Tag Archives: Alan Cumming

March 28, 2025 – GH Weekdays, Emma Chains Herself To the Crypt, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watch, Latest On Last, Outside the Norm, Only Five Quotes & Fool

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What I Watched Today

(Weekday bites, Friday’s whole GH enchilada & media minutiae)

General Hospital

Note: I’ve been calling Josslyn’s WSB handler Bryce when it’s Vaughn. Why? Who knows, but it proves no one is paying attention.

🥢 Weekday Bites…

Monday:

Lucas told Elizabeth that he needed her help with something that had to stay between them. Brad was blackmailing someone at the hospital. Portia told Ava that she got Drew off her back… at least for now. Ava asked what Portia wanted to do, and Portia picked up Drew’s medical folder. At Drew’s, Nina heard something, closed the safe, and headed for the door. Alexis asked what exactly Valentin thought she could do for him, and he said he wanted her to take care of his daughter. Charlotte went to the station to find out if she could see Valentin. Drew popped up behind Nina and asked if she relocked the safe. Carly told Jason that she was used to Sonny giving her orders, but never expected it from him, and Jason said, she almost died. Josslyn was hooked up to a lie detector, and Vaughn asked who she blamed for Michael’s injuries. She said, the person who set the bomb, and Vaughn asked what she’d do if she met them face to face. Jack watched through the window.

Drew said he knew Nina wasn’t looking for money, since she was a rich, spoiled brat. Maybe she was looking for something to use against him, but there was nothing in the safe that he had any reason to hide from her. Nina said she was protecting her daughter. If Willow and the kids moved in, Willow would lose her children. Drew said she was using the kids as a cover and wanted him all to herself. If she couldn’t have him, nobody else could, especially Willow. Lucas said, Brad did this in the hopes they’d get back together, and Elizabeth told him, start talking. Ava said if Portia used something in his medical records against Drew, it would be a serious HIPPA violation. While Ava would do a lot worse, it wasn’t something Portia should do. Don’t let fear and desperation make her do dumb things. Carly told Jason to respect her choices, but he said she was being willfully naïve and in over her head. The WSB was more than Jack and she didn’t know Jack as well as she thought she did. She said Jason upset because he didn’t know Jack’s world and couldn’t control it, but Jason said it wasn’t a game. She barely knew Jack and almost died. She had to get out now.

Josslyn said, if she came face to face with the person who hurt her brother, she’d do her best to subdue them and call the police. Jack came in and asked how Josslyn was doing, and Vaughn said, excellent. Vaughn and the lie detector guy left, and Josslyn asked what the hell the question about her brother was about. Jack said, conditioning. Adversaries wouldn’t ask comfortable questions and she’d be in a position to be tested and challenged for her life and the lives of others while she kept her composure and lied through her teeth. Did she think she could handle that? Alexis told Valentin that Charlotte had a mother who was more than happy to make up for lost time and Laura was a wonderful grandmother. If Charlotte needed a connection to the less diabolical side of the Cassadine lineage, she’d be there. He said that wasn’t what he was talking about. She was the trustee of the Cassadine estate, and he’d been behind the funds and Windymere being taken from Ava. The estate would be better served given to the Cassadine heirs. Alexis said, well played, and Valentin said he’d wanted to make sure she was trustee and needed her to support his daughter financially. Lulu saw Anna at the station and said Charlotte had snuck out. Anna said, Charlotte was upstairs. Valentin was headed to Steinmauer, possibly for the rest of his life. This could be the last time she saw him when it wasn’t through a pain of bulletproof glass. She asked Lulu to consider letting them say goodbye.

Josslyn told Jack that she could handle it. What was next? He said her mother was in the hospital, and she asked if that was a test, but he said, Carly was admitted last night for polonium poisoning. She was going to make a full recovery. Josslyn asked if she could see her mother, and he said, of course (🍷). It wasn’t a prison, but if she left, she wouldn’t be coming back. Carly said she was aware it wasn’t a game, but Jason said he thought she was being stubborn. She saw the red flags, but was ignoring them. Only professionals like the WSB had access to the kind of explosive device that blew up the penthouse. She said if he was going to tell her that Jack had something to do with it, he’d better have proof, and he said he wasn’t ruling it out. She said he was using Michael to get her to do what he wanted, but he said he wanted her to see what was at stake with Brennan in her life. She wondered how many times she’d heard that about Sonny and Sam had heard it about Jason. Alexis said, kudos to Valentin for wrestling the money away from Ava, but she couldn’t use the money from the estate to financially support anyone. She was keeping the estate intact for Ace. Valentin said he just wanted her to carve out a portion for Charlotte. Consider it his commission for making the estate whole. She said she couldn’t do that, but could make sure Charlotte had all the love and support she needed because he’d made the ultimate sacrifice as a father by bringing her home. He’d proven his love for his daughter by doing the right thing. Lulu asked if seeing Valentin was for Charlotte’s benefit or Valentin’s, and Anna said she thought both. Lulu thought Anna was more concerned about Valentin, and Anna said she had concern about Charlotte and thought she always would. Lulu said she get her daughter, when Alexis came out. Nina said Drew was delusional if he thought she was pining away for him. Michael and Willow were headed for divorce. They had two children, and Michael had been away for months having treatment for painful burns. He would come home to his wife and children living with the man – his uncle – who blew up his marriage. Did Drew think Michael wouldn’t move heaven and earth to get the kids away from him? How was Drew going to keep her daughter from losing her children? Willow walked in and asked what Nina was doing.

Lucas told Elizabeth that Brad was blackmailing Portia. That’s how he attended the symposium. She asked what Brad had on Portia, but he said he had no clue and didn’t want to know. She said, obviously it was bad if a hospital Chief was under a lab technician’s thumb, and he said he felt responsible because Brad did it to worm his way back into his life, and Elizabeth said, did he? Portia asked if Ava was telling her that she was screwed. She couldn’t just wait for Drew to blow her life apart. Ava said Portia could tell Curtis, but Portia said, secrets ruined Curtis’s marriage to Jordan, and she didn’t want secrets to destroy her marriage. It was too late to tell him. Ava said Portia had to find a way out or cope with living under Drew’s thumb, and Portia said she was going to lose everything. Drew would only keep a secret as long as it benefited him. Ava said, or he got bored, and Portia said she could go to prison. Ava told her not to get ahead of herself. She needed resources to fight Drew that weren’t easily tied back to her and needed an ally, someone just as interested in Drew’s downfall as she was. Willow said she thought Nina left, and Nina said she realized she’d forgotten something she needed to tell Drew. Willow asked what it was, and Nina said she had concerns. Willow said Nina wanted to convince Drew that she and the kids shouldn’t move in, didn’t she? Anna stepped away, and Alexis asked if Lulu was there to see Valentin. Lulu said she was here to get Charlotte who’d come to see him. Alexis said it was nice to see her and headed for the door, but Lulu asked her to wait. She owed Alexis two things – gratitude and an apology. Anna told Valentin that Lulu was there to pick up Charlotte, and he said he wanted to see Charlotte. She said it was up to Lulu. She was trying to get Lulu to allow it, since she didn’t want him to go to Steinmauer without see her one last time. Carly said, no one had the right to tell her or Sam that the risk was too high. It was her choice and her decision. If she decided she couldn’t handle Jack’s life, she’d make that choice herself. He didn’t get to choose what was best for her. He said it was best for her to be around for her kids and she knew he was right, and she said maybe he was, but if she was wrong, she was betting he’d still have her back. He’d never quit on her. Don’t start now. Jack showed Josslyn a live feed of Carly and Jason from GH, and said she had his word. She said she was going to stay there and asked how it happened. Was someone targeting him? He said they’d ordered room service and Valentin sent champagne to the room. It was compromised and Carly drank a glass while he was in the shower. She asked if he cared about her mother or was he using her, and he asked if it mattered.

Josslyn said, clearly, Jack and her mother were seeing each other. Yes. It mattered if he was using her. It mattered if he was in their family home on Christmas Eve. He said maybe she wanted to warn her mother about him, but if she told her mother anything, she’d never be a WSB agent. She’d become another unfulfilled soul desperately searching for a place in this world. This is the job. Josslyn said she wasn’t leaving, and he said he was glad to hear it. He was headed back to Port Charles. She said, if he was using her mother, Carly would find out. She wasn’t stupid. He agreed and left. Lulu said she was sorry she hadn’t come to see Alexis. She’d been afraid to face Alexis and what her being there meant for Alexis. She was also afraid seeing her would make Alexis… Alexis said, miss Sam? and Lulu said she was truly sorry she wasn’t brave enough to face Alexis and was sorry for her loss. She was grateful to Sam for her life. Alexis hugged Lulu, and she thanked Alexis. Valentin asked why Anna was helping him, and she said he was a good father and loved his daughter. He said, no, that wasn’t it, and she said, no, it wasn’t. He said it himself. She cared about him. He said Anna had changed him in so many ways, and with tears in her eyes, Anna asked why he hadn’t left well enough alone. He was free. Why didn’t he leave it all behind – the WSB, the lies, the deception, Pikeman. Why did he let them pull him back in? He said he was never free, but Anna said he was. He could have had it all. Why put himself in the position where he’d lose it all? He said, because of her, and she said, he had her. Wasn’t that enough? He shook his head.

Nina said she was trying to explain how Willow and the kids moving in would provoke Michael, but Willow said going behind her back wasn’t okay. It was manipulative and even if she hadn’t walked in, Drew would have told her. Drew said, of course (🍷) he would have, and Nina said, whether they liked it or not, Michael would have to be accommodated. The only way was to not move in. At least not right now. She was wrong and sorry for talking to Drew behind Willow’s back. She told them that they could figure it out on their own, and left. Lucas asked if Elizabeth thought he would let Brad back into his life, and she said she knew he had a soft spot for Brad. Not that she was judging. She constantly looked for the good in Ric. She told Lucas about Ric meeting with Portia and wondered why Portia would hire him. There had been tension between them because of Heather. Lucas wondered if the meeting had something to do with Brad. If they went digging and found out there was a legal issue professional in nature, they might uncover something. Elizabeth said, what if they got caught up in something they couldn’t turn away from?

Ava let Nina into the breakroom, and said she’d brought Nina and Portia together because the most serious problem in both their lives had a common source. They didn’t have to share their reasons, but they both needed leverage to take down Drew. If they combined their resources and intellects, they’d come up with something. It wasn’t her fight, but if they needed her, they knew where to find her. She left. Drew said he would have told Willow about his conversation with Nina because it was important they tell each other everything and be truthful. Willow said she was counting on it. Tell her the truth now. Was there a risk of losing her children if she moved in? Josslyn did some stretches before sparring with Vaughn. He asked if she was ready to go another round. She was putting herself thought unnecessary hassle. He saw her with Brennan. They were always watching. She said, then he saw her keep her cool, and he said, not when Brennan told her that he was going out with her mom. Knocking her to the floor, he said, watch that temper. Jason said, Carly would do what she wanted. She always did. She said he’d been against Jack from the beginning, and he said, for good reason. Stay or don’t. It was her choice. But keep in mind that in keeping Brennan in her life, whole she should worry about her kids and family, what she really needed to worry about was what this would do to Brennan. Charlotte told Lulu that they couldn’t leave without her seeing her papa, and Alexis said it was good to say goodbye since we didn’t always get the chance. Lulu said Charlotte could go see her papa and thanked Alexis. Anna said, let them in, and Charlotte and Valentin hugged, Valentin mouthing thank you to Alexis. Jack came in and told Valentin, your chariot awaits.

Drew told Willow that he was a US Congressman and his influence outreached Michael’s, but Willow said Michael had the Quartermaines’ support, plus Sonny and Carly. Drew said, Michael almost died at Sonny’s penthouse. Wiley and Amelia’s grandfather lived a dangerous life. Willow said the Quartermaines would argue against that, but Drew said it didn’t matter in court. He fell in love with her. It wasn’t a crime. She said her kids were everything to her, and he said, of course (🍷) because she was an incredible mother. It was intense now, but at his core, Michael was a good man and would think about the kids. There was plenty of room for compromise, but even if it turned ugly, they would fight. He promised he wouldn’t let her lose her kids. They hugged, but Willow looked unconvinced. Nina told Portia that it was awkward, but that didn’t mean it could be productive. She respected Portia and trusted Ava. Portia said they had an interest in getting leverage on Drew, and Nina said they didn’t need to know each other’s reason, but for insight, hers was solely for her daughter and her grandchildren. Because there was no stopping Drew. He would always want something. He would always take something. Portia agreed and said she was already in a slow-living nightmare that she couldn’t figure out how to stop. At least not by herself. Nina said she didn’t have to be in it all alone – as long as it stayed between them, and Portia said, the hold Drew had wouldn’t end unless they ended it. So she was in.

Lucas said he couldn’t have Brad blackmailing Portia because of him, and Elizabeth said if Portia was willing to put herself and the hospital at risk, it must be bad. He said they already knew something was wrong, and she said, as professionals, they were obligated to figure out what it is. Josslyn got up and asked if Vaughn was listening as well as watching her and Jack talk. He said he was, and Josslyn pulled him to the mat by his leg. She said, it was a private conversation, and he said, welcome to the WSB. They see and hear everything. They’re even tracking her body temperature using Infared monitors. They sparred, he punched her in the face, and she fell. He asked, what was stopping her from bailing? Jason said if Carly didn’t care about saving her own life, care about saving Brennan’s. He was making her a promise. Whatever happened to her, would happen to Brennan. If she got hurt because of Brennan, Brennan would get hurt. If she happened to die because of John Brennan, he’d kill him. He left. Jack signed off on Valentin, and Anna said she was releasing him into Jack’s custody. See that he arrived safely. She was holding him personally responsible if anything happened to him. Jack told Valentin, time to go, old friend, and Valentin asked to say goodbye to his daughter. He and Charlotte hugged, and he said, I love you, ma petite. Always. Charlotte said she loved him too, and Valentin told Lulu, take good care of our girl. Lulu promised she would, and Jack led Valentin away. As he was leaving, Valentin turned and said, until next time, and smiled.

Tuesday:

Vaughn asked Josslyn what was stopping her from bailing, and she said, sorry to disappoint him, but she wasn’t quitting, and kicked him to the floor. Carly was ready to leave the hospital, but Elizabeth said she hadn’t been cleared. She asked if she should call Lucas, but Carly said she didn’t need another lecture. Elizabeth said if they were warning her to stay away from Brennan, maybe it wasn’t such a bad idea. Lulu went to see Jack and asked if he was positive Valentin was in Steinmauer. Jack said he saw Valentin board the plane himself and gave his word. No one wanted Valentin locked up more than him. If it was up to the WSB, Valentin would be dead. Lulu didn’t want to worry about Valentin kidnapping Charlotte, but Jack said there was no chance. Valentin was going away for a very long time. Lulu asked if people who wanted Valentin dead would try to use Charlotte as leverage. How could she protect her daughter. At Deception, Brook complained that Lulu kept changing her password, and Maxie said she was going to book Lois for Home & Heart, but she’d taken off to Bensonhurst. Tracy said she prayed every night for Lois to leave, and when she finally did, it created a problem. How long was she going to be gone? Brook said, at least a few days, and Tracy wondered what had gotten into Brook’s mother. Gio and Emma found Ned and Gio said they were worried about protecting the crypt and Emma came up with a plan to save it. Ava went to the hospital to see Lucas and said his father must have left him an inheritance, but Lucas said he hadn’t. Ava said Julian had a fortune. Maybe he’d stashed it in an offshore account. Lucas said, even if he had, he couldn’t be paid to touch that money. Kristina went to Sonny’s and said she’d had a run-in with Ava. She’d learned valuable information that might solve his problems with her.

Kristina told Sonny that Ava had been having money trouble, but it was more dire than they thought. She’d come to Alexis begging for a loan from the Cassadine trust. Alexis said no. She wasn’t helping Ava after what she’d done to Adela. Ava showed her hand. She was desperate and overextended. Sonny had to fight to get custody Avery. Ava asked if Lucas wouldn’t touch Julian’s ill-gotten gains to help his favorite aunt, abut he said Aunt Tiffany needed money like a hole in the head. Ava said, the aunt who was right here, and he said he knew nothing about any accounts. Ava suggested they were under an alias. She needed to pay off her debts if she was going to support her daughter. He said he was sorry. He couldn’t help, but Sonny would make sure Avery was always taken care of. Elizabeth said Carly had almost been killed, and Carly said how she moved forward was up to her, no one else. She’d already heard from Lucas, Felicia, and Jason. If one more person told her how to live her life, she was going to scream. Jack told Lulu that Valentin was locked up and could likely have no visitors. The WSB could get to him anytime, so his daughter was no longer of value to the Bureau. She was safe. It was ironic because it was what Valentin wanted all along after he’d made the fatal mistake of having a child first place. Something he cared about more than himself. Lulu guessed that was something Jack wouldn’t have to worry about ever. Vaughn said it would have been more impressive if Josslyn hadn’t injured herself, and checked her ankle. Brook said her mom and grandma wanted to spend more time together and she was sorry it cost them the Home & Heart spot. Maxie said she had an appointment and left. Tracy said it wasn’t like Lois not to say goodbye. She and Brook must have had a fight. Lois made a Broadway production about going to the dentist, much less going home to her beloved Bensonhurst. What did they fight about?

Brook told Tracy that she and Lois had a disagreement and she didn’t want to talk about it. Tracy said she’d see Brook at home and left. Emma said Drew was trying to demolish the crypt to get the land, but Ned said it was Drew’s excuse, not his reason. His reason was to drive Ned’s mother crazy. Gio said he thought they had a solution, and Emma said, what if gave the same amount land in exchange for keeping the crypt where it was. The shoreline would be even better for environmental protection. Gio said it would also generate great publicity for the family, and Ned said it was a pretty solid plan. Gio said, but Ned wasn’t sold, and Ned said before they gave away real estate, he may have a different way to handle it. Ric met Elizabeth at the hospital, and she thanked him for getting there quickly. She was worried about Portia. Being Portia’s friend, she knew something was off. Ric asked, why come to him? and Elizabeth said he’d gone to see Portia the other day and she assumed it was as an attorney. Ric said Portia had hired him as an attorney, and Elizabeth asked if he didn’t think it was strange. Portia and Curtis hated him because he’d represented Heather Webber. Ric said Portia had seen him in action. She knew he was a fantastic lawyer. Elizabeth asked how much trouble Portia was in. Maxie saw Lucas and wanted him to tell her about the Miami trip. Lucas said he’d gotten some socializing in, a lot of it with Brad. It was great at first, until Brad admitted to using shady tactics to worm his way in to the symposium. A lot of drama ensued, but there was one bright spot. Maxie asked, how bright? Sonny told Kristina that he and Ava had settled their arrangement. It was better than putting them through a trial. Kristina said, but now they knew Ava’s financial situation and could prove she didn’t have the means to care for Avery properly. Sonny said he’d think about it. Right now, Donna was staying there while Carly was in the hospital. Kristina said she’d check on Donna and went into the back. Sonny opened the front door and Ava was there.

Tracy told Ned that Gio and Emma looked like somebody kicked their puppy. Was it him? Ned said he may have rained on their parade, and Tracy said they had something more important to discuss. Lois and Brook had a bad dust up. He asked what it was about, and Tracy said she didn’t know, but she’d sure as hell find out. Lulu showed up at Deception, and Brook asked her to stop changing her password. Lulu said, done. She quits. Ric said Portia was his client, and Elizabeth said she wasn’t prying, just worried. Ric said he knew he could trust her, but it had to stay between them. Portia was facing a potential legal matter and asked him for advice. Elizabeth asked if it had to do with Portia’s position at the hospital, and Ric said he’d had experience defending Elizabeth against the hospital board, which would be helpful to Portia if certain details came to light. Elizabeth said she knew what it was like to be falsely accused when you were innocent, but Ric told her, who said Portia was innocent? Vaughn said it looked like a heel injury, and Josslyn said she’d sprained it during her endurance test. He asked why she didn’t say anything, and she said he would have called her a whining baby. No thank you. He said, next time she was injured, ask for help, but she said she thought the point was to be self-sufficient. He said the idea was to use good judgment. Fighting battles on you own only got you killed. Carly went to Jack’s office and he said he knew she wanted to end things. She almost died and he didn’t blame her, but give him a second to tell her something. She suggested that instead, he let her tell him why she was here. Sonny asked if Avery was okay, and Ava said she was perfectly fine. The reason she was here was that she needed more child support. He asked how much more. As much as she needed to pay the IRS? He knew her financial situation was in the toilet. If she wanted to ask for herself, have the guts to ask instead of hiding behind their daughter. Ava said, fine. She needed the money. He asked, how much? and she said, two million. He said that was a big ask, and she said, for him, it was a drop in the bucket. She’d pay him back plus interest. If she didn’t pay her debt, she’d lose everything. He said, okay, on one condition.

