants to be with Josslyn, but they’re doing it. They have a lot to be grateful for. Carly says, they do, and Elizabeth says she’ll let Carly get back to work. She leaves, and Britt comes down the hall, doing an about-face when she sees Carly. Carly notices her, and follows. She calls to Britt, and asks when she got back. Did they find her mom? Britt says, they did, and Carly says, it must have been quite an adventure. She can’t wait for Jason to tell her all about it.   

Sonny is cooking, when Anna comes to the kitchen, where we no longer have the moss bowl 🎍 to be thankful for. He says, long time, no see. What brings her by?  

Olivia says, run that by them again, and Monica says, it would seem Valentin isn’t Bailey’s father, and Chase is. Brook says, correct, and Olivia says, but Brook didn’t tell Chase, and made him sleuth it out for himself. Ned says, also correct, and Brook says, she knows this comes as a shock to everyone, but Monica says, not to her. Nothing about this family shocks her anymore, especially on the last Thursday in November. Chase wants them to know that he’s not going anywhere, and plans on being the best father he can be. Ned says, he’d better, and Chase says, he brought a pie. It’s a cake and a pie; it’s a hybrid. Olivia says, it’s a start, and takes the box from him. She says, maybe change will be the theme this year, and they’ll all actually eat some turkey. Valentin comes in, and says, that didn’t take long. Out with the old, and in with the new, right?

TJ asks what Marshall’s name is again, and he says, TJ can call him Marshall for now. TJ says, they seem to be at an impasse. Clearly, he’s distressed about something, but can’t tell TJ what it is. Marshall says, he wants to, but he’s second guessing himself in real time; everything is coming out wrong. He tends to do that. Jump in headfirst, and suffer the consequences later. He doesn’t blame TJ for being suspicious. TJ says, subterfuge is not Marshall’s game. It bothered him so much when Marshall took off, TJ mentioned it to his uncle and another doctor. Marshall says, Dr. Robinson? and TJ asks how he knew. Marshall says, he guessed. He wishes he had gone about this differently, but what’s done is done. He just doesn’t want TJ to react like his uncle did. TJ says Marshall is still talking in circles, and he’s getting frustrated. What does Marshall want? Marshall says, to be part of the Ashford family, and TJ says, he gets it. Thanksgiving can be rough. People rushing around, going to nice warm gatherings with family and friends. If Marshall is feeling lonely, the holidays can exacerbate that, but Marshall says, the holidays and loneliness have nothing to do with this. He’s finally able to reach out to Curtis, after being unable to for a long, long time. Maybe too long, and he’s going about it all wrong. He’s not sure what to do about it, but it’s not TJ’s problem, and it’s not fair to enlist his help. This is something Marshall has to do on his own. TJ asks what Marshall is talking about; just tell him who Curtis is to him? Marshall says, Curtis is his son.

Elizabeth asks Portia if she should bring anything for dinner, but Portia says, just her crew. Finn comes in with Violet, and Portia says, unless Miss Violet is allergic to pumpkin pie. Violet says, no, but her daddy says she’s allergic to bedtime. Portia says she’ll see them later, and leaves. Finn asks if Elizabeth is ready to head out, and Violet says, there’s no rush. This day is already great. They’re together.

Phyllis sees Nina at the hospital, and Nina asks what she’s doing there. Phyllis says she volunteered to in there today, and just finished. It doesn’t hurt that staying busy keeps your mind off… everything. She asks if Nina has Thanksgiving plans, and Nina says she got an invitation to join her friend Curtis, but she doesn’t know. She’s having a tough time. Phyllis takes her hand, and says, you and me both.

Sam says she can’t believe Drew is standing there, and invites him in. He says, it’s surreal for him too, and she asks if he’s okay. He says he’s in one piece, so there’s that. She says, that’s a plus, and he says, he owes her a huge thank you. He heard she dropped everything and came looking for him with Dante. She says, but they didn’t find him. How did he get back? He says he had a lot of help.

Anna says, it smells incredible, and Sonny says she can come there any   time she wants. She thanks him, and says he doesn’t think she came there to score an invitation. What’s going on?

Carly guesses the trip was a whirlwind, and asks Britt, how’s Liesl? Britt says, good. She’s actually here, getting her injuries looked at. Carly asks, what about Peter? and Britt says, he’s captured and in custody. Carly says, thank God that guy’s reign of terror is finally over. It’s long overdue, but it’s finally finished and everyone is safe… Everyone’s safe, right?

Brook thought Valentin moved out, and he says, don’t worry about it. He and Charlotte have vacated the premises. He’s there to pick up some things the movers overlooked. He pours himself a drink, and Monica says, she knows this has to be painful and shocking for him. Olivia says, all things aside, they know how much he loves Bailey. Valentin thanks her, and says, he’ll survive; he always does. He says, no Michael? and Ned says, he and Willow took Wiley to New York City for the holidays. Olivia says, they thought Wiley would get a kick out of the parade, and Valentin says, maybe they’ll be kind enough to fill Michael in. Ned says, on this, and Valentin says, yeah, be sure to detail the depths to which his daughter has sunk, but this is an ELQ matter. He’s filed a motion nullifying their agreement. Brook says, he can’t do that, but he says, he can and he did. She admitted Bailey wasn’t his daughter; that voided their contract. That makes her ELQ shares once again his ELQ shares. That gives him an insurmountable majority, and cements his position as CEO of ELQ. Happy Thanksgiving.

TJ asks if Marshall is really his uncle’s father, and his father’s father. Marshall says he is, and TJ says, that makes him… Marshall says, his grandfather. TJ asks if he’s telling the truth, but Marshall says, he wouldn’t lie about this, and TJ says, he supposedly died a long time ago. Marshall says, it’s a long story, and not a pretty one, but he’s not an imposter. He’s not playing TJ or Curtis. He’s TJ’s grandfather. It feels good to say that, and see this fine young man standing in front him. He hopes TJ accepts what he’s telling him; accepts him. He holds out his hand, and TJ takes it. Marshall laughs, and Curtis comes in, asking what the hell Marshall thinks he’s doing. Marshall says, Curtis needs to watch his language in the chapel, and Curtis says he was trying to get there first to prepare TJ, but TJ says, it’s all good. Now they can finally put a name to the face of the stranger they wondered about; he’s family. Curtis says TJ needs to do him a favor, and leave.

Sam says, Drew and Jason teaming up to take down Peter, that’s something she would love to have seen. Does Monica know he’s home yet? He says, not yet, but he’s heading over there, and Sam says, this is going to be the best Thanksgiving ever for her. Dante comes downstairs with Scout, and stops short seeing Drew. Drew says, Scout. Look at her. She’s all grown up. Sam says, she’s not all grown up, and Drew says he’s so happy to see her, but Scout clings to Dante.

Anna tells Sonny, she and Robert went to Greece. They got information that Peter was holed up on Cassadine Island. He says, Jason’s in Greece; he and Britt went looking for her mother. Anna says she knows, and asks if they can sit down.

Carly asks what Britt isn’t telling her, and Britt flashes back to the tunnel collapsing. She says she just wants Carly to know, if it wasn’t for Jason, she and her mom wouldn’t have made it home alive. Carly says, that’s great, but she’s more concerned about Jason. Where the hell is he? Britt starts to cry.

Ned says Valentin doesn’t honestly think this will work, and Valentin says he does actually. Detective Chase came forth and clamed Bailey as his own, which was very honorable of him. He tells Chase, a word to the wise; honor is in short supply in this house. He tells Olivia, brining the turkey was an inspired choice; very succulent. She says, he tasted it? and he says he got his before the dog descended on it. Annabelle II barks, and Valentin says, rave reviews all around. Brook says, really? and they all run out, except for Monica.

TJ says, obviously, he’s missing something, and Curtis says, Mr. Ashford and he need to talk alone. TJ says he’s sensing that’s not the best idea, but Marshall says, it’s okay. TJ’s uncle is right. They have some unfinished business. TJ starts to leave, and Marshall says, looking at TJ, who and what he’s become, his father would be proud. TJ leaves, and Marshall says, okay, it’s just us, son. Curtis says, stop calling him son. It’s a privilege that’s earned. Marshall got his chance and blew it. There’s no going back.

Phyllis says she wishes she had come magic words to explain why bad things happen to good people, and Nina says, they happen to bad people too. Phyllis says, Nina’s not bad. She’s had a wound inside her since her baby was taken from her; maybe before. Nina says, it doesn’t excuse what she did, and Phyllis says, no, but taking responsibility is the first step to redemption. Nina asks if that’s a quote, and Phyllis says it is. Nina asks who said it? and Phyllis tells her that she did. They laugh, and Nina says she’s putting her foot down. Phyllis isn’t spending Thanksgiving alone or at Charlie’s. She sees Portia, and asks if Portis thinks she has room for one more tonight. Portia says, absolutely. The more the merrier. Nina and Phyllis hug.

Elizabeth says she just needs to change out of her scrubs, but Violet says she looks pretty, and asks Finn, doesn’t she? Finn says she does, and Elizabeth says she won’t be long. Finn says, and then it’s turkey time, and Violet asks if she can have the wishbone. Finn thinks that can be arranged. Elizabeth asks if she has a special wish in mind, and Violet says it’s about Elizabeth and daddy. Finn says she has to keep it a secret, or it won’t come true.

Sam tells Scout, don’t worry; there’s nothing to be afraid of. Dante says, it’s her dad. Can she believe it? Sam says, he’s been gone for a while, but he’s back now, and Dante says, it’s amazing news. Drew says he knows she’s surprised; he is too. They don’t have to rush. They can take it slow, and get to know each other again. Scout nods, and he says, the good news is, they’ve got nothing but time.

Sonny says he heard talk that Drew survived the plane crash, and Anna says, there was no plane crash; it was staged. Drew was being held prisoner by Peter with Victor’s assistance. Peter is in custody, and Victor cut a deal. Sonny says, Drew’s coming home; two out of three ain’t bad. Anna says, while they were there, they learned Peter had Britt and Jason, and Sonny asks if they got them out. She says, actually, they got themselves out. They had Jason to help. Britt and Obrecht got home… He says, Jason didn’t? and she shakes her head.

Carly tells Britt to say it, but Britt says, she doesn’t want to. Carly tells her, say it, and I want to slap her. Britt says, Jason’s gone.

Monica says, Valentin is enjoying this, isn’t he? and he asks if she’d call him childish if said yes. She says, revenge can be sweet for the moment, but it’s not going to make Bailey his. Ned comes in, brandishing a turkey leg, and says he hopes Valentin is happy. This is all that’s left of a 25 pound turkey. Valentin says, what a shame, but there’s always next year, and Brook says, he waltzes in there, taking back ELQ, and ruins her family’s Thanksgiving, and he talks about her depths? He says she took his child, and she says, Bailey isn’t his; get over it and move on. He says he thought he respected her, but he really just found her moderately attractive.  Now he doesn’t have to stick around and watch looks go to ruin. Chase tells him, watch it, but he says he’s just getting started. Without her singing voice, she’s just the runt of Quartermaine litter. She has less class than the family dog. Chase says, that’s enough, and punches him.

TJ wants to talk to Portia about a patient; the one he treated a couple weeks ago who took off. He just saw him again, and she’ll never believe this. She tells him, he said he was TJ’s grandfather, and he asks how she knew. She says, Curtis told her. He was on his way to fill TJ in, but she guesses Marshall beat him to it. He says, they’re together in the chapel right now, and she asks if he thinks Curtis needs backup. He says, since he was ordered out of there, he’d say, leave them be. She asks how Curtis seemed, and TJ says, not good. He’s worried about Curtis. She says, so is she.

Marshall says, TJ is willing to give him a chance. Why won’t Curtis? Curtis says, Marshall doesn’t get to make him the bad guy, not after Marshall went behind his back to tell his nephew. Marshall says he thought Curtis already told him. If he overstepped his bounds… Curtis says, Marshall thought he’d already told TJ? Told him what? That they have the same DNA? That Marshall waited three years before he disappeared, and his family believed Marshall was dead? He grew up without a father, and grew up with a mother who was chronically ill because when Marshall left, it devastated her. Now Marshall marches boldly back into Curtis’s life, without a semblance of an explanation. Does that about sum it up? Marshall says, he told TJ the simple truth. He came back to reconnect with his family. Curtis says, they are not and never will be Marshall’s family, and Marshall says he doesn’t expect to be invited to dinner anytime soon. He knows he has a lot of work to do before he can earn Curtis’s trust, but TJ’s a grown, and unless Curtis is claiming to speak for him… Curtis says, TJ speaks for himself, and Marshall says, then they’ll keep the resentment there, between the two of them, where it belongs. You do you, and I’ll do everything in my power to prove myself, or die trying. He tells Curtis, happy Thanksgiving. He says, he doesn’t know about Curtis, but he’s feeling grateful, and leaves.

Drew says he bets Scout thought he forgot, and unwraps a glass unicorn. He hopes she still collects them, and Sam says, she does. Scout asks if she can take it, and Sam says, of course (🍷). Scout thanks Drew, and goes to show the boys upstairs. Sam tells Drew, she knows it doesn’t feel like it, but she thinks it went really well. Dante offers to leave, but Drew asks him to stay. There’s something the both of them need to know. It’s about Jason.

Sonny asks if Peter sabotaged the tunnel, but Anna says, no. He was trying to escape, using Britt and Obrecht as hostages. Jason and Drew were a formidable team, as she understands it, but there was a gun fight, and the tunnels were already unstable. He asks if they took Jason out, and she says, she had a rescue team within the hour. She promises him that they did everything they could.

Britt tells Carly, they did everything they could. If Jason had survived, they would have saved him. Carly says, no body was found? and Britt says, sometimes you don’t find a body. 50 tons of earth came down on him, and there was no sign of life detected. Carly says, no, not Jason. Jason has beaten the odds over and over again, and he’s going to beat the odds this time. She’s going to Greece. Britt says, listen to her. Jason is gone. Even saying the words makes her want to curl into a ball, but it’s true. Jason is gone and not coming back. Carly says, because of Britt, and now I want to slap and kick her.

Valentin tells the Quartermaines to enjoy what’s left of their dinner, and walks out. Monica says, this is why she has Luigi’s on speed dial.

TJ goes to the chapel, and asks if Curtis is okay. Curtis says he didn’t want TJ to find out from Marshall, but TJ says, it doesn’t matter. Curtis says, it does to him, and TJ says, at least they know who he is now, and why he’s been asking questions. God knows he has a ton of his own. Curtis says he understands why TJ wants to ask questions and find out more. Marshall is his grandfather; why wouldn’t he? TJ says, but Curtis doesn’t trust him? Curtis says he doesn’t, and doesn’t think TJ should either. Proceed with caution. TJ wonders if they can get out of there. Everyone is going to Dr. Robinson’s. Curtis says he doesn’t think he’d be good company, and asks TJ to send his regards. He’s heading to the club; he’s got some work he can do. TJ says Curtis can send his own regards. He’s coming. Curtis tells TJ to go hang with his colleagues and friends, but TJ says, not without Curtis. Curtis says TJ is as stubborn as a mule, and TJ tells him, they say it runs in the family.

Elizabeth meets Finn and Violet, and Violet says, that took forever. Finn says, it was worth the wait, and Elizabeth says, an upgrade from the scrubs? but he says she looks pretty amazing in those too. Portia comes by, saying, she’s glad she caught them. There’s been a change in plans. Nina and Phyllis join them, and Nina asks if dinner is off. Portia says, no. Same people, same food; just a different venue.

Sam says, so Drew is telling them that there’s no chance? and Drew says, not even Jason could have survived that cave-in. Sam looks at a photo of Jason and Danny, and says, it’s so unreal. Scout gets her father back, and Danny loses his. Drew says he’s sorry. If it eases the pain even a little bit, he owes his life to Jason. If Jason hadn’t shown up, he would be dead or still controlled by Peter. Jason is a hero. Dante says, that sounds about right, and Sam says, it means a lot, and thanks him. Drew says he’s got to go. He doesn’t want Monica hearing the news from someone else. He’ll leave his number, and if Sam needs anything, he’s only a phone call away. She doesn’t have to search for him this time. She says she’s glad he’s home, and he says, him too. He leaves, and she looks at the picture again. Dante says he’s so sorry, and she says, her too.

Anna tells Sonny, it’s so unfair. Jason worked hard to get back to his life, only to have it taken away again. Sonny says, this time for good. Carly… She says she thought they’d both be there, and she could tell them together, but he says he’s going to have to tell her. Did Anna tell Robin? Anna says she’s dreading this conversation, and he says he appreciates her coming by to tell him. He knows it’s hard for her too. She wipes some tears away, and says, she and Jason were often on different sides of the law, but she had respect for him as a person and a parent. Sonny says, it was mutual, and Anna asks if they can maybe just lean on each other about this. He hugs her, and she says he’s got this. She leaves and Sonny knocks some stuff around. At least the moss bowl 🎍 is out of harm’s way.

Carly says she gets that Peter set this whole thing in motion, and he’s going to pay, but Britt? Jason had feelings for her. Look what it cost him. Even when they ended things, Jason had this responsibility or guilt or whatever the hell she wants to call it. So much so, he went looking for her mom in Greece. So when Carly rewinds the tape, she wishes Jason never met Britt. The nasty bitch walks away, and Britt says she wishes that too. I gave she-devil Carly the benefit of the doubt for a long time, but she leaves herself out of every equation that she’s a part of. If not for Carly, Jason would be alive.

Anna calls Valentin, and says, guess who’s home? He says he looks forward to hearing all about Greece tomorrow, and she asks, what’s wrong with now? He says he’s in the middle of something, and she wonders if he’s all right. He says he’d rather tell her tomorrow, but welcome home, darling. He looks at a photo of Bailey on his phone, and his finger hovers over the delete button, but he doesn’t touch it. He takes a drink instead.  

Britt goes to the reception desk, and flashes back on Jason saying there’s no way to predict anything. That’s not how life works. The future is an idea; it’s not a guarantee.

Sam asks if Dante is disappointed they bailed on Thanksgiving, but he says, no. He can have pizza anytime he wants. She says, what about the kids? but he says, the kids are fine. They spend plenty of time at the Quartermaines as it is. They’re right where they’re supposed to be. She says she knows Jason lived a crazy life. She had a feeling this was going to happen. She just didn’t think it would happen so soon. Dante holds her.

Carly comes back and sees Sonny through the window. She sits at the patio table, and cries. Sonny looks out the window, and watches her.

As they arrive at the club, Curtis tells TJ that he talks a good game, but he really didn’t want to spend Thanksgiving alone. TJ says, that’s a relief, and Curtis asks, why? They go inside, and turn on the light. Everyone is there, and they yell, surprise! Curtis asks, what’s going on? and Portia says, since he wasn’t up to joining the celebration, they brought the celebration to him. She tells everyone, dig in, but Curtis says, hang on. If his Aunt Stella were there, she’d say they’re forgetting the most important part. Violet says, thank you for the food. Thank you for my family. Curtis says, amen, and everyone starts to eat. Curtis kisses Portia.

Monica looks out the front window, and sees pizza boxes. She says, look at that. She didn’t even have to order this year. They just brought the pizza. She opens the door, and Drew is holding the boxes. He says he rolled the dice, and brought some with him.

Tomorrow, Scotty tells his schnitzel, welcome back; Monica tells Drew, don’t ever say anything like that again; Britt tells someone, if they tell anyone what they saw, she’ll have them fired; and Carly tells Sonny, Jason could still be alive.

Below Deck

Eddie tells the deckhands that the wind is too strong, and tells Jake not to give the go ahead until everything is secured. He never wants to see something blowing off the boat again. In Eddie’s interview, he says he needs the deck team to step up, so he can focus on his job as first officer, and his education in the wheelhouse. He tells the deckhands, he doesn’t want one more effing thing falling off the boat. Jake says he hates the effing cushions. Heather calls the provider for neon décor and balloons, specifically a seven and a five. The guests lounge around, and Rachel demonstrates 80s dance, the vacuum cleaner, in the galley. She brings Captain Lee breakfast, and Heather tells him that they’re having an 80s party for Primary Ronnie’s 75th. The captain says he already did the 80s once. In his interview, he says he met his wife Maryann in the 80s. It changed his life. So in the 80s, he was changing his life. He was also trying to look cool, but that didn’t work out. We see a picture of him back in the day, but IMO, he looked pretty good.

Heather tells Captain Lee about Jessica’s grandmother having a procedure. I love this vague word, which could mean pretty much anything from an ingrown toenail to cancer. In Heather’s interview, she says she notices the difference in Jessica from day one to now, and we flash back to when Jessica was peppy in the beginning. Heather says she understands what’s going on with Jessica, but at some point, she needs to leave it in the cabin, and show up to do her job. The guests do water sports. In Rachel’s interview, she says she’s making Mexican food for lunch, and Mexican is up her alley. It’s great going in, and interesting coming out. Fraser asks if Heather missies her partner, and she says, definitely, but it’s something they’re used to, since the priority was always yachting. Fraser says he’s craving male attention, and in his interview, he says his first relationship lasted two and a half years. His partner was ten years older, and they were in different stages of life, so it had to end, and he was shattered. It feels like he’d better get back into it. Lunch served, and primary Ronnie says, if Rachel wanted to start a restaurant, she definitely could. In Heather’s interview, she says she’s looking forward to the 80s party. She was in the womb in the 80s, and doesn’t know much about it, but she can channel it. Rachel is told by the guests that it was the best meal ever.

Jake thinks Wes and Jessica should hook up. In his interview, he says, Wes has no game whatsoever, but he’s going to try and help him. He tells Heather that they need a push. Jake tells a TMI story about twerking, and thinking pushing out a fart would be funny, and ending up pushing out something else. Sh*t happens… literally. The trampoline goes flying, and in Eddie’s interview, he says, WTF? Wes goes out to get it on a jet ski, and in his interview, he says, Baywatch in action. He’s a skinnier version of The Rock. Call him Pebble. In Captain Lee’s interview, he says, in 35 years, he’s never seen wind blow with such intensity for so long. It’s Mother Nature giving you a wakeup call. Jessica irons, and Heather passes out 80s stuff to the crew. Rachel says she loves the effing 80s, and the captain tells everyone to be in their blacks by six. Jake comes out in a neon yellow… I honestly don’t know what it is. A bodysuit with cut-outs? Fraser thinks Jake looks like a figure skater or exotic dancer; he’s effortlessly chic. I wonder if we’re looking at the same guy.

