(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Britt plays pool at The Floating Rib. Jason says, nice shot, and she can’t believe he just paid her a compliment.
Alexis is working on her drinking, when Sam comes by. Sam knocks incessantly, and Alexis pulls herself together, and hides her glass and bottle. She asks to what she owes this pleasant surprise, and Sam says she told Alexis that she’d be checking up on her. Alexis says, a heads up would have been nice, and Sam asks, why? So she could have time to stash her bottles, or has she sobered up enough to realize she needs help?
Julian comes out of the elevator at the hospital, and sees Ava. He asks if she’s heard anything about Ryan’s condition, and she says, if there’s any justice in the world, he’s dead already. But life isn’t always fair. Julian says, is he alive? Is he awake? Is he talking? Is he giving Julian up to Sonny? What?
Sonny tends the fireplace in the living room. Taggert knocks at the door, and Sonny lets him in. Sonny says no one’s there, and Taggert asks if he can borrow a cup of sugar.
At The Rib, Peter asks Lulu how things went with her source, but she says he was more interested in hitting on her than spilling secrets about Cyrus. She says she and Jackie roughed out the first piece. It definitely looks like Cyrus is using GH to launder drug money, even without her ex-source to back it up. He takes a look, and says there’s no way he can publish this.
Finn answers the phone, thinking it’s Robert, but it’s Anna. She tells him that he’s in danger. If he’s at the house, she needs him to get out. Alex walks in with Maxie, and Anna asks if Finn can hear her. She asks him to talk to her. Alex (pretending to be Anna) asks Finn if they’re up for company. Maxie caught up with her, and offered to go over some wedding details.
Maxie says if now is a bad time, feel free to kick her out. Anna asks if Finn is still there. What’s going on? Finn says, guess what, Peter? I found her. Maxie just walked in the door with your mother. Anna says, understood. Keep them there as long as he can; they’re on their way. She loves him. She tells Robert, Alex brought Maxie back to the house.
Peter tells Lulu, there’s no way Jackie said that story was ready. They have no proof to back up their allegations. Lulu says she didn’t have time to show it to Jackie. Jackie had to fly out to cover a breaking story, but they did discuss the possible corruption at GH. He says she doesn’t quote a single source. She had no one to go one record, no evidence, and no documentation. Is she trying to get them sued? She says she’s sorry. She lost her game when Dante came back. He asks if she needs to take personal time, but she says, no. Cyrus is a threat to Port Charles, and has to be stopped. He says he loves that she’s passionate about this. It’s what makes her a good journalist, but what makes her a great journalist is when she backs it up with proof, and actual facts that will hold up in court. She asks what they do. So they do nothing while Cyrus burns down Port Charles? He asks if he said that.
Sonny tells Taggert, Carly and Josslyn are out for the night, and the guard will let him know if anyone shows up. So they have a couple hours to kill. He pours two drinks. Taggert says he never thought he’d be living next door to Sonny, or that Sonny would be protecting him. Sonny says he’s protecting Taggert’s daughter, and Taggert says he appreciates that. He says he’s sorry about Sonny’s father, and Sonny thanks him. Taggert asks how Sonny acquired the property, and Sonny says he bought it so Jax wouldn’t move in. Taggert says, that makes sense, given their history, and Sonny says, it’s been standing empty since the last owner died. He sits, and Taggert asks if he knew them. Sonny says it was his ex-fiancé Connie. She was murdered. Taggert says he’s sorry, and asks if they got her killer. Sonny says, it’s a bit more complicated than that.
Ava tells Julian, Ryan is out of surgery, but still unconscious. He lost a lot of blood getting that knife in the back. Julian says, so if he dies, it’s not totally unexpected. She says she knows what he’s thinking; stop it. There’s a guard outside Ryan’s room, and no one gets in or out without being stopped. They go into an office, and she says she does have the possibility of good news though. She heard the nurses talking. Ryan’s brain was deprived of oxygen because of the blood loss. They don’t know the extent of the damage yet. Julian says, Ryan could be a vegetable, and Ava says, it’s possible. Julian asks where the chapel is; he wants to start praying. Ava suggests he pray they get their hands on the letter. He says, Ryan didn’t have it on him? and she says she saw the warden give the cops Ryan’s belongings, and there was no letter. He says, they more than got the job done, and she says, they? What has he done?
Jason says he’s surprised Britt has time to play pool. Monica worked long hours when she was Chief of Staff. Britt says she’s been at GH since dawn, and will be back in the trenches until 8. She’s taking a break from all the sniping and dirty looks. She’s sure he’s heard she’s not the most popular person there. He says he’s heard. She says, that’s why she plays pool. It’s fine if you play well with others, but it’s fine if you play alone. She prefers to go solo. He says he thinks she hasn’t found the right person to play pool with.
Sam says Molly and Kristina have noticed Alexis is suddenly unavailable. She isn’t picking up the phone or answering her texts. Sam hasn’t told them she’s relapsed. She was hoping to get Alexis to a meeting or detox. Alexis says, detox? Isn’t that a little premature? She’s not living in an alley yet. Sam says, not yet. Does Alexis realize Sam took the kids to the Quartermaines’ and Olivia was there? Alexis says she wanted to join them, but Sam was late. Sam says, Alexis was early. Olivia didn’t want to say anything, but she found a bottle of booze in Alexis’s purse. Alexis says, Olivia was rummaging around in her purse? What business is it of hers? Sam says, it’s Olivia’s business because Alexis is in her house with Leo and a bottle of booze hidden in her purse. Alexis asks if Olivia told Ned, and Sam says, if Alexis is really worried about Ned’s reaction, they really have a problem. Alexis says the only problem she has right now is Sam. When did she become such a nag? Sam takes the bottle and glass out of the cupboard, and asks if Alexis wants to explain this.
Alexis says Sam isn’t allowed to rummage in her cupboard, and Sam asks, why hide it? Alexis says because she doesn’t want another lecture. Sam says, please tell her what’s going on. The last time Alexis fell off the wagon, Julian took her to a meeting and it was one drink, because she loved herself and her family. Does she not care anymore? Alexis says she just wants to feel good. Can’t Sam just let her feel good? Sam says, sorry. Neil wouldn’t want this. Alexi says, who knows what Neil wanted? Sam says she knows Alexis thinks she didn’t know him, and Alexis says she didn’t. if her this is her only way to cope, can’t Sam just sit back and let her do that, and accept it? Sam says, so when her children are there sleeping, Alexis can nearly burn the house down again? She can’t accept that. Alexis says Sam is exaggerating; blowing one incident out of proportion. Sam says, it’s no exaggeration that Alexis is a risk to her children when she’s drinking. Alexis says, that’s a laugh. Sam sleeping with a hitman doesn’t make her look like mother of year.
Jason is an excellent shot, and Britt tells him, the object of the game is for them to take turns. She supposes she shouldn’t be surprised he’s a pool shark. What’s his secret? He takes another shot, and she says remind her not to get in his crosshairs. Or is she already, working with big bad Cyrus? Jason says, is she? and she says she’s not taking sides between Cyrus and Sonny. The only side she’s on is her own. Jason says, Cyrus did hire her. Mind telling him how that happened? Britt takes her shot, and she’s as good as Jason is.
Ava asks Julian, who are they, and what did he do? He says he needed someone who could gain access to Pentenville, and take care of their Ryan problem. She says, so it’s their problem now, and he says, so he made a bargain. She wonders why she has the feeling Julian got the worst of it, and he says, Ryan was going to tell Sonny that he knew about Michael’s son, and had Nelle’s letter as proof. He was desperate. Ava wonders when was the last time he wasn’t. He’s dug such a hole for himself, and every time she looks, it’s deeper. Every action he’s taken has made it worse. Now he’s made a bargain. What exactly did he offer to have Ryan killed, and what happens when they want to collect?
Lulu asks if Peter has a plan B for taking down Cyrus, and he says, the human interest angle. He hears there’s a record number of OD cases at the hospital. Who were they? They had jobs and families; who are they leaving behind? How is the GH staff coping; the police, the paramedics? They just did a telethon for frontline workers. Is the drug epidemic causing them to focus on that, rather than other concerns? Lulu says, less accusations, more comment on the human toll, and he tells her to get as many people on the record as possible. His phone dings, and he says he has another meeting. He thinks Lulu’s story will be inspiring. He leaves, and Lulu says, maybe, but will it put Cyrus back in prison?
Maxie thanks Finn for asking Peter to be a groomsman. He’s very touched. Alex says, they’ll be one big happy family, and Finn says he just remembered that he has to get groomsmen’s gifts. He could use some advice. Maxie says, luckily, he has an expert there, and Finn asks if Alex/Anna minds putting the kettle on, while Maxie fills him in on the appropriate gifts. Alex says, of course (🍷), and goes to the kitchen. Maxie says she’s thinking cufflinks, and he says she needs to go right now.
Robert wonders how many possible hostages there are, and asks Anna, what about Violet? She says Violet is at a sleepover, and Robert says he wants to call in a SWAT team, but Anna says, no. Alex won’t hesitate to kill Finn. She thinks Anna is dead, and doesn’t realize Finn is on to her. Robert asks how she wants to do this, and she says they should go in together. She thinks that’s the best chance they have.
Finn starts to push Maxie toward the door, and she asks what he’s doing. He tells her, just do what he says. Leave. She says he’s scaring her, and he says, that’s not Anna; it’s her sister. Alex walks in, gun drawn, and says, he’s much smarter than she gave him credit for. Really? I highly doubt an infectious disease specialist is stupid, and they’re probably good at solving puzzles.
Britt tells Jason, it’s a mystery. Cyrus offered her a job as Chief of Staff, and it was too good to turn down. Jason says, maybe. Or maybe something else happened that brought her back. She ask if he’s psychic, and he says he just pays attention. Lulu comes by, and asks if there’s room for one more. She has a score to settle with Britt.
Sam asks why Alexis brings up Jason whenever Alexis wants to hurt her. Alexis says Sam isn’t the only one who gets to throw stones. How many times has Jason put the kids in danger?And what about Sonny with Kristina and Michael? She won’t even ask about Morgan. That’s obvious. Sam says, that’s cruel, but Alexis says, it’s a statement of fact. They’ve hurt people and worse, and when the enemy retaliates, they threaten their loved ones. Sam tells Alexis, listen to herself deflecting. This has nothing to do with Sonny or Jason. Alexis chose to pick up a drink and hurt her family, which includes Scout and Danny. Alexis says she’d never hurt her grandchildren, and Sam says, really? She wouldn’t visit them drunk, or drive them to the park after downing a bottle of vodka? Alexis says Sam knows that would never happen, but Sam says, actually, she doesn’t. If Alexis doesn’t agree right now to get help, she’ll never allow Alexis around her kids again.
Julian tells Ava, stopping Ryan was worth it, but she says she doubts he’ll feel that way when the favor is called in. She doesn’t know who the devil is, but Julian sold his soul to him. He says, better than Sonny having him killed. Now the letter has disappeared, and he can finally stop looking over his shoulder. She says she knows that look. Ryan’s not his only problem. He asks if she remembers the guy on the pier. He stopped Julian from shooting Nelle. She says Julian told her his gun went off, and he accidentally hit the guy. Julian says, he recovered, and he’s not only alive and well, he knows Ava’s intern. Ava says, Trina? and Julian says, he left this at the bar. He shows her the phone with the picture of Trina and Taggert, and says, that’s the guy who jumped him. She says, oh my God.
Sonny says it feels like Connie’s murder happened yesterday, and Taggert says he doesn’t know how Sonny can forgive the woman who murdered his fiancé. Sonny says he hasn’t forgiven her, but they have an understanding. He has no choice. She’s Avery’s mother, and he’d do anything for the sake of his daughter and kids. Taggert says, on that, they agree. Sonny says, Ava’s life was dismantled by Ryan Chamberlain. He’s not excusing what she did to Connie, but it balances the scales a little, and gave him insight into why she does what she does. Taggert still thinks Ava should go to prison, and Sonny says, that’s easy for him to say. It’s not his family at stake. Taggert says he’s right about that, as much as it kills him to say Sonny is right. Sonny says he’ll have to tell Carly that Taggert is alive and living next door, but Taggert says, the list of people who know is already too long.Epiphany and Jordan, and now the bartender on Halloween. Sonny looks at him.
Alex says this happened faster than she planned, and Finn asks if she thinks anyone is going to believe she’s Anna. Maxie doesn’t understand why Alex is doing this, and Finn says, because she’s a narcissist with a borderline personality. Alex says don’t make her angry, and Finn says, let Maxie go. She has nothing to do with this. Alex says, Maxie is carrying Peter’s baby. Finn is expendable. Maxie asks what Alex wants with her baby, and Alex says she’ll explain when they’re on the open water. They’re going on a trip. Maxie says she’s not going anywhere, and strongly advises Alex to run as far and as fast as she can. Once Robert catches up to her… Finn tries to grab the gun from Alex, and they struggle. Maxie yells, no!
Alexis asks if Sam is really saying she can’t see her grandchildren, and Sam says she has no choice if Alexis keeps drinking. Alexis says, she’d never hurt her grandchildren; she loves them. Sam knows she loves them, and they love her too. That’s what’s making this so hard. If Alexis decides the glass she’s holding is more important than her grandchildren, Sam can’t help her. Alexis says, so Sam is telling her, if she doesn’t go to a meeting or detox, and satisfy Sam’s demands for her life, she’s not going to let her see her grandchildren. Sam says, yes. She’d do anything to protect her children. Alexis says, except leave Jason.
Britt tells Lulu, long time. She’s surprised they haven’t run into each other. Lulu says, that was no accident, and Britt says, have at it. She’s bracing herself for another lecture on what a terrible person she is. Lulu says, Britt being Chief of Staff at GH, no wonder the hospital is such a mess. Britt tells Jason, see why she prefers to play alone? It’s time for her to get back to work, and make the hospital more of a mess. She leaves, and Lulu says, Britch is the perfect name. She thinks she’ll do an exposé on Britt. Jason says she’d be making a mistake.
Sonny says Taggert didn’t tell him that he was spotted, and Taggert says he didn’t have a chance before Jason hustled him there. Sonny asks, what happened? and Taggert says, Trina and her friends were hanging out, and the mask for his costume allowed him to follow them. The bartender suspected something, and when they left, he and he bartender got into it. The bartender ripped off his mask, and Taggert recognized him as the guy at the pier; the one he stopped from shooting that girl. Sonny asks if he’s sure it was the same guy, and Taggert says, no question. Sonny asks where he works, and Taggert says, Charlie’s. He acted like he ran the place.
Julian asks if Ava knows the man in the picture, and she asks if he’s sure this is the man. He says he didn’t get a good look, but when he saw him, it all came together and clicked. Who is he? Trina’s uncle or something? Ava says, or something. Julian is an idiot. That’s Trina’s father. Julian says she told him that Trina’s father had been killed in a shootout with Cyrus, and she says she’d thought so. So did Trina. Julian says Taggert doesn’t look six feet under to him.
Robert and Anna go into Anna’s house. Anna sees Finn on the floor, and runs to him. She sees he’s been shot, and she tells him, talk to her.
Alex has Maxie tied up on a boat (The Haunted Star?). She says, isn’t technology marvelous? It would have been tedious to try and hold a gun on her and steer at the same time, but she let autopilot handle it. Maxie says she has two other children, and they’re going to wonder what happened to her if she doesn’t get home soon. They’re sweet and innocent, and Alex is going to ruin their lives if she hurts her. Alex says she’d never hurt Maxie. She’d never put that precious cargo in jeopardy. Maxie asks why she’s doing this, and Alex tells her, relax. The helicopter will meet them soon. Maxie asks how long Alex is planning on keeping her hostage, but Alex says Maxie’s not her hostage; Maxie is her guest. Maxie laughs, and says, okay. She’s never had a hostess hold a gun on her before. Alex loves her sense of humor. They’re going to have so much fun together. Just one big happy family.
Robert talks to the paramedics, telling them Finn has been shot, while Anna tells Finn, stay with her. Don’t try to talk. He says, Alex took Maxie, and she asks, where? He says, the harbor, and Anna looks at Robert.
Alex comes back, and says, good. Maxie is still there. It won’t be long before their scheduled rendezvous. Maxie asks who they’re meeting, and Alex says, friends of hers. Maxie says, none of this makes any sense. Peter is Alex’s nephew, and she’s never wanted anything to do with him. What sparked the sudden family togetherness? Alex says, she and Maxie have more in common than Maxie realizes. Peter has a lot of secrets. In fact, Alex is willing to let Maxie in on a secret of her own.
Robert puts out an APB on Alex, and tells them to consider her armed and dangerous. She’s got a pregnant hostage, one Maxie Jones. He wants them around the waterfront, since she’ll try to escape by boat. Anna tells Finn that she loves him very much, and to stay with them. She jets, and the paramedics tell Robert that they’re ready. He asks where Anna is, and a paramedic tells him, she left. He says, damn that woman.
Sonny says, Taggert thinks the guy runs Charlie’s? and Taggert says, it looked that way. Does Sonny know him? Sonny says, Avery’s mother? It’s her lowlife brother. He shows Taggert an article in The Invader, and asks if that’s the girl he saw that night. Taggert says, yeah, that’s her, and Sonny wonders what Julian has gotten himself into.
Lulu says she knows Jason was gone most of the time Britt was in Port Charles. He didn’t experience her lies and manipulations first hand. She’s not a good person. Jason says, the point is she works for Cyrus at GH. Cyrus has already fired people close to him and Sonny. Lulu isn’t doing herself any favors by attacking Britt. Britt doesn’t care what anyone thinks, but what Lulu thinks will draw attention to Cyrus. Lulu says, good, but Jason says, it’s not good. Cyrus has only fired and reassigned people at the hospital. They don’t know how far he might go. Lulu asks if Jason thinks Cyrus would come after her, and he says he thinks she should take a step back and let things unwind. Jason’s phone rings. It’s Sonny, who says he just received an interesting piece of information. He needs Jason to do something. Jason listens, and says he’s on it, and Lulu says it sounds like he has to go. Jason says, seriously, just be careful, and leaves.
Lulu sits, and says, soPeter wants a different angle. How about this one? She starts to type on her tablet.
Ava says, so Taggert survived the shooting, and somehow faked his death. Poor Trina. She’s been grieving her father for no reason. How could Taggert let her go on like that? Julian guesses that’s why he was hanging out in Charlie’s, to be close to her, but Ava says, if he’s in Port Charles, he can’t keep lurking around. Sooner or later, someone else is going to see him. Did he recognize Julian? Julian says, Taggert said he wasn’t the guy at the pier, but he thought Taggert was lying. She says that means Taggert can connect Julian to being with Nelle the night of Wiley’s kidnapping. Julian says if Taggert wants to be dead, he doubts Taggert will report him, since he’ll have to reveal himself. Ava says, unless… Unless he finds a way to tell Sonny, Sonny puts the pieces together, and figures out Julian kidnapped Wiley. Julian says he was trying to kill Nelle; not help her. Taggert knows that. She says, but why would he want to kill Nelle? That’s what Sonny will want to know. (Not to mention, Julian was admitted to being roped into marrying her later.) Ava says, Ryan could recover, and tell Sonny about Julian’s part in the baby switch. Julian can’t stay there. She wants him to run. Disappear while he still has the chance to live.
Sonny says Taggert’s got to go; he has guests coming. Taggert says it wasn’t his intent to be spotted. He just wanted to see his daughter. Sonny gets it, and says, in the long run, it’s probably better this way. Now the pieces of the puzzle are coming together.
Julian tells Ava, the whole point of eliminating Ryan was so he didn’t have to leave his life behind. She says, we can’t always get what we want, and Julian says, then find a way for him to stay. She can start by checking on Ryan. She says she doesn’t take orders from him. She’s tempted to turn him over to Sonny herself. She walks down the hall, and Jason comes out of the elevator. He tells Julian, Sonny wants to see him, but Julian says he’s busy. Jason says, let’s go, and steers him to the elevator. Ava sees them go into the elevator together, and says, oh, God. Sonny knows.
Lulu types, an unnamed source on the hospital staff claims changes occurred due to a rivalry between the Chairman of the Board, Cyrus Renault, and local businessman, Sonny Corinthos. Mr. Renault says he’s a philanthropist, but how does he explain demoting and firing long time hospital staff who are connected to Mr. Corinthos? I’d say Peter is going to want to print that even less than the article she showed him.
Sam says, for the thousandth time, this has nothing to do with Jason, and Alexis says Sam is in denial. For the record, the ultimatum usually comes after the intervention. Sam forgot the circle of chairs, the deadly serious loved ones, the counselor, and the long tragic stories they read, telling her what a horrible person she is, and how she ruined everyone’s lives. Does Sam want her to schedule a do-over? Does next week work? Sam says, clearly, Alexis has made her decision, and she’s going to have to deal with the consequences. She’s having lunch with Kristina and Molly tomorrow, and she’s going to tell them Alexis is drinking again. She’s sorry. She tried to help. Alexis needs it, and she just wishes Alexis was able to take it from her. She leaves, and Alexis goes back to her drink.
Finn is brought into the hospital, and a Britt says he needs to be stabilized. The paramedics take Finn away, and Peter asks Robert where Maxie is. He got Robert’s message; was she hurt? Robert says, Anna has gone after Maxie and Alex; that’s all he knows. Peter asks if Finn was shot, and Robert says they found him bleeding out in his living room. That reminds him, someone is going to have to tell Finn’s brother.
Maxie says she’s not interested in Alex’s secrets, and Alex says, not even when they concern Peter? Maxie says, especially when they concern Peter. It’s all lies. Alex says, denial will only get you so far. She learned that the hard way; so has her sister. The boat rocks violently, and Alex falls, dropping the gun.
Peter goes in to see Finn. He asks if Finn can hear him. Was Maxie hurt? Anna is trying to find her. Finn says, Anna wants to much to be his mother.
Maxie asks, what was that? and Alex says, something hit them. Anna comes in, and she and Alex face each other, guns drawn.
On Monday, Chase says tell him that his brother is going to live, Robert asks Valentin where he thinks he’s going, Anna and Alex have a shootout, and Peter calls for help.
😈 Anna’s Evil Twin…
Everything you need to know about Peter’s real mother.
Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all. – Helen Keller
I’ll tell you what leadership is, he said. It’s persuasion and conciliation and education and patience. It’s long, slow, tough work. That’s the only kind of leadership I know. – Jim Mattis
Life is never fair, and perhaps it is a good thing for most of us that it is not. – Oscar Wilde
Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds. – Albert Einstein (And always remember, there is no room for mediocrity in karaoke. At least according to one kid I met there. I almost choked on my drink when he said that.)
Winning isn’t everything, but wanting to win is. – Vince Lombardi
You are no better than anyone else, and no one is better than you. – Katherine Johnson
The only real mistake is the one from which we learn nothing. – John Powell
Sometimes you make the right decision, and sometimes you have to make the decision right. – Dr. Phil
Art is not what you see but what you make others see. – Edgar Degas
If you haven’t read hundreds of books, you are functionally illiterate, and you will be incompetent, because your personal experiences alone aren’t broad enough to sustain you. – Jim Mattis
The most common way people give up their power is by thinking they don’t have any. – Alice Walker
Dare to be true: nothing can need a lie: A fault, which needs it most, grows two thereby. – George Herbert
To thrive in life you need three bones. A wishbone. A backbone. And a funny bone. – Reba McEntire
🏋🏽♀️ Carrying On…
We made it through to another weekend, that thing we used to look forward to because we could go out with friends. No matter. Some of us are back at work, others never stopped working, and some are just limping along, but it’s only up from here, right? Right? See you when the Dead walk, and no matter how you roll the weekend, stay safe, stay expecting better times, and stay being smarter than everyone else thinks. Especially an evil twin.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Since it’s been that kind of week, I missed the beginning, but here’s what you need to know. Alex (pretending to be Anna), Peter, and Maxie went to Charlie’s for dinner. Peter suggested inviting Finn, but Alex/Anna said Finn was busy. While Jason waited for Franco at The Floating Rib, Robert asked to talk to him about Spinelli. Lulu met a source at The Rib, and asked how he knew Cyrus. He suggested doing the interview in private at his place, and Dante appeared, saying Lulu was taken. Curtis flew into the hospital, and asked Cyrus what he’d done to Jordan, but Cyrus said he was the reason Jordan got medical attention so quickly. And that’s where I came in.
Lulu tells Dante, he may not have noticed, but she’s doing an interview. She thanks him for suggesting a secure location, but says she doesn’t need rescuing. Dante tells her, he didn’t say she did. He’s just laying the ground rules so there’s no misunderstanding. The source says he knows Dante. Is he with the PCPD? Lulu says, Dante used to work there, but he has a new job. He probably should be studying up for it. Dante says, okay, but he’ll be right over there, pointing to a nearby table. Lulu apologizes, and asks where they were. He was about to tell her how he become acquainted with Cyrus. He says, never heard of him, gets up, and jets. Dante comes back, and says he didn’t think that guy was a reliable source anyway. Lulu says they use plenty of unreliable sources, and she can just check out the information they give her. That was the next step, but now she’ll have to start over with a new source. She worked like hell to get that one. Dante says, he’s a dirtbag, and she says, at least they agree on that. Dante, of all people, should know when you investigate a crime boss, you don’t meet the best people. He says when he was investigating a crime boss, he met her, and she says, look at how that turned out. She tells him, sorry; she shouldn’t have said that, and tells him not to take it the way it sounded.
Jason says, Spinelli would rather see Maxie with a broken heart than dead, and Robert says he never thought he’d see the day Jason took the moral high ground. Jason says, Robert hasn’t changed his mind about busting Peter, even though it will hurt Maxie, has he? Robert says he owes it to the Bureau and his family. You’d think Spinelli would be a better liar. He’s a surveillance man, a hacker, and a P.I., but he constantly trips over his own feet… Jason says, when it comes to Maxie. Robert says, he told Spinelli, no more pot shots, support the marriage, support Maxie, but Jason says, it’s not easy. Robert says they’re not looking at easy; they’re looking at necessary. When it hits the fan, Maxie will see this bastard for who he is, and will need every friend she can find, especially Spinelli.
