(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
The Walking Dead
Ezekiel asks what Jerry wants to tell him. Jerry swore he wasn’t saying anything, so Ezekiel can’t either. He asks Carol to swear too. Nabila is pregnant. He’s going to be a daddy. Ezekiel says, it’s the future of the Kingdom, and congratulates him. Carol says they’re coming. Apparently this is a flashback, since Jesus and Tara arrive to give them some food. Ezekiel is glad hear the worst has passed. Jesus tells him, Maggie wanted to come, but she’s still sick. Carol is surprised to see Tara, and Tara says not as surprised as Michonne is going to be when she finds out Tara isn’t coming back. She took more supplies than she was supposed to, and took something else. Maggie isn’t Michonne’s biggest fan right now, and they thought it better that Ezekiel hang onto it. Tara hands him a leather tube, and says she won’t be going back to Alexandria. Ezekiel says he hasn’t given up the idea the charter embodies. When the time comes, they’ll reunite and sign it together, a community that can begin anew as one. Jesus says, in the meantime, Ezekiel will be the keeper. It’s what they’re counting on. Jerry asks if Ezekiel is going to read it or not. Ezekiel takes it out, and reads over the Community Charter Rights and Freedoms.
Forward in the present day, Ezekiel is still reading. Dianne tells him, five minutes. He says it’s good to have her back. Carol asks if Dianne knows something she doesn’t. Carol is going off to hunt, and Ezekiel says he assumed the queen would be handling preparations for the fair. She asks him not to call her that. She still feels the empty nest. Or maybe she just missed him while she was gone. Calling her my love, he says he missed her too. In a few days’ time, they feast. It’s all going to work out.
Maybe not at Hilltop, where Alpha has come for her daughter. She knows they have her. Daryl tells her, leave now, and no one gets hurt. Alpha says, wrong answer. She puts her hand up, and a ton of zombies and/or Whisperers come out of the woods.
Earl says he has arthritis, but Tammy is acting like he’s on his deathbed. She says he might as well have, spilling hot metal everywhere. Enid prescribes something, and says she should take a break; Tammy thinks retirement is in order. He says he’s not retiring, and he’s not taking a break. He has horseshoes to finish before the fair. Outside, Tammy tells Enid, the guys being gone brought his stress back, but Enid shouldn’t lose hope. They’ll turn up. She asks what happened, and Enid says the ones who killed Jesus are out there.
Tara says if they piss Alpha off, they might get killed. Magna says they don’t even have a horse. Alpha asks which one leads. Daryl asks, what does it matter? Alpha says his people crossed into their land; no conflict. His people killed their people; no conflict. She’s done talking. I guess she’s also leaving out that her people killed Jesus. I’d call that a conflict. She tells him, bring out her daughter or there will be conflict. Daryl says he’s getting her. Henry tells him, no, but Daryl says she’s not getting Lydia. She’s done talking, but he isn’t, because he’s just that crazy.
Ezekiel tells Carol to go back with the others. She asks why he’s scared to tell her what he’s doing. He says he’s not, and asks Jerry if this is the face of a scared man. Jerry says, no comment. Ezekiel says it’s a side mission. He’s picking up one last item for the fair. Nothing she’d be interested in. She says, try her, and he says what about if he shows her?
Jerry says, movie time. The group stands in front of a theater. Zombies crowd the lobby.
Alpha gives a signal. Connie watches from the cornfield. Daryl approaches her. He says she can’t have Lydia. If it’s a fight she’s looking for, they have enough firepower to light them up. He hears a baby crying, and says they brought a baby out there. Alpha says, they’re animals. Animals live out there. Animals have babies. He seems to want conflict. She doesn’t, so she’s proposing a trade. Two captives wearing zombie skin masks are brought forward, and revealed to be Luke and Alden. She wanted to kill them, but she wants her daughter. One of hers for two of theirs. It’s a good trade, and that’s why going they’re going to take it. Now bring her daughter.
Carol tells Ezekiel that a projector is really not something they absolutely need. He says it’s dangerous, but they’ve worked it out. Like a cobra strike. She asks if it’s worth it, and he says Henry used to love movie nights. It’s been five years, and the young ones don’t know what a movie is. Bringing cinema back from the dead, the sense of whimsy and wonder, will make gathering together something they’ll never forget. And if joy and lifelong friendship aren’t worth fighting for, he doesn’t know what is.
Ezekiel turns on a boombox. The zombies file out of the theater following the music, as zombie will do. Ezekiel, Carol, and some of the others go in, Jerry can’t find any bulbs, and Dianne is pretty sure the expiration date on the popcorn butter is just a suggestion. A zombie toddles out of the arcade, and Jerry takes care of it. A bunch of zombies are stuck in and around the popcorn machine. Jerry sees the projection room, and says it’s their last chance. Ezekiel knows what to do. Cobra strike.
A Whisperer asks Alpha if he should lead them away, but she says no. Get back for now. Luke looks around, and sees Connie in the cornfield. He signs to her, stay hidden. The dead are coming.
Tara asks what Daryl thinks. He thinks they should give Lydia back. Yumiko says Henry and Lydia are gone. They start hunting. Daryl calls Dog, and has him sniff something. Alpha waits, and the Whisperers mill around. A baby cries, and the mom holding it looks antsy. Alpha locks eyes with her, and kind of shrugs. The mom leaves the baby on the ground. Alpha says, the land of the dead needs to live in silence.Ifthe mother can’t quiet the child, the dead will. Natural selection.
Enid tells Daryl that she knows where Henry probably took Lydia. She’s known him since he was a kid, and he likes her; he can talk to her. Daryl says, no! as zombies toddle toward the baby. Luke signs to Connie, baby. Connie sees the baby, and hits the nearest zombie with a slingshot. She runs out, and grabs the baby. Now what? The zombies move toward her, and she runs into the field with the baby, but a zombie follows. I assume right now it’s a huge disadvantage not to be able to hear. She jabs one in the head, but here comes another. She puts the sling around her neck. One more pops out, gets in her face, and she pikes it. More are coming. Suddenly, Daryl, Kelly, Earl, and Tammy are there, and hustle Connie out of the cornfield.
Jerry finds a bulb in the projector, and says, they’re in business. Dianne tells him, grab and go, but he says, it’s fra-gee-lee (the way the father in A Christmas Story pronounces it) for real. Ezekiel asks Carole for a hand on a side mission. He wants a poster box frame for the charter. She thinks he’s dreaming, and doesn’t want him to be disappointed if it doesn’t happen. What if the fair isn’t enough? What if more trade and training isn’t enough. She thinks they should talk to Jesus if things get worse, and maybe stay at Hilltop, at least until they find someplace better. Ezekiel asks, what better place than the Kingdom? A knight tells him that the boombox died. The zombies start getting loud. Jerry gets the bulb out of the projector, and puts it in bubble wrap, telling Dianne, let’s bounce. He drops his precious package, and we both say, oh sh*t.
Lydia looks at a wooden coin. Henry says Hilltop made it, but it didn’t work. She says her mother wasn’t supposed to come. She broke own rules. Maybe her mother misses her. Henry says, maybe. Lydia says, maybe she’s sorry, but Henry says, no she’s not, People like that don’t get to be sorry. Enid calls to him from outside. He tells Lydia to stay there. She says she doesn’t want to go back. Enid say if she could do something to help, she would. No one wants this, but Lydia doesn’t belong to them. Her mother will kill Luke and Alden if they don’t give her back. Henry says there’s got to be another way, but Enid says, there isn’t. She’s sorry. Henry says, it’s not fair – or right. She says it isn’t, but it’s something they have to live with, and he asks, how? She says when she was his age, she saw her parents die it. It changed her. I it became about surviving. Someone else died, someone special, who left her a letter reminding her that just surviving isn’t living, and they live with it by staying who they are, and not letting it change them. Lydia comes out says she’s going to go; she has to. Henry says, no, but she says she wants to be with her mother. They’re her people she misses them, even though I’m not sure what there is to miss. She say she’ll miss him too, but she’ll be okay. So will he she. She kisses him. This is actually a little sad, and I rarely have any feels for this show anymore.
Daryl brings Lydia out to Alpha. I’m feel a little stressed because I liked Luke in the Fantastic Beasts movies, and anything could go wrong. Lydia walks forward, and Luke and Alden are released. Alpha’s responsibility is done though, and they have to take their own gags off. Enid hugs Alden, and says she never wants let go of him. Lydia tells Alpha, sorry, and thanks her mother for coming to get her. In response she gets a crack across the face. Then Alpha hugs her, and says, call her Alpha.
Jerry tells Ezekiel that he got it, bubble wrapped, in one piece, after he dropped it somewhere between rows R and W. Ezekiel says they need to move before the horde is upon them. Jerry wants to stay and fight, and Carol asks if the queen’s call counts for something. She agrees with Jerry. A few kills each, it shouldn’t be too hard. Ezekiel says she doesn’t need to do this for him. She tells him, who says it’s just for him? She’s doing this or what? The zombies break free of the popcorn machine, Carol and some of the others use bows and arrows. Ezekiel does some does slicing and dicing. Carol wants him to be safe. They’ve lost so much, and with Henry gone… Ezekiel says he’s safe with her. He’s there with her. Jerry says they’ve got the projector going. Ezekiel says they have to be smart; be ready for every eventuality. Maybe they’re done losing. Carol says, maybe. We see a spray-painted quincunx symbol (I’m not making that up) on the back of a sign that the drive past, which we can safely assume has significance. Read all about it below.
Henry gets why Daryl had to do what he did, but that doesn’t make it okay. Daryl tells him that he never said it did. Henry asks what Daryl did to live with it. Daryl wonders what he’s talking about, and Henry say he saw the scars on Daryl’s back. He thinks knows more than anyone what sent Lydia back to her mother. He wonders how Daryl can live with that. Daryl says, the world is sh*t sometimes, and you live with it. Sometimes that’s all you can do. He did what he had to do today. They all did. He walks away
Ezekiel dusts off the poster box, and Jerry tests out the projector. He, Ezekiel, and Carol smile. Ezekiel and Carol kiss.
Magna and the others drink. Connie kicks back. Earl and Tammy won the baby lottery, and are taking care of the Whisperer child. Jerry is the father of three now, and bounces a baby.
Adeline gives Daryl a note she found in Henry’s room. Couldn’t live with it – gone to find Lydia. Connie sees him leaving, and writes, where are you going? He shows he the note and says he’s going to find Henry. She writes that she’s going with him. He says, no, but she shows the words to him again. He says, why? and she writes that she couldn’t live with it either. They leave together, and the gates close behind them.
Next time, Lydia walks again, Henry follows Lydia, Lydia claims she lied and they need to be ready, and Michonne says it’s dangerous. Like that isn’t the status of pretty much everything.
It was a special night for Melissa McBride (Carol) on Ride With Norman Reedus, and a different kind of ride for him. They went to Scotland to uncover Melissa’s heritage, and she was thrilled with the results. They even ended up in a pub in a building that was not only the last known address of her great-something grandfather, but had once been owned by a McBride family. I’m still surprised at how much I enjoy this show.
🏆 For Those of You Who Still Care…
I haven’t bothered watching the Oscars in many years. I was well-aware that the year I actually knew two of the nominees – oddly enough, two Williams, Hurt and Hickey – could never be topped, so I haven’t watched it since. TBH, I never really cared much anyway, since it’s kind of meaningless. It’s not like the audience is voting. This was kind of a fun article though.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Sonny asks if Robert plans on leaving his son out in the cold. Robert says he’s not leaving him behind, and Sonny asks if he got the okay to bring Dante home.
Sam tells Jason that she’s meeting Shiloh at the MetroCourt. Jason asks if Shiloh gave any indication where they were going. She says, no, and Jason says Shiloh is testing her. She thinks it’s good if she goes no questions asked, so he’ll trust her. She knows Jason hates it, but she has to make sure Shiloh doesn’t think she’s playing him.
Curtis talks to TJ on the phone, wanting to get together, but TJ is busy. Drew joins him, and says if TJ thinks he’s busy now, wait until he’s chief of staff. Curtis says he was hoping to have coffee with TJ, since he was dropping Lulu off. Drew asks how she’s doing, and Curtis says, physically, she’s fine, but the arraignment got the better of her. Drew says, she’s not the only one.
Elizabeth sits in her car. Terry knocks on the window, and Elizabeth nearly has a heart attack. Terry says she didn’t mean to scare her; she should have known better. She asks if everything is okay, but Elizabeth says, no; far from it.
Jordan is going to talk Franco through it one more time. He’ll choose one lucky reporter, and give a no holds barred interview; telling them all the gory details. The performance of a lifetime. He’s going to hit the killer in the one place he’s vulnerable – his ego. He’ll have to reveal himself. Franco says so he’s going to turn the tables; manipulate the manipulator. She says, it’s the most effective tactic. Franco says, there’s only one problem. He’s not doing it.
Ryan and Ava go to the MetroCourt. He tells Carly that he wants to order the best champagne. Ava says they’re celebrating a major event. They’re getting married. Carly asks how his wife feels about that.
Laura yells for help. Doc tells her to rest; she’s been at it for hours. She says she looked everywhere, but can’t find another exit. Their best hope is someone hearing. Doc says if anyone could hear, they’d have been there by now. He thinks they should take a step back and regroup. Besides, he missed her. She says, that’s the silver lining in this very, very dark cloud. They might be in the basement at Ferncliff held captive by a madman, but they’re together.
Finn asks if Cabot is confirming Anna was a test subject. Anna says, it never happened. Cabot says she doesn’t remember participating in the study, because she wasn’t supposed to.
Jason tells Sam that he has both of their phones set up. He can track her even if he can’t see her, but he’ll have to keep his distance. Sam says she can handle herself. Shiloh may just want to get her alone to brainwash her with DOD propaganda. Jason says, that’s what he’s worried about. She doesn’t know what she’s walking into. He tells her, keep her eyes open, and if something goes wrong, he has her back.
Cabot tells Anna that she was drugged and abducted; a necessary evil to further the cause of science. She says, he’s lying, but he asks if there aren’t stretches of time she’s missing. How else can she explain her exposure to the virus? She had no adverse reaction at the time. The virus remained dormant for years, and began to manifest, causing blindness. Anna lunges for him, but Finn takes her out in the hallway. She says she needs answers, but Finn suggests she take a minute to calm down before she strangles Cabot. She wants to smash his face. Finn says they need him to keep talking first. They need more information to confirm what they suspected about her being infected with the virus. She asks what that really tells them. It doesn’t explain Doc. He wasn’t a part of the study. His brother has been dead for twenty-five years.
Carly tells Ryan, last she heard, he was still married to Laura. Ava says she knows how to spoil a celebration, and Carly tells her there are other restaurants. Ryan says he and Laura are getting divorced. She’ll find it beneficial as well. She asks, in what universe? He says he can help with any co-parenting issues, and Avery will have one more stable person in her life. Carly says he helped her in Ferncliff, but he’s anything but stable right now. She tells them the restaurant reserves the right to refuse service, so mind their manners. When she’s gone, Ava tells Ryan he might have kicked a hornet’s nest, and Carly could cause trouble for them. He says he could just kill them.
Terry tells Elizabeth that she knows she’s been AWOL. She didn’t mean be a bad friend. Elizabeth says Oscar needed her, but Terry says she could have still found time to be a friend. When Franco was arraigned, Elizabeth was confident there had been a mistake, and he’d be exonerated. She was so sure it would work out. Elizabeth says, all that changed today. She was hoping to pull it together before her shift. Terry asks, what happened? and Elizabeth says, Franco pled guilty. He’s not guilty; that much she knows. Something else is going on.
Franco say pleading guilty in front of Elizabeth without being able to explain was horrible. Now Jordan wants him to spread the lie over the entire world. She asks what he thought the plan was? That he’d just be evaluated and it would work out? He says she wanted time to catch the killer, and he’s given it to her. She says, the killer’s ego will betray him. Franco needs to get under his skin, so the killer confronts him. Franco asks how she knows he’s not going to just get killed.
Sonny tells Robert that Dante did the WSB a favor, tracking Rog. Now they’re going to leave him? Robert says, it’s dangerous. They just can’t risk violating borders. He won’t stop until Dante is back, but he needs time. He also doesn’t need Sonny making waves. He could alert the hostiles to Dante’s whereabouts. Sonny understands, and Robert says he’ll be in touch. Robert leaves, and Sonny calls Brick, saying he needs Brick’s help.
Ava asks where Ryan has been hiding his delicious wit, and he says she brings out the best in him. She plans to do that for the rest of their lives, but says Carly had a point. They can’t move forward yet. Maybe they’re getting ahead of themselves with the celebration. He says why put their happiness on hold? and tells her to order whatever she wants, as long as it’s the best. He’ll be right back. He has to wrap up a few loose ends.
Doc tells Laura that he’s so sorry. She says it’s not his fault. He says he should have known better. He should have thought it through, and taken precautions. She says Doc was shocked that Ryan was still alive. That’s why Ryan got the jump on him.
Curtis says it must have sucked, hearing that Franco pled guilty, but Drew says he can’t shake the feeling that it’s a maneuver, and Franco has an agenda; an ulterior motive. Or maybe he’s kidding himself. Curtis says, no, he’s not. There’s more going on than Drew realizes.
Jordan tells Franco it’s a secure facility. If anyone gets in who’s unauthorized, they’ll know. He says what if it’s someone who’s authorized? Jordan gives him a burner phone, telling him to hide it. It’s only to be used as a last resort. He takes the phone, and starts dialing. She asks what he’s doing, and he says what he should have from done from the start. Tell Elizabeth the truth.
Elizabeth tells Terry that she knows Franco is innocent. There has to be another reason. Terry says, okay, and Elizabeth says Terry thinks she’s crazy. Terry says, the truth is, she doesn’t know him well, so she doesn’t share what Elizabeth has, but she has faith in Elizabeth. If she believes there’s more to the story, she trusts her. Elizabeth thanks her, and says, if Franco doesn’t trust her, she’s not sure they stand a chance.
Shiloh meets Sam at the MetroCourt, and introduces him to Carly. She’s heard about the good work he’s doing in the community; her daughter helped with the coat drive. He says she’s Kristina’s stepmom, and she says Kristina is very important to her. Sam says they should get going; it’s getting late. Outside, she says he still hasn’t told where they’re going. He says that’s because it’s a surprise. She says that’s great and all, but she has children. They’re at their grandmother’s, and she thinks it’s a good idea to let them know where she is. He tells her, placing trust in others helps us trust ourselves, which doesn’t really address what she said, but okay. He says when she sees what he has to show her, all of her doubts will disappear.
Robert joins Anna and Finn. He thinks Doc was used in the experiment, but doesn’t know if he remembers. Anna says it’s possible it took place when Ryan was still alive. Robert says good thing they have access to someone who can give them all the answers. They go into Cabot’s room, and he asks if they’ve calmed down. Anna says they have other questions, and Robert says there’s no immunity deal for him, and it will go a long way in reducing his sentence if he’s cooperative. Cabot asks what they want to know. Anna says his superiors wouldn’t sign off on a study like that unless it had a purpose. What was the objective? Cabot says to transfer the memories from one person to another.
Elizabeth tells Terry that she put all her faith in Franco. When he was considered a suspect, her trust never wavered. So much so, she married him last night at the police station. She wasn’t letting the world tell her what kind of man he is. Terry asks if her invitation got lost in the mail; no present for her. Elizabeth is sorry; she’s a mess. She thought if she cried it out, she’d feel better, but it’s not helping. Terry says Elizabeth doesn’t want to cry. She wants to scream.
Jordan tells Franco, stop. Franco says if they’re putting it out there that he’s the real killer, Elizabeth will be vulnerable. The phone makes a beeping sound, and Jordan says he’s blocked from making calls not to her. She knows it’s tough, but promises the less Elizabeth knows, the safer she’ll be.
Doc tells Laura, it’s ironic. He spent months having conversations with her; what he’d say, how he’d say it, if he had the chance. Now here she is, warm and real, and by his side, and he can’t find the words. She says, don’t try so hard. Just say how he feels. Ryan let’s himself in, and asks how the big reunion is going. Isn’t Laura a sight for sore eyes? Oops. He guesses not. Doc says it’s not like him. Whenever he visits, he risks being seen. Why take the chance? Unless his elaborate charade is beginning to unravel. Laura says Doc may be right. Ryan looks hairy, flustered, nervous. Ryan says he’s totally committed to his course of action. He came finish what he started. He takes out a knife.
Sam and Shiloh enter what looks like a lighthouse. Shiloh says, we’re here, and Sam asks, where is here? I don’t catch the name, but it’s some lake. Sam says she’s never heard of it, and he says it’s in a corner of Lake Ontario. He says the tower used to be taken care of by the harbor master, but it’s been vacant for a long time. I wonder why it looks like someone lives there. There are even coats hanging by the door. Shiloh says when he left Afghanistan, he was looking for a way to change his life, but had no idea how. He wandered aimlessly, and found the tower. He’d never heard of it, and never been there. Call it fate. She asks why he thinks he was led there, and he holds out his hand. She hesitates, but takes it, and they go up the stairs. Jason comes in, and follows, but stays way behind.
Terry tells Elizabeth crying hasn’t worked because she’s not sad. Elizabeth says Franco just pled guilty to multiple murders. Terry says she can feel sorry, but she must be furious that he was keeping her in the dark too. She’s angry, and needs to feel it. Let it out, so she can get on with her day. If she needs to scream, go ahead. It’s just her. Feel the anger, and scream at everyone who let her down or underestimated her. Let it out. Elizabeth lets loose with a scream. Terry says, better? and Elizabeth laughs, saying, a little, yeah. Terry asks if there’s more in her, and she says, yeah.
Jordan tells Franco that she’s moving in a detective she can trust, but until then, he has to do his part. She says he has to call his lawyer on the Ferncliff landline, and have him set up the interview. He says, convince him this is another good plan, but she says she’s late to dinner with her son. She’s about to leave, and her phone rings. Franco says he had to be sure it worked.
Drew asks Curtis if Jordan told him something. Curtis says she’s holding her cards close. Let’s just say his hunch is that Drew’s hunch is correct. He can’t see the big picture, just pieces. It’s not much, but it’s something.
Laura tells Ryan not to get any closer, and tells Doc, he has a knife. Ryan says, not quite, but it will do the trick. Doc stands in front of Laura, and says Ryan will have to go through him first. Ryan says Doc is jumpy. He’s not there to take their lives, as satisfying as it sounds. He needs something first. Laura says he has an envelope, and Ryan says, which he’s using his letter opener to open. It’s his signed duplicate of their divorce papers; her divorce papers. His lawyer wanted him to mail them, but he knew she wouldn’t be at home. So if she doesn’t mind… He holds them out, but she slaps them out of his hand, and says, go to hell. He says, it’s tempting, but there’s someplace else he’d rather be. Laura says he wants to sever ties with her so he can marry Ava, but she’s not helping him hurt Ava more than he has already. He thinks she should review this. He’s armed, stronger than them, and can see. It can play out to its long, bloody conclusion, or she can cooperate. What’s it going to be?
Sonny sees Ava sipping champagne, and asks Carly what she’s doing there. Carly says, celebrating her engagement to Doc. He asks if she’s stressed, but she says, not one bit. She asks where he went, and he says he met with Robert. It wasn’t good news. The WSB can’t go after Dante without a diplomatic incident. She says, so he’s planning on going?
Ryan says he could just kill them, and Doc tells him to stay the hell away from Laura, stepping in front of her. Ryan asks where his calm, shrinky demeanor is. Ryan tells Laura to get behind Doc, so he can mortally wound him, and leave him bleed out, while he ends her life. She says she’ll sign. He thought she might. She signs the top paper, and he says she forgot the yellow stickies. She signs the other pages, which I might add are LOUD papers. Ryan takes the papers, holds out his hand for the pen, and I laugh. He leaves, and Laura tells Doc, he’s gone. They hug.
Cabot says, the study produced a painless, efficient way to extract information. There was no need for torture or coercion. They could just transfer the memories to someone else. Anna and her sister were in the first trial. Anna asks if he’s trying to say her memories were extracted and given to Alex. Cabot says, it’s the other way around. Finn says the study must have been a bust. Anna doesn’t have Alex’s memories. He failed. Anna says, no, he didn’t.
Shiloh tells Sam no one lives there, but it’s far from empty. She understands this place is special to him, but what happened here? She does something with her phone. Jason is coming up the stairs, and can hear what they’re saying. Shiloh says he came looking for a purpose. He was drawn to the shore. Standing there, looking at the vast expanse of water in the moonlight, he saw what he thought would be his shelter. He came in and found this room. He curled up on the floor, and fell asleep. He was cold and alone, but a few hours later, he was awakened by a brilliant light, a powerful light. The break of dawn was the most beautiful thing he’s ever seen. Sam says, Dawn of Day, and he says, precisely. His moment of clarity. Right then, he knew his calling was to bring light to as many people as he could. Sam says it’s a beautiful story, but she doesn’t know why he couldn’t tell her in Port Charles. He says she has to experience it personally. It’s very intimate. When she sees the dawn break, she’ll know her path. Is he going to slip her drugs? Because yeah, it’s nice story, and I’m sure a gorgeous daybreak, but does he really think he can get over on a serious con artist with a sunrise?
Sonny tells Carly that he talked to Brick. He can get across the border. Carly says Brick can get Sonny in, but can Brick get him out in one piece? Sonny says, Brick is a professional. He doesn’t want to leave her, and won’t be gone long. She tells him, go. Bring Dante home to meet his new brother or sister.
Elizabeth thanks Terry for forcing her to get that out. She thinks she can handle going work now. She gets out of the car. Terry offers to cover for her, make a show of how sick she is, like in high school. Remember the excuses she used to write? Elizabeth says, thanks, but no. She actually needs work. Terry says she’s still a night owl. If Elizabeth’s shift ends, and she needs a friend to talk, have a drink with, or scream, she’s there. They hug. I’d love to see more of Terry. She’s a very charming character.
Franco tells Scotty that he needs to ask a favor. Get in touch with someone from The Invader for him. He thinks it’s time to tell the world his side of the story.
Ryan returns to the MetroCourt. He hands Ava the papers, saying he had a hunch, and went back to his office. Those were waiting for him. Laura signed. He guesses she decided to put their marriage to bed. He toasts to them, saying, nothing can stand in their way now. They clink glasses.