Heather tells Rachel that Rayna has a sh*t attitude, and the guests get dressed for dinner. The five balloon flies away, and the wind also takes a glass off a table, and it shatters on the deck. The guests are seated for dinner, and a lot of lobster goes out. Captain Lee joins the guests, but leaves any neon behind. Rayna is helping serve, and Heather explains that the food can’t go out without tongs to serve it. Rayna mumbles about Heather needing to do her own damn job. She’s helping; she works outside. All Fraser can come up with are ice tongs, and in her interview, Heather says she shouldn’t have to explain they need tongs. She hates the way it’s going, and how no one has the initiative to come up with a solution. Rayna tells Rachel that she’s killing it, and Ronnie picks up a gigantic steak bone, eating off of it like a caveman. Heather tells the crew to get in their 80s attire to sing Happy Birthday.

Jake tries to deal with his wedgie. Heather tells at least three crew members to let Rachel know she’s clearing the table, but ends up having to tell Rachel herself. The crew dances around in their neon, spandex whatevers, and wigs. In Eddie’s interview, he says he guesses this is what being first officer is about – leggings and a tank top that belongs to an eleven-year-old girl. Guest Stacie raves about the cake, and Captain Lee thanks them for dinner, making his getaway. Although these are relatively lowkey guests, and not like that horrifying last group. Everyone heads to bed (what I said – I’m kind of disappointed in this party), and Rayna tells Jessica that Heather is hard-headed and rude. Fraser tells Heather that he doesn’t want to put up with Jessica anymore, and in Heather’s interview, she says, it’s not a test. Either she wants to be here or she doesn’t.

Friend Issa calls Rayna, and in Rayna’s interview, she says, yachting and relationships are like oil and water. She likes the feeling of knowing someone genuinely wants to talk to you. She’s not trying to rush into anything, but reaches out for attention. Breakfast is served – lobster benedict and French toast. I don’t even like French toast that much, and I think it looks amazing. And big. Like Texas toast times four. Guest Todd sticks to scrambled egg whites, and in her interview, Rachel says scrambled egg whites are the bane of her existence, and gives two middle fingers. Eddie tells Jake that they’re dropping anchor, and to secure everything. In Eddie’s interview, he says, the last time was a complete failure, and he’s too old for this sh*t. He needs someone to take over the deck. Anchor is pulled.

Ronnie says, it’s the best three days of food he’s ever had. Rayna asks Wes to think about when dinosaurs swam in the water, and Wes bets they still are. Okay… In Fraser’s interview, he says, on a scale of one to ten, Jessica is an 8.2 in clueless. She’s neither working harder nor smarter. In Eddie’s interview, he says he’s had enough of getting yelled at for the deck team’s mistakes. This time, they didn’t even break a sweat.

The captain calls the crew to the aft deck to say goodbye. Primary Jeremy says it was awesome, and the food was spectacular. Child guest Alexander is relieved of his locked box, and Jeremy hands it to Captain Lee. When the guests are gone, the captain says, they know the drill. Fraser reveals that he has two closets; one just for uniforms. Heather is at a loss for words. It’s time for the tip meeting, and the captain says, it was a great charter. It was nice to see Jessica come out of her shell for the 80s. Jessica says, it was the purple hair, and in Fraser’s interview, he says, go Jess, less than enthusiastically. Captain Lee says, it’s almost like they all knew what they were doing. He opens the case, and says, 25 large ($25K). The crew responds with applause. He doesn’t say how much per crew member, and I try to count them fast, but they’re already gone. The captain tells them, well done. Have a good time; they earned it. Rachel makes it rain, while Heather twerks. Fraser asks Heather to put him on laundry. He’ll do nothing and not smile, and get a mention from Captain Lee. Heather tells him, who said you have to sleep your way to the top? The crew gets ready to go out, and head to a restaurant. Rachel tells Heather, curry with white pants; it’s a choice. Jake flirts with Heather, and in Heather’s interview, she says, Jake is coming on strong. If she didn’t have a boyfriend, he might stand a chance, but the ‘stache looks prettier every day. Fraser and Jake take a smoke break, and in Wes’s interview, he says, Jessica gives him butterflies. She reminds him of a big crush who broke his heart. He stopped taking chances after that. In Fraser’s interview, he says he finds Jake attractive, and might have a crush on him, but Jake is straight and he’s gay, not stupid. Jake takes off his pants at the bar, and then his underwear. It looks like they have the place to themselves, but still. There is a waitstaff. Rayna tells the bartender, the naked one is her boss.

Jake dances around, then jumps in the pool. Fraser follows, but thankfully, keeps his underwear on. They head back to the yacht, and Fraser says he’s getting naked in the hot tub. Rachel says she was okay until saw Jake’s flaccid penis flopping about. In the taxi, Jake and Fraser kiss, while Heather films on her phone. Jake says he’s not bisexual; he’s just sexually comfortable. Rachel says, nothing phases Jake, and she thinks everyone will get a ride on the mustache. Back on the boat, Eddie decides to use a blowtorch to light a cigar, and ends up setting his hair on fire. It’s put out quickly, but stinks up the place. Jake and Fraser get in hot tub. Eddie says he’s stressed because he has to work tomorrow, and asks Heather what happened with Jessica. Heather says she’s trying to keep her team intact. Captain Lee’s comment affected Fraser, and he said maybe he’d get praise if he stopped working so hard. Jake says, hummus and muffins… Everyone is so boring… A bagel for the boys… I guess he’s pretty drunk.

In the morning, Jake is still drunk, and says he’s effing trollied. The captain pumps iron, and Eddie asks if Jake remembers making out with Fraser. He doesn’t. Heather shows Fraser the video, and in his interview, Fraser says he’s mortified. Now Jake possibly thinks he’s into him, and he’s put his relationship with his best friend on the boat at risk. He’s crumbling. He says, stupid, a dozen times.

Next time, Jessica gets put on service; Heather tells Jessica, training day is over; and Eddie says he’s going to rip someone’s head off, but Captain Lee says that’s his job.

🦃 Talking Turkey…

How the soap celebs celebrated Thanksgiving.

See How Your Favorite Soap Stars Celebrated Thanksgiving!

And how their small screen counterparts gathered together.

Spend the Holidays With Daytime’s Favorite Families!

⚰️ Dead Talk…

A deadly anniversary.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-walking-dead-pretty-much-dead-already-10th-anniversary-rick-grimes-sophia-death-barn/

The twist in Fear.

‘Fear The Walking Dead’: Showrunner responds to ‘The Portrait’’s key twist

A little bit of Mo in your life.

https://undeadwalking.com/2021/11/27/f-family-starring-mo-collins-final-season-netflix/

A preview of the end of Beyond.

https://bleedingcool.com/tv/the-walking-dead-world-beyond-finale-preview-a-fight-for-the-future/

After Dead.

https://undeadwalking.com/2021/11/25/walking-dead-spin-off-shows-know-far/

🎭 Exiting the Stage…

My favorite musical writer/composer. Being able to write musicals as diverse from one another as Follies and Sweeney Todd, there was no one like him. May all the other stage greats who’ve gone before you, sing you to your rest.  

https://ew.com/theater/stars-pay-tribute-stephen-sondheim-death/

🚴‍♀️ Getting Out While the Getting’s Good…

Even though Black Friday has come and gone, you’d think there had never been a sale before. I nearly had a heart attack when I saw how much email I had this morning. Whatever the status of your inbox, stay safe, stay unpressured by the holidays, and stay knowing there’s always next year, if the dog descends on your turkey.

Nov29

November 28, 2021 – Stalkers Attack Victor’s Tower, Not Exactly As Planned & Evacuate

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

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

Fear the Walking Dead

Victor is having his portrait painted. In a voiceover, he tells us that Oscar Wilde said every portrait painted with feeling, is a portrait of what the artist sees, not the sitter. He wants a portrait of him, not what the artist sees; who he is, what he’s built. He wants what he sees painted. Artist Juliana, says, yes, sir, but he says, it’s Victor. Howard comes in, and says, it’s early for scotch, but Victor says, a thousand years from now, no one will question what time he drank. Howard tells him, if this place is going to see a thousand years from now, they have to populate the tower.

Howard brings in the callbox phone, and Victor picks it up, asking, how did you find this place? A man says his name is Arnold, and he’s a carpenter, but Victor says he just admitted someone with Arnold’s skillset, and hangs up. He picks up the phone again, and asks how they’ve survived. A woman says she was training with some medics, and helped a few folks along the way, and Victor hangs up. He asks Juliana how long it’s going to take, and she says, a few more sittings. Victor answers the phone, and asks where they were before this, and how they’ve survived. He barely listens, and hangs up. He tells the next one, they’re not what he’s looking for, and another, he just admitted someone with their skillset. He’ll have to turn them away. He tells Howard, don’t say it, but Howard says, he’s rejected everyone. He should at least meet them face-to-face. Victor says, they can’t give entry to every Tom, Dick, and Arnold. Howard says, some of them had skills they could use, and Victor says, he took that into consideration, but he can look at a person, and tell who they are; see what others don’t. Listening to his instincts got him this far. They didn’t need them.

Howard comes in, and Victor tells him, tell whoever it is to come back another day, but Howard says he’ll want to see this one for himself. Up on the roof, Victor looks through the binoculars, and sees Morgan holding Mo. Howard says, told him, and Victor gets on the phone, asking, to what does he owe the pleasure? Morgan tells him, he knows what Victor said before and what he said, but he needs Victor’s help. Something is wrong with Mo, and she needs to see June. Victor asks why he would let Morgan do that, and Morgan says, they’re not asking to stay, and this little girl has nothing to do with what went on between them, so please… Victor hands Howard the phone, and says, tell him to take a hike. Howard says, Morgan heard him.

Victor asks Juliana if it’s finished, and she says, she’ll put glaze on it when it’s dry, but for now. He says, let him see it, and she turns the painting around, asking if he likes it. He looks at himself for a long time.

On the roof with the painting, Juliana says she’ll fix whatever it is, but Victor flings the painting off the roof. She asks what he’s doing, and he says she should be glad it’s not her. Howard asks, what’s going on? and Victor says, she doesn’t see him; no one does. Howard says he doesn’t understand, and Victor says, no one does; that’s the problem. Howard says, why? and Victor says, Howard heard him The zombies walk all over Victor’s portrait.

Morgan looks at the Wall of the Dead, and Victor says, none of them are theirs. Morgan says, it was Victor’s idea? and Victor says, people have a right to know who’s out there. Morgan says, Charlie, Luciana, Jacob, Wes, and Daniel – they found them. Victor tells him, Wendall is there, June and Mr. Dorie. Things are not so bad, all things considered. Morgan says, Alicia? but Victor says he doesn’t know. Morgan asks why Victor let him in, but Victor says he’s the one asking questions. Why did Morgan come back? Morgan says, he had no choice. That’s his baby. Howard tells Victor, June is ready.

June is talking to Mo, when Morgan comes in. She hugs him, and says, he’s all right. He says he heard her message, and tried to get to the bunker, but Victor says, she would have died by the time Morgan got there. June says, he doesn’t know that, and Morgan asks if Mr. Dorie (aka JD) is okay. She says, he’s managing, and Victor says, he thinks Morgan is trying to ascertain whether or not June likes it there. She says, it’s certainly better than out there. She has medicine and supplies, and she’s able to help people. Howard asks for a word with Victor, and tells him that JD detected movement near the tower. Victor and Howard leave, and Morgan says June is still limited with what she can do. How different is Victor’s offer from the one Virginia gave her? She asks if he has something better, and he says, maybe. She asks, what? and he says he’s working on it. She says, so is she. John died because he ran. Virginia wasn’t playing games, and she’s not making the same mistake. Victor comes back, and asks if they have a diagnosis, and June says, Mo has a double ear infection. If it had been left untreated, it could have resulted in hearing loss. They should keep her for observation until they know the antibiotics are working. Victor asks, how long? and she says, 36-48 hours. Victor says, it looks like Morgan’s baby earned him a holiday. Can he offer Morgan a drink?

Victor pours drinks for Morgan and himself, and Morgan says, he’s not going to lie; it’s impressive. Victor says, it’s more than that. It’s a miracle, an oasis in the middle of the blast. They have clean air and clean water, everything to keep the nasty stuff from outside away. Morgan suggests they cut the sh*t. Victor didn’t bring him in there to rub his achievements in Morgan’s face. Victor says, he was already doing that while Morgan was out there. There’s something he needs Morgan to do for him; something he can’t do. Morgan says, what? and Victor says he’s not sure he can trust Morgan yet. Morgan says, Victor can’t expect him to make a deal he doesn’t know the terms of, but Victor says, it’s not a negotiation. He sits down, gun in hand, and says, doing what he asks, is the only way Morgan will see his little girl again. He smiles, and asks, shall we drink to our new deal? He raises his glass, and Morgan says, all right. They clink glasses, and suddenly, a zombie slams against the window, then slides down, leaving a trail of blood. They look out, and zombies are being catapulted toward the tower. One comes crashing through, and Victor shoves him back out. There are explosions below, and smoke is everywhere. Morgan asks if Victor is okay, and Victor asks if Morgan is. Morgan says, yeah, and Howard comes in. He tells Victor, the Stalkers are here, and Victor says, he knows. Howard says, he wants to talk to Victor, and Victor asks, who’s he? They go to the roof, and Victor looks through the binoculars. He sees a guy pick up the phone, and Howard says, he claims they met before. Victor picks up the phone, saying, he’s listening, and the guy says he sees he got Victor’s attention. Victor says, a call would have sufficed, but the guy says, he tried, and it didn’t work. Victor doesn’t recognize his voice? It’s Arnold. Victor says, he knew it. His instincts were right. He’s not changing his mind. Arnold says he doesn’t know about that. At the very least, they can destroy the tower. Victor asks what he wants, and Arnold says, the same thing as before. he and his people want a place to call home. Victor says, not going to happen, not here, not now, but Arnold says, this might change his mind. They found a warhead that was a dud, but it killed anyone who touched it, including those who put pieces of it on the dead. Victor sees a truck full zombies, and asks if those were contaminated walkers who were launched. Arnold says, no, but the next ones will be. It will make the place uninhabitable, and Morgan says he’s seen them out there. Victor says he didn’t ask anyone’s opinion. If they want this place, they won’t destroy it. Arnold says, he has one hour, and Victor tells them, get John Dorie ASAP. Morgan asks for the radio, saying, he has people in range, and they’ll be there. Victor asks how he knows Morgan isn’t working for these masked a-holes, but Morgan says, Victor has Mo. Does he think Morgan would launch explosives? Trust him. Victor says, he can’t. He needs an update from JD. Victor suddenly clutches his throat, and Morgan asks if he’s okay. Victor can’t breathe, and tells Howard to get June.  

Victor wakes up inside, and June is there. He asks how long he was out, and June says, ten minutes. Howard says, they haven’t fired any more dead, and Victor asks, how much damage? Howard says, mostly the lower stories, but there are no casualties that they know of. They haven’t cleared the tunnels, so they can’t leave. Victor doesn’t think it’s a coincidence; they poisoned him. He knows it. June says she’ll get an IV, and Victor asks if JD is on the roof. Howard gets JD on the radio, and JD says, he’s got them in his sites. If he fires, he’ll blow up the whole lot, Unless they want the tower to be extra crispy, he suggests they hold off, and Victor asks how long they have. Howard says, 47 minutes, and Victor says, tell them to hold off. Tell JD, if they launch anything, drop whoever he can before it hits the building. Howard tells JD, stand by and stay locked. Morgan says he can take care of it if Victor lets him radio Grace, and Victor asks what Morgan is doing here. Morgan tells him not to let what’s gone on between them stop Victor from taking help. There are lives at stake; his daughter’s life. Let him help. Victor says, get him out of here, but Morgan says he just wants to help. Howard says, there are no radios; everything there is hard wired. Morgan asks if that’s why they stripped the submarine, and Victor says, unlike Morgan, they don’t broadcast things. Morgan says, they must have walkies, and Howard says, in the armory. Morgan asks where it is, and Victor says, Morgan doesn’t get to ask questions as if he’s in charge. Morgan says he’s just asking if he can relay a message, and Victor begins to breathe heavy.

Howard radios Ollie, and realizes the line has been severed. Victor says, they have to find another way to stop these a-holes. Zombies are launched at the third and fourth floors, and Victor says he was told an hour. Fires break out, things blow up, and the lights go out. JD says, they’re early, and Howard answers the phone. He tells Victor that Wen says Arnold is on the callbox, and Victor says, patch him through. He yells for them to get the artifacts away from the windows. He gets on the callbox phone, and tells Arnold, he said no more surprises for an hour. Arnold says, their scope was glinting. It was just a warning to make sure Victor doesn’t try anything funny. Victor asks, were the dead clean? and Arnold says, the next won’t be. He suggests they leave the roof. June says, there are probably injured on the lower floors, but Victor says, no one leaves until they know what they’re dealing with. Morgan says he knows how to deal with it, and Victor hobbles to a basin and throws up. June says, Victor was right. He was given methylene blue. Victor says, someone put it in his food. What will it do to him? She says, it depends on how much he ingested and when, and Victor asks if it will kill him, but she says she doesn’t know.

JD says he can figure out a deal. He’s had a lot of experience talking people down from doing crazy things. Howard asks how that worked with Teddy. Only Victor represents the tower. Victor says, question everyone, and JD says he’s not sure this is the time, but Victor says, do it. He needs to get to the armory, and radio Grace for assistance. Morgan is surprised, and Victor says he’s doing what’s best for the tower. He’s not the selfish a-hole they make him out to be. He’ll do it himself. Howard says they don’t know if the stairwells are intact, and JD says, there could be fires, dead, but Victor says he’s doing it himself, drawing his sword to make his point. He says, someone in the tower poisoned him, and Howard says, he’s been there since the beginning, but Victor says, that doesn’t mean anything. He can’t trust anyone until he’s figured it out. JD says, those people tried kill him, and June too, but Victor says he doesn’t know that. June has access to the medicine; JD won’t interrogate anyone; and Wen is angry because Victor turned his sister away. Wen says, she was here? and Morgan says, she didn’t want him to know. Wen asks why Victor would do that, and Victor says, for the same reason he turns anyone away. He was trusting himself; what he’s doing now. June says he’s not going to make it, and Victor says, she’s right. That’s why Morgan is coming with him. Howard reminds him that he said he didn’t trust Morgan, and Victor says, he does, as long as he has Mo. Hand her over. Morgan says, not a chance, but one of Victor’s people holds a gun on him. Mo cries, and Morgan says, okay, giving Mo to Victor. He says, if Victor hurts her… and Victor says, he knows, so don’t give him a reason to. Howard says, they have 35 minutes. They leave, and we hear the clock ticking.

Victor and Morgan come to a large shaft that goes down several floors. There are random zombies sticking their hands out from the walls. Morgan says, they were trying to take shelter from the first blast. He asks if Mo is still asleep; June said the medicine might knock her out. He thinks Victor doesn’t know what he’s doing; being sick has made him see ghosts where there ain’t any. Victor says, if Morgan did that to him, he’ll do everything he can to take him out, but Morgan says, he’s not Victor. He tells Victor, he’s not lowering the three of them down, and Victor says, then they all die. 29 minutes. Let him go. Morgan tells him, stay with her. He’s not going anywhere without her. He asks where the opening is, and Victor says, it’s in the basement service corridor. Morgan tells him, take care of her. If anything happens to her, he’ll do worse to Victor than they will out there. Victor says, agreed.

Morgan swings on a rope past the dead’s outstretched, grasping arms, lowering himself down. Victor tells Mo, he’s not her papa; he’s Victor Strand, her temporary guardian. Morgan swings past more dead and into a window. Victor tells Mo about the tower, and how he and Morgan both tried to save the things they loved. Morgan says he’s down, and it looks intact. Mo cries, and Morgan calls to Victor. Victor says, he’s up here, and Morgan asks if he’s okay. Victor says, he’s fine and dandy, but Morgan says, lower her down. If something happens, and he turns… He’s not moving until Mo is in his arms. Victor says, don’t move, and they all die. He doesn’t think Morgan will let that happen. Morgan says, pass her down, and Victor tells Mo that everyone is interested in her. His father barely looked at him. She should enjoy it now. Morgan asks if Victor wants to save this place or not, and Victor says he’s doing it. Morgan tells Victor, keep talking to him, and Victor asks, what is Morgan? His therapist? He tells Mo that she’s going for a little ride. Her papa is down there. Morgan asks why Victor let him in, but Victor says, it doesn’t matter. Morgan says, don’t tell him that, and Victor carefully lowers Mo down, making me a nervous wreck. Morgan says, maybe Victor can find a way to trust him, but Victor says, that’s how you lose. He only trusts people if has a reason. Morgan grabs the baby, and we all breathe a sigh of relief. Victor says, Morgan’s not coming back, is he? and Morgan tells Mo that it’s going be over soon. Sweating bullets, Victor says, Alicia, and Morgan says Victor told him that he didn’t know where she was. Victor says, he doesn’t know, but if she’s alive, he wants Morgan to find her. Morgan asks why Victor doesn’t look, and Victor says he doesn’t think Alicia would like it if he found her, but she’d go with Morgan. Morgan promises to be back, and Victor puts his head in his hands.

June gives Victor a shot, and tells him to relax; he’s very dehydrated. Victor asks if they’re gone, and Morgan says, all he did was get the walkie. Grace and Sarah did the rest, and Victor has them to thank. June says she can’t stay; she has to help injured. She thinks most of it is out of Victor’s system. Morgan says, he’ll bring Victor up when he’s strong enough to walk, and Victor thanks June. She tells him, don’t ever use her medical skills again to help him get what he wants, and leaves. He asks Morgan, how the child is, and Morgan says, fine. She’s with JD. Victor says, Morgan brought him to June, when he could have kicked him over the edge. Morgan says, it crossed his mind, and Victor asks, why didn’t he? Morgan tells him, what he said about Alicia. If he’d done that, she wouldn’t want either one of them to find her. Victor says, he did what needed to get done, but it still wasn’t enough, and Morgan says, they’ll find her, but Victor will have to make it the kind of place she’ll want to live in. Victor asks what he means, and Morgan says, a lot of people need a place like this; people Victor knows. Victor says, what if Morgan doesn’t find her? and Morgan asks what Victor’s gut tells him, and Victor says, he thinks Morgan will; they will. Morgan holds out his hand to help Victor up, and Victor sees blue under Morgan’s thumb nail. He flashes on Morgan putting the drug in his drink, and says, it was him. Was his baby even sick? He tries to fight with Morgan, but Morgan gets him down, Morgan says, he’d never put everyone’s life in danger, but Victor says, Morgan was working with them. Morgan says he stopped them, and Victor says, Morgan tried to kill him. Morgan says, Victor gave him no choice. Howard comes up behind Morgan, and tells him, stand up and back away. Victor says, take him to the roof.

