Tag Archives: All Time Low

January 20, 2026 – Extra, Extra – So You Don’t Have To Wait – After the Trial Is Over, After That & Gloom

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

🥢 Weekday Nibbles…                                                                      

Monday: 

The verdict was read and Willow was found not guilty. Willow hugged Alexis, who didn’t look very happy and didn’t hug back. Trina told Kai that she couldn’t believe Willow got away with it.

Sonny went to Alexis’s office to see Diane and maybe get some carrot cake, but Suzanne was behind in her baking and Diane was in court. Alexis was also in court, and Suzanne said the jury had reached a verdict. They thought it could go either way. Sonny said he hoped Willow got acquitted.

Willow was free to go, court was adjourned, and Willow hugged Nina. Dante told Turner that he was sorry, and she wanted to know who was responsible for the missing traffic cam footage. She wanted their head.

Chase congratulated Willow, and she said he’d played a huge part in it. Drew said he knew she’d be exonerated like he’d promised.

Anna asked who was speaking, and Faison asked if she’d forgotten the voice of who loved her the most. She insisted it wasn’t him. It was impossible. He was dead. He said she should know by now, not even death could part them.

Kai said they should have gone to the police, but Trina said it was too late now, and they left.

Willow thanked everyone for their support, but there was one person she owed a debt of gratitude to – Alexis. Drew agreed and thanked Alexis. She told him to keep his end of the deal. She’d come through for him and expected the same.

Suzanne was surprised that Sonny wanted Willow to go free, since the DA’s office could go against Michael. Alexis had laid out a pretty convincing case against him. Sonny said Alexis had done her job to the best of her ability and he couldn’t fault her. He could understand why she went after Michael. Drew had given Alexis an ultimatum – free Willow or she’d never see Scout again. She had to do something drastic. Suzanne got a text and told him that Willow was just acquitted.

Nina said, now Willow could concentrate on getting her kids back, and Drew said, tonight, they had to celebrate. Nina suggested she pick up champagne and that Chase come too. They could all celebrate together.

Dante said they’d find the person who messed with the footage, when Drew came by and said, no hard feelings. She was just doing her job. She said, how magnanimous of him. and he said he’d be in touch about pressing charges against Michael.

Michael flashed back to his meeting with Willow when she asked what would happen with her seeing the kids if she didn’t go to prison.

Nina thanked Chase, and he said he wasn’t letting an innocent woman go to prison. She promised him that it wouldn’t be forgotten and left. Turner said Chase must be pleased with himself. Willow might have walked out free, but thanks to his interference, he might be the one ending up in prison.

Anna asked if Faison had kidnapped her, and he said this place was better than where she’d kept him on Spoon Island. She asked if it was payback, but he said they always found their way back to each other. She said he had a warped view of their history, and he said what kept him going was knowing they’d be reunited. They’d never be part again.

Back in her office, Alexis threw her papers around and Suzanne asked if she was okay. Alexis said she was fine, but Suzanne said she was acting like she’d lost. Right. Willow was guilty, wasn’t she?

Drew brought Willow home, and she said the only thing that would make it better was having Wiley and Amelia there. He said he’d make good on his promise, and she said she didn’t know what she’d do without him. Drew told Scout that Willow won her case, and Willow said, now she could stay with Scout and her dad, and hugged Scout.

Chase said he didn’t nothing wrong, but Turner said he’d undermined her case with his testimony and betrayed his entire department. He said all he did was tell the truth and the jury agreed with him that she was prosecuting the wrong person, but Turner said, only because they didn’t see a crucial piece of evidence. Dante said they’d find the person, and Chase said they’d find it wasn’t him. He’d never tamper with evidence. Turner said Internal Affairs would look into it, and Chase said they wouldn’t find anything on him. If she’d put the right person on trial, he wouldn’t have had to do her job. He left, and Turner told Dante to build her a case against his brother.

At the Quartermaines’, Sonny told Michael that he’d heard about the verdict, and Michael said, now he was the prime suspect. He’d bolted when they read the verdict, but it was only a matter of time. Sonny said he didn’t know if Michael shot Drew or not and didn’t care, but he’d make sure Michael didn’t go down for this.

Anna said, this wasn’t real. It was a trick. Somebody wanted her to believe Faison was alive. Faison said his children were also thought dead. Hadn’t she considered the possibility? She said no, she was finally rid of him, but he said she could never be rid of him. What they had was eternal.

At the Bad Jen Café, Kai told Trina that they should have done more. Double jeopardy meant they couldn’t go after Willow again. (I think they can if there’s new evidence though.) Trina wondered if Willow going free was so terrible. Drew was a monster and he’d put a lot on himself. Kai said a lot of people despised him, but only Willow committed a crime, and she said they’d also committed a crime and covered it up. Who were they to judge? What Willow did was wrong, but she told the court how much she’d loved Drew and now she was stuck with him, or it would arouse suspicion. Maybe it was punishment enough.

Michael said if he went to prison, his kids would be left with an unstable mother and a terrible stepfather, but Sonny said he wouldn’t let that happen. Michael said, even if he was kept out of prison, it would have a huge impact on visitation. The jury had believed her and the new judge could too. What if she got full custody? Sonny said it would never happen, but Michael said it could, and he couldn’t let them live with Drew. Sonny said it wouldn’t do Michael any good to go down that scenario, but Michael said he had to be prepared for any outcome. He had to protect his children. Sonny promised it would be okay.

As she picked up the papers, Suzanne said she shouldn’t have asked, and Alexis asked how long she’d known. Suzanne asked if Alexis remembered when they’d rehearsed Willow, and Alexis said Suzanne told them she’d find Willow guilty. Suzanne said Willow was defensive and justified too much. It felt like overkill. She hadn’t known for sure, especially after Willow did a beautiful job on the stand, but then during Alexis’s summation, she slipped. She almost indicated that Willow was the one who shot Drew. Her explanation was quick and made perfect sense. Everyone believed her, but she knew Alexis didn’t make mistakes like that. She could read Alexis… a little, and wondered if maybe Alexis did it on purpose to try and throw the case. Alexis said, but she couldn’t do that, could she? It made her physically sick knowing that Willow was guilty, and she had to be quiet. Now Willow was free.

Willow said her freedom was thanks to Scout’s grandma. Now that her case was over, her grandma would have more time to spend with Scout. Scout asked if she could go see Alexis, when there was a knock at the door. Nina asked who was ready to celebrate, and Drew asked to speak with Nina privately. Willow took Scout to the kitchen, and Drew told Nina to leave her coat on. She wasn’t staying and she wouldn’t be seeing Willow anytime soon.

Kai said it was tempting to see it from Trina’s point of view, and Trina said it would be nice not to think about Drew and Willow for once. Kai said he was looking forward to resigning. It wasn’t worth it and he couldn’t pretend any more. Maybe it was time to just move on. She said it would make their lives easier, and he said, Michael could end up getting arrested. They couldn’t stay silent, but if Michael was indicted, he’d come forward on his own.

