Category Archives: zombies

Oct7

October 6, 2017 – Jason Comes Home, New Fairytales, Back to the Apocalypse, a Meat Loaf Story & a Quote Trifecta

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

General Hospital

At the MetroCourt, Carly makes a toast to Bobbie for her years of service at the hospital. Bobbie appreciates the champagne and accolades, but the best part is being surrounded by those she loves. Carly says, not everyone, to Sonny.

Michael goes to the Crimson office where Nelle is. He says that she hasn’t been answering her phone, and she tells him that she needed time to cool off. He suggests dinner somewhere quiet to talk, and she likes that idea, but when he invites her to the brunch for Bobbie, she doesn’t think so.

Valentin and Lulu explain joint custody to Charlotte. She asks what about holidays. She’s worried about Santa finding her, but Valentin assures her that Santa will find her anywhere. Charlotte goes to get ready for the brunch, and Valentin mentions their agreement to be civil for Charlotte’s sake. Lulu says Charlotte isn’t in the room, so let’s get down to business.

At the hospital, Griff asks Deanna about an appointment he set up for Ava. He had to get it squeezed in, and Ava suggests rescheduling, but he tells her that she needs to see specialist. He wants to make sure no further damage was done. Ava says she has every confidence that she was on her way to a normal existence until her conscience got the better of her.

Patient 6 does pushups. Side story: I once visited the One Life to Live set, and the guys did pushups before their scenes so they could look more pumped. Truth!

Jason and Sam arrive home. Jason tells Sam that she’s a good nurse. Inside, there’s a welcome home banner from the kids. He tells her how much he missed them, and she says that they missed him too, but he’ll always find his way back to his family. They kiss.

Patient 6 does crunches. A British man’s voice says he should have passed on that last bottle of Dom. We see him tied up, and he asks Patient 6 who the hell he is.

Valentin tells Lulu that Nina has a two-day celebration on Christmas and Christmas Eve. Nina tells them that Nathan and Maxie will be there, and Lulu says that she’s sure they’ll enjoy it, but Charlotte will be at the Quartermaines where Dante’s mother is making dinner. They decide to table the Christmas discussion, and start bickering about Thanksgiving, Valentin asks if Lulu is going to threaten him with gun like her mother did.

Carly tells Sonny that she called Michael, but got voicemail. Sonny says maybe he’s busy with work and will make it up to Bobbie later, but she thinks that in warning him, she played into Nelle’s hands.

Michael is hoping that the animosity his family has for Nelle will change, but she says it’s not about his grandmother; it’s about him, and everything that he’s accused her of. Michael says he didn’t accuse her of anything, but she says he didn’t approve of her keeping the ring, and it’s not his call. She didn’t appreciate him judging her for it. He says that’s fair, and they can agree to disagree about the ring. Nelle wonders if he’s starting to believe that she did something to Zack. Michael says it was an accident, but the family needed someone to blame. He knows they gave her hell, but he’s not them. In the past year, he’s gotten to know and care about her. He asks if it’s possible to move on and get past it. She says it is.

Griff says that Ava came through for a total stranger. She tells him that all she did was give the guy a paperclip. Had she known her life would be on the line, she would have left him to his own devices. She says that she heard Nikolas’s voice in her head, and tells Griff about how they didn’t get along at first, until the Weeping Nyad. Griff is like, huh? She says long story short, he stayed by her side.

The British dude tells Patient 6 to explain himself. Why was he on the attack? Patient 6 says he didn’t attack him, although he doesn’t deny tying him up. British dude tells Patient 6 to release him at once. Patient 6 says British dude came after him with a pipe, and he’s not letting that happen again.

Ava tells Griff that Nickolas literally gave his life for hers. She’s still processing it, and wanted to repay him. The only thing she could do was be a better person, and pay it forward. Griff says that it’s not always easy. Ava says she did more than fall short; she sold him out to fix her face. Griff thinks she can still make it right with her testimony. She’s grateful for the help, but says that he did his good deed, and their business is officially concluded.

Nelle tells Michael that she can’t be with someone who doesn’t trust her. Michael says that they have no problem then, but he wants her to trust him the same way. They can’t pretend to agree when they don’t. It only leads to repressed emotions and fights. While he doesn’t mind the make-up process, he wants to be free to disagree with her. He kisses her, and asks if she wants to be his date for brunch. She says she has to work. She wants things organized by the time Nina gets back, and besides, brunch with Bobbie (sounds like a talk show) is a terrible idea. Michael thinks the more they interact, the more they’ll see what they have in common, but Nelle doesn’t think that she’s up for it today. He tells her that he’s not going either then, but she says it will only confirm their suspicions that she’s turning him against them. She asks him to do it for her, and he says okay.

Laura is happy that Bobbie is getting the recognition that she deserves. Bobbie says the same to her, now that she’s a board member. They talk about Lucas and Brad not being able to make it (are they still on this show?), and Valerie tells them that she saw pamphlets on adoption at their place. Bobbie and Laura get all excited, and Valerie tells them that they didn’t hear it from her. Laura tells Bobbie that Lulu and Dante are picking up Charlotte from Wyndemere. Bobbie says she wouldn’t have handled the situation with as much grace as they are.

Lulu doesn’t believe Valentin, but he says Laura’s feeling about him are no secret. He thought of pressing charges, but didn’t want to put Charlotte’s grandmother in jail. Dante suggests he’s saving it for leverage. Valentin says if it happens again, he’ll be contacting social services. Lulu and Dante leave with Charlotte. Nina asks Valentin when he was going to tell her that Laura held a gun on him. He says it wasn’t loaded, but Nina tells him that’s not the point; Laura is physically attacking him now. I guess she doesn’t know about when Laura tried punching him out at the docks. Valentin tells Nina that he didn’t want to upset her, but she says upset doesn’t begin to describe how she feels. He says the more erratic they get, the weaker their position. Nina says that Lulu already thinks she can have Charlotte whenever she wants. Valentin says that Thanksgiving is a month away, what could happen?

Valentin’s phone rings. Nina jets for work, and Valentin tells the caller thanks for the update.

Ava apologizes to Griff for being harsh. She says she can’t repay him, and she doesn’t mean for the rescue. Before that, he was getting her to be human again. He tells her that she was always human, but she says she didn’t feel like she was. In hindsight, she can see that he was offering only friendship, but she never had that many friends, and won’t make that mistake again. Griff says that he meant what he said. He never pitied her, and needs to own his part. He never thought his actions would be misinterpreted, and that was insensitive. He was focused on only his own feelings, and he doesn’t want to lose her as a friend; she means too much to him, but it’s her call. He’ll respect her decision, no matter what. Deanna tells them that Dr. Guerrero is ready to see Ava.

Jason tells Sam that it’s quiet without the kids, like when they first moved in together. Sam says it was a lifetime ago. Jason says it’s the first day of the rest of their lives (really, he said that), and they should make the most of it. She tells him that the doctor said he should take it easy, and he says to be gentle with him.

Patient 6 shows British dude a pipe, and says he tried to swing it at his head. British dude tells him it was an accident. He was trying to escape some unsavory characters. He’d thought Patient 6 was sent to finish him off. He seems to be a man of action who knows about restraining a fellow.

Sam and Jason get busy. I’m loving her jeans, although she probably won’t be wearing them much longer.

Nina comes into the office. She forgot to pick up her coffee, and asks Nelle to get her some from upstairs. Nelle tries to talk her into getting coffee from Perks instead, and eventually tells Nina the real reason she doesn’t want to go into the restaurant. Bobbie’s brunch is going on.

Bobbie hugs Michael. She says if it wasn’t for him, she wouldn’t have been awarded this prestigious honor. Sonny looks at Carly like, told you.

The British dude introduces himself as Huxley Lynch. He was on a business trip and has to keep a low profile. His associates aren’t happy with him because their investments didn’t pay off. He says that Brexit wasn’t his fault. Patient 6 doesn’t know what he’s talking about, and Huxley asks if he’s been living under a rock.

Sam and Jason bask in the afterglow. She asks what he wants to do. He tells her gather up the kids and sail into the sunset. She wonders if he could handle being stranded with her on an island. He tells her that he has to have a purpose, but it’s not like he has a specialized skill set. She says he does, but it’s nothing he could put on a resume.

Griff remembers telling Ava that she’s beautiful and the two of them kissing, He makes a worried face. You know, that face he always makes.

Ava tells the doctor to give it to her straight. He says he’s astonished, and the improvement is incredible. She says imagine how she’d look if the treatments had been finished. Dr. Guerrero leaves to get the test results, and Ava picks up a hand mirror. She looks amazing, except for a patch near her jawline. She says one more treatment is all it would have taken. There’s a knock at the door. It’s Valentin.

Ava asks what he’s doing there. Valentin tells her that he wanted to see the results for himself, and it’s a vast improvement, but he expected more. She says she had to run for her life. She just committed a tiny infraction of the rules, and they threatened to drug her. Valentin says he just gave the referral; after that, it was out of his hands. She tells him she can change her statement again.

Huxley says he’s not surprised that Patient 6 doesn’t keep up with global news – he’s American. He’d thought since Patient 6 had been visiting Russia, he was a man of the world, interested in more than fidget spinners and the Kardashians. I regret to say that spellcheck recognizes Kardashians as a word. Huxley says it’s going to be a long ride, and asks if Patient 6 can be persuaded to untie him.

Sam reminds Jason that Michael had offered him a position at ELQ. He says he appreciated the offer, but doesn’t want a job that keeps him away from her and the kids. He tells her that before he got shot, he had been thinking about a possible career.

Carly apologizes to Michael, saying that she could have handled it better. She’s glad he showed up. Michael tells her that Nelle insisted on it, and she’s more supportive of his family ties than Carly thinks.

Nelle tells Nina that no matter what she does, a cloud of suspicion hangs over her with Michael’s family. Nina says that sounds familiar; she also has a troubled past. Nelle asks what she did to move forward, and Nina says she had help from friends who were supportive, like Michael is with her. She tells Nelle that she also listened to Maxie’s advice to “fake it til you make it.” If Nelle acts like she shouldn’t be judged, eventually they’ll stop doing it. In the meantime, there’s always caffeine. Nelle leaves to get the coffee.

Lulu, Dante, and Charlotte arrive at the brunch. Charlotte and Dante give Bobbie a present, and Laura asks Lulu how it went. Lulu says it was a little tense, but no one pulled a gun. D’oh! Laura seems surprised that Valentin told Lulu, and I’m starting to doubt her sanity. Lulu asks what she was thinking. Laura says when she found out that they’d be sharing custody because Ava recanted her statement, something snapped. She wanted him to feel the terror that Nikolas did. Lulu gets it, and would probably have done the same, but tells Laura that from now on, play it smart. As much as she’d like to put the fear of God in Valentin, he holds the cards. She says to play nice. They’re stuck with him, and it’s not changing unless there’s a miraculous turnaround.

Valentin tells Ava that it will be the second time she changed her story, and she’ll be looked at as an unreliable witness. She’ll make her testimony officially meaningless. Why doesn’t she just enjoy the victory? Her face isn’t perfect, but it’s a vast improvement, and she has him to thank. Ava raises her hand to smack him, and he grabs her arm. Suddenly, heroman Griff appears, and tells Valentin to stay away from her.

Nelle sees Michael, and tells him that she’s picking up coffee. He says she doesn’t have to pretend he’s not there, and asks her to say hello. She figures she might as well. Michael leads her over to the table, and says that she wanted to stop and congratulate Bobbie. Bobbie snarks that she really shouldn’t have, and Nelle says this was a mistake; she’s going to leave. Carly asks Bobbie if she couldn’t have played it closer to the vest.

Valentin lets go of Ava, and Griff asks if she’s all right. He says he’s not going to let Valentin hurt her, and Valentin says that Ava attacked him. Griff tells him to leave or he’ll have security throw him out. Valentin says he just wanted to see how Ava’s procedure went. It was too bad she couldn’t stick around for them to finish. Valentin leaves, and Ava says that he’s a bastard, but he’s right. All she needed was one more treatment. Griff holds her.

Sam asks Jason what new career? He tells her that he doesn’t want to jinx it, but when he has something solid, he’ll tell her. Now he’s just an unemployed man with nothing but time on his hands. She asks what he wants to do, and he says that he might have some fresh ideas. They start kissing.

Patient 6 tells Huxley that he’ll let him stretch his legs. Huxley calls him a gentleman and a scholar. Patient 6 says he’ll have to tie him back up though, and Huxley says that it was just a misunderstanding; allow him to demonstrate. He sees that Patient 6 has no luggage, and he’s also traveling light. He tells Patient 6 to get his bag, and help himself to the contents. Patient 6 gets the bag and pulls out a London newspaper. While Huxley goes on about reading and Proust, Patient 6 looks at the date, and makes a soap opera face.

Charlotte gives Bobbie a picture that she drew of herself and all four of her “parents.” Lulu says it’s one, big, happy family, like she said.

Valentin brings flowers to Nina at the office. She asks if they worked things out. He says he doesn’t think that anything will take Charlotte away again.

Ava tells Griff that she thought she could change her testimony again, and make things right. She had her chance, and there’s no making up for it. Griff says he doesn’t believe it. She tells him that might work on his parishioners, but not with her. Some things can’t be undone, so stop acting like she can be saved. He’s wasting his time. He tells her that he has faith in her.

Carly tells Sonny that she has to talk to Bobbie. Nelle got the reaction she was hoping for when she was sure that Michael would see.

Michael tells Nelle not to take it personally, and she asks how she’s supposed to take it. He tells her that it won’t always be like this, but she’s already been through it with Zack’s family. They’re determined to think the worst. There’s nothing he can do to make it better.

Jason asks if Sam wants breakfast. She’s glad his appetite is back, but there’s no food in the house. She tells him that she’ll run to Kelly’s, and he can work on his surprise career, whatever it is. When she’s gone, Jason makes a call. He asks to speak to Julian.

Patient 6 says the newspaper date can’t be right. Huxley says it’s over a week old, but Patient 6 says that he’s talking about the year. Huxley gets excited that it might be a collector’s item. Patient 6 asks if it’s really 2017.

On Monday, Franco needs to tell Elizabeth something, Michael asks Sam for advice, and Huxley wonders what’s so important about a date.

I had to make a decision. Hell’s Kitchen or Once Upon a Time. Since it’s easier to catch up with Hell’s Kitchen, I went with the latter.

Once Upon a Time

Henry is leaving home. Operation Cobra is over, everyone has happy endings, and he needs to find his own story. There are endless possibilities, and he needs to figure out where he belongs. He rides his motorcycle through a portal, nearly colliding with Cinderella driving a coach. The coach ends up trashed, but as all fairytale princesses do, Cinderella falls into a bed of flowers.

In present day Seattle, Henry is a writer. A little girl knocks on his apartment door, and insists that she’s his daughter, Lucy. He tells her that’s impossible, but she says a curse changed his memories. She tells him that his place is a dump, and he says he didn’t write Harry Potter. Lucy tells him that the reason he’s not successful, is because he’s not living his own story. Her mother is Cinderella, and lives with other fairytale characters in Hyperion Hts. Her mother’s stepmom wants to get them out of the town, so they’ll be separated. Henry says that her mother has to do what they all do – save herself.

Hey, it’s Dania Ramirez from Devious Maids! Present day Cinderella, Lucinda, calls her fast food boss a jerk. He tells her to apologize, but she refuses. She quits her job.

Back in the day, Henry tells Cinderella that he’s from another realm. He asks if she doesn’t have a prince to find and offers to give her a ride on his bike.

Seattle Henry looks for his laptop, and finds a note from Lucy, who is holding it hostage until he meets her. He goes to a local bar called Roni’s. Roni is the old Regina. She tells Henry about how the neighborhood is changing. A woman named Victoria Belfry is buying up everything, and everyone is scattering. She’s going to sell her bar, saying that she might as well take the money. She says it looks like he’s had a day, and he says imagine if he walked in and said he was her son.

Henry shows Cinderella how the motorcycle works. She gets on back. She asks how her story ends; do they live happily ever after? He says there’s complications before that, and tells her about losing her glass slipper. She tells him that she doesn’t believe him. She knocks him off the bike, and drives off.

Lucinda is also Lucy’s mother, and comes home to find her gone.

Victoria walks into her office like Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada. She tells her assistant to find her granddaughter.

In olden times, the wicked stepmother has cut off the fairy godmother’s wings, and tells her that it’s a teaching moment. Her stepdaughter (who isn’t so ugly) wants to use the wand, but the stepmother tells her that magic isn’t power because it can be taken away, but fear lasts forever. She hands it to the stepdaughter, saying just this once, and the stepdaughter points it at the fairy godmother. She disappears, poof! in a cloud of smoke, leaving a pile of ashes. The stepmother says to have Cinderella clean it up.

Lucinda finds Lucy at a wishing well. She says that she doesn’t believe in it, and Lucy will just be wasting a quarter. Lucy tells her to give it time. Lucinda asks where she was, and Lucy says that she found her dad.

Lucinda goes to Roni’s with the laptop. She tells Henry that she’s sorry and it won’t happen again. He tells her that he was starting to wonder if he had a kid, but he would have remembered her.

Meanwhile, back at the castle, Henry sees Cinderella at the ball. He’s less concerned about his bike, than the dagger she stole from him. She’s there to kill the prince, who took everything from her family. He killed her father, and she’s been sweeping floors ever since. He tells her that revenge is no happy ending. He knows where she can start over, and find her own story. She says that her father meant the world to her. Cinderella walks toward the prince. Henry gets dizzy, and falls to the floor. The waitress, or wench, or whatever she is, winks at him. The next thing he knows, he’s in a cave. The winking woman is there, and he calls her Alice.

In Seattle, Robert Carlyle (whose name we don’t know yet, but I’m glad to see is back) is sticking a guy’s head under water, and I get the impression it’s an interrogation. Alice tells him that there’s someone new in town, and she thought he’d want to know.

Henry asks about Lucy’s father, and Lucinda says it was a fling, and he’s not in the picture. She talks about a place across the water, where she and Lucy could live quiet, happy lives. She says it’s not much of a story, but Henry thinks it’s perfect. Victoria strides in, and Roni says it’s hers at midnight. Victoria says that’s not why she’s there, and tells Lucinda that day drinking is how she ended up with Lucy. Lucy needs stability, and will be moving back in with her permanently. Henry says he understands the Cinderella thing now. Victoria knows Henry’s name, and he wonders how. She tells him that in the real world, people get hurt, and if that happen, he’ll be sorry he came there. Alrighty then.

Henry’s car has been stolen. He goes to the police station to report it. The desk cop looks under his desk, and says, nope, not there. Officer Rogers (used-to-be Hook) comes out and tells Henry that some of them still care. Henry explains that he has to get out of there and his car is gone.

In olden tymes, Henry has some kind of vines holding him to the wall of the cave. He says the woman is Alice in Wonderland, and she says she’s from a lot of places. You take one crazy trip, and that’s all anyone knows. He asks her to get him out of there. She tells him that Rumpelstiltskin knows him. She says that she can’t help; it’s not his story, and when it’s not your story, bad things happen. When bad things happen, she’ll be far away. Alice tells him to forget Cinderella, but Henry says that when someone needs help, he helps them.