Victor says he should never let Morgan in, as he pushes Morgan halfway off the roof, and over the zombie crowd. The callbox phone rings, and Victor tells Howard to answer it. It’s Grace, and Victor says, she shouldn’t watch this, but she says, he needs her help. He says he already got it, but she says, some walkers got loose who were exposed to the warhead. She thinks they joined the others around the building. Victor says he knows what she’s doing, and it’s not going to work, but she says, if they go off, he knows what happens. Even if they don’t, they’ll be leaking what’s inside for months. He asks what her play is, and she says, she’ll find them, and help remove them. He says, for what? and she says, Morgan’s life, and her daughter’s. Victor asks Howard if he thinks she’s telling the truth, and Howard looks at the smoking mess left behind. He says he thinks so, and Victor says, if she’ll help him, he’ll let her come in, but she has to live by the same rules, and doesn’t get to leave. Morgan says, don’t do it, and Victor says, shut up. He asks if they have a deal, and Grace says, yes. Victor says, it’s a deal, and Morgan says, let him talk to her. Victor says, the deal is struck; do as you please. He hands Morgan the phone, and Morgan says, she didn’t have to do that. She says she knows, but she wanted to; for him, for her, for their family. He says he’ll find his way back to her, and Victor hangs up the phone, saying, no, he won’t, but he’s got nothing to worry about. He’ll give her everything Morgan couldn’t; food, shelter, and security. Show Mr. Jones the exit. He tells Howard, get some lunch, and retrieve his painting.

Howard tells Victor, Grace says she can find the irradiated dead if she has access to the equipment. Victor asks if they have what she requires, and Howard says, some of it. He asks if everything is okay, and Victor says, he was wrong. He didn’t see what Morgan was up to. Howard says, from everything Victor told him, he doesn’t see how he could have. Does Victor want him to have Juliana come and clean the portrait up? Victor says, no. He likes it like this. This is the way people need to see him. Howard asks if Victor is sure everything all aright, and Victor says, he was wrong about Morgan. Who else has he been wrong about? Howard tell him not to let Morgan make him second guess himself, and Victor tells Howard to bring him the baby. He wants to spend time with her. Howard says he didn’t know Victor liked children, and Victor says she’s got to get used to her new father some time. Howard leaves, and we see the painting, now all ripped and messed up, with blood on it. Victor admires it.

Morgan walks in the dark, looking like a nomad, in a hood and holding his embellished pokey stick. He stops, and says he knows someone is there. Show yourself. He’s not in the mood for this. A few masked people come out of the darkness, and Dwight and Sherry ride up. Morgan says, they’re alive, and Sherry says, so is he. Morgan asks if they’re traveling with the Stalkers. If they are, there are things they ought to know. Dwight says Morgan doesn’t know the half of it.

They go to a camp, and Dwight says, the wind is in the right direction. They can take their masks off. Morgan asks how long Dwight and Sherry have been running with them, and Sherry says, a couple weeks. It’s getting rough out there. Morgan says he knows; what are they doing here? Sherry says their leader wants to talk to him, and Morgan says, show him where he is. Sherry says, he means where she is. I say, I think it’s Alicia.

A woman in Stalker garb comes out of a tent, and Morgan says, he just told her people, he doesn’t want any trouble. The woman says she didn’t bring him there to cause trouble, and takes off her mask. I was right, and Alicia and Morgan hug. She tells him that he looks like sh*t, and he says, to be honest, he feels like sh*t. They thought they lost her. She says she was safely underground while the rest of the world burned, and he says he doesn’t get this. They’re the ones who attacked the tower? She says, those aren’t her people. Not anymore. He asks what’s going on? What is this about? She says, these people are tired, hungry, and getting desperate, and Morgan says, so are they. He doesn’t know how much he can give her. She says, there is. That’s why she asked Dwight and Sherry to find him. Someone yells, all hands! and we see zombies headed for the camp. Alicia says, it looks like Morgan picked up a few strays.

Morgan takes a better look, and says, don’t shoot! but it’s too late. They shoot at the zombies, who explode. Morgan looks up, and says, everybody run now!

Next time – the mid-season (I think that’s what we’re calling it) finale – Alicia tells Morgan why she needs him, the P.A.D.R.E. file is found, and Dwight tells Morgan it’s time to go to work.

The Walking Dead World Beyond

When we last left, Jadis told the soldiers to eliminate some to traumatize the many.

Leo and the others who were hiding, detonated some bombs around the CRM compound, each of them blowing one off. I guess it’s so they would all be accountable, like in Murder on the Orient Express. Felix said there was no going back now, like there had been any going back before. Jadis tried find out what going on, and wondered where they’d gotten explosives. Leo radioed Jadis, who scolded him, saying, the soldiers might mean nothing to him, but they’d dedicated their lives to the future. He’d put everyone in jeopardy. Leo said that one was just for show, and they were willing to escalate. She told him that he’d crossed a line. Leo said they were done with the CRM, and they were leaving today, all of them. Jadis said he wasn’t in a position to bargain, and he told her they had Mason. Hope begged, and mason reluctantly got on the radio, and told Jadis to please get him out of there. Jadis asked what Leo wanted, and he said, two transport trucks with full tanks of gas, and no tricks. Jadis asked if he was willing to throw away an entire species. Leo said they were murderers, but he and the others would eventually save everyone, even them. She said he wouldn’t find safety and security out there. There would be no progress, only death and the dead. He said they had thirty minutes, and she congratulated him on roping a bunch of smart people into a suicide mission. Jadis then scolded Huck, saying, Huck’s mission had been to make sure Hope understood. Huck said it wasn’t her fault the CRM killed people and Hope found out.

Silas tended to Dennis, saying, Dennis didn’t deserve a bullet wound for helping him out. Dennis said, sometimes helping hurts like hell. Silas asked if Dennis wanted him to radio Huck, but Dennis didn’t want to risk blowing her cover. He was sorry for what Huck had done to Silas, but Silas said she’d been saving the world. Elton came back, and said he couldn’t find antibiotics, but found some vodka. Dennis poured the vodka on his wound, and told Silas to hold him down while Elton took out the bullet. Elton took a swig from the bottle, and Dennis told him to get a good grip before he pulled it out. It was painful to watch, but Elton was successful. Dennis told him, nice work, and told Silas, stick to the plan, and find his friends.

Felix checked the trucks out, and the lieutenant whose name I still don’t know (and pretty soon, it won’t matter) said, if it was up to him, he’d put a bullet in Felix’s head, but not while they had Mason. Felix told him to have the trucks backed up, and when he saw the lieutenant again, he’d kill him. Felix went back to Leo, who said the CRM thought they were all leaving, but as long as they had Mason, the CRM wouldn’t try anything. Felix, Percy, Iris, and Hope were staying behind to find the gas the CRM was going to use on Portland. Iris said, if it worked, they’d be right behind Leo. Mason asked Iris and Hope where they were going that was better than there, and Iris told him that he didn’t know sh*t about the place.

Silas and Elton set off firecrackers on the road as they drove. Silas asked if Elton still had the map to the research place. Elton said he did, and Silas said, they’d be making a stop first. The dead began to block the road behind them. Iris asked if Percy ever thought about what comes next, and he said, as long as he could remember, it had been him and his uncle; finding their own way, making their own luck, and making a sh*tty world a little less sh*tty. Just him and Iris would be nice when it was over. She asked where he wanted to go, and he said he’d always wanted to go to the Getty museum. It wasn’t the Louvre, but they had a good collection. She said they could grow their own crops on the lawn, and I wondered what kind of crops she wanted to grow, since that was just weird.

Felix and Hope snuck around downstairs, and came across some still frozen zombies, which made head stabbing more difficult. Hope had to tangle with zombie Lyla, and ended up slamming her head in a door until there was nothing left. Hope said, f*** this place, and I was like, we can say that on this station now?

Not happy when she saw the trucks, Jadis was even less happy when a soldier said there were 1000 incoming dead. They were minutes away from a full breach. Jadis told her to have a team distract them with charges, and send the others to the western gates. Felix told Hope, Iris, and Percy that the CRM knew they were still there; they were scrapping the plan. Hope asked if they were giving up on Portland, and Felix said, the gas had been moved and they didn’t have time. He radioed the others about the change in plans, and Iris asked Mason – who they had left behind, tied up where he was – where the gas was. He said he didn’t have anything to do with that, and if they’d done what she was saying, it was for a reason. Percy said he thought Mason was telling the truth. Felix said they were leaving now. Huck volunteered to help with the dead breach, but Jadis told her to stay there. Huck has a perpetually worried look, so it’s hard to tell if she really is.

Silas and Elton got to the CRM, and Silas thanked Elton for helping, since he could have gone with the others. Elton said, so much had worked out; this would too. Silas headed for the medical supplies, but was caught by a soldier, who said the friends Silas had been looking for where the ones causing all this grief. He had orders to shoot on sight. Silas said he was there for Dennis, who’d gotten hurt, but the soldier said, sorry; he had orders. Elton came up behind him, cracking him in the head, and told Silas, he’d said it would work out. They snuck into the medical supply room and grabbed antibiotics. There was banging on the door, but they heard the soldier being overpowered by zombies, and blood seeped under the door. Silas didn’t think they’d make it back to the jeep, but Elton looked outside and thought he knew a way.

They got inside the globe sculpture Indira had designed, and rolled over the zombies like that big cheese wheel in Z Nation. Then they conveniently came to a stop right at the edge of the road, and ran. Felix and his group went to the truck, and Jadis radioed her troops, saying, they had them where they wanted them. She told the rest of the soldiers to back off, and Felix said, once they were out, they’d let Mason go, but Jadis said, they’d shown nothing to make her trust them. It was Felix’s group, them, and a giant column of the dead coming. They’d see who blinked first.

Jadis said they were in a no win situation, and Felix said if they tried anything, he’d kill Mason. Then they’d be out of luck. Jadis said, so would they. Without Mason, there was nothing to stop them. They blamed the CRM for the outcome of their own actions. She asked if they were pleased with the result, and Iris said, they’d had no choice. The CRM covered up a genocide. Jadis said, it was the only world Iris knew, and she was too young to appreciate what had been lost. Iris said, they’d murdered a hundred thousand people, but Jadis said, they were going to die anyway. The CRM had made hard choices, so the civilians didn’t have to. The Campus Colony, Omaha, and Portland had become a drain on the CRM’s resources. They were too reliant, and would have never become self-sustaining. It was only a matter of time before famine struck. At best, they would have died slowly from starvation, and at worst, disease and conflict would spread to the Civic Republic, the light of the world setting forever. They ended it quickly, so a chance for humanity survived. It was mercy. The greatest minds were sent there to contribute to scientific progress. Their legacy would be stopping the dead from walking. Hope asked why they had a right to decide who lived or died, and Jadis said their work made her existence possible. Huck could see a sniper getting into place, and Jadis went on and on and on. She said they’d be cute if they weren’t so pathetic. A couple of zombies toddled up behind Felix and company, and while they were distracted, Mason head-butted Felix and ran. Everyone went in different directions, and Huck shot some CRM soldier, then told Jadis to drop her weapon.

Percy got shot in the melee, and Iris ran to him. Hope went after Mason, whose hands were still tied. He fell and she said, he did this. She said her and her goddam family did this. Everything would have been okay, and it’s what they deserved. Hope said her sister was right. He was the same as the rest of them, and never gave a sh*t. She got ready to shoot him, but Iris told her not to. Poor Felix was the only one busy shooting at zombies, and Iris told Hope that if she did this to Mason, she’d be doing something to herself all over again. Hope flashed back to shooting Elton’s mother, and dropped the gun. Felix pulled up, and Huck told them to go. Steam was coming out of Jadis’s ears, and she said she guessed Huck’s mother was right. If Huck spared her life, she’d give Huck a five minute head start. She might stand a Mason yelled for help, as the zombies advanced, and I had to laugh. Jadis took off, and Huck shot zombies until she was out of bullets. She grabbed a jeep, and got the hell out of there.  

On the phone with the colonel, Jadis said they were compromised. In a CYA move, she said she wished she’d been brought in sooner to prevent this, but she’d fix it. She thanked them for placing their trust in her. Felix, Iris, and Hope went to the rendezvous point, and radioed Leo, who’d gotten a flat tire about two miles away. He’d sent the others ahead, and could patch the tire, but figured whoever left the spikes wasn’t far behind. Felix said the Hummer would be easy to spot, and went to find Leo on foot, leaving Iris and Hope to wait.

Huck ditched her uniform, and went to find Dennis, who was barely conscious. She asked what happened, and he said he got too friendly with a bullet. Elton and Silas saw Hope and Iris, and there was hugging and tears. Silas asked where Percy was, and Iris started crying. Hope said the gas was probably on its way to Portland, and the CRM had won. They were going to destroy another city, and there wasn’t sh*t they could do about it. They had a group hug, which isn’t too smart in a forest where there are zombies loose.

Huck did her own crying, and looked at her wedding ring, making us assume Dennis had died. She radioed Hope, and said she thought she’d found something. Hope asked where she was, and we saw her in a lot containing tons of storage units with the gas in them.  

Next time – the show finale – Fighting! Zombies! Hope says, it’s not about them; it’s about the future.

🍗 The Food Party’s Over…

News of the Dead on the morrow, along with the usual. Hope you enjoyed Thanksgiving if you celebrated, or the day if you didn’t. Whether you’re starting a new week, ending an old one, or refuse to bow to labeling days, stay safe, stay serene, and stay making a sh*tty world a little less sh*tty.

Nov25

November 24, 2021 – Sam Gets a Thanksgiving Surprise, Grateful For a Finale, Afterward, Trying To Get Back, Thanksgiving TV, Ten Little Quotes Of Gratitude & Alice

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Chase’s phone rings while he’s in the shower. He grabs it, and asks Brook, what’s up? She asks where he is, and he says, in the shower; he did the turkey trot this morning. She asks if cops aren’t supposed to be peace keepers. She needs him there to keep the peace. He asks, what’s going on? and she says, nothing yet, but her father’s head is going to explode when he finds out it’s Chase, not Valentin, who’s Bailey’s father. He asks her to let him get the soap out of his eyes, and dry off, and she says, don’t forget, this was his idea. Now they have to sell it. He says he has to talk to Finn first, and she says she needs him now. He asks if she remembers who saved her bacon from Valentin, and she says, actually he saved Bailey’s bacon from Peter. He tells her, they’re in this together. Stop ordering him around, and he’ll be there soon. She says, just wear a tie, and he says, sure. It will give her father something handy to string him up with.

Austin tells TJ that he did a great job. What’s next? Is he going to choose ER again as his next elective rotation? Finn walks up, and says, infectious diseases. Austin’s loss, his gain. Austin asks, what’s the fun in that? There’s no adrenaline rush in internal medicine. Finn says he’d be surprised, and TJ asks what Austin’s plans are today. Austin says, go home, eat a turkey burger, and watch football. Marshall watches from the landing above.

Curtis is looking at the photo Marshall gave him, when Portia comes into the club. He asks what she’s doing there. He thought he locked the door. She says, no, it was open. Is he okay? He says he just didn’t hear her come in, and she says he looked like he was a million miles away. She didn’t hear back, which isn’t like him, so she decided to come check. He says he got her text, but he has so much going on. He’s sorry. What’s up? She says, dinner, for one. Is he still coming? He says, when? and she says, today. Thanksgiving? She asks if he’s okay.

Dante and Sam watch the parade with the kids from Sam’s balcony, and Rocco says, this is sweet. He wonders why they haven’t done it before, and Sam tells him, play his cards right, and he’ll get invited again. Jake says he’s glad they came; it can get boring. Dante comes up behind Sam, putting his arms around her. He wants to lock down another invite, and she thinks it can be swung. They go inside, and Jake says, that was awesome. Sam tells them to take their coats off, and asks, who’s ready for some treats? Rocco asks where the treats are, and Dante says he and Sam will get that sorted out. They have a movie ready to go upstairs, Kristina Comes Home for Christmas. The boys roll their eyes, and Sam tells Danny that he’s being rude. Rocco says, that movie’s ancient, and Dante says, that’s the point. Good old-fashioned Christmas magic. Scout says she wants to see it, and Sam says, that’s her girl. Go upstairs, and they’ll get some snacks ready. They head upstairs, and Dante says Sam saved his butt. They didn’t want to watch the movie, but she had snacks and treats. She says she has some tricks up her sleeve. She has cookies, muffins, donuts, and cupcakes from Kelly’s. He says, what about coffee? and she says, and nachos. She asks if he thinks the kids are getting along, and he says, yeah. He knows Rocco misses Charlotte. The holidays are always tough without his mom, but he seems happy with Scout and Danny. She says, Danny and Scout miss Jason, and Drew, and he says, at least they get to see their families at the Quartermaines. There’s a holiday movie for her. He thinks it would be a horror film. She says, there’s a sequel at the Davis’s. Is he sure he’s up for it? He says, of course (🍷) he is. He and her mom are good; they made peace. As long as she’s up for what that means, if they show up at their families’ houses at the holidays with their kids together. She says, it’s a big deal, and he says, it makes them official.

Brook tells Ned to go easy on the coffee. He might want to switch to decaf, the way family Thanksgivings go around here. He says, not this year. Things are finally looking up. He and Olivia are finally on the same page. After Leo’s disappearance last night at Ava’s gallery, she came to realize, Leo does need to see a specialist; that he was only acting in Leo’s best interest. Which doesn’t let Brook off the hook for letting Leo out of her eyesight, or using Austin’s genuine concern for Leo against him. She says, she did it for the family. If he’s going to be mad at her for losing Leo and sticking it to Austin, he can kiss the Normal Rockwell Thanksgiving he envisions goodbye. It’s never been the Q’s reality, and it’s not going to start now.

Chase looks in the mirror, and says he can do this. He practices telling Finn about Bailey, and says, he so doesn’t have this.

TJ tells Austin that Portia is hosting a Thanksgiving dinner. They’re all going to be there. Him and Molly… Finn says, Elizabeth and her kids, him and his daughter Violet, his brother Chase. It’s a good group. TJ says Austin will be welcome. No one should be alone on Thanksgiving. He and his Uncle Curtis will have the game on as well. Austin thanks him, but declines, and Finn asks if he’s holding out for a better offer. Olivia asks if she can talk to Austin a second, but he says, no. He’s done talking to her or anyone else in her family ever again. He walks away, and she runs after him. Finn tells TJ that he’s losing his reputation as the quirkiest doctor at GH, and TJ says he wasn’t aware that was Finn’s reputation. Finn says, diplomacy will get him far. Finn looks forward to working with him, and says, see him at dinner.

Curtis says his mind is just trying to figure out what’s real and what isn’t, and Portia asks if he’s talking about the club. Yesterday, he was wondering if the mob was blocking his musical guests, and then arranging for that singer to just magically appear. Did he figure something out? He says, yes, but it wasn’t what he thought. No shadowy organizations. That might have actually been simpler. She says, simpler than what? but he’s not ready to get into this right now. She asks if it’s about the man in the sketch, the one who was asking her and TJ questions about Curtis and the club. What’s going on? He says he wishes he knew, and she says, okay. She sees that he doesn’t want to talk about it right now, so she won’t pry, but if he changes his mind, she’s there to listen. And if he doesn’t feel like coming to dinner, she completely understands. She’ll miss him, but hopes he works through whatever’s going on. She starts to leave, but he tells her, wait. She’s the only one he can talk to about this. Would she stay? Please?

Dante and Sam get the snacks ready, and Dante asks what she wants to bet the kids will be bouncing off the walls by lunch. She says, as long as they don’t break anything too precious at the Quartermaines, she thinks she’ll be okay, and he says, the advantage of going to the Quartermaines is that everything of value has probably been broken or moved. She says, Monica does like having a full house. She’s glad they didn’t tell her that Drew is alive, because then they’d have to tell her that he’s presumed dead, and that would really hurt her. He says, came close though, and she says, it would have been the ultimate gift to bring Drew home for the holidays, not only for Monica, but for Scout. She just hopes Jason makes it home in time for Christmas for Danny’s sake. Dante says, if not, he and Rocco will come decorate the tree with her, but then they have to come and help them decorate theirs, and do things like ice skating. He can teach her how to do that too. She says she’s totally down for that; it all sounds good. Their little families are blending so well. He tells her, like his mother would say, like buttah.

Oliva asks Austin to listen to what she has to say before she breaks her ankle walking in these shoes. He stops, and she says she was wrong about him; about his motives in insisting her son needs to see a specialist. She was in denial, and the other night, something happened. Leo disappeared, and if he hadn’t given that heads up, and Ned hadn’t taken him seriously, she doesn’t think they would have found him in time. Austin says, he was near water, and she says, he was, and because Ned did his homework, they knew to search for him by the docks. Then everything just fell into place. The whole thing Austin was wondering about, and Ned was wondering about, it all makes sense. And she’s committed to getting her son all the support he needs. Austin says, that’s great news, and she says, it’s all because of him. She’s truly sorry that she accused him of using her son to further his position with ELQ. She hopes he forgives her.

Ned asks why Brook is so defensive. Does it have anything to do with Valentin and Charlotte packing up and moving out last night? She says she has to check on Bailey, but he says, stop right there. Initially, he admits he was relieved to see them go, but after seeing Yuri, he noticed Yuri was particularly upset. So he questioned Yuri, and he kept repeating the same phrase about Bailey and Belarus. Ned entered the phrase into the translator, and it was something about the right seed. He’s impressed at how she and Valentin have co-parented. It’s a sign of maturity on her part. So if she’s hit a bump, that doesn’t mean it’s insurmountable. Look at him and Olivia. Whatever’s going on, he’s there to help if he can. She says, he can’t. Valentin isn’t Bailey’s father.

Chase goes to Finn’s office, and says he was hoping to find Finn there. Finn says he’s catching up on patient files, and asks if Chase is working a case. Chase says he’s off today, and Finn asks if he isn’t overdressed for football with TJ and the boys. By the way, Violet is playing quarterback; she’s got the whole thing worked out. Chase says, about that… and Finn says, he’s still coming to dinner, right? Chase says, something’s come up.