Dante said he knew Michael was number one, but they should consider Curtis, and Turner said, maybe. She knew Michael was his brother, but because of Alexis’s convincing argument, they had no choice but to focus on him. If they didn’t follow up, they’d be slammed from every angle. Dante said he was working hard at staying objective, and she told him to do his job thoroughly and investigate Michael.

Suzanne asked when Alexis figured it out, and Alexis said, after she rested her case… This had to be confidential. Suzanne said, anything and everything case related always was, and Alexis said, someone came to her with damning evidence against Willow and it checked out. Suzanne asked why they didn’t go to the police, and Alexis said it wasn’t in their best interest, and she told them that they’d implicate themselves for various other crimes. Drew would go after them and make it worse. And she had to look after her client. Suzanne said it was her obligation to defend Willow, and Alexis said it wasn’t her first client who was guilty, but it was just the way she’d defended Willow. She’d nearly destroyed Portia’s life and implicated Michael when he didn’t do it. Suzanne said giving her client the best defense was the ethical thing, but Alexis said, legally, yes. Morally, it didn’t feel like it.

Drew said he’d had a change of heart on telling Willow about his and Nina’s previous conversation. She deserved to know her mother wanted to see her convicted so she could jump in and take control. Nina told him, that’s not what she said, and Drew said she wanted to be the hero and drive a wedge between him and Willow. She said he was nuts. Willow was smart and would see where she was coming from. Drew said Willow would see Nina wanted to undermine their relationship again and she’d be livid. Nina said, would she? They’d see about that. Drew said she needed to leave, and Nina said she didn’t want to ruin her daughter’s celebration, so she’d leave, but trust her, she’d be back.

Faison asked if Anna was feeling any better, and she said her head was clearer and she was even more convinced he wasn’t Cesar Faison. Cesar Faison was dead. His brain was in a jar. Faison said someone’s brain was in a jar, but not his. He was right there with her. She said, show himself, but he said, patience. All in due time. He was sorry to keep her waiting, but his recovery was slow and he couldn’t bear for her to see him in his current state. When he was fully healed, she’d see for herself that he was the one and only Cesar Faison.

Kai said there was no reason for Trina to risk prosecution, but she said it was her idea to break in. If anybody should turn themselves in, it should be her. Kai said there was nothing linking her to the crime scene, but she said he wasn’t facing it by himself. He said if he was charged, he’d feel better knowing she was safe and in the clear. He loved her too much to let her throw her life away. The one good thing that came out of this crazy mess was that it brought them back together. She kissed him.

Sonny said the number one priority was keeping Michael out of prison, and Michael said he didn’t do it. Sonny said, the DA may say there’s not enough evidence to press charges, but Michael said Alexis gave the prosecution a roadmap and Turner would come at him harder to save face. Sonny promised him that it wouldn’t be Turner doing it.

Suzanne asked what else Alexis could have done, and Alexis said, withdraw and the judge would have declared a mistrial. Suzanne said Drew would have made sure she never saw Scout again. Could she live with that? Alexis said, no, and Suzanne said, focus on that, and Alexis said she’d let Willow get away with it, but she couldn’t stand Drew either. Suzanne wondered if anyone could, and Alexis said, no. She couldn’t blame Willow and wished she’d argued that in court. Suzanne asked what she was going to do, and Alexis said, nothing. She couldn’t tell Drew. He wouldn’t believe her because of his huge ego, and he’d take Scout away permanently, then go after the witness. Suzanne said, that settled it. All she could do was move on with her life, which include Scout. As for Willow, she was Drew’s problem now.  

Chase showed up at Drew’s with a bouquet of flowers, and Drew said he’d make sure Willow got them. Chase said he was hoping to give them to Willow himself, but Drew said, unfortunately, the celebration plans fell through… Willow came out and thanked Chase for coming. She asked if the flowers were for her and said he was so sweet. She hugged him, and Drew said he was telling Chase that Nina’s plans fell through. She had to leave, so it was better they celebrate another time. Willow said she was glad Chase stopped by and thanked him again for believing in her. She hoped it wouldn’t cost him his badge. He said if it did, he had no regrets. He stood up for what was right. She said that’s what made him so wonderful, and Chase said, congratulations again. Drew opened the door, and Chase left. Drew said he was sorry Willow’s mother had to leave, but Willow said they had plenty of time to celebrate. She was relieved to have peace and quiet, just them. She asked him to hold her and he did.

Anna said, until Faison felt healed and ready to face her, she was stuck in this room? and he said, be patient. Their reunion would happen soon enough. He’d already made arrangements. Before long, she’d leave there and they’d spend the rest of their lives together in their new home.

Trina said Kai was the kindest, most decent man she knew. Him sacrificing himself wasn’t going to happen. If they came clean, they’d do it together, as a team. He said he agreed.

Sonny went back to the courthouse and told Turner that he’d heard she had a rough day. She asked if he was there to gloat, but he said, not at all. He was there to do her a favor.

Chase found Michael and said, now that Willow was exonerated, could they put it behind them and coexist for the sake of the family? Michael asked how they could when Chase was convinced he’d shot Drew. Even worse, he’d helped Alexis build a case against him. He’d condemned Michael’s kids to a life with Willow and Drew. If Chase thought they were shaking hands and letting bygones be bygones, he was sadly mistaken.

There was a knock at Alexis’s office door, but Alexis said she needed to be alone. Suzanne said someone was asking to see her, and Alexis said, ask them to reschedule. Suzanne said they were pretty insistent, and Alexis opened the door. Scout flew to her, and Suzanne said she figured Alexis would make an exception. Alexis said she was happy to see Scout and hugged her.

Willow said she hoped Drew didn’t mind her letting Chelsea take Scout to visit Alexis. She wanted to spend time alone with them. She gave him a glass of champagne and asked what they should toast to. He said, their future, and she said, to our future. They clinked glasses, and he said he was thinking they should go on vacation. Maybe rent a cabin in the woods. She put her arms around him from behind, and as he was blabbing away, she stabbed him in the neck with a syringe. He fell to the floor, said, Willow… What… She said, everything is going to work out, Drew. You’ll see.

Tuesday:

No soap, because news, but you’re welcome, Canada.

But wait…

At the hospital, Lucas said he hoped justice was served, and Elizabeth said, with any luck, they could all put this nightmare behind them and everyone could move on with their lives.

Ava met Nina at the Bad Jen Café, and asked why they were celebrating with espresso at a café instead of martinis in New York. Nina said Willow still had a major problem with Drew.

At a nearby table, Kai kissed Trina, when Curtis came in. He said he was sorry to interrupt, but he’d like a moment with his daughter.

Stella saw Portia at the hospital and said she was on the wrong floor for the obstetrician, but Portia said that wasn’t why she was there.

Tracy and Laura met in an office at the hospital, and Tracy said they both knew Drew was blackmailing Portia and they were on her side, and Laura said if it was only about Drew, she’d be tempted to reinstate Portia, but by her own admission Portia had tampered with a patient’s test results and she didn’t think the board would ignore that. Tracy said Monica would want them to do what was best for the hospital, and Laura asked if GH could afford to keep a doctor employed who knowingly and intentionally falsified patient test results.

