Tag Archives: 1999

Dec28

December 27, 2023 – Brook Comes To Tracy’s Defense, TempMaxie, Soap Roll Call, Her Future, But Is He, Almost Quit, News Of Us, What’s On the Eve, Holiday Pet (!) Mix & Party

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Kristina and Molly show up at Alexis’s house, and Alexis says, there they are, my pride, and most of the time, my joy. She thanks them for coming and says she knows it’s early. She asks if they want coffee, but they both say they’ve reached their limit. (I didn’t know there was a limit.) Molly asks, what’s so important she needed to see them before work? and Kristina says, her voice sounded really tense on the phone. Alexis invites them to sit down, and says she’s sorry TJ couldn’t make it, but it’s probably best they speak first, just the three of them. Molly wonders why she feels like they’ve been called to the principal’s office, but Alexis says, they’re not in any trouble… yet.

At Deception, Lucy rifles through photos and papers on her desk, mumbling, and Tracy asks if she can’t do anything quietly. TempMaxie (see below) asks if they want coffee before the senior leadership meeting, but Lucy suggests they just dive right in. Oh wait. They can’t, because the leader of their leadership meeting isn’t here. Maxie says she’s sure Brook will be here any second, and Lucy asks what kind of company Tracy and her granddaughter are running. Tracy says she lightened Lucy’s workload by 51%, which means Lucy should have 51% more time to rifle (coincidence!) through photo proofs and wrangle her spokesmodel. Lucy says, Tracy shouldn’t even be in this office, never mind breathing their rarified Deception air. Tracy says, and yet, here she is, and Lucy says, as if she could miss Tracy, but she sure would love to try.

Brook says, if her grandmother finds out she’s late for the meeting because she can’t find her… Chase says, her bag’s over there, and she thanks him. She says she’s just going to grab a coffee on the way, and he says, brewed, in her travel mug, holding it out to her. She asks if he’s psychic, and he says he doesn’t have to be; he knows her routine. She says, he’s the best. What does he have planned for his day off? He says he’s trying to find wedding venues that accommodate guests with mobility issues, and she sits next to him. He says he wants his dad to have the time of his life at their wedding, and Brook flashes back to Gregory saying that time isn’t on his side. His Christmas wish is to see his son get married to the love of his life. She tells Chase, you and me both.

Finn dashes into an exam room, where Gregory is sitting, and says he was told Gregory was in here. Does Gregory want to tell him what happened? Gregory says he’s fine. He just got a bit overheated. Finn looks at the IV bag and says, this is for aggressive fluid replacement. They don’t just give it to people who are a bit overheated. Does Gregory want to tell him what’s going on?

At Kelly’s with Felicia, Robert orders coffee, and Felicia says, nothing to eat? Is he feeling okay? He says he’s not hungry, and she says, he’s probably full because he already ate with Diane. He says, she didn’t bring him here to discuss his personal life, and she says she didn’t know that was an option, but he’s right. She’s sorry. They need to talk family. He asks if something happened with Mac, but she says, Mac is fine. There’s a mystery she wants solved before he comes back, and she needs Robert’s help.

Sasha finds Cody at the stables and says, it looks like he’s having a busy morning. He says he was just hammering out one of Comet’s old horseshoes, but he always has time for her. What’s up? She says she wasn’t sure if she could beat Comet in a contest for his attention, and he says, totally. Nobody else. What brings her by? She says she came to warn him. He’s in trouble.

Scotty goes to the counter at Kelly’s and tells the server that he hears some people try to eat their feelings. He thinks he’s going to be that guy, because he has a lot of feelings. She gives him a menu and asks what she can get him. He says, everything… from the left side of the menu. And a cup of coffee. He’ll be at his table.

Robert asks why Felicia is still on about this Cody Bell thing, and she says her instincts tell her that Cody lied about those DNA test results. He says, if that’s the case, why is his brother saddled with this jerk? and she says, Mac has a right to know if Cody is his son. She knows Cody is no choirboy, and Robert says, ya think? He hadn’t been in town five minutes, and he almost drowned Britt Westbourne. She says, there wasn’t supposed to be somebody in that pool when he parachuted into it (there wasn’t; she was near the pool and he knocked her in), and Robert tells her, let’s say for instance, he came through the front door and offered his hand and said hi, like a normal person would do. She says, it was a publicity stunt, a job he was contracted and paid for, but Robert says, it was reckless endangerment and he got arrested. She says, he apologized to Britt, and she got over it. Why can’t Robert? He says, because he knows a con man when he smells one, and she says, which proves the exact point she was trying to make. Cody came to their house over the holiday and brought all these gifts for all of them. The kids adore him, and he fit right in. Robert asks if he brought receipts for the presents, and Felicia says, he cares about their family. She can feel it. She can see it. And there’s this undeniable bond between him and Mac and James. He tells her, let’s say he believes her. If she’s right, why would Cody lie about being a part of a family he cares about?

Cody wonders how he’s in trouble, and Sasha says, after Spinelli made him leave Mac and Felicia’s on Christmas… Cody says, Spinelli didn’t make him leave, but Sasha says, Spinelli was rude, out of line, and just completely wrong. After he left, Felicia said she hates not knowing the truth about him and Mac. He says, she knows the truth… a truth. She was at the hospital when he got the DNA results. Sasha says, but he never showed Felicia the printout and she thought that was strange, and he says, Felicia is pretty invested with him being a part of the family. He guesses it makes sense that she wouldn’t accept the results. Sasha says she thinks it’s more than a case of just being disappointed. She thinks Felicia is genuinely skeptical. He says, she was a P.I. and she’s married to a cop. She’s kind of conditioned to be suspicious. She says, Maxie didn’t buy her theory, but they know she’s right. He did lie about the DNA results; he is Mac’s son. And now Felicia is wondering why he’d pretend to be the son of Leopold Taub.

Brook closes the laptop and says, about the wedding… Chase says, she hasn’t changed her mind, has she? and she says, not on your life, kissing him. He says, then what’s up? and she says, if they’re going to do everything in their power to make sure his dad has the best time on their special day, it’s going to need to happen a little faster than they anticipated.

Gregory says he was doing hot yoga on an empty stomach. Dumb idea. Finn says, yes, very dumb. Since when is he doing hot yoga? Gregory says, Finn doesn’t need to hover; the fluids are already working. Dr. Matt comes in and asks what daredevil stunt Gregory was up to this time, and Gregory says, hot yoga. They don’t call it hot for nothing. But he already has his next quest lined up. Matt says he can’t wait to hear about it and asks how Finn is. Finn says he’s fine. He’s just making sure his dad’s okay. Matt says he’s about to examine Gregory right now, if Finn will excuse them, and Finn says, of course (🍷). He’ll be right outside. Gregory says, no need, he’s fine, and Finn reluctantly leaves. In the hallway, a woman comes up to Finn and asks if Gregory is okay. Finn says, he’s fine, and asks how she knows his dad. She says she’s the yoga instructor. She’s so glad he’s all right. She’s never had anyone collapse in her class before.

Molly says she can’t take any more bad news. It’s been a rough few months. Alexis says she knows Molly’s been through a lot, and this isn’t necessarily bad news. She’s happy for Molly and TJ, that they’re soldiering on through this journey to have a baby. She knows that’s what Molly really, really wants. And Kristina, giving her the most extraordinary, generous gift. Molly says, and Kristina knows how grateful she is. Kristina says, of course (🍷). She’s honored. Alexis says she just wishes the commitment they made to each other was legally binding, but it’s not. Their surrogacy arrangement presents what could be a really big legal problem.