Cyrus says, he would never wish harm to Curtis’s wife. She’s far too valuable a member of the community of Port Charles. He assures Curtis, he had nothing to do with Jordan’s collapse. Portia asks Curtis to join her and his wife – privately – in Jordan’s room, where she’ll explain everything. Curtis says, they’ve wasted too much time standing with Cyrus, and goes into Jordan’s room. Cyrus asks if he can have a word with Portia, and she asks if that’s an order. He says, a request.
Curtis asks, what happened? Is she okay? There’s no response at first, but Jordan slowly turns her head and looks at him, motioning him closer. She says she’s never been better.
Franco asks Elizabeth how he got so lucky. He’s actually asking; it’s not rhetorical. He loves her, and after the life he’s led, he’s just the luckiest guy in the world. She asks if he’s okay, and he says, right this second, he’s better than okay. His life, their life… He says he has to go, and Elizabeth asks where he’s going. He says he’s got to see a guy about a commission.
Finn sees the envelope from the lab in the wastebasket. He looks inside, but it’s empty. He makes a call, and says he’s at the house. How soon can they get there?
Alex tells Peter and Maxie, she wants to hear all about the wedding plans. It means so much to share moments like this together; it’s more rare than they realize. Maxie says she doesn’t know what she’d do without Anna. It means a lot to Peter to have her in his life. Peter says, more than she knows, and Alex says, nothing or no one is ever going to tear them apart again.
Valentin tells Anna, sorry. She says, if that’s an apology there are some things she can forgive; others, not so much. He says he should have taken Alex out when she called Peter her son. He missed his shot; sorry. She says he can make it up to her by helping to get them out. He says if they do get out, he’s going after Alex immediately. Anna doesn’t want that, and he says, she won’t commit to killing Alex, even after what she’s done? Anna says she’s not killing her own sister, and Valentin says maybe Anna should send her a thank you card. Be sure to tell… He says, Charlotte, and Anna says they’ll find a way. Valentin says he may have one, and makes a Hulk noise.
Lulu tells Dante, it’s not that she doesn’t appreciate a rescue, but she didn’t need a rescue. She knows how to take care of herself. He says he just wanted her know that he never stopped wanting the best for her, even if he’s not a part of it.
Epiphany and Terry go to Elizabeth’s house, and Epiphany asks, what’s in the medicine cabinet? And she’s not talking about the bathroom. Elizabeth says she’s got a nice cabernet, and Epiphany says, perfect. They can give her input after they empty the bottle. She suggests Terry use her skilled hands to open the vino, and goes to the kitchen to get glasses. Elizabeth says she heard Epiphany gave the department head such a hard time, he went in his office, locked the door, and wouldn’t come out.
Cyrus tells Portia, he knows the hospital treats all patients equally, and she says, as equal as their medical coverage will allow, since he took over. He says, if there’s such a thing as VIP treatment, make sure Jordan receives it. She tells him not to worry. She’ll make sure Jordan gets everything she needs.
Jordan tells Curtis, she passed out in front of Cyrus, or that’s how it seemed. Portia was there to treat her like they’d arranged. They staged the whole thing. They’re going to tell Cyrus she has complications from the transplant. Portia comes in, and Curtis asks if Cyrus is still out there. Portia says she sent him on his merry way, and asks if Curtis is up to speed. Curtis says he is, about his wife. Portia, not so much. Jordan says Portia suspected she was on the take, so she told Portia the truth, that Cyrus threatened to kill TJ. Portia says, now that she knows, she’s offered to help. Curtis says, so they have a new teammate. What’s the plan? Portia says Jordan needs time to regroup; doctor’s orders. Curtis says, it’s the perfect cover. They can get away from that bastard, and turn the tables on him.
Terry asks Elizabeth where her hubby is, and Elizabeth says he’s finding out about a possible commission. He’s been networking like crazy, and lining up work. He’ll be busy for another year. She asks why Terry is so quiet.
At the Floating Rib, Franco thanks Jason for meeting him. He knows he’s not Jason’s favorite person, and it’s something he’s relying on. Jason tells him, get to the point, and Franco says he likes that Jason doesn’t waste time. He’s grateful for that, since he doesn’t have time to waste. Jason asks what Franco wants, and Franco says he wants Jason to kill him.
Robert arrives at Anna’s, and asks Finn to tell him again why he’s there. Finn asks if Robert has spoken to Anna, and Robert asks, why? Finn says he hasn’t seen Anna since yesterday. They were supposed have dinner with Chase and his mom, but Anna canceled at the last minute. She said she was waiting for test results. He shows Robert the envelope, and says, according to the lab, she got the results last night. She had them when they spoke. Why would she lie? Robert asks if something is wrong with Anna, but Finn says, the tests aren’t about Anna. They’re about Peter.
Maxie excuses herself to go to the restroom – again. She leaves, and Alex tells Peter, she remembers what it was like expecting him. He says she’s never talked about that before, and she asks why he thinks that is. He says he assumed it was too painful a subject. She says, seeing him with Maxie, and about to become a parent himself, she thinks she’s made peace with that time in her life. He asks, what changed? and she says, funny he should ask.
Valentin says he can’t use his hands, and Anna says he’s still too drugged. She fiddles with the handcuffs.
Lulu tells Dante, she knows there are no guarantees in life, but she needs them. Not for herself. When he left, Charlotte still had Valentin, but Rocco lost his dad. He needs to stick around. He says, that’s the plan, but she says she needs more than a plan. Rocco needs his father. She needs a guarantee that Dante isn’t going to leave again. It would be worse than if he hadn’t come back at all. He says he’s not going anywhere, and if she ever needs anything, all she has to do is ask.
Jason says, Franco wants to be killed by him, and Franco says, trust him. It’s as big a surprise to him as it is to Jason. Jason says, don’t call him again, and starts to leave. Franco says, don’t make him beg. How many times has Jason thought about killing him? How many times has he tried? Think it over. It’s what he’s always wanted.
Terry tells Elizabeth, it’s just been a long day with patients. Epiphany says she thought they were supposed to be cheering her up, and they wanted to take her mind off her losing her man. They could bring down the mood at a funeral. Elizabeth says she thinks she knows what it is. Terry gets the bottle of wine open, and pours. Epiphany says she’ll take that transfusion.
Portia says, Jordan needs bed rest, and time off work; and no working at home while she recuperates. Curtis asks, for how long? and Portia says, there’s no time table, but don’t press his luck. Jordan says they have to look into a homicide that from 40 years ago, and Portia asks what Cyrus has to do with that. Jordan says, that’s what she’d like to know. The file has been heavily redacted. Curtis says, for some reason it’s important to Cyrus. Cyrus asks if he can come in, and says, what happened? Is Jordan okay?
Robert asks Finn what the tests prove, and Finn says, Peter has a genetic marker that Anna doesn’t have, and neither did Faison. If Peter didn’t inherit it from them, that means he got it from Alex. Robert says, making Alex Peter’s mother. No wonder Anna was on tenterhooks. Finn wonders, why lie if she had the results? and Robert says, now she’s missing. Finn asks if it can be a coincidence that Anna and Valentin wanted to lure Alex out of hiding. Robert asks what Valentin has to do with it, and Finn says, for whatever reason, Anna trusts him to help bring Alex in.
Alex tells Peter, she realizes if not for her choices and the ruthless way she pursued her career, using Faison, she wouldn’t be sitting opposite the one person who made it worthwhile. Peter says, all of it? and she says, a lot of it. He says he’s never heard her speak this way, and she says, they’ve come so far. From here on out, she’s never going leave anything unsaid between them. Moving forward, they’re stronger together than apart. He tells her that she’s saying what he’s always wanted to hear his mother say. Alex says Peter needs to assert himself; the real him. He asks how she knows that, and she says she knows him. He’s her son, and she knows him better than he knows himself.
Valentin and Anna continue to cough. Anna gets out of the cuffs, and undoes her feet. She goes around, and helps Valentin. He’s still weak, and tells her to go, but she says, stand up, and puts his arm around her. He says there’s no time, but she drags him to the door. The pressure cooker vibrates.
Anna and Valentin make it outside, just as the building blows up. Valentin says, nice job, and she asks if he’s okay. He says he’s fine.
Lulu tells Dante, she needs him to take of the kids. She can take care of herself. After he left, it was really hard. She missed him, and doubted herself. She needed him to rescue her at that moment, but he wasn’t there. He says, but Desmond was there, and she says, Dustin was wonderful to her and the kids. She can’t set that aside or ignore it because he’s back. He says he’s not asking her to, and she says, not yet. He says he’s not going to, and she asks why he’s there.
Jason says, no matter how many times Elizabeth tells him that Franco has changed, he’s still the same sick bastard he always was. Franco tells him that the tumor is back, and it’s inoperable. He doesn’t know if it will affect him the way the other one did. He doesn’t know what he’s capable of doing, and doesn’t want to find out. This is the ask. If he starts to repeat the same behavior, will Jason stop him?
Jordan insists she’s fine, but Portia says she’s not. She needs to see a specialist. Portia tells him she thinks there might be complications with the transplant. Curtis says, Jordan needs to see the doctor who did the transplant, and Cyrus asks if they’re on staff. Curtis says, they were, but they were part of Cyrus’s cost-cutting casualties. He’d like to take her to see the doctor tonight, and Portia says she’ll arrange it. They all agree Jordan should see someone familiar with her condition. Cyrus asks if there’s anything he can do in the meantime, and Curtis says he’s done enough. They’ll take it from there. Goodbye. Cyrus leaves, and Jordan sits up. She guesses this means Curtis is in.
Alex tells Peter, it’s just the two of them right now, so she can talk. She considers them to be extraordinary people. They may blend in, but their ambitions and needs are greater than what the world is capable of offering. It’s on them to shape the world. Normal and everyday doesn’t apply to them. If he trusts her, she can help him become the man he’s destined to be. Maxie comes back, and asks what she missed. Alex says they were just talking about the future, and it’s so much brighter than they ever thought possible. She touches Maxie’s baby bump, and says, isn’t that right, Peter?
Finn tells Robert, Valentin’s phone is going straight to voicemail. Robert asks if Finn thinks Anna shared the test results with Valentin, and they concocted a plan to lure Alex out. Finn says he’d like to think Anna would let him know first. Robert’s phone rings, and he says, ooh. He’s on his way. Finn asks, what’s ooh and what’s wrong? Robert says, there was a gas explosion at a warehouse, and Finn asks what he’s thinking. Robert says, a gas explosion, Valentin and Anna are both gone. Oh yeah, it’s got to be a coincidence.
Dante says he knows he gave up on his and Lulu’s life when he left, but that doesn’t mean he stopped caring. Lulu’s phone rings, and he says, Dustin? She says, yes. He’s checking see how her interview went. He says, sorry about that. He didn’t mean to mess it up. She says, it’s okay. He really was a dirtbag. Dante gets up, and says she should go. He happens to know firsthand the risk of leaving someone waiting.
Jason tells Franco, he’ll do some research. He wants to make sure Franco is telling the truth. Maybe he wants to set Jason up to go down for his murder. Franco says he’s counting on Jason being professional, and covering all the bases. He doesn’t want Elizabeth blaming Jason or feeling any pain. Jason says that’s what Franco would tell him if he was setting him up. Franco says the only thing they have in common is Elizabeth and the boys. He’s counting on Jason to do what needs to be done for them. He’s straight up begging. Please do what he’s asking.
Elizabeth says Epiphany has been blaming herself for Milo leaving for the last fifteen minutes, and Epiphany says, she practically pushed him out the door. Elizabeth says she encouraged him to follow his dream, and Epiphany says Elizabeth is right. She was supportive and encouraging, and she was there, but now he’s gone. She starts to cry, and says, at some point, Milo stopped giving the relationship attention and love and care it needed and deserved. She was too busy to notice, until she did. Terry says she knows what went wrong. Now it’s time to dry her tears, and get back out there. Epiphany says, tonight? and Terry says, when she’s ready. They toast to new beginnings, and clink glasses.
Portia says they’re all set. She’s made up an order for Jordan to visit her neurologist, and the appointment is set up, so it’s on the books. Curtis says they’d better get out of there before Cyrus sends in one of his doctors in for a consultation. Once they get out of sight, they know exactly where they’re going. Portia says, don’t mind her; she just made it possible. Curtis says, 1257 Wilson Avenue, an arts and crafts classic. He wonders who Cyrus has stashed there, that he sends them monthly payments of five or six figures. Portia asks, what about the murder? and Jordan says they’ll work on it when they’re on the plane. They’ll come back with leads, and get Cyrus on two fronts.
Alex says she has to get back to Finn, and tells Peter to take care of Maxie; Maxie is carrying her grandchild. Peter says he will. He worked hard to get the family he deserved. Alex says, that’s something they have in common. When she’s gone, Maxie asks, is it just her, or did Anna seem different? Peter says, she did.
Anna tells a fireman, there was no one else in there; just the two of them. He says paramedics are on their way, and she says she needs to talk to the DA. Robert walks in, and says, why did he know she was involved in this? Anna says, not her; Alex.
Curtis asks if Portia is sure she covered all the bases. If Cyrus finds out they played him… Portia says, everything is done on her end, but she has no control over what happens after. Jordan says, it’s great to have another ally. Trina would be proud if she knew. Portia says, she better not. She’d march up to Cyrus and do or say something to let Cyrus know they were bringing him down. She leaves, and Cyrus sees her in the hallway. He asks if everything is all set, and she says, the arrangements have all been made. She tells him, goodnight, and walks down the hall. He looks at the closed door to Jordan’s room.
Jordan says she always wanted to take Curtis to the Pacific Northwest; her old stomping grounds. This isn’t what she had in mind though. He says, it’s not ideal, but if they pull this off and bring Cyrus down, it will be the best vacation ever. He asks what they’re waiting for, and she goes into the bathroom to get dressed.
In the alleyway, Dante takes out his phone. He reads a text that says, complete the mission, which we haven’t heard in five minutes. He takes a pill and moves on.
Jason tells Franco, he’ll do what it takes to protect Elizabeth and the boys. Franco thanks him, saying he knew he count on Jason.
Elizabeth asks if Terry and Epiphany want to wait inside, but Terry says their Ride Share is only a block away; they’ll be fine. Epiphany thanks Elizabeth for the vino and the veritas. Maybe there is life after Milo. Elizabeth says she knows there will be. Outside, Epiphany asks what’s going on between Terry and Elizabeth? Terry says, shop talk, and Epiphany says, uh-huh.
Finn calls Elizabeth, and asks if Violet is still up, but she says, Violet has been down for hours. She asks if something is wrong, and he says he’ll explain when he gets there. Lock the door, and don’t open it to anyone. He’s on his way.
Robert tells a fireman to contain the fire, and Anna asks to use Robert’s phone. Robert hands it to her, and tells the fireman, the woman who lit the fire is dangerous. There might be surprises waiting inside that they don’t know about.
Finn answers the phone, saying, Robert? but Anna says, it’s her. He says, thank God, and she asks where he is. She says if he’s at the house, he needs to leave. Alex walks in, and Anna says, Finn? What’s happening? Can he hear her?
Tomorrow, Sam tells Alexis that she’s never allowing her around the kids again, Peter tells Lulu that there’s no way he can publish this, and Sonny says he’s going to have to tell Carly someone is alive.
Southern Charm
We were still at Shep’s Dumb and Dumber party. Craig has now taken Cameron’s place as narrator, but it’s not the same. Leva and husband Lamar, who reminds me of a shorter Ving Rhames, arrived, and Leva asked to speak to Kathryn in private. Leva asked why Kathryn was going after her friend, meaning Cameron, since Kathryn had told Craig gossip about Jason having an affair. Leva said Cameron had a beautiful family, and she didn’t want this happening, but Kathryn said she had a family she thought was beautiful too, and Cameron had no problem going after her. We flashed back to that on many occasions, and it wasn’t good look. In her interview, Kathryn said, what goes around comes around. Leva said if Kathryn hurts someone she cares about, Kathryn was going to have a problem with her, and she didn’t want a problem. She was letting bygones be bygones. Kathryn said, sounded good to her, but in her interview said, if it was her or Madison, they’d get on a group text about it. Shep told Craig about Madison and Peter having hooked up. Then Peter’s girlfriend Liz tried to stir the sh*t by telling Austin that Madison had a fling with Peter, and he should be careful about who he dates. It was so stupid, since it wasn’t like Peter had cheated on her with Madison. I just didn’t get it. Maybe Peter needs to be careful about who he dates. Liz seems like she has serious insecurity issues. Patricia and Whitney took off early due to lack of food. I actively looked for a chair, or seating of any kind, and saw none. Madison said something to Shep about being a d-bag for inviting Peter, and left. Shep made a speech saying his guests were the coolest in Charleston. They were the best, and he never wanted to leave because of them. Outside, Madison told Austen about Peter.
Craig had a meeting with his partners, and distribution to Wayfair and Bed, Bath, and Beyond was discussed. I’m impressed. Kathryn’s place looked like a cyclone had hit it, since she’s renovating and moving in. She wanted to get things finished as soon as possible, so she could move the kids back. Austen said he’d felt ambushed, and in his interview, he said Shep couldn’t help himself. Now everyone was talking sh*t behind his back. Shep vowed to Taylor that he wouldn’t gossip anymore. In his interview, he said new girlfriend Taylor made him a better human being. She wasn’t trying to change him, but maybe fine tune him. Austen pouted, and Madison said they’d been through enough sh*t. It was just another test of their relationship
In Danni’s interview, she was doubtful as to whether Shep’s relationship would last. She said as soon as Shep felt cornered, it was peace out. Kathryn told Danni that John kissed her, but he was legit recently divorced, so it wasn’t happening again. We found out Kathryn and Thomas hooked up a few months ago, and I wondered why she’d want to even go near him at this point. Were they drunk? Austen got together with Whitney and Craig for dinner, and Whitney said, how lucky was he, to be with the pillow and beer magnates? Austen said he had beer on tap in the highest volume bars in Charleston. He asked what he was supposed to think about Shep inviting Peter to the party, and Whitney thought Shep had a good heart. Whitney toasted to pillows and beer, and Craig thought that sounded like a sex tape.
Leva’s son’s name is Little? I can’t imagine him not being bullied for that. In Leva’s interview, she explained that she and Lamar were restauranteurs, owning Republic, Bourbon n Bubbles, and Medu; and getting ready to open a sports bar called 1st Place. They’d wanted to bring Miami and New York to Charleston, built it, and they came. She told us when she and Lamar first started dating, people stared. There weren’t many mixed race couples in town. She’d told Lamar that she didn’t know where they fit, and he said people like themselves were needed to change the social climate.
Craig, Shep, and Austen went to the gym. Shep insisted that inviting Peter and Liz wasn’t a set-up, but he was sorry. In Craig’s interview, he said he was fascinated. He’d never seen Shep apologize. Austen wanted nothing more than for everyone to act like adults. New guy John visited Patricia, and wisely brought flowers. He asked for a vodka martini, but got a lecture on the how much better gin was instead. Michael told him that gin was botanical, and vodka came from a potato in the dirt, and Patricia added that vodka was déclassé. I don’t know about that, but I don’t drink gin. I had gin once, and had a hangover for three days. In John’s interview, he said his family had been in Charleston for eight generations. He’d gone to school with Shep, and Patricia asked if Shep was wild and crazy then. John said he was an absolute lunatic. John had come back to Charleston after his divorce because San Diego wasn’t home. Charleston put him in a good headspace, and he was a better co-parent when he was in a good headspace. I rolled my eyes at the word headspace. Patricia asked what he thought about Madison, and he said she was stunning, but also with someone. Patricia said she didn’t think for long. Madison was career driven and ambitious, and her boyfriend was lackadaisical. Whitney said Austen was making an effort, but Patricia said he only had his beer in a couple of places. He wasn’t Budweiser, and Madison deserved Budweiser.
Austen set up a booth to showcase his beer at the Charleston Food and Wine Festival, which he said was the premiere springtime festival in Charleston. Craig said he liked Austen’s merch, but hated the word merch. In Craig’s interview, he said that Madison was maybe not the best for Austen’s mental health, but invaluable businesswise. Kathryn told Danni that she’d decided she was going to act like the kiss didn’t happen when she saw John. In Kathryn’s interview, she said Madison was more John’s type. An old lady came to check out the beer, and said they were pathetically good looking. Madison said the beer must be working. In Madison’s interview, she said Austen hawking his beer was super sexy. The more beer he was slinging and selling, the more she was liking it.
Shep came by, and Austen told Madison to let him handle it. She said if Shep gave her sh*t, she was going to give it back. Shep told Madison that he felt bad, and apologized. Austen said he heavily preferred that they talk about this another time. Shep said he was coming hat in hand, and Madison asked how many times they were going to do this. Austen interrupted, saying he didn’t think this was the right place, but in Shep’s interview, he said he thought it was the perfect place. When they meet someone in the Mafia, they always pick a crowded place, where no one can do anything crazy. Shep said he wanted to stay out of their relationship, and Madison told him that she wasn’t going anywhere. Shep said he didn’t want Austen to get hurt, and Austen was crazy about Madison, so if she didn’t feel the same way, let Austen know. Madison insisted she did feel the same way. Austen said this was the last place he wanted this to happen, and Madison said she and Shep were good. They never needed to have this conversation again. Then Madison guilted Shep into buying a hat. In his interview, Shep said it was like the cold war between Russia and the United States. We have our rockets pointed at you, just so you know, but we don’t want a war. In Madison’s interview, she said she got off on the fact that she owned any conversation she had with Shep. She and Austen kissed.
Next time, Austen and Craig get on each other’s nerves, Austen asks if Shep and Taylor are an actual couple, Leva has a ladies lunch in her Persian palace, and Kathryn tells Danni about Thomas getting someone else pregnant.
👀On Watch What Happens Live, Craig and Shep were both guests. Andy is usually so stylish, but tonight he was wearing a sweater that was no, just no. It looked like a mohair turtleneck, but what it mostly looked like was bad. It was not his color (a pinkish shade of red) and it made him look fat. Maybe he got fat and he was trying to hide it with the sweater, but if so, it didn’t work. Whatever reason he had for choosing it, it didn’t work. Craig said he’d run into Naomie and Metul at the airport sky lounge, and they chatted for an hour, which made me miss Naomie and Metul.
🐶 A Peachy Pup…
I was worried that maybe Chauncy had passed away, but apparently, new pup Peaches is obsessed with him.
AOL is giving me grief tonight, so I’m off to fight with it. No matter how your technology is treating you, stay safe, stay buoyant, and stay knowing you deserve Budweiser.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Anna tells Maxie and Peter that she wants to have a dinner party at her house to celebrate the happy news. It is happy news, right? Maxie says, it was a surprise, but they’re happy. Anna still can’t believe they’re having a baby, and Maxie says neither can she.
On the phone, Robert tells Spinelli that he’ll be out of town for a couple of days. Keep him in the loop about Peter. Nine months will go by in a flash. Before the kid pops out, he wants Maxie to know the truth about its father.
Olivia rushes around, and Ned says, she’s still determined to leave? She says she has to, but he says she doesn’t. She says she does if she wants to see her son again. Robert’s friend is only temporarily in charge, and doing him a huge favor. A month from now, there might be someone in charge who won’t let Dante have visitors. She has to go now. He asks where that leaves Brook.
Brook touches her throat. Lulu and Dustin come by, and Dustin asks if she’s up for visitors. She just looks at them, and Lulu says she doesn’t know how Brook is feeling, but she looks great. Dustin agrees, and asks how she is. Brook writes, Fantastic. You can go now.
Sasha meets Chase at the café, and apologizes for being late. He thanks her for meeting him, and she says his text made it sound important. He says he wants her to know that he’s prepared to tell Willow the truth about their affair, or non-affair. She says he’s out of his mind.
In the park, Michael spreads out a blanket, and Willow asks if they’re hovering. It’s the nanny’s job to watch Wiley. Michael says, it’s not personal; Wiley was just kidnapped. Willow says they can’t use that as a reason to turn into helicopter parents; it’s not fair to Wiley. He says that’s why they’re all the way over here. She says he makes it sound reasonable, and he says hovering time is only a temporary thing. They’ll be back to normal at some point. They’ve got to go back to work. Willow says, but not today, and he says, not today. Today they can hang out and watch Wiley on the swings, and appreciate that he’s home safe. She says she couldn’t ask for anything more, and he says, he could.
Carly and Sonny enter the stables, followed by Felix, pushing Mike in a wheelchair. Sonny points out a horse, and says, looks like a winner. Felix says Mike wants to see what the other options are before they bet. Sonny says, sounds like a plan, and Felix takes Mike over to the horses. Carly asks if Sonny is okay, and he says, it’s near the end. He can feel it, and just wanted to spend as much time as he can with his father; every day, every hour. Carly says, a wise man once said, sounds like a plan, and she kisses his forehead.
Carly says there’s something she has to tell Sonny. He knows how much she hates being wrong. That’s why they get along. He’s the only person who hates being wrong more than she does. He says, fair enough, and she says when he told her that he was taking Mike there, she got scared. She thought he was hiding from reality, and pushing Mike to do something he didn’t want to. She thought it was denial or magical thinking, that he was trying to make it better, but she was wrong. It was the best gift he could have given Mike. How wonderful is it to watch Mike enjoying himself. He says, absolutely wonderful.
Michael says he spoke to Diane. It will be tricky. He has full custody, but Nelle is still Wiley’s biological mother. They can go the abandonment route. Willow says she has no idea where he’s going with this, and he admits he’s all over the place. What he was trying to say is, once Diane can legally put the question of Nelle to rest, he wants Willow to adopt Wiley.
Chase tells Sasha, every reason Michael and Willow had to get married is gone. Nelle was banished, she literally slashed Brook’s throat, and kidnapped Wiley. That’s kidnapping and assault with intent to kill.There’s no way Nelle will be allowed near Wiley again. It’s over, and Wiley is safe for the rest of his life. He can tell Willow what happened, and why. Sasha asks what he thinks will happen then. Willow will say, great news, return Michael’s ring, kiss Wiley goodbye, and run into his arms? He says, she’ll be angry at first, but eventually she’ll understand. She loves him. She says, Willow loves Wiley more, the way a mother should love a child. In Willow’s heart, that’s what she is to Wiley. That’s why they did this. He can’t put something in motion, and think he can control the outcome. You can’t un-ring a bell, and no matter how bad he wants to, you can’t ungive up someone’s love.