Maxie said Marco sounded like a catch, and Lucas said he was sweet, funny, and easy to talk to. Maxie asked if Marco was into the kiss, and Lucas said, from what he remembered. Then he ruined it by throwing up on Marco. Marco probably wished he’d never met him. Maxie said he knew Marco respected him enough not to take advantage of him and made sure he got home okay. She thought Lucas should give him a call. Casually check in. See what happens. You never know where it could lead. Brook said, God forbid Lulu should give a two week notice, and Lulu said, why prolong the torture? She’d been thinking about it for a while, but the visit from Brook’s husband sealed the deal. He’d said what Brook wanted him to. Brook closed the door and said she had no idea Chase went to see Lulu. When? Lulu said, last night. He told her to stay away from Brook and keep her mouth shut about the baby. If she didn’t, he’d have her arrested for breaking into Martin’s hotel room. She didn’t believe Brook didn’t know, but Brook said she had no idea. Lulu said, Chase used his position as a cop to keep Brook’s secret. That’s love. Brook said Lulu wasn’t an innocent victim. She’d broken the law and inserted herself into a situation she had nothing to do with. Lulu said it directly affected her family. Dante deserved to know he had a child and Rocco deserved to know he had a half-brother. She was being forced to lie to both of them. Ned asked how Tracy knew Brook and Lois were fighting, and she said Brook tried to downplay it, but considering how quickly Lois left, it must have been big. Ned said, Lois was gone? and Tracy said she went back to Bensonhurst. Talk to his daughter and find out what Lois did. He asked how she knew it was Lois, and she said Brook was acting wounded, not guilty. Lois did something to upset her. Ned said Brook was a mature married woman. If she wanted to talk, she knew she could come to him. Until then, he’d respect her privacy. Tracy laughed and said, since when? Says who? Ned said, if it was important, Lois would have told him. Vaughn told Josslyn that being physically strong was important, but judgement was more important. To know when you could and should trust someone to help you. He wrapped her ankle and told her about his best mentor. An older woman whose mind was sharp and she was so good at reading people, she never had to call on her training. Josslyn said, from everything she’d learned, it was a last resort. Don’t attack unless a weapon is pulled or unless it’s absolutely necessary. The minute violence is introduced, the situation can get out of control fast. Vaughn said, then you have to live with the consequences. Carly said she came to warn Jack. Jason blamed him for the poisoning. Jack said so did he, and she said Jason decided from here on out, what happens to her would happen to him too. He asked if Jason was out shopping for polonium, and she said, probably not, but she wouldn’t rule it out. He doesn’t say things just to say them. He means it. Jack thanked her for the intel. He wasn’t scared of Jason. All he cared about was her and that what just happened was because of him. Being an agent wasn’t an easy life. It was lonely and isolating, which suited him just fine… until now… until her. He needed her. Ava asked, what kind of condition? and Sonny said, in exchange for the cash, they’d revisit the custody arrangement. Ava said it was working great, but Sonny said he realized it wasn’t satisfactory. He wasn’t comfortable with 50/50 and thought she should have Avery two weekends a month. Ava said, over her dead body.

Elizabeth asked if there was anything she could do, and Ric asked if she could access the administrative records that showed the tests Portia accessed. She said she thought she could figure it out, and he said it would help the case if he could get a hard copy. Nothing that broke HIPPA laws, just names, dates, and time of access. Go back about a year or so. Elizabeth asked, how bad is this situation? and Ric said, bad enough to ruin Portia’s life. Emma said she thought Ned would go for their idea, and Gio said Ned saw the world differently. He was an awesome guy, but he was still a Quartermaine, and for better or worse, it was family first, no matter what. He doesn’t think they’d give up the land unless a Quartermaine asked. She said maybe they shouldn’t have been the ones to pitch it. Maybe he’d be more receptive if someone else in the family backed them up. Tracy wondered what was with the hands-off parenting, and Ned said he had something to cheer her. He knew how to get Drew to leave the family crypt alone. Tracy said she was cheered adjacent. How? He suggested they drop the bombshell they’d been keeping about Willow, and she said, that he was sleeping with her mother? He said, exactly. One threat, and he would be forced to back off. Tracy said, what if called their bluff? and Ned said it would blow up his relationship with Willow.

Josslyn got up and told Vaughn that her ankle felt fine. How did he become an agent? Did Brennan recruit him? Vaughn asked if she wanted to know more about him or Brennan, and she said, both. He said he got that she was concerned about her mom, but she needed to compartmentalize, and she said, forget Brennan. How did he end up an agent? He said he could tell her a bunch of cover stories, and she asked if any of them was the truth. He said, the truth was… he couldn’t tell her. Jack said he knew he was being selfish, but wanted her know, and Carly said she wasn’t walking away because she wanted to know what this was. He saved her. She didn’t want to overthink, but wanted to dive in and explore every minute with him. He said it was her life and her decision, and she said she needed him too. She wanted them to be together. They kissed. Ava asked if Sonny thought she’d give up custody for a few measly bucks. He said, two million wasn’t a few, and she said she would never. What kind of mother did he think she was? He said, the kind that would use her child to cover asking for more money for herself. That’s why he feels Avery should spend more time with him. She asked if Avery would thrive under his care. Would she be looking forward to visiting Avery in a burn clinic in Germany? How was Michael? Or did he not know since Sonny hadn’t visited? Was the airfare too high or was he overwhelmed with guilt? Ric was right. They should have fought for sole custody to protect Avery from him. Sonny told her to look in the mirror. She would see Morgan and Connie. She was the reason they were dead. He hadn’t forgotten that and would never forgive. She said she wasn’t the only one who would come up short at the pearly gates, and he said he was trying to be civil. If it wasn’t for her being Avery’s mother, he wouldn’t… He clutched his chest, and Ava asked, what’s happening? Sonny dropped to his knees and leaned on the sofa.

Tracy asked if Ned would be satisfied with annihilating Drew’s relationship, and Ned said he thought Drew was too stubborn to be blackmailed. But once they blew the secret, it was blown for good. They would sit on it for now. He had the feeling the information would be better used against Nina. Her money and influence could come in handy down the line. Tracy said they’d just wait for the right moment. Gio said he thought Emma was right. The next time they made a pitch, they’d recruit someone from the family for support. He had the perfect candidate in mind. Lulu said, all those years ago, Brook came to town to break her and Dante up, and Brook said, let it go. The key words were all those years ago. Lulu said, at the time, she thought Brook was acting on an unrequited crush. Had she known they slept together… Brook said, that’s why Lulu was mad. It wasn’t because Brook was lying to Dante. It was because Dante lied to her. Ric said, if Elizabeth could doit under the radar, great, but if not… Elizabeth said she was sure she could figure it out, and Ric thanked her for the assist. She said it was the least she could do. Lucas asked Maxie, what was the point? Marco was in Miami. She said long distance booty calls were an actual thing and so were long distance relationships. Keep his options open. Lucas said Marco put his number in the phone and invited him to keep in touch, and Maxie said, text him or she would. Josslyn said she thought she was ready for another round, but Vaughn thought they should call it a day and left. Carly said Jack still had a dangerous job and her life was still in danger, but she wanted to make it clear that if something happened to her, Jason would follow through. Jack said, he could try, and Carly said that’s what scared her. Either Jason would try to kill him, or he’d try to kill Jason, and she wasn’t okay with either scenario. He said then he’d have to make sure nothing ever happened to her, and they kissed. Ava asked what was going on, and Sonny fell to the floor, his bottle of pills falling nearby. Ava leaned over to look at the pills, then stood up. She said, my, my. Lookee here. Do you need those?

(Seems like she’s going to pull a Tracy, but Kristina is in the next room with Donna, so…)

Wednesday:

Brook said Lulu wasn’t riled up over Dante’s rights. She was just resentful and threatened. She thought she and Dante told each other everything, but Dante had a secret he’d kept from her. Lulu said she had no idea Dante had lied to her and now she’d have to lie for Brook. At the PC Grill, Jordan told Laura that Congressman Boyle was at GH for Drew’s press conference for the pediatric sports initiative (🍷), and Laura said, if there was a camera, he’d find it. Jordan said he and Drew looked chummy, but Laura said it was a good cause and good for the city, although she didn’t think the Aurora coverage was good for him. Jordan said he almost forced Curtis to cover it, and Curtis wasn’t going to take it sitting down. At the Quartermaine’s, Curtis walked into the solarium, finding Tracy and Stella there. He thanked Tracy for the invite, and she said, his was the only media outlet to fact check in covering the pediatric sports initiative (🍷). Stella said Tracy and Curtis also had a common cause so they should get to know each other. Tracy’s phone rang and she said, let him in, and told Stella and Curtis, this might be entertaining. Drew walked in and said, of course (🍷) Curtis teamed up with Tracy. As Sonny groped for his pills, Ava asked if something was wrong. Should she call 911? Did he want his pills? Wasn’t it awful to be in need with no one to help and instead they stood by and enjoyed his pain? Kristina came in and asked what Ava was doing. She went over to Sonny and asked why Ava wasn’t helping him.

Brook said Lulu was upset because of how it affected her. If she’d stayed out of Brook’s business, she wouldn’t have to lie. Lulu said she didn’t go looking for information about Brook. She was looking for something on Valentin to help her track her daughter. Now every time Dante told her that he was happy she had Charlotte back, she choked on the knowledge Dante had a son. Brook said Lulu wanted to tell Dante because Lulu hated her and wanted him to hate her to. If it upended their son’s life, so what? Lulu said she’d already agreed not to tell before Brook’s husband threatened to arrest her, when Gio and Emma walked in. Emma said they could come back, but Brook said they were just having a little disagreement. Lulu said they’d been fighting because Brook was a self-serving manip… but one thing Brook was not was her boss, and she left. Ava said, Sonny just collapsed. She didn’t know what was happening, but of course (🍷) she was going to help. Then Kristina came in. Kristina told her, go, and Ava asked if she should call 911. Kristina said, just go, and Ava left. Kristina gave Sonny a pill and said she was calling an ambulance, but Sonny said, no. Dr. Gannon. Boyle (Ezra) asked if he could join Laura and Jordan, then sat down before getting an answer. Jordan asked what was on his mind, and he said the esplanade project. A snail that tree-huggers were worried about was causing a delay, but no snail was more important than jobs and revenue. Laura said they weren’t allowed to ignore the environmental impact, and Boyle said his constituents were upset. This wouldn’t be happening if they’d moved the esplanade to Pier 55. Jordan said it wasn’t a workable option, and Laura said she made the right decision. It made no sense to move the esplanade away from the city center and Sonny would have fought it. Boyle said given how close she was to Sonny, he suggested she reconsider and avoid the embarrassment of family ties to a notorious crime lord.

Gio asked if Brook was okay, and Brook said Lulu had to be the heroine in her own drama. She wouldn’t listen to anyone, but had a lot to say about how other people lived their lives. Her grandma insisted on hiring Lulu, but she knew it would never work. Emma asked if she was firing Lulu just now, but Brook said, Lulu quit. Gio said they had something that would give Tracy what she wanted most. Curtis said he hadn’t teamed up with anyone, and Drew said Aurora had referred to him as Drew Cain in their coverage. Tracy said that was his name. He had no legal right to call himself a Quartermaine. Drew said that was never going to stand up, and Curtis said the journalists were held to the same standards Drew had put in place when he was running Aurora. Drew said Curtis thought he’d detract from him doing something good, but Curtis said the pediatric sports initiative (🍷) was trending on social media. Wasn’t that what the conference was for? To help the kids, not Drew’s ego? Drew said if Curtis wanted it get ugly, it would, and he left. Stella said she was a bit entertained, and Tracy said, well done. Stella said, what they had was the start of a beautiful friendship, and they all clinked teacups. Boyle said Laura and Sonny shared a grandchild and people would say she was protecting Sonny’s interests, and Laura said, which people? Jordan said, protect how? and Laura said she had nothing to hide. Her relationship with Sonny was a matter of public record and she disclosed her financials every year, something he’d managed to avoid. She thought they were done. Jordan said she’d meet Laura back at the office, and Laura left. Boyle said he was lucky to have an opportunity to speak to Jordan alone, but Jordan said he might feel differently when he heard what she had to say. Kristina asked, what happened? and Sonny said he lost his temper and went after Ava. He got a pain, went to grab his pills, and fell. Kristina said, and Ava just stood there? Sonny nodded, when the doorbell rang. Kristina let in Isaiah, who asked if Sonny took his pill. Sonny said, eventually. He’d dropped them. Kristina said, Ava was just standing there, but Sonny said it was better that she didn’t know what they were. Let her think he was having a panic attack. Now that he took a pill, he was fine. Kristina said he wasn’t fine until Isaiah said he was. Cody heard a ruckus in the boathouse and found Lulu beating a stuffed frog with a bat. She said she came to see Rocco and needed to blow off steam, and he asked why she was worked up. She said maybe she was as horrible as Brook thought she was.  

Curtis left, and Stella said he loved him like one of her own. Tracy asked if she and her sister were close, and Stella said they loved each other dearly. Tracy said she wished she and Alan had been closer. They just drove each other crazy. Stella said, when you were siblings, that was love. Lulu told Cody that she knew she should let it go. It killed her that Dante never said a word about Brook. Cody said, Dante didn’t know she got pregnant, but Lulu said Dante knew they’d slept together, but told her they were just friends. Cody said it was years ago when they were teens and Dante thought nothing came of it, but Lulu said, something did come of it. Something major. Isaiah listened to Sonny’s heart and said the rhythm was normal. If he went to GH, they could do nothing but monitor him. Sonny said he was sorry he scared Kristina, and she said Ava obviously provoked him. Sonny asked for a minute with the doctor, and she said she’d call to check on him later. She left and Sonny said he appreciated Isaiah coming. Isaiah said he was making an appointment for the surgery today, but Sonny said he wasn’t. Jordan said any attempt to smear Laura would blow up in Boyle’s face, and he said, if she played her cards right, she could be the next mayor. As the former Police Commissioner, how did she justify Laura’s friendship with Sonny? She said Laura was an excellent mayor and an honest politician. Ava and Ric walked in, and Boyle said all it would take for a push was one defining moment, her boss kowtowing to organized crime. Ava told Ric that he wouldn’t believe what happened with Sonny, and he asked why she was there. She said she was asking for a loan because she was desperate. While she was there, Sonny collapsed. There was something wrong with Sonny.

Brook said, so Gio and Emma proposed the family trade lakefront property for the public land the crypt was on, and Emma said, nothing would change. Gio said, and it was good for nature. They’d gone to Ned… Brook said, that was a mistake. He looked at everything from a financial perspective. They shouldn’t pursue this. Jordan went to Curtis’s office and thanked him for the flattering coverage photo. It made it seem like she was running the program. He said who wouldn’t rather look at her and Portia instead of a crooked politician, and she told him that Drew said he’d regret calling him Congressman Cain. He said it was Drew’s legal name. It just denied his ego satisfactory PR. She said, well done. Stella said the look on Drew’s face when he saw Curtis having tea with them. She was locking the image away. Tracy said she thought he’d pop something. She didn’t know Stella had that in her. She was a helpful composed patient advocate at work, but didn’t let anybody mess with her family. Stella said, would she? and Tracy said, of course (🍷) not. Stella said they also didn’t suffer fools gladly. If someone came for their family… Tracy said, they’d fight back, and they high-fived. Drew sat with Boyle at the bar and said Tracy was way too happy to help Curtis screw him over. Curtis undermined him at every opportunity and he was sick of it. Boyle had a connection at public works and the Quartermaine crypt was partially on public land. Get a bulldozer over there as soon as possible. He wanted it torn down now. (Again, that’s not how any of this works.) Cody asked if Lulu never had feelings for anyone before Dante, and she said, of course (🍷), but Dante had a relationship with Brook that he’d kept secret between them. He lied about his feelings. She thought she always knew and that’s why she couldn’t let it go. Cody said Dante picked Lulu a long time ago, but Lulu said he lied to her. Cody said, by omission, and she said, it was still a lie. He lied that he’d never had feelings for Brook. She’d thought they were so in sync, they’d never lie to each other, but that was never true. Sonny said his cardiologist told him that he could wait if he took his medication and avoided stress, and Isaiah asked how that was going. Sonny said his health meant nothing if he lost his family. He had security issues, but if he resolved them before the scheduled surgery, maybe they could move up the procedure. He owed Isaiah. Isaiah asked if he didn’t owe it to himself to get the surgery as soon as he could. He opened the door, and Laura was there. Isaiah left, and Laura asked why he was there. Sonny said it wasn’t important, and he’d appreciate it if she didn’t tell anyone. He had a heart condition and was going to have surgery.

Gio told Brook, it made sense. Tracy would get her way and their ancestors wouldn’t be disturbed. Brook said it was a good idea, but don’t get moored into the fight. It was classic Quartermaine infighting. They weren’t even hardcore Q’s and should walk away while they still could. Cody said he didn’t know why Dante didn’t come clean, but he knows Dante loved Lulu. Brook was never a threat. Lulu said she and Dante had been over for a long time, and Cody said he’d thought things were true that weren’t, and it messed him up to find out the Bells weren’t his birth parents. He got over it and moved on. Lulu wondered how Dante could care about someone like Brook. Now she had to live with Brook’s lie. Kristina went to Adela/Irene’s grave and told her about seeing Sonny. She thought he was going to die, and Ava was just standing there over the pill bottle. She could have helped him, but didn’t. By not helping him, she was killing him. Like she killed Adela. Ava asked if Ric found out anything, and he said he could confirm Sonny wasn’t admitted to GH. Ava said Kristina gave him a pill and he must have recovered, and Ric asked what happened before that. Ava said they were arguing and Sonny suddenly stopped, obviously in pain. He had a prescription pill bottle, but dropped it before he was able to take one. He fell at her feet. Ric said, and she just stood there? and she said, of course (🍷) she was going to help, but Kristina scared her. Obviously, Kristina knew what was going on and screamed at her to get out, so she left. Ric said Sonny had been on medication for years, and Ava said, mood stabilizers. Nothing for pain. He could barely breathe. Something was seriously wrong with his brother. Sonny told Laura that he was shot years ago and it damaged his heart. Only surgery could repair it. She wondered if it was safe to wait, and he said he had business to take care of before he was out commission for a couple weeks. He had Isaiah and his medication and had to avoid stress. She told him, easier said than done, and he said he was doing all right until today. Ava came by. He was trying to be cordial, but she wanted more money and thought she’d take advantage of him. They got into it and the pain hit. He couldn’t get to his pills and fell, and the pills were on the ground. Luckily, Kristina came in. Everything was fine, but he couldn’t control himself and it scared him. Gio said it was something where both sides would be happy, but Brook said, Drew wouldn’t be happy until he hurt her grandma enough and got his name back. She’d try to talk to her dad. The phone rang and she said they’d talk later. In the hallway, Gio said, the house belonged to Monica, right? Maybe she was the one they should be talking to.

Cody said Lulu could always talk to him. He’d listen and not judge. An argument didn’t make her a bad person. Lulu wasn’t sure she could trust his judgement since he picked up hitchhikers. Tracy asked if Stella wanted to check out an art exhibit, but Stella said she had a doctor’s appointment. Everything was fine, but it took two tests – urine and blood – to screen for kidney disease. Tracy asked if Stella was concerned, and Stella said she didn’t think so, but 90% of those with the disease didn’t know they had it and had no symptoms until irreversible kidney damage was done. There was high blood pressure and diabetes in ⅔ of the cases. It could also uncover cardiovascular risk. She had high blood pressure, so as they say, knowledge is power. They high-fived and laughed. Curtis said Jordan should have seen Drew’s face when Drew saw he was having tea with Tracy. He went from zero to a thousand in half a second. Jordan said Drew would assume Curtis was working against him. He was declaring war. Curtis said Drew’s pride took a direct hit and his ego was demanding retribution, and she asked if he was sure he was ready to wave a red flag in front of Drew. He said until Drew’s anger made him do something stupid where he exposed his true colors to all the world, and she said she got the logic, but it could hurt Curtis. Watch out for unintended consequences. Curtis said he’d played this game before, and Drew had better watch out for him.

Drew told Boyle that they were righting a wrong from when the Quartermaine patriarch helped himself to public land. Boyle said, we? It was Drew’s battle. <making a wah-wah sound). Drew said he thought Boyle was a champion of the people, but Boyle said it was Drew’s family. Drew said they’d been given notice that the crypt had to be moved and were using their money and privilege to stonewall. They weren’t above law. They had their chance and didn’t take it. Now he wanted the crypt razed to the ground tomorrow. Ava asked Ric, what was wrong with Sonny? How serious was it? Ric said she was enjoying this too much, and she said, Sonny told her, if not for Avery, he would have her killed, and it wasn’t the first time he’d said it. So excuse her for not getting misty over his passing. With Avery’s inheritance, she could pay all her debts and have enough left over to keep… Avery in the lifestyle she’s accustomed to. Ric said, pragmatic to a fault, and Ava wondered why Sonny was hiding his condition. Obviously, he didn’t want anyone to know so it must be serious. Laura said she hoped Sonny wasn’t carrying his burden all alone, and he said there were key people who knew. He didn’t want it made public and didn’t want his family to worry. He didn’t want his enemies to know he wasn’t 100%. He was also thinking about Port Charles. Laura said she appreciated that and would keep his secret. Kristina said no one saw how dangerous Ava was but her. Ava convinced a jury that she wasn’t guilty of killing Adela and used Avery against her dad every chance she got. They just throw their hands up and shake their heads. They tell her to walk away, but she can’t do that. That’s what makes Ava so dangerous. No one holds her accountable for what she’s done. She’s not a nuisance. Ava is a threat to everyone she loves. If she didn’t stop Ava, Ava would take away everyone she cared about… She cried, then suddenly looked up and said she had to stop her. Ava had to be stopped, and she had to stop her. She touched Adela’s gravestone.

Thursday:

Diane found Alexis on the floor in her office, but she was fine, just meditating. She needed to find peace because she was going to do something hard. She had to strike a truce with Ric or kill him trying. On the phone, Elizabeth talked to Lucas about Brad blackmailing Portia. She went to Charlie’s after hours, where lucky had prepared dinner. Stella went to the hospital for her kidney disease screen. Isaiah told Jordan that when he pictured a clandestine relationship, a five-mile hike didn’t occur to him, and she said she ran fast so she could get back and be alone with him. As Sasha’s patient advocate, Felicia asked if Sasha had given any thought to adding her baby daddy’s medical information to her file. Nina stopped by Ava’s to thank her for teaming her up with Portia. She thought they could deal with their mutual Drew problem. Ava was bringing Avery over to Sonny’s and Nina wondered why she was hurrying. Kristina left a message for Isaiah with a question about Sonny’s condition. She wanted to know the worst-case scenario if he didn’t have his meds on him. There was a knock at Sonny’s door, and Kristina opened it to Molly. Sonny told Jason that it would take more than Ava to kill him. He was going to be more careful in the future. Jason suggested Sonny get the surgery sooner, but Sonny said he wasn’t lying around while his family was in danger. Brick joined them and said he had a lead on the man who almost burned Michael to death.

Chase found Brook working at home and asked if Lulu was harassing her, but Brook said Lulu had quit because of Chase. Isaiah thought Jordan was distracting herself, and she told him about Boyle suggesting she distance herself from Laura because of Laura’s relationship with Sonny. Isaiah said, he may have a point, and Jordan said she agreed. Brick said Soliski was a contract killer, ex-intelligence. The only way to contact him was on the dark web. He was in Toronto right now. Jason said he could be there in an hour. Molly told Kristina that she wanted her sister back. Felicia said, since it came out that Jason was the father, she wondered if Sasha reconsidered, but Sasha said she didn’t want him involved. Elizabeth said it was the best chicken parm she’d ever had, and Lucky said he’d gotten it from Lorenzo’s in NYC. He reminisced about their past time together and asked if she wanted to go away for the weekend. Let him take her back to New York.