Chase says he thought he and Brook agreed on a summer wedding. It’s not too far away, but it still gives them time to plan. She says, too much planning’s overrated. Who says they need this whole elaborate production? He says, she said that, but she tells him, what does she know? He says, Lois told him that she used to sketch her wedding gown in her school notebook, but she says, dreams change. He says he doesn’t want to rush this. He had a quickie wedding once, and they all know how that turned out. She says, they both know why he had that quickie wedding with Willow, and those reasons have nothing to do with why they want to be together. He says he knows, but he’s only doing this one more time, and he’s doing it with her. He wants it to be special. What’s going on? She says, when his dad pulled her aside on Christmas Eve, he said his Christmas wish was to see them get married.

Gregory says, well, doc? and Matt says, at the moment, his vitals look good. Gregory says he’s not surprised. He’s feeling better already. Matt says he’s already recovering from the dehydration, and Gregory says he’s guessing Matt’s prescription for recovery is lots of rest and plenty of fluids. Matt says, it is, and he’d like to admit Gregory for observation.

Alexis says she knows Molly and Kristina have done their homework on the medical side of things and they’re clear about that. She just doesn’t know that they’re clear on the legal implications. Kristina says, well, this baby’s mother is a brilliant lawyer, and Alexis says, she is, but she’s not a specialist in family law. Molly says, true, but she can draw up a contract, and Kristina says, and she can sign it. So lawyer/contract, they’re good. Alexis says she’s not sure that’s entirely true, because there is no binding agreement that she can sign that would make that baby Molly’s.

Maxie says, everyone needs time to adjust to their new corporate reality, and Tracy says, reality, Lucy. The opposite of what’s going on in your head. Maxie says, but they do have to be professional, and Tracy says, why start now? Lucy says she knows blackmail is Tracy’s go-to, but technically, blackmail is not professional, and Maxie says, this is a critical time for Deception. A lot is at stake for everyone who works here. For people who have rent and kids and have to grocery shopping on the way home. Bottom line, they need to make this work. Lucy says, Maxie is so right, but you know what’s not working? Tracy’s powers of manipulation. Judging from the fact Brook isn’t here, her powers are a big, fat flop. Tracy says, Lucy is well-acquainted with big, fat flops, from her marriages to business ventures. She just can’t seem to stick the landing. Lucy says she knows where she’d like to stick… and Maxie says, that’s enough. She can’t believe she has to talk to them like she does her children, but five minutes of silence, both of them. This lasts about three seconds, when Lucy says, Tracy doesn’t really care about Deception at all. She’s just bored and needs a distraction. Maxie says, it doesn’t work on her kids either, and Tracy says she can think of a thousand distractions more appealing than listening to Lucy, and Lucy says, but none of them would distract Tracy from the fact she has nothing to live for since Luke died. (Ouch! That was mean.)

Sasha says she knows the whole Taub necklace scam wasn’t the only reason Cody lied about the DNA results, and he says, Mac’s a good guy. Mac doesn’t deserve a son like him. She says, that couldn’t be further from the truth, but Felicia is a good P.I., and she’s going to dig and keep digging until she discovers the truth, and the fallout from that could be massive in ways he couldn’t expect. Trust her. She speaks from personal experience. He says, that whole Nina Reeves thing, right? and she says her situation was the complete opposite from his. She was hired by Valentin Cassadine to claim she was Nina’s daughter, but looking back, she realizes she could have mitigated a lot of damage if she’d just come clean. The fact that she stayed silent and got busted made the fallout so much worse. He says, maybe he should just move to Bolivia or some other county that doesn’t extradite Americans. Coming clean is not an option, and if Felicia finds out he’s Mac’s son, he’s going to Pentenville.

Felicia says she was hoping Robert and his extraordinary skill set could help her figure out why Cody would lie about those test results, because he’s right. It doesn’t make any sense. He says, take some advice from the man with the extraordinary skill set, and leave it. She says, if he thinks she can do that, he understands her even less than he understands Cody, and he says he understood all too well what kind of a grifter Cody was when he walked into Britt’s office and found them fighting over Taub’s necklace. She asks, what about Leopold Taub? and he says, this time last year, he went to seize Taub’s necklace, the one that Victor wanted. He goes into Britt’s office and they’re both there fighting over the necklace, both claiming ownership. She asks if they ever got it sorted out, but he says he doesn’t think so. Not since it was destroyed. She wonders if Cody ever contested any of Taub’s other assets, and he says, that would be a good question for a lawyer. She looks over at Scotty and says, indeed it would.

Chase tells Brook that he can understand his dad talking about his stamina, but worrying about his death seems seriously premature. Brook says she’s just telling him what Gregory told her; he doesn’t want them waiting too long. He asks if she thinks Gregory is holding something back, but she says she doesn’t know. She’s not going to the meeting; she’s calling the office. He says she doesn’t have to do that; he’ll be fine. She should go to her meeting. The last thing they need is Tracy coming around here looking for her. She says, that’s a good point, and hugs him. They’re going to make sure they do what’s best for everyone, okay? He says, whatever that is, and she gathers up her stuff and leaves. Chase’s phone rings, and he says he’s glad Finn called. Brook just told him something… Finn says, dad’s here at the hospital. He’s okay, but he took a fall. Chase says he’s on his way.

Alexis says she should have known Molly would have done research on the child/parent security act, and Molly says she’s familiar. She hasn’t studied it. Alexis says, because it’s new, which means it can be easily challenged, and Molly says she’s aware, but it does allow for surrogacy in New York. Alexis says, it does, but the surrogate has to be using a third-party egg donor, and Kristina asks if it really makes a difference. Molly says, a big difference actually, and Alexis says, in her case, she’s not using a third-party egg donor. She’s the donor and the surrogate. In this case, it’s called a genetic surrogacy, and the contract for a genetic surrogacy is not enforceable in the state of New York. Kristina says, okay, but if genetic surrogacy isn’t enforceable in the state of New York, they’ll just get pregnant in a different state. They’ll find some other workaround. Alexis says, there are always loopholes, because Molly will tell her, regulations exist because there are precedents. Kristina says, precedents and regulations and loopholes. She’s talking to them like they’re her court case, not her children. Alexis says she’s talking to them this way because they are her children, and she wants to make sure their best interests are protected. Kristina asks if it’s their best interests, or is Alexis really just trying to protect Molly from her?

Tracy tells Lucy not to say Luke’s name ever again, but Lucy says, Tracy doesn’t own Luke’s name, just like she never owned Luke. Tracy says, don’t, and Lucy says, Luke had many, many women in his life, and Tracy was just one of them. She barely cracked the top ten. Maxie says, don’t go there, but Lucy says, why? Why can’t she just tell the truth right to Tracy’s face? Luke was the great, true love of Tracy’s life, but does she know who the great, true love of Luke’s life was? Laura. (People who don’t even watch GH know that.) In fact, Tracy is probably just an also-ran to Holly. Tracy asks where she did her research, Wikipedia? Are they just naming exes now, because two can play that game. The great love of Lucy’s life, Doc, is so happily settled down with Laura. She guesses he doesn’t miss being burned by Lucy. Lucy says she happens to be in love with Martin now. She’s with Martin, and none of her loves married her to extort her. They didn’t stay married and try to escape from her all the time. The fact is, Tracy and Luke were in totally different countries when he died. She needs to know why Tracy did all this. Why did she steal Deception? Is it because she has more to look back on than to look forward to? Is it because her family just barely tolerates her, and when she stands looking around, she has nothing and nobody? She doesn’t see anything, is that it? She can keep doing it. She can keep scheming and using sarcasm as a distraction – Brook walks in – but you know what? Tracy is going to die just like she lived – unloved and completely unlovable. Brook says, who is Lucy to speak to her grandmother that way?