Lulu tells Brook, they have something in common. She’s also known the terror of being stabbed and left to die. She’s sure Brook must have followed the Ryan Chamberlain nightmare. When she came to, she was terrified. It took a long time to get over the trauma. It felt like someone had stolen something so deeply personal, she’d never get it back. She gets it, and she’s around if Brook wants to commiserate. Dustin suggests they let Brook get some rest, and says he’ll check in soon.
Ned tells Olivia, Brook is in ICU, and refusing to see him. Olivia is the one – and he thanks her for it – who reached out, and put Brook up in the MetroCourt after he threw her out. Olivia asks why he’s saying this like she wasn’t there, and he says he wants to make her understand that she’s the only one Brook will allow to help her. She thinks he’s mistaken. She’d allow Sonny to help her, and Michael. Michael is probably dicey right now, since he’s technically a Quartermaine, and she wants to keep them out of her life. She gets how much he wants to make it work, and he says she can make help make that happen. She can be the bridge, and get Brook to accept his help. She says, it’s not about Brook accepting help, but accepting help from him. He says, because he’s her father, he needs Olivia’s help to help his daughter. And whether she wants to admit it or not, Brook needs him.
Anna says, it will be a small dinner party; them, her and Finn, Mac and Felicia. They can just sit back and be celebrated. Maxie says, sounds great, and Peter agrees. He says he couldn’t have imagined coming to Port Charles and falling in love. Anna says, and being a family man. Maxie says, before he knows it, he’ll be driving a minivan, but she still wants an edge. She says they have to meet Dustin and Lulu before their appointment at the hospital, and Peter asks if Anna is sure. Anna says, this is what you do when you celebrate family. Peter says, family. He likes the sound of that. Anna says, don’t mess it up, and Maxie says she won’t let him. Anna watches them leave, and Robert startles her. He asks if something’s wrong.
Sonny says, when he was a kid, his dad took him to the track; it was something fun to do. His dad was always so happy; he loved being there. He knew everybody, and everybody knew him. Carly says, it must have been so cool, and Sonny says, he thinks before gambling became an addiction, his dad was at his best at the track. He loved horses, and the people who handled the horses. He loved the whole experience. She says she understands what he’s saying, to a point. She thinks Mike is his best self when he’s with Sonny. She thinks that’s why it was so hard for so long, because Mike left parts of himself behind when he left Sonny. Now that he’s at the end, Mike is his best self all over again. Thanks to Sonny.
Willow says, Michael… and he asks if it’s too much too soon. She says, no. She wanted this. He doesn’t have to pay her back. He says, it’s not about that, and she asks if he’s sure. He’s conscientious to a fault, and trips over himself thanking her and giving her credit. It wasn’t the sacrifice he thinks. She was happy to testify, and loves being married to his family, and being Wiley’s stepmom. He says, it’s not about thanking her. He wants her to adopt Wiley for him, so legally, she has claim on Wiley, but also so Wiley has claim on her.
Sasha tells Chase, Michael and Willow are adults with feelings. They love Wiley, and are committed to making him happy. He can’t show up just because Wiley was kidnapped. Doesn’t that mean he’s playing God again? He’s counting on Willow choosing him, but why would she? He lied, and deliberately broke her heart. She won’t forgive him any more than Michael would forgive her. There’s no going back. Their only option is to move on. He says maybe that works for her, throwing herself into her career, but he’s in love with Willow. He can’t and won’t give her up.
Robert tells Anna that he’s going to Holly’s memorial; his flight is tonight. Anna is glad he’s out of his strange denial, and facing things head on. He says he thought he’d take one more crack at hers, but she says, it’s not about Peter. He says, when isn’t it? and she says, for him, never.
Carly says, such beautiful animals, and Felix comes back with Mike. Sonny asks how it went, and Felix says his father can be mayor if Laura ever decides to step down. Sonny says, it’s good to be with friends, and Mike nods. Carly says she saw a concession stand. She and Felix can go while Sonny has a chat with his dad. They leave, and Sonny starts to bring a horse over to Mike, but Mike gets up. Sonny helps him, and asks if he’s okay. Mike nods, and Sonny says, Carly was saying, they’re beautiful animals. Mike says, uh-huh, and Sonny asks if Mike’s sure he’s got it. Mike says, uh-huh, and takes the horses head in his hands. He runs his face along the horse’s nose and kisses it, and I’m going to burst out crying any second. Mike looks at Sonny, and Sonny asks, what is it? Mike puts his hand on his heart, and says, thank you, son, and kisses Sonny’s cheek. That squishing sound is Mike stepping all over my heart.
Anna says she knows what Robert is going to say, word for word. She’s playing a game, and he thinks she’s ignoring the warnings everyone has given her. She’s cleared the way for Maxie to allow the relationship to be serious, and now she and Peter are having a child together. Robert says, he murdered Drew, and she says, according to you. He says, according to a lot of people. She says, what if she finds out Peter is the evil mastermind Robert claims he is? Maxie will be devastated, more so than when she lost Nathan. Even worse, Anna allowed it to happen because she ignored the proof and her instincts to believe what she wanted, instead of going where the facts led her. Is she close? He says, wow. Clearly he doesn’t need to be having this fight with her. She’s having it with herself.
Ned says, please, and Olivia says he’s telling her that his daughter is more important than her son. He’s asking her to choose between their children. He says, Dante’s situation is terrible, but static. Nothing has changed in over a year. Brook is recovering, and rejected him. She needs him right now. She says she understands. It’s a horrible situation for him, but Brook is getting better. It’s not like Brook won’t be there, and can’t reach out. If he truly needs her to build a bridge, wait a couple of days. Ned says, so she’s flying to Geneva to break her own heart.
Sasha comes by Brook’s room, and asks if it’s a bad time. Brook writes, They’re all bad times, so… Sasha says she brought Brook something, and gives her a gift bag. Brook takes out a small box, and Sasha says, it’s Deception’s new moisturizer. Of all the things she hated when she was in the hospital, dry skin was at the top of the list. It’s amazing, and all natural. Brook writes, Thank you, and Sasha says, you’re welcome. She’s going to totally take advantage of the fact that Brook can’t talk. She can type all she wants, but Sasha will ignore her. Chase is not a dirtbag.
Willow tells Michael, of course (🍷) she wants to adopt Wiley. She wants Wiley to have claim on her forever. He says, but…? and she says, no buts. She’ll happily, wholeheartedly adopt Wiley, as soon as she’s legally able to, but – he says, there it is – since that hasn’t happened yet, and there’s a legal pause… He tells her, just say it, and she says she wants to make sure he’s not doing this because he felt like it was wrong to kiss her. Chase approaches, but stays behind some bushes. Willow says she doesn’t want him to do it because he feels it shouldn’t have happened or whatever. He says they promised to be honest, and not try to protect each other with lies, which is where Chase and Sasha ended up. He doesn’t regret the kiss. He regrets the timing, because he knows she’s still in love with Chase. He wants her to know that he completely respects that. She thanks him, and says, since they’re being honest, she doesn’t regret the kiss either. He and Wiley are too important to her, and she can’t mess this up. They can’t rush into things and make assumptions. He’s Wiley’s father, and there’s nothing more important than giving Wiley a stable, loving family. Chase listens.
Michael tells Willow, this is weird to say, but as horrible as Nelle is, he considers it a gift, waiting to see what happens. They can get to know each other and be a family. See where they are, and find their comfort level. Willow says she doesn’t want to rush, and he says they’ll take it day by day. She says, day by day is great with her. Remember how she told him Nina stopped by? He asks how it went, and she says, surprisingly well. Nina was really kind, which she’s never have believed would happen, since Nina tried to have her fired over Charlotte. He says, maybe Nina learned to appreciate her, and she says she’s learned to appreciate Nina too. Nina taught her how to play backgammon. He says, it’s a fun game, and she asks if he plays. He says, a little, and she asks how much a little is. He suggests they play, and she can find out, but she has the feeling she’s being set up. Behind that innocent face is the heart of a shark.
Sasha tells Brook, Chase is the opposite of a dirtbag. He’s the greatest guy. What happened with them, she was feeling overwhelmed with no way to solve Wiley’s problem. The only person who could keep Willow in Wiley’s life was Michael, if he married her. Chase wanted be the hero, but only Michael could. As for her, she was feeling alone and scared, and completely over her head. There was no way she was ready to be married, let alone be an insta-mom. She kissed Chase first, so don’t hold him responsible.
Ned says Dante has told Olivia that he doesn’t want to see her. It’s not a choice between kids; she can help Brook. This is just going to be another futile attempt at reaching out to Dante. She asks if he’s telling her that she’s wasting her time helping her own son, and he says he thinks she’s better off honoring Dante’s wishes, and leaving him alone. Olivia says she doesn’t understand how it’s possible for him to give her advice, considering he threw his daughter out of the family home like a common criminal. She would never abandon her children. She goes upstairs.
Anna says Robert can’t accept that Peter and Maxie are happy. It’s over. Does he want to accept that a beautiful, innocent baby is on the way, and represents a whole new chapter, or does he want to continue dredging up misery in his endless quest to be right? What sounds better? He says she has two choices. Keep avoiding the truth, or step up and face it. She says he’s going to be late for his flight, and he leaves.
Maxie and Peter get to the café, and Maxie says, sorry they’re late, but Lulu says they just got there. Maxie says they met up with Anna, and Peter says, she’s excited to be a grandma again. Maxie asks how Lulu and Dustin are doing, and Lulu says they just came from seeing Brook. Maxie says, was it horrible? and Lulu says, in a word, yes.
Mike says, sure is a beauty, and Sonny says, sure is. He’s been thinking a lot about the equestrian park. He asks if Mike remembers the night he spent there with Avery. He asks if Mike wants to sit, but Mike says, no. Sonny says, Mike and Avery got lost, and they were worried, but Dante found them. Does he know who Dante is; his grandson? Mike says, yeah, and Sonny says, Dante brought them home safe and sound. A lot has happened since then; a lot of loss, but a lot gain. He’s happy he was able to bring Mike there, a place where Mike just loves to be. They hug, and Sonny says he wants to play the ponies. He’s going to bet on the long shot, and asks Mike how much he should bet. Mike says, shoot the moon, son, and Sonny says, yeah. They’re going to shoot the moon. My heart is completely squashed flat.
Robert goes to pick up Olivia, who says he’s right on time.
Sasha says she knows Brook has to put up with her because they work together, and Chase also arrested Brook twice. Brook holds up three fingers, and Sasha says she doesn’t want Brook to think Chase is a hypocritical jerk. Believe her, if Brook was drowning, Chase is the person she’d want to jump in to save her. He’s a good guy. Brook makes a gesture, asking if they’re together, but Sasha says, who is not the guy for her. When they’ve blown their lives apart that bad, they can’t revisit that avenue. The only saving grace is that Michael got custody. That counts for something, right?
Michael looks at his phone, and Willow asks if everything is okay. He says his sole focus has been Wiley lately, as it should be, but his family is going through some stuff. His grandfather stopped eating, and his dad decided against a feeding tube. He completely agrees, but it means they don’t have much time. She says she’s so sorry, and he says his mom texted. Apparently they brought Mike to the track; he loves betting. Willow says she thought he meant a running track. That’s no place for his grandfather. He tells her that his mom says it’s going well, and he’s happy for his dad. They get to spend time together. Willow says Michael doesn’t have to stay if he doesn’t want to. His dad is losing his father, and that’s a really sad thing, but he’s losing someone too. How is he doing?
Carly and Felix come back, and Carly asks what they’ve been up to while she and Felix were eating junk food? Sonny says they’re making plans to come back, so his dad can pick the right horse. Felix brought carrots, and asks if he can meet Mike’s friend. While they feed the horse, Carly says Mike looks great. Sonny wonders how he’ll say goodbye to his father, when Mike doesn’t know it’s goodbye. They watch Mike and Felix give the horse carrots
Chase shows up at Brook’s room, but says he can come back. Sasha says she was just heading out. She’s already bored Brook to tears. She leaves, and Chase says he just wanted to check and see if Brook was okay. She writes, Is that it? He says, one more thing. He messed up pretty bad with Nelle, and she did a lot of damage as a result. Wiley is safe because of her, so he thanks her. She writes, So does that mean I get a free pass the next time you want to arrest me? He tells her, just feel better.
Robert says he’ll put Olivia’s bag in the car. Ned says, so this is it, and she says, this is it. He tells her, good luck. He hopes it works out for her. She says she wishes he meant that. He says, please don’t leave angry, and she says she’ll call when she gets to Geneva, and leaves.
Sasha heads for the hospital elevator, and sees Chase. She says, well? Did he talk to Willow? He says, she was right. It’s too late to take it back. What’s done is done. She says she’s sorry. The worst part about accepting reality, is that it doesn’t make it hurt any less. She gets in elevator, but he doesn’t.
Michael tells Willow, when he was little, he never understood the undercurrent between Mike and his dad. Willow asks, what undercurrent? and Michael says, Mike screwed up, and it took Sonny a lifetime to forgive him. Willow says she’d always thought Michael was named for his grandfather, but he says Michael is his dad’s name too. She says she learns something new every day, and Michael says, as wonderful as his grandfather was to him, the main thing he remembers is all the regret Mike had. He had a wife and son he loved very much. Life gives us endless chances, but we don’t always get those chances back. He enjoyed fishing with Mike, and they had fun at the track, but the biggest thing Mike taught him was what not to do. He won’t make the same mistakes Mike did, and squander Wiley’s childhood, leaving him hurting. He won’t put his career or ambition before his promise to himself, just to make up down the line. He’s committed to give Wiley the best life possible, and he wants her in it. He takes her hand, and she says, sounds like a plan. The phrase of the day.
Mike sits, and we hear that bugle that says, they’re off. Sonny asks if Mike is ready, and Mike gives both thumbs up. Sonny says, let’s go.
Lulu says she never thought she’d say this, but she feels bad for Brook. Maxie says, her too, and Lulu tells her, because of Brook’s bravery her nephew is safe, but Maxie says, what if Brook is never able to sing again? Peter says, it’s a possibility, and Lulu hopes it doesn’t come to pass. She suggests for one moment they stop talking about depressing things, and talk about the perfect, amazing, wonderful baby that’s coming. Maxie says she thinks Peter will be an incredible dad.
Anna receives a call from an unknown caller. She answers, Anna Devane.
Tomorrow, Anna says she’s going to Berlin to meet Alex, Sam tells Alexis that she traded favors with Valentin, Spinelli tells Jason it worked, and Sonny says he could consider it an act of war.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills – The Reunion – Part One
I see Denise is already eating her feelings during the logistics set up. I’ll be joining her shortly.
Andy welcomes us to the reunion – virtual edition. No surprise, they’re still all dressed like they’re going to the opera, and Dorit says, it’s the reunion, and they have to bring it. The early 2000s called, and wants bring it back. Garcelle wearing a dress by Asa (Shahs of Sunset), and it’s beautiful; a yellow wrap-around with marabou feathers on the sleeve cuffs. Andy asks, who’s wearing shoes? Garcelle admits hers are off, but several others shove their adorned feet in our faces. Andy says, newest Housewife Garcelle isn’t afraid to let her unfiltered opinion fly, and we flash back on all things Garcelle. He says there was a lot response to her saying Kyle was the least welcoming when she was on Watch What Happens Live. We flash back to that, and Kyle says she was blindsided, and insists she was welcoming. Garcelle isn’t buying it, and neither is Denise. Garcelle says she really couldn’t remember anyone else’s name, and Kyle interrupts, prompting Garcelle to say Kyle is doing it already; let her finish. Dorit says she’s had issues with Kyle’s listening skills. It’s not nice to make someone feel their point isn’t valuable, and that they have a better point to make. Ha! If Dorit wants nice, boy, is she on the wrong show. We see clips of Kyle interrupting just about everyone. Kyle says, it happens, which sounds like something my husband would say. When he talks over me, which I despise, he says it’s how you have a conversation. Um… no. It’s called interrupting. Denise says Kyle talks at them, doesn’t listen, and the conversation comes back to her. Kyle claims she has respect for all of them. Frankly I think Kyle just has the attention span of a gnat. She accuses Garcelle of not paying on her bid in a charity event, which ticks Garcelle off. Garcelle says Kyle had better watch what she’s saying, because that’s not true. Denise and I laugh. Garcelle says Kyle waits until the show is aired, then gets on Twitter. Which is what I do. Garcelle says she was warned about Kyle, and Andy wonders who warned her, but Garcelle isn’t talking, and no one raises their hand. Garcelle says she told Andy how she was feeling, and how Kyle took it, is on her.
Andy asks how Garcelle feels to be the first Black Beverly Hills Housewife, and Garcelle says, it’s great to be the first anything. He asks if she felt any pressure, and she says, Black women are often labeled angry because they’re outspoken and strong. That doesn’t mean she doesn’t have pain. Andy says she told Wendy Williams that she was hesitant, since Black social media might come at her co-stars. Garcelle says, it’s a fine line, since it can be perceived as racial if it’s directed at her. He asks if anyone wants speak to that, but apparently they’re afraid to, since it’s the first time they’ve all been quiet in… ever. Garcelle talks about being pulled over, and how she was glad one of her sons was in the car to see her reaction, which was respectful and calm. She feels hopeful of change, and says, it’s been a long time coming. Kyle says, people are scared to say something, and don’t know what to ask. Garcelle says she wants her friends to call her, and ask questions. They can all grow and move forward from it. Erika’s son being a policeman is touched on, but not much. At least she didn’t freak out like when it was brought up in her first season.
We see pictures of Lil Bit Blanche, Sutton’s new Ragamuffin cat. Andy calls her the queen of couture, and once again I’m confused as to why she doesn’t hold a diamond, since her air time is equal to that of the others. Did she fund the show? Did they run out of diamonds? I love her dress with a silver lace overlay, and she tells us she’s wearing Pamela Roland. Andy says people are surprised she’s on Match rather than a millionaire dating site, and she says the worst date she had was with a millionaire. Andy says she’s one of a kind, like the Dolce in her closet. I agree. She can be snarky, but I like Sutton; I think she’s got a good heart. Laura from Rochester asks why Dorit blew what Sutton said about freaking out, out of proportion. We flash back to Sutton quietly telling Dorit she might freak out, and Dorit claiming at dinner that Sutton loudly proclaimed she was going to freak the f*** out. The viewer asks, why lie and exaggerate? Dorit apologizes, saying she made it a bigger issue than it was. When she watched it back, she felt bad. Sutton says, if Dorit was concerned about how she feeling, Dorit would have pulled her aside, but instead, she shared it with the table. She didn’t ask about it privately, but wanted to announce it, and freaked everyone else out. This goes back and forth for a while, with Dorit apologizing, and Sutton finally saying they’re good. Andy asks what was in Sutton’s gift bag, and Kyle says, good sh*t. Garcelle says, Sutton is very generous. Not only did she give them the giftbags, she’d gotten rainboots for everyone when they were in Rome, and was nice enough to haul them to Italy for a surprise. Sutton jokes that she’s trying to buy friendships, and Erika says she has the best social graces. She’s a well-bred Southern woman. Andy says when they played the first impression game, it went from zero to sixty, when Sutton said she’d thought Teddi would be boring, and Teddi ended up in tears. Oh please. Andy says Teddi claims she wants her friends to be direct and honest, but was Sutton too honest? Teddi says, it wasn’t the boring thing. It was Sutton saying, ugh, even worse, she’s pregnant. Sutton says she was joking around, and Andy says viewers find Sutton’s unflinching honesty refreshing. Sutton says, they all have insecurities, but she thought she looked like a snotty a-hole, and that’s not who she is.
Andy asks if Garcelle is annoyed or just listening, and Garcelle says, both. She says, it’s tough to be in a place where people are judging and questioning you. Kyle says they’ve all had moments like that. That might be true, but both LVP and Denise had entire seasons; you can’t compare it. Andy says, last season Denise casually talked about her husband’s penis and a happy ending, but this year, she flinched. We see the clip where LisaR trotted after Denise and Aaron when they left Kyle’s barbecue, and Denise saying they were headed to a strip club for a steak. Denise said she even tweeted that she was kidding. She knew LisaR would run back to them and repeat it. Andy says he was confused about the quality of steaks at strip clubs, and asks Erika if the steaks at Shakers were top-notch. Erika doesn’t answer, and Denise says it was her experience that when the husbands were around, they didn’t really talk sex. LisaR brings up (no pun intended) Denise talking about Aaron’s penis, and Erika says Denise brought it up in every conversation and set the tone. Huh? I think she brought it up twice, and once was at a private dinner with just a few people. Teddi (zzzz…. I’m sorry, what?) says, it’s frustrating, and Erika says Denise tried to make them look like a-holes. I’d say they don’t need any help with that. Dorit disagrees, but Erika says Denise thought she’d malign them as a group, and make them look bad. Again, they need no assistance in that department. Denise says she wasn’t upset about it, and Erika says she was upset enough to go with her to have coffee and discuss it. Denise says that wasn’t the reason she asked Erika out for coffee, but Erika is too busy concentrating on what she’s already decided to say to hear it. Erika says she took on the chin and apologized, but then Denise took it to Teddi and Sutton. She says, blah-blah-blah, mofo; she’s out. I have no idea what her problem is, except maybe she just feels like starting the yelling early. She says, it’s bullsh*t, and Denise insists she’s not upset. She said she couldn’t believe they’d said that, and Erika wonders why Denise picked on her. Denise asks if Erika took it as her being upset with her personally, and LisaR says Erika is being gaslit. Denise says, it’s not a big deal, but they kept it going on. She didn’t say, shame on everyone. She talked to them mom to mom. It was awkward. LisaR says, it wasn’t awkward, and Denise asks how she knows. I hate when someone tells me how I feel. LisaR says she saw it on film, and asks why Denise wouldn’t tell her what she and Sami talked about. Denise says, because it was between her and Sami, but LisaR says she made it more about them as parents. Kyle admits that she’d never want her children to hear that; she would have died. Andy needs to do some pot stirring, so he says, perhaps Denise was upset about Erika saying teens already knew about threesomes, and were doing it. Erika said she was speaking about teens in general, not Denise’s kids in particular, forgetting about something called context. LisaR says the fans came at them, and Erika says Denise liked a comment that suggested LisaR was a racist and should be fired. Denise says she only saw the part about Erika, and when she realized, deleted it. We see the tweet, which is as long as tweets get, and part of it mentioned what Erika had said about Denise’s daughters. LisaR says, in liking the tweet, that said everything. They all talk at once, the thing I hate most about reunions, and LisaR says, it was in a public forum. It was vile and nasty, and Denise knew what she was doing. Don’t lie. (Ooh. She’s so angry.) Denise asks why she would have taken it down if she felt that way, and LisaR says because she was called out, and Bravo called her, which I actually find that hard to believe. If anything, they want drama. Andy asks Denise, when she said all the fun stuff (i.e. the penis and happy ending comments), did she sit the kids down and tell them? Denise says, it’s walking a fine line, but her kids don’t watch the show… Without letting her finish, LisaR says, that’s bullsh*t, and Denise continues that they’ve heard things from their friends. Erika says, blah-blah-blah happy ending, and demands to know if Denise thinks it’s just the group who says bad things. Denise says she doesn’t tell her kids about that, and LisaR says, the whole world knows that Aaron got a happy ending from a hundred year old woman. Since I’ve been waiting for this opportunity through the entire show, I say, YOUR NECK LOOKS A HUNDRED YEARS OLD. Ba-dum-chh! Erika wonders how much it cost, which is actually the only interesting question so far. Andy asks if Denise is consciously trying to change her image, but Denise says she was uncomfortable early on, since she was on the receiving end of being a target. Andy asks if she sees why people might be confused, but Denise says they should have agreed to disagree, and moved on. She wasn’t the one who kept bringing it up. LisaR starts to singsong, gaslighting, gaslighting, gaslighting. She claps and tells Denise, good job. Denise rolls her eyes, and Garcelle says, wow.
Next time, same sh*t, different week.
🪔 Perhaps LisaR should look up the definition of gaslighting.
I found this on Reddit. Not only does she explain why Denise might be reticent to discuss the Brandi situation, but fantasizes about having Kyle on the stand. It’s pretty funny.
I’m not sure how it happens, but even when I have extra time, it turns into running late. I’m looking forward to the long weekend – or another three days, depending on your viewpoint – so I can squeeze in some more work. No matter how you look at it, stay safe, stay cordial, and stay knowing the meaning of words before you use them.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
😳 Oops. My bad. After the insane week I’ve had, I had a hard time reading my own shorthand yesterday and attributed Nelle and Brook’s final words backward. Sorry about that. I did question myself at the time, and should have known Brook would never back down to Nelle. The correct version is in today’s post. Moving forward…
Lucy welcomes us back, and says, once again, the 2020 General Hospital Nurses Ball telethon, a spectacular event to raise money for frontline workers’ special safety equipment. It’s a great honor to introduce everyone’s favorite nurse at GH, EpiphanyJohnson. Epiphany comes out, and explains that hospitals are a collaboration. They aren’t made up of just doctors and nurses, but orderlies, lab technicians, cleaners and other workers.Together they provide essential services. These are incredibly stressful jobs, and take their toll on service providers and their families. The viewer donations let them know that the community they support, supports them back. Lucy says the telethon is a way to say thank you to all the medical personnel and first responders, who are heroes, along with their families, and who do so much for them. While the viewers are making donations, they’ll be entertained with amazing acts still to come.
In the bathroom, Ava tells Nina, the Cassadine men do have a way of getting under their skin. Nina says, which brings her back to Nikolas. Is he trying to make Ava jealous by making a fuss over Elizabeth? Even if they’re married in name only, flirting, especially with a married woman, is just tacky. Ava says, and also profitable. If Nikolas sleeps with another woman, he’ll break the infidelity clause, and she’ll wind up with 90% of the Cassadine estate. Nikolas can shower tributes on Elizabeth to his heart’s content, and if he woos her into bed, Ava gets the payoff she deserves. Inside one of the stalls, Elizabeth listens.