Jason arrived at the hospital and asked Britt why he was there. She said she had something she wanted to show him. Cullum lurked around in the background.

Sonny asked if Turner wanted some advice. She took a hit when Willow was found not guilty. It wasn’t a huge leap to assume his son would be targeted next. He wanted to remind her that would be a big mistake.

Chase said Michael lied to the police about his alibi, and Michael said he never went inside Drew’s house. Chase asked why he should believe him. Willow was acquitted. The jury knew she was innocent. If Michael went down for this, he had no one to blame but himself.

Kai left to get refills, and Curtis asked if Trina had heard from her mom. Trina said her mom texted, but she needed space. Curtis said she shouldn’t have no contact, and she asked if he was assuming the baby was his. He said he’d cross that bridge when he came to it, but her mother was having a meeting with some board members. There was no question she was an excellent doctor, and they knew why she did it. Trina said, to protect her, and he said Portia needed their support on this. She said she didn’t want her mother to lose her career and asked if there was anything she could do, and he said, no, but he thought he could, and left.

Portia said Stella knew she was there to speak to board members. She was hoping they’d lift her suspension and reinstate her. Stella said they may decide to dismiss her, but Portia said she was prepared for the possibility. Stella asked if it was worth risking her career and losing her family, and Portia said she’d tried to protect her daughter and always would. If there were consequences for that, so be it. She walked away and Stella saw Isaiah.

Britt asked what Jason thought, and he said, it’s nice. She said her office was the first step to getting her life back. Speaking of…  She handed him $500 and said it was her first payback installment on her Café Cherie bill. He said he didn’t want her money, but she said she wanted them to be on equal footing. No more taking advantage of him. It was the only way they could move forward. He said, they were moving forward? and she said they were. And with that in mind, she’d like to take him out. Before he got all macho… He said, yes, she could take him out, and she said he hadn’t heard what she had in mind. She needed him in his blue suit… He said, no, but she told him that he’d already said yes. He said, fine, and they kissed. She said she’d pick him up, and he said if she told him where they were going, he could make sure there were no donkeys on the road , but she said she’d see him tonight… in his blue suit, and he left.

Turner said it sounded like a threat, and Sonny said he was reminding her that she’d been compromised. She’d heard Drew extort him and threaten Michael. She said he was right. If Michael was charged, she’d have to recuse herself. Truth be told, she was fine with that.

Michael said, Chase thought he shot Drew and framed Willow, and Chase said he didn’t like thinking it, but it was clear Michael would do anything to get what he wanted. Michael said he didn’t want any of this. He didn’t want the breakup, or Willow putting his kids in danger by bringing Drew into their lives. Chase said, right now, the danger was coming from him. When Drew manipulated Willow, he didn’t offer forgiveness, but went straight to revenge. Michael said Chase was leaving out a key piece, and Chase said, Willow cheated, but Michael betrayed her and their children. It should be him who was locked up.

Lucas said he’d do his best to keep it professional, and Elizabeth said, good. Willow was a great nurse, and she was going to love having her back. Lucas said, if Drew lets her come back. Drew wanted to control her and Lucas felt that she let him. Now they were married. Elizabeth said Willow had been acquitted and they’d see how much independence she had going forward. The phone rang, and Elizabeth said they’d be ready. She told Lucas that medics were on the way with a critical patient.

Ava told Nina to get over it, but Nina said, Willow married Drew to get out of the charges and get her children back. Willow told her that she didn’t love Drew. She didn’t need Drew to get her kids back. Ava said, if Willow decided to end her marriage, it was her choice, and Nina said, Drew destroyed Willow’s entire life because he wanted her to think he cared that she was truly happy. Ava said, Willow got herself a gilded cage situation, and Nina said, exactly. He’d never let her go. Nina’s phone rang, and she asked Willow what was wrong. Willow said, something happened to Drew.

Portia thanked Laura and Tracy for meeting with her, and Laura said, of course (🍷). They’d been tasked to make a recommendation regarding her position. Either she’d be reinstated on a probationary basis or let go. Tracy said they’d read everything they’d been given, but before they made a recommendation, they wanted to give her the opportunity to defend herself.

Isaiah asked if he could talk to Stella, and she said they could talk about patients, but anything else, like the situation between her and Portia, was a no. It was a family matter and he wasn’t family. He said he was involved, and she said he certainly was. He said his relationship with Portia didn’t happen in a vacuum. Her marriage was falling apart before he was in the picture, but Portia wasn’t the only one to blame.

Cullum knocked at Britt’s door and said she looked surprised. Did she think leaving the Five Poppies behind meant leaving him behind?

Portia said she took full responsibility for what she did, and Tracy asked how she characterized that. Portia said she’d used her position as Co-Chief to gain access to a patient’s test results and altered them, but the circumstances were unique and extreme. She didn’t do it to advance her career. She did it as a mother trying to protect her child from a murderer who’d been convicted of five murders and had been targeting her daughter. To be clear, she wasn’t asking if they would have done the same, but maybe they could keep in mind the context… She’d been cleared by the AMA, and although there was a mark on her medical license, she was grateful that she could still practice. She hoped it would be at GH. She was an excellent doctor, and with the exception of this atypical situation, she had a sterling reputation. She hoped they’d recommend her reinstatement and welcomed any questions.

Elizabeth told Willow that they were getting Drew stable. What happened? Willow said they went home to celebrate. Drew had a horrible headache, but they opened a bottle of champagne anyway. They both took a sip, but when it came to the toast, Drew looked confused and was slurring his words. Then it was like one side of his face was melting and he just collapsed. She turned his head to the side and put a couch pillow underneath, then called 911. Elizabeth hugged her, and Willow said, please tell her that she got him there in time.

Michael said Chase couldn’t see how pathetic he was. He was desperate to play the hero and throw away his career. Chase said he did what was right, and Michael said Chase was a damn fool to think he believed him. Just like Drew, he fell for Willow’s innocent victim act and couldn’t see what was in front of his face. Be honest about the real reason he wanted to help. How long before he was back in Willow’s bed? Chase punched Michael in the face.

Michael punched Chase back and they fought. Jason came in and pulled them apart, and Chase said he’d make sure Michael paid for what he did. He left, and Jason asked if Michael was all right, but Michael said, no. The cops were going to come after him next.

Sonny asked if Turner didn’t want a second shot at a high-profile case. Convicting someone who shot a congressman would be good for her career. Turner said she had no interest in convicting an innocent person. She’d had the right person on trial. She knew Willow was guilty, but just couldn’t prove it.

At the hospital, Nina asked Willow, what happened? but Willow said she didn’t know. The doctors hadn’t told her anything. What if she didn’t get him here fast enough? Kai asked if there was anything he could do, and Nina said it was nice of him to drive her. He needed to call Drew’s office and have his assistant cancel his appointments and calls. Kai left, and Willow said she was so scared. She cried, and Kai flashed back to Trina saying, Willow knew what she was doing. She intended to kill Drew and knew what she was doing when she lied on the stand.