Chase says, hot yoga? Hot yoga is a challenge for people in the best of health. He did it once and it almost killed him, but Finn thinks there’s more to the story? Finn says, the instructor came with him to the hospital. She said he wasn’t just a little woozy. It seemed like he lost consciousness.

Gregory says he knows he overdid it, but is a hospital stay really necessary? and Matt says, his collapse may be the result of a temporary fluid loss… Gregory says, or? and Matt says, or this may be a new symptom of the disease.

Sasha says, even if Mac could arrest Cody for lying about the DNA results, she doesn’t believe he would, but Cody says, he wouldn’t have a choice, thanks to the lawsuit Scotty cooked up. Legally, he’s on the hook. She asks if Cody was suing the WSB for the value of Taub’s necklace? She thought he dropped that lawsuit. He says he did, but only after he was deposed and signed an affidavit saying he was Taub’s son. She says, and that is considered fraud? but he says, worse. It’s perjury. He’ll have to do time for that. She says, he may not. He broke the law for her and it turned out okay. He says he was willing to risk himself, but he doesn’t want to risk Mac. The potential scandal could impact his reputation on the force. Mac’s a good guy. He doesn’t deserve what Cody would do to his life. She asks what Cody thinks Mac would want for his life if he knew he was Cody’s father.

Felicia tells Scotty, sorry to interrupt. Does he have a minute? He says, yes. Sit down. She says, his breakfast companions might not feel the same, but he says, what breakfast companions? He’s alone again as usual. She asks if he tried again with Liesl, and he says he did. He presented his heart to her, and she threw it right against the wall. So they’re done, finished. She says she’s sorry. She respects him for trying. She thinks it’s really brave of him to put himself out there. He says he won’t be making that mistake again. He doesn’t know what went wrong with Liesl, but it was the last nail in the coffin of love for him. She says she’s really sorry to hear that. She just wanted to ask him a question, and then she’ll leave him to… whatever this is. He says, it’s breakfast, and what is her question? She says, Cody Bell, but he says, don’t bring up his name. She says, why? She thought they had a great relationship. He says he doesn’t have a problem with Cody. Cody just kind of goofed up his chances of getting back with Leisl a little bit. She asks, how so? and he says, Cody cost him a big payday.

Alexis says she’s trying to look out for both her daughter’s best interests, and Kristina says, really? She’s just focusing on the contract part of this because she thinks someone is going to violate it, that someone being her. Does Alexis just not trust she’ll abide by the terms? Alexis says, of course (🍷) she trusts Kristina. She’s just trying to look at all possible outcomes. Kristina says she appreciates Alexis advising them of the current statutes, but her concern isn’t really necessary. Alexis says she’s done research, and Molly says, she didn’t really have to go to the trouble, but Alexis says, it was no trouble really. She looks at some papers and says, do they know they can avoid any potential legal conflict between them by establishing parenthood after birth via adoption? (That’s what I was thinking.) Molly says she’ll look into it, but Alexis says, Molly doesn’t have to; she’s already done it. The first step is for Kristina to stipulate that she has no parental proprietary interest… Kristina says, Molly told her that she’d look into it, but Alexis says she can go over this. It’ll be really quick. Kristina says, no. Not for nothing, but Molly is the lawyer here, not her. (Another ouch.)

Cody says he has no idea what Mac would want when it comes to him, and Sasha says she could guess. Mac is a good guy, and she can’t see any world where Mac wouldn’t forgive him. And he’d never do anything to jeopardize Cody’s future. Cody says, what about Mac’s brother, Robert Scorpio, the DA? Not a fan. She says, that’s because Robert doesn’t know what she knows, and he says, what’s that? She says, how much has changed since he signed that affidavit. He put himself on the line for her, and she knows he hates to hear this, but she’ll forever be grateful. He says, they’ve been over this. Gratitude, no; friendship, yes. She says, speaking of friendships, he’s been a really good one. Dante and Sam… He says, they’ve been better to him, and she says, Maxie and all her kids, especially James. That little boy hero worships him. Cody says, he’s too young to know any better, but she says, maybe he knows Cody better than Cody knows himself. Cody has changed a lot, and the only way to prove that is to come clean. Today.

Felicia says, so Scotty and Cody were going to sue the WSB over Taub’s necklace? and Scotty says, yeah, but hush-hush. Nobody really knows about this, and he’s hoping Cody changes his mind. She says, so it was Cody who decided not to move forward, and he says, yes. After all the legal depositions and the filings, all the dirty work was done. She asks, why? and he says he doesn’t know why exactly, but the WSB blew up Cody’s asset and he felt Cody should be compensated. She says, so being Taub’s son would pay off big for Cody, and he says, huge, huge windfall. Why does she ask?

Brook says, Lucy knows nothing about her grandmother, which is insulting, because not only did she take Deception, she’s running it way better than Lucy ever did. And by the way, Lucy is sadly misinformed. Tracy Angelica Quartermaine is greatly loved by her whole family. A love Lucy couldn’t possibly understand how they express, because she’s nothing but a gold-digging outsider who managed to trap Brook’s great uncle into marriage for what, ten seconds? She’s been hanging around for years trading on her single share of ELQ, which Brook’s grandmother managed to get from Lucy, by the way. So now she’s out on the street, exactly where she belongs. Lucy says, Brook really has nothing to say… and Brook tells her, and by the way, Luke Spencer was the love of her grandmother’s life. She accepted him for exactly who he was, fought for him with everything she had, and stuck by him until the very end. Meanwhile, Lucy has thrown away every man who’s ever loved her, with both hands. So do not lecture her grandmother on love, because she understands it way better than Lucy ever will. Tracy looks at Brook proudly, and Lucy says, they can hold this meeting without her. She walks out, closing the door behind her, and Tracy tells Brook, thank you. Brook says she meant every word, and Tracy says, well, she’s still late. So what was more important than the meeting they had scheduled? Brook says, something happened with Chase’s father.

Matt says he wants to run some tests overnight. It could be that Gregory is no longer getting nutrients from food and water intake alone, or the collapse could have been because of his lung intake level falling below 50%, which the tests will show. If it has fallen below 50%, they’ll have to discuss options. Gregory says he’ll give Matt 24 hours to do anything he needs, but he has plans on New Year’s Eve, and nothing is going to stop him from making good on them.

Chase tells Finn, the yoga instructor isn’t a doctor. They don’t know what actually happened. Finn says he thought Chase should know. He left Chase out of the loop once before, and he promised not to let it happen again. Chase says, if dad believes he overdid it, doesn’t Finn think they should trust that? Finn says, dad’s not a doctor either, and Chase says he gets that. And he gets that facts are important, but so is faith. Finn says he doesn’t remember seeing that on the curriculum at med school, and Chase asks, doesn’t a patient’s state of mind effect their health? Finn says, of course (🍷) it does, and Chase says, then a little positivity can’t hurt. Matt comes out and asks why they don’t come in with him and their dad. He has an update.

