Tag Archives: Alicia Keys

March 7, 2024 – John Gets What He Wants, Stoned, The Gossip, Opening Up, Love Song, That House, Final Bow, Petting Zoo & Super

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Jordan comes into the hospital and asks Laura how Dante is. Has she heard anything? Laura says, not yet. He’s still in the OR. Jordan says she knows how hard this is, but Dante is in the best possible hands here. They couldn’t ask for a better surgical team. She just spoke to Anna. The search for Dante’s shooter is ongoing. They found a few key pieces of evidence and they’re following up. The FBI is also involved. Olivia says she hopes they find the monster that did this to her son, and he’s locked up for the rest of his life, and Sam says, the doctors are doing everything they can for Dante, and they both know how stubborn he is. He’s going to fight this. Olivia says she knows. She’s just got to keep the faith. She thanks Sam for being there for her. She’d be falling apart if it wasn’t for her. But what about Sam? Who’s holding her up? Laura says, they all are, and takes Sam’s hand.

Brook finds Chase, and he asks what she’s doing here. It’s late. He told her that she didn’t have to come. She says, Dante’s her stepbrother. She’s known him for her entire life. She’d be here even if she wasn’t engaged to Chase, but she is. She can see he’s really worried about his partner, and when he hurts, she hurts. They hug.

Drew lets Carly into the Quartermaine mansion and thanks her for coming so quickly. She says, of course (🍷). She came right over. He says, Dante is still in the OR. Everyone’s gathered at GH and he’s watching the boys. Has she heard from Sonny? She says, no. She reached out, but she doesn’t want to push him and Olivia. Is there anything she can do here? How are Rocco and… Danny says, Rocco, what the hell? and the boys come out of the living room, Danny with a handheld game. Danny says, Rocco threw it so hard, he cracked the screen, and Rocco says, bill me, and keeps walking. Drew tells Danny not to worry about the game. They’ll fix it. Danny says, it’s just a stupid game. Rocco’s really hurting. He doesn’t want to deal with this. He just wants his dad.

Spinelli sits down and tells Maxie, it’s impossible. He’s alive and working against Sonny? She asks, who exactly did he see on that screen? He says he saw a dead man walking, and she asks what he’s talking about. He opens the laptop, and she says, oh… my… God. We see the shot of Jason, and she says, it can’t be, can it? He says, pixels don’t lie.

Ava says, it’s him, isn’t it? It’s Jason. Sonny says, it looks like Jason, but it’s a picture. Any digital footage can be manipulated. Why would he believe this is Jason?

Carly says she’s sure Olivia is relieved that Leo’s away with Ned right now, and Drew says, Ned had a business trip in Australia and Leo was out of school, so he took Leo to see the Great Barrier Reef. They’re on their way back after hearing the news about Dante. She says, so it’s just Rocco and Danny here with him and he says, yeah. He’s really worried about them. Rocco is an emotional kid. He wears his heart right on his sleeve. She says, what about Danny? and he says, Danny just pretends he doesn’t have any feelings at all. His phone rings and he asks Sam, how’s Dante? Sam says, he’s the same. She was just checking in to see how the boys are doing. How’s Danny? Drew says, he’s doing his best. He’s trying to hang in there for Rocco’s sake, but it’s not easy. She asks how Rocco is doing, and Drew says, he needs a hug. Sam thanks him for staying there. Help is on the way.

Sam asks if she can talk to Laura for a second and Laura says, of course (🍷). They step aside, and Sam wonders if she can ask Laura for a favor. Laura says, anything, and Sam asks if Laura can leave.

Brook asks if she can get Chase anything. When was the last time he ate? He says he doesn’t need food. He needs to feel like he’s doing something. He should be out there looking for whoever shot Dante. Jordan joins them and says, Anna thinks he’s too close to the situation and she’s right. Let her handle this. He’s right where he needs to be. Chase says he just feels so helpless, pacing around, not doing anything. He needs to feel like he’s helpful. He’s going to donate some blood. If Dante doesn’t need it, maybe somebody else will. He asks Brook to call him immediately if she finds anything out, and she says she will. He leaves, and Brook says, Jordan’s been in law enforcement a while. Jordan says she was, and Brook asks if she was ever in a similar situation; a partner or someone she’s close to got shot in the line of duty? Jordan says, more than once and it was a nightmare every time.

Maxie says, Jason’s alive. He didn’t die on Cassadine Island. Spinelli says, clearly, he survived the tunnel collapse, and she says, how? And if he’s alive, why didn’t he come home? He says, it makes no sense. Jason would never willingly stay away from… Someone knocks at the door and John says, FBI. They have a search warrant. Spinelli hits a key on the laptop, then unlocks the door. John comes in with another agent.

Ava says, that was her first thought too, this has got to be some kind of deepfake, and Sonny says, that’s the only thing that makes sense. She says, Spinelli verified it. It’s live footage, directly from the drone camera. It hasn’t been doctored. It’s real. He says, if that’s true, not only is Jason alive, he was at the warehouse tonight working with the shooter. She says, and Sonny was the target, which means his best friend is now his enemy.

Oliva wonders why they don’t have an update yet. What the hell is taking so long? Sam says, it’s a complicated surgery. Not having an update isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Olivia says she knows, but she’s going out of her mind. She just wants to know what’s going on in there. Sam says she was thinking about what they were talking about earlier, how Olivia said how strong Dante was and how much it took for him to come out of that PTSD. He did that for Olivia. He came back to her. Olivia says, Sam had a lot to do with that, and Sam says she’s still here and Dante is still here. And he’s a fighter. He’s not going to give up now.

Brook tells Jordan, Chase is a cop. She’s always known that, and she’s always known intellectually that what he does is dangerous, that he’s taking a risk every time he goes to work. Somehow, she convinced herself that he’ll be safe. That nothing will ever happen to him. Chase has always said Dante is the best cop he’s ever known; he’s smart and prepared. So if something like this could happen to Dante, then… Forget it. This is about Dante. This isn’t about her paranoia. Jordan says, she was right when she said Chase’s job carries risks, but if she has questions about that, then she really needs to talk to him. Brook says, Chase is in no condition to deal with that right now. He’s focused on Dante, and she doesn’t want him to misconstrue what she’s asking. He might think she doesn’t support him being a cop. Jordan says she gets that, and Brook says, Jordan was in the line of fire, putting her life on the line while her family was home, waiting to see when or even if she’d return. How did she make that work? Jordan tells Brook that she just said it. It’s work. And to be completely honest with Brook, her relationship to Curtis failed in part because she tried to compartmentalize her job from him, and it only drove them apart. Brook says, it sounds like she has some regrets about that, and Jordan says, it’s water under the bridge now, but her advice to Brook is, learn from her mistakes. Let Chase know that he doesn’t have to shield her from the risks of his job, but at the same time, Brook has to be honest with him. Don’t withhold her feelings or lie about her fears by denying what she’s feeling.

Drew says, it’s good to see Laura, although it would be nice if it were under different circumstances, and Carly asks if there’s any word on how Dante’s doing. Laura says she wishes she had some news for them, but when she left the hospital, he was still in surgery. Drew says, hopefully, they’ll be getting some news soon, and thanks Laura for coming. He assumes Sam filled her in. Laura says she’s aware of the situation, and Drew says he made it a little bit easier. Carly says, Drew has been with both the boys since they found out what happened to Dante. He’s been doing great, but they’re two different boys, so they have two different needs. Laura says she’s happy to help them, so may she suggest they divide and conquer? She’ll talk to her grandson and the two of them can focus on Danny? Carly thanks her and the boys come back. Rocco says he heard her voice. Is his dad okay? Laura says, he was still in surgery when she left the hospital, but he has the very best team of doctors and they’re doing absolutely everything they can. She knows he’s old enough to know the truth. She guesses the truth is, his dad’s got quite a fight on his hands.

Spinelli says, it’s an honor to finally make John’s acquaintance. His reputation precedes him. John says he’s heard about Spinelli. Damien Spinelli, computer genius and known associate of Sonny Corinthos. Spinelli tells him, he wouldn’t say genius. He dabbles. John says, and she is? and Spinelli says, a friend who has no idea what’s happening. In fact, she was just leaving. John says, she’s here, so she stays. They found Spinelli’s cameras all over the warehouse at 257 Water Street. They were run through a lot of proxy servers, so they couldn’t get a trace, but fortunately, they were able to identify his DNA on the hardware. Spinelli mumbles that he should have used gloves, and John says, he seems like a decent guy and someone who’s smart enough not to ruin the rest of their life on this. He has no desire to fold Spinelli into Sonny’s problems, but he’s tracking a team of gunmen, and Spinelli is the best lead he has. So if Spinelli would kindly show him what’s on that footage… Spinelli says, as much as he would enjoy cooperating with the FBI, he regretfully cannot help him. He shows John a black screen that says the data is missing.

Sonny tells Ava, if the footage is real, that doesn’t make any sense. They’ve always had each other’s back. If they had a problem with each other, Jason would come face to face and tell him, not shoot him from a safe distance. Ava says she knows how he feels about Jason. He was like a member of Sonny’s family. That was no secret. A lot of people knew that, right? Maybe somebody is trying to use that to their advantage. Sonny says, Jason would never let himself be used against him. They’ve been through a lot. Jason wouldn’t do that to him. She says, then she guesses he’s got to ask himself something. Why hasn’t Jason come to him to warn him when he knows those people want Sonny dead?

John says, put it back, and Spinelli says, put what back? John says, whatever he deleted from the surveillance footage, but Spinelli says, he couldn’t if he’d wanted to. There was no time. Maxie’s been here the whole time. Has she seen him do anything? She says she doesn’t understand how any of this works.

Brook asks, how’d it go? and Chase says, good. He was able to donate some blood and clear his head a little. She says she’s glad, and they hug. He asks what he missed, when Portia comes out. Sam asks, how’s Dante? and Portia says, she’s being told that the surgery is going well, but there’s a lot of damage. Sam asks, how much damage? and Portia says, he has trauma to his heart and to his lungs. He also has broken ribs and sternum, but Dr. Erikson and his team are making progress and Dante’s vitals are good. Olivia says, so he still has a chance?

Carly asks Danny to hold up a minute, and he asks, what’s up? She says she just wanted to check on him. See how he’s doing. Danny says, he’s Rocco’s dad, and Carly says she knows, but he’s a big part of Danny’s life. It’s okay to admit he’s upset, and he cares. He says he’s fine, but he’s got a lot of homework, so… He starts to go upstairs, and she asks if anyone ever told him that he’s just like his dad.

Laura says she understands there was a little incident with a video game tonight, and Rocco says, Danny’s a jerk to whine to them about it. He didn’t mean to break the stupid game. She says, Danny didn’t whine about it at all. Danny’s worried about him and so is she. He says he’s fine, and she asks what video game they were playing. He says, she wouldn’t know it, but she says, he might be surprised. She knows more than he thinks. She’s actually somewhat of a Super Mario Brothers expert. The kids played it all the time when they were growing up, so one day she decided to have a go at it because she wanted to know why they liked it so much and she has to say, she ended up getting a little bit addicted. He says, how addicted? and she says, it’s not like anybody had to do an intervention for her, but she did play a lot. In the beginning, she didn’t know what she was doing at all of course (🍷), but she picked it up pretty quickly and has actually been known to do a few speedruns. He says he wants to see that, and she says, maybe they should play together someday. He says his dad is really good at video games too. Maybe he can play with them when he gets better. She says, they can talk about what’s going on with his dad if he likes. She’s here to listen. He says he doesn’t think he wants to, and she says, okay. She just wants him to know it’s okay to be scared right now, because it’s a scary situation. He says, Danny isn’t scared, but she tells him that she doesn’t think she would say that. He may not know how to show it, but she knows he’s scared. She is too.

Maxie shows Spinelli her handcuffs and says, anymore bright ideas? Also in handcuffs, he says, it worked, didn’t it? and she shows him her cuffs again. He says, John didn’t see him do anything untoward, so she’s in the clear. Just follow his lead and everything will be fine. John joins them and says, let him guess. Spinelli rigged his equipment with a kill switch just in case he got caught. Spinelli gives a blank look, and Maxie says, wait a minute. He’s John Cates, the one who used to live in Port Charles. John says, he is. Why? Maxie says she remembers how much her stepdad talked about him. He really likes John. John asks, who’s her stepdad? and she says, Mac Scorpio. He says, she’s Maxie Jones? Wow. It has been a long time. She says she’s sorry it took her so long to recognize him. Mac is out of the country, otherwise she’s sure Mac would love to see him. He respects John so much. John says, the feeling’s mutual, and Maxie says, so she’s sure he can understand, growing up with Mac as a stepdad, she’d never do anything to impede an ongoing investigation. So if he could just take these off, they can forget this ever happened. John says, how about this? She gives Mac his best and tell Mac that he’s sorry he had to arrest his daughter for obstruction of justice.

Sonny hands the tablet back to Ava and says, if it is Jason, he probably has a motive, has a good reason for doing what he’s doing. Ava says, maybe he’s counting on Sonny believing that. If Jason is involved in some plot to kill him, then Sonny giving him the benefit of the doubt would give him time to set another plan in motion. Until they have more information, they’re just guessing. He tells her that he has to go see how Dante is, and starts to leave, but she says, they were lying in wait for him tonight. Not so very different from what happened in Puerto Rico. And he said it has to be somebody on the inside. Somebody with an intimate knowledge of his property, his business, and who knows his operation better than Jason? He says, she’s not judge and jury, and she says she knows. Believe her. She doesn’t want Jason to be guilty. She’s just trying to figure out what’s going on. He says, that’s what he’s trying to do. It doesn’t add up. She says she knows. This mystery man behind the attacks, didn’t he go by the name Stone? And didn’t Spinelli often refer to Jason as Stone Cold? Jason never hesitated to pull the trigger when it meant protecting Sonny. What if he’s come back and he’s ready to use those same deadly skills and knowledge to take Sonny out?

Laura says, Rocco’s dad dedicated his life to helping other people. So many people’s lives are better because of what his dad does every day. Never forget that. Rocco should always be really proud of him. Rocco says he is. His dad’s the best. But what if… She says, we don’t know what life has in store for us. Sometimes bad things happen, as he knows, and when they do, the only thing they can control is how they react to them. He hasn’t given up hope of his mom waking up from her coma, has he? He says, of course (🍷) not, and she says, then how can they give up on his dad? He’s getting the best possible care at General Hospital. So what they need to do, the best they can do, is stay as positive as they can while they wait for the news. And she’ll be here for him as long as he needs her to be. He says he loves her, and they hug. She says she loves him too, so much.

Danny says, sometimes his mom says he reminds her of his dad, and Carly says, he’s more like his dad all the time, especially tonight. He asks what she means, and she asks if they can sit. They sit on the steps, and she says, it’s not that he doesn’t feel things. He just doesn’t want to show his feelings. And Jason was like that. If he let himself react, he was afraid he might lose control and might hurt himself or someone else, and he didn’t want to do that, so he would just shut down and he would be okay. He’d be the one to handle everything. Danny says, there’s nothing to handle. All they’re doing is waiting. She asks if he’s good at waiting patiently, but he says, not really, and she says, neither was his father. He says, that’s not true. Everyone said he could wait for something, no matter how long it took. She says, that was discipline. Jason wasn’t naturally patient. If anything, it was just the opposite. Jason’s first impulse was to run right at something. She guesses that’s why they got along so well, because that’s her first impulse too. He says, it does kind of sound like him, and she says she knows what it’s costing him to sit around and wait, but it’s where he should be. Because whether he’ll admit it or not, Rocco needs him.

Sam thanks Portia, who says, of course (🍷), and leaves. Sam says, Olivia heard Portia. He has a chance. Olivia says she’s sorry. She’s just out of her mind right now. It’s surreal. A couple hours ago, they were eating cake and laughing at Scout’s birthday party. Now, in the blink of an eye, her son is in there fighting for his life. Sam hugs Olivia.

Chase and Brook step away, and Chase says he appreciates Brook insisting on waiting with him, but it could be hours still. Go home. Get some sleep. She says she doesn’t want to leave, and he says he knows. It’s just… She says, it’s just what? Talk to her. He says, this isn’t what she signed up for. He chose this life. He knew the risks of becoming a cop. She didn’t choose this. He needs her to know that it’s not too late for her to say that this isn’t the life she wants. (He’s very sweet, but once again, a dude is telling a woman that she has no decision-making skills and can’t speak up for herself.)

Jordan tells Portia, Dante is a good police officer and an even better man. Being like this, waiting for word on a cop who’s been shot, she just can’t help being reminded of another late night when another great cop was shot, in the prime of his life, and he didn’t survive. Portia says, she’s talking about Nathan West. She never got a chance to meet him, but from everything she’s heard, he sounds like a remarkable man. Jordan says, he was, and she hates that he never got to live his life with Maxie, be a dad. Another hero cop gone too soon. Then again, everyone who puts on the badge and lives up to the motto is a hero in her eyes.

Spinelli tells John, Maxie had nothing to do with this. Do whatever John wants to him, but please, leave her out of it. Maxie says she appreciates Spinelli trying to save her, but if he’s going down, he’s not going down alone. She tells John that she and Damien Spinelli are a team, and Spinelli says, they are? She says, yeah, and Spinelli says, they are. And since John has no evidence against them… John says, because Spinelli deleted the file? and Spinelli says, no. John says, that’s only a temporary setback. They have experts too. (I have to laugh at how Spinelli and Maxie look like little kids being lectured by the principal.) Although it will take them a while, they will recover the footage he deleted. Then they will follow it to wherever or whoever it leads.

Ava says she knows it might be incredibly painful to even think that Jason might betray Sonny, but there’s an awful lot of evidence here. Sonny says, circumstantial evidence. There’s no way the man he trusted more than anybody in the world would stab him in the back. She says, try not to be emotional about it. Just look at the facts, okay? Before Jason left for Cassadine Island, there was a distance between them. Things had changed. They were tense even. Sonny says, they had disagreements before, and Ava says, maybe so, but all the evidence here leads to one conclusion. Somehow, Jason survived that tunnel collapse, he’s come back to Port Charles to settle a score, and Sonny is playing right into his hands.

📑 Okay, let’s look at other facts. Sonny hasn’t been hit despite three attempts. True, Curtis was mistakenly shot, but he wandered into the scene at the last minute, and it looks like Jason is more the supervisor. Would Jason have screwed up a shot three times?

Brook says, Chase is right about one thing. She had no idea what she was getting herself into when she fell in love with a cop. She’s scared to death every, single day that the next call that comes in about an injured officer could be him fighting for his life. Chase says he understands. It’s a lot to ask of someone and it’s not an easy life, so if she wants out… She asks him, who says she wants out? and he tells her that she just said that. She says she told him that she’s scared, and she is. But she also loves him too much to try and hide this fear from him. Or start their marriage by being anything other than completely honest with him, so she’s sharing this fear with him. If they’re going to be husband and wife, she wants to share everything with him, including her fear of losing him. So don’t tell her to go. Promise her that he’ll never tell her that. He says he promises, and hugs her.

Sam says, sometimes she wishes that Dante would have become an executive and worked for Drew at Aurora – Olivia laughs – or for Ned at ELQ. Olivia says, he would have hated every minute of that, and Sam says, then he could have learned a different trade. He could have been a mechanic or a plumber or something. Olivia says, all of his uncles were mechanics. All of them. He never had the feel for it. If you can’t figure out how to fix a car, you’re probably not going to have a lot of luck fixing plumbing. Sam says, what about baseball coach? That’s perfect for him. Olivia says, he would love that, and Sam says, see? Olivia says, but not as much as he loves being a cop. It means everything to him. It’s everything he believes in. She swears, when he told her that’s what he wanted to be, she burst into tears. She begged him, anything else. A paramedic… anything, but he was so sure, and he was so excited. He was so proud. What could she do? He’s her baby, so she gave him a hug. Sam says, there is no Dante the executive, or Dante the plumber, or Dante the baseball coach. She only said those things because the other thing makes her scared sometimes, but it’s Dante the cop, and she doesn’t think they’d have it any other way, would they? Olivia shakes her head and takes Sam’s hand.

Drew comes into the living room and asks how it’s going in here. Messing with her phone, Laura says, great. They’re just making a gaming date for when Dante is better so he can play with them. Rocco says, they’re going to let dad pick the game, so he has the best chance to win, and they laugh. Drew says, sounds like a plan, and Laura says, but it is getting late, isn’t it? How about if she brings Rocco home and he spends the night with her and Doc? Rocco says, does he have to? and she says, of course (🍷) not. Not if he doesn’t want to. He says he’d rather stay here, just in case Scout has a bad dream and wakes up scared. His dad would want him to take care of her.

John says, the two of them have given him no choice, and tells the agent to take Maxie and Spinelli into custody. Spinelli says, no, he can’t. Maxie has some young children at home. They need her. John says, this is out of his hands now (and I wonder if he’s having a hard time not laughing). He could call Felicia and let her know. Maxie says, no, no, no. Please do not call her mom. She doesn’t want her to worry. She tells Spinelli, although she does think her mom would be proud that they took a stand for one of their best friends. That guy in the footage saved their lives on more than one occasion. They should really repay the favor. John says, one of their best friends, huh? That sounds like somebody who has a lot of friends, someone who’s made a name for himself. That should narrow it down quite a bit. Thank you so much. He hopes their good deed gives them solace when they’re pacing around inside their cell. Spinelli says he made a copy, and John says, no kidding. Maxie tells Spinelli not to say another word. She looks at John and says she can handle whatever happens to her. Spinelli tells her that he has no doubt, but he won’t let the mother of his child be incarcerated for something he did. He tells John, there was a drone recording as it was circling the roof. The footage is in the back-up drive. John says, that wasn’t so hard, was it? and picks up the drive. He says he’s assuming this has got a password, and Spinelli says, does John think he’s an amateur? John says, just give it to him, and Spinelli says, fine. M-A-X-I-M-I-S-T-A. Maxie says, aww!

Sonny says, Ava makes a good argument, but it just… He can’t believe that Jason would be out to kill him. Ava says, well, okay. That settles it. He says, that’s it? She’s not going to keep giving him reasons why he’s cutting his own throat? She says, nope, and gets up. She laid out the facts as she sees them, and he believes in Jason’s innocence. Sonny knows him better than she does, and she trusts Sonny’s judgement. Sonny gets up, thanks her, and says he needed to hear that. It’s very hard for him to trust anybody right now, especially after what happened with Michael and Dex. He can’t even trust his own instincts right now. She says, he made it very clear that he trusts Jason, and he tells her that he didn’t say he trusted him 100%. She says, he just has to promise her something. He has to promise her that he’s going to be careful. Look both ways and all that. He says, if he didn’t know any better, he’d think that she actually cared for him.

Maxie says, Spinelli just gave up their friend to the Feds, but Spinelli says, he has full faith that their friend can take care of himself. She says, obviously, but she’s never seen Spinelli be anything but loyal to him. He says he had good reason for his actions tonight. Doing this keeps her out of jail. She’ll be able to live her life and be with the kids. They need her. And no matter what happens to him, he’ll be happy knowing that. Because she’s not just the mother of his child, she’s the woman he loves. They kiss.

Drew helps Laura on with her coat and thanks her for coming. Rocco seems to be a little bit better after talking to her. She says she feels better after talking to Rocco. She actually thinks it’s a really good sign that he wants to stay here and look after Scout. Sometimes the best way to help yourself is by helping somebody else. They say goodnight and Laura leaves. Carly comes downstairs and says she just looked in on Scout. She’s sound asleep. Drew says, she’s probably worn out from her birthday party. It was only a few hours ago. Carly says, it’s crazy, and gets her coat. Drew helps her on with it, and she says, they’re going to have a huge celebration when Dante gets out of the hospital, but until then, she needs to get home and just relax. He thanks her for coming. It really helped with Danny a lot. She says, just remember, no matter how he acts, Danny feels things just as deeply as the other boys. Maybe even more. He kisses her and she leaves.

In the living room, Rocco looks at a photo of Dante on his phone. Danny sits next to him, and Rocco scoots over so their shoulders are touching.

Portia says, Dante’s out of surgery. They’re moving him to the ICU. Sam says, that’s great news, and Olivia says she wants to hug everyone who was in the room with him right now. Brook says, their prayers worked, and Chase says, they sure did. Portia says, Dante is still in critical condition, but the doctors believe they’ve repaired all the damage. Jordan says, then there’s a good chance Dante will recover, and Portia says, let’s get him through the night, but this is a huge step in the right direction. Chase says, Brook has been holding him up. What can he do for her? Just name it. She says, take her home, and he says, she’s got it. Olivia says she told Sam that he was a fighter. He’s hanging in there just like they knew he would. They hug.

John looks at the footage, and the other agent asks what he’s going to do with Damien Spinelli. John says, time will tell. They got what they wanted. And now they’re going after Jason Morgan.

Ava says, of course (🍷) she cares about Sonny. He’s Avery’s father. Her little girl would be lost without him. He says he’d be lost without her too… Avery, and Ava says, of course (🍷). He moves closer to her and says, remember when he told her that it felt like she was the only person he can trust? She says she remembers, and he says, wouldn’t it be funny if that were true? It looks like they might kiss, but we have to wait.

Tomorrow, Sam has good news; Nina says, Ava knows more about this than she’s telling; Dex tells Michael and Willow that they do know something about the person who shot him (presumably Dante); and Sonny tells Diane that they’re going to find out who did this and take care of the situation.

🪨 A Rolling Stone At Rest…

All about Jason’s return.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/inside-steve-burtons-return-to-general-hospital

✒️ He Prefers Social Observer…

The new guy invading The Invader.

🩺 Hospital Return…

Was she in Australia too?

❤️‍🔥 Kraze-y For You…

It better be love. They have more chemistry than nearly every other couple on the show.

Listen to Blaze and Kristina’s GH Love Song “It Might Be Love”

🤽‍♀️ Hold Your Nose and Close Your Eyes…

The latest in Summer House. Rather concise, but it’s already more than enough.

👠 An Icon Remembered…

She was the personification of awesome.

https://people.com/iris-apfel-friend-bruce-sutka-memories-health-details-exclusive-8603482

https://people.com/celebrities-mourn-death-of-fashion-icon-iris-apfel-8603445

🐨 Menagerie Down Under…

Red pandas! Koalas! Capybaras! I don’t think he has much to worry about with that rhino. It couldn’t look less interested.

https://people.com/travis-kelce-opens-up-about-zoo-visit-with-taylor-swift-8605096

🐈‍⬛ On the Catwalk…

Join me tomorrow for soap and Friday’s freefall into the weekend. Until then, stay safe, stay not having loud conversations in public (especially – please, oh, please – on public transport), and stay remembering sometimes the best way to help yourself is by helping somebody else.