Laura says Doc must be disappointed in her, but he says, no. He’s glad she did it. Nothing would delight Ryan more than to take the person he loves the most away, knowing he’s powerless to stop it. Laura asks if that’s what it was like living with Ryan; if he destroyed everything Doc created. He says no part of his life was safe. He’s sorry for everything she’s been through with him. Laura says their marriage is off, and it leaves Ryan free to do God knows what to Ava. It never occurred to her. Everyone thought he was dead twenty-five years ago. Doc says, it doesn’t matter. They’re together, and if they get out of this, he’ll marry her all over again. They kiss.
Sam says, sunrise is hours away, and Shiloh says it’s not like she has someone to go home to. Spend the night with him. She’ll see. Jason takes out his gun.
Drew calls Elizabeth, leaving a message. He says they need to talk about Franco. He gets in his car, and backs out of the spot.
Finn says, Anna has Alex’s memories? She says the memories weren’t transferred to her, but Andre took the study to use as a basis for his procedure. He built on the work already done. This means there are two other unwilling participants in the study.
Drew gets a headache while he’s driving out of the garage. His vision becomes blurry.
Jason’s vision becomes blurry, and he tumbles down the stairs. Sam hears, and runs out. She sees Jason at the bottom of the stairs, and runs down to him. She asks if he can hear her.
Walking through the parking garage, Jordan calls Chase.
Drew passes out, and his car hits Jordan.
On Monday, Curtis asks Stella what’s going on, Maxie tells Peter the results are in, and Valentin asks Peter for a favor.
🔪 For the record, last night, Justin packed his knives and went on Top Chef.
🎸 Sweet Team…
Once again Maurice Benard proves that he’s not just that kind of family man.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Carly calls Olivia and leaves a message. She says her schedule is booked. She needs a huge favor, and asks Olivia to take over some of her meetings. Things are busy there. Sonny asks how much she’s handing off. Kim told her to reduce her stress. He doesn’t know how much she told Olivia, but Carly says they agreed not to tell anything yet. He asks about her diet, and she promises to eat only organic potato chips. He says she’s supposed to reduce her stress. He’s not taking any chances on her health. Josslyn comes in, and asks if she’s sick.
Sam meets Jason on the pier. She tells him that he should stop by and see the kids, but he says he’s going to be busy tailing her and Shiloh.
Harmony approaches Shiloh at the café, or whatever that new place is. He asks if she shouldn’t be in Beechers Corners, like they agreed. She says she needed to see him. She came to give him a warning.
Ava asks Franco, how he could do it? He told he that he loved Kiki, and would never hurt her. Jordan walks over, and Ava says she’s going. Ava wonders why Ryan is smiling, but he says he didn’t realize he was doing it. She asks if he’d mind telling her why, and he says, justice was done without the anguish of a trial.The nightmare is finished; it’s over for her. She says, it doesn’t make any sense. She wonders if Franco doesn’t understand the difference between innocence and guilt. Why would he plead guilty to a crime he didn’t commit, especially this one? Ryan says perhaps her faith in Franco is misplaced.
Curtis tells Lulu that he’s making one last check-in before his service is no longer required. It’s all over the media. Lulu says she expected closure, but…
Jordan asks how Franco is. He says, before today, there was one person in the world who believed in him. Now, because of her and her stupid plan, he’s lost Elizabeth.
Elizabeth goes home. She takes a photo of her and Franco down off the mantel, and looks at it. She’s about to smash it, when the doorbell rings. It’s Drew. He holds her.
Finn tells Cabot the surgery seems to be successful. Anna says, it’s time for quid pro quo. Tell her how she contracted the virus. Cabot says she seems more anxious to talk to him than he was to see again. She says they had a deal. He says it was more like extortion. Exchanging his eyesight for information isn’t the act of a moral person. Finn asks if he’s going back on the deal, and Cabot asks if Finn is going to repossess his eyes if he doesn’t talk. Finn says he’ll need continued treatment. If he refuses to tell them what they want to know, treatment ain’t coming, and the blindness will reoccur. Cabot gives his word (like this means something); he won’t back out. Anna says, it’s the ethical thing to do. Cabot says he stipulated he’d give them the information in return for his eyesight. Until the bandages are removed, he has no way of knowing if they held up their end of the bargain. Robert says, it should be a half hour. Cabot says they might be in a hurry, but he has all the time in the world.
Ava tells Ryan that Julian was concerned she’s become dependent on him. Ryan says Julian is in no position to comment on their relationship. Did Julian get to her? Ava says when Ryan didn’t show up, her imagination got the better of her. Nice as it was to hear the words, she figures she’s not meant for love, and it’s the beginning of the end. He can’t believe she’s getting insecure about their relationship now. He’s in it for the long haul. She can’t start doubting when they’re so close. She says, close to what?
Jordan tells Franco that he can and will be exonerated. He asks what if the murderer doesn’t kill again? He’ll be stuck up the river. Jordan says, that’s not an option. He says the DA needs a win, and the people he loves are the most vulnerable. She knows it isn’t easy, but he’ll prove his innocence to the world. Isn’t that what he wants? He says, more than anything, he wants be with Elizabeth. She says, then make it happen. She’s going to get him to Ferncliff for his evaluation.
Still in the courtroom, Lulu thinks about going to the door in her office. She flashes back to thanking someone for taking the time to stop by. She almost falls over, but Curtis catches her.
Elizabeth asks Drew what she’s supposed to tell the boys. How can she look in their eyes? Drew asks if she thinks he did it, but she says, it makes no sense. Why would Franco say he murdered all those people? Cameron comes downstairs, and says, Franco did what?
Carly tells Josslyn that she just had her annual checkup. She’s okay, but just wants to take it easy with work. Josslyn was hoping to ask her something.
In the hallway, Finn asks Anna if she’s okay. She says, no, and he says he figured. She says the man in there somehow blinded her. How is that possible? He tells her, look on the bright side. Cabot was blinded too. Anna tells him that he always knows what to say.
Shiloh says Harmony could have called, texted, or emailed, but she drove out there. She says she made sure Jason had just enough information to satisfy him. Shiloh says, then Jason has been taken care of, and she says, except he hasn’t been. A man showed up asking questions, and she thinks it was a PI sent by Jason. She doesn’t think Shiloh knows what he’s up against. Jason is determined to bring him down, and she’s not letting the rest of them go down too.
Jason tells Sam there was an Incident in Beechers Corners. Shiloh has a heated argument with one of his followers. The follower quit, and turned up dead in a motel outside the compound. It was a drug overdose, and an investigation as to where the drugs came from. Shiloh was the prime suspect, and they were about to bring him in, when one of his followers confessed. Sound familiar?
Josslyn tells Carly that Oscar didn’t get his junior license. She gets why, but they were bummed. They went to see Cameron, since he has a license. Carly asks where they want to go, and Josslyn says, Niagara Falls. Oscar has never been there, and the weekend is coming up. Cameron could drive them. Carly asks if it would be like a double date, but Josslyn says Cameron and Trina are just friends. Carly isn’t comfortable with it. Josslyn says they’re not spending the night, since with a junior license, Cameron has to be back by midnight.
Cameron says, Franco admitted he did it? but Drew says, all he did was plead guilty. Elizabeth says she doesn’t know why; he didn’t tell her, but she knows in her heart Franco is innocent. Cameron says if she believes that, she’s completely lost her mind.
Ryan tells Ava that they’re so close to living the life they want, where they can put the pain behind them. He needs her to believe that. She says the pain of losing her daughter will never be behind her. He knows she’s been disappointed by people, but he’s not one of them, and will prove it. He takes her hand, and asks her to marry him.
Curtis takes Lulu to the hospital. Sonny sees them, and asks if she’s okay. She says she was just lightheaded; it was nothing. Curtis says, it was something. She passed out at the courthouse. Lulu says she wasn’t unconscious, but Curtis says she had no balance and no clear sense of where she was. She says Franco pled guilty, and she wasn’t expecting it. Sonny says, that sick SOB killed Kiki? Curtis says Lulu’s vitals are fine, and no one blames her if it was too much. She says, it wasn’t about what happened. She was prepared, but when they took Franco away, she had the overwhelming feeling something was very wrong.
Ava says Ryan isn’t serious, and he says, as a heart attack. She says, for starters, he’s already married. He says, technically. He’s not saying right this second. They have to get a permit. Um… I think it’s called a license. She says, it’s too soon after Kiki’s death. He tells her, the moment they connected, he knew what he’d been missing his entire life. He wants them to spend their lives together, here or on the other side of the world. He belongs to her, and hopes she feels the same way. He wants to be her husband. He feels more like a god when he treats her like the goddess she is. She says he’s already married to Laura, but he says, not for long.
Jordan takes Franco to Ferncliff. He changes into the regulation garb, is searched, and has his picture taken. He’s led to a cell, and the door closes loudly behind him.
Sam tells Jason, it’s starting to make sense. Daisy took the fall for sending her the emails, but there’s a big difference between harassment and murder. Jason says Shiloh is more of a threat than they originally thought. Sam says, then it’s more important than ever that she go with him.
Harmony tells Shiloh that his arrogance will be the downfall of them all. He’s not the only one who stands to lose if Jason keeps digging. He needs to leave Port Charles, lay low, and stay out of Jason’s way. Shiloh says she needs to go back to Beechers Corners like they agreed. As long as she keeps sending him updates, everything will be fine.
Jason tells Sam that they need to know what they’re dealing with. Sam says Shiloh has a history of manipulating women. He’s manipulated Kristina, and now he’s working on her. The sooner they get something criminal on him, the sooner they get Kristina out of there. Jason says he’ll be tailing her every step, and tells her to keep the cell phone GPS monitor on. They just found their way back to each other. He can’t risk losing her.
Harmony asks Shiloh what’s up with him and Sam? He says he finds her fascinating. Harmony asks what’s the real reason, and he says she has an Interest in the program. He thinks it’s time he takes her to the tower. She asks, why tempt fate? He says if he keeps Sam close, the more distant she’ll become with Jason. Harmony is concerned that once Jason is done with Shiloh, he’ll come after the rest of them. He says the students have to trust that their teacher knows what he’s doing. She hopes he does.
Carly tells Josslyn that Cameron isn’t an experienced driver. Josslyn says it will be during the day. Carly asks, what if there’s a storm or Oscar has a seizure? Josslyn says they’ll take him to the hospital or home. Carly asks if she ran it past Kim. Since there’s no answer on that, Carly says they weren’t planning on letting her know, were they?
Cameron says, now Franco confessed? but Elizabeth says, he didn’t do it. He asks if she’s listening to herself. Franco is saying he’s guilty, and she refuses to listen. She’s in a toxic relationship with a murderer, and she can’t see what it’s doing to them, taking him back over and over. She’s sick. Drew tells him not to talk to his mother that way. Cameron says Drew can’t talk to him that way. If she doesn’t care enough to tell his brothers the truth, he will. He storms out.
In Franco’s cell, Jordan asks how he’s holding up. He’s not sure, and tells her to check in a few days and see if he’s been drugged. She says he’ll be fine. He’s only there for a two-week evaluation. He tells her to ask Carly. A lot can happen in a short time. She says if anything does, she’ll make sure he gets an audience with the mayor. He says if they realize he’s not the one who attacked Lulu, it might put Elizabeth in the crosshairs.
Lulu asks if it’s weird that she only remembers part of the attack, and Curtis says, the mind protects you by choosing what you remember, and when. She wishes her brain would trust her more. She remembers Franco coming at her with the knife, but not how she got away. Curtis says, by Franco pleading guilty, there isn’t a trial. She won’t get to tell her story for the record. Lulu says that doesn’t mean she’s given up her voice. Robert joins them, and thanks Sonny for coming. Sonny thanks him for reaching out. He says he has sensitive information, but Sonny says he can talk in front of Lulu. Lulu asks if it’s about Dante. Did the Bureau find him?
Anna tells Cabot to open is eyes. He says, thank God, and Finn, for giving him back the gift of sight. Anna asks Cabot to tell her now how she contracted the virus that blinded them, how it’s connected to the DVX, and why her sister was involved? He says the last question is the easiest. Her sister was one of their subjects, and an ideal one. Anna asks, why? and he says, isn’t it obvious? Because she was Anna’s twin.
Anna asks if they were using Alex as a conduit to get to her. He says it wasn’t because Alex was her twin, but a twin. An identical twin. The initial study linked the physical and emotional reactions, and in some sets, they felt what the other was feeling, sharing both pain and joy. Finn says the studies aren’t legit, and Cabot says, not yet, but if the link exists, imagine the possibilities?Especially for those trained in diplomatic secrets. Finn says his first thought is always how a covert op can benefit from his work. Cabot says it’s worked for the enemy, and Anna was perfect for the study. Finn asks if this means he worked for the DVX. Anna thinks he’s lying.
Lulu knows Sonny asked Robert to find Dante. Robert says they tracked him to Turkey. There was a rumor Rog was working in the area, and Dante followed him.
Josslyn asks Carly, please be reasonable, then says, forget it. Carly says, hold on. How about if she and Sonny take off work for the weekend. They’ll drive to Niagara Falls, and stay there, the four of them. It will be a whole lot of fun. Josslyn thinks, that depends on your definition of fun. Carly says it’s her best offer. Cameron comes in, and Josslyn says they were just talking about him, but they’re definitely done. She takes Cameron out on the terrace, and says his timing couldn’t be more perfect. Her mom is being impossible. He asks if she wants to trade. His mom married a serial killer. Franco pled guilty, and admitted to the murders, but she’s too blind to realize she married a monster.
Elizabeth asks Drew, what if Cameron is right, and she’s lying to herself? Drew asks what her gut tells her. She says, the same thing as her heart. Franco didn’t kill anyone, and there’s a reason why he pled guilty. She hates that he didn’t trust her enough to tell her what’s going on. If they don’t have trust, what do they have? Drew asks, what’s next?
Franco tells Jordan that he wants 24-hour surveillance on Elizabeth and the boys. Jordan wonders whose pet she ran over in a former life to get this job. She would have to explain the real reason. Franco says, and if it leaks out, all this will be for nothing. She says as long as the killer is focused on him, he won’t focus on Elizabeth. When Franco takes credit for the killer’s work, he won’t be able resist.
Ryan tells Ava that Laura understands why the marriage has to end. She won’t stand in their way. The only people who can stand in their way are Ava and him, and it won’t be him. Ava says she’s never been married, and he tells her that she was just waiting for the right man. He knows he’s not on one knee, and can’t promise there will be no adversity, but whatever they face, he can promise they’ll face it together. What does she say?
Anna says if they believe Cabot, his study would require a set of twins. She never did a study. Cabot says, not willingly, but she did. She just doesn’t remember.
Lulu asks how they’re going to bring Dante home, and Robert says he’s working on it. That’s as much as he can tell her; sorry. She says, her too, and leaves. Sonny asks what Robert is saying, and Robert says, Dante has gone rogue. He’s acting as a private citizen, and the Bureau is hesitant to help. They don’t want to create an international incident. Sonny asks if Robert is planning to leave his son out in the cold.
On the phone with Olivia, Carly says nothing is wrong. She has a lot going on at home, and was hoping to go over the calendar.
Cameron tells Josslyn that Franco confessed to everything, and his mom is in complete denial. He couldn’t be a part of her standing by that psycho no matter how his brothers get hurt. He had to get out. Josslyn says she does too. She suggests they leave for their trip tomorrow. What does he say?
Elizabeth tells Drew that she has no idea what this means for their marriage. They agreed no more secrets – ever. Drew doesn’t know how realistic that is. Everyone keeps secrets, even with the best intentions. He’s sure Franco has a good reason. She says, he’d better. Drew says it sounds like she’s not giving up. She knows with everything in her that he’s innocent, and she’s going to continue to fight for him. He says, it has to be rough, but she says she’s ready. He thought maybe she might want the rings that she left behind. He puts them on the table. She says, maybe. Not right now, but hopefully soon she’ll be ready to put them back on. He puts on his coat, and asks fi she’s okay. She nods.
Franco asks Jordan, how is she so sure the killer won’t be thrilled, and get on with his life? She says, he needs the spotlight. Pleading guilty is one thing, but taking credit for his genius and ingenuity, and stepping into the spotlight he’s created? He won’t like it. Franco asks how he’s going to steal the spotlight.
Ava says Ryan is insane. He says he’s been called worse. She says, what the hell? Let’s do it. They kiss.
Jason tells Sam that he’ll know where she is at all times. If anything goes wrong, he’ll be there. Sam’s phone rings. She says, it’s him. Shiloh asks where she is, and she says she’s just getting home. He’s figuring they should meet at the MetroCourt, and go from there. She says it’s going to be dark out by the time they get there. Is he sure he wants to go tonight? He says, absolutely sure. Is she having second thoughts? She says she’s excited to see it; whatever it is. He says it’s going to change her life.
Tomorrow, Franco says he’s telling Elizabeth the truth, Laura yells for help, and Jason says they have to make sure Shiloh isn’t playing Sam.
🎥 Sorry. No Top Chef tonight. I’m still sick, and I’m hoping to be in dreamland by the time the rerun is on. At 8 pm, Dr. Phil won out with Instagram personalities (debatable) whose lives were being ruined by social media. Actual Instagram personality Amanda Cerny joined them via SKYPE, and hit the nail on the head by pointing out the problem was they had no lives outside of social media. One guy was very sweet and seemed to already understand his issues, but another guest was a horrifying girl who put the narcissist in narcissist, and claimed she would be dead without social media. She also said, no offense, but old people are ugly.Dr. Phil asked how he wasn’t supposed to take offense to that, and she said – because I said no offense. Clearly, she overestimates the power of her words, and I can’t wait for her to get old.
👶 Say It Ain’t So…
Poor MJ. Rooting for her to get through the pregnancy with no further problems.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
At the hospital, Maxie says Peter doesn’t have to keep her company. Peter says she told him that she wasn’t leaving without the test results. He tells her, it was a brilliant idea. She says it was easy to think of the manicure, but he says he meant Nina, and she says she got a sample from her coffee cup at Crimson. Soon they’ll find out if Sasha is Nina’s daughter, or Valentin manufactured the whole thing. A part of her doesn’t want to know.
At Kelly’s, Valentin says he’s pinching himself over Nina saying yes. She says he suckered her, and has just himself to blame. He gave her the greatest gift – her daughter. And here she is now.
Josslyn and Oscar sit at the counter. Oscar reads a letter saying, due to his medical condition, the DMV is unable issue him a driver’s license at this time. He says, like he has so much time left. Josslyn says she’s sorry.
Cameron reads Pride and Prejudice. Elizabeth is proud of him. He says, for being bored out of his mind? but she says for taking the time to catch up on his schoolwork. She’d be prouder if he stepped up to support Franco. He says, if she believes Franco, he does too. She says she’s on her way to the arraignment. She wants to tell him something she doesn’t want him to hear from anyone else. Last night, she visited Franco at the police station, and they got married. Cameron laughs, then says, oh my God, she’s not joking. She shows him her ring, and says they’re now husband and wife.
Franco fingers his ring. Jordan asks how he’s holding up, and he says, so good. it’s the best day of his life. She knows it’s hard, but trusts him to make the right decision.
On the phone, Ava tells Ryan she thought they were going to meet, and head to the courthouse together. Call her. Julian asks, what’s up? She doesn’t seem happy to see him, and she always is. She says, it’s Doc. They were going to the arraignment together. He’s like, hmm… and she says, what? He says, nothing, but she says, it’s obviously something. He tells her, Doc seems to be taking over her life lately.
Alexis sees Lulu at the courthouse, and asks why she’s there. Lulu wants to see Franco charged with her own eyes. Alexis asks if her mother is with her, but Lulu says she just got a text. Her mother is tied up with mayoral stuff. She knows Laura wanted to be there, so it must be important.
Laura comes to, and she sees Doc lying near her. She asks if that’s him, and they hug. Sitting nearby, Ryan says, that is so touching. Does anybody have a tissue? He walks toward them.
Maxie tells Peter that it feels unfair; vindictive, like she’s out to get them. She doesn’t want Sasha not to be Nina’s daughter. Peter says she just wants the truth. She says she doesn’t want Nina walking into deception again. She wonders why Valentin has to do horrible things, and why he can’t leave Nina alone. She doesn’t get it. Peter does.
Nina remarks on Sasha’s manicure, and she tells Nina that it was Maxie’s idea. She invited Sasha to get her nails done. Valentin says they were talking about the upcoming nuptials.
Josslyn tells Oscar that they can still make the road trip happen. Oscar asks how they’re doing that. Hitching a ride? Taking the bus? She knows what they need, and tells him, come on.
Cameron says Franco is his stepdad, and Jake and Aiden’s. He can’t believe the marriage went down at the police station, but she says it was very meaningful. He asks if she’s lost it. Is she out of her mind? He knows she thinks this guy is great. She says Franco is her husband. She loves him, and she’s not turning her back on him. Cameron says there’s a difference between not turning her back and marrying him. What about Jake and Aiden? She says Franco loves Cameron’s brothers. Cameron tells her, this is life or death important. He asks if she couldn’t have waited, What if she’s wrong? She says, Franco didn’t kill anyone, and he says, that’s not true. Look on the internet. She says Franco worked hard to change. She believes him, and so do Cameron’s brothers. He says, they’re young enough to believe the sanitized version. He hopes Franco doesn’t make bail. He doesn’t want her bringing a potential murderer into their house.
Franco tells Jordan that Elizabeth is his entire world, and he’ll do what it takes to prove he’s worthy of her. The background music is from a Robert Rodriguez film, and it’s not the first time. Scotty tells Franco to tell the truth, and he’ll handle the rest. He knows what to do.
Ava tells Julian that Doc is keeping her sane right now. He’s glad she has someone helping her with her grief, but he wonders, if she hadn’t lost Kiki, if it would be so great. She says he’s not in a position to make that decision. She’s barely hanging on, and Doc is like an anchor. She can talk to him about anything, and that’s what she needs.
Alexis asks if Lulu is sure she doesn’t want Alexis to sit with her. Lulu says she’ll be fine. She’s lucky to have survived. Even if there’s no testimony today, she needs to be in court for those who can’t be. Alexis says she’s a fighter. She’s sure Lulu’s mother is proud.
Ryan wants Doc to tell Laura where they are. Oops, he forgot Doc can’t see. They’re in the basement at Ferncliff. It feels more like a dungeon. He says, back in the day, they brought the ultimate crazies there. He asks if they hear that. Voices from the past welcome them to hell. Hope you enjoy your stay. Laura says it was him the whole time. The perverted half that shouldn’t have been born. Ryan says he’s been resurrected. That should prove he deserves to live. He has the ability to evade the police too. Poor Franco. Laura says, oh my God. It was him. He says her daughter would have been the fourth if he hadn’t been struck blind. She says he’s a sick SOB and monster. He says it’s time for her to have a talk with her daughter. He’s taken the liberty of coming up with a script. No tricks, like with the prenup business. Laura wonders why she would help him when he’s going to kill her anyway. She tells him, get on with it, but he says, make the call.
On the phone, Lulu asks where is she? Laura say she’s still trapped in a meeting. That was an odd word for him to use. Was he being funny, or did he make a mistake? Lulu says, the arraignment is going to start. She wishes Laura could be there, but Laura says she can’t get away. She’ll call later. Ryan is glad she was convincing. It makes it so much easier. Laura says, to kill them? but Ryan says, he won’t; not yet anyway. He can’t take the chance their bodies will be discovered. Doc tells Ryan that he screwed himself. He would have gotten away with his ruse if he hadn’t killed. It was his own lack of self-control, giving in to his demented urges, that put him in this predicament. The only way out, is to get gone. Laura wishes Doc could see Ryan’s face. Ryan knows he’s right, and hates it. It must be hard, accepting that his brother is smarter than him. Ryan says see how smart his brother is when they’re starving and rotting. He leaves, and Doc asks if he’s gone. Laura says he is. She really him missed him so much. He says she has no idea. They kiss.
Ava has to get to the courthouse, and Julian says he’s just a phone call away. She tells him he should concentrate on her relationship less, and concentrate on his own relationship more. He says he and Kim are good. She was talking about Alexis.
Alexis goes into Kelly’s, and Nina calls her over. Valentin asks her how the watch is. She says any watch can keep time, but this one came with a message. Valentin asks if it’s about the power of love, but she says. more like the perils. Nina says they’re getting married, and this time it’s going to be different. She’s going to have her daughter by her side. She wanted to talk to Alexis in a legal capacity. She’s changing her will.
In the courtroom, Margaux asks if everyone is ready. Elizabeth approaches Franco, telling Jordan that they’re married. Lulu asks if Elizabeth is insane. Elizabeth is sorry for what happened to Lulu, and grateful she’s okay, but her husband didn’t attack Lulu. She believes him. Elizabeth and Franco look at each other, and I mentally beg him to give her a signal.
Lulu asks if this was Scotty’s idea. A cheap attempt at sympathy. Scotty tells her, go away. Margaux tells Lulu, don’t engage. It’s just the first step. She’ll get her chance. Jordan says Lulu has her word. Justice will be served.
Ryan gets to the courthouse. Ava says she left messages, and he says he was dealing with a patient. She says – wait for it – in dire straits, she hopes. Come on. They’re making a joke with that phrase now. He says he’s here for her now. Is she ready? She says, not really.
Oscar and Josslyn descend on Cameron, bearing food. Cameron says he and his mom got into it, but it doesn’t matter. Josslyn tells him the DMV won’t issue Oscar a license. Oscar says he has a car he can’t drive. How sad is that? Cameron guesses the trip is off, but Josslyn says, wrong. There’s a knock at the door, and Cameron hopes it’s not the tabloids. Trina walks in, and asks if someone mentioned road trip. They eat.
Peter tells Maxie, by no means is he defending Valentin, but he can see him going to these lengths for Nina, the incredible woman who swept him off his feet. He loves her. What is he supposed to do?Win the girl the way he knows how. Maxie says, by giving her the thing she wants most, because he can, but it’s a lie. Peter says, he doesn’t know how he’d live the rest of his life without this dazzling woman who changed him, and opened his soul. Of course he’ll lie.He has to. Maxie doesn’t know. What’s the point of being loved like that if your heart gets broken anyway?
Nina would like to include everyone in her will; Valentin, Sasha, and Charlotte. Sasha says she doesn’t have to, but Nina wants to. Alexis says her plate is full, but she can draft a copy in a couple weeks, and send it to Crimson. She walks away, and Nina follows. She tells Alexis that she’ll pay double the fee if the papers are drawn up before the wedding.
Sasha tells Valentin that she’s super uncomfortable. Valentin asks if it’s more or less than the prospect of the wedding. He knows she tried to talk Nina out of marrying him.