Alexis says, when Kristina’s right, she’s right. It’s tough to know when to take off her legal hat and put on her mom hat, but either way, she’ll defend her daughters with everything she’s got, and that includes Kristina. Kristina says she’s sorry. She didn’t mean to dismiss Alexis’s legal expertise or her concern for her daughters. Alexis says, but Kristina thinks she’s overstepping, and Molly says, it’s just that, for her and TJ, this whole journey has been about hope. Now with Kristina as their surrogate, it’s also one of implicit trust. The bond between her and Krissy is stronger than all the legal protections in the world. Kristina says, they’re sisters. Nothing is ever going to make them forget that. Alexis still looks worried.

Molly and Kristina put on their coats, and Alexis says, so it looks like her concern for her daughters has been outmatched by their belief in each other. Well done. Congratulations. Kristina says, it’s the truth, and Alexis tells them that she’s not going to say another word about it. What she did say isn’t because she doesn’t believe in them, because she does with all her heart. And she’s very proud of the way they stuck up for each other, even against her. She loves them both, and she loves the way they love each other. They have a three-way hug, and Kristina and Molly leave.

Gregory asks what Chase is doing here, and Chase says, Finn called and said Gregory was in the hospital. Where else would he be? Gregory says, Finn didn’t need to call Chase; he’s fine. Finn asks Matt, is he? and Gregory says, they’re going to admit him. They’re going to run some tests. 24-hours, that’s it, then he’s out of here. He asks Matt to tell his boys not to worry, and Matt says, an overnight stay is just a precaution. Chase says, precautions are good. He’s all for precautions. Matt says, good. He’ll go take a look at Gregory’s intake paperwork. He heads for the door, and Chase thanks him and says, and take good care of his dad. His dad promised his bride a dance at his wedding this spring. Matt leaves, and Gregory says, they decided on a date? Chase says, they did, and Gregory says he didn’t think it would happen so soon. Chase says, he and Brook decided they didn’t want to wait another minute to make it official in front of the whole family. He can’t wait to marry Brook. Gregory says he’s so happy for Chase, and Chase thanks him. Chase says he just has to… follow her orders and stay out of her way, and Gregory laughs.

Felicia goes back to the table, and Robert says he got a call from the office. He’s got to go. He asks if her conversation with Baldwin was of use, and she says, and how. He asks if she still thinks Cody is Mac’s son, and she says, more than ever. He says he’s not asking for any details, but if Cody chose not to be the son of a man like Mac Scorpio, does Mac need to know? She says, Mac has a right to know, and he says, so what’s the plan? Is she going to get Cody to ‘fess up to lying about the DNA results? She says, he’s held on to this secret for a long time, so no. Robert says he’d move on. It’s going to be hell to prove. He leaves, and she says, not for me.

Cody says he can’t just come clean, and Sasha says she guesses that’s ultimately up to him, but if he does decide to admit he’s Mac’s son, she’ll be right by his side. And if he doesn’t, she’ll keep his secret forever. He thanks her, and she says, that doesn’t mean the truth won’t come out, but it won’t come from her. She looks at her phone and says she’s got to go. She’s beyond late. He thanks her for being such a good friend, and she says, he deserves nothing less, and leaves.

Tracy asks if Gregory’s all right, and Brook says, yes. Things were just complicated. Tracy says, given the circumstances, that’s an acceptable excuse for Brook’s tardiness, but if she’s going to take the helm here, she has to follow Tracy’s example and act like a leader. If Tracy is going to give her this company, she needs to start taking it seriously. Brook says, oh, I am, granny. Very seriously.

Scotty puts more syrup on his pancakes, and Lucy says, keep that up and he won’t make it through the year. He says, who cares? and she says, oh come on. Buck up. She sits down and says she has a way for both of them to end up on top. He says, that sounds physically impossible, but he’s willing to give it a shot. She says, stop, focus, and not on these plates of food please. What is this all about? He asks what she wants, and she says she’s proposing a plan where she’s restored all she’s lost, and Scotty could land a big, fat chunk of change. He says he’s listening, and she says, they’re going to be big winners in 2024. Big winners. And Tracy Quartermaine is going to lose big time. He asks how he fits in, and she says, as a groom. He asks if she could repeat that. Did she just say the word groom? She says, yes, she did. He’s going to marry Tracy and they’re going to take her for everything she’s got.

Tomorrow, TJ says he and Kristina have to set some things straight; Lucy tells Scotty to get ready, because she’s just getting started; and Sonny asks if this is where Alexis wants him to tell her that she’s wrong.

☎️ Today the Role Of…

Since regular Maxie was in the preview, I’m guessing it was nothing major.

That’s Nicole Paggi as the Temporary Maxie Recast on GH!

🥀 Our Loss Is Heaven’s Gain…

This made me miss Passions all over again.

Remembering the Stars We Lost in 2023

🗽 Model Of Legacy…

Some of the forgotten Wives. I met Kristen at a radio station cocktail party years ago. It was after the season where Ramona threw the glass at her. She seemed like a nice person, and I think she should run from any facet of this franchise.

Does Kristen Taekman See Future Seasons of RHONY Legacy?

🛟 Toxicity On Deck…

I just don’t see it this way. I thought Natalya was one of the worst human beings ever, but Kyle? Kyle is just gossipy and emotional, so don’t tell him anything you don’t want anyone to know. Problem solved, and hopefully, he’ll grow out of it. Whereas Natalya was deliberately mean, Kyle just gets all in his emotions and lashes out. Captain Sandy also thought he was the root of the problem, but I’ve disagreed with her before.

Everything That Makes Kyle Viljoen So Toxic

🥇 But At the Time…

It’s like Jerry said in Edward Albee’s Zoo Story, sometimes it’s necessary to go a long distance out of the way in order to come back a short distance correctly. But geez, don’t mention his stellar final season of Fear the Walking Dead or anything.

https://people.com/colman-domingo-nearly-left-acting-after-losing-big-break-role-8420368

🌁 And the Last Shall Be Divisive…

They seem to be focusing an awful lot on it being parallel to the game, but I don’t think this stuff is confirmed. What is confirmed is it not being aired until 2025… sigh…

https://screenrant.com/the-last-of-us-season-2-divisive-story-reason/

https://www.tomsguide.com/opinion/i-cant-wait-for-the-last-of-us-season-2-to-air-but-im-also-dreading-it-heres-why

There’s a blink-and-you-miss-it teaser for The Last of Us, but mostly what HBO/Max has in store for 2024.

https://gizmodo.com/last-of-us-season-2-release-it-prequel-trailer-hbo-max-1851078003

🥂 To Rock Your Eve…

Stuff to watch if you don’t want to brave the night. Like me. Been there, done that, I’m good. Dick Clark might be gone, but he’ll never be forgotten on New Year’s Eve.

https://people.com/new-years-eve-specials-2023-everything-to-know-8420122

🐕 Holiday Assortment…

Good advice all year round.

https://people.com/how-to-keep-your-pet-safe-around-the-holidays-8417416

I don’t know how I missed this, but it’s very cute.

https://people.com/pets/adoptable-animals-model-halloween-costumes/

No one can say I don’t include cats. They’re not keen on costumes though, as a general rule.

https://people.com/mandy-moore-includes-cats-in-holiday-traditions-8418338

And last, but never least, the InstaDogs of Christmas.