Lucas and Stella rehashed the information she gave us about kidney screening yesterday. Jordan told Isaiah that she respected Laura and it wouldn’t bother her except for the esplanade. A mayor not as close to Sonny might have made a stronger case for kicking a mob boss out of an area that needed revitalization. She was realizing Laura would never see Sonny as the danger he was. Alexis told Diane that her fighting with Ric upset Molly. She was going to reach a truce and asked Diane to stay as referee. Diane asked if there was time to make popcorn. Molly said people she loved, and thought would be here forever were gone, but Kristina wasn’t. She didn’t want to just see Kristina in a crisis and wanted it to be like it was. She was without Sam and didn’t want to be without Kristina. Nina asked, what changed? and Ava said Sonny was particular about times and dates, and it was good for Avery to see they were getting along. She was seeing Sonny with fresh eyes. Sonny asked if Soliski was tipped off, but Brick said there was no way to be sure. Jason said Soliski wouldn’t see him coming, and Brick said Soliski was paranoid and dangerous, but Sonny said coming after him was dangerous.

Elizabeth and Lucky rehashed when they went to NYC and missed the last bus home. We flashed back to when they were babies, and Elizabeth said she’d had the time of her life. Chase asked what he’d done to make Lulu quit, and Brook said he’d had a chat with Lulu. Chase said he was going to tell her. It didn’t matter that it wasn’t Lulu’s business; she just had to say it. Her way needed to change, and he’d dropped by to tell her. Brook said threatening Lulu and flashing his badge wasn’t who he was, but he said just because he didn’t show it often, it didn’t mean that side wasn’t there. He’d do what it took to keep her secret safe. Felicia said Sasha wouldn’t be raising her baby alone if the Scorpios had anything to say about it. Kristina wondered if things would ever be the same, but Molly said maybe they could find a new normal and suggested Little Buddha take-out and a movie at home. Kristina said she’d missed Molly even when she didn’t want to, and Molly said sometimes she just wanted to be home with Kristina and their mom. They hugged, and Ava came by with Avery. Jordan said Sonny’s generosity didn’t change his involvement in illegal activities. But then there were the supposed good guys like Drew and Boyle who she trusted less than Sonny. Sonny wanted to go with Jason, but Brick said it was a major operation, especially for someone having surgery soon. Brick left and Sonny said he was going with Jason.

A song began to play, and Elizabeth said it was the first song on the mix tape Lucky gave her that they listened to on their way to New York. They danced and he said he’d found the hotel they’d stayed at and slept on the floor. We flashed back to that, and he said he’d booked a room for them, when her phone alarm went off. She had to get to work, but he knew the answer before he’d asked. This time neither of them would sleep on the floor. Molly took Avery to the playroom and Kristina said Ava could go. Ava tried to get information on Sonny’s condition, but Kristina said it was none of her business. Ava said if Sonny wasn’t well enough to take care of their daughter full time, she would, and she was pretty sure a judge would agree. Ric told Alexis he owed her an apology, confusing her. He said he realized baiting her into arguments was unfair to her and their daughter, and he was truly sorry. They could be neutral parties with a common interest. She asked where this was coming from, and he said Cody had given him perspective. She said she accepted his apology, and he said he accepted hers, but she said she didn’t give him one. Diane suggested they quit while they were ahead and shake on it. Hesitantly, they did. Lucas said Stella was taking preventative steps and doing research and everyone be as concerned about their healthcare. She told him, knowledge is power, and he said she was pretty powerful. Felicia asked if Jason would be on the birth certificate and Sasha said they’d agreed he wouldn’t be involved, and it would only complicate things. Felicia advised her to get things settled before the baby was born so Jason didn’t insist later. Sasha said Jason would never do that, but Felicia said she didn’t know Jason wouldn’t change his mind. She didn’t want to leave anything open to interpretation. Jason said the last thing Sonny needed was going to Toronto to track down a professional killer, but Sonny said it couldn’t wait. Jason said he was going alone. It was too much risk. Sonny said he’d have his meds, but Jason said too many things could go wrong.

Lucas said he had diabetes, so he was at risk, and he’d also taken the tests. There was no reason not to be proactive. It could reduce potentially serious complications down road and also uncover cardiovascular risk. Chase said Lulu had taken things too far, but Brook said she didn’t think Lulu was upset with her. She was upset with Dante for not telling her that they had a past together. Chase said it didn’t affect Lulu, and Brook said Lulu was too self-centered and self-righteous. Chase said Lulu’s life hadn’t changed and she was just rubbing it in. Brook said she’d do anything to change it, but Chase said it wasn’t her fault. It wasn’t even a fault thing. Brook said she never expected to meet someone like him, and Chase said neither did he. She asked if he was glad they met. Molly went to Alexis’s office and asked what Ric was doing there. He said he’d let her mom fill her in. (Diane called him Richard, startling me. I don’t remember anyone ever calling him that.) Ric left and Diane said she was exhausted. It was more than she’d hoped for. She left, and Alexis told Molly that she’d invited Ric there. What she’d said at the PCPD hit home and she was going to call a truce, but he did before she had a chance. Molly asked if he was dying, but Alexis said she didn’t think so. He’d said Cody had gotten to him. It didn’t happen often, but her father was the bigger person for her sake. She was happy to accept the olive branch. Jordan told Isaiah that she didn’t want to steal Laura’s job, but if she had a choice, she’d stay as far away from Sonny as possible. Brick came by with flowers to see if Jordan was free for dinner. Jordan said she had plans, and he said he could see that. Sonny said he knew Jason was worried, but Soliski was the reason his son was in a burn clinic in Germany in unbelievable pain. He was going to be stressed if he didn’t go and make sure the job was done. Maybe it would be a stress reliever. Jason said Soliski was just the middleman. Someone hired him and they needed to know who. Sonny said he needed to know the name of his real enemy.

Brick asked if Jordan and Isaiah were a couple now, and Jordan said she needed a favor. Don’t tell anyone she knew they were dating. He asked if it was a request from her or her new boyfriend, and Isaiah said if it was up to him, the whole world would know, but Jordan had her reasons to keep it a secret and he’d promised to honor that for her sake. Brick said he’d do the same. He’d heard questionable things about Isaiah’s family and hoped Isaiah had no part of that. He left and Isaiah said he guessed Brick looked into him. Jordan didn’t ask him to, did she? She said if there was anything she wanted to know, she trusted he’d tell her himself, and they hugged. Chase said Brook was the best thing that had happened to him, and she said he was a remarkable man. No matter what anyone did, don’t compromise himself or his values. He thought they could handle it and they hugged. Molly said Alexis deserved credit for the truce with Ric and Alexis said it was easier because she was doing it for Molly. Molly said she’d gone to see Kristina and they talked for the first time in a long time. They were taking it slow, but she wanted to try and get back to how they used to be. They were having a Davis girls’ night and were hoping Alexis would come too. Alexis said she wouldn’t miss it for the world, and they hugged. (A lot of that going around today.) Ava went home and found Ric there and he said he had the most unbelievable conversation with Alexis. The last thing he expected happened. They made peace. There was knocking at the door and Kristina said, open the damn door. They were going to finish this once and for all. Sasha left Jason a message that she was finished with her check-up and everything was good, but there was something they needed to take care of. Jason saw there was a missed call from Sasha and asked if he couldn’t change Sonny’s mind. Since Soliski couldn’t kill him last time, the contract on him was still out. Sonny took out his gun, loaded it, and said he wasn’t going to let Soliski or anyone else come after his family again. They left and we saw a framed photo of Morgan and Michael.

🫔 Friday’s Enchilada…

At the café, Sasha asks if Maxie has been waiting long, and Maxie says, long enough to get tea for her sore throat and a cookie. She’s been waiting a week. In reality, less than five minutes. Sasha says she’s glad they’re doing this. She wants to show something to Maxie, but she can’t tell anyone she saw it. Maxie says, okay. Is it bad? Sasha says, it’s actually pretty miraculous, and shows Maxie her sonogram. Maxie squees.

Tracy finds Elizabeth at the hospital and says she knows Stella was coming in for tests. She thought if Stella was done, she’d ask if Stella wanted to go to dinner. Elizabeth says, sorry, but Stella already finished and left. It was a sweet idea. Tracy says she knows, and Elizabeth asks how Monica is doing. Tracy says, today’s a good day, and Elizabeth says she’s glad to hear it. Tracy says her too. She’ll let Monica know that everyone is thinking about her. Elizabeth says, tell her they can’t wait for their former Chief of Staff to get back to her old self, and Tracy says, will do. Elizabeth says she hopes Monica is better soon, and Tracy says, her too, and she hopes Monica doesn’t find out Drew is threatening to dig up her late husband.

Trina approaches the crypt, and asks, what’s going on? Boyle says, she can’t be here, but she says she lives here. She’s trying to study. Boyle says, she lives here? and she says, in the apartment over the garage. He introduces himself as Ezra Boyle, Port Charles City Council, and says he’s here on important city business. Trina says she knows who he is. They met at the press conference. He says, right. She was with Kai Taylor. She asks if he has a right to be here, and he says he does. He has a signed demolition order. Emma and Gio join them, and Emma asks, what is all this? Ezra asks if they live here, and Gio says, at the main house. Ezra says, great, and hands him a paper, saying, you’ve been served.

In Drew’s office, he says Kai has a few more speaking engagements, and Kai asks if Drew is sure he’s the right guy. Now that he’s done with football, people might not want to listen to him much longer. Drew says Kai is the reason the speaking engagements have more than doubled. People want to hear what he has to say about the pediatric sports initiative (🍷). He saw how well Kai handled himself at the press conference and people want more. He’s got more going for him than just football. Kai says, good thing because he’s never going pro, and Drew asks if he’s sure about that

Lucky brings Lulu to Charlie’s, and she wonders if everything is free since the club isn’t open. He says he can spot her an appetizer and a beer, and thanks her for coming by. She says she never sees him at their mom’s place where they live together, and he says he’s been spending time at Elizabeth’s. She asks how it’s going, and he says, pretty good. In fact, they’re going away together.

Kristina pounds on Ava’s door, and Ava tells Ric to listen to the sound of Kristina Corinthos Davis acting even more unhinged than usual. He says he just made peace with Alexis. If Kristina sees him here, it will all be blown to hell. She says, don’t let Kristina see him, but stick around. She may need a witness. He grabs his drink and goes to another room, while the banging continues. Ava tells Kristina, come in and speak her piece, but stay away from the windows. They don’t want a repeat of what happened the last time Kristina barged in. (Wow. A new low.)

On a private jet, Jason says, the flight time is 40 minutes, and Sonny says, Brick said Soliski could be in two possible locations, his apartment or a warehouse. They’ll check each one to minimize the chance of missing him. Jason says he’ll take the warehouse. They don’t know when Soliski will leave town for his next job. Sonny says, whoever hired him is responsible for Michael’s pain and he wants to make them pay.

Maxie says she’s guessing Sasha’s OB appointment went well, and Sasha says she and the baby are fine. Her pregnancy is in the honeymoon phase, so she has all this energy. Maxie asks if she needs to get away from the Quartermaines, but Sasha says she’s thinking it calmed down slightly. Maxie says she thought Sasha wanted to move out to get away from all of them, but Sasha says she’s staying for now. Maxie says, if Sasha changes her mind, she’ll make space in her house for Sasha and the baby, and Sasha thanks her, but says she’s fine at the Quartermaines. She likes her job and it’s going good. Maxie says, if she needs help… but Sasha says, like she told Maxie, she can afford to have this baby. She promises it’s not a problem. She’s just sorry she said something that made it harder for Maxie to take care of her babies.

Tract tells Elizabeth that Drew went as far as to sic the Public Land Trust on her because her family’s crypt accidentally extends maybe 20 feet onto public land. Elizabeth says she doesn’t think Edward would make a mistake like that, and Tracy says, Drew doesn’t care. He’s using it as leverage to remain a Quartermaine. Elizabeth says she assumes Monica isn’t aware of what Drew’s done, and Tracy says she’s done everything she can to shield Monica. She’s furious with Drew already for multiple reasons. Elizabeth says she thought Monica had always accepted Drew, but Tracy says, not anymore. For once, she and Monica are in complete agreement. Elizabeth says she hopes hell hasn’t frozen over, and Tracy says, Drew is no longer a member of the Quartermaine family. He has no right to that name.

Gio tells Boyle that he’s not family, just a guest. Monica is the owner. Doesn’t he have to serve her? Boyle says, another Quartermaine stall tactic, and the sheriff says, it has to be served to the appropriate party before they start demolition. Boyle tells him, walk to the front door, knock, and serve it, and Emma says, the family is fighting the order. Trina says, in case he hasn’t noticed, the Quartermaine family doesn’t lose, but Boyle says he already has the order. It’s signed and there’s nothing anybody can do to stop it. Get the crew ready. That building is coming down.

Kai says, because of his injury, he can’t play without risking paralysis, and Drew says he’s sorry. Kai says, Trina helped him come to terms with it, and Drew says he’s glad Trina is part of Kai’s life. They make a good couple. Kai says, they’re spending more time together and things are good. He has to admit, he misses playing so much sometimes, he thinks it might be worth the risk. Drew says, if there was a way for him to play safely, would he take it? and Kai says, absolutely, but the doctor said it was a non-starter. Drew says, he may be right, but he’s a big believer in active problem solving. He knows a great specialist, a fantastic doctor who does amazing things. He may be able to help. Kai says, even if it’s true, he can’t pay for what his insurance would consider elective surgery. He doesn’t have those kinds of resources. Drew says, maybe not, but he does.

Ric listens, and Kristina asks if Ava just made a joke about her baby dying, but Ava says she’d never joke about what happened to Irene. Kristina says, Adela, and Ava says, that’s not what it says on her headstone. Kristina says, stay away from her daughter. Her daughter would be here if Ava hadn’t killed her. Ava says she has no interest in relitigating something a jury already deemed an accident, and Kristina says she was there. Ava pushed her. Ava says, keep telling herself that, but stop telling her, and Kristina says she’ll tell Ava every time she sees her. She’ll be a walking remembrance. Ava says, go away, and Kristina asks where the hell Ava gets off dragging her father back to court over Avery. Ava says, he’s in a no condition to take care of Avery, a fact she’ll be all too happy to share with a judge in open court.

Lucky tells Lulu that he and Elizabeth are making a return trip to Manhattan. He booked a room in the hotel where they stayed when they were kids. Does she remember? Lulu says, it was when they were planning on moving to NYC so Elizabeth could study art, and he says, it’s only a weekend. He was hoping Aiden could stay at their mom’s. Aiden is old enough to be by himself, but he’d feel better if they kept an eye on him. She says, of course (🍷). They’d love to. Is he sure he wants to do this?

Yuri calls Tracy and says, man with official paper bring bulldozer to crypt. She says she’ll be right there.

Trina wonders why a councilman would get involved, and Emma says she’ll tell Trina why. He’s Cutthroat Cain’s dirty little stooge. Boyle says, okay. Congressman Quartermaine brought a legitimate issue to his attention, and it was his duty to rectify it to show that rich people can’t flaunt the law. Emma says, only public officials have that privilege, and Boyle sighs and says, the building violates the laws twice over. It’s a public structure built on conservancy land. There’s no construction allowed. Gio says, what construction? It’s already been constructed. The sheriff says he gave the paperwork to some Russian guy, and Emma says, he’s from Belarus. Boyle says he doesn’t care and tells the workers, get moving. Emma tells Gio and Trina to stall until she gets back. The sheriff tells Boyle, sorry about the legality of serving an order of demolition to some domestic employee instead of the owner, especially one whose English is a little shaky. Gio says, hey, Yuri’s English is just fine, but Trina says, it’s terrible. They need to go back and make sure he understands, and the order is served to the owner. Boyle says he’s a member of the City Council. Tear that thing down. Gio says, what about the people in the building? and a demolition worker says, there are people in there? Boyle says, no people, just dead bodies, and Trina starts to film on her phone. She says, desecrating the remains of a family’s loved ones is not a good look for a public official, and Gio says, besides being immoral, isn’t unearthing human remains a public health issue? (I would think so. That’s not how any of this works.)

As Ric continues to listen in, Ava says she thinks Sonny would be wise not to return to court. Doesn’t Kristina? If his health issue becomes public, his enemies could take advantage of that. She thinks he’s vulnerable enough as it is. One of his enemies already try to kill him, and Michael got barbecued instead. She’s sure Sonny would agree he was the target, and it should have been him. Kristina says, it should have been Ava, and Ava says she’s glad Avery wasn’t there. It would be far better if Sonny quietly handed Avery over to her and increased child support to sufficiently provide the kind of care Avery is accustomed to. Kristina says, oh my God. Ava has no limit. She’s using Michael’s pain to her own advantage. Ava says, as a mother, she’d do absolutely anything to protect her child. Something Kristina obviously can’t understand since she’s not a mother. (An even newer low.)

Lucky tells Lulu that he already invited Elizabeth and she accepted. It would be rude to withdraw the invite now. Lulu says, he’s right. Forget she said that. He says, she thinks it’s a bad idea, and she says she’s not passing judgment. If he wants to go, he should go. He says, it was a pretty negative reaction to a weekend getaway. What is risky about taking Elizabeth back someplace that meant so much to both of them? She says, a lot can change, including him and Elizabeth. They spent so much more time apart than together and both of them have picked up emotional baggage. He says, life happens. What can you do? She says, nothing, but it’s tough for some people to get over. He says they’re not just some people, and she says, it would be one thing not to recreate the magic, but worse if they tarnish a memory that means so much to both of them.

Sonny asks if Michael told Jason that he’s getting another skin graft, and Jason says, he did. He sounded good. Sonny says, except for the pain. He could hear it in Michael’s voice. Jason says he knows how much Michael misses Wiley and Amelia too, and Sonny says, his love for the kids will get him through. Jason says, the same way Sonny’s love for Michael is pushing him to find Soliski instead of just sending him, and Sonny says he needs the client’s name. They can’t go in there guns blazing. Jason says, when Sonny finds Soliski… Sonny wonders if Jason is asking what he’s going to do when he’s face to face with the man who set his son on fire and nearly killed him. Honestly? He doesn’t know.

Kai wonders why Drew is offering to pay for his surgery when Drew doesn’t know him, and Drew says, not yet, but he was a Navy SEAL. He appreciates Kai’s passion, determination, and willingness to put himself on the line for everyone to see. Kai thanks him, but says he’s still not explaining why, and Drew says, he thinks Kai has a bright future. He wants to do what he can to help Kai realize it. Kai says, Drew has to want something, and Drew says, why… Oh. Because Kai is close to Trina, Kai heard he and Trina’s father had a falling out. That explains why Kai is hesitant to trust him. He totally gets it. It makes perfect sense. He and Curtis did have a disagreement, and Curtis definitely has an opinion about some of his actions, which he has a right to have. But before Kai makes up his mind, at least hear his side.  

The demolition worker says he doesn’t deal with dead bodies, and walks away, but Boyle says, he works for the city. The City Council is running this and they pay him to work, not think. Come back and do his damn job. Continuing to film, Trina says, he’s not a man of the people if he talks to his workers like that, and Boyle says, put that damn phone down. She asks if he’s denying her right to record a public official performing his duties in his elected office. Gio says he’s a registered voter and a Catholic. Boyle’s religious constituents will be horrified by his callous disregard for the Quartermaines’ dearly departed. Boyle says, enough nonsense and Quartermaine grandstanding. It’s a legal order and there’s no legitimate reason to delay. Emma chains herself to the crypt and says, they’ll tear it down over her dead body.  

Maxie says her babies are fine. The only time they’re not is when they’re James. Sasha says she made things harder at Deception, so she made things harder for Maxie, but Maxie says, Deception is doing fine. Sasha says she freaked out when Jenz Sidwell showed up. She said he was a monster. Maxie says, because he kidnapped her. They need zinc desperately, but they’ll find someplace else. Sasha says, but will they find it in time? and Maxie says, they’re not doing business with someone who threatened Sasha’s life. Sasha says, that’s the thing. She may have overreacted. Maxie asks, how? Sidwell kidnapped her and threatened to kill her. Sasha says she was scared, but none of that would have happened if her mother hadn’t stolen millions of dollars’ worth of Sidwell’s diamonds. Maxie asks if they’re blaming Holly, and Sasha says, Holly is the only reason Sidwell grabbed her. He didn’t mistreat her. He wasn’t cruel. Maxie says, he tried to blow her up, and Sasha says, Holly’s greed put her in danger and it wasn’t the first time. Don’t feel they shouldn’t do business with Sidwell because of her. She wouldn’t say it if she didn’t mean it. Maxie says she’s not sure she’s okay with doing business with Sidwell, and Sasha says she is. Maxie is just being a good friend and Sasha loves her for it, but business and family are more important.

Lulu tells Lucky not to listen to her. She’s just projecting her own situation. Lucky says, what situation? and Lulu says, her life. Take your pick. Let’s talk about anything else. He says, she makes a good point. It’s risky and it could be serious if they end up disappointed, but he doesn’t think that’s going to happen. She says she hopes he’s right, and he says, they can’t erase their baggage or the years they spent in the apartment. Going back to a place that’s so important and revisiting memories they made together isn’t about reclaiming the past. It’s considering the future. She asks if he’s hoping for a future with Elizabeth.

Kristina says, this isn’t about protecting Avery. It’s about blackmailing her father. Ric listens hard, and Ava says, how is it blackmail when it’s speaking the truth? Her father has a medical condition so severe that he collapsed at her feet. Kristina says, Ava withheld his medication, but Ava says she was in shock. What if Avery had found him? She should go straight to the court. The sooner they know what happened, the sooner Avery is safe. Kristina says, Ava is making a threat out of her father’s medical issue and making him a target, and Ava says, that’s the price he pays for the life he chose. Kristina says, Ava took her brother and her daughter. She won’t let Ava take her father too. It’s too late for Morgan and Adela, but it’s not too late for her father. She will stop Ava. She leaves and Ric comes out. Ava says she’s glad he was here for that. He just heard Kristina blatantly threaten her.