Ava asked if there was any word from Kai, but Trina said, no. She hoped it wasn’t serious. Ava said, heaven wouldn’t take Drew and hell was full. Don’t worry. She saw Trina and Kai’s and she was happy things were going well for them. Trina said Kai really surprised her. In the last few months, he’d come through for her in ways she couldn’t imagine.

Stella said, Portia might be carrying Isaiah’s child. She was married and he had no right putting himself in the middle. He said if she wanted to blame him for Portia’s marriage falling apart, go ahead, but don’t put it on Portia when Portia had come through for her. Stella asked what he was talking about, and he said, when she was investigated by the federal government, no one fought harder for her. Stella was known for being fair and kind and accepting everyone who came in, meeting them where they were with no judgement. He was asking that she extend the same grace to Portia.

Tracy asked what Portia would say to a potential patient concerned with trusting her, and Portia said, actions spoke louder than words. Congressman Cain had been blackmailing her for months and tormenting her family, but on September 2nd, he came in with two bullets in his back. She had her tormentor’s life in her hands, or at least his mobility, but as a doctor, she took an oath that had become the bedrock of who she was. She’d given him the best possible care. Dr. Jones could confirm that she’d saved Drew’s life and his recovery spoke for itself. Laura thanked her for her time.

Britt asked if Cullum missed her so much, he had to come to Port Charles, and he said she was stalling. She said, not true, but he said, it ended now. Sidwell set up a lab at Windymere, and she was to bring the project online in three months. She said, impossible, but he said there was an easy solution to that. She could disappear.

Curtis told Laura that nobody knew that if Drew had his way, the blackmail wouldn’t have ended with Heather Webber. He tried to force Portia to chance Michael Corinthos’s test results to make it look like he was addicted to opioids, so he could secure custody of Michael’s children for Willow. That didn’t happen, and the reason was, Portia refused. She risked her career and going to prison to stand up for what was right. That’s who she was, and he thought GH should keep her on staff.

Isaiah asked how it went, and Portia said Laura and Tracy were both fair women, but also professional and gave nothing away. What she didn’t say was that she’d do it all over again. He said, that was best kept out. The board would see she was fantastic. She loved people and gave them the best care whether they deserved it or not. She said, everyone deserved care, and he said he’d walk her out, but Stella returned and said, wait.

Britt told Cullum that she just got her medical license back. She had patients and there was no way her family and friends would buy her walking out of her life again. He said they’d had enough undesirable attention with Dalton. Now the timely completion of the project was their driving consideration. To that end, they’d absorb any and all risks. She said, okay, give her a day, but he said they’d already given her too much leeway. They could call another scientist to take her place. Did she have someone she could call for her medicine? Without it, her nervous system would start to deteriorate and there would be no going back.

Michael said Alexis did a fantastic job of making him look guilty, but he hadn’t done it, and Jason said he believed him. If the cops picked Michael up, he knew what to do. Michael said, call Diane and don’t say anything until she showed up, and Jason said, as bad as it was, it was nothing compared to what Michael had been through already. He fought back after life-threatening burns to get home to his kids. He knew Michael could get through this.

Willow asked Lucas, what happened? and he said the initial diagnosis was a massive stroke. They had Drew on stroke protocol and were monitoring him closely. Tracy asked if he’d recover, but he said it was too early to tell. Severe strokes could cause a number of impairments – aphasia, limited mobility, and in extreme cases, full Locked-In Syndrome – but they wouldn’t know for some time.

Laura said she knew Curtis was going through a rough time and appreciated him coming in. He said the whole world found out along with him that his soon to be ex may be carrying another man’s child, but it had nothing to do with her work. He didn’t think her career would end by the likes of Heather Webber or Drew Cain. Laura said she’d take it all into consideration, and he thanked her for listening. She said, of course (🍷). Even in the midst of incredible turmoil, he and Portia were coming together to fight for a common goal. If the baby was his, she hoped they remembered they were capable of that. He said he hoped so. He wasn’t part of raising Trina and felt like it was his second chance. He wanted to be the best father possible. She said he would be, and he left.  

Stella asked how it went with the board, and Portia said she had to wait and see. Isaiah said he’d give them a minute to talk, but Stella said, stay please. She wanted to apologize. Portia had enough dealing with professional matters, and she didn’t need to add more pressure. Portia thanked her and said she was sorry too. She knew how much family meant to Stella and was sorry for any pain she’d caused Stella or anybody else. Stella said it was a difficult situation, and Portia said she still loved all of them. She left with Isaiah.

Trina told Ava that Mr. Sidwell was a smart buyer. Tell him that he was responsible for the first Restrepo in the northern hemisphere and he’d be fine. It would also go up in value. Ava said Trina was absolutely right. She had business dealings all over the world, and after this, she might be able to set up being Restrepo’s primary dealer. Trina said she had no doubt Ava could make that happen, but be careful. She’d heard Mr. Sidwell might be dangerous. Ava said she was sure there was some truth to that, but she knew how to deal with men like him. They understood each other and her nephew had been living under Sidwell’s roof and was having a great time. She’d look out for her nephew and make a small fortune. She’d be spending a lot more time at Windymere.

Britt said she’d go to Windymere tonight, and Cullum said, glad to hear it. Jason Morgan had been a problem at the Five Poppies. Get Jason out of her life or he would.  

Michael said, with being under investigation, it interfered with his chances of getting custody, and Jason said he was worried about Drew being in the picture. Micheal said he couldn’t send the kids back to Drew’s house. That man was poisonous. He saw how Drew treated his own daughter. Jason said Michael’s kids weren’t going back. Drew would never be in their lives. He gave Michael his word.

Sonny said he knew Turner hated to lose, so he’d let her in on a little secret. With or without Alexis’s legal strategy, the next person prosecuted for shooting Drew was going to get off. She asked if he was going to see to it, but he said, no. No jury would convict someone of shooting a snake like Drew. He didn’t deserve justice. She said, everybody deserved justice, and he said, the cops would do what they do, but the way the case should end was with it getting marked unsolved and put away in a file because Drew got what he deserved. He left.

Kai said he had to speak to the DC aids, and Willow said she was going to the ladies’ room to splash water on her face and be alone for a moment. She left, and Nina told Tracy that she thought it was important for them to stay optimistic for Willow. There was still a chance for Drew to make a full recovery. Tracy said, or he could be a vegetable trapped in a body for the rest of his life. Drew wouldn’t get tears from her. As her late husband Luke used to say, karma is a bitch. She guessed it finally came for Drew.  

In the hallway, Willow took the syringe out of her purse, dumped it in a trashcan, and kept walking.

👁 My guess is, Kai is watching her.

🙋🏽‍♀️ See you on Friday!

January 29, 2024 – Esme Fakes Out the PCPD, Talk to Nik, Returning Soon, A Loss, Chef Slam, She Sipped, VanderSoon, Live Reading, New Captain, Dolly’s Gala & Gloom

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What I Watched Today

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

General Hospital

Paris, France. Trina and Spencer are seated at a restaurant that looks suspiciously similar to the PC Grill. Trina says, Spencer said thank you, and the waitress said… something right away. He says, very good. She said she’ll be back right away. She says, this place is incredible. This is one of his favorite spots? He says, actually, he’s never been in this restaurant before. He wanted to go to a place that’s new to both of them to start their new beginning together. She says she loves that. She loves everything about Paris so far… except, tonight, considering he’s left her completely in the dark about what he has in store for them. So let’s hear it. He says, and spoil the surprise? No.

