Category Archives: walking dead

September 16, 2022 – Sasha Gets News About Brando, Madame Mayor, Reese, a Goodbye, Jersey Talk, Won’t Be Missed, Boatmance Fail, Daryl’s Spin, But Wait, Game Of Weather, Quotes Tenfold & Dance

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Lying on a chaise with her eyes closed, Britt hears someone walking near her, and says, prosecco not champagne; do you even have to ask? Selina – is she wearing Pucci??? – says she pegged Britt as more bitter than sweet.

Dante comes to the stable, and Cody says, howdy. How was the first night in the new pad? Dante says, cut short. His cousin Brando was attacked last night. Cody says, Brando; he’s married to the model, right? Is he going to be okay? Dante says he doesn’t know. Brando is in surgery. Cody says he’s sorry to hear that. Let him know if there’s anything he can do to help. Dante asks if Cody can tell him where he was last night.

Curtis sees Jordan at the hospital, and says he’s guessing she’s here because of Brando. That’s terrible news. She says, it is. She’s got to catch this person before she strikes again. Everybody’s already on edge. He says, good luck with that, and she says, him too. He says, luck? Does he need it? She shrugs, and says, you tell me.

Gladys wonders why it’s taking so long. Why haven’t they been told anything about Brando yet? Sonny says, these things take time. They’re just going to have to stay positive. She says she’d rather be informed, and asks if he can’t do something. He’s a big shot donor here; Brando is Sonny’s family. Sonny says he’ll go check, and see what he can find out. He leaves, and Gladys goes back to Sasha, who says she can’t believe they’re here again.

Dex approaches Sonny, and Sonny asks if Dex stayed out of sight like he told him to. Dex says, Josslyn never saw him. The door was pretty secure, but he kept watching her room all night. Sonny bangs the desk, and looks like he has a headache. He says he’ll be damned if he’ll let that maniac hurt anyone he cares about again. Nina joins them, and asks if there’s any word on Brando. Sonny says he was just going to ask the nurse. How is she doing? Nina says, not great. She’s worried about Sasha, and praying for Brando. She’s okay, but not great. He says he wants her to stay that way; understand him?

Kristina brings Gladys some coffee, and asks if there’s any news. Gladys says, not yet, and thanks her. Portia approaches, and Sasha and Gladys get up.

Britt tells Selina, let’s just get this over with. Selina doesn’t want Britt hanging out with Brad. Selina says, on the contrary. She’s come to realize that Britt’s association with her nephew has its advantages. Britt says, because she helped convinced Brad to work for Selina? Not her finest hour. Selina says, but look how Bradley is thriving. Britt has proved to be a good friend to him. Britt says, one who caved under pressure, and Selina says, because she mentioned the incident in 2016? Britt was free to ignore her wishes, and risk exposure of the incident in question. The fact that Britt chose the more prudent choice, makes Selina more supportive of Britt’s friendship with her nephew. Britt says, being Selina’s errand boy is only a temporary position for Brad. She may have her hooks in him now, but she assures Selina, Brad’s his own man. Brad comes back with drinks, and says he wasn’t expecting Selina. Can he get her a mimosa? Have his.

Cody says he’s sorry about what happened to Dante’s cousin, but he didn’t have anything to do with that. Dante knows that, right? Dante says, of course (🍷) he knows Cody didn’t have anything to do with that. He’s trying to see if Cody has an alibi. Cody says, probably not, unless he can take statements from the horses. He made sure they were ready for bed, did his walk-through, and went up to his room. Dante asks if anyone can verify that, but Cody says, nope. He doesn’t have an alibi for an attack on a total stranger he’s never even met. So what now? Is the Chief of Detectives going to interrogate him personally now?

As they walk to the stable, Leo asks if Brook remembered the lumps of sugar, and she says she’s got them, but maybe she should have worn different shoes. Leo says, like cowboy boots? but she says, never… Maybe if they had fringes or studs. Leo says he bets Chase would like that, and she says, you know, smarty pants… you’re right.

Curtis tells Jordan that he already feels lucky. He’d feel luckier if those divorce papers were already signed and filed. She says she couldn’t help but notice some tension between him and Sonny at Trina’s party the other night. Is everything okay? He says, it was nothing, but she says, it didn’t look like nothing. He wonders if she’s asking as the Commissioner or as his wife, and she says, neither. She’s asking as his friend. He says, he and Sonny just had a difference of opinion about favors. Why the interest? She says, just a renewed curiosity in Sonny Corinthos’s relationships, friends and enemies. Curtis isn’t the only one Sonny’s gotten on the wrong side of lately. Both Ava and Brando have close ties to Sonny, and both were attacked. It could be a coincidence, or it could be that a pattern is emerging. He says he can’t speak to that. He lifts the Styrofoam container he’s holding, and says, Portia’s breakfast is getting cold. Jordan asks if they’re good, and he says, if she’d asked him that a couple of days ago, he’d have said, absolutely. She says, and now? and he says he’s not sure anymore.

Portia says, Dr. Chang just got done operating, and wanted her to let Sasha know that her husband made it through the surgery. Gladys says, thank God, and Sasha asks how he’s doing. Portia says, the damage was extensive, but the doctor was able to repair it. The good news is, Mr. Corbin is strong, and he’s in good health. Sasha says, and the bad news? and Portia says, there are always concerns after major surgery such as Brando’s, but she wouldn’t categorize it as bad news. These are just cautions. Sasha says, like what? and Portia says, one of the common concerns after a surgery like this would be sepsis. When chemicals released in the bloodstream to fight infection, are actually triggering inflammation. But it’s highly unlikely. They’re keeping a very close eye on him. Gladys asks if they can see him, and Portia says, family only, and only one at a time. Gladys thanks her, and Portia leaves. Sonny tells Nina that he has something to take care of. He’ll be right back. He goes over to Portia by the elevator, and says he wanted to thank her for the way she handled Sasha and his cousin Gladys. They were terrified, and she was very calm. She says, there’s no need to thank her; it’s part of her job. He says he knows, but she has a good way about her. She’s very direct, so he’s going to be direct with her right now. He wants her to tell him what the chances are of his cousin pulling through.

Dante asks what Cody did here last night. Did he call anyone? Send any emails? Cody says he watched TV. What the hell is going on here? Dante says he’s helping Cody establish an alibi. He already told Cody, he doesn’t think Cody had anything to do with the attacks. Cody says, thanks, but tell his boss to back off. Dante says, his boss isn’t going to listen to him. Mac is going to run the investigation the way he sees fit. Cody says, turning it around on him? He doesn’t need this aggravation. He doesn’t need to be on the Chief of Detectives’ radar. He just wants to do his own thing. Keep it moving. Brook comes in with Leo, and says, yoohoo, buckaroos. Dante asks, what’s going on? and Leo asks, how’s Comet today? Cody says, he’s great. He’s missing his buddy. They do a fancy handshake, and Cody says, Comet is out back. He was just going to feed him. Does Leo want to help? Leo says he has the lumps of sugar, and Cody says, let’s get to it. They leave, and Brook says she hopes they didn’t interrupt. Dante says he’s always glad to see her, and she calls him a liar. What is this she hears about him and a change of address? He says, how… Chase, and she says she does live with his mom. She’s up on all things Dante. Congratulations. It’s great he and Sam are moving in together. He says, back atcha. Her and Chase. It took them long enough. She laughs, and he says he’s got to go. Tell Cody that he’ll catch him later, and don’t sweat it.

Selina says she keeps her mind sharp, and Brad asks if he can get her some coffee, something to eat, a chaise. She says, that’s not necessary. She’s just passing through. He says, right; the high roller from Easton. Speaking in Chinese, she says, do not speak of work in front of outsiders, and he responds in kind, apologizing. He asks if she needs his assistance right now, but she says, enjoy his time off. He’ll know when she needs him. Speaking in English again, Selina says, since Britt is a cocktail aficionado, Brad must introduce her to the Green Dragon sometime. Always a pleasure. She leaves, and Britt says, the Green Dragon? Brad says, it’s a green drink, popular in China. The green liqueur makes it an acquired taste. She says, like his aunt, and he says, on the bright side, he thinks she’s starting to warm up to Britt. Britt says, Selina doesn’t like her as much as she doesn’t like Brad. They’re just useful  to her. He asks how Britt is useful to his Aunt Selina.

Jordan says she thought she and Curtis were in a good place, and he says, so did he, until he found out they were still married. She says, so this is about the divorce papers? She apologized, and he seemed to understand. He says he accepted her apology; he never said he understood. How come he didn’t hear from her when she learned about those papers? She didn’t call him or send him a message; nothing. Instead, he had to come to her. She says, bottom line, they discovered the mistake before his wedding. So it’s all good, right? He says, is it? and she asks if she’s given him reason to think otherwise. He says, actually, yes. He knows her and he know how organized she is – to a fault. Yet one of the most important documents of their lives gets lost on her watch. She says, he knows good and well what kind of time she was going through. She was very ill. He says, that’s what he’s trying to tell himself, that’s all it was, and she says, what else would it be? He asks her to answer this honestly. How does she feel about him and Portia getting married? She says she wants him to be happy, but he says, that’s not what he asked. He needs her to level with him. She knows how important honesty is to him. She asks if Portia knows that, and he asks, what does that mean?

Britt asks what Brad and Selina were talking about, and he says, just business. She says, so life as a foot soldier for auntie dearest is working out for him? and he says, things are going surprisingly well. He’s no longer feeling aimless, and he’s definitely not bored. Britt says, Selina hasn’t asked him to do anything he’s uncomfortable with, right? and he says he’s adapting. So far, he doesn’t hate it. What more can he say? She asks if he regrets working for Selina, and he says he’s fine. Why? She says she’s just checking up on her bestie.

Cody asks if Dante left, and Brook says, yeah. He said to tell Cody goodbye and don’t sweat it. What exactly is he sweating? Leo says, yeah, what is he sweating? and Cody says he made a big mistake. He broke something that’s very important to him, but – he picks up a small trophy of a horse – he thinks he fixed it. Can Leo be careful? He gives it to Leo, and Leo says, he won this? Cody says he did, when he was about Leo’s age. Brook’s phone rings, and she says she needs to change her shoes. Cody says, if she’s got to take off, he’s got Leo, and she asks if Leo is good here. Leo says, with Cody? Yeah. She leaves as she answers the phone, and Leo says, Cody won this in a competition? and Cody says, someone once told him, you earn your trophies during practice; you just pick them up at competitions. It’s kind of like winning or losing. It all comes down to how well prepared you are ahead of time. He never forgot that, and never will. Leo says, neither will he.

Sonny tells Portia, give it to him straight. Should he be preparing Sasha and Gladys? Portia says, he knows she can’t tell him this, and he says he’s not asking her to give it up; he just wants to be ready. She says she gets it, and she’ll give him this. These type of wounds can have complications. It’s not unreasonable to be prepared. Is he a praying man? He says, yes he is, and she says, prayer helps. She has every reason for cautious optimism. Now if he’ll excuse her, she’s been here all night. She’s going to grab some breakfast. He gets in the elevator with her, and says, breakfast is on him

Jordan says, people getting married should be on the same page. She and Curtis weren’t, and it was their downfall. Curtis says, that’s why this time he wanted to do it differently. He and Portia have been completely transparent with each other. Jordan tells him, if you say so, and he says, that’s the second time she’s made a comment like that. Does she think because their marriage failed, he and Portia can’t succeed, or does she just not want them to? Portia and Sonny get off the elevator.

Sonny asks Jordan if there’s any word on who attacked Brando, but she says, nothing yet. Curtis asks what Portia is up to, and she says she was just going to grab a quick bite. He hands her the container (which no doubt is cold by now), and says, quick enough? She thanks him, and he and Portia get in the elevator. Curtis says he’s sorry to hear about Sonny’s cousin, and they all say their goodbyes. Sonny says he’s not used to seeing Jordan this way, and she says, what way is that? He says, rattled, and she says, it’s been a long night, when Dante comes by. He asks how Brando is, and Sonny says, the surgery went well. Jordan says, glad to hear that, and asks if Sasha and Gladys are around. Sonny says, they were on their way to ICU, and she says she’d like to ask them a few questions, but Sonny says, that’s not a good idea. They’ve had a rough night. She’ll have to make do with him.

Brad asks, what’s up with Cody? Is Britt going to give him a second date? She says, they’re in a holding pattern, since Cody is considering leaving Port Charles, and Brad asks, why? He’s got a good job, a cushy living situation – in the Quartermaine manse, no less – and he’s dating a bombshell. Why would he want to leave? She says, the PCPD has been asking too many questions about him.

Cody teaches Leo how to sit on a saddle, and tells him to pretend he has a string in the middle of his head, pulling him up, but relax his butt in the saddle. He’s a natural. Leo says, then what? and Cody says, then you take your horse to do some tests, like different gaits. The point of the competition is to show control, your mastery of the horse. Leo asks, who taught Cody all this stuff? and Cody says, there was a horse trainer on the estate where he grew up. The trainer taught him everything he knew about horses. He was the closest thing to a father Cody had. Leo says, dad isn’t his birth father either, but he’s kind too. Cody guesses they’re both lucky, and they fist bump.

In her office, Portia asks if Curtis is going to tell her what she and Sonny walked in on, and he says, just some housekeeping with Jordan. She says, the divorce papers? and he says, among other things. She says, he didn’t, and he tells her, he’s not saying Jordan intentionally misplaced the papers, but after talking to Portia and TJ, he’s thinking it’s a possibility. She asks what TJ said, and Curtis tells her, he didn’t say anything about the divorce specifically, but it’s clear Jordan is throwing herself into work and neglecting her personal life. Portia says, maybe she’s not ready to get out there just yet. With her work, she probably has no time to sleep, much less meet someone new for a coffee date.

Dex sees Kristina by herself in the waiting area, and asks if she’s okay. She says she guesses she’s more freaked out than she’s willing to admit. She can’t believe she saw that psycho stab Brando. He asks if she saw who did it, and she says, not clearly. The alley’s not lit, and it was pouring down rain. He saw she was also probably in shock, and she asks if that’s ever happened to him. He says, the first couple times he saw action. It takes a while to learn how to focus in stressful situations. She says, it’s a good thing he was there when Ava was stabbed. She heard he was calm and collected. He says, you know how they say a swan glides on the surface, but is paddling furiously underneath? She says, so he’s not as unruffled as he seems? and he says, half of keeping your cool is faking it. She says, she’ll keep that in mind, but she’s definitely had her fill of horrible situations. He says, that’s too bad. He hopes she never has to see anything like that again, but if she does, just keep paddling.

At Brando’s room, Gladys says she’ll go in after Sasha, but Sasha tells her to go in first. Gladys thanks her, and goes inside, where Brando is hooked up to machines. Nina asks Sash what she can do, and Sasha says, tell her it won’t happen again; that she won’t lose Brando too. Nina tells her, Dr. Robinson said he’s doing fine. And think about everything Brando has to live for, Sasha being at the top of that list.

Gladys sits next to the bed, and says, it’s like when she brought him home as a newborn. She was so afraid to hurt him. This time, he’s already hurt. Tell her who hurt him. Open his big blue eyes, and tell her who put him in this bed, so she can hunt them down, and give them an ounce of the hell she’s going through.

Leo asks if there are any competitions in Port Charles, and Cody says, he’ll find out if there’s a local chapter of the Stirrup Society. It’s an organization for kids that teaches riding and sportsmanship, and how to take care of horses. Leo says, Cody already taught him all that stuff, but Cody says, Leo could learn a lot more if he took lessons with the Stirrup Society. They do riding events and competitions. Maybe he’ll take Leo to one. Leo says he’s going to tell Comet, and runs off. Brook comes back, and says, Cody is so good with him. Cody says, Leo is good with him. Leo is one of the only people he doesn’t have to pretend with. She asks if he does a lot of pretending, and he says, being the new guy in town. It’s hard to make a good impression. She says he seems to have been successful. Olivia adores him, and Sam and Dante. Britt’s not complaining… much. He says he and Dante go way back. Not many people have given him multiple chances. Sometimes it seems easier to start over than fix something that’s broken. She says she’s been there. She’s run away, but wherever she arrived, there she was. He says, damn. She has layers. She laughs, and says, that’s an understatement. She doesn’t know what he’s facing, but everyone in the house is glad he’s here. She hopes he sticks around.

Britt says, then he threatened to punch Mac, and Maxie walked in, and Brad says, wasn’t Maxie on Team Cody? She says, not anymore, and he says, as the town pariah, he’s experiencing sympathy here. Cody’s reaction makes sense. Finding out your a person of interest in a brutal attack would put anyone on edge, especially when you don’t know the victim. She says, which was her point to Maxie, but Maxie wasn’t having it.  Now she thinks Cody’s not worth Britt’s time. He says, Maxie’s cool and all, but judging from her last fiancé, she might not be the best source of romantic advice. She says, and we are? and he says, speak for herself. He just exchanged numbers with a guy at the bar earlier. The mojo is back. She asks, who says mojo? and he says, whatever. Magnetism, charisma, swagger… You know who else has swagger? She tells him, don’t say it, and he says, face it. She’s drawn to that big, brash bull of a man. So why doesn’t she just cast aside all doubt, and take Cody Bell by the horns?

Curtis tells Portia, Jordan is a busy woman, but whether or not she’s dating isn’t an indicator if she’s over him or not. Portia says, but he seems to feel like she isn’t, and he says, Portia brought it up first; tell him. Portia wonders why it even matters at this point, and he says, it would explain why he gets the sense Jordan is holding back when it comes to those papers. She says she does believe Jordan still harbors feelings for him, but she doesn’t get the sense Jordan is angling to get him back. He says, then why didn’t she file those divorce papers? and Portia says, let’s say Jordan intentionally lost the papers, and wants him back. Would that change things for him?

Dante asks Sonny, where’s Kristina? How’s she doing? Jordan says, she’s on the 10th floor. Why doesn’t he go up, and she’ll meet him there? He leaves, and Jordan asks if Sonny can tell her anything about Brando that might help. Any disgruntled employees? How’s his relationship with Sasha? Sonny says, everybody loves Brando; he doesn’t have an enemy in the world. She says, what about Cyrus Renault? Brando used to work for him at some point. He asks if she’s looking at Cyrus, and she says, she’s looking at every possible scenario, including a possible link to Sonny. Has he had any business problems lately? He says, just the normal ones, but Brando and Ava don’t work for him. She says, if he wants to help her stop this maniac, stop stonewalling. The only possible connection she can find between Brando and Ava is him.

Dex tells Kristina that he usually goes to Perks, but this place is around the corner from where he lives, so he figured, why not? After waiting in line ten minutes to overpay for a pour over coffee this big – he separates his thumb and index finger about two inches – now he knows why not. She says she knows the place he’s talking about; on the corner of 8th and Van Nyes. He says, that’s it. The most pretentious, ridiculous… Dante joins them and hugs Kristina. She tells him, Brando made it through surgery, and he says he heard. How’s she holding up? She says, it’s been rough, but Dex is helping her keep her mind off of it. Dante says, Dex is a real great guy. He seems to be everywhere these days. Dex says, that’s what he gets paid for, and Dante asks if Kristina knows he works for Sonny. She says she does, and Dante asks if one of his jobs isn’t to protect the family. Dex says he does, when called upon. No one in Dante’s family is at risk from him. Dante says, they both know that’s not entirely true, right?

Gladys comes out of Brando’s room, nods to Sasha, and Sasha goes in. Nina asks how Brando is doing, and Gladys says, he’s not in any pain that she can tell. Nina says, that’s good, and Gladys says, they’re taking it for him. She would take it all if she could. She asks how Sasha is, and Nina says, desperate not to lose him. Gladys says, that makes two of them.

Sasha takes Brando’s hand, and says, he goes to bat for everyone around him; her, Gladys, Sonny and his family. She knows it must be exhausting for him. She must be exhausting. She’s asking him to rally one more time. Fight. She needs him to fight for her. She knows he’s tired, and knows he’s hurting, but he needs to push through. Fight for her. She promises he doesn’t have to worry about her anymore. She’ll do whatever she has to, to get better for him. He deserves the best because he is the best. She believes in him. She believes in him more than she’s ever believed in anyone or anything. She kisses his hand.

Britt asks Brad why she would agree to date a man who runs at the first sign of trouble. Brad says, Cody’s still in Port Charles, and she says, for the moment, but they all leave eventually. He says, maybe Cody is different, and she says, Maxie thinks Cody’s up to no good. He says, like that’s a deal breaker. No disrespect to Maxie or anyone else, but if she likes the guy, if she thinks they might be good together, take a shot. Don’t freeze him out. She asks if he’s advising her to give Cody the benefit of the doubt, and he says, a novel concept, he knows. She thanks him for saying she’s a bombshell, and he tells her, don’t be so modest. Get her swagger on. She knows she could melt dry ice. Besides she’s always looking out for him. It’s the least he can do to thank her for it.

Leo says he told Comet their joining the Stirrup Society, and Cody says, he told Leo they could go watch; there’s a big difference. Besides, he’ll need his parents’ permission to participate. Leo tells him, they’ll say yes, especially when he explains why they should. Brook laughs, and says, she thought she was the only one who could play her dad like a fiddle. She tells Leo, competition takes a lot of training and practice. Is he ready for that? Leo says, Cody will train him, and Brook wonders if he’s asked Cody. Leo asks if Cody will train him. He already knows where he’s going to put his trophy, but he can’t do it without Cody. Cody says he won’t have to, and they hug.

Curtis says, this wasn’t the conversation he expected to have this morning, and Portia says, neither did she, but they’re in it now. What if Jordan wants him back? He says, he and Jordan loved each other, and fought hard to be together, and Portia says, that type of love doesn’t just vanish when you move on. He says, no it does not. He’ll always care for Jordan. They built a history together, but that’s exactly what it is; it’s history, it’s in the past. Portia is his future; his beautiful exciting new future. She says, he once viewed a future with Jordan, but he says, that’s before he realized they had fundamental differences. Before he learned of all the secrets she kept. This isn’t about how Jordan feels about him, it’s about how he and Portia feel about each other. He couldn’t be with Jordan because he could never build a future with someone who had a problem being truthful with him. She says, but what if Jordan was truthful with him? What if she was honest about everything? Would they still be together?

Jordan says, both of the victims are related to Sonny in some way, and Sonny says, true; Brando’s his cousin, and Ava is the mother of his child. But that could just be a coincidence. She says she doesn’t believe in coincidences. Does he? She’s doing her best here, but he’s got to help her out. He says, how? and she says, tell her what’s going on. She’s heard things aren’t going right with his business, but he says, they’re regular ups and downs; nothing major. She says, is it possible his family could be under attack? and he tells her, listen to him. Does she have any evidence to suggest that? She says, no, but why else would the person who targeted Ava also attack Brando? What if this is just the beginning?

Dante tells Kristina, he and Brando caught Dex threatening Michael in the Quartermaine stables, and Kristina asks if it’s true. Dex says, he misinterpreted something her father said, and decided to follow up. He thought he was showing initiative, but he thought wrong. Dante says, so Dex got upset that they intervened, and got upset that Brando mentioned it to Sonny. Dex says, he and Sonny worked it out; so did he and Brando. Dante says, good, and Kristina says, if dad trusts Dex, that’s good enough for her. Dante says, it’s funny. This guy is literally everywhere something happens. The picnic right after Ava got stabbed… Dex says, that’s a good thing… Dante says, the alleyway right after Brando gets stabbed… Dex asks if Dante is implying something, and Kristina asks if that offer for coffee is still on the table. Dex says, that depends, and she says, they’ll go to Perks, not the place on Van Nyes. Dex asks if he and Dante are good, and Dante says, for now. Kristina says, let’s go, and Dex leaves with her.

Sasha says she’s sorry for pushing Brando away, and she’s sorry for wasting time she should have spent being with him. She’s sorry for every time she didn’t tell him how much she loves him. She can’t lose him too. Please come back to her. She cries, and he squeezes her hand. She says, Brando? and he opens his eyes.

On Monday, Sonny says he won’t be left in the dark; Elizabeth wonders why this memory is coming back to her now; Gregory has a proposition for Alexis; and Josslyn feels like someone is watching her.

✈️ Back In the States…

Boy, is she going to have a lot of catching up to do.

💣 Blast From the Past…

I must have slept through this time period. I’m surprised I don’t remember Kari Wuhrer being on GH. She’s in my favorite movie, Beastmaster 2. Stop laughing.

🥀 Before My Time…

Another GH alum departs this life.

https://www.soapoperanews.net/2022/09/ghdays-of-our-lives-alum-mark-miller.html

💋 What Happens In Jersey…

I wouldn’t mind seeing Caroline come back.

https://okmagazine.com/p/dolores-catania-caroline-manzo-think-about-returning-rhonj/

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

The old tomato.

💎 No Con For You…

They probably don’t want rotten fruit thrown at them.

Disruption On Deck…

Why are these chefs always such immature twits?

Clearly she likes toxic relationships. Case in point: Dave.

⚰️ If He Says So…

Daryl is going to be in France? Mon dieu!

https://ew.com/tv/walking-dead-norman-reedus-daryl-spinoff/

📝 Post Apocalyptic Credits…

It might be fun, but no doubt it will be a lead-in for one spin-off or another.

🐉 And In Weirder News…

I wonder if the forecast was, will be raining dragon poop. Seriously, how do they deal with that in Dragonstone? Is there a big litter box?

https://people.com/tv/house-of-the-dragon-star-matt-smith-takes-over-today-weather-report/

🐬 Quotes of the Week

Never be bullied into silence. Never allow yourself to be made a victim. Accept no one’s definition of your life, but define yourself. – Harvey Fierstein

The strength of a nation derives from the integrity of the home. – Confucius

If you’d have a drink, I’d make a lot more sense. – Nucky (Steve Buscemi), Boardwalk Empire

Where there is righteousness in the heart, there is beauty in the character. When there is beauty in the character, there is harmony in the home. When there is harmony in the home, there is order in the nation. When there is order in the nation, there is peace in the world. – A.P.J. Abdul Kalam

Never make someone your number one if you’re their number two. – Judge Star Jones, Divorce Court

You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough. – Mae West

Respect your efforts, respect yourself. Self-respect leads to self-discipline. When you have both firmly under your belt, that’s real power. – Clint Eastwood (Before he started talking to empty chairs.)

If I can’t eat it, bang it, or bet on it, it’s not in my phone. – Charlie Harper (Charlie Sheen), Two and a Half Men

There are no regrets in life. Just lessons. – Jennifer Aniston

If you always put limit on everything you do, physical or anything else. It will spread into your work and into your life. There are no limits. There are only plateaus, and you must not stay there, you must go beyond them. – Bruce Lee

🖥 Buffering…

Take the next two days off from whatever you did for the last five, then join me on Monday for soap and Deck antics. Until then, stay safe, stay intrepid, and stay paddling in stressful situations. Half of keeping your cool is faking it.

Today’s musical interlude is dedicated to Jennifer Coolidge.

September 13, 2022 – Curtis Finds Out He’s Still Married, Back In Port Charles, Reunion Chatter, New On the Potomac, Salty Transcript, Latest House, Another Tale, Emmy Talk & Parade

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Curtis tells Jordan, because the papers weren’t filed in the state of New York, they’re still married. That’s impossible. Stella says, nothing is impossible, and he asks what she means.

Drew gets out of the pool, and sees Marshall. He asks Marshall to wait, but Marshall says he can’t; he’s on his way to meet someone. Drew asks him to just wait one second. He owes Marshall an apology.

Carly thanks Josslyn for meeting her at Charlie’s. She didn’t want to bother her. Josslyn says, stop. Her dorm’s almost unpacked already, and Carly isn’t bothering her. They sit, and Josslyn asks if this is about Carly going to Aruba for the leadership executive seminar. She has Josslyn’s full support. Carly says she knows, but she doesn’t want Josslyn to worry about Donna and Avery. Pilar is going to be with them around clock while she’s gone. Josslyn says she plans on spending time with them too, and Carly says she appreciates that, but she knows Josslyn has had a few distractions. Dex walks in, and he and Josslyn exchange glances.

Finn says, Elizabeth changed her mind? She’s thinking of telling the police she wasn’t with Nikolas at the time of the attack? She says she doesn’t know if she was or wasn’t, and he says, she was pretty determined not to tell the police she’s been losing time. He’s curious. What changed?

Ava lies in bed sleeping. She dreams about lying there bleeding and calling for help. She wakes, and looks at Frank through the window. She closes her eyes, when Portia asks if she’s up for a visitor. Ava says, it depends.

Nikolas comes out of the elevator and sees Sonny, who says he doesn’t think Nikolas has any business there. Nikolas says, his wife is his business, and he’s damn well going to see her if he wants to. Sonny says, if he gets within five feet of Ava’s room, he’s not going to like what’s going to happen.

Mr. Taylor tells Sasha and Brando that the judge reviewed Dr. Rubin’s recommendation and the legal documents. Brando will be in charge of his wife’s finances and medical care, and have her power of attorney. The judge agrees there will be no prison time, as long as Sasha agrees to the guardianship, and commits to attend rehab and out-patient therapy. That’s very important. Once she’s entered into this guardianship, only Brando has the power to terminate it. Does she understand? Brando says, it’s completely up to her; it’s her choice. If it doesn’t feel right, they won’t do it. Gladys says, if she doesn’t take the deal, she could go to prison, but Brando says, she can not take the plea, and go to trial. She still has options. She understands that, right? So what does she want to do? Sasha picks up the papers and looks at them.

Carly asks if Josslyn wants to go over and say hi to Dex, but Josslyn says, it’s fine. Carly says, Dex seems to like her, and they saved Ava’s life; that’s kind of a big deal. Josslyn flashes back to Dex helping with Ava after she was stabbed, and Carly says, hello? Josslyn says, it’s not a big deal. They’ve talked since it happened, and it’s all good. So back to Carly. Is there anything she wants Josslyn to do to facilitate her trip?

Sasha says, according to her attorney Martin Grey, this is the best way to keep her out of prison, correct? and Brando says, yes, but if she wants to call this off, he’ll back her completely. They’ll find another way to fight the charges. She says she knows she needs help, and of course (🍷) she trusts him. It’s not easy signing her life away. Brando says he knows, and Gladys says, Brando only wants to keep her out of prison and help her heal. It’s what they all want. And this is not a permanent solution. Brando says, if Sasha decides to go ahead with the guardianship, they’ll schedule a formal check-in with Dr. Rubin and the hospital administrator every month to see how she’s feeling, and they’ll decide together to terminate the guardianship. He won’t let it go on longer than it has to; not one day. Gladys says, not soon enough for her, and Sasha asks her to bring back Mr. Taylor. She leaves, and Brando kisses Sasha’s forehead.

Nikolas says, Sonny has no jurisdiction over this hospital, or his wife, and Sonny says, for whatever reason, Ava thinks Nikolas tried to kill her, and that concerns him. He’s trying to figure out how to deal with that. Nikolas says he’ll speak with Ava. He has to make her understand, Sonny keeping him away from her isn’t helping. Sonny says, if he gets any proof Nikolas had anything to do with this, not even his Uncle Victor is going to be able to help him. The elevator opens, and Sonny asks if Nikolas is coming. Nikolas says, go to hell, and Sonny gets in the elevator. He says, one look at Ava, that’s where Nikolas is going to go.

Portia says, Ava’s BP is a little elevated; she’s a little anxious. Ava says she’s just a little distracted by that bauble on Portia’s finger, and Portia says, Curtis proposed. Ava says, congratulations, but why does Portia sound like she’s going to recite the changes in the tax code? Is she excited? Portia says she’s over the moon about it. It’s just that Trina told her that Ava blocked Nikolas from seeing her, and it didn’t seem to be the appropriate time to share the news because of everything Ava is going through. Ava says, things have gotten pretty bad. She’s even wondered if Nikolas was the one who stabbed her. Portia says, no. That’s horrible to even entertain the notion that her husband would harm her. Ava says, Nikolas has an alibi, but she still has unanswered questions, and Portia says, like what? Ava says, for one, would Elizabeth Baldwin lie to the cops to cover for Nikolas?

Elizabeth tells Finn that she was talking to Dante, and he said, most likely, Ava wasn’t targeted at random. He thinks the attacker knew her. Finn says, that’s interesting, and she tells him, just say it. He thinks it’s suspicious that Nikolas provided her with an alibi so quickly. He says, no. He’s just wondering if that changes anything for her. She says she does wonder why he leapt to her defense so quickly. Nikolas says he doesn’t think she did it, so why would she need an alibi? Unless the alibi was meant to protect Nikolas.

Stella tells Curtis, it’s just not impossible. This happens all the time. You never know what to expect. He says he supposes it was just filed improperly. What else could it be? If either one of them have a theory, he’d love to hear it. Stella says, they’re human; none of them is perfect. And she knows he’s experienced forgiveness with his father. He asks what this has to do with Marshall. Somebody at the clerk’s office made a mistake, and there should be consequences. Lives were affected, and he’s sorry, but he just can’t let this go. Jordan says she knows what happened.