June 19, 2023 – Zeke Tells Portia About Curtis Kissing Jordan, Double the Guests On Deck & Sing

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

On the phone, Ava says, there’s nothing. They might as well face it. Sonny doesn’t keep sensitive documents out where anyone can find them. Maybe he’s got some information on this Pikeman deal in his home office. Austin asks if she can get in, but she says, it’s locked… unless he’s got a spare key hidden in a drawer somewhere. She looks in some drawers, and Austin says, maybe now isn’t the time to take chances, but she asks how many chances she’s going to get. He says, somebody might see her. Sonny’s always got a lot of people, and a really tall bodyguard, right? She hears something and says she’s got to go.

Austin sees Laura going by, and she nearly falls over. He grabs her, and she says she’s a little… He says, unsteady. Maybe they should find a quiet place.

Nina says she had to see Sonny, and he takes her hands, asking, what’s wrong? Where’s her ring? She says, that’s what she needs to talk to him about, and he says, tell him, because she’s worrying him. She says she’s trying to find the words and the courage, because once he knows, there’s no going back.

TJ says he’s not sure he heard Ned correctly. Can he repeat that? Ned asks why TJ keeps calling him Ned. He already told TJ; his name is Eddie Maine. Olivia asks if this is some kind of joke, and Brook asks if he’s messing with them, calling him daddy. They’re family. Ned says, daddy? He’s not her daddy. He doesn’t know any of them. (I was pretty sure he was going to say he’d like to be her daddy, but that didn’t happen.) Tracy says, he fell down and hit his head at the MetroCourt pool. Does he remember that? He says, I don’t know what the hell you’re talking about, lady.

While she pretends to do paperwork, Jordan flashes back to begging Zeke not to tell Portia about her and Curtis kissing. She picks up her phone.

At the pool, Trina asks how Curtis liked his birthday, and he says he got a good swim in, he got to celebrate with the people he loves, and he got his first macaroni picture frame. What else could he want? I say, two macaroni frames?

Portia tells Zeke not to blame Curtis for his behavior the night of the wedding, but he says he’s concerned with how Curtis has behaved since the wedding. She asks what he’s talking about. He only just came to town. How could he possibly know how Curtis is behaving? He says, sorry, and tries to jet, but she says, that’s not happening. She wants to know what he meant. What’s going on?

Pilar walks into Sonny’s apartment, and says she didn’t realize Ava would be there. Ava says, Sonny and Nina were called away. They asked her to stay with the girls until she arrived, but she should be going. When Avery wakes up, tell her that Ava loves her very much and will see her tomorrow. Ava goes to the door, and Pilar asks her to wait. She forgot her magazine. She hands it to Ava, and Ava says, she was just in the middle of a very long, very interesting article. She thanks Pilar and leaves. Pilar notices a drawer slightly open, and closes it.

Sonny says, Nina can tell him anything. They promised to be honest with each other. Before she can speak, Leo calls to Sonny. Dante brings Leo over, and Sonny says, two of his favorite people. How’s it going? Leo says, Brook brought him here, but she’s in with his dad. Dante is taking him for a walk. Dante says, Brook needed a break, huh? and Leo dashes off. Sonny asks, how’s Ned? and Dante says, they’re still trying to get him out of the twilight sleep. He wasn’t awake when they went for a walk. Sonny looks over at Leo, who’s playing with his fidget spinner on the steps.

Ned says he doesn’t know what scam they’re trying to pull, but he’s not falling for it, and TJ says, he’s disoriented, which can happen after an injury to the head. Olivia says, please tell her what’s wrong with her husband, and Ned says, for the last time, he’s not her husband. TJ asks Brook, Tracy, and Olivia to wait in the hall so he can examine Ned in private. They leave, and Ned says, and stay out.

In the hall, Olivia wonders what’s happening, and Tracy says she never should have sent him to that boarding school. It cost a fortune, and he obviously didn’t get over that ridiculous fantasy of being a rock star. Olivia says, it’s got to be the anesthesia. When it wears off, he’s going to be himself again. Tracy says, Eddie Maine… She never saw that coming.

Austin helps Laura to a bench and asks if they should find an exam room, but she says she’s fine. It’s just that she gets a little lightheaded when she gets her bloodwork done. He hands her a cup of water, and says, generally speaking, the medical advice is to wait ten or so minutes before leaving the office. She says she thinks Dr. Chang suggested that, and she… He says, she must be joking. Is she telling him a patient ignored medical advice? He’s never heard of that. That’s bananas. He can’t believe it. She says she’s in a rush. She’s trying to make a trip abroad. He says, she must be going somewhere remote if she needs bloodwork, and she says, the Chechen Republic. He says he could be wrong about this, but isn’t that an incredibly dangerous place for her to go? She says she wishes she had a choice, and he asks if she’s going in her capacity as Mayor Collins, but she says, no. She thinks her son may be there. She’s his mother, and she feels it’s kind of her responsibility to bring him back. He says she can’t go; she can’t do that.

Trina says she was glad to hear Curtis moved back in with her mom. It’s good they’re working things out. He says, it’s important to him that she approve, and she says, her mom is crazy in love with him. And despite all the mistakes she’s made, Trina still wants her to be happy.

A call comes in from Jordan, but Curtis ignores it, and says, they all want Trina’s mom to be happy. Trina says, being angry becomes like a rock sitting on your shoulders, and he says he hears her.

Jordan gets voicemail, and she says she wanted to let Curtis know that… Never mind.

Zeke tells Portia, let it go. It’s none of his business. He walks away, but she follows, and says, remember when he told mom and dad that he was late for curfew because he was helping his pal Derrick with a flat tire, when he was really out playing poker with his buddies? He asks how she knows, and she says she can read him like a book. She knows him. She always has, and always will. If there’s something he needs to tell her, then tell her. They don’t keep secrets from one another. He says, she’s not going to like it, but she says, what she doesn’t like is being kept in the dark. He says, she won’t let this go, will she? and she says, no. He says, Curtis kissed his ex-wife. Jordan.

Laura says she can’t do that, and Austin says, as a doctor, given her condition, he’s going to make a strong medical recommendation that she not go anywhere dangerous outside of the US. If something should happen, she needs reliable medical care, and she doesn’t speak the language, right? She’s going to need a translator, she’ll need a knowledgeable guide, and she’ll need considerable military level protection. If something went wrong, does she have a foolproof way to get out of the country and get home? She asks if it’s his medical advice, and he says, yes. She’s not wrong. He’s a medical doctor, but he’s also a citizen. As one of her constituents, he has concerns. Who’s going to be in charge? How long is she going to be gone? Has she made arrangements for what will happen during her absence? She says, these are all really good questions. He’s given her a lot to think about. He says, so she’s changed her mind, and she says, no, but she thanks him for the advice, and the water. She hands the cup back to him, and he says, she’s welcome. She says she’s feeling much better, and moves on. His phone dings, and it’s a text from Ava: Meet me in your office.

Sonny goes over to Leo, and Dante tells Nina, Leo’s a smart kid. There’s no point in shielding him from the truth. Sonny sits on the steps next to Leo, and says he hasn’t seen one of those in a while. Leo says, fidget spinners aren’t cool anymore, but he still has his, and Sonny says, if Leo thinks it’s cool, then it’s cool. Does he know what else is cool? Worrying about his dad. Leo says, his brain’s swelled because he hit his head, but his skull can’t expand. That’s what prevents blood flow. Sonny says he’ll take Leo’s word for that. He knows Leo knows a lot about skulls and blood flow and everything, but he knows a lot about people. Leo’s dad is a tough customer. He’s going to fight like heck to get well.

Brook says, they don’t know anything yet, and Olivia wonders what she’s going to tell Leo, but Brook says, let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Although it’s probably best for him not to see dad until he’s himself again. Olivia says, what if he’s never himself again? What if he decides to stay Eddie Maine? Brook says, that’s a bridge too far. Let’s just concentrate on the present. She asks Tracy to stay with Olivia. She’d like to find Leo and Dante, and tell them dad is awake. And take it easy on her. She needs their sympathy, not snap out of it. Tracy asks if that’s how Brook sees her, and Brook says, that’s how she saw Tracy in the ICU. She knows Tracy is as scared as they all are, and it’s just how she reacts, but Olivia needs their support, and Tracy needs to step up. Brook leaves, and Tracy sits next to Olivia. Olivia says, what if this is just like Jason? What if he just never comes back to them? Tracy pats her shoulder and says, there, there.

Curtis says he heard Trina was staying with Josslyn over the summer while the dorms are closed. How’s that going? Trina turns away, and he says, no agenda. He’s just curious. Trina says, Josslyn and her mom have been very generous, letting her stay with them while she figures things out. He says, sometimes you need space; he gets that. She says, her mom doesn’t, but he says, her mom gets it more than she thinks. She’s just trying to respect Trina’s boundaries. Her mom can’t help it if she misses her. Trina is her world.

Portia says, Curtis kissed Jordan? How does Zeke even know that? Did he see them? He says, nothing like that. Jordan told him. She says, so yesterday at the bar, Jordan told him, a complete stranger, that she kissed her ex-husband. Is that what he’s telling her? He says, no, and she says, then he overheard her? She could have been talking about a different ex. He says, just trust him. He knows. She asks how she can trust him if she doesn’t have the whole story, but he says he promised he wouldn’t. She says, promised who? and he says, Jordan. They spent the night together. Portia says, ugh, and walks away, shaking her head, but he says, Jordan made it clear that what happened between them wasn’t serious, and she was still hung up on her ex. She said they kissed once, but it was over. Portia says, she could have been talking about a different ex. It’s not like she hasn’t had past relationships. He says, it was her ex-husband; it was Curtis. He’s sorry. He wishes it weren’t true, but he had to tell her.

Dante asks if Leo wants to see his dad, and Leo says, okay. Dante says, he’ll let Sonny and Nina know if anything changes, and Brook joins them, saying, dad’s awake. Leo asks if he can see Ned, but Brook says, not yet. He’s a little confused. Sonny asks what she means, and Brook says, Dr. Ashford said it’s not uncommon with a head injury. He’s examining Ned now. Dante suggests they go see mom. He’s sure she’d like a hug from her two boys. Brook says she’ll catch up with them later, and Dante and Leo leave. Sonny asks, what’s wrong with Ned? and Brook hugs him. He asks, what happened? and Brook says, dad’s awake, but he’s different. Nina asks, how? and Sonny says, he’s not going to come back to normal right away after a hit like that. Nina says, Sonny’s right. They have to give him time. Brook says, they don’t understand. He doesn’t know who he is. He says he’s Eddie Maine.

Leo runs to Olivia and hugs her, saying, Dante told him that she needed it. She says she sure does, and Dante hugs her. Tracy says, the doctor’s in with Ned, and Dante says, they ran into Brook. She said he woke up, but he’s confused? Tracy says, that’s putting it mildly, when TJ comes out. He says, Ned doesn’t appear to be suffering from any physical deficits. There’s no loss of coordination, he’s not slurring his words, and his motor functions and reflexes are normal. Olivia says, that’s good, right? but TJ says, however, he is experiencing some cognitive symptoms, such as combative behavior and profound confusion.

Leo goes into Ned’s room, and says, dad? Ned says he doesn’t mean to be rude, but he’s no one’s dad.

Trina says she misses her mom too, but it’s complicated, and Curtis says he gets that. When is it not? She asks if her mom said anything to him, but he says, she doesn’t have to. Her face lit up when Trina arrived. Trina says, her mom was just glad she came to Curtis’s birthday party, but he says, news flash; her mom lights up when she’s around. She doesn’t need a reason. Always. Trina says, all right. Message received. Speaking of her mom, where is she? She needs her advice about this art fellowship she’s thinking of applying for. He says, sounds promising, but she says, don’t get too excited. It’s super boring. He says, boring progress, but it’s still progress. Her mom’s at the restaurant. Think they should join her?

Austin finds Ava in his office, and says he just ran into Laura. He tried to convince her not to go to a war zone to look for dead Nikolas. She asks if Laura listened to him, but he says he didn’t do such a great job. He did the best he could; maybe she’ll reconsider. Ava says, maybe? That’s not good enough. They have to stop her. No maybes about it. He says, one calamity at a time. He sees she got out of Sonny’s in one piece. She says, Pilar, the girls’ nanny, came in, but she covered… maybe. He says he thought there were no maybes, but she says, what does it matter anyway? There’s no way she’s getting into Sonny’s home office, and that’s the only place he’d keep anything to do with Pikeman. He says, well mayb… perhaps, there’s another way into Sonny’s office, but she says she’s not crawling through any airshaft. He tells her that he didn’t say anything about her.

Laura goes to Jordan’s office, and asks if she has a minute. Jordan says, of course (🍷), and Laura says she won’t take much of Jordan’s time. She needs a favor. Jordan says, anything for Laura. What does she need? Laura says, Jordan’s resignation.

Zeke says he’s so sorry. He never wanted to hurt Portia. To think Curtis… She says, that’s enough. She appreciates what he’s trying to do, but she considers his involvement in her marriage over. She needs to talk to Curtis. Curtis walks in with Trina, and Zeke says, don’t look now. Here’s her chance. Portia asks how they’re doing, and Trina says she wanted to talk to Portia about next fall, and then she’ll probably head out. Portia says, sounds good, and picking up on Portia’s obvious distress, Trina asks if she’s okay. Zeke says he won’t let Trina leave before he has a chance to hang out with her. What does she say? Portia nods, and Trina says, sure. They leave, and Curtis says he just had the best conversation with Trina. Portia says, did he kiss Jordan?

Zeke and Trina sit at a table poolside, and he says, her mom had the best cannonball as a kid. He couldn’t improve his, no matter how much he worked on it. Then he saw Trina make her first cannonball, and it was even better than Portia’s. She asks, what’s going on between her mom and Curtis? Her mom looked really upset. She’s going back to the restaurant. She gets up, but he blocks her way and says, don’t. She asks what he’s not telling her.

Curtis tells Portia, yes, he kissed Jordan. It was just one kiss a few weeks ago. He should have told her. He’s sorry. She says, a few weeks ago? That’s when they started talking again; that’s when he moved back into the house. He says he’s not making excuses, but their marriage was hanging in the balance. He was confused. He ran into Jordan… and it just happened. She says, so Jordan just kissed him out of nowhere? but he says, no, it was mutual. She turns away, but he moves in front of her, and says, but Jordan made him realize how much he wants to give their marriage a second chance. She says, oh my goodness, lucky me. Let me send Jordan a card and thank her. He says, that came out wrong. What he meant… She says she knows exactly what he meant, and he says he didn’t want to hurt her. She says, that’s why he didn’t tell her, and he says, not while things were so fragile between them. She asks if he was ever going to tell her.

Jordan says, if she’s done anything to offend Laura… but Laura says she wants Jordan to resign as Commissioner of police so she can serve as acting Deputy Mayor of Port Charles. She needs somebody she can trust, and somebody who knows how government works, and to be perfectly honest, there isn’t anyone who comes anywhere close. So she has to accept. She’ll be responsible for choosing her replacement, and she’s going to need Jordan to do that immediately, because she’s leaving. Jordan says, leaving? and Laura says, hence the urgency. Jordan says she’s honored and will do anything to support Laura, but she’s not the right person for the job. She’s sorry, but she has to turn Laura down.

Sonny says, that was Ned’s stage name when he sang for L&B Records back in the day, and Brook says, but now he thinks that’s who he actually is. Eddie Maine doesn’t have a wife or kids, or any family at all. Nina asks if she means her father lost his memory, but Brook says, not exactly. He remembers certain details about his life, but he doesn’t remember what happened yesterday. Nina says, so he doesn’t remember his fall? and Brook says, not even the pool. She has to meet up with her family, but thanks Sonny for the shoulder to cry on. He says, anytime, and she leaves. He tells Nina, leave it to Ned to cause this mess. (Ha-ha! Like it’s Ned’s fault.) Now Brook has the weight of her family on her shoulders. Nina says, he’s right. When she thinks about everything the Quartermaines are going through, their problems don’t seem so bad. He takes her hand.

Ava says, so this means she doesn’t have to keep putting her neck on the line? That’s great, but will Austin’s cousin go for it? Mason seemed pretty keen on her being the one to get close to Sonny. Austin says, Mason is nothing but pragmatic. He doesn’t think Mason cares as long as he gets results. She asks how they find this mystery person. Is it him? Is he going to start making house calls over there? He laughs, and says he thinks it might be time for a new nanny. She says, that’s not a bad idea. The nanny has open access. She’s there when Sonny isn’t, and his goons don’t keep tabs on her… Austin says, right? And it might be a good idea to get rid of Pilar because she said Pilar was suspicious of her just now. She admits Pilar doesn’t like her so much, but she’s extremely loyal to Sonny. She won’t quit. He tells Ava, who said anything about her quitting? and she says, then how do they replace her? He says, they have to get Sonny to fire her.

Brook joins the rest of the family, as TJ is telling them, Ned is calling himself Eddie Maine. Does that name mean anything? Olivia says, that was his stage name, and TJ asks if Ned was an actor. Tracy says, no, small mercies, and Olivia says, he was on tour with a rock band. TJ says, but not recently, and Olivia says, not since the 90s. TJ says, both memory impairment and changes to his personality indicate that Ned is suffering from a traumatic brain injury, and Tracy asks if they didn’t know that already. He says, they’re trying to ascertain the full extent of his injury, and what part of his brain was affected, because no two brains are alike, and no two injuries are the same. He’s trying to arrive at a specific diagnosis, but they should prepare themselves. Finding the prognosis for a full recovery will be challenging. Personality changes, memory and judgement deficits, lack of impulse control are all common side effects and may be with Olivia’s husband for a while. Brook asks if Leo didn’t come up with Dante, and they all look around.

Leo says, Ned isn’t his real dad; Julian is. But Ned adopted him. Ned says, that doesn’t sound like something he’d do, and Leo says, but he did. Brook comes in, and tells Leo, let’s go. His dad’s not feeling well; he has to rest. Ned says, for the last time, he’s not his dad, or hers. Leo runs out.

Brook tells Olivia that Leo was with dad, and Olivia says she’s got to find him. God knows what Ned said to him. Brook says she’ll go; Olivia might make him worse. Dante says, why doesn’t he go? They should stay here. Tracy says, stop, all of them. She’ll go look for her grandson. Stay here and listen to the doctor. She dashes off.

Sonny says, there was something Nina was going to tell him. She’s going to tell him, right? She says she was an idiot. She was trying this new facial clay mask from Deception, and she took off her engagement ring and put it on the sink. The clay got in her eye, and she couldn’t see anything. She was trying to find a hand towel, and accidentally dropped her beautiful ring down the drain. She feels terrible. He asks if she called a plumber to check the drainpipe… Never mind. He’ll call his guy and he’ll find the ring. She says, that’s a possibility, and he says, the ring’s not the problem. Does she know what the problem is? He’ll tell her. He’s concerned about her; how she’s acting.

Laura asks why Jordan is turning her down, and Jordan says she’s a cop, not a politician. She’s not qualified to be Deputy Mayor. Laura thinks she’s selling herself short. Police Commissioner and Deputy Mayor are civil servants, and Jordan has been serving as Police Commissioner for ten years. She knows how the town works, and knows about the different power systems in play here. And if Laura has learned anything from Eileen Ashby, it’s that political savvy means absolutely nothing if the trust’s not there. She trusts Jordan more than anyone. Jordan thanks her, and Laura says, then how can she refuse? She’s risen to the highest rank the PCPD has. Isn’t she ready for a new challenge?

Trina asks Zeke, what’s going on with Curtis and her mom? but he says, her mother will let her know when the time is right. He knows Trina would do anything for her mom, but this is between her mom and Curtis. Trina says she’ll hang back for now, and he says, she was always her mom’s little defender. She asks what that means, and he says, no one would dare upset her mom, or they’d get a kick in the shins from… He points at her, and she says she wasn’t that bad. They sit back down, and he tells her that he didn’t say it was bad; she was amazing. It also wasn’t one-sided. Her mom was an expert shin kicker if she thought someone was going to hurt her little girl. The two of them had quite the bond. It’s good to see her all fired up and protective. It’s good to see that bond is still there. She says, that doesn’t mean she’s still not angry with her mom for lying to her. When she was little, she and her mom were honest about everything. At least she thought. But he’s right. Her mom may have disappointed her, but she’ll always love her. If anything happens to her, she’ll be at her side.

Curtis says he doesn’t have a good explanation, and Portia says, this is incredible. After all of this talk about honesty and openness, he had no problem not sharing this with her. He says, she can’t compare this one transgression, kissing Jordan one time, to her twenty years of lying about Trina’s paternity, and she says, that gives him a lifetime pass? She deserves to know the truth. They’re married. She doesn’t understand what happened. He says he was in rough shape. He started talking to Jordan. They’d been hanging out for a while… She says, wait a second. He said it was one kiss. Now he’s making it sound like it was more than that. He says, it wasn’t more than that, and she says, but he was thinking about Jordan and sought her out. He says, it wasn’t like that, but Portia says, he was confiding in her, and she comforted him. He says, it’s history; that’s all it is. She says, really? Because to her, it sounds real current. And they both know Jordan has been harboring feelings for him. She just never knew he felt the same way.

Tracy sees Leo sitting on a credenza in a waiting area, playing with his fidget spinner. She says, there he is. He’s quite the runner, isn’t he? He asks why his dad said he wasn’t his dad, and Tracy says, technically, he’s not. Leo tells her, that’s what he said, but then his dad said he never adopted him. She asks what he knows about her, and he says, she’s mean. She and I laugh, and she says, maybe, but she’s direct. She’s going to tell him the truth. She sits next to him, and says, his dad fell. And he hit his head so hard… he’s confused. He’s so confused, he doesn’t recognize his family. That hurts her feelings. She imagines it hurts his too. He nods, and she says, but she knows somewhere deep inside his dad knows exactly who they are. He just can’t remember it right now, but he knows it. Because the man in that bed is Leo’s dad. He’ll always be Leo’s dad. Got it? Leo nods, and she puts her arm around him, pulling him close, and he hugs her. That was just precious.

Olivia asks when she’s getting her husband back, and TJ says, Ned has to be seen by a neurologist and a psychiatrist, and they’ll have recommendations on how to proceed. Until then, they won’t know for any certainty when Ned will recover. Brook says, but it’s not like he’s going to be Eddie Maine forever, and TJ says, they’ll do everything possible to treat him, but it’s just too soon to tell. Olivia says, this is crazy, and TJ says he wishes he could do more. Dante says, it’s okay, and TJ says, in the meantime, he’ll call in the additional specialists he mentioned, and they’ll determine a course of treatment. Olivia thanks him, and he leaves.

Ava tells Austin, she can’t get Pilar fired. She’s been working for Sonny for years. Avery loves her. He says, will Avery love Pilar more than Ava who’s dead and gone, thank you Cousin Mason? He’s just saying. Who is she going to turn to? Nina? Carly? Ava says, okay, point taken. Pilar’s out. He says, she can get this done, and she says, in her sleep.

Jordan doesn’t know what to say, and Laura tells her, say yes. She needs Jordan by her side. The city of Port Charles needs her. Jordan says she told Laura that she’d do anything for her, and she meant it. She accepts. Laura shakes her hand, and says, welcome aboard, Deputy Mayor Ashford. She asks if Jordan likes the sound of that, and Jordan says she does.

Zeke says he always knew Trina would stand up for her mom, but it’s good to hear her say it. Trina says, he’s not the first person to make the case for her mom. In fact, he’s not the first person today. Curtis went out of his way to tell her how much her mom missed her… What isn’t he telling her? He says, maybe she should keep her distance, and she says, from who? He says, from Curtis. Wow. Isn’t he all up in his sister’s business? And so quickly.

Curtis takes Portia’s hands, and says, Jordan’s his past. She’s his future. He wants to be with her. Her voice breaks as she says she wants to believe him, and he says, please don’t give up on them. Not when they’re so close to finding their way back to each other. She says she wishes it was that simple, taking her hands from his. She says she can’t be here right now, and leaves.

Nina says, Sonny is concerned about her? and he says, she had him thinking the worst. Like she was going to tell him something terrible. She lost her engagement ring. Does she think he cares about that? She says, it’s her engagement ring that she loves. It’s beautiful and it’s expensive. He says, it’s a piece of jewelry. As long as he’s with her, that’s all he cares about. He hugs her.

Laughing, Tracy plays with the fidget spinner, and tells Leo, this is fun. It flies off her finger, and onto the floor. They both jump down to get it, and she says, did she break it? She can get Leo another one. Leo says, it drops all the time. See? He spins it. It’s okay. She says, so it is.

Olivia says, what if Ned never comes back to them? but Dante says, he will. She says, he heard what TJ just said, and Dante says, he’s just doing his job, letting her know about possible outcomes. So let’s wait for the neurologist and psychiatrist to get in here, and see what happens. She says, okay, and he hugs her, saying, give it some time.

Brook looks through the room window at Ned.

Tomorrow, Taggert tells Jordan, if he said no, would she believe him; Drew tells Sam, it’s the best possible solution; and Carly tells Sonny, things are about to be resolved with the SEC.

Below Deck Sailing Yacht

Last night of charter. Daisy asks if she and Colin are okay, and he says, his policy in life is honesty. Ileisha hopes that guest Kevin is drunk enough that he won’t notice his piece of cake is a mess. Kevin thinks it’s small, but he’s more of a mess than the cake, so it’s a non-issue. Colin says he’s over it, and Daisy says, no way she wanted this drama. He tells her, it’ll be fine, and she says she’s sorry. In Colin’s interview, he says, you don’t often hear Daisy say she’s sorry or admit she’s wrong. He knows she cares and feels remorse, but it’s hard to swallow since he has true feelings involved. They hug it out. The guests and most of the crew go to bed. Alex points out various fish to Mads, and in Alex’s interview, he says he loves working, but he’d rather hang out with Mads. He considers this work/life balance.  