Portia and Laura go into Doc’s hospital room, and Laura says, he’s asleep again. She should have been here when he woke up. Portia asks, how are his vitals? and the nurse says, the same. He’s been in and out. Portia suggests Laura speak to him and let him know she’s here. Laura sits by the bed and says, it’s her. She’s here. She doesn’t know if he can hear her, but she really needs him to wake up. Can he do that? Can he open his eyes for her? He does, and she thanks him for coming back to her.

Toronto, Canada. Dante and Chase approach an apartment where a Canadian officer stands guard. Dante introduces himself and Chase, and the officer says, they were told the detectives were coming. Chase says, any updates? and the officer says, they’ve been monitoring the apartment for 24 hours. No one matching the nanny’s or Esme Prince’s description have exited. Dante says, so the apartment’s still occupied? and the officer nods. Dante thanks him for holding off and waiting for them. This could be trouble. Dante and Chase put their hands on their weapons, and the officer knocks at the door. He says, police. Open up.

PT therapist Ben asks if Curtis felt that as he squeezes Curtis’s leg. Curtis says he felt a pinch, and Ben says, so far, so good. The surgery confirmed Curtis’s body is capable of healing from his injury. To what extent, they’ll find out. Curtis says, yes, they will. He’s guessing physical therapy is going to change now that he has feeling in his legs. Ben says, yes, but keep in mind, they still have a long road ahead, and Curtis asks, how long exactly? Ben says, each patient is different, so it’s hard to say, and Curtis says, fair enough. Stella walks in behind Curtis, and Curtis suggests they see if he can stand, but buttinsky Stella says, oh no he won’t.

Tracy walks into the courtroom, and says she gathers court is in recess. Finn says, the prosecution just rested their case, and Tracy says, then he’s up next, but Finn says, Diane already called him as a witness. His time on the stand is done. Alexis comes in and says she’s sorry she’s late. How did it go? Tracy says, Finn just told them that he was called as a witness for the plaintiff, and Alexis says, and? Finn says, eh, and she says, that good. Elizabeth says, it was bumpy, but Sam may have saved the day, and Alexis says, Sam? Where is she? Martin says, chasing down more information, and Alexis says, pertaining to? Finn says, Muldoon saw an oncologist weeks before Muldoon came to see him, and Alexis asks how an oncologist could miss late-stage cancer. Gregory says, he didn’t.

Martin tells Alexis, the theory is, after losing his shirt in the market and cashing in a life insurance policy, Muldoon finds out he has late-stage cancer, not much time left. Rather than bankrupting his family with medical bills, he goes after Finn for malpractice. Tracy says, total con job, and Finn asks what Alexis thinks. She says, the reasoning is sound. What kind of circumstantial evidence did Sam uncover? Elizabeth says proof that Muldoon went to the medical pavilion where he saw an oncologist before he ever went to see Finn, but there are other medical offices in that building. Alexis says, so it’s far from conclusive. And even if Muldoon did set Finn up, they don’t know if the wife had knowledge of it. Elizabeth asks if it isn’t enough for the judge to throw out the case, and Tracy says, correct her if she’s wrong. If they don’t have hard evidence of Muldoon’s cancer diagnosis, they’ve got nothing. So put her back on the stand. Make her crack. Make the attempted fraud public record.

Stella says she’s sorry to interrupt like this, and Ben says, as she can see, they’re in the middle of a therapy session. Curtis asks what she’s doing here, and she says, just peeping in since she was here at the hospital. Is this his first session since the surgery? Curtis says, she knows good and well it is. She doesn’t have to check on him. He’s got this. She says, that’s what he’s been saying since he was a little boy, always getting ahead of himself, and Ben says he’s got to get some more towels, wisely making himself scarce. Curtis says, she doesn’t need to check on him and she doesn’t need to worry, but she says, it’s too late for that. She’s been doing that all his life. Does he remember when he insisted that he could play basketball with the neighborhood teenagers? He was eight years old. He says he knows Tommy made those kids let him play, and she asks, does he remember how many times he limped home with a skinned knee or a bloody nose when an elbow went awry? (Oh, like all kids?) He says, yeah, and she always patched him up and he lived through it. He didn’t give up then and he’s not going to give up now. He just wants to assess how the surgery went. She says, he needs to do that today? and he asks if that isn’t the point of physical therapy, to get him walking again. She says, and they call her stubborn. She calls to Ben, asking if he’s got enough towels yet, and he comes back. She says she can’t tell her nephew what to do, but please… Curtis says, that would be a first, and she says, hush. Please tell them, isn’t it dangerous for Curtis to try and push himself to stand too quickly?

Trina says, coq au vin is a classic. She thinks she’ll try that. What kind of vin does he think they should drink with it? Rouge or blanc?… Monsieur Cassadine? He says he’s sorry, and she asks, what’s on his mind? He says, they have black caviar here. When he was younger and a little bit more… She says, cute? and he tells her that he was going to say pretentious. He once went to a restaurant with his father, and they had black caviar and he asked if they could get it. His father said, no, so he asked if they could have it at home. He asked and asked and asked, and eventually his father gave in and had it served. And he loved it. Trina asks how old he was, and he says, young enough to be served black beans and believe it was caviar. (True story. For my sister’s 18th birthday, she was having a dinner party at home and had caviar. I was still in elementary school, but insisted on trying it and promptly spit it into the sink as she said, what are you doing? That’s stuff’s expensive! My tastes have, however, changed since then.) He says he hopes Ace grows up a bit more grounded than he did, and she says she’s sure his father has learned a lot since him. Maybe even from him. He says, they don’t have to talk about that. He doesn’t want to ruin their night. She says, he’s not ruining her night by telling her his feelings. She wants to hear his stories, share his troubles. That’s what couples do. He takes her hand and says he guesses he’s still getting used to being in a healthy relationship. She’ll have to be patient with him. She says, of course (🍷). She loves him. He kisses her hand and says he loves her too.

Portia asks if Doc can tell them where they are, and he says, General Hospital. He assumes on the 10th floor. She says, that’s correct. What about what year it is? He says, 1912? and Laura laughs. He says, 2023… No, 24. Sorry. He’s still getting used to saying it. Laura asks, who did this to him? and he says, it was Esme.

Maggie opens the door with the chain lock still on it, and the officer says, Miss Fitzgerald? She asks what he wants, and he says, these are American law enforcement officers. They have questions for her. She says she doesn’t have to answer them, but the officer says he’d cooperate if he was her. She’s an Irish Nationalist, not a Canadian citizen. American law enforcement is looking for her. She recognizes Dante, and he asks if they can come in and talk with her a minute. She lets them in and asks, how’s Dante’s lovely lady friend? Dante says, Sam is doing great. Thanks for asking. She says she’s doing great too. Shortly after they came to see her in Devon, she started a new position here with a family in Toronto. Things have been quiet for her. She’d like to keep them that way. He says, they’ll make this quick. They’re not looking to cause her any trouble. They’re just looking for Esme Prince.