Carly tells Jax that Josslyn called. He wonders if there’s something wrong, but she says she thinks Josslyn was just checking in. She might be looking for a congratulatory present. Jax asks if Carly knows Josslyn has been angling for a car, and Carly says she does. She’ll let him handle that. Before he leaves, Jax tells Nikolas, the scholarship for the nursing students in Elizabeth’s name was generous, but maybe he should have thought about it a little more. Franco says, Jax has a point. Next time a wave of generosity washes over him, he may want to shower it onto his wife.
Michael explains the Quartermaine relationships to Willow, telling her, Tracy married Luke. Michael thought it was a fraudulent marriage, but he can’t keep track. They definitely turned out to be life partners though. She asks if unconventional marriages are a thing for the Quartermaines, and he says they wouldn’t have it any other way.
Monica sits back down on the couch, and says, still sleeping; disaster averted. Julian comes up behind her, and chloroforms her, knocking her out. Wiley sleeps peacefully with Mr. Hopsicle.
Brook tells Nelle that she can’t wait until Nelle is hauled off in handcuffs in front of everyone there, and all the people viewing at home. Nelle says the police won’t believe Brook; they’ll say she’s harassing Nelle. Brook says, she’ll call Michael, and he can call the police, but Nelle smacks the phone out of Brook’s hand. Brook says, no worries. Mac is there; he can arrest her himself. Brook heads for the door, and Nelle says she’s sorry. She picks up the shears, and asks Brook to pretend that she didn’t see or hear anything. Brook turns around, and stupidly walks back to Nelle, and says she messed with her last Quartermaine. Nelle slashes at Brook, and we see blood on the shears. Why? Why do they always do that? Like Tuco said in The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly, if you’re going to shoot, shoot; don’t talk.
Michael sees that Brook called, but didn’t leave a message. Willow says maybe Brook wanted to make peace with him, but he say she doesn’t need to. He didn’t like the idea that she sold her shares, but so did other members of his family. At least she didn’t know she sold them to Valentin. She says he’s less worried than Ned seems to be, and he says he hates the idea of Valentin being in charge, and intends to force him out eventually, but in the short term, Valentin is a smart businessman. He doesn’t think ELQ will suffer. Willow says he doesn’t think of it as a betrayal, so maybe he should tell Brook. He tries calling.
Nelle stands over an unconscious Brook, and says she should have been nicer, more sympathetic. Her mistake. Now Nelle’s plan to have Wiley vanish has gone south. She needs to go. Brook lies on the floor in a pool of blood, next to her ringing phone. Nelle slips out.
Monica is knocked out, and Julian says, sorry. He turns off the TV, and his phone dings. He sees a text from Nelle that says, the timetable has been moved up. We need to move now. Is it done? He closes the doors to the living room, and trots up the stairs.
Michael gives Willow a bottle of water, and raises his own, saying, to Wiley, and his amazing new life. He’s safe from Nelle because of her. Willow says, because of us, and Diane. He says, to Wiley and Diane. Carly watches, and smiles. Michael smiles at Willow, and little hearts start to pop out of his eyes.
Lucy asks Amy if she’s found Jordan. Maybe she’s warming up, since she’s the next act. Amy says she couldn’t find Jordan, so she asked Curtis, who said she was called away on a case. Lucy says, no; that doesn’t work. Jordan is the Police Commissioner. She doesn’t have to solve every case. She can delegate to other police people. Lucy can’t delegate an act. Amy says she called the PCPD and the hospital, but no one has seen her. Lucy will have to cut her number. Lucy says it can’t just be her out there; she needs acts. Acts and asking for money. They need alternate activities. It’s like the NFL draft, but she doesn’t have an act to draft. Amy tells Lucy not to panic; she can panic later. She asks if Lucy wants to shut the Ball down, and Lucy asks if Amy is losing her mind. She tells Amy to find Epiphany and Deanna, and warm up. She’ll stall. She’ll do a tap dance. She doesn’t know how to tap dance. She hates tap dancing. She’ll just stall.
Anna tells Valentin that his song was beautiful, and he says, at least someone appreciates it. She says false modesty doesn’t look good on him. It was wonderful, and he knows it, as was his pledge. He asks if she’s going to chastise him for burnishing his public image. She says, isn’t he? and he says, that’s part of it. He hears congratulations are in order. She must be thrilled for Peter and Maxie. Being a parent changes everything. It makes you better. It did with him and Charlotte, and her and Robin. Maybe it will with Peter. She says, of course (🍷) it will. He hopes so, and says, some mistakes are impossible to fix.
Nina tells Ava, Franco is her friend. She hopes Ava isn’t playing with his marriage. Ava says she’s doing no such thing. She’s heard rumors that under that angelic façade, Elizabeth is chronically unfaithful. If she chooses to break her vows to her husband, Franco should know the truth. Nina sees one flaw in Ava’s big plan. The way she and Nikolas were looking at each other, either she’s getting good at pretending to love him, or something changed in the last few days. Ava says Nina is projecting her issues with Valentin onto her. They leave, and Elizabeth comes out.
Michael tells Willow, they’re supposed to take a tally, and give Lucy the paperwork. What if after that, they sneak out? She says, abandon their post? He says they’ve done more than enough. They can go home, and check on Wiley. She says he’s making her an offer she can’t refuse. She glances at Sonny, and says, did she really just say that? They leave to finish up.
Lucy says hello to all their gorgeous, generous, amazing donors. They’re doing a great job, and she hopes they realize how important it is to the frontline workers who help them every day. When they work together, they do something more than raising money. They’re building a community, and showing the medical personnel and first responders that they support them. Any amount is great. Keep pitching in, and they’ll keep entertaining. They’re in for a special treat.
Nelle dashes through the corridors in the MetroCourt, and around runs outside. Julian sends a text that says, it’s done.
As Monica sleeps, Julian comes downstairs with Wiley, and leaves with him.
Michael and Willow arrive home, and Michael says, sorry the evening crashed and burned. She says, it didn’t. She had a good time. He says, until Chase and Sasha. She says, they were fantastic (I guess we don’t get to see that), and he says, someday it won’t hurt so much. Until then, they can make some popcorn, and watch the funniest movie ever made. She says he doesn’t have to cheer her up, and he says he’s cheering himself up. They sit on the stairs.
Sonny says, Michael and Willow aren’t coming back? and Carly says, they probably went to check on Wiley; they’re such good parents. Sonny says he’s glad it wasn’t her idea; Chase and Sasha pretending to be involved so Michael and Willow would get married. Face it. It’s exactly the kind of plan that’s up her alley. She says, back in the day, 100%. She’d be seeing all of their hearts breaking and feel guilty. Instead, she’s grateful Michael and Willow got custody of Wiley, and Wiley got the best stepmother on the planet. Sonny says he knows there’s too much going on, and Carly asks if he wants to check in with Turning Woods, but he says, no. They’ll call if there’s any change. The best thing he can do for his dad is to stay and support the people who have given him such amazing care.
Olivia tells Ned, she’s trying to call Brook, but there’s no answer. He says, his problem daughter? No surprise. He tells Olivia to save the lecture for now, but she says she’s just expressing her opinion. He says, on this topic, they’re one and the same, and she says he’s scaring the hell of her. She’s heard stories about his grandfather, and his intentions were good, but his methods were toxic. She says this with love, but he’s turning more into Edward every day. He says, that’s not true, and she says, prove it. Find his daughter, and talk to her.
We see Brook lying on the floor, unconscious.
Ned asks if Dustin and Lulu have seen Brook, but Dusting says, not for a while. She might be warming up. They’ll go check. Ned thanks them.
Robert asks Olivia if she’s got a minute, and she asks if he’s okay. He says he has good news. The commissioner at the Bureau said he can get her in to see Dante. Olivia gets super excited, and asks, when? Where is he? Robert says, he’s at a facility in Geneva. No civilians are allowed, so he’ll go with her. The supervisor is waiting for his boss to return, and there’s a narrow window. They have to hurry. He’d like to leave now if they could. She throws her arms around him, and thanks him. Ned watches.
Willow says, popcorn and the funniest movie ever? and Michael says, if only to cheer him up. Feel free not be cheered, since it’s only about him. He asks what she’d like to see, and she asks him, promise not to laugh, but he says, that’s the point. She says it’s a kid movie, with silly humor, and he tells her, cue it up, and he’ll check on Wiley. They go into the living room, and see Monica asleep. Michael tries to wake her, but she stays out.
Julian waits at the pier, and says, sorry, Wiley; you deserve better than this. Unfortunately, your crazy birth mother has other plans. Why is he going along with it? He’s the world’s biggest coward. He should have told Sonny that he knew all along, but Sonny can kill someone. He’s run out of options. He flashes back to telling Ava, go ahead. Tell him what an idiot he is for getting mixed up with Nelle. Ava asks what on earth was he thinking, and why hasn’t he killed her yet? He says he wouldn’t be there if she didn’t have him over a barrel. Ava says if he thinks Nelle will release him when it’s over, he’s a damn fool. On the pier, Julian says, maybe not.
Lulu says, if she’s not backstage, Brook probably bailed, but Dustin says, she might have stage fright, but she wouldn’t run away. They go into the makeshift dressing room, and see Brook on the floor. Dustin runs to check her pulse, and Lulu says, oh my God. Dustin tells her, call 911, and tells Brook to wake up.
Lucy tells the viewers that the Nurses Ball is still so passionately committed to HIV and AIDS. Sonny and Nikolas’s generous donations will be going to those charities. She wants to introduce a woman committed to both causes, and welcomes Anna. Anna thanks the viewers for their donations. She’s been answering the phones, and got to speak to some of them; they’ve been lovely. She’s grateful for their generosity. The Nurses Ball has a special place in her heart, and not just because she received a lovely marriage proposal on this very stage a year ago from Dr. Hamilton Finn (I always forget he has a first name). She says, it’s special because so many lives have been touched by HIV and AIDS. She’s the mother of an HIV survivor. She was diagnosed at a time when the prognosis wasn’t as optimistic; a time when prejudice and fear were more rampant. Her daughter Robin, and countless others, are alive today because of medical research. Perhaps that’s why Robin became a doctor herself. This leads her to tell them how important the telethon is. She served as Police Commissioner, and saw how closely first responders and medical staff work together. Their work is vitally important. The police, doctors, the ambulance crew, the hospital cleaners; no one does their job alone. They need each other, and we desperately need them. So give what you can. Any donation, whatever size. I have a friend who was diagnosed with HIV many years ago, like Robin, and he’s doing fine today.
Elizabeth tells Franco, Nikolas isn’t the problem, Ava is. She’s playing emotional chess with Nikolas, and they’re the pawns.
Robert tells Olivia he has to go back inside. Anna is going to have a fit because he wasn’t there during her speech. Olivia says, tell her the truth. He found a way for her to see her son; Anna will understand. He says he’ll be waiting, and she says she doesn’t know how to thank him. He leaves, and Ned comes out. He says, amazing. They have a fight and she runs to Robert because he says the right things. Olivia says it has nothing to do with their marriage. Robert found a way for her to see Dante. Ned says, that’s great news, and Olivia says, he’s at a facility in Geneva. Robert knows the guy in charge. Ned says he’ll change his schedule, and they’ll go, but Olivia says Robert has to sneak her in as it is. Only one person can go. Ned says, okay, and Lulu comes running in. She says, Brook has been attacked.
Michael begs Monica to please wake up. Monica opens her eyes, and asks if everything is all right. He says she scared him half to death. Is she okay? She says she must have dozed off, and Michael says she was sleeping pretty heavily. Where’s Wiley? She says she doesn’t remember. The phone rang, and she’d left it in the foyer. She came back in, and heard Wiley. Michael asks if Wiley was downstairs or did she hear him on the monitor? Willow says she’ll check the nursery.
Nelle goes to meet Julian, and asks where Wiley is. He says Wiley is safe in his car, and she asks if he’s saying he’s giving her a set of wheels. That’s totally nice, but unnecessary. Just put Wiley in her car, and they can get going.
Elizabeth tells Franco, Ava is encouraging Nikolas to cheat, so she can get the Cassadine fortune. Franco says she has it backward. Nikolas is the one who’s playing them.
Lucy thanks everyone, saying the Nurses Ball was a resounding success; just amazing. She’d like to thank the volunteers who jumped in at the last minute, and gave generously of their time, and the amazing performers backstage who pitched in and made this happen. She thanks her rack of gowns on stage with her, and goes behind the rack, coming out in a volunteer T-shirt and jeans. She says the most deserving of all is their amazing audience. It’s her great pleasure to introduce the intrepid nurses of GH. Epiphany, Amy, Deanna, and an unidentified flying nurse sing. I’ve had zero luck with finding the titles of songs I don’t recognize, but if I can find a list, I’ll post them. They sing in front of a grid with candles everywhere on it, and I think, that’s impressive for something done on the fly.
Backstage, Lucy smiles at her success.
Brook is taken out on a stretcher, while Mac gathers evidence. He asks if Dustin and Lulu saw anybody. Did anyone look like they were fleeing the scene? Lulu says, they didn’t see anyone. Ned tells Brook to hang in there. He won’t leave her side. He’ll be right there. They leave, and Finn goes with them. Mac tells Lulu and Dustin, if they remember any detail, no matter how small, call him.
Michael asks what Monica was doing before she fell sleep. Was Wiley downstairs, or in the nursery? She says she doesn’t remember, and Willow runs down the stairs. She tells them, Wiley’s not in his room, and Monica says, what?
Nelle says, all right, hubby; it’s been fun, but it’s time go. Julian says, sorry, but she’s not going anywhere. She asks what he’s talking about, and he says she pushed him too far. Now he’s pushing back. He takes out a gun.
To be continued…
On Monday, Portia has an update on Brook, Nina tells Jax not to hate her for what she’s going to say, Julian tells Nelle that someone has to stop her, and Sonny says someone is going to tell him right now.
Sunday August 30th, starting at 6 pm, AMC will also be showing the first episode of each season of The Walking Dead. I still think the very first episode was the best one. Rick’s WTF? face can’t be topped.
I didn’t know you could scream that loud after smoking cigarettes. – Cynthia Decker, Pillow Talk: 90 Day Fiancé, referring to Angela screaming at Michael
Tough times never last. Tough people do. – Robert Schuller
Remember to be gentle with yourself and others. We are all children of chance and none can say why some fields will blossom while others lay brown beneath the August sun. – Kent Nerburn
How to sell books in 2020: Put them near the toilet paper. – NY Times
An invisible thread connects those who are destined to meet, regardless of time, place, or circumstance. The thread may stretch or tangle, but it will never break. May you be open to each thread that comes into your life – the golden ones and the coarse ones – and may you weave them into a brilliant and beautiful life. – Unknown
We are all ordinary. We are all boring. We are all spectacular. We are all shy. We are all bold. We are all heroes. We are all helpless. It just depends on the day. – Brad Meltzer
Do one thing every day that scares you. – Eleanor Roosevelt
The noisiest thing in the world is someone trying to be quiet. – me
People tend to be generous when sharing their nonsense, fear, and ignorance. And while they seem quite eager to feed you their negativity, please remember that sometimes the diet we need to be on is a spiritual and emotional one. Be cautious with what you feed your mind and soul. Fuel yourself with positivity and let that fuel propel you into positive action. – Steve Maraboli
Luckily for me, I have all my best ideas drunk. – Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Birds of Prey
It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop. – Confucius
Immature love says: ‘I love you because I need you.’ Mature love says ‘I need you because I love you.’ – Erich Fromm
Do not fear failure but rather fear not trying. – Roy T. Bennett
🏍 Moving Forward…
Next week has to be better, right? Right? Enjoy your weekend, or pretend it’s the weekend, depending. Until Monday, stay safe, stay supportive of the front line, and stay away from psychopaths with fabric shears.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Survey says, today’s GH Flashback is from September 22nd, 2011.
Dante (who practically looked like an infant) proposed to old Lulu. At first, I didn’t realize it was Lulu, and for a moment, wondered who else Dante proposed to. JamesFranco playing Franco (which is endlessly amusing to me) spied on Maxie and Spinelli in the park, as they planned Sam and Jason’s wedding. Maxie said everything could be fixed with a few clicks on the Jackal’s computer board. Jason showed up at Sam’s while she was trying on her dress, and said he’d broken the rule by seeing her in it. She said there were so many rules, she didn’t think she could go through with it. At the hospital, Robin told Patrick they had a mandatory engagement tomorrow – Sam and Jason’s wedding – but Patrick said they weren’t going.
Sam said it wasn’t that she didn’t want to marry Jason, but he’d just gotten out of the hospital. She wanted to dance right then and there with him, even though he hated dancing, but there was a knock at the door. Dante told Lulu that he was a work in progress (ugh), but he was still a good investment, and he wanted them to invest in each other and share a future. Being with her made him feel like being a better man. Lulu said he’d gone from it being over to shut up and marry me without a break, and she needed to breathe and think. Johnny (Zacchara) asked his father Anthony (Bruce Weitz) what he had on Tracy, but Anthony said, a gentleman doesn’t kiss and tell. After Anthony left, Johnny got on the phone with henchman Cole, and said he had a job for him.
Robin told Patrick that they’d gotten married partly because of Jason, and she was still Jason’s friend. Patrick didn’t want her risking her life being around Sonny, but she said she’d go alone. A courier picked up Sam’s dress because Maxie didn’t trust her with it, and Sam told Jason, the wedding was out of control. Jason suggested she just say no to Maxie, but Sam didn’t want to hurt Maxie’s feelings. She told him, besides Maxie, everyone had their own ideas for the wedding, including Spinelli, her mom, and her sisters. She didn’t even know what kind of flowers or reception they were going to have, but guaranteed it would be over-the-top. She said she didn’t need flowers, a ceremony, or the complications that came with it. Jason told her to forget what everybody else wanted, and focus on what they wanted. All that mattered was that they loved each other. Sam said she had a rock Molly had given her to keep her grounded, and a love nut; what else did she need? Jason took her hand, and said, come on.
Jason and Sam got on his bike, and ended up at a closed Chinese restaurant. The owner Mr. Li and his grandson Robert let them in anyway, and they confessed they were running from their wedding. Lulu went to see a too skinny Maxie at Crimson for advice, while Dante went to see Lucky (the Jonathan Jackson version). He told Lucky about proposing to Lulu, and how she was hesitant. Lucky asked if Dante was sure he wanted be part of this family. Sam explained to Robert that her head was spinning; she didn’t even know if she wanted roses or lilies. Robert’s grandmother Mrs. Yi (who only spoke Chinese, so Robert had to translate) said lilies should be her flower, since they represented unity in spirit and 100 years of love. She and her husband were halfway there, having been married 50 years. Sam said their problem wasn’t commitment, but the ceremony, and Jason said if it was up to him, he’d marry Sam right there. Robert said they could do that, since he was ordained. Jason pulled out the marriage license that he just happened to have with him. Mrs. Yi said fate had brought them there, and Sam agreed.
Dante pumped Lucky for insight into Lulu, but Lucky said the Spencers were an unpredictable bunch. He told Dante not to play it safe and run from his feelings. They should love the people they were given in life while they had the chance. Anthony went to the hospital where Lisa was in a coma. (Lisa had injected herself with drain cleaner during a struggle with Patrick in June 2011.) Anthony told the doctor that he had power of attorney, and gave the hospital a lot of money. He hoped his generosity counted for something. He gave the doctor a check, and even though the doctor said the protocol was still in the early stages, and thought Anthony should get a second opinion, Anthony said he trusted the doctor, and to shoot her up. Patrick told Robin that she should respect his feelings toward Sonny, the same way he respected hers for Jason. Robin suggested they go to the wedding and get a hotel room for the night, making it a second honeymoon. Patrick said she was playing dirty, but agreed, and told her that they couldn’t let anyone come between them. Johnny got together with Cole, and told Cole to offload a boat containing drugs at the harbor. He was going to put them in Sonny’s coffee warehouse, and then give an anonymous tip to the cops. Cole worried that Sonny would figure out it was Johnny, but Johnny said there would be no proof; just make sure the drugs were unloaded. When Sonny was toasting the happy couple, Johnny would be taking him down.
At the restaurant, Robert took Sam and Jason to the back terrace, where it was romantic and lit by Chinese lanterns. Mrs. Li said something to Sam, and Robert said, loosely translated, it was that Sam’s shoes rocked. (Maxie had meant to send Sam a pair of blue shoes, but a pair of leopard boots had come instead, which Sam insisted on wearing.) Robert said Jason stood under the symbol of the dragon, and Sam stood under the symbol of the phoenix, and the union of the dragon and phoenix symbolized the union of the bride and groom. The dragon stood for strength; he scared away evil spirits, protected the innocent, and blessed the house with safety. The phoenix was the goddess of winged creatures, and brought luck, success, and prosperity, turning bad luck to good. Together, they were the ultimate sides of yin and yang, male and female, strength and beauty. Alone, they brought happiness, but together brought double happiness. Jason had his grandmother’s ring that she had worn for over 50 years. His grandfather had given it to him to give to Sam. Sam had a ring that had belonged to Jason’s father, who wanted him to have it. His parents had a love that lasted a lifetime, and so would theirs. They exchanged rings, and said their vows. Mrs. Li gave them glasses of red wine, and they drank it, doing that twisty thing with their arms. Robert said red was the color of happiness, and tonight, they were joined in happiness. Drinking the wine and honey would make life sweet and rich. From that moment forward, they were one world; earth, water, air, and fire together for all eternity. He pronounced them husband and wife. I’m not big with the romance stuff, but this was actually kind of cool.
Spinelli managed to find some wedding music for Maxie. Dante told Lucky that the moment he met Lulu, he was hooked; there was no one else like her. Lucky suggested he be patient, and let her get used to the idea. Johnny told Cole that his father knew nothing about what was going on, and while Sonny was distracted, it was perfect time to make a move. Unbeknownst to Johnny, Anthony was listening in. Sam gave Mrs. Li her leopard boots, which Mrs. Li said were too cool to refuse, and wondered what they were going to tell Maxie.
Johnny said everything was going down tomorrow night. Jason told Sam they would tell Maxie tomorrow night, and they kissed. Franco set up some Tinker Toys on the statues at the church, and said, see you tomorrow. Okay, they were really cameras, but they looked like Tinker Toys.
Isn’t it funny how The Dixie Chicks are suddenly switching their name to The Chicks to disassociate themselves from racism, but it’s five seconds before they release their first album in a zillion years? Must just be a coincidence.
That’s the trouble with your whole MTV, microwave dinner generation. You want it all now. You think you deserve it just because you want it? It doesn’t work like that. You have to earn it, you have to take it, you have to make it yours. but before you do that, Guy, you need to decide what it is you really want. – Buddy (Kevin Spacey), Swimming with Sharks
Life is painful and messed up. It gets complicated at the worst of times, and sometimes you have no idea where to go or what to do. Lots of times people just let themselves get lost, dropping into a wide open, huge abyss. But that’s why we have to keep trying. We have to push through all that hurts us, work past all our memories that are haunting us. Sometimes the things that hurt us are the things that make us strongest. A life without experience, in my opinion, is no life at all. And that’s why I tell everyone that, even when it hurts, never stop yourself from living. – Alysha Speer
The most fundamental aggression to ourselves, the most fundamental harm we can do to ourselves, is to remain ignorant by not having the courage and the respect to look at ourselves honestly and gently. – Pema Chödrön
Walk with the dreamers, the believers, the courageous, the cheerful, the planners, the doers, the successful people with their heads in the clouds and their feet on the ground. Let their spirit ignite a fire within you to leave this world better than when you found it. – Wilferd Peterson
Take wrong turns. Talk to strangers. Open unmarked doors. And if you see a group of people in a field, go find out what they are doing. Do things without always knowing how they’ll turn out. You’re curious and smart and bored, and all you see is the choice between working hard and slacking off. There are so many adventures that you miss because you’re waiting to think of a plan. To find them, look for tiny interesting choices. And remember that you are always making up the future as you go! – Randall Munroe
The four hardest tasks on earth are neither physical nor intellectual feats, but spiritual ones: To return love for hate; to include the excluded; to forgive without apology, and to be able to say, I was wrong. – Author Unknown
📰 Searching and Researching…
Sometimes when you’re writing about something, it turns into something else. Like what happened with that journalist in A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood. In working on a piece about what’s going on in the entertainment world, i.e. apologies and cancelations, I’ve learned a great deal. Not about myself – I have that one pretty much down – but about other perspectives. Woken long ago, my horizons are broadening. Coming soon, but for today, stay safe, stay engaged, and stay open to changing direction.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
Today’s GH Flashback would have been from September 14th, 2015 (see below), but was preempted early on to inform us about charges being brought against the officers in the killing of Rayshard Brooks.
📜 Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. – Martin Luther King, Jr.
General Hospital
What happened on September 14th, 2015 was… Sonny and Carly were about to get married (again), when one of Sonny’s enemies kidnapped TJ, who at the time was working for Sonny, and lured Sonny into an ambush. Jake Doe saved the day, but Sonny ended up with a bullet lodged near his spine, and Patrick was waiting for him to improve before doing surgery. Everything pointed to Julian having set Sonny up, and even though he was in county, Morgan vowed to kill him.
Elizabeth came close to telling Jake Doe that he was really Jason, even though he eventually ended up being Drew. She was interrupted by son Jake having a bad dream, but did tell Jake/Jason/Drew that she’d done something terrible to Sam. Ric had conspired with Madeline to get Nina’s money, and tricked old Nina into marrying him. She and Franco tricked Ric back, threatening to expose him, and made him sign annulment papers, giving up the rights to Nina’s money. Nina also ditched Madeline, which probably wasn’t hard, since she was in prison.