A man walks into an apartment carrying a gym bag and finds Sonny with a gun waiting for him. Sonny says, Mr. Soliski. Did you have a good workout? Soliski asks what he wants.

Gio and Trina join Emma on the crypt steps, and Boyle tells her, unchain yourself right now. Emma says, not while he and Killer Cain clearly circumvent proper channels to get a demolition order so fast. Boyle says, arrest her, and the sheriff says, give him the key. Emma says she swallowed it, and Gio asks where she got the lock. She says, from her car. She always travels with the necessary tools for a peaceful protest. Trina says she likes the way Emma thinks, when Tracy arrives. She says, a bulldozer hacked the lawn. The city is going to pay for it. Boyle says, the order was served, but Tracy says she doesn’t know about any order.  She thought Gio was missing and went looking. She found people milling around with nothing to do. The sheriff says, the young lady is not moving, and Boyle says, cut her loose. Emma tells Trina, be sure to record them groping her. It will make court easier. Tracy says she’ll need his badge number for when she calls in her friend Judge Lymon, and tells Gio to call Emma’s grandma. They need her here now.  

Drew tells Kai that he and Curtis were best friends for a long time. Based on their friendship, he brought Curtis in at Aurora. He put Curtis in charge of a new division, and he made it a success. Kai asks, why not pick him to replace Drew as CEO? but Drew says, it’s confidential. He can tell Kai that Curtis had expectations that he didn’t meet, but he never lied. Kai asks if it was worth the friendship, and Drew says he wishes it hadn’t cost what it did, but that’s between him and Curtis. He’d never ask Kai to choose between them. He just wants to help. He has a lot of money and to be completely honest, he thinks it will feel good spending it to invest in Kai’s future. Kai says, also sports is big business and high profile. If a mentee is drafted to the NFL, it’s good for the mentor. Drew says, true, but it goes both ways, and Kai says, what if Drew pays for his surgery, but he still can’t play? What happens then?

Soliski says, Sonny has the wrong apartment, but Sonny says, no, he doesn’t. Don’t waste his time. Put the bag down, slowly. Soliski drops his bag, and Sonny says, take two fingers and take the gun out of your pocket. Soliski does that, and Sonny says, put it on the table and slide it to me. Soliski slides the gun over and says, happy? Sonny says, getting there. He’s made himself comfortable in Soliski’s home like Soliski made himself comfortable in his. He planted an incendiary device and got sloppy. It didn’t get him. It got his son instead. Big mistake. Lucky for Soliski, his son lived. He’ll give Soliski a chance. All he has to do is tell Sonny who hired him.

Lucky tells Lulu that he doesn’t want to get ahead of himself. All he’s planning is a weekend away someplace where they’re not constantly interrupted by loving, well-meaning family. Lulu says she hears that dodge, and he says it’s up to him, like a future with Elizabeth. Even though it’s going well, she might not want to take the chance. She says, maybe this time’s the charm, but he says he’s not making assumptions. He’s putting himself out there in the hope of a chance. She says, he’s braver than she is, and he says he thinks farther down the road and goes for what he wants. She says, exactly. He’s on the road while she’s stuck in neutral. He says he’s sure when she figures out what she wants, there will be no stopping her, and she says she does know that their mom will love having Aiden hang with them for the weekend. And if they’re having a great time in NYC and want to extend their stay, they’ve got it covered. He says, she’s great, and she says she really is, isn’t she.

Ric says, judging by Kristina’s overreaction, Sonny’s condition must be serious, and Ava says, serious enough to look weak, which he can’t afford. She’s more than willing to take full custody of Avery, plus a tidy sum to keep quiet. He says he’d advise caution. They both know Sonny is never more dangerous than when his back is against the wall. His phone rings, and Elizabeth says she has the information he wanted. She’ll drop it off at his office when she gets a Ride Share, since she doesn’t have her car. He says, she doesn’t have to, and Ava realizes he’s talking to Elizabeth. She says, that’s why he’s talking like that. Of course (🍷). It’s Elizabeth. Elizabeth says, nice to hear he’s with Ava and not toiling away at his desk, and he says, they were just working at her place. Elizabeth says she’ll drop it off there. The sooner she gives it to him, the sooner he can help Portia. The call ends and Ava says, if he’s done working, does he mind telling her what all that was about? He says, if she must know, Elizabeth is providing evidence to help protect Portia. Ava asks if Portia told Elizabeth that Drew was blackmailing her, and he says, not exactly. She knew Portia consulted with him. Ava says, because Portia trusted her with the problem, she referred Portia to Ric. Ric says, Elizabeth just wanted to help, and Ava asks if she got confidential patient files. Ric says, nothing HIPPA related. Elizabeth was much less suspect than Portia would be gathering the files. Ava says, no one would bat an eye at the saintly head nurse, and Ric says, Portia is her friend. She was just trying to help. Ava says, Elizabeth is playing him. She wants to help herself. Ric says, really? Elizabeth? Ava says, maybe she cares about Portia, but she cares about GH more. She’s snooping for the hospital and using him to do it. Because Portia went to him, Elizabeth knows she’s cornered. If he’s asking her to get specific file, she knows where to look for Portia’s problem. He’s given Elizabeth information. It goes against client/attorney privilege with Portia. He says, Elizabeth wouldn’t use that or him. She would not do that to him. Ava says, why not? Because she still loves him? She’s clinging to the hope they’ll get back together? Ric says, wrong. Elizabeth just wanted to help. He saved her from being a suspect at GH. Ava says, Lucky saved her. Ric just did the paperwork.

Kristina cries in the apartment parking garage. (Wow, another perk of Ava’s supposedly horrible apartment.) She looks at a license plate and then at the sign above it that says, #4 Jerome. She digs in a nearby took bag.  

The demolition worker says, nothing is getting bulldozed until the area is cleared, and Boyle tells the sheriff to arrest them for obstructing a lawful order. Tracy says, come near her and she’ll have his badge. She asks if Emma is all right, and Emma says she’s fine. She thinks she’ll bring more chains next time. She’ll bring them for everybody. Tracy says, not to worry, and chains herself to Emma. Trina asks what she’s doing, and Tracy says, protecting her family’s final resting place. This isn’t about the environment. It’s about Congressman Cain using city resources to wage a personal war against his former family. They will not be moved.

Elizabeth comes to Ava’s door, and Ric says he’s done more for Elizabeth than Ava knows. And she has no idea what Elizabeth thinks. Elizabeth knocks, and Ric says, that was fast. She didn’t need to come over. Elizabeth says she doesn’t want to interrupt, and he says he’ll give her a ride home. He has to talk to her. He tells Ava that he’ll be right back, and she says, take his time. There’s no reason to hurry back.

Kristina goes to Charlie’s and Lucky asks where she’s been. It’s almost time to open. She says she was at Ava’s. They had a huge fight. Ava threatened dad and she lost it, so… He asks what she did, and she says she made a mistake she’s going to fix. She can fix it. She runs out, and Lucky says, dammit, and leaves.

Soliski says he’s a professional and did a job he was hired to do, but Sonny says, no. Soliski is a problem for him and his family. Tell him who hired him, and he’ll let him go. Soliski says he never met the client. Details are always handled where they can’t be traced. Sonny asks how he got paid, and Soliski says, crypto currency, also untraceable. He’s sorry. He can’t help Sonny. Sonny says, no one in this line of work would take a job this dangerous without knowing who was involved, and Soliski says, times are tough. He had to loosen his standards. Sonny says, Soliski was sloppy, like he said. Soliski quickly opens a drawer, and Sonny says, looking for this? showing him a gun. Soliski tries to get out the door, but Jason is there with a gun and backs him up into the room. Sonny says, stop wasting his time and tell him who hired him.

Drew says, even if Kai got the surgery and didn’t go back into football, he still feels Kai is going places. He doesn’t know what Curtis told him… Kai says he respects Mr. Ashford, but he makes his own decisions, and Drew says he’s happy to hear it. He gives Kai some paperwork about the procedure and the doctor who performs it and says, if he finds anything else, he’ll send it out. Kai says, in the meantime, he’ll look on his own, and Drew says he highly encourages it and would appreciate it if Kai did. If he does want the surgery, he might want to make a move sooner rather than later. The closer it is to the original date of the injury, the more success it has. He can tell by the way Kai plays the game that he loves it. If there’s a medical procedure that gets him playing a game he loves safely, it makes sense to take the opportunity. Kai leaves.  

Maxie says she has to admit, she didn’t think Jenz Sidwell would play a big part in her night out, and Sasha says she’s sorry. With the benefit of time, she saw what happened differently and wanted to tell Maxie. Maxie says Sasha gave her a lot to think about, and Sasha raised her teacup and said, here’s to helping.

Anna thanks Gio for calling her, and Tracy says, at last. Please arrest the trespassers. Anna asks if Emma is all right, and Emma asks why she wouldn’t be. Anna says, she’s chained to a mausoleum, and Emma says she’s fighting for what’s right. Tracy says she’s fine too, and Boyle asks if there’s any chance Anna will do her job and arrest these women. Anna asks if there’s a demolition order, and the sheriff gives it to her. Tracy says she thinks Boyle’s powerplay is about to end, but Boyle says, it’s not over until the building is rubble. Tracy says, like his career, and Anna says, fetch the bolt cutter. Tracy says, she’s siding with him? and Anna says, the law’s the law.  

Soliski says if he gives Sonny his client’s name, they’ll take him out, but Sonny says, this way, maybe he’ll have a chance disappear. If Soliski doesn’t tell him, he’s going to shoot Soliski right now. He’s out of options. Either tell Sonny who hired him or Soliski is going to be the one paying for his son’s suffering.

While she’s driving, Kristina calls Ava. She says, come on. Pick up.

Ava looks at her phone, but ignores the call.

Kristina gets voicemail.  

In the car with Ric, Elizabeth says she didn’t need a ride. She would have been happy to call a Ride Share. Ric says, not when she went to the trouble to bring him the records, and she says, she told him that she’d be happy help, since he’s done so much for her. Is there anything else she can do to help Portia? Ric says, that depends. Is she trying to help Portia or get insider information out of him? He knows when she’s most deceitful. She asks if he thinks she’s being deceitful now. She went out of her way to try and help. Why would she do that to him? She looks up and says, watch out for the car! (no doubt Kristina) but when he pumps the brakes, nothing happens. He says, something’s wrong, and they crash.

On Monday, Mac tells Anna that he’s not sure she’ll feel the same way once she takes a look at this; Drew tells someone to get it done and he doesn’t care how they do it; Molly asks if Cody is sure it’s a good idea for him to be here; and Sonny tells Jason, the trail may not be cold just yet.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit to Print…

This is really nice and all, but we’re still going to pretend she’s alive? Every time they say her name, it gets weirder.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/genie-francis-previews-ghs-special-anniversary-episode

Happy Anniversary!

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/tabyana-ali-celebrates-her-gh-anniversary-see-her-backstage-pics-and-videos

She’s as bad as I am.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/general-hospitals-eden-mccoy-shows-off-whats-in-my-bag

I’d love to see Valentin back, but how he’ll get out of Steinmauer is a sticky one. Perhaps a not-so-evil twin?

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/james-patrick-stuart-on-returning-to-general-hospital

Aww! I’m getting used to him, but still, he couldn’t work up an accent?

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/watch-chris-mckenna-sing-to-his-baby-boy

I was really sad to hear Wings Hauser passed away. He was the villain in my favorite film, Beastmaster 2: Through the Portal of Time. (Quit laughing.) I hadn’t known he gave Michael Easton his start.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/michael-easton-remembers-working-with-the-late-wings-hauser

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Down Under

You need one of those detective bulletin boards to keep track of who’s hooking up/wants to hook up with who.

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

They were still in St. Lucia, and I still wanted to cry since, with a few exceptions, this is a group who likes to waste their time and money. There was a slideshow of the women picking on Sutton and a slideshow of Sutton saying out loud what had been on everyone’s mind at the time. When Sutton told Kathy, let’s pretend I don’t have an IQ of 140, it was obvious that the bottom line is Sutton’s insecurity, but who wouldn’t be insecure among this bunch of twits with superiority complexes? Anyway, once Sutton barely got past the boat trip, she mentioned to Garcelle and Jennifer that it seemed coordinated with Erika and Dorit both picking on her at the same time. As concerned actual friends, they tried to talk to Erika, who only ended up grilling Sutton about it and then bringing it up again at – all together – dinner. Their last dinner there. Yep, I’d spend that money a lot more wisely. There I am now as they argue. On the beach with an umbrella drink in hand and a pool boy fanning me with a palm frond…

She probably thought he said Lebanese.

Garcelle drops a hint.

https://extratv.com/2025/03/26/rhobh-s14-reunion-garcelle-storms-out-and-kyle-gets-grilled-about-sexuality/

Denise Richards & Her Wild Things

I read that even though fans love the series, the ratings aren’t great. I’m hoping that if it gets canceled, they’ll continue on streaming. This week, Denise acted in Patrick’s video and it was pretty impressive. Even more impressive was Aaron being so chill about Denise’s friendship with Patrick.

https://pagesix.com/2025/03/26/celebrity-news/denise-richards-claims-charlie-sheen-was-threatened-by-friendship-with-ex-patrick-muldoon/

I’m not sure which one is the plot twist.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1415223/denise-richards-daughter-sami-sheen-reveals-how-onlyfans-has-hurt-her-modeling-career

https://people.com/denise-richards-got-more-acting-offers-after-starting-onlyfans-page-husband-aaron-phypers-helps-run-11703394

Summer House

Kyle wasn’t happy with Craig having said it was just business, and Craig said, if Kyle couldn’t apologize for calling him a liar, they weren’t cool. Even though Jesse was clearly supposed to be exclusive with Lexi, who wasn’t at the house that weekend, he sure acted single with Ciara. There weren’t any passionate kisses, but they were hanging all over each other. While that for sure makes him a sh*thead, that goes double for Ciara. I used to like her, but not so much now. I wonder if that’s the way she would act if Lexi had been there. Seems like a pretty good rule. Don’t behave alone with someone’s SO in a way that you wouldn’t in front of them. The cherry on the idiot cake was Jesse walking into new guy Imrul’s threesome where… No, I can’t. Read the recap.

Southern Charm

Part 1 of the Reunion – someone forgot their cufflinks and Craig said he hated wearing underwear. Thanks for the mental picture, Craig – TMI. Madison was now pregnant, so there were lots of congratulatory hugs. It was Molly’s first Reunion, and Rodrigo and Tyler had gotten engaged. I thought they were married, so that was anticlimactic for me. Andy grilled Craig about the break-up immediately. We revisited Madison’s ups and downs, and she and JT apologized to each other, but it still seemed like Madison wasn’t satisfied. Shep claimed to have changed and said it was good to be humble, but my jury is still out. Apparently, Sienna was annoyed that Shep shared details of the relationship she claimed they hadn’t had on the show and said she hadn’t signed up for this. Didn’t she notice the cameras? We also relived Shep’s cringeworthy freckled lips text to her, and found out that he had Molly had hooked up, but I wish the rest of them would quit pushing it.  JT hit the hotseat with his Venita/secret girlfriend thing. There was a lot of hemming and hawing by him and awkward silences. It ended with Venita jetting to get her phone, which is of course in a pink case. Receipts! Timelines! More next week along with Patricia!

Random Reality Items

I was shocked that The Littlest Groom wasn’t on the list. Although blink and you missed it. Be glad.

https://ew.com/reality-shows-you-wont-believe-existed-11687123

When she was on the hook with Juicy Joe, I could believe she signed whatever papers he gave her without question, but strike two, it’s her.

And in this week’s biggest plot twist.

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

I Think We’re Alone Now. Amazon Prime. Tubi. The human race has been obliterated after an unspecified pandemic. Del (Peter Dinklage) is happy with his job clearing out the dead bodies until Grace (Elle Fanning) comes along and disrupts his peace. Beautifully acted, with a surprise ending that I still have questions about. I would have liked this a lot better if the sound on Amazon hadn’t seemed like the boom man checked out. Hopefully, you have better luck.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/i-think-were-alone-now-2018

Scamanda. Hulu. A four-episode series documenting the scam of con artist Amanda Riley. Similar to the scam in Apple Cider Vinegar, Amanda faked having cancer, but this time, there was no product to sell but herself. Still, she roped in her church, several celebrities, and whoever else was caught up in reading her blog, into donating lots and lots of money to fund her and her husband’s lives. Again, it seemed like too much work. She literally got herself checked into ERs so she could set up photos. Eventually, people started to put two and two together and came up with fraud, with which she was eventually charged. Her husband was not, but I don’t believe for a second he wasn’t complicit.

https://ew.com/scamanda-true-story-explained-where-is-amanda-riley-now-11685263

Heretic. MAX. Again, saved the best for last. The most intriguing thing about this film, besides a house that seems to have endless mazes and rooms underneath it, is the subject matter. What is the one true religion? After a request for more information on the Mormon church, two young female missionaries visit Mr. Reed (Hugh Grant, chewing the scenery to perfection), who poses the question to them. Eventually, they realize his wife is not in the house as he’s told them, and they have no way out. The game of cat and mouse is exciting, the acting is top-notch, and the ending is a twist I never saw coming. It was a film that was actually something different and that alone made it worth my time.

https://decider.com/2025/03/06/hugh-grant-heretic-streaming-movie-review

🌁 To Be Watched Soon…

We’re almost there. The second season of The Last of Us premieres April 13th on HBO/MAX.

https://ew.com/the-last-of-us-gives-abby-backstory-earlier-explained-11703014

https://www.thepopverse.com/tv-the-last-of-us-season-2-filming-painful-for-pedro-pascal-gap-between-ellie-joel

https://www.inverse.com/entertainment/last-of-us-season-2-showrunners-craig-mazin-neil-druckmann-interview

🐾 Two Dogs and a Really Old Cat Walk Into a Bar…

🐶 I hear she’s auditioning for Survivor.

https://people.com/lost-dachshund-valerie-survives-rugged-island-still-missing-11704330

🐈 I had a cat who lived to be almost 21. I was pretty sure she was going to outlive me out of pure meanness. She didn’t like anyone except me and even I was questionable.

https://people.com/man-claims-to-have-worlds-oldest-cat-30-years-11703824

🐕 He went the long way around.

https://people.com/woman-reunites-dog-11-years-after-disappearance-thanks-to-microchip-11703300

🐓 Quotes of the Week

I have learned over the years that when one’s mind is made up, this diminishes fear; knowing what must be done does away with fear. – Rosa Parks

A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step. – Lao Tzu

If you want to make an easy job seem mighty hard, just keep putting off doing it.Olin Miller

Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go. – T.S. Eliot

You drive like grandma when grandma smokes crack. – Alec Baldwin to Hilaria

🐙 Out Like an Axolotl…

Until next week, stay safe; stay respecting nature and following the Leave No Trace principles; and stay making sure you have enough chains for everybody when staging a peaceful protest.

January 31, 2025 – Lulu Confesses Her Love For Dante, Soap Suds, This Week In Reality, Weekend Watching, Performing, Animal Tales, An Even Number Of Short Quotes & Mountain

Standard

What I Watched Today

(The whole GH enchilada & entertainment minutiae on Fridays)

General Hospital

Monday:

Tara from Turning Woods had info for Elizabeth, but when she and Lucky showed up, Tara was out sick. Natalia told Lucy that she could land an account in LA, but the contact only wanted to meet with her and the silent partner – i.e. Sonny. Kristina went to see Sonny and asked him if everything was okay since he didn’t show up at Charlie’s. She said they had to keep Avery away from Ava and she’d decided to testify at the custody hearing. Anna told Jason about Sidwell being in Port Charles. She asked if he or Sasha were willing to go on record about Sasha’s kidnapping.

Curtis told Nina that Drew was going to undermine the company in congress if he didn’t get his stock back. Chase visited Willow, who whined about Drew being ostracized by his family. Drew met with Martin and told him that Monica wasn’t speaking with him. He was her first truly lost cause, and he wondered if he’d ever really been a part of the family. Anna told Jason not to go after Sidwell on his own. Lucky told the Turning Woods rep that Cyrus wanted a list of his patients who had died so he could send condolences to the family. Curtis told Nina that things had a way of getting out and encouraged her to tell Willow that she’d been sleeping with Drew. Drew told Martin, if they thought banning him from the Quartermaine grounds would keep him from Willow, they had another thing coming.

Jason told Anna that he couldn’t stand by and do nothing. Mr. Furner came in while Lucky and Elizabeth were there. Lucky distracted him by threatening a lawsuit while Elizabeth waited for the printout. Chase told Willow that he and Brook were trying to have a baby.  Nina told Curtis that she’d made the devil’s bargain with Drew. She couldn’t tell Willow about Drew, nor he about her. She hoped with time, Willow would trust her more than Drew. Curtis said he had a plan and needed Nina’s help. Anna said the best way of getting Sidwell was to get criminal charges that would stick, but Jason said he had to do it for Michael.

Natalia conferred with Sonny about the LA trip. Anna asked if Jason could guarantee he would be the only target for retaliation. He could break the cycle of violence by not retaliating. Curtis told Nina that he wanted to sabotage Drew’s connections in DC. Chase showed Willow his lab results and she told him to see his doctor. According to the results, he couldn’t father a child.

Tuesday:

Ned told Tracy to show some respect to Willow or she’d be out on her high-class derriere. Tracy said two fingers of bourbon for everyone, and no one was leaving until they figured out what to do.

Felicia took Anna for a manicure and told Anna that she’d seen Emma clubbing. Emma joined them and Anna questioned her. Emma said, it wasn’t a spa day; it was an interrogation. Carly couldn’t figure out Jack’s angle. He said when he first came to Port Charles, he was on a mission. He had no intention of pursuing her until she visited him in prison. He considered her a friend, not an asset. Kai told Trina that his vertebrae was cracked, and he couldn’t play football because he’d risk a spinal injury. She suggested he talk to her mom. Portia told Alexis that Sam had been murdered and how they came to that conclusion. It had been a pattern. Alexis said she wasn’t leaving it to the police and was going to find answers.