Curtis tells Portia, after he tracked down Linc, he found out Linc was working for someone else. She says, the guy from the sketch? Not organized crime. He says he honestly doesn’t know, but the guy came in and they talked. He was the one responsible for getting the artist here. She says, which is why he was so interested in asking questions about The Savoy, but he was also interested in Curtis too. Curtis says, he was interested in both him and the club, and she says, which is why he did Curtis that huge favor? He says, apparently, but he also wanted a relationship. She asks, why? and Curtis says the guy claimed to be his father. She says she thought his father passed when he was a child, and he says, that’s what he was told, and that’s what he believed. Then this man Marshall – of course (🍷) that’s what he says his name is – comes in and tells him otherwise. She asks if he believes Marshall.

Curtis shows Portia the photo, and says, it was the last photo took before he left. She says, there’s a real resemblance between the man in the photo and the man who approached her and TJ. He says he showed Marshall the sketch, and when he asked why his mom and Aunt Stella let him and Tommy believe Marshall was dead, he couldn’t give a straight answer. He said he left because it wasn’t safe, whatever the hell that means. Curtis has to admit, it brought up feelings he didn’t know he had about not having a father in his life. How that pain and emptiness felt growing up, and he didn’t even realize it. About how a sudden disappearance suddenly made his life unpredictable. He never processed that, much less talked about it, until Marshall said he was his father. She says, he was only a child; he was three years old. He probably buried it. That’s exactly how trauma works. It seems Curtis might actually believe it’s true. He says, it doesn’t matter. He doesn’t want a relationship either way, and told Marshall that. At least he had the decency to get the hell out of Curtis’s life again. She asks if that’s the end of it? and he says, it better be, but she says she’s wondering if that’s what he really wants, or is he just trying to protect himself? He’s been a detective and a cop; he must have questions. Maybe there’s more to the story. He says, maybe.

Dante says he hopes Sam is ready to be showered with approval; his mom has been advocating for this a long time. She says she can’t believe she got Olivia’s approval, and he says, she got it big time. She says, that means a lot, and he says, he didn’t tell her, but there was kind of a situation with Leo last night. She asks, what happened? and he says, Leo is okay, but they think he might be on the autism spectrum. She says, she’s so sorry. She knows how trying that can be. He says she told him about her brother, and she says, it wasn’t nearly the same thing, but it was… challenging? He had a genetic disorder that caused behavioral issues. He was a loving boy, so well-rounded, and sweet, and kind. She loved him so much. She tears up, and Dante holds her.

Finn tells Chase, they should be together on Thanksgiving, especially since their mom and dad can’t make it. Just to guilt him some more, Violet will be very disappointed if he doesn’t come. Chase says he hate the thought of letting Violet down. Maybe he can swing by after. Finn says, after what? and Chase says, something’s come up; something he can’t get out of. Finn asks, what’s so urgent? and Chase says, it’s personal. Finn says, like a date? and Chase says, sort of. Finn asks if he can be more vague. What’s the name of the lucky lady who got him to turn his back on his family? Chase says, the mother of his child.

Ned asks what the hell Brook is talking about, and she says, does she really need to spell it out for him? He says, she means she was with more than one man around the same time, and she didn’t know who the father was? She says, it’s a little more complicated that. She knew who the father was, and decided not to be truthful about it for reasons she’s sure he can guess. He says, the ELQ shares? and she says, yes. He says, and she told Valentin last night? and she says, yes. He asks if she’s going to tell him who the father, is or does he not know yet? She says, he knows. He’s wonderful. Not that they have feelings for each other; it’s more casual. They’re friends, which is good, and Ned actually kind of likes him, more than he likes Valentin. He says, that’s not a high bar. So who is it? Who is Bailey’s father? She tells him, it’s Chase.

Finn tells Chase, wait… What?… How?… He knows how. Who’s the mother? Chase asks if Finn remembers when he and Willow broke up. Brook was on the outs with the Qs and she moved in for a while. Finn says, Brook Lynn Quartermaine, Tracy’s granddaughter; she’s the mother, and she didn’t tell him? Chase says, it’s complicated, but he just found out. Brook is a great mom. Finn says, a good mom makes all the difference. So Brook was lying to Valentin and Chase? Chase says, she was, but the lie is over, and they’re sorting through things. Finn says, just like that. Chase isn’t angry? Chase says, at first there were a lot of emotions, but he realized it’s only been a few months, and for part of that time he was living in the same house as Bailey. He held her and sang to her. Finn says, and Brook wants Chase to be part of Bailey’s life? Chase says, absolutely, and Finn says, Chase and Brook, are they…? Chase says, no; they’re just friends. Just that one time. Finn says, sorry. It’s a lot to take in. Congratulations, bro. He fathered a beautiful baby girl. He hugs Chase, saying, he’s happy for him, and Chase says, congratulations to him too. He’s an uncle. Finn says, Violet’s been asking for baby sister; he guesses a baby cousin is the next best thing. Chase asks if Finn can do him a favor and not mention it to Violet or anyone else, especially mom and dad. Brook hasn’t told her family yet, and the situation with Valentin is tricky. Finn says, of course (🍷), and tells Chase to watch his back with them. Not only does Chase have to deal with Valentin and all his nonsense, but the Quartermaines and that brings. Is he sure he’s prepared?

Ned says, Detective Chase is the father? He was here all this time, and they never said a word about it. Brook says, Chase didn’t know, and he says, she never told him? And he never even suspected? She says, she told him that Valentin was the father, and Ned says, but she knew he wasn’t. She kept the truth from Chase because she wanted use her child to get the ELQ shares back. She says, it was her fault they lost control of ELQ; she had to do something. He says, they were just shares. She kept that child from her real father. This is a mess. He has no one to blame but himself. He put too much pressure on Brook; now look where they are. Chase lost time with his daughter, and Valentin lost a child he thought was his. Both of these men’s lives have been completely upended. She says she’s so sorry, but he can’t blame himself. She takes responsibility. She truly did what she thought she had to do. He says, at least he still has his beautiful granddaughter; that won’t change. Just tell him, how did Valentin react to the news? She says, he was devastated, and very angry. Ned says, he’s bound to fight back.

Austin says he’s very happy to hear Olivia has come around, and is there for Leo. That little boy deserves the best chance he can get to have a great life. Olivia agrees, and says she’s committed to getting that for him. She just wishes she hadn’t thought the worst of Austin, and realizes now how lucky they all were that he spotted this and came forward. He says, no parent wants to hear that their child isn’t typical. There’s a pediatric neurologist at GH who’s so great. He’d be happy to give her an introduction. She says she already made an appointment online. She doesn’t want to waste any more time. He says he’s glad to hear that, and she says she’d like to make it up to him. He can join them for Thanksgiving; there’s going to be plenty of food. He shakes his head, and she says he doesn’t forgive her, and he says he can’t forgive her family for denying his father when he was alive, and again denying him after he was dead. He’s never going to forgive Brook for trying to sabotage his medical career, simply for trying to get Leo the help he needs.

Dante says it sounds like Sam didn’t have an easy childhood, but despite everything that happened, she showed love and compassion to Danny anyway. It shows what kind of person she is; a strong, fierce, independent, beautiful woman. She can think on her feet better than anyone he’s ever known. She slashed his tires to make sure he couldn’t follow her. She says he can chalk that one up to street smarts, and he says he’s grateful for her street smarts. She says, know what she’s grateful for? His openness. Even though Sonny is his father, Dante has managed to be able to be loyal Sonny and his job. He still somehow makes it work. When he runs off, she knows he’s not running off to start trouble; he’s running to stop it. That gives her peace. He says, that’s what he calls it too. She asks why her heart is beating so fast, and he says he was going to ask the same thing. They kiss, and Scout comes to the stairs, saying, the boys changed the movie.

Marshall says, Dr. TJ Marshall, and asks if TJ’s got a minute.

Curtis tells Portia, that man, if he’s his father, changed the course of his family’s lives when he disappeared. His mother became an invalid. Aunt Stella gave up the love of her life because they needed her. She taught him and Tommy how to shave. Despite all that love and strength aimed at them, they still felt the loss. They were different from the other kids who mentioned their fathers. There were always those kids with no fathers who were part of a sad club; they were members of that club. She says she’s so sorry, and Curtis says, he allowed that to happen to his family. He stayed away for decades. Now he wants to swoop back in, like some conquering hero. He saved one night at the club. What does Marshall expect from him? To welcome him with open arms – gee, pop, it’s good to see you. Not gonna happen. She says she can see why he sent Marshall away, and she hates that Marshall brought up all of this for him. He says he hates that he was reminded of it, and hates how it still eats at him. Marshall did this to him, and he doesn’t want Marshall in his life. He wishes Marshall hadn’t come back, if Marshall is even his father. She asks if he checked Marshall out, and he says he did a quick internet search. No Marshall Ashford matched his description. She says, they both know you can dive deeper than an internet search, and he says, he could. She says, but he doesn’t want to, and he says he doesn’t know what he wants to do about Marshall. He’s been kind of paralyzed since Marshall dropped his big announcement. His head’s been spinning with memories and realizations, and of course (🍷) questions. She asks if he’s reached out to Stella, but he says, no. She’s still recovering from her stroke, and this is the kind of news that could be too much of a shock to her. He does know Stella would never lie about their father to him and Tommy, ever. So he doesn’t want to risk upsetting her. She says, that’s very wise, but what about TJ? Marshall approached TJ before; he could do it again. He says he was thinking about that, but he hasn’t told TJ because he was sorting out his own thoughts. She’s right. He should give TJ a heads up. He’d hate for this Marshall guy to catch TJ off-guard like he did him.

TJ says he remembers Marshall. Marshall disappeared on him. How does Marshall know his nickname? Marshall asks if that’s not the abbreviation for Thomas Jr., and TJ asks if Marshall looked him up or something. What’s going on? Is he ill? TJ is getting off his rotation, but can make sure the attending sees Marshall. Marshall says, he’s not sick. He didn’t need medical care the last time he came to see TJ. TJ asks, then why did he come? Why is he here now? Marshall tells him, like he said, he came to see TJ.

Chase tells Finn, he knows Valentin is hurt and angry; who wouldn’t be? As for the Q’s, he’ll just have to face the music, and get through it. What else can he do? Finn says, good luck with all that. It’s going to be one hell of a Thanksgiving dinner. At least he can spend the day with his baby girl. He can’t believe he’s saying that. Chase is going to be an amazing father. He sees how Chase is with Violet, who adores him. Chase thanks him for the vote of confidence. Like he said, he’s already lived with Bailey, so he has a head start. Finn says, he must have felt a connection all along; something deep inside. Chase says, now that Finn mentions it, totally. Finn says, when Chase feels the time is right, they’ll get Violet together with her cousin. It’s one more thing to be happy for today. Chase says he has to get going, and Finn tells him, good luck with the Quartermaines, although it’s Brook who did Chase wrong. It’s hard to be angry when he has that baby girl in his life. Chase says, yeah, happy Thanksgiving, and jets. Finn watches him go down the hall, and says, happy Thanksgiving.

Ned says, the whole family will be here today, and Brook says, so? He asks what she’s going to tell them. There’s going to be a million questions. And what about the fact that Chase had a thing for her, and married Willow. And he never suspected that Bailey was his daughter. Brook says, if he remembers, Chase was nearly poisoned to death; he had bigger fish to fry. Ned can’t possibly blame Chase. He says he can and he does. It takes two to make a baby. Maybe Chase didn’t know because he didn’t want to know. He was too busy chasing Willow to step up and be a father. Or too busy snooping around there doing Austin’s biding. He’s not buying it.

Olivia says, Brook honestly thought Austin was using her son. She was just trying to protect the family, that’s all. Austin tells her, like he said, he’s really glad Leo is getting the help he needs; that’s the only thing that’s important. She agrees, but what’s done is done. Can’t he let this thing with Brook go? He says he can try, and she says, great. And the offer still stands if he changes his mind. She leaves, and Finn comes by. He asks Austin, why the long face? and Austin says, sometimes the only way to turn a frown into a smile is the satisfaction of payback. Finn says, okay. He was going to convince Austin to join them, but perhaps alone in front of the TV is a better alternative.

Brook says Ned is projecting his anger at her onto Chase. Go ahead, be mad at her; she’s used to it. He says he’s mad at both of them. It was reckless, thoughtless, and selfish, and now she expects him to sweep up the mess, and act like nothing ever happened. She says she knows it’s Thanksgiving, but don’t go all puritan on her. He’s not exactly a saint himself. He says he’s not pretending to be, unlike her wonderful guy Chase. She says, for the last time, it’s not Chase’s fault. The doorbell rings, and Ned opens the door to Chase, who says, happy Thanksgiving. He brought dessert.  

Portia says, Curtis is going through a lot right now. She just wants him to know that her home is open to him. Whenever he needs her, she’ll be there. And if he changes his mind about Thanksgiving, she’ll be there with food, and a bunch of people who love and appreciate him. He says he can’t believe he tried to push her away. Talking to her was the best decision he could have made. He’s not sure if he’ll make it tonight, but he’s sure he’s grateful for her. He considers her among his blessings. They kiss.

Marshall asks if there’s someplace they can talk private, TJ isn’t sure he wants to do that. He doesn’t know who Marshall is, and he was asking a lot of questions about TJ and his uncle. He doesn’t know what this is, but he’s really not up for it. He’s had a really long night, and has somewhere to be later. Marshall says he doesn’t blame TJ for being suspicious; Curtis was the same way. Just give him a few minutes, and he promises to explain. It would mean the world to him.

Dante tells Scout not to worry. He’ll handle the boys. He promises she’ll get to watch the rest of Kristina Comes Home for Christmas. He takes her hand, and says, come on; we’ll show them. They go upstairs, and Sam breathes in the scent of Dante’s scarf. There’s a knock at the door, and when Sam opens it, a clean-shaven Drew is there.

On Monday, Portia wonders if Curtis needs back up; Valentin says, out with the old and in with the new; Chase wonders if this is a bad idea; and Sonny tells someone, long time no see.

Winter House

When we last left this bunch of miserable people, Ciara had asked if Austen kept in touch with his ex, the even-worse- than-all-of-them-put-together Madison. Austen said they didn’t talk. He didn’t want Ciara to think he was hiding anything, but Madison was literally on the cover of a tabloid, and that sh*t wasn’t easy. He didn’t want it to affect what he thought they had going on. In Ciara’s interview, she said he’d been insanely honest, and it was all she could ask. Apparently, her bar is set low. Craig asked if it bothered Lindsay that Austen was totally into Ciara, and she said, no, then jumped Jason’s bones. Ciara and Austen when to look at her ski outfit in the closet, and never came out. What is wrong with these people, playing 7 Minutes in Heaven at age 45 35 30 or somewhere around there?

There was one day left of vacation, and I was begging for it to end. Okay, I’ve begged for it to end since the first episode. Craig got a text from girlfriend Natalie that she’d gone out to dinner with Madison, and Austen was like, WTF? In Craig’s interview, he said it was insanity. Why would she go out to dinner with the same girl who’s called her a whore. We saw a clip from Watch What Happens Live, where Madison said Austen had slept with Natalie last summer, and she was now dating Craig. I’m not sure why that would determine Natalie to be a whore, but whatever. Craig felt this spoke to something in Natalie’s character that he hadn’t seen and couldn’t deal with. Austen went to Kyle, and said Ciara was a curveball he hadn’t expected, but he wasn’t in a place to be exclusive or give himself completely to someone. In his interview, Austen said that before he left, Madison had come to his house, kissed him on the cheek, and told him not to forget about her. Ugh. I’m not an Austen fan, but no one deserves that horrible woman in their life. He said it was next level manipulation, and he’d tried to cut ties. He wished it was a year from now, and said it showed timing was everything.  

It had gotten warm out, and Austen said skiing in the spring was the bee’s knees, since he walked out of the 1920s. Luke’s igloo had melted, which made him sad, and we flashed back on Luke’s building skills. Everyone dressed all weird in tutus and neon and mullet wigs, looking like they were going to an 80s dance party. Or fitness class. Lindsay asked what Austen had wanted to cry to her about, but he said he was good. Lindsay told Amanda what Austen had said. She didn’t think he was over his ex enough to start something else. Jason and Lindsay agreed they on the same page, but everyone else wasn’t. It was unclear whether they meant the other couples weren’t on the same page as each other, or everyone wasn’t on their page. In Jason’s interview, he said meeting Lindsay had been unexpected, but welcome. She was wild and confrontational, but better too much than not enough. He didn’t think it was a vacation fling, and was to be continued. My guess is, it’s going to get old real fast.  

Since Lindsay’s boobs were two years old, they decided to have a birthday party. In Craig’s interview, he said he was having a great time, and wasn’t excited to go back to Charleston. Finding out Natalie had dinner with Madison was evidence that Natalie wasn’t his person anymore. Luke retrieved his sap-catching bags from the trees, and said being in the city killed his soul. Amanda told Kyle about her conversation with Lindsay, and they speculated on what Austen wanted to tell Lindsay. Kyle said Austen and Ciara were separated by a couple of states, and Amanda said if Austen didn’t see a future, he should make that clear. Amanda said she didn’t want gossip be guessing what it was Austen wasn’t clear on, but they had to protect Ciara’s precious little heart.

Lindsay said she was obsessed with her own boobs, even though internet trolls said they were too far apart. It didn’t hurt that she had the nicest man in the world interested in her. Several of the guys dressed up in tutus and fake boobs, and Kyle laughed about Austen’s pierced ears. They played limbo until Kyle and Craig knocked it down. Amanda talked to Julia in the kitchen, telling her that Austen wasn’t interested in a long distance relationship. In Amanda’s interview, she said she felt like she’d been part of Ciara and Austen’s relationship from the beginning. She’d gone on their first date with them, and seen them blossom. They seemed absolutely perfect together. Which was a long way of saying she was sticking her nose where it didn’t belong. She cornered Austen, and said she didn’t want to go to Ciara without finding out the whole story. Austen told her that he wanted to say it as nicely as he could – it was none of her effing business. Amanda said Ciara was her business, and he said she needed to stay out of it. Amanda started crying, and whined that Austen was a POS. He told her, STFU, and Kyle made excuses that Amanda just cared about them, because he’s a busybody too. Amanda wailed to Ciara and Julia that she’d tried to do the right thing, Ciara was like, it’s cool, and said she’d talk to Austen. Austen said this wasn’t the way he’d wanted it to go, but Ciara said it was out there now, and why was he being defensive? He said he hadn’t come there with a bunch of friends who were all up in his business, and Ciara said Amanda was just concerned about her. She woudn’t be sleeping in his bed if she didn’t like him, and was scared something like this would happen. Austen said he wanted to see her as much as he could, and asked what her master plan was. She said she didn’t have one, and he said he didn’t either. He told her that he was drunk, and  they decided to table it for the night.

In Andrea’s interview, he said he’d come in texting two different girls, but after spending time with Paige, she was growing on him. He wanted her for himself. It was mercifully the last day, and everyone packed. Austen told Ciara that he didn’t think he was ready, and clearly had things he needed to work on with himself. He hoped they could plan on seeing each other. In Ciara’s interview, she said she hadn’t been planning on liking someone to this capacity. (Let me remind you, it’s been two and a half weeks, although it feels like years.) She said she was a hopeless romantic, and reality was hard right now. Andrea made plans with Paige, and in her interview, she said she knew this was going to happen. No one could spend 17 days straight with her, and not love her. In Gabby’s interview, she said she was glad she did it, but it was tough. At the end of the day, growth was better than a hook-up. She’d take what she could get. Ciara told Paige that she appreciated Austen’s honesty, but wondered why she always picked the ones who were emotionally unavailable. They agreed they needed a vacation after the vacation.  

Paige’s parents picked her up, and Andrea helped her move a million boxes of stuff out. For two and a half weeks? She introduced him, and he made it clear they would be seeing each other. Ciara told Austen that she knew he wasn’t ready to date, but they could still be friends that kiss occasionally. In Austen’s interview, he said it had been an amazing couple of weeks. If Ciara was okay with him not being able to fully commit, then he fully welcomed her suggestion. With that, Kyle closed the door. No one will be missed.

At the end, we saw Paige and Andrea kissing in an elevator, and it said, coming soon on Summer House. Omg, it’s like a roach motel.

🏚 No Big Chill Here…

Who zoomed who after Kyle closed the door.

https://screenrant.com/winter-house-austen-kroll-ciara-miller-romance/

https://www.eonline.com/news/1310969/just-how-serious-are-winter-house-couple-paige-desorbo-craig-conover-hear-her-answer

🧲 Like a Bad Penny…

Juicy Joe puts on the gloves.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1310507/joe-giudice-is-fighting-to-return-to-the-u-s-after-italy-deportation

📺 For Your Viewing Pleasure…

If the parade is your jam:

https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/macys-thanksgiving-day-parade-2021-preview-new-york/index.html

If you want to move on quickly:

https://www.tvinsider.com/1022619/christmas-movies-tv-thanksgiving-weekend-2021/

If a binge is more your style:

https://www.tvinsider.com/1023126/thanksgiving-tv-marathons-2021/

Happy Thanksgiving

🍇 Quotes of the Week

Gratitude is when memory is stored in the heart and not in the mind. – Lionel Hampton

Be thankful for everything that happens in your life; it’s all an experience. – Roy T. Bennett

The turkey. The sweet potatoes. The stuffing. The pumpkin pie. Is there anything else we all can agree so vehemently about? I don’t think so. – Nora Ephron

If there’s one thing I’ve learned over the eons, it’s that you can’t give up on your family, no matter how tempting they make it. – Rick Riordan

Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other. – Randy Pausch

Give thanks for a little, and you will find a lot. – Hausa Proverb

It is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful. – David Steindl-Rast

 Be thankful for what you have. Your life is someone else’s fairy tale. – Wale Ayeni

We should certainly count our blessings, but we should also make our blessings count. – Neal A. Maxwell

What if today, we were just grateful for everything? – Charlie Brown

💋 Thankful For You…

No matter why you come here – to get details to settle an argument; to find out what went on when you couldn’t watch; to drink some tea, or glean some wise words; or even just to see if I misspelled something or got it wrong – I’m thankful you came, and hopeful you return. I hope wherever you’ve landed during these pandemical times, you’re making lemon drops out of lemons. Wishing you the happiest of Thanksgivings, whether you spend it with family, friends, or with your cat. (Hey, I’ve done that, and it’s not bad. Unless your cat steals that turkey leg you were thawing out.) Whether you’re talking turkey or not, stay safe, stay grateful & stay not envisioning a Norman Rockwell Thanksgiving. I doubt even Norman had one.