Spotted: 20 Ridiculously Cute Christmas Dogs on Instagram

🍇 12 Grapes For 12 Months…

Boomerang back tomorrow for soap and some New Year amusement. Until then, stay safe, stay being on time, but not early to a party, and stay not eating the entire left side of the menu if you have a lot of feelings.

Jan3

January 2, 2020 – An Uninvited Guest, a Question Answered, Dallas Reunites, Marge Drenches Danielle, Laverne Judges the Runway, NYE Celebrations, Daytime Roll Call, Shocking Roll Call & Starting Right

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What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

At the MetroCourt, Sam tells Jason that she doesn’t have much time. Her parole officer is doing a home visit. It will be a good opportunity for her to show she’s an excellent mother and a responsible citizen. Jason asks why she’s nervous, and she says she’s not. But she does think it’s weird that the parole officer wants to meet, and on top of it, she got the creepy invitation to Shiloh’s memorial. If anyone needs to stay dead and buried…

Obrecht answers the door at Windymere, and lets Jax in. She tells him to help himself to some champagne. He asks if she’ll be joining him, and she says, of course (🍷). Why not raise a glass to the bride and groom? He says speaking of the bride, he’d like a word with Nina before the ceremony. Obrecht says she’s not there, and Jax asks if she’s decided to bolt already.

In the hospital elevator, Nina looks at the test results. It says a probable match as mother and daughter. She gets out, and almost runs into Sasha. Nina says the moment is almost too perfect, and Sasha says it’s a complete surprise. Isn’t it her wedding day?

Valentin stands outside in the snow on the balcony of a tower. Martin asks if they must meet up there, and Valentin says he likes the view. Martin says, a sheer drop into icy water; to each his own. Martin asks if Valentin is going to clue him in on his wishes. He’d love to get back inside. Valentin says he wants the woman he loves, and the future they deserve with the family they’ve created. What he doesn’t want is to lose any of it.

Obrecht opens the door to Jordan and Curtis, and leads them to the bar. Jordan asks when Curtis is planning on telling her who the missing person is that Jax hired him to find. And don’t tell her, the less she knows, the better. He says he doesn’t have to; she just did. Laura comes in, and tells Jax that Doc is on the way. Jax says there are a lot of important people there, except the bride. Ava makes a toast, to the happy bride. Happy is the bride sunshine falls on, and happy the corpse the rain falls on. Or is it the other way around? (I looked it up; she’s correct the first time.)

Carly says when she tells Sonny what she’s been keeping secret, he’ll want to do something. Please don’t; don’t react. Lashing out just makes things worse. He asks what the big secret is, and she says, Nikolas Cassadine is alive and well, and here in Port Charles.

Sonny says, Nikolas is alive and well. She saw him? She says, saw and spoke to him. Sonny asks, when and where? and she says, Jax’s house after Halloween. She asked him why Josslyn couldn’t stay there, and he started making excuses. Nikolas walked in, and the reason was clear. Sonny asks what Nikolas said, and she tells him, that he’d been in hiding; waiting for the opportunity to take back the Cassadine estate from Valentin. He recruited Jax to help. Sonny says, last he checked, Nikolas was a fugitive, and Jax is helping him. That’s a crime.

Ava asks if Jax and Laura don’t love weddings. She wouldn’t miss this for the world. Jax asks why that is, and Laura says it’s not like Ava and Nina are best friends. Ava says, it’s water under the bridge. The water is toxic and flammable, and all the fish are dead, but it’s under the bridge. Laura says Ava’s enthusiasm has peaked her curiosity, and Ava says she doesn’t know what’s going to happen, but she promises it will be memorable. Obrecht asks to see Ava’s invitation, and Ava says, no. Obrecht asks if she wants to leave on her own, or should she force Ava? Please tell her the second one. Jax says, Ava is his plus one, and Obrecht says she admires his compassion. She knows what it’s like to be the town something-in-German. Ava says that had better not mean what she thinks, and Obrecht asks if she thought it was pariah, or was she expecting a more appropriate insult? Jax asks Ava for a word, and Ava asks what Obrecht’s problem is. Jax says she’s probably being protective of Nina, as is he. Ava says all he’s missing is a suit of armor, a horse, and big, round table. He says he’s got his eye on her. Charlotte comes out, and Laura admires her dress. Charlotte says, it’s new. She didn’t want to wear the dress she wore last time; it might be bad luck. Laura knows Charlotte was disappointed last time, and she hopes it goes the way Charlotte wants this time.

Michael arrives at the MetroCourt, and says Sam got the best Christmas gift, spending Christmas with the kids. Jason says they couldn’t ask for more. He asks where Michel is going, and Michael says he’s going to ring in the New Year with Sasha. They’re having drinks with friends, and then taking off, but Jason said he wanted to see him. What’s up? Jason shows him the invitation to Shiloh’s memorial, and asks if Michael got one. Sam says she got one too, and Michael says he doesn’t know what make less sense, her getting invited or him. He pulls out his phone and shows them. Sam says Kristina was invited too, and Willow and Harmony. Michael says, two that escaped, the people who betrayed Shiloh, and Sam killed him. They were all invited. He asks if they have any idea who’s behind this. His connection is indirect, through Kristina. Sam says Michael took the DoD house from them, and he’s Wiley’s godfather. The Dawnies know that Shiloh is Wiley’s biological father. Michael says, they could still think Wiley is one of their own. 

Nina tells Sasha that she’s on her way to her wedding, and asks why Sasha is there. She didn’t have a relapse? Sasha says she’s fine; it was just a follow-up. She thanks Nina for asking, and Nina says she’s glad, but she should get going. She drops her papers, and helping to pick them up, Sasha sees the DNA test results. Nina says it’s clearly not about Sasha.

Valentin tells Martin, Ava might be a problem. Martin says, she burned the painting. Why doesn’t Valentin declare victory, and be done with it? Valentin says he has reason to believe the codicil still exists. If that’s the case, he needs to defend his position.

Laura sees Charlotte looking around, and asks if she lost something. Charlotte says, someone. Her bodyguard should be there. Like he should have been on the pier. She doesn’t understand why he disappeared. Laura says she thinks she understands why he’s so important. A lot of scary things have happened to Charlotte lately. It makes sense that she’d want someone to protect her. Charlotte asks if Laura believes he’s real. She showed Laura his picture. Laura says, yes, he’s somebody Charlotte’s mom and Laura cared about. Charlotte asks if they don’t care about him anymore, but Laura says, of course (🍷) they do. She asks if when she and Lulu were talking, Charlotte didn’t pick up the phone and decide he was her secret bodyguard. Charlotte says she didn’t decide. Her papa hired him. She knows because of the ring. Laura asks, what ring? and Charlotte says, he wears a ring like papa’s tattoo.

Laura asks if Charlotte can describe the ring, and Charlotte says Laura has seen it all around the house. It’s on shields and in the trophy room. Two dragons, back to back, with claws for feet. In the middle, there’s a shield with the letter C. She tells Laura that she wants to ask Obrecht to make her a Shirley Temple; hers are the best. Charlotte goes to the bar, and Curtis asks if Laura is okay, but Laura says, she’s fine. Jax thinks Ava is up to something, and she’s working with Nina. Ava says they’re mortal enemies, but called a temporary truce. Jax says the last time these same people were all in the same room, the portrait burst into flames. He hopes there are no fireworks tonight. He doesn’t want Nina to get hurt. Charlotte tells Obrecht that her Shirley Temples are the best, and Obrecht says it’s one of her more useful talents. She gives Charlotte her drink, and steps away to use her phone.