Ned said the mess was all on Drew and they should give Willow a chance to create distance. Tracy said they had to make rules and asked what Chase thought. Brook told Lois that she was able to have a baby. Lois asked if she regretted giving her baby up, and Brook said it was the hardest choice she ever made, but she never regretted it. Chase said Willow was a good person and they should respect her. Tracy said Drew would use Willow to his own ends, but Ned said, if they pushed things, Willow would run back to him. Sasha said Tracy was being dramatic, then Tracy screamed because she saw a mouse. She said Sasha was out if she didn’t climb up and get it (like the mouse wasn’t in Chicago after Tracy screamed), but Sasha said she wasn’t climbing anywhere because she was pregnant, quickly adding, it’s not Cody’s.

Sasha said if anyone had complaints or judgements, oh well, and Gio said he didn’t grow up with a father and turned out fine. Alexis talked to Isaiah about Sam. Trina asked Portia to talk to Kai. Anna said Emma was allowed a social life, but not allowed to lie to her and sneak around. Emma said she’d been to a fundraiser and wondered, since when was Anna so uptight? Jack offered to have Michael’s cultures forwarded to Germany from the WSB to expedite things for Carly.

Tracy wondered why they offered daycare to everyone, and Ned said she’d just kidnapped two more. Portia said Kai wasn’t necessarily sidelined. Anna said there was a difference between uptight and responsible, and she was the latter. Emma said she never saw Anna because she worked so much. Carly called Felicia about the cultures, and Felicia told her to proceed with caution when it came to Jack.

Emma made a deal that if she got straight A’s, Anna would go clubbing with her. Jason asked Sasha if Michael knew about the baby. Chase told Brook that his tests came back, and he couldn’t get her pregnant. Portia suggested Kai get a second opinion from a specialist in sports medicine. Kai said Trina’s mom was amazing and he knew where she got it from. Alexis said she wasn’t going to stop until she found the killer. Jack went to the hotel spa and Felicia warned Carly that Jack had an agenda, but Carly said Jack was intriguing and she wanted to know more. Valentin showed up at the spa to kill Jack.

Wednesday:

Chase told Brook that he was sterile and couldn’t be a father. Olivia and Lois took Tracy for a manicure to destress. Sasha told Jason that Michael knew she was pregnant, and he was the father, but they had a deal that he’d stay out of it. At the hospital, Anna told Lulu that she was glad no one was hurt in Prague. Lulu said she was glad her daughter didn’t get shot a second time. Valentin pretended to be a masseuse and tried to strangle Jack while he was on the table.

At the Quartermaine mansion, Emma told Gio that she wanted to do a fundraiser to stop animal testing. She wanted him to play at it because something classic and boring would get the old people and boomers to contribute. Olivia said asking invasive and intrusive questions was Tracy’s love language, but she should let up on Sasha. Martin came into the beauty salon and said, good luck with that. Sasha said it was none of Jason’s business, but he said Michael had a right to know. Anna said she didn’t have the words to tell Lulu how sorry she was, but Lulu said she could see how it was an accident because of the circumstance. She thought Valentin was dangerous and bad things happened when he was around. Carly went looking for Jack at the spa.

Anna said she had an eye open for Valentin, and Lulu thanked her. Gio agreed to play at Emma’s fundraiser, but wondered if it was a scam to get extra cash. Jason told Sasha that Michael had asked for her and thought it was because he knew she was carrying his child. Sasha said if he wanted to help Michael, make sure no one else found out. Chase didn’t want Brook to miss out on the experience of being pregnant, but she said she loved him more than anything and they’d get through it together. Tracy said Martin would defend anyone and she’d been trying to protect the kids. He said she had a bad habit of rolling over people’s lives and just wanted to hurt Drew. Lulu told Dante that she was the best judge of what she could do, but he said, obviously not. Carly heard a noise in Jack’s room, but an employee said it was nothing.

Jack was lying on the floor when Carly came in and cracked something over Valentin’s head. Chase said he didn’t deserve Brook, but she said he was stuck with her. Emma said she was sick of people treating her cause like it was a joke, and Gio said he was only kidding. She said she’d volunteered for a shelter when she was younger. Some puppies were bought by a lab, and it stayed with her. Cody showed up looking for Tracy. He wanted to apologize for missing their ride, but Gio said she was pretty upset, so Cody should wait on that. Martin said just because Tracy disliked someone didn’t make them disreputable, and Brook called Lois, asking her to come home. Portia told Anna about the pattern of suspicious patient deaths and that someone had injected the patients with a large, unprescribed dose of digitalis that resulted in a heart attack. Carly told Jack to wake up or she’d tell the world he died wearing his bathrobe, and told the employee to call an ambulance.

Brook told Lois about Chase and said she felt like her soul was broken. Gio told Cody about Sasha being pregnant and Jason promised not to tell anybody that Michael was the father. Sasha had no doubt Willow would use her pregnancy against Michael, and she’d do what it took to keep her baby away from the Q’s. She also wanted Sonny to be kept in the dark. Anna told Portia about the Angel of Death syndrome, but Portia said two of the cases involved healthy patients, Sam and Dex. Lulu said she was no longer helpless, but Dante said she was human and had limits. She said he focused on someone else to ignore his own pain and didn’t want to think about losing Sam. Jack said he was fine and the WSB would handle Valentin. Carly asked what he was going to do now, but he said, that’s classified.

Jack made a call to have Valentin killed on sight. Tracy asked what Martin’s problem was with her, and he said she had an obnoxious misguided sense of entitlement. She felt entitled to judge him and Willow and had prevented him from having a relationship with Lucy. Tracy said he should thank her instead of ruining her zen. Lois said Brook and Chase could be as sad as they wanted for as long as they wanted. Brook said Chase suggested IVF, but he was just sacrificing his feelings for her. She thought she should tell him that she’d been pregnant before. Dante said he didn’t blame Lulu for Sam’s death and she asked what he was doing for himself. She knew her presence was a complication in his life. He said he’d never be sorry she was here. Anna asked to talk to Dante. Jason said Sasha didn’t have to do it on her own and he was on her side.

Anna told Dante that Sam was murdered. Sasha let Jason feel the baby move. Carly and Jack kissed.

Thursday:

Hitting the heavy bag, Chase flashed back to his and Brook’s baby journey. Brook told Lois that Chase was mourning the life he’d imagined for them. She wanted him to know the pain and anguish she’d felt giving her baby up so he didn’t feel so alone. Alexis told Diane that Sam had been murdered, while Lulu told Maxie. Cody listened in on Sasha talking to Jason about the baby, but slipped away before he heard Michael was the father. In Baden Baden, Jack went to Carly’s suite and kissed her. She said she needed a minute, and he apologized if he’d read things incorrectly, but she said he didn’t. She just didn’t want to do something she regretted. He said he wasn’t there to sleep with her and had something much different in mind.

Molly visited Cody at the stables to drop off his paperwork from the station. He was less than hospitable. He said his feet were held to the fire while career criminals got away with everything. Jason wanted Michael’s side of the story, but Sasha said she didn’t owe Jason anything. He said she owed Michael. Lulu said she owed Sam everything, but Maxie said, feeling guilty over something she had no control over would go nowhere. Lulu admitted still being in love with Dante. Brook said she’d have to tell Chase the whole truth, that Dante was the father of her child. Dante told Chase about the murders at GH and that Sam was one of the victims. Alexis didn’t know what to do with her feelings about Sam being murdered, and she threw stuff around the office.

Jack brought Carly to the rooftop, where he had a fire going and they had champagne. Carly said, it was cozy, beautiful and private. He toasted to her changing her mind about coming to the spa. Jason told Sasha that he’d back off the second he talked to Michael. Sasha said they were done, but if he talked to Michael, tell him that she was thinking of him and praying for his recovery. Cody said, clearly Molly had an agenda, but she said she was there as a favor to Mac. He said he appreciated it and she left. Diane wanted to say the right thing, but Alexis told her that there was no right thing to say. Diane said, whatever Alexis wanted, she was all in – whatever she needed, whenever she needed it. Alexis said she had to tell Molly and Kristina, who were on their way there. Diane got a text from Jason and promised she wouldn’t tell him anything. Kristina came in and wondered what had happened.

Brook said if she told Chase, she’d have to tell Dante, and she felt sick. Dante told Chase about the digitalis murders, that Dex was one of the victims, and Michael had been saved by Isaiah’s quick thinking. Maxie said she was surprised Lulu admitted she still loved Dante, but it would be weird if she didn’t. Jason met with Diane and told her about Sasha’s pregnancy. Alexis told Kristina and Molly that Sam was murdered. Carly wanted to know what was going on between Jack and Valentin. She thought it was crazy that Valentin tried to kill him. Jack said, Valentin had been a friend, but after tonight, he wasn’t protecting Valentin any longer. He figured Valentin assumed he was the one who fired the shot in Prague. He hadn’t, but he was at that point now. It was a winding, complicated story. Carly told him to order another bottle of champagne.

Dante unloaded on Chase about Lulu and said she had to stop taking risks and be careful for her sake and Rocco’s. He was happy she was there, but Sam was gone because of it. Every time he looked at Lulu, he’d think of Sam and what they’d all lost. At the MetroCourt, Cody saw Diane with Jason. He apologized to Maxie about the other night and told her that Sasha was pregnant. Then he realized she knew already. Jason said Carly couldn’t know anything about this. He was going to the clinic to see Michael, but wanted Diane to keep an eye on Sasha. Jack told Carly that he wanted to rise in the ranks at the WSB and an alliance with Valentin was a smart move, so he sought out Valentin’s friendship. Valentin was the iron fist, and he was the velvet glove. Valentin needed him as much as he needed Valentin, and they became true friends.

Diane promised to keep an eye on Sasha and let her know when Jason got clarity. The fact Michael never told her spoke to Sasha’s credibility. Jason said if he was wrong, he’d gladly admit it, and she said she wanted a ringside seat for that. Maxie asked how Cody found out, but he said it didn’t matter. Maxie said Sasha was clear that she had no plans to tell the father, and Cody said the father was Jason. Sasha told the baby that they could do this on their own and promised she’d always be there. Lois said she didn’t want to influence Brook’s decision, but Brook said she needed Lois’s advice. Lois said Brook was a grown-up now and it was only her choice to make. Brook said she and Chase had to be open and honest and she had to tell him. Dante asked Chase what was up, and Chase said he’d talk when he was ready. Alexis promised they’d find out who did this to Sam. They were going to shield the truth from Scout and wanted to wait for more information to tell Danny. She’d ask Anna to keep it away from the public for as long as possible. They’d have to stay strong and present a united front for Sam.

Carly said there was more to Jack than met the eye. She admired his loyalty. He said there was a big difference between them. She was a good person. She said he wasn’t the bad guy he wanted people to think he was. To her, he was the guy who’d done awesome things for her and expected nothing in return. They kissed by the fire.

Friday’s Enchilada:

In his hospital room, Kai struggles to put on a brace belt and Trina walks in.

Jordan is surprised to find Drew at Volonino’s, and asks if he’s allowed through the doors of Aurora these days. He asks if she means his company, and she wonders if he’s trying to drive away anyone who ever thought they knew him.

Curtis meets Portia at Beradino’s and says, Aurora’s new CEO is looking fine. He says he aims to please, and she asks, what’s with the good mood? He says he’s at breakfast with his beautiful wife. Why wouldn’t he be? She says she saw on the news that there’s a holdup with the McConkey esplanade. It was a big project for him and Aurora. Curtis says, it still is. Don’t worry. He’s steps ahead of it. Since no one eats at home, at another table, Ric says, even though it was gruesome, the fire strengthened Ava’s case. She asks if it’s strong enough to rescue her daughter, and he says he thinks it should. Given her present financial situation, he has a proposal to present to Diane. With any luck, it will convince Diane to wrap things up with her and Sonny. Ava says, that would be ideal, and thanks him. His generosity had been so helpful. He says, what generosity? and she says, him representing her pro bono. He says he’s not doing her case pro bono, and she says, he’s not? Since he stopped hounding her to pay, she assumed… He says, that his service was gratis? Why? Because they kissed?

Lulu meets Laura at the bistro and apologizes for being late. Everything she does seems like something she has no chance with. She was here with Rocco and her baby boy is now a coffee drinker. Laura says, he’s a coffee snob, and Lulu says, he gets that because of Sonny. Dante is so good with Rocco. He’s a great dad, but… Laura says, she’s still in love with him, isn’t she?

Dante bursts into Anna’s office and asks, what the hell is going on? Mac said she ordered him locked out of Sam’s murder investigation. She says, he’s correct, and he asks, why?

Brook goes to the stables and asks Cody if they’re alone. He says, yeah, and she says, good. She needs to talk to him. He says, about what? and she says, the summer romance she had with Dante, and he asks if she means the summer she got pregnant.

In Diane’s office with Kristina, Sonny says he’s going to LA on business for Deception, and she says, that’s a long way to go for a silent investor. He says, Natalia wanted him to go and he wants to go over some things before he leaves. Diane says, that’s why Kristina came, and he says, there are things they all need to discuss.

At Volonino’s, Brad does push-ups, and his trainer suggests a break, but he says, no breaks. The trainer hands him some water and says, he needs to hydrate. Brad takes a drink and says, if he’s going to hit his goal before Miami, he can’t afford breaks.

Ava asks if Ric thinks she kissed him in exchange for legal fees, and he says he hopes not. It was a good kiss, but hardly covers his retainer. He’s attracted to her, but business is business. He’s extending her grace in deferring his payment. She says, he’s a beacon of charity. At this juncture, it’s like the kiss never happened and it’s not likely there will be another. He says, ever? and she says, not until she gets her daughter back. After that, they’ll see what’s on the table. He says he guesses he should be going then, and leaves.

Curtis tells Portia that Drew is stalling the project, and she says, that’s so sad. He says he can think of two other strong words, and she says, Drew is using his office to exact petty revenge. She’ll stick with sad. Tell her about his next steps. He says he’s going to need an ally on Capitol Hill who has more connections than Drew. Nina is setting up something, but if it doesn’t work, he has a back-up. Meanwhile, his focus is on the next step with Aurora, and it involves her, him, a beach, and daquiris on a tropical island.  

Drew says he understands that Jordan is upset about the esplanade, and she says, he brought the project to her, and they worked on it together. Now he’s stalled it. He’s damn right she’s upset. He says, for what it’s worth (🍷), he’s sorry, and she says, explain why he’s doing this. He says he’s just trying to hold onto what’s his.

Brook says, of course (🍷) she’s referring to that summer, and Cody says he thought the subject was verboten. She says, it was, and it is. Did he ever tell Dante? He says, she swore him to secrecy, and he drove her to the bus station. She left and he didn’t see her again until he started working here. She asks if he ever told Dante, but he says, no. He hasn’t even thought about it since then. She says, thank God, and thanks him, and he says, no problem. She says she’s sorry to make a big deal out of it, but she had to be sure. He says he gets it, but it was like, a million years ago. Why bring it up now?

Anna says she wants to reiterate how sorry she is, but Dante says he doesn’t want her sympathy. He wants Sam’s file. She says, he barged into her office and asked for access to a case… He says, because Sam  was his fiancé and he loved her, and Anna says, that’s precisely why she can’t let him get anywhere near the case.

Trina offers to help Kai, but he says he’ll do it himself. He struggles some more, and she says, it will be easier when his arm isn’t in a sling. He finally asks her to help him, and she puts the belt on him. As she wraps it around him, they gaze at each other for a moment.

Lulu tells Laura that she loves Dante, but not… He’s still grieving Sam… They were already divorced, but she ended things with Dustin. She was planning on telling Dante that she never stopped loving him, but unfortunately, she never got the chance. Now she’s finally awake, but Dante is grieving Sam… He totally should. Laura says, good to know, and Lulu says, it’s probably better. Things between them are worse. Laura asks, how so? and Lulu says, they fight all the time. When she went to Prague, Dante brought it on himself to follow. It’s a habit and they know how she doesn’t like being handled. Laura says, they do indeed, and Lulu says she wants to try and get along, but he makes it impossible. Laura says, maybe she’s pushing him away, but Lulu says, it’s not that. If anything, she thinks she’s holding herself back.

Sonny tells Diane that he’s concerned Charlie’s is going to be scrutinized. The business is clean, but he did sell it to Kristina. Diane says, she’ll stay ahead of it and tells Kristina to call if there’s a problem. Kristina says, if the Feds tap her phone, she’ll ask for a copy of the recording to help her keep track of things. Sonny says he doesn’t want what he’s done to interfere, and Diane says she’ll make sure of it. She’s about to leave when there’s a knock at the door. She opens it to Ric and Ava, and Ric says, good. They’re already here. That makes it easier.

Brad kisses his bicep (he’s pretty jacked) and says, woo!

Kai thanks Trina for her help and says he’s sorry for snapping. She says she gets it, and he says he appreciates her coming, but he’s not in the mood. He’s still trying to rap his head around what he’s going to do with his life. She says, that’s why she’s here. Since he was injured in a game, PCU can’t revoke his scholarship. She brought him some catalogs for inspiration. He says he can’t think about classes. He’s barely managed to schedule his rehab. She asks if that means he got a second opinion that was positive, and he says, they told him, no promises.  

Drew tells Jordan that he’s the ultimate team player. He’s dealt with Tracy, navigated Ned’s fragile ego, and sat through his fair share of family squabbles disguised as ELQ board meetings. He does one thing the family doesn’t approve of… Jordan says, he had an affair with his nephew’s wife, and Drew says, and the rest of the Quartermaines are saints compared to most people. Monica banned him from the grounds, and he was pushed out of his own company. Jordan says she gets it. His life as a rich congressman is in shambles. Welcome to politics. They’re not here to talk about Quartermaine infighting. He’s stalling the progress for the good of the city he’s been chosen to represent. He says, it could still happen. That depends on what Curtis chooses to do with Aurora.  

Portia says, Curtis’s plans for Aurora involve them on a beach? and he says, not just any beach. St. George Island, potentially the first site of Aurora’s new resorts. Portia says she loves it, and he says, of course (🍷) he wants to experience the island before moving forward and he can’t without her. What does she say? She says she can feel the sand between her toes, when Curtis’s phone rings. Jordan says she’s calling in a favor, and Curtis says, which one? She tells him to meet her at Volonino’s as soon as he can.  

Anna says, when she told Dante that Sam was murdered, she was speaking to him as a private citizen. That’s why he can’t be involved. He says he can help find out who killed her, and she says she’d let him if the victim was anyone else. He says, because it’s Sam, and she says, imagine if he finds the killer and it goes to trial. What does he think the defense is going to do? He says, object because of his conflict of interest, and she says, they won’t need to. We won’t have a case. It will be thrown out because he was involved in the investigation. He asks if that’s what she wants, but she says, no, but she has to look at it. What if he finds the killer and decides to take the law into his own hands? He asks if she thinks he’d do that, and she says, in this instance, she doesn’t know. He asks what she means by in this instance. Does she have a suspect?

Brook says she’s sure everybody knows she and Chase are trying to start a family, and Cody says, word got around. She says, it’s bringing up a memory for her, living in the same house with Dante. She needs to be sure. He says he never told Dante. He hasn’t even thought about it in years. If she had told Dante back then, he’s sure Dante would have stepped up, unlike other guys. She asks what he means, and he says, it’s an obligation and the guy has to step up. He can’t leave the woman hanging. Brook asks what he’s talking about, and he says, Sasha is pregnant and she shouldn’t be in it alone.  

Drew works out with the weights, when Curtis comes in. He asks if this is why Jordan needed him, and she says, Drew told her that the future of the esplanade depends on Curtis. Care to elaborate? Curtis says, Drew wanted to push Michael out of Aurora, and Jordan says, while he’s in Germany, recovering from third degree burns? Curtis says, yeah. And if Drew doesn’t get what the wants, he’s more than willing to sabotage Aurora. Hence the delay on the esplanade. Jordan says, is that right? and Drew says, Curtis couldn’t be more wrong.

Kai tells Trina that the doctors told him to manage his expectations and set reasonable goals. Don’t get ahead of himself. She says, that’s good advice, and he says his teammates’ doctors said the same thing. She asks if they played again, and he says, one did. The rest never set foot on a field again. She says she’s sorry, and he says him too. He knew it was a possibility, but he told himself that it would never be him. How could he be so stupid?

Lulu tells Laura that Dante would jump in to save any chance he got, whether she needed him to or not. Laura says, Dante just lost someone he loved and maybe he doesn’t want to lose someone else. Lulu says, maybe… probably. She hates seeing him and Rocco in pain and not be able to help. Dante sees her as the woman his fiancé died trying to save. What is it going to be like for the rest of their lives? Laura says she knows what Lulu thinks, but unless she’s spoken to Dante directly, she doesn’t know how he feels.

Anna says she has no suspect yet, but there’s a person of interest, and Dante asks, who? She says, it’s not his case and she’s not disclosing more information. He says, she hasn’t told him anything. Dammit! She needs to tell him… She says she thinks he should go home. She’s placing him on one week’s paid leave and would like him to see the department psychiatrist. He asks if he can say no, but she says she thinks he knows the answer to that. He says, fine, and leaves.

Diane tells Ric to come back when he’s made an appointment, but he says he has an offer regarding the custody hearing. Sonny says, let’s hear it, and Ric says, the recent incident at his domicile caused the destruction of property and injury to his son. Ava says, it was obviously an attempt… and Ric says, it’s obvious Sonny can’t provide a safe home for Avery. At best, Sonny is going to lose. He’s made an effort to save them time and expense. He gives Diane the paperwork and she laughs. She says, visitation every other weekend and Ava has sole custody and all major holidays? Ava says she’s willing to give up Arbor Day, but Diane says she won’t even entertain it. Ric says, then they’ll go to court, and Sonny says, let’s do it. Ric says he’s going to call Kristina to the stand, and Kristina says, no problem. He asks if she’s sure. He’s going to ask about her father’s brutal assault on Dex Heller and his long list of mental and emotional instabilities. He’ll also bring in her impulsiveness and hot-headed temper that led to the attack on Ava and also the death of Kristina’s child. Sonny says, that’s enough, and Kristina says she looks forward to making sure Avery ends up with the right parent. Ric says, it’s impressive, but her keeping it together in her attorney’s office for five seconds doesn’t hold a candle to keeping it together on the witness stand… which she knows. Ava tells Sonny to spare the agony for both him and his daughter and take the deal. Sonny leans on his desk and asks, when’s the date? Diane says, February 25th, and Sonny tells Ric, see you there. Ric says, it’s their final offer, and Sonny shrugs. Ric says, it’s over, and he and Ava leave. Diane says she knows one thing, and Sonny says, they’re desperate. Diane says, right, and he says, Ava’s funds have dried up. Kristina says, Lucy mentioned to her the other day that Ava took a place far below her standards, and Sonny says, Ava wouldn’t trade down if she didn’t have to. Kristina says, that’s good news. If Ava can’t afford it, all they have to do is wait, but Diane says, they can’t rely on that. Ric and Ava’s argument is stronger than theirs.