Nov24

November 23, 2021 – The Excavation Team Looks For Jason, Hospital Exit, Remembering OLTL, NYC Woman, Bad Behavior, All About the Parade & Macy’s

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Sasha tells Dr. Navarro, their son is in an incubator and can’t be moved, right? Which means they have to go to him. She asks Brando to get her a wheelchair, and he says, she can’t even sit up right now. She says she’ll do whatever it takes to be with her son, but Dr. Navarro says, that’s not the problem. In her post-operative condition, she can’t visit the NICU right now. She needs time to heal first. Sasha says her baby needs his mother, but the doctor says, he needs his mother to be healthy and whole for what’s to come.

Gladys asks Maxie if that’s Sasha’s room, and Maxie says, Brando is with her, and they’re talking to Sasha’s doctor. Gladys stands outside the door, and Dr. Navarro says she knows it’s hard, but she strongly advises Sasha to use this time to rest. Gather her strength, so when she’s cleared to visit her son, she’ll be prepared. Brando says, prepared for what exactly?

Carly runs into the hospital and finds Sonny. She thanks him for calling her, and asks how Sasha and the baby are. He says, Sasha is out of surgery, and recovering in the ICU, and Carly says she doesn’t understand. Last she heard, everything was fine. How did he hear Sasha and the baby were rushed into surgery?

At the reception desk, Epiphany tells Valentin that the doctor wants him to spend one more night for observation, but he says he’s going to take care of himself; effective immediately. She says, that would be an ill-advised decision, but it’s his choice. He’s going to have to sign a form saying he’s leaving against medical advice. He tells her to give him the form, and she says, fine. Wait here. He asks her not to take too long, and she gives him a look. Nina comes along, and gives Valentin a hug. She asks why he’s leaving, and he says he has to move out of the Quartermaine mansion, and find the strength to say goodbye to his daughter one last time.

As they walk in, Chase asks if Brook doesn’t think it’s a little sacrilegious to hatch a plot in a chapel, and she says, a non-denominational chapel. He asks what that means, and she says they need place to talk away from Valentin. He says he’s listening, and she says, enough of his self-assured, nothing bothers you attitude. Does he have any idea what he’s gotten himself into, pretending to be Bailey’s father? If the truth is found out, he’ll have two enemies – Valentin and Peter.

Anna asks if she can call Maxie back; she’s in the middle of something. Maxie says, Peter just called her. He promised he was going to see her soon. Anna says, they have Peter in custody, and Maxie asks if she’s sure he’s in custody. Anna says, he’s in handcuffs, and waiting to be transferred back to Port Charles to stand trial. Maxie asks if Anna is saying it’s really over, but Anna says, it’s not over yet.

Obrecht examines Drew, and Britt says, let her know when she’s done. She wants to make sure Obrecht’s stitches didn’t open up when she fell in the tunnel. Obrecht says, she’s fine, but Britt is going to have to recite the alphabet backward to make sure she doesn’t have a concussion. Britt says, Z, Y, X, W, V. Is that enough? Obrecht says, for now, and asks if Drew has any other injuries he needs to tell her about. He says, just what she saw. The last time she examined him was when Peter wanted to make sure he was in tip-top shape to kidnap Maxie. She says, thankfully, that plan never materialized, and Britt says, Maxie’s safe, but at what cost to Jason?

Maxie asks, what about Liesl and Britt? Has Anna seen them? Anna says she’s with them now; they’re fine. Maxie says, thank God. She knew Jason wouldn’t let anything happen to them. She thanks Anna for bringing Peter to justice, and Anna says she owed it to Maxie; it’s long overdue. Maxie asks her to thank Jason and Britt for her too, and asks when they’re coming home. Anna says, the situation is quite fluid right now. She’ll be able to have a longer conversation when she gets back. All she wanted was to keep Maxie safe. Maxie hangs up, and sees a text from Brook, saying, must talk. 911. Where are you?

Nina tells Valentin that she doesn’t understand. Is he sending Charlotte to boarding school? He says, not Charlotte, and she asks, what’s going on with Bailey? He says, she’s not his, and Nina asks, what makes him say that? He says, Brook lied to him, and she says, he must be devastated. He says, Brook used Bailey as a bargaining chip to get her ELQ shares back. It was nothing more than an elaborate ruse to get back in her father’s good graces. Nina says, Brook actually said that? and he tells her, she said a lot of things, but it was about ELQ, plain and simple.

Brook asks if Chase has any idea what he signed up for, and he says he wasn’t thinking long term; he was thinking on the fly. She says, until they know Peter’s not a threat anymore, he’s going to have to continue with the fly. He’s going to have to tell everyone. Is he ready to tell his parents that they’re going to be grandparents again? He’s going to have to tell Finn, and how about Willow? It’s not the first time he’s had to tell a lie for the greater good. He says, and the lie worked. It kept Nelle from getting custody of Wiley. She asks if he’s ready to tempt fate again, when her phone dings. She says, Maxie is freaking out about something. She wouldn’t blame Chase if he didn’t want to take this charade any further. Maybe they should go back to Valentin, tell him the truth, and beg for his help. Then Chase wouldn’t have to be part of the charade, and get in any deeper.

Nina asks if Valentin is sure it’s about ELQ; maybe there’s another reason. He says, like what? and she suggests giving Brook the benefit of the doubt. Even his biggest detractors have to admit he’s an amazing father to Charlotte. Maybe the biological father isn’t a good guy. Could that be the reason Brook lied to him? He says, no, because Chase is the real father. Chase told him, and Brook confirmed it.

Carly tells Sonny, if there’s a problem with Sasha and the baby, Brando must be losing his mind. Sonny is the only family Brando has in town besides Gladys, so of course (🍷) Brando reached out to him. Maxie walks past, and Sonny asks, what’s the latest? Carly asks if the baby is okay, and Maxie says, which baby? Carly says, Sasha and Brando’s baby, and Maxie says, of course (🍷). She’s sorry; she has a lot going on. Sasha had a baby boy, and needed an emergency C-section. She’s fine, but the baby is in the NICU. Her phone dings, and she says she’s sorry. That’s all she knows. She walks the other way, and Sonny wonders if it’s just him, or was Maxie all over the place? Carly is sure all this reminded Maxie of the trauma surrounding Louise’s birth. He says it reminds him of what they went through with Donna, and she says, she’ll never forget, but like Sasha, she had one advantage Maxie doesn’t. He asks, what’s that? and she says, a loving, supportive partner by her side.

Elizabeth tells Gladys that she can go in; she knows Gladys is family. Gladys thanks her, but says she doesn’t want to intrude. The doctor sounds so serious. That’s never good, right? Elizabeth goes in, and Brando asks if she’s seen their baby. Sasha asks, how is he? and Elizabeth says, he’s currently in an incubated on a ventilator to assist with breathing. He also has an umbilical line to administer steroids and antibiotics. Brando says, that’s standard procedure in the NICU, right? Because babies are born with under developed lungs all the time. Dr. Navarro says, in this case, it’s not a question of lung capacity. During the placental disruption, their son was deprived of oxygen, and in some babies, that can result in <insert medical term here>, a condition that, depending on the severity, causes disabilities, brain damage, and in some cases, death. Elizabeth says, those are worst case scenarios; they don’t have all the answers. Dr. Navarro says, Dr. Fleming and the wonderful team in the NICU have started a very advanced treatment called hypothermic therapy, which calms the baby down, and has been shown to give the brain an opportunity to slow brain cell damage. Sasha cries, and Elizabeth says, they need to think positively. Sasha asks how she can think anything positive when her baby is hurting, and it’s all her fault?

Sasha says she must have missed a sign, or ignored a symptom, but Dr. Navarro says she’s not to blame. There’s nothing Sasha could have done to prevent what happened. Her placenta separated from her uterus, a completely involuntary medical condition. Sasha says she felt a twinge or something. She definitely knew she wasn’t comfortable, and didn’t reach out to the doctor. Brando tells her to listen to Dr. Navarro. She didn’t know this was going to happen. He’s not going to let her blame herself. Elizabeth says, and most discomfort during pregnancy is harmless. The doctor says Elizabeth is correct. It’s possible what Sasha felt had nothing to do with the abruption. They need to focus on the next steps, when the hypothermia treatment concludes. Brando asks how long it takes, and she says, it can take up to 72 hours. Once it’s done, Dr. Fleming will order an EEG to determine brain function. Brando can visit the NICU now, and if Sasha is strong enough in the morning, she can be wheeled down to see her son. She’ll check in on Sasha later. She leaves, and Elizabeth asks Sasha to listen to her. She knows as moms it’s easy for them to blame themselves, but Sasha  did everything right. She went to her doctor’s appointments, she had bloodwork done, she went on bedrest when she was told to. No one has a crystal ball. Sasha says, so all they can do now is wait? and Brando says, wait, and pray.

Anna says, the excavation team has landed, and they’re headed to the tunnels. Drew says he wants to help, and Britt says, her too, but Anna says, it’s too crowded and dangerous for them to go down there. This is a highly trained team, and they’re equipped with the latest technology. The best thing they can do for Jason is stay out of their way. There’s going to be a formal debriefing with the WSB, but before that happens, she needs to know what the hell went on down in those tunnels. Obrecht says, Peter activated Drew, and when Jason and Drew were fighting, Peter dragged her and Britt into those unstable tunnels, and then got lost. Anna says, by activated, she means conditioning? and Drew says, Peter used Faison’s old shortcut. Anna asks what he had Drew do, but Drew has no idea. The first time was in Crete, and he came to in his cell, grazed by a bullet and bleeding. Anna thinks he sustained the injury during the assassination attempt, and he asks how she knows. She says, she was the target.

Maxie walks into the chapel, and says, please tell her Gladys… She stops, and says, Chase. If he doesn’t mind, she’d like to speak to Brook in private. Brook says, if it’s about Bailey, anything Maxie has to share with her, she can say in front of Chase. He knows everything.

Nina says, Brook told Valentin that Chase was Bailey’s biological father? and he says, yes. She says she’s so sorry; she knows how painful it is. He says he knows she does, because she knows what it’s like to love someone like a daughter, and find out she was deceived, because he did that to her. Call it karma or poetic justice, but what he inflicted on her, Brook inflicted on him. She has every right to gloat.

Sonny says he’s happy that Donna has so much strength and is so healthy, and Carly says, they’re so lucky. She prays the same for Brando and Sasha; that whatever comes their way, they can weather it together as a team. Sonny says, they did it, and she says, they did. She knows it’s a weird time, but they didn’t get to finish their conversation earlier about Nina, and there’s something she needs to say.

Sasha says, she knows she and Brando haven’t taken the most conventional route as a couple, and there’s still so much they don’t know about each other, but he never struck her as the praying type. He says he guesses he’s old enough to admit there are things in the universe he doesn’t understand. Is there God? He doesn’t know, but he’s seen a rainbow after a storm. He’s seen some pretty awesome sunrises and sunsets. In Iraq, in the war, he saw some pretty awful things, but he also saw some of the most profound acts of human kindness. All this is a long way to say he doesn’t know what he believes, but he’ll consider anything that gets them a happy ending with their son. She says, her too. Does he think it’s possible? He says, an hour ago, he didn’t know if she and their son were going to make it. He never prayed like that, even in the war. Now she’s out of danger, and their son is alive. She tells him, people always say babies are resilient, and he says, Maxie was just telling him that James was born on the side of the road, and he’s fine now. Babies can have shaky starts and still grow into healthy strong kids. Their kid has their genes. She says, which makes him a fighter, and he says, damn right. She says, faith is not her strong suit. What if it’s not enough? He says, they have each other, and their son has them, not to mention some of the best medical care there is. Whatever the EEG tells them, he’ll be cherished and loved. If he needs a little help, they’ll provide that. There’s not a thing they can’t see him through. She says, what about what he needs right now? Being stuck in this bed, she can’t help feel… She cries, and he says, it’s okay. They’re in the same boat. They’re both first time parents, and their son is in trouble. Talk to him. She says she feels like she’s already a failure as a mother.

Nina says, when she found out Valentin hired Sasha to pretend to be her daughter, she was devastated. She was so angry and hurt, but she woudn’t wish that pain on anyone. She’s certainly not enjoying watching him lose his daughter. He says, because she’s a good person, but she says she’s done some things lately that make her question that. She does know one thing; when you’re driven by love, you’re pretty much capable of anything.

Carly says, she and Sonny have to resolve the issue of Nina. He referred to Nina as his friend, and she can’t tell him how bad it hurt her. He tells her that he didn’t exactly say that, and they sit down. She says she knows he was talking about his days in Nixon Falls when he was Mike. She wants him to know that she understands he had a life there, and it felt like home. He says, when he got his memory back, coming back there, they were his home; her, his kids, and his grandkids. She says she doesn’t want him to feel like he has to defend life he didn’t choose, but he has to understand she has a big problem with Nina, and what she did to him. She doesn’t want that to come across as her not trusting him. She has 100% faith that he’ll always do what’s best for their family. So as hard as it may be, if he feels what’s best for their family moving forward is for her to lay off Nina, she promises to do her best to try and respect that. He says, try? and she says, it’s her. He can’t expect miracles here. He says he knows it’s not easy. This whole thing… he just… He doesn’t want to talk about this anymore or fight about it. Can they not do that? She says she feels same way. She suggests they go find Sasha’s room, and see if there’s anything they can do for Sasha and Brando.

Maxie says, in this situation, Brook is going to need to define what everything is, and Chase says he knows Bailey isn’t Valentin’s daughter, or even Brook’s. She’s Maxie’s, and Maxie and Brook cooked up this plan to hide her in plain sight to protect her from her actual father, Peter August. Maxie says, sounds like everything, and Brook says, don’t look at her; she didn’t tell him anything. He figured it out on his own, and it’s a good thing. After Gladys came to tell Valentin she was deceiving him, she almost confessed everything. Thankfully, Chase walked in, and said he was the father. Chase says, the timing works. Brook was bunking with him around the time she supposedly got pregnant. Maxie says she needs a second to process this, and sits. She asks how Valentin took the news, and Brook says, how does she think he took it? He’s a wreck. He’s really angry at her for lying to him. Poor guy. Maxie says she knows how much love he has for her baby. Do they think he believed Chase is the baby’s father? Chase says, he seemed to. Chase even acted mad at Brook for lying to him. Maxie says, okay, good. Because now that Peter is coming back to Port Charles, they can’t take any chances. She called Anna, and she said Peter had been apprehended in Greece, and they were extraditing him to Port Charles. Chase says, then their problems are solved. With Peter in custody, Maxie can reveal Bailey is really Louise, and take her daughter back. Maxie says, as much as she wants that to happen, they can’t tell the truth about Bailey anytime soon.

Sonny and Carly see Gladys, and Sonny says, congratulations are in order. She’s a grandmother now. She says she hasn’t been able to see baby. She’s sure he’s beautiful; how could he not be? Carly asks if everything is okay. Did something happen to Sasha or the baby? Gladys says, Sasha is recuperating, but her grandson might not recover.

Valentin says, he wanted to protect what he and Nina had so much, that he ended up hurting her very, very badly. He doesn’t think he understood how much it hurt her to lose Sasha until now. And here she is, giving him a sympathetic ear. She’s just amazing. She says she doesn’t know about that. It’s easy to absolve someone when you realize you need absolution yourself. Maybe one day he’ll find it in his heart to forgive Brook’s deception about Bailey, the way her heart has forgiven him.

Maxie says, even though Peter is in custody, he doesn’t sound scared. He promised he’d be seeing her really soon. So she and her daughter are nowhere near safe. Chase says, she told them Peter is in WSB custody. He’s going to face charges in court. Maxie says, Peter has proved over and over again that he always eludes justice, but Brook says, try finding a jury in the state of New York that wouldn’t convict him. Maxie says, there’s one thing she’s learned from this nightmare, and that’s don’t count Peter out. Until he’s exhausted every legal challenge, and is in prison for life, she’s not comfortable revealing the truth about Bailey. Brook says, understood. What does she need from them? Maxie says, right now, she needs them both to be her daughter’s parents.

Britt suggests Obrecht call Scotty. She knows how badly he’d like to hear her voice, and know she’s coming home. Obrecht says, she will, but first, she wants Britt to tell her how she is. Britt says she’s fine, but Obrecht says she doesn’t have to put up a front for her; the stress must be affecting her. Britt lowers her voice, and says, if Obrecht is talking about Huntington’s, there’s no evidence that trauma causes early onset. Obrecht says she not talking about Britt’s physical condition. Not knowing whether Jason is dead or alive must be taking a toll on her emotions. Brit cries, and says, Jason was only there because she asked him for help. If he dies, how does she live with that?

Gladys tells Sonny, the door to Sasha’s room was open enough for her to hear what the doctor told them. She wants to be supportive to them, but they might think she’s overstepping; she knows she tends to do that. Sonny says, at least Gladys is here, and she’s thinking about them. Gladys says he doesn’t need to be so kind, given… everything. He says, hey, family’s family.

Brando says, Sasha didn’t fail their son. She took better care of herself than any mother. She bought books to read to him, put good things into her belly. The nursery she created, it’s so warm and cozy; it’s a child’s wonderland. She was a wonderful mother before their son was even born. She says she feels so helpless. She wants to hold their son so badly. She wants him to know his mother is there for him. She wants to protect him and comfort him. That’s her job. He says, that’s their job, and she asks if he’ll do something for her. He says, anything, and she says, go see their son. He says he wants to see their son, but he doesn’t want to leave her alone. He can text Maxie or Lucy… She says she’ll be fine, but their son needs at least one of his parents to be with him right now. The best thing he can do for her do right now is to do what she can’t. Go tell their son that she loves him.

Valentin thanks Nina for forgiving him. He was so caught up in his own stuff, he hasn’t seen her since she came back. Is she okay? She says, she’s good. She’s fortunate her return to Port Charles wasn’t met with a group of people carrying pitchforks. He says he can’t imagine her doing anything to deserve that. If she ever wants to talk about it… She thanks him, and says she might take him up on that, but tonight is about Sasha. She went into labor, had complications, and needed to have surgery, and that’s all she knows. He says, my God. He made this all about him. Go be with Sasha. He tells her that she set an example, taking the high road, and she says, he can do the same with Brook. At least she hopes he’ll try. She leaves, and Epiphany slams a clipboard on the desk next to Valentin, saying, was that fast enough for him? She keeps walking.

Brook says they have to decide how to break the news to everyone, and Chase says, he should probably act mad at her for a while. She asks if that’s really necessary, and he says, if she kept his baby a secret from him in reality, he’d be furious. She says, so he still has to be a liar in this scenario? and he says, in all fairness, she faked the pregnancy. She says, that’s true. So they’ll go with Valentin’s theory that she always knew Chase was the father, and pretended Valentin was the father to get back the ELQ stock. Maxie says, people will believe that, and Brook says she knows. Maxie says, please know she’s grateful to the both of them. It means everything to her to know she has at least some control over her child’s well-being, especially in light of everything going on with Sasha. Chase asks, what happened with Sasha? and Maxie says, she went into labor, but there were some complications. Chase says, she was so excited the last time he saw her, and asks if she’s okay. Maxie says, Sasha made it through the surgery, but she’s waiting for an update. Brook suggests they keep everything in perspective, and says, the most important thing is to keep Bailey safe from Peter. They can do this. Chase says, they can and they will.

Gladys sees Brando, and runs to him, saying, she was so worried. She hugs him, and Sonny asks how he’s holding up. Brando says, kind of numb actually. Sasha thought it was important that he see their son. He’s downstairs in the NICU. Gladys says she’ll go with him, and Carly asks, when was the last time Brando had something to eat or drink? He says he doesn’t know, and Carly says, then she’ll go to the cafeteria and get him something. She asks Gladys to come with her, since she knows all of Brando’s favorite things, and takes Gladys’s arm. Gladys says, he has to keep up his strength, and Carly tells Brando that she’s sending all of her love to his baby. Gladys lets Carly lead her away, and Sonny asks how Brando is feeling; talk to him. Brando says he’s scared, and Sonny says he wouldn’t be a father if he weren’t. He just has to get past all that. He’s got a brand new son coming into the world, who’s going to need his father and his love. Brando says, what if he doesn’t know what to do? and Sonny says, that’s just fear talking. When he sees that little boy, it will take care of everything. They hug, and Sonny says, got it? Brando says, yeah, and leaves. The elevator opens, and Nina goes to the reception desk. She tells Elizabeth, she’s there about Sasha Gilmore. She knows Sasha gave birth, and needed surgery. Are there any updates? Elizabeth says, Nina knows she can’t give out confidential patient information, but Sasha is recovering in the ICU. Nina says, it’s that bad? How is Sasha? What about the baby? Can Sasha have visitors? Elizabeth says, only family right now, and Nina says, she and Sasha were family once. Please? Elizabeth says she’ll see what she can do.

Brando goes to the NICU, and Epiphany tells him to get dressed so he can meet his son.

Elizabeth asks how Sasha is doing, and if she’s in any pain. Sasha says, nothing physical. She supposes that’s because of the painkillers. Elizabeth says, if Sasha ever wants to talk mom to mom, she’s just one call button away. Sasha thanks her, and says, Elizabeth has been so kind to her. Elizabeth asks if she’s up for a visitor. She’s not family, but wants to see Sasha, and Elizabeth can look the other way. Nina stands in the doorway.

Epiphany tells Brando, she’s there to help. Does he have any questions? He asks if the baby is in any pain, but she says, no; he’s sedated. He asks if it will hurt if he touches the baby, but she says, it won’t hurt; go ahead and touch him. Talk to him. Let the baby know he’s there. If he’s been talking to Sasha’s stomach, the baby is already familiar with his voice. He goes to the incubator, and says, hello, son. I’m your dad. I’m here now.

Outside, Anna tells the excavation guy, run another scan. She goes back in, and Britt asks if the excavation team found Jason. Anna says, they penetrated the tunnel, using radar based technology, to search for a heartbeat. Drew asks what they found, and Anna says, there was no signal. Nothing. Obrecht says, maybe the equipment was faulty, but Anna says, they have both audio and video devices. She’s really sorry, but there’s no sign of life in the tunnel where they last saw Jason. Britt looks out the window.

Maxie says, now that they’ve agreed on the best way to move forward, she’s going to see if she can get an update on Sasha. Chase says, keep them posted, please, and Maxie says, of course (🍷). She leaves, and Brook says, well, baby daddy, she thinks it’s time they told her family. He says, have fun with that, and she says, if he thinks she’s telling the Quartermaine clan herself, he has another thing coming. She can promise him one thing. It will be a helluva Thanksgiving.