Henry sees Lucy, and tells her that his car was stolen. He asks if it was her, and she says of course not; she can’t even reach the pedals. He tells her that he’s going home, and she says that he is home. He says he’s not the one who can save her. She says that he always believed, and argues that the curse has blinded him to the truth. He says that he had a family, and they died in a fire. Lucy insists that she and Lucinda are his family. She tells him that no story is perfect; it just needs to start. Lucinda pulls up and tells Lucy that they’re going to live their story.

Just before the bridge, Lucinda’s car dies. Lucy says that the curse wants them to stay there. Lucinda says they’ll walk.

At the ball, the price sweettalks Cinderella. She says that he doesn’t recognize her. She pulls out the dagger, but she can’t do it. Surprisingly, the prince falls over dead, stabbed from behind by Cinderella’s stepmother. She says that Cinderella can never manage to finish her chores. She explains that he rejected her daughter. Then she calls for the guards, yelling that Cinderella has murdered the price. Henry tells her to take the bike, and starts a swordfight. Cinderella joins in, and gets in some licks in before she runs out the door. Very cool scene. I love a swordfight.

At the station, Rogers says they can’t find Henry’s car. Victoria interrupts, saying that Lucy is missing. Henry wonders if Lucinda can’t build a better life, but Victoria says not by running away. If Henry helps her, he can get his car.

Lucy doesn’t want to go. Lucinda tells her about having to live with her stepmom, and says they can have a fresh start. She understands Lucy’s belief in fairytales – life is hard – but this once, believe in her. Rogers pulls up, and Lucinda’s stepsister hops out of the car. Lucinda finds out that Henry squealed on them. Stepsis takes a book out of Lucy’s backpack and gives to Rogers to burn or use as evidence. It’s Once Upon a Time. He looks through it. He sees Emma’s picture.

Lucinda sees Henry. He tells her that the car has no damage, and nothing was taken; it makes no sense She says that life doesn’t sometimes, and hopes it was worth it. He says he didn’t ask to be dragged in, and she tells him good luck with his second book.

In the enchanted forest, Henry looks for Cinderella at the carriage. His phone sounds an alarm, and a portal opens. He moves toward it, and finds one of her shoes on the ground. He says that Operation Glass Slipper is a go.

Rogers makes detective. His new partner is Robert Carlyle.

Roni changes her mind about selling the bar. Victoria says they had a deal, but Roni says that Victoria’s stepdaughter inspired her by not giving in. Victoria loves pushing people around, maybe it’s time someone pushed back. It’s her bar, her home, and her life. It might have seen better days, but it can again. We see Lucinda go in and get her job back at the fast food place. She starts sweeping the floor. Roni says that she’s thought about what she wants to do and have, but she’s not doing and having.

As Roni talks, we see Henry going with flowers to where he thought there was a cemetery, and Rogers look at the book. Roni says that everyone has given up on better life. What if what they want is out there somewhere? Maybe they can fight for it, and be halfway to getting it. She says that things can seem hopeless, and suddenly someone gives them inspiration. Lucinda wishes at the well, and Henry starts to write – Once upon a time. Roni continues that the first step to a new beginning is imagining the impossible. She’ll be damned if she stands by and let’s a bully take that away from them anymore. Victoria says that she’ll regret it, but Roni says regret isn’t her thing. She slugs back a shot, and smiles.

Next time, Emma makes an appearance.

Z Nation

In Zona, everything is Stepford perfect. Until a guy drives right into a pedestrian, killing him. Several people get out of the car and gather around the body. One woman hangs back, and we hear eating noises. She slowly backs away.

Teller, Murphy, and Roberta walk down the street. Teller says it’s their duty to get Murphy out; things are changing. It’s no longer safe, and they’ve progressed to the point that measures need to be taken. A guy from the neighborhood tries to get Murphy to join a lawn game, but Teller steers him away. He tells them that it will all make sense eventually. Murphy is disappointed to be missing lawn bowling, and Roberta says that she liked him better before.

Soldiers arrive at a safe house in the middle of the woods with Lucy. They shove her into a cabin. One soldier tells another to get a scope on the vehicles. The convoy is close by.

At the camp, Sarge, otherwise known as Henry Rollins, says that the convoy is overdue, and they haven’t changed their objective or timeframe. One guy says they’re wasting resources, and are sitting zombie bait. Sarge wants to be proactive and find a solution. The convoy has munitions and supplies; without it, they’re at a disadvantage. He asks for a volunteer to come with them, and Doc and 10K say they will. Doc says they got nothin’ else to do.

In a warehouse hallway, Murphy wants to take a moment. He’s not too sure that leaving a life of limbo parties and martinis to go back into the zombie nightmare is a good idea. Teller says that Zona isn’t going to be what he knows for much longer. Roberta asks Teller what’s really going on. He tells her that there’s a helicopter leaving, and if they’re not on it, they won’t survive. Roberta asks with the hell, and he says that everyone who got the new vaccine is going crazy. There must have been something else in the blood. Murphy starts to hyperventilate, saying it must be mistake. He hasn’t had it this good since – he’s interrupted by a golf ball pinging through the hallway.

Mr. Spears, in a shirt, tie, and boxers with puppies on them, is playing golf. He greets Murphy, and complains that because Murphy missed the tourney, he had to partner with Beardsley, and he’s the worst croquet player. There’s a dead body next to him, and Murphy says he sees Spears has moved on. Spears starts to cry and repeat himself. He looks at them maniacally, and lifts his golf club. He runs past them, after another guy. Teller asks if they believe him now.

Sarge’s group finds the convoy. They get out of their truck, and canvas the area. The trucks are there, still full of supplies and ammo, but the people have vanished. I notice that Henry Rollins is getting old, then think, that makes me old. Dammit. 10K says it makes no sense. Sarge tells them they need to get the vehicles back to camp. Czarnecki gets shot by a sniper. 10K bellycrawls under a truck, and sees the cabin. He thinks he has him. Sarge asks Czarnecki if he can stand, but that’s a negative. He’s bleeding out.

Doc radios Red back at camp. He tells her that the convoy is gone. She asks for the coordinates, but only hears static. 10K tells her to stay put. She tells the previously worried guy that everything is fine. She finds Dr. Sun in the infirmary, and tells her that the group is under attack, but they got cut off. The vehicles had been abandoned. Sun tells her they can’t let the people lose hope.

Teller tells Murphy and Roberta that they need uniforms. Murphy doesn’t think this is the time to be concerned about fashion, but Teller says they’re only taking a few. If they don’t dress like military, the won’t be able to get on the helicopter. On the landing above, a woman chases a man with a meat cleaver. Teller says that it starts with mild dementia, and goes to homicidal psychosis. Murphy is like, that’s a jump, no in-between? Teller says that the blood contained contaminants, and within 72-hours, predatory madness sets in. Roberta asks if they’re infected, and he says they were the only two who didn’t receive it. Murphy is Murphy, and she was in a coma. She asks what about him, and he says let’s go. Now that she mentioned it, he doesn’t look so good.

While they’re getting uniforms, Murphy opens a freezer where there are bodies wrapped in plastic. He says these are his people; his blends. Teller says they’re the lucky ones. He tells them that they’re running out of time.

Czarnecki is losing consciousness. Lily wants to get him, but Sarge says he can’t afford to lose two. 10K says there’s one soldier shooting, but he saw movement; they’re not alone. In the cabin, Lucy and Addie duck down behind a table. Doc tells 10K to turn the cabin into Swiss cheese.

Sun tells Red that everything will be okay. Red says it’s hard to sit still, knowing what she knows. Sun tells her that hope is contagious, and so is the opposite. Red says that Doc told her the people disappeared, like no one was there. Sun says there’s nothing worse than not knowing. Red goes outside and tries to radio Doc. She sees something in the distance, and gets a really frightened look. Like really frightened.

Murphy sees a guy peeing in the hallway, and says that’s unpleasant. He, Teller, and Roberta come up behind two guards and attack them. Roberta gets slammed up against a wall, and she flashes to the acid rain wasteland in her mind. She smashes the guard in the head with a fire extinguisher. Teller gives them uniforms.

Sarge thinks Czarnecki has suffered enough. 10K gets a bead on him, but a bullet from the cabin hits the car he’s under. He fires back, and gets the sniper right between the eyes. One of the soldiers tells Addie to kill him or they’ll kill her. She goes to the gun, and communicates with Lucy. Both she and 10K look through their gun sights. I realize my mouth is open. They both shoot at the same time. The bullets meet each other perfectly in slow motion, melding into one another, and it’s awesome.

Teller, Roberta, and Murphy go to the Founder’s house. Someone is being eaten on the lawn. Roberta asks if it’s a zombie, but Teller says he doesn’t know. It could be something else, but he doesn’t know what. They have to get through the residence to get to the helipad. The Founder is sitting in the living room with two women, and asks what they need. Teller says to get to the stairwell. He explains that more men are needed, and he didn’t want to burden him with what’s happening. Things have taken a turn. The Founder says that he’s aware of the spreading of misinformation; it’s insidious and has to stop. Teller thinks he knows what’s happening, but doesn’t get the bigger picture, which makes him the most dangerous man on earth. He babbles about the most ignorant ten percent believing they have comparable knowledge to those around them, and don’t understand that they don’t know. Teller says they have to get on the helicopter.

Murphy takes off his helmet and steps forward. The Founder says he missed him at Bridge, and asks what brings him there. Murphy says a chopper ride, and the Founder says that he loves chopper rides. He’s concerned with Murphy missing the talent show, but Murphy says that’s not for a few weeks. The Founder remembers a previous show where they accidentally lit someone on fire, and says it was the most fun he ever had. This probably doesn’t come across as amusing as it actually was. The exchange sounded like actors doing improv while high.

The founder takes in some oxygen from his portable tank with the skull mask. He has big plans for Murphy, and wants him by his side at all times. Murphy wants to be there right, but now he has to go. The Founder says that he has no idea of what’s in store; the glorious things. In time, all be known, but first, the reset. Murphy backs away. The three go to the helipad.

The shooting continues at the cabin. Sarge says that they have to mercy Czarnecki, and asks Lily if she has a clean shot. On the count of three, the others shoot at the cabin. Lily hesitates, but shoots Czarnecki in the head. I say the eff word – he turned anyway. Doc is like, wtf? and Czarnecki goes crazy. 10K shoots him, and he ricochets toward the cabin. Doc and Addie both say, wth? at the same time, and Addie shoots him, and he reverses direction again. He’s like a pinball, bouncing back and forth. Addie sees that it’s 10K under the truck, and her cheek gets grazed by a bullet. Lucy runs to her. Czarnecki is still nuts, and Sarge tells the rest to fall back. Get in the truck and jet.

Addie tells Lucy to go, but she says no. Addie says that she’ll find her. Get to Newmerica. Lucy slams a soldier into the wall and runs, but she gets pulled back in. Addie fights off another guy, and pushes her thumbs into his eyeballs. Man, she is pissed. A soldier throws Lucy in the back seat of a truck. Addie feels Lucy leaving, and mentally tells her to find the others, not realizing she’s been kidnapped.

Sun wakes up and looks around. It’s quiet. She goes outside, and the camp is empty. I say wtf? out loud. She walks around the camp, but there’s no one anywhere. If there were tumbleweeds, they’d be blowing through. She looks in the tents, but nothing. An opening has been torn in the fence and she goes through it

Teller orders the elevator to go to the helipad. He says that Roberta seemed like she was somewhere else, something is triggering her visions, and interrupting her reality. He says it’s common. Murphy wonders what they’re doing – it’s the apocalypse for God’s sake. Teller says that his daughter is alive. The population has been depleted, but there’s a small group of survivors. Military personnel have set up a refugee camp. He gives them some directions, saying the helicopter will take them to the mainland. After that, they’re on their own. He’s staying behind. He tells Roberta not to ignore her visions; the unconscious is a powerful thing. He starts getting sick. Roberta asks if he took the vaccine, but he tells her to get going. Too late. He grabs Roberta, who  sees the wasteland.

She and Teller scuffle, in both real life and in her vision. Where’s Murphy? There he is. He shoots Teller in the back of the head while they’re struggling. Roberta says they gotta move.

Sarge gets back to camp. They come in at the ready. Doc says where the hell is everyone? 10K calls for Red. Doc says they’re gone. Lily says just like convoy. 10K runs out of the fence opening, and Doc yells after him.

Murphy and Roberta get in the helicopter. He asks if she believes Teller. He can’t feel Lucy. Roberta says she believes him. The helicopter takes off.

Addie picks up her spiky club, and continues through the forest. Barely.

Next time, a black rainbow, going east, and welcome back to the apocalypse.

👻  Ghost Wars looks promising. Meat Loaf is in the cast. I belonged to Meat Loaf’s fan club for a while, and got to go to a taping of a special he did for VH1 when Welcome to the Neighborhood was released. It was a lot of fun, but I learned never to wear black when you’re going to be in a crowd on TV. You will never be able to see yourself. I also met him once at a signing for the same CD. That wasn’t quite as glorious. He was gracious enough to agree to a photo, and my husband couldn’t seem to work the camera, despite Meat Loaf giving him instructions. I was mortified. He did put “love” before his autograph though.

💍 90 Days still on hold. Life gets in the way while you’re making other plans.

Quotes of the Week

I really didn’t feel anything when I heard Hef died. He started out as an innovator and was a very liberal guy. He was pro abortion, gay rights, marijuana. He was very ahead of his time and then when he moved from Chicago to Holmby Hills, he became just another dirty old rich man. – Stefan Tetenbaum – Hugh Hefner‘s valet

The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated. – Mahatma Gandhi

I don’t care to try a chicken foot. – Chantel’s mother, Karen, 90 Day Fiancé

WeekendMadeIt

 

 

 

 

Oct2

October 1, 2017 – The Shahs Take Manhattan, An Overcrowded Pantry & a Classic

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

Shahs of Sunset

MJ tells Tommy to never call again, and she’s going to get pregnant with someone else. She is seriously out of her mind. He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to her. At least since I’ve been watching this show. She wakes up with him next to her though. He came back at midnight. She tells him that he was coming at her really hard. She wonders what happened to their decision, but he wants to make sure they’re ready. She asks if he sees neglect of love in her. she says they’ve been talking for a year and time is of the essence. She asks if he wants to make a commitment to being healthy, and he says yes, a commitment to being adults. Good luck with this. MJ starts to draw an affirmation board on the wall. She lists parenting class; diet and exercise; and sobriety. Tommy jokes that now she’s ruined it. She says she doesn’t want a bastard, and marriage comes before anything happens. I’m still puzzled that anyone uses that word, other than when cursing someone out, but then I remember she has Vida for a mother.

Mike goes to see his lawyer. He tells us that there’s a six-month process to end a divorce. He thanks the lawyer for making it as painless as possible. The lawyer tells Mike that everything is done, and they’re walking away with their own assets, waiving any future claims of alimony. In his interview, Mike says that for the first few years of the relationship, he and Jessica were on Cloud 9, and spent every day together. They had the wedding of their dreams, but anyone in a real relationship understands that there are trials and tribulations. We flash back to some of those, including Mike cheating. Mike says he can’t change the past; it’s done. He signs the papers. The lawyer says that it usually takes a couple of months to be finalized.

The gang travels to NYC to see GG’s play. When they get to the townhouse rental, Mike says that GG probably took the best room already, and Tommy suggests that GG has already peed in the corners to mark her territory. A concierge greets them, saying her name is Georgia. MJ asks if she can get some Chinese food. Mike says that him and this group of Persians are going to lose their sh*t in the city. GG and Shalom come downstairs. Everyone checks out their rooms. Mike breaks out the tequila. Reza and Adam are visiting a rabbi, and Mike thinks they should be married again, so it’s by an honest person. We flash back to Asa officiating at their wedding, and Mike brings up how Asa lied about her pregnancy. In his interview, he says him, GG, and MJ are on the same island; a friendship not based on trust isn’t a friendship.

GG says Shalom is supportive, but not thrilled that she’s going to kiss someone in the play, which he just found out. MJ asks if it bothers him – truth – but he’s saved by the doorbell. It’s a ton of Chinese food. Reza asks how they met, and Shalom says J-Date. Mike says that GG has dated nearly every nationality, so why not throw a Persian Jew in the mix, noting that he’s the best guy she’s dated. MJ toasts to GG being able to hear now. In his interview, Reza says she’s been trying to get her life in order, but she’s three seconds from biting someone’s head off. Mike says he’s going to drink them all under the table tonight.

Adam asks GG how she thinks Shalom is going to react. Tommy asks if he’s seen any of it, but he says he’s not going to be there. Adam thinks he should be more supportive, but he’s annoyed about her kissing another man, and decides to leave. Reza can’t believe it, and follows him upstairs, with MJ not far behind. He asks why Shalom is leaving. Shalom curses Reza and MJ out. Reza wonders why he’s freaking out, and reminds him that his name means peace. Mike says he’s jealous, and asks if GG’s ego is her amigo. He says it’s the way she protects herself, and she’s going to lose Shalom. He encourages her to talk to him. Reza asks if Shalom is crazy. Shalom gives us all the finger on his way down the stairs, and says he’s bouncing. GG can’t find her shoes. Reza wonders how the night went south so quickly.

Mike tries to get Shalom to come back in. He tells Shalom that he doesn’t know what he’s doing. GG says the entire play is about sex, and he’s known it the whole time. Shalom comes back in, and Mike says it’s just a show, but Shalom says it’s about money. He asks GG if she’s broke. She says what if she’s trying to pursue that kind of career. In her interview, MJ says that Persian men are jealous and overbearing, and a horrifying experience to try to live with. Either you have to live like a nun or don’t date a Persian. GG says it’s not about money. She found something she’s passionate about that keeps her sane. She’s been working hard at her acting; she’s not just an effing slut. Reza asks if there’s tongue involved. She says no, and Mike says maybe she should explain that. Shalom says he’s not a bitch on a leash; and he goes to bat for her. Mike says they’ve rallied behind him. Shalom says they’ve been his family, but he has family, and wants to go back to them. GG wonders why this is coming out now. He’d told her it wasn’t a problem.

Shalom says he left his family for the relationship. Reza says he’s lived it since he was a kid. His dad turned his back on his family, and he deals with sh*t like this from something that happened in Iran fifty years ago. He knows all about it. He talks privately with GG, and says it struck a chord. She says this came out of nowhere. MJ says neither one of them are being productive. This, coming from someone who was totally unreasonable just the night before. Tommy calls to MJ upstairs. She tells GG to do it the old-fashioned way, and tell him what he wants to hear. Reza calls it an old Persian trick. He suggests she tell Shalom that Saturday is her last night.