Last day of charter. Daisy tells Ileisha that breakfast is at 9, and tells Lucy, happy graduation. In Gary’s interview, he says, if Colin is willing to throw the friendship away over this, it didn’t mean that much to him. The guests sit for breakfast, and Suginia says, they’ve had an amazing time. She can’t believe it’s coming to an end. Chase calls Gary, and shows him crumbs under the table. He says, this is how the whole boat looked before. In his interview, Gary says, if Alex only had a few hours, he should focus on the obvious sh*t like crumbs. He’s pissed off. Alex should know better. He tells Chase that Alex should be able to tell what to prioritize by now. Colin tells Daisy that they’re moving in the right direction, and they hug. Daisy tells the guests that she would love for them to stay. They’re having a party for Lucy’s graduation. Lucy’s friends video call her, and in Lucy’s interview, she says she’s not at her own graduation. That’s the life of yachting, but she would do it again, so she can’t get upset. Tonight she wants to have a couple shots and get drunk. Glenn tells Colin to fire up when he’s ready. The anchor is home, and Gary sings, it’s your graduation to Lucy as she washes dishes. They dock, and there are the usual hugs and goodbyes. Suginia says, it was amazing. From the bottom of her heart she thanks each and every one of them. Ileisha taking the time to make Johnny cakes had her beloved Grandma Flo smiling down. She gives Glenn a small token for the best yachting crew ever, handing him the tip envelope. Glenn toots the horn, and the guests wave. Ileisha is pleased that she got a shout out, and the crew changes clothes.

Gary tells Alex about the crumbs, and says, Chase wasn’t happy. Alex asks if Chase was upset, and Chase says, it’s not the best to see food where the guests were sitting. In Chase’s interview, he says he didn’t expect Gary to run to Alex about the food on the sundeck. Gary says, suck it up buttercup, like he could ever be Captain Lee, and in his interview, Chase says, this is pissing him off. Gary is making him look like a tattletale bitch. In Alex’s interview, he says he shouldn’t have to hear from Gary how Chase feels. He’s dealing with small d*ck energy. Glenn radios the crew for the tip meeting, and says, it was a fun charter. All around, the service was good, so kudos for that. They raved about the Caribbean dinner as well, but it’s not time to let foot off pedal. They need to remotivate, and see it through to the end. The tip is $20K, or 1957 euros each. In Lucy’s interview, their hard work paid off. She couldn’t be at her graduation, but $20K… Chase helps Ileisha in the galley, and in her interview, she says, Chase is a sweetheart. He’s good looking, tall, and has a good body, but her boyfriend has those things. It’s tough long distance, but she’s pretty loyal… She laughs and says, she is loyal. Daisy tells Gary that she to chat with him and Colin, but Gary says, it will blow over. Daisy asks Mads to help her decorate for Lucy’s graduation, and in their cabin, Chase tells Gary that if Ileisha crawled in his bed, he wouldn’t kick her out. Gary says, neither would he, and Chase says, he can’t have them all. Mads and Daisy decorate, and in Daisy’s interview, she says, Lucy made it clear that she’s sad she’s not home, but they’ll have her family on FaceTime. They’ll bring the graduation to the Parsifal.

The crew gathers together, and when Lucy joins them, they cheer. She sees her family on the laptop, and the crew puts a cap and gown on her. In Lucy’s interview, she says, this is the nicest thing anyone’s ever done for her. She sees her grandad and gran, and tells them that she’s going to get pissed. She loves them. The crew leaves in a taxi, Daisy going with Colin and Gary. Daisy says, they lost focus. Together, they’re a team. Gary asks how Colin feels, but he doesn’t think crew night out is the time. In Gary’s interview, he says, the van ride is awkward. He’s not good with confrontation, and he’s very nervous. They get to the restaurant, and Daisy toasts to Lucy being a smart, beautiful woman. Back on the boat, Glenn plays chess with himself. Some of the crew steps away for a smoke, and Gary tells Colin that he’s sorry he lied. It was a catch-22 for him. Colin says, Gary is a p*ssy, and Gary says he told the truth, but lied to Daisy in breaking his promise. Hindsight is a beautiful thing. Colin says, when he asked Gary about hooking up with Daisy, he said no. He lied to Colin’s face, and Colin never would have done that. That’s why it hurt. Gary says, he feels like a puss, but nothing is happening between them. In Colin’s interview, he says, Gary hasn’t respected his and Daisy’s relationship. He’ll take what Gary says with a pinch of salt. He doesn’t know what to believe.

Gary says he’s been a d*ck the majority of his life. He wanted to show he could keep a promise. He was in a lose-lose situation. Mads in still keeping her distance from Gary, and in her interview, she says, she made the wrong choice. She put herself in this position, and set a bomb about to explode. She tells Alex that she wishes she could rechoose. Colin tells Gary that he thought the van ride was scary. He thought Daisy was going to be like, you did this, and you did that. In Daisy’s interview, she says, she feels the weight being lifted. She’s relieved Gary and Colin are speaking to each other. She’s ready to forget this f***ing mess and move forward.

Just before they get back on the boat, Lucy and Gary jump in the water in their underwear. In Lucy’s interview, she says, sorry mum and dad. On the boat, Mads gets in the jacuzzi with Alex, and Daisy gets in bed with Colin. Mads decides to call her family, and when Gary sees her, he says, she’s pathetic. She tells him, f*** off. She’s trying to speak to her family. He says, she’s being weird, and he doesn’t know why. Ileisha and Chase hunt for food in the galley. Mads tells Lucy that she was trying to call her family, and Gary called her pathetic. She’s not answering him; it’s f***ing over. She has guys who can f*** her just as well. Ileisha hugs Chase, and thanks him for helping her through her struggles and being there as a friend. In his interview, he sighs. She tells him that she appreciates him, and he says, his pleasure. They go to their separate cabins, and Chase tells Gary that Ileisha is killing him. She’s hugging and caressing him, and every moment he feels like they’re going to make out. Gary says, she’s putting him in the friendzone, and Chase realizes Daisy is in Colin’s bed. He says he’s not coming back, and leaves. He asks if he can sleep in Ileisha’s room, but she says, he can’t sleep next to her. In her interview, she says she feels bad for him, and he ends up sleeping in the crew mess. Half asleep, Daisy mistakes Colin for Gary, and asks what he’s doing in her bed. In Colin’s interview, he says he’s never been mistaken for someone else in bed.

Daisy tells Colin that she kept seeing Gary’s face; she’s not going to lie. In Colin’s interview, he says it’s a blow to his ego, and he wonders if she’s thinking about Gary when they’re fooling around. He tells her that she’s an idiot; a stage five idiot. She goes back to her cabin. In the morning, everyone stumbles out, holding their heads. I can’t imagine waking up hungover on a boat and having to work. It makes me queasy just thinking about it. Chase tells Gary that he called Mads pathetic, and Mads tells Daisy that she’s not giving Gary attention, and he called her pathetic. Lucy throws up, and Mads thinks she’s still drunk. Gary asks if Mads wants to chat, and in his interview, he says, she’s pissed. Maybe she likes him if it affected her so much. He says, Chase told him what he said, but he has no recollection of it. He’s sorry. She says she’s never been called pathetic in her life. She’s going back to bed. In Gary’s interview, he says he apologized, but she’s still keeping a grudge. He follows her, and says, he apologized for something he doesn’t remember. Colin walked into the room when they were having sex, and she let it blow over. She says she doesn’t want to start. It pisses her off that he said that too. F*** off. Making his bed, Glenn says he had weird dreams last night, and I wonder if it was another donkey dream. They clean the boat, and Gary asks Daisy if she and Colin hooked up last night, but she says, they kissed. Lucy says she feels like she was dragged through a bush backward. Daisy and Gary joke around, and Colin doesn’t look happy. Daisy asks to talk to Colin in the guest area, and he says he’s pissed off at her. Daisy says, the two of them are in her head, and she wants them out of her head. Colin says, it’s unbelievable that she’s giving him this attitude, and she says, Gary needs to stop being in her head. It’s his fault. She wasn’t thinking about him; she didn’t know where she was. Colin says, she’s blaming literally everyone else for what comes out of her mouth. She needs to take accountability.

Chase tells Alex that twice he gave feedback on the night thing. The first time he asked to talk to Alex on his own, but Gary said, no way; he’d handle it. Then he tried to shoot down what Chase was going for. He suggests they include Gary in as little as possible, and Alex says, cut out the little middleman. In Alex’s interview, he says, the only reason there’s a problem with him and Chase is, Gary is f***ing up the communication chain. He and Chase fist bump. Daisy tells Colin that she apologized, but Gary started this. He says he wants her to figure out what she wants, and she says she wants him. He says, if you want someone, you’re not thinking about other people, and in Daisy’s interview, she says she was thinking about the two of them, and the friendship mess they’re in. I’m not sure if I missed something, but all of a sudden, it seems all good.  

It’s time for the preference sheet meeting, and Glenn says, primary Alisa is in finance. She wants to be with her amigos doing water sports and wants a guitar serenade. They all say, Colin, and Daisy reads that they want a sushi, seafood, and sashimi dinner with oysters, and Italian fare; chef’s choice. Ileisha says, that’s her favorite thing, and Daisy reads that they also want a Viva le France party. Glenn says, France isn’t all that far from where they are. Maybe he can take them there for the dinner.

The next morning, provisions come in. Glenn says, the guests will be here in 20 minutes, and in Glenn’s interview, he says, at this point in the game, he has the same high expectations as he did at the beginning. He’s happy, but wants them to finish strong, not limp their way to the end of the season. He wants to push them a little bit to keep them on top of their game. Glenn tells the guests to kick off their shoes, and welcomes them to Sardinia and the Parsifal. They have a lot of stuff planned, but first Daisy will give them a tour. After the tour, oysters are served, and they look amazing. Guest Tim says he wants marry Daisy when she presents the oysters to him, and I think, me too. The guests agree the view is awesome, and ask Mads to take a group photo. They drop anchor, and shut down the engines.

There’s a boat close behind, and Gary thinks they might be dragging. Glenn doesn’t want to fire it up until they’re sure, and still checking, Gary says, they’re definitely dragging. He lets out more chain, and yells for the other boat to do the same. One of the guests says, it’s getting dicey, and Gary yells for help with the fenders. He asks Glenn to reverse, and one of the guests says, they know they shouldn’t be this close. The other boat starts to throw out their fenders.

To be continued…

But we don’t have to wait.

Gary lets out more chain, and Glenn reverses. In Glenn’s interview, he says, the other boat is going to T-bone them, and they’re not doing anything. He’s got to let out the chain, shut the thrusters down, and spin around or they’re f***ed. Gary finally says, they’re clear. His f***ing heart. Mine too. In his interview, Glenn says, this is the first time it was too close for comfort, but the Parsifal lives to sink another day. Moving on to the next crisis. Daisy says, just another day on the Parsifal. I’ve seen those situations where another boat will think they’re big stuff and play chicken, trying to force the superyacht to move, but the way this looked, I don’t think the other boat knew what to do. In Ileisha’s interview, she says, sushi is an art form. She wants to make something different, so she’s making mosaic sushi. She’s a chef because she loves creating beautiful pieces. They drop anchor again.

The sushi is served, and when Daisy says, it’s tuna onigiri, Tim says, tuna on Gary. Daisy says, Gary might enjoy it. Be careful what they wish for. In the laundry, Lucy says she has towels coming out her a-hole, and Daisy asks Gary to be a sushi model tonight. He says he’ll do it, but they’re not allowed to eat the worm in the middle. Ugh. He’s so gross. In Colin’s interview, he says, Gary’s given his blessing for him to pursue Daisy, yet Gary’s still flirty like he’s pursuing her. Maybe he’s overthinking it (probably), but it feels like something different now. Ileisha is excited to do the Italian food, and the guests tell Alex that he looks like hot Jesus. Daisy’s sister Bonnie texts that she’s coming to visit, and in Daisy’s interview, she says, Bonnie is free-spirited. She thinks the change of energy will be good for her. She laughs, and says, Bonnie drinks like a fish, so she’ll fit in quite well. The guests use the water toys, and one of the women loses their pants while racing Alex on a bodyboard. Alex says, cheeky. In the crew mess, Chase says he heard they almost hit a boat, and Mads tells him about it. I guess he slept through the whole thing, and I can identify. My house was flooded during Hurricane Sandy, and I slept through most of it on the third floor. Tim looks around for service, and Glenn tells Lucy. In Glenn’s interview, he says he never wants a guest to come looking for service. The expectation level for service on charter one doesn’t change when they get to charter seven. A guest shouldn’t have to come looking for anyone.

Mads tells Daisy that she was putting away stuff – we flash back to her chatting with Chase in the crew mess – and Glenn came down. He told her that one of them always needs to be one deck, but she was literally on her way up. Daisy thinks having two of them there at all times is unreasonable, when Glenn comes by, and tells her to try and stay on top of things. The stews decorate the table with flowers, and it’s gorgeous. The guests get a beautiful sunset for dinner as well. In Gary’s interview, he says he wanted to give Mads space, but it’s difficult because he’s an attention seeker. He feels like he’s in kindergarten again. The guests sit down, and dinner begins with more amazing oysters. Mads says she needs a sugar daddy; she can’t do this life anymore. Glenn asks Daisy to check on the guests, and she says she was literally there five minutes ago. Guest Robyn starts to open a bottle of something, and in Daisy’s interview, she says, oops, and sighs. Chase shows Ileisha his muscles, and Glenn sings deedly-deet while getting ready for bed.

Glenn gets a message that they can dock in France, and in his interview, he says, Bonifacio, Corsica is less than two hours away. He wants to seize the moment, and give the guests something special. It’s one of the coolest ports in France, and he thinks it’s going to be awesome. Daisy texts Bonnie that she can’t wait for her to meet Colin and Gary. Tim asks if they can move upstairs where there’s a breeze, and Daisy says, it will just take them two seconds, but the guests insist on helping by carrying their own plates. Glenn tells Daisy, it’s not cool. He wishes he’d known; he would have asked the boys to put up the awning. In his interview, Glenn says he doesn’t know what’s going on with Daisy, but now isn’t the time to drag their asses. Star players are always improving, and that’s his goal. Daisy says, stupid f***ing cockpit.

In the morning, it’s freshly baked blueberry and blackberry muffins. I would be huge in a minute on one of these cruises. I would do nothing but eat. Gary tells Lucy that he’s trying to give Mads space, and in Lucy’s interview, she wonders what he wants from her. He and Mads aren’t getting married. She’s not getting involved. Mads drops a glass, and Gary is right there to help clean up, saying, sh*t happens. Daisy kisses Colin, and he asks how her day is going. She says, sh*tty, but she’s trying not to let it get to her. Her sister is coming on their night out. Colin says he’s excited to meet her. Alisa says, what vacation could top this? and Tim says he’s excited about France. Glenn radios Colin and says he’s getting ready to sail, and Colin says, go for it. In Chase’s interview, she says he’s finally figuring Gary out. No matter what Gary says, he’ll smile and do the work. He wants to tell Gary off, but he’s not going to. The anchor is in the pocket, the pirate movie music plays, and they sail. Things slide and pop open, and one of the guests says, who needs a roller coaster? Glenn says, goodbye Sardinia; hello Corsica.

The guests rate the sail a ten out of ten, and Daisy tells the stews, as soon as they get there, do the table and turn downs. Keep their radios with them and on at all times. In Glenn’s interview, he says, the stakes are high. The space to dock is long and narrow, and there’s no room to turn a boat this size. He has to dock in reverse. If you can dock here, everywhere else is a breeze. The guests find the city breathtaking, and Tim asks the next boat if they have any Grey Poupon. Gary and Daisy take the guests for a walk in the city, and Gary does some shopping. In Ileisha’s interview, she says she’s doing sushi and seafood isn’t French, but since they’re in France, she’ll give them a French vibe. They’re going to love it; she’s amazing. Daisy asks Gary where her present is, but he says he couldn’t find anything suitable. She’s got a boyfriend now, and it’s made things awkward and complicated. Back at the boat, Glenn tells Gary to take a shower, but Gary jokes, it will add extra salt. Gary does shower, and as he lies down to be the sushi platter, Colin gets ready with his guitar, and Daisy tells him to take his shirt off too. They decorate Gary with the sushi, putting wasabi on his nipples. In Mads’ interview, she says, she had sex with Gary, but she still wouldn’t eat off him; it’s so unsanitary. I love sushi, but I wouldn’t eat off Gary either. Or anyone. Just the thought of it is grossing me out.

The guests toast to making memories, and applaud Gary being a good sport. When he’s done being a sushi plate, Gary shows Glenn his nipples, saying, they’re burning from the wasabi. Alisa says, Ileisha nails it every time, and Tim says, it’s Gary fresh. In Glenn’s interview, he says, maneuvering this port in the dark is even more challenging. There are reeds and underwater rocks. You have to be confident in your chart work and navigation. As they pull out, Alex says, the party’s over, and their fries aren’t even that good. Mads calls Gary stupid, and he tries to hug her. In her interview, she says, she’s not big on holding a grudge. She can easily forgive, but in the end, people show their true colors. She tells Gary that he’s so ridiculous. Anchor is dropped in Cannigione, and Colin tells Gary that Bonnie is coming tomorrow.

Last day of charter. They head for Igy Marina, and Daisy tells Glenn about her sister coming to town. She asks if it’s okay if Bonnie stays on the boat after their night out. Glenn says he’d love to meet her, and Daisy says, she’s a good time. No surprise, the guests don’t want to go.  Fancy Eggs Benedict comes out, and Tim says, it’s a sad day for all of them. When they head inside, Tim walks into the door. He’s bleeding, and Gary radios Daisy for ice, but she’s busy talking to Ileisha and doesn’t hear him. It’s time to dock, and in Gary’s interview, he says, if he’s not there because he’s tending to a guest, and something happens, it’s his fault. Where is Daisy? It’s absurd.

Glenn asks, what the hell is going on? and Gary says, Tim is bleeding. He radios Daisy again, but she still doesn’t hear. Another guest gives Tim tissues to hold against his wound. They dock, and in Glenn’s interview, he says, it’s been 15 minutes since they made the call to tend to Tim. Why the hell haven’t they taken care of him? It’s unacceptable. Glenn finds Daisy, and says, they called when they were docking. She gets ice, and in her interview, she says, if it’s a serious injury, she would presume somebody would come find her on this relatively small boat. She says she’s sorry; she didn’t hear the call. Alisa asks if Tim sees stars, and he says he did, but now he’s good. Daisy runs in with the ice, apologizing for missing the radio call. They were docking, and she zoned out. She asks if it hurts, and Tim says, his ego more. Yeah, been there, done that.

The guests say their goodbyes, and Alisa says, they had the most amazing time, and thanks Glenn for making France happen. It was a once in a lifetime trip, and they appreciated tuna Gary. She gives Glenn the tip envelope, and he tells them to have a safe trip home. The horn and the waving happen, and Glenn says he’s calling the tip meeting now. They gather in the main saloon, and Glenn says he knows they’re tired and burned out, but that’s not a good reason to drop the ball. Please keep their radios on, and make sure they’re working; it’s a safety issue. They need communication at all times. He can’t stress that enough. Daisy says, when they’re docking she can’t hear it; it doesn’t pass through. Glenn says, that’s an excuse, and in his interview, he says he doesn’t want to hear it. You f***ed up; own it. He says, Tim cut himself and was bleeding for 15 minutes. It’s unacceptable.

Next time, guests in heels with fans; a boat race; Bonnie arrives; and Mads says, if she’d been trying to go for better, she would have made out with Alex.

😵‍💫 Just Another Manic Monday…

Drop in tomorrow for soap and tea, since Jersey is blessedly over. Until then, stay safe, stay having private conversations in private, and stay remembering that being angry can become like a rock sitting on your shoulders.

March 6, 2022 – Eugene Finds Out Some Hard Truths, Occam’s Razor, Autopsy, Holes, Gracing Pages, At War, Memories, Dead Game, SAG Snaps & Fire

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

The Walking Dead

Eugene wakes up, and Stephanie is next to him, reading his manuscript. He asks, what in the name of little Billy goats is she doing? She says she’s almost finished, and he says, on the other hand he’s nowhere near finished. Several early scenes without context will be made clear in subsequent chapters. She says she loves it; she’s proud of him. He says he went to get some knives sharpened and was thinking of her, and she asks if she should be alarmed. He says, his thoughts were not homicidal; the cutter was also a key maker. He wants to see more of her, and knows her job is taking up time, so he wants to make it easier. He gives her the key to his apartment, and says he loves her. She says she loves him too, and they kiss. Eugene walks out, manuscript in hand, and she waves from the fire escape.

Eugene tells Princess that he and Stephanie are meeting for ice cream, and he’s uncertain what his follow-up move should be. What transpired was a positive outcome, but he can’t conceive what comes next. Princess asks if he said he loved her, and he says, affirmative, and she told him that she loved him too. Princess tells him, then relax. When a woman tells you she loves you, believe her.

Eugene sits at a table outside, holding two ice cream cones, and smiles. He’s still sitting there, alone, when darkness falls, the ice cream has melted, and he’s no longer smiling.

Eugene goes to Stephanie’s apartment building, and sees a light on inside. He rings the bell, but there’s no answer, and when a man comes out, he uses the opportunity to get inside the building. He knocks on her door, and asks if she’s there. He keeps knocking and calling to her, but inside the apartment, she’s quickly tossing clothes into a suitcase.  

In the newspaper office, Connie looks at what’s being printed, and signs to Kelly while Kelly interprets to Jan. Connie signs, it doesn’t look good. Tyler Davis has a story to tell, and wouldn’t risk being locked up. Jan says, he didn’t. There’s a statement from his doctor backing up that he had a PTSD episode. Connie signs that she doesn’t trust the military. Something happened to Tyler; something he blames Pamela Milton for, and was worth confronting her in public over. They clearly have a reputation for suppressing the truth. Jan says, that’s one interpretation. The other is that Tyler had a mental crisis, and it’s the only interpretation backed by the facts. Connie signs, and Kelly says, she should be… Kelly stops, and Connie looks at her, continuing to sign. Kelly says, Connie thinks she should be finding out what really happened, instead of paraphrasing the government’s press release, but Jan says, no. She wants Connie to paraphrase it so next time, she doesn’t have to.

Eugene confronts the guy who’s filling in for Stephanie at her job. Eugene says, no one has seen or talked to Stephanie. How could she have called in sick? The guy says, all he knows is, he was told to be there because she didn’t show up.

Kelly asks if Connie is sure; Tyler took a hostage. Connie signs that he was afraid for his life, and Kelly says she’s been afraid for her life too, but never took an innocent hostage. Connie wants to know what Milton did to cause this, because they’re keeping it a secret. The guard tells them, it’s a private room, and translating Connie’s signing, Kelly asks if Tyler has a lawyer, and what the charges are against him. Mercer opens the door from inside, looks at them, and closes it again.

Rosita and Green make a wellness check at Stephanie’s apartment. They come out, and Rosita tells Eugene, she’s not there. He thinks he should make a statement immediately, so he can recount the details while they’re fresh in his mind. Rosita says she’ll come to the station and help him fill out the paperwork. He looks up at Stephanie’s window, and remembers her waving to him.

Carol rides on a road through the woods in a wagon driven by Lance, while troopers stab any zombies that get in their way. Lance says, it might sound crazy, but he feels better out here than in the city. She says, it doesn’t sound crazy; a lot of her people feel that way. He says, she still sees it as her people and his people. He wants her see how the place works, and wants her to be part of it. He’s done fairly well, but didn’t start out at the top. The governor runs the city, but he knows how it runs. She asks if he started at the bottom, and he says he proved himself to the Milton family a long time ago. If you know the right people, the sky’s the limit. Lean climbing up in any organization, there are two types of people. Mercenaries, who are doing it for the money, or whatever psychological itch they have to scratch, and patrons, true believers, the ones who want to do good. In their hearts, they believe in the organization. She asks if he wants to make a true believer out of her, and he says he read her file. She’s there because she’s smart, and he needs her help dealing with this a-hole, but what she gets out of it is up to her.

They come to a clearing where a lot of people are milling around a camp, and Carol asks if they’re smugglers or drug dealers, and Lance says, smugglers, but it’s not what she thinks. This place isn’t part of the Commonwealth, but they need each other. The Commonwealth uses the poppies to make opium for the hospital. Things would be bleak if they ran out, so he makes sure that doesn’t happen. Sometimes it means dealing with guys like Moto. Lance approaches a guy, who says he told Lance this would happen. Lance says, Moto is supposed to be managing it, and Moto says, he told them to process the last batch, but they’re holding this harvest hostage. They’ll let it rot without a raise. Lance says, he’ll see what he can do.

Kelly and Connie go up to a soldier among the team in the woods, and Kelly says, they’re with the Tribune. He tells them where to go, and Connie signs, this is bullsh*t. Jan knows how she feels about militarizing the police. Kelly suggests if Connie doesn’t want to be on Jan’s bad side, do it just one time. They see Mercer getting in his truck, and he and Connie lock eyes for a moment.

Princess knocks on Eugene’s door, and says she hasn’t seen him in a few days. How’s he holding up? He says he’s functioning within the relative parameters, and she says she can see that, calling him an a-hole. Let her in; she brought lasagna. She comes inside, and sees a chart like detectives make, with threads going to different pictures and articles. He says the dish is empty, and she says, sorry. She didn’t make lasagna, but people always let you in if you’re carrying food. She asks, what’s up? and he says, since they gave up the search, he decided to investigate Stephanie’s disappearance himself. Truth be told, as the hours ticked by with nary a breadcrumb found, he let despair get the best of him, until a chance encounter put him on her trail. Eugene remembers drinking in a bar, and seeing the guy who came out of Stephanie’s building go past. He goes outside, and approaches the guy, saying, he needs to talk to him. He saw the guy coming out of 1634 Racine, an apartment in Residential 1, three days ago, at 7 in the pm. The guy says he doesn’t remember being there, and Eugene says, someone dear to him has gone missing from there, and he might have seen something. The guy asks, where? and Eugene says, Residential 1, three days ago, at approximately 7 in the pm. The guy says he remembers now. He’s a plumber, and was called in to fix a clogged sink. Eugene points to a missing poster with a drawing of Stephanie, and asks if he remembers seeing her, or anything suspicious in or around the premises. The guy says, no. Are they done? Eugene says he sincerely apologizes for troubling him, and wishes they could talk another time, but the guy is already walking away. Eugene tells Princess, needless to say, he greeted the story with skepticism. When he came out of the building, the guy was wearing no uniform and had no tools, and there were no service trucks around. The one person who was there had a flimsy alibi. So Eugene started following him. Princess asks what he found out, and he says, the guy’s name is Roman Calhoun, and he is definitely not a plumber.

Eugene tells Princess, they mostly conduct business at night; the base of the operations in the warehouse district. It’s a plumbing business that on the surface seems legitimate, but the lights are on at odd hours when they’re closed. People go in and out all the time, but it’s the same four people. They arrive alone, and depart shortly afterward. On only one occasion did they all come together, and met with a fifth, who he thinks is the head honcho, the mastermind; maybe someone from a rogue element of the government that Stephanie ran afoul of. Princess asks if Eugene thinks Stephanie was kidnapped by the government, and he points to a drawing of a man who he calls, co-conspirator #2, aka Beany Hat Man. He belongs to the group of movers that took Stephanie’s belongings to an unknown location. The same day, he found a file at the station in Stephanie’s transcript saying she’d resigned, but the man who was filling in for her said she gave no notice. Such orders can’t falsified or fabricated without powerful influence. Stephanie knew they were coming for her, and eluded them. They took her belongings, anything that could be evidence, and silencing her is the last step. If he’s right, his only hope is to expose them before they find her.