Valentin asks if Maxie’s heard the news, and she says, about Peter’s capture? He says he figured Anna would reach out to her first, and she says, actually, Peter beat her to it. He used his one phone call on her, and promised he would see her real soon. He says he hopes she knows Anna would never let that happen, and she says she wishes she could wake up from this nightmare unafraid, but Peter’s pretty relentless. So far, he keeps evading justice. Valentin says, those days are over. Now Peter will pay the price for his actions. Maybe he’ll divulge some information on the fake nurse Chloe that will lead them to Louise. Whatever he can do to help, he’ll do. He knows now there is no greater pain than having a child ripped away from you.

Carly asks if Gladys and Sonny want to see if Sasha’s ready for visitors, but Sonny suggests they sit for a second. Elizabeth said it’s going to be a little more time, and Sasha’s going to get some rest. Why doesn’t Carly give Gladys some pointers on how to be a grandmother? His grandson Wiley adores Carly, just like Gladys’s grandson is going to adore her. He’s going to think she’s irreplaceable.

Sasha tells Nina, she doesn’t know if it’s in her head, but she keeps hearing babies crying. How will she know his cry? Nina holds Sasha while she cries.

Brando tells the baby that he has a message from his mom. He opens the hatch, and touches the baby. He says, she already loves him more than anything. So does he.

Tomorrow, TJ asks why Marshall is there now, Olivia tells Austin that she doesn’t want to waste more time, and Ned asks if Brook is going to tell him who the father is.

⚾️ Another One Out…

Looks like Jason might be staying under that rubble for a while.

https://people.com/tv/steve-burton-out-at-general-hospital-after-refusing-to-comply-with-covid-vaccine-mandate/

🎬 End Of Life…

I recall the end of OLTL too. <SOB!> Even though their characters changed on GH, Kristen Alderson’s final scene with Roger Howarth was made all the more poignant because they really were saying goodbye after a long working relationship.

Kristen Alderson Recalls the End of ONE LIFE TO LIVE

🗽 Roxy Rocks NYC…

I met her years ago. She was funny and very down-to-earth. This is exactly how I would have pictured her home.

Ilene Kristen Invites You Into Her New York City Home! (EXCLUSIVE)

⛴ Tripping…

I don’t know if it’s going to be an ongoing thing, but Bravo showed the premiere episode at 8 pm tonight (Tuesday). Since that’s a bad time for me, I didn’t see much of it, but there was drama already. I don’t know why anyone should be surprised that Ramona acted like a brat. She’s been like that since forever.

Melissa Gorga Slams Ramona Singer in New Interview

🦃 That Time Again…

Everything you need to know about this year’s Thanksgiving Day Parade.

https://www.macys.com/social/parade/

🌜 Wynken, Blynken, And Nodden Out…

Tomorrow, it’s a dose of soap and the horror show that is Winter House, which looks like it’s drawing to a close. It’s a short TV week for the usual, since GH will be airing a rerun on Thanksgiving – the February 5th episode – why, when they have a wealth of Quartermaine emergency pizzas? – and on Friday, it’s football. But no matter what’s on your viewing schedule, stay safe, stay aware that words hold power, and stay knowing that, although there are some pretty awful things in the world, there are also profound acts of human kindness.

Nov23

November 22, 2021 – Sonny Meets Nina In Charlie’s, Casino Royale On Deck, News Of the Dead, Winning Music, Award Fashion & Changes

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Brook says, there’s a legitimate reason why she didn’t tell Valentin the truth, when Chase walks in. Valentin says, just in time, and Chase says, for what? Valentin says, the latest bombshell. Brook’s been lying to him; he’s not Bailey’s father. Chase says he’s aware, and Valentin says, Brook told him? Brook says, no, never. She never told anyone. He says he knows Valentin isn’t Bailey’s father because he is. Valentin says he’s not, but Chase says he’s afraid it’s true. Valentin says, Chase was willing to let Brook trick him into thinking Bailey was his child? Chase expects him to believe that?

In the OR, Brando asks, what is it? What’s going on? Elizabeth says, it’s okay, and tells Sasha that her baby is having a hard time breathing. Sasha asks what they’re doing with him. Is he okay? The team performs CPR on the baby, and he’s wheeled out. Sasha asks where they’re taking him, and Elizabeth says he’s having a hard time breathing, so they’re taking him to the NICU. Sasha says she didn’t even get to hold him, and cries.

Sonny walks into Charlie’s, and Nina says she guesses they had the same idea. He says he doesn’t follow, and she says, who do they go to when they need to talk to someone? Phyllis. She has a way of putting everything in perspective. He asks if she’s there, but Nina says, actually, she’s not, and Sonny says then he’s going to go. Nina asks if he’s heard anything. She was waiting for any kind of news. He asks, what news? and she says, Sasha went into labor. She thought he knew. He says he went to see Brando at GH, and everything was fine. What happened? Nina says, Sasha had to have an emergency C-section.

At Rice Plaza, Carly calls to Bobbie, saying, text her when she gets home, and Jax comes along. He asks if that was Bobbie, and she says, they were supposed to go Christmas shopping, but her hard-working mother is dead on her feet, so she ordered a car service for her. What is he doing there? He says he was just out for a walk and got a coffee, and she says, a walk? It’s pretty cold out. He says he doesn’t mind it. He’s probably going to miss it. She says, miss it? and he says, Josslyn didn’t tell her? He’s leaving town.

Everyone in the tunnel on Cassadine Island lies unconscious. Peter pulls himself up. He sees Drew stuck underneath a beam, and picks up a chunk of rock.

On the phone with her mom, Maxie says she was going to talk to James and Georgie… Already? She guesses it’s past their bedtime, and says, thanks. She just wanted to know her children were safe.

Valentin says, Chase is there to help his friend. His chivalry is misguided. Chase says, it’s not chivalry. Brook lied to everyone, including him. He’s not there to help her. Valentin says, so he’s there to confront her, and Chase says he’s had his suspicions for a while now. He knew Brook was hiding something, so he did what any detective would do; he investigated. Brook tells him, stop it. She told him when she got back to Port Charles that Bailey wasn’t his. He says he has a DNA test that says otherwise. Without a doubt, Bailey is his. He thought they were friends. He had her back, and this is how she repaid him? By keeping his daughter from him for months? He will never forgive her for this.

Dr. Navarro tells Sasha, the baby is having trouble breathing and needs care right away. Elizabeth says, they’re taking care of him, and now they’re going to take care of Sasha. The doctor says, Sasha can’t feel it because of the epidural, but she’s in the middle of an operation. Sasha says she only cares about the baby, and Brando says he cares about the both of them. Look at him and breathe. They’ll get through this. She nods, then passes out. He tells her to wake up, and the doctor says, she’s hemorrhaging, and asks someone to take Brando out. Elizabeth pushes him out the door and into the hallway as he yells for Sasha. She tells him that Sasha will be okay, and runs back in.

Nina tells Sonny that Sasha had a placental abruption, and starts to explain, but he says he knows what that is. It’s very dangerous for the baby and the mother. Brando must be going through hell. She says, Maxie promised to text with any new news, and he says he should go to the hospital. She says, Brando is in the OR with Sasha, but Sonny should be there anyway, just in case Brando needs him. Sonny starts to leave, and Nina sits back down, and Sonny watches her looking despondent.

Carly says, Jax is leaving town? and he says, it’s just a business trip. Some things piled up in Sydney that he has to take care of in person. She says, piled up? It’s not like him to put things off. He says he didn’t want to leave while Sonny was gone, given how things escalated during Sonny’s absence, putting their daughter at risk. Carly says, Josslyn was fine; she wasn’t in any danger. He says, she was in danger of losing her mother to a bullet from Cyrus Renault, and she says, now that Sonny’s back, he feels that it’s safe, so he can go? He says, he thinks it’s safer. At least he hopes so. She’s stepped back from the organization, right? She and Jason no longer a thing? He means business partners. He knows Jason will always be front and center in her life. He walks away.

Peter is about to send the rock crashing down on Drew’s head, when Drew grabs his leg, sending him flying. Peter limps out, and Drew tries to move the beam off of himself. He manages to get his legs out from underneath, and calls to Britt. He goes over to her, and asks if she can hear him. Obrecht comes to, and crawls over to them. She says, Britt may have a concussion. She needs Britt to open her eyes. Britt says, Jason.

Valentin says, Chase has proof he’s Bailey’s father? and Chase says he does. And for what it’s worth (🍷), he’s so sorry. Brook tells him, all she can says is she did what she had to. She never meant to hurt Chase. He asks how she could possibly think this wouldn’t hurt him? and she says, when he was with Willow, he said he didn’t want kids. He loved Willow, and doesn’t love her. He doesn’t want to have a baby with her, especially after one night of fun when she was crashing with him. Valentin says, Brook lied to Chase for the same reason she lied to him, because she wanted to prove herself to her father by delivering the ELQ shares back to him. She says she didn’t do it for herself. She never meant to hurt anybody. For once in her stupid life, she was trying to do the right thing.

Maxie sees Brando, and asks if Sasha is out of surgery. She sees his face, and asks, what’s wrong? He says he doesn’t know, and starts to cry, saying, they have a son. Something went wrong. He didn’t cry, and they took him away. Sasha passed out, and he might lose them both. She says, oh my God, and hugs him.

Sonny goes back in, and motions to the bartender for a drink. He goes to the table, and Nina says she thought he left. He gives her a hanky, or maybe it’s a napkin, and says, she told him that Brando was in the OR, and Maxie is going to text her after the surgery is done. Sasha is young and healthy – he sits down – and they just have to hope for the best. She says, it’s everything she can do not to go to the hospital, and hover over Sasha like a mother. Sonny’s drink is brought over, and Nina says, but it’s not her place. He says she still thinks of Sasha as a daughter, doesn’t she? and she says, Valentin hired Sasha to pretend to be her daughter. You’d think she’d want nothing to do with Sasha, and for a while, she didn’t. In her head, she remembers everything Sasha put her through, but her heart sometimes forgets. He says, hearts tend to do that.

Peter limps into the house, and sees a gun on the floor. From the doorway, Robert says, freeze. Go for the gun. He’ll use any excuse he can find to shoot Peter. Peter dives for the gun, but Anna puts her foot on his hand. She says, hello, Peter, holding a gun on him.

Chase tells Brook, stop making excuses. What could possibly justify keeping a child from her father? She says, in the beginning, all she saw was a chance to make things right with her dad. It never even occurred to her that Valentin would be capable of falling in love with Bailey. Valentin says, and when she saw he did? She says, it was too late. She’s so, so sorry. He says, no she’s not. She got caught when Gladys exposed her, and what she’s done, he can never forgive. Chase asks if there’s anything else they need to say to each other in front of him, but Valentin says, they’re done here. Chase asks Brook to come with him. He says he’s sorry for Valentin’s pain, and Valentin nods.

Carly says she thought she made it clear, her life is none of Jax’s business. He says, it becomes his business when she puts their daughter in danger, and she says, they’re Josslyn’s parents. That’s a bond that’s never going to break, but he’s  not her friend anymore. He says he knows that, and he’s happy to stay out of her life. She says, for how long? Is he coming back for Thanksgiving or Christmas? He says he’s not sure. Josslyn can always come visit him in Sydney. She says, it doesn’t sound like he’s going to hurry back, and he says, besides Josslyn and Alexis, he’s kind of on the outs with everyone in Port Charles. She says, that’s what happens when he drops everything for Nina. He really let Nina screw up his life.

Sonny asks if Nina has forgiven Sasha, and she says, a long time ago. He says, how? That kind of lie. She says, Sasha may have claimed be someone she wasn’t, but the relationship that followed, the bond of mother/daughter love was real. Sasha truly came to care about her; she was just caught in a lie. He says, she could have spoken up and told the truth, and Nina says she knows she’s said that; all you have to do is tell the truth. All Valentin and Sasha had to do was say, hey Nina, Sasha’s not your real daughter. All Jax and Carly had to say was, hey, Nina, Nelle is your daughter, and I’m so sorry for your loss. When you’re the one being deceived, it’s easy to point a finger at your deceivers, and think they’re so evil. But when you’re the one lying, especially when you’re lying to someone you love… She almost starts crying, and says, she’s really, really sorry, and he asks why she kept doing it. She asks why anyone lies to anyone about anything. It’s because they have too much to lose by telling the truth. He asks what she had to lose. She knew the truth would come out sooner or later. She says, all she knows is that she was in so much pain, and he showed up out of nowhere… Mike. And he was kinder to her than anyone had ever been in her entire life. She wasn’t strong enough to give that up.

Maxie tells Brando, Sasha is strong and healthy overall. She also has Dr. Navarro, who’s the best. Sasha and their baby are going to be fine. He tells her, they said his little boy couldn’t breathe, and she says, babies are resilient. Look at James. He was born by the side of the road. He says his son can’t breathe, and she says, his son is in the hospital. Tell her about the first time he saw his son, before anything anyone noticed anything was wrong. He says, he was unforgettable. One moment, he was just this guy, this mechanic, and the next, he was a dad. When he saw his little head, it was like this rush came over him, hitting him like a ton of bricks. She says she remembers that feeling well, and he says, one glance, and he loved him more than anything, and would do anything for him. She says, of course (🍷) he will, because now he’s not the most important person in his own life anymore, and never will be again, and that is the best feeling in the world. From now on, it’s all about making sure that child is happy and safe and healthy. You’ll do anything to protect that child, no matter the cost.

Anna asks Peter where Jason and Britt are, and Robert says, Peter came in through the wine cellar. She says, so there’s an escape tunnel down there? and Peter says, not anymore. It’s all rubble now. She wants to know where Britt and Jason are? They’re underneath what’s left of those tunnels.

Drew calls to Jason, and Britt tries to sit up, but Obrecht says she might have a concussion; she needs to stay still. She says, Jason is right there. They have to help him. Obrecht says, how? There are several tons of rock in the way. The rest could come down on them any minute. She has to get Britt out of there. She tells Drew they have to move, but he says he’s not leaving without his brother.

Chase says, Valentin didn’t pull any punches, and Brook says, neither did he. He says he’s sorry for unloading on her, but he didn’t want Valentin to think… She hugs him, and says, thank you, and he says, wow. A hug like that, he’ll be terrible to her more often. She says, no one – and she means no one – can find out who Bailey’s real father is, and he says he understands. Because her real father is Peter August, her mother is Maxie, and Bailey is really Louise.

Maxie brings Brando some coffee, and says, something warm on a cold night. Even though it’s perfectly toasty in there, his body knows what time of year it is. He thanks her, and she asks if he and Sasha are going to move in together. He says they’ve been talking about it, and she says, just talking? Is he not sure about his feelings for Sasha? He says he’s never been more sure about anything. Sasha changed his life, and now they have a son. He chokes up, and Maxie says, he’s going to be all right, and he says, up until now, he’s felt like he’s been on the sidelines, while Sasha was doing the heavy lifting. Now that his son is there, he’s going to start pulling his weight. Maxie says he will. When in doubt, there’s always diaper duty. He laughs, and says, he’ll do it. Any and all of it. He doesn’t want to miss a moment of his son’s life, and can’t imagine it without Sasha.

Robert pushes Peter down into a chair, and Peter says, the tunnel collapsed. He guesses he’s the only one who made it out alive. Robert tells Anna, there you go. They can call off the search. The reliable source has just delivered terrible news. Anna’s phone rings, and Peter says, if that’s Maxie… She says, it’s not. She says she can’t talk right now, but wants to tell him Peter is in custody. Valentin says, that’s great, and she asks if everything is okay. He says, everything is fine; he’s just checking in. He’ll let her go. Hearing pain in his voice, she asks if he’s all right, and he says he will be. She says she’ll be home soon; they can talk then. He says, not soon enough. Do him a favor. Don’t turn her back on Peter. She says she won’t, and tells him, take care. He says, be safe, and Anna tells Robert that she’s going to the wine cellar. She’ll see if the agents located any the survivors Peter says aren’t there.

Jax says, not everything’s Nina’s fault, but Carly says, it is where he’s concerned. He got so caught up in Nina’s drama, that he ignored his own life. He says, Nina went too far and she knows it, and Carly asks if this is where he starts defending Nina. He says he’s not defending her, but he can’t believe she’d do something so unforgivable. Carly says, she did. She was supposed to be the poster girl for turning Jax’s life around, but she didn’t. She showed all of them her true colors, and Carly won’t be taken by her again.

Sonny says, Nina needs to understand, there was no Mike. She says, he’s right, but she cared about him anyway, and he says, if she cared about him, why did she keep him from his family for months? From his grandson, the same grandson Carly kept her away from. She says, that was wrong, and she knew it was wrong back then. She wishes she’d been stronger, but she hasn’t been that close to many people in her life. Growing up, love was more like an obligation. If she acted correctly, Madeline would love her. He says she told him her mom was cold to her. Was that a lie too? She says, everything she told him about herself was true, and he says, just everything about him was lie. She says she knew she should have told him the truth, but if he knew the truth, he would have had no choice but to leave her. He asks if that’s how she treats someone she loves. She controlled him. She says, yes. That’s what she did because that’s what she knows. Madeline was always trying to control her, Valentin was controlling her with Sasha, and Jax was controlling her with the information he and Carly had about Nelle. Every single time, it broke her heart. He says, and every time, she walked away, and she says, she did. Just like he walked away from her.

Obrecht tells Britt to come; they have to get her to safety. Britt says she has to help Jason, but Obrecht says, if he’s alive, he won’t be happy to know she’s dead. The tunnel isn’t going to last much longer. Anna yells to them, and Obrecht asks if she wants the ceiling to collapse. Anna says, good to see her too, and shines the flashlight around. She asks if Britt is all right, and Obrecht says, of course (🍷) not; she has a head injury. Britt says she’s fine; they need to help Drew. Anna sees Drew, and says, the last time she saw him, he was heading off a bridge. He says, not his decision, and Anna says, he was under Peter’s influence; that explains a lot. Obrecht says, perhaps Anna would like to ring for some tea and crumpets, or she could continue this conversation where the ceiling isn’t going to collapse. Drew says he’s not going without his brother. Anna goes over to him, and he tells her, Peter got away, but she says, he didn’t. They have Peter in custody. Obrecht says she’ll kill him herself, and Britt says, they have to help Jason, but Anna says, they’re not going to help him if they’re crushed under there. More of the ceiling comes down near Drew, and he tells them, go, and they leave, Drew staying behind.

Elizabeth comes out, and Brando asks, how’s Sasha? She says, out of danger. Dr. Navarro was able to stop the hemorrhage. She’s weak because she’s lost a lot of blood, but she’s stable. Maxie says she told Brando that Sasha would be okay, and he asks if he can see her. Elizabeth says she’s been transferred to the ICU so they can monitor her, and he asks how his son is. She says, Dr. Fleming is with him now in NICU.

Brook asks how long Chase has known, and he says he just found out. She says, how? No, don’t tell her here. She can’t risk anyone else following the breadcrumbs to Peter. He says he doesn’t think anyone did, and she says, great. She’s actually pretty relieved that he knows. He asks, who else knows? and she says, Maxie and Nina. He says, that’s it? and she says, it better be. Gladys knows Valentin isn’t really Bailey’s father, but that’s all she knows. Brook really wanted to tell him. She came close, but she and Maxie agreed, the few people to know, the safer Bailey is. He asks why she wanted to tell him, and she says, he’s one of the two and a half people in the world she trusts. He asks if he’s the half, and she says, of course (🍷) not. He says he understands why she kept it under wraps, but wishes she’d told him. She says, Peter was poisoning him, and there were a lot of other things going on at the time. He says, like Willow, and she tells him that she didn’t want to say it, but he had other things on his mind. He says he got better, and she says, then things got a helluva lot worse. They didn’t intend for this lie to go on for so long. They thought Peter would be caught months ago, locked away, and then Maxie could claim Bailey as her own. He asks how she thought Valentin would react, and she says she was hoping once he found out Peter was involved, he’d understand why they had to do what they did. He says, Valentin might still think that way, and she says, think? Yes. Feel? Who even knew Valentin Cassadine had feelings? Turns out, there’s a pretty decent and loving father in there. She hates the fact that she hurt him, and Chase says, Valentin lost his daughter today. He can’t imagine what Valentin is going through.

Valentin looks at Bailey’s picture on his phone, and cries.

Nina says she’s not telling Sonny that he was wrong to walk away. What she had with him… He says, listen to him. What they had in Nixon Falls wasn’t love; it was a lie. She says she knows that’s how he feels, and he’s probably right, but it was close enough for her. Can he believe they still don’t know anything? She gets her phone out of her bag, and says, maybe she should just call the hospital. They’re not going to tell her anything, because Sasha’s not her daughter. He says, no, she isn’t, and Nina says, sometimes she thinks about what her life would be like if Sasha was her daughter; if she was telling the truth. Then tonight, her grandchild would be coming into the world. She knows it’s wrong to focus on what might have been, and he says, we do that sometimes. She says, she hates the waiting around. She feels helpless. If anything happens… that sweet baby. He says, hey, listen to him. It’s going to be all right. Understand him? Jax walks in.

Brando asks if Elizabeth will check on his son. He wants to tell Sasha that he’s all right. Elizabeth says, of course (🍷), and leaves. Maxie asks if she can get him anything or call anyone, but he says he just wants to be with Sasha. She says she’s praying for him and his son, and they hug.

Brando goes in, and Sasha is still unconscious. He tells her that he’s there for her and their son. They need her with them. He can’t bear to lose her, and their son needs his mom. She wakes up, and she asks, where’s their baby?

Ann comes back with Drew, Obrecht, Britt, and a few agents. She says, they need to get checked out, and Peter says, they’re still alive. They feared the worst. Drew heads for Peter, who’s restrained in a chair, but Robert intervenes, and says, let the law handle it. Drew says, it’s so much better than he deserves, and Robert says, if it was up to him, it would be a trip to a black site, and that would be the end once and for all. Drew says, they could find one somewhere, but right now they have to focus and concentrate on finding Jason. Anna says she’ll contact search and rescue, and Peter says, whatever they find underneath all that rock, it’s not going to be a pretty sight, is it? Britt asks if anyone has a syringe, and Peter asks what she has in mind. She says, bleach, drain cleaner… and he says, it’s a pity she took an oath, isn’t it? Obrecht says, if it were not for that pesky medical license… Wait. She no longer has one of those. Drain cleaner it is. Robert says, enough, and Britt says, is it? Drew says, Jason could have separated from them, and found his way out of the tunnel, and gone down to the docks. Robert says, they’re looking all over the island. If he’s there, they’ll find him. Peter says, maybe they’ll find a unicorn too while they’re at it, and Drew says, if Jason is dead, Peter is going to join him.