They go downstairs. Reza gets everyone else out, saying he has something to show them. GG asks what Shalom is talking about with his family. He tells her to keep his family out of it. She says there was no conversation. He won’t even look at her. In her interview, she says she’s put away her ego and stubbornness to be better for him, but he’s just another d*ck. She says he doesn’t respect her, and wonders what she did. He tells her she’s crazy right now. She tells him that he’s the person yelling at everyone and running down the street. She has a right to have a reaction. He says he does too. GG says she can turn it up, and starts getting loud, and saying bring it. She tells him that she’s better when people stand up to her. She say,s you wanna go, let’s go. Shalom heads for the door, and she tells him to do what he does best – run. She says he’s being evil, when she’s been nothing but nice. On his way out, he tells her good life. She tells him good luck with his. The door closes behind Shalom and his suitcase.

Tommy asks where they’re registering for gifts, making us all laugh. Reza asks Mike if he’s happy he’s single at moments like this. Reza thinks it’s easier dealing with another man. He won’t fight at that decibel, because he can say and do things he can’t take back. Adam sits with GG. He tells her that he’s sorry about the outcome, but applauds her for sticking up for herself. He says let’s talk about a bigger issue. What’s she going to do about the tattoo? She laughs. Everyone turns in. Reza is glad he’s not single. He says that sh*t is too much drama for anybody’s mama. Adam says so they’re going to do surrogacy, right? MJ tells Tommy that she appreciates him.

Shalom texts GG, saying they need to talk. She goes outside.

Reza says he’s a Persian alarm clock, doing that yodeling thing, and going into each room. Reza sees that GG isn’t alone, and asks what’s going on. She says she went to meet with Shalom. Adam asks if it’s him, and GG says no, it’s just a random guy. (She’s kidding.) Reza wonders how she got Shalom to come back. He says they’re seeing the rabbi, and want to lay out the plan for the day. When they gather downstairs, GG says that Shalom sent her a text to meet him in Times Square, and shows Reza her engagement ring. We see the proposal, and there were illuminated signs that says GG will you marry me? along with her photo. No surprise, it’s a gorgeous ring, a bedazzling diamond square, surrounded by smaller diamonds. Reza and MJ congratulate her. Tommy wanders downstairs, wearing red Christmas-themed pajamas. Reza demonstrates how GG should walk around with her ring prominently displayed. He tells Mike that they just went from DEFCON 5 to engagement. In his interview, Mike says this just might work. Reza says that he and Adam have to leave, but wants to meet afterwards. I would assume that Shalom planned this all along, since renting Times Square, including signage, probably has to be booked ahead. So did he stage the fight?

Reza and Adam go to the 6th Street Synagogue. They want to raise their kids Jewish, and are meeting with an orthodox rabbi. Reza wants their kids to have the structure he didn’t have. The rabbi says that life is a sacred journey. Adam asks if he has to convert. The rabbi tells him no, but it’s a different experience when shared. He says that Adam and Reza’s sensibilities are the same, and explains that a non-Jew is still given space in the community, and nothing will stop him from belonging. Reza talks about meeting with a surrogacy doctor, and the rabbi says he and his partner had children that way. It was a powerful way to be actively involved, as the body is a powerful space. Reza asks what to say when the kid asks who their mom is, and the rabbi explains says they told their children that they’d asked the biological mother to help them. He tells them a kid who’s loved is fine. Reza gets weepy, and says how grateful he is. The rabbi tells them that we care most about the things that are hardest, and difficulty shouldn’t be feared.

Everyone goes to a jewelry store. Mike wants his guy to give MJ a deal on a watch, since she’s the cheapest person ever. It’s a $10K watch, and she gets it for $7.5K. Mike says she’s valuing herself at a higher level, which means her life is progressing. She gets Tommy a watch too, and tells us she loves him more today than ever. That part of her looking for a reason not to believe in love, is gone. For lunch, they go to a restaurant called Hunt & Fish. Reza and Adam join them. MJ shows off her watch, and Reza is shocked. Mike shows them a picture of himself on his phone, where he’s loaded down with gold chains, saying he had a hip hop moment. MJ gives Tommy his gift. She says it’s symbolic of her telling him that she’ll always have time for him. Wonder how long it took for her to think that up?

Reza wants to run something by the group. He suggests hiring a party planner, and throwing a party to celebrate everything. He asks who Mike will bring, and he says his mom. He explains the different levels of having a relationship with a woman, and says that once they meet your friends, next thing is a double-date and you’re in the dating zone. It took him a year to introduce Jessica to his parents. MJ asks how she is. He says she’s cool, and GG says she saw her during her rehearsal period. Reza asks if they’re in a good place, and Mike says it’s awkward. They don’t know how to feel, but he’s always going to love her, and would always be there for her. In his interview, he says that for a year, he thought about what he would have given up to fix it. GG and MJ think that they’ll get back together. Reza tells Mike that whatever his decision is, they’ll embrace it. In his interview, Reza says that Mike is still in love with Jessica, and thinks he should try again. He can’t live with one foot in, and one foot out.

Next time, skating in the city, the Shahs go to Queens, GG performs, and Mike meets with Jessica.

Fear the Walking Dead

Everyone mills around the pantry. Alicia hands out something that looks like Gatorade. Madison tells someone to turn on the air. Alicia sees that Blake has a wound, and he quickly covers it up. Ofelia says there’s a problem. There’s no air coming through. She says they have to get out of there. I don’t know what’s up with this show, but again the background soundtrack is way too loud.

Troy buries Jake. He tells Nick that Jake was better than they are; that’s why he’s gone. Nick says that his brother is dead because of the mess brought down on them. If they die, it’s because they failed.

Alicia works on a calculation. She says they have two hours before carbon dioxide kills them. Crazy Dog says the best case is them dying from it. Alicia thinks they can buy time. Fewer people means less carbon dioxide, and some of them have been bitten. Crazy Dog suggests lice checking, but Alicia says they can’t force them. She says they’ll kill him if he tries to kill them, but he says they’re already dead.

Alicia gets everyone’s attention. She says they’re all scared. They don’t know what’s happening out there, and they’re less sure in here. The vent is broken, and their only airway is blocked. This means if they can’t fix it, they suffocate. The enemy isn’t what’s out there, but time. The more people who are in there, the less time they have. So, she’s asking for those bitten to come forward. There are no takers, and I laugh. Crazy Dog says it’s the hard way then, and stares at Blake. Blake lifts his shirt, showing the bite mark. Another guy comes forward, followed by a woman, and people start to stand up.

Nick tells Troy that there are too many of them. They need to create a way through them. Troy thinks they should blow up the fuel lines, distracting the zombies, and make a break for the pantry. Alicia gives Ofelia a gun, and asks if she’ll be okay up there. Ofelia says sure, and asks if Alicia will be okay down here. Ofelia climbs into the ventilation system.

Alicia looks at Blake, and he opens up a box of painkillers. He explains to the bitten people that it will knock them out. Alicia says, then you’ll be taken care of. Someone points out that there’s not enough ammunition. Another guy asks if they’ll be stabbed, and a woman starts crying. An older guy says he doesn’t feel so bad, and maybe the bite wasn’t that deep, reminding me of the Black Plague scene in Life of Bryan. The people start arguing, but Christine says that morphine is the best feeling in world. They’ll be in heaven before they get there. One of Walker’s men volunteers to go first. They go into another room. He lies down, and Alicia injects him. When he’s out, she stabs him. We don’t really see it, but it looks like it’s the base of his skull. She comes out crying, and drops the knife. Christine hands it back to her. She says that she knows it’s hell, but those people have done their part, and she has to do hers. They need her because she’s strong. Don’t break on them now.

Troy and Nick have decided to blow the fuel lines to distract the zombies. Nick shoots the line, and the zombies turn toward the smoke and fire, because they’re not super bright. Troy drives the truck through the horde. Heads roll, and blood drips from the windshield. Troy crashes the truck, T-boning a parked car, and he and Nick jump out, shooting and making a beeline for the helicopter. Somehow, they get inside, where Troy collapses with laughter.

Blake is last. He tells Alicia she has to do this now. He rolls up his sleeve. He tells Alicia that he’s sorry, and she says that it’s okay; it’s gonna be okay. She injects him. He slips away, and I wonder why they just didn’t let them overdose on morphine, and stab them as soon as they were dead?

Alicia comes back out, and everyone is staring at her, which I’m sure really helps things.

Ofelia crawls through the vent with Crazy Dog behind her. She tells him that they have to turn around, and go feet first. Apparently, turning around isn’t easy in a tight space, and is kind of like parallel parking in NYC. Crazy Dog starts banging on the side of the metal tunnel, and Ofelia tells him that he’s going to hyperventilate. She tells him to breathe, and counts. He begins to calm down.

Alicia says she shouldn’t have brought them there. Christine tells Alicia that her husband was in the first tower when it fell. She tied calling his cell over and over, because then there was a chance she might hear him again. Even when you’re hopeless, hope is all you have. Alicia has given them a few precious hours; there’s no shame in that. Christine says that she met her second husband in a support group; he was a first responder. He made her laugh. She says good sex is fine, but if they’re not funny, forget it. I agree. Alicia asks who brought her there, and she says it was her second husband, Jerry. Jerry was convinced the towers were the beginning of the end, and the ranch felt like a perfect fit. They spent their last years hiding from the world, when they could have been exploring it. She asks Alicia to promise her to never make decisions based on fear

Crazy Dog tells Ofelia that it hasn’t happened in a while, and he’s sorry. Ofelia says no need to be, and asks if he was in Iraq. He tells her yes, and she says her dad saw stuff that haunted him until the end. It’s the price you pay. He says his son was terrified of him, and he’d had an episode one of the last times he saw him. Ofelia asks if he’s ready.

Christine and Alicia talk about fun things they’ve done. Christine burned her bra at Woodstock. Alicia talks about a talent show at summer camp. She was supposed to sing This Land is Your Land, but when the music started, she froze and couldn’t remember the words. She looked out, and saw Nick’s face like he was living it with her. He ran up on stage, and forgot everything too, so he blasted out this land is your land over and over. Then after the twentieth time, he took giant bow, and everyone applauded and gave him a standing ovation. She says they loved him. Christine asks if they were close, and Alicia says when they were kids, but it changed. She looked up to him when she was young, more than anyone, even her dad. She starts to nod out, and sees that Christine is asleep. She tells her to wake up. She looks around, and everyone around them is sleeping. She gets up, but she’s groggy, and finds it hard to walk. Everyone is either asleep or on their way.

Zombies surround the helicopter. Nick runs the propellers, so there’s some nice slicing action, but some break the window. Troy says it’s quite a place to die, but Nick says they’re not dying.

Alicia talks to herself, while she struggles to look around. She drags herself to some steel shelving, and pulls herself up. She sees a ranch woman turned zombie, feeding, and it comes after her. She takes out the knife, and keeps pushing the zombie back, as she tries to get a better grip. The zombie gets her down – and falls on the knife. Um… she better get to whoever that one was feeding on. Yep, they’re all starting to stand up.

Ofelia and Crazy Dog continue on. Zombie sounds can be heard from outside. They finally reach the vent, but they’re both struggling not to pass out. Ofelia tells Crazy Dog to help her up. As she climbs, the zombies get louder. Crazy Dog passes out, and Ofelia falls, a zombie falling on top of her. I guess it was stuck in the vent. She keeps him at bay, and then shoots him. She starts to climb again.

Alicia is seriously outnumbered. She pushes the now really dead woman off of her, and kicks a zombie in the head. She stabs it, and fights another off. She calls for Christina, but she’s out, so Alicia quickly drags her out of the fray. I dunno. She looks dead to me. Alicia locks the gate behind them. She grabs a gun, and puts a cartridge in. As the zombies come toward them, she shoots them.

Troy tells Nick to choose, you or me, but something starts blowing up. The lights go out in the pantry, and sparks shoot out of the fixtures.

Troy tells Nick, you or me, choose, but something starts blowing up the lights go out in the pantry and sparks are shooting out of the fixtures. Alicia runs out, and zombies crowd her, but she throws them off left and right.

There are gunshots and zombies drop. The cavalry is here. Madison and crew arrive, along with Nick and Troy. Alicia tries to get Christine to wake up, but that’s a no. Walker tells Madison that they have to go or be trapped. Alicia stabs Christine in the head.

Looking out to the range, Madison says it could have worked. Nick says they got there before he and Troy did. Madison tells him that they have fuel enough to go where they need to – the trading post. They supply up, and can be at the dam by morning. Madison asks if Walker told Ofelia, but he says she’s still in shock. Madison tells her that her father is alive, and her to bring Ofelia back. Walker confirms that it’s true. Madison says that he thought Ofelia was dead and is desperate to see her. Madison says that they have to move, the explosions are attracting more. Alicia comes out, and I wonder why she looks like she desperately needs a shower, when Madison, Victor and Walker look fresh as daisies.

Madison and Nick hug Alicia. She asks where Jake is, and Nick shakes his head. I suddenly wonder if Alicia will end up being pregnant. She asks how, and Troy says that he was bitten, and had to be put down. She asks Nick where the horde came from. He doesn’t know, and says that Troy saw it coming and tried to warn them, but it was too late. Madison tells Alicia they’re leaving soon; they found Daniel at the dam. Alicia tells her to stop pretending. No place is safe. It doesn’t exist, yet they kill and die for it. She doesn’t have to choose Madison’s way. Victor says that there’s water and walls at the dam, so it’s the best choice. Walker tells them let’s move while it’s still daylight.

Alicia asks Madison to show her where they’re going on a map. Madison says they’ll be there by morning, and Alicia says she’s not going. Madison thinks that she’s still in shock, but Alicia says she’s seeing things more clearly than ever. Madison’s way doesn’t work, and won’t. She needs to find a way to live for herself, and she can’t do it running in fear, or with any of them. She’s not asking; she’s telling. Madison can’t force her to come. With rations and a weapon, she can survive. Jake showed her a place, but she needs to go there alone.

Walker starts the truck.

Alicia drives away. Nick asks Madison if he should follow, but Madison doesn’t want to lose them both. Nick says he’ll make sure she’s safe, and meet them. She won’t lose anyone. Madison tells him to take Troy along, and promise he’ll come back.

Madison gets in the fuel truck. We hear Woody Guthrie’s This Land is Your Land, as we see the pantry full of zombies and real dead. Everyone heads toward their respective destinations, and the song continues as we see the expanse of land.

Next time a ball pit full of zombies, Alicia sees someone, and Daniel asks #WhereIsOfelia.

This Land is Your Land

Sep30

September 29, 2017 – Patient 6 is Good with a Paperclip, Z Nation Returns, So Does Hell’s Kitchen & Michael Berryman

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

General Hospital

Alexis and Sam visit Jason. Alexis encourages Sam to get moving on her follow-up appointment with Dr. Bensch. Sam wants to reschedule, but Alexis and Jason won’t let her. When they’re gone, Jason looks at the postcard again.

Franco is nervous to return to the art therapy program. Elizabeth says he’ll be fine. She tells him good luck, and takes Jake to visit Jason.

In Russia, the nurse checks Patient 6’s vitals. Dr. Kline says he’s lucky to be alive. He tells the nurse that greed comes back to bite you. They offered him a fortune to keep Patient 6 there, but he’s more trouble than he’s worth. The doctor can’t wait to get him out of there.

Someone comes into Ava’s room while she’s sleeping. It’s Griff.

Patient 6 is being transported today, and Dr. Kline wants no trace of him having been there. When the doctor leaves the room, Patient 6 takes out a paperclip.

Ava asks why Griff is there, and he says to see her. He tells her that she has no idea how beautiful she is.

Kristina goes to Parker’s office. She tells Parker that her brother-in-law is awake. Parker says it’s amazing, and the family must be relieved. Kristina says that Molly will be missing a class or two. They go the extra mile for the people they care about, like she just did.

Dillon meets Kiki for lunch. He notes she ordered two lunches, but one of them is for Dr. Bensch, who suddenly appears. He has to jet though, and tells Dillon he’s welcome to the lunch.

Sam tells Alexis that they’re early, and Dr. Bensch isn’t available yet. She wants to leave, but Alexis says no, they’ll wait. Sam doesn’t like Jason being alone. Alexis says her sisters will be happy to help, but Sam doesn’t think so, and says on second thought, Jason could use some alone time. Alexis asks if she’s going to talk to Julien. She thinks somebody should tell him. Sam asks if that somebody is Alexis.

Griff picks up a hand mirror, and shows Ava her face. She looks normal again. He says she’s as gorgeous as ever. If only she worked as hard to heal her soul as she has her face. She wakes up.

Griff calls Anna. He leaves a message saying he narrowed the location of the clinic, but doesn’t have an address. Franco comes in the locker room. He tells Griff they reinstated the art therapy program. Griff asks if he’s been in contact with Ava, but Franco hasn’t talked to her. Griff says that she seems to be MIA, and Franco wonders why it’s stressing Griff out.

Dr. Kline asks if Ava is all right. She tells him that she’s just having bad dreams. He says the first procedure went smoothly, and wants her rested for the next. He goes to get her something to help her sleep.

Patient 6 screws around with the paperclip, trying to get the cuffs open.

I have an interruption, but don’t miss enough to slog through the pirated video online.

Jake goes to get something, and Jason tells Elizabeth that he’s doing well. Elizabeth says he’s strong, but they’ve been there for him. Jason asks if she means her and Franco.

Franco asks if Ava owes Griff money. Griff says that he thinks she’s in trouble, and Franco suggests he get a hazmat suit if he’s going to deal with her. Griff tells Franco that they’re friends, and Franco finds it hard to believe, since they’re polar opposites. Griff says like Franco and Elizabeth.

Patient 6 drops the paperclip, and I say bad words. Someone picks it up. It’s Ava, who just took a tremendous chance unless they have adjoining rooms.

Jason tells Elizabeth that he sees Franco got back in touch with his artistic side. She says the exhibit was old paintings, but he did get the art program back at GH. Jason says they’ll be living and working together now; so much togetherness. She wonders if Jason has a problem with that. Jake shows Jason some pictures he’s organizing. Jason asks if he’s missing one, and Jake wonders if he’s talking about the one he and Franco did together.

Franco tells Griff about giving the money from the exhibit to the hospital. Griff says the old pieces must have stirred up feelings, and Franco says he’s been talking to Elizabeth. Griff mentions the painting he didn’t want to talk about, and Franco starts to singsong, Griff and Ava sitting in a tree. Griff says he has confusing feelings, and Ava is halfway around the globe and hurting. Franco asks what he’s doing there then, and tells him to go find her.

Patient 6 works with the paperclip on the cuffs. Ava chatters at him, saying she can’t believe he can free himself with a paperclip, and he tells her that she should go. She says, and miss this? She’ll take her chances.

Sam tells Alexis that she hasn’t had a perfect scorecard with love either, and veers in the direction of danger. She wouldn’t change anything, but it hasn’t always been easy. Alexis says she doesn’t want Sam to make the same mistake she did with her children. Molly is the good one, but they haven’t always seen red flags. Look at Kristina.

Kristina tells Parker that she’s been bombing in her business classes, and shows Parker her latest dud paper. Parker says economics isn’t her forte, but Kristina says she’s not there for help. She thinks the universe is trying to tell her something. Parker suggests it’s to study more. Kristina thinks maybe she should focus on real world experiences. Parker wonders why she’s getting the feeling that it’s a done deal. Kristina says she dropped her classes. Now there’s no more obstacles preventing them from seeing each other.