Drew says, he’s been waiting to say this to Marshall for some time. He’s really sorry for setting Marshall up on that fake job interview. He should have apologized long before now. Marshall says, nobody likes to be made a fool of. He’s had a lot of time to think about it, and realizes Drew was just trying to be a good friend to his son. Drew says, Curtis has been a good friend to him, and Marshall says he can see that. He guesses if he’d been honest with Curtis all along, Drew wouldn’t have gotten dragged into Curtis’s mission to find out what he was hiding. So there it is. He guesses it’s on him. Drew says, so no hard feelings? and Marshall says, they’re all good. They shake hands, and Marshall says he doesn’t like what Drew did, but appreciates why he did it. He did it for Marshall’s family. Drew was there for Curtis when he couldn’t be.

Carly says, she emailed Josslyn the emergency numbers for the girls’ pediatrician. Sonny already has all the emergency numbers, but in case he needs help from Josslyn, he should have it. Josslyn says, Carly knows she knows most of this, right? and Carly says, this is a bad  time for her to go away. School is just starting, Ava’s still in the hospital; what was she thinking? Josslyn says, Donna and Avery are going to be fine. They have her, they have Pilar, they have Sonny. Fingers crossed, she won’t need to visit them at Sonny’s penthouse, but if she does, she’ll live. Stop stalling. This is Carly’s time. Focus on her and her career. Carly says she really wants to go to the seminar. She’s just been so untethered, since she lost her half of the hotel. She’s not used to feeling aimless, so she really wants to go and get her life back on track, in every way. She flashes back to Drew saying she doesn’t have to be afraid of him, and kissing her. Josslyn asks where she went, and Carly says she was just thinking about her next step. Josslyn says, good; keep the focus on herself. Everything is covered here, she promises. Carly says, lunch is on her, and hands Josslyn some cash, saying, here’s a little extra in case something comes up. She has to get out of here, because the day is getting away from her. They hug, and exchange I love yous. Josslyn tells her to have a wonderful trip, and Carly leaves, but runs into Sonny on her way out the door. He asks if she isn’t supposed to get going, and she says, she was just giving Josslyn some last minute information. He tells her, don’t worry about it. Pilar is at the penthouse with Donna and Avery. They’ve got this. She says she knows, but she’s probably going to call every night just to check in. He tells her, good luck, she thanks him, and leaves.

Elizabeth tells Finn, Nikolas really seems to love Ava. She can’t see Nikolas trying to kill her. Finn says, Elizabeth knows Nikolas better than he does. Why does she think he insisted on making her his alibi? She says she told Nikolas that she lost time, but maybe Nikolas couldn’t vouch for his whereabouts either. Finn says, there were a lot of people on the property that night. She doesn’t know what they saw or said to the police. His concern is, the longer she holds out, the more it will cast suspicion on Nikolas and her.

On the phone, Nikolas tells someone, a situation has come up. He needs them to get to GH right away.

Ava says, Nikolas told her that he was with Elizabeth when she was attacked, and Portia says, sounds like he has an alibi. Ava says, they’ve known each other since they were teenagers. If anybody would lie to protect Nikolas, it’s Elizabeth. Portia says she just doesn’t think Elizabeth would lie to the police about something like that, but Ava says, maybe she doesn’t know she’s lying. Maybe she’s being manipulated. Ava’s husband is capable of very bad behavior; surprisingly bad behavior. It’s true what they say; the ones you love the most, can hurt you the most. Portia should keep that in mind before she marches down the aisle.

Mr. Taylor says he understands they’ve made a decision, and Sasha says, yes, they have. She signs the papers.  

Curtis says, Jordan was there when he and Portia got engaged. It never occurred to her to say something then? Jordan says she only just found out about it. It’s her fault. She’s very sorry. He asks her to help him understand. She said she filed those papers. Jordan says she thought she had. She signed them, and put them in her outbox. After their conversation at Trina’s party, she looked through all the mail she received while she was at the clinic, and it wasn’t there. That’s when it hit her. She was going to take the envelope to the courthouse personally, but there was so much going on at the time, and she got called on another matter and didn’t go. She guesses lost track of it, and it probably ended up covered in stacks of mail, and documents on her desk. He says, okay. She still has the divorce papers; they can still file them. Can they look for them?  

On the plane, about to head for Aruba, Carly calls Drew, but she gets voicemail.

Sonny tells Dex to keep an eye on the docks, and make sure the Wu’s are sticking to their agreement. Dex says he’s got it, when Sasha comes in with Brando and Gladys. Sonny gets up, and tells Dex, that’s it for now. Sonny goes over to Brando, and Brando asks if he’d like to join them for dinner, but Sonny says he’s got some business to take care of. He asks, what’s going on here? and Gladys tells them to catch up while she orders dinner for the table. She knows what everyone likes, so do they mind if she makes selections? Sasha says, might as well get used to it, and Gladys leaves. Brando says, they actually just reached a decision with the court. Sasha doesn’t have to serve prison time. Sonny says, that’s great, and Sasha says she’ll be right back. She leaves, and Sonny asks, what’s the agreement? Brando says, to avoid a prison sentence, Sasha had to agree to a guardianship. She just signed over her entire life to him.

Josslyn picks up a to-go bag, and asks Dex if he’s got a minute. He says, sure, and she says, there’s something they need get straight.

Finn says, if the police are going to catch who did this to Ava, they probably need accurate information, and Elizabeth says, he has a good point. He says, if Nikolas is innocent, he’s got nothing to worry about, and she says, except fabricating an alibi to begin with. What’s going to happen when she tells the police that she and Nikolas weren’t together the whole time? They’re both going to become suspects. He says, it’s her call. Whatever she decides, he’s in her corner. She says, it’s a lose-lose no matter what she does. She just needs to think about it for a minute. He says he understands, but he wants her to consider, as long Ava’s attacker is on the loose, Ava’s still in danger. She says he’s right. Ava deserves to know the truth. He asks if Elizabeth is actually going to tell her.

Jordan says she doesn’t have the divorce papers, and Curtis says, she just told him that she had them in a stack of documents on her desk. She says, that was a year ago, just before she spent several months recuperating at a clinic in Albany. That envelope’s probably long gone. He tells her, this is really irresponsible, and she says, her case load was immense during that time… but that’s no excuse. Those papers were important; she should have dealt with them immediately. She complicated things for him and Portia, and she’s sorry. Stella says, life happens. Curtis should understand that, doesn’t he? Jordan says she feels terrible about it, and promises to do whatever she can to make sure their nuptials go as planned. He says he’ll have his attorney issue new copies, and they can refile, and Jordan says, that’s probably the fastest way. She’ll sign them as soon as she has them; he has her word. He says he’ll talk to her later, and leaves. Stella asks, why on earth did Jordan do that?

Portia says, Curtis is certainly nothing like Nikolas, and Ava says, of course (🍷) he’s not. She’s so sorry. She’s not too warm and fuzzy about marriage, but that doesn’t mean they can’t work out. Outside Ava’s room, Nikolas says he’s going in to see his wife, and there’s nothing Frank can do to stop him. Portia comes out, and asks Nikolas, please leave, but he says he won’t be barred from seeing his wife. She says, Ava doesn’t want to see him, and if he doesn’t leave, she’ll have GH security escort him out. He tells her, call them. She has no idea what he’s capable of. Curtis comes around the corner, and asks if there’s a problem here. He knows he didn’t just hear Nikolas threaten his fiancé. Nikolas says, his wife has been badly injured, and they’re keeping him away. What would Curtis do? Curtis says, the way he understands it, Ava doesn’t wish to see him, and Portia says, Ava’s blood pressure was spiking; that’s why she came out here. Curtis asks if Nikolas heard that. Does he wish to pick a fight in the ICU just to convince Ava that he cares? The police are already on their way, so if Nikolas doesn’t want them involved, Curtis suggests he leave. Nikolas says, this isn’t over, but leaves, and Portia says she’s going to check on Ava. She goes back in, and asks if Ava wants something to help her settle down, but Ava says she doubts it would help. She doesn’t think she’s going to get any sleep now.

Stella says, Jordan was furious with her, and has every right to be. Why on earth would Jordan take the blame for her? Jordan says she’s not excusing what Stella did, and Stella says she knows taking those papers was out of line. Jordan says she’s surprised Stella would do something like that; it’s so unlike her. But Curtis has moved on. Jordan sees no reason to undo that progress now. Stella says she can’t let Jordan take the blame for her, and Jordan says, Stella’s not; she volunteered. Curtis will be mildly annoyed with her, but he’ll accept it was an accident. She’ll sign the papers, Curtis and Portia will be married, Stella will officiate, and everything will be all right. She just doesn’t see any reason to cause problems between Stella and Curtis, or Stella and Portia. Stella says, she meant what she said when she told Curtis that Jordan is still family, and she always will be.

Josslyn thanks Dex again for helping her find Avery’s bracelet, and he says, it was an adventure. She says, it wasn’t quite as heroic as saving Ava’s life, but he stepped up. He says, literally. She’s welcome. She says she judged him hard, and that’s really embarrassing because she hates judgy people. So basically, it makes her a hypocrite. He says he didn’t make the best first impression, and she says she still thinks he’s an idiot for working for Sonny. He says, duly noted, and she tells him, she thought he’d say something like that, but she’s not telling him because she despises Sonny. She’s telling him this because Sonny wrecks people, and she doesn’t want him to be one of those people. He says, just because he doesn’t take her advice, doesn’t mean he doesn’t appreciate her giving it, and she says she didn’t tell anybody about him helping her out the other night; not even Cam. He says, her boyfriend, and she says, yeah. It’s just really complicated to explain, so she’d appreciate it if he could keep it just between them. Can he do that for her?

Sonny says he’s sure being Sasha’s guardian isn’t easy for her or Brando, but Brando is going to do right by Sasha. They hug, and Brando thanks him.

Portia asks how Curtis is since his little dust up with Nikolas, and he says he’s okay. How is she? She says she’s highly annoyed, but she doesn’t know why she’s surprised at another one of Nikolas’s little stunts. At least her strong, handsome fiancé showed up when he did. Everything’s fine. Did he talk to his attorney about the divorce papers? He says, that’s actually why he came here to talk to her. Apparently, there’s no record of the filing. She asks how that’s even possible, and he says he wondered the same thing, so he went to talk to Jordan. She said she thought she filed it, but as it turns out, she’d forgotten, and the paperwork must have gotten thrown away when she was at the clinic in Albany. Portia says, so he’s telling her that he’s been married to Jordan this entire time? and he says, looks that way, but don’t worry. The attorney is expediting papers as they speak. She guesses that’s a relief… isn’t it? He says, definitely, and she says, something else is going on. Something’s still bothering him. Tell her what it is. He says, Jordan’s story isn’t adding up, and it reminds him of when she was dragging her feet in signing those papers in the first place.

Jordan says, it means the world to her that Stella feels this way. She considers Stella family too. Stella says, who’d-a thunk it? She knows what it’s taken them to get this far. They had to work hard for their relationship, but she’s grown to admire, respect, and care for Jordan. And not just because she’s TJ’s mother, but because of the wonderful person she is. While she’s happy for Curtis and Portia, she hopes she and Jordan can continue to be in each other’s lives. Jordan says she’d really like that. Besides, she doesn’t have a lot of family. They’re not all lucky enough to find cousins in England. Stella says, if Jordan wants to know about her family, she should try a DNA test too, and Jordan says, maybe she will. What was the site Stella used? Stella says she’ll forward Jordan the email they sent her with her results. Aside from them saying she had another relative in Port Charles, they’re fantastic. You never know what you’ll find.

Gladys brings some cups to the table, and tells Brando that she figured they’d start with dessert first. Something sweet to lighten the mood. Where is everybody? He says, Sonny stepped away, and Sasha had to take a moment for herself, so she went to the ladies room. Gladys says she hates that it’s come to this, and he says, him too, but he’s going to do everything in his power to show Sasha that she has the strength and he has the faith for her to get through this. She smiles at him, and he says, what? She says, can’t a mother admire her son? He’s become such a good man. She knows they’ve had their differences… He says, that’s one way of putting it, and she says, she knows she handled a lot of things badly, but despite her mistakes, he overcame his struggles and grew into this big-hearted man, who not only looks out for his wayward mother, but all the people he cares about. She’s sorry she wasn’t there for him when he needed the support he’s giving Sasha, and she’s so grateful to him for letting her come back into his life and be part of the family he’s growing. She’s just so damn proud of him. He says he’s proud of her too. The past is the past. He really appreciates her stepping up for Sasha. She helped get them through their darkest times, and he’s so glad she’s in their lives. She tears up, and kisses his hand. He says he loves her, and she says she loves him too.

Sonny finds Sasha, and says, Brando told him about the guardianship. How is she feeling about that? She says she can’t even describe it. She loves and trusts Brando, but feels like an intruder in her own life. He says, her circumstances are different than his, but he gets it. You’ve got to be strong, and you’ve got to believe in yourself. Brando came into his life late, but he’s family, and if he’s family, that means she’s family. He wanted to let her know that if she needs anything ever in her life, he’s here for her. She thanks him, and he says, it looks like Gladys got some desserts to start. Does she want some? She says, let’s do it.

Marshall and Drew have lunch at the pool, and Marshall says he understands what Drew is saying. He’s talking about giving people time, and not pushing them too fast. Drew says, it’s hard to know. Are you giving people time to figure things out, or are you waiting too long? What if you miss out on something fantastic? Marshall says, if something’s meant to be, there’s always a sign. He’s glad he was able to see his sign before it was too late. He looks at this watch, and says, late. He’s got to bounce. He’ll see Drew around. They shake hands, and Drew says, Marshall can count on that. Marshall leaves, and Drew sees a message from Carly on his phone.

Finn brings Elizabeth to Ava’s room, and Elizabeth says she’ll make this quick before she loses her nerve. There’s something Ava needs to know. She can’t guarantee Nikolas was with her when Ava was attacked. Ava asks why Elizabeth wouldn’t know that, and Finn says, it’s complicated. Ava says, is it? Did Elizabeth lie to the cops or not? Elizabeth says, no. They were together, just not the entire time. Nikolas’s whereabouts can’t be fully accounted for. Ava asks if she was just going to sit on this, and Finn says, Elizabeth was hoping to gather more information before amending her statement, but she thought Ava should know now. Although it does seem like Ava has more than adequate protection. Elizabeth says she just wants Ava to be safe, but she’d appreciate it if Ava would give her some time, so she can find out all the facts. Ava says, it sounds like there’s a lot more to the story. She hopes Elizabeth finds it. Elizabeth thanks her, and she and Finn are about to leave, when Ava asks them to send Frank in. Frank says she wanted to see him, and she says, yeah. She needs him to do something for her.

Drew listens to the message, and Carly says she’s been doing some thinking. Call her when he gets this. He calls, and gets her voicemail. He says he’s sorry he missed her call. He’s here whenever she can talk.

On the plane, Carly looks at her phone, when the plane experiences turbulence. The attendant tells the passengers to secure their loose items, and make sure their seatbelts are securely fastened. Suddenly, the plane lurches.

On the phone, Jordan says she’s calling about some test results. Initially, there was a match that was a close relation, but it disappeared. She’d like to find this person. The woman on the other end says she’s sorry. They’re not allowed to disclose their customer’s personal information, and Jordan says, this is a procedural question. How is it possible there was a match, and now it’s gone? Is that a glitch in their system? The woman assures her, a glitch like that would never happen (which is a pretty bold statement, considering, computers), and Jordan asks, then how did the match disappear? The woman says, the only way the match would disappear is if the person withdrew their information from the database.

Portia tells Curtis, her patient is now fine and resting comfortably. He’s still thinking about those divorce papers, right? He says, something doesn’t feel right, and she asks what he means. He says, Jordan wouldn’t forget something like that, and he finds the idea highly unlikely that the Police Commissioner’s paperwork would be removed and thrown away. She says she sees his point, but why would Jordan tell him that if it’s not true? He says, maybe Jordan made sure those papers weren’t filed.

Finn tells Elizabeth, he thinks that went better than expected, but he’s not sure how much time they bought. She says, the memory she’s been having is at the root of everything. She needs more information on it and her blackouts before she goes to the police. He asks how she plans on getting to the bottom of things, and she says she thinks she knows what she has to do.

Sonny sits down at Brando’s table, and says, tiramisu; he loves it. He thanks them for including him.

Dex says he has no intention of telling Josslyn’s boyfriend or anyone else about their dumpster diving adventure, and she thanks him for understanding. He gets up, and she says, so they’re good. He says, they are, and heads for the back.

Frank lets Nikolas in to see Ava, and she thanks him. She says, he can step outside and close the door. She needs to have a chat with her husband.

Josslyn sees Dex left his sunglasses, and goes to find him. Brando says he needs to step out for a second, and Sasha tells him, hurry back soon.

Josslyn goes outside, and we see someone with a hook is in the darkness. Brando comes out, and we see the hook raised up.

Tomorrow, Portia says, Jordan doesn’t really know how she feels about Curtis; Nikolas asks if Ava believes him; Dante tells Jordan that he has an update on the Ava Jerome case; and Sonny says, Sasha can rely on Brando.

🍺 Now Managing Charlie’s…

I actually forget she’s on the show until I see her again. Or read one of these articles.

💎 Not Quiet…

The skinny on the RHOBH Reunion. I think LisaR is getting paranoid in her old age.

🥂 Grand Dame Drama…

I don’t watch this often, but it’s about time Ashley ditched that weird husband of hers.

https://ew.com/tv/rhop-season-7-trailer-charrisse-returns-karen-huger-drama/

🧂 That’s What Shah Said…

Not much we didn’t know before, but it doesn’t look like she was ignorant of what she was doing. Doubtful she was led into temptation by her partner like she claims.

🐉 Dragonstone’s Latest…

What happened on House of the Dragon.

https://www.avclub.com/house-of-the-dragon-review-season-1-episode-4-king-o-1849523225

⚰️ This Week’s Tale…

The good thing about this show also seems to be its flaw. I love that we’re not in Georgia anymore, and there’s some variety, but having a different story each week makes it hard to invest in the characters. We’re not going to see them again anyway. Throwing in the Alpha episode might not have done any favors either, because of such a direct tie to TWD. Although a great idea would be a separate show with the stories of what familiar characters from the Walking Dead universe were doing when everything went to literal hell.

https://bleedingcool.com/tv/tales-of-the-walking-dead-s01e05-davon-review-intense-horror-noir/

🏆 Emmy This…

The winners.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/09/12/entertainment/emmy-awards-winners

The best, worst, weirdest, and WTF moments.

https://mashable.com/article/emmys-2022-best-worst-moments

https://www.rollingstone.com/tv-movies/tv-movie-lists/emmys-2022-12-best-worst-and-most-wtf-moments-1234591496/

https://www.avclub.com/emmys-2022-best-worst-weirdest-moments-1849527708

https://ew.com/awards/emmys/emmys-2022-best-worst-moments/

And most important, the fashion.

https://www.eonline.com/photos/35026/emmys-2022-red-carpet-fashion

🎍 No Moss On Me…

Return tomorrow for soap and to see what more damage Beverly Hills can do in Aspen before they leave. Until then, stay safe, stay being the calm during the storm, and stay strong, believing in yourself.

September 9, 2022 – Yesterday Once More, Real Band, Smoltz, Salty Talk, United, Another Deck, Future Carol, Final Dead, Regulate This, Mooning, New Stars, Exactly 10 Quotes & There She Was

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

GH was preempted yesterday, so yesterday’s was today’s. You can find it at:

And on Monday, Chase asks Brook if she thinks going after Linc is still worth it; Elizabeth wonders if Nikolas wants to protect her or himself; Curtis asks what Selina is doing at the club; and Cody has a proposition for someone.

🎸 Side Gig Within Main Gig…

Apparently, Cameron has a band IRL. It is really good of GH to let him perform his own material on the show. The ultimate in product placement.

📰 So Am I…

He’s annoying AF, but I think they should start an ongoing thing like Seinfeld had with Newman, and every time he shows up, someone goes, Smoltz!

🧂 Hence the Guilty Plea…

So she chose to say this in media outlets, but not in court. Okay. I believe it if you believe it. You can also catch the trailer for the new season.

https://ew.com/tv/real-housewives-of-salt-like-city-season-3-trailer-jen-shah-played-by-stuart-smith-fraud-case/

🥤 They’re Still Here…

Former cast members united in thirst.

https://okmagazine.com/p/leeanne-locken-braunwyn-windham-burke-vulnerability-real-housewives-important-cause/

Because We Need Another One…

No crossover cast here. Check out the new crew and trailer.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1345245/heres-your-first-look-at-below-deck-adventure-bravos-thrilling-new-spin-off

💀 Life After Dead…

Carol gives you some flowers to look at.

https://ew.com/tv/walking-dead-melissa-mcbride-carol-future-interview/

⚰️ Wrapping Up Dead…

The final season approaches.

https://ew.com/tv/walking-dead-final-season-on-set-cover-story/

https://ew.com/tv/walking-dead-exclusive-comic-con-images-daryl-carol/

📽 Another Notch In His Film Belt…

Originally written under his pseudonym Richard Bachman, this is actually one of my favorite Stephen King books. I’m shocked they’re making it into a movie, since I haven’t met one other person who’s read it.

Stephen King Horror-Western The Regulators Being Adapted as a Film

https://www.fangoria.com/original/stephen-kings-the-regulators-is-becoming-a-movie/

🌖 A Moon Out Tonight…

I caught this the other night on IFC, and it’s not bad.

https://www.pastemagazine.com/tv/amc-plus/moonhaven-review/

💃🏽 Latest Dancers…

Love Wayne Brady, but hoping Teresa gets the first boot.

https://ew.com/tv/dancing-with-the-stars-season-31-cast-reveal/

🏌🏽‍♀️ Quotes of the Week

There are three classes of men; lovers of wisdom, lovers of honor, and lovers of gain. – Plato

You will never do anything in this world without courage. It is the greatest quality of the mind next to honor. – Aristotle

Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what makes life meaningful.Joshua J. Marine

We need to give each other space so that we may both give and receive such beautiful things as ideas, openness, dignity, joy, healing and inclusion. – Max de Pree

Popularity should be no scale for the election of politicians. If it would depend on popularity, Donald Duck and The Muppets would take seats in senate. – Orson Welles (Well…)

A man who dares to waste one hour of time has not discovered the value of life.Charles Darwin

We don’t apologize for our mistakes; we erase them. – Ian Malcolm (Jeff Goldblum), Jurassic World: Dominion

We all make mistakes, have struggles, and even regret things in our past. But you are not your mistakes, you are not your struggles, and you are here now, with the power to shape your day and your future. – Steve Maraboli

A man who has nothing for which he is willing to fight, nothing which is more important than his own personal safety, is a miserable creature and has no chance of being free unless made and kept so by the exertions of better men than himself. – John Stuart Mill

Don’t grieve. Anything you lose comes round in another form. – Rumi

🎶 If That’s All There Is, Then Let’s Keep Dancing…

See you on Monday, when I assume the soap will be readjusted, and we’ll see what’s on Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay always moving forward, and stay being wise, prudent, and sensible. Most of the time.

September 6, 2022 – An Anniversary Brings a Surprise, Backstage, Primetime Gig, Could Happen, a Message, Evil Woman, Filming, a Goodbye, Tales Talk, New Dragon & Gurls

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Marshall tells Sonny, this here is a celebration. They don’t want no trouble. Sonny says he doesn’t want any trouble either. He’s there to celebrate Trina, just like everyone else. He just wants to have a minute with Curtis. Curtis says, now is not a good time, and Marshall says, Sonny heard his son. He thinks it’s best Sonny leave now. Taggert tells Portia, nothing’s going to happen, and she asks if he’s sure about that. He says, 95% sure, and she says, he likes those odds? He says, whatever happens, Sonny and Curtis can work it out, and she says she hopes he’s right. She just wanted Trina to have a lovely party to celebrate, and… it looks like she’s got some drama of her own.

Trina says, the envelope has her name on it. Did Spencer find it somewhere? He says, no. Can she give it back please? She says, why should she? It’s hers. He says, no. Actually, it’s his. He was going to give it to her… She says, now she has it, so why does he want it back?

Willow wakes, and reaches for Michael, but he’s not there. She hears Wiley giggle, and Nelle’s voice says, say bye-bye, grandma; bye-bye, daddy. She goes downstairs and sees Carly and Michael lying dead in the living room. Nelle is there, holding Wiley’s hand, and she tells Willow, it’s no use. She’s too late. Willow says, give her her son, but Nelle says, she doesn’t have Willow’s son. Oh, Willow means her son. Willow says, Nelle is nothing to Wiley, and Nelle says, guess again. Now that the obstacles have been removed, she and her son can be together. Willow asks what she did to Michael and Carly, and Nelle says, she didn’t do anything; Willow did. Willow looks down to see her hands covered in blood, and says, no. Nelle says she’s so glad karma is finally paying Willow back for taking her son from her. Now there’s no more Michael, no more Carly… Thanks for that by the way. Willow says, no, no, no, and Nelle says, and when she disappears with her son, Willow won’t have anybody anymore. Say bye-bye. Wiley says, bye-bye, mommy, and Willow moves toward them, but they disappear. Willow looks at Michael and Carly, and screams. She wakes up, and sees Michael isn’t there. She says, oh my God, and jumps out of bed.

Downstairs, Carly thanks Temp Michael for letting her help put Wiley to bed. She’s going to miss that little guy when she’s on her trip. He says, Wiley loves spending time with her, and he appreciates the reinforcement, because Willow has been going to bed really early lately. Carly says, of course (🍷). She’s working and pregnant. He says he knows. He’s starting to realize how big a deal that is. Willow comes in, and says, thank God, throwing her arms around Michael. He asks, what’s wrong? and she says, Nelle.

Spencer says, it doesn’t matter why he didn’t give Trina the letter. They’re his words, and he no longer wishes Trina to read them. Give it back. She says, no, and he says, please. That letter is his property. She says, possession is nine tenths of the law, so if he wants it back he’s going to have to do more than say please. Follow her. She leads him outside.

Sonny says, he means no disrespect, but this doesn’t involve Marshall. Curtis says, regardless, he decides who he wants to have a conversation with in his own club, and Nina comes by. She asks if Sonny minds if she steals him away for a second, and Sonny goes with her. Marshall says, he’s gone. Now tell him what the hell is going on. Curtis says, thanks. He knows what Marshall is doing, but he and Sonny go back aways. Whatever issues they have, they can resolve them on their own. Marshall says, he’s been in the music business a long time, and he’s seen Sonny’s type and how they behave in establishments like Curtis’s. Once they get their hooks in, there’s no getting them out. Curtis says, Marshall has warned him about this before. Trust him. He gets it. Marshall says, he’s not meddling, but Curtis has great back-up with Police Commissioner Ashford. All Curtis has to do is call it in, but hey, he’s not meddling.

Jordan tells TJ that she’s working on a case involving one of those genealogy companies, and it reminded her of when Stella took her test. She’d almost forgotten that’s how Stella found her cousin in London. TJ says, it was, and it’s been a whirlwind adventure ever since. She says, at the time, they all thought her long-lost relative was here in Port Charles, and he says, and they said it was a closer match than a cousin. She guesses they were wrong, but he says he doesn’t know. When she found her cousin, they let it go, but honestly, the whole thing never set right with him. They chalked it up to a technical glitch, but it seems unlikely a reputable company would make that mistake. Stella arrives, and tells TJ to give her a hug.

Josslyn asks if Cameron has some place else to be, but he says he has another surprise. She says, another secret, and he says, a surprise, not a secret. She says, close enough, and he says, she’s the one keeping all the secrets. HE didn’t know his girlfriend was a pro dumpster diver. Is she still mad at him? She asks, what for? and he says, not telling her about Spencer’s plan to save Trina. She says, no. Of course (🍷) she wasn’t thrilled, but she gets it. Spencer put him in an impossible situation.

Spencer says, until he gives it to Trina, the letter is his property, and he’s not giving it to her. This is totally unfair. She says, he’s really going to complain to her about what is and isn’t fair? She’ll give him the letter back – he says, thank you – but first she has to tell him why he’s being so weird about it… Fine. She’ll open it. He says, it’s not for her, but she says, it has her name on it. He says, that’s because it’s addressed to Trina his friend, and according to her, they’re not friends anymore.

Cameron tells Josslyn, in the interest of not keeping secrets, Spencer wrote Trina a letter. In it, he explains everything; how he always believed Trina, and was only pretending to back Esme. She says, wow. She’s almost proud of him. Does Cameron think that’s what they’re talking about? He says he hopes so. All these secrets haven’t been doing anyone any good. It’s time for everything to be out in the open.

Trina says she set a boundary, and Spencer says, he’s just trying to respect it. She says she didn’t mean to hurt him when she said they couldn’t be friends anymore, but he says, we Cassadines have ice in our veins. She didn’t hurt him, but thank you. He appreciates it, and knows she wasn’t trying to hurt him. She says, he has to admit, their relationship got pretty toxic, and he says, toxic or not, their relationship meant a lot to him, and it always will. She says, it’s meant a lot to her too, but their friendship wasn’t good for her. She felt like she kept compromising herself over and over again. She hopes he understands, and he says he does. And since they’re sharing, there’s something he’d like to tell her too.

Jordan and Stella hug, and Stella asks, where’s that nephew of hers? Jordan gestures to Marshall and Curtis talking, and Stella says, those two look like they could use a minute. Now what’s going on with TJ? Starting with how thin he’s getting. Is Molly feeding him enough?… She says she’s sorry. They’re a modern couple and they feed themselves. TJ says, between Molly’s schedule and his, they manage to grab the occasional meal, and he promises he’s taking care of himself. She says, okay. What’s going on with Jordan? She’s kind of quiet. Is everything all right? Portia runs up, and says she’s sorry to interrupt, but it’s so good to see Stella. They hug, and Stella sees Portia’s ring. She says, wait a minute. What is this?

Curtis says he knows Marshall doesn’t like Sonny, but he’s got it covered. Marshall says, don’t get it twisted; this isn’t personal. He barely knows Sonny, but he knows Sonny’s type; the type that can cause trouble. Curtis sees Selina, and Marshall says, if Sonny is trying to rope Curtis or The Savoy into something shady, they got to deal with that. Curtis says he hears Marshall, but he and Sonny don’t have that kind of relationship.  

Willow says, Nelle had Wiley by the hand. She tried to take him from Nelle, and they disappeared. She was standing there with Michael and Carly, and they were both dead. Then she woke up. Michael says, it was just a dream, and Carly says, she got intense dreams when she was pregnant; she gets it. Willow says she hopes she doesn’t have them until she delivers. She’s tired enough as it is. She’s cutting back her hours at GH. Carly says, that’s smart, and she’s sure GH is understanding. Michael says, and she has him to take care of her, and Carly says, and her entire family. Willow says she appreciates that, and Michael promises there will be no stress during this pregnancy.

Nina goes to Nelle’s grave with a bouquet of flowers, and says she’s sorry she wasn’t here earlier. It’s been a long, exhausting day, but Nelle is never far from her thoughts. She can’t believe it’s been two years since she lost Nelle. It’s been an interesting two years. She never even visited last year. Nelle says, no big deal, and Nina looks up to see her. Nelle says, she’s literally living rent free in Nina’s head. Hi mom.

Selina says, always a pleasure, and Sonny says he didn’t expect to see her here tonight. She says, Curtis is a valued partner of hers. She came to express her congratulations for Trina’s good fortune. He says, that’s very generous, and she says, sit with her and have a drink. Unless he’s waiting on Miss Reeves. He says, Miss Reeves isn’t with him tonight. She says, then they’re both unescorted, since Curtis is occupied with family matters. They should have a chat. Sonny says, about what? and she says, there’s always business to discuss.

Spencer tells Trina that he’s sorry he made their friendship confusing. That’s all on him. He should have been upfront about Esme, and he should have told Esme about his feelings for her. Maybe if he’d done that, he could have saved them from the path of destruction they were on. She says, that would have been preferable, and he says, maybe they could have… The point is, everyone deserved better, and that’s essentially what he wrote in the letter. He just wanted an opportunity to come clean, and let her know he would have done everything differently. She says she appreciates that, and he says he understands why they can’t be friends anymore. He messed up her life, and he’ll always regret that.

Stella says, that looks like an engagement ring, and Portia says, Curtis proposed. They’re engaged.

Willow says, Wiley is safe and sound, sleeping like the angel he is, and Carly says, it doesn’t hurt to make sure. Michael says, she got dressed. Is she going out? Willow says she’s just getting some air, and he says he’ll go with her, but she says, one of them needs to stay with Wiley. He says, his mom can do that, or that can take Wiley to the main house. Willow says, Michael wants to wake Wiley so he can babysit her? and Carly says she actually needs to go over some things with Michael before her trip. Willow says she’ll be fine, and leaves. Michael asks what Carly wants to talk about, and she says, nothing. She gets that his heart is in the right place, but she thinks Willow needs time alone. He says he doesn’t want to hover, but Willow’s been acting so off lately, he can’t shake the feeling there’s something she’s not telling him.