Laura tells Doc that if his blindness is what Ryan had, it can be cured. He says, since they don’t have to rush, tell him everything that happened to her. She says she came home early to surprise him. As soon as she got there, she felt something was off, but didn’t know what it was. Ryan was pretending to be him. but everything between them was different. He says, like what? and she says, there are too many things to list. He tells her to give him the Cliff Notes. She says, one thing was, when she got back, he wasn’t happy to see her. Then, he conjured up a cold as an excuse for them not to be close. After that, he had a sleep study, and was out all night. He kept finding excuses to stay apart. Then one day, out of the blue, he asked for a separation, so he could be freed up to be with Ava. She says, my God. Ava. Does he thinks Ryan is going to kill her?
The People vs Franco Baldwin. Margaux says there are three charges of first degree murder, and the additional charge of attempted first degree murder. The judge asks Scotty how his client pleads. Scotty tells Franco, you know the drill. Franco looks at Jordan. Elizabeth smiles at him. The judge asks if he needs to repeat the question. Franco pleads guilty on all charges. Everyone looks shocked. Jordan’s face is like, good job.
Elizabeth asks what he said. Scotty tells him that he left out a key word. Franco says he knows, and Scotty asks what’s wrong with him? Ava doesn’t understand what’s gong on. Ryan says, neither does he. I’ll bet. Lulu says, thank God. Scotty asks for a moment with his client. He asks if Franco has lost his mind. Jordan tells Scotty that she knows he’ll invoke New York State vs Pedigrew. It won’t save him. Scotty says he knows exactly what he’s doing. The plea should be viewed in light of the mentally ill, and he refers to New York State vs Pedigrew. I laugh, thinking Jordan said that on purpose to remind him. Margaux says, he pled guilty, and the people agree. Scotty says, if the accused is incapable of assessing their innocence or guilt, their competency has to be evaluated before they’re sent to prison. It’s not just the law, it’s the humane thing to do.
Josslyn says Cameron has a car and a license. He says, a junior license. She wonders where they can go and be back by dark. Oscar says he’s never been to Niagara Falls, and it’s less than a hundred miles away. Josslyn says, if they leave by 7 am, they’ll get there and back, no problem. She knows Cameron is on probation. Trina says, because of her. She hooked him up. He brushes it off, but says he’s kind of grounded for the rest of his life. Josslyn says they’ll find someone else to drive. The last thing she wants is more trouble. She wants to see Niagara Falls. Oscar says, he does too… before he dies, and Trina asks if he really just went there. None of them have been there, and Cameron says, then that’s what they’ll do. I’m excited, since I spent a lot of time there as a kid, but on the Canadian side. It was a three-hour drive from our house.
Alexis tells Nina, if she’s harboring doubts about her once and future husband, maybe she shouldn’t marry him again. Nina says it’s not about doubting Valentin, or marrying him. It’s about committing herself to creating a family – fully. Is Alexis going to help or not?
Valentin says Nina told him what Sasha said. Sasha says she likes Nina. She likes him too. She sees how much he loves Nina. It’s beautiful and romantic, but she sees the likely ending not being happy. He says he can handle it. He can pull this off. He can keep these balls in the air. He has to. She’ll says she’ll see. He likes that she’s concerned about Nina, and glad they’re attached. He doesn’t think he has to protect Nina from her. Sasha says he doesn’t.
Laura says has no idea. None of them did. She actually thought she’d deluded herself about how much he loves her. Doc says, no, and Laura says, he’s still there. He hasn’t changed. Doc says, except for the eyesight. Laura says she kept looking in his eyes, trying to find him. She couldn’t. Now she knows why. She loves him. He says he loves her too, and they kiss some more.
Margaux says, the defense is clearly stalling. The right response is prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. The judge thanks her for the instruction, but he also knows the law. He hereby remands Franco to the state mental hospital – Ferncliff – for two weeks, until his mental competency is determined. Everyone is looking at everyone, and they all look more puzzled than anything else.
Alexis tells Nina that Valentin is her family too. He’s a Cassadine, and lethal. She’d tell Nina to ask her nephew, but she can’t. She doesn’t know how Nina can marry someone who’s done what Valentin did. Nina suggests Alexis tell her. It seems like the pull to Julian is pretty strong. She asks Alexis to put a rush on the papers. Julian comes in.
A lab technician comes out, asking if Maxie is the one who called ahead to arrange a DNA test. Maxie wants to see if it’s a match. The technician says they’re crazy busy. Unless it’s an emergency, it could take up to ten days. Maxie says, that’s too long. What if it is an emergency? The technician asks, what kind? and Maxie suggests giving her a list of what constitutes an emergency, and she’ll pick one. The technician says, that’s not how it works. Maxie says she’ll figure something else out. She tells Peter, now what?
Laura asks when the whole thing started. How long has Doc been in there. He says, the end of August; he regained his memory Labor Day weekend. She says, when he visited her in Paris… and he says it was all him. She says she didn’t come back for another month. It’s when he started missing phone calls, and cutting them short. It wasn’t like him. He says, it wasn’t him. She asks how he did it all this time. He says the memory of her and their love kept him going. He knew sooner or later, she would be the one to figure it out, and find him. She says she almost did. She came so close months ago. She and Carly came, because Carly wanted to make sure no one got abused like she did. She was also adamant about wanting to see the patient in the room next to her. He says that was him. She says she looked in, but it appeared empty. He says he was on the floor, but he heard them. Or thought he did. She says, it was her. She’s so sorry. The staff was there to open the room, but she stopped Carly because Ryan stopped her. He referred to it as a breach of protocol. This could have been done with months ago. She says, she’s here now. He says, they’re here now. They kiss yet again.
Ava is shocked. Lulu thought she’d feel vindicated. Ryan says, she doesn’t? She says, something feels off. Ava feels the same way. He’s going to Ferncliff. Maybe they’ll find the answers they need there. Elizabeth approaches Franco.
Josslyn says, so everyone is in for this weekend. Oscar can’t wait. He wants to kiss her by the Falls at sunset. Trina says they’re making her nauseous. Cameron says he can make everything happen except the sunset. Oscar says they’ll take what they can get. Josslyn says, Niagara Falls, here we come!
Maxie searches on her phone. She tells Peter there’s a lab in Poughkeepsie that can do them in 24 hours. She can make it before they close, and be back just in time to get James. If she says something before she leaves, Felicia will get it out of her, and Mac will give her a lecture. Peter asks if he told her he got a new sportscar. He’ll drive. She says he doesn’t have to. He knows. She thanks him, and says, on the plus side, she won’t be going into labor.
Nina comes back to the table, and Sasha tells her to talk wedding details. If she’s going to be maid-of-honor, she wants to know what she’s getting into.
Alexis is glad she ran into Julian. She wants to clarify what she said about therapy, when she said she was discussing the future. She was talking about the big picture; putting their relationship in the proper place, and not repeating the same mistakes. It’s not about their future. Julian wishes her luck. Just so she knows, even though he moved on and he’s happy, he would never consider what they had to be a mistake.
Laura tells Doc there has to be another way out. She’s going to try and find it. He’s sorry. He took a big chance provoking Ryan. He could have snapped and killed them both. Laura thinks he played Ryan perfectly. For months, he had everyone around him fooled, including her. It was Doc’s turn to be brilliant. He convinced Ryan to leave them there, alive. Now she needs him to use that big brain to help her find a way out.
Elizabeth says, why? and Franco says, because it’s the right thing to do. Interesting how he worded that. She slaps him across the face, throws the ring at him, and walks out. He picks the ring up, and you can tell he wants to cry.
Tomorrow, Cameron asks Elizabeth if she’s completely lost her mind, Harmony gives a warning to Shiloh, Jason says Shiloh is more of a threat than they thought, and Ryan asks Ava to marry him.
🍲 This week, Gordon spent 24 Hours to Hell and Back in LA at Los Toros, a decades old Mexican restaurant. Founded in 1967, the only Mexican restaurant in Chatsworth, they were known for their classic family recipes and strong margaritas. At this point, overworked owner Nick Sr. was in astronomical debt – $450K, including $200K on credit cards – and having health problems. One of them being, no surprise, high blood pressure. Taking over when his dad passed at 63 (!), Nick Sr. wanted to pass it on to his kids, but they didn’t seem very eager to take on the business. His daughter being busy with a family of her own, and his son just not ready. Gordon dressed up as a dad visiting the restaurant with his family. I actually liked the colorful busyness of the décor, but it might have been better suited to a boho patio than an eating establishment. The menu was one of those giant things where you know they can’t possibly do everything well. At Gordon’s meal, there was prepackaged food, rancid beef, and a bad aftertaste. Aware that Gordon would be coming – how long can he keep this secret a secret? – Gordon got out when he noticed how much the employees were looking around for him. The hidden cameras revealed unsafe temperatures, a filthy kitchen, and spoiled food. Nick Sr. immediately started arguing over things that were right in front of his face, and he was one of those, no; you, arguers. It was even pointed out how very many people got sick after eating there. Being a military man, it was also revealed that Nick Sr. was a control freak, and wouldn’t let his general manager daughter handle much of anything. Gordon knew he could fix the restaurant, but wasn’t sure he could fix Nick Sr. In speaking privately with him, Gordon found out that he hadn’t wanted to take over the business, but did it for his father. Now, he felt like his kids didn’t want to be there. Gordon thought the kids needed to step up, and Nick Sr. needed to go, but Nick insisted he wanted to be committed. Gordon created a new menu, smaller, and elevating the flavors. He showed Nick Sr,’s kids the video of their dad’s story, and discovered they were more interested than Nick Sr. thought. Gordon reinvigorated the staff, installed the best kitchen equipment, and toned down, yet turned up, the design. The relaunch had a shaky start, with raw chicken and a lack of communication, but the staff got it together, and Gordon said they now had a team. He said the atmosphere difference was night and day, and when Nick Sr. had doubts, to look at his dad’s picture, now hanging on the wall. At the three month mark, customers were amazed at the changes, and the kids were more assertive. Nick Sr. even went on a vacation with his wife Lucia. He was looking forward to what the future held. Next week, a two-hour, two restaurant finale, with two stubborn families, two daughters in distress, two chefs trying to hang on to their jobs, and two Gordons.
🍸 Andy said The Real Housewives of New Jersey’s Reunion Part One looked like a sequin factory explosion, and he was right. There were a lot of sparkles,, jumpsuits, and jumpsuits with sparkles. Still living in her old house, Delores felt making a decision while she was in a vulnerable position (i.e, feeling the empty nest) wasn’t the answer. She isn’t sure what she’s going to do, but said she didn’t have to make a decision now. David’s house had been sold, and Frank was building him a new one, but Dolores made it clear that she wouldn’t be moving in unless David put a ring on it. We also found out that Dolores comes from a Paterson cop family, and once worked as a correction’s officer. In other news, Frank Jr. is single. The mail order bride and monkey’s a-hole comments were addressed, and Jennifer responded by harping that Marge Sr. was an adulteress, carrying on a twelve-year (!!) affair. When the Marge explained how monkey’s show off by displaying their behinds, I thought Melissa would lose it, and Delores did. We also discovered that Marge had been having an affair with Joe #3 for a good year and a half before they left their spouses. Everyone was pretty surprised, but I tried not to pass judgement, since I don’t know these people or what all else was going on. It did sound pretty unsavory, but the only people whose opinions matter, are the ones involved. Of course there was a discussion about (ugh) the necklace, bringing us to our first best quote: tequila doesn’t really help. Teresa called Jackie a stalker because she came to one book signing, and Jackie said she loses brain cells talking to Teresa. Teresa also griped at Melissa for not being on her side of the couch, giving us the next best quote of the night from Melissa – just because you raise your voice, doesn’t mean you’re right. For some reason, Teresa had it out for Jackie most of the night, saying Jackie didn’t even talk to her own sister. I guess Teresa doesn’t watch her own show, since that was resolved at the end of the season. She also wasn’t paying attention at the reunion, since Andy had already discussed this with Jackie. Jackie said she wasn’t on the Teresa Show, but Teresa begged to differ. Then, when Teresa acted like a big shot because she had some best sellers under her belt, Jackie said she didn’t even write her own books and used a ghost writer. I doubt she’s any Carole Radziwill though. As usual, things kept degenerating, and when Teresa brought up Jackie’s comment about Joe #1, it ended with Teresa calling Jackie a cold-hearted bitch, and getting ready to throw something at her. What happened to the Zen and stuff? Throw her back in the pokey. Next time, the eternal question. Will Teresa leave Juicy Joe if he’s deported?
😆 Still laughing about the ending of last night’s HAHN episode. Hanna and Candace jumped on Jim like starving dogs attacking a filet mignon. It sure surprised the hell out of me, but Tyler Perry will do that.
😷 Now I Have It…
My husband has the man flu, and now I have… something. I’m trying to ignore it, because I don’t have time for it.
So for no reason other than I can’t think that hard, and yesterday’s tune reminded me of how good the soundtrack is.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
😫 Dog sick. Husband sick. Hoping it doesn’t reflect in the editing.
General Hospital
In the examining room, Carly tells Sonny, it’s always so cold. There’s no clock in there either, like they freeze time while you’re trying to find out if your whole world’s about to change. Kim walks in, saying Carly’s OB asked her to cover the appointment.
Drew meets Jason on the pier. He tells Jason that he had another chat with Shiloh. Shiloh made a point of reaching out, and he wants to know why. Who is this guy? Besides Kim, Shiloh is the only person who remembers Drew’s past. He wants to know what kind of game Shiloh is playing.
Sam goes to The Floating Rib, and meets Shiloh. She has a question. He says he doesn’t have the answers to everything, but she says it’s about him. He tells her, fire away. She asks if, as leader of DOD, does he get a day off, or is he playing hooky? He says right now, he’s just a guy having a cup of coffee with a girl.
Michael meets Kristina at Kelly’s. He asks, is it him, or is she smiling? Kristina says, it happens. He says, it’s great to see proof. She says that’s why she asked him to meet her. She wants to talk about a new direction she’s going in.
Maxie tells Peter that she’s about to find the truth about Sasha.
Sasha goes to the nail salon, and tells the receptionist she has an appointment. It’s probably under Maxie Jones.
Curtis answers Lulu’s door. It’s Margaux, who asks if Lulu is available. She’s there to prep her for the arraignment. Unless she’s not up to facing Franco yet.
Drew tells Jason that he was doing all the talking. Initially, Shiloh was interested in what happened in Afghanistan, but then he told Shiloh about the memory switch with his twin. He seemed caring and concerned, but also too anxious. He only relaxed when Drew told him he wasn’t getting the restoration procedure. Since he claims they were so close, why would he be disappointed? For all that buddy talk, Shiloh seemed relieved that he doesn’t remember anything.
Shiloh tells Sam that the sister loyalty is compelling. She asks if sisters aren’t supposed to be loyal, and he says, of course, but people often find them because other support systems failed. Sam says that makes her so sad, thinking her sister would go to DOD because of that. Shiloh says from what he’s seen, Sam and her mother are devoted to Kristina, Sam says, more than devoted. He says he thought they would be distant, but his take might be tainted because of the last time their lives intersected. She asks if he’s calling her out now, but he says, no. He’s calling himself out for having preconceived notions, thinking she was the same person. She says, who stole his father’s money? He knows as well as she does that people change. She’s not the same person as she was before. Shiloh has no idea who she was before, but he’s more and more captivated by this person.
Peter says, about Maxie’s caper with Sasha… She says, it’s not a caper; it’s a mission. She doesn’t want to jinx it by talking about it anymore. He says he’s going to see Lulu, and Maxie has an idea. She’ll stop by Lulu’s when she’s done, and give him an update. He says he’ll be waiting with bated breath, and she says, as well he should.
Carly tells Kim it’s not urgent; they can reschedule. Kim says they can do that, but it’s not fair that she knows when they don’t. According to the bloodwork, congratulations. Carly is officially pregnant.
Margaux tells Maxie that she’s not required to be at the arraignment, but Lulu says she wants Franco to see her standing on her own two feet, and she wants the judge to look at her before sending that psycho to jail. Her mom will be with her. Margaux says, the mayor, even better. She says today is all about his plea, and if bail will be given. He still insists he didn’t do it. She tells Lulu, when he pleads not-guilty, don’t react, dispute with him, or interact with the judge. She’ll get her chance to talk when they go to trial. She asks if there are any questions, but Lulu says she’s covered everything. Curtis has a question. How is Franco?
Lulu asks how Curtis can ask that about the man who tried to kill her? She hopes he’s miserable, preparing for a lifetime in prison. He says they have an eyewitness, and a mountain of evidence, but Franco still maintains he’s not guilty. He wonders if Franco’s had a complete break with reality. Why throw away everything he’s struggled to build? To kill three people, and attack Lulu with no provocation? Margaux doesn’t care why; just that he did, and she can prove it.
Kristina tells Michael, it’s liberating, letting preconceived notions go, and letting her guard down, being aware in the present moment. She knows it sounds cliché, but Michael says, cliché or not, it’s working for her. She thanks him for not having to defend her choice. Sometimes her family makes her feel like she should keep looking over her shoulder. Michael says he’s also gullible, but she says, only in his personal life, not with business. That’s why she’s come to him for help.
Stella sees Marcus at Kelly’s, and asks him if the seat next to him is taken. She never knows if he’ll be glad to see her or rue the day they met. He says she’s the exact person he needs to be around. She asks, what’s wrong? and he says he’s feeling sorry for himself; the Valentine’s Day blues. She gathers it was different this year. He says he and Yvonne both loved Valentine’s Day. He would get her the biggest box of candy; not even the good kind, just the biggest heart he could find. This year, he got to watch her mooning over another man’s gifts. In his mind, he didn’t take it personally, but in his heart, he had rage. Not at them, but at Alzheimer’s.
Maxie tells Sasha sorry she’s late. She loves the color Sasha chose, and tells her, it looks best on short, square nails. Sasha was just planning on having them filed, but Maxie says, there’s nothing worse than the right color on the wrong execution. Sasha says, okay; trim her nails.
Drew asks if Jason dug up anything else. Jason says Shiloh founded a house in Beechers Corners with a woman named Harmony, whose real name is Lorraine. She was his right hand until he came to Port Charles, and she stayed in Beechers Corners. It seemed like she’s hung up on him, and was upset he moved on without her. Or maybe it’s because he’s interested in Sam, the woman who fleeced his father. Spinelli is doing some digging. Drew tells Jason, if he finds out anything, let him know, and jets.
Sam says she wants to be better, but she wants to see Shiloh; who he is. He says, someone who doesn’t pose a threat to her little sister. She understands why Kristina is there, but wants to find out more about him than the DOD guy. She’s the one who’s compelled now. He suggests they take a trip, and she asks, where? Hawaii? He wants her to take a drive with him. There’s something she needs to see in order to understand. She asks if she can’t have a hint, but he says, nope. He tells her to follow her instincts, and he hopes she makes the right decision.
Curtis admires how Lulu survived, and how she’s determined to move forward to see justice done. But he knows the criminal prosecution system, and at some point, they’ll want to know how she got away. She says she has no idea. He thought hypnosis brought back the entire event. She doesn’t know how it works, but apparently, she got so upset, Doc brought her out of it before she could remember the rest. Curtis asks if she thinks someday she’ll want to know the rest of it. She was thinking about that, and thinks when Franco is put away and she’s sleeping through the night, she’ll ask Doc to put her back under. She thinks it will help her recover. Curtis says she’s very brave. The doorbell rings. Curtis goes to answer it, and Lulu says she’s sure it’s fine. He says, that depends on who you ask. It’s Peter with flowers. He wanted to see Lulu at the hospital, but it was only immediate family – or Maxie. Curtis says he’s taking off, and Lulu thanks him. Peter asks if she’s okay, and she says, all things considered. She’s not 100%, but she’s standing there, and has an incredible story to tell.
Sasha tells Maxie, it seems hypocritical. If not for Valentin, she wouldn’t be in Nina’s life. When she first met him, he admitted his greatest regret was losing Nina. He made it sound like the most romantic thing ever. Maxie is sure it is – to him. She asks for a tissue, and surreptitiously takes the nail clippings out of the trashcan. She says, Nina is too honest and trusting, and expects others to be the same way. Sasha says, in all fairness, Valentin admits to everything Nina called him out on; his crimes and mistakes. Maxie says, that she knows of. If the he was as good at changing as he is at apologizing. Every time he turns over a new leaf, there’s another dirty secret under it.
Kim tells Carly and Sonny that they were spot on about the conception date. The sonogram confirms it. She’s six weeks along. They look at the sono, and Carly says, their baby.
Sasha tells Maxie that she did her best to discourage Nina from accepting Valentin’s proposal. She brought up Nina’s doubts, their history, and his history. Maxie wonders how it backfired, and Sasha says Nina told her, hearing Sasha saying it out loud, made her realize the past is past, and her future is with Valentin. She appreciated Sasha for putting it in perspective. Maxie says she hates perspective, and Sasha says, perspective is the worst. Who knew Nina would run back to him? Maxie says, classic Nina. Sasha has never met anyone like Nina, and she means that in the best way. Maxie says Nathan was a lot like Nina. They were total opposites in some ways. Nina is impulsive; Nathan liked to plan. Nina leads with her emotions; Nathan was rational, most of the time, but had her big heart and stubborn streak. Sasha says, it sounds like they made quite a pair. Maxie says, now that Nathan is gone, it’s even more important that the people who love her, protect her against people who want to use her big heart against her.
Kristina tells Michael, for the past few years, she’s been frustrated and confused, playing the role of the family screw-up. It’s a role she created for herself, being a disappointment. Michael says she’s never been a disappointment, and she says he’s taken the role as protector. She loves him for that, but hopes can he can invest in her future. She has a business proposal. She has no access to her trust fund until she’s thirty, and would like to borrow some money.
Marcus tells Stella that his Valentine gesture would be lost on Yvonne, but he couldn’t resist buying candy. Instead of a big box, he sent small boxes to the home, enough for everybody. Stella says it was a healing gesture. He’s keeping the tradition alive in a healthy way, and honoring what they had. He says, she’s right. It made him feel better; a little bit anyway. Stella says, a little better is still better. He likes the way she looks at the world. She says she’s not always rainbows sunshine, and he says, doesn’t he know it. Curtis comes in, and Marcus says his aunt is a ray of sunshine today. He asks, isn’t she always? Stella says they all know the answer. Marcus wants to give Curtis a long overdue thank you. If they hadn’t talked, he would have missed the opportunity to close a chapter in their history. He’s lucky to have her as a friend.
Peter hands Lulu a laptop, saying, more practical than flowers. The police impounded her laptop, but he persuaded them to copy the hard drive onto the new one. She says she felt like her right arm was missing. She’s getting back to work. He says, no work until she’s 100%, but she tells him, stop thinking like a friend, and think like a publisher. She has a great personal story for the front page. He says he’s not profiting from her attack. Murphy can do the report. Lulu says the events surrounding the crime are her personal story, only told through her eyes, in her voice. If he doesn’t want to publish it, there plenty of others who will.
Kim comes back to see Sonny and Carly with some follow-up. She says there are a lot of factors, and Carly says, like her age? Kim says there are many women older than she is who have babies, but yes. Couple with her previous history, her pregnancy is high risk. Sonny asks what the odds are of her having a stroke. Kim says, right now, relatively low, but that could change without warning. She tells Carly to be careful to check her blood pressure, manage stress, eat right, manage stress, get enough rest, manage… Carly gets it. Sonny says he’ll make sure she takes it easy. Kim says, if anything fells off, call. She’ll schedule another sonogram in a few weeks. She congratulates them again. When she’s gone, Sonny and Carly look at each other. In the hallway, Kim looks pensive.
Maxie arrives at Lulu’s, and Lulu wants her to tell Peter how difficult it is to change her mind. Maxie asks if he doesn’t know that already. Lulu says she wants to write a firsthand account of the attack. Peter is concerned that remembering will take it’s toll on her healing. Maxie tells him, throw in the towel. He’s already lost. Lulu leaves to charge her new laptop. Peter asks if Maxie thinks Lulu putting down her story for posterity is a good idea. Maxie thinks if it’s too much, Lulu will stop. If not, he has an amazing story. He asks how it went, and Maxie says she got an amazing (WOTD) manicure, and a bonus. A DNA sample from Sasha.
Kristina asks Michael to lend her $1500, and she’ll make payments with interest. If all goes according to plan, she plans to pay him back in a matter of months. He appreciates her well thought out proposal, but she can go to her dad and ask for money for school. She says her dad will give her a gift or a handout; it’s the last thing she wants. He says it’s free money, but she says, it’s at a cost. She’ll have feelings of guilt and failure. She needs to pay her own way.
Marcus has to go. Curtis tells Stella, it’s nice seeing her have a friend. She says, friends are good to have.
Kim looks at old pictures of Oscar on her phone. Drew joins her, and she says, long time, no see; it’s been forty-right hours. It’s nice to have a little respite from worrying about Oscar. Not that she’s not worried, but she got to give people good news today. She says she’s been meaning to show him this, and he looks at a picture of Oscar at about four years ole. He says, that face. It must be a real picture of the actor, because yeah, that face. Kim says, even then, Oscar was so much like him. She asks if he ever wonders… Never mind. Drew says, what?
Shiloh sees Margaux at the bar. He says he sees she signed up for more seminars. She says they’re resonating with her, and he’s glad they’re helping. She says the timing wasn’t a moment too soon. He tells her that people find Dawn of Day when they need to, and she says, however it works, she was lucky. He asks what led her there, and she says she was desperate to achieve a certain outcome, and betrayed a friend in the process. He asks, how so? She says it’s so out there, she doesn’t think he’ll believe her. He says, try him. She says, basically, she was in possession of information that was the key to her friend’s past that he couldn’t remember. She valued her end game more than his trust, and tried to use the information as leverage to get him to do something he didn’t want to.
Jason gets a text from Spinelli, but we can’t see what it says. Sam comes along, and asks what he’s doing there. He says, getting some air. Her? She says she lost something, and he says he’ll help her look. They walk over to a more private spot and kiss. He asks what Shiloh wanted, and she says to chat her up. He wants her to go away with him. Jason says, that would be a bad idea.
Michael tells Kristina, something he learned from his bereavement group is that you’re responsible for your own healing. He’ll lend her the money, and let her pay him back with interest. She thanks him. He has one condition. They need to have lunch together more often. She says, deal.