Laura says, when they found Doc on the floor of Alexis’s office, they assumed it was Esme, and he asks if she’s in custody. She says, no. Esme is gone, but Dante and Chase got a lead that Esme traveled to Toronto. She has an old nanny there that she was going to see. They’re looking for her now. Does he have any idea why Esme attacked him? He says he found her in the office. They were talking. He thought he was getting through to her. They were seated, and she started pacing when she was talking about her hopes for Ace’s future. Then the world went black. Laura says, that’s probably enough for right now. He should probably get his rest. She looks to Portia for confirmation, and he says, actually, he’s kind of hungry. Portia says, that’s a good sign. She’ll let the nurse know. Laura’s right though; get some rest. He says, what else is he going to do in here? and Portia leaves. He tells Laura not to look so worried, but she says, it was so scary finding him on the floor like that, unconscious. And she couldn’t wake him. He says he didn’t survive Ryan all these years just to be done in by his daughter, but all that concern isn’t just for him, is it? She says she’s really upset about Esme. She believed in Esme. She really believed Esme’s love for her baby Ace was going to be the thing that gave her the strength to turn her life around. And it did. She was doing so well. She was a good mom, and then she got her memory back. She thinks Esme didn’t have a chance to reconcile her two identities before Nikolas came back and took her son. Ace is a grounding force for Esme, and she thinks Esme losing her son pushed her over the edge. He says, love is a powerful motivator… both for good and ill. (That Doc is a real philosopher.) She asks if he’s in pain, but he says, no, but he’s bothered by the assumption that Esme went to Toronto to see her nanny. He thinks she’d go after Nikolas. Laura says, her too, but she thinks Esme doesn’t have anything to go on. She has no resources and Toronto isn’t very far and wouldn’t put too much strain on Esme’s credit card to travel there. He says, Esme’s credit card? and she says she forgot to tell him. The PCPD found out Esme charged a bus ticket to Toronto. He says, something’s off. It’s like something happened in Alexis’s office that he can’t quite remember.

Maggie says, Dante is telling her that he doesn’t want to cause trouble, but there are three police officers from two countries in her apartment. Chase and the Canadian officer go into another room, and she asks what those two are doing. Dante says, like he told her; they’re not here for her. They’re looking for Esme. She says, they’re looking in the wrong place. She hears a noise and yells, don’t go throwing things about! Dante tells her, if she’s saying Esme isn’t here, then she’s got to come clean. She’s got to tell them where she is. She asks how she would know that, and he says, they have reason to believe Esme came her to see her. She says, that’s pure rubbish. She hasn’t seen Esme in years.

Trina says she thinks shell try every coq au vin to see which is the best one in Paris, and Spencer says, that’s a good idea. Considering the fact he doesn’t know how to cook, he thinks they’ll be doing a fair amount of dining out. But if she only has coq au vin, won’t she miss out on a lot of other fantastic French food? She says she thinks she’ll have plenty of opportunities to try other tasty dishes, and he says, there’ll be a lot more to this trip than just food. She says, like what? Studying? He says, very important, and she says, dancing? He says he’s sure they’ll wander into a club or two, and she says, starting tonight? Is he going to tell her what he has planned? He says, she’ll certainly be getting the VIP treatment, and she says, he’s enjoying this secrecy a little too much. he says, maybe… Okay, fine. He doesn’t want to drag it out if she really wants to know. She says, and ruin the surprise? How dare he? He says, she certainly keeps him on his toes.

Curtis tells Stella, it won’t be dangerous. Ben is right here. Ben says he supposes there’s no harm in trying. He’ll be with Curtis, and Curtis will have the parallel bars to stabilize him. Curtis says, let’s do it.

Curtis hoists himself out of the chair, grabbing onto the parallel bars. Ben tells him to align his hands above his hips and use his arms to push his way up. Three, two, one. Curtis stands for a moment, then falls back into the chair. Ben says, good work. Curtis wanted a gauge and now they know. Curtis wheels himself away from the bars, and Ben asks if he wants to get to work, but Curtis says, no. that’ll be it for today. Ben asks if he’s sure. There’s still twenty minutes to their session. Stella asks if they can have a moment, and Ben leaves. Curtis says, she was right. It was a mistake to try and stand so soon. She asks if he made a slam dunk on the first try. No. So why did he think this was going to work on the first try?

Martin says, Alexis is right. At this point, their first step should be to compel the oncologist to expose that Muldoon had a cancer diagnosis prior to his visit with Finn. That would establish intent for Muldoon, but to accuse his wife of complicity with circumstantial evidence, that’s risky. They have no way of proving she had prior knowledge of his condition. To point a finger at her and start ranting about fraud would be a complete Hail Mary on their part. Tracy asks if that’s not what lawyers are supposed to do, throw out alternative possibilities. At least if the accusation is out there, the GH lawyers can run with it, especially if she has anything to say about it. Elizabeth asks what Finn thinks, and Finn asks, what will happen to Mrs. Muldoon if they accuse her of fraud? Tracy says, who cares? and Gregory says he could use some water. He asks Tracy to come with him, and she says, if he insists. They leave, and Martin says, in answer to Finn’s question, she’d be charged with fraud. If those charges are proven, she’d be looking at jail time. Elizabeth says, if she knew her husband was lying. That’s the question, but how do they know if Mrs. Muldoon was in on the fraud or not? Martin looks over at Diane and says he’s got one idea.

Trina says, Tuesday will be non-stop, but she thinks she can meet Spencer for a quick dinner, and he says he’d love to spend every single day with her here if he could. But he understands that she’s here first and foremost for school. So if she needs to prioritize her classes, that’s okay. She doesn’t have to worry about him. He’ll keep himself busy. She asks, how? and he says he’s been giving it a lot of thought. She’s so passionate about art, the way she talks about it and lives her life for it. He’d like to figure out what that is for him, what his passion is. Maybe he’ll figure that out in Paris. She says, there’s always Le Cordon Bleu, but he says he doesn’t think even they could help him with his cooking skills. Maybe it’s a good option, but he thinks there are a lot of things here for him to explore. So they’ll have to see. He just hates that he wasted so much time when he was here… before. Being angry with his father and planning to get back at Ava… She says, he had help. Esme stoked his anger and did everything she could to manipulate him. He says, first Esme, then Uncle Victor, but he’s just very glad they can finally put that all behind them. He’s very sorry he dragged her into all that. She didn’t deserve it. She says, neither did he, and he asks how she does that. She’s so supportive and so sweet. And she’s so hot. She makes him want to be better. She says she thinks he’s pretty amazing (ugh), and he thanks her, but he thinks there’s still plenty of room for improvement. (Agreed.) She says, he’ll get there.