Nelle says, normally, she’s not a fan of being forgotten, and Nina says, she didn’t forget Nelle. Nelle says she knows. Nina was doing the Lord’s work in Nixon Falls. Thanks for that, by the way. She knows Nina didn’t do it for her, but Nina did it because of her, so that’s good enough. Nina says she was upset with Carly. She let Nelle slip, and even after she knew what she did, she didn’t tell Nina that Nelle was her daughter. She just left Nelle out there alone. Nina cries, and says she didn’t mean to let things go as far as they did, but Nelle says, didn’t she? It doesn’t matter. What’s important is that it paid off beautifully. Nina broke up Sonny and Carly, and kept Sonny for herself. Nina says she’s not going to apologize for her relationship with Sonny, but she did hurt a lot of people, including Wiley. Nelle says, Wiley’s a baby. He’s not going to remember any of it anyway. Nina says, Wiley’s not a baby anymore. He’s old enough to have things affect him. Nelle says, if Michael and Carly, and that baby-stealing insufferable Willow, want to tell him things about her or Nina that might be hurtful, that’s on them. They’re in the clear. Nina says she doesn’t want anyone to hurt Wiley, but Nelle says, he’ll get over it. It’s not like anyone’s stealing his kidney for cash, like Frank Benson. Nina says, her greatest regret is that she couldn’t protect Nelle growing up from that horrible, neglectful person. Nelle says, Nina’s mom did put her in a coma, and shrugs. Nina says, she would have been a good mother. Nelle’s life would have been so different. Nelle says, it would. Nina would have given her so much love, everything she ever wanted or needed. They hug, and Nelle says, she could have followed in Nina’s footsteps. Maybe become Editor-in-Chief of Crimson magazine. Nina says she wishes she could have given Nelle that life, and Nelle says, it’s a shame they didn’t know who they were to each other. She could have learned from the best. Together, they really could have made Michael and Carly suffer. They could have made sure Carly stayed in the nuthouse for the rest of her life. They could have hidden her son away from Michael. Working together, they really could have done a lot of damage.

Carly tells Michel, being pregnant is like being on a roller coaster. One minute, you’re glowing and happy, and the next minute, you’re just miserable. He says he knows he’s being over-protective, but how random is it that Willow dreamed about Nelle? She says, Nelle died two years ago today, and he says he didn’t realize. She says she tries not to think about it, but sometimes it just hits her. Reaching out, trying to grab Nelle and help her, and she just falls. It was awful. Then she felt relief. Nelle’s gone. Her friends and family are safe. Then she was terrified she was going to be blamed for Nelle’s death – and she was, once Nina found out the truth. Michael says he’s going to just call and check on Willow, and Carly says, it’s been five minutes; come on. He calls, but gets voicemail, and says, Carly doesn’t think she’d go to Nelle’s grave, does she? Carly says, he knows Willow best. What does he think? He says he thinks it’s a possibility, and since it’s the anniversary of Nelle’s death, he thinks there’s a chance she’ll run into Nina. Carly flashes back to finding out Nina is Willow’s mother, and he says, what happens if Willow runs into Nina? She says she thinks it will be unpleasant, but she doesn’t think Nina would hurt Willow. He says he’s going to check on her, and asks if Carly would mind watching Wiley. She says, yes, of course (🍷), when Wiley runs in, and asks where Michael is going. Michael says he’s going to pick up mommy, but Wiley hugs him, and says, no. Michael asks, what’s wrong? He loves Grandma Carly. Wiley says he had a bad dream, and doesn’t want Michael to go. Carly says, she’ll check on Willow, and Michael can stay with his son. She won’t let anything happen to Willow. He thanks her, and she leaves.

Nelle says, if Nina’s mother hadn’t pawned her off on Frank Benson, and Carly hadn’t let her plummet to her death, and if she and Nina had known who they were to each other, she could have had the most beautiful life. They could have punished them all. Nina says, that’s not what she wanted for Nelle. Everything she did, all the mistakes she made, were because she was in pain. Nelle is her baby, and Nina misses her, but she’s going to have to spend the rest of her life making up for her mistakes. Nelle says, what’s the point in whining about that? If Madeline hadn’t done what she did to Nina, and if Frank hadn’t done what he did to her, it’s the best get-out-of-jail-free card ever. Nina says, just because they got hurt doesn’t absolve them, and Nelle says, they got hurt, and hurt the world around them. Face it. They’re exactly the same. They had a connection, but Nina couldn’t let herself recognize that Nelle was her own flesh and blood. Not while Nelle was working for her, not while Nelle was standing in front of her, not when Nina testified against her, when they were trying to take her baby away from her. Nina had every opportunity to be the mother she always wanted to be, and she pushed Nelle away. Nina says she didn’t know, and cries, her face in her hands. When she looks up, Willow is there instead of Nelle.

Trina tells Spencer, she doesn’t know what to say, and he tells her, she doesn’t have to say anything. He just wanted her to know he’s sorry. She says she wishes things were different, and he says, him too. Rory comes out, and says he’s sorry to interrupt, but she’s been gone a while. He just wanted to make sure she was okay. Spencer says, he’s kept her from her party long enough. They’re done here anyway, aren’t they? She hands him the letter, and he leaves. Rory asks if she’s okay, and she says, yeah… She doesn’t know what just happened. He asks if she wants to get out of here, but she says, no. This is her party, and she wants to enjoy it with her date.

Sonny says, it’s a little late for business, and Selina says, friendship then. Let her buy him a drink. He says he doesn’t want to intrude any longer, and she says, it’s hardly intrusion. He’s welcome here. Or has he been made to feel otherwise?

Taggert asks if that thing Trina had to take care of had anything to do with Spencer, and she says, they just cleared the air. She told him they couldn’t be friends anymore. He says, smart decision. He knows it wasn’t easy, but that kid, he’s no good.

Portia says, they were going to tell Stella tonight. This is not how they wanted her to find out. She’s so sorry. Curtis comes over, and says, sorry for what? Stella says, it seems that he’s been keeping some things from her, and Portia says, she saw the ring, so… He says, they were going to tell her together in person tonight, and Stella says, oh, independent corroboration. Jordan says, she and TJ will give them some privacy, and they move on. Portia says she’s so sorry, but Stella says, Portia doesn’t owe her an apology; Curtis does. But first, allow her to welcome Portia to the family. They hug, and Portia thanks her. Stella says, Curtis finally takes her suggestion, and proposes, and she’s the last to know. He says, it wasn’t on purpose, and she asks if they’ve started making plans yet. Curtis says, slow down just a bit; they just got engaged. Stella says, like that’s an excuse, and Portia says, there is one thing they did, that they definitely agree on. Curtis says, that’s part of the reason they were waiting for tonight to tell her, and Stella says she’s dying to know. Curtis says, they’d like to know if she would marry them, and she says she’s never officiated at a wedding before. He says, it’s easy. You just go online, fill out some paperwork, and register with the clerk. Portia says, and you can just drop it in the mail, and Stella flashes back to never mailing the divorce papers. Portia asks if she would do them the honor, and Curtis takes Stella’s hand, saying, because there’s really no one better to marry them. She says, marrying the two of them would be the honor of her life, and Marshall says, and he’ll handle the music. Portia thanks them, and says, that’s one thing down. Now all they have to do is pick a date, a venue, the guest list, and apply for a marriage license. Stella says, for that, they have to supply proof of their divorces, and Curtis says, come to think of it, he doesn’t remember getting that. Stella says, he’d better look into it.

Willow asks who Nina was talking to, and Nina says she was talking to herself. Willow says, sorry for intruding. She knows how hard this day must be for her. Nina says, it is hard. She didn’t know Nelle was her daughter when she was alive, but she carried her. Nelle was her baby. Willow is probably wondering why she’s grieving when Nelle did such horrible things. Willow says, Nelle was still Nina’s child, and a mother’s love is unconditional. Feeling sadness over what could have been, that’s just human. Nina thanks her, and says she’s guessing Willow is here for Jonah, but Willow says she’s here for Nelle.

Selina asks if Curtis is giving Sonny any trouble, but Sonny says, it’s just a misunderstanding. He ran into a singer, Harrison Chase. Does she know of him? She says, the detective on suspension, and he says, he’s a good singer, and a good guy. He thought Chase would be a good fit for The Savoy. She says she appreciates Sonny making the connection. She’s sure Curtis will too.

Curtis asks if Jordan’s got a minute, and she says, what’s up? He says, this is going to sound strange, but did she ever receive notification that their divorce was finalized? She says, now that he mentions it, she’s not sure. She remembers filing the papers, but… He says, maybe it’s because he moved, his got lost in the mail, but she’s sure she got hers? She says she doesn’t remember seeing it, but she did get a lot of mail while she was away at the clinic. She could double-check; maybe she misplaced it. He says he hates to ask, but he needs it to apply for a marriage license. She says, of course (🍷). In order to get married again, you need to be divorced.

Stella congratulates Trina, and hugs her, saying, she had faith that Trina would be exonerated. Trina thanks her and thanks her for coming. Stella says, absolutely, and Curtis asks if he can steal Stella away for a minute. They leave, and Taggert tells Trina that he’s going to bounce. Have fun, stay late with her friends, and enjoy being young while she can. She says she supposes she can, as long as he promises to get lattes with her at the Haven Bistro soon. He says, twist his arm, and hugs Trina, saying, he has such a good daughter. He tells Jordan, see ya, and leaves. Jordan asks where Rory is, and Trina says, he went to get drinks. Jordan says she wanted to tell him about a break in a case, but shop talk can wait. Trina says, he’d love to hear about it. He loves his work. Jordan says, it’s pretty interesting. One of those DNA genealogy sites gave them some important evidence. Trina says, that’s so cool, and Jordan says, it make her glad those tests have become mainstream. Has Trina ever done one?

Willow tells Nina, Nelle was Wiley’s birth mother. She felt she should pay her respects, for Wiley’s sake. Nina says, Willow came out of respect for Nelle; that’s nice. She must be conflicted, since she and Michael are trying to erase Nelle from Wiley’s life. Willow says, they’re not trying to erase Nelle; they’re protecting Wiley. Even Nina admitted Nelle did terrible things. Nina says, and that’s what they want to do, lie to Wiley. Tell him people don’t have flaws. Willow says, Nelle was beyond flawed. If she’d had her way, Michael would have never known Wiley was his son, and Nina would have never known Wiley was her grandson. Every time she thinks she’s making headway with Nina, there’s no reasoning with her. She only sees what she wants to see. Nina tells Willow to get off her damn high horse. She’s sorry Nelle did horrible things, but it’s made Willow so self-righteous, she can’t acknowledge anyone’s pain but her own. Carly walks into the cemetery, and says, enough. If anyone needs perspective, it’s Nina. No matter how hard she tries to rewrite history, no matter how much she wishes Nelle had been redeemed, it doesn’t change the facts. Nelle was a kidnapper and a murderer, and the only reason they’re safe is because she’s dead.

Sonny says he can handle his business with Curtis, and Selina says, she and Sonny go back many years and many favors. Sonny agrees they do, and she says, anything she can do to strengthen their ties, don’t hesitate to ask. He says he’ll keep that in mind. She and Curtis have been doing business; how’s that working out? She says, splendidly. She found Curtis to be quite accommodating. Sonny says he’s going to let Curtis get back to his family, and thinks Selina should do the same. You know what they say about a good man. He whispers, they have their limits, and she whispers back, thank you for the advice. But she knows exactly where she and Curtis stand.

Trina tells Jordan that she took a DNA genealogy test for a project in high school. Why does she ask? Curtis gets on stage, and says, good evening. He thanks everyone for coming to The Savoy for Trina. Everyone yells, and he says, when he first met Trina, it’s safe to say she was profoundly unimpressed. But he on the other hand, immediately noticed what a strong, smart, resilient young lady she is. It’s impossible not to. So in honor of Trina, please help him welcome tonight’s entertainment, Cameron Webber. Cameron comes out with an electric guitar, and apparently has a band we never knew about. He asks how everyone is feeling tonight, and they whoop and holler. He says, his first song is dedicated to Trina. In fact, they’re all dedicated to Trina, since this is her party. This song is about a person they both know. She’ll get what it means. There’s a lot of da-da-da stuff, and something about someone being messed up in the head, but they don’t give a damn. I’m actually not positive, but I assume it’s about Esme? Cameron finishes the song to cheers and applause.  

Spencer sets the letter on fire, and watches it burn.  

Carly suggests Willow go home, and take care of herself and the baby. Michael and Wiley are waiting. Willow says, Carly’s right. It was a mistake to come here. She leaves, and Nina says, this is precious. She comes here to have a private moment with her daughter, the two of them show up, uninvited, and she’s the villain. Carly says, Nina and Nelle are alike. Nothing was ever Nelle’s fault, and nothing is ever Nina’s fault. Nina says, she’s taken responsibility for her actions, and she’s paid the consequences, and Carly says, but she doesn’t believe she deserves them. She and Nelle sing the same tune; that they’re a product of their circumstances, and that excuses their actions. Nina says, Carly of all people should sympathize. Not with her, but with Nelle. Because it was Carly’s adoptive father who neglected Nelle, abused her, and sold her for parts. Carly says she had compassion for Nelle, and in return, she was sent to Ferncliff for months, Michael was left to burn in a car, and Nelle switched Wiley for Willow’s dead baby. Does Nina get that? Nelle used someone’s dead infant as a prop. How proud Nina must be. Carly walks out, and Nina says, it didn’t have to be like this.

Tomorrow, Felicia tells Maxie, that would be a bad idea; Anna tells Robert, she doesn’t know whether to find that funny or disturbing; Victor tells Lucy, it will be their little secret; and Sonny wants to get something straight with Cody.

🍺 Behind the Bar…

That was a fun scene.

👮🏽‍♂️ Not So Invisible…

A lot of side gigs going on at GH.

🎼 Like Mother, Like Daughter…

This would be the perfect time for Lois to make an appearance.

📜 For the Fans…

This was just one of the saddest things ever.

😈 I’m With Her…

I’ll say it again. I think Sutton is clueless and can be inappropriate AF, but Diana is vindictive and creepy.

💗 Making Heart Sign…

A match made in Housewives heaven.

🥀 We Barely Knew Ye…

Even though I don’t think we ever saw him, Marge sure seemed to have a lot of respect for her ex. I know she must be devastated.

https://people.com/tv/real-housewives-of-new-jersey-margaret-josephs-ex-husband-jan-josephs-dead-at-75/

⚰️ Tales To Be Told…

Is it science or sentiment? What I like about this show is the different story each week.  

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/tales-of-the-walking-dead-season-1-episode-4-recap-amy-dr-everett-poppy-liu-anthony-edwards/

🐉 This Week’s Dragon…

What’s happening with the Targaryens.

https://ew.com/tv/recaps/house-of-the-dragon-season-1-episode-3/

👠 Walking My Own Red Carpet…

Speaking of evil, come by tomorrow for some soap and the Housewives who have the market on the devil’s work these days. Until then, stay safe, stay not shooting the messenger, and stay not crashing anyone’s private moments at the cemetery. No good can come of it.

August 29, 2022 – Dex Comes To Ava’s Rescue, Kyle Flirts On Deck, Everything VMA, Tale Talk & Best Bunny

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

On the phone, Josslyn tells Michael that he’s got great timing. She just got done reading Wiley a bedtime story, and he’s loving his sleepover at the main house. His nanny’s upstairs with him now. She tells him to enjoy kicking back with Willow. They’re all good on their end. She sees Nina, and says, this may not be her house, but she knows for a fact Nina isn’t welcome here. Nina says she’s not here for a social visit. This is uncomfortable for her, and she’s only here because she has a carload of desserts for Olivia that were mistakenly delivered to the MetroCourt. She’s just trying to correct a mistake. Josslyn says she was just on the phone with Michael, and she could have told him that Nina was there trespassing, but he and Willow rarely get a night to themselves, and Josslyn’s completely capable of throwing Nina out herself. But apparently she’s not capable of listening. She says, Nina will not go anywhere near Wiley, and Nina tells her, like she said, she just brought desserts for Olivia. She wasn’t planning on seeing her grandson. Josslyn says, let’s make sure – get out – when Sonny comes in, and asks, what’s the problem here? Josslyn says, the problem? She’s looking at it. Sonny says, Olivia knows that Nina’s here and why, and Josslyn asks how long it takes to drop off desserts, because she highly doubts Olivia invited her to stay. Sonny says, Josslyn doesn’t have to like it, but he thinks her mom taught her how to be civil to people, and Josslyn says, her mom also taught her how to deal with a back-stabbing bitch. Sonny tried to help Trina, and that’s the only reason she’s not slapping his girlfriend into next week. Since apparently she also has no concept of the law. She leaves, and Nina says, that was fun. She thinks she’ll go. Sonny says, hell no.

Felicia says she’s not going to tell Mac what to do. It’s his call whether or not he tells Cody that he was once romantically involved with Cody’s mother. But Mac and Dominique as a couple was pretty common knowledge back in the day. Somebody’s bound to point that out to Cody eventually. He says, one thing at a time, okay? He’s still trying to wrap his head around the fact that Dominique had a son she gave up. That’s not at all like the woman they both knew.

Britt slaps Cody, and he asks, what the hell is wrong with her? That was a damn good kiss.

Finn finds Valentin in the living room, and says he’s looking for Elizabeth. He asks if she came by, and Valentin says he hasn’t seen her, but he’s looking for Anna. Has Finn seen her? They hear groaning outside, and find Spencer walking up to the patio. Finn says, take it easy, and Spencer says, leave him the hell alone. Finn says, Spencer doesn’t look so good. He’ll get a glass of water, and Spencer can come inside. They’ll get someone to find his dad. Clearly drunk, Spencer says, forget it. He never wants to see his dad again.

Nikolas finds Elizabeth sitting on the ground, and she asks, what happened?

Ava lies outside the boathouse, bleeding. She touches her wound and looks at the blood on her hand. She feebly tries to call for help.

Mac tells Felicia, Dominique was a bright light. She was a loving generous person, who would have cherished having a son. It’s obvious she gave him away to protect him from Taub, but once Leopold died, why not reclaim him and raise him herself? Felicia says, what if she didn’t realize she had a son?

Britt says she didn’t slap Cody based on the quality of the kiss. She slapped him because of why he kissed her. He says, she’s telling him it was a good kiss though, and she says, he only kissed her to distract her. He says, distract her from what? and she says, his interrogation about Peter and Faison. Come on. Just be honest. Why is he so fascinated by her father and brother?

Nina says, besides Sonny, nobody wants her here, and he says, nobody can make mistakes and move on with their lives. The way Josslyn and Michael treat her is unfair, it’s rude, and… it’s actually sad. A lot of people here will be happy to see her, and he’s at the top of the list. she says she knows he’ll always be on her side, and he’ll face down all the haters, but she doesn’t want another confrontation. She’d rather go home. He asks if she can’t stay a little while, and she asks, why? He says he’s got Dex bringing him some paperwork. Once he signs off on it, they’ll go to his place and have a nightcap. She says, that’s an offer she can’t refuse, when Anna walks in. She says she didn’t mean to interrupt… Actually, she is interrupting. She wonders if she can have a moment with Sonny.

Finn sits Spencer down on the couch, and Valentin gives him some water, saying, Spencer’s clearly dehydrated. Spencer says he doesn’t need damn thing from Valentin. All of the trouble between Spencer and his father started when Valentin came sniffing for an inheritance that never belonged to him. Spencer puts his arm around Finn, and says, that’s when his father made the horrible decision to play dead to get his revenge. That’s something his father has to live with, but all the drama started with Valentin. Valentin says, anything he’s done to hurt Spencer, he’s sorry, and leaves. Spencer says he hates that guy, and Finn says he’s not a big fan himself. Spencer says he wishes he could blame Valentin for everything, but Valentin didn’t force his father to lie, play dead, or marry Ava… Finn says, but what? Did Spencer’s dad do something to upset him? Spencer says, it doesn’t matter, because the man he grew up with, the man he hero worshipped, either changed or was never real in the first place.

Nikolas helps Elizabeth up, and says, it looks like she hit her head. How did that happen? She says she doesn’t know, and he asks, what’s the last thing she remembers? She says she was at the stables with Finn. They had an argument, and now she’s here. He says, she’s not that close to the stables. She doesn’t remember walking here or how she got that scrape on her forehead? She says, no. She remembers being really angry and feeling betrayed, and he asks what they argued about. She says, Finn went behind her back again. He called Sarah. Nikolas says, her sister who hasn’t been in town for ten years? Why would Finn call her? She says, because Finn thinks she’s losing her mind.

Josslyn sees Ava, who’s still weakly calling for help, and says, oh my God. She’s going to get help. Does Ava have her phone on her? Was she carrying it and dropped it? She’s going to get help. The picnic is for GH, so there are nurses and doctors here. Ava grabs Josslyn’s leg, and says, don’t leave her.

Sonny asks if Anna wants to talk WSB business. They’ll have to get Diane… Anna says, he doesn’t need Diane. This is more official-adjacent. Nina says she’ll go get some fresh air; it’s a lovely night. Anna thanks her, and she leaves. Sonny says, Anna’s got his attention, so what’s up? She says she’s aware that in addition to his business enterprises, he keeps a close watch on all the illegal activities in Port Charles. He says he can neither confirm nor deny that statement, and she says, let her cut to the chase. Does he have any information about what Victor Cassadine is doing here?

Nina stands outside, and hears Valentin say, she walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies; and all that’s best of dark and bright meet in her aspect and her eyes… Nina says, Thus mellowed to that tender light, which Heaven to gaudy day denies. Most people think it’s Shakespeare, but it’s really… He says, Lord Byron; mad, bad, and dangerous to know.

Mac asks how Dominique could have a son and not be aware, and Felicia says, think back. Dominique stayed at Shadybrook for a time. He says, Leopold had her committed. He wanted control of Dominique and her fortune. She says, that’s what everyone assumed, but what if there were other reasons? What if Dominique was pregnant, and Leopold took the baby?

Cody says he asked about Britt’s family. That’s what you do when you’re trying to get to know new people in your life. She says she keeps telling him; she doesn’t want to talk about Peter or her father. Why can’t he accept it and move on? He says, the better questions is, why is she being so defensive? It’s not like he asked if she had a criminal past too. Why is it easier to accuse him of being manipulative, rather than just admit she’s attracted to him? What is so God-so awful about them being into each other? She asks, who said she was into him?

Finn tells Spencer, to be bitterly disappointed in his father’s life choices? Welcome to the club. He’s not in a good place to be giving any sort of advice, but he’s going to throw it out there anyway. Maybe somewhere down the line, it will mean something to Spencer. Spencer says, it couldn’t be worse than the garbage his father’s been throwing out there, and Finn says, that’s the thing, kid. If we’re lucky, we grow up thinking our parents are superhuman; they have all the right answers, and can fix all the problems. Spencer says, but in his case, his father is the problem, and Finn says, and at some point we realize, they’re not superhuman. They’re just people, doing the best they can, who occasionally screw up. Human beings come with flaws, even parents, but that doesn’t mean they love us any less. Spencer says, if that’s how things shook out for Finn and his dad, good for him. But it doesn’t seem like that’s how things are working out for him and his father. Victor walks in, and tells Finn, it seems his great-nephew is a little worse for wear. Don’t worry; he’ll take care of Spencer. Finn says, they were just making headway on their talk, but Victor says he won’t hear of it. Go ahead. Let family deal with family. Finn says, it’s Spencer’s call, and Spencer says, he’ll be fine with his Great-Uncle Victor. Finn says, fair enough; feel better. He leaves, and Spencer tells Victor not to ask why he’s so upset, but Victor says he doesn’t have to. He already knows.

Nikolas says, Finn thinks Elizabeth is losing her mind? and Elizabeth says, she wouldn’t have checked herself out of Shadybrook if she hadn’t felt ready to face the world. He says, Finn doesn’t agree? and she says, he keeps going back and forth. He’s trying to be supportive, but she knows he’s watching her and doubting her. She knows it sounds paranoid, but he says, it doesn’t. If Finn is reaching out to Sarah, why would he do that if he wasn’t checking in on her? Elizabeth says, exactly. He’s fixated on her non-existent relationship with her parents. He keeps fishing around, like she’s hiding some dire secret. He says, about who? Someone in her family? Elizabeth flashes back to being on the stair landing with another young woman, who asks what she’s doing. Elizabeth says, stay away from her father. In the present, she says, Nikolas? Where are we?… No. It happened again. She’s losing time.

Josslyn tells Ava that she just needs to stop the bleeding. She needs a towel. She’s not leaving Ava, but she has to stop the bleeding. She runs inside, and Ava passes out. Josslyn runs back out with a towel, and says she needs Ava to wake back up. Josslyn needs her to hold this while she gets help. If Ava doesn’t wake up, she’s going to die. Josslyn yells for help, and says she can’t leave or Ava will bleed out, but she has to get help. Dex runs onto the scene, asking Josslyn if that’s her, and sees what’s happening. Josslyn tells him to call 9-1-1, but he tells her to call; he’ll hold it. She makes the call, while Dex presses on Ava’s wound.

Mac tells Felicia, when Dominique was in Shadybrook, no one was allowed to visit her. She finally signed herself out after Taub was killed. Felicia asks if he remembers what kind of mood she was in when she got out, and he says, she was eager to get on with her life. It was a long time ago, but he remembers she was happy and upbeat; there wasn’t a hint of sadness. There’s no way anyone would have suspected she was hiding her child. Felicia says, what if there were no hints because she didn’t know she had a baby? and Mac says, Leopold Taub was a bastard. He would have had no problem taking Dominique’s child away from her, except… She says, except what? and he says, why would Leopold Taub want to hide his own child?

Cody asks if Britt expects him to believe she didn’t like the kiss and doesn’t find him attractive. That’s her story? All the verbal sparring they do; the moments they connect? Did he just misinterpret all the signs? He’s sorry; his bad. He won’t bother her anymore. She knows her way back to the main house. She says, fine. He didn’t make it up. He says, sorry, what? and she says, he was right. She is attracted to him. Sometimes she even likes him. He says, then what’s the problem? and she says, there’s nothing more terrifying than liking someone.

Elizabeth says, she was just lost in her train of thought, and Nikolas says, it happens to everyone, but she says, he doesn’t understand. It’s more than that. She keeps having a memory that doesn’t make sense to her. She had an attack of vertigo in the stairwell… He asks if she needs to see a neurologist, and she tells him, Finn said the same thing, and he wants her to see a psychiatrist. Nikolas says, they don’t sound like bad ideas, but she says she thinks if Finn would stop pressuring her this would all go away. He keeps going behind her back; first with Terry, now with her sister. How is she supposed to react to that? How is she supposed to have a meaningful relationship with someone she can’t trust? Nikolas says, you can’t.

Spencer walks over to the bar, and says, now that is more like it. He’s going to need something stronger than water. Victor says, it’s more than obvious Spencer’s had more than he needs already. Getting sloppy drunk is not only undignified, it can lead to errors in judgment, which can be costly. Spencer says, if Victor wants to lecture on errors in judgement, he’s afraid Victor is talking to the wrong Cassadine, and Victor says, he thought so. Spencer says, he thought what? when Olivia walks in. She says, just a friendly reminder that the festivities are taking place out on the grounds, and Victor says he’s so sorry. He and his nephew were just taking a short break from the all the merrymaking. He hopes she doesn’t mind. She says she’ll take care of a couple of things. It turns out hosting this party is a bigger ordeal than she could have imagined. She leaves, and Victor says, Mrs. Quartermaine seemed out of sorts. He wonders why.

Nina says, hello, friend, and Valentin says, this is the last place he expected to find her. She says she could say the same about him. Last she heard, he was the Quartermaines’ public enemy number one. He says, not all of them. Ned is an ally. Michael’s mad at him, but Drew is yet to be determined. He supposes that’s a long-winded way of saying he’s tolerated. She says, lucky him. Josslyn just tried to throw her out. He says he’s so sorry to hear that. It’s no fun being the target for the ire of youth, especially when they think they’re on the side of righteousness. She says, as she recalls, he was in a similar situation with Spencer. He thought Valentin stole his home and inheritance, and Josslyn thinks she stole Carly’s husband and half of the hotel. He says he assumes she has no regrets about Sonny. How about obtaining half the MetroCourt?

Anna tells Sonny, Victor has intimated on more than one occasion that he has a larger agenda. So if he is, for example, transporting something illegal, he’d have to use the waterfront, in which case, Sonny would most likely hear about it, right? Sonny says, If he had any information on Victor, he’d give it to her. As far as he knows, Victor’s only recent crime has been to bust Spencer out of Spring Ridge to visit his mother’s grave. She asks if Spencer told Sonny that Victor got him out of prison.

On the phone, Josslyn explains they’re at the boathouse by the lake. It’s a woman; she’s been stabbed in the abdomen very badly. Dex says, her pulse is weak, and her breathing is shallow. They have to move her now. Josslyn says, is he kidding? They’ll kill her. But he says, if they don’t get her to a hospital in the next 20 minutes, she’ll be dead already. He tells Josslyn to keep pressure on the wound, and goes inside. She asks what he’s getting, and he says, they have to create a pressure. He starts ripping a shirt, and she asks how he knows all this. Did he go to medical school or something? He says he was a soldier. He did a tour in Afghanistan, and that’s how he knows they don’t have time to wait for an ambulance. If the body loses too much blood, it’s like an engine running without oil, and the body shuts down. He gives Josslyn a piece of material he’s fashioned into a sort-of belt, and tells her to tie it around Ava. He says, if it goes past a certain point, her organs will never recover. It might take a couple of days, but she’ll get through it. He tells Josslyn, good job, and she says, now what? He tells her to keep the pressure on. His SUV is nearby. They’ll carry Ava to the car, and Josslyn will stay in the back, keeping pressure on the wound. He’ll drive. She asks if all this movement won’t hurt Ava more, but he says, they do this, or she dies.

Elizabeth asks if they’re talking about him and Ava now, and Nikolas says, yeah. The whole time he was with her, he kept trying to overcome her trust issues, and get to a place where they could believe in each other. That process proved impossible. He had his part in it, and takes full responsibility for his failures, but in the end, the most hurtful betrayal was all Ava. Elizabeth asks what she did, but he says, the particulars don’t matter. She lashed out and didn’t care what she destroyed in the process. She was vindictive to the very end. Elizabeth asks if he’s saying he and Ava are over, and he says, they’re definitely over. Finn comes along, and says he was looking for her. What happened to her head? She says, it’s not a big deal; it’s just a scrape. Nikolas says, Elizabeth is fine, and Finn asks if he can speak to her alone for a moment, but Nikolas says, now’s not a good time.

Spencer says, sorry, Victor thought what? and Victor says, it’s obvious from the hints Spencer’s been dropping that he already knows his father had sex with Esme. Spencer laughs, and says he can’t believe Nikolas told Victor. Victor says, he and Nikolas have their differences, but first and foremost, they’re Cassadines. They stick together. Spencer says, count him out. He wants nothing to do with his father. When he heard Ava say he slept with Esme… Victor says, Ava told him? That is indiscreet of her.

Valentin asks Nina how she feels about owning that particular hotel. Is she having buyer’s remorse? She says, a little bit. Sonny warned her there would be pushback, and there is. People just assume she bought it out of spite. He asks if Sonny assumes that.

Anna asks Sonny to please tell that he has proof, and he says he did his best to get Spencer to give up Victor, but he refused. He has mixed feelings about that, because on one hand, he wants to break Victor’s hold on Spencer. If he gets arrested, that’s a bonus. On the other hand, he admires Spencer letting him take the easy way out. He’s always emphasized to this boy that loyalty is so important, and always taking responsibilities for his actions. It’s nice to see he’s finally doing it. She says, loyalty, that’s cool. In this instance, given the family he comes from, when it comes to loyalty, Spencer is lucky to have Sonny as a role model.

Mac tells Felicia, Taub was obsessed with money and power. He wanted Dominique so he could control the Stanton fortune. But if Dominique got pregnant with his child, he’d have an even stronger hold on that fortune. So why keep the kid a secret? Olivia runs up, and says, she just got a call from the PCPD. Someone’s been attacked on the property. Mac asks if they were attacked at the main house, but she says, no, on the property. It was a stabbing, and whoever found them decided to take them right to GH. The police are on the way here right now. Mac asks if the police told her the victim’s name, and she says, only that it took place on the property, but the property is enormous. And God knows how many people were at this party. Mac gets on the phone, and says he’s at the Quartermaine estate. He needs information about the attack that was just reported.

Cody says he doesn’t understand what’s scary about liking someone, and Britt says, last year, she finally met someone she could be completely honest with, who she could share her deepest darkest secrets, and he didn’t judge her. Cody says, sounds like a cool dude. Where is he? She says, that’s the thing. The universe finally gave her someone she felt safe to be honest with. Then the universe decided to kill him. He says he’s so sorry, and she says, her too. That’s why she slapped him. It isn’t because the kiss was bad or inappropriate; it made her feel something. And if she’s learned anything about this life, it’s when she feels something good, it only leads to pain, and that’s terrifying. He says, maybe it was just a one-time thing; like the heat of the moment. Maybe if they kissed again, nothing would happen. She woudn’t feel anything, and she’d have nothing to be afraid of. She says, there’s zero logic in that statement, and he says, it’s still just a theory, but there’s only one way to test it out. They kiss.

Spencer says he’s taking off, but Victor says, if Spencer thinks he’s going in search of another beer keg or bar set-up, he’s sadly mistaken. Spencer says, Victor doesn’t have to worry he’ll get so drunk he’ll tell someone about the little day pass from Spring Ridge that Victor arranged. Victor says he’s not worried about that. He’s worried that Spencer will tell someone about his father’s affair with Esme. Unless he already has. Spencer says, if he told anyone his father slept with his girlfriend, that’s a really bad look for him. He’s not that drunk. Victor asks if he’s sure about that. How much can he remember about the last few hours? Spencer says, next to nothing, and honestly that’s how he likes it.