Martin asks if Valentin is suggesting that Ava staged the burning of a painting she could have made a quarter million dollars on, just so she could hang on to the addendum? Valentin says, Ava has a penchant for sloppy vengeance, and could use the codicil to bring him down. Martin says he’s not thinking of breaking into the gallery again? Valentin’s phone dings, and he says he won’t have to. Ava is there. Martin says, she’s crashing the wedding? Does Valentin want him to show her the door? Valentin says he has another task in mind. Something Martin might enjoy; it’s low risk.

Sasha walks into an examining room with the test results, and Nina follows her. Sasha asks how long Nina has known, and Nina says her life is no longer Sasha’s concern; it never was. Sasha asks how long Nina has known she wasn’t acting alone? Nina says since the last wedding, when Sasha stood up and admitted she’d scammed Nina. That’s when she knew. There was only one person who could pull it off. It had to be Valentin. Sasha says, if she knows, why is she marrying him?

Michael tells Jason and Sam that he doesn’t care how many memorials they throw for Shiloh. No Dawnie is ever going to come near Wiley again. Sam asks if Jason is going to stop by for New Year’s, and he says, of course (🍷). She kisses him, and calls him an incredible romantic. He tells her, good luck, and she leaves.

Carly tells Sonny that Jax and Nikolas had a plan where Nikolas would reunite with his family, and Valentin would be history. Sonny asks why it didn’t happen, and she says, before Christmas, the whole thing literally went up in smoke. He asks what she means, and she says, Mikkos left a codicil disinheriting Valentin, and returning the estate to Nikolas and Spencer. He hid the codicil in the painting. That’s the theory, but no one will ever know because it went up in smoke. He wishes he could have been there to see Jax’s face when he came up empty. Jax is an accomplice, which means Jax could be in legal trouble. Carly says, no he can’t, because no one is ever going to know.

Curtis tells Jordan, if she’s not feeling this, they can leave. She asks if it’s that obvious, and he says, only to people who know her – and every passerby. She says, sorry, but he says, don’t be. She lost a friend, and she needs to feel how she feels. She thanks him for understanding, and he says, as her husband, it’s literally his job. She says she broke her resolution not to think about it until after New Year’s, but he says it doesn’t count, since resolutions start on New Year’s Day. She’s good. He says if there’s anything she needs to get off her chest, he’s there for her, and holds her.

Martin asks Ava for a word (phrase of the day), and introduces himself. She asks if he’s there for the bride or groom, and he says, a little of both. He’s a great admirer of her gallery. He’s popped in, but was shy about saying hello. She asks if anything in particular caught his eye, and he says, several pieces, including the J. Garrin, but that doesn’t matter anymore. It’s a shame. She says she can’t think of a more suitable ending. He says Windymere is filled with fantastic work, and she says, no doubt pillaged from churches and orphanages. He says there’s one he’d like her opinion on. He’d like to show her; it will just take a moment. He leads her out, as Obrecht watches suspiciously.

Carly tells Sonny not to turn Jax into immigration, and not to call in any favors. Sonny says, Jax clearly broke the law, and Carly says, so has he. Jax knows it, and if he turns Jax in, it will rip their family apart. Josslyn hated Sonny, and it took months for her to forgive him. It would be worse if he did it again. It’s not worth it. None of it is worth it. Sonny asks why she didn’t tell him the night she found out Nikolas was alive? Why couldn’t she trust him with the truth?

Jason asks Michael how things with Sasha are, and Michael says it was a rough year, but they’re looking forward to a fresh start. No secrets; everything is on the table. He says Jason is heading for a fresh start as well. Sam is out, and his family is back together. Jason says, that’s the plan; he’s lucky. Michael says Sam shouldn’t have been there in the first place, and Jason says, no argument from him. Michael tells him, go home and celebrate Sam’s freedom. Jason tells Michael, happy New Year, and Michael says, may 2020 be happy and uneventful.

Sam nervously straightens up. There’s a knock at the door, and parole officer Delores introduces herself. Sam says she’s been expecting Delores. Delores asks if there are people there tonight in the house, but Sam says, no. Her children are spending New Year’s with their grandmother, and her partner is out for the night. Delores says they’ll talk more about that after she conducts her inspection. Sam asks if there’s anything in particular she needs to know, and Delores says she needs to make sure there are no violations; no firearms, drugs, or alcohol. Sam says she’s never done drugs, has no firearms, and the alcohol has been removed from the house. It’s sparkling cider for tonight; the instructions were clear. Delores suggests they start with the kitchen.

Nina asks if that isn’t what Sasha wanted. Didn’t she hide Valentin’s involvement in the first place so Nina could have the family she dreamed about? Sasha doesn’t understand why Nina ran the test again, and Nina says it proves Valentin orchestrated the first test. He used the swab he took from her mother’s casket to prove Sasha was hers. Whether Sasha knew it or not, it’s what she went along with. Sasha says, obviously Valentin went to extremes. Does Nina know why he did?

Heading up to the turret, Ava says she doesn’t climb that many stairs for just anybody. What artifact does Martin want to show her up there? Valentin comes out, and says Martin is afraid of heights, but she’s made of sterner stuff, isn’t she?

Carly tells Sonny that she didn’t want to argue. If the plan worked, Nikolas would come forward, and if not, no one would be the wiser. He has to stay out of it. Sonny asks, who else is in it? and she says, as far as she knows, it’s just them; her, Jax, and now him. Sonny says Ava saw Nikolas’s ghost, and Carly says Ava thought she did on Halloween. She checked herself into Shadybrook, then checked out. Sonny says when she came by, she said she didn’t see what’s not there. Carly says, Ava realized, and Sonny says Carly knew the truth, and still didn’t tell him. He shakes his head.

Delores says, Sam is a P.I., and owns a registered handgun. Sam says, not anymore, but when she did, she kept it in a safe, far away from her children. Delores says, speaking of her children… She looks at the stockings hanging up, and says, Scout is her daughter, and her son is Danny. Does their father, Jason, reside with her?

Nina tells Sasha that she knows why. Valentin loves her. Sasha says Nina loves him too. Nina says, God help her, she does, but maybe she loves the person she thought he was or the person she wanted him to be. That guy is great. Sasha says, maybe Valentin can be that guy, with no more lies in the way. Nina says, when it comes to Valentin, she doesn’t know if that’s possible. She holds her hand out, and Sasha gives her back the test results. Sasha tells Nina that she’s a good person. She’s an honest person, so whatever she’s thinking of doing, does she think can go through with it? Nina tells Sasha, happy New Year, and leaves.

On the phone with Lulu, Laura says the wedding hasn’t started, and they still need a bride. She asks Lulu to send her the photo of Nikolas that she has on her phone. The most recent one, in her favorites. She’s just feeling sentimental. Martin comes back, and says he senses Obrecht is a talented mixologist. She guesses his drink of choice is a Manhattan. He says, that would be perfect, but hold the vermouth, and nix the cherry. (In case you didn’t know, that would make it straight whiskey.)