Dante says, Esme hasn’t reached out to Maggie? Called her, texted her, mailed her a letter? Maggie says she wrote Esme with her address here in Toronto, but that was months ago. Esme never wrote back. She hasn’t heard from her. He says, they’ve got a letter that Maggie wrote to Esme, inviting Esme here to see her, and she asks if he had the handwriting analyzed, because she never extended any such invitation. The family she works for now are very private, very security conscious. Esme’s a troubled girl with a criminal record. She feels terrible for Esme, but she doesn’t want to jeopardize her current employment. Writing letters is one thing. Seeing Esme face to face, she’d never do it. Chase and the officer come back out, and Chase says, there’s no sign of Esme, nothing to suggest she’s ever been here.

Stella says she knows Curtis is disappointed, but he’s got to be patient with himself. He says he’s been nothing but patient. He feels like he’s been beating back this feeling of powerlessness forever, doing everything he can to make things better. He was at that point of acceptance, but this procedure has renewed his hope. Now that it has, he wants to move forward. She says, but he is moving forward. Just slower than he’d like. He says, so slow, he’s standing still. Oh, his bad. He can’t even stand. She says, now he’s feeling sorry for himself, and that’s not like him. Listen to her. He’s going to keep at it and he’s going to get this one effort at a time. What’s the alternative? Giving up? He asks if she wasn’t the one saying pushing it was a bad idea, and she says she’s always offering her two cents where it’s not needed, but the last thing she wanted was to undermine his belief in himself. He says, that wasn’t her; his legs did. She says, he’s always exceeded people’s expectations. Wasn’t he the only freshman who made varsity basketball in high school? He says, the coach didn’t even want him to try out, and she says, but he proved the coach wrong, didn’t he? She guesses all those skinned knees playing street ball eventually paid off. He proved everybody wrong. He says, what if his streak is over? but she says, it’s not. He just needs to pace himself. He’ll get there. She believes that, and she believes in him. Portia comes in and says she’s glad Stella is here too. Doc is awake and he’s doing better. Stella says, praise be, and Curtis says, good news. Portia asks, where’s Ben? Is his physical therapy session over? Stella looks at Curtis and says, is it?

Back in the courtroom, Gregory sips some water and says he needed this. He thanks Tracy, and she says, anything for a friend. He asks if that’s what they are, and she says she only allows friends and family to manipulate her, so she guesses so. He says he really did need the water, but she has to admit, she wasn’t exactly helping. She says, yes, she was. This is no time for Finn to be noble or selfless. He’s losing patients because of this groundless lawsuit, and he’s such a good doctor. Gregory says, no argument here. He’s just glad Finn has her on his side.

Mrs. Muldoon tells Diane, her children not only lost a father, Dr. Finn has jeopardized their future. Without Dennis, how is she going to pay for their schools, their college? Diane says she’s doing everything she can to get a settlement that will meet the needs of her children, when Martin asks if he can have a word. Diane says, of course (🍷), and tells Mrs. Muldoon that she’s going to confer with Martin. She’ll be right back. Take this moment for herself. Do some deep breathing. It sounds trite, but it does help. And whatever she does, do not engage with the defendant.

Finn asks Alexis what she thinks. Should he let Martin accuse Mrs. Muldoon of fraud? Elizabeth says, heads up. She’s coming. Instead of listening to her high-priced lawyer, Mrs. Muldoon makes a beeline for Finn. She says, if he had any shred of decency, he would change his plea to guilty and end this right now. Alexis says, they shouldn’t be speaking, but Finn says, it’s okay. He wants to hear what she has to say. Go ahead. Let’s talk about decency.

Curtis says he’s just on a break and asks Stella to find Ben and tell him they still have work to do. Stella says she’d be happy to, and leaves. Portia asks what she missed, and Curtis says he messed around and pushed too hard, but nothing was hurt except his ego. He’s really glad Doc is okay. Has she heard anything about Esme? She says, nothing yet. She’s hoping Dante and Chase find her in Toronto, apprehend her, and put her in prison where she belongs. She’s absolutely done with Esme and never wants to worry about Esme Prince again.

Dante tells Chase that it looks like Esme played them. She gave them a false lead. Chase says, if Esme didn’t come looking for Maggie, where did she go? Dante tells Maggie that he’s not sure if she knows, but Esme’s regained her memory. She just assaulted a man and put him in the hospital, nearly killed him. So any insights into Esme would be greatly appreciated. Places she would go, people she’d want to see. Maggie says she doesn’t know. She did her best by Esme. She tried to steer her right, but nothing would sway her. She was dead set on reuniting with her family. Dante says, her family. Maybe that’s the key.

Detective Bennet asks, what happened when Doc arrived on the scene? and Doc says he came into Alexis Davis’s office, and Esme was already there. She was seated, she had her laptop open, and she startled when she realized he was there. It was like she thought he caught her doing something. He flashes back to that, and says, Laura told him that Esme used her credit card to purchase travel to Toronto. Her own credit card? Laura says, yeah, and he says, then what was she doing with The Invader’s corporate card? She had it in her hand. He saw it when he came into the room. Laura says, they’d better call Alexis, and takes out her phone.

Spencer says, they should get the check. He doesn’t want them to be late. Trina says, late for what? and he says, she’ll see.

Martin says he’d like to add someone to the witness list, and Diane says, it’s a little late in the game. He agrees, it is and apologizes for the short notice, but some new information has suddenly come to light. She asks, who’s the witness? and he says, Dr. Powell. Doesn’t ring a bell? She says, no. Should it? He says he guesses they’ll find out, and walks off.

Mrs. Muldoon whines to Finn that they’ll have to sell their home, when Alexis gets a text from Laura: Call me, 911. She tells Elizabeth, and Mrs. Muldoon says, their futures were all planned. Her husband went to Finn and now he’s dead. (Um… Apparently, they didn’t plan that well. Sounds like they played fast and loose with the kids’ college fund.) She asks if he was just another faceless patient to Finn, but Finn says, none of his patients are faceless, not ever. He’s very sorry for her loss, but he did tell her husband that he needed follow-up testing and he failed to do that. She says, that’s not Dennis. He’s wrong. Dennis would have taken proper steps if he’d understood something was seriously wrong. He never would have left her and the children. Even at the very end, all he could think about was the kids. That’s why he told her to sue, so he could make sure his family was taken care of. Finn says, so the malpractice suit was her husband’s idea, and she says, that’s how much he loved them. And when he was in terrible pain, he didn’t worry about himself; he was worried about his family. It’s not right a man that loving should die so young. Finn says, no, it isn’t.

Diane comes running in, saying, no, no, no, no, no. She thought she asked Mrs. Muldoon not to talk to Dr. Finn. What did Finn say? Finn says, not much. Her client, however, said plenty. Diane leads Mrs. Muldoon to the other side of the courtroom, and Gregory asks what she said to Finn. Martin says he’d like to hear the answer to that question himself, and Elizabeth says, she made a lot of accusations, but Finn says, it doesn’t matter. She’s in pain. How did it go with Diane? Martin says, Diane has the best poker face he’s ever seen, but he honestly thinks she doesn’t know why he’s calling a late witness. He mentioned the oncologist’s name and there was nothing. No indication of recognition whatsoever. Tracy asks if Martin mentioned he was an oncologist, and he asks if he looks like an idiot. She says, well… and Gregory clears his throat. Elizabeth says she doesn’t think Diane would be an accessory to fraud, and Finn says, probably Mrs. Muldoon isn’t either. He didn’t get the feeling she knew. Elizabeth says neither did she, and Tracy says, that is for her lawyer to prove. Finn says, if Mrs. Muldoon goes to prison, what will happen to her kids? and Tracy says she thinks the question he should be asking is, if he doesn’t win this case, what will happen to his kid?