Sasha comes into Kelly’s, and Curtis says nice to see her. She says he sounds surprised. He is, a little. When they first met, she was opposed to the idea of any mother but the one who raised her, but here she is. She says he’s not half as surprised as she is. She promised herself meeting Nina would be a drive-by, but Nina dares you not to care, and then you can’t stop. He’s glad she feels that way. He’s the one who tracked her down, and has a personal stake in it. He’d hate to be the one who put Nina in a position to be hurt. She says, no one wants that. He says, when Valentin hired him, he was skeptical. It was too perfect. Valentin came up with the one way to guarantee that Nina would forgive him. He was on guard in case it was a set-up, but everything seems legit. Not just the DNA, but her connection with Nina. He hopes she’s as genuine as she seems.
Maxie tells Peter it shouldn’t be a problem to get a sample from Nina. They can find out if she and Sasha are really mother and daughter, or if it’s a plot by Valentin. Peter says Valentin is a formidable guy, but he’s never gone up against anyone like her. Lulu comes back, and says the temperature has gone up since she left the room. Enough about her. She wants to talk about them.
Kim asks if Drew wonders what it would have been like if they’d raised Oscar together. He says it’s crossed his mind. She wonders if it would have been a disaster, with him stationed all over. She’d still have had to raise him by herself. He doesn’t know. She knew him then, and knows him now. What does she think? She asks if he wants wishful thinking or honest, and he says, honest. She thinks he would have been a wonderful father to their son. He asks if that isn’t wishful thinking, and she says it’s both.
Carly asks what Sonny is thinking. She knows it’s a lot to take in. He says it’s not like they didn’t think or talk about it, but she says, hearing it from a doctor… Sonny says, it brings it home. What does she want to do? She says they have so many people who love them, and who they love. She believes the baby is a blessing. He takes her hand, and they hug.
Margaux tells Shiloh that she betrayed her friend. He says, betray is a strong word, but she says he trusted her, and she tried to take advantage of that. She tried, and failed. She had the key to his past it the palm of her hand, and he refused the deal. Shiloh asks what she means by in the palm of her hand, and she says it was a flash drive; a file with everything. Shiloh says, business records? but she says, mostly personal memories. His whole life. Shiloh asks, what happened to it? and she says her conscience got the better of her, and she gave it back. She’s hoping one day he’ll look. She doesn’t know. It’s up to him.
Jason tells Sam it’s too dangerous, but she insists there’s no way Shiloh will hurt her. I’m wondering how him saying go for a drive turned into some big trip. He says Spinelli got more information; he’s not sure. She says she’s going on the trip. He tells her, slow down and make a plan. She says they have one, and tells him that she’ll get all the information she can. He says that doesn’t mean she needs to go on a trip, but she says she knows what she’s doing. The guy likes to talk. She’ll get the information they need, so they don’t have to pretend. They can be together. He holds her, and kisses the top of her head.
Tomorrow, Cameron says it’s life or death important, Peter tells Maxie that they’re going to find out if Sasha is Nina’s daughter, and Ava is barely hanging on.
The Haves and The Have Nots
Stay away from Jeffrey, got him? Justin lies on the floor, bleeding.
Jeffrey asks if David is sure, and he says he is. He’s tired of being laid up. He wants his car keys. Jeffrey asks, what about mom? Every time he gets in his own car, he worries. David says Veronica knows the FBI is watching her every move. Jeffrey asks where David is going, and he says, just out. Jeffrey’s phone rings, and David asks, is that him? Jeffrey says, who? David says Jeffrey knows who he’s talking about. It rings again, and David tells him, answer it.
Justin says he’s hurt, and Jeffrey asks, what happened? Justin tells him not to act like he doesn’t know. He sent them there. Jeffrey says he didn’t send anyone anyplace. Justin asks, who did? David takes the phone, and says he sent them. Justin asks who it is, and he says, Jeffrey’s father, Judge Harrington. Justin calls him a SOB, and David says he’s already not abiding by the rules. He tells Justin not to contact his son again, Justin says, okay, and David gives the phone back. He tells Jeffrey to let him know if Justin contacts him.
Outside, David says he’s fine. Jeffrey says he’ll start it up, but David isn’t going to let him do that. He knows what Jeffrey is trying to do, but his mother knows she’s being watched. Jeffrey wants to be sure, but David says he doesn’t have to be; he’s fine. He tells Jeffrey go inside, and don’t worry about that boy. He won’t bother Jeffrey again. Jeffrey thinks David wants him to go in so he doesn’t get hurt. David tells him to touch the car. He does, and an alarm goes off. David says he had one installed on both of their cars. If it’s touched, even with a finger, the alarm goes off and he gets a text. Jeffrey goes back in, and David gets in his car. BOOM! Just kidding. He drives away.
Jeffrey makes a call. I’m starting to think he’s an idiot. Justin’s phone rings, and Jeffrey asks if he’s okay. He tells Justin that he’s sorry, and Justin asks, why did he let them do this? Jeffrey says he didn’t; he’s sorry. Justin thinks he’s losing a lot of blood, and needs Jeffrey to come help. Jeffrey says, call an ambulance, but Justin says if Jeffrey doesn’t help, he wants to die. He says Jeffrey doesn’t know how much he loves him. He did this for him. He’s never loved anyone like him before. Jeffrey makes him crazy, and his dad sends guys to beat his ass. What hell is that? Jeffrey apologizes again, and Justin says, then come help him. Jeffrey says he can’t. He’s taking care of his dad. Just call an ambulance. Justin hangs up. Jeffrey calls 911, but doesn’t know the address. He asks them to hold on, and scrolls through his texts
Kathryn is all happy with her threesome dudes. She says she loved it. Rocky says he did too. Roderick gets up to use the bathroom, and she tells him, hurry back. In the bathroom, he makes a call. I don’t want to know where he was hiding the phone.
Candace’s phone rings. She gets a picture of Kathryn in bed with them. She tells Roderick, good boy. Get her more. She’s sorry he has to sleep with that beast. He says she knows he’s a freak, and she says, do you. He has to get back. Candace doesn’t trust Rocky, but Roderick says he’s got this. She asks if the man is still there. He says yes, and a whole bunch of secret service are there. Roderick goes back in.
Kathryn is dressed, and asks him to zip her up. She has to go home. Roderick says, no, and she tells him that he lies so well; she’s beginning to like it. He says maybe someday she’ll believe he’s into her. She believes he’s into her money. He says he’ll miss her, and she tells him, keep it up. Maybe one day he’ll convince her. She leaves, and Rocky smacks Roderick with a pillow. Roderick says, it’s fine, but Rocky says, it’s not. She reminds him of his mother. Roderick says he’ll come out on top, and Rocky says, he’s sick. He jets, and Roderick says he likes her.
Hanna goes in where Candace sitting. Hanna asks what she’s doing there, and Candace says, trying to see Jim. Hanna says, that woman’s husband? Candace says Kathryn doesn’t care; why does she? Kathryn is in a hotel room right now with two men. Hanna says she doesn’t know that, and Candace says she’ll text a picture to Hanna. Hanna tells her not to send filth to her phone. Candace says those guys work for her. Kathryn has no idea how hard she’s being played. Hanna says Candace won’t stop, and Candace says, can’t stop, won’t stop. Hanna calls her crazy, and she says she gets it from her mom – or dad. She wishes she knew who he was. She prefers Hanna doesn’t talk to her, and Hanna is good with that. Candace can’t believe Hanna used to work there, cleaning up after these people. Hanna says, it’s better than selling her ass. Candace says she made more in one night than Hanna probably made in a year. Hanna asks if the President is Candace’s next victim. Is she blackmailing him? Candace says she has a bunch of secrets, and Hanan says she won’t be satisfied until she’s dead. Candace says, it will be a welcome relief. Hanna says none of it means anything, and Candace says, no. Nothing. Hanna tries to show Candace a video of her son, and she tells Hanna to stop. Hanna doesn’t understand why it’s getting to her. She thinks Candace is realizing it could be her fault. Candace says, turn it off or she’ll do it. Hanna would love to see that happen. Candace puts in ear buds. Hanna sits on the arm of the couch, playing the video, and Candace bops her head to music.
George tells Wyatt that he’ll get out as soon as he talks to the grand jury. Just tell them what happened, and he’s free to go, but he has to tell the truth. Wyatt says, okay, but he wants a fix first. George says he can find one after he leaves, and Wyatt says then he’s not doing a damn thing. George says, Sara is on the stand right now. He needs Wyatt. Wyatt doesn’t care. Not until he gets what he’s asking for. George threatens to release Wyatt to his father. Wyatt says it’s the devil he knows. George says, it’s a devil far worse than he knows. He tells one of the staff to get the doctor. Give Wyatt something; fix him. She says, it’s risky, but George says, just get it done.
Jeffrey calls 911 to find out if the ambulance was dispatched. The operator says Justin called himself. Jeffrey asks if he was picked up, but she says, it was dispatched. He asks if she knows where Justin was taken, but she can’t give him that information. Jeffrey has to call him.
Madison arrives at work. The nurse in reception chides him for getting preferential treatment. Madison says it’s a very powerful family, and his co-worker says, the mother is crazy. Madison doesn’t know anything about that, and the nurse says, speaking of crazy, there’s a loony one in three. Madison asks him not to do that to him. He says the administration might give him special treatment, but he doesn’t have to. Madison goes into the room, and sees Justin. Justin says see what Jeffrey did to him? Madison thinks he’s special. Madison says Justin isn’t threatening him. Justin says he’s not, but this is what’s going to happen. Jeffrey doesn’t care about anybody but himself. Madison starts to leave, and Justin says, don’t love him. Jeffrey will turn on Madison. Trust him.
The nurse asks Madison what happened, and Madison says he can’t help him. It’s the guy who attacked him in the parking garage. The nurse says Madison told security he didn’t remember, but Madison says he knows it’s him; there’s surveillance of him. The nurse says he was seen in the vicinity, but the camera near Madison’s car wasn’t working. Madison says, he made it that way. The nurse suggests he tell the police, and Madison says, he is the police. He knows it’s him.
Jeffrey walks in, and says he was told Justin was there. Madison can’t believe Jeffrey is there to see him, and takes him to Justin’s room. He thinks he and Jeffrey trying to get to know each other is a mistake. He doesn’t think Jeffrey should call again. Jeffrey says, done. Justin says he didn’t think Jeffrey would come. Jeffrey is glad Justin went to the hospital. Justin says the neighbors called, but Jeffrey says, funny. 911 said he called. Justin insists he didn’t. Jeffrey asks how he is, and Justin says, missing him. Jeffrey tells him, don’t start. He has to get control of himself. He can’t keep doing this. Justin says, he knows. He just loves Jeffrey so much. Jeffrey says, it’s not love; it’s infatuation. There’s someone he wants Justin to talk to; Dr. Chambers. He’s an amazing psychologist, and can help. The only person Justin wants to help is Jeffrey, but Jeffrey says he can’t. Justin says they did this to him because he loves Jeffrey. Jeffrey says they did it because Justin threatened him. Justin says Jeffrey’s dad did this, and asks if he deserved it. Jeffrey says, maybe. For the record, Jeffrey is sorry it happened, but Justin needs to know if do this again, what comes back will be even worse. He has to go. Justin begs him not to. He asks if he’ll see Jeffrey again, and Jeffrey says he’s sure Justin will. Justin ask if Jeffrey will come see the place. Jeffrey says he’ll have to be careful, but yes, if it makes Justin happy. Justin says he loves Jeffrey, and Jeffrey says he love Justin too. Once again confusing the hell out of me. Just asks for a kiss, but Jeffrey says, no.
Jeffrey tells Madison, sorry, but Madison says, don’t be. Jeffrey says Madison wouldn’t understand, and Madison says, nope; he wouldn’t. Jeffrey says he has to respect it. Madison says, sorry to disappoint him, but unfortunately the bruises on the back of his head won’t let him. Jeffrey says he’ll see Madison at his dad’s. Madison says he’s trying to get a replacement.
Benny sits with Mitch in Mitch’s car, looking at pictures on a phone. Mitch told him it burned down. Benny asks where the Cryers live now. He doesn’t know, and Benny makes a call to Hanna, but gets voicemail. Mitch says, try Candace; she knows everything, but he get voicemail there too. Mitch says, she’s probably with the President. Benny asks what he’s talking about, and Mitch says, she was with Charles Frederickson, the President, when he was at the hospital.It was like a circus, secret service and everything. He says, Candace one-upped herself. What’s even crazier is, he likes her. Mitch heard him telling their mom how fond he is of her. Benny’s sister is going mess around and get First Lady now. Benny says he’s tripping, but Mitch says, anything goes in that place. Benny still gets voicemail, and Mitch suggests Veronica. He says he’s not calling that chick. Benny tells Mitch to call his family, and Mitch says he’ll probably get hell for this.
The FBI watches Veronica’s house. She pulls in, and marches over to the van, waving as she walks. She knocks on the window, and tells them, if they’re going to do surveillance, they may as well come in. They politely tell her, no thank you, ma’am, and she says they’re not fooling anyone in the van. She tells them, do what they must. She sees David pull into her driveway, and says, now that’s who they need be watching. David gets out of his car, and she goes back.
David sees they have their eyes on Veronica, and asks if he can come in. She asks how his back is, and he says, not good. She says she’s sorry, and they go inside. She says it looks like he’s getting around fine. He says, pain killers; she should know about that very well. She says, unfortunately, she does. She tells him, have a seat, but he’d rather stand. He asks if Alice is there. Veronica says she’s being sued for a hostile work environment. He’s sure it’s a lie. He wants to talk. She asks him if he recognizes the rug. The slight red blood stain where he slapped her to the floor. He doesn’t see any stains, but she says they’re there. She purposely didn’t clean them. She wanted to remember the moment he was dead to her. He says they both have those days. His was the day she sent Erica to him. She says she didn’t do that, but he says, she did. She ask if he’s there to kill her as he threatened to. He says, no. He’s there because he’d like to take her to dinner. We all go, wha-a-at? along with Veronica. He realized he’d gone way too far, and he’s there to apologize. She doesn’t trust him. What’s he up to? He says he realized how much he loves her. He was wrong to try to replace her. She tells him, get out. He says he’s serious, but she means it; get out. He says, okay, but he loves and misses her, and he was very wrong. He hopes she can forgive him. She repeats, getout, and he leaves. She sits down, visibly shaken.
Jim asks Diane where they are, and she says, the living room. He says, well, well, well. What a surprise. What do they want? Candace tells him, let Hanna go first. He asks what’s on her mind. She says if anything else happens to her son, she’ll finish him. Jim scoffs at the idea, and Candace says Hanna might not be able to do anything, but she can. He says, what?Show pictures of old Jim naked around town again? He doesn’t give a sh*t. He went after her brother because she’s the bitch whore who took his $8 million. She says he’s the bitch, and he’s not getting it back. He says, get the money today, or there will be three more stabbings. Hanna wishes he’d send someone. He asks if she thinks she scares him. What’s she going to scare him with? He says, she doesn’t scare him at all, calling her bitch. She says she’s not a bitch, and takes her earrings off. We all know what that means. Jim apparently doesn’t. He says she’s a bitch, and Candace is a trifling bitch. They’re both bitches. Hanna says she told him to watch what he says to her, and suddenly, they’re both on him, beating the crap out of him. I cheer.
Next time, Hanna says she’ll kill Jim, Kathryn is ready to cut them off, Mitch visits Jim with Benny, and David wants to get back together with Veronica.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Kyle visit LVP. She asks why LVP has no guard dog, and LVP says she has the swans. That’s a really good point. Swans are beautiful, but can be mean. They get in Lisa’s car. In her interview, Kyle says she loves LVP. She’s been going through a hard time, but they laugh anywhere they go. This time, they’re going for some kind of facial procedures, and discuss it on the way
Kyle says they’ll be looking like different people when they come out. In Kyle’s interview, she says they live in a town where nobody ages. They have to do the latest and greatest treatments. We see a clip of Kyle and LVP talking with Paul Nassif (Botched). The doctor comes out. LVP says she wants to rejuvenate her neck. He asks if she wants laughing gas, and she says, oh yes. Kyle asks if he has some to go. LVP inhales it, and Kyle takes a video of her getting loopy. She says, it’s like drinking a bottle wine without a hangover. She tells Kyle, have one, holding out the tube. It will make her stress go away. LVP realizes Kyle is filming her, and says, it’s not funny, but does she look beautiful? In her interview, LVP says she and Kyle love to have a laugh. After everything she’s been dealing with, a brief respite is something important. The doctor says she has a brand new neck. He asks Kyle what she’s doing. She can’t decide, but thinks something with her eyes.
Erika is meeting LisaR and Dorit at a restaurant, and orders an Arnold Palmer while she’s waiting. When they get there, she orders a bottled beer. Dorit and LisaR reminisce about the kegs of their high school and college days. Dorit tells LisaR about the robbery. Kyle thinks they should get a Doberman or Rottweiler. Erika suggests a German Shepherd. In Dorit’s interview, she says with everything that happened after the Lucy situation, she thinks it’s safe to say they’re family is putting getting a dog on the back burner. She says she can’t bring herself to talk about it, and could use a getaway; a girls’ trip. They talk about Tahoe, and Erika thinks they have a house there. Thinks. They have several houses, including one near Kyle, but she’s never been to that one. We see a clip of her telling Tom about the pool tiles she picked out falling apart. She’s good worrying about one place. She’ll get to the others someday.
Dorit says her sister went to a new place in the Bahamas, Bahamar, and said it was exquisite. In her interview, Dorit thinks a trip would be a great way to connect, and a safe space for them to duke out their issues, and find a way forward. Dorit says she’ll draw a map, and they’ll make a plan.
We meet Denise’s boyfriend, Aaron. Daughter Sami tells Denise she failed her English test; Denise asks if she needs a tutor, and Sami thinks that might be a good idea. In her interview, Denise says she was being provocative in the past, and the effect on future kids wasn’t something she thought of back then. Now she has two daughters, Sami and Lola, whose father is Charlie Sheen. Since she and Charlie are both nuts, they have a shot at being normal. She adopted Eloise when she was born as a single mom. There was a rumor that she was Charlie’s child with a hooker, but that’s false. She laughs. They recently moved to Malibu, and Aaron moved in with them. It’s four bedrooms; simple, beachy, clean, Zen. She thinks it’s a fresh start for all of them. She and Aaron have been together over a year, and she feels like he’s her soulmate. He does frequency work, balancing the body, and she met him when she started going to his clinic. She tells us she’d have to video what he does for people to understand, but it’s fascinating and crazy. With her ex Charlie, if she hung the toilet paper wrong, it was like she burned the house down. She’s grateful for this relationship. She asks Sami about homecoming, and Sami say she hasn’t been asked yet. She tells Sami that she can’t date until she’s sixteen anyway. In Denise’s interview, she says her parents were strict, and she couldn’t date until she was sixteen. I actually don’t think that’s too unreasonable, although I was slightly younger. She wonders if she’s doing her kids a disservice because of her own wild ways. Sami says she wants a boyfriend, now that Denise said she can’t have one Sami calls Charlie, and asks if she’s allowed go with a guy to homecoming. He says he trusts her judgement that he’s the right person to go with. Denise says, whatever. She’s not mad, but she disagrees.
PK and Dorit have wine. He says he had an aggravating week. He’s been on tour for four weeks. He thinks they’ve both had trying, long weeks. Dorit says she had dinner with Erika and LisaR. She thought it would be nice to go on another trip. It will bring them together. He says she’s not asking Teddi, but she says she was thinking of it. With everything that happened, she wants to give it a chance. In her interview, she says they took a baby step at Kyle’s party. She’s hoping Teddi doesn’t interfere in her business, and not make a mountain out of a molehill about the dog situation. They had some differences – we see a clip of the argument over Dorit being late – but they’re trivial, and Dorit wants to put it behind them. PK thinks it’s super cool of her. She says they’ll go there, clean the slate, and move forward. In Dorit’s interview, she hopes that LVP knows she had the best intention with Lucy, and wants to move forward. She tells PK, wish her luck. He says she doesn’t need it. The ladies are the lucky ones.
LisaR and Teddi walk in the hills. Teddi is getting ready for a half-marathon. They see a huge rattlesnake, and LisaR says better here than at her house. Harry doesn’t like to kill them. We see a clip of him showing the kids a baby rattler in a jar. LisaR asks, whose husband does that? I’d probably be the same way. I relocate spiders. Teddi says her work stuff is good. The business has grown, and now she has a different lifestyle. LisaR asks about her taking an acting job. Teddi says she almost turned it down. She doesn’t know if she’s a decent actor. In her interview, we see a clip, and she says he doesn’t think it’s going to lead to an illustrious acting career. She did it to have fun, and just see if she could do it. She tells LisaR that she had big dreams when she first moved there, but put on weight. She was sent out for pilot season, and got a call from her manager that she needed to lose weight or no one would hire her. She didn’t realize it was contingent on her losing weight. She said she was never doing it again, and took a negative turn, developing a problem. Food was her best friend. In her interview, LisaR says they all have issues with their bodies. In the business, you have to look a certain way. Teddi says, it went on for years. It didn’t define her, but it did define what she does. The second you’re not practicing what you preach, you’re a complete fraud. LisaR gets it. Teddi says posting her workouts every day keeps her humble.
Kyle goes to Mauricio’s office. He says everyone is out working; Vera is at an open house. Kyle thinks she might go; she loves looking at them. Mauricio says there are some great properties on the market. Kyle thinks her eye is blinking too slow, and he laughs. She tells him, it’s not funny. In her interview, she says she’s a hypochondriac. There. She said it. As a mom, she doesn’t feel complete without her husband and kids being together. That’s when she’s 100% Kyle. Each one that leaves is difficult, and now Sofia is going to college. We see a clip of everyone at the dinner table, and Mauricio asking what they should do before she leaves. Sofia suggests they have a party every Friday until she goes. Mauricio likes it. Kyle sys her dream was to be a mom and have kids. The last one will be hard. Mauricio says he had to sleep in an awkward position to cuddle with Portia. I identify, since I do that for my dogs. He knows it’s not lasting long. Kyle gets weepy, and Mauricio says it’s not like it’s the first time. She still has two more babies. She says, life changes every time one of them leaves. Mauricio says they’ll also get married, and she’ll be a grandmother with amazing grandkids. She says she’s preparing herself by… she doesn’t know how to prepare. Since she has dogs, it’s easier. Dogs make everything easier. I said that, not Kyle.
LisaR gives the dogs cupcakes. Amelia brings in her new French bulldog puppy, who tries to nurse on he. She tells LisaR about seeing a mom and daughter who looked like they were suffering with an eating disorder, and it was hard to watch. In LisaR’s interview, she says when she first realized something was wrong, her immediate response was, you gotta eat. It scared the sh*t out of them, including Amelia. Amelia says, no matter how many deaths she heard about, all that mattered was her skinniness. She doesn’t want it to happen to other people. She could have died. In her interview, LisaR says, it’s a scary thing when your child is suffering. You feel helpless. Amelia says all of her friends think about calories. They see the bread basket, and it’s like, holy sh*t. LisaR says Amelia started watching food shows, and she thought it was weird for her to want to see people eat. Amelia hopes that people in the industry stop putting on a façade of perfection. In LisaR’s interview, she says she’s always been aware of her weight and what she look like, but that’s not who she is. She tells Amelia about Teddi’s struggle, the agent asking her to lose weight and her gaining two hundred pounds as a result. It triggered her in the opposite way. In her interview, LisaR says she sees the brutalities in the business, and she doesn’t want it to be the only thing her daughters focus on. She thinks she and Harry have shown them there’s more out there. Amelia says she gets so many comments on Instagram, asking how she got out of it. She’ll never be out of it. LisaR says when Amelia came out publicly, she was shocked and proud. She showed everyone something others would never do, a vulnerability that’s so fragile. LisaR is proud of her.
In the car, LVP tells Ken that he’s rear-ended too many people. He says it’s not his fault. She says if he rear-ended them, it’s his fault. She tells him that if you end up in bed with someone and rear-end them, it’s your fault. That LVP. She loves dirty talk, which is so much less dirty with a British accent.
Kyle tells Sofia that she feels guilty about going to the Bahamas. Sofia says she’s not leaving yet, and they’ll be together in DC when Kyle drops her off. Kyle begs her not to leave.
Ex pasty chef Chris Ford sets up shop at LisaR’s. In her interview, she says everyone is away, and there are only so many bikini shots she can put on Instagram to get attention. So she invited the ladies over, including Camille. She tells everyone that Kyle is at a tequila tasting, and won’t be there. Neither will LVP; there’s something wrong with Giggy. 😢
LVP meets Ken at Villa Blanca. Harrison! She says she’s emotionally depleted, and couldn’t put on a brave façade for LisaR’s party. She orders some food, and says TomTom is doing well. Ken says it’s been a lot of work, especially the last two weeks. She asks what he thinks about her going on the Bahamas trip. It’s terrible timing. Ken says, it’s a must. She should go anyway. She says she hasn’t been herself, and has been emotional, but she’s never been there. In her interview, she hopes it will give her a renewed vigor; a fresh outlook. She asks if he’s going to keep Giggy by his side at all times. Ken says Giggy isn’t well, but he’s a strong little bugger. We see a clip if Giggy at the vet. He’s going to need a pacemaker, and LVP asks about the chances of him not surviving. The doctor says less than 20%, and they’ve never lost a patient. LVP thinks it will be a bit of a challenge, but she can use some time away. Dealing with Dorit has been exasperating. The way she handled it, the dog ended up in a kill shelter, when she should have just given Lucy to them, but she loves Dorit anyway. She’s taking the plunge and having fun again. Ken toasts to the Bahamas. She tells Ken that he’s not going to have fun. He’s going to work.
Everyone arrives. There are various small dessert treats in bowls – macaroons, candies, and such – on the gigantic kitchen island. Chef Chris has the ladies write notes to their loved ones, and put their chosen ingredients inside a chocolate half-heart with the note on top. Then they melt the edge of the other half, and fuse them together with some kind of spray. They decorate them with what seems like metallic spray paint. In her interview, Denise says she wouldn’t refer to this as baking or pastry. There’s no dough. She doesn’t know how they’re calling it pastry class. Pastry or not, it’s cool. They go into the dining room for pastry eating class. There are all kinds of sweets on three-tiered dishes. Dorit is weird about the calories, asking if she can take it home. In her interview, Erika says she eats dessert every day. You’re not going to blow up, and if you do, you can work it off. Eat the effing cake.