Nina tells Valentin, Sonny just gave her his honest opinion. He warned her about the optics of buying Carly’s half of the hotel. Initially, she thought he was taking Carly’s side, but he was just being a realist. He thought Olivia was going to stay loyal to Carly, and the hotel staff was going to stay loyal to Carly. Right now she’s working on them, but Sonny wanted her to see what she’d be up against, but he also said they’d do it together; that he’d be by her side.

Sonny tells Anna that he appreciates her saying he’s a good role model. There’s a few people in his family who don’t agree with that. She guesses things have been difficult for him since he got back. She’s sorry to hear about his divorce. She knows from her own life that sometimes people truly do have irreconcilable differences, even if at one point they were very much in love. Look at her and Robert. He says, isn’t Robert her best friend now? and laughs. He says he doesn’t think he and Carly can do that, because she has so much resentment toward Nina. She says, he’s not willing to give her up, right? and he asks if she thinks he’s wrong. She says she thinks he’s following his heart. How could that ever be wrong? Her phone rings, and she says she has to take it. Anna says, Jordan… attacked?… She’s here at the Quartermaines’.

Finn says, Nikolas wants to talk about timing? He just left Nikolas’s kid at the main house, and he’s in a bad way. Nikolas might want to check on him. Nikolas says he’s not the right person to help his son, and he doesn’t feel comfortable leaving Elizabeth alone if she doesn’t want to be with him. Finn tells Elizabeth that he’s sorry. He shouldn’t have gone behind Elizabeth’s back. He thought he was helping, but he was so wrong. He just wants to talk. Please don’t shut him out.

As they walk toward the boathouse, Olivia asks if they shouldn’t go to the house and let everyone know what’s happening, but Mac says, the whole estate will have to be searched. The boathouse is the perfect staging area. He tells them, wait here, and looks at the pool of blood where Ava was. He calls dispatch, and tells them he’s at the Quartermaine estate. Send forensics to the boathouse. He found the attack site.

Ava is wheeled into the hospital, and the doctor says medical stuff, and gives the nurses instructions. He wants to do a massive transfusion, and asks for O negative blood. He wants two lines in her, and a lot of stuff with initials. Tell the OR they’re coming up. Josslyn and Dex come in, as Ava is being wheeled away. Josslyn gives Dex his phone, and says, sorry about the blood. He says, it’s okay; it’ll wash off. I have a mental picture of him holding his phone under a faucet. She says, if Ava lives, it’s because of him, but he says, it was both of them.

Cody says, still scared? and Britt says, quaking in her boots. He asks if that means another date is out of the question, but she says she’ll risk it, and leaves.

Anna tells Valentin, Jordan is on her way with forensics. Mac already determined the attack took place at the boathouse. He asks if they know the name of the victim yet, and she says, no, but she figures Jordan will know by the time she gets here. So she’s going to wait and see if they need any assistance. It makes you wonder, doesn’t it, if this is a criminal matter or intelligence. He says, she doesn’t think Victor was involved, but she says, you can’t deny the possibility. He says he guesses it depends on who the victim is, when Anna’s phone dings. She says, it’s Jordan, and looks at her phone. She shows it to Valentin and us, and it says, Ava Jerome.

On the phone, Sonny asks Frank to tell Dex that he knows why Dex did what he did, and he’ll see Dex when he gets there. He tells Nina, he knows why Dex didn’t show up with the paperwork. He found someone stabbed on the property, and took her to the hospital. Nina says, here? That’s awful. Sonny said, her. Was it a woman? He says, it was Ava, and she says, oh my God. He says, she’s in pretty bad shape, and Nina says she needs to be there for her. He says he’ll go with her, and they run out.

Forensics has gotten to the boathouse, and Elizabeth asks Mac, what’s going on? Why are the police here? Mac says, Ava Jerome was attacked tonight. She’s at the hospital. Nikolas says, oh my God, and Finn asks, how bad is it? Mac says, she’s in critical condition; her survival is uncertain. Olivia crosses herself, and by now, Victor and Spencer are there too. Nikolas says he has to get to his wife, but Mac says, hang on. The police are going to need statements from all of them. They’re still determining the time of the attack. They know it happened within the last two hours, and they’re going to need the whereabouts of everyone she was in contact with. We look down the line of possible suspects, although Mason and Austin aren’t among them.

Tomorrow, Brook tells Drew that they’ll think he has something to hide; Jordan asks why Nikolas is so resistant to providing answers; Josslyn tells Trina, something happened to Ava; and Sonny tells someone that neither of them is going to get what they want.

Below Deck Mediterranean

First thing in the morning, Tasha is texting her ex-boyfriend now boyfriend (I think), and Natalya tells Storm, last night was fun, but he got a little emo. She can’t be serious when she goes out. In Natalya’s interview, she says, Storm was a bit tragic last night, but she gets over things quickly. She thinks he’s caring and considerate, and wants to see where it goes. Captain Sandy calls for a preference sheet meeting. Primary Adam is a tech executive in NYC. Joining him is sister Jennifer, and they’re celebrating Adam’s 30th. They want to play with all the water toys, especially the slide, which the captain expects today with the provisions. Storm looks thrilled. Adam wants a water obstacle course for a friendly competition. Dave reads that they want a tasting menu of courses from around the world, and Captain Sandy says, it’s gonna be a fun charter. Storm tells the deck crew they have to move quickly, and Kyle and Natalya do their usual banter.

In the crew mess, Dave whines to Tasha that she couldn’t even look at him last night and it was awkward. She says she’s not ignoring him; she’s just struggling with the situation in her head. He tells her to do her job, and he’ll do his. She says, their jobs require them to work together, and he says he’s tired of pussyfooting around. No more. He’s not dwelling on this, and he deserves better than her. What they had is done. Captain Sandy comes in, and asks if she interrupted something. Should she leave? Tasha says, they were just talking work, but the captain says, clearly there’s tension. Just be patient with each other, focus on the job, and stay professional. In the captain’s interview, she says it’s not the first time she’s had a boatmance that went wrong. She wants her crew to feel supported, but to give them the space to work it out. She also wants them to understand she still has an expectation. When they step up those stairs, she needs to know they can remain professional.

Courtney is hoisted down in the tender, and in her interview, she says she hopes to get the hang of it, but for now, she’s not friends with this tender. You have to press buttons to go forward and reverse. Just f***ing put a throttle in there or something. It’s like patting your head and rubbing your stomach. In Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, the deck crew has found their groove, and having Courtney is a part of it. They have a rhythm; they’re crushing it. Kyle goes through the preference sheets looking at the photos, and in his interview, he says, this charter is going to test him. Provisions come in, and the slide is on its way. In Tasha’s interview, she’s excited about doing a wine pairing. It takes the service level up a few notches. Tasha texts her boyfriend, while Kyle and Natalya bicker about the laundry. The slide arrives, all 500 pounds of it, and the captain says, guest arrival is in 30 minutes. In Storm’s interview, he says he doesn’t know what he’s going to do. This is a disaster. Jason gives some suggestions about getting the slide on board, and in his interview, he says he’s not entirely green. His problem is in knowing when his input is welcome, and when he’s barking up the wrong tree. Storm radios Courtney and Dave for help. The get the slide into the tender, and Courtney drives it to the boat, then hooks the slide to the crane. In Mzi’s interview, he says, it’s good to see Courtney in her groove, but to be honest, he’s always impressed with her. Everyone gets ready for the guests.

Kyle says, for the first time he’s clammy, and they welcome the guests. In Kyle’s interview, he says, all men with beautiful smiles. Holy hell, Lord save me. There are fancy welcome drinks in pineapples, Tasha gives the tour, and the luggage is brought on board. Kyle toasts, here’s to the queers with the guests. Captain Sandy checks her weather screen, and sees no bumps on the horizon. In Storm’s interview, he says, all docking operations make him nervous at this point, and we flash back to the last one, which was not so good, but this time, all is well. Guest Frank chats up Kyle in the galley; then they move to flirting on deck. In his interview, Kyle says, there is a God. In Tasha’s interview, she says she’s going to let Kyle continue to flirt with Frank, but that’s as far as it can go. He needs to be careful. If the captain finds out, he could lose his job over this.

Anchor is dropped into the blue, blue water I long for, and Kyle flirts some more with Frank as he shakes martinis. In Kyle’s interview, he says, they are a professional team and have their limitations. One of those is, don’t get intimate with guests. He could possibly lose his job. A producer suggests he’s being unprofessional now, and he agrees. Fabulous food is made, and in Dave’s interview, he says, this is the hardest job he’s ever done because of the situation with Tasha. They weren’t dating, but it does feel like a break-up. It’s torture on a stick seeing her. He guesses he’s just going to hang in there. A guest says, the food is like art, and the deck crew gets ready to set up the slide. In Mzi’s interview, he says he just remembers the slide is horrible to deal with, and we flash back to that. He says, now it’s four new people who have never done this before, setting it up on a boat that’s never had a slide before. Tasha and her boyfriend text some more, and in her interview, she says, long distance relationships in yachting almost seem impossible. It’s very distracting. In Storm’s interview, he says, he wants people to understand he knows what he’s doing, but he doesn’t know what he’s doing. He’s never set up a slide before. He’s worked on expedition vessels, small sailing vessels, and charters. Fake it til you make it, baby.

At the table, guest Jennifer says, Frank and Kyle are going to be boyfriends, and she’s going to marry them. Frank says he needs a boyfriend, and I wonder where Kyle is. Captain Sandy tells the deck crew they’re doing a good job, and helps out with the slide. They need more slack, and Storm can’t undo Jason’s bowline, but Jason insists he did it right. Storm says he can’t stand this arguing, and in Jason’s interview, he says, Storm looks like an idiot. Jason goes over to undo the knot, and Storm suggests he tie it properly next time. Jason tells him, f*** off. In Storm’s interview, he says he doesn’t know what Jason tied, but it wasn’t a bowline. Then Jason swore at him. Don’t ever do that. Ever.

The guests discuss Iceland, and the verdict is, it’s all gay and vegan. They get wind of the slide being set up, and get ready for the water. Mzi tells Courtney, Jason told Storm to f*** off, and she says, Jason’s annoying. Kyle finds out Frank is 37, and asks what creams he’s using. In the galley, he tells Natalya, that’s maturity you want, and she says, you never know. He could be the love of Kyle’s life. The guests use the slide, and Tasha tells Dave that the wine-pairing is tonight. Dave is making pasta, and asks for her help. In Dave’s interview, he says he doesn’t know how Tasha thinks she’s doing wine pairing with a buffet. He’s doing street food. Give him a can of beer. Natalya asks if Storm’s up for a cuddle later, and he’s in. It’s been a sh*tty day. He tells her about Jason, and says, he’s out of control. In his interview, Storm says he’s changed his mind about Jason. Since he’s been put in this position, it’s been his biggest challenge as far as team management goes.

Kyle is on break, and the guests ask him to sit with him. He obliges, and asks for the gossip. In Natalya’s interview, she hints at once having had a quickie with a guest. In Jason’s interview, he says he can’t knowingly do something wrong if he knows a better, more efficient way to do it. He’s dealing with an imbecile. In Courtney’s interview, she says, it seems like Jason doesn’t really want to be here. You have to be a team player. Sometimes you don’t want to do sh*t, but you do it because it’s your f***ing job. They pull up the trampoline, and the wind picks up. Storm says they need a secondary line, and calls to Jason, who ignores him. Storm asks if Jason is f***ing kidding him. In his interview, Storm says, Jason’s been insubordinate to him. He guesses it’s up to him to find out what Jason’s good at and what motivates him. He’s still got a lot to learn with Jason.

Tasha goes over the menu with Kyle, and how she’s doing a wine pairing with the buffet. Captain Sandy calls Storm to the bridge, and asks if he knows what an anchor dragging looks like, showing him on the screen. She tells him, that’s what you’re watching for on anchor watch. In her interview, she says she sees bosun material in Storm. He’s great on deck and great with the clients. It’s important she teach him; she wants him to succeed. In Dave’s interview, he says, it’s an around the world dinner tonight, and he wants a street food vibe. Nice one bite wonder food. Dave does that smoke cloche thing for one of the courses, and in Tasha’s interview, she says, the guests’ reaction to the first wine pairing makes her want to keep it going throughout the dinner. She asks if Dave can send things out one at a time since the guests are enjoying the elegance, and he acts like he’s okay with that, but he’s not. In his interview, he says, it’s a huge change. They were doing a buffet, but now it’s a la carte, and going to effect the quality of his food. Tasha’s promised the guests, so it’s not ideal, but he’s sucking it up. The American sliders end up cold, and when Dave reheats them, they literally slide. He says, this is ridiculous. The wine pairing has slowed down service. He’s reheating most of the dishes and his burgers are f***ed. He complains to Tasha that it’s taking too long. A wine gets paired wrong, but the guests don’t notice, so who cares? Dave starts complaining and Tasha radios for help, but everyone else is sleeping. In Kyle’s interview, he says, the last thing you want is service that doesn’t seem seamless. This is poor planning. Tasha insists, it’s not her.

Next time, Kyle in spandex; a mini Olympics; Jason doesn’t respond to his radio; and Tasha’s boyfriend has issues about her working with Dave.

🎶 Over the Moon…

All of it.

https://www.popsugar.com/MTV-VMAs

The winners.

https://www.cnn.com/2022/08/28/entertainment/mtv-vmas-winners-2022/index.html

Best and worst moments.

https://people.com/music/2022-vmas-best-moments/

https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/the-best-and-worst-of-the-2022-mtv-vmas/

The performances.

https://pitchfork.com/news/vmas-2022-performers-list-see-the-full-lineup-here/

The fashion. You know you want it. Here are four ways to get it.

https://people.com/style/vmas-2022-best-dressed-stars-red-carpet-photos/

⚰️ The Alpha Of Alpha…

I did wonder why she found it crazy that Lydia believed in fairies. Why not? The dead are walking, for God’s sake. But my main question is, will Beta be in the mix? They owe me that one.

🐄 More Cowbell…

While I can’t promise blue skies tomorrow, I can promise soap, tea, and a little music. Until then, stay safe, stay rooting for the underdog, and stay knowing, human beings come with flaws, even parents, but that doesn’t mean they love us any less.

August 26, 2022 – Spencer Is Done With Nikolas, a Temp, Memories, Official, BH Clash, In the Book, Married, Renewed, Joining, Dead Spin, a Goodbye, Moonmen, 8 Great Quotes & Cruel

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Finn says, one blanket coming up, and walks in to find Elizabeth with his ringing phone in her hand.

Anna says she doesn’t remember the last time the Quartermaines hosted such a… Mac says, rabble? but she tells him, she was going to say event. He says, doesn’t she remember her wedding to Robert, with all the fancy hats that blocked out the sun? and she says, she remembers his girlfriend crashed the party. He says, Dominique always had a flair for the dramatic, when Lucy walks in with Felicia, and says, yes she did. Felicia hands Mac a drink, and says, he needs it more than she does. Anna asks, why? and Mac says, what’s wrong?

Britt asks Austin if she missed anything. Work was no picnic; pun intended. She wants to smack something around. Austin says, the next thing that gets smacked around is going to be her boy toy if he doesn’t stop flirting with his girlfriend. At the grill, Cody asks if Maxie wants some pork, and holds out a pork chop.

Inside, Victor wonders if Valentin brought a decent bottle of Bordeaux. Valentin pours a glass of wine, and says, if he brought a decent bottle of Bordeaux does Victor think he’d be drinking this plunk? The Quartermaines save the good stuff for themselves. He’s surprised to see Victor there. He looks a bit posh for a barbecue. Victor says he’s not there for the cuisine. Their family’s out of order, and Victor has to get them in line. He needs Valentin’s help.

Nikolas kisses Ava, but she breaks away, and says, it’s too late for words. It’s too late for kisses. It’s too late. He broke them the second he had sex with Esme. They see Spencer has walked in, and Nikolas says, Spencer… but Spencer says, don’t. What is Ava talking about? She says, he heard her. His father betrayed her with Spencer’s girlfriend.

Terry sits with her feet in the pool, and Yuri says, apologies. The bar is closed. Terry says, thanks for trying, and tells him, have a seat. He takes off his socks and shoes, and she says she hopes he didn’t mind leaving the party early. He says, the Quartermaines are busy, besides, she’s much better company. He sits next to her, and says, refreshing. She says, nice, huh?

Elizabeth says Finn will want to answer this, showing him the phone. Sarah’s on California time. It might be hard to connect if he doesn’t talk to her now. He takes the phone, and puts it down. He says he’d rather talk to her, and she says, enjoy the rest of his picnic. She starts to leave, and he says, please don’t walk away. Not now. Not like this. Don’t turn away from herself and whatever burden she’s carrying.

Maxie says she’s a vegetarian, and Cody asks if he has any takers. Austin steps up to the grill, and Britt says she didn’t know Cody was a grill master as well as a horse master. Cody says he’s really not, and Britt says she didn’t know he was capable of cooking something without burning it. Cody says he has to keep some secrets before date number two, and tells them that he needs to resupply. Maxie suggests Britt go with him, and Britt and Cody leave. Maxie asks if it’s burnt, and Austin says, it’s… this, indicating the pork chop She asks him to tell her the secret to a good pork chop, and he says, it’s the rub. Mason comes along, and says, nah. Any Gatlin worth his salt knows you can dress a barbecue up, but you won’t get what you want if you don’t turn up the heat.

Mac says, Dominique had a son, and he works for the Quartermaines? and Felicia says, so it would seem. Mac says, impossible. He would have known. Lucy says, what about Scotty? He should have known next. And what about her? She gave birth to Scotty and Dominique’s daughter after all. Anna says, she never gave any indication that she had a son? and Mac says, not once. Felicia says, it’s possible she kept the child a secret to protect him from her husband. Leopold Taub was a controlling monster; he even partnered with Faison. Anna says, a mother will go to any lengths to keep a child secret from an abuser, and Lucy says, you don’t realize who that child will turn out to be as an adult, which is precisely why she called Serena and told her not to come home anytime soon. She wants Serena to stay with her whales until they know more about this Cody person. Mac says, leave it to him, and Felicia follows him out. Lucy says she’s going to help, but Anna grabs her arm, and says she thinks they’ve got it. Besides, Lucy already has one man on her plate. Wait. Make that two.

Spencer says, Nikolas and Esme? but Nikolas says, it’s not the time or the place. Spencer says he’s not moving until Nikolas tells him everything, and Nikolas says, let’s talk about this later. Ava should have been more discreet. Ava says, don’t put this on her, and he says she knew Spencer was standing there. She says she doesn’t have eyes in the back of her head; do not make her the bad guy. They start screaming at each other, and Spencer yells, shut up! He needs to know. If this is just another one of Ava’s lies, that’s fine. Tell him. He knows what she is, and he knows who Nikolas is – his dad. Please… He starts to cry. Please say something. Nikolas says, it’s not a lie. He slept with Esme.

Cody says, it was right here, and Britt says, what? He says, the cooler, packed with burgers, hot dogs, ears of corn. Someone must have swiped it for one of the other grilling stations. She asks if this means his grilling duties are over, and he says, that’s up to Mama Q. She asks, he answers. She says she can’t see Olivia being okay with that nickname, but he says, she loves it. She knows it’s a term of affection. Does Britt have a nickname? She says she does. It’s definitely not a term of affection. He asks what her mother calls her, and she says, a disgrace, but Cody doesn’t believe it. He says, even when Obrecht was smacking him down, he could see her love for Britt. Britt says, mutter has gotten more sentimental these days, but she doesn’t want anyone to know. He says, all right. If she doesn’t want to share her mother’s nickname for her, what was her dad’s?

Maxie tells Mason, welcome. She didn’t think he was going to make it. Mason says he wouldn’t miss it. He needed to see how the other half grills. Besides, Cousin Austin insisted. He didn’t want Mason sitting around twiddling his thumbs. She asks if he’s an expert griller too, and he says, everyone in Pautuck is; some are better than others. He asks if Austin wants to flip over that chop, and Austin suggests Maxie take some food orders; see if her parents want something. Mason says, her parents are here? She should bring them over. He’d love to make their acquaintance.

Elizabeth says, Finn doesn’t know when to quit, does he? She told him… He says, if he brought up whatever’s troubling her again, they’d be over, and she says, so he brought it up with her sister instead? He tells her, he hasn’t said a word to Sarah, and she says, don’t argue semantics with her. He says he’d argue any point he could if he knew it meant helping her, and she says she never asked for his help. She never wanted it; she never needed it. She was just fine without it, but somehow he’s still meddling in her life.

Ava suggests Nikolas talk to his son in private. Here or at Windymere; she doesn’t care. She’s done. Nikolas says she should stay and watch the results of her ambush, but she says, he did this; no one else. He says, this is what she’s always wanted, to see his relationship with his son destroyed. It killed her to see them get close. She says, that’s absolutely not true, and he says, knowing she’d never get the chance to heal with Kiki the way he did with Spencer, but she’s the only one to blame for that. She smacks him across the face, and he says, the truth hurts, doesn’t it? She says, ask his son, and walks out.

Lucy says she agreed to make certain inquiries, so Marty wouldn’t ping on the government’s radar, and Anna says, or more important, his third ex-wife. Lucy says, this is going beyond the pale, but Anna says, not for Lucy. She could lead a master class extract secrets out of people. Lucy says, the old her, not now, and Anna says she’s not asking Lucy to do anything she wouldn’t do. She’s just asking Lucy to exploit the attention that Victor can’t wait to lavish on her. Just shake the tree until information about Valentin comes loose. Lucy asks, what makes Anna so sure she can get Victor to let his guard down? and Anna asks if Lucy has seen the way Victor looks at he. Lucy has the necessary assets to be her asset. Lucy says, nope. Flattery isn’t going to get her anywhere. Anna says, let’s hope for Marty’s sake she’s wrong.

Victor tells Valentin, he’s not asking for much; just another pair of eyes on a developing situation in Nikolas’s family. Valentin says, Nikolas, Ava, and Spencer all loathe him with varying degrees of justification, and Victor says he can’t do everything himself. It’s time his son stepped up and did his duty. If not for him, then for Valentin’s daughter. Valentin says, they agreed to leave his daughter out of this, and Victor says, her temporary stay in that boarding school could easily become permanent. Valentin says, you bastard, when Lucy walks in and asks if she’s interrupting.

Spencer asks Nikolas to please tell him this didn’t happen. He doesn’t understand. Nikolas says, of course (🍷) he doesn’t. Ava vomited that all up… Spencer says, she didn’t know he’d be here. She didn’t know he was standing right behind her. Nikolas says, Spencer doesn’t know that; he doesn’t know that. Never credit or defend Ava; she’s capable of anything. Spencer says, so is Nikolas. When did it start? How long have he and Esme been going at it? Nikolas says, just one time in May. They never repeated it. It was a mistake. Spencer says, Nikolas slept with his girlfriend, and Nikolas tells him, she said they’d broken up. Spencer asks if Nikolas is trying to justify this, but Nikolas says he’s just trying to explain. Spencer says he had his reasons. He had to keep Esme close because he was trying to help Trina. Nikolas says he knows that now; he didn’t know it then. All he knew is Spencer accepted Ava’s offer and took his inheritance over him. Spencer says, is that what this is about? Revenge? Nikolas says, no. He didn’t want to hurt Spencer. Spencer says, it may have actually meant something if Nikolas tried to hurt him, but they’re in the same place they’ve found themselves time and time again. Nikolas didn’t think. He didn’t think about Spencer at all.

Finn tells Elizabeth, he’s in the wrong. She asked him to honor her wishes, and obviously he didn’t. He’s sorry, but the truth is, she’s not the only one he’s concerned about. He’s worried about Violet. She says, how so? and he says, Violet loves Elizabeth and her cousins. When they’re all together, it’s all she talks about for days. Elizabeth makes her so happy. She brings light into Violet’s life, but less so lately. He knows the handling of her health is her decision alone, but he has a decision to make too, and he doesn’t know how to ignore the clear signs that she’s in some sort of distress. She says, it’s her distress, her burden, not his, and he sits. She says, what? and he says, at least they’re finally getting somewhere. She finally admitted she has a burden.

Terry says, Yuri worked for the Quartermaines as a bodyguard. Was it dangerous? He tells her, more, how you say… frustrateous? She says, frustrating, and he says, that. She says, from what she’s heard about the Quartermaines, she’s not surprised. Although she likes and respects Monica. He says, him too, and she says, it looks like they have something in common. She plays with her necklace, and he says, pretty. She thanks him, and says, it was a gift. He says, from a special someone? and she says, her mother. There’s no special someone in her life right now. He says, this is crime.

Austin tells Mason, Maxie’s dad is a cop. He’s Chief of Detectives at the PCPD. Mason says, if there’s any trouble, Austin only has himself to blame. He has obligations to fulfill. To whom much is given, much is required. Austin says, thanks for that, fortune cookie. His dept is repaid. Mason says, his creditors disagree. Ingratitude isn’t a good look on him. He doesn’t think Maxie would find it attractive. Austin says, leave Maxie out of this, and Mason says, he’s the one who brought her up. Or her father, or rather her Chief of Detectives father. He only wants what’s good for Austin. Austin says, the feeling’s mutual, and grabs Mason’s head with both hands, and says, that’s why he’s only going to say this one time. Leave Maxie and her family out of this, or the pain Mason is feeling right now will not be fleeting.

Anna says, she hates being lied to, but Valentin says he’s not lying. She tosses a cornhole sack, and we see his head popping out of the hole, like Whack-a-Mole. It hits him, and he says, ouch. She says, it didn’t look like it hurt quite enough. She’s trying again. Stay still. She hits him with another sack, and he says, ouch. She says, yes, and Maxie joins her. Maxie says, looks like fun, and Anna says, yeah. She gets a sack into the hole, and says, that’ll do.

Lucy says she’s so sorry. She certainly didn’t mean to interrupt a family moment. Victor says, it’s all sorted, and Valentin says, it isn’t, but Victor asks what he can do for her. She says she’s looking for… She sees a jar on the counter, and says, pickles. Outside, gherkins, gherkins everywhere, and not a dill to eat. He says, here you are, sliding the jar over, but slides it back when she reaches for it. She says, he’s playing with her, and he asks how he can resist. Valentin says, will he give the woman her pickles? He’ll see her for s’mores. Victor gives her the jar, but says, no need to rush away, and Valentin says, Martin Grey is probably looking for her. Victor remembers Martin, doesn’t he? Lucy’s boyfriend?

Britt says, back to her father. Surprise, surprise. Cody says, it was an innocent question, and she says he knows she doesn’t like talking about him. Cody says, he thought the boundaries were the Dr. Evil stuff. He didn’t realize, and wasn’t aware, her father was entirely off limits. She says, he’s aware now, and he says, okay, no dad talk. What about her brother? She says, Peter? and Cody says, is he out of bounds, or should they just avoid her whole family and stick with his? She says, good idea, when Felicia and Mac come alone. Felicia says, they’re sorry to interrupt. They’re looking for someone. Mac says he thinks they found him.

Maxie gets her toss in the hole, and Anna says, she’s a natural. Maxie is a natural leader as well. She never said congratulations yet about Deception’s IPO. Maxie thanks her, and says, it was a lot of work, but it helps to have a great team behind you. Anna says, including Valentin? and Maxie says, shockingly. He was a little more involved than she would have liked at the beginning, but he had some great ideas. He’s has been quiet lately. Anna says she noticed that too. She thinks he’s still convalescing from the injury he had a few months ago, and Maxie says, sometimes she thinks he still hasn’t recovered. It’s like his mind is someplace else. With Anna? Anna says, maybe, and Maxie says, what is she doing? She’s supposed to be taking orders. Has Anna seen her mom and dad? Anna says she hasn’t seen them in a while, but there here somewhere, and Maxie asks if she’d like something, but Anna says, she can’t eat when she’s thinking.

Lucy says, it’s the darndest thing. Martin is still out of town. Victor asks if he’s left Lucy unattended again. The man should be tarred and feathered. There is a solution though; allow him. Lucy says she was one leg short for the three-legged race, and he says, all his legs are at her service. Valentin says he’s been trying to reach Martin. Where is her one and only? She says, his mother. He’s so busy taking care of her, he’s had no time to answer her calls or texts. Victor says, a woman of advanced age does need a lot of attention. A dutiful son can be away for some time. Valentin says, he should be back soon, and Lucy tries to open the pickles, but she’s unsuccessful. She says she can’t get this lid unscrewed. Valentin snaps a picture on his phone, and says, if Martin can’t be reached, he’s sure this message will get his attention.

Cody asks if he knows Mac, and Mac says, not exactly. Felicia asks if he’s Cody Bell, and he says he is. She introduces herself and Mac, and Cody says, they’re Maxie’s parents. Nice to meet them. She’s great; he loves that girl. Did they hear about him through Maxie, or… Britt says, don’t be modest. Mac is Chief of Detectives. She’s sure his cops told him how they arrested Cody. Felicia says, to be honest, they only just heard about him, and came right over to meet him. Cody says, why is that? and Felicia looks at Mac. He doesn’t say anything, and she says, they knew Cody’s mother.

Austin keeps his grip on Mason’s head, and says, hurts, right? That’s the parotid nerve. It’s super sensitive nerve, and it hurts even more if you press on it like this. He presses Mason’s head down, and Mason says, let him go. Austin says, he’ll let Mason go as soon as he feels like they they’re understanding one another. Mason says, he can live with the pain – he grabs a knife from the cutting board – but can Austin live with a nicked artery? Austin lets go, and Mason says, blood or no blood, when he calls, Austin will answer, and it will be, yes, sir, and, thank you, sir, when he gives Austin instructions. Got it? Ava comes along, and says, loud and clear.

Nikolas says he knows sleeping with Esme was wrong, and Spencer says, Captain Obvious did it occur to him, not owning up to the truth was also wrong? Nikolas asks, what would be the point in telling Spencer? and Spencer says, not lying would have been the point, but Nikolas says he was more concerned with not hurting Spencer. And it didn’t matter to Esme. Spencer says he knows Nikolas didn’t do this on his own. Esme’s just as responsible. Nikolas says, that’s not what he’s saying. It shouldn’t have happened. Spencer says, he’d really like it if Nikolas would start calling it what it is. It is a betrayal, and there have been so many, including the years Nikolas let Spencer believe he was dead. He’s sick. Nikolas says he’ll never forgive himself for that, but how does sleeping with Esme compare to that? Spencer told Nikolas himself that he was just using her to get Trina out of prison. Spencer says, that is the worst part. Because he stopped loving Esme. She didn’t matter to him, but Nikolas did. He loved Nikolas. Nikolas was his dad and meant everything to him. No longer.

Finn tells Elizabeth, now is the time to get out in front of this thing before it digs in any deeper, before it harms her or someone else. She asks if he’s suggesting she’d hurt someone like she did Chase, and he says, not intentionally, but it’s clear to him that she has a problem. And despite all the denials, he thinks it’s clear to her too. Does she think maybe it’s clear to her boys? How does she think it is for them, seeing their mom struggling, and they can’t help her and don’t know how? And what’s going to happen if they reach out to somebody she doesn’t want them too, like her father? She says, don’t talk about her father. Why can’t he just leave her alone? He says, because he’s been there. He’s been in denial; he’s an addict. He’d probably be dead right now if certain people hadn’t fought through his lies and helped him. That’s why he can’t turn a blind eye when he sees someone in pain. What’s the point of being a doctor? She says, he’s not her doctor. He’s not her anything. She runs out, and he calls after her.  

Elizabeth comes out of the woods, and feels her head. She sees blood on her hands. She hears Finn’s words about her boys, and him asking, what if they reach out to her father? She flashes back to being at the top of the stairs with someone, and saying, don’t talk about my father. The woman asks what she’s doing; they probably don’t want her involved. Elizabeth says, don’t talk about her father. You’ll see what happens if you do. She keeps walking, then stops and looks back.

Cody asks how they knew his mother, and Felicia says, she didn’t know Dominique well, but Mac… Mac says, he and Dominique were friends. He met her when she was married to Cody’s father. Cody says, Mac has his deepest sympathies. From what he’s heard, Leopold Taub was a real piece of work. Mac says, no doubt about that, and Cody promises he’s nothing like that guy, at least as far as he knows, He’s definitely not in a criminal cartel, trying to hold Port Charles hostage. Mac says he doesn’t see a bit of Taub in Cody; plenty of Dominique though. She was a good person. Cody tells him, if you say so, and Mac says he does. Felicia says she’s starving, and suggests they rustle up some ribs. Cody says, the barbecue by the boathouse is out of supplies, so they’ll have to hit up another one. He asks if he can interest Britt in a beer inside, and she guesses it woudn’t hurt. He says, it never does, and tells Mac and Felicia, nice meeting them. Felicia says, him too, and Britt and Cody go into the stable. Cody says, weird guy. Outside, Felicia asks if Mac is okay, and Mac says, why wouldn’t he be? She says, he just lied to Cody.

As she plays with her necklace, Terry tells Yuri, a crystal’s a symbol of transformation. Her mother says, it’s a reminder that change is ongoing. We’re always creating or discovering new parts of ourselves. Sometimes change is big and visible, and sometimes you have to look closely to find it. He says, this crystal is helpful to her? and she says, yes. The clasp is loose, and she needs a new chain, because every time she plays with it – the chain opens and the necklace falls in the water – that happens. Yuri dives in.