Sonny was unconscious, hooked up to machines, and a pre-PTSD Dante paid him a visit. Dante wondered if Sonny’s lifestyle was worth it, and suggested he try living and being a dad. The machines went kooky, and Dante ran out, interrupting an argument between Morgan and Michael in the hallway. Michael ran to get Carly, who was in the chapel, reminiscing about her life with Sonny, and reading Sonny’s wedding vows.
The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills
Seeing that tonight’s episode was going to be Dorit and Garcelle commentating on the Season 7 finale (Season 7 was also Dorit’s first season), I was immediately disappointed, but willing to give them another chance. We revisited Lisa’s Diamonds and Rosé party, where Dorit wore liquid gold on her head. Or as LisaR said, it looked like a big golden goose took a big golden sh*t on her head. Erika showed up with pink hair, and Garcelle wondered (as did LVP in the episode) if the carpet matched the drapes. PK showed up with Jagger in Dorit’s square, although why anyone would allow a child to watch this show is beyond me. Garcelle said, swans, ponies, no underwear, and champagne; that’s a perfect party. I wasn’t sure if she should get out more, or just reassess the parties she’s going to. I’d forgotten Eden Sassoon was on Season 7, so I refreshed my memory with this:
As Eden, got more wound up during the party, I was like, oh yeah…Kim Richards was also still on the fringes of the show, and seemed to be okay with everyone except LisaR.
Garcelle noted that PK loves being in the mix, and yes he does. He should be granted honorary Wife status, along with Peter from RHOA. There was some bad blood between Dorit and LisaR because of Dorit inferring to Eden that LisaR had a substance problem. Dorit and Eden had been discussing LisaR, when Dorit wondered if LisaR’s personality issues were induced. This led Eden to tell LisaR that Dorit had questioned whether she had a Xanax problem. LisaR got all in Dorit’s face, but my advice to her is, don’t make jokes about all the pills you carry around with you. There. Problem solved. PK told Erika that she was inherently cold, to which she coldly told him, she was not. Eileen Davidson was still on the show, and defended Erika. From her square, Dorit wondered why she subjected herself to this. Um… the publicity? Garcelle felt like she was on the playground, or middle school, which is what I say every week
This was before Puppygate, but the group was still feeling the aftereffects of Pantygate. In case you weren’t there for Pantygate, Erika went to a group dinner sans underwear, and PK caught a glimpse. Dorit said something to Erika, who couldn’t see what the big deal was. I might not either, unless it makes someone uncomfortable, which it obviously did. I’ve said it before. I’m no prude by any stretch of the imagination. I’m pretty broad-minded, but I still don’t say the f-word in front of my in-laws or in front of children. This is one of the things I don’t like about Erika. I’m all for expressing yourself and being who you are, but it’s common courtesy not to deliberately make people uncomfortable, and she just does not care. And if she finds out, she’ll do it on purpose. Talk about middle school. Okay, rant over. As a joke, sort of, Dorit had gotten Erika a pair of underwear. Erika was all kinds of offended for ages about this, which I found very hard to believe. From her square, Dorit said, in looking for a silver lining, she and LisaR had come a long way. Back at the party, LisaR told Eden that when she’d talked to LVP – I have no clue about what, and assume it’s the induced personality issue, but it really doesn’t matter – she shut herself off to Eden. Eden had it with LisaR, calling her a bitch, and saying she was sick of LisaR walking all over her and using her as a scapegoat. I barely remember the deal with those two, but I’ve grown to dislike LisaR with a passion, so I wouldn’t be surprised if that was true. It’s a shame too, because I’d always liked her, but by her second season, I could tell she’d say and do just about anything for attention and camera time. But she owns it.
After Eden’s outburst, LisaR said she didn’t give two f***s what people thought about her, and when she said she wished Eden well, Garcelle commented that those words are the death knell. Dorit said it felt like a lifetime ago, but it was just four years. Garcelle said it was more fun than she thought it would be, and I’m sure had 100% more fun than I did. While the Eden thing was interesting, it’s hard jumping into an old season without prefacing it with some backstory. On top of it, Dorit and Garcelle either aren’t being compelling enough, or it’s being edited badly, because the commentary is boring as hell. Bravo can do better than this.
🌴 Million Dollar Listing Los Angeles began its new season this week. Joshes Altman and Flagg are back, along with Tracy Tutor, James Harris, and David Parnes. While my preference is for the New York branch of the franchise, I still love seeing the West Coast houses, which are always massive. The premiere episode focused on mountainside properties, and while I’m not so sure I could live in a place where vertigo is king, they were breathtaking. The Joshes joined forces again to co-list, even though they vowed never again the last time. My favorite house was the one Tracy looked at, with the most amazing vertical landscaping, but the house the Joshes checked out was also fabulous. As JoshAltman put it, hidden doors, the fake books, and underground lairs; I’m trying not to geek out right now. There was a lot of cracking up (dare I say joshing around?) during their dual interviews, leading me to believe what I’ve thought before. Much of the feuding between the brokers is for the camera.
🗽 New York Tease…
Tomorrow, Bravo has scrapped The Real Housewives of New York altogether to run a marathon of Top Chef, capping it with their finale. So in the meantime, here’s a mid-season teaser.
I actually watched this show. I think I was more fascinated with the house and clothes than anything else. They made Hef look like a benevolent, hapless father with a harem from who he required little but their company. But then I read Holly Madison’s book, Down the Rabbit Hole: Curious Adventures and Cautionary Tales of a Former Playboy Bunny. Um… ew.
It looked like Andy talked to most of the world before deciding to rehome his dog. While he doesn’t give particulars, it sounds like it was the best decision. And I’m sure a hard one.
In the past few months, we’ve certainly been given a lot to think about and the time to think it. We’re sliding into the world opening back up, and with it, hopefully, our hearts and minds. So stay safe, stay centered, and stay doing the right thing.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
I missed the very beginning, because I was running early. Why, Lord, why?
At the MetroCourt, Lulu sees Brook. Dustin asks if Lulu is sure this is a good idea. Does she remember what happened the last time? She says she remembers exactly what happened.
Trina apologizes to Cameron for being late. She lost track of time talking to Ava. Cameron says, it’s totally fine. Everything good? She says, yeah. Him? He flashes back to the kiss, and Trina saying, if she’d lost him, she wouldn’t be able to do any of this, and him saying, neither could he. He tells Trina, it’s all good.
Portia tells Curtis, she knew there was a lot Taggert couldn’t tell her, and frankly there was a lot she didn’t want know. Even when they were breaking up, she still cared about him, and he did everything he could to reassure her. Curtis says, she suspected it was Cyrus when Taggert was killed. He must have told her something about the investigation. She asks why it’s important, and Curtis says he and Jordan are always trying to figure out what to bring home, and what to leave at the office. It must have been the same with them.
Laura goes to the station, and sees Mac. She asks if Jordan is in her office, but he says she’s in a meeting. Laura asks if Mac means Jordan is interrogating a suspect, and Mac says he means she’s in a meeting. Laura gets that Mac isn’t used to her being mayor, but she has to ask him what’s going on.
In the interrogation room, Cliff sets up a recorder, and says, it’s an interview with Jordan regarding the arrest and conviction of Cyrus Renault. He asks if Jordan consents to the recording. She does, and he tells her to please explain her involvement in the arrest and conviction of Cyrus Renault.
Alexis says Finn doesn’t seem surprised to hear that she fell off the wagon. He says he feels terrible that he missed her call, but she says it’s not his job to keep her sober; it’s hers. Last night, she let her team down. He says they’re on the same team. If she has some time, he’d like to talk. She says she had one drink, but he says they both know it’s never just one. Alexis says, it’s all she had, and he says she’s been sober almost three years. What changed? She says, apparently, she did, or that’s what she was told. It’s the truth. He says, and that’s bad because… She says, because she stopped fighting for herself and what she believes in. Instead, she protected someone and crossed the line. He says she’s not first person to ever do that. What’s so horrible that she would end three years of sobriety? She says she slept with the person she protected, and she knew it was wrong, but the worst thing is that she’d do it again in a heartbeat. He says he believes her, and asks if she slept with them because she had a drink, or did she drink because she slept with them?
Julian and Britt cuddle in bed, and Julian says, he can get used to this. She tells him to remember their deal. It’s just fun, and at the end of the day, he goes his way and she goes hers. Britt says she probably should go, and he asks if it’s visiting hours at the jail. She says she’s already seen her mother, and once is enough. He asks if Obrecht is still claiming Peter framed her, and she says her mother lives by the motto, deny, deny, deny. She never takes responsibility for her crimes. He says, unlike Britt’s best pal Brad. He can’t believe Brad was involved in a baby switch, and she says Brad isn’t the villain Julian wants him to be. Julian knows Brad is Britt’s best friend, but Brad did betray his son’s trust in the worst possible way. She says, things are not always black and white. If he took the time to understand… He says, like her? She says she and Brad are kindred spirits. Now Brad is in prison, and they can only interact through a glass partition. She’s lost her best friend, and doesn’t know how she’s going to replace him in her life. Brad is the only person who got her, and without him, it feels pretty lonely.
Ned tells Brook, no one would be thrilled with a rematch, and she says, Lulu is a smug self-righteous, spoiled brat. There’s no way she’s letting Lulu win. He says, it’s not a competition. Blame him. He shouldn’t have forced her to work at ELQ. He’s going to find her a job more suitable to her talents. She says her talents belong on stage, and that’s exactly where she’s going.
Dustin says, the mess with Brook is over, isn’t it? and Lulu asks why she should go easy on Brook. He says, Brook is social media’s new punching bag, and she’s been beaten enough. She says, tell her that he doesn’t feel sorry for Brook, and he says he knows the reason Lulu resents Brook; she was desperate to become a success, like him. She says Brook dumped him because he couldn’t help her, but she has better things to do than scratch Brook’s eyes out, as much as she’d like to. He says, name one, and she says, this. They kiss, and Olivia approaches their table. She asks if anyone would care to hear the specials.
Trina asks Cameron how practice is going, and he says, good, but weird. It kind of freaks him out. When he’s playing, his focus is totally on the ball. She says, it’s not weird. She gets the same feeling at the gallery. It’s all about the work. She forgets the drama, and the questions that have no answers. He says he thought her mom didn’t like Ava, and Trina says, her mom doesn’t, but she does. She can talk about anything to Ava. He says that’s like him and Franco, and she asks what they talk about. He says, they were just talking about his last session with Dr. Bern. She says, Dr. Bern? Isn’t he… Cameron says, a therapist, yes. His mother thought he needed someone to talk to because… She asks if he thinks he needs a therapist, and he says, now she sounds like Dr. Bern. He agreed to go so his mother would stop treating him like a basket case. Trina says, he’s entitled to be a basket case, but he says she went through a lot more. She tells him not to compare their tragedies. She’s glad he can talk to Franco, and he says he’s glad she has Ava, but be careful; Josslyn doesn’t trust her. Trina says she gets why, but her experience is completely different, and Ava has been supportive. She wonders why something awful has to happen before they realize they’re not alone. He says that’s a good question, but he doesn’t have an answer.
Curtis asks Portia if Taggert was the kind of guy who brought his work home with him, and she says, sometimes. He says, even when it came to Cyrus? and she asks why he cares. He says he’s just curious because she mentioned balancing work and married life. She asks why it matters now.
Jordan says she was part of a four member team at the DEA. They were a task force assigned to Cyrus. Her, Bob, Mark, and Taggert. All three died in a three month period. Two from overdoses, who had no history of drug use, and Taggert was murdered. She became concerned and went over the DEA files. That’s when she realized there were discrepancies in the evidence. Cliff asks her to elaborate, and she says, upon further examination, she saw the material evidence used to convict Cyrus may have been fabricated. He asks if she knew they’d been obstructing justice, but she says she just had a sneaking suspicion.
Laura knows Mac was working on figuring out how Cyrus got messages from prison out to the street, but Mac says, so far, they have nothing. Laura wonders if the lead is in front of him, and he asks if she’s suggesting they have a dirty cop. She hopes not, but somebody is helping Cyrus. Jordan and Cliff come out of the interrogation room, and Jordan looks at Laura.
Cliff says, now the DOJ will have to be involved, and trusts Jordan won’t leave town. She says, of course (🍷) not. Mac asks, what’s going on? and she says, long story. It will have to wait. He says what’s more important if it involves the people he works with? but she says, it doesn’t. It’s about her and Cyrus. She leaves, and Mac and Laura look at each other.
Trina and Cameron walk as they talk. Trina says Josslyn and Dev can’t leave the property without a security guard. It would make her rip her hair out. It was bad enough with her mother texting her ten times a day, and monitoring where she is. He asks if her mother has backed off yet.
Lulu tells Olivia, she’s sorry about trashing the restaurant, but Brook started the fight. Olivia asks if that was before or after Lulu doused Brook with champagne. Lulu says Brook has done nasty things to her, but Olivia says Lulu has done the same. Like printing Brook’s careless post in The Invader. By the way, that’s not even her beat. Lulu says she didn’t tell Brook to post it in the first place, but even if she hadn’t written about it, someone else would have. Olivia says, it wasn’t someone else; it was Lulu. She gets that Dante is gone, and Lulu is acting out. What she doesn’t understand is that in moving on, why Lulu has turned her back on Olivia and the family. She says she thought Lulu was part of the family, and walks away.
Ned knows Brook has a plan to secretly write and record until she gets her creative property rights back, but does she think it’s a good idea to go on stage? Brook says she doesn’t need to be secretive anymore. She found a way out. He says Diana and ELQ”s lawyers couldn’t break Brook’s contract, and Brook found a way? She says she didn’t need to. After Ned decided to embarrass her, she decided to give Linc what he wants. He says, she’s not going to have… and she says, no. All he needs to know is that she’s now free and clear of her soul-sucking contract. He says it’s not all needs to know. What did she give Linc to make him walk away?
Julian tells Britt, there are way more appropriate candidates for best friend than Brad. She just looks at him, and he says he’s sorry she lost her best friend. Would she like a drink? She asks if by other candidates, he means like him, and he asks if that’s so horrible. Does she have something in common with more upstanding citizens in Port Charles? She says her alleged crimes were an act of love. She doesn’t think holding a knife to his ex’s throat is considered an act of love. Julian says he and Alexis are in a better place now, and she asks if Alexis forgave him. Julian says Alexis got therapy, and Britt says her therapist must be good. As she remembers, Alexis doesn’t forgive so easily. He says, so good, Alexis fell for him. She’s stopped therapy, but hasn’t stopped seeing Dr. Bern. Britt says, Dr. Bern? and Julian asks if she knows him.
Alexis tells Finn, her reasons for drinking are complicated, and he says, they usually are.Would one of the complications be Julian? She doesn’t blame him for coming up with that, but Julian was a good guy, and picked her up the bar. Sam called her coward. He says, and Alexis believed her? She’s fearless and courageous, but Alexis says she lacked courage when the going got rough. Maybe she drank because she can’t be with the guy. Finn says it sounds like she cares about him very much, and she says, it’s just… Neil walks in, and a lightbulb comes on over Finn’s head.
Neil says he thought there was a staff meeting there. Alexis says, it was an AA meeting, and Neil says maybe he got the meeting wrong. Finn says he’s got the wrong room, and tells Neil where it is. Neil says he’s going to bring a GPS next time, but Finn says, when he’s been there a while, he’ll figure it out. Finn kept thinking the supply closet was the on-call room. Alexis says she has to take off, and Neil says he does too, but Finn asks if he can asks a couple of questions. It will just take a minute. He wants to pick Neil’s brain about a patient, and it might have legal complications. Alexis says she has a meeting, and Neil says he’ll be late, but Finn ignores them. He says he’s been treating a patient who’s taken a series of experimental drugs, and is now confessing to bizarre crimes. Maybe the crimes are real; maybe they’re the patient’s imagination. Or maybe it’s their mental illness. Neil and Alexis look at each other, and flash back to their night in the hotel. Finn asks what Neil thinks. Side effects of the medication, or should he investigate if these are true confessions?
Britt tells Julian, she knew Neil looked familiar, but now she’s heard his name in context with Alexis. She had a layover in New York City, and went shopping. She stayed at the nicest hotel, and when she was on her way back to her room, she saw a man about to knock on a door. She didn’t think anything of it, but when the door opened, Alexis stepped out. She was about to say hi, when they fell into each other’s arms, and went back into the room. The guy was Dr. Neil Bern.
Lulu asks Dustin if Olivia was right. Was she desperate to punish Brook, and didn’t care who she hurt? Don’t be the supportive boyfriend, but tell her the truth. He asks if he can’t be both. He tells her, she’s caring, passionate, and impulsive, which aren’t bad things. They’re all reasons why he can’t get enough of her. But in her moving on, the hard part is, sometimes her impulses get out of control. She didn’t have to publish Brook’s post. It could have disappeared into the blogosphere, and no one would have been the wiser. She did it to get back at Brook.
Brook says, Ned likes to keep his business dealings private, and so does she. Her phone rings, and she says it’s her new PR guy; she has to run. As she heads to the elevator, on the phone, she says she has good news for him; he’s going to love it. Olivia asks Ned why every time she sees his daughter smiling, she knows all hell is about to break loose?
Trina tells Cameron, she and her mother have established some ground rules. They made them together. Her mom will give her space as long as Trina doesn’t scare her with radio silence. He says, sounds like a plan, and she says she knows his mom has rules; what about Franco? He says, Franco isn’t big on rules. Trina gets a text from Josslyn, and says she was supposed to text yesterday, and forgot. He asks what Josslyn said about… The last time they were all together, trying to study Shakespeare, Trina left. He knows why she left, but Josslyn didn’t. Unless… Trina didn’t tell her that they kissed, did she?
Portia doesn’t get why Curtis cares so much what went on between her and Taggert. Why is it important? There’s a knock at the door, and Jordan pops in. She says she’s sorry. She didn’t know Curtis would still be there. Portia says Curtis was just asking if she and Taggert talked about his work. Curtis says he was wondering about the Cyrus investigation, and Portia says she told him that Taggert really didn’t talk about his work at home. Jordan says, good. The less Portia and Trina have to do with Cyrus, the better. Portia says, it’s a little late for that. Her daughter was already kidnapped, and her father was shot in front of her. Jordan says she’s sorry. She’s afraid she has more bad news. Portia says, it’s not Trina, is it? but Jordan says, no. Trina is fine as far as she knows. She just met with a detective from Internal Affairs, and he’s asked the Justice Department to open an investigation involving Taggert’s handling of the case against Cyrus.
Alexis tells Finn, from a legal standpoint, policies would have to be investigated. Neil says he’ll work on whether it’s delusion or medication. Finn thanks them both, saying he appreciates it. He asks Alexis, lunch tomorrow? and she says, coffee. He says, sounds good, and leaves. Alexis walks into the office, and Neil closes the door. He says he knows it’s none of his business, but Finn seemed concerned about her. She says it was a post AA meeting; a double-checking thing. Neil says, he’s concerned, but she says she’s fine. Really. He says, every time a patient feels compelled to use the word really, it makes him concerned. She says she’s not a patient anymore, and he says, as one friend to another, can he help?
Julian tells Britt, Alexis’s therapist took advantage of her, but Britt says, Alexis is a grown woman, and as far as she could tell, wanted it as much as Neil did. Julian says, there are rules against that, and she says, it’s ironic that Julian has rules. He says, if Neil is ignoring that, he’ll have to remind him. He’s heading over to GH now. She says, to do what? Ride Neil? She doesn’t think that’s a good idea. Alexis can take care of herself. He says, if she wants to worry about someone, worry about Neil. She says, all she wants to know is if he’s giving her a ride, or does she have to call Ride Share? He says, let’s go, and they leave.
Dustin says, too much honesty? but Lulu says, no; he’s right. So was Olivia. She was acting out, but Brook goes out of her way to be antagonistic, and she wanted to get back at her. She’s a bad person. He says, she’s a wonderful person, but she says, with so many flaws. He says, perfection is overrated.
On the phone, Brook tells her PR guy, if they ask about the big blow up, say no comment, and move on. The less said about it, the quicker it will blow over. She’ll be posting behind-the-scenes footage of her new material. Lulu approaches, and says she knows Brook heard her. Brook says, she’s ignoring Lulu. Take the hint. Lulu asks Brook to hear her out.
Trina says, Josslyn has no idea she and Cameron kissed, and he says, thank God. It would make things awkward. She says, a little bit, and he asks what she ended up telling Josslyn. She says she told Josslyn things were weird because of what happened to her dad, which is actually true. They were all traumatized, and none of them is thinking clearly. Josslyn understood completely. He says he’s glad to hear it, and she says she’s got to run. She promised to meet her mom at the hospital. He says he has to meet his mom too; can he join her? She says, sure. What are friends for? I’m disappointed.
Portia doesn’t understand. She says Cyrus was found guilty, and sent to prison years ago, and Taggert is dead. Why revisit the case? Jordan says the other two members of the team were also killed in the last three months. She questioned the circumstances of their deaths, and searched for why they were singled out. She found proof that they fabricated the evidence that put Cyrus away. Portia says, they falsified evidence? and Jordan says, they were desperate for a conviction, and Cyrus was too good at not getting caught. She’s sure they felt it meant saving lives. Portia says, that could explain a lot about what happened in the marriage. With Taggert, everything was black and white; there were no grey areas. If he violated his own code, it would have eaten him up inside. I note that Jordan has officially replaced Jason in making the best worried face ever.
Laura thanks someone on the phone, and says she’ll be in touch. She tells Mac, it’s true. The DOJ is doing an investigation. They’ve ordered a complete review of the evidence that put Cyrus in prison. Apparently, Taggert worked with the other two agents to plant evidence against him. Mac says, no. He worked with Taggert for years, and Taggert never bent the law. He had a deep loathing for any officer who did. Laura says, if Jordan thinks there’s a possibility he crossed the line, they have to take it seriously.
Portia says, Taggert and his colleagues were killed for putting Cyrus in prison. What about Jordan? Where does she factor in? Curtis says, Jordan worked inside to gain Cyrus’s confidence. Portia says, so she was working independently of the team? and he says, right. Portia says, Taggert didn’t tell her; they left her out? He says, that’s right. Jordan knew nothing about it.
Olivia wonders how Brook got out of her contract, and Ned says she wouldn’t tell him, and he didn’t push her. He had the feeling no amount of pressure would make her talk. Maybe grandfather had the right idea about tough love. Olivia says that would let him off the hook. Now he doesn’t have to feel guilty about firing her.
Brook sits with Lulu and says, make it quick; she has a meeting with Lucy. Lulu says she didn’t know Brook was interested in real estate, and Brook says she’s not. Lulu says, skin care and cosmetics? Brook says, no. Her career is back on track. She’s launching her rebrand at this year’s Nurses ball. Dustin says, congratulations, and Lulu says, absolutely. She tells Brook, she’s not sorry she did her job as a journalist, but she could have contacted ELQ first, and given them a chance address the pharmaceutical branch that was closing. And it was wrong of her to spray Brook with champagne. So, are they good?
In the elevator, Britt tells Julian, take a deep breath, and do some quick elevator meditation. Don’t do anything he regrets.
Neil tells Alexis, there’s no rule that says she can’t turn to him for help. Alexis says, when she considers that, alarm bells go off inside her head. Neil says she called him last night, but she says, it was a mistake. She wasn’t in an appropriate state to see him. He asks, what state would that be? She shows him her one-day chip. Julian and Britt look through the window.
Mac tells Laura, there has to be more to the story, and she says, maybe there is, but she doesn’t know why Jordan wouldn’t have shared that. Mac says, she took the investigation at face value, but she knew Taggert better than anyone. Why would she have gone straight to IA? Laura says, maybe she couldn’t believe Taggert did something illegal. Mac asks if they just sit back and watch it play out, but she says, no. If something else is going on, she wants him find it.
Jordan tells Portia, she had no idea when Cyrus was originally tried that evidence was planted. Portia says, it’s not going to stay quiet for long. She has to find Trina and tell her what’s going on. Trina knocks on the door, and Portia says, better now than later. She opens the door to Trina and Cameron, and Trina asks, what’s going on?Why are they here?
Ned tells Olivia, Brook is his daughter. From the moment she was born, he started to feel guilty. She says, he had to fire Brook; he had no choice. The mess Brook brought back, she did by her lonesome. He says if Brook is back on track, he won’t feel so guilty, but she says if Brook isn’t willing to tell him exactly how it happened, she has some scheme or epic machination that’s going to blow up in everyone’s face.
Brook accepts Lulu’s apology, and they shake hands. Brook says she wants something in return, and Lulu says, name it. Brook says, Lulu’s boyfriend.
Alexis tells Neil, it’s the first day of her new life. She shows him her chip, and he takes her hand. He says he’s proud of her. Julian busts into the room, and grabs Neil, throwing him up against the wall. Alexis asks what Julian is doing.
Tomorrow, Valentin says Brook’s ELQ shares are officially his, Trina tells Portia not to believe Jordan’s lies, and Carly asks Brando when the other shoe is going to drop.
Vanderpump Rules
Ariana meets Lisa for riding. Lisa says she taught Prince to talk, and Ariana says she’s ready for this. Lisa calls Tardon, parlay! and Prince whinnies.
Katie visits Stassi, who’s on the couch, wearing a sleep mask. They have wine and burgers, and Stassi says, it’s just what she needed. The hangover struggle is real.
James makes bacon, and tells Raquel that he had the weirdest dream. Lala was in it. Raquel asks, why? and he says, because he was having an annoying night. We flash back to Tom’s birthday, and Raquel relaying to James that Logan had said he was at a party where people were getting effed up. Raquel says she has to ask; was James drinking at that party? He says, no. If he had, it would be a serious problem. He swears he hasn’t had a drank in six days, In his interview, he says he used to think if bad things happened, it was a good reason to drink, but hit doesn’t solve anything. He’s happy he didn’t.
Lisa tells Ariana that James quit drinking, and he’s getting help. Ariana says, it’s like déjà vu or Groundhog Day, but Lisa says she thinks the difference is that Raquel put her foot down. Ariana says you never know when James is going to snap, and Lisa says it’s when he has his first drink, but she thinks the tide has changed.
James tells Raquel that he’s been talking to Lisa every day.