Erika asks Denise how she met Aaron. Denise says after a few times of going to his center, they had sex in one of the rooms. They’ve been inseparable ever since. He’s still technically married, but they’ve been separated for two years. We find out that the future ex-wife is Nicole Sheridan, who Harry was married to for eleven months. In LisaR’s interview, she says, there’s intertwining stuff going on. LisaR explains that Nicole went to a Michael Bolton concert, and ran off with him. She thanks him to this day. They toast to Michael Bolton. LisaR says she wouldn’t have her beautiful children without them. In her interview, Teddi says she’s never had that urge when she sees Michael Bolton, and I literally LOL. Teddi talks about meeting Edwin, but I’m laughing too hard from her interview comment to hear what she says. We learn they do it twice a week, and it’s very scheduled. In her interview, Denise says she gets it on with Aaron every day. I’m not a prude by any stretch of the imagination, but I don’t recall ever talking much about sex to my friends other than, was it good? and maybe questions about something weird.
The ladies pack for the trip. Of course Erika has her assistants helping to put her outfits together. She says she’d better stop eating now. At almost 6 am, it’s time to leave. Kyle kisses one of the dogs goodbye, and closes the door way too loudly on her way out. They meet at the airport. Dorit wants their trip to be luxurious, glamorous, and fun. They’re flying in a private jet, and it’s a brand new resort. First class all the way. LisaR asks, who doesn’t want to fly in a private jet? Erika says not many people get that experience. One day, you’re in the Gulf Stream, and the next, you’re flying coach. It not about how you got there, but that you’re effing there.
I’m dying because I wish I could be on one of those jets. Even if it’s just for a half hour like on Vanderpump Rules. These girls have a lot more food on board – there’s an entire buffet. Dorit explains what she’s organized. They’re going to a private island for lunch, and massages will be available. All of the rooms are beautiful. She asks if LVP wants to stay in a suite with her, but LVP doesn’t want to share. I would think she might want a room to herself, in case she needs to be bummed for a moment. Erika says she’s available. LVP says Dorit has snoring and gas problems. LisaR says, she’s back. Cheers! Kyle says, it’s all fun and games, and then one jab goes too far.
Next time, omg this place they go to – it’s incredible – LVP wants to move on, Erika says she’ll defend herself to the bone, Teddi says she never told a soul, while LisaR looks like the cat who ate the canary. Hmm…
🔺 You Don’t Need To Have a Point, To Have a Point…
where I should be is sleeping, so I’ll let Harry lead me off.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Curtis accompanies Lulu and Spencer back to Lulu’s house. He wants to do a sweep first, but Lulu says they don’t need to live in fear. Franco is in jail.
Franco asks if Jordan wants him to take the fall for crimes he didn’t commit. She says it depends on what he’s willing to do. He says, whatever it takes, and she tells him, plead guilty. He says, no, he’s not, but she says he told her that he’d go as far as it takes. He says not if he has to confess to brutal crimes he didn’t commit. She says, it’s the only way to draw the killer out.
Curtis tells Lulu that Franco is the alleged killer; it hasn’t been proven. Spencer if says if Lulu says Franco attacked her, that’s what happened. Lulu says they have nothing to worry about. They go inside. Lulu turns on the lights, and everyone yells, surprise! Lulu almost has a heart attack. As we all would.
Various interactions happen at The Floating Rib. Alexis sees Michael. She asks where his Valentine is, and he says, running late. He asks if she’s meeting someone. Kim thanks Julian for meting her. He says he’s glad to spend Valentine’s Day time together, even if he is patronizing his competition. Chase asks Willow if she’s okay hanging out. She seems distracted. She says, everything is fine. He tells her that he’s going to say this once, and never bring it up again unless she does. He thinks her giving up her son is the most unselfish act he’s ever heard of. Brad tells Lucas that he’s not in his 20s anymore; he’s tired. Lucas says they have two more hours of freedom. They can’t neglect their relationship. They need to set an example for Wiley of a healthy marriage, so he gets a partner he can trust. Someone who will love him, and never lie to him. Willow and Brad lock eyes.
At Ferncliff, a night nurse tells not-Doc/Ryan that he’s there late. Ryan says, mental health doesn’t take a night off. He goes into real Doc’s cell. The night nurse sees Laura in the hallway, and asks if he can help her. Doc asks, who’s there? and Ryan says, what’s the matter? Can’t he see for himself? Ryan slams the door behind him, and says, Doc made a big mistake. He lied to him.
Alexis says tells Michael that Diane is her Valentine. They’re supposed to meet and catch up. She’s going to step outside to call. On her way out, Kim asks to talk to her. She’d like to set the record straight.
Willow keeps staring at Brad, and Chase is like, hello? She says she was zoning out; it was a long day at school. He asks if she has a problem with Brad, but she says she hardly knows him. Chase says she seemed off when he saw them at the MetroCourt, now she’s staring. She says, what are you getting at, detective? and Chase says Brad seems to make her feel uncomfortable.
Lucas says his mom sent a picture of Wiley – sleeping. She says they should trust he’s okay, and enjoy themselves a little longer. Can Brad manage that? Brad says he’ll prove it by buying the next round. He goes to the bar, and Michael sits with Lucas. Lucas says he and Brad are out per Wiley’s grandmother’s orders. Michael says he’s flying solo until his date arrives.
At the bar, Julian tells Brad that every time he sees Willow, Brad isn’t far behind. Brad says he’s sounding paranoid. He and Willow are on the same page. Julian asks if Brad told Willow that her baby died, and he replaced it with another baby.
Nina apologizes to Lulu. Lulu says she’s okay, but it was definitely a surprise. Nina says she should have known it would startle Lulu, and Charlotte says they thought they were doing something nice. Lulu says they did. She missed Charlotte so much. Charlotte says she missed Lulu more. Spencer says he must be on his way, but Lulu tells him to stay. He never spends time with his cousin. Spencer says he called a car. She tells him, cancel it. It’s important to spend time with family.
The night nurse recognizes Laura as the mayor. She says she was hoping for an unannounced visit. She has clearance to do one at any time. He suggests she come during visiting hours, but she says, that would defeat the purpose of it being unannounced. She wants to do one now, and he tells her there are no supervisors there to take her on a tour.
Doc says Lulu must have identified Ryan as her attacker. Ryan says Doc’s credentials in hypnosis took care of that. Doc asks if he planted false memories, and calls Ryan a bastard. Ryan says Doc is in no position to cast judgement. He tricked Ryan into believing there was a prenup. He wouldn’t have caught it if not for Ava, who said it wasn’t Laura’s marital style. Unfortunately, he mentioned it already, and now Laura is suspicious, which he supposes was Doc’s intention. Doc has forced his hand. Now he has to deal with Doc and Laura. Doc is up first.
Charlotte asks if Lulu likes the welcome home, mommy sign; she made it. Lulu says, it’s beautiful, adding, isn’t it? to Spencer. He says, it’s charming in a DIY way. Charlotte says they did their best to keep it a secret, and Curtis says they were stealthy. Lulu tells her that seems like a lot, coming from a PI. Charlotte says, some secrets pay off, but some don’t. Right, Spencer? Nina brings out cookies. Charlotte wishes she could have brought Dante home to Lulu. Lulu does too. Charlotte announces that papa and Nina are getting married again.
Laura knows the night guy is doing his job, and commends him for it, but she’s clearly allowed to inspect when she feels the need. If he wants to call a supervisor, she’ll be happy to speak to whomever, but do now. Time is of the essence.
Doc tells Ryan the last person to have insight about Laura would be Ava. Ryan says, Ava is very insightful. She’d said the cold practicality of a prenup isn’t in Laura’s nature. Doc disagrees, and asks if Ryan and Ava are making plans for the future. Ryan says they’re in love, but there are a few remaining obstacles to remove. Doc says Ryan has a terrible habit of underestimating people. He always thinks he’s the smartest person in the room. It was all Laura’s idea. He asks if she denied it, and Ryan says she refused to discuss it until their lawyers were present. Doc says he can prove it’s real.
Jordan tells Franco, the killer is an arrogant egomaniac. He loves attention, and is going to be jealous. Franco says, of a guy in prison? but she says Franco will be taking credit for his hard work. It will be all over the press; if it bleeds, it leads. Franco will be enjoying the fruits of the killer’s labor; appropriating his work. He’ll try to one up Franco, and reclaim the spotlight. She tells him to trust her. If he follows her lead, he won’t get burned. He understands what she’s saying, but she’s not taking into consideration the people who believe in him. It would destroy Elizabeth.
Lucas shows Michael the picture of Wiley. Michael is embarrassed about waiting for an online date, but Lucas says there’s no shame in it. He’s the CEO of ELQ. He can’t be hanging out in bars looking for dates. A girl comes in, and Michael asks if she’s Zoey. She is, and says it’s nice to meet him. He’s better looking in person. That almost never happens. They’re usually a foot shorter, and a decade older. He thanks her for not catfishing him too. Since he’s in business, he knows how important first impressions are. She asks how hers is going so far.
Willow tells Chase that he’s imagining things. Brad doesn’t make her uncomfortable. He says he’ll retire his detective hat for the night. She says, too bad it’s too late for karaoke, and he says, next time. I’d like to know how late it is, since those things usually end like 1 am. Willow says he sounds confident. He doesn’t mean to brag, but he’s a decent singer. She says, like in the shower? and he says, the Nurses’ Ball. She says she heard about that, and he tells her that his partner Dante tricked him into thinking the whole department was performing. When he got up there, he found out he was doing a solo. He was terrified, but admits to being an easy target. She asks why he moved to Port Charles, and he says, there was an opening at the PCPD. She says, of course, but what drew him there? He says being close to his brother is a big perk, but he was following up on an old case; cleaning up a mess he made early in his career. A story for another time. Her turn. Why did she come to Port Charles? She says she was running away from a toxic situation there was no hope of fixing. He asks if it was about the father of her child.
Brad tells Julian that Willow has no clue, and he’d like to keep it that way. She approached him. Julian says Brad chose to engage, and Brad asks, what is he supposed to do? It’s a good thing he did. She said she won’t interfere with Wiley’s life. Julian tells him, she says that now, but Brad says she doesn’t even want him telling Lucas. Julian says there’s no reason why he should, right?
Alexis tells Kim, if this is about Julian, she knows they’re back together, and she’s happy for them. Kim feels worse now about how she acted when Alexis was trying to explain. She had a lot on her mind, but are they okay? Alexis says, absolutely fine, and Kim thanks Alexis for hearing her out. On her way back, Alexis nearly runs into Neil. She asks what he’s doing there, and he says hello to her too.
Curtis says Valentin and Nina are getting married again? Nina says, yes, and she’s thrilled. Curtis asks why she accepted, and she says, it’s a complex situation. She doesn’t think they should discuss it now in from of the kids, and he suggests the kitchen. Lulu thinks that’s a great idea, and tells the kids to stay there. Charlotte and Spencer sit on the couch, with their arms crossed, looking at each other. In the kitchen, Lulu says, spill. Curtis asks, when did forgiving Valentin turned into marrying him? Nina says, he’s proven himself in the last couple months. He brought her daughter back. Curtis gets that she’s grateful, but that’s no reason to get married.
Doc tells Ryan, the safest thing for Laura is to go through with the divorce. He doesn’t want to hold it up. She might get suspicious if Ryan doesn’t follow up. Ryan says he’s bluffing; there’s no prenup. Doc says it’s in his office. Ryan says he made himself comfortable there, and didn’t see it. Doc says, most people don’t frame their prenups. It’s in a safe behind his accreditation. Ryan says, there’s no safe, and Doc says, so he looked behind the accreditation? He didn’t think so. He asks if Ryan wants the combination or not. Ryan asks why Doc would help him, and Doc says, normally, Ryan isn’t this obtuse. He’s not helping him; he wants Laura away from him. Ryan can see for himself; he’s not going anywhere. Ryan knows where to find him. Laura stands in the hallway, just a few feet away.
Kim sits with Lucas. He says his mom is watching Wiley. Date night round one didn’t last. She recalls them sprinting out of the MetroCourt, and he says they couldn’t wait to get back to Wiley. He knows it’s ridiculous, but Kim says it’s hard to leave them at that age. Enjoy it while they can. She would give anything to relive those days with Oscar. Lucas says, sorry, but she tells him, don’t be. She loves talking about her son, and loves hearing Lucas talk about his son.
Willow tells Chase that she’d rather not discuss the baby’s father. They should just try to have fun. She asks him to tell her more about his solo. What did he sing? He says, Feel It Still. She loves that song. She says, there has to be a video online, and finds it on her phone.
Julian asks Brad, what good it would do for Lucas to know anything? Brad hates keeping secrets. Julian says Brad isn’t the only one keeping it; he is too. It’s a major complication for someone who’s trying to be more honest. He asks if Brad realizes how quickly it could fall apart. Brad asks if Julian isn’t the one who kept saying it would be okay, but Julian says, what happens if the real birth mother gets her act together, seeks him out, and wants her baby back?
Michael suggests he and Zoey order margaritas, and see where it goes. He says what attracted him to her was her volunteer work. She says, her what? He says she teaches English to migrant workers. She tells him that the site asked her to describe her best day. She didn’t think she’d get much attention if she was honest.
Alexis tells Neil that she was just leaving. He says if she’s leaving on his account, don’t. She says it’s not because of him, and points out Julian, saying, her ex. Neil says if it’s because of her ex, that’s her call, but he can change his plans.
Charlotte asks if Spencer is okay. He seems on edge. Is he hiding a secret? He says it’s none of her business. She doesn’t think his grandmother would be happy to find out he tampered with the election. He says he’s totally prepared to tell her, and deal with the consequences.
Lulu says she’s with Curtis. Nina can’t let gratitude cloud her judgement. Nina says, it’s more than gratitude. She said yes for Charlotte’s sake. She can be more involved in Charlotte’s life, and Willow will take her seriously. Lulu says, that’s not the issue. She doesn’t trust Valentin, and doesn’t think she ever will. Nina says Valentin has been kind to Lulu. He’s made mistakes, but so has she, and one recently. She accused the wrong man of attacking her. Nina doesn’t think it’s Franco at all.
Franco tells Jordan that he Just married the woman of his dreams. Does she know what it will do to Elizabeth to hear him say he’s the killer? She tells him to focus on what he has to gain. He’ll be responsible for bringing Kiki’s killer to justice. He says no one wants that more than him, and Jordan says it’s his chance to stop this freak. Isn’t it worth being wrongly accused? He says she’s asking a lot, but she reminds him that he said he’d do anything. He wants Elizabeth’s input before he makes a decision, but she says, no one else can know; not even Curtis. If they’re going to pull this off, it has to stay between them.
Laura ducks into a doorway when Ryan comes out of Doc’s room. When he’s gone, she looks through the room window, but Doc is in the bed with his back to her. Of course.
Willow tells Chase that he’s so good. He says, ha-ha, but she means it. She asks if he’s performing again this year, and he tells her that he has a gift for her in the car. He goes to get it.
Michael tells Zoey that he keeps busy with work, and likes to spend personal time with his family. He has two little sisters, and recently became a godfather. The dads made him an offer he couldn’t refuse. Zoey is paying no attention whatsoever, since she’s messing with her phone. He asks if she’d like another round. Hello? He tells her if there’s someplace she’d rather be, don’t let him keep her. She says she should probably get going. She has another date; it’s the last one. He asks how many she’s been on tonight, and she says he’s her third. He doesn’t know whether to be impressed or offended. She says, dating is rough, and not to overthink it. You have to weed out the weird ones, and make the most of your time. He sarcastically says, romantic, but she says, practical. He says it was nice to meet her. She says he’s his favorite so far. Call her later. Maybe next time, she can give him a full evening. They can get to know each other better.
Brad looks at Willow, and tells Julian there’s no way Lucas would allow her near Wiley. Julian asks what makes him so sure? Lucas joins them, saying he’s reclaiming his husband. Kim also wants her date back, and Brad apologizes for monopolizing him. Kim tells Julian she’ll have to take a raincheck. She has to go; a patient is in labor. She’ll make it up to him. Next time she’s free, she’s his for Valentine’s Day romance. They kiss, and she leaves.
Alexis tells Neil that he doesn’t have to leave. They survived their awkward last encounter. He thinks they handled it well, and she says at least it wasn’t the same as Dr. Melfi running into Tony Soprano. He tells her, just don’t say toodle-loo at the end of their sessions. Zoey walks up to Neil and says he looked younger in his pictures. Bye. Neil says, that was mortifying, but she says she’s seen worse. He thinks he needs a drink. He goes to the bar, and Julian ask Alexis who her new guy is. She says he’s not her guy, but Julian says it’s the second time he’s seen them together. What’s the deal? Is she seeing Mr. Smoothie. She says, it’s Dr. Smoothie, and yes, she is seeing him. He says, good for them, but she says it’s not what he thinks.
Franco says Elizabeth wouldn’t tell, and Jordan is sure she wouldn’t, but they can’t risk the killer catching on. To protect everyone, they have to be kept in dark. He says he’s not doing it unless Elizabeth knows. She says she can’t force him, but if he doesn’t do it, he’ll get convicted and sent to prison for the rest of his life.
Lulu asks if Nina thinks she’s mistaken. She saw Franco. He trapped her behind her desk, pulled out a knife, and stabbed her. Nina says maybe she’s projecting about what he did before. She knows him very well. He’s not capable of that kind of violence. Lulu says Nina never knew the old violent Franco. She can’t see that he’s regressed. Nina asks if Lulu is saying Franco killed Kiki, a girl he adored like his own. Lulu wonders why she’s explaining this to Nina, since she’s marrying a killer. Nina says, it was self-defense. It wasn’t murder; Valentin was defending himself from Lulu’s brother. Curtis tells them, keep it down. The kids don’t need to hear this.
Charlotte wonders how long Spencer would survive a correctional facility. He says he’d be fine, but his grandmother isn’t going to let that happen. Charlotte says, she’s sworn to uphold the law. She’ll have no choice but to turn him in.
Finally! Doc turns over, and Laura sees him.
Michael asks if Willow scared Chase away. She says, maybe. She brought up his Nurses’ Ball performance, and he fled to the parking lot. She asks about his date, and he says it was more of a drive-by. It was hard to engage for five minutes. They couldn’t get past the small talk. He tried, but she was more interested in her phone. Willow says, it’s hard finding people to connect with, especially people who understand what they’ve been through. Chase comes back, and asks Michael how his Valentine’s Day is going. Michael says, abysmal. He was just telling Willow how his date escaped. Chase asks if he wants to join them, but Michael decides to go home. Chase gives Willow a gift bag. He tells her not to be offended, but her fingers are always freezing. She unwraps a pair of gloves, saying she loves them. She kisses him, putting her hand on his face, and he says, much better.
Julian says, so Neil is Alexis’s new shrink; how’s it going? She says they made a tentative foray into murky territory. He says, the tortured history of their relationship, but she says it’s not the history that concerns her. It’s more the future. She leaves, and he sits there puzzled.
Jordan tells Franco that the DA has more than enough evidence to secure a conviction. He says, plantedevidence. She says, it’s just as likely, with his history of social violence, he killed them and kept the driver’s licenses as trophies. He says there’s no way anyone would believe he hurt Kiki. Jordan agrees the lack of motive is a concern, but it barely registered with the DA. She’ll get a speedy conviction, and look like a hero. Franco never paid for his earlier crimes, and the other devastation he left in his wake. Franco says she wants to see him convicted, but she says, wrong. She doesn’t believe he’s responsible for the murders she’s investigating. That means the killer is at large, and this is the best way of catching him. Franco will be a public disgrace for a short time, but then he’ll be exonerated, and the city will be grateful. Or, he can go to trial, and there’s nothing she can do to protect him from conviction. She tells him, take the night and think it over. She’s sorry this is where they are, but she’s his only way out of this mess.
Lulu says, to be honest, she doesn’t remember every specific detail, but she has no doubt Franco is the one who tried to kill her. The only other thing she remembers is how focused she was on her research. Curtis asks what she was researching, and she says something about Ryan’s murders. He asks if she explored that with Doc, and she says, yeah, but it muddled things more for her. Like this conversation. She leaves the kitchen, and Nina and Curtis look at each other.
Spencer asks Lulu if she’s had any word on his grandmother’s arrival. She says Laura must have gotten sidetracked with something important.
Laura says, my God! It can’t be. She knocks on the window. Doc sits up, asking if it’s her. He stumbles to the window, knocking over a chair. They look at each other for a moment, but then Laura falls to the ground. Doc calls to her, telling her to answer him. Ryan stands over her with a syringe. He looks in at Doc, and smiles.
Tomorrow, Lulu has an incredible story to tell, Curtis hopes Sasha is genuine, and Drew wants to know what type of game Shiloh is playing.
Vanderpump Rules
We go back to James’s brother Harry applying for a job at SUR, and Guillermo making James cry. Outside, James apologizes to Harry. He says Harry has a way of keeping calm. James can’t keep calm at work; that’s why he’s in the position he’s in. He’s stopped drinking, and knows it hasn’t been much time, but he’s keeping focused. He’s proud of Harry, and wants to take Harry shopping for new clothes; his treat. They hug.
Jax tells Peter, it’s got to be weird; Lisa firing James, and hiring his brother. Peter says James is learning. He hopes so anyway. He’s DJing for Billie’s party at PUMP. In his interview, Jax wonders if James and Lisa buried a body somewhere. He doesn’t understand why she keeps hiring him back. Jax tells Peter that he’s setting up the bar. He’s like the old Jax. Geez, let’s hope not. Jax means to say he uses the job as a buffer, but says fluffer instead (google it). Peter laughs. We flash back to Jax being an a-hole to various women. He tells Peter, growing up sucks. That it does. He lets Peter know about guys’ night. He tells Peter there will be girls. He lives vicariously now.
Still in Solvang, the girls wander around. In her interview, Stassi says she’s already noticing things about Kristen that are unsettling. We flash back to her eating a flower off of the lawn at the bar. Stassi says, she’s definitely not acting like herself. They go into a weird, little variety store where there’s some really cute stuff. Stassi says she’s been dating Beau eight month, and couldn’t be happier. For the first time, she’s able to trust a boyfriend. She didn’t know it was possible. Lala tells her that Beau brings out a great side in her. Lala asks Scheana how she’s feeling, and Scheana says, weird. She thinks she’s taking what Lala said too much to heart. We flash back to Lala telling her that she’s trying too hard. Scheana says she feels like she should be quiet more. In Lala’s interview, she says she told Scheana that she should be careful about oversharing with Stassi and Katie, but doesn’t want her to be a mute. The girls try some wine. I guess there’s even wine tasting in the stores there. In her interview, Kristen says her friends are a-holes. They think it’s fun to pick on her when they travel. She insists they’re terrorists too. She just doesn’t shove it in their face.
Harrison! Lisa goes to TomTom. She tells one of the workers that the party was amazing, from what she remembers. In her interview, she says now they actually have to open the restaurant. Enough money has gone out. Now they need to bring it back in. She tells the bartender the inspection is on Tuesday. Then they can start cooking. Tom brings in the alcohol freezing machine. She says it doesn’t go with her design, and asks if Ken and Nick know to be ready for this monstrosity. In Tom’s interview, he says he’s confused as to his role. They loved the machine, and he’s not understanding why it doesn’t fit the décor now. No one else is doing anything like this. He asks when the real opening party is going to be, and Lisa is thinking only one hundred people, so they can sit down, look at the menu, and get the whole experience. It’s a whole different ballgame. They’ll be enjoying the space as they would going to dinner there. There will be great music and lighting. In Lisa’s interview, she says it used to be a sex shop, and we flash back to her and Ken checking it out, and Lisa not being able to turn off a novelty vibrator. She says now she can say it’s a sexier than a sex shop. Tom tells her, the girls are out of town, and the guys are doing a staycation. They’re sharing the same hotel. Lisa is skeptical, even though Tom says they’re wearing chastity belts. She says Jax would still shag one of their girlfriends when they were sleeping. They laugh it off, and Schwartz asks, what’s the worst that can happen?
Tiny chairs for sale! Brittany calls Jax from the store, encouraging him to get moving. He says he’s a big boy, but she says she thought he’d at least have been on his way. In her interview, Brittany says she’s not being his mom, but wants to know what’s going on. She has a right, considering what she went through last year. He says, there’s a party coming up at PUMP. James is DJing, and he thinks James got his job back. He’s a cat with nine lives. Kristen hears, and wants to go. Stassi tells her, take a breath. In her interview, Kristen says Lisa keeps giving James chances, but holds sh*t against her that she did five years ago. She’s literally the only person not worthy of a second chance. She’s done. Stassi tells her not to put more energy into it, but Kristen says she’s telling Lisa to suck her d*ck; she’s over it. Stassi tells her, take a breath. Kristen jets, and Brittany wonders where she went.
They go to restaurant, telling the hostess, there’s another one on the way. Lala says Kristen wasn’t happy when they left. In Lala’s interview, she says she’s not about to chase Kristen around. It’s not happening. She put the trip together so they could have a good time. Ariana says Kristen knows what restaurant they’re at. Ariana wonders, why be upset about James doing a party? Stassi has no idea what happened, and Katie says Kristen was incoherent. Kristen comes in. Stassi thinks Kristen should tell them what she’s feeling. Kristen doesn’t want to make a big deal out of it, but Stassi can’t figure out why James working at PUMP has this effect on her. Kristen says she’s tired of James being given chances, while he treats good people like sh*t. In Kristen’s interview, she says, of all the guys she’s dated, nothing has infuriated her more than James. They should Just understand. We flash back to James being a d-bag to Kristen. Ariana tells her not to let it take over. Enjoy the day. Kristen says Carter texted her the same thing, but her insides are boiling. Katie says it’s poison to her, and Kristen says she can’t help it; she’s been trying for years. Katie says, find a way. It’s not healthy.
SUR is jumping. Harry is working, and Peter shows him what to do with stacking the dishes for takeaway. Lisa comes in. Peter explains he’s been serving drinks because they’re understaffed. Lisa tells Harry that his brother hasn’t set the best example, but Harry says he’s his own person. He’s proved that. Lisa says he started today. He hasn’t proved it yet. In her interview, she says, he’s so reminiscent of James when he first started.It’s eerie. Peter says Harry is still doing better than James did. James was okay as a busser until he started drinking full pitchers of sangria. Lisa asks how he got them, and Peter says, Kristen. Lisa says, there you go.
The guys gather at the hotel, in the outside area of the bar. They haven’t heard much from the girls, but Beau says he saw the private plane video. Tom suggests they take bets on who’s having the first meltdown. Schwartz says, Kristen always does. Jax says he mentioned guys’ night to James. Schwartz says he has a good heart; he just can’t control himself. Tom asks if it’s cool if he gives James a call. Jax wants to be drunker, and says James isn’t spending the night. Tom is glad people are coming around.