Lance fishes with Moto, and says Moto’s hobby is also an apocalyptic skill. He can’t give them a raise, but he can meet them halfway with incentives. They more they produce, the more they make. Carol watches a woman watching them.

Two troopers are chased by zombies in the woods. They get to their car, but one is grabbed before he can get. He fends off the zombie, and stabs it in the neck, but another takes its place and gets him down. The zombie’s head suddenly splits open to reveal Mercer, who calmly walks away. Mercer asks if Connie saw what she needed to see, and she signs, more than enough. He says, then this is the part where she asks the questions they sent her, and she signs, it’s been a month since Tyler has been in the hospital under armed guard. What is he charged with? Mercer says, that’s not one of the questions, and she asks if it has anything to do with the woman Tyler took hostage being Mercer’s sister. He says he was wondering when she’d figure that out. For the record, the answer is, his sister doesn’t have a goddam thing to do with it. Connie signs, Tyler was loyal, and had been recommended for early promotion by Mercer. The military is being manipulated by the politicians. If she was him, she’d be interested in who she was risking her life for. He says, if he was her, he’d wonder why he was out there digging for answers that they both know will never see the light of day. He leaves, and Kelly signs, a-hole.

Eugene and Princess sit within watching distance of Roman’s apartment building. She tells him, it’s really cool how he’s doing so much for Stephanie, but he says, strike that; reverse that. He’s repaying what he owes. He made promise himself in the early days, when they thought this would blow over quickly. If he lived through this, he’d pursue his dream of being a science fiction author. He jokingly related that story to Stephanie over the radio, and she told him that he can’t wait until after he’s lived through it. Ready or not, right now is all they’ve got. It gave him the courage to do what he’s always wanted to do. When someone does that for you, words like love seem insufficient.

They see Roman leave to go jogging, and Eugene runs to the back of the building. Princess says, Eugene might want to break in, but she doesn’t want to get into trouble. She’s got a little job, and a little flat, and she might get a little cat. Eugene says, Roman will be gone for 90 minutes, and begs her, please. She relents, and he gives her a boost up.

Lance tells Moto that he’s sorry they can’t stay for the fish fry, and Moto says, next time. On the side, Lance asks what Carol thinks, and she says, Moto is robbing them. She talked to one of their lieutenants, and he’s pocketing the money from their raises, and beating them to keep quiet. He went too far, and that’s why they’re on strike. Lance says, they’ll get their money back and their raise; he promises. She says, what about Moto? and Lance says he’s not going fishing with Moto anymore, that’s for sure. He tells a couple of the troopers, take him into custody. They grab Moto, who says, what the hell? and calls Lance a mother pussbucket as they take him away. There are imperceptible nods between Carol and the watching woman.

Eugene looks around Roman’s apartment, and finds a set of keys. It starts to thunder, then rain, and Princess asks what this guy does when it rains on his 10 mile run? Eugene says, because of the lack of precipitation, he has not gathered that data, and she says, he has it now. He’s here. They have to get out. He tells her, count his range, but she says she’s not good at that, and he says, just tell him how much time he has. He fiddles with the keys, trying to open a large case, and she says she is telling him; he has no time. He opens the case, and they see a bunch of weapons. Roman goes into another apartment, and they sneak out. A woman says, she saw them on a ladder outside. That’s them.  

At the hospital, Mercer finds Tyler’s room empty, and asks a nurse where the patient in M-33 is, and soldiers with him. She says, no one is in M-33, and he says he realizes that. What happened to the man who was in there? He can’t be moved without Mercer’s authorization. The nurse says, apparently he can, and Mercer punches a hole in the wall.

Eugene tells Princes that he’s sorry he manipulated her into accompanying him on his lamebrained mission. He told them she was an unwitting participant. Lance comes in, and says, he just got back to town. What the hell, you two?  

Lance looks through some papers, and tells Eugene that Roman Calhoun is who he says he is, a plumber for Ruby’s. They’re lazy with the paperwork, but have a contract. According to the invoice, he was sent to fix a sink in the building where Eugene saw him. Princess asks, what about the kidnap kit? Those weapons are illegal. Lance says, for them. Roman is a citizen, and a lot of people have go bags. He told Eugene’s story about Stephanie to Calhoun, and explained the mental anguish Eugene was going through, and Calhoun agreed not to press charges, but Eugene has to leave him alone. He also has to sign a statement saying he was emotionally distraught and in a paranoid state following the disappearance of his girlfriend. He’s sorry it didn’t lead where Eugene thought it would. Eugene was wrong, and needs to accept it. If he doesn’t, Lance can’t help. Eugene signs.

Back at his apartment, Eugene tells Princess that he should have known the conspiracy goes deeper than he initially thought, but she says, none of this is happening, Stephanie broke up with him. He says, that’s absurd, and she says, she’d been thinking, what if he right was right, but the guy was a plumber. There was paperwork for Stephanie’s work transfer order, and the moving guys literally came and took her furniture. Maybe it’s not that complicated. He says, her first bit of advice to him was, when a woman says, I love you, believe her, and Princess says, when a woman quits job and moves away without telling maybe he should believe that too. He sits heavily, and she says, the day her dad had enough, he just split. She thought it was because she’d smoked his cigarettes. She never saw him again, so who knows? Maybe that was it. You can think you know someone, then find out you never even met them. It sucks, but it happens all the time. He says he appreciates how she reached that conclusion, but he’s privy to one piece of data she is not; he knows how it felt. She says, okay; it was just a theory. She pats his shoulder and leaves. He looks at the board, gets up, and takes a rendering of the plumbing building down.

In Connie’s room, Kelly says, Connie did her job, and that’s a good thing. They’re not going be here forever. Every day doesn’t have to be a fight. That’s what moving here temporarily is about. Connie signs, maybe, and her doorbell light blinks. She goes to the door, and no one is there, but she finds a note. She signs to Kelly that it’s a list of names. Look at the last one. Tyler Davis.

Eugene sneaks into the plumbing building and watches a woman go upstairs. He goes to the stairs, and hears a door open and close. He takes out a spray bottle. A man says, hey, and grabs Eugene, but Eugene throws him off and sprays his eyes. A woman flies out, and kicks Eugene in the stomach. She says she told the guy that she heard something. We see it’s Stephanie, and  Lance comes downstairs. He says, he’ll handle it, and the others leave. Eugene says, you played me. Lance corroborated Calhoun’s bogus alibi, and Eugene was certain he was involved in covering up Stephanie’s disappearance. Now he realizes the depth of his self-delusion. Occam’s Razor should have led him to this conclusion, before a kick to the belly did. There was never any Stephanie, was there? Who is she? An undercover agent? A con artist who owes Lance a favor? She was very convincing. Lance used her to pull at his heartstrings, and trick him into telling Lance everything he wanted to know about the communities. It worked. She led him to the trainyard where they were captured by Lance. Lance thought he was easy mark, and split Eugene and his friends up, thinking he’d break, but he didn’t break. Then Stephanie led him to the radio room, where they were captured again. Lance got money’s worth; Eugene fell for that one twice. She told him that he could trust Lance, and he did. She read his book, so she could get helpful autobiographical information to serve Lance’s needs. When Lance got everything he wanted, there was no need to continue the ruse, but Lance didn’t see this twist. He’s going make absolutely certain everybody knows who and what Lance is. Lance says, okay. Who or what is that exactly? The villain, the boogeyman, or the best goddam thing that ever happened to him? Eugene is right. He did lie. Just like Eugene and his friends lied to get inside these walls, but who’s keeping score? Lance did what he had to, to get Eugene here, and Eugene should thank him for it. It’s not his fault they’re too stupid not to know a good thing when it lands in their laps. Eugene says he fell in love and everything was fiction, and Lance says, they tried to rip the band aid off when they saw it was getting serious, and Lance did what he could to get Eugene to stop looking. At least he can stop now. It wasn’t going to get better for his people; they were about to starve. Now Eugene is here, his community is getting fixed, and they’ve got everything from concerts to cancer surgery. All they’ve been asked in return is to be productive members of society as long as they choose to stay. The statement Eugene signed says he was suffering from paranoia as a result of nervous strain. Look at him. This has obviously taken a toll. Lance is sorry Eugene’s heart got broken, and he’s sure Eugene’s friends will be sad to hear about it too, but in the balance of things, Lance still thinks it worked out in everyone’s favor. Eugene’s friends probably would to. He puts his hand on Eugene’s shoulder for a moment, and starts to go up the stairs. He stops and turns, and says, by the way, Stephanie’s real name is Shira. She hates Iron Maiden, but genuinely enjoyed his book. He should stick with it. Lance continues on up.

In an alleyway, Eugene burns all his evidence, and throws his manuscript in the fire. Outside the gate, a woman asks if he’s all right. She needs to talk to him. This is Blue Weevil to Tater Bug; please come back. He turns around, and asks, who are you? She walks through the gate, and he sees it’s Max. She says, it’s me. I’m the one you were talking to on the radio.

Next time, Pamela says, nothing good is going to come from stretching their resources; Lance tells someone, if Maggie says no, cut them off; Maggie doesn’t trust the Commonwealth; Mercer tells Daryl, remember, they’re always watching; and Maggie and Pamela meet.

🪒 What He Said…

This is actually the third time I’ve heard this expression this week. Occam’s Razor: the simplest explanation is likely the correct one.

I wonder how many hits this webpage got tonight?

https://conceptually.org/concepts/occams-razor

⚰️ Going Rogue…

The AV Club does some dissection.

https://www.avclub.com/the-walking-dead-season-11-episode-11-rogue-element-1848613733

🧀 Dead Swiss Cheese…

Nerds Fans pick apart TWD’s plot.

https://www.express.co.uk/showbiz/tv-radio/1576584/The-Walking-Dead-season-11-Rick-Grimes-plot-hole

👠 Side Hustle…

When Alycia’s not being Alicia.

🔥 Strand Off…

What’s to come on FWD.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/fear-the-walking-dead-season-7b-return-photos-alicia-morgan-strand-tower/

🤔 Theorizing…

I prefer the hybrid zombies myself.

https://screenrant.com/fear-walking-dead-alicia-zombie-memory-theory-twd/

🎮 Can’t Get Enough…

Just what we need, a Facebook game.

https://www.radiotimes.com/technology/gaming/walking-dead-last-mile-release-date/

📸 Totally Off-Topic…

More photos from the SAG Awards.

https://people.com/movies/sag-awards-2022-best-photos-of-the-night/

🍹 Come Monday, It’ll Be All Right…

Join me tomorrow for soap and Sailing. Until then, stay safe, stay moving it or losing it, and stay remembering, you can think you know someone, then find out you never even met them. It sucks, but it happens all the time.

March 4, 2021 – Anna Tells Maxie and Finn the Truth, Summer House Is Still Awful, an Engagement, Covered In Clay, Jen Tells All, Wanda’s Grief, New Horror Story & Key’s Day

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Chase asks Jackie if Violet is okay, and Jackie says, she fell asleep watching a movie. He thanks her for getting Violet out of there, and she says she could tell things were about to go south. What ended up happening? He says, apparently, Anna knew Peter wasn’t her son, and didn’t tell Finn. He’s sure it was hard for her, so he’s trying not to judge, but how can you plan on marrying somebody, and keep something so major from them?

Finn is looking out the window, when there’s a knock at the door. It’s Anna, who asks if she can come in. He steps aside, and she says she’s sure he has a lot of questions. He says, just one. What else is she lying about?

Maxie tells Peter, she’s getting nervous. Why hasn’t he answered her? He says because he can’t believe she still wants to marry him, and she says, of course (🍷) she does. Her love for him hasn’t changed just because his mother has. He asks if she’s sure; he doesn’t want her pity. She says, the one she pities is Obrecht. She was so determined to wreck their lives, she made enemies out of everyone. What Peter does have is her love, her respect, and her heart. She hopes she still has his. He says she does, and he will marry her. Obrecht tells Valentin, Peter isn’t who Maxie thinks he is. The pretense of morality and kindness is all a lie. He’s a manipulator who can’t be trusted. He mustn’t be allowed to go home to her grandson. She owes it to Nathan to keep James safe. She walks over to Dante, and takes out her pen. Britt asks what she’s doing, and Obrecht says, what must be done; Maxie and James must be protected. Valentin practically shouts, sorry, Maxie. He can’t allow this wedding to continue. Not until she knows who Peter truly is. Maxie makes an exasperated noise, and asks Peter what Valentin is talking about. Peter says he doesn’t know, and asks Valentin, what the hell is he talking about? Valentin says, this has gone on long enough. It’s time the truth was brought to light.

At the MetroCourt bar, Carly asks Jax if everything is all right. He says, yes… Nina’s not returning his calls. He thought he’d run into her downstairs, but she skipped out on Maxie’s wedding. Carly says, that’s one sacred ceremony she can’t desecrate, and he makes a face. She says she thinks she might know where Nina is, or rather who she’s with. He asks, who? and she says, Wiley.

Michael opens the door to Nina, and asks her to come in. She thanks him for inviting her over, and he says he’s glad she could make it on such short notice. She says, is he kidding? She would have jumped off an airplane mid-flight to be there. She’s grateful, and thanks him for giving her a chance to get to know her grandson and be in his life. It means the world to her.

On the phone, Franco leaves a message for Obrecht, saying, he checked himself into the MetroCourt, just for the night, until he can check himself into Shadybrook tomorrow. If she feels like breaking into a hotel, give him a call back. There’s a knock at the door, and Franco opens it to Elizabeth and Cameron. He asks what they’re doing there, and Elizabeth says he didn’t bring much stuff with him, so they brought a few things to make it feel like home. Franco says he would have managed, but Cameron says, it was his idea. He got upset, and stormed off. He didn’t have a chance to say goodbye.

Valentin says Maxie needs to listen to him, and Peter says she doesn’t. She says, everyone needs to just stop. It doesn’t matter to her who Peter’s mother is. It doesn’t change her love for him. Valentin says it doesn’t change the way he feels either. He’s not condemning Peter because Alex is his mother. Peter condemned Peter through the actions he’s taken, and the choices he’s made. Peter is a liar. His redemption is a lie. You can’t have redemption if you lack the capacity to acknowledge who you really are. Peter clearly doesn’t have the courage to do that, so he’ll do it for him. Everyone waits…

Jax says, it was generous of Michael to allow Nina to have a relationship with Wiley, and Carly asks if he’s surprised. He says, of course (🍷) not. He’s sure Nina appreciates it. Carly says, she’s sure too, and he asks if she thinks Michael is wrong. She says she thinks Wiley should get to know his grandmother, but she’s still furious at Nina. Her behavior was out of line at Sonny’s grave, and she’d tell Nina to her face, but that’s between her and Nina, not Wiley. But she’s worried about Nina spending too much time with Wiley right now, not once things have settled down, and Nina has faced her new reality. It’s been one shock piled on another. Even before Nina found out Nelle was her daughter, she made excuses for Nelle, painting her as not as guilty as she was. Jax says, trying to redeem Nelle’s memory, and she says, if Nina allows that to bleed onto Wiley, what is that going to do to that little boy?

Willow sees Nina, and says, that was fast. Nina tells her, the name Wiley put some pep in her step. Can she see him? Willow says he’s playing with blocks, and brings Nina into the living room. She says, look who’s here to visit him, and Michael asks if he remembers Nina, his grandmother. Wiley nods, and I’m telling you, that kid is going places.

Franco tells Cameron, enough with the goodbye stuff, and Elizabeth says, it’s a temporary arrangement until the issue with the tumor is resolved. Cameron says, and if they aren’t? and Franco says, those are the only two options, but Terry says while the tumor isn’t shrinking, it’s not growing either. That’s good news. Elizabeth says, very good. It gives them time to figure things out. Franco takes a phone out of the suitcase, and says, what’s this?

Jackie tells Chase, she knows he’s protective of his brother, and he should be, but try not to be too hard on him. Relationships are more complicated than anyone outside of them knows. Chase says he’s figuring that out. He’s sorry for not realizing how strained things were between her and Gregory. He had such an amazing childhood, and so many fun memories. That’s all he knew. She says, it’s all he should know. As a kid, of course, you want your parents to be perfect, and want your world to be secure, and that’s what your parents want for you too. But the truth is, we’re all making it up as we go along, and none of us is perfect. We’re doing the best we can, and sometimes it’s enough, but sometimes it’s not.  

Finn says, Anna knew since she got the lab results that Peter wasn’t her son? and she says, yeah. He says, and the plan was to never tell him? She says, there was no plan. When we found out the truth, we realized everything had to be contained. Finn says, we? and she says, her and Valentin. He says, so she trusted that little weasel more than she trusted him.

Peter says he doesn’t know why Valentin is doing this, but Valentin says, yeah, he does. Maxie asks if someone can get Valentin out of there, and Mac starts to move, but Robert stops him, and says he thinks Maxie should listen to Valentin. Peter says he thought Valentin cared about him all these years, and Valentin says he does. Peter is the man he is today because of the actions Valentin took. Don’t think that’s ever been lost on him. That’s why he promised to protect Peter from Jason, but he’s not going to allow Peter to hurt anyone else, definitely not Maxie.

Franco looks at the phone, and asks what phone it is; it’s three models ago. Cameron says Franco might want what’s on it. Franco said he was suffering some side effects of what Shiloh did. When he thought he was Drew, and they were about to do the procedure to bring him back, he asked for a phone to record something on. Elizabeth says, Drew left a video, the one Franco has put off watching for over a year. Cameron says he thought it might help Franco understand the voices he’s hearing, and Franco says, cool, thanks. Cameron says, he’s not going to listen? and Franco says he’d do anything to get Drew out of his head, and looks in the suitcase, wondering what else is in there.

Carly tells Jax, she’s worried Nina is going to tell Wiley her version of who Nelle was, and they know that version is a lie. He says, yes, but it’s not like they can have an open conversation about Nelle. She says, no kid that age should know their mother was insane and a killer, but he shouldn’t believe in a fantasy that’s only going to be shattered. What if when he gets old enough, he does research, and finds out on his own who Nelle was? Jax says, he’ll be devastated, and she says, that’s why she thinks, while he’s still young, they shouldn’t tell him much at all. When he asks, they’ll say Nelle was troubled and had problems; keep it vague. When he’s mature enough to understand, they can tell him that Nelle had a terrible and abusive childhood, and grew up to do terrible, abusive things. Jax says, and Carly doesn’t think Nina is in a place to understand and abide by that? and she says she knows Nina isn’t. But it’s Willow and Michael’s decision, and she has to honor that. She’s scared that their best intentions will turn out awful for Wiley.

Anna tells Finn, she knows how it looks. When everything happened with Jordan and Curtis, she was afraid they were headed down the same road. He says, it’s not the same. He knew what he was getting into when he fell in love with her. He knew certain parts of her life existed in the shadows, but he didn’t think she’d keep secrets from him, and confide in someone else. She says she’s sorry, but he says he doesn’t want an apology; he wants an explanation.

Maxie tells Valentin, this isn’t news to her. She’s aware Peter was coerced by Helena and Faison into kidnapping Drew. Valentin says, but Peter wasn’t an unwitting pawn. He was trying to double-cross his father with Helena’s help. Peter asks why Valentin is lying, and Valentin says, Helena wanted it done, and Peter orchestrated the whole thing, but it was a long time ago. The point is, Peter knew what he did was wrong, and in working to cover it up, he did something much worse in the process. Maxie says, like what? and Peter says, she knows Valentin is a liar. She says she needs to know what Valentin is accusing Peter of. What is this horrible act that was so much worse than anything else? Valentin says, Peter brought down Drew’s plane, and she asks if he’s saying Peter is responsible for murdering Drew. Valentin says, yes.

Sam heads toward Peter, but Robert holds her back. She says, you son of a bitch. She knew it. He killed Scout’s father. Maxie says, it can’t be true, and Obrecht says it’s why she was released. Peter framed her for his crimes. Robert says he suspected as much, and Maxie says, because Robert hates Peter. Peter says, this is absurd, and suggests he and Maxie get out of there, but Mac says he’s not taking Maxie anywhere. Valentin says, first, Drew’s plane went down, and looks at Sam and asks, then what happened? Sam says she was kidnapped by Shiloh, and Valentin says, Shiloh knew Peter was responsible for Drew’s kidnapping. That’s why Peter arranged Shiloh’s escape, and was on the pier with a bag of money. He wasn’t buying an apartment; he was paying Shiloh off. Covering up one crime by committing a worse one in the process.

Franco asks Cameron if he’s going to be buying sunscreen and visors to visit him in California, and Cameron says, no one wears visors. Franco says he loves a visor. Lots of people like them. Cameron isn’t answering his question. Cameron tells Franco, remember when he said he wanted less Drew inside his head? and Franco says, oh, he gets it. Cameron doesn’t want to be pestered about college. Cameron says he catches on fast; good for him. Franco says he’s super smart; everyone says so. Elizabeth’s phone dings, and she says, it’s the hospital. She has to go in. Cameron says he’ll hang out for a few minutes, and meet her back at home, but Franco says, it’s not safe for Cameron to stay there.

Jax says he knows Carly is in a different headspace where Nina is concerned, but he feels terrible. They made a huge mistake in not telling Nina that Nelle was her daughter, and a bigger mistake forgetting Wiley was her grandson. She says, not on purpose, and he says, that doesn’t make right. They don’t get to decide if Nina gets to have a relationship with Wiley. She says she agrees 100%, and he says, it’s actually a blessing… Hear him out. Nina gets to have  a relationship with her grandson without Nelle around. Even though she might not realize it, it’s the best thing for Wiley. Carly says, amen to that, and he says he knows he doesn’t get a say, but Carly is right. He doesn’t think Nina is capable of seeing Nelle for who she was. Nina sees her as a victim. Carly says, that’s the picture Nina will paint, Nelle the way she wanted her to be, and Jax says, that’s okay now, but it would be sad if it was a pattern that got laid down. Without realizing it, Nina could inflict pain and grief on her grandson. I guess these two still haven’t learned not to make decisions for other people.    

Wiley smashes whatever he was building with his monster truck, and Michael tells Nina, Wiley is in a phase where all the building part is just a means is total destruction. Nina says Nathan was like that. He’d have her spend hours constructing a huge tower, just to have him take it out like Godzilla. Michael looks at his phone, and says, stuff is going down at Aurora. He’ll be back. Willow asks Wiley if mommy can help him build.   

Jackie tells Chase that she and Gregory were happy for a long time. She doesn’t want him thinking he grew up in a lie. For three decades she had the most wonderful family, including an amazing son. He says, go on, and she says she could, for hours. He still brings her that joy. She wouldn’t give up the years with him or his father for anything. There were times when she and his dad were on their own tracks; when tracking a story was too tempting not to go after. Maybe she shouldn’t have. Looking back, there are a thousand things she wishes she’d done differently, but it’s just… Chase says, life, and she says, yeah. Life.

Anan tells Finn that Valentin came to her, and told her that Peter was way more culpable in Jason and Drew’s kidnapping than he’d admitted, and he’d gone to great lengths to cover it up. Meaning, that he’d had Drew’s plane sabotaged, and arranged for the assassin to kill Andre and Franco. Finn asks when she found this out, and she says, a couple of days ago. She realized she could no longer be in denial about Peter’s guilt, and pretend his redemption was anything other than a show. They decided Peter couldn’t marry Maxie… Finn says, so they had Peter abducted on his wedding day. She says, yeah, but she did this with Valentin not because she trusts him more than Finn, but because he understands the complexities of her relationship with Peter. Finn says, and he doesn’t? and she says, Valentin had the same relationship with him. She didn’t want Finn anywhere near this. He’s such a good man, she just didn’t want him to be part of the whole tragic, sordid mess. He thanks her for making the decision for him, and she says she knows he’s angry. She doesn’t blame him, but she can assure him that she didn’t know any of this. She didn’t want to accept how bad Peter really was. She starts to cry, and says, it’s not an excuse. It’s the truth. He says, because of her, he allowed his daughter to be around a murderer, and she says she would never let Violet be in any danger. He says, because of her, the wedding Violet thought she was going to be a part of, was never actually going to happen, because she was too busy playing spy games with Valentin. She says, it happened so fast, there was no time to tell him. He asks if he was really that much of an afterthought.

Willow asks if Wiley thinks he can build the tallest skyscraper ever. Show mommy. Nina says, maybe he’ll grow up to be an architect, and Willow says, may be. It’s kind of wild for her and Nina to be part of the same family, playing games together. Nina says, they’ve come a long way, and Willow says, they’re both in a better place. She certainly is. Nothing can make up for losing a child, but it meant so much for Michael to say he wanted her to stay in Wiley’s life. Nina says, not just stay, but legally adopt. After all that heartache, she’s still Wiley’s mom. The doorbell rings, and Willow opens the door to Carly, who trots in. She says she was texting with Michael, and he said Nina was coming by. How’s it going? Willow says, great. She thinks it will be good for both Nina and Wiley. In the living room, Nina tells Wiley that she’s his grandma, like Grandma Carly, but she’s not his mommy’s mommy. That’s not how they’re related. Wiley laughs, probably because he has no clue what anyone is saying, but it’s fun to build and smash stuff.

Cameron tries to argue, but Elizabeth says she can’t get into it now; she has to get to work. Cameron says, go. He’ll be fine for a few minutes. Franco says his mom is right. He woke from a nightmare, and attacked Cameron. Cameron says, that’s such an exaggeration, and Franco says his head’s not right. Cameron says he can’t believe this. Fine. Is Elizabeth coming with him, or is it okay for her to be there alone with Franco? Elizabeth says she’ll be there in a minute; she’ll meet him in the lobby. Franco tells Cameron, wait, and thanks him for bringing the stuff. He’ll see Cameron in a little bit. Cameron leaves, and Franco tells Elizabeth that she shouldn’t be there. If he’s a potential threat to Cameron, he’s a potential threat to her.  

Robert says he knows it’s painful, but it makes sense, and Maxie says, except for one thing. Anna knew all this? Valentin says, she did, and Maxie says, Anna would never do that to her. Anna loves her, and she knows Anna would never let that happen. If what Valentin is saying is true, Anna would have told her.