Kiki wonders if Dillon is jealous, and he says who wouldn’t be. Dr. Bensch gets to spend massive amounts of time with her, and now he’s buying her lunch. She says it was a sandwich, but Dillon says fries were included – that’s huge. Kiki says she’s also busy with school, her study group, and him. Dillon knows if it weren’t for Dr. Bensch she wouldn’t be on the fast track, but wishes he was helping. Kiki asks how she would function without the foot and backrubs, and conversation about non-medical things. He says he’ll walk her back to the hospital. He tells her please, how could he be jealous of a middle-aged guy in scrubs. Ouch.

Sam tells Alexis that she’s needs to get out and join the dating pool. Alexis is like, no way, and Sam asks if she’s still holding a torch for Julien. Alexis says it’s more like a match, but Sam says the best thing to do is move on. There are a ton of eligible bachelors in Port Charles; pick one. Dr. Bensch shows up, and Sam introduces him. He says he’s already reviewed her stats, and she’ll be in and out quickly. She says that she wants to get back to Jason, and they make small talk about that. Sam tells Dr. Bensch that they’re thinking of having a party for everyone who had a hand in taking care of Jason, so he’s invited. She tells him he can bring his wife or girlfriend, and he tells her he’s single and straight. She says a handsome doctor who’s unattached; what are the odds?

Griff tells Franco that finding Ava is easier said than done. Franco asks if he has any idea where she is, and Griff tells him a clinic in St. Petersburg, Russia. Franco asks what’s the hold-up? Grab a Russian dictionary, and hop on the next flight. Griff asks what he’s supposed to do when he gets there, and Franco tells him to hit up every hospital. Someone will point him in the right direction. Griff says that he’s waiting for friend to call back, and Franco says he can wait in Russia and be productive, or wait here, wringing his hands.

Patient 6 finishes getting free from the cuffs. Ava can’t believe he did that. He tells her to go back to her room; he’s going home. She asks how he’s going to do that, and if he even has a passport. She tells him that they’re planning on moving him today. He hears someone in the hallway, and tells her to get out. He waits behind the door, and when the guard or orderly or whatever he is comes in, Patent 6 jumps him and they fight.

Jake brings up the picture of Jason and Franco, but Elizabeth says that wasn’t Jason; it was a neighbor boy. He looks a lot like Jason, but Franco explained that it couldn’t have been him. Jake shows them a picture of Jason as a boy on his tablet. Elizabeth says there’s a resemblance, and Jake says they could be twins.

Patient 6 and nameless guy continue to fight. Patient 6 finally knocks him out. Ava comes back out, and asks who the hell he is.

Sam asks Dr. Bensch to ease her mother’s fears about her health while she goes to change. Alexis asks a couple of questions, but he has the feeling she already knows the answers. She strikes him as a woman who does her research. She asks if she strikes him as a woman who lets her daughter run roughshod over her, and says he must know what Sam is trying to do. He says she’s trying to set them up, but he likes it.

Parker thinks Kristina is being impulsive, but Kristina says that doesn’t mean she’s making a mistake. Parker says that Kristina’s parents don’t like her as it is, now she’s dropped out of school because of her. Kristina says that wasn’t the only reason, and they’ll come around once they get to know her. Parker asks what if they don’t, and Kristina says that she’s an adult and makes her own choices. The business degree isn’t what she wants. She thought Parker had feelings for her, and wonders if she’s wrong.

Griff says that Franco makes good points. Franco asks if the conversation was actually helpful. Griff says it was strange, but it got him thinking. Franco tells him that from personal experience, the only thing worse than not getting what you want is not living at all.

Elizabeth tells Jake that it’s just a coincidence. There’s only one Jason, and there’s no one else like him. Jake says he’s like Jason, and Jason hopes in good ways. He asks how Jake’s therapy is going, and Jake says they talk about Star Wars. Jason thanks Elizabeth for bringing him, and says the next time, Jake will be able to visit him at home. When they’re gone, Jason looks at the postcard again.

Patient 6 cuffs the now unconscious nameless guy to the bed, and goes through his pockets. He looks into the hallway, and tells Ava it’s clear and to get out. She tells him there’s a ton of security between there and the front door. He says he’s not going that way. She says that she doesn’t even know his name, but good luck, whoever you are. He thanks her and says that he owes her. She leaves, and he fiddles with his mask.

Parker tells Kristina that she’s not wrong. She has strong feelings, but education is important. Kristina says the timing isn’t right. Parker doesn’t want her to regret what she’s doing, but Kristina says that life is short. Between business and love, she’s picking love. Parker asks if she’s free for dinner. Kristina says she is, and Parker says it’s a date.

Jason stares at the postcard, and looks at the phone.

At the hospital, Franco asks Elizabeth and Jake how the visit went. Jake informs him that people can hear you when they’re in a coma. Elizabeth asks how Franco’s first day back was, but he says he’s just getting started. He asks Jake if that’s true what he said about being in a coma. Jake says that his father said he could hear him, he just wasn’t strong enough to talk back. Franco flashes back to talking to Jason, saying if they’re connected to wake up and tell him who he is, so Franco can figure out who he is, and why he’s done what he’s done.

Franco’s phone rings. It’s Jason. He says he’s been awake for almost two days and Franco hasn’t visited. He’s disappointed. He asks why Franco doesn’t come over right now.

Ava is back in her room, looking at a magazine, when Dr. Kline comes in with something to help her sleep. He tells her that success can’t be rushed. She’ll realize when they’re done, and she’s back to her old self. He gets a message that it’s time to transport Patient 6.

Griff leaves a message for Anna that he’s on his way to the airport, and if her contacts come through, to call him. Kiki says she was totally eavesdropping. He says that he wanted to see her anyway. He’s going after her mom. She asks if he’s found out where she is. He tells her not the exact location, but he’s narrowed it down. He says it’s better than waiting and doing nothing. He’s done trying, now he’s going. She asks how he can help, and he asks if she speaks Russian. That’s a no, so he tells her to hold down the fort and pray. Kiki tells him if he finds her mother – he says when – to tell her that she loves her.

Dr. Kline finds the guy cuffed to Patient 6’s bed. He makes an announcement that Patient 6 is on the loose. Everyone should be on the alert. Do not let him make it outside.

Patient 6 runs through a hallway and busts through a door. What do you know? Ta-da! It’s Steve Burton. Like we didn’t know this.

On Monday, Michael accuses Nelle of lying, Jason wants to know why Franco visited him in the ICU, and Paitent 6/Steve Burton/ real Jason (?) needs a favor.

Z Nation

Two years later. Roberta watches as zombies suddenly catch fire in a wasteland. Acid rain starts to come down, and her face melts. She screams.

Roberta wakes up inside of a cocoon in a laboratory. She pulls a tube out of her mouth. Her hair is blonde. Thanks to HDTV, I can see every pore on her nose. She gets up, dressed like a futuristic go-go dancer, in a white crop top and shorts, with little transparent boots. Her hands shake. She strolls around, and picks up a hammer. She walks out to the hallway, and rounds a corner. She sees a child who screams at her. She sees the acid rain in her mind again, and faints.

Roberta opens her eyes to find Murphy standing over her, looking like a normal person. She tells him he’s looking dapper, and he says look who’s back in town. He thought she was dead. He asks if she’s okay, but she’s not sure. He tells her that he’s been cured, and she is too. The bullet that passed through him, hit her. She asks where they are, and where everyone else is. He says she’s been in a coma a long time. She tells him that she was having some weird dreams, and asks how long she’s been out. He tells her for two years. Roberta asks about the others, but Murphy says they didn’t make it. I don’t believe it though. He helps her up. She says she has to get out of there, but he says there’s nowhere to go. There’s nothing left but rotting Z’s.

They get in an elevator. The elevator opens into a park, and Murphy welcomes Roberta to Zona. He tells her they made it; they beat the apocalypse. She can’t believe the rest are all dead, but he says things got so bad in the old world, they’re probably better off. He misses them, even 10K. He tells her that she owes enjoying her life to everyone who didn’t make it. She tells him that she needs to change, but he tells her that it’s Thursday, and clothing is optional. He’s right, because we see two nakey people walk by. Roberta says she hasn’t known the days of the week in years. Murphy gives her the tour.

Murphy tells Roberta that they have all seven days, like when it was pre-Z. They have everything except zombies and the clap, which they eradicated. They stroll through the town, and everyone says hello to Murphy. He tells Roberta that they have tennis, golf, and other recreational activities, like real people, and everything is free when you’re with The Murph. Roberta rolls her eyes, and he says he can’t help it if they owe him their lives. She asks if the vaccine worked, and he says of course. With his blood and the best lab money could buy, what could go wrong?

He takes Roberta to the Giant Museum of Humanity, where they saved what they could, the best of the best of humanity. There’s everything from an Elvis suit to the last case of pop rocks. Roberta sees her reflection in a display case, and touches her hair. She wanders into the hallway, and a guard asks to see bar code. He looks on her wrist, and talks into his radio, saying that there’s a possible unvax. Murphy says she’s with him and introduces her as General Warren. The guard apologizes, and she says that she just woke up from a coma. They continue to walk, and she’s surprised that Murphy made her a general. He says he wanted to make sure they took good care of her.

All dressed up, Roberta and Murphy get into a self-driving car. He can’t wait for her to meet The Founder. He saw it coming before it was coming, and saved what’s left of civilization. He saved humanity, at least the richest of them. She asks what about the rest of the planet, and he says it’s too late. They have a small boat, and can’t save everyone.

A guy runs through the forest, chased by zombies. We see Doc (told you), who has a beard down to his waist, and looks like Moses. He says, now is the time for all good men to kill some puppies and kittens, and mercies the zombies by wielding two hammers. He says it’s a beautiful sight. 10K pops out of nowhere, and head butts him before he realizes it’s Doc.

Up in a treehouse, Doc sits with 10K and Red. 10K says he could have killed Doc, but Doc says it would take way more than a head butt to bring him down. He tells 10K that it’s a nice set-up. It’s been almost two years since they’ve seen each other, and Doc says time flies when you’re killing Z’s. He wants to talk to them about a place called Newmerica, a safe zone in Northern Canada where there are no Z’s. 10K is skeptical, but Doc says it feels right. He tells them that the US government is involved (again, what could go wrong?), and they’re trying to get to the north before snowfall. There’s a waystation refugee camp for survivors. 10K says they have a good spot already. Red says he’s the first human they’ve seen. Doc thinks they might not get another chance, and looking at his beard, asks for a pair of scissors.

A woman is trapped in a car with a zombie, while two men are outside. One has a gun, but he says there’s only one bullet. Another car pulls up, and it’s Addie and Lucy, both rocking a punk-type look, with Addie sporting an eye patch. Addie tells them they’re there to help. Addie gets the woman out of the car, and Lucy calms the zombie. One of the men thanks them, and says they’re going to Newmerica. The other man shoots the zombie. Lucy asks why he did that, and he says it was their mom. The people drive off. Lucy asks Addie if she’s sure she wants to go, but Addie thinks they don’t have a choice. Lucy says, Zona; time to jet. Hey, she used my word.

Murphy tells Roberta that The Founder is a cool guy for being called The Founder, He tells her not to let his appearance frighten her. Really? What could be scary after fighting zombies for years? He used his own blood for the first vaccine, and failed. Not everyone has Murphy’s corpuscles.

OMG! The Founder is Michael Berryman! I love him! Murphy introduces Roberta, but he says everyone knows General Warren. He forgot how beautiful she is. He kisses her hand, and says they’ve met before. He tells Roberta that they all owe her undying gratitude for delivering The Murphy alive. She says it wasn’t easy; half the time she wanted to kill him herself. The Founder takes a breath from his portable oxygen tank. He says she’s funny too. They’ll want her in the gene pool. He says he’d like for her to meet his friends.

The door opens to a group gathered around a dining table. The Founder says he’d like to introduce a hero’s hero, and his new best friend, General Roberta Warren. They all stare at her. The Founder starts to clap, and they follow his lead. The applause gets faster. It’s a weird Stepford-like moment.

At the refugee camp, Dr. Sun directs some workers, and tells some new people to stay within the parameters, especially after dark. A woman complains to a guard that they’re Z bait. He tells her that they take everyone’s welfare seriously, and he thinks she needs a hug. He hugs her, and she calms down. He tells her that human contact is important. He feels better now; how about her? She says if he tries it again, she’ll shoot him. He says, fair enough.

Doc, 10K, and Red arrive at the camp. Dr. Sun hugs them, and asks what happened to Doc. He says that 10K thought he was a Gandalf zombie and coldcocked him. Then he has to explain The Lord of the Rings to 10K.

At the dining table, Murphy says there’s no one more badass than Roberta. One time she chopped the head off of a mutual friend. She says he was already dead, and they barely knew each other; Murphy exaggerates. The Founder tells her that there’s no need to be humble. Roberta says now that they’re cured, they need to learn how to fight. Murphy says not him. Zona is Z free, and his traveling days are over. The Founder tells her that if reports are correct, the last of civilization is in Newmerica. They’ve clawed their way back, and will do it again. He tells her it’s time for renewal, and making way for a new world. It’s the end of the world as we know it, and he feels fine. They can’t wait another decade for the last Z to die of starvation. The moment is here. The window of opportunity to save humanity is closing. They have the shield of the vaccine and the sword of wisdom. It’s time for a reset. Everyone toasts to a reset.

Addie drives like a maniac, trying to shake someone following them. They’re nearly creamed by a huge ball of zombies rolling through, but it misses them and rolls into the car behind them. Addie laughs, and Lucy tells her that it’s not funny; a zombie could have been hurt. There are two soldiers in the car, and the zombies go nuts banging on it. The windshield breaks.

A woman makes small talk with Roberta. The Founder says that he heard her two favorite things are chocolate and killing zombies. He had his pastry chef make a special dessert for her – a chocolate volcano zombie head cake. Murphy tells her that the brains are cherry custard. Roberta cuts into it, and flashes back to repeatedly stabbing a zombie. When she comes back to reality, all of the guests are covered in chocolate and cherry, and she’s destroyed the cake.

Red talks to Sun about the treehouse, and how she hated to give it up. Sun tells her it’s hard to let go of a shred of security. Red asks if she thinks Newmerica is real. She does, but also thinks maybe people need something to believe in. Sun asks Red about 5K. Red says they’d finally made it – we see this as she’s talking – but 5K fell down a hill and was surrounded by a huge flock of crows. When they flew off, 5K was gone. She hopes to see him again one day.

In the car, Murphy tells Roberta that she knows how to make a first impression. Roberta apologizes, and says she has to get out of there. Her hand shakes, and Murphy asks if she’s okay. She says something is wrong with her, and she has to go. She jumps out of the car, and starts to run, avoiding the guards by hiding behind trees. She sees a golf cart, puts on the boots she finds in the back, and rips her gown to make it shorter. She drives the cart to the lab. When she walks inside, a guard tries to stop her, she puts some martial arts moves on him, and he’s down. Ditto the next one. In her mind, she sees the wasteland. She sees a large metal gate with a sign that says zombies beyond this point. She lifts it up, and it opens to the ocean. Guards come up from behind her, and take her away.

Roberta is strapped to a gurney and riding in some kind of medical vehicle, like a rolling examining room. Murphy is there, and she asks where she’s going. He tells her she could have killed the guards, and she can’t go around killing things like she used to. She tells him that he doesn’t understand, and he says to enlighten him. He tells her that she’s the one who doesn’t understand. There’s no one left to save but themselves. He asks her not to go PTSD on him, when this is the first good thing to happen since day one.

Doc gives 10K a box of ammo. 10K asks him what if it sucks, and Doc tells him that life is a crapshoot. He’s young. He might even want to start a family. 10K says that Red doesn’t want children after what happened to 5K. He tells Doc a different story, and we see it differently as he’s talking. When they were searching, they saw this huge black cloud of crows at the bottom of a hill.  They thought they saw him standing in the middle. When the flock cleared, they realized he’d sacrificed himself to save him. We see his clothes and a bloody mess. Doc tells 10K that for not being blood kin, 5K was a lot like him. 10K asks if that’s supposed to make him feel better. Doc says nope. I love Doc. He reminds me of my father.

Another stopped car looks like they’re in trouble. Lucy wonders why everyone in such a hurry to get to Newmerica. She and Addie walk toward the car, but suddenly Lucy tells Addie to stop. She says there are no Z’s there. Instead, it’s a group of guys with guns.

At the camp, a guard tries to contact Rolling Thunder One on his radio, but there’s no answer.

Lucy and Addie are tied up in the back seat. Lucy tells them to let Addie go; she’s the one they want. Using her thoughts, Addie tells Lucy to leave them alone. Keep her eyes on her, and be ready to move. Addie scratches at her non-eye, which I guess is so we can see it. It’s gross, but far from the worst thing on this show.

In her mind, Roberta walks through the wasteland. She sees a control panel, and is about to press a button. IRL, her hand starts to shake. In her dream, she looks up and sees a gigantic stingray (the fish, not the car) floating through the sky. The vehicle stops. Murphy tells her to wake up. She tells him to get her out. He starts to unstrap her, when the door opens. Murphy recognizes Dr. Teller. The doctor tells them to come with him. He has no time to explain.

Back at Zona, one of The Founder’s dinner guests wears a protective suit while he messes with a zombie hand in the lab. It starts to disintegrate until it’s only bones.

Next time, Murphy says it’s not good.

🔪 This time around, Hell’s Kitchen is pitting 16 All Stars – those who did not win in their season, but were still winners in their own right – against each other. The prize is being head chef at Gordon’s Las Vegas restaurant, which pulls in a salary of a quarter of a million dollars. There were a lot of flashbacks from the previous seasons, highlighting the various contestants. The first challenge was a men versus women thing, and the men won. They got to go down a sky slide made of glass from seventy stories up. Which may or may not be your idea of a win. I don’t have the names down, but one of the guys was pretty frightened, and I don’t blame him. He did it anyway, and my hat’s off to him. It did look like fun, but I’d be scared out of my mind. Afterward, was dinner at Wolfgang Puck’s restaurant, and Wolfgang himself was trotted out to greet them. The women got the thankless tasks of cleaning up from the initial opening of the contest. This consisted of taking down the bleachers, taking up the red carpet, and best of all, picking up the zillion pieces of confetti that were dropped. Robyn, who got a one out of five, sinking the ladies’ team, consulted her tiger eye, telling the group that it answers yes or no questions for her. One of the other women made a great point in saying that she guessed Robyn didn’t ask about the salmon. <snort> They should vote her off just for thinking she hears from a tiger eye. Next time is an elimination.

Quotes of the Week

Some failure in life is inevitable. It is impossible to live without failing at something, unless you live so cautiously that you might as well have not lived at all – in which case you fail by default. – J.K. Rowling

For to be free is not merely to case off one’s chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others. – Nelson Mandela

Did you hear about the two guys who stole a calendar? They each got six months. – a character in the Lifetime movie, Break-Up Nightmare, although probably pretty old.