Lala tells the girls that it’s an early day tomorrow. They’re heading to the first winery at 9:15. The waitress brings tequila shots. Scheana says she never used to do them, and wonders what was wrong with her. Katie says she heard Scheana and Adam went to bang town. Stassi says they can live vicariously through Scheana having sex. Scheana says they just hang out a lot. In her interview, Stassi says, Scheana is full of sh*t. She’s seen her with Adam on Instagram a dozen times in a month. They’re always going out, and it’s always on social media. Stassi thinks Scheana shouldn’t be evasive, and Brittany admits she told them. Scheana asks, why? It was a secret. She says she wants to be open, get along, and be part of the group. She gets teary, and says it feels like when she shares, they make comments behind her back, like about Rob. In Katie’s interview, she says Scheana’s relationship with Rob was prime to make fun of. We flash back to Scheana saying Rob’s name ten million times. Stassi says no one is trying to hurt her. Scheana says she asked Katie to braid her hair, and got no response. She figured they weren’t at that level, but now she’s asking who Scheana sleeps with. Lala thinks Scheana is genuinely trying. Katie says Scheana said some messed up stuff about her, and she’s trying to get over it. In her interview, Katie says Scheana publicly shamed her marriage, and cut her off as a friend. We flash back to Scheana yelling that Katie and Schwartz’s marriage is fake. Katie wonders why Scheana is so sorry now, when she’d said her life was better without Katie, and the friendship was fake. In Scheana’s interview, she says, they’re getting to the point where she doesn’t think the friendships will ever be half of what they used to be, but she’s not going to stop trying. Katie tells her, give it time. Let them get reacquainted. There’s plenty of other stuff they can talk sh*t about. They laugh, and Stassi says, girls’ night is the best.
Peter arrives. He asks if there’s an agenda. Tom points out that Peter is single, and Peter says he wants boobs in his face tonight. James also joins them. In his interview, he says he was so happy when Tom called. He’s come so far. He hasn’t been drinking, and he’s not having one now. He orders an Arnold Palmer. Tom, Peter, and James go to the bar. Schwartz asks if Tom is wingmanning, but has a hard time putting that word together. He says he’d be rusty picking up girls.
At the bar, the guys meet a group of girls. Tom orders drinks, and gets a Melted Snowman for James. In his interview, Tom explains, the ingredients are the same as in an actual snowman– it’s ice and water – but he wanted James to feel included. It’s an old bartending trick. Peter says he just wants to have a good time. In Tom’s interview, he tells us that a good wingman should be cool, not be a creep, and should build the guy up. Peter is too modest to tell you, but he’s a bonified hero. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him. Did I mention he has a great relationship with his mother?
Tom suggests the girls come back to his room. Jax didn’t think they were really bringing them back. One of the girls asks if they’re celebrating something, or just having fun. James says it’s his three and a half weeks sober party. Jax tells Beau that he’s not telling them what to do, but this is putting him in a tough situation. Beau says it’s just for Peter to have a good time. Jax tells Beau that he’s sweating, and asks if he’ being a baby. In Beau’s interview, he says, Jax looks like a reformed junkie in a crackhouse. Jax tells Beau that he’s in a good relationship, and he’s trying to be the person Brittany wants him to be. This would be a step back. Peter says they’re going back to Tom’s room.
The room is more like a suite, and absolutely gorgeous. The Toms go, ohm-m-m with their foreheads touching. Jax thinks this is a bad idea. He’s calling Brittany. He doesn’t want to throw anyone under the bus, but knows Brittany would be uncomfortable with him in this situation. Tom says he brought supplies, and he’s making cocktails. In his interview, he says, some people travel with stuffed animals; some people travel with baby bottles, referring to Scheana and Lala, respectively. He travels with a bar kit, so he can always be ready with a good cocktail. James gets music going. Everyone, except James, drinks, and they dance.
The girls play Never Have I Ever. Schwartz says Katie texted she misses him, and he texted back he misses her too. In his interview, Schwartz says guys trips have gotten him into trouble in the past. He nearly ruined his relationship with Katie because of one. There’s one rule that should be glaringly obvious – don’t black out. He’s got this. Carter texts Kristen, telling her that James showed up. She says it makes her sad. She wants to go home, but he tells her, relax. In her interview, Kristen says, James gets his job back, then weasels his way back in with her friends, and now he’s near her boyfriend. It’s the poison icing on the sh*t cake. In Tom’s room, everyone does model walks. James announces the winner of the fashion walk-off, hotel room edition is Schwartz. Peter disappears with one of the girls. Jax tells Beau to come out on the balcony. Beau calls Stassi, but gets voicemail. Tom brings one of the girls out. Schwartz doesn’t know if it’s the old make out slut him, but he thinks these are situations he needs to avoid. It feels dangerous, and he kind of wants to run away.
Jax tells Beau to call Stassi one more time. He gets through, and she’s with Brittany. Jax says they’re still at the party. Peter met some random girls. They came back to the room, and he and Beau wanted to tell them. Brittany asks if he’s saying there are ho’s in the hotel room. Jax says they both feel uncomfortable. Stassi says, it’s guys’ night. Tell them go TF home. She’ll tell them. Beau says he and Jax are bonding over it. In Stassi’s interview, she says that the one who cheated on every girlfriend is the one Beau is bonding with and feels safe with. She feels super comforted. Brittany says the girls aren’t staying. They need to talk to them. Tom sprays champagne all over the place. Stassi says it’s inappropriate. The see the party, which is on the verge of drunken mess, and Stassi says they’re out of their effing minds. Byesies. Jax doesn’t know if he feels better or not.
The girls go to a very casual bar, possibly the hotel lobby. Lala says, at this point, they’re all babysitting Kristen. Trying to get a drunk Kristen to sit in a chair is impossible. They order water, and Kristen wanders outside. Lala is worried, and follows, asking where she’s going. Katie doesn’t know what’s going on. She said, come here, and Kristen was fighting her on it. Lala asks Kristen, what’s wrong? and tells her to come back inside. Ariana suggests she have some water. Kristen tells her, chill. She thanks Katie for being an a-hole. Katie says she’s not making sense. What happened? Things were fine a second ago. Kristen says Carter is telling her what’s going on; stop interrupting. Katie tells her, sit down, and Kristen moves away, falling over a table. Katie says, here we go. She’s a mess. She tells Kristen, go to bed. Kristen says Carter is texting her about the boys, and telling her what to do. Katie gives up; clearly there’s no helping at her at this point. She tells Kristen to go. Kristen leaves, and Lala says, that was trashy.
Katie says Carter is calling the shots about what Kristen is supposed to do. She thinks she should call Schwartz, and find out what happening.
Katie asks where Schwartz is, and he says, the staycation. She asks who’s there? He says the guys, and Peter met some random girls he invited up. She says it’s supposed to be guys, but he promises it’s fine. She tells him, find out what Carter texted Kristen. He says he’s scared; don’t make him do that. Katie sighs, and says, put Carter on the phone. Schwartz calls Carter over, saying the girls are upset with him or something. She says there’s a situation with his girlfriend. She’s being an embarrassment. She fell over a table, and ran out the door. She’s effed up, and she was talking about him texting her crazy sh*t. She wants to know what’s going on. Carter asks Jax, what’s going on? and Katie says she’s asking him what he texted Kristen. Carter says, nothing. In her interview, Katie says she just told him that his girlfriend fell over a table. Can he give a flying about it? She says she can see the texts on Kristen’s phone later, or he can tell her now. She’s good at this. He says he didn’t say anything bad, but Katie says Kristen freaked out, and ran out of the hotel. He says, don’t worry about it. He’ll take care of it. Ariana asks what he means by take care of it? Beau says they’re the good guys. At least he is.
Katie tells Brittany and Stassi what happened. Scheana says if they trust their guys, why are they worried about it. Scheana asks if James was there, and Katie says, yes. Ariana thinks they should stop acting like James has power over everybody. They have no idea what set Kristen on a spiral. Katie thinks Carter isn’t good for her; they’re miserable. Stassi says there are always problems. It’s not about Kristen’s traveling issues. We see clips of Kristen telling the girls about Carter being a bad boyfriend. Katie says, she’s not happy. Stassi says, he doesn’t pay for anything. Carter literally does nothing. She says that wasn’t her place, and now she feels weird. Everybody knows it, but no one says anything. That’s what Kristen is so upset about. It would be different if she was paying for everything, and he was nice to her; or if he’d go to couples therapy, but he doesn’t want to. Stassi thinks any man who refuses to pay rent or anything else is a bad guy. In her interview, Stassi says, Kristen’s anger is misdirected. She doesn’t care about James.He’s a convenient excuse to mask her issues with Carter that she refuses to face.
Next time, Lisa says James has way bigger problems than coming back to SUR, Stassi tells Kristen that Carter doesn’t treat her well, and Lala wants to take a break from Randall.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
The Walking Dead
An announcement over a loudspeaker says, remain calm follow and instructions. A lot of people run around, getting ready for something. 23 DAYS is written on a wall. A couple with a little girl is in a back room. The woman calls the man Frank, and says they have to wait it out. He says, the world is going to hell, and they’re pretending it’s not. The girl says they can’t go out; they’ll get sick. They have to wait for the doctor to come, and make it better. Frank says, nobody’s coming, and we find out the little girl is Lydia. Her mother says, daddy is just kidding, and sings Lydia, the Tattooed Lady to her. (See below for another version.) Lydia looks at her father.
Lydia tells Henry that she remembers the look in his eyes. She can still see it; how cold it is… was. She wonders why she’s telling Henry. He says, it beats the quiet and being alone. Outside, Daryl listens. Henry says, walking around in dead people’s skins is pretty messed up. Lydia says, thinking Hilltop isn’t going to fall like every other place is messed up. She tells Henry that his dad’s an a-hole, like hers. He says Daryl isn’t his dad. He doesn’t even want to be there. Daryl is only there to do a favor for his mom. She thought his mom died, and Henry says she’s his second mom. She’s tough. Not somebody you want to mess with. He asks what happened to Lydia’s dad.
We see Frank with blood pouring out of his neck. Lydia says. he didn’t survive. Her mom kept her alive and safe. She’s a lot like his mom. You don’t want to mess with her either.
Magna’s group goes through the woods with Tara. They see a cluster of what look like zombies feeding, and Yumiko says maybe dead; maybe not. She tells them to keep their distance. Watch their hands; they could have knives. They’re noticed, and kill the zombies (or not) one by one, using arrows, a pokey stick, and Kelly’s slingshot. When all of the zombies are dead, Magna tells them, find the masked ones. They discover the dinner is Luke and Alden’s horses. Kelly says, maybe they tried to bail? and Tara says, check for tracks. Kelly tells them, Connie says the horses were cut open and skinned with knives; these aren’t just the dead. Magna thinks they should go in different directions, but Tara says, it’s not safe. The walkers aren’t walkers. The girl is a liar. There could be three or three hundred of them. She tells them that they need to stay behind the walls until they make a plan, and they find out what this is. Kelly says, what if they don’t? but Tara says they will. Let’s go.
Henry asks if Lydia wants an egg. He can roll it to her. She says he doesn’t have to take care of her, but he says he’s just being nice. She asks why, and he says when he, his brother, and dad were found, they were pretty messed up too. It took a lot of someone being nice to make okay again. She says, hunger is a gift, and asks if he thinks she’s messed up. He asks how hunger is a gift, but she says if she has to explain, he wouldn’t understand. It will never be okay again. Henry says, says who? and she says, her dad.
Lydia flashes back again. We hear, please stand by, on the loudspeaker. A guy says, it’s been the same message for a day. Are they doing this or what? Frank tells Lydia’s mom (whose real name is unknown as far as I can find) to get their stuff. They’re moving out. She asks what he’s doing, and Frank says, getting the hell out. She tells him, it’s too dangerous. Let them go; they’ll play it safe. He says Lydia is coming, but she says she doesn’t want her child harmed. He tells her to never suggest he doesn’t care about his kid. She says they’re not going, and he calls her a bitch. Lydia asks if Halloween is coming up. She found a costume. She holds up a sheet, saying she can be a ghost. Frank says, every day is Halloween. How can he see all these freaks, and still be hopeful? He starts to shave off his beard, telling Lydia’s mother that she’s the one who liked it; he can’t stand it, and he’s doing what he wants now. Lydia and her mom play checkers. Her mother says, checkmate, and Lydia says, that’s chess. She tells Henry, He… she always said that. He says her mom sounds nice. Lydia says, yeah, but it’s not real convincing. Henry says his second mom found him. Ezekiel is his second dad; they’re leaders from another community. That’s where he’s from. She asks if it’s far, and what it’s called. He says it’s called The Kingdom. It’s about a day’s ride. Daryl busts in.
Daryl tells Henry that he’s getting out, and unlocks the door. Outside, he asks Henry what the hell is wrong with him, telling her about The Kingdom? It’s where Henry is from, and he has family there. Henry says, he was listening? Daryl says they’ve been switching off, and Henry says they were using him. Daryl says, it was working too. Henry says Lydia is a good person, but got messed up out there. She’s right about Daryl; he’s an a-hole. If he wants answers, he can get them himself. The cheese Lydia sits alone.
Lydia hears Daryl come in, and sits up. He sits outside her cell. She thought he came to kill her. He says he brought her something for her ear. She keeps pulling on it like it hurts. She says, no, and he says he doesn’t give a sh*t. Two of their people went missing. Their horses were half-skinned and half-eaten. Does she know anything about that? She says, how could she? She’s been there. He asks if her mom kills the people she crosses, and Lydia says she does what she has to do.
In Lydia’s flashback, a man says they’re running out of food, and haven’t seen daylight in weeks. Her mom tells him, shut up. The guy starts going stir crazy, banging on the boarded up window, calling for help, and Lydia’s mom knocks him down. She gets in his face, leaning on his throat, and tells him, shut up. He’s pathetic, and there’s no room for him there. Shut his mouth. Does he hear her? Not anymore. He’s dead. Beardless Frank holds Lydia, and sings to her softly
Lydia tells Daryl that he used to sing that to her when she was scared. She was scared a lot back then. Daryl asks how old was she? and she says, five, six st most; who knows? Daryl says her mom did what she had to. Lydia looks troubled. He throws the pill bottle into the cell. He says, it doesn’t have to be like that. There are a lot of good people there. They’ll help her if she helps them. She asks for some water. He scoops some up with a ladle, and holds the bottom of it through the bars. She asks if he thinks she’ll hit him with it. She tries attacking him, but he grabs her arm. He sees bruises all over it. She spits at him.
Back at Hilltop, Yumiko tells Magna, they should go back out. They’ve been gone too long. They could be hurt. Magna says she almost screwed up for them in Alexandria. They got a second chance. If they go against Tara, they could lose everything. Kelly says Luke would want them to be together. There’s a way they can sneak out; she saw the kids do it. Yumiko says, it’s Luke. Minute by minute, day by day; they’re ride or die. They have to do it, even if costs all this. She asks who’s in, and everyone raises their hands. Yumiko says they meet tonight..
Daryl messes with a branch, telling Lydia that some dads beat the sh*t out of their kids with a stick or a belt, but these a-holes ain’t picky. They use what’s laying around. A good switch from a birch tree ought to work. Her dad sounds like one of those dads, except the part when he sang to her when she was scared. Those dads like it when you’re scared. The thing is, it was the only part of her story that didn’t sound like bullsh*t. He saw the bruises on her arm; they’re from a beating. If her dad is dead, who gave them to her? She says, her mom. Daryl asks where she is, and Lydia says he should be glad he doesn’t know. He asks, where’s her camp? Why is Lydia protecting her? She’s safer there. She says, this place isn’t real. Things won’t change, and they’re all acing like it will. Her mom walks because that’s what the dead do. It’s their world, and we have to live in it. What her mom does, she does for a reason. She beats Lydia because she loves her. Daryl says, bullsh*t, and Lydia says, when you stay soft, people die.
This time, in Lydia’s flashback, her mom sits in a chair, her head shaved. Someone in the background says they should wait until morning; it will be safer. Everyone agrees. Frank – again with a beard – tells Lydia, it’s okay. Her mom and dad are there. She doesn’t have to worry. Everything will be all right in the morning. When everyone is sleeping, Lydia gets out of bed, and sneaks over to the corpse of the guy her mother killed. His body is under a blanket. She uncovers his face, then covers it again. She starts to leave, and his hand moves. He sits up. She turns around, sees him, and screams. Frank grabs her, and the zombie bites Frank’s throat out. Her mother picks her up.
Daryl says it wasn’t her fault. Lydia says she was stupid. She deserved to die. Her dad was soft, now he’s dead. Daryl asks what he was supposed to do? Watch his little girl get bit? She says, if you can’t bend, you break. He broke. Daryl says they’re making it better. They’re building it back up. Changing it back. She says he doesn’t belong with these people. Maybe used to, but not anymore. He’s hard; they’re soft. He says she doesn’t know sh*t about him. He starts to leave, and she says she told him about what happened to her, tell her what happened to him, but he walks out.
Magna’s group sneaks out. At the fence, Yumiko watches for the guard. They hide inside a cart with wood piled on it.
Henry says Daryl could have asked him to help. Daryl keeps walking, and Henry asks where he’s going. Daryl says, this is a waste of time. She’s Tara’s problem. Henry asks, what’s going to happen to her? Did someone beat Daryl too? He once heard his dad ask his mom why her hair was so short. She said her first husband grabbed it when she tried to get away from him, and slammed her against the wall. One day, she cut it off, so he couldn’t. He guesses it took this long for her to feel safe again. Sometimes Daryl acts like the type of guy who slams people against walls, but Henry doesn’t think that’s it. Daryl says Henry shouldn’t listen to people talk. Henry says, just because her people bad, doesn’t mean she is. She’s just scared. Daryl can show her there’s nothing to be afraid of. Daryl says, no, not just him. Henry can do that.
In the woods, Yumiko doesn’t think the tracks they’re seeing are the same, but Kelly disagrees. She says the dead don’t do that. Yumiko says Kelly is thinking about Coalport, but if they hadn’t left, they’d be dead like the others. Kelly says they didn’t have a choice. Yumiko says, they did. Their choice was not to die. A zombie pops out of the trees behind Kelly, who stabs it in the head. They see more coming, and Yuniko says, it’s too dark and dangerous to be looking for Luke. Kelly says they can’t give up. They love Luke. Yumiko says they need to go back, and Magna says, she’s right. Connie says they’ll come back when they have a plan – all of them. Kelly says when they got separated Luke is the one who found her. She starts to cry, and Connie hugs her. She tells the others to go back. She’ll stay with her sister. They reluctantly leave. Something tells me this is a bad, bad idea.
Henry visits Lydia. He tells her it’s just him. She asks if Daryl sent him, but he says Daryl doesn’t know he’s there. He couldn’t wait until tomorrow to talk to her. He likes her, and thinks she’s a good person. He wants to show her a good place with good people. He unlocks the door, and she asks if he’s letting her out. He says, for a bit. Be quiet, and stay out of sight. Cool? She says, cool.
He helps her out of the root cellar. They duck back when someone comes by, but trip and fall. Lydia digs in the dirt, and eats something. She digs again, and shows Henry a worm. She holds one out to Henry. At first, it’s a no, but then he takes it and swallows it. He says he just ate a worm. She smiles, and says he did. He helps her up, and they walk around. He shows her the doctor’s office, saying, Enid is a good doctor. She’s surprised they have a doctor, and he says, you name it, they’ve got it. She feels around on a carpentry table behind her and fingers a hammer. She asks how long they’ve been there, and he says six years, but it’s only going to keep growing. She says places like this aren’t supposed to exist. Her mom told her they couldn’t. That’s why… A baby starts to cry. She puts the hammer down, and grips her head. She flashes back to being with her parents, but this time, the narrative is different. Her mother kills the guy, and shaves her head, saying, they’re going to do what she wants now. She holds a knife to Lydia’s throat, says, this is how they live now, and puts a skin on Lydia’s head. Lydia tells Henry to put her back in her cell. He’s puzzled, but says, okay.
As Henry locks her in, he says he’s sorry, and starts to leave. She asks him to wait. She asks if he could stay with her tonight. Please. He lies down in front of her cell, and they hold hands through the bars.
Daryl comes down in the morning. Henry says, she didn’t want to be alone. He asks if her ear still hurts, and Lydia says, everything hurts. She still has the pills, and he gets water for her, putting the ladle in between the bars. This time, she drinks. She says her mom isn’t coming for her; none of them are. When someone dies, or gets taken, they move on, like they never existed. That’s how it’s always been. Unless they have no choice, they don’t come into contact with big groups. That’s why she asked about the communities. So she’d have something to give them. Otherwise, they have no reason to take her back. Henry says, Lydia is her daughter. Doesn’t it matter? Daryl says they’re missing people. Lydia says if her mother came across them, she can’t think of a reason she’d keep them alive. She’s sorry. He asks if they have a camp somewhere, and she says under a bridge, maybe a mile east, but they don’t stay in one place long. Henry asks if any of her story is true. She says she thought all of it was. She needed it to be, but had it mixed up. It was a lie, but she wasn’t lying. Her mom told her over and over for years. Deep down, she knew what her mother was, and knew what she did.
Back in Lydia’s past the dead guy has become a zombie, and tears a different guy’s throat out. It’s pandemonium with everyone running around. Her mother starts prying off window boards, and says they’ve got to get out. Frank says, those are our friends. She says, they’re panicking. The three of them are getting out of there. He says she can do what she wants, but Lydia stays with him. Lydia’s mom says, the hell she does. He tells Lydia, it’s okay, and to wait there. They’ll come back. Lydia says, don’t go, but he jumps into the fray. Her mother follows, but slams Frank up against a wall. Lydia tells Daryl and Henry that she was scared. Her mom was there with that cold look in her eye. Then she got her knife. Lydia starts to cry, and Daryl says, it’s okay. They’ve heard enough. She’s sorry she can’t help them. She’s sorry she wasted his time. He says she didn’t.
Magna and Yumiko go back to Hilltop. They see Tara up on the fence, and Yumiko says she’ll talk to her.
Henry asks Daryl why would Lydia’s mom do that to her kid? Lydia thinks it’s her fault her dad died. Daryl says, some people are not meant be parents. Henry asks, what happens now? Can she stay with them? Daryl says, we’ll see. He’s going to get her fresh clothes, and talk to Tara and see about that camp. Henry says he’s glad Daryl and his mom are friends.
Yumiko joins Tara, who asks what they found. Yumiko says, nothing. It was wrong of them to leave. She wishes they’d realized it sooner. She should have. She sees two guards bringing Kelly back, along with Connie walking parallel on another path. Tara says the guards saw them sneak out, and they weren’t taking any chances. She gets why they did it, but next time they want to challenge one of her decisions, talk to her. She doesn’t know if she’s doing the right thing there, but she doesn’t want any more people to die, including them.
Yumiko looks through the binoculars, and sees a group of Whisperers coming toward Hilltop. They’re perilously close to Connie. Kelly sees, and tries to run to her, but the guards hold her back. Connie signals for her to stay, and runs into a cornfield, which is probably another bad, bad idea. Tara looks out, and freaks. She yells for Daryl.
Here they come. Lydia’s mom pushes her way to the front. Daryl watches, along with Tara, Yumiko, and Magna. The Whisperers stand at the gate. Lydia’s mom says, she’s Alpha. She only wants one thing from them. Her daughter.
Next time, the Whisperers have captured Luje and Aldon. Daryl tells Alpha that she can’t have her daughter, and Alpha says, wrong answer.
ℹ Some useless trivia I got from Talking Dead. Yip Harburg who wrote Lydia, the Tattooed Lady, also wrote all the songs for The Wizard of Oz. And to turn that into six degrees of Walking Dead, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz was being read to Judith in an earlier episode. Another tidbit was that the set for Lydia’s past memories was also The Sanctuary set, since it wasn’t in use at the time.
🐥 Say the Magic Word & the Duck Comes Down…
And how an elephant got in my pajamas, I’ll never know.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Sonny and Carly are bound and gagged with duct tape. Not-Doc takes the tape off of Carly’s mouth. She asks if Sonny is okay. Not-Doc moves around to Sonny, and Carly says, don’t touch him. He tells her to be nice, or Sonny will be the first one on the chopping block, and she’ll get to watch. Ava comes in, and not-Doc says, darling, you’re early. Carly tells her, call 911;he’s crazy. Not-Doc says, hush, and puts the tape back on her mouth. Ava sees a rolled up cloth, and asks, what is this? He says it’s his gift to her, and unrolls it, revealing knives. She asks what she’s supposed to do with these, and he says, whatever her heart desires. She runs her hand across them, and he nods. She takes one out, and moves toward Carly, asking, how about a facelift? Not-Doc asks if she likes her present. She says she loves it. How did he know? He says they’re kindred spirits. Happy Valentine’s Day, my love.
Not-Doc sits in his office, and Ava asks where was he just now? He looked positively blissful. He says he was thinking about her and making all her dreams come true.
Curtis puts a necklace on Jordan, asking her to be his Valentine. She loves it, but hopes he didn’t go into debt. He says, business is booming. She seems less than thrilled about Franco being in custody, and he asks if she thinks she has the wrong guy.
Drew tells Franco and Elizabeth, wait for the honeymoon. Franco says they’ll have to wait for a conjugal visit, but she says it’s not close to being over. The police have plenty of time to realize he’s not guilty.
Laura tells Lulu it’s not too late to change her mind, but she says she’s not spending another night in the hospital. She’ll heal faster at home. Laura wants a police guard at Lulu’s house, and Lulu asks, why?The killer was caught, andFranco will get what’s coming to him for killing Kiki, Mary Pat, and Peyton. And for what he tried to do to her.
Maxie tells Peter that she can’t believe Valentin. Romancing Nina, and getting her to marry him, while harboring a deep, dark secret. She snaps her chopstick in half, and Peter puts his hand to his eye. He tells her that he got a crumb in his eyeball.
Sonny asks if Carly is sure she’s pregnant. She says she took a test. He tells her that he doesn’t want to hurt her feelings, but it has to be a mistake.
Lulu tells Laura that they’re all safe, now that Franco is locked up. Laura agrees, but wants a guard just until Franco is arraigned and locked up in Pentonville. Lulu asks if she isn’t being overprotective. Laura says Lulu collapsed in her arms, covered in blood. She can’t leave Lulu unprotected. Spencer walks in, and tells them, who says she’s unprotected?Never fear; Spencer is here.
Maxie calls for some water. Nina looks over to see what’s going on, but Valentin says it looks like it’s being handled. He’d rather spend the time planning their wedding. Nina thinks there’s something to be said for long engagements. Maxie tells Peter that they should go to the ER, but he says it’s not necessary. She says, it’s all Valentin’s fault. Peter says to give her peace of mind, they need more facts. Maxie admits they don’t know anything, but the only reason Valentin would go out on a limb for Obrecht, is if she has leverage. The only two things she could be using are Charlotte or Nina, but Maxie doesn’t think Obrecht would use a small child. That leaves an adult child. The secret is about Sasha.