Anna tells Finn that she was wrong; she knows that. She just couldn’t see her way out, which makes her no different than Peter. She was selling him on a lie that she was sharing her life with him, and she wasn’t. She thought she was protecting him, but she was really just protecting herself, trying to avoid this moment. He phone rings, and Finn says, don’t answer. She says, it’s Robert. It’s going to be about Peter and Maxie. She asks Robert, what is it? and he tells her, get down here right now. All the information she and Valentin have been hiding is going to hit the fan. He doesn’t know how Peter is going to react if he’s pushed in a corner. She says she understands, and Finn asks if she needs to go. Anna says she wants to work this out, and he says, she has other properties. She says she’s so sorry; she really is. Finn says, so is he, and she leaves.

Jackie tells Chase, everything will be okay. He’s seen her and Gregory. It’s not like they can’t be in the same room; just the opposite. He says, it’s weirdly cordial, and she says they have too much mutual respect for it not to be. He says, it’s getting late. Does she think he should take Violet? She says, probably. She’d love for Violet to stay there, but she’s still practically a stranger. Violet will be more comfortable with him. He says he’ll get her, and she says she loves him. He says he loves her too.

Maxie tells Peter, she’s right, isn’t she? Everything Valentin is saying is a lie. Peter says, of course (🍷) it is. Valentin is the man who lied to Nina for years, and literally trades in secrets. He doesn’t know what game Valentin is playing – Valentin says, no game – but all that matters is he loves her. She has no reason to believe Valentin. Anna appears, and says Maxie has every reason to believe her though.

Willow brings Carly into the living room, and says, how lucky is Wiley? Two grandmothers in one night. Carly asks Wiley for a hug, and says, it’s so good to see him. Is he having fun with Nina? He says, yeah, and Willow suggests Wiley get in his PJs. Then he can come down and play afterward. She takes Wiley upstairs, and Nina asks if Carly is checking up on her. Carly says, no… Actually… Well… she wants to acknowledge that she may have been too blunt. Nina says, that doesn’t sound like an apology, and Carly says, it wasn’t. They both have good reason not to trust each other, but she assumes they both want what’s best for Wiley. Nina says, yes, and Carly suggests they just leave at that.

Franco says it’s not just that he’s being honest with Elizabeth, but he’s being honest with himself. There’s a realistic possibility that these violent outbursts – she says, just oneare going to get worse. She says he sounds like Jason, and he says, Jason’s not wrong. She says, yes he is when it comes to Franco. Jason doesn’t know him like she does; he doesn’t know them. She tells him that she’s scared, and he asks her to come over to him. She sits next to him on the bed, and he holds her. She says she wants to make things perfectly clear; she’ll never give up on him. It doesn’t matter how dark things get, or how dismal things are, she’ll always be his champion. Not just because of what he does for her, but because she loves him. Nothing will ever change that. Nothing. He says, okay. Good enough. He hands Elizabeth her phone, and she says she’ll call him later. She leaves, and he looks at the phone Cameron brought. 

Anna tells Maxie, everything Valentin said is true. Obrecht says, let her guess. Anna has known Peter was guilty the whole time, and allowed her to rot… Anna says, get this woman out of her face or she’ll lose her mind, and Obrecht says Anna’s mind isn’t the only thing she’s about to lose. Valentin drags Obrecht out, still talking, and Anna tells Maxie that she’s sorry. Maxie says, no, because if it was true Peter did those horrible things and Anna knew, Anna would have told her. Anna says she didn’t know until recently. She had her doubts, but she thought she was being paranoid. She thought Peter had changed, but he hadn’t. Maxie asks, when did she have doubts? For how long? Anna says, really too long. She’s sorry. Everyone looks like they’re either pissed off or going to cry. Or both.

Nina picks up her coat, and Michael asks if she’s heading out. Nina says, it’s getting crowd… late. She thanks him for inviting her. Willow comes back with Wiley, and Nina says, perfect timing. She picks Wiley up, and says it was wonderful spending time with him. Willow says, just ten more minutes, and then straight up to bed, and Nina thanks them for thinking of her. Carly asks if Willow is okay, and Willow tells her, Wiley just said she’s not his real mommy. Carly looks at Nina. Okay, my suspension of disbelief is lacking here. Wiley is cute and smart, but there’s no way he got that from what Nina said. I don’t even think he could form that kind of sentence yet.

There’s a knock at Jackie’s door, and she asks if Violet forget something, but it’s Finn.

Franco sits on the floor, and leans against the bed. He looks at the phone, and presses play. He appears on the screen, and says, hi, Franco; it’s Andy. He needs to tell Franco a few things.  

At the MetroCourt bar, Valentin thanks Obrecht for interrupting the wedding. If she hadn’t, he would have had to. She says she’s shocked that he abandoned Peter at the end, but he says he didn’t have a choice.  Anna was willing to go through with it, but if Maxie had married Peter, she would have never been able to live with herself. She says, his devotion to the scarecrow is annoying at best, but this time, it worked to her advantage. And Maxie’s. At least now, she’ll finally be free of Peter. He says, let’s hope so.   

Anna tells Maxie, she knew last year Peter was closely associated with the company who sent the assassin, the man who made the attempt on Andre and Franco’s lives. Peter says he stopped the attack, and she says, amazing that he happened to be there at just that moment. He says, it was luck, and she tells him, just stop. He knew the assassin was there, because he hired the assassin to be there. She tells Maxie that she chose to cover up the connection because she didn’t believe it, for the same reason Maxie doesn’t believe it. She can’t bear the fact that Peter is guilty, but he is. He confessed everything to Valentin. Valentin told her, and she confronted Peter. Peter says they’re both lying. They’re in this together. Anna says, no. She confronted Peter, and gave him every opportunity to tell the truth, but he didn’t; he lied. It made her realize that he will always lie. She doesn’t think it’s his fault, but the man Maxie loves just never existed. Peter says, enough of this. He tells Maxie, let’s get out of here; he’ll explain everything. Mac says, the hell he will, calls Peter a son of a bitch, and punches him in the face.

Maxie sits down, breathing heavily, and Britt and Sam rush over to her. Maxie says, the baby, and Britt says, just breathe. Maxie glares at Peter.  

Tomorrow, Carly asks Nina if she thinks it’s a good idea, Jackie asks Finn if he can get past it, Peter asks if he’s being arrested, and Dante asks Sam if she’s going to tell Jason what happened.

🏖 Since I had the time, I actually paid attention to Summer House. Carl found out his brother had died from an overdose. I have to admit, although I don’t like these people (with the exception of Hannah, who I think is just young), Carl is the most mature of the bunch, and actually seems to be working on himself as a person. Of course, no good deed goes unpunished, so all this has gotten him so far is being the designated watcher, since no one is driving anywhere. These are the last people I’d want to go through a tragedy with. Or a victory. Or anything for that matter. Amanda and Hannah compared notes on who attacked who first, and it was all, no, you. Hannah was the clear winner, since Amanda had thrown a glass at her. Sticks and stones may break your bones, but a wine glass could take an eye out. The guys scattered, while the girls all listened in. This was really nice too, considering Carl was trying to keep it together. Kyle tried to turn everyone against Hannah, saying she was out of control, but again, insulting someone vs throwing an object at them that’s not a pillow? The majority couldn’t give a flying, as long as they weren’t in the line of fire. No surprise, Carl couldn’t get out of there fast enough.

As I’m typing this, I realize nothing really ever happens on this show. And this season, they’re even working from home, but still nothing. Ciara still seems pretty sane, but give her time. She tried to explain to Luke that, relationship or not, he should have treated Hannah with more respect. Ergo, she wasn’t interested in more than friendship with him. For Lindsay’s birthday, Stephen got food from the restaurant where he’d asked her to be his girlfriend. He set up a fish and chips dinner outside, and I thought that was pretty romantic, but she told him that she had higher expectations than just going through the motions. I guess she wanted to be wined and dined in the middle of quarantine? They argued, and Stephen split in an Uber. I don’t know if I was missing something, but it seemed like Lindsay just wanted to start sh*t, and then was shocked when Stephen left. Hannah thought she should order some sage for the house, and Kyle said it was the worst day of all time.

Next time, Lindsay says there’s no coming back from it; Hannah says Kyle thinks he’s boss of the house, but he isn’t; and Kyle gets whacked in the balls with a croquet ball.

💍 Officially Moved On…

It no longer matters what zone she’s in with Luke.

https://extratv.com/2021/03/03/summer-house-star-hannah-berner-engaged-to-des-bishop/

⚱️ Countess Of Clay…

Why? Who knows?

https://pagesix.com/2021/02/22/luann-de-lesseps-strips-down-on-vacation-covers-herself-in-clay/

👠 Shah-mazing…

Jen talks about changes, feelings, and a new season to come.

https://www.distractify.com/p/jen-shah-rhoslc-season-2

🦸🏼‍♂️ Profound Marvel…

As WandaVision comes to a close, Vision becomes more poetic.

https://comicbook.com/marvel/news/wandavision-grief-love-persevering-line-director-matt-shakman/

🧿 A Different Spin On the Story…

American Horror Story will be changing it up this season. And this has to be the shortest teaser in the history of the world.

✌🏽 Peace Out…

See you for soaps and tea tomorrow, but until then, stay safe, stay reliable, and stay not serving fish and chips to someone with high expectations.

January 20, 2021 – No Soap Or Radio, a Dallas Version Of St. Tropez, More On Moon, OC Reunites, Mormon Girls Taste the Dark Side, Sonny’s Savior, One Chris Too Many, Renewed Engine, DC Style & New

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

I tried, but alas, it was not to be. The video was there, but Skeletor from Castle Grayskull the powers that be restricted access. So tomorrow it is.

The Real Housewives of Dallas

Kameron and Fancy used side-by-side treadmills, since Fancy was supposed to walk an hour every day. Kameron was planning  a 50th birthday party for Kary, and met with some party planners. She wanted a white-themed party, evocative of St. Tropez where Kary had wanted to spend her birthday. D’Andra told her that she was pushing it, requesting they wear white bathing suits. In Kameron’s interview, she said she was shocked about Tiffany’s hosting skills, since she’d tried to force them to eat chicken feet. If I know the Housewives, this will never, ever be forgotten.

Travis took the kids fishing, and in her interview, Stephanie said she hated worms, fish, and hadn’t even eaten fish growing up, except for fish sticks. She’d started the Hollman Foundation to manufacture lockers for needy schools, and said she’d forced Travis to get involved. In her interview, she said she has a vagina, so he does what she wants most of the time. She felt that she didn’t have the facets to life that he did, and said the person with the money controls the situation in a relationship. The power wasn’t equal.

Tiffany’s parents were super quarantining, since her father suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and her mom was afraid of bringing it home to him. Tiffany went grocery shopping for her mom, and said running errands with the kids was spending quality time. She called it having an adventure. She brought a ton of groceries to her mom, who seemed disappointed that there were no chicken nuggets. In Tiffany’s interview, she said she’d once surprised her mom with a Porsche, and the first words out of her mouth were, it’s not purple?

D’Andra meditated, while Brandi’s daughters acted like the spoiled brats they are, as opposed to Tiffany’s children, who seem like a delight. In her interview, Tiffany said her mother was a better grandmother than she’d been a mother to her. There was tremendous pressure on education and to get a good job, so she could pay them back for being her parents. She said her mom was the muse for the Asian mother segment of her Tik Tok. We saw a clip, and I definitely want to see more. It looked like something Margaret Cho would do. Tiffany said her mother didn’t even know what Tik Tok was, and she intended to keep it that way.

Kameron told the party planners that Kary had wanted to go to St. Tropez for her 50th birthday, and they said they’d bring the beach to Dallas. Like one of the preference sheet instructions on Below Deck, Kameron said Kary wanted to dance on the table and be sprayed with champagne, and she wanted hot models to spray her. Meanwhile, Kary did a sexy photo shoot for her jewelry line, and Stephanie came by to give support. In Kary’s interview, Stephanie said she thought she was good cheerleader for Kary. Stephanie told Kary that she wanted something for herself after leaving her career to be a wife and mother. Kary said she hadn’t had much of a childhood, and wanted to make up for it.

Kameron used her father-in-law’s house for the party, since her house was on the market. She couldn’t afford red wine being spilled. Kameron said a pet phrase of Kary’s was, this is a situation, and it was stenciled across the front of the bar, and there were a lot of balloons and gorgeous flowers. Kameron was concerned about the seating, since Brandi had flown to Florida recently. In Kameron’s interview, she said, that wasn’t exactly socially smart. Brandi and Stephanie shared a ride over, and Brandi said she’d been super cautious, carrying a tub of anti-bacterial wipes with her. She’d laminated her test results, and put them on a lanyard to wear, and also wore a shield and gloves. She said it was time to party.

Kameron’s friend Jen was the first to arrive, and I wondered if she was bucking for a Texas star to hold, since she keeps popping up all the time. In Tiffany’s interview, she said when she got home from work at the hospital, she went through a full decontamination procedure, taking an outdoor shower, and putting on clean clothes before hugging her kids. Kameron told Jen about the chicken foot situation, and said she’d hid it under the table, Tiffany had belittled her, and tried to pressure her into doing something she didn’t want to. I’ve said it before, I’m very adventurous about food, but if someone tried to force me to eat something I didn’t want to, I’d tell them I’ll gladly do it, if first, they bend over, and I’ll force it somewhere else. I hate that kind of behavior.

Brandi also had a tape measure with her, which was pretty funny. In her interview, Kameron said she wasn’t the type to have shirtless waiters, but they couldn’t have a St. Tropez party without hot, shirtless guys. The waiters were indeed shirtless, and wore white shorts with white suspenders. Tiffany handed Kary a gift bag with a bottle of tequila, and said she didn’t know what it was, but they’d said it was good sh*t. In her interview, she said, growing up, it was all about grades and success, and this was everything she’d missed out on; parties, friends, and life. She wished she was more like Kary, and could enjoy the moment without worrying. Tiffany joked about being near Brandi, the covid girl, and in Kameron’s interview, she said she got her head chopped off when she’d made a remark at Tiffany’s dim sum party. The rules didn’t apply to her. Brandi kept trying to eat and drink through her shield, and in her interview, she said if she could make a shield with windshield wipers, she’d be a millionaire. The chicken foot struggle came up again, and Brandi thought it was the dumbest conversation she ever heard. I agreed. In Tiffany’s interview, she said she had no idea it would become Feetgate. She told Kameron that she was sorry a food her culture ate grossed Kameron out, but Kameron said it had nothing to do with Tiffany’s culture. Kary said the chicken foot situation was full of sh*t. Again, agreed. Tiffany said Kameron needed to loosen up, but Kameron was insulted, and said Tiffany didn’t respect her. She shouldn’t push people to do things they weren’t comfortable with. In Stephanie’s interview, she said the only way to get Kameron off the wheel was to apologize and move forward.

In Kary’s interview, she said it meant the world to her that Kameron had put together the party. She believed she was where she was supposed to be on her 50th.  The waiters brought out the cake, and champagne bottles with sparklers. Kary got on the table, and was sprayed with the champagne. In Tiffany’s interview, she said Kary was partying like it was her 21st birthday. Her 35 year old self was going to keep up if it killed her. Kary pushed Tiffany in the pool, and then found out Tiffany couldn’t swim. In Stephanie’s interview, she said, you can’t push someone who can’t swim in the pool after they’ve had several shots of tequila. In Kary’s interview, she said, in the Latin culture, they want to include their friends. I really hate when someone says something is their culture, when it’s something pretty much everyone does or feels the same way about. As Kid Rock so wisely said once, dude, there’s more to life than just you. Kary said when she got pushy, it meant she wanted to have fun with you and accept you. Which really means, she wants them to have her fun. In Tiffany’s interview, she said she wanted to loosen up, but at a certain time, it was her responsibility to go home and be rested so she could be a doctor the next day.   

Next time, a trip to a vineyard, Tiffany talks to her kids about being away a lot,  Kary discusses her daughter’s anxiety with her, and D’Andra and Kary argue.

🌜 Moon Over Dallas…

How Tiffany does it all – wife, mother, doctor, Tik Tok star.

The Real Housewives of Orange County – The Reunion – Part One

Can you believe it’s season 15? I rarely like the reunions though. Most of the time, they’re all talking or yelling at the same time, and I can’t understand half of what they’re saying.

No one had cool masks – they were generic – so I assumed they were provided by Bravo. There were the usual opening niceties, and then Andy said a viewer thought Shannon had seemed fake when touring Gina’s sad and depressing house. She kept saying everything was nice. This led to Shannon saying Braunwyn was good at deflection, and they started fighting two seconds in. Another viewer asked why Gina thought Sean was coming on to her, when his text hadn’t been NC-17. Shannon said Sean had to walk Gina out, and she thought he was just concerned because she was hammered. Gina said she’d thought he was trying to communicate that he’d just banged his wife in their love shack. Wow. She must have had to dig deep for that one, or it was Gina with her mind in the gutter. Emily said when Braunwyn made socio-economic comments, she felt she had to defend whoever Braunwyn’s target was, and Braunwyn said, no, you. Emily said Braunwyn’s big excuse was, she was lashing out because she’s an alcoholic. Shannon said Braunwyn had put effing lies in her mouth, but Braunwyn insisted Shannon had said it. Sean was there. Shannon said Sean was an enabler, and Andy asked where Gina and Braunwyn were now. Braunwyn said she’d gotten a text from Gina, saying Gina thought she was an a-hole, but would always be there for her. Gina said the relationship was one-sided.

Shannon said she and John had been together a year and a half. Andy asked if John and David had ever met, and Shannon said they hadn’t, and at this point, it would be awkward. David wouldn’t communicate and co-parent. Emily said when Shannon drank and called them up, they got concerned. Andy asked why Braunwyn thought John had a problem, and we flashed back to Braunwyn’s comment that a drunken John had to be taken off the golf course by his father. Shannon said John hated golf, didn’t play golf, and hadn’t seen his father in years. It wasn’t good or fair to talk about him, since he’d been nothing but kind. Andy said he’d invited John to the reunion, but he chose not to come. Shannon said he was a private person, and hadn’t even seen the show when they met. It was a lot to be in front of a camera all the time. A viewer asked Braunwyn if she thought Shannon had a problem with alcohol, and Braunwyn said she did.  

While getting a touch-up during the break, Shannon called John, and said Braunwyn was mean and crazy. She was walking around like she was in a flipping music video, and was naked under her dress. John had said she was a sobered alcoholic, and wanted to point fingers to make herself feel better. When they reconvened, we flashed back to all the pandemical stuff during the season. Kelly thinking it was no big deal; Shane getting sick; Shannon going insane. Andy asked what they were most excited about doing after it was over, and the consensus was seeing people and traveling. Andy asked what Emily’s biggest fight with Shane was, and she told him that Shane had said something about her parenting in front Annabelle. She got in the car and drove away, then realized she had nowhere to go, and came back. He asked what was Kelly’s stance on masks? and she said she hated wearing them, like probably most people, but she wore them because she had to. She didn’t know whether they were really helping, and posed the question, do pants protect you from a fart? I dunno about that, but probably more than a fart with no pants. Andy said Braunwyn did an interview, where she said Kelly wasn’t taking it seriously, and asked if Kelly said some things she regretted. Kelly said she thought it was horrific. She was taking it seriously, but she was also frustrated. Andy said he got messages saying she was uneducated, and spread misinformation. Kelly said she got messages too, saying Andy is anti-American, and yapped about his political views when people didn’t want to watch a political show. Andy brought up her remark about God thinning the herd, and she said it was a stupid thing to say, but she didn’t mean to hurt people. Andy said they got a lot of negative comments on social media. People wanted to boycott the show. Kelly said she felt horrible, but Andy was making it worse. He asked if she felt she’d be on wrong side of history, and she asked what he wanted from her. I think Kelly can be a little out there too, but I’m glad she stood up to Andy. I admire his business acumen, but he can be effing annoying. Kelly said she was sorry for hurting anyone’s feelings. It wasn’t her intent. Braunwyn said Kelly had an amazing opportunity to say that she’d learned something, and Kelly said she’d seen the adverse effects of the virus; businesses that were not coming back, suicide, alcoholism, and divorce.   

Emily talked about Shane being so sick, and said he’d texted his oldest daughter, basically saying goodbye. She said Shannon had shown concern for her, her family, and Shane, and had texted every day. It meant a lot, and she’d always be grateful. Andy introduced Elizabeth, the richest bitch in Newport, and we saw an Elizabeth highlight reel, ending with the women saying her story wasn’t adding up. Andy said Elizabeth had known Emily, Kelly, and Braunwyn before she started filming, and asked how she felt meeting the Gina and Shannon. Elizabeth said she wasn’t sure what to expect. She was warned on social media that she’d be eaten alive. A viewer asked if she’d gotten around to donating the Ferrari, and she said she will. Andy asked, now that the divorce was finalized, how was Elizabeth and Jimmy’s sex life? Elizabeth said they were having a hard time. Jimmy was an introvert, but had been there for her when no one else was. It was hard seeing everyone dogging their relationship, and questioning their sex life. It was no one’s business. He came from a conservative Mexican family, and his mother watched the show. Andy asked Elizabeth if she still loved her husband, and she said she would for the rest of her life. They’d known each other for twenty years, and he’d been very generous to her when she was broke, and given her structure. He’d changed her life. Braunwyn, who can’t stand to be left out, said a friend of hers was a friend of Elizabeth’s ex’s fiancé. Elizabeth said she wasn’t aware her ex had a fiancé, and maybe it was a girlfriend, but Braunwyn said they’d been together five years. She’d spoken with Elizabeth’s ex, and the story was very different. Emily said it had been a contentious divorce, and Elizabeth said Braunwyn was mean, and didn’t know the truth because she didn’t want to. Braunwyn said Elizabeth had lied to her, and Elizabeth told Braunwyn, don’t Judge her with her cynical behavior, backlashes, narcissism, and two-faced personality. Wow. Then she told Braunwyn, f*** you. It was wrong, and Braunwyn wasn’t her friend. She hadn’t wanted to be on the trail with Braunwyn in Arrowhead, because she knew Braunwyn was a backstabbing bitch. Andy asked why Braunwyn had looked into Elizabeth’s finances, and Elizabeth said Braunwyn was jealous. Braunwyn said she’d heard from Shannon that Elizabeth was a nice girl, but full of sh*t. Shannon said that was wrong, and when Elizabeth had been announced as a cast member, she’d gotten phone calls and texts saying that Elizabeth was full of sh*t, but she didn’t want to judge. She and Elizabeth got along great, but Gina and Emily had thought it wasn’t adding up. Braunwyn said, all she did was google Elizabeth, and Elizabeth said Braunwyn wasn’t building up women; she was tearing them down. Braunwyn claimed that she supported women, but held them accountable. Elizabeth said Braunwyn was the worst lesbian ever. After screaming at everyone to shut up and move on, Andy promised they’d get back to Elizabeth’s time in the cult later. Elizabeth said she was out, got up, and started to walk off, but then said she was kidding. That was funny.

We flashed back to Braunwyn’s climb out of alcoholism; or her journey, as we say these days. Andy asked how Jacob was doing, and if he was bullied in school. Braunwyn said he was great, and went to art school. When he wore heels, the kids said, nice shoes. He asked how the show helped her sobriety, and she said it was her third time trying to get sober, and it held her accountable. Emily said she would have thought coming from a pregnancy would have been an easy transition, but Braunwyn said, not drinking and being sober were two different things. She wasn’t dealing with her reasons for drinking, and she’s not just an alcoholic. She’s an addict who can get addicted to anything. Kelly said a lot of people were like that, and her alcoholism was for the story plan. Braunwyn said Kelly had seen her at BravoCon drunk at 7 am, and Kelly said she’d done that too. I literally lol’d. Kelly said Braunwyn was a liar, and Braunwyn said Kelly was disgusting, and it was vile, even for her. Andy said someone could be a functioning alcoholic, and Kelly had seemed to be against Braunwyn’s sobriety. Kelly said, it was contrived. Braunwyn’s agent told her to clean up her act. Braunwyn said her mom told her if she didn’t take back what she’d said about her, she’d tell everyone about Braunwyn’s drinking. Shannon said she’d blocked Deb on Instagram. Andy suggested that there were parts of her mother’s narcissism that Braunwyn shared, and Braunwyn said she had been tested, and just has a large ego. Shannon said Braunwyn was only concerned with how to make herself more famous. She’d said her and Sean’s favorite thing was to go out and get recognized. Andy said during the first season, it’s not surprising, and Kelly said the apple didn’t fall far from the tree. Andy pointed out how nice Gina had been to not drink with Braunwyn, and accompany her to meetings, and Gina said no one in AA was pretending. Emily agreed with that, and said they saw a different person. Gina said Braunwyn was really an alcoholic, and Shannon said she wasn’t sure she was going to mention this, but as a mother she was going to. When Stella was 14 and at her first beach barbecue, Braunwyn went up to her, and said if Stella wanted the good stuff, to text her. What kind of good stuff? I guess we’ll have to wait and see…

Next time, the conclusion, Emily says everybody feels bad for Sean, Elizabeth talks about getting out of the cult, Kelly screams that she’s Black, and Braunwyn needs a moment.

The Real Housewives of Salt Lake City

At the cash register in the grocery store, Brooks mistook dog treats for people food, and I identified. Some of them sound damn good.

Whitney’s half-brother came by, and in her interview, she said they weren’t your typical Mormon family; the dynamic was complicated. They had multi-marriages and children, and when her dad became addicted, it created a bigger divide. Will had been on the fence, but her sister Shaylee wanted nothing do with their father. We saw a clip of Whitney inviting Shaylee to dinner. Shaylee joined them, and dad Steve said by being there they’d showed that their family means something. In Whitney’s interview, she said Shaylee and Will had felt hurt and abandoned, and it was important they shared those feelings with their dad. Steve told them it was a huge motivation, and Whitney said, the point was, this time he’d taken action. He asked them if they’d participate in a process group at the sober living facility, and they agreed. It sounded like group therapy, although I’ve never heard that term before.

Jen wanted Heather to know she loved her, so she was setting her up with Sharrieff’s  friend, Big Daddy. Sharrieff told Jen that he wanted get this thing with Heather and his friend sparked out. The four of them went out to dinner, and Sharrieff said he’d known Big Daddy for 30 years; they’d played ball together. In Heather’s interview, she said he was tall, dark, handsome, and alive. Jen knew what she was looking for. He reminded me of Tyler Perry, but burlier. He ordered a Shirley Temple, and in her interview, Heather said Big Daddy was drinking like a big baby, but she’d get drunk enough for both of them. She wasn’t looking for anything long term, and it wasn’t going to be a problem. It was a big effort from Jen, who did a good thing, but… She shook her head.  