Dante sees Brook at the stables and asks if Cody is around. She says, he was, then he wasn’t. She doesn’t know if he’s coming back. Is Dante okay? He says, obviously not, and she asks if there’s anything she can do. He says he doesn’t know. Sam was murdered and Anna won’t let him find the bastard who did it.

Lulu says she knows Dante loved Sam, and Laura says, and Sam loved Dante. She’s grateful they gave a good home to Rocco. Lulu says her too, but she’s a little jealous. And by little, she means really jealous. Laura says, Sam is gone now, and Dante has to find a way to live with the loss, and Lulu says, it’s a big loss and here she is, swooping in. Laura says, Lulu is entitled to be here, and Lulu says, Sam is too, but she can’t be. Laura says, but Lulu can, and Dante is afraid he’s going to lose her too. He practically camped out by her bedside and fought like hell for her. She says she knows, and Laura says, from her own life, she knows it’s possible to love two people at the same time. Dante absolutely loves Lulu. Maybe not in the same way she loves him right now, but there’s definitely a place in his heart for her. Lulu says she knows it’s not rational, but she feels like it’s her fault Sam died. If she feels that way… Laura says, maybe Dante does too?

Trina says, Kai isn’t stupid. He doesn’t know how rehab is going to turn out. His first orthopedist told him that he’s never play again. He says he doesn’t feel like a lecture. He needs to figure out rehab now. As for class, he doesn’t know if he wants to go back. She says, why? Even if he never plays again, he’s been given an amazing opportunity. A scholarship most kids would kill for and PCU is an amazing school. He says he knows Trina thinks she’s helping, but she’s not.

Drew says, when he pitched the esplanade, he did it on behalf of his company. Now he’s pitching for his constituents. Jordan asks, then why hold up the project that will give his constituents jobs? and he says, the environmental report was of concern, so it’s been put on pause for review. She says, it’s going to die because he has an ax to grind, and he says, it’s Aurora’s project. Curtis is the CEO and it’s up to him to clear up the issues. Curtis says, Aurora will be fine without the esplanade, and Drew says, there you have it. Curtis says, Drew is screwing them over, and Jordan says, it was a project for the constituents that was supposed to carry on the name of the man who gave Drew a seat in congress. (Good point!) Drew says, Curtis seems tense. What does he say to them working it out in the ring?

Diane says she hates to admit it, but Ric had good points. It’s of public record that the penthouse fire was deliberately set. Sonny says, Avery was at Carly’s, and Diane says, that’s the only reason Sonny still has custody. As for Kristina, she was magnificent back there. Kristina thanks her and says, hate is a powerful motivator. Diane says she has to advise Kristina, no matter how cool and calm she is on the witness stand, Dex’s assault is going to count in Ava’s favor. Sonny says, Ric is all about money. The only reason Ric is representing Ava is to hurt him. He’s going to use Kristina to do that. Kristina says, let him try. She can’t allow Ava to have Avery. Diane says she knew Kristina would say that. She’s going to let them talk. Take all the time they need. She leaves and Sonny says, Diane is right. Ric is going to hammer her on the stand like last time. Kristina says, let him. Ava’s not going to win this case. She doesn’t get to have her daughter back after she took Kristina’s from her.  

At the MetroCourt bar, Ava says, Sonny is itching to take them to court, but Ric says he’s not so sure. Ava says, he has enough money to drag this on forever, and Kristina, with her hair trigger temper, didn’t take the bait. Ric says, no matter. It comes down to Sonny. If he doesn’t want to move forward, it’s all over. She says, too bad he and Diane are determined to do that, and Ric says, maybe he’s wrong, but he thinks something is going on with Sonny.  

On the phone, Anna says, come back to my office and we’ll go over your allegations about Cyrus. There’s a knock at the door, and she says, it’s open. Cody comes in and asks if she’s seen Mac, but she says, he’s out on a call. Is everything okay? He says he needs to get a message to Mac’s brother and doesn’t have a way to reach him, and she says she can reach him. He says, it can wait, and she says, is he sure? It seems urgent. He says, it is… It isn’t important. It’s not like they need to contact international law enforcement. Anna tells him, just say it, and he says, Sasha is in trouble and it’s Jason Morgan’s fault.  

Brook tells Dante that she’s sorry, and he says, the minute he found out Sam was murdered, he wanted to hunt down the piece of garbage who did this. He’s a cop. She says, the best, and he says, Anna told him under no uncertain terms that he’s too close to the case. She says, maybe he is, and he says, obviously. He went to Anna’s office to show her how he’d handle it, and instead, he proved her right. He lost it on her. He yelled at his boss, and she sent him home. Brook says, Anna made the right call, and he says he knows that. For Sam to die like that, in a hospital bed, confined, unable to fight… If she could have gotten up, she would have fought tooth and nail. Brook says, damn straight, and he says, Sam was there because of him, and she’s gone because of him. He doesn’t know how to live with that.

Lulu asks Laura, how does she not feel responsible? The only reason Sam was in a hospital bed was because of her. Laura says, it’s human to feel like it’s her fault, but it’s completely untrue. She’s not responsible for Sam’s death. Only one person is – the murderer. Lulu says she knows that. It’s just so hard to silence the voice telling her that it’s her fault and to think about how Dante sees her. Laura says, he’s grieving, so she can’t assume to know how he feels, but she could ask, and Lulu says, just like that. Laura says, with the connection they have, yeah. It may not be the best time to tell him the full breadth of her feelings, but she can love him as friend.

At the hospital on his phone, Brad orders the deluxe spa package, while Portia tries to quietly go past him. He trots after her and asks if she has any idea where Dr. Jones is. She says, he switched his shift. She can imagine why. He says, speaking of schedules, is there any chance he can get an extra vacation day in Miami?

Curtis says, Drew wants to see him in the ring? and Jordan says, she brought them together hoping they could compromise like the adults she assumed they were, and Curtis says, it was a noble thought. But they both know Drew makes decisions based on what Drew wants. Drew says, and Curtis never misses the opportunity to get on his high horse. Curtis says, it must be real difficult for Drew to see that high up, being so damn lowdown, and Drew asks what Curtis says when the common denominator of the people keeping secrets from him is himself.

Anna asks how Jason is involved with Sasha, but Cody says, forget it. She says, he doesn’t barge into her office saying Robert’s daughter is in trouble and then drop it. He says he wants to talk to Robert directly, but she says, they’re close. What happened? Is Sasha in danger? He says, no. It’s not a crime or a legal thing. She tells him, just say it, and he says, Sasha is pregnant, and Jason is the father.  

Ric tells Ava, the thing about having a brother as an enemy is, they can read each other. He has a strong feeling something was off with Sonny just now. She asks how he can tell, and he says, Sonny may talk tough, but he has the sense Sonny doesn’t want to see this through. She says, when he dreams, he dreams big. Sonny doesn’t give up. He says, Sonny knows cutting her out will hurt Avery. Maybe he’s starting to care a little. She says she hopes he’s right. She needs to have Avery with her. The sooner he can make that happen, and the sooner she’s back on her feet, the sooner she can pay him. Once he gets paid, maybe after that they can see where things stand between them.

Kai tells Trina that he figured out how to put the brace on and it’s an accomplishment. He appreciates Trina coming, but he needs time to himself. She says, okay. She’ll leave him to it. She goes to the door and says, just so he knows, he doesn’t need to do this alone. She leaves, and he gets on the bed with his phone. He puts on an old game, and the announcer says, PCU is down three and going for a Hail Mary pass… They win, thanks to the golden arm of quarterback Kai Taylor! He puts the phone down, and Trina sees him through the window. She takes out her phone and makes a call. She says, when you get out, come and meet me at GH. Nothing is wrong. I just need help.  

Portia says she’s made accommodations for Brad, and he knows why. Brad says, just because he forced her doesn’t mean it’s not appreciated, and she says she does have limits and if she sticks to them, they shouldn’t have a problem. He says, understood… That said… She says, if he starts asking too much too often, people will start to notice. Don’t push his luck any further than he has. He says, so… is that a yes? and she says, enjoy your vacation day. She jets, and he says, thank you.  

Curtis says, his friendship comes with loyalty and wonders if it’s too much to expect in return, and Drew says, so his friendship is transactional. He’s not applying undue influence to sink Aurora. They’re not in court. Curtis says, let him remind Drew that he’s brand new to congress. He’s alienated his backers by seducing his nephew’s wife. He overextended himself and left himself wide open. Curtis and Jordan walk out.

Sonny asks what Kristina wanted to see him about. Is everything okay? She says, actually, no. The hospital investigated Sam’s death, and it turns out it’s not an accident. Sam was murdered. He asks if they know who, and she says, no, but they know how. She was given a drug she wasn’t supposed to have. Digitalis killed her. He says he’s going to ask a question she might not be able to answer. Does Dante know? She says, probably. The police are looking into it. Should she worry? He says he doesn’t want her to worry. Let him worry. Everybody has a breaking point and she’s carrying too much.

Brook says, it’s not Dante’s fault. She knows he can’t see it, so she’ll let him get there on his own, and he will. He says, she’s right, and she says she knows he’s saying that to get her off his back. She’s here if he needs anything. He says, she’s a pretty good friend when she tries, and she says, don’t tell anyone. He says, they wouldn’t believe him anyway, and they hug. Lulu walks in.  

On Monday, Laura tells Lucky that she has some news; Gio tells Emma that he has a bad feeling about something; Maxie tells Sasha that the more she stonewalls, the more it looks like she has something to hide; and Lulu tells Dante, nothing can be further from the truth.

🧼 All the Soap News Fit To Print…

Looks like a good time. Especially for that random dog who’s probably been stealing food all night.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/gh-star-tabyana-ali-celebrates-her-birthday-see-the-party-pics

Sage advice for any condition you might be suffering from: If you are suffering, you have to be your own advocate to keep going… If your doctor doesn’t get it, find a new doctor that listens to you and believes in you, and doesn’t just want to stick you on an antidepressant.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/gh-star-tabyana-ali-celebrates-her-birthday-see-the-party-pics

Side gig. I still say Adam Huss was the best Nikolas and they should bring him back.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/adam-huss-wraps-a-movie-with-tuc-watkins

💉 A Dose Of Reality…

Below Deck Sailing Yacht

In making a sushi dinner for multiple people who don’t eat fish, Cloyce said he had nothing to do but laugh, bang his head against the wall, and innovate. It must be tough for any woman who dates Cloyce to get past him giggling like Anderson Cooper. Captain Glenn joined the guests for dinner and was impressed. Glenn said he still believed in Gary, which is beyond my scope of understanding. In his interview, the captain said, if Gary wanted to step up the ladder, he’d have to grow and mature. Good luck with that. Mixing his metaphors, Captain Glenn said, the crew knocked it out of the park and suggested they put this baby to bed. He’d seen growth and thought they finished the season on a high. The tip was $21K or 2000 euros each, and they’d made a total of $188K for the season. Gary told Daisy that he wanted them to live a fairytale life. She was like, hard no, and wondered why they couldn’t get to a level they could agree on. After the crew night out, Gary waited alone at the jacuzzi while everyone else went to bed. He had a lightbulb moment in his interview, where he said if he was going to be in Glenn’s position, he’d have to start taking more responsibility for his actions. I still can’t figure out what the problem was with the stews and Daisy, except that she wanted them to work. Gary thought there was still hope for him and Daisy, and we flashed back to them over the years. He was intrigued to see what the future held. Glenn said, it was a crazy season and it was done. Margarita time.

Real Housewives of Beverly Hills

In Kyle’s interview, she said she was alone in the house more often because the kids wanted more time away from her. Um… yeah, that’s how it works when kids get older. Boz and Dorit have gotten tight, which surprises me, since Boz doesn’t seem like she’d suffer fools or rambling talkers gladly. Garcelle pointed out that Kyle saying she’s never shared anything PK has said to her sounded like it was more than memes, but Kyle insisted that they’d never discussed PK and Dorit’s marriage. Kyle apologized to the group for yelling and leaving, but in Sutton’s interview, she wanted Kyle to apologize for acting better than everyone else and not being accountable. Kyle used the old it’s not who I am backpedal. I hate when people say that because, if not you, who? It was who you were in that moment and to say that is distancing yourself from accountability.

Dorit and Kyle went for a walk on the beach, and Dorit asked where Kyle’s loyalty lay, with her or PK. Dorit wanted the same respect from Kyle that Kyle would expect from her. In her interview, Kyle said she understood and if it was what Dorit needed, she’d do it, but IMO, she should have understood it without Dorit having to tell her. Dorit was also wrestling with Jagger having asked if she and PK were divorced, since he’d gleaned it from social media. In Erika’s interview, she said it was impossible to shield children in this day of the internet, but I wonder if you even should in the first place. By all means you should explain things at their level and make sure they know you’re there for them (and your partner too, if that’s a factor), but I’m not so sure kids should be shielded from negative situations entirely. God forbid they hear it from someone else like this poor kid. The show ended on an up note for once.

Real Housewives of New York City

It was the Reunion Part 1, so… There’s never a lot to say about these, since it’s just a rehash of the season’s arguments and them getting mad all over again. There was Jenna coming out in robe and turban, which was… original. Brynn spoke more about her assault, and sad to say, it’s someone she’s required to inhabit the same space with on a regular basis. It seemed hard for Erin to understand how difficult it is to out someone like that when it’s a he said/she said situation. There was a big deal with Brynn having said Pavit wasn’t the love of Jessel’s life, when they’d been talking about crazy hook-ups. Jessel was pretty upset about her family seeing the show. It looks to be a lively Part 2.

Real Housewives of Salt Lake City

Ugh. The Reunion Part 2. In a word, tedious. Meredith almost walked off because… Okay, I lost track of the whole thing, but it had to do with something she said or didn’t say and who said she said or didn’t say it. You see how I could get lost, right? Angie said that for a new Housewife, Bronwyn put herself out there and that’s why everyone loved her. Agreed. Seth was a jerk, trying to explain away why he called Whitney a bee-yotch during a dinner. No excuse for that, dude. As NeNe so succinctly put it, stay out of women’s business. Period. End of story. With the exception of RHONJ, where the men should have their own show, the husbands need to stay quiet. It’s not called Real Househusbands. Still this season’s MVP, Mary was the exception. Lots of tears over Robert Jr.’s story, even from Andy. And it shut the other women up for once. That’s quite a feat. Whitney said it helped her kids understand why they didn’t have a grandpa as she hasn’t spoken to her (addicted) father since Season 1.

Southern Charm

Poor JT. I almost have to feel sorry for him. Almost. He’s so clueless as to how he’s going wrong. Although Venita doesn’t see it. She admitted to having a crush on him and I thought, oh, just do it already. Craig called Austen and wanted to hang out, which surprised me, but it didn’t seem to surprise Austen. Shep hadn’t heard from Sienna, who texted that she needed a moment. It made Shep nervous, which made me laugh. He said he wanted beautiful babies and a Bahamian house, making me laugh harder. Patricia and Madison had a pajama party, complete with caviar in bed, making me rethink my friend group, and Patricia said Sienna had approached Whitney on Raya before meeting Shep. Venita invited JT for dinner, and he told her that he was seeing someone. It wasn’t the answer either one of us was hoping for. I don’t like him, but she does, so I felt bad for her. He professed faithfulness, but IMO, he’d been leading Venita on. Not a gentleman.

I don’t remember this guy from Summer House, but I’m not always paying attention.

Southern Hospitality

I tried to watch this. I really did. But it’s just a bunch of relationships that are more complicated than they need to be. I’ve seen enough to know Emmy is a drama queen, so I can just imagine when she finds out her boyfriend has been cheating on her. Red flags have been thrown her way before, which she’s put her fingers in her ears and gone la-la-la about, but this seems to be irrefutable evidence. Rut-roh.

There was this priceless quote though: Even though I’m 33, that’s like 50 in gay years, so I’m basically dead. – TJ

I feel the opposite. While the diversity is commendable, the personalities aren’t so diverse. We even have Maddi being James Kennedy 2.0. Sans the alcoholic rants. Wait for VPR’s reboot if you want to relive the glory days. Or actually watch the original glory days on several streaming services.

Random Reality

The latest in Atlanta. Twirl on, Kenya. Twirl on.

Why not? And I actually don’t mind Slade. They seem to be a good match. Maybe he’ll marry her on his deathbed.

Get your lemons ready.

I’m sporadic in watching this, and like with Survivor, I get lost with the challenges, but when I see it, I enjoy it. Alan Cumming is the best host, all theatric and Scottish.

Take the tour.

https://ew.com/the-traitors-host-alan-cumming-season-3-castle-tour-exclusive-8766966

👀 Last Weekend’s Watch…

Sleep. Hulu et al. I was a fan of Korean cinema long before it was popular, and Netflix had a Korean for beginners category. While this wasn’t one of my favorites, that didn’t make it less intriguing. A story of possession masked as a sleep disorder, it has creepiness a plenty. I wasn’t thrilled with the ending, which left me kind of hanging, but the style and atmosphere were worth the time spent. I hadn’t thought of it as a metaphor for a deteriorating relationship, but there’s that too. Those of you who feel, if I want to read, I’ll get a book, be forewarned; this one has subtitles.

https://www.rogerebert.com/reviews/sleep-korean-film-review

https://nofspodcast.com/sleep-review-new-korean-horror-is-a-methodical-slow-build-of-simmering-scares

Saturday Night. Netflix. This is the telling of the story of the first episode of SNL, and how no one thought it would get on the air, much less stand the test of time it has. A dramatization for sure, but the real-life drama may have seemed heightened since there were so many roadblocks. From John Belushi refusing to sign his contract while ice skating in a bee costume to Milton Berle flashing his legendary junk, it’s a fun watch.

https://www.empireonline.com/movies/reviews/saturday-night/

https://www.purewow.com/entertainment/saturday-night-netflix-review

The truths and the nots.

https://people.com/how-much-of-saturday-night-is-true-8725801

Some of this is a stretch to connect to SNL, but six degrees and all that.

🎸 Who’s Playing For Who…

The Super Bowl performers.

https://ew.com/super-bowl-2025-performers-kendrick-lamar-halftime-sza-jon-batiste-8779483

The Grammys performers.

https://ew.com/everyone-performing-at-2025-grammys-charli-xcx-sabrina-carpenter-more-8779877

🐾 Send In the Furbabies…

🐶 It’s always nice to see a celebrity using their powers for good. This must have been incredibly rewarding. I’ve loved Paris since Tinkerbell wrote her book.

https://people.com/paris-hilton-reunites-her-foster-dog-from-l-a-fires-with-the-dog-s-family-8781373

🐎 What would the Super Bowl be without the Budweiser Clydesdales?

https://people.com/super-bowl-2025-budweiser-clydesdale-horse-commercial-8780322

🐕 And don’t forget the best Bowl of all.

https://www.discovery.com/shows/puppy-bowl/see/2025/pb-xxi-gallery

https://www.discovery.com/shows/on-tv/puppy-bowl/see/2025

🐐 Quotes of the Week

Anyone who wants to achieve a dream must stay strong, focused and steady.Estée Lauder

A dead end street is a good place to turn around. – Naomi Judd

Outside of a dog, a book is a man’s best friend. Inside of a dog it’s too dark to read. – Groucho Marx

If your dreams don’t scare you, they are too small. – Richard Branson

Inspiration exists, but it has to find you working. – Pablo Picasso

You can’t help getting older, but you don’t have to get old. – George Burns

Words are the clothing of our thoughts.Jonathan Swift

A ship in a harbour is safe, but it’s not fulfilling its potential. – Susan Jeffers

If you carry joy in your heart, you can heal any moment. – Carlos Santana

I don’t know why they say alcohol is a depressant. It fixes everything. – Joyce (Swoosie Kurtz), Mike & Molly

🍫 Like a Box Of Chocolates…

Until next week, stay safe; stay being adaptable in social and professional settings; and stay managing your expectations, setting reasonable goals, and not getting ahead of yourself.

July 17, 2024 – Jason Gives the FBI What It Wants, Dubai In the House, Selling LA, You’re It, Still VanderMessy, Horrible People, Are They Done Yet, Sanctuary Please & Hold ‘Em

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Sonny says, if Nina can bury the hatchet with Drew, maybe she can do the same with him. She says, absolutely not… There’s no hatchet to bury. Everything that went wrong is on her. He says, not everything, and she says, almost everything. When she finally told him the truth, it was too late. Their relationship was founded on a mirage named Mike. Mike never really existed. Sonny says, he did and he cared, and Nina says, she can’t forgive and forget because there’s nothing to forgive and she doesn’t want to forget. He says, there are a few things he can forget, and they laugh. She says she wants him to be happy and he says he wants the same for her. She says, he’s happy being a father, and if Ava and Scotty are stupid enough to approach her, she’ll tell them that she’ll testify against him, then blindside them with examples of how great a father he is. He asks if she’s trying to make him fall in love with her again, and she tells him, good luck with Ava. She hopes he gets custody for Avery’s sake.