Lucy says, Valentin doesn’t have to send Victor those pictures. In fact, she bets she could get ahold of him right now, and make sure he contacts Valentin immediately. As for Victor, she’s so sorry. She just remembered she has to meet Brook, but she sure hopes they can do this again sometime maybe. He holds a pickle spear out to her, and says, no maybe about it. She takes her pickle, thanks him, and leaves. Valentin says, Victor always wants what he can’t have, and Victor says he gets what he wants. It just takes a little patience. But rather than concerning himself with Victor’s personal affairs, perhaps Valentin should focus on his own. Or is Anna proving too hard to handle?

Ava says, good evening, as she walks closer, and Mason puts the knife back. She says, is everything okay here? Mason says, he and Austin were just arguing the merits of medium rare versus well done. She asks what they decided, and Austin says, well done. She says she came out to find a refill, but it looks like she’s out of luck. She looks at them weird, and says, so carry on, gentlemen. She leaves, and Mason starts to follow, but Austin says, don’t even worry about her. Mason says he doesn’t worry, and leaves. Austin follows. I actually get confused for a moment, thinking, aren’t Ava and Austin good friends? But that was Ava and Todd. I mean, Franco.

Nikolas says, Spencer doesn’t mean that. They’ve come too far to let their relationship go. Spencer says, everything he’s done since he came home was to bring them closer; every gamble, every stupid mistake, every act of contrition. All to get his dad back. And for every step he took closer to Nikolas, Nikolas took two steps backwards. There’s no closing that gap now. He thought he knew who Nikolas was, but he doesn’t. He’s done with Nikolas. He walks out.

Mac asks how he lied to Cody, and Felicia says she’s not sure the word friend accurately captures Mac’s relationship with Dominique. He says, ancient history. They guy obviously has mother issues he needs to work out. There’s no reason to add one more thing to his list.

Cody hands Britt a beer, and says, where were they? Oh yeah. She was about to tell him about her brother. She says, no. He was about to ask her if he was allowed to ask about Peter. He says, is he? and she says, stick to your favorite color crayon, worst remake, best Toto song. He says, burnt sienna, he never watches remakes and never will, and Rosanna. She says, Africa, and he says, too obvious. And how is it fair her brother is off-limits, just like when he brings up any of her other family members? She says she thinks about Peter and Faison nearly every day, and talking about them only makes it worse. He takes her beer, and puts it on the table with his, and says, fine. Enough talking. He moves closer to her.

Lucy finds Anna, and Anna asks how it went with Victor. Lucy says, Victor fell for her, hook, line, and pickles, but Valentin was there, so there wasn’t anything of interested revealed. But there’s a heck of a lot of tension between father and son. Anna asks, how so? and Lucy says, she would recognize a thwarted and disgruntled Valentin, but it wasn’t just that. Valentin was going for the jugular when she interrupted them. So her sense is, big daddy has Valentin on a very short leash, and that leash is beginning to chafe. She takes a bite of her pickle, and walks off.

Victor says, he’s noticed Valentin and Anna have become close since Valentin’s return from Tahiti. Has it clouded Valentin’s judgement? Valentin says, he told Victor, he has Anna well in hand, and Victor says, with a little cultivation, he’ll have the lovely Lucy in his hand soon. So a be chum, and delete that photo. Valentin says, yes, father, and does. Victor says, Charlotte would be proud, pats Valentin on the shoulder, and leaves.

Spencer chugs a beer, and goes into the cooler for another. Nikolas asks how much he’s had to drink, and Spencer gives him the standard answer, not nearly enough, but Nikolas says, he’s had plenty. He tries to take Spencer’s beer, and grabs him. Spencer says, let him go, and they struggle. Nikolas says, he’ll never let Spencer go, and Victor comes along, as Spencer breaks away. Spencer says, he’s let Nikolas go. He’s done his last good deed, and now Nikolas can go win Ava back, without even considering Spencer. Good luck. Spencer leaves, and Victor says, what the hell? What just happened? Nikolas says, Ava happened. Oh, I see. Nikolas has changed not-at-all, and is going to blame all his mistakes on Ava.

Mason walks through the boathouse, and says, he thought she came this way. Austin says, can’t he just let this go? but Mason says, she heard them. Austin says, she heard a family squabble, but Mason says, it was more than that. Austin says, Ava doesn’t know that, and Mason says, he can’t take the chance, and neither can Austin.

Yuri brings back Terry’s necklace, and sits next to her again. He says, it’s only water; it will dry. She laughs, and he says, wear it? She says, of course (🍷), and he puts it on her.

As Ava walks, we see someone take a pair gardening gloves, and  a hook is taken from a row of them. Ava says, to Windymere. Living there was nice while it lasted. Hook guy comes up behind her, and she says, if Scotty’s worth his fee, he’ll pry it from Nikolas before the divorce. To divorce. The hook comes down, Ava doubles over. She looks down to see it sticking out of her stomach.  

On Monday, Cody asks Britt, what’s so awful about them being into each other; Finn tells Elizabeth, don’t shut him out; Sonny tells Anna, he can neither confirm nor deny that; and Ava asks someone not to leave her.

😴 Ho-Hum…

Temp Michael is coming back. Again.

💖 Charming Remembrance…

She’s also celebrating her 45th GH Anniversary.

💑 She Likes Him…

I’m glad Sutton has found a man. He seems like a good match for her.

💎 A Feud In Them There Hills…

Diana needs to take a step back, and Garcelle needs her own show. Google me is one of the best things I’ve heard in a long time.

https://www.distractify.com/p/garcelle-beauvais-diana-jenkins-feud

I actually don’t believe this, but then again, who knows?

https://screenrant.com/why-rhobh-fans-diana-used-bots-attack-garcelle/

☎️ Another Number…

I’m not sure why this isn’t in the Who Cares? file. It’s not like they were all kinkballs. At least I hope not.

👰🏻 Knot Officially Tied…

She finally did it. I wish them the best.

https://people.com/tv/vanderpump-rules-stars-scheana-shay-brock-davies-get-married/

🐉 That Was Quick…

I’ll have to hurry up and watch this. The article also contains a recap video.

☠️ Oh Boys…

Another one I have yet to watch. Now there’s even more incentive.

⚰️ Spinning…

I see the both of them are also producers. Smart move.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/walking-dead-maggie-negan-spinoff-new-title-dead-city/

🥀 Goodbye To a Peachy Guy…

He was one of those actors who was in everything too.

https://people.com/tv/beverly-hills-90210-actor-joe-e-tata-dead-at-86/

🎶 On Sunday…

I don’t know if this is everything you need to know, but it’s a lot.

https://ew.com/awards/mtv-video-music-awards-2022-everything-to-know/

📣 Quotes of the Week

Look around you. Everything changes. Everything on this earth is in a continuous state of evolving, refining, improving, adapting, enhancing and changing. You were not put on this earth to remain stagnant. – Steve Maraboli

It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men. – Frederick Douglass

I hope I shall possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man.George Washington

People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use. – Søren Kierkegaard

I have seen many storms in my life. Most storms have caught me by surprise, so I had to learn very quickly to look further and understand that I am not capable of controlling the weather, to exercise the art of patience and to respect the fury of nature. – Paulo Coelho

The outer conditions of a person’s life will always be found to be harmoniously related to his inner state… Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are. – James Allen, As a Man Thinketh

My responsibility to myself, my neighbors, my family and the human family is to try to tell the truth. – Toni Cade Bambara

We were good before things went bad. – Silas Clay (Michael Easton, 2013-1015), General Hospital

🏃🏽‍♀️ Never Gonna Break My Stride…

Time to kick back and fill your head with good things. Take in some nature. Or if you’re a rural dweller, take in some concrete. Inviting both city and country mice to join me on Monday for some soap and what’s on Deck in the Med. Until then, stay safe, stay not limiting your friendships to those who think like you, and stay not keeping all the good stuff for yourself.

August 23, 2022 – The Quartermaine Picnic Commences, a Thought, Long Awaited Return, Wish Come True, She Hates It, New Wife, Tales Talk, Who’s Worthy & Virtual

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Willow suggests she and Michael sit on the couch. She takes his hand, and he says, she knows she can tell him anything. Whatever it is, they’ll figure it out together. She says she doesn’t know if they can this time, and he says, sounds serious. He sees Sonny on the terrace, and jumps up. He whips open the door, and tells Sonny that he’s not welcome here.

Carly asks how Drew got roped into grilling, and he says, all the Q’s are doing their part. He’s trying to help out GH, and it just so happens he’s a grill master. Carly says, show her what he’s got, and he says, prepare to be amazed, clicking his tongs.

Jordan tells Marshall that he bears no responsibility for Tommy’s death. He wasn’t there. Tommy barely had any memories of Marshall; he thought Marshall died when he was a child. Marshall says, maybe if he’d stayed, he could have prepared Tommy for what was to come. If he had more courage, Tommy might still be alive.

Walking into the picnic, Nikolas says, they could sell this better if Ava would just smile a little bit. She says, never tell a woman to smile (thank you), and he says, even if it keeps that woman out of prison? She doesn’t want any suspicion coming her way if Esme’s body turns up. She says, he’s the one causing suspicion, and he says, he’s trying to save her, so play nice and let him. She says she didn’t ask for his help, when Olivia comes by, and tells them, this is a party. Kindly take their fighting somewhere else.

Leo stirs his concoction, and says, amore… amore. Dante comes in, and asks what he’s doing, and Leo says he’s helping. Sam comes in the other door, and she and Dante smile at each other.

Brook thanks Chase for coming, and he thanks her for inviting him. She tells him, what can she say? He’s her favorite client. He says he’s her only client, and also co-conspirator, and she says, nothing solidifies relationships like a mutually beneficial scheme. He says he’s glad she sees it that way. He could really use her help.

Curtis tells Portia, God knows he loves her. He loves her kindness, her selflessness… He loves the way she loves family. TJ sees what’s going on, and takes out his phone to film it. Curtis says he loves Portia’s dimple, especially when she’s laughing at his bad jokes. He loves the way she supports, encourages, and brings out the best in him. And when he thinks about his future, he sees her right there by his side, and he wants them to spend forever together. Will she marry him?

Sonny tells Michael, he’s supposed to be here. He’s one of the largest donors to the children’s wing. Michael says, of course (🍷) he’d be invited. He just thought Sonny would have the sense to stay home. Sonny says, Michael doesn’t have to worry about Nina. She didn’t want to come; she didn’t want to cause any trouble. Michael says, that’s a first, and Sonny says, it’s obvious Michael doesn’t like Nina, but he won’t tolerate Michael disrespecting her. Michael says, but he’ll tolerate Nina disrespecting their entire family. He doesn’t have time for this. He slams the door, and starts to go back to Willow, but Sonny busts back in. Sonny says, let him tell Michael something. If he ever does that again, it will be the last time he closes a door.

Sam says hi to Leo, and tells Dante that she came to see if Olivia needed any help. He says, she just missed Olivia, but he’s heading out to the grill to give Drew a break. Does she want to come with him? She says she’s going to check on Scout, but she’s glad he has everything under control. She jets, and Dante says, never mind. Leo asks if Sam is mad at him, and he says, seems like it, right? Leo says, don’t worry. She won’t be soon. Dante thanks him, and tells him not to hang out in here too long. Go outside and play a little bit. Leo says he will, and Dante leaves. Leo goes back to mixing, and says, amore. He stirs the mixture with a carnation, and repeats, amore.

Ava apologizes to Olivia, and says, it’s a party, right? And an important fundraiser too. Nikolas says, it’s very generous of the Quartermaines to throw this benefit for the GH Children’s Wing. His mom sends her regards. She wishes she could be here. Olivia says, that’s sweet of her, and asks how Grandma Lesley is doing. He says, she and Marcello are still recovering from the fire, but they are honing in on a place in town. They’ll probably be moving in soon, but his mother will probably stay there until they’re completely settled. Olivia says, as any good daughter should. Tell her that they’ll miss her today, and about before, forget it. She understands couples need to squabble, even at the most inopportune moments. She moves on, and Ava says, he almost got them caught, but he says, she was the one raising her voice. She says he’s the one who brought up the topic in public. She doesn’t need his help. He says he didn’t ask to be dragged into this, but it’s too late now, and she says, poor darling. It’s never too late.

Brook says, Chase needs her help? 100%. Anything. She’s his girl. He says, anything? and she laughs. He says he needs a partner for the three-legged race. It’s kind of his jam… Not to brag. She says she didn’t take it that way, and he says he knows it’s silly, but it’s something he always used to crush when he was a cop at the department picnics. She says, she’ll do it, and he says, that’s really great, and thanks her. Yuri comes by with a covered dish, and says, Mr. Chase and Miss Brook Lynn; you’re still together. Brook says, they’re not together together. It’s so good to see him. Chase asks what he has there, and Yuri says, it’s a native dish from Belarus, and Brook says, yum. She suggests the find a platter and put it out. As they leave, Chase says, don’t be late. He’s counting on her.

Jordan assures Marshall that his being gone had nothing to do with Tommy’s death, but he says, she doesn’t know the whole story. Has TJ told her about his medical condition? She says, no. TJ respects Marshall’s privacy, and so does she. Don’t feel he owes her an explanation. He says, that’s all right; he wants to. They sit, and he says he’s been ashamed of his medical condition for way too long, and he’s not giving it power over him anymore. The reason he left his family is because he was diagnosed with schizophrenia. She says, he was afraid he’d bring harm to them? and he says, harm, shame, the whole stigma. Folks understand a lot more about mental illness now than they did back in the day. He was so afraid of the diagnosis, he left his family. He got treatment; it’s under control now. She says, that was very brave. She’s sorry he lost so much time with his family, and she’s glad he’s back in their lives. She knows TJ is glad. He says, all that is a dream come true, but he feels he still may have brought harm to his sons. She asks, how so? and he says, schizophrenia can be passed down genetically, and TJ and Shawn told him that Tommy wasn’t in his right mind when he was killed. She says, so he thinks Tommy may have been having an episode of some sort? and he says, yeah. He tears up, and says he wishes he was with his boy when he was going through those struggles. He’s not trying to overstep here, but can she tell him what her marriage to Tommy was like? Thinking back, did she see any signs?

Portia tells Curtis, she doesn’t know what to say. This is the last thing she expected. He says, you know it’s right when you’re staring at your forever love every morning, and can’t wait for another day. TJ continues to film, and she says she loves Curtis so much. They fit so well together. She could only focus on Trina, and loading herself up with work. She forgot to even think about what she wanted out of life. Then he came back into it, and the clouds opened up, and all these possibilities are available to her now; love and happiness and security. He’s given all of those things to her, and that’s what she wants for them; she wants it forever. All this time, he’s been holding this ring up, and probably treading water, and he asks, is that a yes? She says, yes. She’s going to marry him. He puts the ring on her, and there’s applause from the people who have shown up out of nowhere. They kiss, and there’s more applause.

TJ congratulates Curtis and Portia, and says he wishes the best for both of them. Portia thanks him, and Curtis says he appreciates it. He’s glad TJ could be a part of this. TJ says, actually, he’s meeting mom for lunch, so he’d better get back to his table. He congratulates them again, and leaves. Portia asks how long Curtis has been planning this, and he says, for months, but he wanted to wait until the situation with Trina was settled. She says, they have had their plate full, but all things are better now; better than she could have hoped. She looks at her ring and squeals. She says she can’t believe he proposed in front of all these people, and he says he had his eyes on her and her alone, but now he can’t wait to tell the world that she agreed to be his pretty wife. She says, they have to tell Trina. She has plans right now, but she’s going to be so excited. He says, they’ll tell her tonight, and if she comes home late, they’ll tell her tomorrow. Or they’ll tell her whenever because they’re going to be together… She says, for the rest of their lives, and they kiss.

Jordan tells Marshall, she’s dealt with people who have schizophrenia in the field. She knows enough about the symptoms to have a rudimentary understanding of the illness. Looking back on their marriage, she can’t say she observed any signs of schizophrenia in Tommy. He asks if she’s certain, and she says, Tommy was suffering from PTSD at the time of his death. What pushed him over the edge was her infidelity, and discovering TJ was not his biological son. If anyone’s to blame, it’s her. She’s truly sorry for the part she played in Tommy’s death, but it’s her cross to bear, not Marshall’s. She gets up, and he says, you can’t go to heaven dragging hell along with you. He guesses that’s the title of the composition he’s been writing his whole life, watching himself and other people play all the notes, trying to distract from the pain and sorrow… insecurities. Except they’re just dragging along the same torment they’re running from, compounding it. Look at him. He dragged around fear, pain, and guilt for nearly a lifetime. It wasn’t until he set them down that he got free, and he was able to come here to Port Charles, and find and discover everything he lost. Blaming herself won’t bring Tommy back, and Lord knows he’s in no position to judge her. He’s still struggling. And that’s why he forgives her. She tears up, and asks, how can he? He says he’s not going to pretend he wasn’t angry when he heard what happened between her, Tommy, and Shawn, but in life you got all these unexpected blue notes. To tell her the truth, on one level, he was kind of relieved that he couldn’t have passed down his disease to TJ; he was spared. Ain’t nothing about this going to change his feelings for TJ; not one bit. He couldn’t love TJ more if TJ were his own flesh and blood. She says, TJ loves his grandpa too. She’s glad they finally met, and he says he is too, shaking her hand. He puts his other hand on top of hers, and says, maybe now she’s going to lay that burden down.

Drew tells Carly, with grilling, timing is everything, when Dante appears, and says he’s here to relieve Drew of his grilling duties. At least temporarily; don’t go too far. Carly says, Drew is going to have to relinquish his mighty tongs, and Drew says, with an apron like that, he thinks the grill is in good hands. Dante takes over, and Drew asks if Carly wants to go for a walk. Maybe they could play some games. They can still sign up for the three-legged race. She says she hasn’t played that in so long, and he says, all the more reason to do it. They make a great team. I have never once participated in a three-legged race. I don’t think I’ve ever even seen one IRL.

Willow says, Michael has every right to his feelings about his father and Nina, but this picnic is to benefit the Children’s Wing at GH. Sonny’s here to support that cause, so today is about charity and gratitude. Just for today, why don’t they put their personal issues aside? Michael says, okay, and Sonny says, have fun at the picnic. He leaves, and Willow asks if Michael is okay. He says, she’s really incredible. With everything going on, she’s the only one who can keep him grounded. She tells him, never underestimate himself. He can pull himself back from the brink without her. He says, he’s so much stronger with her by his side. She means everything to him, and he doesn’t know what he’d do without her. They hug, and he says he’s sorry. She wanted to tell him something. She says, it can wait; he just had a run-in with his father. He says he’s over it. He wants to know what’s on her mind. Olivia comes in with Wiley, and says, somebody is asking for mommy and daddy. Wiley asks if they can play a game, and Willow says, absolutely. Olivia tells them to get out there and have fun, and leaves. Willow says, Michael heard Olivia. She wants to get out there and spend the day with her two favorite people. Wiley says, him too, and they leave. Ava walks in, and I’m guessing she was listening.

Jordan meets TJ, and says she just had a wonderful conversation with his grandfather. He says he’d love to hear all about it, but first he has to tell her something. Portia and Curtis are here. She says, okay. It’s fine if he wants to ask them to join them. He says, it’s not that. Curtis proposed to Portia, and she said yes. Jordan says she guesses she should have expected it. They did just buy that house together. He says he knows, but it’s still a bit of a shock. Is she okay?

Sitting at one of the tables, Portia tells Curtis, life sure does change on a dime, doesn’t it? and I wonder, what does that even mean? She says, just the other day, things were as bleak as they ever could have been. Trina’s future was up in the air; the only man who could exonerate her was in a coma. He says, but they got through it together, and she says, yes they did. And now Trina’s future is clear. She can do whatever she wants with her life. And their future is as bright as this diamond. Soon, he’s going to be her husband. He says, how soon? and she says, not soon enough. They kiss, and Jordan approaches the table.

Ned says, they’re down to the final two teams. Number one: Carly Corinthos and Drew Cain. Carly and Drew flex their muscles, and Ned says, and team number two: Brook Lynn Quartermaine and Harrison Chase. Brook and Chase fist bump, and Ned says, on your marks. The teams wrap their legs for the three-legged race, and Chase puts his arm around Brook’s waist.

Sonny comes in to find Ava on the couch eating something. She asks if Nina is with him, but he says, no. She says, Nina didn’t want stir pot; that’s wise. She asks if Avery is having a good time, and he says, she’s having a blast. She’s getting her face all painted. Ava says, that’s so cute; she loves that. He says he’ll see her, but she says, don’t go. Keep her company for a minute. She wanted to thank him again for helping Trina. He says he did it for Trina, and she says, still, she appreciates it. He says, there’s been no justice for Josslyn and Cameron. It’s too bad Esme left town. She says, rats. They know when to jump ship, don’t they? He says he heard she posted something on social media from the south of France, which is surprising since Ava said she’d never be found. Ava says, she was wrong. It happens from time to time. He says, it seems like an amateur move for Esme. Maybe Ava could shed some light… Nikolas comes in, and says, that’s enough, and Sonny asks what he means. He was just talking to Ava. Nikolas says, Ava doesn’t know anything about Esme. Leave her alone. Sonny says, or what?

Chase and Brook take a tumble, Chase falling on top of her. Carly and Drew win the race.

Jordan says she’s sorry to interrupt their celebration, but TJ just told her the good news. Congratulations to them both. They thank her, and she asks to see the ring. Portia shows her, and Jordan says, it’s beautiful. She’s very happy for them. Portia says, that means so much to her, and they hug. Portia says she’s going to give them a second, and excuses herself. Curtis asks if Jordan is really that happy for them (which is kind of insulting), and she says, all she’s ever wanted is for him to be happy. He says he wants the same for her, and she says she’s trying to learn to lay down her burdens, so she can move on, just like he has. His dad is back in his life, and he has a new beginning with Portia. She truly wishes them the best of everything. He says, she’s a class act, and he really appreciates everything she’s done for Portia, Trina, and him. She says, her job is to stop injustice. She’s just trying to keep her promise to the people of this city. He says, sometimes the job entails testing the boundaries, and she flashes back to stopping the elevator. He says, he appreciates her discretion, and she says, if he’s referring to Oz Haggerty’s recovery, and the circumstances that allowed it to happen… He says he is, and she says, then there’s something she has to say about that.

Chase helps Brook up, and she says she’s so sorry. She’s such a klutz. He says, that’s okay. He’s in the mood for something cold. He wanders off.

Drew tells Carly, first cornhole, now the three-legged race. Look out tug-of-war; we’re unstoppable. They high-five, and he asks if she’s thirsty. She says she is, and he goes to get her something to drink. Brook tells Carly, congratulations. She and Drew make a great team. Carly says, they do.

Nikolas says, stay away from his wife, and Sonny says, don’t take another step. He doesn’t need Nikolas’s permission to talk to Ava or anybody else. It’s none of his business; stay out of it. Nikolas says he’s not one of Sonny’s minions that he can order around. If Sonny doesn’t stay away from his wife, there will be consequences. Ava says, Nikolas is overreacting, and Sonny says he’ll tell Nikolas what he told Nikolas’s uncle – take your best shot, and we’ll see what happens. Ava takes Nikolas’s hand, and asks Sonny to excuse them. She pulls Nikolas outside, and he asks, what the hell was that? She says, her sentiments exactly. Why is he provoking Sonny? He says, Sonny was the one who was way out of line, not him, and she says, she can handle Sonny. She’s been dealing with him for years. He says he’s her husband. It’s his job to defend her. She says, it was his job to be faithful, and he couldn’t manage that. So let’s drop the pretense. This was more about Nikolas and his issues with Sonny than Nikolas coming to her rescue. He says he’ll always come to her rescue, no matter how hard she pushes him away. He knows he messed up, but he loves her, and will always be there for her.

Terry and Willow watch Michael with Wiley, and Willow says she doesn’t think Wiley quite gets the concept of the egg and spoon race.  Terry says, Michael seems like a very patient teacher, and Willow says, he’s the best dad. Terry says she spoke to Britt, and Britt told her that Willow had an appointment. Willow says she’s going to postpone treatment until she’s in her second trimester. It’s just a few more weeks. She just… She can’t lose another baby. She knows Terry probably doesn’t approve, but Terry says, if it’s the right choice for Willow, she supports it. Willow says, it is; thanks. They watch Wiley and laugh, and Terry says she takes it Willow hasn’t told her family yet. Willow says, she decided to wait until she starts treatment, and Terry says she’s still going to suggest Willow tell her family, especially since she decided postpone treatment. Willow says, if she tells Michael, he’ll try to convince her to get treatment immediately. She doesn’t want to fight with him for the next few weeks. They just finished one big battle; she wants to enjoy this time. Terry says, there is a lot of research showing patients benefit from a strong support system, but Willow says she’s made her choice. She’s not ruining the next few weeks they have left with fighting and tears. What they have right now is what it’s all about. Her decision is the best choice for her family.

Olivia goes to the nook, where Leo is with a tray of Solo cups, and she says, he poured lemonade for the guests? That is so thoughtful. She thanks him for helping her today, and he says she’s welcome. She always helps him; now it’s his turn to help somebody else. She says, that’s so sweet, and hugs him. She tells him, keep up the good work; she loves him. She leaves, and he pours his concoction into two of the cups.

Brook brings Carly into the stables, and says, it’s just the two of them. Be honest. Are her and Drew a thing? Carly says, is she kidding? Olivia asked her the same thing, and she’s going to tell Brook what she told Olivia; she and Drew are just friends. Brook says she’s got that, especially how they were just all over each other. Carly asks what she’s talking about, and Brook says she gets it. It’s complicated. Carly and her family have a long not-so peachy history. And he’s Jason’s twin and Sam’s ex, but the two of them have some serious chemistry. Carly should go for it. Carly says, like Brook is going for it with Chase? Anyone with eyes could see how they look at each other. Brook says, Chase is her client. There can’t be anything between them. Carly says, but Brook wants there to be, right? Brook says, it doesn’t matter. Carly is changing the subject; they were talking about her and Drew. Carly says she’s going to talk to Drew before people get the wrong idea, and starts to leave, but Brook grabs her arm, and says, are they though? Speaking to Drew is a good idea, because from what she’s observed, there are some real feelings growing. Deal with it now before the situation gets all muddled and hopelessly mired with mixed signals and regrets because you were just too afraid, or it took too long to have that conversation. Carly says, that’s some really great advice. Maybe Brook should take it. She leaves.

Leo sets the tray of cups on a table, and asks if Chase has seen Sam and Dante. Chase says, no, but he needs a person for tug-of-war. Is Leo in? Leo can be on his team. Leo says, sure, and runs off. Chase says, save him a spot on the rope, and looks at the cups.

Jordan tells Curtis, as far as she’s concerned, Mr. Haggerty woke up just in time to exonerate Trina. She’s glad he did. Trina’s free, which is all that matters. He says, and the elevator? She says she’d heard it had been on the fritz again. They don’t make elevators like they used to. He tells her, like he said, class act, and raises his glass. She goes back to TJ, who says he swears he didn’t know Curtis was proposing when he suggested they meet here. She says she’s okay, and he says he knows she and Uncle Curtis are on good terms, but it still has to be hard hearing he’s engaged. She says she’s happy for Curtis; he and Portia are a good match. He asks how it went with Marshall. She said they had a good talk. She says, the best. Marshall forgave her for everything that happened with Tommy, and he told her about his diagnosis. TJ says, that was some conversation, and she says, it was. Marshall was worried TJ’s dad might have inherited the predisposition for schizophrenia, and that’s what led to Tommy’s death, but she told him that she never saw signs of it when they were married. She thinks it brought him some comfort, and TJ bets it did. He says, Curtis should tell Marshall that he’s considering genetic counseling for himself, in case he decides to have children. She says, of course (🍷) Curtis would want children of his own. He and Portia would make good parents.

Olivia is chopping vegetables, and Sonny asks if she needs a hand. She says she’s got it, and asks if he’s here by himself. He says, he is; it seems to be the question of the day. She says she just figured Nina wouldn’t be able to resist rubbing Carly’s nose their new relationship, and he says, well, she’s wrong. Can’t you just be divorced and live your life? Because that’s what they’re trying to do, but everybody seems to have a judgement. She says, she would have thought he’d be immune to that at this point in his life, and he says, he is, but that doesn’t mean he likes it. Take them. They’ve known each other since before Carly; they have a son together. Can’t she wish him well? Dante’s happy for him. Can’t she be?

One by one, people take the cups. Leo comes back, and sees they’re all gone.  

Picking up a cornhole sack, Wiley says, it’s perfect, and Michael agrees; everything is perfect. He thanks Willow for reminding him of what’s most important, and Wiley hugs Willow, saying, I love you, mommy.

Curtis tells Portia, the best part for him is, now she and Trina are officially his family. She says she already thinks of him, TJ, and Marshall as part of her family. And even Aunt Stella. They laugh, and her phone rings. She says, it’s the hospital; she needs to take this. He says he thought she was off, but she says, it will only take a second. Then they can talk about Trina’s upcoming party. She steps away, and says, this is Dr. Portia Robinson. Has an appointment opened up yet?…  No, that’s three weeks away. She’s already been waiting for an appointment for genetic counseling… Jordan stops short of coming in, and Portia says, yes, please. The soonest available spot… No, it’s not concerning her. It’s concerning her daughter.

Olivia says she does want Sonny to be happy. She just wishes he’d found his happiness with literally anyone else in the world. He says, sorry to disappoint her, but sometimes life chooses who you’re with. Leo runs in, and says he’s got to talk to Olivia. Sonny says he’ll let them get to it, and leaves. Olivia asks, what’s up? and Leo says he made Nonna’s Sicilian Thunderbolt for Sam and Dante. She says, why didn’t she think of that? Did it work? He says he doesn’t know. He put the cups down for just a minute. When he came back, all the cups were gone. She says, so he only put the Sicilian Thunderbolt in some of the cups? but he says, only two, and he doesn’t know what happened to them. What if he messed up everything?

Sitting in the stables, Sam takes a sip of her drink. Chase comes in, and asks if she’s seen Brook. She says, what? and he says, never mind. He doesn’t want to intrude, but she looks like she could use a friend. He’s available. He takes a sip of his drink.

Dante takes a sip of his drink, and literally runs into Brook, who’s holding her cup. She says she’s sorry, but he says, his bad, and they smile at each other.

Nikolas tells Ava, cornhole’s free. How about it? He takes a sip of his drink, and she says, is he kidding? He says, why not? Or is she afraid he’ll beat her? She says, in your dreams.

Carly sees Drew grilling, and says, back at it, huh?  He says, hot dog?

Tomorrow, Carly asks if Drew is flirting with her; Jordan hopes Portia doesn’t make the same mistakes she did; Selena tells Curtis that he’d rather have her as an ally than an adversary; and Sam tells Dante that she doesn’t know if she’s ever going to be ready.

🧚🏼‍♂️ Of course those who don’t know the plot of A Midsummer Night’s Dream might not understand Leo’s fears. Part of the plot involves a love potion, and the result is the wrong people falling in love. Kudos though to GH for assuming we’re all well-read.

🚑 Long Road Back…

Glad to hear Emma Samms is moving past covid and on to GH.

🥁 Sammy Was the Man…

Now here’s an interesting story I never heard before.

🍑 Me Too…

The only Housewives who like Reunions are the ignorant and the devil’s spawn.

🗽 Joining the Apples…

One of the new Real Housewives of NYC.

⚰️ Telling Tales…

I want to like this show more than I do. It’s not bad, but I want something more. I do like how it’s a different story every week, and that it takes place at the point the world was starting to be zombiefied. It also has a sense of humor, which is much appreciated after years of the humorless TWD. In last week’s episode, the main characters had to Groundhog Day until they got it right.

🎸 Vote the Rock…

Get your votes in for this Sunday.

https://www.mtv.com/vma/vote/

🍒 With a Cherry On Top…

Join me tomorrow for soap and to see if Beverly Hills can top themselves in awfulness. Until then, stay safe, stay never judging a book by its cover, and stay knowing that you can’t go to heaven dragging hell along with you. It’s not until you set your burdens down that you’ll get free.

August 19, 2022 – Austin’s Cousin Is In Town, Mason, Leaving, Wedding Aftershock, Shahnanigans, Cheshire Wives, Wedding Album, Dead Tales, Reviewing Dragons, Lucky Amount of Quotes & Time

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Cody says, Britt has questions about him? Good, because he has questions about her too. Which is why it’s good to have date number two. They can learn more about each other. Britt says, much more, and he says, for starters, how does she feel about anchovies on pizza? She says, he’s assuming she likes pizza, and he says, everybody likes pizza. She says, that’s the problem with assumptions. Everybody doesn’t parachute into a pool, then punch a mother’s boyfriend, and announce they’re the son of said boyfriend’s dead wife. He says, now she knows something about him, and she says, he asked about her father before. Why does Cody keep asking about him?