In Honor of Tonight’s Z-miere

An interview:

http://keyw.com/michael-berryman-says-nuclear-radiation-caused-his-strange-appearance-interview/

MichaelBerryman

Michael Berryman

There were many, but I liked this one.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sep25

September 24, 2017 – MJ Issues an Ultimatum, Miles of Zombies & a Puppy

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

Shahs of Sunset

Construction is happening at MJ’s condo. Since she came back from Israel, she’s been thinking about how Mike said to quit using her father’s illness as a reason not to move forward. Her designer brings in a vision board. She says it’s condo first, then baby and marriage. A little out of order, but it all needs to happen. Reza comes by. He’s shocked that his bitching didn’t fall on deaf ears. He tells us beige and messy bitches don’t go together, and tells MJ to pick a color, any color. She picks the worst one. She picks something else, and he okays it. He’s staying out of the design part, but will supply cheap labor – i.e. free. MJ says it’s probably the most responsibility she’s taken on in her life. She tells Reza that she needs some real food, and wine.

Mike brings shoes to the regional manager if Shoe Palace. I’m not familiar with that chain, but he tells us that they sell a lot of shoes, and he’s thrilled to be meeting with them. The manager tells Mike that he says no to small brands 99% of the time, but likes to keep his ear to the streets. And maybe get free advertising for his stores. In his interview, Mike always thought of himself as the breadwinner of his future family. We flash back to him talking to Jessica about creating the shoe line. It didn’t work out, and his motivating factor is gone. He shows the guy teeny tiny shoes for kids, and explains that they’re both premium and dope. The manager says he’s never seen anything like it, and thinks they can make something happen. They bro hug. Mike says it’s bittersweet, since he should be calling his wife, but he’s calling his mom.

Annalise is at Shervin’s unpacking. She says she’s getting professional at it now. She talks about moving in. In his interview, he says it’s a risk on her side, and a responsibility on his, but when they spend time together, the relationship deepens. Zzzzz… He thanks her for not believing the bullsh*t. MJ comes by, bearing a poinsettia. She hates that all her friends wake up in the morning, tell lies, go to sleep, and start over. In particular, Asa and Shervin. She needs the naked, ugly truth. She says she wants to talk to Annalise one-on-one, but Shervin is there, so fine. She just comes out and says that she thinks Shervin cheated on Annalise.

In her interview, MJ says that Shervin is controlling, and wouldn’t let her talk to Annalise privately. Since she’s about to pack up her life in Australia and move in with him, MJ wants her to know. She says he’s like a kid in a candy store when she’s not around, but Annalise says she believes him since he’s never lied to her before. She appreciates MJ saying something, but they don’t understand how open and honest he is. MJ thinks Shervin has been working on her. She hopes that Annalise isn’t being Stepford and having tunnel vision. She says that Annalise is choosing to believe Shervin is honest. Shervin says that in the end, the truth always comes out. In his interview, he thanks Tara for the rumor that brought them closer together. Oh boy, I can’t wait for the reveal, because yeah, the truth always comes out.

Reza meets with Mike at the barbershop. Reza says that Mike is more gay in the grooming department than he is. Mike tells Reza about his blind date with Pursia, a Persian rapper. He says they went dancing and had frozen yogurt, but he’s not seeing her again. He still feels guilty about not making his marriage work. Reza says talk to any of them, but don’t talk to girls he’s dating about his ex-wife. He says Mike needs to close the book, not just the chapter, so he’s not stuck in purgatory.

Shalom comes by GG’s place. She’s picking out clothing for her trip to NYC. She’s still shocked that they want her for the play. She tells Shalom that her mom is impressed with him. He says family comes first, and people need to forgive and forget. She says anyone who can put up with her family and friends is a keeper. She makes broad hints about getting a ring. She tells him that in return, he gets the MVP. Most Valuable You-Figure-It-Out. In her interview, she talks about wanting a family, and how the nannies will take care of the kids.

Reza’s new blind cat is called Miss Moo. I love it! MJ visits, and he gives her some tequila. He’s been writing a play, and hands her a copy. He says it’s a passion project based on his two grandmothers and if they had planned his wedding. He says it takes place in a gay café. He has MJ read the part of the Muslim grandmother. He says that he grew up in a household where it was like the two sides were at war with each other. Going to Israel was a life-changing experience, and he wants to share his knowledge with others to spare them the same pain. He says GG might be doing something way off-Broadway, but this is going to be better.

GG is in the city being Carrie Bradshaw. She gets to the theater and meets the director, her scene partner, and some of the crew. She’s never acted before, and says that she freaked when she saw the script since it’s half the size of the Bible, which is highly doubtful. She’s memorized her lines, gone to acting class, and gotten a hearing aid, but might still suck. She says the last time she worked this hard at an accomplishment, was when she tried stealing her parents’ car at sixteen.

MJ takes Vida to the Millennium Biltmore Hotel for lunch. Vida thinks the waiter talks too much and that MJ looks tired, so we’re off to a great start. MJ tells Vida that she wants to get pregnant. Vida says maybe Tommy doesn’t want to be a father, but MJ says he won’t do it if he doesn’t want to. Vida asks if she can make sure he doesn’t ignore the baby, and if she’s willing to take that risk. MJ says that Vida is one of the reasons she kept many men at arm’s length, but now that she’s met the man she wants to make babies with and grow old beside, she has to stand up for herself. She tells Vida that it’s time to accept and support her choices. Vida says she knows what’s best for her daughter, but MJ says she thinks not.

Mike whistles for Reza. Reza says he’s not Mike’s dog, and Mike calls it a Persian doorbell. They’re going to paint MJ’s place, but Mike is only in it for the free pizza and beer. Reza says whether they like it or not design-wise, they have to be nice. He’s all about moving forward today.

When they arrive, MJ says they’re covering the floors first. Reza points out baseboard dirt. Mike pretends a crudité is his dool. Shervin walks in, and Reza asks how many friends MJ invited. MJ says she didn’t invite Asa, and Reza says they have an acquaintanceship instead of friendship. In his interview, Reza says that Asa doesn’t understand the rift, and isn’t going to change her mind or apologize. MJ says that at this point in their lives, they need to lean on each other, and there’s no point in having a friendship if they can’t be honest. Destiney comes in, and everyone has shots. Shervin messes up, and hits the ceiling with his paint roller. Then everyone starts painting weird things on the wall. Reza puts paint on the couch, and MJ tells everyone to chill.

Shervin says it’s not cool about Asa, and doesn’t want to be in the same boat. He tells them that he screwed around before. Mike says, lamest admission of guilt ever. Shervin is sorry for lying, but he’s scared of commitment. Mike asks if he told Annalise, but he says no. In her interview, MJ wonders who isn’t lying. Destiney asks if he did it in the house, and he insists he didn’t. Then he says he did, but he wonders what difference it makes. In her interview, Destiney says that Annalise is giving up her whole life for him. She thought he was a classy dude until she got to see the real Shervin.

Shervin says it’s none of their business. Mike says that for a woman, it’s like their sanctuary, where they lay their head. Vida enters the fray, and is like, omg, what a mess, and freaks over the literal writing on the wall, where Reza has added a cartoon dool. This causes everyone to actually go to work. Tommy comes home, and is surprised that it’s coming together. Reza points out the ovulation sticks lying around. Vida asks if MJ is sure about Tommy, who tells her that he’s like herpes – you can’t get rid of him. That reminds me of the dog in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. She was named Herpes, because if she’s good, she’ll heal. BA-DUM-CHH! In her interview, MJ thinks once Vida is holding a baby, she’ll change her tune. MJ says she’ll buy Vida’s retirement, so she’ll be available to babysit. She writes Vida a $100K check, and says if she gets pregnant, to cash it. Vida doesn’t want anything to do with it, and MJ starts crying. Tommy says she’s an emotional nut, and kisses her. She’s also drunk as a skunk. Why do we say that anyway? She tells Tommy that he’d better get her pregnant.

Reza asks what’s going on, and MJ says everyone is making fun of her emotions. She thinks everyone should be supportive. Reza says they are, and Tommy says her mother isn’t Donna Reed. Then he has to explain who Donna Reed is. Vida leaves, since she’s done her job and made MJ cry, and MJ asks Tommy if he’s sure. He says they need to prepare, and it’s not as easy as she thinks. People typically do it at twenty, not forty. Reza tries to talk to her. Tommy tells Mike that she feels like she has a gun to her head because of Shams being ill. She tells Reza that she’s going to get pregnant, and Tommy should be begging to be the father. Tommy says neither of them have healthy lifestyles, and he doesn’t want to leave a child without a parent. In his interview, he talks about his mother dying when he was a teenager, and how he couldn’t cry. He felt like the worst person. He loves and misses her every day. MJ says it’s now or never, and she’ not allowing cold feet. Tommy says the problem isn’t cold feet.

Reza tells Tommy that he made his girl uncomfortable and upset, and please make her not that way. Tommy asks how many shots she’s had, and she says that she’ll get pregnant by another man. In her interview, MJ is also unreasonable, saying  that him not telling her that he’s sure is like he’s lying. Tommy says that he wants to make sure the baby never wants for anything. He starts crying, and so does she. He brings up his mother, and says that he felt alone growing up, and doesn’t want that for his kid.

MJ asks if Tommy has been crying, and for whom. Reza says that it’s time to exit, and tells them to make some babies. Destiney says her heart is crying. She asks Tommy what the problem is, and he says he wants to make sure they’re around for the kid. She wants to know if what he says is real, and he tells her that he’s been nothing but honest; he’s had reservations from day one. He wants to make sure they’re ready to be good parents, and live a healthy lifestyle. He grew up without anybody, and he ran his whole life from it. If he had a great day, there was no one to tell. He’s going to make me cry pretty soon. Tommy says it’s not her or him, and there’s more to it than both of them loving each other; that doesn’t mean they’re prepared. MJ says his mom died; her dad is dying. Should they not die? She starts getting loud, and he gets louder. He says that he doesn’t want to fight. She says that she’d rather have a baby with someone who doesn’t have a problem with it. She tells him now or never, and he says, then it’s never. In her interview, MJ says she needs someone stronger than this. She says she’ll be an amazing mother, and Tommy needs to be about his truth – that he’s really full of sh*t. I have empathy for her, but she needs to see that he’s telling her the truth. They aren’t ready.

Tommy says she’s right. He’s a piece of sh*t, and a liar. He’s not going to listen to this nonsense. She didn’t listen to him, and pissed on what he had to say. That doesn’t make him want to have a baby. MJ tells him if he told her that he smoked way too much or she needs to stop drinking, he’d have a leg to stand on. I think, but isn’t that what he was saying? She says he’s in a pickle now. (Really, she said that.) He has two choices, sh*t or get off the pot.

MJ tells him to get off the pot, never call her again, and just bounce. Destiney says it wasn’t supposed to go down this way. In her interview, MJ tells us that no man can hold a candle to her dad, and thank God for him; she still has him. She tells us that the lesson of the day is don’t get fooled by the weak. What MJ needs isn’t a baby. She needs therapy to help her get through this tough time. It’s heart-breaking, but she’s going about this all wrong.

Next time, Mike’s divorce is finalized, the gang goes to NYC, Adam and Reza discuss surrogacy, and GG goes nuts on Shalom.

Fear the Walking Dead

Troy kills a rattlesnake and writes in his journal. Tastes just like chicken. He must have been on the road a while, since he’s pretty grubby and has an almost beard. He thinks about the gun. He sees the scalped guy in the chair, whose name I forget, from when we first met Walker. He wanders around and goes inside a warehouse. He goes through what’s there, and finds a bunch of cans that are either cat food or I don’t know what, but it’s not deviled ham.

He sees a plaque that says God helps those who help themselves. The wall behind it opens to reveal a gun and some ammo. He buries the scalped dude, and writes furiously. He sits in the chair where the dude was and plays with the gun. I guess he’s thinking about killing himself, but with him, it’s hard to tell. He hears zombie noises, and shoots the gun in the air. He smiles.

Nick and Crazy Dog are out in the fields. Nick pikes a zombie. Crazy Dog says the cattle are going to die soon from lack of water. Jake tells Alicia that they had 400 head once, and it’s not even a ranch anymore. He didn’t think it would bother him so much. She says they’ll start over, and if they live long enough, she’ll get him more cows. She says it’s livable, and they can’t say that about any other place. Jake thinks there are more places like this. He tells her about a cabin near the border that would be fine for two people. Everything he fought for is gone. She says they’re lucky to have what they do, but he says it was supposed to be more.

Ofelia tells Crazy Dog that Jake is weak, but she has to gain their trust. He says that Nick is already in the middle. She asks if he trusts Nick, and he says everyone does. Nick and Alicia have a smoke on the deck. She tells him he looks like sh*t. He says he killed a man, and now he’s sleeping in his house. She says he killed an evil old man to save them, and he says he did it so Madison didn’t have to. He’s concerned about Troy, but she says he doesn’t owe Troy. They share the same self-destruction. Nick says maybe he’s just as sick.

In bed, Nick hears sounds outside the cabin. He gets his knife, and looks around. While he’s on the balcony, Troy sneaks up behind him. Nick tells him that he can’t be there, but Troy says here he is. He doesn’t want to sit down or he’ll pass out; he’s on a mission. He says Nick saved him in his own way, so he’s here to return the favor. He says there’s a beast in the desert with nothing to keep it from growing, and it’s bigger than he can imagine. Troy says there’s a third way, and locks the sliding door, leaving Nick on the balcony. He tells Nick that he needs to listen. The whole place will be obliterated. He needs to see it; it’s beautiful. Nick tries to get him to unlock the door, but he won’t, so Nick runs in the front.

Alicia suggests going outside the ranch, and pumping water in. Jake says that’s what her mom and Walker are doing. She’s concerned about not hearing from them, and Jake says they need a plan B. Everyone is always talking about a plan B on this show, but nobody ever has one. Alicia wonders how Jake can talk about leaving. She’s fighting for this place, and they’re staying. She doesn’t want to worry about him, and he tells her she’s released from her obligation. She says that’s not why she did it, and he asks who she’s actually fighting for? She seemed lost when they arrived. He thought he’d taken advantage of her, but wonders if it was really the other way around. He asks if it’s a relationship or alliance, and if that was the plan all along.

Nick comes to the door. He tells them that Troy was there. He wanted to warn them about something coming, and wanted them to see what it was. Alicia thinks he’s baiting them. Jake says he warned Troy not to come back, and now he has to face him. Nick tells Alicia that he’s responsible, and someone has to look after her boyfriend. Alicia gives Jake a gun, and says she did it for him. He’s the last good man she knows. He and Nick drive away.

Nick says that Troy could have killed him, or hurt any of them, but he didn’t. He thinks that Troy came to warn, not harm. Jake tells a story about finding a rabbit skinned alive. He put it down, because that’s what you do when something is lame or sick. He doesn’t think Troy is going to get better.

Suddenly there’s a cloud of dust rising in the distance, parallel to the road. They stop the car and get out. Nick radios Alicia. All she hears is infected. The dust clears, and there are a billion zombies crossing the desert. They see Troy walking out toward them. He looks up.

Alicia tells Ofelia that Nick and Jake are in trouble. She thinks that they came across a horde. Ofelia wonders why they were alone; there’s safety in numbers, and it’s protocol. Alicia tells her that Troy snuck in and warned Nick. She says they need to stop it, but Ofelia asks how do they know it isn’t an ambush?  Alicia says they don’t, but she trusts Nick and Jake.

Out in the desert, Nick asks for a minute with Troy. Jake doesn’t think he’s coming back, but Nick wants to try. Troy says it’s a cleansing. Nick says he’s not in his right head, and Troy agrees he’s a little punchy. He says they love loud noises, and cocks the gun. He says he loves that sound, the way some love a ball hitting a bat. This is evolution and Darwinian. Nick says it’s murder. Troy asks if he wants to go there. It’s eviction or extinction. Jake asks him not to make him do it, and points the gun at him. Troy shots the gun, and Jake throws him to the ground. He smacks Troy around, and tells Nick to go; it’s time to evacuate.

Troy says there’s one road in, and one road out. It’s time to face the monsters. Jake tells him that rabbits scream, like human beings, but he still protected Troy. Nick tells Jake if he pulls the trigger, he’ll never forget it. Troy hints about Nick having shot Jeremiah, but Jake says he doesn’t care what Nick did. Jake is about to shoot, when Nick kicks him out of the way.

The group at the ranch watches as the zombie horde approaches. Nick and Troy slide down the hill toward the horde. Some stray zombies are already close, and Jake gets bit in the arm. He asks Troy how long before it spreads, and tells him to do it, meaning cut off Jake’s arm. Troy hesitates, so Nick does it himself.

Crazy Dog asks Alicia what’s going on, and she tells him that Troy told Nick and Jake that something was coming. Crazy Dog wonders if it’s something that’s out there or something be brought. Ofelia says he’s not helping. The guy with the beard, whose name I don’t remember, says they’ll need guns and bullets. Crazy Dog gives Ofelia the keys to where the arms are stashed.

Troy holds Jake in the truck bed, while Nick drives. Troy insists that there’s no ranch to go back to. We can see zombies for miles.

Crazy Dog directs the trucks and RVs to be driven making a barricade. Ofelia asks if it will stop them. He says they’ll hunker down behind them when the zombies go past, and asks if she has a better idea. Nope. He tells everyone to move, and they all run around. The horde gets closer.

The zombies arrive, and everyone is lined up behind the vehicles with weapons. The zombies hit the barbed wire, because they’re too stupid not to run into it. No way could they kill this many. Nick watches through binoculars. The RVs start to rock, and then zombies start crawling out from underneath them. Holy! The ranch people all whack at them, and pike their heads, with various weapons as they come through. Nick is like, this isn’t good. Troy says that Jake was the one who wasn’t supposed to die. Nick tells Troy to put him down. Troy says that he wanted Jake to see what he’d done for them. Nick grabs Troy, and says, look at what you did; that’s you, and throws him down. Nick radios Alicia. Troy tell Nick to kill him, and do what his brother should have. Nick kicks the gun over to Troy, and tells him to kill himself.

One of the RVs is about to tip over. Alicia says it’s not going to hold. Once it gives, everyone will die. The RV gives way, and Ofelia says, let’s go. Yep, that’s it. The zombie horde is in. Nick looks sick, and I’ve been making noises since Jake got bit.

Everyone is slicing and dicing, and stabbing, and shooting  Alicia tells everyone to go into the pantry. Oh no! They grabbed bearded guy. Alicia tries to shoot the zombies, but can’t get a bead on them. Bearded guy has a gun and tries to shoot himself, but the gun doesn’t go off, so Alicia shoots him in the head. Then the dead feed on the dead. There’s lots of running and craziness.

Jake opens his eyes – which look really cool, more like the Night King on Game of Thrones, than the usual creepy zombie eyes.

Alicia’s gun is out of bullets, and she just goes nuts whacking at the zombie. Ofelia hammers them in the head. Omg, these guys are totally surrounded. Crazy Dog even head butts one of them. They manage to free themselves, and lock themselves in the pantry with the others. The zombies scramble around the door outside.