At the pool, Josslyn finds Gio daydreaming and tells him that people are waiting for towels. He runs to assist them, while Carly brings a pina colada to Lois. Lois says, Carly and Sonny… she can pretend nothing is going on and it’s none of her business… Carly says, she could accept it’s none of her business, but it’s good to see her. She thanks Lois for bringing Gio to Port Charles, and Lois says she asks him to play one wedding and he falls in love with the entire town. Carly says, Olivia hired him, but she thinks he’s a great kid, and Lois says she wants to make sure his future is bright. Gio comes back and tells Josslyn that it won’t happen again, but she says, her mom doesn’t care. She asks if everything is okay, and he says, it’s fine, except he may have overstayed his welcome.

Valentin asks Anna to come with him. They belong together. She says, they have no time to talk. He needs to take Charlotte and disappear. He says he’s ready to go except for her. He knows she wants to. She just put her life on the line to warn him. She says, for Charlotte. She needs her father in her life. If it was just him, she’d let Cates take him. He says, she wouldn’t. She’d face charges too, but she’s here because she loves him almost as much as he loves her. She can disappear as easily as he can. Come with him and they’ll start a new life together.

John yells, open up or he’s coming in, and Jason opens the door. John asks, what took so long? and Jason says, this is where he lives. They should talk at the warehouse. John (who’s becoming more of an a-hole every time he opens his mouth, which is a shame since he’s sooo good looking) says, they’ll talk where and when he wants on whatever subject he chooses. Jason forgets he holds all the cards. Jason says, how can he when John reminds him every ten minutes? and John says, Jason will do what he says, or Carly pays the price.

Nina says, she was warned about Ava over and over again. She should have listened. Sonny says he should have taken his own advice. Why did he think he could rely on Ava and let her in? Nina says she wonders why too, but he doesn’t owe her any explanation. He says, because of Avery. He’s very protective of his children’s mothers, even Ava. She says, it’s a very Mike thing to do, and he says, Mike is a great guy. She says, Mike has great taste in women, and Sonny says, the other reason was because he was so messed up over losing her. She says, for what it’s worth (🍷), she was messed up too. She’s better now. He says he’s glad to hear it. He’ll see her later. She says, what about him? How’s he feeling? He says he’s ready for anything, and she says, such as? He says, not letting anyone take advantage of him, and she says, there he is. She wants all the best for him. He says he wants all the best for her too, and leaves.

Josslyn asks if someone said something unwelcoming, but Gio says, it’s nothing like that. Don’t look. His Aunt Lois… She says, Lois is always going on and on about how great he is, and he says, she’s always been his biggest fan, but she suggested he go back home. She says, that makes no sense. Lois brought him to Port Charles.

Anna says, Valentin wants her to leave her life and be a fugitive, but she doesn’t want to live like that. He says, but it’s okay for Charlotte, and she says, it’s not ideal, but she’ll have her father. He’s her entire family. She left Robin once and won’t again. She’s not sacrificing her time with Noah and Emma for – she tears up – any reason. So unless he’s planning on turning her in… He says he’d never do that. When the FBI comes, he’ll be long gone, but they’re going to connect the dots. She says, dots aren’t proof, and there won’t be any proof, but he says, prison is no place for a cop, especially an ex-WSB agent. Don’t throw her life away. Come with him. She kisses him and says she’s sorry. She loves him, but can’t go with him.

Natalia is waiting for Sonny at the penthouse and says she’s sorry. His housekeeper said she could wait. He asks what she’s doing here, and she says she knows he’s upset with her and has every reason to be. Her comments did nothing but cause trouble for Allison and Kristina. Sonny says he doesn’t like what she said, but Ava was the one who used it and made it national news to get back at him. She, Allison, and Kristina are collateral damage. She says, that’s why she’s here. For Allison… Blaze rather.  

Geo tells Josslyn that Lois lined up a gig for him as a session musician in Manhattan. He knows. First world problems. She says, what a monster. Maybe she just wants to get him back to New York. She was a music manager and knows what she’s talking about. Maybe she thinks it’s a nice opportunity. Gio says, that has to be it. Why else would she want him to leave?

Lois tells Carly that there’s nothing Gio can’t play. He once played a slow version of AC/DC’s Back In Black for her and had her sobbing. Carly says she heard Sonny paid for Gio’s music education, and Lois says, he did. Camilla was a cousin of the Cerullos from Italy. She was a violinist like Gio and came to America to play with the New York Philharmonic. She was there 6 months and fell in love with Francis Palmieri. He was as handsome as Gio, but was already scheduled to be deployed to Afghanistan. They had a whirlwind romance and eloped. It wasn’t until after he left, she found out she was pregnant with Gio. But before she was able to tell Francis about the baby, she found out he was killed in action.

Valentin asks if there’s nothing he can say, and Anna says, don’t even try. He asks if she’s afraid he’ll convince her, but she says, no. It was just hard to say no once. What’s Charlotte’s ETA? He says, she’ll be here soon, and Anna says she has to ask. Does he have contingencies in place? Money, cash, new IDs? He says, they’ll be fine, and they both wipe tears away. She says, he was always going to be fine. He was set financially with ELQ and enjoyed the work. Charlotte was happy in school, and he built a good life. Why risk it all for Pikeman? What happened? He says, she did.

John says he needs Jason to turn over any and all information about Sonny, but Jason says, that wasn’t the deal. The deal was to get information about Pikeman, not Sonny. John says, Sonny is in the purview of the investigation because he was involved with Pikeman, and Jason says, let him make this clear. He’s not answering any questions about Sonny. John sighs (because it’s catching) and asks how Jason can be loyal when Sonny tried to kill him. When Jason came back and didn’t fall in line and assume his place in Sonny’s organization, Sonny tried to take him out. Jason asks, then why is he still here? and John says, because the guys Sonny hired aren’t as good as him. Sonny is only about Sonny. He uses people and discards them. He used Jason and discarded him. He literally destroyed Jason’s life. Jason says, Sonny didn’t destroy his life. John did. (Truth!)

Maxie goes to Nina’s office wanting to discuss the timetable for Deception’s ad campaign. She wonders if they should continue with No One Cancels Love campaign or put it behind them and move forward. Thoughts? Nina says, Sonny was just here, and they had a good conversation. He was like his old self. Maxie asks what he wanted, and Nina says, to bury the hatchet. Maxie says, in who? (ha-ha! that’s actually what I’d say) and Nina says she told him there was no hatchet to bury. It’s not like they want to fight anymore. Maxie says, not to open old wounds, but does Nina want Sonny back? and Nina says, she’ll always have feelings for Sonny and always love him, but she’s not hopelessly, desperately in love with him. She’s stronger now and she’s finally ready to move on.

Carly says, it’s so sad. Gio’s parents had such little time and Francis never got to know his son. Lois says, the family was heartbroken and rallied around Camilla. Sonny was in town and wanted to make sure Camilla was okay. She went back to playing after she had Gio, but just when they thought Gio and Camilla would finally get their happy ever after, Camilla died. Gio was ten at the time and had already started his musical education. It was expensive, so Lois reached out to Sonny. Of course (🍷) he agreed, and paid for everything, even Gio’s two years at Fordham. Then Gio got a scholarship at PCU. Carly says she gets that Sonny is generous, but she doesn’t understand why he never mentioned Gio to her.

Anna asks how long Valentin has been involved with Pikeman, and he says he’s always been aware of them, even in the planning stages, which included the head of the WSB. They wanted her on the ops team so they could look legit. Anna says she had questions, but wasn’t in a position to know, and Valentin says, they just wanted to get the ten million to form a money funnel for the weapons. He resigned as a traitor, but kept in touch with Pikeman. They liked his expertise, and he liked the money. When Anna busted Brennan, it created a vacuum. She says she knows why he couldn’t, but she wishes he’d told her, and he says he does too. She asks when he was going to that, and he says, maybe during the brief window when they were openly in love and said they trusted one another.  

Jason says he’s been risking his life. He lived in hell when the people he loved thought he was dead. John says, he could have let Carly take her chances, but Jason chose to be an informant the way Carly chose to present herself as mob leadership. The only one who never had to pay was Sonny. He destroys lives and right now, he’s using his money and power to take Avery away from her mother. The woman is terrified. Jason says, Ava Jerome? He’d think twice about believing anything that woman has to say.

Natalie says, they worked so hard on Blaze’s career, and she trashed it in an instant by saying the wrong thing to the wrong person. Sonny says, it’s what she meant, and she says she’s painfully aware of the effect of her words on their daughters. Kristina made her thoughts on the subject spectacularly clear. She can see both Kristina’s mom and Sonny in her, and she had it coming. Even though she may not join a parade anytime soon, it’s clear Blaze and Kristina love each other. He says he’s happy she’s seeing clearly, but she says, too little too late. The damage is done, and she can’t say she blames them if they never speak to her again. He asks if she wants him to be a go-between, but she says, there’s not much she can do about her relationship with her daughter, but she can save her career.

Maxie asks, what happened? Nina was hellbent on getting Sonny back. Nina says she hates to say it, but Ava was right about her and Sonny. She was so desperate to hold on to their relationship, but their lives don’t fit. They never did. Maxie says, wow. Forgive her, but it’s about time Nina realized. She wanted to be wrong. It’s been known to happen. Nina says, the worst part is, Carly was right. They’re not special, and she feels like an idiot. The worst part was that she was turning herself into the perfect woman for Sonny, instead of holding onto who she is. Although a lot of people consider her the worst. Maxie says she’s not one of them.

Sonny asks if that’s why Natalia is here. She wants him to help save Blaze’s career. She says, Sonny was in the music business and owned L&B records in the 90’s, and he says he invested. The founder was an old friend, someone he was in love with. Natalia says, so for personal reasons, not unlike now for Kristina. If he invests in Blaze’s career, they’ll put the money toward releasing a new album and new material on a private label. There are so many indie labels now, it will take money to get noticed. She’d put every dime she has into it, but it’s not enough. That’s why she’s here. He says, she wants him to bankroll a brand-new record label?

Valentin looks out the window, and says, it crossed his mind to tell Anna, and she says, before or after he took over? He says, before, when they were in love and claiming to trust each other. She asks why he didn’t, and he says he didn’t want to force her into a position to arrest him. She says, yet here we are, and he says, she’s not arresting him and she’s letting him go. She says, before he does that, Cates got ahold of five years’ worth of correspondence between her and Brennan, all fabricated. Valentin says, that was him, but he was careful. So careful not to say anything that would hold up as evidence. Just red herrings to make John believe they were talking about Pikeman. Just a diversion. He’d never incriminate her. She says, he loves her, but still couldn’t resist using her.

John asks if Jason is so far gone that anyone who speaks out against Sonny is lying, but Jason says, trust him. Ava can take care of herself. John says, he sounds like Sonny. Jason got his and the hell with the rest of the world. Jason tells him, that’s not what he said at all, and John says, the Jason he knew was a good guy. Do the right thing and give him something he can use to bust Sonny so Ava can keep her kid. Jason asks, since when does the FBI concern itself with custody battles? And John says, Sonny has to be stopped before he wrecks his daughter’s life like he’s wrecked other lives. Admit Sonny tried to kill him. Jason says he has nothing on Sonny, and he looks at the clock. He gets the phone from the fire escape, and says, but he does have this. It’s Valentin’s phone and proof he’s the one running Pikeman. John asks if he’s sure it’s Valentin and not Anna, and he says, it’s Valentin. There are hundreds, maybe thousands, of recordings, including the facilitation of illegal arms transports. John asks where he got it, and Jason asks if he really wants to know. John asks how long he’s had it, and Jason says, a few hours. John asks why Jason didn’t tell him sooner, and Jason says, John was so busy trying to get him to flip on Sonny, he couldn’t talk. John makes a call and says he wants all units at 2100 Belleforest Drive now.

Gio tells Josslyn that maybe he should go home and take the gig. Lois went through a lot of trouble and it would be rude to turn her down. Josslyn asks what he wants to do. The people who love them and want what’s best for them can still be wrong. He says, what if they’re the ones who are right? but she says, nobody learns from the right decisions. It’s up to them to figure out their own lives and what makes them happy.

Sonny says he doesn’t know anything about the music business, but Natalia says she does. He says, it’s risky, but she says, his investment will make a hundredfold when Blaze is touring. He says, if she’s successful, and Natalia says, she will be. She knows she can run a new label. He asks what Blaze thinks, but she says, Blaze doesn’t know yet. Even if Blaze never forgives her, she believes in Blaze’s talent and knows she’s a star. If Sonny says, no, don’t worry. She’ll accept it and no one will ever know he turned her down. He says he’s in.

Maxie says she’s proud of Nina. She wanted a relationship with Sonny, but realized there was no future in pretending she was the Nina that Sonny wanted. Nina says, she couldn’t swing it. It’s all on her. Maxie says, so much for girl power. Even though she’s sorry it happened, Nina got some wisdom. Nina says she’s not sure about that, and Maxie asks if she’s talking about the Drew situation. Nina says, they’ve gone through so many stages. From loathing to not exactly mutual respect, but they’re able to help each other now.

Valentin says he’s sorry he used her, and Anna says, he’d do it again. He says, that doesn’t mean he’s not sorry. The problem is, any good in him is because of her. She says, that’s not true. He has a good heart. She’s been here too long. As soon as Charlotte gets back, he has to take her and leave. He takes her hand and says, she can’t go with him, he knows that, but tell him that she wants to even if it’s not true. She says, if she could, she would go with him in a heartbeat. She cries a little, and he asks if she means that. She says, he’ll never know, when the door opens. Charlotte says she came as soon as she could… What’s wrong?

Natalia asks if Sonny just said yes, and he says, absolutely. They laugh, and she says she can’t thank him enough. He says, one condition. No one is to know he’s doing this. She says, okay, but she’s used to working with people who want credit, and he says he wants Brook to have credit. Brook is in charge. That’s his offer. Take it or leave it.

Nina says, being a good citizen, she’s giving it her all to make sure Drew is elected, and Maxie says, how civic minded. Nina says she does believe in Drew, and he’s helping her with Willow. Willow reached out and wanted to talk to her, mother and daughter, for the first time. Maxie says, that’s amazing. She’s happy for Nina. Nina says, there’s a chance Willow might let her be a part of her life. She can’t mess it up. If Willow is convinced Drew needs to be elected, she’ll support him for her.

Jason goes to the pool and asks if Gio is the one who played the violin at Brook’s wedding. Gio says he did, and he’s Jason Morgan. Is he looking for Miss Spencer? She was just here. Can he get Jason something while he looks for her? Jason asks how Gio would know, and Gio says, Josslyn said to treat him like a VIP, but Jason says, only Joss and her mom do that. He enjoyed Gio’s playing. Gio thanks him and says he’ll find Carly, but Jason says, it’s okay. He sees her right now. It was nice to meet him. Jason goes over to Carly, who asks, what brings him here? He says, it’s done, and she says, what? He says he gave the FBI what they wanted. If Cates keeps his word, they’re freed.

John shows up at Valentin’s house with some men. They draw their guns, and he says, 3… 2… 1… mark! They bust in, and John yells, FBI! Down on the ground! One of the men says, the bedrooms are clear, and John says, fan out and search. (I say, wah-wah.)

Outside in her car, Anna smiles.

This kinda, sorta brought tears to my eyes. I rarely invest in the couples, since most of the time there’s zero chemistry, but I love Anna and Valentin together.

Tomorrow, Blaze says, any hope of reviving her music career is gone; Carly asks Jason to promise her something; and Sonny tells Brook that his and Natalia’s plan depends on her.

🐪 There’s a Camel In My Soup…

What happened in Dubai. It was pointed out in an interview that you could get arrested for arguing in public, but it didn’t stop Taleen.

https://www.pinkvilla.com/entertainment/hollywood/the-real-housewives-of-dubai-episode-7-recap-everything-you-missed-1328945

As NeNe once said, stay out of women’s business. At least when you’re the husband of one of the Housewives.

💰 Spiraling LA…

Tracy says, the market is sh*t, and JoshA says, in this market, you don’t sleep. Closets to die for, bigger than my first apartment. JoshF dressed as a shark. Read on for this week’s Listings.

🍊 Tag This Line…

Tamra works being rude like it’s a second job.

🍸 VanderWTF…

What is wrong with this guy? The average sociopath has better social skills.

To make it even creepier.

Not surprising that he backpedaled. Dude. Cut Sandoval loose already.

👿 The Internet Is Evil…

This is exactly what I hate about the internet. I can’t fathom what’s in people’s heads to justify this sort of behavior. I don’t care if she’s the freaking Elephant Man. There’s just no reason for it. The only conclusion I can come to is that they hate themselves and are taking it out on someone who is making the most of what they have and doing well with it.

https://www.eonline.com/news/1404738/my-big-fat-fabulous-life-star-whitney-way-thore-reveals-the-cruel-insults-that-led-to-panic-attacks

💒 Cringing In Plathville…

This was just so uncomfortable. As usual, he whined and she was stone cold, her big blue eyes filled with tears.

Seriously, I was shifting around in my chair.

https://people.com/welcome-to-plathville-recap-ethan-plath-pleads-with-olivia-to-make-it-work-8679099

🦍 Furred and Feathered Fringes Of Fame…

All I can think of when I see things like this is the woman who got her face ripped off by the pet chimp. By no means does this make the chimp bad. He’s just being the animal he is and proving he is not a pet, but belongs in the wild or a sanctuary. Tiger King was eye-opening, as well as trainwreck entertaining, so I’ll be watching this for sure.

https://people.com/tonia-haddix-subject-of-tiger-king-director-new-series-chimp-crazy-8678996

An interesting tributary.

https://people.com/pets/alan-cumming-missing-chimpanzee-costar-found-moved-to-rescue/

🦜 Hottest new couple.

https://people.com/zoo-tries-to-save-endangered-macaw-species-with-love-match-8679024

🤷🏽‍♀️ Summer Of Ambiguity…

Stop in tomorrow for soap and less than nine oranges in a bowl. Until then, stay safe, stay steering away from political discussion at get togethers of all kinds (my neighbor recently had a near fistfight at a family party), and stay knowing that the people who love you and want what’s best for you can still be wrong. Even if they’re right, nobody learns from the right decisions.

June 17, 2024 – Alexis Confronts Finn, Tennis Pro Again On Deck, Soap Fathers, A Farewell, Covering Pride, Tearful Trailer, The Tonys, Don’t Watch This, Showing Off & True

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What I Watched Today

(rambling, random thoughts, recaps, and the whole GH enchilada on Fridays)

General Hospital

Michael surprised Willow with a birthday party at the MetroCourt pool.

At the hospital, Portia told Elizabeth she was headed to the party, but Elizabeth said she wasn’t in a party mood. Portia said she had something that would put a smile on Elizabeth’s face. Finn was going to be back at work tomorrow. Elizabeth asked to talk to Portia in private.

Finn was binging hard when there was a knock at the door. He hid the bottle and glass and sprayed his breath. He opened the door to Alexis, who said, surprise!

At the party Gio told Josslyn that Olivia and Lois insisted he come and meet people, and she said, his big night out was at his workplace, but at least they didn’t have to work. Gio said if she and Trina moved to the garage apartment, they could carpool, and Josslyn said she wanted to talk to Michael about moving, but not at the party. They clinked glasses in hopes of being neighbors. Nina popped in and asked to borrow Drew, saying it was something about Crimson. They stepped away, and she told him to do his thing and make it convincing. He said it had been his idea, so chill. He went over to Willow and said that Nina hadn’t known they were having a party. He thought he’d gently ask if she minded if Nina stuck around.

Willow asked if Michael minded, but he said, it was her party, so she went over to Nina and asked if Nina would like to stay. Nina said she knew she wasn’t invited, but Willow said she was inviting Nina now. Nina told Willow, happy birthday, and Willow said she was glad Nina was there. Cody told Chase that he was sorry about Chase’s dad, and Chase said he couldn’t believe he’d never see him again, but he was grateful for the time they’d had together. He wouldn’t trade it for the world. Sasha told Nina that she noticed Nina had tried the if you love someone, set them free thing, and Nina said, it worked. Sasha said she was thrilled. Willow had a good heart, and if Nina didn’t push it… Nina said she was trying.

Portia took Elizabeth to her office, and Elizabeth said, Finn was still drinking. Portia said she needed to be absolutely clear. The last time Elizabeth came to her as a friend, not as a boss. What about now? Elizabeth said, the situation had escalated, and she didn’t have a choice. She had to say something.

Alexis said she hadn’t seen Finn at meetings and was wondering what happened to their two meeting a day plan. Finn said he’d gotten busy, and Alexis asked if Violet was there. He asked, where else would she be? and Alexis said, a sleepover? Finn said, Violet was asleep, and Alexis asked if he minded if she checked on her. She was worried Violet might have been listening. She went to Violet’s room, and Finn took out his bottle and glass.

Michael told Carly that Nina had been invited by the birthday girl, and she asked how he felt about that. He said he hoped Willow wouldn’t be disappointed again if Nina failed her, but it was up to Willow. He was never going to try and control her life again.

Elizabeth told Portia that she’d ended the relationship because of Finn’s drinking. So she was coming to Portia as Co-Chief. She wanted to let Portia know that Finn was spiraling, and she was afraid he’d be a danger to his patients.

Alexis came back, and said, oh good. Finn was defiant drinking. He asked if she wanted one, and she said, more than anything, but no thanks. She thanked him for not hiding it. At least she wouldn’t have to get him to admit it, since he was clearly drinking. She asked if it was since the wedding, but he said, the first drink was an accident. She said, to be fair, she assumed it had been since his dad died, and he said, they’d just reconnected after a lifetime of being estranged. He’d felt his father’s love, then he was gone. Who wouldn’t drink? Alexis said, an alcoholic might try not to, but Finn said, alcohol had never been his problem. He was a recovering drug addict and hadn’t taken drugs. And it wasn’t like he was just getting high. Zekenestrol had been keeping him alive. Alexis said, he’d developed a dependency, and Finn asked if she was saying he was at fault, but she said, it wasn’t about fault. Addiction was a disease. He said he was an addict, but not an alcoholic. That was her thing. She laughed and asked what his point was, and he said, just because she couldn’t drink, didn’t mean he couldn’t. Alexis said, people who had only a drug addiction didn’t hide their liquor, but he said he wasn’t. He’d quit drinking out of an abundance of caution. He didn’t need it. Alexis said, he was making up for it now, and he said he could handle the alcohol, but not the snarky judgments and telling him how to live his life. No doubt, that’s why she was there.