Outside Kelly’s, Alexis says, even though she provides headlines for The Invader, the only headlines she wants to know about right now are from her girls. She, Molly, Kristina, and Sam sit at an outside table, and she asks, who’s first? Molly says, Kristina; she’s got the best news. Alexis says, goodie. What’s up? Kristina says she was promoted to manager at Charlie’s, and Alexis says, congratulations. Well done. Kristina thanks her, and says she’s pretty happy about it. Alexis asks if she sees much of her dad, and Kristina says, he doesn’t own the pub anymore, but he comes in fairly often, so it’s good to spend time with him. Alexis says, even though he’s with Nina? and Kristina says, is she happy dad’s in a relationship with Nina? No, and she was clear about that. She also told him that she’s in no position to throw stones, and he appreciated that, so it doesn’t really effect their relationship. Alexis says, look at her adulting, and hugs Kristina, saying, her baby’s all grown up. Molly’s turn. How’s it going in the DA’s office? Molly says, as Alexis knows, ADA Arden maneuvered her off Trina Robinson’s case because she felt Molly was biased. Kristina says, which is untrue and unfair, but isn’t it a silver lining that Molly doesn’t have to try someone in TJ’s extended family? Molly says, definitely a silver lining, but she hates that no one gives the system a chance to work the way it actually should. As a prosecutor, it’s her job, or should have been her job, to make the strongest case against Trina, using the facts for support. Then Trina’s defense attorney – Diane in this case – makes the strongest defense, and the jury gets to decide. But Jennifer Arden wanted to prove a point. She followed the letter, but not the spirit with her case. At least it ended with the right verdict… this time. Kristina says, tell mom what she’s thinking, and Molly says, about following in Alexis’s footsteps and going over to criminal defense. Alexis says, whatever Molly does, Molly has her full support, and Molly thanks her. Alexis says, Sam’s turn. She’s awfully quiet, so is no news good news?

Dante walks in as Olivia is on the phone, asking if they remembered to order the special picnic dessert… Okay. Also, make absolutely sure that Leo’s donkey head is just what they discussed… Perfect. Thank you. She’ll be in touch. Dante asks what that was all about, and she says, the first annual Quartermaine picnic to support the GH Children’s wing is tomorrow, and her frozen desserts, the pièce de résistance. He says, with a donkey’s head thrown in? and she says, naturally. Leo’s summer theater camp is doing a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream. He’s playing Bottom. He says, the character that turns into a donkey. He must be so excited. He gets to play the donkey. He’s going to kill that. Does he need help with running lines? She says, he already has somebody helping him get into the role, and Dante says, let him guess; Chase? She says, Dante’s friend Cody.

Spinelli frets about management checking the chlorine level in the pool, and Maxie tells him, live dangerously. Take the plunge. He can start by forgetting about Britt, and finding someone who’s a better fit. He asks who she has in mind, and she says, no one specifically, but generally, she should be a match for his heart and his intelligence, have an appreciation for his unique perspective. A sense of humor couldn’t hurt, and it’s not absolutely necessary she be into sci/fi, but a basic knowledge of the Star Wars universe would help. So no, he’s not going to meet her at a business conference or whatever, but that’s what computer programs are for, right? She still doesn’t understand why he won’t try his own algorithm, and he says, there’s no need. His brief infatuation with Dr. Westbourne is already fading. He’s put her in the rearview mirror, so to speak. She asks if he’s been holding out on her. Who’s the lucky lady?

Finn tells Violet, she has her sunblock on, but it’s still not good to get too much sun, and she puts on her sunhat. Gregory says, translation: I know what I’m doing, dad, and Finn says, of course (🍷) she does. He situates Violet in her chaise, and gives her a book. She thanks him, and he tells Gregory that he can’t help it. He loves Violet. He told Elizabeth that he loves her. Gregory says, big step, and Finn says, that’s why he can’t look the other way, even if she hates him for it.

Elizabeth looks at the crushed tube in her bloody palm, when TJ walks in. He asks, what happened? She says she was examining Scotty’s nose… He asks how she cut her hand, but she says she doesn’t know. She clutched the tube, and it just seemed to shatter. TJ asks her to let him take a look, but she says, it’s nothing. He says, it’s a nasty cut, and there are glass shards embedded… She says she can take care of it. She’s sure he has patients to deal with. He says he does, and she’s the first one. Has this ever happened before? She asks what he means, and he says he knows she took some personal time for stress. Did Scotty say something to upset her?

Gregory asks if Elizabeth said she loved Finn back, and Finn says, she did. That’s before he blew it all to hell. Gregory asks how Finn managed that, and Finn says, there’s something going on with Elizabeth beyond the sleeping pills she was taking. Something that involves her parents, maybe her father. Gregory says, let him guess; she wasn’t forthcoming. Finn says, not in the slightest, and Gregory asks if that doesn’t tell him maybe he should drop the subject. Finn asks who he’s talking to. Isn’t Gregory the one who told him to analyze a problem from all sides, and come to a rational conclusion? Gregory says, not when it comes to the heart. There’s nothing rational about emotions. Finn says, now you tell me. There’s a million possibilities, but everything tells him that Elizabeth’s issue involves her family, especially since she keeps acting like they don’t exist. Violet asks if Aunt Elizabeth is seeing ghosts again.

Maxie says, if Spinelli doesn’t fess up, she’s going to throw him in the pool, but he asks what he has to confess. She says, if he’s over Britt, who is he pining for? and he says, a luminous creature; a beacon of warmth and intelligence… with a working knowledge of Star Wars. She asks if they know how he feels, but he says he’s only been worshipping her from afar. If things were different… Austen comes in, and Maxie says, oh my God, throwing her arms around him and kissing him.

Kristina says, they’re all concerned for Spencer, but why would Sam want to talk about him and not Dante? Molly says she kind of has the same feeling. Is everything okay with them? She just wants Sam and Dante to be as happy as she and TJ are. Sam says, she and Dante are very happy… They were happy, until… until he suggested they move in together.

Dante tells Olivia, last he checked, Cody wasn’t a drama coach. How’s he going to help Leo? She says she doesn’t know. He knows about horses and donkeys and stuff. Anyway, Dante should see Leo up on the stage, prancing around and braying. She’s never seen that kid more confident. He says he’s happy Leo and Cody have made fast friends, and he asks if she needs any help with this picnic. She says, he could find that embarrassing apron, and help her with the grill. Before she forgets, she saved seats in the front row for him and Sam for Leo’s play. He says, cool, sounds good, and she says, really? Because his face is telling a different story. He says, it’s fine, ma, and she says, now she’s really worried. He tells her, he said, everything is fine, but she says, Dante Angelo Falconari. From the time he was four years old, she knows when she hears him say, it’s fine, ma, in that tone of voice, she knows two things. A, it’s not fine, and B, he’s trying to hide something from her. Sometimes it’s something completely innocuous, like the time he broke Aunt Cia’s lamp. He says, that damn lamp again. It was hideous, and he was seven. She says, did the family offer up a silent prayer of gratitude for the lamp? Yes, but that’s not the point. The point is, she heard a crash, she asked, what happened? and he said, it’s fine, ma. Just like the time he got drunk for the first time, or the first time he got shot. He should just stop ducking and dodging the question, and tell her what’s really going on. He says he thinks he messed up with Sam.

Cody says, whoa there. He mentioned Britt’s father once, she shut him down, and he never mentioned him again. She says, he failed to mention their fathers knew one another, and he asks how she found out. She says, her mother, and he asks what Obrecht said exactly. Britt says, that Cesar Faison and Leopold Taub had – air quotes – dealings – end air quotes – with one another, and he says, isn’t it weird that their fathers knew each other? She says, weird doesn’t even begin to cover it. He could have told her that from the start. He says he barely knew her. Hell, he didn’t even know Leopold Taub was his father until a few months ago. At the same time he got poleaxed with the news that Dominique was his mother, and her mother’s schnitzel got a fortune that should have been his. She says, as he knows, that fortune belongs to a bunch of beluga whales thanks to Scotty’s daughter Serena. So he can kiss it goodbye. He says, that’s harsh, and she says, he wants harsh? Let’s talk about her family tree. Does he remember when she treated his cracked ribs after he received that beatdown outside of The Savoy? He says he’s probably not going to forget that, and she says, then does he also remember asking her about her parents? He was particularly interested in her father, and – what did he call it? – his legacy. He says, her point? and she says, her point is, why didn’t he tell her then that his father and her father not only knew each other, they did business together. What else is he keeping from her? He asks if she’s proud being Cesar Faison’s daughter, because he looked up Leopold Taub, and he’s not proud either. That whole cartel thing he had going on, and yeah, Cesar Faison was listed as one of his members. So when Dante told him that she was Faison’s daughter… She says, he smelled an opportunity, but he says, no; he smelled trouble. His first instinct was to run as far away from her as possible, and never look back. She asks, what stopped him? and he says, gratitude, for her scraping him up in that alley, giving him his 50 back, driving him all the way to Dante’s… Plus, he liked the smell of her perfume. Gardenias, right? She says, camellias, and he says, close. He liked her crooked smile, and the way she always sees the glass as half full – of strychnine. She asks if that’s a compliment or a cheap shot, and he says he just liked her. But if that’s not good enough, he’ll stick to horses. She can go back to Society Set-Ups and see if Zelda can do better next time. He brings a box into the stables, and when he comes back out, she’s still there. He asks if something is keeping her, and she says, her mother said the matchmaker may be more accurate than she thought.

Olivia says, she thought Dante and Sam were in a good place, and he says, they are. He should have left it there. She says, as opposed to… and he says, as opposed to asking Sam to move in with him. She says, it makes sense, all the time they spend together, and he says, that’s what he was thinking. They spend all this time together, they like each other, they have fun, and when the kids are together, it’s like the most perfect thing in the world. Sam thinks he’s rushing it; that he has to work through some stuff. She asks, what kind of stuff? and he says, like feelings. She says, like his feelings for Sam, or…? He says, for Lulu, and she says, he knows she loves Lulu. She prays everyday that Lulu will come out of that coma, but he’s moved on with his life. Lulu moved on with her life before the explosion. She was going to marry that teacher, wasn’t she? He says, she was. Dustin handed him the ring to give to her before he passed away. She says, Sam’s got to be aware of that, that Lulu was moving on with someone else. He says, it’s not Lulu’s feelings Sam’s talking about. She thinks he’s papered over his feelings. She says, has he? and he says, there’s a big part of him that thinks he should have been able to save her. Olivia hugs him, and says, her wonderful sweet boy. He didn’t put Lulu in that coma. That was Cyrus Renault’s fault. Even if he could go back in time, it’s still Cyrus Renault’s fault, with Julian Jerome doing his dirty work. He says, if he had just gotten there earlier, but she says, don’t do that. If he’d gotten to The Floating Rib earlier, she would have lost him too. No. They’re living in the here and now; that’s what matters. What matters are his feelings for Sam.  

Molly says, so Sam and Dante are moving in together, but Sam says, she and Dante are not moving in together. Kristina says, why not? and Sam says, like she told Spinelli, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Kristina says, moving in together doesn’t fix a bad relationship, it makes a good one better. Molly says, she and TJ had their doubts about sharing everything, even the rent… but Alexis says, let her alone. Kristina says, they’re not pressuring Sam. She’s in a committed relationship with a loving, supportive partner; not everyone gets that lucky. Sam says she knows she hit the jackpot, and Molly asks, what’s the problem? Sam asks if they can not talk about this, and Alexis says, absolutely. Now tell her what’s going on.

Maxie says she thought Austin was going to be gone for days, but he says he got through his business quickly. He tells Spinelli, in fact, he got through his business at warp speed. He came back to be with Maxie, and she says, he did? He says she sounds surprised, and she says, she thought all that talk about family… He says, what talk about family? and she glances at Spinelli, and says, never mind. The important thing is, he’s back. He says, he is. Back for good. Spinelli rolls his eyes.

Finn asks what makes Violet think Aunt Elizabeth is seeing ghosts, and she tells him, he just said,  they don’t exist. Gregory says, her daddy was just talking about her grandpa and step-grandma and how she never sees them. Violet says, okay, and goes back to her book. Finn thanks Gregory, and says, he has to get back to GH. Does Gregory mind? Gregory says, no, and Finn says, everything he needs is right there. Gregory says he’s getting kind of hungry; is Violet? She says she’s so hungry, and Finn tell her to be good for grandpa. He’ll see her back home. They exchange I love yous, and he says, eskimo? They rub noses and he leaves.  

TJ says, he’s let Epiphany know he’s sending Elizabeth home after the x-ray. She should not hold a steering wheel. He’ll call Finn. She says, don’t bother him; she’ll call a Ride Share. They leave the exam room, and in the hallway, he says he’s calling radiation to make sure they get the x-ray right away. She says, he’s very thorough, and he says he thinks the word she’s avoiding is annoying, maybe even obnoxious. She says she’s the one who should apologize for being less than cooperative, and he says he gets it. For a lot of people, it’s an automatic reflex; you’re fine, keep going. He thinks on some level, it’s a survival mechanism, because we’re afraid if we slow down and admit we’re hurt, we won’t get started again. She says she appreciates the we, and he says he’s definitely been through it, and will again, but if he goes too far, hopefully there will be someone to pull him back. He picks up the phone, and says he needs to order an x-ray for a GH staff person… As he talks, Elizabeth looks at the door to the stairs. She goes to it, opens, it, and stands on the landing. She looks down the stairs, and falls forward. It’s all in her head, and TJ asks if she’s okay. She says, absolutely, and he says, radiology can take her now. They leave, and she gives the door one last look.

Cody says, he had quite the interaction with Britt’s mother, and Britt says, when she twisted Cody’s arm behind his back for punching Scotty? He says he can see her mother’s no pushover. He bets Cesar Faison met his match with Liesl Obrecht. She says, no. Don’t let her black belt in karate fool him. Deep down, her mother is a born romantic. She’s actually the one who signed Britt up with Society Set-Ups. He says, remind him to thank her, and Britt says, he punched her boyfriend in the nose. She doubts her mother is interested in a thanks from him. She did suggest they have something in common. He says, really? Tell him something. Did her dad ever mention his?

Austin thanks Spinelli for keeping an eye on Maxie while he was gone. He hates thinking of her alone. Spinelli says, that makes them even. He hates thinking of her with the wrong people. Maxie says, Austin’s timing is perfect. Tomorrow is the first annual Quartermaine picnic for the Children’s wing at GH. Spinelli says, given Austin’s resentment of the Quartermaines, he may choose to skip the picnic, in which case he offers himself as escort to Maxinista. Austin says, that’s very kind of him, but he can handle the Quartermaines if Maxinista can. She says, how about if both of them escort her to the picnic? Mason suddenly bounds in, and asks where Austin’s manners are. Isn’t Austin going to introduce him to his friends?

Sam asks how she can move in with Dante when Lulu is still so much a presence in that house. She doesn’t go there often, but when she does, all she sees are her kitchen, her books, her furniture, or at least the furniture they picked out together. Alexis says, maybe he’s leaving those things around for Rocco’s sake; for Rocco’s comfort. Sam says, fair enough, and it all makes sense, but it’s still really awkward for her. Alexis says, she gets it. For what it’s worth (🍷), she hasn’t seen Sam this happy in a long time. Whatever Dante’s doing, he’s bringing out a peacefulness in Sam that no one else has managed to. And Sam brings joy to Dante’s life, because no one’s seen him this joyful since he came back to Port Charles. She’s pretty certain he’s not seeing Lulu when he sees Sam. Sam’s phone dings, and she says she’s got to go. She tells Alexis that she loves her, and Alexis says she loves Sam more. Sam leaves, passing Gregory and Violet on their way in. Violet says, that’s the lady in the park who grandpa hit with the frisbee, and Alexis says, that’s her.  

Finn asks, what happened to Elizabeth’s hand? and she says, it’s just a cut. TJ says, according to the x-ray, they got all the shards, and she tells Finn, she was just holding an empty collection tube, and it shattered. TJ says he has to check on a patient, and asks if Finn minds waiting until Elizabeth’s Ride Share comes. Finn says, sure, and TJ tells Elizabeth, go home and rest. She says she will, and he leaves. Finn says, forget about the Ride Share; he’ll drive her home himself. She says, what about his patients? and he says he’ll get someone to cover. It just shattered in her hand? She says, it wasn’t an accident. He deserves to know the truth. They go into an exam room, and she says she wasn’t watching what she was doing. He asks, what was distracting her? and she says, for one thing, walking in on him and Terry talking behind her back. He says, that’s his fault, not Terry’s, and they didn’t mean to upset her. She says, he upset her. He doesn’t think she’s capable of  taking care of herself. Why doesn’t he trust her? He says, he’d trust her with his life, but he’s not exactly clear on how just mentioning her family is a violation of that trust. He means no disrespect by that, but he wants to know how to fix things between them. She says, there’s nothing to fix, and he says, if that was true, she’d tell him what really caused her to cut her hand.

Kristina asks Gregory and Violet to join them. She and Molly would love to her all about the frisbee. Violet says, it was an accident, and Gregory thanks them, but says, he and Violet will find another table. Alexis says, don’t be silly. She always enjoys Violet’s company. He tells her, Finn told him that she said he was pestering her, and she asks if she actually used the word pester. He says, according to Finn. He vigorously denied it of course (🍷), but if that’s how she feels, he’ll pester her no longer. Alexis says, don’t go, and tells him to pull up chairs for him and Violet. After all, it’s not every day you get to have lunch with the Davis girls.

Dante tells Olivia, when he asked Sam to move in with him, in retrospect, it probably did catch her off-guard. They were at the Hatchet Ranch… She says, that’s romantic, and he says, it was just one of those things. He’d been thinking about it so much, and he thought Sam had to be on the same page, or at least thinking about it too. When she didn’t say yes immediately, he was thrown off. He backed off. He didn’t want to pressure her. Olivia says she thinks she knows where this is going, and Dante says, they talked it out; at least he thinks they did. He told her that he loved her, and he’d wait as long as she wanted to wait to move in together. He thought they were good. She says, but then the question of whether to move in with each other or not grows from this small manageable thing to this giant elephant that’s taken up permanent residence, not just in the room, but in his psyche. Probably Sam’s psyche too. He says, he doesn’t want to mess this up. He feels like he did, and doesn’t know what to do next. She asks if he’s open to a suggestion, and he says, please. She tells him, stick to basics. What does he want to happen with Sam? He says he wants them to have a life to together with their kids. They don’t need to live in the same place; it doesn’t matter to him. Olivia pats his chest, and says, stick with the feelings; it’s all about the feelings. The living arrangements, all that can wait. It’s all about the feelings. He says he loves her. He wants to trust her and support her, and try to make her as happy as she’s made him. Sam comes in.

Austin says, this is his cousin Mason, and Mason says, country cousin from Pautuck. Maxie says, Austin didn’t tell her that he had a cousin coming into town, but Mason says, don’t blame Austin. He’s a hot-shot doctor. Sometimes he forgets where he’s from, even though the family’s so proud of him. Spinelli asks, what brings him to their fair city? and Mason says, family, while Austin says, business. Mason says, family business. They were hoping Cousin Austin would have stayed longer. Austin says, he did what he had to do when he was there. Now he’s here in his home, Port Charles.

Britt says, whatever unholy alliance her father made with Cody’s ended before they were born. Unless there’s something else he’s not telling her. He says, their fathers knowing each other is just a random coincidence; something they have in common. But isn’t she the least bit curious about what Leopold Taub and Cesar Faison were up to? She says, he never knew his father. Unfortunately, she knew hers, and she’s been trying to live him down ever since. So if he wants to go digging for skeletons in that closet, he can do it alone. She starts to leave, but he grabs her hand, and says, she’s right. Whatever their fathers did, died with them. He’s card player… She says, not a very good one, and he says, it depends on the players, and the game. He lets her hand go, and says, his point is, he always factors the odds and figures them out. What are the odds that on that day, he would parachute into that pool… She says, and almost drown her, but he says, she got a little wet. And if he didn’t say it then, he’s saying it now – she looked gorgeous. She says, now he’s trying to flatter her, and he says, he thinks she looks good soaking wet; so sue him. She says she considered it, and he tells her, just keep in mind, he can’t afford a lawyer, so there’s no way he could pay for the damages. She says, don’t worry. She’s not going to drag him to court, and he says he knew she couldn’t be that hard-hearted. They laugh, and she says, that GIF of her climbing out of the pool is just now coming down everyone’s feed. She doesn’t need to draw more attention to it. He says, so he’s being saved by her self-interest, and she says, bingo, but he says he doesn’t buy it.

Olivia says she has Quartermaine picnic stuff to see to, and tells Dante that she’ll see him later. She tells Sam that it’s nice to see her, and leaves. Sam says, so the Quartermaine picnic fundraiser is tomorrow? and Dante says, his mom’s been going crazy with that. Plus she has Leo’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream; he’s playing Bottom. He’s pretty excited about that. She says, and him? He says, that depends on whether or not she’s going with him. I have to mention that A Midsummer Night’s Dream is a pretty ambitious play for a summer theater camp in Leo’s age group.

Alexis says, that was delicious. Anyone for desserts? Violet says, ice cream sundaes for all of us, and Alexis says she likes Violet’s style. She liked it the minute they met. Violet says, as much as Alexis likes her grandpa? and Gregory apologizes for his granddaughter; she apparently has no filter. Alexis says, don’t apologize at all. And to answer Violet’s question, Alexis likes her grandpa… ‘s writing. She doesn’t always agree with it, but it’s never boring. Violet says, never. Alexis should hear one of his bedtime stories.

Spinelli asks how long Mason is in town, and Mason say, it depends on his cousin. Austin tells him, he thinks they said all they needed to say back in Pautuck, but Mason says, not quite. He can’t leave until Austin understands how much he means to his family back home. Austin knows how much they expect from him. Besides, he was hoping Austin would show him the sights in Port Charles. Although he doesn’t have to look much further than this lovely lady. Spinelli says, this lovely lady’s not on the tour, and not reading the room at all, Maxie says she has an idea. Why doesn’t Mason come to the Quartermaine picnic tomorrow? Austin says he’s sure Mason has better things to do, but Mason says he can’t think of one. He hears the Quartermaines are practically royalty. Too bad cuz here missed out on the family jewels.

Elizabeth says, Finn is right; it wasn’t just an accident. He asks, what happened? and she says she was thinking about all the time he’s wasted worrying about her; time they’ll never get back. She just got so angry, she crushed the tube without realizing it. He says he knows what it’s like to keep that kind of anger inside. Is there any chance that’s only part of it? Could the anger be about something else, something in her past, something she barely remembers? She tells him, stick to infectious diseases, and leave the psychiatry to Doc.

Austin says he’s made peace with his father’s family, and Mason says, that’s their Austin. Some folks say money buys happiness, but Austin was raised right. Austin says, thanks, and suggests he and Maxie get out of here. Spinelli tells Maxie, Georgie, James, and Bailey Lou are with her parents, but Mac and Felicia aren’t going to want to babysit all night. Can they talk childcare before she leaves? Maxie tells Austin, one second, and they’ll go, and steps away with Spinelli. Austin tells Mason, there’s no way he’s going to that picnic, but Mason says, watch me.

Alexis says, who knew the eminent Professor Chase was capable of blushing? but he says he doesn’t blush. Violet says, yes he does. He blushed when daddy saw his name in The Invader, and said he was famous. Alexis says, he was famous already academically; he now has a wider audience. Gregory says he wasn’t looking for fame, just for fairness in journalism, and Alexis says, it’s okay to enjoy some attention. Everyone likes attention. He says, he’s not everyone, and she says, that’s for sure.  

Elizabeth asks how many times she has to tell Finn; she’s fine. Now she has to meet her Ride Share. She tells him, let’s not fight anymore. She really hates it. She kisses him, and he says he hates it too. She leaves, and Finn flashes back to Gregory saying, if he disregards Elizabeth’s wishes, it could cost him the relationship; and him saying, he could stand losing her if he knew she would be okay in the end. He makes a call, and says, this is Dr. Finn for Dr. Webber. Is she available?… Yes. Tell her Hamilton Finn called. He needs a consult with Dr. Webber about someone they have in common.

Sam says, of course (🍷) she’ll go to Leo’s play, and Dante says, cool. His mom said she’d get them good seats. She says, Olivia is going to worry about seats after everything she’s got to do tomorrow? and he says, speaking of tomorrow… and she says, she told him, of course (🍷) she’ll go to the picnic. They both start talking, and she says, him first. He says, they don’t have to rush through this. They can just take it slow. They’ll know when the time is right, and just take it slow like she wanted to. She says, yeah, and hugs him.

Cody says, Britt wants to come off as selfish and uncaring, but it’s just not true. She says, yes it is, and he asks, then why did she help him out in that alley behind The Savoy? Why didn’t she just pick up his last 50 and walk off? She says she wishes she did, and he says, really? She says, no, but he was pathetic, crawling on his hands and knees, all bruised and broken. He says he never got to thank her properly for that rescue, so let him do it now. She says, how? and he says he’d like to invite her to the Quartermaine picnic tomorrow. There will be so many people there, it’s not like a date. She says, when he words it like that… She accepts. He says, shall they shake on it? They do, and he says, see her tomorrow. She says, tomorrow, and leaves. Outside, she smiles.  

On Monday, Brook says she would never use Chase; Jordan asks why she gets the sense TJ is trying to get rid of her; Ava says she has truths that will lay Spencer to waste; and Willow won’t accept that.

🍃 Leaf From the Family Tree…

A little bit about the cousin we never knew Austin had.

https://soapdirt.com/general-hospital-comings-goings-austin-holt-shady-cousin-says-fan-fave-returns/

🩺 Nooo…

Kudos to her for prime time and all, but I hope she comes back. I like Britt.

More in depth than In Depth.

https://www.thelist.com/969983/the-real-reason-kelly-thiebaud-is-leaving-britt-and-general-hospital-behind/

🛀 Love Bubble Suds…

Teresa being her usual horrible self.

I wonder if her hair has its own IG.

🧂 Shah’s Got Guts…

No doubt it will be the highlight of the season.

https://people.com/tv/jen-shah-real-housewives-of-salt-lake-city-costar-meredith-marks-calls-her-gutsy-amid-legal-situation/

✈️ Wives From Where…?

What the hell is this? How is it on Season 15 and I had no clue? And what the hell are those streaming services that carry it? Not that I need another bunch of horrible people to watch.

https://tvdeets.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-real-housewives-of-cheshire-season-15/

👰🏽 All the Weddings…

Better than attending them.

https://people.com/tv/real-housewives-wedding-album/

⚰️ Telling Tales…

I watched the first episode, and thought it was promising. Maybe a spoiler, but the dog got it a few minutes in, and I was not pleased with them leading with it. Or including it at all. That being said, I thought it improved as the episode went on. I’m just glad to be out of Georgia.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-reviews/tales-of-the-walking-dead-terry-crews-olivia-munn-parker-posey-jillian-bell-1235198520/

🐉 About That Dragon…

I actually haven’t seen this yet.

https://ew.com/tv/tv-reviews/house-of-the-dragon-review-game-of-thrones/

🐓 Quotes of the Week

Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing. – Theodore Roosevelt

After a while you learn that privacy is something you can sell, but you can’t buy it back. – Bob Dylan

If you fuel your journey on the opinions of others, you are going to run out of gas. – Steve Maraboli

Dance above the surface of the world. Let your thoughts lift you into creativity that is not hampered by opinion. – Red Haircrow

Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship. – Buddha

Our lives are the only meaningful expression of what we believe and in Whom we believe. And the only real wealth, for any of us, lies in our faith. – Gordon B. Hinckley

We got a whole lot of money, but we still pay rent, cuz you can’t buy a house in heaven. – Lady Gaga, You & I

💋 Come On, Barbie, Let’s Go Party…

Before you know it, it will be hoodie weather, so take a break, whether you call it the weekend or not. Soak up some sun, walk in the park, or if you’re allergic to nature, take in a movie at the theater. I hear they’re back. See you on Monday for soap and yachting on the Med. Until then, stay safe, stay sassy, and stay not letting any giant elephants take up permanent residence in your psyche. Or the room.

August 12, 2022 – Jordan Shows Compassion, Dominique, New Gig, Reprise, Confused, a Break-Up, NYC Revealed, Dead Talk, Exactly 12 Quotes & Runnin’

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Portia says she’s going to inject Oz Haggerty with the reversal agents, and Curtis says, what if something goes wrong? and She says she knows there’s a risk of him waking up too fast too soon, but it’s her only option. She has to go through with this. He says he’s not talking about the risk to Haggerty; he’s talking about the risk to the woman he loves.

Dante leads Cody into the station, and says, next time, maybe he’ll think before he sucker punches somebody. And don’t pick a lawyer like Scotty; he sues people. Cody says, the only thing he regrets is only landing one punch. They go into the interrogation room, and Cody asks if they can ditch these cuffs. How about doing his old buddy a favor and letting him go free? Dante says he is doing Cody a favor by talking to him like this, because next time, it could be through the bars of a cell.

At Charlie’s, Britt examines Scotty’s nose, and tells him, it’s not broken, and he’s lucky it’s not. He says he didn’t deserve to get sucker punched by her boyfriend, and she says, Cody is not her boyfriend, and from what she heard, he had a score to settle with Scotty. Scotty says, he’s never seen that guy before in his life, until Cody punched him. And this whole Dominique, this cockamamie story. If Dominique had another kid out there before Serena, she would have told him. Obrecht asks if he’s sure, and he says he is, because they shared everything. Obrecht says, perhaps he didn’t know her as well as he thought.

Rory tells Jordan, no need to stick around. He’s got it from here. She says she wants to believe that, but he hasn’t answered her question. Can he put his badge above his feelings for Trina Robinson? He says, it’s because he cares about Trina that she can trust him.

Trina asks TJ to please tell her that bartender is coming out of his coma. Her attorney thinks the jury is close to reaching a verdict. Oz Haggerty is the only one who can prove her innocence. He says, Oz Haggerty’s medical team is bringing him out of his medically induced coma, but unfortunately, it’s a painstakingly slow medical process. He still has a long way to go before he regains consciousness. She says, which means the jury is going to reach their verdict without knowing Esme is the one who bought the black market cellphone. He says he’s sorry to be the bearer of bad news, and she says, the closer they get to the verdict, the harder it is to stay optimistic.

Portia tells Curtis, the only thing that matters is that Haggerty wakes up in time to tell the truth before that jury comes back with a verdict. Curtis says, is it vitally important that Oz wakes up? Hell yeah, but it’s not the only thing that matters. Even if she talks her way into that  room, she won’t make it out if her attempts to wake him up go sideways. She says she already told him, she’s willing to take that risk, but he says, give herself a cover. Be smart about it. Don’t go charging in there asking to incriminate herself. She says, if anyone goes to prison, it’s better her than her daughter, but he says he won’t trade Trina’s freedom for hers.

Dante says, he and Cody have always been honest with each other, right? and Cody says, more or less. Dante says, so why doesn’t Cody be honest with him right now? How long has he been hunting down Scott Baldwin? Is that why he stuck around town? Cody swears he didn’t come to Port Charles for anything other than a paycheck. The surprise bonus was running into Dante. Dante says, Cody had to know he’d run into Scotty sooner or later, right? and Cody says, if he came to town to find Scotty, doesn’t Dante think he would have made it happen sooner? He didn’t even know who Scotty was until a couple of months ago, and believe him, when he found out who Scotty was, and what Scotty did to him, he didn’t want anything to do with that piece of trash. Today, when Scotty was standing right in front of him with that smug grin on his face, he just kept thinking about everything he’d heard, and how Scotty had taken everything that was rightfully his, and he just got so mad… He’s sorry. He couldn’t stop himself. Dante asks how Cody got to this point in his life and not know Scotty stole something from him, and Cody says he didn’t know about Scotty, because he didn’t even know Dominique was his mom. Dante asks how he found that out, and Cody says, he heard it from a dead woman.

Scotty says, he and Dominique had no secrets. If she had a son out there, Scotty would have found him, and had him live with them. Scotty would never turn his back on him. Obrecht says she knows he wants to believe in Dominique, but if they shared everything, why would she go to her grave without telling him about Cody? What would have motivated her to stay silent? Britt says, people stay silent for lots of reasons. Sometimes it’s because they don’t trust people, sometimes it’s because they’re so afraid of what they’ve kept inside, they can’t face it. Obrecht says, and sometimes we’re brave and don’t even know it. Maybe it wasn’t so much that Dominique was keeping a secret from Scotty. What if she was trying to protect him? Scotty says, maybe she was trying to protect herself.

Jordan tells Rory that she cares about Trina too, but as they were taught at the Academy, the badge comes first. He says he knows he’s just a rookie, but does it have to be either or? Can’t a police officer be true to the badge and still have compassion? Yeah, he wants Trina to be found not guilty, and the best way for that to happen is for the man inside this room to wake up, and testify that Esme Prince bought that black market cellphone, and that Trina wasn’t involved. She says, the problem is, Miss Prince is no longer living at Windymere, and they’re having trouble finding her. He says he wants to help with that too, but first, she can trust him that no one, not Esme Prince or anyone else not on the list, will enter this room and interfere with the recovery of Oz Haggerty.

Trina tells TJ, she’s usually a glass half-full kind of person, but she’s not that sure the truth is going to come out in time to vindicate her. And if Diane’s right, time’s almost up. She sits, and TJ sits next to her. He says he wants her to keep reminding herself how many people are on her side. Her mom and Curtis are doing everything they can. Joss and Cam, the victims, both testified on her behalf. That’s got to mean something to the jury. She says, but Joss and Cam don’t have any hard proof that she’s innocent. The only one who can exonerate her is that bartender Oz. She knows he’s not in a natural coma; he’s medically induced. Can’t they get him out of it faster? TJ flashes back to telling Portia that he plans on administering drugs to wake Oz up, and Portia saying, Oz was put into a coma for a reason. To forcibly wake him up would be completely denying his medical needs, and that’s the very definition of unethical. He tells Trina, even if there were such a way… She says, wait. If it was impossible, he’d have said so, but he didn’t. He just talked around it, and made it a hypothetical. Does that mean he can force Oz to wake up?