Troy stabs Jake in the ear. He says he needs some sleep. Nick says they need to find a way to save the people he tried to kill. He can sleep when he’s dead. Hey, that’s what I always say.

In the pantry, everyone listens to the zombie sounds from outside. Alicia looks frazzled, and hyperventilates.

Next time, Nick blows stuff up, Crazy Horse says they’re all going to die together, and Alicia is attacked.

😴 I need to call it a night, so I leave you with this…

PuppyInCrate

Waving good-by to the Weekend

Sep18

September 17, 2017 – A Shah Thanksgiving, Daniel Gives a Dam & Pick Your Monday

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

Shahs of Sunset

Mike wants to look for a new house, but Reza thinks he should be focused on girls and dating. He thinks Mike is being shady. Mike says it’s hard to pick up the pieces after five years. Reza asks if he’s divorced, but Mike says almost. In his interview, Reza says that he circled the date on his calendar with red Sharpie, and now he finds out that Mike isn’t divorced yet. He asks if Mike is holding out hope, but Mike says no. Reza thinks he should test the waters; it’s like riding a bike and falling off. Sometimes you have to get back on, and sometimes it’s just a practice ride.

GG goes to a sex shop. She’s there for a class. In her interview, she says there are certain techniques she’s not comfortable with, and she needs some knowledge for the play she’s in. She plays a librarian who needs to unleash her passions. Adam joins her. They talk about Asa, and GG wonders why Asa wants to hang around people whom she doesn’t trust. She’s getting tired of talking about caftans. Class begins.

Hang-ups are discussed. GG is given some suggestions. Adam keeps making silly comments. In her interview, GG says that she never thought that she’d need to know these things for any job. I could make a bunch of jokes here, but it’s too easy.

MJ and Reza go to the LA Mission to help feed the homeless the day before Thanksgiving. I did a soup kitchen in NYC one Thanksgiving when I didn’t have to travel until later, and I highly recommend it. Everybody even got three cigarettes on their way out the door if they wanted. I thought that was a really cool extra, but this was the 80s and I guess people wouldn’t think so today. Reza and MJ have been doing this for years, but in the past few, Reza has gotten the others to join in. Mike laughs about the Jewish boy cutting up pork. Asa asks MJ to help with her hair, which startles MJ, since they haven’t been very friendly lately. Reza jokes about getting “crab salad” in his crotch from a hot tub (just the topic for the kitchen), and GG thinks he said he has a jacuzzi in his garage. The hearing aid isn’t coming fast enough. Destiney asks if Asa’s parents have ever pressured her to get married. She says no, but MJ thinks that’s not typical of a Persian mother.

GG tells Shervin that she’s reluctant to see her sister on Thanksgiving. Shervin commiserates, having people like that in his life. GG says she wants to make peace for her father’s sake, and wants to mend things so they can co-exist. Shervin says that she’s coming from a good place, so go for it.

Mike and Asa meet at a Persian bakery. Mike is trying to Persian the Thanksgiving holiday up a bit. He asks how Asa is feeling, and she tells him about having insomnia. She says this is the happiest thing in her life, but since she’s shared about it, they haven’t been supportive. Mike says it’s genuine concern. He thinks she’s focused so much on it, she’s projecting on to everyone else. He brings up MJ bawling in a restaurant over her father dying, while Asa was taking snaps of the food. She claims she didn’t hear it. Mike thinks she’s become the queen of deflecting. I’d like to add obliviousness to that. He tells her about the practically immaculate conception she’s having, and she asks where this is coming from. He tells her that Reza said something, and it’s messed up if she had IVF and didn’t share that. In her interview, Asa says Jermaine is private, and she keeps private out of respect for him. Their relationship is off-limits. Mike tells her that he’s just the messenger.

GG tells us that looking back, a lot of her problems in school were because she couldn’t hear. Teachers thought she was ignoring them. Her parents and MJ accompany her to get the hearing aid. Audiologist Dr. Sweet comes brings GG in to get the devices placed in her ears. GG says that when she speaks, it sounds like there’s a speaker in her ear. The doctor wants to do some tests, and this time she gets 100%. GG says she sees herself in a more accepting and loving way now. In her interview, she gets choked up about being able to hear.

On Thanksgiving at Shervin’s house, his mother demonstrates how to deal with a pomegranate. He tells us that his mom definitely approves of Annalise. In her interview, MJ says that even after her parents divorced, they still celebrated holidays with family. This is the first Thanksgiving she’ll be without her father, who’s still in the hospital. She asks Shervin if things are cool with Annalise, and he acts like he doesn’t know what she’s talking about, but suggests MJ stay out of it. In her interview, she thinks Annalise should know what’s going on, but Shervin “Corleone” thinks he’s the Godfather.

Asa says she and Thanksgiving were a match made in heaven, even though she only discovered it when she moved to America. Reza and Adam join her family for dinner. Asa says her doctor told her to stay away from negative energy and stress. She tells them her back still hurts from chopping at the Mission. In her interview, she says there’s an elephant in the room, but she still loves Reza.

GG arrives at Shervin’s. She and MJ get ready together. Mike shows up next, with Vida right behind.

Asa and Reza do some lemon picking in the backyard. She tells him about talking to Mike, and says that she’s sad. Ever since she’s been pregnant, it’s been one harassment after another. She tells Reza that Mike told him about what Reza says about IVF. He tells her about the conversation that he and MJ had. Asa says she’s hurt because he didn’t say something. He hates himself for getting twisted up in MJ’s pain, and says he never spoke about them going to IVF at the same time. He wanted to tell MJ that she could talk to Asa. Asa says sorry MJ was hurt, but it’s not her fault. Reza says he’s most upset about being forced to pick a side, and he’s damned if does, damned if he doesn’t. In her interview, Asa says that she didn’t expect this from Reza.  She says she can forgive and move on, but never forgets.

Tommy arrives bearing a covered dish. Vida discusses MJ’s bra with her, saying it’s not the one she approved. Tommy tries to deflect, saying they both look beautiful. GG talks to Annalise about Shalom out on the patio. She asks if Annalise ever feels scared. Annalise says even if things fall apart, she always thinks there’s a lesson in it. In her interview, GG says that Annalise is ready to pack her bags and move in, while Shervin is still fooling around. She tells Annalise that there are rumors going around.

MJ joins the girls outside. When he sees them talking, Shervin tells Mike that GG is disrespecting his house. Mike tells us it’s a whorehouse when Annalise isn’t around. Shervin jets outside. GG asks how the gossip doesn’t cause fear for Annalise. She asks when Annalise gets to that screw you I’m moving on point, and Annalise says that she doesn’t let anything control her life; she controls her own life.

Shalom wanders in, along with GG’s parents. GG says part of her was hoping her sister would be with them, but they tell her that Leila couldn’t make it this year. Well, that’s weird, since she just walked in.

Shervin makes a little speech, thanking everyone for sharing the day with them. GG says she’s thankful to Shervin for opening his home. She thanks Leila because it’s her father’s favorite holiday. She begged her to come, and is thankful and grateful that she did. I know I sound repetitive, but the food looks fabulous. And like no Thanksgiving I’ve been to, including the buffet at the Ocean Place hotel.

Leila goes outside for a smoke. Shervin follows, and she asks if he believed that. She says GG isn’t sane, and she doesn’t believe a word that comes out of her mouth. It’s just a show for her parents. Mike joins them, and she says she’s just doing her parents a favor by being there. Mike doesn’t think she has the right attitude, and she calls him a jerk. In his interview, he says he’s been friends with the family for 21 years. GG was always the child who got the attention, whereas Leila was self-sufficient, and that makes her jealous. Mike tries to talk to her, but she keeps calling him a jerk. He says he’s livid, and asks if she can’t put her bullsh*t aside for the day. Everyone is outside at this point. MJ says that Leila is having the conversation with Mike that she should be having with GG. GG ends up outside by herself.

Asa is getting hangry. Everyone sits down to dinner. Reza says It’s a bad ass turkey. Apparently so, since the thermometer comes flying out when he begins to carve it. In his interview, Reza says that normally, this should be a joyous occasion, but someone pulled the rug out from under their friendship. Asa doesn’t understand that her actions have affected the group. Reza feels like everything is telling him to go home. He says all that matters are the people you have in your life.

Leila points out that GG took eleven days to thank her for a ride home from rehab. GG claims that she messaged the next day. She says that she’s trying to be peaceful, so why is Leila doing this when she’s trying to make things right. Leila says that GG devastated her and her son, Jordan, when they gave her ride from rehab. It’s explained that Jordan had asked where GG’s booboo was, and mean big sister Leila said it was in her head. GG suggested Leila has the same booboo (ha!), and I guess that didn’t sit too well with her. Well, she should have kept her mouth shut. GG starts getting loud about how hard she’s trying, and says no more bullsh*t, and Leila laughs. I’m getting the real dynamics now. I used to think Leila got the short end of the stick. And she has, but she’s old enough now to stop using it as an excuse to be nasty to a younger sibling who has problems. GG is also able to hear now, which I’m sure will make a difference.

Leila starts getting weepy, and wants to leave. Outside, GG tells Shalom that this was a bad idea. He tells her that she has to be the bigger person. She says that she tried. Shervin tells her to take the high road. She’s gone through a lot to realize it’s not her problem anymore. It’s Leila.

A game of backgammon is going on inside. GG is a spectator, and her mom suggests that Leila sit and play. She plays a round with Shalom. In his interview, Mike says he’s seen it a thousand times. Eventually, they’ll be old, grey, and tired. They’ll look back, while they’re watching their grandkids play, and realize that they missed out, but it will be too late.

Next time, GG is worried that she’s going to ruin the play, MJ talks to Annalise, MJ’s friends renovate her apartment, and MJ and Tommy argue.

Fear the Walking Dead

Walker drives the truck down the highway toward Tijuana. He asks Victor what they’re looking for, but the background music is so loud, I can’t hear the answer, except for it’s some kind of sign. Wtf?

They see an accident with tons of zombies wandering around. Victor makes the car remote beep, and throws it out the window and the zombies follow the sound. Why is the background so effing loud? Is this just with my TV, or is it a technical issue at the network? Walker drives forward, pushing cars out of the way with the truck.

They arrive at what looks like a used car lot, with lines of vehicles everywhere. Victor closes the gate behind them just in time. He says, there she is, and Walker is like, this car won’t get us anywhere, but Victor tells then they can get to the trading post and back this way. He pushes the car over, and there’s an entrance to a sewer tunnel underneath. He suggests that they hold their breath, and goes down the ladder. Walker says he’s not following him in the dark, and Madison tells him to either trust her or go back empty-handed. She follows Victor, and Walker reluctantly follows her.

This can’t be the worst these three have smelled, even though they act like it. For Pete’s sake, there are dead people decaying everywhere, and you can’t take a sewer? Victor leads them through the tunnel. We hear zombie noises, and through a grate, see them walking above. Walker tells Madison that Victor is lost, but Madison says to trust him. I think that’s what she says, because there’s still this background noise and their voices are echoing. Were the boom people off on this day? A few zombies amble out, and they head in the other direction. Walker says they need to get out. Victor finally admits that he’s lost. They move to another tunnel, and it’s like Let’s Make a Deal, except with tunnels instead of curtains.  Victor sees the symbol he’s been looking for above one of the tunnels, and Walker states the obvious – the zombies are behind them. They move forward into the tunnel on all fours. At the next connection, Madison finds herself face-to-face with a zombie clogging up the entryway. Walker hands her a pointy tool (sorry for the technical term), and she bashes the zombie’s head in. She chops away at him, since it’s the only way they’re going to get him out of there. Walker looks all sick like he’s never seen violence before. I think back to when he was introduced, and wonder why he’s making that face. Madison passes the head to Victor, who passes it to Walker, and I laugh. Victor helps Madison get the rest of the body out, and water rushes in.

The water truck comes back to the dam. Efrain yells at Daniel for shooting first at a group of people attacking them for water. He says that Lola will hear the truth. Daniel sees someone moving and shoots, thinking it’s a zombie, but it’s Victor. Madison comes out behind him, and says thank God he’s alive. She asks if Daniel remembers what happened. He nods, saying he’s better now, and asks about Ofelia. Madison tells him that she’s still alive. He asks how he can believe her with Victor at her side. She tells him that a man found Ofelia, and saved her; now they all live on a ranch. They’re in trouble and need his help. They need water. Walker has also come out in the open, and Daniel leads them to the dam.

He tells them to wait; he needs to speak to Lola first. Wow. The three of them look out onto the lake, and there’s lotsa water here. We look through the office window, where Daniel is talking and gesturing. Madison tells Walker that she’ll handle the negotiations; they already have a relationship. Walker says that she hasn’t seen Daniel in some time, but Madison knows he’ll help. They go into the office. Madison tells Lola that their camp is running out of water, and they can offer cattle, food and guns in trade. Lola says sorry, but she has no water to spare. Madison doesn’t get it; they have a lake. Lola says no soup water for you! Madison tells her that she knows they got set upon just today, and they’re under attack. Lola says no trade, but they can stay the night.

Daniel fingers his wedding ring. Lola comes in, and Daniel tells her that Ofelia lives with them. Lola asks if he believes them, and he says that Madison has never lied to him. Lola understands if he wants to go, but needs to know now. Daniel says that Ofelia is safe, but Lola isn’t. He made a promise, and is going to fulfill it. He’ll stay. Ofelia thinks he’s dead, so maybe it’s for the best. They’re talking in Spanish, and although the sound finally evened out, I wish I’d had subtitles at the beginning.

Walker accuses Victor of thinking everything is funny. The Walking Dead could use a character like him. Abe was kinda, sorta like that, but they killed him off. Victor tells Walker that there’s no tragedy without humor. Walker says that if they can’t make a deal, the ranchers have to go. There’s not enough water for both of them, and the Nation comes first. Victor asks what about Madison and the kids. Walker hopes she doesn’t regret her decision, and they end up back in the desert. Screw this guy.

Madison tells Lola that she’s sorry that Lola is afraid because of what the people will think. Lola says it’s difficult enough. If she trades with the gringos, there will be bloodshed. Madison says that sometimes a leader has to show force to get respect. Lola says she can’t lose the trust that she’s built. Madison tells Lola that she has two kids, and a ranch full of people begging her to help. Lola says that Madison is trying to save her children, but she’s trying to save her city. She tells Madison to bring her family there. They’ll be safe as long as she’s in charge. She says it’s a rare leader who does right by everyone. Madison says that it’s impossible.

Efrain is working on a patient with a wound. Victor asks if he can help. Efrain says that Daniel calls Victor the snake. Victor asks if he thinks the Daniel’s shooting was justified, and Efrain says no. The people are thirsty and scared, and Daniel is paranoid. Dissatisfaction leads to dissent, and dissent to revolt. Victor says there are those who want chaos. Efrain says violence breeds violence, and he thinks the river should flow to the people. Victor asks what about when it dries up, and Efrain says the rains will fall again. He says it’s too much power for one person. Victor says, uneasy is the head who wears the crown.

Daniel approaches Walker in the cafeteria. He appreciates what Walker did for Ofelia. Walker says that Daniel raised a brave woman. Daniel asks what she does, and Walker says she walks as a soldier with him. Daniel says that he didn’t raise her to be a soldier, but Walker says she’s a hero to them. They were about to attack a heavily armed camp, and she gained their trust, then poisoned them. She saved their lives. Daniel says, but she did it by taking other lives. He’s not liking it, but I’m thinking the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree.

Madison tells Victor that Lola keeps forcing everything to stay together, and keeps falling apart. Victor says maybe she wasn’t meant to stay at the ranch. She tells him about Lola’s offer, and he says she wouldn’t have to worry about water, and she’d be safe. She isn’t willing to sacrifice that part of herself, but doesn’t know what will happen if she doesn’t get the water. Victor says that she always finds a way to protect her kids. She says that they’ve already sacrificed too much. Victor asks if they were removed from the picture, what would she want? She says been too long since she thought about that, since before they were born. Victor says that would be the late 80s – what would permed Madison want? Madison says to listen to Cheap Trick in Birmingham. The ranch is closest to what she knows, and where she wants to be. He asks if she’s sure. She asks what future he sees? He says one where he doesn’t fail his friends.

Lola wants to bring the people some water. Daniel says they were attacked last time, and she says they should bring it, so there won’t be a next time. Daniel tells her that another group will take their place. Even if this group sees the good they do, they’ll always be some who are unhappy. They’ll be the ones without weapons or ammunition, who can’t defend themselves. She says they’ll be killers, like him. He says he killed for her, to guard her soul and life. Efrain says the people fear him; he wants revolution. Daniel says it’s a good thing. First, they’ll be hit in the streets, then they’ll get inside, and hang them from the walls. He says they’re not sustainable. Lola tells him that if he doesn’t believe in what she’s doing, he should leave. He says they’ll do a water run this afternoon

Victor watches as the truck is loaded. Daniel approaches. He doesn’t know what Victor is thinking, but he sees Victor’s serpent brain coiling around an idea. Victor pretends like he doesn’t know what Daniel is talking about, and Daniel says if what he’s thinking benefits both of them, he’ll look the other way. If not, he’ll be in Daniel’s sights. He sings, down with the water queen in Spanish.

Seeing him walking out, Madison asks Walker where he’s going. He asks why she has a hard time honoring her word. She lied and cons the ranchers. They have to leave the ranch. There is too little water to share. She asks if there isn’t another way, and he says they can leave in peace or be forced to go. She begs him not to do this; they won’t survive. He tells her that he’s as angry at himself as he is with her.

Daniel tells Madison that he tried convincing Lola, but it didn’t work. She saved his life, and he can’t abandon her. She’s in this position because o him. Madison asks if he can’t leave or can’t face his daughter? He tells her that Lola is in danger; Ofelia is safe. Madison tells him that she needs her father, but he says she’ll always be his daughter no matter what that man had her do.

Victor watches as zombies crowd the gate. Madison tells him to make it by nightfall. He tells her wait for it, and the water delivery truck blows up. Water for everyone! And zombies on fire.

People come running out. Madison pikes some zombies. Efrain wonders if it was an accident, and Daniel says that was no accident. Lola realizes that they’ve been trying to keep the dead out, but the next attack will be by the living. A crowd of live people is coming up the road, chanting that they want water. The gate is quickly put back up and locked.

In the office, Lola asks how many guns they need. Efrain says that violence will consume her, and accuses her of taking the devil’s deal. She says the people will still get water, but the dam will be protected; she thinks it’s the best solution. Daniel writes something on a paper and gives it to Madison like it’s a real estate deal. Lola asks if the ranch can provide it. Madison says they need ten thousand gallons of water a week, and a tanker that they’ll drive back to show good faith. They make plans to meet at the trading post.

Victor gets in the truck, and Madison thanks Daniel. He says it’s a good thing. He tells her to be careful; a friendly face can slip a knife in your back. Victor comes back, holding out his hand to Daniel, saying, adios. Daniel says no adios, he expects to see him in five days with his daughter. I say, please don’t eff this up, to no particular character.