Carly asked Drew, since when did he go to bat for Nina? Michael told her that he’d asked for Nina to stay. Drew said he did, and she asked, why, after everything she’d done to him? He admitted Nina wasn’t his favorite person, and Carly said, then why?

Curtis said he was glad Nina was assisting him with PR and the roll out of the wellness division, but was she sure she was okay working with Drew? She said, they had their problems, but they were working together. Despite the bad blood, they were grown-ups, and in a position to help each other. Curtis said he was in the room when Nina was throwing accusations about Carly and the alleged FBI agent in Drew’s face, and Nina said, it had been unprofessional, and she regretted it. She and Drew had reached a détente. If she could be in contact with Willow, she could put up with Drew as long Willow could put up with her. She just wanted to be part of Willow’s life and had no agenda. Curtis told her to hang in there. It would be worth it. He and Trina had a rough start, but now she was his greatest joy. They wished each other well.

Willow told Chase that she was sorry about his father, and asked how he was. He said he was recovering. Grief was like a series of natural disasters hitting you at random. She said, his father’s last day was spent with his family, celebrating Chase’s future, and Chase agreed it wasn’t a bad way to go. They hugged.

Drew said Carly had told him that his obsession with revenge against Nina would only hurt him, and he realized she was right. She said she hadn’t meant she wanted him to advocate for Nina, but he said, practically speaking, he needed her. Carly asked, why? and he said, she kept Crimson profitable and had introduced him to McConkey. Carly said, Nina didn’t do something for anyone without something being in it for her, and Drew said, Nina greed to coach Willow about being the New Tomorrow spokesperson, and he was inspired to keep on her good side. Carly told him not to push Nina and Willow together, but he said, it was about what Willow wanted.

Alexis said she was worried about Finn. He was saying and doing things to justify his drinking and pushing people away who wanted to help. Finn said he had an ache inside that wouldn’t go away and felt like he was rotting on the inside. He didn’t know anyone who wouldn’t need something to numb that kind of pain. She said, of course (🍷) they would, but numbing the thing inside stopped people from loving him. He said, maybe that was a sign people should leave him alone, and Alexis asked if he wanted his brother to leave him alone. Chase had lost the same father. Finn said he wasn’t sure it was the same loss, and she said, maybe Chase wanted to share their loss, but Finn said he didn’t want to. It was his to deal with in his way.

Elizabeth told Portia that Finn had been triggered by his father’s death. He had found Gregory, and now it had become an excuse. He claimed he’d been addicted to Zekenestrol and alcohol had never been a problem. He could handle it. Portia asked if he could, and Elizabeth said she’d found him with a woman and a bottle of tequila. Portia asked if he’d been with the woman in a none of her business way, but Elizabeth said, that wasn’t relevant. After seeing Finn’s anger, and his refusal to accept responsibility and admit there was a problem, she was concerned it would affect his patients. Portia said, she should be concerned, and Elizabeth said she was also concerned about Violet.

Brook thanked Carly for hiring Gio and gushed out his accomplishments. Gio said he could fold towels like nobody’s business, and Brook said, he’d played at the wedding, and there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. Carly said, Josslyn had told her that he was playing at the summer festival, and Brook said, he was also majoring in music at PCU and was first violin. Gio told her that she was getting carried away, and Carly said, when you were proud of someone, you wanted the whole world to know. She hugged Josslyn.

Elizabeth told Portia that she went to check on Violet the next day, and Finn was clearly hungover. He and Violet were supposed to go to the pool, but he’d fallen asleep. He was an amazing dad and didn’t break plans with Violet. He’d had too much to drink, passed out, and was lying to cover it up. She didn’t want this to jeopardize his relationship with his daughter. Portia said, Elizabeth had to be hoping for some kind of outcome by telling her, and Elizabeth said she wanted Portia to convince Finn to go to rehab. Medical leave allowed them 12 weeks. Portia said she’d consider the options. She was sorry and was here for Elizabeth. She told Elizabeth not to hesitate in calling her if there was anything else. She knew how difficult it was to come forward, but Elizabeth had done the right thing for the hospital and the patients. Elizabeth said she hoped in the end it was the right thing for Finn, and they hugged.

Alexis said, got it, and Finn asked if that meant they were done. She said she didn’t see any point in continuing, and he said he could see in her eyes that she’d given up on him too. (Because there’s no pleasing him.) Alexis said she knew better than anyone how Finn hated bumper sticker preachy stuff at meetings. It was the last thing she wanted here, but only he could make the turn, see the cost of his drinking, and stop it. Finn agreed and said, only him, not any of them. Alexis said, and only he could ask for help and accept it, and he said, when he needed it, he would ask for it. He thanked her for her concern, and she asked why she suspected he didn’t mean that. He said, she was projecting her own stuff on him, but she said, even if that was so, the difference between them was, when she was free falling and living from bottle to bottle, she wasn’t the sole parent of a nine-year-old girl.

Willow said, when she thought of the mistakes and wrong turns that she and Chase made… He said, it was a miracle they ended up where they should be. She told him that he’d been the first man she loved, the first choice her heart made on its own, and he said, it all worked out.

Drew told Curtis and Michael that he was going to accept McConkey’s offer and endorsement. Curtis said he was going to be great, and Drew appreciated his support, not just as a candidate, but the wellness division was now on Curtis’s shoulders. This came out of nowhere, but the more he thought about it, he realized it was important to him. He had to try. Michael said he’d gotten a phone call from Judge Perez that made sense now. The judge told Michael that Drew had filed a petition to change his name. Drew said, that was another thing he’d thought hard about, and decided the Quartermain name was higher in recognition and had philanthropic history. Curtis said, there was also the implication of privilege, but Drew said, having money made him less susceptible to special interests. He’d be able to focus on the needs of the people. Curtis said, Drew sounded like a man with a plan.

Finn asked if Alexis was suggesting he was a bad father, but she said she thought he was a wonderful father when he was sober. But when he was drunk, he was this. He said he loved Violet more than anything. She was his whole world. He had always and always would put her first. Alexis told him, prove it and go to rehab, and he told her that she was overreacting. She said, why didn’t he ask Violet, since she was behind him listening. He turned around, but Violet wasn’t there, and Alexis said, made you look. But before he cursed her out, imagine if Violet had heard him. How proud did he think she’d be of her dad then?

Willow asked Sasha if things were going well, and Sasha said, they couldn’t be better. Willow told her not to let the Quartermaines railroad her, but Sasha said, after Lucy, she could handle anything. Cody asked if they wanted anything, and Willow was good, but Sasha asked him for a glass of wine. When he left, Willow asked how things were going, and Sasha told her that the job was fun and interesting. The accommodations were comfortable, and the salary was reasonable, and knowing she got to see Cody every day was a huge plus.

Brook said, Gio was the pride of the Cerullo family, and Gio said he’d better get home and practice. He left, and Carly said she heard Gio talk about a lot of family members, but not a mom or dad. Brook said, Gio’s father died before he was born. His mother had been a violinist with the New York Philharmonic, but also died. He’d been raised by the vast and loving Cerullo/Falconari clan. Carly said, he was lucky to have a supportive family.

Curtis said he was glad Portia could make it, and asked if she was okay. She said, it was just a thing at work, and he said he was going to be busier than he’d thought. Drew made his decision. She said, Drew was going to run? and Curtis said, yes. Portia said she supported him as a candidate, but didn’t like him leaving Curtis in the lurch, and Curtis admitted he was going to be busy. She said, as long as he wasn’t too busy for her, she had no problem with it. He said he liked being his own boss and this had opened the door for him to make things his own.

Finn said he thought it was time for Alexis to leave, and she said she thought it was time for him to go to rehab. Apparently, neither of them were getting what they wanted. If he started getting booze in bulk like she had, maybe then he’d look inside himself. Meetings weren’t going to fix this. He needed 90 days to dry out and sort himself out. Finn said Violet needed him and there was no way he was abandoning her, but Alexis said, he already did every time he drank. Violet had been living with a wonderful father, and now was trapped in the house with a drunk. He told her to get the hell out.

Michael told Willow that it was official, and Willow said she thought Drew would do a great job. He had to win. She didn’t know if changing his name was necessary, but he should go for it. Michael said, she was fired up, and she said, it was hard not to be. Drew’s opponent would set anyone who wasn’t a white, male billionaire back to the Stone Age.

Cody told Sasha that he’d been talking to Chase about his dad and how much he’d cherished the time spent with him. It got him thinking. Sasha said, about Mac? and Cody said, Mac was his father. He was like Chase’s dad; he was a good guy and Cody admired him. But unlike Chase’s dad, he was still here. Who knew for how long? Cody wondered if he was wasting time he’d want back. Sasha said, if he was asking that question, he knew the answer already.

Finn said, Alexis knew nothing about him and Violet, and was projecting her sad story on him. He wasn’t interested, and for the last time, he wanted her to get out. He opened the door, and she said, sober Finn would say that with more concern. Drunk Finn is mean. Her good friend, the kind, wonderful man and wonderful father was in there somewhere, and at some point, he’d have to live with the consequences of what he was choosing now. Call her when he hit rock bottom. It was going to be sooner than he thought.

Everyone sang Happy Birthday to Willow, and Sasha told her to make a wish. Willow blew out the candles, and everyone applauded and called for a speech. Willow thanked them, thanked Michael for throwing the party, and thanked the guests for coming. She was genuinely surprised. The occasion called for a speech, but not from her. She believed Drew had an announcement. Drew said he guessed that there was no time like the present, even though it wasn’t how he planned to do it. He was running for Congressman in the 28th district inf the state of New York. He truly believed there was too much division and greed with his opponent. Because Drew had money, that meant no one could sway him. There was a big difference between prosperity and greed. When they all prospered, they all won. There was applause, and Willow said she was proud he was part of the family. The best present they could give her was to vote for Drew.

Finn closed the door. He sat on the sofa, picked up his glass, swirled the liquor around, and caressed his face with it.  

Tomorrow, Sasha asks, what’s stopping Cody; Anna tells Valentin that she wonders if it’s wise; and Jason says, someone is being framed.

Below Deck Mediterranean

Gael goes to meet Nathan, but walks past a producer who asks if she needs a mic. She makes up an excuse that she’s just getting water and texts Nathan, telling him the situation and suggesting they call it a night. In Gael’s interview, she says she’s still in a relationship and was having stronger feelings than she needed to. Nathan said, f*** me, and in his interview, he said he hoped this wouldn’t make it awkward, but he was willing to take the risk. The boat heads for The Acropolis, and in Captain Sandy’s interview, she says, the last charter was the worst provisioning experience, so she was changing companies. Normally, she’s all about three strikes and you’re out, but if the first strike was that bad, you’re out. She calls a new provisioner and sets things up. Gael calls her boyfriend, probably out of guilt. Afterward, Nathan apologizes for being a knob, but she says she was a knob too, and they could be knobs together. Ellie talks to Bri about a laundry plan, and in Iain’s interview, he says he wants to be Captain Sandy’s best bosun ever. In Bri’s interview, she says she’s only been in the industry two years and knows she’s the baby, and in Ellie’s interview, she says, Bri is like a baby giraffe figuring out how to walk. The captain calls Aesha, Iain, and Jono for the preference sheet meeting.

Captain Sandy says, the primary is Gigi Fernandez, a 17-time Grand Slam champion, who’s won Olympic gold several times. She’s had Gigi on charter before and they became friends. We flash back to that, and the captain says, they had a great charter. She tells Jono that the chef made seven courses for each meal, and their expectations are high. They see the guests want Mexican food, yoga, and the water toys. The captain says, they’re going to Poros, and Jono sees that one of the guests has a lot of restrictions. Jono says, she hates seafood, and it’s one of the top requests, and Captain Sandy says, they’re used to getting what they want when they want it. In Jono’s interview, he says he’s never had exposure with this many preferences. He still looks at things like a designer rather than a chef. The captain tells him, pressure makes us better. You can tell she’s in AA. It’s that bumper sticker stuff Finn hates.

Provisions actually are provided, and Aesha and Jono are ecstatic. In Ellie’s interview, she says, there might be something between her and Joe. The guests arrive, and Captain Sandy says she’s happy to have Gigi back. Aesha will show them around the boat, then they’ll take off for their first adventure. Gigi visits the captain on the bridge, and they talk about their passions being their work. In Aesha’s interview, she says she feels these guests have higher expectations than the last guests. She prays to the god of the ocean to give her stews who know their jobs. Joe flirts with Bri and finds out she has a tattoo. In his interview, he says his granddad was Italian and his father figure. He was against tattoos, so Joe has none, but on a female, they’re like forbidden fruit. Bri wants Ellie to teach her how to be flirty and seductive AF, and Ellie asks if she’s thinking of anyone specific, but Bri says, just in general. In Ellie’s interview, she says she has chemistry with Joe. Usually, when she sets her eyes on a guy, he’s already interested, so it’s just giving him the green light. In Bri’s interview, she says, yeah, it’s Joe.  

In Jono’s interview, he says, it’s a Mexican themed lunch. The last boat he worked on, the owners were Mexican, so it’s going to be a breeze. Lunch is served, and in Ellie’s interview, she says she’s definitely biting her tongue with Jono, but it’s hard for her. All she can do is remain professional going forward. Gigi thinks there’s something overbearing with the spices, and Jono did look pretty heavy handed with them. Aesha asks if Bri is writing down the laundry pieces so she doesn’t forget, and in Bri’s interview, she says she hates laundry so much. Thank God for the notebook. She doesn’t know why she didn’t think of it first. Gigi tells Captain Sandy, the food’s not Rachel good, but it’s good. Aesha tells a guest to make sure they pencil when jumping off the boat, because they don’t want to tear their anus.😐Anchor is dropped, and in Iain’s interview, he says, it’s early in the season, but he has a good team. No one’s an idiot. The guests request to be seated for dinner as the sun is going down, which sounds lovely. They do water sports, and guest Laura asks Nathan to paddleboard with her. Aesha’s boyfriend calls, and in her interview, she says, when she gets check-ins from Scott, he has a wonderful way of bringing her back to reality. (FYI, she was on Watch What Happens Live, and they are now engaged.) She says, Scott could totally work on a boat. He runs a bar and has the highest standards. They’d be a perfect match on a yacht. She tells the captain that they’re doing a toga competition after dinner. In her interview, Aesha says, maybe they wore togas because they had so many orgies. It’s open and waiting. Gael’s boyfriend texts her, and the guests yell for Nathan to take his shirt off. In Nathan’s interview, he says, they’re going backwards. The current is that strong. He and Laura can’t be seen, and in Joe’s interview, he says, this can’t be happening.

Joe radios lain to come to the platform. They see Nathan and Laura coming back on a catamaran, and Gigi says, a random boat picked them up. In Iain’s interview, he says, it’s not a good look and doesn’t make him happy. Captain Sandy asks to see Joe and says, it’s embarrassing. In her interview, she says she appreciates that Joe is accountable, but it still goes back to Iain. They need two people watching, and it’s Iain’s job as bosun to delegate the watch person. She tells Iain that she’s not happy. When the guests are in the water, she wants one person in the tender following them. She tells him to apologize to Gigi, and he does. He says, at the end of the day, it shouldn’t happen. The guests use the slide, then do some yoga. I’m tired just watching these people. Iain tells Gael that he didn’t know Nathan was out with a guest, and in Gael’s interview, she says, he sent her down, but not to watch the guests. If no one was watching them, it’s kind of on him. We flash back to Iain telling her to go down for three hours; Joe was coming to relieve her.

Jono tells Ellie that the guests didn’t say anything about snacks, but he’s prepping them anyway. He doesn’t want her to be in that position again. We flash back to that, and in Jono’s interview, he says he’s upset about what happened and is committed to making sure it doesn’t happen again. At the end of the day, they’re a team, and they need to have each other’s backs. He tells her, they’ll move forward and work well together. lain discusses watching the guests with the deckhands, and in Joe’s interview, he says, Gael should have stayed on the platform. The yoga instructor tells the guests to exhale out stress, because it must be really stressful to be on one of these charters. In Ellie’s interview, she says, Bri has been receptive to her advice. If Bri fails, she’ll see it as her failure as well. When it came to being a stew, she would be a Lamborghini, an A player. Bri would be a Mazda who will get you from point A to point B. Ellie tells Aesha that Bri is improving, and the captain radios the deckhands to bring in the slide. She’s ready to go. Iain orders Nathan around, and in Nathan’s interview, he says, there’s a noticeable change when Iain is frustrated. To him, it’s a sign of weakness in a bosun.

In his interview, Iian says, to be a leader, you’ve got to be tough. Sometimes you have to bark at them, and they bark back. Aesha tells the stews they’re so organized. Well done. Nathan tells Joe that he loves Iain, but hates micromanaging. He knows what he’s doing. Just let him do it. The boat lands in Poros, and in Aesha’s interview, she says, Bri has improved so much. She’s gone from Charmander to Charizard. She’s morphing slowly into a more evolved Pokémon. Gael calls her boyfriend again, apologizing for not calling enough. The guests get ready for dinner, and both the Greek décor and the view are beautiful. Captain Sandy wants to do synchronized service with the stews, and they all put on white gloves. The entree is a chicken dish, and in her interview, the captain says, the expectation of a Mediterranean cruise is five-star food. Gigi has traveled the world. She has dined in the finest restaurants. Chicken is not really something to be served on a superyacht. Everything has to be perfect. It does look pretty, which Gigi comments on. It’s super quiet while the guests are eating, and in Aesha’s interview, she says, coming from someone who proclaims it loudly when they love food – we flash back to Aesha’s happy reaction when eating – she feels like it’s usually not great if people are not wowing from their seats. She asks the guests if the food is okay.

Gigi says, it’s pretty decent – not exactly a compliment – and Jono makes deconstructed chocolate sponge cake for dessert, which I guess means just breaking it apart. He adds a scoop of sorbet, and in Aesha’s interview, she says, it’s the most boring out of all the cakes. It’s like poop on a platter. First, she was made to serve chicken. Now she’s giving them sponge cake. And she has to be the face of all this sh*t. I literally laugh out loud – Aesha is a riot. I’d probably love the food, but yeah, it’s not five-star. Gigi says, it could be more chocolaty, and in her interview, Aesha laughs. She hopes if she rushes them into the toga party, they won’t have time to think about dessert, and asks if it’s time to start the competition. The guests put on togas, but they look more like halter dresses. Aesha notes that guest Julie Ann is wearing a butt plug necklace. Iain picks his nose on the bridge like he’s digging for gold. The toga contest commences; the stews, Gael, and a few of the guests competing. Julie Ann wonders why they did this. Guests Julie Ann and Roberta are tied for winner, and Aesha suggests a butt plug for a prize. The guests go to bed, and Bri sings, it’s clean up time at a normal hour. Everyone is glad to get to bed.

In Jono’s interview, he says, breakfast is ticklish. It’s hard to time huevos rancheros, especially when there are three selections. On deck, Aesha tells Bri that she’s looking at history. You don’t get this anywhere else in the world. Yoga is set up, and in the galley, Jono covers the eggs with a towel – where they sit for one and a half hours until the guests are up for breakfast. You’d think he could at least pop them in the microwave, but no. Gigi asks Aesha for hot eggs and says, there’s nothing worse than cold eggs. I’m not sure if there’s nothing worse, but yuk. Aesha tells Jono that the primary wants extra hot eggs, and Gigi goes to the bridge. Captain Sandy asks how breakfast was, and Gigi says, the eggs were cold. She can’t believe the chef’s choice dinner last night was chicken, and thinks deconstructed means, it didn’t work out (ha-ha-ha!). Lunch also had an overbearing spice flavor. The captain agrees that she should want the food to be superb, and in her interview, Captain Sandy says she knows Gigi. She wouldn’t complain just to complain. Jono was good during the first charter, but the circumstances didn’t allow her to see what he was capable of. She calls him to the bridge.

Next time, a beach excursion; Gigi says, the food was just okay; and Ellie wants to go for Joe, but so does Bri.

🧰 It’s Their Day…

How the dads celebrated.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/gallery/general-hospital/see-how-your-favorite-stars-celebrated-fathers-day-2

🥀 Dimming the Lights…

She certainly had an amazing career. Kind of like Angela Lansbury.

https://people.com/janis-paige-dead-at-101-8657895

🦚 Proud As a Peacock…

I saw him in Threepenny Opera on Broadway, and he was amazing. He’s the perfect host for The Traitors and can definitely rock fashion.

https://ew.com/see-photos-alan-cumming-ew-2024-pride-cover-shoot-8662602

🌱 Moving On…

Apparently, you can’t keep them down on the farm after they’ve tasted freedom. Premieres July 16th.

https://people.com/ethan-and-olivia-plath-attempt-to-move-on-after-divorce-in-tear-soaked-welcome-to-plathville-trailer-exclusive-8662585

🎭 Hitting the Heights…

The Tony winners.

https://broadwaydirect.com/2024-tony-award-winners/

The performances.

https://broadwaydirect.com/watch-now-musical-performances-from-the-2024-tony-awards/

The highlights.

https://broadwaydirect.com/highlights-from-the-2024-tony-awards/

The fashion.

https://www.etonline.com/gallery/tony-awards-2024-red-carpet-arrivals-227498

🫣 No Pleasure, Guilty Or Otherwise…

MILF Manor 2 has to be one of the most embarrassing displays of desperation I have ever seen. A middle-aged woman crying because a middle-aged dude is looking for the shiny new thing as soon as he scored. If by this time, she hasn’t accepted that it’s not her, he’s shallow, and that’s just the way things are, she needs therapy, not a reality show. The first season was bad enough, but this one is worse, throwing not only cougars and cubs together, but also the cubs’ daddies. It’s doubtful any of the men are there for a serious relationship and the women are acting like middle school girls fighting over boys. Please don’t watch this. Please. It’s worse than awful. It’s what awful calls awful.

🐕 Raise Your Paw High…

I could look at Demi Moore’s chihuahua all day long.

https://www.etonline.com/gallery/paws-up-celebs-show-off-their-precious-pets-117103

🌞 Hot For Summer…

Surf by tomorrow for soap and a peek at Dubai. Until then, stay safe, stay checking the wind direction before shaking sand off your towel, and stay not serving chicken to someone who expects five-star food.