Portia asks Curtis, where was all this concern when TJ was the one who was going to revive Oz? He was willing to risk his entire career, his freedom, to inject the reversal agents. Curtis says, they were desperate. Besides, TJ stood a better chance of getting in and out of Oz’s room without suspicion. He can’t say the same about her, considering she’s Trina’s mother. She asks if he’s telling her she should give up. She should trust twelve total strangers in that jury room? He says, hell no; he’s not saying that. He’s saying they’re a team, and should share the same risks and the same consequences, which means they should stick to the original plan. While he distracts Rory, she slips into Oz’s room, and gives him that injection. She says, and if it fails? All three of them end up in Pentenville? He says, at least they’ll be together. He takes her hand, and asks what she says. She says, let’s do it.

Cody tells Dante, life could have been different. He grew up in the shadows of Serenity. It was originally owned by the Stanton family. The Bells, who he thought were his real parents, lived in the caretaker’s cottage. That’s where he learned to ride horses. It’s also where he learned he’d never amount to more in life than being a cook’s son. The love of horses came naturally to him; no other lesson ever stuck. He grew up hearing these stories about the house on the hill, where the beautiful Dominique and her shady husband Leopold Taub used to live. Dante says, it’s an interesting story, but how does Scotty fit in?

Scotty says, Dominique’s marriage to Leopold Taub wasn’t a love match. He was a social climber. The Stantons represented everything he wasn’t. Britt says, Leopold Taub. Why does that name sound familiar? Obrecht says, Leopold Taub and Cesar had certain… dealings, and Britt says, her father and Cody’s father.

Cody says, he knew Leopold was a bad man because he was cruel to the horses. Apparently, he was also cruel to his wife. It was just a story, until… Dante says, until what? and Cody says, a few months ago, he got that call you never want to get. His mom – or the woman he thought was his mom – was dying. So he dropped everything and went home to say goodbye. Dante says he’s sorry, and Cody says, thanks. He was out of a job, so it was easy to drop everything. He came home to that sad little caretaker cottage, and he was right beside her when she took her last breath. Dante says, again, he’s sorry, but at least Cody got to say goodbye. Cody says, before he did, she took his hand and told him that she couldn’t die before she told him the truth. She didn’t give birth to him. His birth mother was the beautiful, very wealthy Dominique Stanton.

Jordan looks through the window at Oz, and says, there’s no sign of him waking, is there? Rory says, not since he’s been there, and she says, part of her wants to walk in there and grab him by the shoulders, and tell him to snap out of it. He says, Trina matters to her too, right? and she says, Trina matters to a whole lot of people in this town. They know who she is, and who she isn’t, but the evidence… Rory says, Esme Prince manufactured the evidence to point to Trina, and she says, unfortunately, they can’t prove that. He says, no, but Oz can. If anything happens, Jordan will be the first to know. She thanks him, and leaves. He looks at Oz.

Trina asks TJ, if they can speed up the process and bring Oz out of his coma, why haven’t they tried? He says, because it can backfire. It can make the coma permanent or worse. She says, he means it might kill Oz, and he says, there’s always a chance. Even if the reversal agents were to work, there’s no way to guarantee Oz would wake up with his faculties and memories intact. She says, okay, so no injection. The doctors stick to whatever protocol they’re using now. How long will it take for Oz to wake up? He says, it could be days, or weeks, and she says she doesn’t have that long. He says he knows. They’re just doctors. They took an oath to do no harm. He was so determined to help her that, for a moment, he almost forgot that. Curtis and Portia come down the hall, looking guilty, and Portia asks what Trina is doing here. Curtis says, let him guess. Diane got ahold of her. Trina says, Diane messaged her that jury is close to reaching a verdict. She guesses that means she might not be coming home for dinner tonight. Portia hugs her, and TJ says he’ll let them have some family time alone. He leaves, and Portia says, Trina shouldn’t be here. She should go home and spend some time with her friends. Trina say, it’s not their fault. They’re trying to cheer her up, but she doesn’t feel like pretending it’s all going to be okay. Portia says, Trina has to have faith. Believe it or not, miracles still do happen. Trina says, Portia doesn’t have to pretend with her either. TJ told her that she stopped him from taking extreme measures to wake up Oz. Portia looks at Curtis, and it’s not lost on Trina. Trina says, don’t get her wrong, she understands. Portia didn’t want TJ risking a patient’s life or his career doing something unethical. She’s glad Portia stepped up and told him to do the right thing. Portia says, there’s nothing she wouldn’t do for Trina, absolutely nothing, and Curtis says, he hates to break up this moment, but didn’t Portia have a patient she’s worried about? Why doesn’t he stay with Trina, and she can go do what she’s got to do. She asks if he’s sure, and he says, go; they’ll be right here. She tells Trina to take care of herself, and leaves.

Cody tells Dante, that deathbed confession turned his world upside down. Even his last name wasn’t right; he wasn’t a Bell. He was a wealthy Stanton who was supposed to grow up in that house on that hill. Dante says he can kind of relate. What he got to Port Charles, he didn’t know Sonny was his father. He was undercover in Sonny’s operation, trying to take him down from the inside, and he found out Sonny was his dad after Sonny shot him. Cody says, Dante’s story beats his, and Dante says he’s not trying to one-up Cody. He’s just saying he can relate. To find out as an adult you’re not who you thought you were messes with your head. Cody says he never knew if Dominique thought about him or wanted to provide for him. After she died, Serenity was sold off, and the proceeds went to the love of her life, the father of her daughter Serena. Dante says, enter Scott Baldwin, and Cody says, does Dante want to ask him again why he punched that smug son of a gun? He stole everything Cody didn’t even know he had. Dante says, and Scotty swears he didn’t know about Cody? Cody says, yeah, but he also claims Dominique was the love of his life. If they were so close, why didn’t she ever tell him about her first born child? Dante asks if Cody is mad at Scotty, or mad at his mother for what she did to him?

Scotty ices his nose, and says, if Dominique was trying to keep her son away from Leopold, it makes sense she would give him to the Bells to raise. Obrecht says, kind of like Maxie trusting Brook with Bailey to keep her safe from Peter. Britt says, but the one big difference is, Maxie’s situation was temporary, where it sounds like Dominique’s situation was never-ending. Obrecht says, that would explain why Cody never knew who he was; Dominique kept silent to the end. Britt says, it all fits together, doesn’t it? Unless the pieces fit a little too well. Scotty asks what she’s driving at, and Britt says she hasn’t known Cody long, but from the first time she met him, he was always working some angle. So what if that’s what this is, and none of the story is true?

Curtis hands a bag from the vending machine to Trina, but she says she’s not hungry. He says, humor him. She’s got to keep up her strength because she doesn’t want to lose hope. Remember what her mom said about miracles. She takes the bag from him, and says she wants to have faith, but she doesn’t want to fool herself. Things aren’t going her way, and TJ said, even if Oz comes out of his coma, they don’t know if his memories will still be intact. He could have totally forgotten he was selling that black market phone to Esme, and even if he does, it could take weeks or months, and by then, the jury will already have decided, and she could be in Pentenville. He says he can’t promise how this is going to turn out, but he can promise that everyone who cares about her is doing everything they can to prove her innocence. She puts her head on his shoulder, and he puts his arm around her.

TJ looks at his tablet, and Jordan asks what he’s studying so intently. He says, Oz Haggerty’s chart. He’s looking for any glimmer of hope that his awakening is speeding up. She says she knows how badly he wants to help Trina; so does she, but they can’t force things. He says, that’s the thing. Just like he told Portia and Curtis, there’s a way to force Oz into consciousness.

Rory asks if Portia has heard from Trina; how is she? Portia says, she’s waiting, like the rest of us, for the patient in that room to wake up. Actually, that’s why she stopped by. She was just going to check on Oz, and see how he’s progressing herself. He says he’s sorry, but he can’t let her in, and she tells him that she’s a doctor. He says he knows it’s unusual to stop a doctor from seeing a patient, but unfortunately, her name isn’t on the approved list, and he can’t let her inside. She says, good for him, going by the book. She’s not on the list because she’s not the attending on the case and not a consultant on the case. Did he think she wanted to go in there to treat the patient? She just wanted to take a look at him with her own two eyes. Obviously, she has a vested interest in seeing everything is done to restore Mr. Haggerty to full consciousness. And he wants the same thing, doesn’t he? He says, of course (🍷). That’s why he’s grateful Commissioner Ashford assigned him this post. He promises her, nobody will interfere with the recovery of Haggerty. And when he comes out of this coma, he can ID Esme as being the one who bought the black market phone. Rory thinks that will be enough to convince the jury that Trina’s not guilty. She says, of course (🍷), but by then Trina could be in Pentenville for weeks, if not months. Can’t he… She goes to the window, and he says he doesn’t understand. Can’t he what? Is she sure he can’t help her? She says, yes, she’s sure, and walks away.

Cody tells Dante, maybe it’s easier to blame Scotty than his mother, but put himself in Cody’s shoes. Dante says, that’s what he’s trying to do. Telling Cody about Sonny, and discovering Sonny was his father. It’s not the same thing, but it still threw him for a loop. His whole career is crime fighting, and Sonny’s is the exact opposite. He’s sympathetic to Cody’s situation. Cody says, his whole life, no matter how far he’s traveled, no matter how hard he’s tried to fit in, he never felt like he belonged. And now, he finds out the home and life he was supposed to have has been sold off, and the proceeds go to Scotty and his daughter, who Cody’s mother obviously loved more than him.

Obrecht says, what if Cody made up the whole story just to get money out of Scotty? and Scotty says, there’s no money to get. Everything Dominique had, she left to Serena, and Serena spent all that money saving the whales. Britt says, if he wants her to arrange a DNA test to see if Cody is Dominique’s son, she can make that happen, but Scotty says, that’s not necessary, because he saw it in Cody’s eyes; the same thing he sees in Serena’s eyes, Dominque’s eyes. Obrecht says, that’s all the proof Scotty has? He says, it’s not just the eyes; it’s the hunger Cody has. Obrecht says, a hunger for his lost money, and Scotty says he’s not just talking about that. The hunger Cody has for the meaning in his life. He thinks Britt knows what he’s talking about, and Britt says she doesn’t think she would have described it quite like that, but now that Scotty has, she’s seen that too. Scotty says, then she knows he’s right, and Obrecht says, very well. If Cody is who he claims to be, what is Scotty supposed to do about it? He says, if she’s the Liesl he thinks she is, he thinks she already knows the answer. The question he has to ask himself is, what would Dominique want him to do? He gets up, kisses the top of Obrecht’s head, and says he’ll see them.

Jordan asks what exactly TJ told Portia and Curtis, and TJ says, that he was so laser focused on helping Trina, he considered using extreme measures to shock Oz’s system, basically to try and force him out of his coma. But don’t worry. Portia wasn’t having any of it, and reminded him that he needed to put the patient first. It’s just too risky of a procedure. She says she’s relieved to hear that, no matter how much it would help Trina. He says he knows the law is the law. He just wishes he was as confident as Jordan that justice will be done.

Trina says she knows what Curtis is thinking. He’s worried that his phone is going to ring, and it’s going to be Diane telling them the jury’s reached a verdict. She’s having the same feeling. Portia comes by, and Trina asks, what happened to her patient? She says, unfortunately, her patient’s condition remains unchanged. Trina is so lucky to have a friend like Rory. He won’t let anyone or anything compromise the witness who can clear her. He’s not letting anybody in that room who’s not on the approved list.

Rory calls Jordan, and she asks if everything is okay. He says he thought she’d like to know, something out of the ordinary happened. She says, what’s that? and he says, Oz Haggerty had a visit from a doctor not on the approved list. She says, which doctor? and he says, Trina’s mom, Dr. Robinson. She asks if Portia said why she was there, and he says, she just wanted to see if Haggerty was any closer to waking up. Being Trina’s mom, he can totally understand that, but she wasn’t on the approved list, so he didn’t let her in. When he arrested Spencer and Cameron, Jordan said he was a bit over-eager, and needed to use better discretion, so he just wanted to check in, and make sure he did the right thing. Jordan assures him, it was the right thing to do

Cody asks, what’s next? and Dante says, he’ll be taken to his cell. If he needs a lawyer, Dante can give him a couple of recommendations. If money’s an issue, he’ll be assigned a public defender. Cody says, really? He pours his heart out about how his world’s been turned upside down, and Dante can’t show his buddy a little bit of compassion? Dante asks what Cody expects him to do. He punched a guy in the face in a public setting in front of a bunch of witnesses, and now the guy’s pressing charges. There’s literally nothing he can do. Cody says, it pays to know people in high places, huh? and Dante says, it usually does. He starts to bring Cody to his cell, when Scotty comes in. Cody asks, how’s the nose? Did he break it? Dante says, it’s not a great idea to antagonize the guy who’s pressing charges against him, and Scotty says, his nose is fine. He can smell a phony baloney a mile away. Cody says, Scotty spends his inheritance, and has the nerve to call him a phony baloney? Take him away. Prison’s a step up from this guy. Scotty says he can also smell the real McCoy, and he thinks Cody is, so he’s dropping the charges.

TJ asks if Jordan is planning on being in the courtroom when the jury reads the verdict, and she says, her presence in the courtroom goes with the job, but this is one time she’d give anything not to be there. She walks away, and sees Trina talking with Portia and Curtis, and listens from around the corner. Trina says she guesses there’s no point in waiting around here. Even if Oz wakes up now, it’s probably too late to change anything. Portia says, it’s never too late, and Curtis tells Portia that he knows what they both want. What if it’s just not possible? She says, nothing’s impossible. Isn’t that what he always tells her? He’s so sweet. She hugs him, and whispers, she’s got to find a way in that room. Please just get Trina out of here. She says she keeps getting all these texts, but Trina says she didn’t hear Portia’s phone. Portia says she keeps her phone on silent at the hospital. Her patient still needs her, and she’ll catch up with the two of them later. She hugs Trina, saying she loves her, and jets. Trina asks if that seemed weird to Curtis. He says, her mom has a lot on her mind right now. She wants to help Trina, but she’s got to focus on her patients. He’s sure that’s all it is. She says, wait. She still thinks that goodbye was strange. Maybe she should talk to her mom before they go. He tells her, she heard what her mom said. She needs to focus on her patients, and tonight she can come home and worry about Trina. Trina says, if the worst happens and she goes to prison, Curtis has to promise he’ll take care of her mother, and he says, first of all, he doesn’t want her thinking that way. Whatever happens, of course (🍷) they’re going to take care of her mother. She just wants a happy and fair ending to Trina’s trial, just like all of them. Come on; let’s go. Trina says, what if Diane calls and she has to go to the courthouse, and she won’t be able to see her mom until she’s behind bars? Curtis says he promises as soon as he gets a phone call from Diane saying the verdict is in, he’ll get her mother to the courthouse, so she can be there to support Trina.

TJ sees Jordan, and says he wishes there was something more they could do for Trina and her family. If only Haggerty would wake up and tell them what he knows.

Britt asks how Obrecht let Scotty leave without her. Isn’t she afraid he’ll do something foolish? Obrecht says she was tempted to stop Scotty, but the truth is, she’s proud of him. Britt says, even if it means doing right by the former love of his life, Dominique? and Obrecht says, maybe if Dominique was still alive, she’d be concerned, but she died years ago. She’s not afraid of Scotty’s past. On the contrary. The fact that he was able to love someone so strongly, so deeply, means he’s capable of loving her even more. Britt says, either that’s a terrific spin on the situation, or Obrecht really does believe in true love. If that’s the case, she envies Obrecht. Obrecht says she never had that faith in the past, but she found it for the first time with Scotty. It may take some time, but it’s out there waiting for Britt; she’s sure of it. Britt says, true love’s not for everyone. She had a shot with Jason, briefly, but he’s gone. And let’s face it, she’s damaged goods. Obrecht laughs and takes Britt’s hands, saying, they’re all damaged in one way or another. She is, and so is Scotty. When you find the right person, you help each other heal.

Scotty asks Dante what the DA’s office said, and Dante tells him, if Scotty’s not pressing charges, there is no case, and they can let Cody go. Cody says, so he’s a free man? and Dante says, as soon as he gets the cuffs off. Scotty says he doesn’t expect Cody to thank him, and Cody says, good, because he’s not getting a thanks. Dante unlocks the cuffs, and Scotty says, Cody can choose to believe him or not, but he didn’t know that Dominique had a son. When they found out she had an inoperable brain tumor, they spent a lot of time together, and she would have told him about Cody, but she didn’t, so she must have had her reasons. Cody says, Scotty can tell himself that at night if it helps him sleep. For him, it’s a whole load of BS. Scotty leaves, and Cody says, does Dante believe that guy? Dante tells him, he hates to say it, but he thinks Scotty is telling the truth.

TJ tells Jordan that he has to get back to his rounds, but he’ll see her later. They hug, and Jordan waits for the elevator. She sees Curtis with Trina, and gets in. She flashes back to what TJ told her about using extreme measures to wake Oz up, and Portia telling him it was too risky. She remembers asking Rory about why Portia wanted to see Oz, and Rory asking if a police officer can’t be true to the badge, but still have compassion. She pulls the emergency alarm in the elevator. Aw. I want to cry. That’s so good of her.

An officer tells Rory, someone must be trapped inside the elevator, and Rory says he’s coming too. No one is around Oz’s room, and Portia – I’m sure not believing her luck – goes inside and closes the door. She closes the blinds and goes over to Oz. She says she knows he can save her daughter. He’s the only one who can. She takes a syringe out of her pocket.

On Monday, Victor says, Nikolas is hiding something, and they both know it; Josslyn tells Cameron, there’s another reason Dex is interested in Trina’s trial; Trina says, the jury has reached a verdict; and Portia asks if Oz can hear her.

☝🏽 BTW, for the past two days, the ABC affiliate here has forgotten their news is on at 4, and broken into GH to tell us nothing that couldn’t wait. Yesterday, I bounced around, piecing it together, since no one source had it in its entirety. Today, I was quick enough to catch it before ABC had a chance to pull for unlicensed content or whatever. My point is, WTF, ABC? If we’re at war, let me know, but it’s unnecessary to have everyone chiming in, including the subject’s kindergarten teacher, about a document. It can wait a half hour.

🤔 Who’s That Woman…?

All about Dominique. I have a vague recollection of the actress, but not much about the storyline.

👾 Trina Transformed…

Is there anything this girl can’t do? Now she’s balancing school and work. Although she can come to work in fuzzy slippers.

💪🏼 Kicking It Again…

Another GH alum, but with a new/old gig.

https://www.etonline.com/cobra-kai-sean-kanan-reprises-karate-kid-iii-role-for-season-5-188786

💎 It’s Her Nickname…

I think Kathy is a ditz, but harmless. She also confused Garcelle with Kyle, so there’s that.

https://www.buzzfeed.com/morganmurrell/kathy-hilton-lizzo-precious-comment-backlash

🍹 A Real Shocker…

Finally, Taylor got a clue and moved on. This dude is going to be perpetually 14, but he never made a secret of being a Peter Pan. Kudos to him for that.

🗽 New New York…

The latest ladies from the Big Apple.

⚰️ Dead Happenings…

Fear’s final season.

https://ew.com/tv/fear-the-walking-dead-showrunners-finale-season-8/

Tales of the Walking Dead premieres this Sunday night. It sounds like it’s up my alley, so I’ll definitely be taking a look.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/tales-of-the-walking-dead-schedule-when-where-to-watch-early-amc-plus/

https://ew.com/tv/tales-of-the-walking-dead-musical-episode/

📻 Quotes of the Week

Our most significant opportunities will be found in times of greatest difficulty. – Thomas S. Monson

We are all ordinary. We are all boring. We are all spectacular. We are all shy. We are all bold. We are all heroes. We are all helpless. It just depends on the day. – Brad Meltzer

Courage – a perfect sensibility of the measure of danger, and a mental willingness to endure it.William Tecumseh Sherman

The man who insists on seeing with perfect clearness before he decides, never decides. – Henri-Frédéric Amiel

We could never learn to be brave and patient, if there were only joy in the world. – Helen Keller

Being good is easy, what is difficult is being just. – Victor Hugo

My past has not defined me, destroyed me, deterred me, or defeated me; it has only strengthened me. – Steve Maraboli

Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle. – Steve Jobs

Every one of us is losing something precious to us. Lost opportunities, lost possibilities, feelings we can never get back again. That’s part of what it means to be alive. – Haruki Murakami

The only real limitation on your abilities is the level of your desires. If you want it badly enough, there are no limits on what you can achieve.Brian Tracy

I go to nature to be soothed and healed, and to have my senses put in order. – John Burroughs

If you just go with the flow, no matter what weird things happen along the way, you always end up exactly where you belong. – Tom Upton

🔌 Unplugging…

It’s time to call it a week, and it’s certainly been one. Fighting technical dragons is exhausting. Plug back in with me on Monday for soap and what’s on Deck. Until then, stay safe, stay not being wishy-washy, and stay knowing, sometimes we’re brave and don’t even know it.

August 5, 2022 – Deception Does Damage Control, Yesterday’s Charm, 2 Anniversaries, He’s Restless, Days Move, Kindness Please, Regrets, Sit Down, Med Captain, 50 Cent’s 2 Cents, Transformation, Who’s On, 5+5 = 10 Quotes & Here It Comes

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Chase lounges in a floatie donut in the pool. Dante comes by and says, this reminds him of a movie he saw once. Disillusioned guy spends the summer floating around in a pool so he can avoid his future. Chase says, The Graduate. It’s a good movie. The key difference is though, the main character had Simon and Garfunkel singing his confusion. Dante says, right, and Chase says, and didn’t have to pay for his pool chaise. Dante says, that’s true too. Don’t kid himself though. That guy was a lot younger than him. Chase says, thank you. Did Dante talk to his guy at the CCRB? Dante says, yeah, and Chase says, and? Is there a chance he’s getting back on the force? Dante says he’s sorry. He wishes he had better news to report.

Lucy comes into the Deception office, and tells Brook and Maxie that she’s sorry to keep them waiting. She was on the phone with Paris again and again, and she appreciates them coming to this meeting at such short notice. Maxie says she’s supposed to meet Britt for brunch, but if this is about what she thinks it’s about, Britt will forgive her. Lucy says, yeah, Sasha, and Brook says, it’s all over the news. It’s blowing up their social media. They need to release a statement. Lucy says, exactly, and Maxie says, one that protects Sasha’s privacy. Lucy says, that is a given, but they also have to consider Deception’s image and protect their company. Maxie says, more important, they help their friend, but Lucy says she’s not sure they can do both.

Martin gives Sasha some coffee, and says, it’s not Perks, but why doesn’t she try to drink it anyway; be as sharp as she can. She just stares ahead, and he says, Sasha? If she doesn’t have anything more to say, he guesses he’ll see what time transport is set for her arraignment. Outside in the squad room, Gladys arrives, and Brando hugs her. She says she brought Sasha fresh clothes. He looks like he hasn’t slept a wink. Where’s Sasha? He points to the interrogation room, and says, she’s int there conferring with her lawyer Martin Grey. She says, excellent. He’s Valentin Cassadine’s attorney; he’s high-powered. He’ll help their girl for sure. Martin comes out, and Brando asks, how’s Sasha? Martin says, she’s just great. Why shouldn’t she be? She’s only facing charges of reckless endangerment, disturbing the peace, willful destruction of property – both public and private – and oh yeah, attempted murder.

Gregory meets Alexis at some outside tables, and she says, he’s early. He says, only by a few minutes. He’s eager to hear the feedback on the op ed he wrote. She says, and so he shall. She promised to be honest. He tells her not to keep him in suspense. Who came out on top of their little wager? She says, you tell me, and hands him her tablet.

At the MetroCourt Gardens, Sam thanks Spinelli for meeting her. He says, of course (🍷). He’s always at her service. Cody walks in, and Spinelli says, unlike others, she’s entirely worthy of his time and efforts.

Cody sees Britt, and says, hello again. He sits next to her, and she says, and goodbye again, getting up. He says, come on. Don’t be like that. She doesn’t have to take off. She says, sorry. She has to go. He says, what? She needs something plugged in again? She needs to wash her hair? He knows she doesn’t need to see a guy about a horse because he’s that guy. She says, he’s right. She doesn’t need to make excuses. The simple truth is, she just doesn’t like him.

Chase says, so the Review Board is going to rule against him? and Dante says he doesn’t know about that. All he knows is, his guy on the inside, when he asked if Chase would get his badge back, he said the chances were slim. Chase asks if there’s anything he can do to derail this, and Dante says, the new member appointed by the public advocate is making a point of throwing the book at cops who step out of line, regardless of their exemplary record. Chase says, so that’s it, he’s no longer a cop, but Dante says, take it from him, you’re still a cop until you actually hand your badge in for good. There’s always hope until that happens. Chase says, hope doesn’t pay his late rent, and Dante says he’ll spot Chase rent money. Chase says he appreciates that, but he got himself into this, and he’ll get himself out. Dante says, even if it means taking a job outside the force? when Linc appears, and says, then it’s a good thing Chase has other options.

Brook scrolls on her tablet, and says, the comments are so rude. Poor Sasha. Maxie says, she kept insisting she was okay, but in retrospect, it’s clear she wasn’t. Lucy says, these media hounds are baying for blood. They’ve got to simply reset the narrative. They need to engender empathy for Sasha that maintains her position here, and hopefully placates the Board of Directors. Maxie says, they need to come up with a strategy that shields Deception from liability, while not abandoning one of their partners. Brook says, right. Where do they start? Maxie says, let’s get the ball rolling, and asks if Brook would mind taking notes. Brook says, of course (🍷) not, and Maxie says, Deception’s press release subject: Deception’s commitment on supporting health and mental well-being.

Gladys brings a garment bag in to Sasha, and asks how she’s holding up.

Alexis tells Gregory, this one says, Professor Chase’s opinion piece seems like a complaint in search of a cause, and he says, but if you scroll up, you’ll see Cronkite’s Ghost – he laughs – says his op-ed piece eloquently illuminates the necessity of objectivity. She laughs, and says, Cronkite’s Ghost. They say a handle says a lot about a person. She’s getting pompous blowhard. He asks if she’s ascribing that characterization to him, but she says, no, of course (🍷) not. Here’s one. Newshound86 thinks his op-ed piece is a dumpster fire. He says, how constructive… and poetic, and she says, this one just wants her to put the horoscopes back in. He says, he’d argue that astrology is subjective, so he marks that one in his favor. She says, by a slim margin, it appears the readers approve of his point-of-view. Cue the gloating. He says, him gloat? No. It’s enough he’s feeling validated that his so-called antiquated notions have merit. Thanks for following up. She says, a deal’s a deal, and he says, speaking of which, their deal was, if he won, she’d take more of his input on board. She wonders why the hairs on the back of her neck on end. Cue the smirk. He smiles.

Cody says, Britt hasn’t been shy about her disapproval, and she says, and yet, here he is. Haven’t they played this scene before? He says, yes, we have, but we keep screwing up the finale, and she asks what he means by we. He says, he can admit that he doesn’t always say the right things, and she asks if he expects her to say something to the contrary, but he says, no. He was just giving her the chance to admit that she’s unforgiving when it comes to human frailty. He takes a sip of his drink, and says he’ll wait. She says, by all means, help yourself.

Sam tells Spinelli that she thinks she hit a brick wall, but he’s busy staring at Britt and Cody. She says, then Felicia made a great suggestion to her. She said, think analog. He says, interesting, and she says, the documentation she needs is abroad. Is he available for a quick trip? He asks, where? and she says she was thinking Mars. She hears the planet is notorious for sloppy record keeping. He says, that’s just common knowledge, and she says, he’s not even listening to a word she’s saying, but he says, he is. Analog records… messy… Mars? She tells him, she said Mars, and the word she used is sloppy. What’s messy is him eavesdropping on Britt and Cody’s conversation. She wants him to tell her why, and no lame excuse or denial, because she’s not buying it.

Sasha comes out, and Brando her. He says he’s not going anywhere, and Gladys leads her away. Martin says he’s glad Brando’s mother brought fresh clothes; she needs to be as presentable as possible. Brando says, clothes aren’t going to do anything. Her eyes are vacant and she doesn’t look good. They need to get her out of here. Tell him, how are they going to beat these charges? Martin says, they can’t.

Cody tells Britt to look at it from his point-of-view. She tore into him about falling into the pool at the mixer. He was hired to jump, and she was standing smackdab in the middle of it. She helped him in the alley when he got beat up, but then she assumed he deserved it. He did not. Then she drenched him on their date because he went a little overboard trying to impress her. And she woudn’t even accept his apology. Then when she finally did accept his apology, she found some trivial reason to get angry at him again. It’s like she wants him to fail. He guesses if people don’t live up to her ridiculously high expectations she’s set for them, she gets to feel justified punishing them. She says, he’s right. He’s got her number. He says, he does?

Sam says, Spinelli is on good terms with Britt, so his beef must be with Cody. Why? He says, Mr. Bell is a scoundrel of ill-repute, and she asks if he realizes Cody and Dante are best friends from childhood. Leo loves the guy, as do the horses. He seems like a nice guy. What’s Spinelli’s issue with him? Spinelli says, he’s a man of many faces, and she says, meaning? He says he can read people well. Remember, he never liked Peter August. She says, nobody liked Peter August. Why doesn’t he save his incredible reading skills for the documentation they’ll be hunting down on their trip? She’d like to leave by the end of the week. He says he’s completely at her disposal stateside, but he’s too occupied with work to cross the International Dateline. She says, work. She’s so glad he brought that up. What is it he does these days?

Dante says he wasn’t talking to Linc. What does he want? Linc says, nothing to do with Dante. He has business with Dante’s friend here. Dante says, Chase is still a cop, so Chase is his partner, and Chase asks Dante to give them a second. Dante asks if Chase is kidding. This guy might be the reason he gets kicked off the force. What business could Chase possibly have with him? Linc says, standing right here, and Dante says, go stand over there. Chase tells Dante, he knows what he’s doing, and Dante says, all right. Just don’t let this punk bait him. He leaves, and Linc says, Chase gave him 30 days to show him what he can do. It hasn’t even been a week, and he’s booked Chase a gig at The Savoy. What has Brook done for him lately?

Maxie asks Brook to read that last part back, and Brook reads, together we pledge to stand up for the Deception family by breaking the stigma of mental health challenges, ensuring their partners and their families receive all the help they need. Therefore, Deception will make a one million dollar donation to help families with mental illness. Maxie says, sounds good. Just change the Deception family to our Deception family, and she thinks that’s their press release. Brook agrees, and says, Sasha’s arrest was definitely a cry for help. Hopefully, framing it this way will inspire compassion. Haters be damned. She’s going to make this change, email it to herself, and take it to PR. Maxie asks her to have legal put their eyes on it first. Then tell them to work with PR. She wants it posted on all their social media platforms as soon as possible. Brook says, she’ll make it happen, and leaves. Maxie asks if Lucy didn’t have anything she wanted to add, but Lucy says, no. Actually, everything Maxie and Brook said is fine. Lucy scarfs gummi bears as they talk, and Maxie says, she’s glad Martin is representing Sasha; he’s one of the best. And she’s not just saying that because… you know. Lucy says, my guy knows his stuff, and it’s good for Sasha’s sake, and for ours. Maxie says, ours? and Lucy says, it’s just that Martin sees the big picture, and understands how important it is to protect all of Sasha’s interests, which includes Deception. Which means they have some tough decisions to make. Maxie says, how tough? and Lucy says, Maxie’s not going to like what she has to say.

Martin tells Brando, he had a call into the DA’s office, and his contact just got back to him. Martin wanted to run something by him. Brando says, something about Sasha? and Martin says, Brando’s got to understand some things. Brando says, sounds serious, and Martin says, in the first place, he’s sorry he rattled off those charges at Brando like that. He wasn’t trying to be flippant. He’s a little punchy in the morning when he hasn’t slept, but he swears he’s taking this case seriously. He wants Brando to know, he’s looking at every possibility to help his wife; all of them. Brando thanks him, and asks if Martin was being punchy when he said they couldn’t beat some of these charges. Martin says, some of the charges he believe can be thrown out, or restitution can be made, but on some of the others, no way. They have to contend with a very damning video; a video where Sasha isn’t just out of control, she looks outright violent. All those assault charges are going to be tough to beat. Brando says, but he’ll try, right? They’ll do whatever he wants them to do. Martin says he believes Brando will, but can the same thing be said of his wife?  

Gladys wipes Sasha’s face, and Sasha pulls away. Gladys says, Sasha is still a little smudged. She’s just trying help. Sasha says, thanks, but nobody can help, and Gladys says, that’s not true. Sasha has a whole army behind her. Maxie’s been blowing up Gladys’s phone; she just hasn’t had a chance to get back to her. She’s sure Maxie and Lucy want to visit Sasha, but Sasha says she’s not. Not after what she did. Gladys asks why she did it, and Sasha says, she was standing up for herself, and she would do it again.