Stassi can’t believe Katie is having a girls wine night party, but Kristen isn’t invited. Katie says, it’s happening. She’s met some new people, but hasn’t gotten to know them, so she’s invited Dayna, Danica, and Charli. She also can’t not invite Raquel if she’s invited the others. In Stassi’s interview, she says Katie has invited every single girl in West Hollywood, and Kristen is going to be pissed. Katie tells Stassi, if Kristen is going to act like that, she’s not inviting her.
Lisa says, when it gets to be too much, she goes to the stable. Ariana complains that her horse has a small wiener, and it’s embarrassing.
In his interview, Jax says he swore he’d never be at SUR when he turned 40, and at 40, he’s still there. Tom comes in, hungover and struggling. Jax suggests the hair of the dog. Raquel sees Scheana outside in the back, and Scheana says Raquel looked cute at Tom’s party. Raquel says Scheana looked hot, and Scheana says she had fun with her whip. Katie calls Raquel, and invites her to wine night tomorrow with the ladies. Raquel says she’d love to. In Raquel’s interview, she says, Katie has never been intentionally mean to her, but she’s never gone out of her way to be kind either. Scheana wonders how it’s going to be with Lala, and tells Raquel that she’ll have friends there. She can mediate if need be.
Brett has invited Scheana to make a YouTube video with him. In his interview, he says he does personal training, and has been successful on YouTube by being his authentic self. A lot of women follow him. He tells Scheana that he thinks women will identify with her, and what she’s been through as a young divorcee. He trusts her and she’s a friend. Scheana thinks they’ll become better friends, because this woman cannot take no for an answer. He thinks she’s awesome, but says he’d never want to hurt her by making her think there’s something that’s not there. He looks at her like a guy friend. Scheana, who only hears what she wants to, says, who knows; maybe one day. In Brett’s interview, he says he loves her as a person, but has no intention of taking he home. Scheana suggests they see where the world takes them.
Schwartz goes to Tom’s place, where Max has arrived ahead of him. In Tom’s interview, he says, people give him a hard time about not having furniture, but they have a couch and a credenza. They’re good. Tom says, it’s Jax’s birthday, and Brittany is taking him out to lunch. Now that they have houses, it’s open to the possibility of TP’ing them. Schwartz says, talking about it ruins it; it has to be spontaneous. In Schwartz’s interview, he says he’s all for a good prank, but because of the dynamic between Tom and Jax, he doesn’t know if they’re in a good enough place for that. Schwartz says he can’t do it today, as Tom pours beer in a funnel. He doesn’t mind pissing Jax off, but not on his birthday. Tom wants Schwartz to funnel beer, and Schwartz asks, what for? Tom says, for Jax, and Schwartz says, Jax isn’t here. Tom points to his heart, and says, Jax is here. In Max’s interview, he says Tom wants to beer bong and TP a house in the afternoon, but he has to go to work. He doesn’t think it’s the best idea. They sit by the pool, and Tom brings out shots. They toast to Jax’s birthday. Schwartz thinks instead of pranking Jax, they should lift him up, and show how much they love him. Tom says he’ll be back in fifteen, and Schwartz says, what if it rains? Tom and Max leave, but Schwartz stays behind. He can’t, he won’t, and he’s not doing it.
Tom and Max TP Jax’s house, and Tom says, it feels good. In Max’s interview, he thinks Tom is releasing some frustration against Jax; he’s fired up. The leave OLD FART in toilet paper letters on the street in front of the house. Jax and Brittany come home to trees laden with toilet paper, and Jax says, WTF? Are you effing kidding me? Who does that? Brittany says, what the hell is this? Jax sees the message, and says, these a-holes. This is going to suck. In Jax’s interview, he says, it’s not that funny. He knows one of his friends did it, but doesn’t know which one.
Jax starts making calls. Tom says he didn’t have anything to do with it, and claims they got him too, and shows Jax his front yard with a few streams of toilet paper hanging from a tree. In Toms’ interview, he says, there are three things you need to get away with a prank. Confidence, an alibi with plausible details – Jax says it doesn’t look like as much in Tom’s yard, and Tom says they must have hit Jax’s house first – and a couple of gullible friends. Brittany says Schwartz swears he didn’t do it. Jax says he knows Beau did it. Brittany shows Stassi the yard, and Stassi says, it’s so insane. In his interview, Jax says he’s going to find how who did this, and get them back.
Scheana tells Brett she went home with some guy from Tom’s party, but not the one she came with. She’s excited to be YouTube’ing with him. He sets up the camera, and says he’s there with a good friend; a homie. He introduces Scheana, and says she’s 34, and looks great. She highly recommends Botox. He says, she’s a middle-aged woman, and in her interview, Scheana wonders in what world she’s considered middle-aged. I too, am wondering. Brett says she’s been married and divorced, and she’s freezing her eggs, because right now, she’s not trying to have a baby. She says she’s not getting in another relationship or getting married unless the guy blows her mind. She’s been dating f***boys, and it’s fun. Brett says, you attract the energy you put out, and asks if she’s a f***girl. In Scheana’s interview, she wonders why she’s doing this interview. He stops filming, and she says she can be happy, single, and getting laid, or fat desperate and looking for love. I guess there’s no in-between? She says she doesn’t want a relationship. He calls her middle-aged again, and she says he keeps aging her. He clearly doesn’t know the definition because she has at least another ten to fifteen years. I get the feeling Brett isn’t the brightest bulb in the box, which is saying a lot since Scheana is no Einstein either.
Lisa explains to her housekeeper that she’s going to her mother’s funeral, staying one more day, and then coming back. In Lisa’s interview, she says the funeral was delayed, and it’s been overwhelming. Puffy! She tells Puffy not to be nervous. She’s going to call her other rescue boy, and see how he’s doing.
James asks Raquel what she’s going to say at the wine party when Lala comes at her. It’s going to be a feeding frenzy. Lisa calls, and asks if he’s doing okay, and he says he’s doing really well. He has a meeting tonight. She says she’s going out to London tomorrow, and just because she’s on the other side of the world, doesn’t mean she won’t know what’s going on. He says he’s taking it seriously. In her interview, Lisa says she doesn’t need another child, but James’s vulnerability tugs at her heartstrings. She’s invested a little in helping to get him there, and he’s going to do it. I want her to adopt me.
Katie makes charcuterie boards for the party. Stassi says, a lot of people are coming;Kristen is going to sh*t her pants. Katie says, life goes on without her, and Stassi says she understands Katie’s logic, but Kristen won’t.
Scheana can’t wait to call Kristen, and give her the news. Kristen says she’s prepping for Jax’s birthday party, and Scheana whines that Brett called her middle-aged. She tells Kristen that she’s heading over to Katie’s for girls wine night. Kristen says, that’s precious. Katie is her wine partner, and not inviting her. Scheana says, Katie has literally invited all of SUR. I forgot to mention, literally is literally every other word with this group, and I’m literally tired of it. If it was a drinking game, we’d be smashed in the first ten minutes of the show. Kristen asks if Lisa is going to be there, and Scheana says Lisa is in London for her mother’s funeral, but maybe she was invited. In Kristen’s interview, she feels like this is bullsh*t. Katie wants crazy Kristen, so she can justify it. She tells her dogs that they’re her two best friends. Which I actually (literally?) don’t think is a bad thing.
The girls start arriving. In her interview, Dayna says she grew up on Mad Dog 2020, and vodka from a box (is that a thing?), so she’ll drink whatever’s there. Scheana says she came in her pajamas; it’s been a long day. She did a YouTube video with Brett, and he called her middle-aged. Stassi says, he’s only two years younger than Scheana. They toast to girls night.
At TomTom, Max tells Tom, everything is good. Jax arrives, and says, the party’s here.
Brittany tells the girls that they’re having Jax’s birthday party at Rocco’s. It’s going to be an 80s theme.
Tom gives Jax a paper shopping bag. Jax takes out some toilet paper. In his interview, he says, if Tom wants to surprise him, show up with a fifth of vodka. There will be consequences.
Brittany wonders who TP’d the house. Jax thinks it’s Beau and Stassi. Stassi thinks it’s Tom, but Ariana says someone came to her house too. Brittany is still friends with Kristen, and asks if they’re still going to be able to hang out. Katie says they still have a wine inventory, but the friendship is off. Lala talks to Scheana on the porch, and says Raquel should feel lucky to be graced with her presence. In Lala’s interview, she wants Raquel to stay in her lane, and let people like her run sh*t. Lala goes inside, and says she wants to have a real talk with Raquel. Because a party is definitely the place to do that. She says she pulled Raquel aside because she as genuinely concerned about James, and wanted to make sure he was okay. Raquel says Lala turned it into an ugly thing, and focused on Logan. Lala says she was speaking; let her finish. Raquel forgot her place, but Lala will steer her back. Raquel says, Logan is obsessed with James. In her interview, she says, this is raw Lala. Lala sees her as vulnerable, and preys on it. If they can’t all agree Lala is a bully, they can agree she’s a bitch. Lala says she set up James with studio sessions, and wouldn’t say anything if she didn’t care. In Charli’s interview, she thinks maybe Lala still likes James, but you can secretly still like someone and secretly hate their girlfriend. I don’t see Lala as still being interested in James that way, but okay. Raquel says, James didn’t drink, and Lala says she’s missing the point, and ran off after she told Lala STFU. At her worst, Raquel is like a yapping chihuahua. Raquel says, Lala is a Rottweiler, and Lala says, no; she’s a Pitbull. Brittany says, they’re scaring her, and Stassi laughs. Lala tells Stassi, stay in her bubble. In Stassi’s interview, she says Lala is her girl, but right now, she has no leg to stand on. Lala says, don’t project on her what they want her to reflect. Huh?
In the car, Raquel tells James that she’s tired; it was a lot of wine. It was awkward. She and Lala argued, and everyone else was quiet. It’s been a week. James says it was weird before the meeting; he felt overwhelmed. He hasn’t shared yet. In his interview, he says he wasn’t sure what to expect, but he’s in a room full of cool people who have realized alcohol isn’t a cool solution to problems. Raquel drives him to a meeting.
Everyone gathers for Jax’s birthday party. Brittany thinks it’s weird how Jax wanted a theme, but he’s not willing to dress up for anyone else’s. Jax comes in looking like a poor man’s Brett Michaels. In his interview, he says he’s a huge 80s buff; it’s his decade. He would have dressed like this anyway. Tom gives Jax a gift, and it’s a samurai sword signed by Randy Jackson. In Tom’s interview, he says when he, Schwartz, and Jax lived together, they watched Step Brothers all the time, and the Will Ferrell character has a samurai sword signed by Randy Jackson. He called Randy’s assistant and had it signed. A producer asks what Jax got Tom for his birthday, and he says, um… He doesn’t think Jax got him anything. Schwartz gives Jax a fake, very lifelike, female foot. In his interview, Schwartz says, Jax likes dirty, filthy, stinky feet. He’s worried there’s a paper trail leading to him buying the foot, and he’s now on a list. Jax tells Brittany that she’s been replaced. Brittany tells Kristen, it was weird with her not being at wine night. It was fun, but crazy. In Kristen’s interview, she says Stassi and Katie were her L.A. family, and she doesn’t understand how you can cut family out. The point is that you stick together no matter what. She tells Brittany, they don’t want anything to do with her. Brittany says she sees both sides, but Kristen doesn’t know what their side is. She’s said things she didn’t mean and apologized, but she thinks they say things they mean.
Raquel waits for James after the meeting. When he gets in the car, he tells her that he shared for the first time. Raquel says, that’s amazing, and in James’s interview, he says his persona is DJ James, the life of the party. It’s been seven years of non-stop partying. Being vulnerable is difficult for him, and it’s going to be a day by day thing. He tells Raquel he was nervous. He felt like she did back in the day, giving a speech to her college class. He’s blessed to have figured it out now.
Randall tells Jax that when you’re in the 40 club with him, it’s not about TP’ing a house. He’s a prank specialist, and tonight a prank cop car is going to be pulling up at Tom’s house and arresting him for vandalism. They’re going to cuff him, put him in the car, then they’ll jump out and say it’s a prank. Lala tells Jax his birthday gift is happening tonight. In her interview, she says, Randall is a prankster specialist. He’s done over 100 films, and pulled a prank on all of them. It’s always epic. Randall says, no one can know.
At Tom’s house, Ariana says she rented a table and chairs. She thinks she might want to stick with rented furniture, since she doesn’t trust anyone not to eff up her house, including Tom. The guests arrive, and she says, RIP her house. Jax brings his own chair, since he won’t sit on the cushions. They have cat hair on them, and he hates cat hair. He yells for music, when two cops come in, and ask to talk to Tom. They pat Tom down, and Jax acts shocked. The cops take Tom outside, and in Jax’s interview, he says they’re genius actors, and look like real cops. For a second, Jax thought he was in trouble. One of the cops asks what Tom knows about a vandalism report, but Tom says he didn’t do anything. The guests move outside, and Schwartz is sure it has to do with parking tickets. The cops tell them to stand back, and put Tom in the car. Ariana asks what it’s about, and one of the cops tells her, it’s about vandalism. Jax insists he didn’t say anything, but one of his neighbors may have. In his interview, Jax says, this is how you do a prank when you’re an adult. Tom will never be number one. He tells Ariana, he didn’t call anyone; it wasn’t him. Randall goes over to the car, and tells Tom, here’s the thing. When you f*** with Jax on his birthday, you f*** with them. Lala says he got them all, and they dance around and high-five each other. Ariana says her heart is beating out of her chest.
Jax thanks the actors, and Katie says she hates them all. Scheana tells Tom that he’s really sweating. In Katie’s interview, she says she doesn’t think it’s funny. Just turn on the news. She asks if she’s the only one who thinks it’s not funny, and Jax says, Tom’s not mad, and that’s all that matters. In Tom’s interview, he says it was one of the best pranks ever, and he’s honored to have it pulled on him. Ariana says she understands where Katie is coming from. In Ariana’s interview, she says some people have a different perspective than others when it comes to their relationship with the police. Joking around like that is in poor taste. Tom says, it’s not a big deal. Katie says they can’t expect no one to react, and Schwartz tells her to shut up. She says she doesn’t think it’s funny, but Schwartz says it was a great moment. They’re laughing, and no one gives a sh*t about her opinion. Tom tells him not to talk to his wife that way.
Katie wonders if she’s the only person who associates this with something really terrible, and Ariana says she gets where Katie is coming from. Schwartz says he’s never been more turned off in his life. This is why he doesn’t have sex with her. Beau says, don’t do this, and Schwartz says he’s not looking for Beau to agree with him; she’s a moron. In Beau’s interview, he says, it’s one thing to have a drunken argument with your significant other – he’s experienced that – but the way Schwarz is talking is venom. In Katie’s interview, she says, the last time Schwartz spoke to her like that was in Mexico. We flash back to Schwartz saying her voice is a cacophony. She says, the only difference is, this time he’s being mean and degrading in front of all their friends. Schwartz walks out, calling Katie an idiot, and Tom says Schwartz is being an a-hole. Schwartz tells Katie, let’s go, but she says she’s not going with him.
Next time, Beau tells Stassi that he’s doing everything on his time, Schwartz says things are still tense, and Brett wants to hang out with Dayna.
If Loving You Is Wrong
Ian asks if there’s any chance Alex had his baby. Talk to him. She says, no, and he says he’s not judging. She says, goodbye, and starts to walk, but he calls her back. She says she doesn’t want to talk about this, and tries to go into her house, but the door is locked. She says she left her keys, but he says he has them. She asks what the hell is wrong with him? and he says she left them on the grass. She says she doesn’t want to wake her kids up; give her the keys. He says he wants answers. Can the baby be his? She says, that’s impossible; they never slept together. He asks if she really wants to do this. He knows a lawyer. Don’t make him go that route and request a DNA test. She asks why he’d do that, and he says he wants answers; that’s all. She asks if he’d really get a court order, and he says, if he has a child out there, he would. She says, no way the baby is his, and he asks how she knows. She says they only had sex once.
He says she’s admitting it, but she says she doesn’t want to talk there. He suggests they go in her house, but she says, no. She’d rather go to his. They go inside, and it’s not unlike Tom’s house on Vanderpump Rules, since he has no furniture yet. He says, so? She says, it was her, and he thanks her for being honest. She says the baby’s not his, and he says, he gets it. He doesn’t want it to be either, but they should know. Alex says she doesn’t need this now, and Ian says, him neither. He asks if she wants a drink, and she says she does. He brings out a box, and says he wants her to promise first that she’ll talk. She starts to cry, and he asks if she’s okay. She cries harder, and tells him, just find the alcohol. She doesn’t care what it is at this point.
Natalie feels bad, but Lushion says, Alex made her bed; it’s done. He looks out the window, and says, what the hell? Someone is over at Kelly’s. He’s going to check, and she tells him, be careful. He tells her to stay there, and goes outside. He sees a man holding a paper bag, and looking in Kelly’s front window. He draws his gun. He tells the guy, put his hands up and put the bag down. The guy says he lives there, but Lushion says he doesn’t. He says he’s just moving in, and Lushion says, somebody else lives there. What’s his name? The guy says, Durrell; he’s Justice’s father. Lushion asks if he’s got ID, and Durrell says it’s in his back pocket. Lushion says, slowly, and Durrell holds out his wallet. Lushion looks at the ID, and puts away his gun. He asks why Durrell is snooping around, and Durrell says his mother told him that Kelly left the key; he knows the alarm code. Lushion asks if Justice can ID him, but he says Justice doesn’t really know him. Lushion tells him, hands behind his back. Keep it easy, and they’ll clear this up. Lushion cuffs him, and says, relax; take a seat. Durrell sits on the curb, and Lushion calls Natalie, asking her to come out. He meets her halfway, and she asks, what’s going on? He says the guy says he’s Justice’s father. Does she know him? She says, no, but he looks like Justice. Lushion says, he just got out of jail, and she asks how he knows. Lushion says, slippers and a paper bag. She says Kelly did tell her that he was in jail, but Justice doesn’t know him. He asks if Kelly said anything about leaving a key, and she says Kelly did say she was worried and told him he could move in. Maybe it is him. Lushion tells her, stay there. He asks Durrell if he’s got proof he knows Kelly, and Durrell says there are pictures in his wallet. Lushion looks at them, and says, that’s a long time ago. Durrell says he’s been away a while, and Lushion unlocks the cuffs. He asks if Durrell was in jail. Durrell says, yeah, and Lushion says, yes, sounding like Judge Judy. He says he can’t let Durrell in until he finds out it’s okay. Durrell asks where he’s supposed to go tonight; he just got out, and doesn’t have money. Lushion says he can’t let Durrell in until he makes sure he’s supposed to stay there. In a couple hours it will be daylight, and he can come back. If Kelly says it’s okay, he’ll let Durrell in. If Durrell was Lushion, he’d do the same thing. Durrell picks up his bag, and says, all right. He strolls off, and Natalie says, Lushion isn’t letting him in? Lushion says he thought she was from the hood. She says she is, but she thinks it’s him. Lushion says, Kelly has been through enough. One night at a bus station won’t kill him. She says, that’s cold. She feels bad, but Lushion says he doesn’t.
Ian says Alex doesn’t want another, does she? She says she does, and he says, it’s strong, but she says she doesn’t care. He thinks she needs to lay off the liquor, but she thinks he needs to stop telling her what to do. He says she’s drunk, and she says he’s not drunk, and pours more into his glass. He says, fair enough, and they clink glasses. She says she remembered him the moment she saw him, but was hoping he wouldn’t remember. He asks, why? Because she was married? She says, it’s not that. She hates being a wife (surprising us all), but she’s not a bad person. He tells her, he didn’t say she was, and she says she doesn’t want kids. He says she has three, and she says, because she did everything her father, mother, and Brad wanted her to do. She felt trapped, so every time Brad was at work, and she was supposed to be at a PTA meeting or whatever, she met men like him. He asks, how many? and she says, a lot. Go ahead. Judge all he wants. He says he’s not; it’s fine. She says she never wanted this life. She didn’t want to be married. She wanted to be an actress. He says she’s pretty damn good, and she says she has to be now. Her father told her it was stupid, and she should get married and have babies because she had no talent and no chance. That was after he raped her every night. Ian is shocked, and she says he wanted to talk; let’s talk – about all of it. She pours herself some more, saying, she grew up with a backwoods country-ass way of thinking. Her mother actually said it was okay. He says he’s so sorry, and she says she watched her family nearly murder Black people. They hated that she went to school with them. Ian says maybe she was sleeping with Black men to get back at them, but she says, it has nothing to do with that. She thinks they’re beautiful, and loves how their skin is gorgeous and soft. He says, no more for her, and she says he’s right. No more talking about this bullsh*t; she’s done. He says she’s not doing anything stupid, and she says, why the hell should she deal with this, raising Brad’s kids. He says they’re her kids too, but she says she’s tired of all this sh*t. She’s had enough. She’s going to be free, and go do whatever she wants with whoever she want to do it with. He says when she wakes up sober, she’s going to realize she said too much. She asks why he isn’t drunk, and pours more into his glass. He says he’s buzzed, but she says, not enough; drink. She downs hers, and he moves the empty glass away. He suggests she let him take her home, but she says she doesn’t want to go right now. He says, what about her kids? and she says, they’re fine with the babysitter. He takes her hands, and she pulls him toward the kitchen island. She says, please, she wants this. It was so good; she wants to do it again. She unzips his pants, and gets on her knees. He says, no, but…
Larry gets home, bringing along another guy, and Eddie is waiting. He says, what are you ladies up to? and Larry says Eddie was there ahead of him, and knows when he left. The other guy goes inside, and Eddie asks who this one is. Larry says Eddie isn’t ready for that. Why is he there? Eddie says he wants to talk about some things. Andrew, Joe, and Pete. Larry asks if he’s been drinking, and Eddie says, more than drinking. He did some good blow tonight. Larry says he must be pretty high, and Eddie says he could say that. He saw Larry’s wife leaving; is there a problem? Larry says she goes to the country house on weekends, and he brings home the boys when she’s gone. Eddie thinks it’s sick, twisted sh*t, and Larry says, it is; they love it. Almost as much as they love each other. What does Eddie want? To come in? Eddie says, hell no, and Larry asks why Eddie is wasting his time. Eddie says he’s there to find out about those specific names, and Larry asks what he wants to know. Eddie asks if they’re with the FBI, and Larry says he doesn’t know. Eddie asks if Larry is playing games with him, and Larry says he doesn’t play games. He invites Eddie in again, but Eddie says he’s not into that kinky sh*t. Larry says Eddie is pretty sick too. It was the last reason Eddie was there, and the only reason he’s there now. He gave Eddie the privilege of taking control and making him beg. He respects that. Is Eddie ready to beg? Let him know. Eddie acts mad at the world, but what he wants is to be punished. Let Larry punish him. He’ll make him feel so bad by making him feel good. Eddie says the only reason he’s there is Esperanza and the dudes who came against him. Nothing is going to stop him. Larry says, sounds like fun, and Eddie says, keep pushing him, and see how much fun he is. Larry says he can’t wait, and goes inside.
A nurse whose name I can’t remember, tells Rick to go home. He says he wants to talk to her about Kelly. She’s back in jail, and going through a hard time. She says she’s not helping any more, and don’t tell Kelly to fake chest pains. He asks if she doesn’t talk to Sister Margaret, the chaplain. Did Margaret tell her the names of the girls? She says she’s not talking to him, and starts to walk away, but he grabs her arm. He says, they got her too, but she says she’s not talking. He gives her a piece of paper, and says, it’s Lushion’s phone number. Help them. She says that church is crazy, and they know everyone; the mayor, the garbageman, even her ex=boyfriend. She can’t tell him anything. He says she can’t let Kelly go down, but she says she doesn’t know Kelly, and Kelly shot him. Rick says she doesn’t know what he did to Kelly, and she says not to use her name. He says, fine, coward, and she says, call her whatever he wants. She’s not messing with that church. On second thought, if he takes her out and buys her some drinks, maybe she’ll talk. He tells her, bring her dancing shoes and a nice dress.
Margaret visits Kelly, but Kelly says she doesn’t want to talk to her. Margaret says she wants to say a prayer, and the guard lets her in. Kelly tells her, get away from her cell. The guard leaves, and Kelly calls him back, but he ignores her. Margaret tells Kelly, come sit, but Kelly says she won’t. Margaret says, before the guard comes back, and Kelly sits. She asks what Margaret wants, and Margaret says she’s helping Kelly; praying for her. Kelly laughs, and Margaret hands her a Bible, telling her, read this. It’s her gift to Kelly. Margaret calls to the guard, and Kelly says she knew Margaret didn’t want to pray; hypocrites. Margaret tells her, open the bible, and she does. Kelly flips through it, and takes out several pictures. She looks on the backs of them, and Margaret says, God bless you. Wrong is wrong, and she is praying. Kelly thanks her, and hugs her. Margaret says, she’s going to be all right, and when she is, don’t look back. It’s time for Kelly to get back to church. Get back to praying and believing again. She’s stronger than all this. Stop being sorry for herself and being a victim. Take it by force. The kingdom suffers violence, and the violent take it by force (Matthew 11:12). Kelly says she hears her, and Margaret says, good. God bless her.
Tanya and husband Bennett watch TV. Tanya asks Bennett why he keeps looking out. (Refresher: Bennett trashed Randall’s house at the end of last season.) She says, stop looking at him. He’s looked enough at her already. Bennett says he’ll tell Randall to stop, but she says he’s not going to. She already told him to stop. Bennett says he can make Randall stop, and she asks, how? He says he just will, and she says, like in the last neighborhood? He tore that man’s house apart. He says they were talking about her, and she says he can’t get mad. She gives them enough to talk about. He tells her, don’t worry. Randall won’t bother her again, but she says he’s not the kind that will stop. Bennett says, he will, and she says she’s going to bed. He tells her that he’s staying up a little. He promises Randall won’t bother her. He looks out the window.