Obrecht sings karaoke at The Floating Rib. Griff sits at the bar. Sasha walks in.
Curtis tells Jordan that she’ll have to prove it, one way or the other. First to herself; then to the court. He suggests they go over the plan, and she says she already told him. She’s throwing the book at Franco. The arrest doesn’t sit well with her, and Curtis tells her to use him as a sounding board. She says her plan isn’t exactly on the up and up, and carries certain risks.
Not-Doc tells Ava, the only regret he has, is living a provincial life with conventional women. He needed a woman who does things her own way. Ava says that’s her, but she’s done time for that. He says he’s also been in a prison – of his own making, constrained by the expectations of others and himself. She freed him, and accepted who he is. With her at his side, he can do anything. She feels the same way. He can never repay her, but he’ll do his best, starting today. It’s their first Valentine’s Day. What does she want most. He’ll get it for her, no matter what it costs.
Carly tells Sonny the tests are 99% accurate. She took two to make sure, and it was a plus sign both times. Sonny thought she was on the pill, but she says, no. She thought she was past the age of getting pregnant. Clearly, she was wrong. She thought she was late because of her age. Sonny asks if she’s sure that’s not it. She says, it’s not a mistake; she’s pregnant. He asks what she’s going to do, and she says she was hoping they could figure that out together. He asks when she thinks it happened, and she says the surprise New Year’s Eve trip to the city; she’s about six weeks. Another kid never crossed his mind, and she says her neither. He asks if she’s seen a doctor, but she says she just found out. He wonders how safe it is for her to have a baby, and she says there are some risks. He says, how bad? When she was pregnant with Josslyn, there was a 50/50 chance of her having a stroke. She says, it was a while ago; maybe the odds have improved. He says, if they haven’t, she’s not going through with it. She asks if he doesn’t want a baby, and he says he doesn’t want her to have a stroke and die.
Curtis says Jordan didn’t tell him the plan was dangerous. She says it’s their best chance of flushing out the killer. If Franco is exonerated, it could expose the real killer. She wants to confuse them, making them think Franco is taking the fall. Curtis gets a text, and says he has to get back to the hospital. Lulu might need him. Jordan says she needs more than a hunch, and is going to put the plan into action. Curtis asks, where? and she says, the source.
Elizabeth says she won’t stand by while the police blame her husband for a crime he didn’t commit. He tells her not to engage Lulu. He thinks she really believes he attacked her. Drew says maybe the trauma confused her memory, and when she’s better, she’ll realize. Elizabeth says, maybe isn’t good enough. When the news of the wedding gets out, there’s going to be a reaction. Franco says he won’t talk, Drew won’t, and he’s pretty sure Cliff won’t. Elizabeth says, she will.
Lulu wonders if Spencer shouldn’t be in school, but he says he’s on holiday. She says he’s always on holiday, but he tells her he can’t help how the French do things. He thought it would be a welcome change to their dreary lives, and if he was constricted by rules, they wouldn’t be together, and they’d spend Valentine’s Day falling asleep on the couch, wondering what went wrong.
Ava tells not-Doc what she wants most, she’ll never have. She wants to make things right with Kiki. She wants never to have pushed her away or hurt her, and never have lost her. He says he’ll ease her grief. She’ll be happy again, he promises. It’s a promise he’s not afraid to make, and would die to keep. She says she loves him, and they kiss.
Sonny says Carly has to think about everybody who needs her. Josslyn’s boyfriend is going to die. She doesn’t need this. Jax would take her, but what happens to Avery? The only mother figure she’ll have is that bitch. Carly asks, what if the odds are better? Sonny says they’ll talk to the doctor. She says, if it’s relatively safe, do they want this? He says they don’t have talk until they see a doctor. She says it seems he doesn’t want the baby under any circumstances. He tells her that he didn’t say that. Maybe it’s her. She says, maybe it is. Michael is an adult, Josslyn is a teenager, and Avery is getting bigger. Do they want to do this all over again? Do they really want to bring another baby into their world? He asks if this is because of his business.
Lulu asks what about Spencer’s love life, and he says he has a few irons in the fire. He thought it would be gauche to brag about his success, when Doc is ruining his grandmother’s life. Lulu says Doc helped her through a tough time. Spencer says, it doesn’t excuse what Doc did to his grandmother. Curtis comes by, and Laura says Lulu is just about to be discharged. She has one thing to do first.
Franco says Elizabeth can’t tell the world their married. She says her sons need know, and tells him that he’ll never be alone again. Jordan comes in, and says, sorry; marrying hours are over. Elizabeth and Franco kiss. Franco thanks Drew, and Drew leaves with Elizabeth. Jordan says, Cliff too. She needs a moment alone with the newly married man.
Valentin tells Nina, they can get married tomorrow or next year, but he was under the impression she wanted to get married right away. She says she does want that, but long with a long engagement, they have time to plan a wedding, put their signature on it, and give people time to get used to the idea. Some people are not that keen on them getting married. He asks, any people in particular?
Sasha and Griff talk. Obrecht approaches them, and says she sees Griff has met her lovely niece. Griff says they’re acquainted. Obrecht says Sasha’s flame burns bright and hot like Nina’s. Take care not to wander too close to her flame. He may get singed. She laughs.
Peter wonders what Valentin could know about Sasha that he doesn’t want known? Maxie says, Nina is so happy to have her back, nothing would bother her. She’d forgive Sasha anything. The worst thing would be to lose her again. Peter asks, what betrayal would cause that? Maxie knows the answer, but doesn’t want to say it out loud. Given who Valentin is, and what he’s capable of, there’s a chance Sasha is not really Nina’s daughter.
Ava fixes her clothes. Not-Doc says, sorry; something came over him. He should have saved it for later. Ava says they’ll have a lot of laters; there’s only one now. They kiss, and Laura walks in.
Maxie tells Peter, after twenty-five years, Valentin is the one who finds Sasha, when they thought she was dead? After two DNA tests, she let it go. Nina has a lightness she didn’t have before, and is the happiest Maxie has ever seen her. Nina always wanted what she couldn’t have; a child of her own. The only way Valentin could change her mind was to provide what she never had. Like Peter said, the ends justify the means.
Spencer asks if Curtis is moonlighting. He thought Curtis was a police officer. Curtis says he’s not a cop, but he’s married to the commissioner. Spencer says, must be rough. A commissioner is busy. He asks how the election investigation turned out, but Curtis says it was sidelined. It wasn’t a priority. Spencer says why waste tax payers’ money, since the new election went off without a hitch. Justice was served. Curtis says the commissioner will get back to it and get to bottom of things.
Jordan tells Franco, don’t talk; just look. He says, what is it? and she says, a wedding gift. She shows him an envelope.
Not-Doc asks what he can do for Laura. She says she ran into his assistant, and thought he’d seen his last patient for the day. He says, Ava isn’t his patient; she’s his lover. Ava says she’ll give them a minute, and he kisses her again before she leaves. Laura says, really? and he says, it’s Valentine’s Day. She seems offended. Maybe it’s something she should explore. She says it seems unlike him. He says unlike him with her, but he’s with Ava now. He’s a new man.
Carly tells Sonny that they used to tell themselves the business wouldn’t touch their kids, but they know better now. The kids grew up with guards and bullet proof glass. Eventually they realized he was a criminal, and played by one set of rules, while they were expected to play by another. Avery is still young, but will figure it out eventually, and as much as Sonny protects them, he knows his family is a target. Do they want to do that to another child? Sonny says, it doesn’t seem fair, but Carly says, life’s not fair. It’s random and arbitrary. If they dwell the bad things, they’ll be paralyzed. They need to have hope and faith. Life doesn’t happen the way you expect. Sonny says even if she has a healthy pregnancy, and has a healthy baby, who will they remind her of? She says, Morgan.
Valentin says Sasha expressed reservations about he and Nina getting married. Nina says she thinks he’s great. She’s just being protective, and making sure Nina is jumping in with her eyes open. Nina thinks it’s better for both their peace of mind, if they walk down the aisle with no objections.
Maxie wonders how Valentin pulled off the test, and Peter says it can be faked. She says, one, absolutely, but two? From two different labs? And there’s no way Curtis would be involved. Peter says maybe the sample was rigged, but Maxie says, he got it directly from Sasha. What if he provided the sample that was given to Curtis? That would mean Sasha is in on it.
Obrecht asks if Griff has heard about her new endeavor. She’s The Invader’s new medical advice columnist. Sasha says she’s perfectly healthy, and Griff says he is too. She says the questions don’t have to be about maladies. Her column is more concerned with birth, aging, death, dying, and family matters. For instance, Sasha will want to learn the medical history of her family.
Not-Doc says Laura isn’t there to celebrate the holiday. Laura says Lulu is being discharged, and she came to thank him. He helped Lulu remember Franco was the one who attacked her, and they were able to bring him to justice. Not-Doc says he did what he had to do. Laura says it worked, so she thanks him. The arraignment is tomorrow. Not-Doc hopes the reckoning is swift, so the victims and the community can heal and move on. Like they need to. She says she told Alexis to put a rush on the divorce. It shouldn’t take long, since they don’t want anything from one another. He says they do need to address the prenup.
At The Floating Rib, Drew toasts to Elizabeth, Franco, and many years together.
Jordan tells Franco, it’s a sneak preview to the prosecution’s case. He opens it, and looks at the photos inside. He starts to breathe heavy, and says, what is this? She asks if he doesn’t recognize his handiwork. He throws it across the cell, and ask how she could do that to him? He didn’t do that. He couldn’t have done that. He couldn’t kill anybody; he doesn’t have it in him anymore. If he lived a million years, he wouldn’t understand who could do that to Kiki. Jordan says, a person without a soul, but he has one, doesn’t he? She says he didn’t attack Lulu, and didn’t kill Kiki or any of them.
Sonny tells Carly that he loves all the kids; hers and his. Morgan was from both of them; he shared their DNA. When he died, Sonny wanted to die too. He prayed for that. He doesn’t want to go through that terrible grief again. Carly says she loved Morgan so much. She misses him every day. She gets snapshots in her head. They’re random, and just hit her. Sometimes she remembers him as a toddler; next, she sees him as a grown man. She remembers the first time he talked with a deep voice. As much as she misses him, and it’s hard to grieve, she’s never wished he’d never been born. She’s glad they didn’t know how it would end at the beginning. The truth is, they don’t know how this will end. They don’t know what kind of life the baby will have, but if it’s safe, she wants to find out. She wants to have this baby. Sonny says, first things first. They see the doctor, and see how big the risk is. She says, all right. and they hug.
Valentin says Nina makes a good point. If they rush, it looks like they’re hiding something, and they won’t enjoy the journey. Nina wants to be married now. He does too, but wants to make sure she’s happy.
Maxie tells Peter, at first, she thought Sasha was a victim, but she would have to know. Valentin must have hired her. It will break Nina’s heart all over again. Peter says, unless it’s not true. Maxie says they won’t know for certain until they do a DNA test of their own. She knows how to make that happen.
Griff bets Sasha didn’t think she was getting a crazy aunt. Sasha says Obrecht is definitely a lot to handle. Maxie calls, and asks if Sasha is free tomorrow. Sasha has no plans, and Maxie offers to treat her to a mani/pedi at a cute salon. She’ll send her the deets. Maxie tells Peter, one DNA sample coming up.
Franco tells Jordan that he didn’t do it. She says she’s seen his files. He’s a killer, but not the kind she’s looking. He asks if she’s letting him go.
Not-Doc says Laura Insisted on a prenup. It was not only generous, but prudent. He’ll accept the settlement it provides, and that will be the end of it. She looks confused, and he asks if Alexis talked to her. She says she didn’t have a moment. He says they’ll iron out the details, so there are no uncertainties between them. Laura thinks it’s probably best that they have their lawyers present. He hopes for a prompt conclusion. She says, her too. Not-Doc says, for all their sakes. She says, of course, and leaves. Ava comes back, and not-Doc says the prolonged divorce is taking its toll. She asks if Laura is dragging her feet, but he says they have to sort out the prenup. Then he’ll be a free man. Ava is surprised there’s a prenup. She pictures Laura insisting it would doom a marriage before it begins, and saying, what’s hers is his.
Laura leaves a message for Alexis, asking if Doc questioned her about a prenup. She says, call her back. It’s very important.
Lulu tells Spencer to give the lonely hearts talk a rest. His grandmother doesn’t need any more reminders. Spencer says she needs to steel her heart against that scoundrel. Her nature is too forgiving. Curtis asks if they’re good to go. Lulu says Laura just texted for them not to wait. She’ll meet them at home. Curtis thought she’d be pushing the wheelchair, but Lulu says something came up.
Ava says she and not-Doc should continue the celebration elsewhere. He asks if she minds a slight delay. One of his patients is in dire straits. We should start a drinking game for every time he says that. She says, as long as it’s slight. Don’t be long. She leaves, and he calls Kay at Ferncliff. He wants to drop in on his special patient. Make sure they’re prepared for his arrival. He’s on his way.
Elizabeth tells Drew, her husband says he’s innocent. Let’s go. They leave The Floating Rib.
Franco says, finally, sanity, and asks Jordan when he’s getting out. She says he’s staying where he is. He says he thought she said she knows he didn’t do it. Is she letting him take the fall? She says that depends on what he’s willing to do to prove he’s innocent. He asks what he has to do, and she says, whatever it takes.
Laura follows not-Doc out of the hospital.
On Monday, Chase asks if Willow has a problem with Brad, Ryan visits real Doc, and Laura says time is of the essence.
💋 Quotes of the Week
Happiness isn’t something that depends on our surroundings…it’s something we make inside ourselves. – Corrie ten Boom
When you boycott light, you spread darkness. – Netta Barzilai, on the push to boycott Israel’s hosting of the Eurovision
Only when we know who we are can we get what we want. – Littlefinger (Aiden Gillen), Game of Thrones
Nearly all men can stand adversity, but if you want to test a man’s character, give him power. – Abraham Lincoln
That is a bad nose. – Dr. Terry Dubrow, Botched
Everyone thinks they have the best dog… and none of them are wrong. – W.R. Purche
🐶 Speaking of Dogs…
Company’s coming, so I have to jet early, but let these Westminster Dog Show cuties send you off on your weekend.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Sam brought Jason something. Danny made him a card. She tells him the scribble is from Scout. He loves it. She loves him. She hates that they’ll be separated on Valentine’s Day, but says she knows it counts least as a holiday. He agrees that he’s not a huge Valentine’s Day celebrating person, but he’s looking forward to celebrating with her. She asks if she can get that in writing. He says she knows he loves being with her. She has to go to the party, then she’s picking up the kids up, but she doesn’t have to leave now. They kiss.
Shiloh tells Kristina, job well done. She must be proud. She says she can’t take credit; she had help. He asks if she has any idea when her sister is arriving.
Franco is thrilled to see Elizabeth, but says she shouldn’t be there. She has a family to look after. She says one member of her family is at the police station. He’s part of her family, and she wonders when that is going to sink in. He says there’s nothing she can do for him. She says, maybe not, but there’s something she can do for them. They’ve been putting it off for too long. She wants to marry him. He says he wants to marry her too. She says, let’s do it. Right here right now.
At the MetroCourt, Ned and Olivia wish each other a happy Valentine’s Day. Ned says this time they got it right. Olivia agrees they haven’t had the best luck with that, but Ned says, this year, it’s going to change. He slides a keycard over to her. He says, not just any room; 610. He asks her to let him set the scene. Her, drunk as a skunk, about to adopt every dog in the animal shelter. That’s the night he fell in love with her, and he’s been falling ever since. They kiss. I have no idea what he’s talking about, so I must have missed that episode.
In bed, Carly tells Sonny, making love in the middle of the afternoon is a luxury. Sonny says, Valentine’s Day is just getting started. She says she thought they agreed not to exchange any gifts, but he says he loves to surprise her.
Robert tells Cabot, come on. He knows there are certain aspects of his research he never intended to be made public. Cabot asks why he should tell them, and Anna says, if he doesn’t answer their questions, he won’t get his sight back. He knows that voice. Alex Devane. Anna says, yes; it’s me.
Sonny tells Carly, it’s been a hard year; everything with his father. He leaned on her. She says they’re a team, but he says he couldn’t have done it without her. He needs her. Always. He doesn’t say it enough. He loves her and appreciates her, and there’s no one he’d rather walk this crazy world with. She says, funny he should say that. He tells her that he made reservations for dinner, and they have to get going. He got the best table, and doesn’t want to lose it. It will be a night to remember. She laughs, and when he’s out of earshot, she says, you could say that again.
Kristina says she’s sure Sam will show up soon, and Shiloh tells her to let him know. Valerie walks in, and Kristina say she didn’t know Valerie was coming. Valerie says Kristina did invite her. Along with everyone else on her MyFace page, but it was an invite. Kristina thought Valerie had been avoiding her, but Valerie says it’s totally forgotten. She’s sorry she overreacted. She was caught off guard, and didn’t handle it gracefully. Kristina says, and she did? Valerie wants to be friends again, if that’s cool. Kristina says, absolutely. Shiloh wonders where Sam is.
Spinelli arrives at Jason’s place. He hopes he’s not interrupting. Is he? Sam says, it’s okay. She was just leaving. She’s going to the Dawn of Day party. Spinelli implores her, proceed with caution. From what he’s uncovered, Shiloh is quite dangerous. He’ll fill Jason in. Sam says she’ll see Jason tomorrow. Jason tells her, be safe. When she’s gone, Jason asks Spinelli, how dangerous is he? Spinelli says, murderously so
Cabot asks, is it Alex Devane or Alex Merrick now? It’s been far too long Anna says, it has. Because of a bounty on her head, she couldn’t make herself known sooner. He asks, why now? and she says she needs to know about the project they worked on together. He says, wait. She’s not Alex. She’s the other one.
Franco says Elizabeth is joking. He asks if she realizes it’s just the two of them, and she says she realizes they keep putting it off because life gets in the way, and she’s done. It’s time they get in life’s way. He says, no. She can’t marry an accused killer behind bars. It’s not the wedding of her dreams, or what she deserves. She says all she needs is him. What does he say? Will he marry her?
Spinelli tells Jason, the story Shiloh spun is that his father was a ruined man after Sam wiped out his finances.It’s a compelling story, but far from complete. After Sam fled, Shiloh’s father registered a patent, and there was a bidding war over the rights. He was on his way to another fortune. Jason asks, what stopped him? and Spinelli says, his death. The brakes failed on his car. It was a freakish accident, considering it was a brand new high end vehicle. Jason asks if Spinelli thinks the brakes were tampered with, but Spinelli says, that’s unclear. He needs to do more digging. Jason says, do that. Start with what happened to the patent.
Shiloh is glad Sam made it. Kristina watches them, and Valerie asks if she’s okay. Does she need to talk? Kristina says if anyone should apologize, it should be her for getting the wrong idea. She’s been talking about it in group sessions. She tells Valerie, this place is amazing. They listen without judgement. She used to beat herself up over mistakes, but the truth is, there are no mistakes. Shiloh taught her, every choice, right or wrong, lays a brick in the path we walk. Every choice leads you to the now. Knowing that is the first step to self-acceptance. Valerie says, it sounds nice.
Shiloh hands Sam his book, and says, a gift. She says she already read it; cover to cover. He says, and…? She says she couldn’t help notice there was something missing – him.
At the MetroCourt, Sonny says he wanted to take Carly someplace else, but it is the best food in town. Is she okay with it? She says she’s okay with anywhere, as long as she’s with him. He tells the waitress that he ordered champagne, and she leaves to get it. He slides an envelope over to Carly. He asks if she remembers when they got married, they made a list of places they wanted to go. She says they’ve gone to almost all of them. He says, except one. Azores. Carly thought it was too difficult to get too, but Sonny was convinced otherwise. He says they’re leaving in three weeks. She seems hesitant, and he asks if she doesn’t want to go. She says she doesn’t know if she’s able to. He asks, why?
Anna says Cabot is mistaken, but he says, don’t bother denying it. He knows her sister quite well. Let him guess. That isn’t a medical colleague either. Robert says, Robert Scorpio, WSB. Anna says, who they are doesn’t change a damn thing. If he wants his sight back, he’ll have to answer questions, or her friend won’t treat him. Cabot says they’ve already overplayed their hand. He appreciates the attempt to trade on his familiarity with Dr. Merrick, but it’s apparent this is part of a WSB investigation. If they want his cooperation, they have to treat him first.
Sam noticed there’s not much in the book about Shiloh’s family. She knows about them, but doesn’t know anything about him. They sit. She remembers he told her that he never wanted to settle down, and his followers are his family, but is that entirely true? There had to be someone he was serious about at some point. Shiloh says his father’s personal experience left him closed off to sharing his life with another person. Sam says he means his father’s experience with her.
Sonny asks if Carly has too much work. She says they have a lot going on in general. There’s been a lot of turmoil in the past year; too much. She thinks life is like childbirth. Problems cause agony when you’re going through them, but when you get to the other side, the pain fades, and you’re left with the good. They’ve had trying times in the past year, but also beautiful moments she’s grateful for. Sonny says he’s grateful for her. She made him see it was important to spend time with his dad. She saw that, knew that, and helped him wrap his mind around it. Carly says she sounds amazing. Sonny says she’s not just an amazing mother, but an amazing wife. She’s his friend, and she loves him, period. it means a lot to him. Carly asks if he’s trying to make her cry. He says, no. he’s trying to get her to give him a kiss. She says she loves him.
Sam wonders how could Shiloh put himself out there, when he’s been so burned? He supposes it makes sense, but that’s not the only reason. He realized in order to find happiness, he had to find peace within himself. Sam says that resonates with her. He asks when she’s going to stop running, and find peace within herself?
Franco tells Elizabeth that his heart is so filled with her. He won’t marry her there. She asks, why not? and he says because he’s in jail, and no one is there to marry them. Unless Cliff is ordained. He calls over to the guard, and asks if he’s ordained. Cliff laughs, and Franco says he thinks that’s a no. Elizabeth says she thought about that recruited a person for the job. Drew comes in, saying, I heard you crazy kids want to get married.
Elizabeth thanks Drew for coming. Drew says she approached him last night, and she says she thought someone important to them both should do the honors. Franco asks if he’s ordained, and Drew says, it’s so easy, it’s frightening. Franco says they have no witness. He calls to Cliff, who asks, what now? Franco asks if it isn’t his job to keep eye on them. By definition, he thinks makes Cliff a witness. He tells Elizabeth that it’s insane. She knows, but wouldn’t have it any other way.
Valerie tells Kristina, now that they’re not avoiding each other, they can hang out again. Kristina says there are some great introductory seminars that she thinks would be perfect for Valerie. She’ll get a brochure.
Shiloh puts hands on each side of Sam’s face, and tells her, close her eyes. He says they get so sidetracked on their path, their thoughts become robots. They worry about the past, which is behind us, and the future is just imagination. What’s important is the present; the here and now. He asks, when is she? and Sam says, now. Kristina watches Shiloh touching Sam’s face.
Spinelli tells Jason, the plan is for him and Sam to focus on Hank/Shiloh, and he’ll focus on the father, and whatever fate befell him. Jason is sorry Spinelli isn’t with Ellie on Valentine’s Day, but Spinelli says he took the precaution of booking a flight home. Jason tells him, have fun, and tell Ellie that they said hi. Spinelli missed the sound of we. Jason says, the patent first, and Spinelli says he’ll call. Jason thanks him, and Spinelli spontaneously hugs him.
Kristina tells Sam and Shiloh, sorry to interrupt. Sam tells her to stay, but she says she has to go back to the event. She goes back to Valerie, wanting to show her the brochure, but Valerie has to get going. She has an early shift. She thanks Kristina, and says, it was fun. Call her. It’s great that she wants to spend time together. They hug. Valerie leaves, and Kristina looks panicked.
Sam gets up, and Shiloh asks if she’s leaving. Sam thinks it’s a good idea. It’s Kristina’s place; her home. She doesn’t want Kristina to think she’s stepping on her thing. Shiloh says, if Kristina thinks that, she’s not observing their tenets. She tells him, she’s trying to be sensitive; that’s all. He understands, and asks if she’ll come again. She says, yes, of course. She’ll see him around. He looks over at Kristina.
Outside, Sam calls Jason. She says she’s on her way out to pick up the kids. He asks how it went, and she says, good. He asks if she talked to Shiloh, and she says, it was pretty creepy. It’s so weird how he gets people to do things for him, and think it’s their idea. He asks about Kristina, and Sam says, she was pretty possessive. She thinks Kristina has a thing for Shiloh. Jason says, they’ll figure it out, and she tells him that she’ll see him tomorrow. He tells her, happy Valentine’s Day, and she asks if it killed him to say that. He says, no; he loves her. She says she loves him too.
Shiloh tells Kristina that her sister knows a lot about him. Kristina noticed they spent a lot of time together, and admits it bothers her. She doesn’t think she’s as enlightened as she ought to be, but he tells her not to be too hard on herself. He asks what level she’s at, and she says she’s only done the introductory course. He says the kind of enlightenment he’s talking about isn’t touched on until later. She says she doesn’t have the money for those courses. He says if she needed surgery, she’d find the money. Perhaps she should think about paying the same attention and importance to her soul. It’s something to think about. Can you say Scientology?
Finn tells Cabot, the terms are non-negotiable. Cabot says everything is negotiable. It’s not just hi vision on the line. If he answers their questions, he’ll be betraying people who could retaliate by killing him. If they want him to risk death, the operation comes first. Anna says, fine. Finn will neutralize the virus, and then talk. Cabot says, deal. Robert says he’ll make the arrangements. Cabot says he likes Anna
The news breaks in. Then when they come back, it’s to a commercial. Thanks, ABC.
Anna tells Cabot the feeling isn’t mutual. He says she has the same tenacity as her sister. How is she? She doesn’t know; they’re not in contact. He supposes he’s not surprised. They were always like oil and water. Robert comes back, saying the travel arrangements are made. They’re staying in a hotel tonight, and flying to Port Charles in the morning. Cabot says, fantastic. Anna thanks Robert, and he says, don’t mention it. He means it. He had to violate twelve protocols to move this bastard. He says, ready, doc? and wheels him out. Finn asks if Anna is okay. She says, something he said… It’s probably nothing. He tells her, happy Valentine’s Day, but she says they probably missed it. He says it’s a Swedish clock, but he’s still on Port Charles time. He kisses her.