Gregory says, he heard Sasha Gilmore recently attacked the vehicle of one of Alexis’s reporters, and she says, Smoltz (who apparently has no first name) is a freelancer. He says, whatever Smoltz’s role at The Invader, he’s surprised there’s been no mention of it in her paper. Why is that? She says, because the story is still evolving, and they’ll cover it when they know more. Unless of course (🍷) he’d like her to report the salacious account of a spokesmodel having a nervous breakdown. He says, that’s a narrow way of looking at it, and she says, and his way? He says, the facts. A reporter – one affiliated with her paper – was attacked while doing his job.

Lucy says, maybe they should consider finding a new Face of Deception, and Maxie asks if she’s talking about pushing Sasha out, but Lucy says, no, absolutely not. Sasha is their partner, and always will be. She’s just thinking maybe Sasha should step aside as spokesperson, just for a while. Take a sabbatical or something. Maxie says, after everything Sasha has lost, Lucy wants to strip her of more, and Lucy says, it’s hard to say and hard to hear, but look at everything they’ve built; look at all this company means. All the money, everything, is tied up in its stock value. And if it goes belly-up, it’s Brokesville again; they’ll have nothing. She knows Sasha wouldn’t want that. Does Maxie? Sasha is their friend, always; this is just business. Maxie says, okay. Then as the head of this business, Lucy can tell her, and she walks out.

Gladys says, can’t the court just ask Sasha to pay for the damage to that reporter’s car? She’s good for it. Sasha says, Smoltz deserved it; so did Sienna. Pretending to be Sasha’s friend, when all along, Sienna wanted to ply her with more drugs so she could stab her in the back. She’s so sick of them. She’s tired of being exploited. Gladys says, of course (🍷) she is, but isn’t she also tired of feeling out of control?

Martin tells Brando, he doesn’t know what the hell’s going on or why, but they simply don’t have time to figure it out. For some reason, Brando’s wife has completely shut down. Every answer she gave him was model celeb, if she answered him at all. Brando says, Sasha’s in shock. Spending the night in jail didn’t help at all. Martin says, he’ll definitely ask the court to take that into consideration, but that’s not the only issue at play here, is it? He was up most of the night going over the evidence in this case, trying to wrap his head recent events, and he doesn’t have to tell Brando, it doesn’t look good. Sasha has blown up her sobriety, she’s spun out on national television… She caused a fatal car accident... Brando says, she didn’t cause that; Harmony ran out in front of her. Martin says, so what? His point is, with Sasha these days, it’s one thing after another. This is just something else in a long line of bad looks. Now, worst of all, she’s either in denial or she’s intentionally avoiding the help she so desperately needs.

Britt tells Cody, she is too hard on people; she always has been. He asks if she thinks she misses out on getting to know folks, and she says, probably. He says, it’s kind of worse that they end up missing out on knowing her, and she says, okay, this is sliding into the sappy zone. What he doesn’t understand is, she doesn’t really like people all that much, so it’s no great loss. He says he’s see how she and her buddy Brad get on, when she’s not scolding him, and she says, that weirdo? He says, besides, what’s a little sap between friends? Nothing wrong with that. Not to be presumptuous, but he has a sappy present for her. He knows they’re not friends or anything like that, but consider him a weirdo. He takes an envelope out of his pocket, and puts it on the table. He says, it’s just a little token to prove he’s not some conniving grifter, and she says, he just happened to be carrying it in case he bumped into her? Not conniving, eh? How did he know where to find her?

Spinelli assures Sam, his work is of the greatest importance. Not as important as hers of course (🍷). He has contacts all over the world who can be at her disposal. In fact, he’ll connect her with someone who can help aid in her investigation. She says, nice try. She’s not done interrogating him yet. He says, she’s an astute sleuth. Can’t she detect a dead end when she sees one? Speaking of sleuths, how are things with Detective Falconari? She says, well, he asked her to move in with him. Spinelli says, congratulations. Glad tidings… are they not?

Chase tells Linc, that’s great about The Savoy, but he’s sure Brook has some irons in the fire. Linc says, while she’s flailing around, he’s crushing it. How does a gig at The Mercury Lounge sound? Chase says, in New York City? Out of his league. That place is for the big acts. Linc says, it is, and it will be for Chase before he knows it, with Linc managing his career. It’s hard to have a serious conversation with a floatie between them. Chase gets out of the pool, and Linc hands him a towel. He says, it’s good to see Chase’s unemployment paid off with more gym time. When he’s through marketing Chase, their key demo is either going to want to be him, or want to be with him. Brook walks in, and says, Chase isn’t just a piece of meat; he’s an artist – a talented, beautiful artist. Chase gets dressed, and Brook says, he’s got talent, and smarts, and heart. Linc says, sure. He’s the total package, but he assures her, Chase’s fans will be more interested in his eyes than his IQ. His development department has put together a promotional plan for Chase. He’s also booked studio time for them to start laying down tracks with top writers and producers. After the gig at The Savoy, then they’ll focus on The Mercury Lounge. At both gigs, the concert goers will be able to stream and share his EP. They’ll be able to sell a ton of merch at The Mercury Lounge. Either way, it’s instant revenue for Chase. Chase says he could actually use the money, and Brook asks, how much is this studio time? What are they talking here? Chase says, it does sound expensive, and Linc says, you bet it is, but not for Chase; it’s part of the package. Like his styling, his wardrobe, and his voice lessons. Can Brook offer him the same? Dante watches them, and Brook says, no, but she can offer him something even better.

Britt asks if Cody is having her followed; paying people to let him know if she shows up here? He says, Maxie told him… Well, she mentioned something about brunch plans, and he took a chance. She says, it’s still invasive, and he says he hears her, but it’s still better than showing up at her hotel room or her office. He didn’t have any other options. Is she going to open it or what? She holds the envelope to her ear, and says, it’s not ticking. He says, no need. He’s blown up enough chances with her. She opens the passport and starts to read, and he says, she’s a hard woman to make arts and crafts for. He’ll totally understand if she hates it. She says she doesn’t hate it, and he says, does she think maybe they could add another stamp? Any night she’s available. She asks if there’s any way he’ll take no for an answer, and he says, statistically? Probably the same chances as her refraining from sarcasm. She says she calls the meal this time, and he says, deal.

Sam tells Spinelli, there’s so much to consider. She’s not sure about moving. She doesn’t want to uproot Scout and Danny; the penthouse is their home. He says, home is wherever she is. Doesn’t she want to live with Dante? She says she thinks things are really good the way they are. Why change it? He asks if there’s any other reason she’s hesitant to do this, when Maxie walks in, and says, hey guys. She’s having a morning. Is she interrupting if she sits? Sam says, not at all, and Spinelli says, have a seat. Britt says she never would have figured Cody for being the arts and crafts type, and Maxie says, it looks like Britt and Cody are getting along. She guesses she doesn’t have to apologize to Britt for missing their brunch. Looks like she gave true love an assist. Spinelli asks why she’s so certain Cody is right for Britt, and she says, because she trusts Society Set-Ups. And she’s spent some time with him; he’s a sweet guy. Sam says she happens to agree, but Spinelli says, they both couldn’t be more wrong, and storms out.

Alexis says, not everyone sees things through the lens of a journalism professor, and Gregory says, he’s also a citizen. It concerns him whenever freedom of the press is constrained by threats or violence. She says, she agrees, but he doesn’t know Smoltz. His tactics are less than savory, and she wouldn’t put it past him if he goaded Sasha into a reaction, hoping to provoke just what he got. So if she were him, she wouldn’t hang out the shingle of the First Amendment rights on this one. He says he’d like to invite her to one of his PCU lectures, and she says, he’s lecturing? He says, PCU wooed him out of retirement; convinced him to teach a course. He thinks she’d get a lot out of it. She says, really? She’s argued First Amendment rights in a court of law a lot more than he’s ever lectured about it in a classroom. He says, then she undoubtedly knows, the character of the victim doesn’t preclude the reporting of the crime. Mr. Smoltz may not be the kind of reporter she respects, but he was the target of violence, which makes it at least worthy of her attention, and in his learned opinion, most definitely newsworthy.

Sasha says, Gladys thinks she’s out of control? and Gladys says, doesn’t she? Lately, she’s not the Sasha that Gladys has come to know and love. Sasha says, love. Gladys didn’t even want her to marry her son. Gladys says, she didn’t. Not then. Not at the time, for a few reasons. It seemed like they were rushing, for one thing, and she didn’t like being excluded. But once she saw how much Sasha really loved Brando, and how happy she makes him, and how kind and smart she is, she’s been proud to call Sasha her daughter-in-law. And she’s done what she could to protect Sasha. She thought Sasha knew that.

Brando asks if Martin thinks he gives a damn about optics. He cares about Sasha. He cares about what Martin can do for her. Martin says, Brando needs to care about all of it. Just like he does. Sasha’s drawn the attention of the internet; she’s gone viral. Given the recent nature of political events involving their mayor, the DA’s office is doing everything to avoid the appearance of favoritism. Sasha’s a celebrity. Optics. Translation: don’t expect any kind of preferential treatment, because they’re in no position to give her a break. Brando asks what they do, and Martin says, he motivates his wife to take a more active part in her own defense. He agrees she needs help. She needs a psyche consult, but he doesn’t know if she’d be receptive to the idea. Most of all, she needs to demonstrate her commitment to intensive therapy and restitution. Brando says he doesn’t know if Sasha is ready to confront this, and Martin says, and that severely limits their options. He can only think of one other way to keep Brando’s wife out of prison.

Britt tells Cody, it’s official; she’s been stood up. She’s going to the pool. He says, he’d ask to join her, but she’d just say he’s pushing it, and she says, maybe he is getting to know her. Maxie and Sam join them, and Maxie says, they are getting along. Britt asks for a word with her, and they step aside. Britt asks, what happened to brunch; did Maxie forget? Maxie says, she got hung up at Deception, damage control, and Britt says, right. Sorry. How’s Sasha doing? Any word? Maxie says, nothing from her side; not happy things from theirs. Britt says, when she sees Sasha, tell her she has friends, and Maxie says, she will. It seems like Britt is all about friends these days. Looking pretty cozy over there. She asks, what’s that? indicating the envelope in Britt’s hand, and Britt says, just a silly gift Cody made her. Maxie says, oh… really, and Britt says she’ll overlook whatever part Maxie played in securing him a second date. Maxie gets excited, and says, they’re going on a second date? Britt says, calm down. It’s just a date. Don’t go pricing wedding venues.

Alexis tells Gregory, what Sasha did to Smoltz is news, regardless of extenuating circumstances, but is it newsworthy? He says, that sounds like leftover lawyer speak, and she says, it’s human speak, because she’s a human being. You know who else is a human being? Sasha Gilmore. Gregory says, one that she knows personally. Could that be precluding her view? She says, she barely knows Sasha. She’s looking at the big picture, and given the impact of social media, and various platforms, in contemporary journalism, that’s something that has to be taken very seriously. He says, by all means, put the truth out there, and she says, Cronkite said, in seeking the truth, you need to be able to look at both sides of the story. If they just tell the facts of what happened to Sasha, it’s a disservice to her and their readers. He says, don’t tell him she has alternative facts, and she says, she has context. In the span of a year, Sasha has overdosed, she’s gotten clean, she’s fallen in love, she’s lost a child, she’s been in a fatal car crash, she’s relapsed, and she’s still struggling with her mental health. So if they omit all that, and just print she attacked a car with a valet sign, that’s not showing respect to the Fourth Estate. It’s character assassination disguised as journalism.

Martin says he knows he can cut a deal with the DA’s office, predicated on the promise that Sasha stays out of trouble moving forward, but Brando says he doesn’t know if they can guarantee that. Martin says, in her current state? Brando had better guarantee it, because if he makes a deal, and she breaks her promise, she will be remanded to prison. Like he said, there might be one other way, if Brando’s prepared for it. Brando asks if it’s something that would get the DA to accept this deal, and Martin asks if he knows what guardianship is. Brando says, it’s like a conservatorship, right? and Martin says, exactly. In New York state, the guardianship is utilized when an adult is considered legally incapacitated. Brando says, Martin wants them to claim Sasha is incapable of taking care of herself? and Martin asks, what happened during her last therapy appointment? Brando says, she didn’t make it, and Martin asks if Brando would say her condition makes her less able to manage things, like her health and financial affairs. Brando says he doesn’t know about this, and Martin says, take it easy. They’re not talking about tossing Sasha into some 19th century house of hysteria; this is simply a strategy. It’s a way to keep her at home, and out of prison. Appoint someone, a guardian to watch out for her well-being, make sure she gets to appointments on time, safeguard her finances. It doesn’t have to be forever. Brando says, it seems extreme, and Martin says, it’s Brando’s call, but given Sasha’s state of mind, is she ready for a trial? He doesn’t think it would go well for her. Does Brando?

Sasha says she’s tired, and Gladys says she knows, but they’re all doing their best to help her. She can’t read Sasha’s mind, but she’ll tell Sasha what’s on hers. Sasha is her family now, and that means Gladys will do whatever it takes to look out for her.

Brook says, what she can offer Chase is unique, and Linc says, what is  this, a double-standard? Brook tells him, get his head out of the gutter, if it’s at all possible. Linc is only looking at Chase as a performer. She’s a songwriter and they’ve collaborated before. If they share songwriting credit, he’ll get a larger share of all songs produced and streamed. The money won’t be instant, but the residuals mean a lot more in the long run. Chase says, it’s very tempting, and she tells him, think about it, and leaves. She walks over to Dante, and he says he’d clap for her, but he doesn’t want to blow her cover. That was a great show. Is there anything she can’t do? She says she can’t understand what he’s saying right now. Why is he smiling? He says, it’s him. They go way back. The whole wanting to be Chase’s manager is a good angle, but he knows a con when he sees one.

Gregory tells Alexis, beautifully expressed. Miss Gilmore is lucky that Alexis is Editor-in-Chief. She says, he’s agreeing with her? and he asks if that’s so hard to believe. She says, given their interaction thus far? and he says, fair enough. He agrees this story can’t be told without including Miss Gilmore’s state of mind as a mitigating factor. It’s wise to take a more nuanced approach. Alexis says, she’s concerned about violating medical confidentiality. How does she inject nuance without compromising privacy? He says, it’s tricky, but there are ways, and she says, okay, professor. He’s offered a lesson. Okeydoke. She takes out her notebook, and says, school’s in session. He says he’s honored, but she says, don’t be. She’s doing it for Sasha.

Brando says, Martin is sure no plea deal can be made? and Martin says, not if Sasha doesn’t demonstrate some kind of cooperation. Brando asks if she wouldn’t have to agree to a guardianship, but Martin says, not necessarily, especially if she was incapable of making that decision. Brando says, she’s already accused him of trying to control her life. He doesn’t know if he’s comfortable with this. Gladys and Sasha join them, and Gladys says, comfortable with what? Are they talking a game plan, a strategy? Martin says, they have a couple options to consider, but for now they’re taking it one step at a time. He tells Sasha, this officer is going to escort her to the courthouse where she’s going to be arraigned. They’ll meet her there. Does she have any questions? Sasha shakes her head, and Brando takes her hands, and says, everything’s going to be okay. She says, promise? and he says, better than that, a vow. For better or worse, in sickness and in health. He’s got her.   

Maxie goes back to Cody and Sam, and says, Cody’s gift was a hit. Congrats. They high-five, and Cody thanks her for encouraging him to give it to Britt personally. Sam says, smooth move, Maxie, and he says, too bad all of Britt’s friends aren’t as supportive as they are. Sam says, if he’s referring to Spinelli, don’t worry about him; he’s been all over the place lately. Maxie says, she’s noticed that. What’s with him? Sam says she doesn’t know, aside from the fact he gave Cody a dirty look the entire time she was talking to him, and Maxie wonders why he’d be doing that. Does Cody have any idea? He says, not a clue.

Britt lies on a chaise, her eyes closed, when Spinelli clears his throat, startling her. He says, she’s about to make a mistake, and she says, his mistake was looming over her like a vampire. He almost got a swift kick. She gets up, and he says he’s serious. She can’t go out with Cody again.

Britt says she knows Dante wants his partner back, but whether he wants to believe it or not, Chase real future in music. Dante says he knows Chase is a talented guy, but he also happens to know, Chase is thinking things are pretty bleak right now, and he doesn’t want Chase to make a mistake. So please level with him. What the hell do the two of them have cooking up?

Chase tells Linc, that’s great. Tell the development team to send over the promotional package, and he’ll have his lawyers look at it. Linc says, he’s convincing, but not good enough for Linc, or himself. Chase says he’s not sure what Linc is getting at, and Linc says, don’t play a player. He knows Brook, and he knows what she’s really up to.

On Monday, Cody says, might as well put their cards on the table; Willow has the feeling Ava want something from her; Obrecht says, Nina needs to walk away now; and Dex says he just gave Michael the perfect opportunity to nail his old man.

Southern Charm

Austen joins Kathryn for a pedicure at a nail place, unoriginally called The Nail Place. He says he’s excited for girls day, and in his interview, he says he’s always had a soft spot for Kathryn. He did win Drama King in high school, and Kathryn can be dramatic as well. She asks if he’s getting a color, and he says he’s not Craig. Working at home, Craig tells himself, work smarter, not harder. Naomie calls, and he tells her that he’s working on his spring collection. She says she had a strange reaction at Olivia’s, and needs to pick his brain. She asks if he wants to get coffee, and we flash back to Paige saying, it’s inappropriate to hang out with one’s ex. Craig asks why she’s calling him about it, and Naomie says, it’s about Kathryn. She thought he’d be the best person to advise her. We flash back to Craig asking Paige, what about having lunch with an ex? and Paige saying, no. He says, it must be serious enough if she wants to talk in person. He’s going to be over by her later, and there’s a coffee shop nearby. In Craig’s interview, he says, it’s just coffee. He’ll get in and get out. They’re not getting their nails done together. Meanwhile at the nail salon, Austen says he loves Kathryn’s blond look, and she asks how things are going with him and Olivia. He says, they haven’t spoken since the party. It bothered him that after he’d talked to her about Madison, Olivia invited her to the party. He doesn’t want to pursue someone who wants to be friends with his ex. In Kathryn’s interview, she says, sometimes Austen can be a petty bitch.

Olivia and mom Robin discuss the party, and agree it was fun. Robin asks about Austen, and Olivia says, they didn’t end on the best note at the party. We flash back to Olivia telling Austen that she’s waiting for the day he doesn’t care about Madison, and she tells Robin about it. Robin says, he does seem more tense around Madison. She thinks it’s sensitive and sweet, and says, you usually don’t hear about a woman being… whatever [Madison] is. Olivia says, everyone has ex stuff, but she wants Austen to be right in that department. In Olivia’s interview, she says, a relationship with Austen is too much work. She’s not enough drama for him. He seems to like it; it’s what he’s used to. While they get a paraffin foot treatment, Austen says he’s happy Kathryn and Chleb are back together. Kathryn says, they’re trying, but in her gut, she feels like something is off. At the party, he was talking to Naomie a lot. It was weird super and disrespectful, and she felt hurt. We see a clip of Chleb telling Kathryn that Naomie was calling her names, and Kathryn saying, he should have shut it down immediately, not listen because he’s being a good guy. In Kathryn’s interview, she says she wishes he would be more aware of what he’s doing. Loyalty, hello? Austen tells her, if she thinks something off, then something is off.

Leva sees her trainer, and he does some kind of massage/stretching exercises for her muscles. In Leva’s interview, she says she wants to be present. She’s reading books about essentialism, so she doesn’t cook as much, lets the house be messy, and picks her battles at work. She’s consciously practicing to be a calmer person. But it’s not working. She loves Little Lamar, but he’s two and chaotic. We see some clips of Little in action, and she says, he’s so high energy from 6 am until his bedtime at 9 pm, which is her fault. Venita’s mom Vi visits her, and says she loves Venita’s big hair. When she was young, she had big hair. In Venita’s interview, she says, her mother didn’t tell her be perfect. She told Venita that perfect was however she chose to be. Venita tells Vi that she had a bad week. She didn’t get invited to Olivia’s party because Olivia didn’t want the garden party again. She guesses it’s embarrassing, and her feelings are hurt. Vi says, Venita’s got to talk about things, but when she’s rational; not in the heat of anger. Venita says she doesn’t know how to go about it, since she’s never seen it. Vi didn’t show her how to handle things, and hid any disagreements with her dad. Vi says she’s not talking about Venita’s dad, and in her interview, Venita says she was an only child. She was in high school when she came home one day, and her dad was gone. Her parents could have worked for the Secret Service. She had no idea it wasn’t working out. She tells Vi, all she knew was that she had two parents, and then one of them was gone, and Vi says, Venita still has two parents. In Venita’s interview, she says, her dad was probably living a double life since she was about 14. It took until her aunt called and said he was marrying someone else for her to understand her parents were done. Vi says, Venita’s dad was thinking with the wrong part of his anatomy, and it wasn’t something to discuss with her daughter. She didn’t want Venita to see her pain. Venita says she doesn’t have the insight her friends do, because they saw their parents argue, then figure it out. Vi says, it’s probably because she grew up in a house where they did argue, and Venita asks what it taught Vi. Vi says, not to do it, and in her interview, Venita says, teaching you how to avoid fighting doesn’t teach you how to deal with fighting. She’ll get overly upset at a simple confrontation, because she’s never seen anyone do that on a personal level. Vi says she tried to protect Venita from the pitfalls of life, which was not necessarily a good thing. Venita didn’t learn how to handle adversity, and Vi apologizes for what she didn’t do. Going forward, she’ll do her best. Books on parenting don’t work. You have to go through it to learn. She asks if that satisfied Venita, and Venita says, it’s more than she had yesterday.

Little Craig! Shep visits Whitney and Patricia, who’s gotten Little Craig a champagne bottle toy, which she says is unshreddable. Whitney says, Little Craig is like a piranha meets the Tasmanian Devil, and Shep says, his dad calls the dog a French terrorist. New guy Randy is doing the butlering, and Patricia says, nobody can take Michael’s place, but he’s good. Whitney says, Randy alleviates his duties, like official dog walker. In Patricia’s interview, she says, Randy is a lovely man. He’s a good server and fixes drinks so much better than Whitney. We flash back to Whitney bumbling through things, and see that Little Craig is already well on his way to totally destroying his new toy. Patricia says, speaking of incurring damage, Little Craig was involved in Peaches’ violation. Shep asks if they had a roll in the hay, and Whitney says, Little Craig is a feral mess. Done with his toy destruction, Little Craig runs to find Peaches, and Patricia says, let him; the damage has been done. In her interview, Patricia says, mounted is too strong a word. He sullied Peaches’ reputation. She tells Shep that Little Craig has to do the honorable thing. She’d like to have a wedding. (I can’t wait!) Shep asks if she wants Little Craig to make an honest doggy of Peaches, and Patricia says, he thinks she’s kidding. She doesn’t see anybody here doing anything in the near future. Shep says, so they’ll give her the wedding she richly deserves. She asks if Little Craig has a tux. She’s getting Peaches a wedding gown. In Shep’s interview, he says, if Whitney had his way, he’d be a bachelor for life. Still living in hope, Patricia says she doesn’t want to preempt any wedding bells, and asks Shep about Taylor. Shep says, Taylor’s not a pressure type of gal.

Taylor visits Marcie, and checks out the nursery, saying, it’s so pink; she loves it. Marcie says she’s glad she’s done. She’s due in 5 weeks. In Taylor’s interview, she says, in her perfect world she’d get married around 30, and have kids by 33. How old is she now? (I looked it up. She’s 27.) Marcie shows Taylor the outfit she’s taking the baby home in, and they move on to an entire closet full of clothes. In her interview, Taylor says she gets giddy looking at clothes and strollers. Shep’s clock isn’t ticking, but hers is. Shep tells Patricia that he thinks he’s in the clear, but Patricia says, don’t kid yourself. Whitney asks how long they’ve been going out, and Shep says, two years. Patricia says, if there was no proposal after four months, that’s it. In Patricia’s interview, she says, Taylor is making a mistake be acquiescing. She needs to give him an ultimatum. Patricia says, she’s amazed that any woman could put up with the two of them, and Shep says, they’re on the George Clooney/Warren Beatty track.

Naomie calls Craig, saying she’s at the coffee place, and they’re out of chai. She places both their orders, and when he gets there, she asks why he’s grumpy. He insists he’s not, and she asks if he had fun at Olivia’s party. He asks it was about Kathryn she wanted to discuss, and she says, during the party, Chleb came up and started going in about Kathryn. We flash back to that, and Naomie says, Chleb was saying not nice things. Craig says, like what? and we flash back to Chleb saying he could only listen so much to Kathryn, then he’d put on ESPN and tune out. Like practically every man doesn’t do this. She tells Craig, Chleb doesn’t seem happy. The one lesson she learned after her and Craig was, never air your dirty laundry to other people. She has regrets about talking bad about Craig, and she’s pretty sure Metul did the same thing to her. Karma is very real. She wonders what’s making Craig uncomfortable. He’s jittery, making no eye contact, and keeps looking over his shoulder. Who’s coming? She says, he’s acting like she’s part of a sting operation or something. She doesn’t know what’s going on, and wishes he’d just be straight and not act like a weirdo. In Craig’s interview, he wonders why they needed to have coffee for Naomie to tell him that Chleb was talking sh*t about Kathryn. Naomie says she feels bad for Kathryn. They’ll never be good friends, but she feels it’s the right thing to hand Craig the information. Maybe he could just talk to her. He says, maybe, but he’s got to be going. He’s picking up Paige from the airport. Naomie suggests they do a fun night out, and Craig says, one day, maybe. Naomie says she just wants to have fun, but Craig says, unfortunately, there are boundaries. He’s glad they can catch up and be friends, but at the end of the day, Naomie is his ex-girlfriend, and Paige doesn’t appreciate it. They can’t hang out just yet. Naomie says, they can’t forget the past, and in his interview, Craig says he thinks Paige is being understanding, even though she doesn’t understand the situation, since she lives in NYC, where you don’t run into your ex all the time or hang out with them. He doesn’t want to push or disrespect her any further. In Naomie’s interview, she says, if  she hadn’t thought she and Craig were on the same page, she wouldn’t have asked him for coffee. She’s not trying to get with him. She’s not the type who tries to get with a guy who has a girlfriend. If it feels awkward, that’s on them, not her. I can see it both ways, but I’ve never really wanted to hang out with an ex. Oh wait. I do hang out with my boyfriend from high school once in a while, but those feelings are long gone. If they were even real at that age. Now he’s someone I grew up with.

Olivia calls Naomie from the car, and says she’s meeting Venita. Naomie says, awesome; heal it up. They meet at a juice bar, and in Venita’s interview, she says, with her parents, all she’s seen is avoidance of fighting, confrontation, and issues. She wants to step up and resolve this, rather than letting it sit. Venita asks how the party was, and Olivia says, fun. They toast to this thing (i.e. their meeting), and Olivia says she appreciates Venita reaching out. Venita says, they had a rocky start, and she wants to be able to lay everything on the table. Olivia says she thinks Venita has a false perception of who she is, and she was thrown by Venita’s misconceptions. Insinuating something is not cool. Venita says, when Olivia walked away, it felt dismissive, and Olivia gets how it could be perceived, but it’s her way to cool off when she knows nothing is going to get resolved in that moment. Venita apologizes for coming at Olivia so hot. It wasn’t necessary, and it’s not who she is as an individual. She suggests they make it a clean slate. Now they just have to worry about everyone else. She says, with all that smoke and heat between Austen and Madison, why invite Madison to the party? Olivia says, she and Madison are fine, but she got an earful about it. We flash back to Austen acting stupid, and Venita asks if Olivia and Austen are dating. Olivia says, they only went out one-on-one once, and they’re in in that weird limbo. Venita wonders if Madison knows, and Olivia asks why it would matter. Venita says, Madison and Austen were so deeply involved, part of Madison feels entitled to know what’s going on. It’s not worth it.

Chleb goes to mom Debbie’s house, and she asks if he’s working hard. He says, seven days; he’s pretty damn tired. Debbie wonders if he didn’t take the tag off his shoes, but he says, it’s the style. She says, it seems awkward, but he says, it’s the drip these days. She asks how Kathryn is, and he says, they went through some stuff. There was a girl named Naomie at the party who Kathryn dislikes, and she and Chleb got to talking. We see a clip of Kathryn telling Chleb, it’s embarrassing. In Chleb’s interview, he says he doesn’t want to be in a relationship with someone he’s thinking negatively about. Debbie says, it takes work, and suggests he make a list of what he likes and dislikes about the relationship. She says, if you have more dislikes than likes, you ain’t gonna make it, baby.

Paige is at Craig’s, and he offers her every coffee flavor known to man. She says, yuck to maple, which is one of my favorites, but she also hates mint, and we’re in agreement there. My only exception is Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies. She asks if he can imagine when they actually have a kitchen, and in Craig’s interview, he says, it’s hard to play house with no kitchen, and living out of boxes. The fact that Paige feels comfortable with things as is, is an incredible sign. Paige suggests sitting outside, and Craig wonders if they make an iced coffee maker. Paige is like, nooo, and says, he loves tea anyway. In his interview, he says, Paige loves how he is, and he loves that feeling. She’s his biggest fan. Aww. They’re not engaged yet, but he thinks he’s found his person. They sit in rockers on the porch, and he tells her that he’d like a big family, and wants to renovate the house with that vision.  

Event planner Erica goes to Patricia’s, and Patricia says she thinks it would be fun to have a dog wedding, so she needed a wedding planner. Erica asks how big it will be, and Patricia says, around 25 people. It might be the only wedding she throws. In Patricia’s interview, she says she has Whitney’s wedding planned. A medieval cathedral, a florist from Paris, Valentino for the mother-of-the-bride dress, but she doesn’t get to make those decisions. Erica asks, who is going to officiate? and Patricia says, Little Craig and Peaches go to the same vet. She thinks Dr. Berger will agree to officiate. They decide on having it in the garden, and Erica asks if Patricia wants the guests welcomed with champagne. Patricia says she does, but she wants it in coups, not flutes. Erica asks about cakes, and Patricia wants the ones featured in Steel Magnolias. The groom’s cake is an armadillo cake in red velvet. She tells Erica, the invitations have already gone out.  

To be continued…

Next time, Whitney and Shep talk human marriage; the dog wedding happens; Olivia brings a date that’s not Austen; Whitney plays guitar; and Craig tells Naomie that she left a loving relationship to be with a controlling a-hole. She won’t affect his life anymore.

🎉 Happy Anniversary…

Scotty celebrates his 45th.

💐 Another Congrats…

Not as long, but still. She took a small villainous part and turned it into being a major player.

🧼 Jumping Soap…

I vaguely remember him being Todd on OLTL for five minutes. Even they realized it was a bad idea. No one can replace Roger Howarth.

🦚 Goodbye and Hello…

Yep. They’re going to nickel and dime us to death. Or in this case, $4.99 us.

https://ew.com/tv/days-of-our-lives-moving-to-peacock/

💝 Sharing Is Caring…

NuTrina has a message for all of us.

🎡 Yeah, Yeah…

LisaR needs to get off the merry-go-round that’s her feelings. Next week, she’ll be back to the shading game.

💎 She’s Rocking the Boat…

Sheree can be on my fantasy spin-off too.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1340467/why-real-housewives-of-beverly-hills-sheree-zampino-says-kyle-richards-should-sit-down

Cruising the Med…

Captain Sandy’s voyage to reality star.

🍸 Backing His Home Girl…

50 Cent is back to dogging Randall.

https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.72274/title.50-cent-randall-emmet-power-ex

⚰️ New Rick…

Daryl’s journey to leadership.

https://screenrant.com/walking-dead-daryl-rick-grimes-revolver/

🌜 On the Moon…

The VMA line-up.

📣 Quotes of the Week

A room hung with pictures is a room hung with thoughts. – Joshua Reynolds

Happiness depends to some extent upon external conditions, but chiefly upon mental attitudes. – Paramahansa Yogananda

Magic exists. Who can doubt it, when there are rainbows and wildflowers, the music of the wind and the silence of the stars? Anyone who has loved has been touched by magic. It is such a simple and such an extraordinary part of the lives we live. – Nora Roberts

The greatest source of unhappiness in the world comes from having unreasonable expectations about the behavior of other people. – Don Fehr

Accept responsibility for your life. Know that it is you who will get you where you want to go, no one else. – Les Brown

Sometimes you make the right decision, and sometimes you have to make the decision right. – Dr. Phil

Security is mostly a superstition… Life is either a daring adventure or nothing. – Helen Keller

Life is like a novel. It’s filled with suspense. You have no idea what is going to happen until you turn the page. – Sidney Sheldon (Well, let’s hope it’s not like a Sidney Sheldon novel.)

If there’s a world here in a hundred years, it’s going to be saved by tens of millions of little things. The powers-that-be can break up any big thing they want… but what are they going to do about 10 million little things? They break up two of them, and three more like them spring up!Pete Seeger

The truth will set you free, but first it will piss you off. – Gloria Steinem

🛣 On the Road Again…

It’s certainly been a week. If it’s been one for you too, or even if it hasn’t, you have my permission to take the next two days off. But be back on Monday for soap and a Mediterranean cruise. Until then, stay safe, stay away from overly processed foods, and stay never trying to play a player.