In Whitney’s interview, she said, after the party, they needed a break from each other to process, but she’d learned from her family, the longer you leave things, they get worse. She knew she wasn’t a fan favorite right now, and taking a risk, but she thought it was time to have a fun girls trip to Vegas. In Mary’s interview, she said she had a beautiful home there, but would rather be on a plane full of mice, than in Vegas with Jen. Meredith told Lisa, it wasn’t her scene, but she was game. In her interview, she said she wasn’t thrilled with Whitney engaging on any level, but it appeared to her that Whitney might just be messenger. Lisa wondered why she’d been invited when she hadn’t gotten an apology, but had business to do in Vegas.

The women met at the airport. Whitney found out Lisa had gone ahead because she had business there, but hadn’t bothered to call her. In Heather’s interview, she said it felt so good to be a bad Mormon. In Vegas, there was gambling, drinking, and debauchery; everything that was the opposite of Mormon. It was a Mormon girls taste of the dark side. Whitney called Lisa, and went to voicemail, but then Lisa called back – to Meredith. In Whitney’s interview, she said she knew Lisa was trying to make a statement, but it was rude and selfish. In Jen’s interview, she said she knew Lisa was still pissed at Whitney. She wasn’t 100% okay with Whitney. We saw a clip of Lisa telling Jen, she wanted to go just to hear how Whitney came to the conclusion she’s afraid of Jen.

They were greeted at the hotel with champagne and roses. Whitney said they were going exotic car racing, but Jen said she had a special surprise for Heather that was by appointment, and this was the only time they could do it. In Whitney’s interview, she said, first, Lisa didn’t meet her at the airport, and now her plans were being hijacked. The intention of the trip was so they would be together. If she’d wanted them to pair off, they would have stayed in Salt Lake. The suites were beautiful, and looked like small houses. Lisa met Meredith in her hotel room, and in her interview, she said she didn’t owe anyone an explanation. It wasn’t like Whitney was flying her to Italy. Whitney told Heather that she’d been excited to put the trip together, and wanted the opportunity to talk to Lisa and Meredith. Lisa told Meredith that she could chalk it up to Whitney having too much to drink, but she didn’t know what Whitney was talking about. It seemed like every time they were together, Whitney had a problem with her, and they were weird problems. We flashed back to a couple of past issues, and Lisa said Whitney had caused a problem at Jen’s party, and didn’t take accountability. Whitney told Heather that Lisa just didn’t show up, and Heather said, then she called Meredith back. Clearly, there’s an issue. Meredith told Lisa that she wanted to see what kind of a friend Heather was, and suggested they ride the trip out and see.    

When Jen’s plan of a new man didn’t work out, she decided to buy Heather a new outfit, and set up a private shopping experience. Jen tried on this dynamite tropical print pantsuit, and modeled for Heather, who was taking social media photos. While posing, Jen took a spill off the bar onto a chair with casters that she couldn’t have choreographed better, and they went back in slo-mo. She told Heather that Whitney, Meredith, and Lisa were the oddest trio for driving. The three women met at the Las Vegas Motor Speedway, and in Whitney’s interview, she said, it was awkward AF. She’d rather be at church. In Lisa’s interview, she said despite Whitney being the last person she wanted to be with, she was into this. She could put up with Whitney for a Ferrari. Whitney apologized to Lisa, who told her, instead of repeating what someone thinks was said, talk to the source. Meredith said it had nothing to do with Whitney, and Whitney apologized again. In her interview, Lisa said she was choosing to accept Whitney’s apology. She suggested they move forward, and have fun.

Heather asked how Jen thought Whitney was surviving, and Jen said, probably not well. Lisa wasn’t happy, and she was adamant she’d never said anything. Heather said Whitney was just looking out for Jen, but Jen said she couldn’t bring something up, and then not put closure to it. She, Lisa, and Meredith would chew Whitney up and spit her out. If she came to them with information, Whitney had to take it to the end. She couldn’t just throw something out there, and say, just kidding. In Heather’s interview, she wondered why they were talking about this again. She saw Whitney and Jen apologize, embrace, and move on. Why were they back here? Jen said, the second Whitney opened her mouth, she picked the wrong party. She was still hurt. Heather asked if Jen was blaming Whitney for throwing the glass, and Jen said it was her husband’s birthday party; the first party she’d thrown him in 25 years. In Jen’s interview, she said she was confused as to why Heather was covering for Whitney, and not understanding the pain she was feeling. Heather needed to let Whitney be a big girl. And if Whitney wanted to be a big girl, stop sitting at the kids’ table eating chicken nuggets. She told Heather that Whitney had ruined her husband’s birthday, and in Heather’s interview, she said she thought Jen’s version of a good friend was being her henchman. Whatever mood she was in, they should help pile on that person. There’s no opportunity to be objective or helpful. You were either on her team or dead to her. Jen said the only reason she hadn’t bitch-slapped Whitney was because she was Heather’s friend. Heather suggested Jen talk to her. Heather thought they were good and things were settled, and so had she. Jen said if Heather was signing up for this girl, make sure Whitney acted right. Heather was putting her name and reputation on the line for Whitney. It was only because the women cared about Heather that they were putting up with that sh*t.

Next time, Heather talks to Whitney, Meredith says no one tell her who to be friends with, Jen comes at Whitney, and Whitney beings in someone to help the women find their inner voice.

🚙 Hey Mikey…

It’s lucky he came along. Hopefully, Sonny remembers the favor when he remembers he’s Sonny.

🤯 Too Many Chrises…

It’s worse than when he messed up Ineeda Pretzel’s name.

https://people.com/movies/arnold-schwarzenegger-confuses-chris-evans-with-chris-pratt/

🚝 The Eternal Engine Returns…

Not only is Snowpiercer returning to the small screen on Monday, January 25th, it’s also been picked up already for a third season.

https://comicbook.com/tv-shows/news/snowpiercer-season-3-renewed-tnt/

👗 Inaugural Fashion…

Because it’s all that really matters.

https://www.vogue.com/article/history-of-inauguration-day-fashion

🥾 Hitting the Road…

Hopefully, balance is brought back to the soap world tomorrow, and all is right with the world. Or at least as much as it can be. Until then, stay safe, stay sociable from a distance, and stay wanting more for your birthday than being sprayed with champagne by shirtless waiters.

July 14, 2020 – When Finn Told Chase Fix It, Slippers For Everybody, Reunited, Where’s Alice, Dancing Switch, a Tease, Leave Lisa Alone, Teddi Update, Quite a Legacy, Of Course, a Teaching Moment, Don’t Do It & Up

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

Okay, now it’s personal. The guide said May 7th, 2020, but in reality, this GH Flashback is from April, 29th, 2020. Here’s the short version, but you can find the whole thing here if you need total refreshment:

https://tvwiththeresa.wordpress.com/2020/04/30/april-29-2020-finn-says-chase-made-a-mistake-lisars-game-goes-south-hills-newbie-gg-is-a-mom-culture-backlash-best-bromance-ever-staying/

Finn asked Chase why he’d pretended he was sleeping with Sasha, and Chase said if Nelle got custody, Willow would never forgive herself. In the eyes of family court, Nelle and Michael were on almost equal footing, so Michael needed a wife who was equally devoted to Wiley, and Sasha had a problematic past. Finn said there was no body count, and no one was perfect, but Chase said Willow was close. However, when he broached the subject, Willow wouldn’t consider it. Finn said it was because Willow loved Chase, and he was doing her a disservice. Chase said, they were adults; Wiley was a defenseless child and needed protection. Sasha called Michael to let him know her things were out of the house, and she’d left the key. She guessed this was goodbye. He told her, goodbye, and Sasha flashed back to telling Chase they’d made a mistake, and should tell Michael and Willow the truth. They were the best thing to happen to her and Chase, and they could have the people they loved back. Chase said that would be awesome for them, but asked if she honestly thought Michael and Willow would be happier with them, or together with Wiley. Carly told Michael that his goodbye sounded final, and he said he and Sasha were over. At the MetroCourt, Willow got on the phone with Lucy to find a new place to live. Nelle appeared and said the rumor must be true; Chase broke another heart. Kristina told Molly to consider her options, but Molly said she needed to be completely honest and tell TJ everything. Sam told Brando that Molly and TJ were about to make it official, and if he made trouble for Molly, he’d be in a world of trouble with her. He asked if Molly knew she was getting involved, and she asked if he was going to run and tattle on her. He said he thought Molly would prefer to fight her own battles, and Sam said he was in no position to tell her about her sister. He said he got it, and she told him, stay away from Molly. If my sister got all up in my business like that, I’d be furious. Lulu ran into Crimson, asking where Charlotte was, and Nina asked her to give Valentin a chance to make it right. In Nina’s office, Charlotte asked if Valentin still loved her, and he said with all his heart, but it wasn’t that simple. She said they could run away right now, and no one could stop them.

Nelle said Chase had thrown Willow away, like he did with her and other women. He was a liar, a user, an expert manipulator, and seduced vulnerable women. Michael told Carly about finding Sasha and Chase together, saying that they’d felt jealous about Michael and Willow spending so much time together with Wiley. He said Carly had been right, but Carly thought she shouldn’t have gotten involved. Brando told Sam that TJ wasn’t going to hear anything from him. Sam said Molly thought she was single, and was heartbroken. Otherwise, she’d never have slept with someone like him. Ouch. She said he’d hurt Kristina’s feelings, saying people who joined cults were stupid. He said he’d apologized, and suggested she not butt into her sister’s business, since Molly was an adult. Sam said she’d always protect Molly, and he said, even if Molly didn’t want her to? Molly told Kristina that telling TJ was the right thing; they’re relationship was bult on honesty. Kristina thought Molly just wanted to make herself feel better at TJ’s expense. Valentin told Charlotte that she wouldn’t see him for a while, and Charlotte wondered if it was because she was bad, but he said, no; she was a good girl. She wanted things to be like they were when she was little, and it was just the two of them, back when he loved her. He said he’d always love her, and she asked why he wouldn’t fight for her. Valentin flashed back to Charlotte saying it wasn’t his fault; it was everyone else’s for lying, even Lulu’s, since she didn’t want him to be happy with Nina. He remembered Charlotte insisting that he’d find a way to get Windymere and Nina back, so they could live happily ever after. Nina asked Lulu why Charlotte was so upset, and Lulu said she thought Charlotte overheard her talking with Laura about Valentin not choosing to fight for custody. Laura thought Valentin was sincere, but Lulu didn’t trust him. Valentin came out with Charlotte, and Lulu told her that she couldn’t run off like that. Charlotte said she couldn’t let her papa leave. She knows he’d do anything for her, and she had to show him that she would too.

Willow said Nelle was trying to manipulate her, and she could go to hell. She knew who Nelle was, and if Brad was telling the truth about anything, it was that Nelle gave him the baby. Nelle didn’t want Michael to have him, and used Willow’s dead child like a prop to convince Michael their baby was dead. Nelle said Sasha was more Chase’s type anyway, and Willow said, goodbye. Finn asked Chase why he thought Willow and Michael would marry, and Chase said once the road was cleared, Willow would follow her heart to Wiley. Finn said he believed Chase’s intentions were honorable, and Chase said Sasha had been stand-up about it. She wasn’t happy either, but agreed that Wiley’s safety came first. Finn said Chase wasn’t going to like what he had to say. His intentions were good, but his methods stunk. He made a huge mistake. Valentin told Charlotte there was a right and wrong way to keep a family together, and they had to figure out the right way. They’d always be family, even if she didn’t see him. She kept his heart beating. Charlotte said Valentin kept her heart beating too. Lulu asked to speak to Charlotte alone, and they went into Nina’s office. She told Charlotte to be totally honest, promising that she wouldn’t be in trouble. Did she overhear Lulu and her grandma? Valentin thanked Nina, and she said she was sorry Charlotte was going through this. He said he wasn’t fighting Lulu for full custody, and Nina said she never thought he’d give up on his daughter. Sam told Brando that Molly saw the best in people, but she was more realistic. She said Brando had been locked up, and he said that made two of them, but he was free and Sam was on parole. It wasn’t about Molly. It was about Sam and Jason. Kristina asked Molly, if TJ had communicated with her, would she have slept with Brando? Molly said, of course (🍷) not, but TJ hadn’t ghosted her; he’d been taken against his will. Kristina said Molly had no way of knowing that, and asked if she slept with Brando to get back at TJ. Molly said, no. She’d been tired of feeling frustrated and angry, and Brando made her laugh; it felt good. Kristina said that was her point. It had nothing to do with TJ, and Molly had no reason to tell him. In that perfect soap moment that sometimes happens, TJ walked in, and said, tell him what?

Kristina told TJ that Molly had been telling her about their upcoming domestic partnership. TJ told Molly that he’d wanted to surprise her, and picked up her car. He wanted to prove to her that he’d do anything for them to stay together. Sam said she and Jason were none of Brando’s business, and he said like he and Molly were none of her business. How about if they both just minded their own business? Sam said he couldn’t dismiss her; she wasn’t done. He said they were done. Valentin told Nina that she knew he would never give up on his daughter, and she said, then fight stay to stay in Charlotte’s life. He said he was trying to do the right thing. He’d been a bad influence on Charlotte, and wanted to keep his distance. Nina said he could do that, or be a better man. Lulu asked why Charlotte didn’t speak to her first, and Charlotte said Lulu never wanted to talk about her papa to her; she always changed the subject. Michael told Carly that he loved Sasha, and had thought it was real. Carly said she thought it was too, but didn’t think Sasha was the woman Michael needed. Michael said Wiley had blindsided them, and Sasha wasn’t ready for an instant family. Either consciously or subconsciously, she got out. Carly swore Michael would get custody and find the woman he deserved.

Molly told TJ that Sam was picking up her car, but he said he’d seen Sam there. Molly said she had to run some errands, but he should stay at Charlie’s and eat. They declared their love for each other, and she left. Brando told Sam that he wasn’t there to cause trouble; it was the opposite. He was covering for Dev because Sonny wanted him to. She wondered if he had an ulterior motive, and he said if she was happy with her mechanic, they never had to cross paths again. Nina told Valentin to be a better man, and be the positive influence Charlotte needed, instead of proving you should walk away when the going got tough. Charlotte wasn’t going to see it the same way he did. He said he’d lived a life fueled by resentment, but she said he was capable of great love. He wasn’t so sure, and she said Charlotte would love him unconditionally for the rest of his life. The right thing he thought he was doing was just wrong. He said, of course (🍷) she was right. He’d tried being noble, and screwed it up. In Nina’s office, Charlotte said she’d heard Lulu say her papa was walking away from her for her own good, and said she was glad. Lulu said Charlotte heard part of a grown-up conversation that she didn’t understand. She wished Charlotte had  talked to her, but Charlotte said Lulu didn’t care how she felt. Michael told Carly that he couldn’t afford to make any more mistakes. Wiley’s custody was in limbo, and Nelle was unpredictable. Carly suggested he go for a run, and flashed back to giving Sasha a second chance, and telling her there were no third chances where her children were concerned. Chase told Finn, get out. It was hard enough for him. He loved Willow, and had to break her heart, tearing his own to shreds in the process, but it had to be done. Finn said it was a bad move to lie. Willow would have made up her own mind, and made her own choice. Chase said it was too late, but Finn told him to come clean, and there would be a chance to save his relationship. There was only one way to find out. He told Chase to let Willow decide how to help Wiley. It wasn’t fair that her decision should be based on a lie. Find her and fix it.

At the park, Michael flashed back to better times with Sasha. Sasha went to the MetroCourt bar, and Nelle zeroed in on her, saying Carly would destroy her for cheating on Michael. She said her lawyer wanted to talk to Sasha about being a character witness against Michael, and Sasha said she couldn’t believe what bitch Nelle warned. Nelle said she thought Sasha had been warned, and called her a backstabbing boyfriend stealing slut. On her way out, Nelle saw Carly, and said they’d have to talk soon. Valentin told Nina that it killed him to think Charlotte believed he was abandoning her. Nina told him to be the Valentin she knew he could be. Lulu and Charlotte came out of the office, and Lulu told Valentin they needed to talk. Molly showed up at the garage, and asked why Sam was there. Sam wondered why Molly was there, and Molly said she decided not tell TJ. Brando said he’d told her before that he wouldn’t say anything, and Molly told Sam to go on ahead. She wanted to talk to Brando.

Nina tried to distract Charlotte, who thought her parents were taking too long. Nina said whatever they decided, it was because they loved Charlotte. Charlotte said she understood, but didn’t have to like it. Nina said, no matter what, she’d be there for Charlotte. Lulu and Valentin came out, and Lulu said it was time to go home. Valentin said he’d pick Charlotte up tomorrow; he wasn’t going away – ever. Lulu said she and Valentin were going to be better. Charlotte deserved to be loved by both parents. TJ asked Kristina how Molly seemed. He thought she seemed a little shaky. Kristina said Molly had been heartbroken thinking TJ had ghosted her. She thought she’d lost him forever. He said good thing he got kidnapped, and Kristina said they had their whole lives ahead of them. She suggested they put the past behind them, and TJ said they had their whole future to look forward to. Molly apologized for Sam, but Brando said family was supposed to look out for each other. Brando said he’d told Molly that he wasn’t going to say anything, and Molly said she’d made her own choices. He didn’t take advantage, but it could never happen again. He said nothing happened between them, and she thanked him, adding she was sorry. He said nice knowing her.

Carly told Sasha that Michael blamed himself, but she blamed Sasha. Michael ran into Nelle, who asked if he was having a bad day. Chase contemplated finding Willow and fixing it, when Willow showed up. She said she was there to pick up her stuff. She breezed past him, and he said her name.

Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles

JoshA came by JoshF’s messy office to discuss the Razor house. JoshA said he’d gotten and offer, but the buyer was very well-known, and the caveat was that he’d represent them. In his interview, he said he’d had to sign an NDA. The buyer was a big deal, and it was the perfect property for them. This left JoshF with representing the buyer. JoshA said he was a little sad, but both buyer and seller needed equal representation. JoshA told JoshF to get his beauty sleep; they were going to negotiate tomorrow, and hopefully close the deal. JoshF said JoshA was dead to him, and it was a nice run while they had it. David James was showing homes to Brittnie and Jeremy, who were having their first child and in a time crunch, but still being very picky. James said that if you could get between your home and office in 30 minutes, that was heaven, and the couple owned a successful weed cannabis company in Venice. The buyer’s agent, Santiago, showed them a 4200 square foot, 6 bedroom, 5 bath house, priced at $3.795 million. Brittnie said she wasn’t sure it was their vibe; it was too traditional. James said at their price point, it was hard to find a modern home.

Scott Gillen had given Tracy a listing portfolio of 13 residences, between $60 and $100 million each. She’d told her team they had to pull something elegant together to pull in people, and had a week to do it. In her interview, Tracy said Scott was so anal about keeping his house clean, she was surprised he was allowing her to throw an event there. She told assistant Eleanor that, at the bare minimum, she would have 30 to 40 brokers. If it hit 100 to 150, she’d have a nervous breakdown. There would be a shoe check-in, where everyone would be given slippers. On the deck, they’d have incredible food and beautiful drinks, and she wanted delicate, nice touches. They wouldn’t be able to use the bathrooms either. In Tracy’s interview, she said she’d heard rumors on how difficult Scott was, and how most people didn’t last long. Everyone had discouraged her, but she was doing it. She’d worked her entire career to land a listing like this. It was a tight timeline with a challenging client.

David James showed Brittnie and Jeremy another house in Pacific Palisades, north of Santa Monica. He said it was a tight community in an iconic neighborhood, often used as a backdrop for TV shows. The house was partially staged, since they had been in escrow, but the buyer dropped out. I didn’t catch the square footage, but it was big, with 6 bedrooms, 7 baths, and a smart system. I thought of those people on Dr. Phil, who had been threatened through their own security camera, and I’m not so sure I want a smart anything. The kitchen was fabulous, as always, and I cried inside once again over my postage stamp sized what-passes-as-a-kitchen. James said it was the epitome of a modern, new construction, but not so kid friendly. In his interview, he said he didn’t think they realized how much baby proofing they would need to do. I loved the dual master closets (which you know she’ll take both of), but I cringed at the dual sink in the master bath. I’ve never been close enough to anyone to want to brush our teeth together. And that includes my husband. We have a dual sink in our upstairs bathroom, and all it does is take up too much space. James pointed out the canyon view, and said no one would ever block it. In his interview, James said his clients had no effing clue what comes next. He’d had his daughter at 26, and couldn’t look after himself, much less a baby. He said, Brittnie and Jeremy had an established business, and had no effing idea what was happening. He told them it wasn’t a ridiculous price, and the seller was willing to negotiate.

JoshF tried to convince assistant Wilie that he should change his name to Wilie Coyote. JoshA visited Tracy’s office, looking for booze. He was there late, preparing for his negotiation with JoshF about the Razor house. He figured Tracy was always good for some liquor. She told him that he’d better have a plan, and a backup plan if he was negotiating with JoshF. JoshA said he’d retire if he lost to JoshF. Tracy said she’d never had a client send back an event invite 32 times, but Scott had done it. In her interview, Tracy said he called all hours of night, and texted her at 10 pm, asking her to call him. JoshA told her that he’d had the listing two years ago for 10 days. It was going to destroy her. In Josh’s interview, he said Tracy could hold her own with anybody in any room, but his experience – the non-stop calls, impossible demands, and Scott being an ass in general – was unbearable. There was no light at the end of the tunnel. The tunnel didn’t end. Tracy said she expected him to cancel the event at the last minute. Josh asked if he was invited, and she said her last list had been rejected, so she’d put him on the next one. In her interview, she said there were difficult people and bad people, and she hoped she wasn’t spending tens of thousands just for Scott’s ego.

The Joshes met at Canter’s, oldest Jewish deli in L.A. In his interview, JoshF said, they were two Jewish guys. Where else would they go to negotiate a deal? He said he’d found out JoshA’s buyer was Alicia Keys, and wasn’t going to go easy on him. JoshF told him, all cash and a quick close at $20 million. He’d tried to comp it, but it wasn’t easy. I understand this, since my house has been difficult to comp in the past. JoshF laughed, and said, give him something work with. JoshA said trophy houses went from $1800 to $4000 a foot, and it was a decent start. JoshF brought up that they’d been asking for more the last time around, but JoshA said, no matter what they’d been asking, that didn’t mean it was worth it. I get this too, since I have an eBay store, and everyone thinks their stuff is worth tons of money. It’s not. JoshF got on the phone with the seller, who said the house was one of a kind, but Josh said the seller was paying him a lot of money, and they had to show they were ready to negotiate, and had to be realistic. The seller told him, get it done. JoshA said he wasn’t messing around, and he’d gone straight to his client’s maximum. In JoshA’s interview, he said his client trusted him to get the best deal, and even though he could go to $23 million, he wasn’t leaving until he squeezed more out of JoshF. In JoshF’s interview, he said he knew he could squeeze more out of JoshA. JoshF told JoshA, $20.8 million; tell her to write another song. JoshA said they had a deal. In his interview, JoshA said he was apprehensive at first, but the more he and JoshF worked together, the more he liked it. They had good times and weird times, and maybe he’d miss JoshF a little bit, but he wasn’t getting carried away. They hugged, and JoshF left, sticking JoshA with the check.

In his interview, David James said Brittnie was due in one week, and they needed to close on the Palisades house yesterday. He and David met with broker Alex, and made an offer of $6.4 million (the asking price was $6.785). Alex said they had a higher offer before, but David said, it wasn’t real, and James said he was giving them a deal on a platter. The developer had three other houses going on the market, and in James’s interview, he said the seller would be a fool not to take the deal and run. James got the buyers to come up to $6.650 million with a 14 day close, but they also wanted the audio visual equipment included, and for the seller to install blackout shades in several rooms. They had a deal, and in his interview, James said, it wasn’t a moment too soon. A few days after they closed, Brittnie had a boy named Tiger. They showed a picture, and I thought it was a good name for him.

Tracy brought a port-a-potty to the New Castle, and in her interview, said she’d gone above and beyond for the launch, and spent $15K. She told the team, no food or drinks in the house, slippers for everybody, and no delivery trucks in the driveway. Party planner Michelle worked like a maniac, and Tracy said it needed to be perfect. Scott was watching everything. She told Michelle to have two golf carts in place at either end of the driveway, to make sure no one was ever waiting, and to make sure the guests got gift bags. Scott arrived, and griped about shoes being everywhere. While Tracy dealt with the hand-rolled sushi bar, Scott bitched about equipment being on his stucco. Tracy said they needed to plug in somewhere, and Scott said he wasn’t talking to her; he didn’t want to ruin her day. In Tracy’s interview, she said, as impossible as it felt to create the event, she did it. She told one of her team that it had to function like a normal effing event, or she was going to lose it. She only got one shot. She wanted to make sure the brokers’ clients got a digital key with all the information on a flashdrive. In her interview, she said the digital key was major. It was the only way for the brokers to deliver the material to their clients. Who knew if they’d ever be able to get in again? The Chairman of Douglas Elliman, along with his CEO, showed up, and Tracy said Chairman Howard was the only person she cared about seeing the house. She wanted him to be impressed, since he was connected to the richest people, and her greatest asset. We saw a clip of Tracy consulting Howard when she wanted to take a leap with her business. He told her if she was good at what she did, she’d be good at it no matter what. James and David arrived, and were told not to touch or lean on anything. David James said he’d heard of neurotic, but this took it to a whole new level. Then they discovered the Saran wrapped toilet, and he said there was particular, OCD, and completely effing nuts. He told Tracy the price was an ambitious number, and she’d need a very specific buyer. JoshA and brother Matt got there just as Scott was pulling out to leave.

Josh said they wanted a personal tour from Scott. In his interview, Josh said the last time he was there, he’d told Scott the house was outrageously priced, and a giant waste of his time and money. They’d told each other to f*** off. Scott said he wasn’t doing a tour, and Josh said he thought Scott was going to break the record for days on the market with a house. Inside, Tracy saw Josh talking with Scott, and James said he’d never seen her look nervous before. Matt argued with Scott about his price, and Josh asked how many times he offered to fire Tracy this week. Scott said, three, and Josh said he was getting soft, but he put agents through the ringer. Tracy couldn’t get outside fast enough, and JoshA said they were there to support their girl. He told her that they were proud of her for dealing with this sh*t. In Tracy’s interview, she said she was shocked Scott hadn’t kicked everyone out, and she was keeping her mouth shut. Scott left without further incident, and JoshA told David and James that he’d lasted a week with Scott. David James said some clients just weren’t worth it. Tracy said she separated her personal feelings about the client’s personality from the business deal. In her interview, she said it had been a roller coaster, but outside of JoshA and Matt, most of the people enjoyed the house. James David said he’d needed to pee for the last two hours.