Franco asks, what about rings? but Drew says Elizabeth thought about that, and shows him the wedding rings. Franco is impressed. He thinks Drew has a bright future as a wedding planner. Franco says Drew doesn’t have to do this, but it means a lot. Drew says he’s connected to Elizabeth through the boys, and they’ve been through some stuff. He thinks of Franco as a brother. One he’d like to choke half the time, nonetheless. He asks Franco to do him a favor. Treat Elizabeth right. She’s one of the good ones. Franco knows. Elizabeth comes back, and they join hands.
There’s a music part. Olivia and Ned get busy. Why are they even in this episode? Carly and Sonny kiss. Sam goes to Jason’s place, and let’s herself in. He asks, what about the kids? She says Monica wanted to take them somewhere, and it was hard to say no. They get busy.
Elizabeth says she didn’t know what expect when Franco came into her life. She never guessed he’d teach her the most important lesson she’d ever learn. Love is completely, unabashedly, insane, and the craziest thing of all is, that’s what makes it so beautiful. She’s forever grateful, and she’ll love, honor, and cherish him until death they do part. Drew says it’s Franco’s turn. Franco says, this is all he’s got. He loves her, and hopes it’s enough. He’s totally down for more loving, cherishing, and honoring. He loves her. He says, Elizabeth Imogene Webber, till death do they part. Drew tells him, well said, and asks if Elizabeth takes Franco as her husband. She does.
Drew asks if Franco takes Elizabeth to be his wife. He does. Drew says, by the power vested in him by the internet, he pronounces them husband and wife. They kiss through the bars.
Jason and Sam bask in the afterglow. She asks where he got the flowers, and he says he asked the flower lady. She thinks he means the florist. He asked what she suggested for someone who doesn’t like a big deal, but secretly likes holidays. Sam asks if she picked them out, but he says she told him whoever it was is a lucky woman, and went to the next customer. He asks if it was a bad choice. Sam says, it was a good choice. The florist was right; she’s a lucky woman. She wants to be nowhere else but with him. Jason gets it now. The point of Valentine’s day isn’t about chocolate and flowers. It’s about not taking love for granted. It’s about saying those words. He loves her so much. She loves him too. They kiss, and probably get busy again, but we don’t see that.
Ned asks Olivia who she’s calling. She says, the animal shelter; who does he think? She’s calling room service. They should open another bottle. He’s in. All in with her, forever. She says, room service can wait.
Back home, Sonny asks if Carly wants a drink. She says, no. She wants to sit with him for a second. He asks if she’s okay, and she says she’s great. She was just thinking about life, them, everything. How it has its ups and downs. she thinks as long as they have each other, and hold on to that connection, they can handle anything life throws at them. He says, sounds great, and she says, good. She’s pregnant.
Tomorrow, Maxie tells Peter the secret is about Sasha, Lulu says Franco is going to get what’s coming to him, and Carly asks if Sonny doesn’t want this baby.
🔪 On Top Chef, Art Smith was a guest judge for the Quickfire challenge, a spice taste test while blindfolded. I noted that Padma should really lose the white eyeliner. No. Just no. Sara was the winner, naming all twelve spices she tasted. The next challenge was for the chefs to create their own spice blend in honor of KFC’s Colonel Sanders. Courtesy of Art, we find out the Colonel didn’t achieve success until age sixty. There’s hope! The chefs only had a half hour to fry up some chicken. There was no elimination escape, but there was a $5000 prize. Sara was the big winner there too, totally redeeming herself from the boxed biscuit fiasco last week. Next, for the elimination challenge, the chefs had to work together on a progressive menu based on six of Muhammad Ali’s most memorable fights. The dinner was served at a charity gala being held at the Muhammad Ali Center, with Laila Ali as guest judge. Gail Simmons was also back, after having her baby. Eric came out on top, with something called fufu, a plantain dish from Africa. His course also represented the Rumble in the Jungle, aka the Ali vs George Foreman fight in 1974. Eddie had to gather up his knives and take a hike, the judges feeling he didn’t go far enough. He said being in the competition was about confidence and getting out of his own shell, and he thought he came out a better person and chef. Next time, who knows? I wasn’t paying attention. But in the useless brush-with-celebrity trivia department, I once saw Muhammad Ali in an elevator and he smiled at me, making my heart go pitty-pat.
💖 Speaking Of Hearts…
A few Valentine related quotes.
Love is taking a few steps backward maybe even more…to give way to the happiness of the person you love. – Winnie thePooh, aka A.A. Milne
Love is, above all, the gift of oneself. – Jean Anouilh
We are afraid to care too much, for fear that the other person does not care at all. – Eleanor Roosevelt
If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. – 1 Corinthians 13:1-3
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Stockholm, Sweden. Finn tells Robert he drives like a maniac. Robert wanted to get to the clinic before Cabot left. He says it’s a Bureau op, so he’ll do the talking. Finn says the man worked for the DVX. If he hears WSB, he might shut down. Finn thinks he should talk, doctor to doctor. He tells Robert to just sit there, and try not look so much like a spy. He told Anna that he’d check in. He calls, and tells her that they just got to the clinic. They’re hoping to see Cabot. He didn’t want Valentine’s Day to go by… Anna says, without saying he loves and misses her? He says, all of the above. She tells him that she has a special present, and comes around the corner, saying, happy Valentine’s Day.
Willow goes to the MetroCourt. She looks around, and says, maybe he’s just late. She calls Chase, and leaves message that she’s there, but doesn’t see him. She thought they were meeting after school let out. She says, if there’s any problem, call her. She starts to leave, and runs into Brad and Wiley. Wiley smiles, but Brad, not so much. I normally don’t pay much attention to the babies, but Wiley is a blast. He’s one of the most animated babies I’ve ever seen on any show.
At the hospital, Michael pulls an envelope out of his pocket, and looks at the contents. Chase asks how it’s going, and Michael says, better, now that Franco has been arrested. Chase says he knows it must be a relief that the alleged killer is behind bars. The evidence is strong. He just retuned a file to Doc; dark stuff. He sees the envelope and asks if Michael has a secret admirer. Michael says it’s someone they’d both love to forget. We see the return address is Nelle at the prison.
Kristina sits with Alexis at the MetroCourt, and asks why Sam wanted to meet. Alexis thinks she just wants to check in, since they’ve all been busy.
Sam tells Jason that she doesn’t want to go. Jason wishes she could stay. She has to go to the MetroCourt, and make Kristina and her mother believe they broke up. Jason wonders, what if it backfires? Kristina could get pulled in deeper. There’s a knock at the door. It’s Shiloh looking for Jason. They stay quiet, and Jason sees Shiloh is leaving a phone message. He says Kristina gave him Jason’s number. He heard Jason was at Beechers Corners, and had a chat with his friends. It’s not necessary. If Jason has questions, he can ask Shiloh. He knows where Shiloh is. He leaves, and Jason tells Sam that he’s gone. Sam says, that’s not creepy or anything. Kristina gave him the number, and now he knows where Jason lives.
Kristina tells Alexis that they didn’t just achieve a mini-breakthrough at Dawn of Day, but she had a heart to heart with dad her dad. She introduced him to Shiloh. He was scoping Shiloh out, and putting him on notice. Alexis says he does that to everyone, but Kristina says he has no reason to worry about Shiloh. That’s why she’s grateful Sonny invited her to dinner. He really listened when she told him DOD was like family to her. He didn’t challenge her or criticize. Alexis says she didn’t criticize either, and even went to a seminar. Kristina says she’s talking about dad. Alexis says Kristina has always had her own family with them, and always does.
Finn and Anna hug. He’s happy, but also confused. He thought she was keeping an eye on Obrecht. She says it was really counterproductive. Peter is in charge of his own life. If he wants to employ a woman who captured him and tortured him for weeks, who is she to interfere? Peter is doing it for Maxie; they’re edging toward a relationship. Obrecht is her mother-in-law and James’s grandmother, and Maxie wants to see the best in her. Robert says Anna is dangerously close to being Obrecht’s BFF. She says they have an armed truce. If Obrecht behaves, she won’t intervene, but if she goes back to her old ways, Anna will slam her. Meanwhile, she’s here to help. Robert says there’s a bar in the hotel lobby. She can wait there. Anna doesn’t think so. Robert says she can’t stay. If Cabot gets an eyeful of her, it blows the deal.
Michael says he thought of throwing it in the trash, unopened. Chase says, or setting it on fire? Michael says Nelle is getting under his skin, and knows it. Chase reads, thinking of you and sweet Jonah. Michael says he can see Nelle in her arts and crafts class, scoring points with the guards. Meanwhile, she’s twisting the knife. It always comes back to Jonah. She never misses the opportunity to bring up the son they lost. Chase says he can make a call to the prison, but Michael says, no. Chase wonders if he wants to hear from her.
Willow asks if Brad is coming back from a parent/baby group. She’s a big believer in early child development. Wiley must love it. Brad says he does, but it’s getting toward naptime. He has to get home. She thought he was headed into the restaurant. He says he was, but he’s had enough coffee, and he’s tired. You know what they says; you sleep when they sleep. She says he knows who she is, doesn’t he?
Sam asks what Jason is thinking. Jason says he went to Beechers Corners, and Sam wonders if it’s payback. Jason says it’s a message that he’s on Shiloh’s radar. A message that he’s pulling Sam in, and Jason doesn’t want to interfere. Sam says tonight’s theme is, true love begins with self-love. Jason says the last thing Shiloh wants is for him to step in and create distance. He’s going to try and get Jason to lash out, so Sam will move away from Jason, and closer to him. She says she’s telling her mom and Kristina that they broke up. Jason thinks her mom will be happy. Sam says Alexis likes him, just not with her. She says it’s temporary, just until she can get Kristina away from Shiloh. Now he knows where Jason lives, so they can’t meet up. Jason says, there are plenty of ways in and out of the building. That’s why he got the apartment. It’s not easy to track who’s coming in or going out. Sam says he thinks of everything. He says he thought he’d be avoiding the cops, and Sam says, instead, he’s avoiding the con. They kiss, and Jason tells her, good luck.
Anna asks if Robert just told her to wait in the hotel bar. He says, it’s a nice bar, and she says he can wait there. She and Finn will deal with Cabot. Finn loves the idea, but doesn’t think it will work. She says, how so? and he says she came to the conclusion herself. She said they could get closer to Cabot if she wasn’t there. She says she changed her mind. Robert says they don’t know how things were left with her sister. A woman comes in, and asks if she can them. Finn introduces himself, saying they came to confer with Cabot. Anna is sure she’s heard of Finn. He found the cure for Blackwood disease. She says it’s an honor to meet him, but she’s sorry. Their information is out of date. Robert says Cabot isn’t there? She says he’s there, but he doesn’t work there. He’s a patient.
Michael tells Chase, in a weird way, Nelle has done him a favor. The card had a different effect than she intended. She can’t get to him anymore. The pain of losing a son will never go away, but she wants to keep him imprisoned like her; trapped in the past. Chase isn’t sure Nelle is trapped, but she knows how to weaponize it. Michael says he has Jonah in his heart. Not even Nelle can take that away. It gives him the strength to live again.
Brad says, he knows who she is; Wisteria. She says, Willow, and he tells her he’s lousy with names. She’s Michael’s friend, the teacher. They talked at Charlie’s. He must sound like a helicopter parent; the kind a teacher dreads. He promises he won’t bother her with questions. She says, it’s no bother. She loves seeing them, which she’s sure he realizes. She says he knows she’s Wiley’s mother. He says he and Lucas weren’t told the name. She says he knows it’s her. Did Julian tell him? Does Lucas know? Brad says Lucas doesn’t know anything. How long has she known? She says, all that matters is that little boy. The child they both love. Brad asks if she’s trying to have a relationship with Wiley, and she says, yes.
Finn says, Cabot is a patient? Robert says they’d still like to talk to him. He won’t want to pass up a visit from Finn. The woman says Cabot hasn’t wanted visitor, but might make an exception. She leaves, and Anna says they’re not leaving until she finds out why she got the virus. Robert says Cabot and Alex could have parted enemies. Why risk it? Anna tells him, don’t ask her to wait in the bar, and Finn says, never ask something like that. Why doesn’t she get them checked in, and he’ll update her. She says she’s not going, and Robert tells her, stay quiet, and let him do talking. She says she always does. Cabot comes in, sitting in a wheelchair. He says Finn has him at a disadvantage. He doesn’t recall Finn’s name, and he’s unable to see his face.
Kristina tells Alexis that she’s adjusting her perspective. Things are almost perfect. Alexis asks, what’s missing? Kristina says, she is. They were just starting to make progress, and Alexis ran out of the session. Alexis says it doesn’t work for her. Kristina says it seemed like it did until Julian’s name came up. Alexis thinks they should take a theater trip, and Kristina tells her, come back for another try. It worked for them. Alexis thinks they’re in a good place, and Kristina says they are; thanks to Shiloh. Who knows what they could accomplish with more work. Alexis thinks she’ll stick to a more traditional path of self-discovery. Kristina says, okay. She’ll ultimately find something that works for her. Alexis sees that DOD is good for Kristina. She’s happy and found a place she feels she belongs. Kristina hears her, but tells her, just remember, if the traditional path doesn’t work, DOD’s doors are still open. She asks what Alexis is doing tonight. She should come to the Valentine’s Day event. Alexis says she hates Valentine’s Day, but Kristina says, it’s not a typical party. Alexis says she’ll be on her couch. Sam approaches the table, and says if she can go, Alexis can go. The flyer says, true love begins with self-love.
Dawn of Day is being decorated for the event. Shiloh says it looks fantastic, but they need to pick up the pace. Their guests are about to arrive, and to show others the path, their own way must be clear. Jason walks in. He says he got Shiloh’s message. He said Jason should come to him with questions. Here he is. Shiloh hears he took a ride to Beechers Corners. It’s a lovely town, and the people are sweet. Did he find what he was looking for? Jason says he met Harmony; she was helpful. Shiloh says she keeps everything together. He’d be lost without her. Jason tells Shiloh that she had good things to say about him, like Kristina, and she’s devoted. Shiloh says, not to him; to the mission. Jason says the mission seems successful in Beechers Corners. Even the local police are friends. Shiloh likes to think they appreciate the positive influence. Jason asks, if it’s so active, why did he leave and come to Port Charles?
Alexis asks if Sam is going to the Valentine’s Day party with Jason. Sam says, no; they’re not together. Alexis says, since when? Kristina asks what she means. They’re not together for Valentine’s Day or he’s out of town. She says they’ll both be in town, but she won’t be with him. She realized she’ll always love him, but they don’t have a future. Jason has been back for over a year, and they’re still not together. They’re lives have taken different paths. He’s wonderful and fearless, but refuses to change. He’s set in his ways. That’s okay, but he’s just not open to self-discovery. In the past few weeks, she’s realized self-discover is what she needs. There’s so much more she needs to know and explore about herself. Kristina thinks it’s a huge step toward enlightenment. She’s happy for Sam. They hug, but Alexis doesn’t look like she buys it.
Michael wonders where he should throw the card away. Paper and plastic, or toxic materials. Chase says, tough call. Michael has to get to a meeting, and Chase didn’t realize the time. He checks his phone, and hopes Willow’s not canceling. Michael says, are they… and Chase says they’ve just been out a few times. They seem to get along; she even likes his cooking. Michael says Chase really likes her. Chase says she’s the anti-Nelle. Open and honest, and she’s great with kids. Michael says she’s out of Chase’s league. Chase says, she’s had some real setbacks, and they didn’t make her bitter, but better, stronger. They get into the elevator, and Chase says he’s got it bad. Michael says it sounds like he’s got it good.
Willow tells Brad, of course she wants to be part of Wiley’s life, but she knows she can’t be. Brad says the adoption is finalized; he’s theirs. She says maybe when he’s grown, he’ll want to know who she is, but she can’t tell him for now. She can’t allow anyone, including Brad’s husband, to know. They’re wonderful parents, and it’s best for everyone, especially Wiley, if no one knows she’s his mother. Brad says so they’ll stick to the agreement. Like she said, all that matters is Wiley.
Finn says he’s a great admirer of Cabot’s work. He traveled from the US to confer with him, and had no idea. He asks when the blindness occurred. The woman says she’s sorry. She thought they knew each other. Cabot says he’s starved for a colleague to converse with. He tells the woman she can go, calling her Elsa. He tells Finn the blindness came on suddenly, without warning, a few months ago. Finn asks if it started with a severe headache, followed by a loss of consciousness, and waking up blind. Cabot asks how he knows. Finn says his field research was done in infectious diseases. Cabot says he created a synthetic interferon to replicate the human immune system. Finn tells Cabot that he’s treated other patients. Once the virus is cured surgically, it won’t reoccur. Cabot asks, who are the other patients?
At the MetroCourt, Michael sees Brad, who says he has to go. Michael says, not so fast. He wants to see his godson. It’s just what he needs to make it through a boring meeting. He can’t stay away from this kid. Willow doesn’t blame him. Chase arrives, apologizing for being late. Willow says she got know Wiley and his dad a little. Chase asks if she’s okay, and she says she was actually worried he might not show. He’s sorry. He lost track of time. They’ve been working him 24/7 since the attack. Why would she think he’d blow her off? She says she was worried she scared him off after telling him she gave up her baby.
Michael says Wiley is better dinner company that the head of the Port Charles zoning board. Brad doesn’t want to keep him, but Michael says he has a few minutes. He tells Brad that he heard from Nelle, and Brad asks what she said. Michael says, happy Valentine’s Day, in her twisted way. She wants him to feel guilty about losing Jonah. She’s never letting it go.
Finn tells Cabot the names of his patients are confidential. After two cases in Port Charles, New York, he isolated the virus. They both recovered their vision. Cabot asks why he should believe Finn, when every specialist has said otherwise. Robert says, he’s the best, and Cabot asks, who’s that? Finn says his colleague from Sydney, who’s also best at what he does. Cabot asks if Finn can give him back his sight, and Finn says he has every confidence. Cabot says, he may be blind, but he’s not a fool. Finn wants something. Robert says now Cabot is talking his language. If he helps them, they’ll help him.
Alexis asks Sam if this isn’t sudden. Kristina says Sam told them Jason has been there a year, and has acknowledged a barrier existed all along. Alexis says it’s no secret she has reservations about their relationship., but Sam always insisted there was a bond. Sam says her perception changed. There’s a real bond with him, but it’s holding her back. This is something she has to do. Alexis asks how Jason feels. Sam says, he doesn’t like it. He thinks it’s temporary. That’s why she’s going to the Valentine’s Day party at DOD. Shiloh wants her there. Kristina says, it’s not a big deal, and not to feel like she has to accept. Sam says she thought Kristina would be happy she’s going. Kristina wants Sam to be there. That’s what the evening is about; love and renewal. Not just for the lonely; for couples, friends, and family. Maybe it’s the kickstart she needs to move forward without Jason. Sam says, that’s the plan. She doesn’t need a man to complete her. Alexis says she’s seeing a new therapist, and thinks it’s good. Kristina asks if that’s the traditional path she was talking about. Who is he? Alexis asks what makes her think it’s a he? She says she shouldn’t have brought it up. It’s doctor/patient confidentiality. Sam says, not the therapist’s name. Alexis asks if Kristina doesn’t have a party to plan for. Kristina says, it’s not really a party. She’ll see Sam there. She leaves, and Alexis asks what’s really going on with Sam and Jason?
Shiloh tells Jason that he prefers direct questions. What does Jason want to know? Does he think Shiloh is taking over? Beechers Corners, Port Charles, then the world? Jason says he’s the one who said it. Shiloh says he’s been accused of a lot of things, but world domination isn’t one of them. Jason asks what he has been accused of, and Shiloh says, caring too much, offering something money can’t buy. There’s nothing up his sleeves or in a Swiss bank account. What you see is what you get. If he accepts it, he can move past the obstacles he puts in front of himself and Sam. Jason says it always comes back to Sam; the emails. Shiloh says they were sent without his knowledge, but he’s interested in anyone who turns from dark to the light. Sam is already taking steps and coming to their celebration tonight. He says there’s more than enough light. Why doesn’t Jason join them?
Willow says she didn’t mean to put all that on Chase. He’s glad she told him. Trust is everything.
Michael tells Brad, even in prison, Nelle is holding on. He told Chase she’s part of his past, and he’s focusing on the future. It’s looking bright, and a large part of that is because of Wiley.He makes everything better.
Cabot says his blindness surprised Finn, so Finn didn’t come expecting to treat him. He has something Finn wants. Finn says he wants to learn about Cabot’s research with identical twins. It was fascinating; he read every word. But it’s what Cabot didn’t publish that interests him most. Cabot doesn’t know what he means. Robert says the park of his work that he never intended to be made public. Cabot asks why he should tell them. Anna says, if he wants his sight back, he’ll answer their questions. Cabot knows that voice.
Sam tells Alexis that she won’t ask any more questions about Alexis’s therapist, if Alexis doesn’t ask about Jason. Alexis says, fine, but she’s warning Sam to be careful. Sam says she doesn’t have to worry. Alexis doesn’t know what Sam is up to, or why she and Jason aren’t together, or why she’s going to the Valentine’s Day party, but wants her to please consider it’s been tough for Kristina. She’s found peace and made friends. Please don’t spoil it. Sam says she’d never do anything to hurt Kristina. She’s doing this for her.
Shiloh tells Jason that Sam has taken the first step on the path to her best life. He can walk with her – them – or walk the same path he’s walked his whole life. But that path is a dead end. Jason says he’ll take his chances. He leaves, and Shiloh shakes his head. We see the Valentine’s Day sign that says, love begins with self-love.
Tomorrow, Cabot says Anna is the other one, Shiloh tells Sam to stop running, Jason asks Spinelli how dangerous Shiloh is, and Spinelli says murderously so.
🍔 On 24 Hours to Hell and Back, Gordon dressed like a hipster (or homeless person, I’m unsure since I missed the beginning) to visit Boardwalk 11, a gastropub and karaoke bar (my wheelhouse!) in Los Angeles. The secret camera showed us unbelievable levels of grease, green and rotten food (a chef suggested just scraping the mold off), and an employee who needed a breathalyzer. I’ve noticed that people who have probably never said, yes, chef! once in their lives, automatically say it to Gordon. Before the renovation even started, a cook got called out for inappropriate banter and was fired. Gordon said it was a toxic atmosphere, and owner Steve’s negativity had infected the whole staff. He wanted Steve (who looked a lot like a young Stephen King) to delegate, and in the process, another cook was let go. The décor was given a retro 70s feel, which I loved. Gordon promoted two women, both named Kat (!) to head chef and general manager. The place was jumping, and Steve seemed pleased. Gordon thought as long as the Kats were in charge, life would be beautiful, but the after he left, Steve made excuses to demote them. Some people just can’t listen and/or are resistant to change. Next time, a Mexican restaurant whose owner is throwing five decades of business down the trash.
🍳 Best quote from Gordon: We are not going down for an egg.
👜 This week’s The Real Housewives of New Jersey had Jennifer throwing a 16th anniversary party. Danielle and Teresa went fancy shopping for red dresses. The kind of shopping where you drink champagne and they bring the dresses out. Delores claimed Frank wasn’t holding her back, but she was standing in her own way. She told Frank that she needed a change of environment, and was ready to move out. He took it better than I expected, saying no matter what, he loved her and would be there for her. Is she sure she wants to move? The conversation emotionally exhausted her, and she needed a nap.
Marge got her ex Jan’s son (I have no idea which kids are hers, his, or whoever’s) to agree to a dinner with him, which was a huge step. Melissa confronted Joe #2 about his view of gender roles, and how it was affecting their daughter. Surprisingly, he caved quickly, saying a real man sucks it up and changes for his family. Melissa was also sending in a DNA test, hoping somehow this would connect her with her possible sister. Jackie got her mother a makeover, and told her about speaking with her estranged sister. Her mother was thrilled with both.
When Teresa told Milania that she was going to Jennifer’s 16th anniversary party, Milania asked if Jennifer didn’t want to spend the day with her husband. Teresa said she just spent the last 16 years with him, which we all found hysterically funny. At the party, there was Turkish food, hookah action, and some fake-money gambling. The most asked question by Danielle to Teresa was, was anything said about me? followed by, who said it? Marge didn’t even do anything, and Danielle bad-mouthed her, saying she was the toxidity [sic] in the group. No wonder she and Teresa get along, since they both make up their own language. She appealed to Teresa’s stupidity vanity by saying Teresa doesn’t let anyone tell her what to do. I’m not sure what’s up with Teresa that she’s not seeing what’s wrong with this picture. It’s a shame. I liked Danielle, prostitution whore and all, but not this season. Marty is obviously insane, saying once again that Joe #3 was jealous because Danielle is so hot. They had this argument way too close to the pool, and Marge finally pushed him in. Somebody had to. Although he popped right back up with his mouth still running. Jennifer missed the whole thing until Teresa started screaming at her to get a towel. Melissa couldn’t understand how Teresa couldn’t see that Danielle was a common denominator. One thing Jackie said that I appreciated, was that you don’t choose your friends based solely on how they treat you. You have to see how they treat other people. Thank you. I hate when there’s a totally toxic person, and one of them will say, but they’ve never done anything to me. If you’re treating my friends like sh*t, why would I want to be yours? And if say you’re not picking a side, you just did. The side of the wrongdoer.
This was the finale, so they had the blurbs about what’s happening with the cast. Delores is looking for an apartment that will take five dogs, a chinchilla, and a three-legged Guinea pig. She’s also looking for a boyfriend, so I assume things with David aren’t working out. Jennifer is helping throw a lavish Turkish wedding for her brother. Her husband will be coming along to keep her away from the tequila. Marge got a facelift, and Jackie mended the relationship with her sister. Melissa hasn’t found a sister yet, but did find out she’s 97% Italian. And we all know Juicy Joe is appealing his deportation ruling. I’m not particularly fond of either him or Teresa, more him, but I think he’s being treated unfairly. I think the court wants to make an example of him, since he’s a D-list celebrity. Next time, the Reunion, Part One.
🙊 One thing that gave me pause. Passing by Danielle on her way out of the party, Marge said, your husband’s in the pool. Danielle immediately said, who threw my husband in the pool? How did she know he was thrown? He could have fallen in or decided to go swimming if he was drunk.
💭 Speaking of things that make you go, hmm… Andy has been having a week of theme nights on Watch What Happens Live. What I call cheap shows, since they’re basically clips from old ones. It’s been fun to watch though. Everything from James and Lala practically getting booted off for using the f-word to Joan Rivers and Carol Burnett. The Clubhouse has done well for itself.