Steven and Esperanza cuddle on the couch. He says, it’s her night, and she says, after they watched his movie. He asks if she wants him to stay because of Eddie, or because she wants him to stay. She asks if she looks afraid. He says he’ll stay every night, or he can be out sleeping in his car. She says that would defeat the purpose, and he says he can sleep on the couch. She tells him, read between the lines. She wants him to stay in her bed, naked. He says, as good as it sounds, he doesn’t want her kicking him out in an hour. She says he’s living in the past. She wants to spend time together, and not worry about what happened before. He says, what about her daughter? and she says she’s been thinking about that. The best thing is for her to bring her daughter to her mom’s until this thing with Eddie is over. Does he want drive up there to Columbus? He says they’ve got themselves a road trip, and they kiss. He gets a text, and she makes him give her the phone. She reads, what’s up, stud? and asks who Anna is. He asks if she’s jealous, and she says, a little bit, and deletes Anna’s number because she doesn’t like her name. He says he doesn’t think his sister is going to like that. She wants him to call his sister, and he says, no. He’s sleepy, and they’re not exclusive. They’re just enjoying each other very much. They get busy.
Randall calls Marcie, who answers, yes? He asks if that’s all she’s got to say. She destroyed his house. She asks what he’s talking about, and he asks if she got Brad to do it. She says she doesn’t know what he’s talking about. She only picked up because she likes to taunt him. He says she did more than that, and she says he’s talking crazy. He tells her, don’t hang up, but she says, bye. A car parks in front of Randall, and Brad gets out and goes inside.
Brad asks if Marcie is okay. She says she is, but Randall keeps calling. He asks why she keeps answering, and she says she likes to taunt him. He says she shouldn’t do that. He asks if Randall has been there, and she says, no; why would he be? Brad says, someone destroyed Randall’s house, but she says she doesn’t know what happened. He tells her that Alex signed the divorce papers. That means he can officially pursue her. He kisses her, and she says she hasn’t seen his full court press. She tells him, she’s starving, and he says he’ll make something. He gets up, but his phone rings. He says it’s Chelsea, his babysitter, and he asks, what’s going on? Chelsea says his wife was supposed to be back hours ago, and she has to leave. She tried calling, but Alex isn’t answering. He asks if the kids and baby are asleep, and she tells him they are. He says he’ll be right over. He tells Marcie that Alex still isn’t home, and she says Alex is probably trying to trick him, but he says she knows better than that. She asks if he’s going, and he says he has to. Otherwise, the kids will be there by themselves. She tells him to try Alex again, but he gets voicemail, and hangs up. Marcie tells him to try from the landline, but he still gets voicemail. Marcie calls and leaves a message that Alex’s kids are looking for her. Where the hell are you, bitch? Brad says, she’s not helping, and Marcie thinks Alex knows they’re together. He tells her to relax; it’s about his kids. She apologizes for making it about her, and he leaves. She says, bitch.
Randall sees Brad leave. Marcie says she hopes the bitch is dead, and calls Alex. She says Alex thinks she’s going to win this thing by dragging Brad out in the middle of the night, but it’s not going to work, ho. She hangs up, but decides to fill up Alex’s damn voicemail. Randall watches as Brad pulls away. He gets out of the car, and goes in the side door. He knocks, and Marcie asks if Brad forgot his key. Randall busts in, and grabs Marcie.
Next time, Esperanza finds Eddie in bed with her and Steven; Kelly tells Lushion the Bible had pictures of women and information on settlements in it; and Lushion and Brad go to Ian’s house looking for Alex.
😥 Sniff…
It looks like this will be the final season of If Loving You is Wrong. After we waited a year. It’s like Game of Thrones all over again.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
I missed the first minute or so. Because I had extra time. Why that always happens, I have no clue.
Michael tells Nelle, he had the same condition as Wiley when he was a baby, and the same surgery. Nelle says the last time she checked, he wasn’t Wiley. Doesn’t elective mean he doesn’t need it? Monica says, it doesn’t mean it’s frivolous, and Michael says, Wiley will have a better quality of life. How can Nelle possibly object?
Laura visits Sonny, who asks if she wants coffee, while we’re totally distracted by the moss centerpiece. She says she wishes it was only a social visit, and he asks if he’s talking to the mayor, or is his friend in there? She thinks she can be both. As mayor, she’s there to ask for help; as a friend, she hopes he says yes. He asks what he can do for her, and she says, a new wave of drugs has hit the streets. He says she knows that’s not his business. He has nothing to do with that. She says, but he knows how it happened, doesn’t he?
At Rice Plaza, Chase tells Willow that he forgot his skates in the car. She says, it’s lucky Sasha, Michael, and Wiley aren’t there yet, and he leaves to get them. Willow leaves a message for Sasha, saying she hopes they’re still coming, and to call her back. Jason approaches her, and says he’s glad he ran into her. She says she is too. She wasn’t sure if she should call him. She had breakfast with her mom, and Harmony seemed nervous. And the way she was talking, Willow is worried. Jason says, she should be. Harmony is mixed up in something serious.
Sam asks Delores what she’s doing with Spinelli’s phone. Is he all right? Delores says, he’s in custody, and Sam asks, why? Delores says, before she sends him to lockup, she wants Sam to meet her in Queen’s Point, at a bar on the corner of Third and Main.
After running into Neil at the hospital, Alexis says their situation has been on her mind. Maybe she should find another meeting. Neil says she told him that she felt at home there, but she says, there are meetings all over town, and Neil’s office is there. He says his primary focus is on addiction recovery, which is why she was referred to him. She says, and look at where they are. He says they can handle it, and she says, like they handled meeting at the opera? He says they have to come up with a different strategy. As much as he knew about her, he never pegged her for a opera lover. She says she’s more of an enthusiast. She won’t buy a ticket, but she’ll go if she’s invited. He’s not sure if he believes that, and she says, keep calling her a liar, so it will dampen her regard for him. He says, it makes sense she would like opera, since she has operatic emotions. She asks if he’s calling her a drama queen, and her phone rings. He says, saved by the bell. It’s Sam, who says she needs Alexis’s help. Spinelli has been arrested. Alexis tells Sam to text her the address; she’s on her way. She tells Neil, it looks like she’s going to have to miss her meeting. She leaves, and Doc comes by. He asks Neil if everything is okay.
Sonny says Laura wanted him to clean up the waterfront; he thought they were on the same page. She says, a lot has happened since the shootout, and he says he’s done everything he can to make sure the situation didn’t escalate. She recalls a warehouse explosion, and he says, it housed an operation run by Cyrus. She says she can’t prove that, and Sonny says he’s just as concerned as she is about the drug problem. She says she knows he’s got guys out there, and that he’s reluctant to tell her what he knows. She knows about the code, and understands, but she needs him to understand that it’s not a battle if it becomes a war. If he can’t bring an end to this, she’ll have to step in, and come down hard on crime, and it might include him.
Jason tells Willow, Harmony is involved with some dangerous people. Willow asks, how? but he tells her, just be careful; keep her distance until this is over. She says, until what’s over? and he wonders if her mom has asked her for anything. Willow says it was all she could do to talk Harmony into meeting her for breakfast. Jason says, that’s good; it means Harmony is trying to protect her. She asks, from what? Is she involved in organized crime? He says he’s told her what he can. She says, sorry, but since he obviously knows what’s going on, can he look out for her mom? He says he’ll try.
Nelle says she researched Wiley’s condition on the internet. Sasha wonders if that makes Nelle an expert after five minutes, and Nelle says, Monica is a cardiologist, and can tell her if it’s right or wrong. It’s an elective surgery, which means it’s not necessary, right? Monica says, it means, at this moment, it isn’t an emergency. Michael says it’s a preventative measure to prevent Wiley from suffering more heart damage that could threaten his life. Nelle asks if that’s a fact or theory. It’s a risk she doesn’t think she wants to take.
Monica understands Nelle is scared. No parent welcomes their child having surgery. She says, Michael seems to. He’s ready to let them work on Wiley like a frog in a biology class. Sasha says, it could give Wiley a better quality of life, for the rest of his life. What’s wrong with her? How can she say no? Nelle says, why willingly expose Wiley to the danger of surgery, when he doesn’t need it? Michael says, what if he continues to have trouble breathing? What’s Nelle’s plan then?
Chase comes back, and tells Willow, it got hairy. There was a mother in a van with squabbling kids, who was parked dangerously close to him. He realizes she’s not listening, and asks, what’s going on? She says, Jason was just there. He told her that her mom is into something dangerous, and she should do everything possible to keep her distance. That shouldn’t be too hard, since Harmony has been pushing her away. Jason thinks Harmony is trying to protect her. Chase asks, from what? and she says, Jason knows, but won’t say. It’s freaking her out even more because he’s a mobster, or whatever the legal term is. Chase says, racketeering, and she says Jason has been kind to her, and he’s the one who got through to her mom. Now it sounds like her mom is into something more dangerous than Dawn of Day. He says he knows Willow is trying to see the best in her mom, since she turned her back on Shiloh, but he can see how she fell for Shiloh in the first place. Harmony seems fierce and strong… Willow says, but it’s not the first time she’s been taken in by something dangerous. She doesn’t think it’s about Harmony this time though. She thinks this time, it’s about her.
Sonny tells Laura, the situation is shifting, and Laura asks if he’s set something in motion. He tells her, all he can say is, steps have been taken to end this. His phone rings, and he steps away for a moment, but says, sorry. He thought it was Turning Woods. She asks how Mike is doing, and he says his dad doesn’t remember him half the time, but what he doesn’t let go of is bullets whizzing by his head, and hiding under the table in a pub in Bensonhurst, screaming that he wants it to stop. It’s haunting him. She says she’s sorry, and he says, that’s why this thing with Cyrus is going to end. Jason comes in, and asks if it’s official business. He can come back. Laura says Sonny was just reassuring her about the problem. She asks if Jason has anything to add, and he says he’s sure what Sonny told her is all she needs to know. She says, good answer. She’s surprised Sonny told her as much as he did. She tells Jason, don’t worry; Sonny wasn’t specific.
Neil shows Doc his new office, and Doc says, not bad at all. It’s good to have Neil there. Neil says he’s glad to be on staff, especially after that business with the board. Doc says he heard something was going on, yet here Neil is. It clearly worked out. Neil says, yeah, and Doc says, or not. Neil says Doc doesn’t know why he was under review? Doc says, Neil caught him. He understands Neil was accused of inappropriate behavior with a former patient. Neil says he’s sure Doc knows who it is; the rumor mill travels. Doc has a sneaking suspicion it’s Alexis.
Sam introduces Alexis and Delores, and Delores says, Sam brought her mother? Alexis says she’s not there in a parental capacity, but as Sam and Spinelli’s attorney. She’d like to confer with her client. Delores says, before she does, she wants to make sure Alexis is aware of their attempt to neutralize her. Alexis asks, how? and Delores says Sam sent her friend – Alexis’s client – to spy on her; to dig up dirt to leverage against her. Alexis says, since they have Spinelli in custody, she can only guess it didn’t go well. Delores says, clearly his forte isn’t physical surveillance. Sam asks Spinelli if he’s okay, and he says only his pride is wounded. Alexis asks if Delores is suggesting Sam violated her parole, and Spinelli says he must speak. Sam had nothing to do with it. It was his idea, and she’s an innocent woman. Delores says, right. Whether Sam returns to Pentenville to finish her sentence is entirely up to her
Monica tells Nelle, it’s a simple procedure, but Nelle says, all she sees is Wiley under anesthesia with a tube in his mouth, and that in itself can have complications. Monica says, they have the best pediatric anesthetist in the state, and Nelle says, people can and have died under anesthesia. Monica says, mostly the elderly and the most vulnerable, and Nelle says, Wiley is a baby; he’s vulnerable. Michael says, with the exception of Wiley’s heart condition, he’s strong as an ox. Nelle says, what about contagion? and Monica says, they’ll do their best to keep Wiley safe. Nelle tells her, she’s read about doctors on the internet, who feel they have to prove something to get kickbacks. Monica says, the good news is, no one there has to prove a damn thing. It’s been proven just by them being there. If Nelle wants a second opinion, she has colleagues worldwide who will be glad to take a look, but Nelle says, they’ll just agree with her. Michael says, there’s a reason for that, and Monica says she’ll get Nelle the information anyway, and leaves. Sasha asks if Michael wants her to go, and Nelle says, that would be great, since Wiley is her and Michale’s son, not Sasha’s. Sasha says, she was asking Michael, and walks away. Michael ask Nelle, what the hell is wrong with her? She’s risking Wiley’s health; why? My suggestion: get Nelle off the internet.
Willow tells Chase, her mother said it herself; everything she does is for Willow, and how happy she was that Willow is with someone who can keep her safe. Chase says, he remembers, and she says, the only thing that makes sense is, someone is using her for leverage to make Harmony do things she doesn’t want to. Sasha calls, and Willow says she’s going to tell Sasha that they’re not in the mood for skating anymore. Sasha says she’s sorry; they forgot about the skating. Willow asks if something is wrong, and Sasha is afraid so. Wiley is in the hospital.
Doc says he saw Neil and Alexis earlier, and it looked intense. Neil says, it was; it always is. Doc says Neil had told him that he was having conflicting feelings for a patient. Neil says, and Doc told him not to cross the line, and he didn’t. Alexis stopped being his patient, but they’d run into each other, like at drag Bingo. Doc laughs, and Neil says, there was an impulsive kiss. They didn’t mean for it to go further, but the board got wind of it. Doc says, the two-year rule is for a reason. Neil says, it’s over, but Doc says, it didn’t look over.
Alexis asks what Spinelli was arrested for, and Delores says, unlawful surveillance in the second degree. She cites the code, adding that the victim’s image is taken when in a private moment. Alexis says, the peeping Tom law? and Delores says, it’s six-months in jail, and a fine of $1000. Alexis says, someone can only be arrested for that, if the video or photo catches the victim in the act of disrobing or having sex. So Delores can imagine what her next question is going to be.
Laura says Sonny isn’t going to give her any details, is he? and he says, no. He just wants her to know he’s concerned. She says, it’s not just a public safety concern for him, and he says, all she needs to know is that he’s keeping it under control. She says, okay. She has no choice but to take his word. He walks her to the door, and she leaves. Sonny senses Jason’s disapproval, and says Jason doesn’t think he should have said anything. Jason says he doesn’t understand why Sonny would give even a hint about what’s going on with Cyrus and Jordan.
Delores tells the cops holding Spinelli to go. Alexis says she’s sorry to have to ask, but when Spinelli photographed her, was she in the act of disrobing or sexual activity? Spinelli says it was an extracurricular activity, and they were in the back seat. Alexis says, one more word, and she’ll let him rot. Don’t speak; don’t breathe. She asks Delores, where were they? and Delores says she and the councilman were there to discuss a sensitive legal matter, and didn’t want reporters following them. Spinelli tells Sam that Delores was half-naked. Sam asks if he got a photo, but he says the car was rocking so much, any image was blurred. That’s when Delores and her lover apprehended him. Delores tells Alexis, her client as much as admitted his guilt. She can have him held until his sentencing, and he’ll be separated from his partner and daughter. Sam asks if Delores and Donald aren’t married to other people. If it goes to trial, that will come out, and be pretty embarrassing. Delores tells Alexis, as she sees it, Sam is clearly trying to blackmail her. She thinks if she threatens Delores, Delores will ease up on her parole, and allow her to see Jason. The terms of parole clearly state she can’t associate with a known felon. Alexis asks if there’s any way Delores will consider dropping the charges.
Delores says she might be willing to make this ugly incident disappear, and Alexis asks, in exchange for what? Delores says, Sam and Spinelli keeping silent about her relationship with Councilman Raskin. Sam says, and if she refuses? and Alexis tells her to quit while she’s ahead. Delores says, the councilman will face scandal, but Sam will be in Pentenville, along with Spinelli. Alexis asks Sam if she can do that. Then Delores will forget she was complicit in blackmail and extortion as well. San says, thisis extortion, and Alexis tells her not to make it worse. Shut up and take the deal.
Michael says, Nelle just wants to make him suffer; that’s why she’s refusing to sign. She’s hurting his son to hurt him. She says, not everything she does is about him, and he says she tried to talk Chase into having him killed. She left him do die, and put someone else’s dead baby in his arms, claiming it was his son. Should he keep going? She says, this has nothing to do with him. She’s protecting her son. He’s not going to die any time soon. Give her time. He says she’s not a doctor, and she won’t have a say when she’s excluded in the custody arrangement.
Jason says, when Cyrus is released, Laura is going to realize it’s part of their plan, and when he turns up dead, she’ll suspect their involvement. Sonny says, so will everybody. Even if somebody else gets to him before they do, they’ll be the prime suspects, but no one will be able to prove it’s them.
Sam says, fine. She won’t breath a word. Delores asks if Alexis can guarantee Sam and Spinelli will abide by the agreement, and Alexis says, if they don’t, she’ll personally drop them off at the Queen’s Point PD. Delores says they both know where they stand, and she won’t be intimidated. She’s going to be even more vigilant. Sam says, it’s harassment, and Delores says, it’s law enforcement. Delores leaves, and Spinelli tells Sam that he’s sorry. She says it was her one shot to get out from under Delores’s thumb; now what? Alexis says that’s not the question Sam should asking. Sam should be asking, what the hell was she thinking?
Nelle tells Michael, the law is on her side. Even without full custody, she’s still Wiley’s mother, and has a say. She’s going to visit her son. She stomps off, and Monica asks if Michael made any headway. He says, not even close, and Sasha asks what he’s going to do. He asks what options he has. How much danger is Wiley in? Willow and Chase join them, and Willow asks, what’s going on? How’s Wiley? Michael says, okay at the moment, and Monica says she’s going to check on him. Chase asks, what’s the problem? and Sasha says, like usual – Nelle.
Alexis tells Sam, of all the insanely stupid things she could have done, it was a terrible choice to blackmail her parole officer. Sam says she was thinking she wanted her family together. Alexis says, she made a decision that almost got Spinelli arrested, and her sent back to Pentenville. Delores is going to be watching now, and will send her back if she so much as drives a car without a seatbelt, and it’s her right to do it. Sam asks if Alexis is agreeing with Delores, and Alexis says Delores is doing her job. When Sam was granted parole, the agreement said she wasn’t to associate with a known felon. Instead of following the rules, she did what she wanted. Did she think of Scout and Danny? Sam says, Jason is Danny’s father, and the closest thing Scout has to one. All she wants is her family put back together. Alexis says, that’s what will happen if she holds out for two years, but Sam says, two years is a long time. Alexis says she knows exactly how long it is, but it’s Sam’s job as a parent to stick it out and suck it up. Do what she needs to get through it. Sam says, of course (🍷) Alexis would say that, and Alexis asks what Sam means.
Michael tells Willow, even though he’s Wiley’s guardian at the moment, both parents need to consent to the surgery because it’s elective. Willow says, if it gets worse, how bad can things get? Michael says, in the worst case, Wiley’s heart will deteriorate, and he’ll need an operation to save his life. Willow says they can’t risk it. Wiley needs to have the surgery now. Sasha says, it’s more important than ever that Michael win sole custody. Nelle is suddenly there, and asks, who says Michael is going to win?
Doc asks Neil, concerning him and Alexis, what did they decide? They can make the conversation confidential by Doc treating Neil as a patient. There’s a knock at the door, and Neil says, hold that thought. Laura comes in, and Neil says if the mayor was looking for her husband, Doc is helping him break in his new office. Laura says, it’s a nice surprise, but she actually came to see him. He asks to what he owes the pleasure, and she says, Port Charles is facing a crisis, and she needs his help.
Sonny tells Jason, there can’t be any evidence; nothing that ties it to them. Jason says, there won’t be, and Sonny says he doesn’t think anyone is going to shed tears about Cyrus’s death; they’ll be relieved. Jason says, and Laura? Sonny says, she wants the problem solved, and they’re solving the problem. He’s going to bring peace back to Port Charles.
Sam says she doesn’t know what the hell happened to Alexis. It’s not the drinking, and it’s not Julian, but Alexis became a pushover who plays by the rules and refuses to fight. Alexis says Sam doesn’t know what she’s been fighting, and Sam says Alexis cooperated with the board when she could have questioned the system, so they would question it too. Alexis says, it’s not that simple, and Sam says, what about Neil?Is there a connection? Does he make Alexis feel good? Then why the hell not fight for him? Alexis says, it wasn’t an option, but Sam says, it’s too difficult. Alexis is afraid she’ll get in trouble. She was never scared before. She used to be persistent. She was Sam’s hero, but now she obeys the rules, and sits back. She doesn’t do anything Sam used to admire. Sam wanted to be like her, and now Sam just feels sorry for her.
Nelle tells Michael, it’s rare for the father to get sole custody, and he says, it’s not common, but it’s not rare. Willow adds, unless the mother is unfit. Nelle says she didn’t give her baby up, and Willow says at least she didn’t hand her baby to someone on the side of the road. Nelle says, as of right now, Wiley is healthy and happy, and she promised to protect him from anyone poking around inside him or harming him. Willow suggests, if Nelle wants that, stay away from him. Nelle says she’s going to do everything in her power to keep her promise, and protect her son. She walks away, and Sasha asks if Michael is okay. He says he’s not letting Nelle into Wiley’s life. She’s done enough to jeopardize his health. Willow says, he doesn’t have a choice. He needs to do whatever it takes to get full custody.
Jason tells Sonny, he ran into Willow, and gave her a heads up about Harmony. Sonny says, good. She helped Kristina, and he doesn’t want her in the line of fire. He doesn’t want anyone traumatized like his father is. Jason asks if Mike hasn’t recovered from what happened in Brooklyn, and Sonny says, the opposite. He’s been worse. Jason says he’s sorry to hear that, and asks if there’s anything he can do. Sonny says, when he was at Turning Woods, Mike was there with Brook, and he was having a great time. Brook said, when things are cloudy, the things he remembers mostly are about Sonny’s family. Not recent things, but old memories; ancient history. That’s what comforts him. Sonny’s phone rings, and he tells Jason, it’s Turning Woods.
Sam tells Alexis, she’s so sorry. She didn’t mean what she said. She’s really angry at Delores. Alexis is right; she was selfish, desperate, and stupid. She asks if Alexis accepts her apology, and Alexis says, of course (🍷). She just needs a little time. Spinelli interjects that the jalapeno poppers are on the way. Sam says, talk to her, and Alexis says she will, but not right now. She just needs space. Sam suggests she and Spinelli go home to their kids; they almost didn’t have them. Alexis says she’ll call Sam tomorrow, and Spinelli says, on behalf of Ellie, Georgie, and himself, he thanks her for her help. They leave, and Alexis stands at the bar. The bartender puts a shot in front of her, and says it looks like she’s having a hard night. He thought she could use a drink.
Neil asks what Laura needs him to do, and she says, Port Charles has a new drug lord in town, who’s flooding the streets with his product. She has to find a way to stay ahead. She’s talked with the heads of GH, and they’re going to open a clinic, his area of expertise. Doc says Neil’s reputation precedes him, but they did ask what he thought. Laura says Doc sang Neil’s praises about a seminar he gave, and Neil asks if he’ll be working with Laura’s husband. She says, that’s up to him, and Doc says, it’s not his specialty, but he’d be happy to help. Neil says, great. They can talk as soon as he puts an idea together for the clinic. He and Doc can catch up later. Doc asks if Neil doesn’t want to continue their discussion, and Laura apologizes for interrupting. Neil says they can catch up any time. He likes to give recovering patients the dignity they deserve. Laura says he’s just he guy she was looking for, and Neil leaves to talk to the head of the department.
Alexis remembers Sam saying she cooperated instead of fighting back, and the meeting with the board at Neil’s review. She thinks about Neil telling her that he doesn’t want to say goodbye to his career, or her, and wondering how they can pretend it never happened. She remembers saying that’s immaterial; he has his practice back. She downs the shot, as I say, nooo.
Tomorrow, Trina talks to Josslyn about Cameron, Carly says she’ll deal with Nelle, and Alexis asks for another drink.
🥙 On Top Chef tonight, there was no quickfire challenge. Instead, the chefs were to explore L.A.’s food scene, using the late food critic Jonathan Gold’s 101 Best Restaurants of L.A. Less a food critic than food lover, Gold was the only food critic to have won a Pulitzer Prize, and his guide includes unique food trucks, mom and pop cafés, and ethnic cuisine. In the elimination challenge, the chefs were instructed to create a dish from anything that inspired them during their exploration – a dish they loved, a story they heard, or food they tasted. At the Union Square train station, they would be serving 200 guests who knew Jonathan personally, along with guest judge Ruth Reichl, a foodie extraordinaire. Tom said Gold wrote about what he loved, and if you cook what you love, you’ll make great food.
After their exploration, the chefs went shopping at Whole Foods, which was probably the last thing they felt like doing after all that eating. Being a close friend of Gold’s, it was an emotional challenge for Padma. Out of the top three – Kevin, Nini, and Bryan – Kevin was tonight’s winner, with a pork and mushroom terrine, involving his granny’s apple butter, which was a major hit with Ruth. He told the judges that he had a personal connection with the challenge, as he had spent a long time battling an illness, and didn’t know if he’d still be cooking, or even be there at all. He proved to himself that his journey wasn’t over. Ruth thought the bottom three – Angelo, Stephanie, and Eric – had forgotten food was supposed to be delicious. Ouch! Angelo had to pack up his knives, since his tuna crudo was overly sweet, and the components never came together. In Angelo’s interview, he said he thought his dish was balanced, but wasn’t letting his circumstances define him, as he moved on to Last Chance Kitchen.
Next time, the chefs visit a museum, and are challenged to interpret a work of art on a plate.
🍽 No Worries Here…
But I’d be remiss not to include a Top Chef’s passing. Please note, he had not only felt ill after traveling overseas, but went to the hospital, which oddly, can be the worst place for a sick person.
I’ve only been to Los Angeles once, for a V convention. Unfortunately, it was a first for the people who put the convention together, and we had little time to go to the bathroom, much less explore the city. But while I didn’t get to experience the food that the Top Chef contestants did tonight, one place I did get to eat at was Clifton’s Cafeteria, probably the weirdest restaurant I’ve ever seen. The food was fantastic, and incredibly cheap, so we ate like kings for a couple of bucks. Sadly, it’s since closed, but forever imbedded in my memory, will be the woodland scenes tucked into every nook and cranny possible, like some weird Disney show that ended up on the Food Network.