Dante asks Maggie to excuse them for a minute, and steps into the hallway with Chase. He says, they have to explore the family aspect, and Chase asks, what family? Esme’s mother is in Pentenville, and since Esme attacked Doc, that rules out any support she’d get from him and Laura. Who else is left? Dante says, her son, and takes out his phone. He looks at Laura’s number.

Laura says, Alexis should be here any moment now, when her phone rings. She says, this is Dante, and tells Dante that she’s here with Doc and Detective Bennet and he’s on speaker. Dante asks how Doc is doing, and Doc says, his head hurts. Otherwise, he’s okay. Dante says, good to hear, and Laura asks if they’ve found anything in Toronto, but Dante says, it’s a dead end. He thinks Esme was just trying to buy some time. He was wondering if she heard from Nikolas. Laura says, the last person to speak to him was Spencer. Why? He says, they were thinking Esme might track down Nikolas to reclaim Ace before she goes into hiding, and Laura says she’s sure that’s what Esme would like to do, but she has no means of tracking down Nikolas. However, they might have a new lead on their end. There’s a knock at the door, and she says, actually, Alexis just walked in right now. She tells Alexis that she has Chase and Dante on speaker phone from Canada. Did she find anything? Alexis says she had her assistant email every charge on the corporate credit card in the last 72 hours, and Bennet asks if she was aware the credit card was stolen. She says, no, but Esme, as her assistant, had the authority to use the card and she continually used it. She looks at her phone and says, here’s the email right now… Whoa. What is this here?

Spencer says, shall we go? and he and Trina get up. She asks where they’re off to, and he says, the rest of their lives. He kisses her hand.

Elizabeth tells Finn, as much as she hates to say it, Tracy has a point. if he doesn’t push this fraud angle, he could lose this case and his position at GH. He says he could always go back to research, and she says, really? Here in Port Charles? Or would he and Violet have to move away from everyone who loves them? Is that really what he wants to do? He says, no, of course (🍷) not. But he doesn’t want to see Mrs. Muldoon go to prison for fraud. Those kids already lost their father. She’s all they have. Believe it or not, he can almost understand the desperation Dennis Muldoon was feeling. He was in an impossible situation and made the only choice he thought he could to take care of his family. She says she gets that he was in an impossible situation and just trying to take care of his family, but for Mr. Muldoon to use Finn as a scapegoat, someone who was only trying to help him, and make Finn pay for his misfortune? He asks if it’s any better to throw a grieving widow under the bus. It seems like no matter what, someone’s going to get hurt.

Ben tells Curtis, good work today, and Curtis thanks him for letting the session run over, especially since they ran him in and out of there for an hour. Ben says he’s glad they got it all in. See him next Thursday? Curtis says, you bet, they fist bump, and Ben leaves. Portia says, it looks like Curtis had a pretty good workout, and he says he sure did. Stella says, his first step to a first step, and Curtis says he sees what she did there. He will be walking when Trina comes home from Paris.

The bailiff says, court will reconvene in five minutes, and Mrs. Muldoon says she’s going to splash some water on her face. Diane asks if she’s sure she doesn’t know a Dr. Powell, but she says, no, and leaves.

Martin tells Finn that his assistant is drawing up a subpoena to have the oncologist testify. He got the motion to add a late witness. Finn says, already? and Martin says, if they’re going to do this, they’ve got to get the ball rolling. They’ve got less than five minutes here. How would Finn like him to proceed? Gregory says he’ll support whatever decision Finn makes, and Finn says he doesn’t want to risk Mrs. Muldoon going to prison. Martin says, he may have to, to clear his name.

In the hallway, Tracy tells Mrs. Muldoon that she needs a word, but Mrs. Muldoon says her attorney advised her not to speak to Dr. Finn or any of his supporters. (Like she listened before.) Tracy says, that’s okay. She’ll do all the talking.

The bailiff asks everyone to take their seats, and Gregory asks Elizabeth, where did Tracy go? Martin tells Finn, all right, doc. It’s go time. What are we doing?

Alexis says, there’s an airline charge on the corporate credit card, and Esme’s name is on the ticket. Dante says, ticket to where? and Doc says, Paris. She was booking a flight to Paris. (Okay, so Esme didn’t save Alexis money.) Alexis says, he’s right. Esme’s ticket was to Paris. Laura says, oh my God. She’s going after Spencer and Trina.

Spencer and Trina leave the French PC Grill restaurant, and Trina says, he’s too cute. He tells her that she’s beautiful. Take it all in. It’s all for them. She says she can’t believe this is all happening, and he says, she’s too cute. (All right already with cute.) Is she ready for her next surprise? She says she doesn’t need a surprise. She’s got him. That’s all she could ever need. He kisses her and they continue walking. Apparently, Trina needs some Spidey-sense too, since Esme steps out of the shadows and follows them.

Tomorrow, Martin tells Finn, they go with what they planned, or go with this new theory; Anna tells Jordan that someone is playing games, and she wants to find out why; and Sonny tells Ava, things have changed and so have the threats.

🍼 Ask Where Ace Is…

IMO, the best Nikolas of them all. Wednesday, January 31, 3 pm.

🚑 She’ll Be Back…

OG Josslyn is getting there.

🥀 Way Too Soon…

It doesn’t give details, but regardless, so sad.

🛸 Bring On the Space Cake….

I’m not saying anyone is wrong here. Maybe Denise is owning what’s hers; maybe she’s a big a-hole. It’s hard to tell judge everything that’s going on in two minutes of film out of an entire evening. But in regard to her saying she might have been slipped something, until this chef went apesh*t, I didn’t think for once she meant him. I thought she was inferring it might have been one of the other cast members. Which, considering past behavior, isn’t a stretch.

💎 She Knows Nothing…

I’ve been leaning this way too. Only because the whole thing looks so awkward. Mauricio is so high all the time, it doesn’t seem like he gives a flying what’s going on, and Kyle seems like a bad actress in a script she wrote herself.

🍸 Latest Rules…

But is it still the best time of our life?

https://www.bravotv.com/the-daily-dish/something-about-her-in-vanderpump-rules-season-11-intro-details

🎬 Très Amusant…

Because sitting through the reality of it wasn’t enough.

https://ew.com/all-star-live-reading-of-vanderpump-rules-scandoval-8551139

New Boat Daddy…

Sorry, Captain Kerry, I will forever miss Stud of the Sea, Captain Lee. It’s nice to see Ben again though.

🐩 Furbaby Fête…

Spoiler: They’re all cute.

🍳 Putting All My Eggs In One Frying Pan…

IKR? Early today. Come back tomorrow for soap and VanderTalk. Until then, stay safe, stay not being that person in the express checkout lane, and stay always exceeding people’s expectations.