Valentin asks what Ava thinks of the view. She says, it’s beautiful and remote, but she seriously doubts he lured her up there to show her the skyline. He says, that, and to talk with her about something before the wedding. He wants to tie up some loose ends that any respectable groom would want to tie up. It was quite a trick she pulled. Auctioning off the portrait, then setting it on fire. Ava says that remains a mystery, and he says, like any good illusionist, she’s not going to tell him, is she? He asks where the codicil is, and she wonders who even uses that word anymore. He says that’s what Julian said at the MetroCourt, and she asks if he was eavesdropping. He says he was, and tells her not to waste his time. Tell him what she wants for it, and he’ll give it to her. She says she neither wants or needs anything from him.

Sonny tells someone on the phone that he wants all eyes on Spencer, 24/7. And look out for Nikolas. He’s alive, and may come for Spencer. They need to find him first. Carly says he’s not taking any chances, and Sonny says, if Valentin figures it out, he may go after Spencer. She says she gets it, and he says he’s glad she approves. She says she’s told him everything. Where does that leave them?

Wearing a sparkly, sexy dress, Sasha meets Michael, who says, wow. She says, look who’s talking, and they sit. He asks if she’s okay, and she says she’s fine. She asks what time Chase and Willow are getting there, but he says he knows something is wrong. She says she ran into Nina. Nina knows Valentin is behind the agreement for her to be Nina’s daughter. Michael says, good. Did Sasha tell Nina that Valentin’s not just her partner, and the whole thing was his idea? She says, Nina has the DNA result that proves Valentin used the sample he got from Nina’s mother. She left for the wedding. Michael says, she’s still getting married? and Sasha says, who knows? Nina is heading for a world of hurt, and needs all of their support. Michael says she’s not thinking of going to the wedding, is she?

Laura gets the picture, and tells Charlotte there’s no way she would be able to tell he was wearing a ring. Charlotte says, maybe he wasn’t wearing it then, but he was when she saw him. Nina flies in, apologizing for being late. Obrecht says she was about to tie a little barrel to a St. Bernard, and send it out to find her. Jax says they have to talk, but Nina says she’s talked out. She’s sorry she’s late, but it’s a long story, and not worth telling. She won’t be long. Charlotte says she’s glad Nina is there; she was worried. Nina is sorry she made Charlotte worry, but Charlotte says once Nina marries her papa, everything will be okay. Nina hugs Charlotte, and says she loves her; never forget that. She dashes upstairs. Jax calls after her, but gets no response.

Ava drains her glass, telling Valentin that she’s going inside to get herself another martini. Should she send up a footman in case his bride decided to show up? He says he’s not done negotiating, but she says she is. He says if she doesn’t take the deal he’s offering, he’ll find other means to get what he wants. She suggests he go get himself hitched, and he says he will, once she turns over the codicil. She tells him to get married, and go on his honeymoon. Make it a long one, and don’t be surprised if when he comes back, someone else is living there who deserves it more. She starts to go past him, but he grabs her arm, and says she’s not going anywhere.

Sonny tells Carly, he thinks it comes down to trust. She didn’t trust him. She says, after what happened last time. Sonny lashes out in anger, and when he’s done, he regrets the hell his family has been put through. She didn’t want another blow up, so she chose not to tell him. He says, that’s what gets him. She chose to trust Jax. IMO, that’s an unfair statement, since it’s Jax’s secret, not Carly’s.

Obrecht calls to Jax. She says she was just about to share her medical research ideas with him. He says he’d love that, but wants to check on Nina. Obrecht assures him that Nina is fine. Martin tells Jordan that she’s a vision; bonsoir. She asks if he’s okay, and he says, weddings make him uneasy. He’s handled his fair share of divorces. It’s optimism and love versus bitterness and regret. He’ll feel better when the night is over.

Curtis asks Laura, what’s up? and don’t tell him that she’s okay; he knows her talents. She asks if he remembers her late son, and he says, when her son was married to Hayden; sure. She says, Charlotte swears she’s seen him. Not just his face, but his signet ring, and it doesn’t appear in the photo Lulu sent of him. How can it be?

Jason gets home, and asks Sam, what happened? What did the parole officer say? She tells him, the parole officer said that this is the last time she’s going to see him.

Sasha tells Michael that she wants to be there for Nina, but knows the best thing to do is stay as far away as possible. Michael hopes in the new year, she washes her hands of Nina and Valentin. She says, Valentin for sure, but part of her will always hope she and Nina will make amends. She’s worried Nina is headed for more heartache before the year is out.

Nina looks at herself in her dress. There’s a knock at the door. It’s Jax.

Valentin tells Ava that he acts with precision when given an opportunity that he shouldn’t pass on. She’s been drinking heavily, and with her fragile emotions, she slipped. He pushes her over the edge of the parapet. And I’m very disappointed.

Tomorrow, Ned says Brook made her bed, and now has to lie in it; Laura is afraid if Valentin gets taken down, Charlotte will be taken down too; and Charlotte finds Valentin at the tower.

❓ Because I tend to get curious about accuracy on certain points, I looked up whether a parole officer could tell you that your spouse has to go. It hardly seems fair, and really should depend on the circumstances, but apparently, they can. I got this from a legal answers site:

Probation officers are given a lot of authority and even if it’s questionable whether they can do something , in many cases they usually get their way with individuals who are unrepresented. At the very least, an attorney can bring a motion before a Judge and challenge the probation officer’s actions/decisions.

🐮 Even though my level of concentration was nil on New Year’s Day, I still checked out Part One of The Real Housewives of Dallas Reunion. The first thing we found out was that 4.7% of mail gets lost, not 30% as LeeAnne had suggested. I still say it’s a good possibility that Kary’s wedding invite could have gotten lost, although admittedly, there’s an equal possibility one was never sent. The main focus was criticism of LeeAnne’s wedding – from the lack of food to the vows, which the women claimed were a dig at her mother. Kameron thought they were nitpicking stupid small things, and was like, wtf? It’s LeeAnne’s wedding. I couldn’t agree more. Especially since I had people argue with me over some of my own choices. My maid of honor told me that I couldn’t possibly have a chocolate cake with chocolate frosting. I said, watch me, and I did, which was what I told everyone who said I couldn’t do whatever. Rich was also criticized for looking at other women, even though LeeAnne was okay with it.

They touched on Eduardo’s financial hold over Kary, who said things remained the same, but she was happy. I have my doubts about that. You don’t go from that much concern over a situation to none whatsoever. Kameron’s trash comment to Brandi had a moment, and Kameron reminded Brandi that she had just said F-U and to go s*ck a d*ck. She was criticizing Brandi’s behavior, not her character, and probably would have used another word, but it was in her mind since Stephanie had wondered if peeing behind the trailer was trashy. Andy said viewers loved that Kameron had gone out of her comfort zone with her bathroom habits. A viewer asked if D’Andra was drinking any less, since the fortune teller had said she was going to die if she didn’t stop. D’Andra insisted she’s just a social drinker, and didn’t drink during the week. I guess that means it couldn’t possibly be harmful if she’s socializing to excess every weekend.

The episode ended the way it began, with the women being critical of LeeAnne, who once again got dragged on for bringing up her childhood so much. The main gripe seemed to be that she uses it as an excuse for bad behavior, but she maintained that she’s only pointing out the reason she reacts the way she does. I say, maybe it’s both. God forbid any of these women should see both sides. Like Dr. Phil says, no matter how flat you make a pancake, it’s still got two sides. Kameron probably comes closest. It looks like there’s no let-up on LeeAnne in Part Two, when the racism question is brought into play. I still think she was using that adjective because Kary kept harping on it as her strength. Poor choice of words? Most definitely, but I don’t get a racist vibe from her. And really, they’re all annoying this season. Next time, Kameron also calls Brandi a liar.