While right now, Friday doesn’t exactly have the same connotation it usually does, you’ve made it through week one. No one likes rules, but hopefully, everyone is behaving like adults. New Jersey was just declared a major disaster area, but I’ve been telling people it was for years now.
And now, and explanation on why instructions have to be compulsory.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
In the US, today’s GH was the same one I magically saw yesterday that had been preempted. Because the video ended so abruptly, I wondered if it had cut off a few seconds early, but no, the end was the end. If you didn’t read yesterday, and want to check it out, go here:
Tonight, the designers awoke to the sound of jingle bells and, as one contestant put it, Christmas having thrown up in their living room, which was wall-to-wall decorations. Christian was there with news of glad tidings. They were having an unconventional materials challenge, and had to make a fabulous holiday cocktail party dress using whatever they could grab in ten minutes from the décor. This time, the challenge itself was two days. As everyone went into Tasmanian Devil mode and seized whatever they could lay their hands on, Alan said it was crazier than a Kmart on Black Friday in Ohio. Delvin said he didn’t want this, but didn’t know what he did want, and I felt his pain. I didn’t sympathize so much with him saying he didn’t like the challenge, and felt like he was in arts and crafts. He ended up scrapping his first design, and whining that he’d wasted his time.
For the most part, the designs were impressive. Serio made a masterpiece, using part of a giant basket as a hoop skirt, and magically crafting wrapping paper – which I can barely get around a box – around it to make an incredible strapless piece. Guest judge Kiernan Shipka said she’d definitely wear it, and if I was thinner, I would too. I definitely noticed Tyler this week, but for all the wrong reasons. I’m not sure what happened (okay, I was writing out cards while watching), but he ended up creating something that was both terrible, and terribly short. I wish I’d been paying more attention, because he actually started off strong, having made a beautiful bodice out of silver snowflakes. When that changed to some gold snowflakes that blended into the neckline, and a dress that barely covered his model’s who-ha, I have no idea. Poor Brittany got a nosebleed during the mad dash for materials, and ended up with wrapping paper and some leftover faux cranberries. She was unhappy with her design, which looked more like how I wrap packages, with the skirt showing a lot of crinkles, and being obviously uncomfortable. The cascade of cranberries on one side was a bone of contention between the judges, who either loved it or hated it, although everyone hated the dress. Karlie said she thought Brittany’s mentality of being defeated with the challenge might have factored in.
Along with Brittany and Tyler, Alan was also in the bottom three, being told, unfortunately, Burning Man wasn’t in December. I don’t know what he was doing, but it looked more like it belonged to Christmas in space. Nina also thought he made a lot of excuses. On the winning side, along with Sergio, was Victoria, who’d put a cranberry wreath and lots of faux jewel ornaments to good use, and Shavi, who made a garland into a gorgeous 3-D floral number, and another dress Kiernan said she would wear. The top three were told they’d embraced the holidays, and Sergio walked away the big winner. Alan was out, but Brandon thought with his bold persona and work, they’d be seeing more of him. He admitted to coming in super confident, with the belief that he was ready, even though he wasn’t. He felt the competition had changed him for the better, and he was a good designer, but had more to learn and needed more time to learn it. In my words, he got the wind knocked out of his sails, and found out he’s not too cool for school.
Next time, the designers use Goodwill to create the perfect event look for Karlie.
👠 I Just Can’t…
Gee, maybe Brandi will smack somebody again. She’s already talking about wanting to hit someone in the article. No. Just no. Especially with LVP gone. Although it’s like when someone passes away. You miss them, but you’re glad they’re not around to see some things.
🌴 Watch What Happens Live is going on hiatus until January 5th, 2020. When isn’t Andy Cohen on vacation? He’ll also be hosting New Year’s Eve again with the effervescent Anderson Cooper.
🃏 Best I’ve Seen All Day…
I love how Ellen is having the best time during this prank.
(rambling, random thoughts & annoyingly detailed recaps from real time TV watching)
General Hospital
Jason visits Sam at Pentenville. She tells Jason they have to focus on two things for her parole hearing. One is her good behavior. Jason asks if there’s been any problems, and Sam says, not really, but there is her cellmate. The other thing is, they want her to take responsibility for her crimes.
On the phone, Sonny asks how long it will take the doctor to determine if Mike is right for the study. He says, the sooner the better. He’ll be waiting to hear. Michael comes down, and Sonny says he’s enrolling his dad in a clinical trial. It’s not a cure, but it might help. He asks if Michael doesn’t think it’s a good idea, and Michael says, sorry; he doesn’t. Does Sonny really think taking Mike halfway around the world is the right thing to do?
At Turning Woods, Mike stares into space. Josslyn comes in, and sees Dev is there. He says, she made it. Mike tells her, keep it down. This kid is breaking him out.
Willow tells Brad that she doesn’t want to intrude, but she’s there for him. Whatever he and Wiley need.
Monica says she wanted to give Bobbie a moment to rest, and Bobbie thanks her for keeping a close eye on Lucas. It’s a comfort, and important to her family, and her.
Carly asks if Julian and Brook know each other. Brook says they met briefly. Julian thought she was a hooker.
At Pentenville, Chase hears a scream. He runs into the infirmary, and finds Nelle on the floor, with Ryan standing over her, holding a bloody scalpel. Ryan says, this isn’t what it looks like.
Michael tells Sonny that he loves his grandpa, and wants the best for him. Sonny says that means he doesn’t give up. There are breakthroughs all the time. It can’t cure the disease, but it can stop it from getting worse. Michael says he’s done some reading, and Sonny says he forgot who he was talking to. Michael says the results are promising, but Sonny should ask himself if hanging on is what Mike would want.
Josslyn says Dev is breaking Mike out? and Dev says, that was the plan, but the busses have stopped running. Mike says he needs to get to the track. He needs to pick up a quick fifty for his son’s birthday. Dev says if he’s looking for action, there are checkers on the table. Mika laughs, and says he needs to get to the track. Josslyn says, does he? Or is he just afraid Dev will beat him? Mike says, set ‘em up. He’s going to show Dev what’s what.
Sam tells Jason that she basically told the judge the same thing. She killed Shiloh because she felt there was no other choice. If circumstances were the same, she’d do the same thing again. She came close to getting on the table, and screaming that she wanted to be home with her kids. He says he doesn’t know if it will help, but she focuses better than most people, and she’s got to stay focused on what’s in front of her. Make it through today, then make it through tomorrow. She says, it sounds like a 12-step program, and he says every day she’s one day closer to coming home. When that day is there, he, Scout, and Danny will be waiting for her. They touch palms against the glass between them.
Nelle wails, why did Ryan stab her, and he says he was trying to help. The guard says, the inmate is secure, and Nelle calls him a psycho freak. Chase tells the nurse that Nelle has one kidney. Nelle asks why Ryan did this to her? She tells Chase, don’t let her die, and Chase says he won’t. Ryan says, you two. So cute together. I’m kind of liking his unshaven Miami Vice look.
Sonny tells Michael that his dad isn’t dead. He still has good days ahead. Michael says, he’s not himself. He’s not grandpa anymore. Mike used to live there, and on Thanksgiving, he didn’t know the house. It was like he’d never been there. At what point is a familiar place not safe? What will it be like in a strange country, giving treatment to someone whose disease is past the point of no return? Sonny says, that’s for doctors to decide. If he’s gone too far, they won’t take him. If they do, there’s hope. Michael says he sees Sonny has made his mind up, and Sonny asks what Michael wants him to do. Michael says, next time he’s with Mike, ask himself if the person he’s hanging onto is the man Mike wanted to be.
Dev tells Mike that he’s killing him, and jumps his own checkers with Mike’s. He tells Mike it’s his turn, and Mike asks if Josslyn is there to see him. She says, of course (🍷), and he says a pretty girl there to see him; that’s something. He tells Dev that he asked for it, and jumps the rest of Dev’s checkers. Dev says Mike trounced him, and Mike says it must be his night. What say they up the stakes and play some craps?
Jason goes to the Quartermaine mansion, and asks if Ned heard anything about Sam’s parole hearing. Ned says the first thing Jason needs to understand is, the board is incorruptible. There are no leaks, and it will take as long as it takes. Jason asks if Ned can talk to someone; no pressure, just a conversation. Ned says he’s a prominent citizen, and used to be mayor. If he asks a favor, there’s no quid pro quo. He can’t try to influence the outcome. It all has to stay above board.
Alexis visits Sam, who says she just missed Jason. Alexis asks if he’s been visiting regularly, and Sam says he has. Alexis asks how Sam is, and she says, frustrated. She wants to be home with the people she loves. Alexis asks how the hearing went, and Sam says it’s the same thing she told Jason. The judge just wants her to take responsibility for her crimes. She’s been a model prisoner, and that’s saying a lot since Cassandra is there. It’s lucky Sam hasn’t attacked her. She thinks the board took into consideration that she saved a guard, but that can only get her so far. Alexis tells her, try to be patient. Sam says she knows. What other choice does she have?
The nurse tells Chase, the ambulance is on its way from GH. He asks what Nelle was doing there, and the guard says, she’s on laundry duty. She was bringing in towels. Ryan says he can’t resist a pretty girl. It was the perfect storm; desire, bloodlust, and linens. Chase says Ryan is serving consecutive lifetimes, and Ryan says Chase is smarter than he looks. Chase says, goodbye, Mr. Chamberlain, and Ryan says, it’s Dr. Chamberlain. Chase is pretty sure Ryan lost his license, but Ryan says, while the MP is out, the PhD is forever. Give Nelle his best when he sees her.
Monica tells everyone that they’re going to try again to wean Lucas off the ventilator so he’s breathing on his own. They’re also going to taper off his medication, in hopes he comes out of it. Brook says, that’s good, right? and Monica says, it’s part of the process. The next few hours will be an indication of responsiveness, since he’ll have no sedation. Julian says, what if he’s not responsive? and Monica says, one step at a time. She’ll keep them posted. Brook says she’s going to find Bobbie, and Carly says she’ll get some food for her. Willow sits with Brad, and asks if he’s okay. It’s very promising. Brad says if he had a do-over, he’d make better choices. She says, about what? and he says he wishes he could take back everything that landed them in the car in the first place. She says, it was horrible, but it was an accident. What happened isn’t his fault. Julian listens in.
Brook finds Bobbie, and they hug. Bobbie says she came. It will be so nice for Lucas to have someone around that he grew up with. Brook says, Lucas grew up. Her, on the other hand… Bobbie says, wait until he wakes up. He’ll be so happy to see her. Brook says, her too.
Sonny says he doesn’t love what Michael is saying, but respects him saying it. Michael says, other people’s problems are easier to deal with than your own, and Sonny says, any problem in particular? Michael says, between the two of them, he’s been stalling deals at ELQ. They think he’s playing hardball, but he really hasn’t had enough time to prep. The few moments he has at his computer, he can hardly stay awake. Sonny says that’s because he’s trying to be all things to all people all at once. He can’t take care of everybody. He needs to take care of himself. Michael says, Wiley comes first, and Sonny says, Wiley is taken care of. Michael needs rest and sleep. He asks if Michael wants to stay there, but Michael says he’ll just get up when he hears Wiley. Sonny says it’s up to Michael, but he appreciates the straight talk about his dad. Sonny knows he doesn’t always make it easier, and Michael says, it helps that he’s not afraid of Sonny. Sonny asks, why would anyone be afraid of him? Michael says he can’t imagine. He tells Sonny that he loves him, and apologizes for being so hard on him. They hug, and Sonny says, it’s a lot harder on his dad.
Jason tells Ned that he’s not asking for a favor, and Ned says, good. That’s the quickest way to torpedo any chance of Sam getting out. Jason asks if there’s any way at all Ned can help, and Ned says if the board finds Sam worth of release, he can suggest they expedite it, if appropriate. Jason asks what the time frame is, but Ned says, the deliberation will take as long as it takes. If Jason wants to risk calling in his own favor to someone who owes him a debt, it’s his decision. Otherwise, he suggests being patient. Let it happen the way it’s supposed to happen.
Willow asks if there’s anything she can get Julian. He says, no, but he appreciates her being there. She says she needed to do something, and hopes she’s not in the way. He thinks Lucas would be touched at how well she’s taking care of his crazy family. Willow says there’s no place she’d rather be. Maybe he can give her some advice. He says he’ll try, and she says, Brad is holding himself responsible. It doesn’t matter what anyone says; he thinks it’s his fault, and she can’t reason with him. What she’s asking is, would Julian speak to him? Knowing Julian doesn’t blame him might help. Julian says he’ll talk to Brad, and try to make him understand why it happened.
Sonny goes to Turning Woods. Mike is ready to throw the dice, and says, papa needs a new pair of shoes. He gets a seven, and Sonny asks if it’s a private game, or can anybody play? Mike jumps up, and yells, stay away from my son, you SOB.
Nelle is wheeled into GH on a gurney. The nurse says she has a single stab wound to the abdomen and possible kidney damage. Nelle says please don’t let her die. Carly watches, and she’s like, whaaat?
Sam tells Alexis, the most aggravating thing is, Shiloh is dead, but they’re still fighting him. Alexis says, it’s unfair, and Sam says she keeps thinking about how it began. It started with her.
Jason tells Ned that he’ll stay the course. Ned was hoping Jason would see it that way. He’s really glad Jason came to see him. Grandfather used to say, family first, then business. Jason says, especially in business. He asks Ned to let him know if he hears anything. Michael arrives, and asks if everything is okay. Jason says, it’s fine, and asks how Lucas is. Michael says, there’s been no change, and Jason says he’s going to the hospital to check in. Michael asks him to let Carly know he’ll be there soon. He has ELQ business to finish. Jason leaves, and Ned says, forgive him, but Michael is looking ragged. Michael says he has a lot on his plate, and Ned says, the family is a rock, and business is a hard place, and there Michael is being crushed in between. Michael says, Ned speaks from experience, and Ned says he’s been where Michael is. ELQ, Lucas, and Wiley; it’s a lot. Let him help. Michael asks in what way, and Ned says since he lost the election, he’s had nothing but time on his hands. If Michael needs him to pick up the slack at ELQ, he’s available. Michael asks if Ned wants to take over ELQ.
Carly tries to go into the room where Nelle is, but a guard says she can’t. She says the woman in there used to be her daughter-in-law. Can he tell her what happened?
The doctor tells Nelle that he’s going to do an ultrasound to see how extreme the injury is. She tells him to hurry.
Carly tells the guard that she knows what confidentiality is. She sees Chase, and he asks how her brother is. She says, they’re cautiously optimistic, and asks what Nelle is doing there. He says, Ryan stabbed her, and she asks how he got access to her. Who thought it would be a good idea to put them together? He says, Ryan might have nicked her kidney. If he did, it’s a big deal; if not, they’ll stitch her up, and it’s back to Pentenville. Carly says, the sooner, the better. Chase goes in, and asks, how bad is it?
Mike tells Sonny, he doesn’t want him around there. Sonny says he doesn’t have to play; he’ll go. Josslyn tells Sonny not to leave. She says, he’s just a friend, and Mike says she’s new around there. Stay away from this guy; he’s filth. He tells Sonny, stay away from his son. His son could lose his life working for him – Joe Skully.
Josslyn tells Mike, good news; there’s been a mistake. He’s not Skully. Mike says, he is. He knows Skully when he sees him. Josslyn says he looks like Skully, but he’s not. She didn’t realize it when she invited him. Mike says she invited him? and Josslyn says, she and Dev both did. They wanted more players for craps. Dev says their friend’s name is Sonny, and Josslyn says, he’s a good guy. That’s why they decided to invite him. They thought he and Mike might hit it off. Mike tells Sonny, come sit with them. He’s sorry he got a little rough. He thought Sonny was someone else. Mike asks if Sonny knows Skully; he’s garbage. Sonny says he thought Mike was being too nice, and he and Mike laugh. Mike says he likes their friend. He was just looking out for his guy. He puts his arm around Dev. He asks if Sonny has kids, and Sonny says he does. Mike says, then he knows. They’re just playing for pennies; nothing serious. Sonny says, pennies work. Dev and Mike set up the game, and Josslyn asks if Sonny is okay. Sonny says, it’s just the disease talking.
The doctor tells Nelle, good news. There’s been no damage to her kidney. Chase asks, what’s next? and the doctor says he’ll patch up the wound, and she’s all his. Chase says he can’t wait. Nelle thanks the doctor, and he leaves. She says she knows things between her and Chase aren’t great. He says he doesn’t know what she means. Sure, she killed her fiancé, trashed his career, and almost killed one of his best friends, but it’s water under the bridge, right? She says he can be as standoffish as he wants, but he wouldn’t be there if he didn’t care. He says he does care; he needs her statement. She asks if he’s sure that’s all it is, and he says, pretty sure. The guard at Pentenville said she was delivering towels. Is that why she was in the infirmary? She says that’s her job. She’s proving she’s a good citizen, and has changed her ways. He says, yes or no, and she says, yes. She has two jobs, in the kitchen and in the laundry. He asks her to describe the attack, and she says she came in to restock towels, and Ryan was there by himself. When she dropped the towels off, and tried to get past him, he grabbed her. He ordered her to try and help him escape. He was going on about Ava, and Nelle was supposed to wheel him out in a laundry bin to the loading dock or he’d hurt her. Chase says, then what? and she says she obviously couldn’t let that happen, so she tried to get away and alert the guard, when he stabbed her. If Chase hadn’t come in when he did, she wouldn’t be there. He saved her life. He walks out, and Nelle doesn’t look happy.
Ned tells Michael that he was offering to pinch hit, not take over, and Michael says he was just kidding. Ned says Michael has a lot of plates in the air, and they’re all full. Once Lucas is in recovery, and things with Wiley are normalized, he’ll hand back the reigns. Michael says what Ned is suggesting is exactly what he was going to ask. He can’t do right by his family or ELQ if he overextends himself. He appreciates Ned picking up some of the work load. Ned says it’s his pleasure, and they shake hands. Ned tells Michael to have his office forward the necessary documents, and he’ll schedule a briefing to bring him up to speed. There is one issue they need to take care of sooner than later. The disposition of Oscar’s shares of ELQ.
Willow tries to hand Brad a protein bar, and says, eat this, but he says he can’t think of food right now. She says he has to keep up his strength. Lucas would want him to. He asks how she knows what Lucas would want, and she says, he’s right. Lucas wants him to pass out from hunger and lack of sleep when he wakes up. Brad says he knows she’s trying to help, and she says she knows they were going through a rough patch. He says that’s none of her business, and she asks if that’s where this is coming from. She wouldn’t have trusted them with Wiley if she didn’t think they’d be good parents. He tells her, stop being so damn nice to him. She doesn’t know the truth. He sees Julian standing there. Chase comes over, and Willow asks why he’s there. He says he was taking a statement from Nelle.
Mike says he had the luckiest streak ever, but Josslyn says, it was more than luck. It was his lethal combination of skills and expertise. Mike says he hates to play and run, and Sonny says Mike cleaned them out. Mike tells Dev to be a gentleman, and see Josslyn home. She can come back whenever she feels like it. She says she’ll do that. Mike says he’s tired, and tells Sonny, it was nice to meet him. Sonny says it was nice to meet Mike too. Mike goes to the desk, and Sonny asks Josslyn and Dev if they could wait outside. Josslyn tells Dev, that was kind of amazing; changing the craps rules so Mike would win every time. Dev says he was just following her lead. She’s amazing. They smile at each other. Mike tells Sonny, this where he gets off, and Sonny says he’ll walk Mike the rest of the way. Mike says his kid was right. Sonny is okay. If he wants to come back, he can do that.
Ned tells Michael, the lawyers think they’re close to solving the probate issues. Michael says, Shiloh is dead, and Oscar wanted the shares to go to the Kilimanjaro Foundation; it seems pretty straightforward. Ned says, the foundation will be funded, with or without the shares. The family will make sure of that. He’d like to acquire the shares for Olivia and Leo, and Michael asks if Ned wants to buy the shares, and Ned says, that’s the idea. Michael says there’s another scenario they haven’t considered. Shiloh was Wiley’s biological father. If probate decides that the shares were legitimately Shiloh’s, Wiley is his next of kin. If they go to the foundation, the family can reacquire them. Ned says he doesn’t think his grandfather’s stipulation was meant to go on in perpetuity. They’re not Shiloh’s shares anymore. Michael says that points back to the question of Ned buying them for Olivia and Leo. He’s too tired to think right now; let him sleep on it. Besides, the shares are still tied up in probate, so there’s no reason to rush. They’ll talk soon. Ned tells Michael, get some sleep.
Monica says, good news. Lucas is off the ventilator, and breathing on his own. Bobbie asks if he’s responding to stimuli, but Monica says, not yet. Although it’s not uncommon in cases like his. Julian asks, how long until Lucas wakes up? and Monica says they’re keeping a close eye on him. The next 24 hours are critical. Julian asks, why? and Bobbie says, the longer he stays in a coma, the less chance he has of waking up.
Alexis tells Sam not to blame herself. None of it is her fault. Sam says she’s been on Shiloh’s radar. DoD wouldn’t exist if she hadn’t drained his father’s bank account. Alexis says Shiloh would have been a predator no matter what, but Sam says she put it in motion, and her kids are suffering for what she did.
Brad asks what Chase means; Nelle is there. Chase says, Ryan stabbed her, and Brad asks if it’s life threatening. Chase says, he regrets to inform Brad, she’s going to recover. Brad says she belongs back behind bars, and Chase says, she will be, as soon as he can get her back. Brook watches them.
Carly tells Jason, it’s not fair. He says he knows, but there’s nothing they can do. She says, it’s wrong. Nelle killed her fiancé, almost killed Michael, and made her family’s life a living hell. Now her brother is fighting for his life because of another psycho. It’s wrong.
Nelle makes a call, and tells the guard that her family is going to be relieved to hear from her. She says, voicemail, and asks if he minds giving her privacy. He goes out to the hallway, and she says, Marty. It’s your favorite client. He’ll never guess where she is.
Tomorrow, Charlotte recognizes someone, Curtis tells Laura that it’s time to look closer to home, Peter says he did what he had to, and Sonny says Carly and Jax have been lying to him for weeks.
👠 On Project Runway, the designers were met with a giant door. Karlie Kloss popped out, and explained that their challenge was going to be inspired by the reimagined world of Cats. She told them that the latest perspective was that animal prints were the new neutral. I don’t think so, but okay. The contestants’ task was to create a chic street style look that was a fresh take on animal prints. Dayoung became ill, and was carted off, but she rallied the next day. Apparently, it was exhaustion and stress, that I’m sure was added to by her two-day challenge becoming a one-day challenge. Surprisingly, the other designers who had extra time, came to Dayoung’s aid and helped her finish. Except for Delvin, who just danced around. I thought most of the designs were pretty interesting, as well as wearable. Veronica, who hadn’t counted on some of the problems she grappled with, ended up making a romper that I thought was kind of cute, but Brandon said it was like an exotic diaper he didn’t want to see anyone wearing. Victoria continued to call faux leather fox leather, so I guess no one is going to correct that. I wasn’t crazy about her design, which had some kind of crisscross mess going on. Brandon said it looked like a snake had crawled into the garment. Victoria and Veronica both ended up the bottom two. One of the judges remarked that Marquise’s design was the only one they could actually see women wearing on the street. It was a sort of skort/blouse combo that definitely worked, except I don’t like when a garment has an uneven hem. I don’t mean a high/low or a handkerchief hem – love those – but this was like a sharp four inch difference on one side of the skirt, skort, or whatever it was – like a half shorts, half skirt is the best I can describe it. So, not for me. Maybe Delvin made the right choice by being selfish, since he ended up in the top two, along with Marquise, presenting a gorgeous peacock feather print coat dress. During the deliberation, Brandon suggested, rather than having been inspired by Cats, Veronica’s outfit was for the woman who has a cat. Meow! What’s interesting – although it might apply to a lot of competition shows – is that some of the designers have a definite presence. Like I (almost) know their names already. Yet some of the others seem invisible. When writing, I often refer to the photo list for the season (I’ve said it before, I suck with names, and think everyone should always wear a nametag), and I wonder where they were on the show. Tyler was a good example. Even though he was a low scorer, he got through, and I think it’s because of his power to wear the cloak of invisibility. Marquis was the big winner. One perk of winning is having the design manufactured, and sold on Bravo’s site, which I could see with this design and also last week’s jumpsuit. I’d even buy the jumpsuit, but I’m pretty sure it’s out of my Old Navy price range. Veronica was out, the judges feeling her garment was unfinished and not street enough, but it was a double-edged sword for her. She wanted to get home to her kid, but wishes she’d made it all worthwhile. I thought, she made it onto the show, and got her name out there. Isn’t that worthwhile? She did add, if you can walk away with being proud of who you are, you really did your best. So isn’t that worthwhile? Next time, the designers have an unconventional materials challenge, using Christmas decorations and wrapping.
🏡 Watch What Happens Live was a blast, the guests being the original case of The Brady Bunch, who have a gig going on HGTV. They began with the theme song, changing it to The Shady Bunch, and I literally lol’d. Susan Olsen (Cindy Brady) gave a wonderfully insightful quote, when Andy asked if the show jumped the shark by introducing another child. A show is already in the toilet when you add a new cute kid. They just flush.
💃 Moving On…
I’m kind of surprised the court hasn’t politely asked Larissa to leave the country. Not that I think she should. I don’t think Coltie and his mommy treated her very well, and she should get a do-over. I’m just thinking, Juicy Joe committed a white collar crime, and has to put an ocean between himself and his family. It doesn’t seem very fair.
🚧 Due to pre-Christmas obligations, I’m not sure when Friday’s GH recap, et al, will be posted. I’ll try for Friday night (really the wee hours of Saturday morning), but it might have to wait until Saturday, depending.
🎁 Can’t Return This Present…
I don’t know if this would be considered a holiday song, but it’s certainly a gift. Warning: Inappropriate in every way.
What I Watched - TV With Theresa 