Victor gets back in the passenger seat. He acts like he doesn’t know anything about the truck blowing up, but Madison tells him to cut the sh*t. She asked and then received. It was a little trick he learned, although he had doubts it was going to work. She thanks him. He says that she would have done the same, but she says she’s not so sure.

They see Walker on the road, walking. Madison asks if he’s thirsty. I don’t think we’ve ever seen him smile before, but he is now. He gets in.

Next time, Nick worries about being like Jeremiah, Ofelia gets in trouble, and Troy finds a stash of canned goods – and a gun.

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Sep11

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

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

Shahs of Sunset

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Fear the Walking Dead – Two Hour Premiere

Meanwhile, back at the ranch…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Part Two

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Alicia tries to get Madison on the radio. Nothing.

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

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

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

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

Two guys suddenly appear with Walker.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

TWDKingEzekiel

Aug28

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

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

Shahs of Sunset

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Game that Throne

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Three Throne Quotes

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

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

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

GoT-WatchEnd

 

 

 

Aug21

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

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

Shahs of Sunset

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Beyond the Wall

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Next time, the season finale.

Best Quotes of the Night

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

Heroes do stupid things and they die. – Dany

This episode was brutal and exhausting. – Me

GoT-Dragon

RIP Viserion

(and Dick Gregory and Jerry Lewis)

 

Aug12

August 11, 2017 – Sonny Gets Questioned, an Endorsement, Quotes & Zombie News

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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

General Hospital

Prosecutor and pseudo Will Smith asks Alexis if Julian was acting as Olivia-J’s accomplice. She says he was coerced, and Will asks if the night on the bridge could have been avoided if Julian had told her. She says maybe, but he shouldn’t be held accountable for Olivia’s actions. He asks would she have gone to the police if she’d known. Alexis says yes, and he says bloodshed could have been avoided. This is kind of a poor angle, since the only blood that was shed was Julian’s.

Dante and Nathan laugh about Mac and Felicia getting caught while getting busy in the park. Dante says he heard Maxie is riled up about Man Landers’s advice.

Sonny walks around with a cane a little bit. Carly doesn’t want him doing too much too soon. She brings up the last time he had a bullet wound, and pretended he was in a wheelchair. He says she has to trust him. She says she knows he wouldn’t keep a secret again. He thinks about Sam shooting him.

Jason asks if Sam had a bad dream, but she says it wasn’t a dream.

Finn hears Hayden on the phone, saying that she’s Rachel Berlin from White Hat Medical Supplies. He’s looking for the card he lost, and asks what the phone call was about. She tells him some baloney about it being something for the wedding, and he asks why she was calling herself Rachel Berlin.

Scotty asks Alexis what her recollection of those hours is, and she says tumultuous. She was drugged, kidnapped, and handcuffed to the bridge. Scotty asks why she’s still alive, and Alexis says Julian. Olivia used her as bait. She wanted him to shoot Alexis to take away the most precious thing to him, and if he didn’t do it, she’d shoot Alexis herself. Will Smith objects, but the judge lets it ride. Scotty asks if Julian is just a bad shot. Alexis says he’s excellent; he aimed at the handcuffs instead, freed her, and yelled at her to run. When she looked back, Olivia was by herself. It was confirmed later that she shot Julian, and he fell into the water. Scotty asks if his actions were those of a coward. Alexis says no, and he asks if Julian put his life on the line to save her, and if that wasn’t true heroism. Another objection, but Alexis says it was.

Hayden tells Finn that she typed in her old name, and it slips out sometimes. He asks if White Hat isn’t the company that was just flagged for suspicious activity. He says she seems uncomfortable, and she says he snuck up on her. He asks if she’s rethinking things. Hayden says she’s doing everything to make sure they get married, but it’s not enough. Finn asks what’s going on.

Carly thinks Sonny isn’t taking recovery seriously, and says he’ll be hobbling on one leg forever if he doesn’t do his physical therapy. He’s like, all right, all right. She apologizes, and says that other than when babies are born, whenever she’s at the hospital, it’s because something terrible happened. She wants things to change, and Sonny says they will. I hate to tell her, but other than new babies and maybe plastic surgery, most reasons to be in the hospital are terrible for everyone. Mob people problems.

Sam tells Jason that she wasn’t too sick to buy a gun and shoot Sonny. Jason says she didn’t understand what she was doing. She says that he sounds like a lawyer, and asks if he talked to Diane. He says no, and there’s no reason he should have to. There are only three people who know about it – Sam, him, and Sonny. Sam isn’t comfortable with that.

Dante tells Nathan that there are a couple of loose ends, but Sonny’s account matches with everything. He says the guns are missing, and there’s this, handing Nathan the ballistics report. The bullets taken from Sonny’s leg and vest don’t match. Dante says they have an interview to conduct.

Jason tells Sam that it’s never going to happen again. Sam says it will be on her conscience for the rest of her life, and she wants to take responsibility. Jason says at the very least, she’ll be investigated, and she’s still sick. He says hospital is better than jail, and if she says something now, it will hurt a lot of people. Sam doesn’t want to hurt Sonny any more than she already has, and they agree it’s the best solution. Jason tells her everything will work out.

Sonny insists that he’s getting out of the business; he wants it as much as Carly does. Carly says it will be difficult. He’s had a lot of power for a lot of years, and if he’s having second thoughts, she gets it. He asks if she’s trying to talk him out of it, and she says no, but she knows it’s for her. He says it’s for all of them and Morgan’s memory. Carly says the most important thing is to be honest. It’s the only way it’s going to work.

Finn asks Hayden if she’s in trouble. He says to talk to him, and she asks if he thinks she’s stealing from GH. He says no, but an outsider might think so. He believes her, but wants her to understand that someone else might think she’s pulling a scam. She says this is different. She’s going to give the money back.

Scotty asks if Alexis’s feelings toward Julian have changed, and she says she was livid, but her feelings have tempered. He asks why that happened, and she says is was when she got the letter from Julian. Scotty produces the letter, and asks her to read it as evidence. Yeah, yeah, yeah, we’ve heard this like five times, about how Olivia had a hold on him and how much he loves Alexis, so I’ll take a short nap. Scotty asks if it changed her perspective, and Alexis says he was under duress, and an unwilling partner with Olivia in order to keep his family alive. Scotty asks why he perpetuated the lie about Olivia’s identity, and she says to protect his family. He asks about their relationship. Alexis says it was estranged, but knowing the truth makes it easier to be in his presence. Scotty asks if it was enough to rekindle the flame, and Julian jumps up, saying, enough. The judge tells his lawyer to get him under control.

Hayden admits to taking the money. She shows Finn the accounts she set up. She says that she didn’t take that much, and couldn’t go through with it; she’s returning it. She finishes putting the money back, and says when he walked in, that’s what she was doing, but she’s afraid he’s thinking she just did it because she was caught. He asks why she did it, since they have money. She tells him that she wanted to buy their freedom from her ex-husband.

Carly asks Sonny if he remembers anything. He says he was shot and left in a hole, what’s to remember? She asks what about after, but he says it’s a blank. Jason comes in, and Carly goes to see about getting Sonny discharged. Sonny tells Jason he needs the case closed now. Carly is talking about trust and honesty, and it will get ugly. He says they’ll figure it out, and tell her what they need to. Sonny asks about Sam, and Jason says that she’s struggling. They agree that she can’t confess. Dante and Nathan come in. Sonny tells them that he’s getting out soon. Dante wants to ask some questions about the night he got shot.

Sam sees Carly at the desk. She says she needed to talk to Sonny, but owes Carly a conversation.

Scotty asks Alexis if she sees herself forgiving Julian. Will Smith objects, and the judge says if Scotty doesn’t move along, she’ll assume he’s stalling the court. He’s finished, and the judge orders the court to be in recess until the morning. After one witness, who talked for maybe twenty minutes. Julian tells Alexis he had no idea that Scotty was going that route. It wasn’t the plan.

Hayden tells Finn that her ex showed up out of nowhere, making demands. Finn asks if it’s the guy who popped into her office, saying they’d worked together. She says if Jared had given his real name, he’d have lost his leverage. She tells Finn about driving drunk and hitting the girl. Finn asks if she died, and Hayden says no, but she was hurt badly. Jared took the fall, under the condition that her father’s money and connections would get him off, but he ended up going to prison. Through her tears, Hayden says now he knows everything. Finn asks why she didn’t come to him right away; was she too ashamed? She says it wasn’t her proudest moment, but Finn says it’s not like he doesn’t know shame or guilt, or self-loathing. He knows all of that, and she saw him through his recovery. She says she did it for him, at least that’s what she told herself. She was afraid he’d go back to doing drugs if he knew the truth.

Dante asks Sonny to take him through the night he got shot. Sonny says he went to pay Spencer’s ransom. The Garveman was there, and ultimately it wasn’t about Spencer, but about him. He doesn’t remember what happened after he was shot, and says that sometimes when you’re bleeding for 24-hours, it does something to your memory. The last thing he remembers is Garvey hitting him in the vest. Dante asks if someone else was there, and Sonny says not that he recalls. Dante tells him the bullet in his vest and the one in his leg came from two different guns. Sonny thinks about getting a leg vest. Not really, but it would be a good idea.

Carly says good to see Sam up and around. Sam says it wasn’t easy, and Carly tells her to let her know if there’s anything she can do. Sam says she’s the one who should be telling Carly that. Carly says that it’s awful to be thankful that someone’s dead, but when she thinks about almost losing Sonny… She says that she doesn’t want to dwell on it or take over the conversation, and asks what Sam was going to tell her. Sam says she needs to tell her the truth.

Sonny tells Dante that he wishes he could tell him, but doesn’t remember. Dante thanks him for his time. Sonny says he’ll let them know if he remembers anything. They leave, and Jason asks if Sonny thinks that’s the end of it. Sonny says not by a long shot.

Carly tells Sam that it sounds heavy. Sam says that her illness affected her head, and she didn’t see things clearly, and some of what she was seeing wasn’t there. She was scared all the time, of things she hadn’t been afraid of before, like losing Jason. Every time he left, she’d panic. Carly says that’s not crazy, but Sam says this was different. She says she’d do and say things that she’d do anything to take back, and it involves Sonny. She went off on him. She was afraid he’d take Jason away and put him in danger. Carly says that was just the illness talking; he would never do that. Sam says that Sonny told her that, but she really thought it was true, so she had to do something about it.

Finn tells Hayden she didn’t have much faith in his recovery if she thought a piece of bad news would cause a relapse. He might have needed some time, but he would have understood and stayed clean. She says maybe it was an easier excuse than facing that she’s a coward. She brings up Reiko, and says she’s always there, hovering in supreme glory, and can do no wrong for the rest of their lives because she’s dead. She immediately apologizes, saying she didn’t mean it. She should apologize. That was really unfair. Finn says that he loved Reiko and thought she was perfect, but he let it go, and accepted the loss, because he loves Hayden more than anything. He thought that they understood each other, but she can’t even turn to him because she thinks he might relapse. Finn doesn’t doesn’t know what to do, and Hayden says he does. He just doesn’t want to say the words.

Julian tells Alexis that he never told Scotty about anything between them. He came up with it on his own. Alexis says she’s sorry if she disappointed him with her testimony, and he says it’s not a surprise that she hasn’t forgiven him. She says that she didn’t even know she was thinking it. Julian understands how she feels, and she’s glad that she didn’t blindside him. Scotty tells her to get out before she does more damage. Julian says she was just telling the truth, and asks Alexis what she would have said about forgiving him. She tells him that she’s committed to living life one day at a time, and doesn’t know what future holds.

Finn tells Hayden not to put words in his mouth. He’s trying to wrap his head around it. Some other couple would be torn apart, but not them. He loves her, and having a baby; life, for better or worse, and right now it’s worse. He says they can’t just say the right things, but need to live and honor them. Hayden tells him to let her know when he figures it out, and leaves. I’m puzzled. It seemed like it was going her way.

Dante and Nathan discuss Sonny. There’s something he doesn’t want them to find out. Dante supposes that Garvelino could have had two guns, but Nathan says that’s unlikely. Dante says then they’ll go with the second shooter theory. Maybe it’s someone from the five families. He thinks maybe Sonny is afraid of starting a mob war. Nathan says so much for getting out.

Carly tells Sam that she’s not accountable. Sam says she was so scared, and would have done anything to protect Jason. Sonny and Jason join them, and Jason takes Sam back to her room. Carly tells Sonny that Sam seems shaken not stirred up, and the symptoms of her sickness sound awful. Carly asks if Sam talked to him, and yelled at him about Jason. Sonny says it was nothing; she wasn’t in her right mind. Carly says it seemed like something more to Sam, and asks if he has any idea what it might be.

On Monday, Monica decides who goes and who stays, Jason wants to talk to Julian about Sam, and Obrecht and Jared team up.

🦄 Highly recommended – Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, on rotation on Showtime. An excellent adaption of the book, with some truly creepy creatures, and of course peculiar children. An amazing cast as well. I was especially delighted to see Terence Stamp. Just perfect.

Quotes of the Week

I’ve had so many false starts. But if it’s easy, what story are you going to tell? Nobody wants to hear about how easy it was. That doesn’t inspire anyone. – Taraji P. Henson

I have no doubt that she would piss off a statue. – Dr. Phil, referring to a future monster-in-law.

I got through my own father’s death. You think I can’t get through a man getting elected president of the United States? It was so absurd. – Norm McDonald (Thank you.)

Good News

Z Nation will be back in September on the Sy – we can’t spell – Fy network. Among other new faces, Henry Rollins will be joining the cast. I can’t wait! Unfortunately, it looks like The Man won’t be back. But hey, that looks like Michael Berryman (from the original The Hills Have Eyes, among many other films) on the bottom left.

🙀 You can read more about Z Nation here:

https://premieredate.news/tv-series/2063-z-nation.html

 

Jul10

July 9, 2017 – Fear the Mid-Season Finale, 90 Day Nightmare & Part One Potomac Snooze

Posted on by
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What I Watched Today

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

 

 

Fear the Walking Dead

Part One

Jake walks along a canyon, presumably on his way to talk to see Walker. He’s being watched. He hears the click of a gun and runs. He hides behind a tree, gets his gun ready, and turns to find Alicia. Alicia tells him about Vernon and Kathy, and how the entire family was killed. He says it’s even more urgent now. She says she wanted him to own it, but not this way. He says he’s not doing it for that reason, and she insists on going with him.

They see the tribal headquarters, otherwise known as the abandoned gas station. Jake and Alicia walk past the line of guards, and are stripped of their weapons. We see a bunch of people standing in a circle and dogs are barking. Walker steps out, with something wrapped in a bloody towel. Walker tells Jake that he’s hundreds of years late for talking, but just in time for lunch, plopping down the head of a pig that’s just been slaughtered. Of course, they’d wanted us to think it was a dog, and we did. I hate being manipulated like that.

Madison tells Nick that Alicia didn’t come home, and now she’s not in the camp. She asks him to go to Jake’s, but he tells her to leave Alicia alone. Jeremiah approaches, and says he knows Alicia and Jake are courting, which is I guess what we’re calling it now. Some of Jake’s stuff is gone, and so is he. Nick wonders where they should start looking, but Jeremiah says they don’t. He can’t spare a search party, and everyone has had enough right now. Nick and Jeremiah decide to train new recruits.

Sitting in the diner, Jake tells Walker that his father won’t abandon the ranch. He tells him that Russel is dead, and Walker says karma is overdue. Alicia says that the Trumball family is dead too, and he killed them. Walker asks if “this girl” is speaking for Jake, and adds three down, one to go. Jake says his father did nothing to warrant this, and he thought they had an understanding. Walker says he understood that when Jake came there with his drunken friends, he waited on him with a smile, but the day of the white man’s courts are over. They must vacate the land. Jake was hoping for a parlay, and to negotiate. Walker says maybe he’s right, if a parlay can spare blood They can talk after they eat.

Holy! The waitress is Ofelia!  #ThereIsOfelia

Nick approaches Troy, wanting to sign up. Troy asks why join the militia, and Nick tells him that maybe he feels badly about what he’s done to cause any death. Troy suggests leaving before something worse happens, but Nick talks about getting Travis killed, and says he needs an occupation. He also wants to protect them from whoever killed the Trumball family; he saw those savages. Troy tells someone to get Nick outfitted.

Outside the diner, Ofelia tells Alicia that it’s a long story. Alicia says to tell her, and she’ll tell Ofelia how they almost died when she took the truck. Ofelia says, sorry; she thought they were safe. She says that she almost died after that, but Alicia doesn’t care. Ofelia says Walker found her, took her in, and they’re good people. Alicia says they killed a family two days ago, but Ofelia says there was nothing scheduled for then. Walker goes on all the raids, and he was with her.

Jake tells Alicia that they’re swapping people, and he’s staying; Walker guarantees his safety. Alicia says that she’ll stay. Jeremiah has to hear it from him. Walker asks if they have a parley, and Jake says it appears they do.

At the bunkhouse, Nick gives himself a haircut, and Madison asks if she has to worry. She wonders if he’s going back to back with Troy, and he says keep your enemies close. He tells her good luck, and leaves.

Ofelia comes back with Jake. Jake explains what happened, and Ofelia says she’s the hostage from Walker’s side. Jake promises they’ll get Alicia back. He wouldn’t have left her if he didn’t think she was safe. Madison asks Ofelia how long she was there. Ofelia says long enough to know Walker’s word is good. Madison says he wants them off the ranch, and asks if that has changed. Ofelia says only Jake would know.

Walker shows Alicia around, saying that they call themselves pony warriors even though they drive jeeps. Soon they’ll have their own air force. He points out that many of the people are ex-military. As he’s talking, Alicia tells him that she was on the helicopter. He says she’s lucky; they’d been hoping it was an auto. She tells him that he killed one of her family members. He says it’s good if she hates him; maybe she can understand if she magnifies the hate a thousand times. She says that she hates him for killing Travis – and thinking he knows how she feels. He’s nothing but a hypocrite.

There’s a meeting in Jeremiah’s office. Jake says they need blood, and are willing to take it from them. Jeremiah says let them come. Jake suggests letting them share the water. Jeremiah doesn’t think it will satisfy Walker; he’ll want everything. Jake says they need to meet him halfway, but Jeremiah says he’d rather die. Madison says what about Alicia, and Jeremiah says she made her own decision. Jake says he trusts Walker. Madison is an outsider, and needs faith.

When the others leave, Madison asks Jeremiah what he’s going to do. He tells her that he’s going to listen to Jake. He doesn’t think that Walker is to be trusted though.

Walker has taken Alicia to a trailer that houses relics. Alicia looks at a bunch of weird stuff. She sees a skeleton, and Walker says it’s papier-mâché, but it fooled a lot of vacationers. He brings down a chest, and says this isn’t for tourists; this is real. He shows her his great grandfather’s bones. Alicia asks if they shouldn’t be buried, and he says that they were, in a cave. He desecrated his great-grandfather’s grave to save him from travelers and construction. He hopes his great-grandfather forgives him one day. Alicia says the idea of an afterlife doesn’t make sense; it’s hard to get out of this one. Walker says it’s part of a grand plan that had taken place long before the dead walked. He asks if she knows what apocalypse means. When she tells him the end of the world, he says no, it means a great unveiling. He tells her that he kept seeing a theme in the caves; pictures of a new age, a land that will be pure. He says it’s been a long struggle, but after the apocalypse, all will be returned to them – the first humans.