Chase says he doesn’t want to worry Brook, but she says, she’s way past worried. He says he’s got this. He’s going to do or say whatever makes people believe he’s Bailey’s father. She says, it’s very admirable that he’s willing to lie about this, but him of all people… Actually, she thinks this might work. That sweet as pie face, who’s going to believe he could do such a huge deception? They can use this. He says, the only thing that’s important is protecting Bailey from Peter, and she says she has to worry about Valentin now too. Valentin is ruthless and she hurt him in his heart. He will not let that go unpunished.

Valentin sits up, and makes a call. He says, I have a job for you.

The agents walk Peter out with Robert, and Robert says, try anything, and Peter knows he’ll shoot him. Peter says he wouldn’t dream of giving Robert the satisfaction, and Obrecht yells something at him in German. Drew tells Anna, sorry for losing it, and she says she would have joined him. She doesn’t know if it’s any comfort to him, but they have so much evidence against Peter and all of his crimes. she doesn’t think he’ll ever take another free breath if she can help it. Starting with faking Drew’s death and keeping him prisoner for two years. He says he was there the longest, but there were other prisoners. She says she knows; they have Chloe Jennings. He says, there was another woman. They found her, right? She says, no. They swept the entire compound, but there were no other prisoners. He says he only heard her for a couple of days; they must have moved her. She asks if he saw her, and he says, no; neither did Chloe. She says, they’ll do a complete debrief as soon as they get him to the Consulate. Does he need any medical attention? he says he’s fine, and Robert comes back. She asks if there’s any word on the search. 

The agents slam Peter against a wall, telling him to stay there, and he says he doesn’t know if they’ve noticed, but he is injured. An agent tells him, says the murderer, and he says he’s not asking them to take his cuffs off. Just move them around front, so it doesn’t make the injury worse. The agent says, no, and Peter says, he’d hate to see the WSB get accused of mistreating a prisoner. The agent says they’d hate to see Peter use the cuffs to choke one of them out, but Peter says he’s cuffed, he’s injured, and he’s surrounded. Come on. The agent nods, and one holds a gun on Peter, while another unlocks the cuffs. Peter says, thank you, and while they’re at it…  

Brando tells Sasha that the baby is having trouble breathing, and she says she should be with him. They both should. He says he feels the exact same way, but she just got out of surgery. She needs some rest, so she can hold him when he gets better. Dr. Navarro comes in, and Sasha says she wants to see their baby. The doctor says she knows, but unfortunately, that’s not possible right now. Brando asks, why? and Sasha says, their son is in an incubator and can’t be moved, right? Which means they have to go to him. She asks Brando to get a wheelchair, but he says she can’t even sit up right now, but she says she’ll do whatever it takes to be with her son. If he can’t come to her, she’ll go to him. Dr. Navarro says, that’s not the problem.

Maxie’s phone rings, and Peter says, it’s good to hear her voice. We see him on the phone, the guards surrounding him with their guns aimed at him. She says he needs to stay away from her, and he says they both know she doesn’t mean that. She says she loathes him, and prays she never lays eyes on him again. He says he wanted her to hear it from him. He’s coming home, for her. They’ll be together again soon.

Jax goes into Charlie’s, and Sonny tells Nina that he’s going to check on Brando at GH. She thanks him for waiting with her, and Sonny leaves, saying hey to Jax on his way out. Jax tells Nina to be careful; don’t let Sonny pull her back in. She says Sonny doesn’t think about her that way, and he asks what he just walked in on. She says, he saw a man comforting someone in need. She and Sonny don’t have a future.

Carly leaves a voicemail for Jason, saying, he’s obviously busy. She misses him, and hopes he’s staying safe. Come home soon. She needs to talk to him.

Robert says, there’s no sign of Jason anywhere on the island, and Anna says, that means he’s still in the tunnel. Drew says, Jason is not dead. His way out might be blocked or he might be trapped, but he is alive. Anna says, that’s why she has an excavation team flying in, but until they get there, it’s too dangerous for them to go in. Britt says, no! The longer they wait, the less of a shot he has. He could run out of air, or whatever’s left of the tunnel could collapse. Drew promises her, nobody is giving up on Jason. Nobody. They’re going to find him.

We see the part of the tunnel where Jason is blocked in, and pieces of ceiling are still falling.

Next time, Brook asks if Chase is ready to tempt fate again, Anna says she was the target, Sasha tells Brando to do what she can’t, and Britt wonders how she can live with that.

Below Deck

Christophe Harbor, St. Kitts. Everyone is hungover, and Heather says she doesn’t know what got into her. She never drinks like that. Rayna can’t believe Jake is engaged, and Eddie says, it was an epic night. Jessica brings Captain Lee’s breakfast to the bridge, and he asks how her night was. She says she turned in early, and he says, he’s the one who’s old; she’s not. She says she’s feeling it though. Heather has a meeting with interior, and they talk a little about the night before. Heather says she found a bagel in her bathroom. In Fraser’s interview, he says he saw another side to Heather. It was nice watching her have a good time, and he hopes she keeps it up. Heather tells them to make up the beds as best as they can. On deck, Jake says his relationship is non-monogamous, and it’s not a big deal. In Rayna’s interview, she says, it’s something you bring up first. She asks him how this happened; give them a play-by-play. He says his girlfriend Paris needs a British passport, so they haven’t seen a lot of each other. When they’re not together, she’s not his girlfriend. In his interview, he says, he cares for her, but they’re nowhere near marriage. She knows what he’s like, and that he does crazy sh*t. Rayna doesn’t understand.

Jessica does her laundry thing, and Fraser says, there’s romance on the horizon. Everyone is after Jake. Rachel says, not her. Jake is so cute, but she’s just out of a long term, very serious relationship. Her ex blindsided her, telling her that he didn’t think it was working. In Rachel’s interview, she says, she loved, adored, and respected him. She’d planned on a future with him, and had to regroup. She tells Fraser that she didn’t have the ability to process it until she’d finished the charter season. In her interview, she says, she’s happy being by herself. When she was with him, she’d put his needs before hers. When she hears people talking about their relationships, she’s like, f*** that. Eddie says, being hungover is not fun, and on that, we are in agreement. Rayna asks about his girlfriend, and he says she’s very sweet. In his interview, he says he’s bummed his girlfriend is pissed off. It’s frustrating, but forming a new relationship is tough. You have to trust the other person not to burn you or cheat on you. This is how his life is going to be.

The captain has a preference sheet meeting with Eddie, Rachel, and Heather in the crew mess. Jeremy and Ronnie are the primaries, and they’re bringing their families together, including Jeremy’s sons, who are 16 and 6. Captain Lee says, there’s going to be baby sh*t for someone, and in Heather’s interview, she said she loves having kids on board. Sometimes it’s a pain in the ass, but it’s five-star service, and a nanny. The new charter wants a Casino Royale party, and for Ronnie’s 75th birthday, he wants an 80s dance and fitness party. They also want the captain to join them for dinner.  In Fraser’s interview, he says it’s crucial with a small team that everyone carry their weight. Jessica seems miserable and run down. She needs to man up, do her job, and stop complaining. Heather calls provisioner Naydene to order stuff for the casino party. Jake wants to deckhands to get a move on, and in Wes’s interview, he says, Jake brings up petty stuff. And if they’re not on charter, what’s the rush? He wants to flirt with Jessica, but has a fear of rejection, since he was rejected a lot in high school, and some in college. It hurts. He has no game. He’s a big nerd, and gets awkward. I dunno. He’s cute, and seems like a nice guy with a good sense of humor. It’s sad how that stayed with him. Heather says, everyone is awesome. She asks how Eddie thinks Jessica feels about Wes, and Eddie says, he thinks Wes would be good for her. Fraser says, anything to make her smile. Eddie says they’ll have to plant the seed, and Heather says, and hope the flower grows. Fraser tells Heather that Jessica mopes around like she’s in pure misery. He can’t keep pulling her up, only to get shut down. In Heather’s interview, she says she thinks Fraser’s concerns are valid. One bad apple can affect the others. If Jessica takes Fraser out at the knees, then what? She tells Fraser that she hopes for a better charter or they’ll have issues.

Jessica sighs over the dishes, and Jake tells Eddie that he just wants to get the work done. Eddie suggests getting Rayna to be more hands on. Heather asks to talk to Jessica, saying, she just wants to touch base. She feels as if Jessica is under the weather or down, but Jessica says, she’s good. Heather says she doesn’t want whatever it is to affect Jessica’s work. The more she knows about things… Jessica says she found out that her grandmother needed to have a procedure, and in her interview, she says she doesn’t want to cry on the boat. Her grandparents’ health started to decline, and she’d taken the opportunity to come back to land. She likes being there for them. Heather says she wants to know how to better help Jessica, but Jessica says she’s good. She would tell Heather if it was otherwise. Jake talks to Paris on the phone, and Heather organizes her cabin.

Jake and Fraser clink beers, and Jake asks when Fraser came out. Fraser says he came out to his mom when he was 19, and heard a story on the radio about a guy who murdered people and ate them. His mom said she’d love him even if he ate people, so being gay seemed minor in comparison. In Fraser’s interview, he says, it was hard to get up the courage, but all it took was a little push to get it off his chest. Thanks, mom. He tells Wes that he’s happy in life. In Jessica’s interview, she says she’s going be happy or miserable today. She chooses to be happy. She smiles. Heather puts, let’s do this, on the whiteboard. In his interview, Fraser says, effing hell. He had one job, to hold on to his radio, and he can’t even do that. We flash back to the captain saying, if one of the crew is looking for their radio, he probably already has it. Fraser starts to hunt. Provisions come in, and Captain Lee calls Eddie to the bridge. He asks how things are working out, and Eddie says, good. The captain asks how Jake is doing, and Eddie says, he’s a damn hard worker. He tells the captain that the run times are short, and asks if they can drop back a little bit, so the deckhands have time to get ready. In Captain Lee’s interview, he says, every charter is like their first rodeo. Eddie needs to get their attention. You can play with the big dogs or keep your puppy ass on the porch. The captain radios the crew that they have 15 minutes until the guests’ arrival. Fraser is still looking for his radio.

Heather tells Fraser to pour the champagne, and the captain wonders for what reason he’s the only one out there. The crew dashes out, and see that one of the guests is a child with a locked box handcuffed to his wrist. Young guest Alexander says he’s a mini primary, which I’m sure the crew is thrilled to hear. In his interview, Captain Lee says, it’s not a group you’d think you’d see together; they’re all different. This is going to get interesting. Alexander shows them there’s cash in the box, and everyone goes, wow. In Rachel’s interview, she says, screw the adults. That kid is her primary. Heather gives the tour, and Captain Lee says, let’s see if we can get out of here without spending any money. In his interview, he says he has a knot in his stomach. The prevailing winds are constantly blowing them to the dock, which is concrete, with shallow water all around. He’s as nervous as whore in the front pew at church. They pull out, and into the water.

Co-primary Jeremy tells Alexander not to wander, and Heather says they’ll have eyes on him like a hawk. In Fraser’s interview, he says he used to be a nanny. To be honest, he doesn’t like kids. The way they eat, the sounds, it’s a bit gross. He discusses LEGOS with Alexander, and Heather goes over lunch with Rachel. The captain says, they’re going to get some weather; it’s annoying as hell. It starts to rain, and Eddie leads everyone in. In Jake’s interview, he says he’ll have Rayna responsible for more, and maybe it will make the job more appealing. He wants to be friends, not the villain. If that doesn’t work, he’ll make her walk the plank. They drop anchor, and the guests sit down for lunch.

Shitten Bay, St. Kitts. I shitten you not. That’s the name. In his interview, Fraser says, growing up, he was terrible in school. Moving around the country every few years made it difficult. He found something he loved, and learned to be good at, and he’s failed at the basic capacity of keeping his radio with him. It’s making him feel like sh*t. It’s not effing rocket science. The guests think lunch is amazing. Fraser tells Heather that he thinks he’s lost it, and in Heather’s interview, she says, it’s vital that Fraser find his radio. Not just for safety, but she needs to communicate with him. They have to find it right now. They look literally everywhere.

The captain says he’s in a silly mood, but doesn’t know why. I wait for him to jump up and do a somersault or something, but that doesn’t happen. Fraser opens a door in the floor of the deck, and says, the panic is over. In his interview, he says, it’s crazy how much this piece of plastic means to him. He radios Heather to tell her. They meet to discuss casino night. In Heather’s interview, she says the first time she gambled, she lost it all, and learned to take just a little tip money, not the whole tip. It’s easy to get caught up in. She and Fraser set up the table. In Eddie’s interview, he says he learned from his mistakes in relationships. His girlfriend is the most loving woman he’s ever met. This was just a speedbump, and doesn’t define the rest of their relationship. He talks to her on the phone, and says, I know it’s hard, but be cool, honey bunny, referencing Pulp Fiction, which I don’t feel Eddie is cool enough to reference. In Rachel’s interview, she says, tonight is casino night. She lived in Italy for 8 months, and it was a wonderful experience, so she’s making a nice Italian feast. Wes asks when Rachel found her passion, and she says she was 18. She was running her mouth to a bartender, and the guys in the kitchen told her to put her money where her mouth was. Alexander plays video games with Rayna, and the guests sit down for dinner with the captain.

Heather finds the cabins are untidy, and in her interview, Heather is concerned about the lack of attention to the cabins. Cheap ass hotels do a better job, and it’s not okay. At the table, the guests ask about pirates, and the captain says they’re still out there. For them, it’s a career. In her interview, Heather says she’s sympathetic to what Jessica is going through, but you have to leave your emotions at the cabin door. She goes over the cabins with Jessica, pointing out where the upkeep was lacking, and in Jessica’s interview, she says, she’s pissed; this sucks. Heather tells Fraser about it, and says, it was all three rooms. She wants to coach with inspiration, but it’s coming to, training day’s over. The guests tell Captain Lee, the chef is amazing, and he says, she’s extremely talented. Jessica pretends to work, and the captain tells the guests that he left Michigan when he was 25. Guest Jodi says, he must be 45 now. The captain says he loves her, and she says she loves him too. She’s not kidding. Guest Ronnie asks if he has family in Fort Lauderdale, and the captain says, a wife and four kids. Jodi is like, damn, and in the captain’s interview, he says, it’s making him uncomfortable. He tells the guests, somewhere, his wife heard that, and she’s laughing. Jake asks Rayna if his new approach is working. He’s trying to be more chill and laid back. He thinks she has so much potential. The next course of a fabulous pasta comes out, and in Rachel’s interview, she says, nothing compares to homemade pasta. She likes to take the time to make it authentic, and hates using boxed. Guest Stacie says she’s never seen Alexander eat chicken tenders that fast. Alexander falls asleep at the table with his headphones on.

Alexander is put to bed, tiramisu is served, and the guests get ready to turn in. Jodi asks where the captain’s cabin is, and Stacie says, don’t tell her. Eddie, Fraser, and Wes have a confab, and Eddie says, everyone is getting along, but someone is going to pop at some point. Jessica calls her grandmother to check-in, but Grandma Marion says, there’s nothing to worry about. In Jessica’s interview, she says her grandparents played a secondary parental role in her life. She gets concerned, since you never know how much longer you have with them.

Salt Plage, St. Kitts. Jodi asks if the captain will have breakfast, lunch, and dinner with them, and Stacie says he has to come to Ronnie’s birthday dinner. Jodi grumbles that he’s going to be 75, and follows the captain, who tells her that her room is downstairs. In his interview, he says, where are you going? He’s going to his room – alone. He tells Jodi, have a good night, and goes to the bridge. Captain Lee tells Eddie that she was going to follow him, and Eddie dies laughing. The captain says, laugh it up, funny boy. The night crew cleans up.  

The next morning, the wind is relentless. Captain Lee tells Eddie that he wants to get out some time today, and breakfast is served; avocado toast on a hash brown cake with a poached egg. I die. Anchor is home, and cushions go flying. The captain says, bleepity-bleep-bleep-bleep. In his interview, he says don’t tell him he has to go back to get cushions. That’s going to upset him. It’s a common sense thing. He’s not the sharpest knife in the drawer, and he can figure out if the wind is blowing, make sure they’re secured. They could screw up a two-car funeral. Eddie tells Captain Lee that the deckhands need time for pulling anchor, but the captain says, they have plenty of time. In Eddie’s interview, he says, it’s the deck crew’s first responsibility to take care of the exterior. Now he’s being reamed out by Captain Lee. It’s serious. No more f*** ups. The tender goes out to get the cushions, and in the captain’s interview, he says, the hammer needs to drop, and it’s up to Eddie to do it. If Eddie doesn’t drop it on them, he knows goddam well the captain will drop it on him. Eddie tells the deckhands, he’s tired of getting yelled at. He doesn’t want one more effing thing falling off the boat.

Next time, a water toy blows off the boat, the 80s birthday party happens; Jake flirts with Heather, Jake kisses Fraser, and Captain Lee says, in 45 years, he’s never seen such intense wind.

⚰️ All the News Too Dead To Print…

Releasing the Walking Dead:

https://bamsmackpow.com/2021/11/21/the-walking-dead-season-11-episode-9-release-date-show-return-hiatus/

Wrapping up the World Beyond:

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/the-walking-dead-world-beyond-penultimate-episode-trailer-death-and-the-dead-209/

Jadis, with a foot in two Dead worlds:

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/what-happened-to-heath-the-walking-dead-world-beyond-jadis-project-votus-a-and-b/

Both a reunion and a farewell on Fear the Walking Dead:

Fear the Walking Dead Gives [Spoiler] the Rarest of Rarities: a Happy Ending

https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/1525465/Fear-the-Walking-Dead-Althea-Maggie-Grace-exit-fan-reaction

🏆 They’re the Best…

The AMA Winners:

https://www.cnn.com/2021/11/21/entertainment/amas-2021-winners-list/index.html

And as always, the most important thing of any awards show. The fashion:

https://fashionista.com/2021/11/american-music-awards-amas-2021-best-dressed-fashion

👞 Shuffling Off, But Not To Buffalo…

It’s a flip of the coin what tomorrow might bring, but as always, there will be soap and a song. Until then, stay safe, stay unburdened by things you can’t control, and stay never making love an obligation, or allowing someone to obligate you to it.

Nov22

November 21, 2021 – Al Crosses Paths With Morgan, Escape Turns To Rebellion & Disturb This

Posted on by
Standard

What I Watched Today

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

Fear the Walking Dead

On video, Al says she never lets anyone ask her questions like this. Since when are you okay with cameras? What do you want me to say? You know why I found you. Same as last time.

In the tank, Al picks up the hula girl with the Uzi, and tells the tank, I’m coming back for you. Not even a nuke could take you out. Just an empty gas tank. She grabs come of her stuff, and goes outside. As she walks, she messes with the radio, hearing Morgan, but there’s too much interference. She tries to get a better signal, and stabs a zombie in the throat. Morgan is at the tank, looking through Al’s bag. Realizing it belongs to Al, Morgan says he should’ve guessed this was where she’d be. He gets out, taking the camera, and says, Al, is that you? You can’t go far without your gear. Is she okay? He tells her to answer him. He goes back to the tank and films himself, saying, he knows she’s going to watch this, so he’ll say this now, and she can take it or leave it. The others said she might have gotten separated, but he’s starting to think she didn’t come back with them for a reason. If she believed the stories were too hard to pass up, then he’s going to remind her of a story she recorded a while ago. She’d interviewed him, and asked questions he didn’t want to answer, but he did. Mostly because she woudn’t let him not answer. Somehow she and John convinced him to stop running, if only for a little while. He’s asking her to do the same thing now. Stop running. Just for a little while. He hears the radio.

Al hears soldiers on the radio. Looking up to see a helicopter, Al says, no. She runs into a shelter, and it flies overhead, but keeps going. She runs to the tank, and dives under it. The helicopter lands, and a couple of men with guns look around. When they’re gone, she says, those a-holes, and goes back into the tank. She sees her bag has been rifled through, and says, dammit. Someone drops down into the tank, and grabs her from behind. She struggles, then realizes it’s Morgan. She asks what he’s doing there, and he says, looking for her; he had to make sure it was her. She says they can’t stay here; she’s fresh out of bullets. He says, they’ve got to find Grace, and Al asks where she is. He says, looking for her; what the hell? Al says she can explain, but not now. Morgan wonders if the men will be back, and she says she didn’t know. He said the last time he saw her, she was in a helicopter; when she disappeared, and Sarah said she’d sent somebody in a helicopter to lift them out of the blast. She says, if they stay there, they die, and Morgan says, then they move. Tell him what this is. They get out of the tank.

They walk, and Al tells Morgan to be careful. He says he wants to warn Grace, but Al says, Grace already has a target on her back; them too. She asks where the rendezvous is, and he says, a couple miles east, where the radiation strike was. They could walk. She says he’ll get killed, but he says he can handle himself. She says, he doesn’t know these people, and he says, it’s Grace. He asks if this had something to do with why Al didn’t show up at the submarine. She doesn’t get to drag him and Grace through a bunch of sh*t, and not tell them what’s going on. She says she was trying to protect them, but he says, he thought she was trying to protect herself, and she says, from what? but he says he doesn’t know. Why didn’t she make the journey with them? They had enough food for everyone; why didn’t she come? She says she belongs on the road. There are stories out there that need to be recorded, and she was doing that. He says, she wants to put a camera between her and everyone else. Maybe it will help her see what was in front of her face.

On video, Al says, what did you find out there?

Morgan and Al walk, and Al says, they’ll be dead if they stop moving. They walk underneath a bridge, where there a bunch of abandoned cars, and she says, the rendezvous is through there. He says he doesn’t understand. If these people are looking to kill them, how did she get them to rescue everybody? Some men start shooting at them, and they dart around the cars. Crouching down behind one, Al takes off her mask, and Morgan asks if it’s safe. Al says, the radiation won’t matter if they’re dead, and he takes his off. He says, this way, and they jump over a car. Ducking behind another car, Morgan says, who are they, and what do they want? Start talking. Al says, they’re called the Reclamation Team. They have one mission, to destroy any evidence. Morgan asks if she means them, and she says, right now, yeah. He asks if she’s the reason they’re here, but she says, not directly. They’re after the pilot who went AWOL after helping them (aka Isabelle). She’s in hiding. He asks why she helped, and Al says, because she asked her to. He asks if they’re together, and she says, no.  