💭 What’s interesting is how much these women are all triggered, yet they seem to start with opening the door to it themselves.

👠 On The Real Housewives of New Jersey, Teresa argued with Juicy Joe on the phone, while Gia tried on prom dresses. I mean at the same time. They were in one of those bridal shops, and Teresa sat screaming at her husband in the waiting (viewing?) area, mortifying Gia, who just wanted to get her damn dress. Jennifer, per Turkish tradition, served a whole lamb on Easter that her mom cooked, and the kids practically ran from the room screaming when the head was brought out. Daughter Gaby brought up Jennifer’s brother being gay, which apparently, their mom is in denial about, and Jennifer was proud it was all handled so well. We also got TMI about Jennifer’s sex life.

Marge, Jackie, and Melissa went to lunch, and Marge had an abysmal batting average as far as rumors go this week. First, she wondered if Teresa and Danielle were swimming in the lady pond. Really, Marge? Highly doubtful. She also said Marty would neither confirm or deny, but said he was at peace with Danielle. Since they still live together, I find it hard to believe they haven’t slept together since the break-up. I think Marge just wants to believe it’s not happening because she hates Danielle. Teresa hosted a private shopping event, inviting everyone. Jennifer said Danielle scared the eff out of her, although I think she could hold her own in a hair-pulling. Danielle and Teresa chatted, while the others obviously talked about and made fun of Danielle; Marge saying some pretty rude things, like comparing Danielle to the sushi. Danielle told Teresa that Marge and her minions were after her, and that included Melissa. She reminded Teresa that she’d promised to have Danielle’s back. Teresa said she did, and would set those bitches straight. Marge suggested they talk about the Versace clad elephant in the room, and Teresa accused Marge of breaking Danielle and Marty up. Marge said Danielle had alleged Marty was abusive – with both her and her daughter. In her interview, Melissa said there were two realities; the one Teresa sees and the one everyone else sees. She’d been at this rodeo before with Teresa and Kim D. Marge said Danielle was sick, and a pathological liar. Throughout this insanity and the shouting, the boutique owner went through a lot of changes, from unhappy to fearful to amused. Danielle and Marge almost came to blows, but Melissa stepped in between them. Then for some ungodly reason, Marge dumped water over Danielle’s head. Danielle dumped all the stuff out of Marge’s purse and threw it around, saying, Marge started it, and she was going to finish it. Melissa said this behavior was unacceptable – like this has stopped anyone before – and it ended with Danielle grabbing Marge’s ponytail.

Apparently, this fight carries into next week, when no doubt the owner will look fearful and then angry.

👗  On Project Runway tonight, stylist Karla Welch was a mentor, and the challenge was to design an outfit for Karlie to wear to a CFDA event in Paris. Karla told them if they don’t make the stylist happy, their work won’t get to the talent, so I guess a stylist is sort of a style bouncer as well. The designers were told to make their work original and wearable, and think American in Paris. The twist was that they would be upcycling; reconstructing discarded clothes to make something new. In his interview, Sergio told us that he always uses that method, so he’s not a burden to the environment, Instead of going to Mood, they had $150 and 45 minutes to go Goodwill. Hey, I have my best pair of jeans from them. It was a one-day challenge, and Karla told them to sketch their designs on the way there. I just need to say it. Why do stylists always dress in black and look like hell? Karla was wearing what looked like an oversized boy’s black suit. Not that I have anything against a boy’s suit on a woman, but it was boring and looked like she was wearing her big brother’s clothes. At two hours to runway, so much seemed so unfinished. Shavi was pissed and flustered, having found a hole in his garment, and needing to compensate quickly.

Laverne Cox (love her!) was the guest judge. They used models that were Karlie’s size, but I thought they should have forced her to try on everything. The designs were most pretty cool, until they got to Melanie’s outfit, where I said, God no. It looked like it was made out of scraps, and the model’s boobs were falling out. Marquise had a good idea, with a cold-shoulder suit jacket, but made a mess of the back, which was very ill-fitted, and had to be held together with tape. Shavi’s model could hardly walk, her pencil skirt was so tight. Geez. He should have cut a slit in that thing the second he realized. It did not work in his favor.

Chelsey, who created a high-waisted trouser with a matching crop top, using twelve pairs of jeans, was at the top. Karlie said Chelsey’s outfit had the American in Paris vibe she’d love to rock, and Chelsey said she liked to dress the everyday woman in not-so-everyday clothes. Nancy was also at the top, with a jazzed up pink shirt worn backwards, and a black skirt Karlie said she’d love to twirl in, also made out of jeans. Nancy had quite an emotional moment, where she said she wasn’t just the oldest on this particular show, but the first designer in their 60s, being 64. Brandon said her design was light and fresh, and she’d arrived at 64. He gave the world hope, and gave Nancy a hug. Victoria rounded out the top three, with an asymmetrical (thank you, Nina – that’s the word I was looking for last time) mini dress with a cut-out on the side. She also had a moment, remembering watching the show with her mother in Russia. Laverne told her that dreams can come true, and Victoria’s did, since she was the winner for the third time in a row.

On the flipside, no surprise, Shavi was in the bottom three, along with Marquise, who was told it was obvious the integrity of the garment was held together by tape. Tyler was once again in the forefront, but not in a good way. His outfit wasn’t bad – a black skirt with a white insert, and a white sleeveless top with a tuxedo ruffle – but it didn’t meet the criteria of the challenge. Brandon said out of the three requirements, all he got right was wearable. But like this wasn’t bad enough, when Brandon said he couldn’t see Karlie wearing it, Tyler said, not even to dinner with the Kushner’s? (Karlie is married to Joshua.) This went over like a lead balloon, and there were crickets for days. Backstage, everyone shook their heads, and Sergio thought he was going to be sick. Recovering, Karlie told him the challenge was to design something for Paris, and it wasn’t what she’d asked for. I’m not so sure that remark didn’t help him out the door, although Karlie said she wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing any of the bottom three outfits to the event – or anywhere. Before his exit, Tyler told Karlie that he really wasn’t a jerk, and had no hidden agenda in what he’d said. In his goodbye interview, he said he was still in the anger stage of the five stages of grief, but he would stand by his look to the death. He loved it so much, he intended to make a copy for his drag persona. Since Christian gets to save a designer, he hoped it would be him, but I think that’s doubtful. He said he was walking out proud and more motivated.

Next time, Cyndi Lauper is a guest judge, and the designers will form teams to create her iconic 80s style.

🎉 Stars Celebrate…

Celebrities. They’re not just like us.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1106816/see-how-your-favorite-stars-are-bidding-farewell-to-2019-on-new-year-s-eve?source=email&medium=emn-content-3&cmpid=evening&content=emn-news

😥 Stars We’ll Miss…

A daytime roll call of the dead.

https://www.abc.soapsindepth.com/posts/abc-daytime-soap-stars-died-2019-174354?utm_source=postup&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=8346&recip_id=5057&list_id=9

😮 Stars Who Shocked…

A surprising roll call.

https://extratv.com/photos/most-shocking-celebrity-deaths-of-2019/?adid=extra_eme_27323_2019-12-24_rightnow6

🌞 A New Decade Starts…

But since there’s nothing for 2020, I’ll just stick with a classic.