Next time, a house that’s like a resort, JoshF hires some airplane advertising, Tracy has a party, and JoshA argues price with a client.

🏡 A Family Reunites…

Don’t miss OLTL’s Rappaport reunion on Thursday, July 16th.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/one-life-to-live/rappaport-family-reunion

🧹 Go Ask Alice…

Alice was the best, but somehow, she just faded from the GH canvas. I would love to know how she got on the jury for Michael’s trial though.

https://www.soapsindepth.com/posts/general-hospital/alice-gunderson

👠 Smize This…

Looks like Tom is out and Tyra is dancing in. While I find the work impressive, I never really watched DWTS except for when Melanie Brown (Scary Spice) was a contestant. I left when she did.

https://deadline.com/2020/07/dancing-with-the-stars-tyra-banks-host-exec-produce-1202985914/

🎃 You Can’t Keep a Good Boogieman Down…

Unfortunately, there’s not much to it, and you’ll have to wait a year to see the whole movie.

https://comicbook.com/movies/news/halloween-kills-trailer-teaser-2021/

💋 Leave My LVP Alone…

How dare anyone pick on Giggy’s mom, She Who Can Do No Wrong?

https://realityblurb.com/2020/07/11/lisa-rinna-trolls-lisa-vanderpump-over-restaurant-closing-plus-see-how-the-rhobh-star-is-responding-to-sarah-paulsons-recent-lvp-shade/

And it’s not the first time.

https://www.realitytea.com/2020/04/17/lisa-rinna-shades-lisa-vandermpump-on-instagram/

👶 Hang On, Baby…

I might not be a fan of Teddi’s, but I’m still hoping for the best.

https://extratv.com/2020/07/07/teddi-mellencamp-reveals-baby-daughter-needs-neurosurgery/

❤️ He Loved New York…

Oh wow. Someone who died under normal circumstances.

https://nypost.com/2020/06/27/milton-glaser-designer-of-i-%E2%99%A5%E2%80%8A-ny-logo-dead-at-91/amp/

👨🏻‍⚖️ I Was Framed, I Tell Ya…

Wow, what a shock that he pleaded not guilty.

https://pagesix.com/2020/07/09/ex-of-rhonj-star-dina-manzo-pleads-not-guilty-to-assault/

👩🏾‍🏫 A Gentle Correction…

Great article for when someone doesn’t grasp Black Lives Matter. The house metaphor is excellent.

https://www.purewow.com/wellness/how-to-respond-when-someone-says-all-lives-matter

🙅🏼 You Don’t Got ‘Splainin’ To Do…

I hate when someone tells me, it’s not that bad, so I can’t even imagine.

https://everydayfeminism.com/2016/02/how-people-whitesplain-racism/

👩‍👩‍👦 Stuck In the Middle…

Here we are, midweek again, or it’s the next day, depending on your viewpoint. Try not to let the whiplash of phases get you down. Stay safe, stay well-balanced, and stay keeping your head held high.

January 14, 2020 – A Barroom Brawl In PC, Carter’s Not Invited, News Of the Shooting Travels & Sun’s Up

Standard

What I Watched Today

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

 

General Hospital

At the MetroCourt, Michael ask if Willow wants something stronger, but she says she wants to be extremely sober. He says, at a memorial for someone she hates?

Curtis texts Jordan, asking if they’re still on for dinner, and saying he’s at the MetroCourt. He flashes back to telling Jordan about following up on Bob’s death, and that it was a drug overdose.

On the phone, Chase says he’s checking in with Jordan before he goes to Shiloh’s memorial. She asks why he’s going, and he says to support Willow. She tells him to be careful Shiloh’s spirit doesn’t provoke his followers into doing anything supernatural. He says he’ll shut it down if it gets too culty. She says, let her know if anyone of interest shows up. Jason Joins him.

Jordan looks at Bob’s file. Laura comes in, and asks if she has some time. Jordan asks if everything is okay, and Laura says, it’s fine. Does Jordan know what today is? Jordan asks if it’s a trick question, and Laura says she thought Jordan was good with anniversaries. Jordan says, a year ago, Laura was elected mayor. She congratulates Laura on a successful first year. Look at how much she’s accomplished. Laura says the next thing she wants to do is revitalize the waterfront. Jordan says that’s a major project, and asks if Laura doesn’t have a full calendar. Laura tells her, just say it. Her son has returned from the dead.

Tracy tells Ned, she’s not making a play for ELQ. Someone else is. Ned asks, who? and Tracy closes the doors. She says she doesn’t know. They presented themselves as investors, but she has the feeling they’re intermediaries. Ned says she didn’t come there because she missed the family, and she says there are some things you can’t say on the phone or put in writing. A lesson his daughter would do well to learn.

Brook tells Linc (don’t ask me why I thought his name was Zak – he looks like a Zak), don’t touch her again. He says he didn’t, but makes a grab for her, and Lulu jumps in, telling him to back off. Dustin grabs him, and throws him against the wall, saying he should never put his hands on a woman. Brook says, Dusty? and Dustin says, Brook? She calls him her knight in shining armor, and Lulu says, they know each other? Linc tells them to have a reunion some other time. He and Brook have business to discuss. Brook says she has nothing to discuss with him, calling him a dirtbag. Linc tells Dustin to let him go, and Dustin says only if he stays away from Brook.

Alexis asks Neil what she did to make him lose his license, and he says he didn’t mean to make it sound like that. She did nothing wrong, except be her captivating, intriguing, occasionally infuriating self. She says he’s not making sense, and he says the minute he admitted his feelings for her, he should have stopped himself.

Jordan tells Laura that she didn’t want get into it, since they had more pressing matters, but now that the dust has settled, Nikolas’s outstanding allegations have to be addressed. He faked his own murder, and framed Drew. Laura doesn’t know what Jordan expects her to say. Nikolas is her son, and she loves him no matter what he may have done.

Ned wonders why investors would approach Tracy; she doesn’t have any shares. She says what she lacks in stock, she has in expertise and inside knowledge. He says they’re after Dillon’s shares, and she says Dillon is too busy being an auteur to think about ELQ. When they made an offer, she said, thanks, but no thanks. Ned says, just like that, and she says he doesn’t think she’d sell her son out, does he? He says, it wouldn’t be the first time. However, she didn’t have to come back to warn him. She turned them down; end of story. She says, no. When she declined, they took a different tactic. They went after Luke.

Linc says Brook is his client, but she says, more like a hostage. He grabbed her after he felt her up. Linc tells her not to make it a me too moment. Give him a break. Lulu tells him to calm down. He didn’t grab Brook, he assaulted her, and Lulu is going to make a police report. Brook says she’s not leaving. Brook Lynn Quartermaine has a show to do, and no sleaze is going to stand in her way.  

Jordan tells Jason that she’s doing a follow-up on the coffee truck that was hijacked. She hopes he keeps her informed.

Willow tells Michael, whatever poor, deluded soul is memorializing Shiloh, she won’t let them rewrite history. Someone needs to be a voice for all the people that monster has hurt. Michael says, between him, Chase, and Jason, she has plenty of that. She says she doesn’t want to worry about Wiley’s safety. It’s important that he feel secure and loved. He says Wiley has great parents, and she’s his official nanny. Willow says she would love to focus on Wiley’s future without thinking about his birth father.

Curtis calls Stella, and asks how she’s been. She says, no complaints. Did he call to chat, or is there something on his mind? He says, it’s nothing really, and she says, which means it’s important. Out with it. He asks if he can trouble her for relationship advice, and she asks if something is going on between him and Jordan. He says, they’re better than fine. A guy Jordan used to work with passed away at Christmas, and it hit her hard. She’s reluctant to open up to him. If only Stella was on this side of the Atlantic. The elevator doors open, and Stella comes out, saying, if only indeed.

Alexis says, let her get it straight. Neil may lose his license because he likes her? He says, because he told her, and did something about it. Alexis says they did everything by the book, and only went out once after Neil ended treatment with both her and Kristina. He says he may have skimmed the book instead of reading it. Alexis asks what he missed, and he says, professional ethics. He was supposed to wait two years after treating her to date her. Alexis says, that’s an important part to miss; he should have known. He says he was so happy to be with her, he thought since she was no longer a patient, it was just a formality. Alexis says, as long as no one found out, and he says, someone did.

Neil says he got a notice from the accreditation board. Someone filed a complaint. Alexis wonders if it’s someone from Dawn of Day, and he says, in a way, it’s Shiloh’s fault. He set the events with Kendra in motion. The reports came back, and included his presence during Alexis’s rescue. They connected the dots. She says, Kendra’s mother is still alive, and wonders if that’s a possibility. He says, it happened, and now he’s facing a hearing. He’s going to throw himself at the mercy of the board. She says, absolutely not.

Jordan tells Laura, it’s a cold case, and the victim was exonerated. Drew can no longer provide testimony, so it’s not likely the case will move forward for investigation or any charges will be filed. Laura says her hope is that Nikolas will own up to his past mistakes, and build up his life. She suggests they talk about the waterfront, and Jordan says she’s confused. Laura ran for office fighting against the redevelopment of Charles Street. Laura says, the waterfront is a different story. It’s been a magnet for crime long as she can remember. She was hoping Jordan could provide the crime statistics for the docks and the surrounding area. She’s meeting with potential developers, and wants her facts straight.

Ned tells Tracy, the last time Luke got involved, he nearly sank the company; he’s toxic. Tracy says, have a nice life in poverty. Maybe he should fight their enemies with both hands tied behind his back. He asks, what happened? and she says, Luke found himself in a spot of trouble. Something to do with counterfeit tulips. The investors agreed to make his problems go away. Ned says, in exchange for Dillon’s shares? Tracy says she told them to jump in the canal, and Ned asks if he should start applauding. She says, no. Step up and defend daddy’s legacy instead.

Michael tells Willow, it’s fine if she decides to change her mind. Kristina decided not to go. Willow says, it’s too fresh for her. Jason and Chase have arrived, and Jason says Sam isn’t going either. Diane convinced her to steer clear since she’s responsible for Shiloh’s death. Chase says, Sam could be a target for taking out their beloved leader. Jason says he’s more interested in who framed Sam. Maybe they’ll show up.

Linc says Brook can call herself Daffy Duck for all he cares; the contract is still in force and he’s still in charge. She has no say so. She says she’s not working for scum like him, and Lulu says, it’s sexual harassment. Linc tells her to stay out of it. The language is clear. Brook has to provide three records. If she doesn’t, then she needs to use her mouth for something other than music. Dustin punches him in the mouth. I’m actually surprised he said that in front of a room full of people.

Chase gets a call from the PCPD, and Willow asks if it’s an emergency. He says he has to help with a disturbance, and asks if she’ll be okay without him. Michael says he and Jason will be there, and Willow says, so will her mom. She’ll be ready to correct any misconceptions Shiloh’s followers have about his legacy. Chase leaves, and Michael asks if Willow is ready to head over. Willow says, ready as she’ll ever be, and they go.

Alexis tells Neil to send her the complaint. She wants to look it over. She’ll find a loophole or a technicality. He says, what if she doesn’t? and she says, not everything is in black and white. They had one date; it doesn’t constitute as much, and they weren’t very physical. He asks if his thoughts count. She tells him, don’t claim fault. Never say he’s sorry or it was a mistake. Tell them, it’s not serious, and he’ll do better in the future. He says what if he doesn’t want to? What if he wants to make the same mistake over and over again?

Curtis finds Jordan in the interrogation room. He says he’d like to file a missing person’s report. His wife has gone missing. Jordan says, dinner at the MetroCourt. She’s so sorry. Why didn’t he call? He says, he did, and texted. She says her phone is in her office, and she didn’t check. Curtis says, luckily, they make a mean cobb salad and apple pie, and gives her a take-out bag. She says she doesn’t deserve him, and he says he wants to keep the Commissioner happy. She says he does, and apologizes again. He says, as it turns out, he found another hot date. She’s so special, that he wants Jordan to meet her. He says, come on in, and Stella says, don’t worry. Her nephew only has eyes for Jordan. They laugh.

Tracy says ELQ needs a seasoned professional, and she’s looking at Ned. Michael wants it to be about hugging trees, and sustainable this, and reusable that. Ned asks if she’s heard of climate change, and she asks if he’s heard of profit loss. The doorbell rings, and Ned suggests they table the discussion for forever. She says, whoever it is, can wait. Ned opens the door, and seeing Tracy, Laura says, it’s a nice surprise. She hopes she’s not interrupting. Ned looks at Tracy.

Lulu says, oh my God, Dustin, and Brook says he’s still got it. Linc takes a swing at Dustin and misses. They tussle, and Dustin gets Linc in a headlock. Linc elbows him, and Lulu grabs at Linc from behind, then hits him with the rack from the pool table. Brook grabs a pool cue, and says, take that. Chase comes in, and says, break it up, while Brook goes to the bar for an empty bottle. She cracks Chase over the head by mistake, but apparently his head is pretty hard, and it doesn’t even slow him down. She asks why he got in the way.

At Shiloh’s memorial, a large photo of his smiling face sits propped up on an easel. Jason, Michael, and Willow come in. Daisy approaches them, and thanks them for coming, giving them each a program. Willow asks if Daisy arranged it, and Daisy says, a donation of any amount is welcome. Michael asks if Willow is okay, and she says she feels awful. Daisy is hanging on; trying to matter to a man who never saw her as anything but a dupe. Michael reminds her that Daisy posted Shiloh’s bail last time. Harmony comes in, and asks how Willow is. Willow says, better, now that Harmony is there. Michael asks if Harmony is sure she’s up for it, and she says wouldn’t miss this freak show for the world. They stand in the back, and Willow asks how Harmony’s job is so far. Harmony says, good. It can be rewarding when she has moments of connection that make her feel genuinely worthwhile. She wishes the good she did at DoD had a fraction of that meaning. Willow can’t believe Shiloh is being celebrated. Harmony asks why Jason is there; they’re all in danger. Jason says he’s hoping whoever arranged Shiloh’s breakout shows up.

Daisy welcomes everyone to their sunset; the memorial for their beloved Shiloh. Tonight, they celebrate their teacher, friend, and leader. Maybe in some small way. they’ll bring him back to life.

Alexis asks if Neil thinks their association was a mistake, but he says, the opposite. He’s spent his entire career helping others at the expense of his personal life. like his first marriage. Alexis says he’s good at what he does; he’s passionate and empathetic. He asks if it was worth sacrificing his family for his career. He doesn’t think so anymore. Saving people from themselves? Maybe it’s time to try something new. Alexis says, like what? and he says there are other jobs where he can use his training and expertise, where he doesn’t have to adhere to a code of conduct. They could see if there’s something to explore between them. Alexis asks if he’s willing to drop kick his career for her.

Jordan hugs Stella, and asks why she’s back so soon. Stella says the trip is for work, but she’s glad to see them. Curtis says he left his cell in the car. He leaves, and Jordan says he’s as subtle as a crowbar. What does he want them to talk about? Stella says he’s worried about her. She recently lost an old friend. Jordan says, Bob. They worked together at the DEA, yet he died of an overdose. Stella says she’s sorry, and Jordan says, it doesn’t make sense. Bob was comfortably retired. He had a pension, and was doing consulting. He was as straight-laced as they come. Stella says, that’s one reason addiction is so dangerous. The people affected are good at keeping it from their loved ones. Jordan says she should have stayed in touch, and Stella says, because she would have recognized the signs, and been able to help? Maybe; maybe not. But remember she’s not alone. She has people who love her and want to help. Stella looks at the file, and says, obsessing over her friend’s death won’t bring him back.

Laura appreciates Ned taking the time to talk to her, and Tracy says, Laura didn’t give them much choice. Ned asks what she needs to talk about, and Laura says she’s meeting with constituents about renovating the waterfront. She wondered if ELQ would be interested in a public private partnership. Tracy says Laura ran on a platform opposing renovation, but Laura says she was opposed to the gentrification of Charles Street because they wanted the people out. Ned says he won’t defend Jim Harvey’s tactics, but conserving landmarks while restoring the area, and generating tax revenue was part of his platform. What changed? Laura says they can find a compromise with their visions, and work closely with the community. She can see what changes they want without just giving them a design and no input. She’s hoping ELQ would be interested in investing. He agrees it would be a benefit to the people in the area, and Tracy says, sounds like a win-win. Laura says, it will be a loss to anyone who uses the waterfront to conduct business on the wrong side of the law, and Tracy says, like Sonny Corinthos.

Chase plops Lulu in a chair, handcuffed. Linc, Dustin, and Brook are all in handcuffs as well. Linc says he wants his lawyer, and Brook says he’s going to need one. Dustin asks if she’s okay, and she says he’s awesome. Linc says he’s going to sue for intimidation and assault, but Brook says, the only person who was assaulted was her. And the cop, but that was an accident. Linc says he owns her voice and her songs. Unless she fully completes her contract, her career is over. Chase tells him, shut up, and asks how Lulu got involved in this. She says she and Dustin were supposed to be having a great night, when those two came along. They were just in the wrong place at the wrong time. Chase says he can’t play favorites, and he’s bringing all four of them in.

Alexis says she’s not going to let Neil lose a career he loves over a night of drag Bingo and one kiss; no matter how nice the kiss was. Neil asks what the alternative is, and she says when he testifies, tell them it was one date. He says, one and a half, and she says, tell them it was inconsequential. There’s no reason for him to lose his license over an ethical issue. She knows what it’s like to be threatened with your livelihood being ripped out from under you. He asks what about them, and she says she doesn’t want his career on her conscious. She doesn’t want him to look back and regret or blame her for the loss. Maybe someday… He says, that’s two years away, and patience is not his strong suit.

Curtis comes back, and asks, where’s Stella? Jordan says, she had to go, and said she would call later. She’s been over every page of the report on Bob’s death. She requested official copies, saying it might be germane to an investigation. He says, but it was an excuse to get the paperwork. She says she knows she hadn’t seen Bob in a long time, but she still can’t believe he OD’d. Curtis says when he was an addict, no one believed he was, including him. At first, he barely used, and made excuses, but one day it became real. It had taken over his life. That may be what happened with Bob. She says, maybe; maybe not. But she owes it to Bob and his family to keep looking until she finds answers.

At the station, Linc says he’s the only victim, and Lulu says, groping someone against their will is a crime. Jordan comes out, and asks, what the hell is going on?

Laura says she’s aware that Sonny lands cargo at several piers, and Tracy says, that’s not coffee. Ned says Michael is careful not to interfere with Sonny’s business, and doesn’t think he’ll back the renovation. Not if it will add more scrutiny to Sonny. Laura says she knows it’s a delicate situation. If he has any advice on how to broach the subject with Michael, she’s open to it. Tracy tells her, be patient. Michael may not be in charge for long. Laura asks if he’s leaving. Laura and Ned both get a text from the PCPD asking them to come to the station.

Daisy is still talking. She addresses Shiloh, saying, wherever he is, their trust remains whole and unbroken, and they’ll keep working to ensure every day is a newer, brighter dawn. She asks if anyone would like to share how Shiloh changed their life, and Willow says she would. She goes up front. She says she knows how much Shiloh means to all of them. He meant so much to so many who are struggling. He was drawn to the vulnerable, friendless, and troubled souls who had nowhere else to turn. He wanted to help, but he wanted to help himself to their money, bodies, and self-esteem. He took all their pain and inhaled it like perfume to give himself more power and control. He didn’t care about them, especially not Daisy. He wanted to own them, humiliate them, and destroy their free will. The worst thing is that he tricked them into thinking they needed him, and wanted him to tell them what to do. Look around. Shiloh is dead, and they’re still standing. They didn’t need him after all. She tells them, don’t be sad. Shiloh is gone. They should be thrilled, because they’re free. Shame on that menace to society. She’s glad he’s dead, and hopes he rots in hell.

A veiled woman gets up. She tells Willow, she’s said her piece. Now it’s her turn.

Alexis says she can’t ask Neil to sacrifice his career for her. It’s not fair to anyone. He says, if that’s the case, he doesn’t think they should see each other after the hearing. She says, not even as friends? He thinks it would be more ammunition. She’s been named in the complaint, and he’s sure they’ll reach out to her. She says she’ll be on the lookout. So this is it? He says, this is it. He wishes it could have been different. He walks out, and she looks disappointed, but I don’t know what she expected.

Brook says she’s filing a protest, and Chase threatens to put her in a holding cell with her friend. She says he’s not her friend. He says, her producer then, but she says, the contract is bogus. He says, the charges aren’t. He has a delicate head and it’s still aching. She says, it was an accident. She was swinging a Linc. Chase leaves to get an aspirin.

Lulu says, Dustin’s poor eye; does it hurt? He says only when he looks out of it. He’s sorry he got her into this mess, and she says, apology not accepted. She got herself into it. Since Brook was involved, she should have known better. He never did get a chance to tell her; how do they know each other?

Tracy says, leave it to Brook to get into a barroom brawl. Laura thinks there’s more to the story. Lulu wouldn’t have gotten drawn into something like that. Tracy tells Ned, if Brook has to spend the night there, let her. Ned says, things are always complicated when it comes to his daughter, and Tracy says, uncomplicate them. She doesn’t need him distracted. She smiles as she closes the door behind them.

The veiled woman says she didn’t know Shiloh long, but they did share a special bond. After all – she removes her veil, and it’s Nelle – he was her husband.

Tomorrow, Lulu tells Dustin not to leave anything out, Ava says Nikolas isn’t getting what he wants until she does, and Nelle says she’s Mrs. Archer and they’re all her guests.

Vanderpump Rules

Stassi and Lala come over to help Brittany with her sexiness. In Brittany’s interview, she says for a wedding present, she’s giving Jax a boudoir photo book, and stumbles over the word boudoir. She gets in a bubble bath, and the girls make suggestions for poses. In Stassi’s interview, she says she would be in a giant tub filled with ranch. Who could resist that? Brittany asks Stassi how the weekend was, and Stassi says she felt calm the day after the funeral. The weekend in NOLA to celebrate her grandmother was awesome. It was a lovefest for her grandmother. She feels like she wants to pick up her life again. Katie texted her about some major sh*t. Lala says Kristen swore she and Carter are off, so she pulled Carter aside. Stassi asks if he’s going to the bachelorette party. In Brittany’s interview, she says she doesn’t remember inviting Carter. He might be Kristen’s plus one, but it will be weird for him to go to the party if they’re broken up. Lala says she invited James to the studio. She’s seen James when he’s great, and it’s sad that most people will probably never see him that way. In her interview, Lala says, James has been horrible to people. We flash back to that, and Lala says in her program they practice forgiveness. She has to do this for herself. Stassi tells Lala that she won’t say, I told you so, but she’ll think it in her head.

Brett goes to Villa Rosa to give Lisa a training session. He tells her squats are good for her core, and she says her core is fine. In her interview, Lisa says SUR and TomTom are revolving doors of young, beautiful people. Brett is a gorgeous hunk who knows how to take care of his body. She hopes he can help her out with hers. She asks how things are at SUR, and he says, Scheana is nice – too nice. In Brett’s interview, he says they made out for two seconds, and you’d have thought he gave her a six-carat ring. He needs to show her a dictionary, so she knows what friend means. He tells Lisa that he’s not going to shag Scheana. The ponies snort, and Lisa says, even they agree.

Peter tells Scheana that she’s training Charli, Brett, and Dayna. Maybe one of them will find a boyfriend today. In Scheana’s interview, she says, before yesterday, Dayna was the girl she walked past to get in her friend’s bar. Now Dayna is the girl screwing her boss and her leftovers. Um… is he still considered a leftover when he ghosted her? She says, is it Dayna’s job to polish every glass? No, but it happens to the best of them, including her. We flash back to when Stassi had Scheana doing the same thing. Scheana says, sorry not sorry. In Dayna’s interview, she says she finds it interesting that out of the two people Scheana is training, the only one not being trained is the one sleeping with her boss. Dayna asks if she’s done something to upset Scheana, and Scheana says she and Max are good friends, but they did have a thing. He said she was boy crazy, and it upset her. Maybe don’t sleep with staff. She knows Dayna and Max are hooking up. Dayna says she doesn’t want to make Scheana feel any kind of way, but Scheana insists she and Max are just friends. Dayna says Max says the same; she wants to make sure he’s not lying. Scheana says, do her, do him, have fun. In Dayna’s interview, she says she’s read the book and seen the movie. Scheana is trying to make her feel less powerful. Do what you need to, to get through the day.

In her interview, Lala tells us that her brother Easton lives in Salt Lake City, and is the chilliest person in the entire world. She wants to bring him into a real studio. Easton records some music, and Lala says he brought tears to her eyes. James arrives, and they hug. She says she’s been writing a lot since her dad passed. In James’s interview, he says he misses working with her. They have songs on the books that they haven’t recorded because they can’t get past their sh*t. She tells him that she wants to talk one on one, and the studio guys make themselves scarce. She asks, what’s up? and he says he’s been disconnected. She says she’s been lucky enough to see the great James Kennedy, but not everybody is so lucky. What they see is not so great. There have been moments that made people write him off, but for her, it’s harder. She believes in him. She embraces him as a good dude who did some effed up sh*t. James seems confused as to what he did, so she gives him some examples, like body shaming, calling her whore, and calling Brittany a hillbilly. How do they prevent this from happening again? He says he feels like he’s in a better head space, and thinks he’s growing up. If she considers it squashed, then he does. She says, they’re squashed. She’s unblocking him, and he can Instastalk her. He says, it’s not about that, and she says she’s going to Instastalk him to see if he’s posting bullsh*t.

Dayna and Max go out to eat, as do Danica, Ariana, and Scheana, but in a different restaurant. In Ariana’s interview, she says Danica was the assistant manager at SUR, but she’s currently suspended for shoving her bartender boyfriend when he suggested a threesome. She’s a typical SUR girl. Danica says Max is the SURiest person of all. He slept with both friends she brought there, and told them he owned part of TomTom. She hopes Dayna doesn’t think she’s special. Scheana says, Dayna is so naïve. She loves it.

Dayna tells Max that she feels like Scheana is giving her busy work, instead of actually training her. She wonders if Scheana and Max are cool, why does it matter? Max says Scheana is a cool chick, but she’s in a place where he isn’t. She’s older, and she’s stopped taking birth control. She wants to freeze her eggs. In Dayna’s interview, she says, telling a 27 year old that you’re off birth control, is like yelling fire in a crowded movie theater. She asks how long they were going out, and Max says, a month.

Scheana says, Max played her, and Ariana says, too bad. They were cute for a while. Scheana knows she acts stupid, buying guys presents. She got Max a watch for Thanksgiving. Who does that? She was thankful he made her feel special.