On video, a helicopter flies overhead. Al says, that’s what the video is for. They might never see each other again.

Al says they’ll kill Isabelle if they find her, and Morgan asks if Al knows where she is. Al says, no. Isabelle didn’t tell her; it’s safer that way. Morgan radios Grace, and says, they’re at the rendezvous; at least they will be soon. He tells Al that Grace will be there. She asks why he’s doing this, and he says he’s found a lot of people. People he wouldn’t have found if she hadn’t forced him to answer those questions. They have to make it to the end of the line of cars. She asks why go where it’s so open, and he says, trust him. Let’s go now. They run, and Al tells him to go; she’ll get them away from him. But he says, Grace will be here. Grace squeals in, and says, get in, opening the passenger door. Al says, what the hell is that? and Morgan asks if she thinks she’s the only one with a set of wheels. She says again, she can draw them away, but he says he’s not leaving without her. Grace says, come on, and they jump in the car. Grace peels out and away.

Out of the radiation haze, and on the road, Grace pulls into the woods. Al suggests they cover the car with brush, and Morgan says, the radiated area is about 100 yards from there. They could walk in after they take a course of Russian Blue. Al says, they have something to combat radiation exposure. These people have something better, and Grace asks who they are. Morgan tells her not to expect much of an answer, and Al says, Sarah told her about the baby; she’s sorry. Grace thanks her, and says, it’s hard some days. Other days it’s… still hard, just different. Morgan says they have Mo, and Al says, Rachel’s daughter? Morgan says, Rachel didn’t make it, so they’ve become the closest thing Rachel’s daughter has to parents. Al says, all the more reason to get out. They’re soldiers who will stay on mission. Morgan says, they’ll just keep coming after them and Al’s friend. They need to stop them. Al says, the only way is to kill them, and Morgan says, then that’s what they’ll do. He says, Grace should go, but Grace says she has to help. Al says, if they kill them, they’ll just send more, and Morgan tells Grace again to go, but Grace insists on staying. Morgan said they would have never met had it not been for Al helping him. She wants to do the same for Al. Al says, there’s ammo in the helicopter. She can lead them away, so Morgan and Grace can get close to the chopper. There’s ammo and diesel fuel. Morgan says, he should lead them away, and Al can get the fuel, but Al says, it has to be her. She knows how they think. Morgan says, it’s not too late to find her friend, and Al says she will. She’ll be on channel four.

On video, Al says she has a place for them. When is she due back?

A zombie approaches Al, and she says she has a special job for him.

Grace tells Morgan, the wind is blowing in the right direction; it’s safe. They take their masks off. They check out the helicopter, and Morgan says, they have fuel, but Grace says, there’s no ammo. Morgan radios Al, and says, there’s fuel, but no ammo. Al says she knows; it’s not an Army helicopter. She’s got it covered. Morgan asks where she is, but Al says she needs to get back to the woman she told him about. Isabelle gave up what she believed in to save Al’s friends, and Al wants to help her. Morgan says, but she won’t let them do the same thing? They’re going to kill her. Al says, maybe, but she can take them down with her. He asks her to tell him where she is, and she turns off the radio.

Al says, Reclamation One, into the radio, and a soldier asks what she’s doing on that channel. She says, the people who are out there didn’t see anything. They don’t know anything about them, but she does. She knows why they’re here, and who they’re looking for. She told Al everything, and gave Al her maps and flight plan.

On video, Al says she knows what means to her; a purpose. It gives her a reason to wake up every day, and she’s right to protect it.

The soldier on the radio says, elaborate, and Al says, she’ll give it all back in exchange for an interview. There’s an old house by the ravine. They’ve flown over it. Rendezvous there in three hours. And bring her camera. The soldier says, they have a recovery camera, and she says, don’t be a smart ass.

On video, in protective gear, Sarah says, the Pennsylvania? It’s not the Four Seasons, but at least they have clean water. Morgan asks why she’s interviewing him, and if she ever stops, and Luci asks if she can’t wait until they get back. Grace is looking at the videos in the tank, and Morgan asks if she found that. She says in his pack. He didn’t tell Al he had it. He says, no, he didn’t. He didn’t want to give her an excuse to leave. She thinks they took it. He asks if she found anything, and she says, interviews with everyone they knew. Morgan says, Al knew she wasn’t coming back, and he guesses she wanted to take something of them to take with her. Grace says, maybe there’s a clue as to where Al is going, and Morgan says he’s going to see if there’s juice in the battery.

Al says, as soon as they give her the camera back, she just wants to ask them some simple questions. Did they really think Ground 17 gave her anything? We see she’s talking to a zombie, whose foot is pegged to the ground with a knife, so it can’t walk. She says she knows they’re pissed that she dragged them there under false pretenses. Don’t say she didn’t warn them. She ducks, and a cannon blows the middle out of the zombie. She tells it’s still moving head, thanks for your help. She agrees. The problem is its breath. She gets up and smashes the head.

On the video, we see a rocket go up, and Al says, what hell is that?

Al loads the cannon again. The radio crackles, and she asks if they need new directions, but the soldier says, negative; no rendezvous. She says, she’s going to start visiting the locations on these maps. Is he going to tell ground control that he’s come back empty handed? He says, they have the party she escaped with. Two soldiers have Morgan and Grace down on the ground, and the one on the radio says they’re going to eliminate them. Morgan says he’s sorry, and Grace says, there’s got to be another way. Al says, they don’t know anything; they’re not a part of this. Grace says, they have a daughter who needs them. They have to understand that. Al says, killing them won’t get her to talk, and Morgan tells her to give them the information. Al says, let them go, but the soldier says, they’re about to kill the male. Grace says, tell them, and the soldier says, one… He fires a shot in the air, and says, two… Another shot in the air. Morgan says, Al… and the soldier says, three. Al says, stop. She knows where she is. She agrees to their proposal. The soldier asks, where is Ground 17? and she says, in a cabin in the Smokies. She was with her copilot. He says he thought she didn’t know; they’ll require confirmation. She says, she told them where the cabin was; she’ll take them there. They can kill her afterward, but let Grace and Morgan go. Morgan says, don’t give her up for them, and Al says, they’ll kill him and Grace. He says, they won’t; they need them. The soldier says, negative, and Morgan grabs his gun. Grace kicks his legs out from under him, and Morgan stands up with gun, saying, they’re not killing anyone. Let her go. He tells the other soldier, drop the gun. One… He shoots in the air. Two… He shoots again. The soldier takes off his gun, and Morgan tells Grace to go. The soldier grabs Morgan, but Grace is already in the tank. She radios Al, asking if she copies, and says she’s got the truck. Al tells her to get Morgan on board, and she’ll do the rest. Grace drives right at Morgan and the soldier struggling in the road, and the soldier lets go. He and Morgan split apart, as Grace drives through, and Morgan jumps in the tank. The soldiers shoot at them, but the bullets bounce off the tank.

We see two sets of feet on the video. Al asks if she’s saying goodbye. The feet get closer for a moment, and one set of feet leaves. Al radios Daniel, asking if he copies. If he can, get to coordinates… She gives him a bunch of numbers.

Al radios Morgan, asking what their ETA is, and he says, they’re about five minutes out. Grace asks if he’s okay, and he says he’s fine. Al says, the less they’re on the radio, the better. Morgan copies, and asks if Grace meant it back there when she called Mo their daughter. She says she did, and he says, they did come back home with her. They hear a helicopter, and Morgan looks out. He says, they’ve got company, and tells Grace to keep driving. He radios Al to tell her that the soldiers are on their tail. She says she knows; stay the course. The helicopter flies ahead, and Grace says, they’re giving up? He says, they’re landing. They’re going to beat them there.

In the dark, Al wonders where the hell Morgan is. She shoots a few zombies, then sees soldiers with flashlights. The tank pulls up, and Morgan asks if she’s okay. She says she’s going to get them here, and keep them here, and when she says, drive, drive. She looks at the cannon, which is now rigged with a rope. A zombie toddles along getting in between, and she says, sh*t. She tells Morgan, she can do this; let her. She gets out, and Morgan follows. A soldier approaches the tank, and the gun thing opens up, shining a light on him. He tells Al, hands up in the air, and Al says, maybe they didn’t hear her. They have one last chance. They shoot at the tank, but the bullets once again bounce off, and Al says, she knows where Ground 17 is; she’s got proof. It’s on video. Al comes around the tank, with her hands on her head. Morgan stays on the other side, holding the rope to the cannon. Al tells the soldier to let the others go, and Morgan waits. The soldier relaxes a little, and Al says, now! Grace drives, and Morgan pulls the cord, the cannon blowing the soldiers away. I say, ew! out loud. Quentin Tarantino would have been proud. Morgan asks if Al is okay, and she says she is.

They drive, and Al says, this doesn’t change anything. She’s still going. Morgan says he saved her life. That means she owes him. She asks what he wants, and he says, an interview… please. She smiles.

On video, Al asks why Morgan is doing this. He says, she’s not used to being on that side camera, is she? It’s something to remember her by. She asks what he wants to know, and he asks if she was telling the truth to the soldiers. Does Al know where she is? The pilot? She says, yeah, she does. He asks why Al isn’t going after her, and Al says, this isn’t going to work. He says he’s not trying to pull anything. She wanted the truth, and it’s about the only thing you can’t run from. He couldn’t. The truth knows the where and why, and leaves on its own. She says, it’s complicated. She wanted Al to come. She gave up everything to save people she’d never met, but when she asked Al to give up everything for her… Morgan asks why Al isn’t with her, and Al flashes back to telling Isabelle that she’s sorry. She can’t do what Isabelle did. Al tells Morgan, she couldn’t do the same. She’d have to give this up. She’s sorry. She broke the only rule she ever had; never let herself become part of the story. Morgan asks who Ground 17 is; at least tell him her name. Al takes the camera out of his hand, and gives him the cartridge. They hug, and she goes over to Grace, and hugs her. I want to cry. Morgan asks if Al knows where she’s going, and she says, she knows what path she’s going to follow. Grace says, whoever Al thinks she’s letting down, she doubts they’d want her to miss out because of them. Al says she’ll see them on the road, and walks away.

Back at the rendezvous point, Al tells a soldier’s head, it’s been a helluva ride. She digs around in their pockets, wondering where they’re from, and Morgan shows up. She says, what the hell? She made up her mind. He says, just like he did. She and John still came after him one more time, so… She says she’s sorry, and picks up the radio, and hears something about Ground 17.

Back at the helicopter, Al hears, Reclamation One you’re being recalled. Do you copy? Morgan says, don’t, and Al says, Reclamation One, copy. A woman says, stand by for new target coordinates, and Al asks, who’s the new target? The woman says, Ground 17 remains the target. Her chopper responder places her at coordinates… The woman reads off numbers, and Al tells Morgan, she’s going to find her, no matter where she goes. She hears, do you copy? Al says, Reclamation One, copy, en route. Morgan says, tell him she’s going after her, and not chasing after whatever bullsh*t story these people are up to. Al says, she’s not sure, but either way, it will be one helluva ride. Morgan says, Al’s rule. It’s not about a choice she made a long time ago. It’s not about giving up the camera. It’s about her being scared, and losing herself. She doesn’t know she is part of the story. She was before, and she is now. If you’re alive, you’re part of the story. You can’t pretend there’s no connection there; that you’re not affected, like a piece of machinery, like a camera. She is the story, and he’s grateful that he got to be part of hers, and he’s glad she got to be part of his. Al says, her too, and Morgan says, you go. He gets out, and closes the door. The smiles, and ducks out. She puts hula girl on the helicopter dashboard.    

Al goes to the rendezvous point, and asks if anybody’s there. She goes inside. A fire is burning in the stove, and she turns on the TV, seeing a video of herself. She hears a gun cock, and turns around. She says, they’ve got to stop meeting like this. Isabelle asks what she’s doing here. She can’t stay. Al says she knows the chopper is down, and they’ll probably  be back. Isabelle says Al came all this way over her? and Al says she wants to come with Isabelle. Isabelle says she made peace with Al’s decision, even if she doesn’t understand it, Al says she hasn’t, and Isabelle says, they’ll never stop looking over their shoulders, and Al says, she’s right, but that’s okay. She can handle it. Isabelle says, the only way this can work is if they stay one step ahead, and Al says, Isabelle gave up everything; so will she. She smashes the camera, and says it was never about the camera. She was scared. She is scared. Isabelle says, she knows, but what’s different now? AL says, not trying and not coming here was scarier. They’ll find something new; something for them both. Then at least they gave it a try. They kiss, and Al asks, where should they go first?

Next time, Victor has his portrait painted, Morgan asks for Victor’s help, and Howard asks how long they have.   

The World Beyond

We flashed back to two years ago, when Indira created a globe sculpture for  the CRM with a globe sculpture for outside the facility, a reminder of who they were, and what was at stake. Indira wanted Elizabeth’s word that she’d keep their non-aggression pact after she was gone, and explained she was sick. Elizabeth said they had doctors and dialysis there, but Indira said she couldn’t put her personal interests first. Elizabeth said she wasn’t asking anything in return, and Indira asked, what Elizabeth would gain? Elizabeth said, peace of mind that she was sparing Indira’s children the ordeal she and Huck went through with Huck’s father. It was just between them, no strings.

In the present day. Will came back to the Perimeter alone, looking downcast. At the CRM, Leo told the other scientists that their purpose had been to heal the planet for their children and their children’s children, but they couldn’t do it there with the people who were responsible. Another scientist said they weren’t going to be allowed to leave; Leo was talking escape. Leo said they were past the point of talking, and the plan had been put in motion. They were going to use the CRM’s security protocol against them. He realized he was asking a lot, but they’d have help from the outside. He didn’t have every answer, but they couldn’t stay there. Lyla didn’t die in a lab accident; she’d been murdered like Dr. Abbot and Leo’s security detail. One of the scientists said, the CRM had committed genocide, and they had proof. They could either be a party to it, or be killed. Leo said they were working to stop the monsters, and save people from turning into monsters, but they needed to save themselves first.

Huck told Dennis that she couldn’t risk another trip, and he agreed to help. He told her, no matter how it turned out, she was the only part he didn’t regret. She told Silas that she’d sent him to Dennis because he was a good guy, and Silas said he got it. She said he had to trust her, even if he hated her. Hope and Iris packed, and Hope said it seemed unreal that lives were being put in their hands. Iris said a lot could go wrong, but they’d make it work. They’d do whatever they had to do to make sure they won. Huck told Leo and Felix that she and Dennis would get them someplace safe, and Felix asked what was going to happen to her. She said they were going to let the government know what the military had done. There was a Resistance who could help her get to whoever she needed to talk to, and maybe in the end, she and Dennis would try together. Because you always think of those romantic notions in the middle of an apocalyptic crisis. She said Dennis and Silas were going to relay the plan.  

Silas said Dennis had told him what to do, but not why, and Dennis said the less he knew, the better. Silas said Dennis’s wife had killed people, and let him think he’d done it. Was she just doing her job? Dennis told him that on the inside, they said everything was for the greater good. You went in not knowing who you were, and lost yourself. Silas said there was right and wrong, but Dennis disagreed, and said, not for a long time. Silas said Dennis tried to get him involved, but Dennis said Silas had been going nowhere, just like him. They killed a couple of zombies, and then hid as a horde ambled past.  

Huck went to see Jadis, who told her, the operational monitor was back online after the outage. She showed Huck the diagnostics, and said she was concerned Leo wasn’t keeping quiet. His psychological profile had determined he’d fall in line to keep his family safe, and she was starting to wonder if it was wrong. Huck said she didn’t think so, but Jadis said she was usually right. She needed to show him what happened if he stepped out of line. She told her lieutenant that her team was ready when his was.

Will told Indira that he was sorry, but her son was dead. Indira said he’d gone out there because of her, but Will said that wasn’t true. She told Brody and the core group that she was dying. Elizabeth had offered her treatment so she could live, and she’d been too selfish and scared to let go of her life. Dev died helping her get her medication so that she could hold onto things she shouldn’t be holding onto. She’d handed the CRM control of her life, and because of her decision, they’d taken the life of her boy, and now they could lose everything. She had to assume the non-aggression pact was nullified. Things were escalating, and they all knew what the CRM was capable of. It wasn’t safe there for any of them, and they had to leave. When they got to safety, she’d tell everyone she was stepping down as leader. Elton told Asha that he was sorry about Dev, and she said Dev was like Elton, questioning everything, She wondered if in the end he ever got his answer. Elton said, for some people it took facing the end to really know.

Huck radioed Iris and Hope, telling them that they needed to start everything now. The CRM was sending armed guards, and they needed to head to the rendezvous point. They couldn’t wait. At the Perimeter, Elton told Will, if the plan was going to happen, it needed to happen now. Soldiers came to get the girls, but they were gone, having run out the back. Iris said they had this, and Hope said she’d get their dad and meet Iris there. Jadis strutted around, and her lieutenant (whose name I don’t know) told her Leo was gone. She said some military stuff to him, and told him it would tell her how deep it had spread. There was a mandatory evacuation drill, and Leo tried to act cool. He met up with Felix, Iris, and Percy, and they all kept walking.

Hope found Mason, and said he needed to come with her. He needed to trust her; it was a matter of life and death. The lieutenant showed told Jadis, not only were the scientists AWOL, the civilian research team was too. She wanted a full facility lockdown, and said now they knew it was just the Bennetts. They were going to check room by room, and find where they were hiding. Leo told Iris that the CRM knew something was wrong, when gates started coming down over the doors. Hope ran in just in time with Mason, and they went into another room where all the others were. Hope told Mason that she wished there was another way, but their plan wouldn’t work without him. Percy and Felix took him away.

The lieutenant told Huck that the group was locked in a biocontainment unit. It was failsafe, and blunt force wouldn’t open the door. They’d have to wait two hours for a reboot. She said she’d tell Jadis. Inside the unit, the group had blocked the door, Leo saying this was nothing but reckless. Felix said they’d had no choice. Leo chose to give him life, and he chose to make it count. They smashed up a bunch of computers and whatnot, and Mason was tied up, and trying to figure out what the hell was going on. He saw a bunch of zombies and freaked out, but Hope told him that it was one-way glass. They could see the zombies, but the zombies couldn’t see them. Mason begged to know what was going on, and Hope said the CRM was not what he thought. They did horrible things. He said, if that was true, his dad would know. It couldn’t be that bad. He asked if that’s why he was taken, and she said there was no other way. They needed to leverage him to get what they wanted. Then they’d let him go. He asked, what if they didn’t get what they wanted. Would they feed him to the zombies? Hope promised no one would hurt him.

Idiot Brody ran to the CRM to tattle on Indira, and Jadis told Huck that her mother had been diverting medical supplies to the head of the Perimeter. They posed a significant threat to security. An intruder had been shot trying to ID Indira’s son. He’d said he was actively working with the Bennetts against them. Huck asked if she wasn’t going to investigate that claim, but Jadis said investigations took time and exposed vulnerabilities. The contact had to be removed immediately. At the Perimeter, everyone got ready to leave. Way too slowly IMO. Will told Indira that he lived for a picture of the future with Felix in his mind. He didn’t think it made him wrong, and he didn’t think what she did for her family was wrong either. Group member Robin came in, and said Brody had been ranting that he was going to make things right with the CRM, just as the CRM soldiers rolled in. The soldiers pushed people around, even though everyone was compliant. Will snuck around. Then took off for somewhere on foot.

While Jadis was busy with something else, Huck told Brody that he’d marked the Perimeter for death. He said Indira made a deal to save her own life. Why not him? Huck had been playing both sides, and he knew it. She asked if he was trying to get her killed, and he said if she promised him a permanent residence there, he’d keep quiet. She said she couldn’t do that, but he said, figure out a way she could. At the Perimeter, the soldiers made everyone get on their knees with their hands up. Indira asked to speak to Elizabeth.

 Brody said, if Huck didn’t do this, she was dead, and she shot him in the head, not even hesitating. Jadis came back, and said, what the hell? Huck said Brody was a rat, and had been playing games. He knew about Omaha and the Campus Colony, and said if they didn’t give him residence, he’d scream it from the rooftops. Jadis asked how he knew, and Huck said she had no clue, but he was a security threat. Maybe he had a personal grudge against Indira. Jadis said Indira was a threat too, and radioed the soldiers at the Perimeter, asking to speak to Indira. Indira told Jadis to call her soldiers off. Take her, but let her people live. Jadis said she was impressed by the globe Indira made. She’d been like Indira once, leading an artist community, but they didn’t stand a chance, like Indira’s didn’t now. Her vision was lovely but didn’t portray what is. She couldn’t see it. Huck told Jadis that the Perimeter provided a valuable service; they were a resource. Jadis told the soldiers to eliminate all of them, and leave no one alive. Elton and Asha hooked pinkies, which I smelled coming. Will started shooting at the soldiers, who fired back. Then Will’s gun got jammed, but Dennis showed up, and started shooting, along with Silas. Dennis got on a radio and faked out the soldiers with orders, and they all ran to another area, giving the residents time to get weapons. Indira shot the head soldier just as he was about to shoot Elton. Dennis, Silas, Elton and Indira gave each other silent signals, and worked as a team. Dennis stole a grenade from a dead soldier, and blew the rest of the soldiers to smithereens.

Will said, well played, and Dennis told Silas to get his friends and supplies to the rendezvous. Be ready. Silas asked, for what? What was the plan? Dennis revealed he’d been shot in the side, and keeled over. At the CRM, Mason was hustled out, even though he said he wasn’t going anywhere. He demanded to know where they were taking him. Hope told Iris that Mason hadn’t done anything, but Iris said, neither had they. There was too much at stake. Meanwhile, the scientists had used explosives to create an opening to tunnels below the unit, also keeping the CRM following them. When they finally got into the room, Jadis said every drop of data had been wiped out. They weren’t just escaping; they’d been planning a rebellion. They stood to lose every scrap of progress and knowledge since the beginning. Huck asked what the plan was, and Jadis said she knew where the exits were. She was going to station a soldier at every tunnel exit. When the group emerged, they’d be waiting.

Jadis said they were going to make an example of all of them. She told the soldiers, shoot to kill. Eliminate some to traumatize the many. They’d been safe for too long, and had forgotten too much. She hoped to make them remember.

Next time, Jadis says, they’ll see who blinks first. And oh yeah, zombies.

🙇🏽‍♀️ Better Late Than Later…

Dead news tomorrow, along with the usual soap, and whatever’s on Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay edifying to others, and stay knowing, if you’re alive, you’re part of the story.