Troy thinks Ofelia is either lying or stupid. Madison says not stupid, but she needs to be on the winning side. Troy says Madison has a connection with her, but Madison says she thinks Ofelia is for herself. She’s with Walker for a reason. Madison tells him that she needs to get Alicia out, and suggests they get a few guys, and slip her out. She says that Troy owes her. She could have brought the whole ranch down on his head. Truth!

Alicia goes out to get water. While she’s walking back, someone follows behind her.

Jeremiah visits Ofelia, and tells her that he thinks they should have a chat, but she says she has nothing to say. He says it’s good that Walker found her, and she’s not dead; at least if the negotiation works, it’s good. She asks what he wants. He says he’s been thinking strange thoughts about ghosts. He talks about your sins not being the thing that holds you in limbo, and the worst of the somehow carrying your sins. Ofelia asks again what he wants. He tells her that nobody wants war, and not to complicate matters with old business. He says that’s fair and asks if she thinks so. Ofelia doesn’t answer, but he asks a second time, and I guess she figures that if she doesn’t agree, she’ll never get out of this stupid conversation, so she says it is. He tells her that he’ll have someone bring food, even though she says she’s not hungry.

Alicia slops the pigs. In the middle of the night? Troy grabs her, and she sees the others with him. She says they’ll get everyone killed. Two of the soldiers are holding a guard, and Alicia says that if they kill him, she’s not leaving. Troy doesn’t care what she thinks. The guard tries to run, and gets stabbed for his trouble. The soldiers start to drag him away, and a dog barks.

Watching from the top of a hill, Nick tells Madison that someone is coming, and they’re not going to make it. They have to bring the truck down. By now, Walker’s people realize something is going on, and are starting to come out. A guy throws Nick to the ground, and is about to stab him, when Troy shoots him (shoots the guy, not Nick). All hell is breaking loose, with shooting and people running everywhere. Troy tosses Alicia into the truck, and Madison drives away with her. Well, this isn’t going to be good.

When they get back, Jake says congratulations, they just declared war. Troy says they were successful in getting Alicia back, and Alicia can’t believe it was Madison’s idea. Jake says he’d made a deal, and Madison tells him that he was played. There was nothing at stake except Alicia’s life. Jeremiah tells her that Jake had made the call, and them that don’t listen have to be brought to heel someday. Does this guy ever say anything that doesn’t sound like a combination of Yoda and a crazy person?

Jake has filled the truck bed with water bottles. Troy asks if their dad knows what he’s doing, and Jake says he’s drunk. Jake thought Jeremiah would be happy. He’d gone to Walker himself and set everything up. Troy asks what kind of a death wish he has, and suggests that only his scalp will be returning. Jake says that he’s going to give them the water. Troy doesn’t think he’s coming back, and that he should ask himself if that would make him happier.

Ofelia takes Alicia off to the side, and says she shouldn’t stay there. Alicia asks what she knows. Ofelia tells Alicia to come with her, it’s all she can offer. Alicia says that she has to stay. Ofelia says that she’s sorry about Travis.

When he gets to the Black Hat, Jake gets the snot beat out of him. Walker tells him that he broke the parlay, but Jake says that Madison and Troy broke it. He’s brought Ofelia and water. Walker takes out a knife, pulling Jake’s head back. Jake says that there will be peace, and Walker says that there will be, but not now. Ofelia stops Walker from killing Jake. Walker says he’ll finish the scalping of the oldest son, when he sees him next. He’ll feed the youngest son to the hogs, and the father will remain alive to watch, before they burn him alive. Where is the freaking boom person whenever Walker talks?

A motorcycle comes to the ranch gate. Ofelia is dropped off. She tells Madison that all she knows is she’s lost her home and the people who took her in. Madison says shouldn’t have left them in the first place. Jeremiah tells them to take Ofelia to the infirmary.

Troy says they’ll press for attack. He says he can get more information from Ofelia, but Jeremiah says no. Madison says they shouldn’t have let her go back, and Jeremiah says to watch her.

Madison says that Ofelia can stay with her and Alicia. Ofelia asks if she’s a prisoner, and Madison tells her that they’re all prisoners of someplace. Ofelia says that there are no walls for Walker’s people because he says you can’t sneak up on an Indian. She says Alicia was never in trouble, but she had a taste of freedom, and now it’s gone.

Troy and the guys talk. Nick asks what if Walker attacks while they’re on their perimeter. Troy says there are only two roads, and they’ll be on both of them. They’ll leave a suicide note (translation: a suicide squad), and the rest will run back and defend the castle ranch. Nick says if that happens, he’ll volunteer to be up front – he’s suicide proof. Troy thinks they should go kamikaze another day. For now, they’re staying behind the fence.

Alicia asks Madison how she can be sure it was Walker who killed the Trumballs?

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the horses are restless. Soldier Joe says he doesn’t like it. The guy next to him tells him to stay frosty, but dude doesn’t feel right, then doubles over in pain. Someone else starts throwing up, and suddenly, soldiers are dropping like flies. Alicia and Madison hear them yelling, and run outside. Ofelia watches from the bunkhouse.

The guards start to turn into zombies. Nice. Everyone is running around, and Nick joins the fray. A soldier tells people to get back inside. Zombies are attacking and being attacked. Madison comes out shooting. Ofelia comes out, and Nick calls to her, but she runs. Nick starts to chase her, but then gets sick. Madison takes up the chase. It looks like Ofelia is aiming to steal another truck.

Part Two

In the desert, Ofelia sees a hole in the fence and goes through. Someone starts shooting at her. She scrambles down a hill, and hides behind a tree. She takes out a knife, and blesses herself. Jeremiah comes around the other side of the tree, and holds out his hand. She gives him the knife, and he tells her welcome to America.

She tells Jeremiah that she was headed to Santa Fe where her fiancé is. Jeremiah tells her she’s free to go, and gives her some water. He says to go from whence she came, find shade, and travel by starlight. She wants a ride, but he says he has to go back, and there’s no use for brown people on the ranch. She spits at him, and he tells her enjoy the walk, and speeds away.

Ofelia walks until she drops. She gets up, leaving her backpack. She starts taking her clothes off, and sees her father. She says the earth will protect her, and starts to dig. Daniel tells her no, she has to stay awake. She reaches for him, but he’s not there.

Eventually, Walker comes by. He checks Ofelia’s pulse, and gives her water. He puts her on his horse.

Walker brings Ofelia to the reservation, and takes her to the Black Hat Motel. He puts her in a tub and bathes her. When she comes out, he gives her some soup. They introduce themselves, and Walker tells her to rest

Back in the present, Madison runs after Ofelia. She gets in a truck and finds the keys in under the visor. Madison busts the driver’s window, and pulls her back out.

Troy and the others attend to whoever is still alive at the ranch. A soldier turns, and Jeremiah shoots him. Madison tells them that Ofelia put powder in the coffee, but doesn’t know what kind. Jake says they have antibiotics, but without knowing what it is, it’s hard to treat. Madison says to keep Nick alive, and leaves.

Madison holds a gun on Ofelia as Ofelia drives. Ofelia tells Madison that it was just supposed to make them sick. She insists her people wouldn’t do such a thing. Madison says they used to be her people. Nick was her friend, and now he might die; does she care? Ofelia says the Nation is her family now, and Madison says they’ll see about that. They drive to the motel. Madison wants to talk to Walker. A guard says he’s in the diner, and Madison drags Ofelia inside.

Madison says that Walker killed her husband, and now the ranch. He says they broke the parlay, but she says no, she did. She doesn’t give a flying about anything except her son. She wants to know what’s killing him. Walker says that it’s anthrax, cultivated from animal hides, and there’s no cure. He gets up, telling his guards to put down their weapons. He says that this woman is more of a man than Jake or any of his relatives, and she’s free to leave. I’m like, all right, Walker! He asks how old Madison’s son is, and she says nineteen. He tells her that if he’s strong, he’ll live. He says that his fight isn’t with her, and suggests she take her family and leave.  She says they’ve fought too hard, and lost too much; they’re not running anymore. Walker says they’ll die then.

Zombies amble around. Victor enters what used to be a restaurant. The food in the refrigerated case is rotten. He sees a boat just offshore, and says, hello, angel. He goes down to the water, and walks out. It’s the Abigail. He boards the yacht, and sees the undead crew stumbling around, making zombie noises. He halts a guest with an arrow to the head, and stabs the captain. He shoots more guests and crew with a handgun. He thinks he’s done.

In the infirmary, Nick throws up again. Alicia tells him, morning, sunshine, and he says it’s like old times. Madison them that it’s anthrax. Those who survive will be too weak to hold a gun. Jake tells one of the soldiers to get what’s left of militia. Madison says that’s a bad idea, and Jake says she’s not the leader. Nyah-nyah! Nick tells her that she’s still the life of the party.

Jake says that Madison is right. Alicia suggests he talk to Walker, and he says talk is cheap without anything to barter with; they have no leverage. Alicia knows where they can get some.

Victor picks up a bottle of Dom Perignon. He goes to the wheelhouse, and messes with the controls. He puts on a white jacket, and pops open the bottle, saying it’s good to be home.

Nick tells Jake that he’s feeling better, and asks to be uncuffed. He thinks someone else might need the bed more, like Jake. He tells Jake that he’s sick, but Jake says they need him. Nick says either way, if they’re attacked, he’s not going to be able to help, so please let him up. Jake undoes the cuffs, and Nick asks him where Jeremiah is. Jake says that his dad can’t help. He’s burning the dead. He’ll only disappoint Nick. The hell they’re in is all because of him.

Nick goes to the new old house and takes out a hammer. He starts ripping up the floorboards.

Ofelia knocks at Walker’s door. She says the Clarks took her in, and she cared about them. He says she volunteered for what she did, and saved the entire Nation. He says when he found her, he almost passed her for dead, but his horse sensed her spirit. She says smart horse, and he tells her smarter than him. She faced death, and wasn’t afraid, that’s why he brought her here. She says he saved her life, and he tells her that the debt is paid. They hear people outside and run out.

Fires are starting. Madison and Alicia watch from the truck. Tents are burning, and what’s left of the militia starts to shoot. Madison attaches the relic trailer to the truck, and starts to move. Troy jumps on.

Nick is digging under the floor. He finds Jeremiah in another room, drinking. Nick says Jeremiah shot up the floor and said it had blood in it. Jeremiah says he’s been known to wax metaphoric while in his cups. Nick holds up a skull, asking who it is. Jeremiah says it’s a long story, but Nick wants to know. Jeremiah tells him that when Jake and Troy were little, the local tribe decided that the ranch belonged to them – it was sacred land or some BS – even though it had been sold to them fair and square. He had a frightened family at home, so the founders killed the leaders. One was Walker’s uncle. Nick asks if it’s his skull, and Jeremiah says no, that’s Walker’s father. He’d come by to see what happened to his brother. Nick says when they were working, he just thought Jeremiah was some wise-ass cowboy. Jeremiah says that Nick is a guest, and he needs to get right with the past, or get off the land. Nick says that it’s their land, but Jeremiah says it belongs to whoever holds it, and it was given up for beer money. Nick tells him that they’ll see who can old the land – they’re coming.

Walker’s trucks surround the ranch. Troy comes back with the relics trailer. He and Madison say that it’s leverage. Nick says Walker values them, and Jeremiah says that Nick might not like his hospitality, but he’ll like it better then Walker’s.

Alicia says they’re on the wrong side. Nick says he gets that Madison wants to protect them, but there has to be a line. Nick tells them that Troy killed the Trumballs. Alicia says that Madison knew, and covered for him. Madison says that she doesn’t understand. Alicia says that Madison is just like them; she’s worse because she has no feelings. No wonder her father was depressed. Madison says she’d love to indulge herself, but doesn’t have time for feelings. They have no idea what she carries.

As Victor snoozes, the radio comes to life. He says hello, and a voice comes through. It’s from overseas, a man who was a cosmonaut (a nod to Z Nation?), and Victor asks if they know what’s happened in America. He finds out that the zombies are everywhere. The man says he speaks from his grave, and Victor says he’s sorry at least he got to go to space – no one else will have the opportunity. The man says he’d give it up for water, and Victor says how about champagne? They talk, and laugh a little, and once again, the boom person was absent that day. The man asks about the champagne, and Victor describes it. The connection is starting to break up, and the man tells Victor that the world turns. Victor says the world is dead, but the man tells him not until he dies, and not to give up. The connection is gone, and Victor says, das vidania.

Madison meets Walker. She says the artifacts are unharmed. He wants to know why she’s thrown in with trash, and she says you can’t always choose your people. She tells him they can end this, and live in peace. He says that this is their land, soaked in Indian blood, the time for peace is over. She says that she heard about his fight with the Ottos, and says she understands this is his father. She holds out the skull, but he says it’s not enough. This isn’t his father, but an old white man’s shame.

Madison comes back to the ranch, and says that Walker doesn’t care about relics; he wants the ranch. They have until sundown to clear out or die.

Victor roots around the boat, and gathers supplies together. More liquor! But instead of drinking it, this time he pours it all over, and sets it on fire. He puts on aviator sunglasses, and the flames look awesome in the lenses. He goes back to shore. The boat burns on the water.

Madison comes back to the bunkhouse. She says that Alicia and Nick have never been to Montgomery, and Alicia says she never took them, not even for her grandmother’s funeral. Madison says there was a local council man who lived there, and he had a beautiful wife and little girl. Everyone loved her daddy because he knew everyone’s names and all of their occasions; he knew when to burn the ballot boxes and which ones to burn, but what he didn’t know was when to turn down a drink. So life was hard for the little girl, and harder for her mother. As the little girl grew, she got tired of crying and seeing her mother get hurt. One morning, she ate her cereal, and brushed her teeth for school. She took the gun from her daddy’s dresser, and shot him while he slept off the night before. Nick and Alicia are like, whoa.

Madison says her mother looked at her then, like they’re looking now, but she’d do it again. She’d do it a thousand times to protect her – protect them. She’s going to convince an old man to set aside his pride and make peace with the enemy. Now I’m looking at her like that.

Madison visits Jeremiah. He says he’s going Alamo, last line of defense. He built the house as a hold out. He has supplies and weapons in the basement, and they’re welcome to join him if it comes to it. He offers her a drink, and thanks her for standing by his boys, by Troy, for trying to stop what’s coming. They clink glasses. Madison says she told Jake they couldn’t come to an agreement; there’s only one way to secure peace. Jeremiah says they want his scalp, and asks if she’s there to kill him after he took her in. He continues to list all the things he’s done for her and her family. She puts the gun on the desk, and says she’s not going to kill him for those reasons, and is tired of disappointing her kids. So he’s going to do it.

Jeremiah says he’s not going to die like some rabbit with no resistance. Madison says they’re surrounded by firepower. If he doesn’t do it, everyone dies. It’s his chance to make things up to his sons. He says the hell with them – one is a feckless crybaby, and the other, a chip off the old block. She tells him that her kids aren’t dying because some selfish old prick is afraid to do what’s right. He says go ahead and kill him then, because some selfish old prick did what needed to be done.

Nick walks in, and Jeremiah says, don’t nobody knock? having a valid point. He asks Nick if he knows why his mother came by, and starts to say, she’s just like – Madison raises the gun, but Nick shoots Jeremiah before she has a chance to do it.

Madison tells Nick to do exactly as she says. We see him running from the scene. Troy and Jake come into Jeremiah’s office. Jeremiah is slumped at his desk, while Madison sits in a nearby chair. The brothers take Jeremiah’s body out and put it into the truck. The truck drives away, as Nick, Madison, and Alicia watch from the balcony.

Madison meets Walker on the road, and sets down a backpack. He opens it. It’s Jeremiah’s head. Or so we assume, since for some reason, they decided to not gross us out and we just got a glimpse. Walker nods, and walks away carrying the backpack. Madison walks in the opposite direction.

This was the mid-season finale (please, who invented such a thing?), so there was no preview.

✈ Okay, I am slightly obsessed with 90 Day Fiancé, but it’s just so weird. I mean the coupling is weird. Maybe because the show should really be called How to Get a Green Card in 90 Days. I’m not saying all of the couples are together for that reason, but I think the ratio is heavily on that side. We have Jorge and Anfisa, who has been pretty blatant about the fact that she wanted to marry him for a free ride. The first one I saw revolved around Mohamad and Danielle, which I’ve I’ve already discussed. There is clearly something wrong with Danielle, who keeps going back and forth about whether to get a divorce or an annulment, the latter leaving Mohamad open to deportation. She goes back every time he says, come on, let’s still be friends, and forth when she realizes she’s been had again. I said it before, but being even more blatant, a guy who looks like that would not be interested in her. He’s no Marc Singer, but she’s pretty close to pre-makeover Susan Boyle. Not sayin’ it never happens, but just sayin’. Then there’s Pedro and Chantal. I don’t know how much he cares about the green card thing, but I don’t see him getting a job, and he seems to send an awful lot of her money back to his mother in wherever-the-blip they’re from. His mother is a real piece of work too, calling Chantal’s family stupid and crazy because they’re concerned about their daughter. I get that every mother thinks her son is wonderful, but she’s waaay out of line, and might consider shutting her mouth since she’s a total grifter. It was pretty funny when Chantal got Pedro to try sushi though. Next, we have Pao, a party girl who thinks she’s going to be a model and make tons of money, and Russ, who is a patient-as-hell, somewhat conservative dude from Oklahoma. At present, Pao is in Miami, hanging out with her best gay pal, while Russ is trying to sell their Oklahoma home. Russ came down for a visit, and the friend relentlessly bashed him in Spanish, with Pao translating. I hope he dumps her sorry ass before she gets her card. At least Anfisa is honest about wanting Jorge to be her meal ticket. Last, and I think the couple most likely to succeed, are Loren and Alex, who met in Israel, and are talking about moving his parents to the US. Despite some altercations, that are mostly due to her keeping things from him, they seem the most genuine. I think that’s all of them. If not, it’s enough.

🏛 The Real Housewives of Potomac had part one of their reunion tonight. Of course the main thing is what they wore and how they looked, and I can’t say I have much criticism here. Some of the dresses bordered on bridesmaids-ish (I’m talking to you Karen and Robyn), and there was one that could have doubled for prom (Monique), but not necessarily in a bad way – they were still beautiful. Huge earrings abounded, and everyone sported new hairstyles, all of them lovely. That being said, same Potomac, different day, just more confined. One of the things I always hate about reunions is the same thing I hate about litigants on court shows. Aside from the blatant lying, making faces is incredibly unattractive unless you’re five years old. And all of these women are the Grand Dames of face-making. Part one is always just the warm-up anyway. It looks like a few sparks will fly when the husbands are trotted out.

FWD-S2

Fear the Walking Dead – Season Two Poster