Max tells Dayna that he left his sunglasses at Schwartz’s place. When he went by to get them, Katie and Lala were there, and they think she’s amazing. We see a clip of them saying they like her. He says they want to go to her comedy show. Lala also asked about her mom, Dayna says her mom got brain cancer her first year in college. She was an absolute mess, and didn’t handle her death well. In Max’s interview, he says, Dayna has a lot of depth. Scheana wants to talk about photo shoots, or music, or emojis. It’s not enlightening. He says he wants to see Dayna’s show.

Ariana says she never thought she say it, but until the book comes out, she doesn’t know what she’s doing. In her interview, she says she hasn’t worked at SUR for two months. She was writing her cocktail book (which I got for Christmas), and buying a house. Now that those things are over, she feels like she’ll have to kiss Lisa’s ring.

Beau takes pictures of Stassi sitting at her desk. She says she’s sweating, and he says he believes in her.

Lala goes to Vanderpump Dogs, plays with the furbabies. It looks like loads of fun, and I’m jealous.

Brittany, Scheana, Ariana, and Katie try on tacky wedding dresses at a vintage clothing store. Brittany wants to have them for the bachelorette party. She says, it’s going to be fun. 

Stassi tells Beau that Brittany told her about the weekend, and said Kristen was the most miserable she’s seen her. Then she brought Carter to the party. In Stassi’s interview, she says the annoying thing is, all her friends get wrapped up in Kristen’s dysfunction. She and Beau vowed never to talk about them again. Beau says if Stassi hears Kristen venting, tell her, shut up. Stassi says they’ve all failed.

Lala tells Lisa about Carter, and how he and Kristen split up, then hook up. Lisa thinks Kristen is desperate for a good relationship, but doesn’t know if she’s capable. Lala says you have to be okay by yourself, and Kristen isn’t.

Brittany asks if Carter makes Kristen feel bad. Katie says relationships aren’t black and white, but friendships aren’t either. She’s sorry she yelled at Kristen. They hug, and she says Kristen does have support. She wants Kristen to be happy. Brittany says, Carter doesn’t need to come to Miami. It’s a good way to start a break.

Schwartz asks how Max is feeling, and Max says maybe he’ll bartend tonight. Tom comes in, and says he’s stopping by before he goes to SUR. In Tom’s interview, he says Lisa obviously fired him from SUR – we flash back to that – but he’s been there for girls nights, and he went behind the bar. He’s missed it. There’s something about leaving with a wad of cash; it’s instant gratification. He tells Max that Danica said he was telling people he was the owner of the bar. Max says he asked if they wanted to have a drink at his bar. It made him come off like a d-bag. In Max’s interview, he says he doesn’t need to lie to get women. It’s the most delusional thing he’s heard. He never thought he’d be running the best bar in Hollywood at his age. He had a girlfriend for over a year, but it fell through. When started working with Dayna, he was super into her. Tom says Dayna has a comedy show coming up, and Max asks if they want to go. Schwartz says she’s funny as a person, but people like that aren’t always funny on stage. We flash back to Tom doing some rapping… or something. Schwartz tells them, then you have to say they were pretty good. Tom tells him, say, you did it.

Brittany and Jax go to Kyle Chan’s jewelry design showroom. Brittany tries on her wedding ring. In Jax’s interview, he says, Brittany tends to raise the budget. She thinks he doesn’t notice, but he does. She thinks they’re Meghan Markle and whatever his name is. What is his name? Brittany says she talked to Kristen, and Jax says Kristen was fighting and arguing, but she got busted. Brittany says, one day, Kristen doesn’t want to be with Carter, and the next, she’s emotional and sad. Jax wonders what she’s sad about. They don’t sleep together, and Carter is mean to her. In Jax’s interview, he says Carter has a good scam going. Kristen pays for everything. He doesn’t want Kristen going to Miami; the girls will chirp in her ear. Jax says Carter was asking about room prices. Does he know he’s not invited? He guesses he’ll just talk to Carter himself.

Scheana quizzes Dayna on the special, and smirks when Dayna makes a slight mistake. She admits she’s been a bitch to Dayna, but something irks her. Either she vibes with someone or she doesn’t. Dayna asks if Scheana is sure it’s not because she’s with Max. In Dayna’s interview, she says, it’s the only logical explanation for Scheana being the sh*ttiest trainer ever. It’s because she’s going out with Max, and they like each other. Girlfriend’s threatened. Dayna reminds me somewhat of Ariana. She seems a little more mature in some ways.

Tom is behind the bar at SUR. Ariana comes in, and tells him that she’s feeling out of it. She heard a Justin Bieber song she’d never heard before, and started crying. In her interview, Ariana says she was upset about the way Lisa went into business with the Toms. We flash back to Ariana telling Lisa that she didn’t want people to think Tom and Schwartz were idiots. She says she hasn’t seen or spoken to Lisa since then.

In Brett’s interview, he says, Scheana comes on too strong. He wants to be friends, but she wants to find Mr. Right, and it’s not him. He tells Scheana that he cares about her as a friend, but doesn’t want it to be common knowledge that they’re hooking up when they’re not. She’s a loving person, and support is more important than a sexual fling. Scheana tells him, they’re on the same page, but in her interview, she says she doesn’t know if she believes it. He kissed her the first night; he must have felt something. Yeah, he felt that she was a bad kisser.

Ariana approaches Lisa at SUR, and sits with her. She says she wanted to talk about coming back once a week. Lisa asks, why? and Ariana say she doesn’t like not working. It bothers her to be sitting around. Lisa says she doesn’t understand. She knows there’s been tension between them, and Arian was taking sh*t. She’s mystified as to why want Ariana wants to work there. In Lisa’s interview, she says she understands. We all have opinions of our bosses, but Ariana doesn’t work there anymore. If she wants a favor, they’ll have to talk first. Lisa tells Ariana that it’s the highest compliment she can give, to ask someone to be in business with her. Ariana hurt her feelings. Ariana apologizes, and says she gets emotional when it has to do with Tom. She wants to repair their friendship. She wants Lisa to see her as someone who’s going to grow. Lisa says she wants Ariana to grow, and continue to be someone she’s proud of. Let her think about it. Moving on. Lisa asks how the new house is, and if Ariana has decorated. Ariana shakes her head, and says, when they first moved in, for a few days, she only got out of bed to pee. She felt like her life had been building up to this moment. It happened, and she realized she was still herself. Lisa says it sounds like she’s not happy with herself, and knows she’s not. In Ariana’s interview, she says she had life goals, and when she achieved them, she thought it would fix her. She wonders if she needs medication, and Lisa asks if she’s depressed. Ariana says she’s been depressed for a long time. In her interview, she says when achieving her goals didn’t change who she was, she felt the undercurrent of depression would probably always be a part of her. Lisa says when she lost her brother, nothing made sense. Ariana can rise to the challenge. If Lisa can do it, so can she. Ariana thanks her, and Lisa tells her not to doubt herself. Let others do that for her.

In Dayna’s interview, she says, every time she’s about to go on stage, she wants to vomit. Max being there makes her feel more naked than being naked with him. The whole crew is there, except for Katie and Stassi, who are renovating.

Stassi wants to make her and Beau’s place more feminine. She’s brought her favorite candle, so it smells like her.

The group toasts to Dayna. Max says he likes her, but he has a lot to communicate about his past. He thinks there’s tension between Dayna and Scheana because of him, and Lala tells him, Scheana thinks she peed on him, and he’s her territory. Ariana says Scheana doesn’t feel that way about the other girls Max has dated, but Lala says, he’s not still hooking up with them. Dayna takes the stage. In her interview, she says she loves comedy because she doesn’t have to censor herself. She took two jobs so she can focus on her real passion. Her mother was the first person to encourage her. She does a bit about people’s reactions to her mom being dead, and it’s accurate and funny. In Max’s interview, he says he was nervous. If he didn’t think she was funny and it was cringy, it could be a deal breaker. He’s a funny guy, and it’s cool to find a girl funnier than him.

Kristen is getting ready move. Katie says Kristen is scary with the packing tape. Jax arrives, and says packing sucks balls. I agree. He asks where Carter went, and Kristen says he took some things over to the house. In Jax’s interview, he says Kristen has a co-dependency problem. She can’t be alone. Carter doesn’t have a truck, just a two-seater BMW that Kristen pays for. What’s he bringing to the table?  Carter calls, saying he’s on his way back. He tells her about discussing some décor details with Stassi, and Kristen tells him don’t say we decided. She needs to be involved with all decisions. In Katie’s interview, she says Carter doesn’t sound like an ex-boyfriend; he sounds more like a husband. Jax asks Kristen if Carter is moving in with her, but she says, as of now, he’s not. She’s tired of talking about it. She feels bad about it, and Carter is being wonderful. Jax says, of course he is; he needs a place to live. Kristen says he doesn’t, but he’s hoping she’ll change her mind. Jax says, Stassi kicking him out was the best thing that could have happened to him. We flash back to piles of his clothes in the hallway, and him asking, why is this happening? Jax says they have to talk about the Miami thing, and Kristen says she’s not going to be responsible for that decision. Jax asks where she and Carter are, and she says they’re not dating. He says then he’s going to tell Carter that he can’t come. They’re going to have a chat, man to man. That should be interesting, since no men are involved.

Kristen says she’s not 100% sure that she and Carter should be together, but she’s not 100% sure they shouldn’t be. Jax says she’s vulnerable right now. If he was Carter, he would keep milking the cow because it’s a free cow. Katie ask if he means a free cow or free milk. The lightbulb comes on, and Jax says, why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free? In Kristen’s interview, she says, Jax is on his high horse. She gets it. Jax is almost a husband, but he’s still Jax Taylor. Kristen says maybe Carter is sad because he loves her, and their family is being torn apart. Jax says, get a job then. There are several places hiring. Carter comes in, and Kristen and Katie go into the kitchen under some pretense. Jax asks if he can talk to Carter for a second. They sit in another room, and Jax says they all get involved because Kristen makes everyone aware of her and Carter’s business. He thinks they should take a month’s break. Carter asks if Jax really thinks that’s a good idea, and Jax says he does. Just relax, and take a breather. Carter wonders how often they can see each other, living so far apart, and Jax says, that’s the point of a break. Clearly, Kristen can’t do it. Carter says it’s not what Kristen wants. He wants her to know he won’t be there; he’s always the one she calls. Jax tells him not to guilt her, but Carter says he’s not. He wants her to realize that he’s not going to be around. In Jax’s interview, he says, Carter knows Kristen is vulnerable, and easy to manipulate right now, and he’s taking advantage of the situation. Jax tells Carter, other people will help Kristen.

Katie says it seems like Kristen feels defeated, and Kristen says she’s terrified of everything .She questions buying the house every day, and wonders what she got herself into. Carter tells Jax that he and Kristen are on the right track, and Jax says if they’ve broken up, it’s not that great. He has to make a decision since Brittany is on his ass. Carter can’t come. Carter says he’s sorry to drag Jax through it. It has nothing to do with him. Jax says it’s all good. He’s sorry things didn’t work out.

In the other room, Kristen tells Katie, if one more person stresses her out, she’s going to lose her sh*t. Carter comes out, and hugs her. I make a gagging noise.

Next time, Scheana calls Max a f***boy, Lisa reads Stassi’s book out loud to Ken, and Stassi tells Tom off.

The Haves and The Have Nots

Candace and Benny watch breaking news of a shooting at the Cryer mansion. They’re still waiting for confirmation, but the newscaster says it’s an exclusive neighborhood, where they never hear of things like that happening. The neighbors are shocked. Benny says, I’ll be damned. Candace wonders what happened, and he says, someone got even. He just hopes Jim is dead. The SOB got what’s coming to him. He says, Candace knows what that means; she can keep the money if he’s dead. Wait… that’s why she’s being cool. She did this. She looks at him, and he says, don’t look at him like she wouldn’t. If she did, he wouldn’t care. She tells him, stop talking about it, but he says it’s another sign she should keep the money. She’ll never get another chance. She says she’s trying to do the right thing, and Benny laughs. He says, for momma? and Candace says, no; for herself. Benny says, if he’s dead, run. He wants to wake Hanna up, and Candace goes with him.

Benny tells Hanna, wake up, and she asks, what’s going on? He says, on the news, they said something bad went down at the Cryer house. She says, something like what? and he says, three people got shot. She sits up, and makes a call, getting Kathryn’s voicemail. She says, no answer, and Benny asks if she wants him to go over there. She says, it’s okay. He knows how that man is. Stay there. She’ll let him know what’s going on. Benny asks if Candace wants to go out. They have reason to celebrate; he’s dead. She says she’ll stay there.

David tells the detective, all he knows is, they came through door with guns. The detective asks if he knows anyone who would do this, and Jeffrey says, his mother. David says he’s a retired judge, and has a lot of enemies. Jeffrey says, and his mother. David says he just went through a bitter divorce, and the detective asks her name. Jeffrey tells the detective Veronica’s name, and where to find her. David asks if they’re done, and the detective says he has to talk to the coroner, but he’ll be back. Jeffrey asks David why he didn’t tell the detective about his mother. David says, she’s too smart, but he’s going to outfox a fox. Jeffrey’s mother is very clever. Jeffrey says, she tried to kill them, and David is calm. David says his calm is a dangerous place; Jeffrey knows that. Jeffrey says he’s tired of this, and David says he is too. The detective says he has more questions. There’s also been a shooting at the Cryer place. The whole family was shot. David asks if that’s been confirmed, and the detective says he doesn’t know who they were, just that there were three victims. Jeffrey says, he did it. He said he was going to do it. The detective asks, who? and Jeffrey says, Wyatt said he was going to shoot them. The detective asks, when? and Jeffrey says, earlier. David asks if he told anyone, but Jeffrey says, no. He thought Wyatt was just high. David says, dammit, and tells the detective, they’re done. He has to check on the Cryers. He and Jeffrey walk out, with the detective calling after them to come back.

Mitch knocks on the door, and Candace answers. He asks if she’s good, and she says she always figures it out. He says he has her back, and she says she knows. He asks if Benny is there, and she says she’ll get him. Mitch tells her, hold on. He wants to talk to her. She knows how much he loves her, right? She laughs, and says he always has. He says he doesn’t want anybody messing with her. If she needs anything, he knows how to get it done. She thanks him, and he says there are a lot of people who owe him favors. She says she’s good, and he hugs her. I like Mitch, and they’re very cute together. Benny comes in, and says, yo! What’s he doing? Mitch says he’s family, but Benny says, that’s a little too long. Mitch asks if Candace is sure she doesn’t want to come, but she says she’s good. Benny tells Mitch, strip club, and she tells them, have fun.

Derrick is restless. He picks up his phone, and makes a call. Candace answers Hanna’s phone, and he says, Hanna, don’t hang up. She says she’s not Hanna, and he asks if he can speak to her. Candace says, Derrick? and he says, yeah. She’s silent, and Derrick asks, who is this? She says, apparently his daughter. Hello? He says, hi, and she says, that’s all he has to say? He says, sorry. How much did Hanna  tell her? She says, not much. Fill her in. He thinks it’s something they should talk about in person, and she says he’s right. He says he can come by tomorrow, but she says Hanna doesn’t want him there. He asks if they can meet somewhere, and she says she’ll let him know. He thanks her, and says he’s… She tells him, don’t say he’s sorry. She’ll let him know. He says, that’s fair, and she says, no, it’s not, but it’s all she has right now. Derrick hangs up, and sighs.

Broderick relaxes on the couch, when there’s a knock at the door. He lets Rocky in, and Rocky asks whose place it is. Broderick says, Kathryn’s. Rocky says she’s going to burn him, but Broderick says it’s like the payday he’s been waiting for. Check out the view. Rocky says, it’s nice, but he doesn’t trust it. Broderick says he does. He asks if Rocky has heard from RK, but Rocky says, that kid is long gone. Broderick says they’re not getting deported? and Rocky says, they’re safe. No one is after them. No one called or showed up at the hotel. All they wanted was Candace, and they got her. He didn’t see what the news? They told her whole story; it was terrible. Broderick says, she had that coming, and Rocky guesses so. Rocky says Broderick he really is staying there. Damn. He should have pushed harder. Broderick says Rocky doesn’t have what he does. He asks if Rocky wants a drink. Rocky says, no, but Broderick should have few. Broderick asks, why? and Rocky says he hasn’t heard about the shooting at the house? It was three people, and there are only three who live there. Broderick asks if Kathryn is okay, and Rocky says, nobody knows. He’d better make himself those drinks. Enjoy the moment. It’s fleeting.

At the hospital, the reception nurse whose name I can never remember tells Madison there’s a gunshot victim coming in. Justin rings the bell, and Madison says, please check on him. She says, fine. Justin keeps pressing the button until he sees her. He asks where Madison is, and she says, he’s busy. If he wants anything, buzz the desk. Justin says, please get him, and she goes back to the desk. Madison says, what did he want? and she says, him. He says he’s not going in there, but she says Justin will just keep ringing the bell. He says, dammit, and she says, just go. He goes into Justin’s room, and says if Justin doesn’t need anything, he’s leaving. Justin says he’s going, and Madison says the doctor hasn’t discharged him, and even if he has, Justin is a prisoner. Justin says he made bail. His lawyer says he’s free to go, so he’s going home. Madison says he wouldn’t advise it. Justin has internal injuries. Justin says he doesn’t care. He needs his clothes. Madison guesses he can’t stop Justin, and tosses his clothes to him. Justin asks if Madison will give him a hand – please. Madison helps him get his T-shirt on, and Justin thanks him. Madison says he has to go, and Justin steps in front of him, blocking the way. Madison says he needs to move. Justin says, sorry. Creepy, wasn’t it? Madison says, yeah, and Justin says, but Madison works out. Madison says he does, and he’s going to bench press Justin’s ass across the room if he doesn’t move. Justin stands there a moment, says, sorry, and steps aside. Madison says Justin is a really good looking guy. A lot of people would like him if he wasn’t such a creep all the time. Get some therapy. Justin says, okay, and finishes getting dressed.

Oliver sits in a booth at a bar, and Landon slides into the seat across from him. He tells Oliver, go to hell. Oliver says, sorry, and Landon says he hates Oliver. Oliver says he didn’t do anything. Landon says he asked Oliver to look after things. He thought he could trust Oliver. Oliver says he can, and Landon says Oliver got him fired. Oliver says, Charles will get past it, and Landon says, it’s because of that whore, and Oliver asks if Landon had anything to do with it. He seems defensive. Landon says he had nothing to do with it, and Oliver says, then Charles really liked her. Landon says, don’t remind him, and Oliver asks if he’s still fired. Landon says, as far as he knows. It was one helluva gig. Oliver says he knows, and Landon says he hopes Charles isn’t considering giving Oliver the job. If he gets Chief-of-Staff, Landon will kill him. Oliver says Charles wouldn’t give him that. Landon says, he’d better not; Oliver is the worst. Oliver says, Landon trained him, and Landon says, leave him alone, and jets.

Veronica, looking hot AF in black leather, is on the phone, telling someone to come by her house tomorrow (Celine?). It’ll be fun. She makes a drink and sits. Her main thug, whose name I can’t seem  to catch, comes in and sits next to her, followed by a bunch of guys, all dressed in black, and most of them wearing masks. She asks what the hell they’re doing in her house. They surround her. Wow. It must be like 50 guys. She asks if this is supposed to intimidate her, and the thug says, that’s not what this is. She says, why all these people? and he says he needed to talk to her. She says he just did at the hospital, but he says he’s not sure she heard him. She says, so it’s like this? She doesn’t intimidate easily. He says he knows, and she says, it’s pissing her off. He says he wanted to come by to make sure he didn’t have to again. Has she thought about what he said? She says she has. He says, and…? She says she got all of them off. What makes them think she won’t send them back? He says he has so much sh*t on her, but she says, he doesn’t snitch. He says, she’s right; that’s why they’re here. He told her that she wouldn’t be happy. She says she was just on the phone, making arrangements with the funeral home. They’ll take care of everything. He says, what about the kids? and she says she’s going to start a college fund. They’re probably not going to college, but she’s starting it. He says it will make his momma happy. She says his crew smells like fried chicken and roaches; she’s getting hives. He makes a hand signal, and the guys saunter out. No one in the neighborhood noticed them? They climb over the backyard fence, and disappear. Veronica says, everything better be in its place. She sees a young man lingering, and says, he’s cute. If he’d take bath and do something with his hair, he can come back to see her. He leaves, and she says she can work with that. The thug gets up and walks out the back. She finishes her drink, and says, it smells like broke-ass in here now. She’s going to a hotel tonight. No way she’s sleeping there.

Landon pops back in the booth seat, and says, just leave him alone. Wait. It’s his table. Oliver should leave. Oliver says Landon needs to get himself together. Landon says he needs to get laid. Oliver says he can do that, and Landon says, ew! As if he’d ever. Just get lost. Oliver leaves, and Landon calls Candace. He tells her, don’t hang up. She asks who it is, and he says, Landon. She says, goodbye, and hangs up. He calls back, and she says, do not call again. He says, just listen. He thinks he can fix this. She says, there’s nothing to fix, and he says he can spin it. She says, knowing him, he probably did it. He says let him get to work on spinning. He promises by the time he’s done, most of the country will love her. She asks, why? and he says, he wants to help. She says she’s hanging up; he’s lying. He says Charles fired him. She says she knew it was about him. He says if he helps her, he can get his job back, and she says, again, she’s a pawn. He says she’s always a pawn, and she says she’s moving on with her life. She’s done with all of this. Goodbye. He says she was born for politics. She says she wasn’t, and he says, let him try. She says, no. She’s done. He tells her, be done. He’ll get to work spinning. He hangs up, and checks out a guy at another table. He sits down, and introduces himself. They guy’s name is Guy, and Landon asks if he’s that guy. Excuse him. He’s just having a bad night. Guy says, no problem, and Landon asks if he’s gay. Guy says, no, and Landon says, dammit, and asks if he’s curious. Guy says, not really, and Landon orders a shot of tequila for himself and Guy. Guy says, no thanks. He’s just trying to study. Does Landon mind? Landon says, sorry. He’s an a-hole, but Guy is handsome. Guy thanks him, and Landon sees two people kissing. He takes a picture, and Guy asks if Landon is taking pictures of him. Landon tells him, shh, and walks over to the couple’s table. We see it’s Scott, and he asks what Scott is doing in Detroit, and who is this? Scott says, it’s Melissa, his cousin, and Landon says, kissing cousins. Scott says they’re really close, and Landon says, come talk to him, adding that Melissa has great shoes.

They sit, and Landon says, so Scott is bringing his mistresses to Detroit, away from his wife. He took a photo. Scott says blackmail is illegal, and Landon says, no blackmail. He just wants to know what’s going on. Why is Scott there? Scott tells Landon, it’s like he said. It’s a great place to get away. Is Landon going to delete the photo? Landon says, no. He doesn’t know when he might need it. Scott asks what Landon wants to know, and Landon says he’ll let Scott know when he does. He asks if Scott being there has anything to do with Charles, but Scott says, no. Landon says, the AG doesn’t have him spying? but Scott swears he’s not. Landon says he doesn’t like Scott being there. Get out now or this will be all over the papers. Scott says Landon used to be nice, and Landon says he has no patience for nice right now. He puts his phone in his pocket, and waves goodbye to Scott.

Outside the Cryers, reporters clamor for an officer’s attention. Hanna pushes up to the front, and says she knows them. A reporter puts a mic in her face, and Hanna says, no comment. The officer asks what her name is, and Hanna says, Hanna Young. She works for the family, and she’s very close to Kathryn. The officer tells the reporters to get back, and lets Hanna through the police tape. She tells Hanna to follow her, and they walk to the house. Wyatt calls to Hanna from the car, and she goes over to see him. He says, he did it, and she says, what? He says he killed them, and smiles. Hanna backs away, and trots into the house.

Inside, Hanna sees the gurney with Jim on it. The officer tells her, this way, please, and heads upstairs. Hanna goes with her, and finds Kathryn in the bedroom, rocking back and forth. They hug, and Kathryn says, he tried to kill her. She asks where Jim is; they won’t let her see him. Hanna doesn’t know, and Kathryn says, he shot them. Hanna asks, what happened? and Kathryn says she heard a gunshot. She went downstairs, and he’d shot Jim; he was on the floor. She ran upstairs, he shot at her, and she fell into the tub, and… She just kept coming up for air until she heard the police. Hanna asks if she’s shot, and Kathryn says, no. He shot above her. How could he do this? They loved him. Hanna says she’s sorry, and Kathryn says, she loved him. He’s the son she bore, and he did this. Hanna says she’s so sorry. Kathryn says she needs to check on Jim, and Hanna tells her to wait there. She’ll find out what’s going on. Kathryn says she can’t believe he actually did it.

Hanna goes back downstairs, and George introduces himself. She asks how Mr. Cryer is, but he says they don’t know. Jim was just taken to the hospital. He asks if Hanna still works for the family, and she says she does. He ask if there was a hostility in the house, but she says he’ll have to ask them that. He says she’s protective, but she says she’s just not the person to talk to. He asks how her son is, and she says, fine. He says they found a notepad with her son’s name on it, the date, and get it done. She asks what that means, and he says he was hoping she’d know. She says she doesn’t, and he asks if she thinks her son would. She says she doesn’t know, and he says, the date looks specific. Anything she could tell him would help. She says, sorry, she doesn’t know, and goes back upstairs

Kathryn asks how Jim is, and Hanna says, they took him to the hospital. She knows it’s not the right time, but she has to ask Kathryn something. Benny’s name was on a pad in Jim’s office. Does she know what that’s about? Kathryn says, no, and Hanna says, Candace was giving back the money. Kathryn says she can’t think about that now. Hanna says she’s sorry; it just upset her. Kathryn says, she’s a little upset. Her son just tried to kill her. She’s still out of sorts. She says, Jim isn’t after Benny.

George comes in, and asks if Kathryn is okay. Kathryn asks if she looks okay, and he asks if she’s not hurt in any way. She says, not that she cane see, and asks how Jim is. He says he doesn’t know. Is she sure she’s not hurt? She doesn’t need a doctor? She tells him, she said she was fine, and he says, good enough. Go ahead and arrest her. Kathryn says, for what? She didn’t do this. He says, it’s not about this. She’s being charged with the murder of Jennifer Sallison. Kathryn says she did nothing to that woman, and George says, take her. Kathryn tells Hanna, call Marty and have him meet her. Hanna says she will, as the cops take Kathryn away.

Next time, Kathryn tells Wyatt that he’s going to live to regret it, Hanna asks George if her son is in danger, Landon wants Scott to come clean, and Derrick asks Veronica what she wants.

🌅 Close the Blinds…

Well, I’d say this was quite enough for one evening. Especially since it’s morning.